Pop Trash Podcast

Unexpected Christmas Gifts

Move over Rudolph, and make some room at your holiday table for Pee Wee Herman, Solid Gold Dancers, and even a murderous toymaker played by Mickey Rooney! Pass the fruitcake, we're serving up some Christmas treats from pop culture's past.

What Ever Happened to Hagsploitation?

We're re-examining and redeeming the genre of films lovingly (and somewhat controversially) called "Hagsploitation" or "Psycho Biddy" films, including 1964's Strait-Jacket (with Joan Crawford) and 1969's What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? (starring Geraldine Page and Ruth Gordon). Mike and Eric also discuss the qualities these movies have in common with another shocking flick, 1965's Who Killed Teddy Bear? (with Sal Mineo).

Attack of the Critters!

You never quite expect being locked in combat with ants, bees, and bats! We discuss what it takes to prevail against creepy vermin in the disaster horror movies Empire of the Ants (1977), The Swarm (1978), and Bats (1999).

Why You So Possessed with Me?

Hollywood's obsession with possession was never stronger than the years following The Exorcist. This episode looks at some of the unexpected performances by a few beloved 1970s stars who did battle with demons and spirits: Telly Savalas and Elke Sommer in Lisa and the Devil, Marsha Mason and Anthony Hopkins in Audrey Rose, and James Brolin in The Car.

Expect the Unexpected: Season 4 Teaser

In our fourth season, we'll be exploring surprising performances — from silver screen legends getting out of their comfort zones by trying out unfamiliar genres to Hollywood's leading ladies reinventing their careers with cult classic characters. These left turns and detours from beloved icons exiting their expected lanes helped steer them right into pop culture history.

Big Ones

In the last episode of our third season, we're discussing two big TV movies that shaped 20th century pop culture: 1983's "The Day After" and 1971's "Duel."

Troubled Teens

Are the kids alright? Primetime TV movies from the 70s through the 90s gave teens and their parents plenty to worry about. We're revisiting three dramas from the genre that have now become cult classics.

Superhero Showdown

Faster than a speeding bullet... able to leap Nielsen ratings in a single bound! This episode, we're talking superhero TV movies from the 1970s and 1980s. Hear about film pilots for Wonder Woman and Spider-Man, along with the return of the Incredible Hulk!

TV Reunions!

What goes into bringing back a beloved TV show for more adventures and another chance at ratings gold? We discuss how Gilligan's Island, The Love Boat, ALF, and others tried to recapture the original magic with made-for-TV movie reunions.

Stunt Casting

What do Vanna White, Joan Rivers, and Paula Abdul have in common? They’re all surprising stars of made for TV movies! Mike and Eric discuss a few small screen flicks that gave some well-known non-actors a chance to flex their acting muscles.