Pop Culture Yearbook

We’re heading to the Satellite of Love to revisit Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie —the cult classic that brought the beloved TV series to the big screen. With our guest Brian Rappe, we discuss what made MST3K such a unique pop culture phenomenon, why the movie still holds up for longtime fans, and how its rapid-fire humor helped redefine comedy for an entire generation of weird movie lover...

In 1993, the Smashing Pumpkins released Siamese Dream —an album packed with massive guitar tones, vulnerable lyrics, and some of alternative rock's most enduring songs. This week we revisit the 1993 classic and discuss what makes tracks like “Cherub Rock,” “Today,” “Disarm,” and “Mayonaise” continue to resonate decades later. We also complete our rankings of the 90s albums we've been discussing al...

This week we're turning the clock back to 1992 to revisit Core , the breakout debut album from Stone Temple Pilots. From "Plush" and "Creep" to "Sex Type Thing" and "Wicked Garden," we discuss the album's biggest songs, its place in the grunge era, and whether it deserves more credit as one of the defining rock records of the decade. Along the way, we dig into the history of the band, the criticis...

This week on Pop Culture Yearbook, we dive deep into Dirt , the landmark 1992 album from Alice in Chains that helped define the darker, heavier side of the Seattle grunge explosion. Dave from Totally 80s and 90s Recall join us to break down classic tracks like “Would?,” “Rooster,” “Them Bones,” and “Down in a Hole,” while discussing Layne Staley’s haunting vocals, Jerry Cantrell’s riffs, and why t...

Dive into Nevermind by Nirvana as we revisit the album’s songs, production, cultural impact, and lasting influence on rock music. We talk about the rise of grunge in the early ’90s, the success of “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and why Nevermind remains one of the defining albums of its era. Then it’s draft time as we pick the greatest album covers of all time. From iconic classics with instantly reco...

This week on Pop Culture Yearbook, we dive into Ten — the groundbreaking debut that helped launch the Seattle grunge explosion and turned Pearl Jam into rock legends. From “Alive” and “Even Flow” to “Jeremy” and “Black,” we break down why Ten still hits more than 30 years later and how it stacks up against the greatest debut albums ever released. Then it’s draft time as we build our ultimate lists...

This week on Pop Culture Yearbook, we’re diving into two wildly different comedies with surprisingly similar energy: Despicable Me and MacGruber . One gave us Minions, supervillains, and family heart; the other gave us explosions, chaos, and one of the most hilariously overconfident action heroes ever put on screen. We break down what makes both movies cult favorites, revisit the unforgettable quo...

This week, we’re diving into the sitcom classic Modern Family —the show that redefined what a “normal” family looks like on TV. From the Dunphys to the Pritchetts to the Tucker-Pritchett crew, we revisit why this mockumentary-style comedy became a cultural staple. We spotlight two standout episodes: the chaotic romance of season one's “My Funky Valentine” and the fan-favorite “Halloween” from seas...

We’re heading back to 2010 for a comedy double feature, breaking down The Other Guys and S he’s Out of My League . One’s a chaotic, over-the-top buddy cop comedy… the other’s an underrated rom-com that somehow makes “out of your league” feel relatable. We highlight the best scenes and quotes, memorable characters, and other fun categories showing these two movies indeed have a lot in common.  Then...

We’re heading back to 2010. In this episode, we draft the best movies, music, and TV shows from a year that quietly delivered some all-time favorites. On the movie side, we’re debating heavy hitters like The Fighter , The Social Network , and The Town . For TV, it’s a battle between breakout hits like Community , Modern Family , and LOST . And when it comes to music, we’re stacking our rosters wit...

What if we could go back and redo the biggest movie awards of 1994? In this episode, we revisit the legendary showdown between Forrest Gump and The Shawshank Redemption —the feel-good Oscar winner versus the fan-favorite that grew into one of the most beloved films of all time. We hand out our own awards across major categories, debate the original Academy choices, and ask the question that movie...

Dive into the dark and heavy world of Superunknown as we break down Soundgarden’s 1994 masterpiece track by track. From the haunting pull of “Black Hole Sun” to the raw punch of “Spoonman” to all the great album tracks, we revisit an album that sounds as good today as it did 30 years ago.  Then we shift gears and fire up the nostalgia machine with a draft of our favorite 1990s music videos. Expect...

Step back into 1994, when flannel ruled, guitars were loud, and alternative rock officially took over the mainstream. In this episode, we dive into the biggest alternative hits of the year and build our ultimate draft—stacked with iconic bands, unforgettable hooks, and just the right amount of angst. From grunge heavyweights to breakout alt-rock anthems, we revisit the songs that lived in your Dis...

In this episode, we crack open the time capsule and head back to 1994—aka one of the most ridiculously stacked years in pop culture history. As usual, we draft the best movies, music, and TV of 1994, building our ultimate rosters and debating what really deserves the top spot. We’re talking iconic films like Pulp Fiction , Forrest Gump , and The Shawshank Redemption , game-changing music like Dook...

In this episode, we continue our time in 1984 and roll deep into Beverly Hills Cop , where Axel Foley proves that a Detroit cop, a loud laugh, and zero regard for the rules is all you really need to survive Beverly Hills. We relive the moments, the music, and the magic that made this one of the most rewatchable movies of the 80s. Then, in true Pop Culture Yearbook fashion, we put on our GM hats an...

Step back into 1984, when the radio dial ruled the world and long-distance dedications connected hearts across the country. Inspired by the legendary style of Casey Kasem and the magic of American Top 40, this episode recreates the nostalgic feeling of those unforgettable radio moments. Brad and Giff spin some of the biggest hits of the year while sharing heartfelt, funny, and sometimes dramatic l...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into The Terminator (1984), the groundbreaking sci-fi thriller directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in the role that made him a global icon. We break down the film’s origins, its gritty low-budget production, and how it reinvented science fiction and action movies in the 1980s. From the relentless T-800 to the emotional core of Sarah Con...

Travel back to 1984, one of the most iconic years in pop culture history. In this episode, we welcome back Def Dave and draft the very best movies, music, and TV that defined the year. From blockbuster hits like Ghostbusters and The Terminator to chart-dominating albums like Purple Rain , we debate what truly deserves a first-round pick. On the TV side, we revisit classics like The Cosby Show and...

Sure, Jan… Brad and his siblings went to the real Brady Bunch house. In this episode, we step inside one of TV’s most iconic homes and share what it’s actually like to walk through a place that defined 70s pop culture. From the famous staircase to the groovy décor, we talk surprises, laughs, and the nostalgic moments that made us feel like kids again. Is it bigger on TV? Does it feel like a real h...

This week we revisit two standout episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine , breaking down the best jokes, character moments, and why the Nine-Nine remains one of the best modern TV comedies. From Jake’s chaotic brilliance to Holt’s legendary deadpan delivery, we dive into what makes these episodes endlessly rewatchable. Then, we draft the greatest sitcom characters of all time. From first-round locks to bo...

This week we break down Cage the Elephant and their 2015 Grammy-winning album  Tell Me I'm Pretty — track by track. We explore the band’s evolution, the themes behind the lyrics, and the production shift that sharpened their sound. It’s an informational deep dive with just enough humor to keep things loud. Whether you’re revisiting the album or hearing it with fresh ears, this episode explains why...

Check out this short bonus episode for the announcement of two exciting new things, one related to our show and one related to a fellow podcast.  Youc an find our new Patreon here! Support our show and join our Patreon ! If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on the iTunes/Apple Podcasts app or wherever you listen. Or better yet, tell a friend to listen! Follow us on your preferred socia...

In 2015, Amy Schumer was a rising comedy star who burst through in the hit movie Trainwreck , directed by Judd Apatow. Semi-autobiographical and full of nonstop cameos and appearances by comedians and athletes, Schumer wrote a crowd pleaser that raked in the cash. Brad and Giff break it down for you with the background details and of course their favorite scenes and lines. Then surprise! Giff's wi...

We are back and rejuvenated! It's time for season 6 of PCY! To kick off the new season we are covering 2015, 11 years ago already. For help with this one, Giff has recruited his eldest son Sam to join us. Sam was 10 years old in 2015, so he brings a different perspective to the show.  We have lots of memories to start off before we draft the best movies, music, and TV from 2015. Listen now to see...

What is a perfect movie to you? For us, the obvious answer is The Princess Bride . Of all the movies we haven't covered yet on PCY, this is most inconceivable omission. Well, here we go! Get out your swords, put on your six-fingered gloves, and fetch that pitcher; it's time talk about this Rob Reiner classic starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Andre the Giant, Christopher Guest, Bil...