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Popstorian Podcast

Popstorian Podcast

By Chris and Ben

Join Ben and Chris for a journey of discovery through the worlds of history and pop culture!
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The Toys That Got Away

Popstorian PodcastMar 17, 2024

00:00
15:38
The Toys That Got Away

The Toys That Got Away

What were your favorite childhood toys? Go Go Popstorian! Ben and Chris talk about toys that got away. #popstorianpodcast #toys

Mar 17, 202415:38
History at the Movies

History at the Movies

Ben and Chris talk about historical accuracies in film. #popstorianpodcast #history #napoleon

Mar 15, 202412:14
Mickey, Batman and The Public Domain

Mickey, Batman and The Public Domain

How long until Batman joins Mickey Mouse in the public domain? Ben and Chris are back with their first Popstorian minisode in 3 years! #popstorianpodcast #minisode1

Mar 13, 202411:36
No Country for Old Men

No Country for Old Men

Cormac McCarthy has finally moseyed onto the Popstorian Podcast! In the final episode of season 1, Chris and Ben examine the 21st century Western through the lens of the Coen Brothers' 2007 masterpiece, No Country for Old Men and reflect on this season as a whole. Thank you for listening, be sure to subscribe, and we'll see you on our next season!

Sep 27, 202054:18
Puppet Shows for Grown Ups?

Puppet Shows for Grown Ups?

Why are puppets just for kids? Chris asks Ben about why puppetry is so rarely used to tell stories for broader audiences like in The Dark Crystal, Yamasong, and Thunderbirds.

Aug 16, 202016:41
Tombstone

Tombstone

In the penultimate episode of this season, Chris and Ben talk about the eventful decade of the 90s and the Western classic, Tombstone! Subscribe to hear more!

Aug 09, 202001:18:48
Aristocats Live Action Remake

Aristocats Live Action Remake

Chris talks about his daughters' favorite Disney movie and why it's ready to be remade with a cast that is... purrrfect. 

Aug 02, 202014:45
A Very Moving Minisode

A Very Moving Minisode

Ever moved? Ben and Chris have and they share their stories!

Jul 26, 202011:31
Alan Moore's V for Vendetta vs George Orwell's 1984

Alan Moore's V for Vendetta vs George Orwell's 1984

Chris and Ben compare and contrast two different works from two different literary styles as well as their cinematic adaptations. Don't miss this week's Popstorian Minisode!

Jul 12, 202010:20
Crashed WWII Plane on Virginia Mountainside

Crashed WWII Plane on Virginia Mountainside

On the side of Sharp Top Mountain in Bedford, Virginia stands a grim memorial to a World War Two training mission gone wrong. Ben visits the scene and reports his findings to Chris in an Independence Day weekend edition of the Popstorian Podcast!

Jul 05, 202010:20
Silver Age Comics and the Golden Age of Hollywood

Silver Age Comics and the Golden Age of Hollywood

Which classic Hollywood performer would you cast in an adaptation of a Marvel or DC comic from the Silver Age? Paul Newman as Captain America? Cary Grant as Iron Man? Katherine Hepburn as Wonder Woman? Chris and Ben want to know! Subscribe and send us an email to popstorian AT gmail. 

Jun 28, 202011:24
June's Grab Bag Episode

June's Grab Bag Episode

Ben and Chris commemorate the halfway mark of the year by reflecting on the podcast journey so far as well as some odds and ends that are on their minds in 2020!

Jun 21, 202012:24
Splendid Isolation

Splendid Isolation

Being in quarantine or lockdown can be a drag, but what are some works of art that tackle the subject? Whether you're into Stanley Kubrick or Georgia O'Keefe, Chris and Ben have some ideas for you!

Jun 14, 202007:30
Silverado 1985

Silverado 1985

Westerns by the Decade comes back for the 1980s with a Western from Lawrence Kasdan. Featuring an all-star cast, this classic epitomizes the genre in the age of the blockbuster. What do you think of Silverado? Email us at popstorian AT gmail DOT com and let us know!

Jun 07, 202001:14:58
Major Dundee and Movies That Change

Major Dundee and Movies That Change

Have you ever watched a movie years after you originally saw it and got the feeling that... it changed somehow? Chris knows that feeling! Tell us about yours by emailing us at popstorian AT gmail DOT com. 

May 31, 202010:42
Greatest Stunts of All Time

Greatest Stunts of All Time

Ben and Chris muse on the finest stunts ever performed in the movies. Can you think of an awesome stunt that isn't from a movie? Let us know! Popstorian at gmail dot com!

May 24, 202009:53
Reading Habits and Methods

Reading Habits and Methods

Fast reader or slow? Cover to cover or switching from book to book? Ben and Chris discuss different approaches to one of their favorite activities-- reading! Be sure to subscribe and tell us if you have particular reading methods!

May 17, 202014:23
Double Date

Double Date

Chris and Ben are joined by the lovely Emily and Leah to talk about what they watch together as couples! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Apr 26, 202023:05
Earth Wars and Star Wars

Earth Wars and Star Wars

Vietnam. Iraq. Afghanistan. World War 2. The American Civil War. How have all these conflicts impacted pop culture? In this short minisode, Chris and Ben take a glimpse at how these terrestrial conflicts impact the fictional conflicts in a franchise called Star Wars. Subscribe and send us a message at popstorian AT gmail and we'll give you a shout out on the air!

Apr 12, 202013:02
The Legend of the Lone Popstorians

The Legend of the Lone Popstorians

Ben and Chris discuss the controversial reboot of the Lone Ranger... from the 80s! That's right, before Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, there was Michael Horse and Klinton Spillsbury. Hi Yo Popstorians, Away!

Apr 05, 202010:13
High Plains Drifter

High Plains Drifter

It's a throwback to the 70s! Ben and Chris talk about what makes this era so unique in the history of the Western. Be sure to subscribe!

Mar 29, 202001:21:41
Red Skelton and Handmade Puppet Dreams

Red Skelton and Handmade Puppet Dreams

Chris Whistles in the Dark and gets his Knives Out as Ben talks about puppets and Japanese Folk Tales. It can only be... The Popstorian Podcast!

Mar 22, 202010:22
Slang Terminology Rides Again

Slang Terminology Rides Again

Get jiggy with your home skillets Ben and Chris as they conclude their series on the coolest of colloquialisms. Bye Felicia!

Mar 15, 202009:24
Slang Words thru the Ages Part Uno

Slang Words thru the Ages Part Uno

Ben demonstrates his utter lack of coolness! Chris apologizes for Kurt Rustle! For all this and more, subscribe and listen TODAY!

Mar 08, 202007:59
Remakes and Deep Fakes

Remakes and Deep Fakes

To Remake Or Not To Remake? Ben and Chris choose untouchable classics that deserve to be revisited and enshrine their favorites to never be remade. What are your picks? Also, are you excited about Dune? Would you cast a CG Abraham Lincoln or George Washington in a biopic? Let us know! Popstorian AT Gmail

Mar 01, 202013:31
Go to the Library

Go to the Library

Ben and Chris take a field trip and seize this opportunity to remind you to visit your local library. Whatever you're into– the library has it! You know what you can do at the library? Subscribe to this podcast and share it with a friend!

Feb 23, 202007:21
Superhero Valentines and Other Minisode Madness

Superhero Valentines and Other Minisode Madness

Ben and Chris talk about the holiday of love, send an update about the Westerns by the Decade series, conclude their discussion of Heart of Darkness, and begin a journey into a comics franchise. Don't miss an episode and become a subscriber!

Feb 16, 202018:11
Why We Talk About Movies So Much and also Heart of Darkness

Why We Talk About Movies So Much and also Heart of Darkness

Chris goes deep into Africa with a classic by Joseph Conrad and Ben ponders why a podcast about the history of pop culture tends to veer towards the cinematic! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a minisode or a full length epsiode in our series Westerns by the Decade!

Feb 09, 202011:11
The Wild Bunch Part 2

The Wild Bunch Part 2

LET'S GO! Chris and Ben saddle up and head south of the border for the second part of their examination of The Wild Bunch and the decade within which it was made...  Be sure to subscribe and check out part one for more context!

Feb 02, 202048:37
The Wild Bunch Part One

The Wild Bunch Part One

SPOILERS AHEAD: Ben and Chris explore one of the most legendary Western movies from director Sam Peckinpah. Let us know how you feel about the movie via popstorian AT gmail.com and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss PART TWO!

Jan 26, 202041:41
Snow White Dark Knight

Snow White Dark Knight

Ben and Chris return to the subject of crossovers with a superhero-Disney fusion that promises to be one of their best ideas yet! Share your own crossover concepts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or by popstorian@gmail.com and don't forget to subscribe and share!

Jan 19, 202006:10
Guilty Pleasures and Hall of Shame

Guilty Pleasures and Hall of Shame

Ben and Chris share their secrets-- movies and shows they love even though they're not of high repute and the great movies and shows they've never seen! Share yours (publicly or anonymously) via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or popstorian@gmail.com

Jan 12, 202008:24
Happy 2020 from Popstorian

Happy 2020 from Popstorian

This minisode! Ben and Chris are back! Nerds try to talk about football! And there's a whole new sound in town! 

Jan 05, 202006:18
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Popstorian!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Popstorian!

Chris and Ben take a break. While they do, sip a cup of egg nog and ponder this week's burning question. Next, submit it to the show and we'll feature it on the air!

Dec 22, 201901:05
Minisode 16 - Machette Order

Minisode 16 - Machette Order

Have you ever wanted to take the order of an established movie franchise and chop it in two? Chris has! In this Popstorian Minisode, he explains why. Be sure to subscribe and tell us what you think.

Dec 15, 201909:22
Minisode 15 - The Ultimate Crossover

Minisode 15 - The Ultimate Crossover

What multimedia franchise crossover are Ben and Chris excited about? Learn about it today in our history and pop culture podcast!

Dec 08, 201908:33
Rio Bravo Part 2

Rio Bravo Part 2

What do Ben and Chris really think of Rio Bravo? What were the socio-economic conditions of the 1950s? What's for lunch?* You can find the answers to all these and more on this episode of the Popstorian Podcast!


*You should have a sandwich! Sandwiches are cool.

Dec 01, 201947:08
Rio Bravo Part 1

Rio Bravo Part 1

Chris and Ben continue the series Westerns by the Decade with a special two part episode for the 1950s highlighting Rio Bravo starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Walter Brennan and Ricky Nelson. Subscribe for part two!

Nov 24, 201942:07
Which Decade Has the Best Westerns

Which Decade Has the Best Westerns

In this minisode, Chris and Ben reflect on their ongoing series Westerns by the Decade and on the movie genre in general. Which decade do you think has the best Westerns?

Nov 17, 201911:17
Best Performances So Far

Best Performances So Far

Chris and Ben reflect on the actors and actresses who make the Westerns they've watched so enjoyable. Who is your favorite? Send us a tweet @popstorian

Nov 10, 201914:60
How Alien is Like Spicy Food

How Alien is Like Spicy Food

In a special spooky Popstorian Minisode, Chris reacts to watching Alien for the very first time, while Ben rambles about production design and pacing. Subscribe and be sure to follow us on social media!

Oct 31, 201914:27
My Darling Clementine

My Darling Clementine

Westerns by the Decade is back! Chris and Ben make it to the 1940s and tackle the seminal Wyatt Earp adventure My Darling Clementine starring Henry Fonda and directed by John Ford. In addition to the film, they delve into the history that surrounded it's release. Join us won't you? Be sure to subscribe and contact us with your thoughts!

Oct 27, 201901:00:19
To Be Irish

To Be Irish

Chris and Ben get cultural as they contemplate the role of the Irish in pop culture and history. What does it mean to be Irish anyway? Send us your thoughts popstorian AT gmail.com

Oct 20, 201912:29
Hungry Hungry Hippos the Motion Picture

Hungry Hungry Hippos the Motion Picture

In a world... Where two podcast hosts get creative... One movie idea... Will RISE ABOVE THE REST! Share your ideas for a Hungry Hippos movie with Ben and Chris on the official Popstorian Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or via Email!

Oct 13, 201914:45
The Fly and the White Vault

The Fly and the White Vault

Ben and Chris get their spooky on just in time for the first October minisode! Ben talks about insects and love stories as Chris explains the dangers of polar bears– SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE EPISODES!

Oct 06, 201912:42
Would You Rather in the Second Place

Would You Rather in the Second Place

Ben and Chris return for another round of Would You Rather! It's not too late to join in on Twitter. Follow @popstorian and hashtag your responses.

Sep 29, 201913:48
Would You Rather in the First Place

Would You Rather in the First Place

Ben and Chris play Would You Rather! Join in on Twitter and share your opinions on some hard questions about pop culture and history.

Sep 22, 201911:10
Star Wars The Next Generation

Star Wars The Next Generation

WARNING: SOLO SPOILERS AHEAD! Ben and Chris stumble into the world of Star Wars and speculate about the future of the world's biggest movie franchise. Check us out on Twitter!

Sep 15, 201908:12
More Controversial Opinions

More Controversial Opinions

Chris jumps into the hot seat with his most controversial opinions as Ben laughs maniacally in the distance! If you enjoy the Popstorian Podcast be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media.

Sep 08, 201908:14
Destry Rides Again

Destry Rides Again

Westerns by the Decade returns, this time tackling the 1930s! Join Chris and Ben as they uncover the history of the turbulent decade, the magic of one of the greatest Western movies ever made, and tell a cow joke! Be sure to subscribe and check out popstorian.com for more

Sep 01, 201954:40