Brutalist: intermission is welcome. Working at an arts fest in Italy, I was at the film portion routinely, and EVERY film had a break, regardless of film duration…it’s culture convention. Time to switch reels, clear your head, stretch, pee, & smoke a cig. Just don’t be late for ‘secondo tempo.’ Film reviews are worthy in a case like this, for imagination & creativity are peak.

Been a listener for over 10 years. Always entertaining

This show is as far from the vibe suggested by its title as it is possible to be. Essentially a humorless organ of relentless progressive culture war. You just want to get away

I’ve enjoyed many Pop Culture Happy Hour episodes. But today was the day that I unsubscribed. To call the Grammy Awards a Tel-A-thon merely because it ruined your “vibe“ straight up, made me angry. To say that about an award show that thoughtfully navigated the realities of one of LA’s (if not our country’s) greatest collective traumas in recent history, while still allowing for joy, talent, exuberance, and even lighthearted fun, IS “tone deaf“ in end of itself. It was a slap in the face to all the families that have lost their homes, and to the Music charity that raised over $7 million for Angelinos who are hurting and desperate. So… Boo-hoo it messed with your “vibe”. Your blasé comment made me want to VOMIT. Signing off.

Interesting picks for episodes and always some takeaway.

I was shocked by all the negativity towards Emilia Perez. Since you gave no real reason for disliking it so much, I have to wonder if it is just plain prejudice.

I don’t always agree with their movie reviews, I don’t always like the TV shows they choose, but I always get something out of it. I appreciate that they bring new music into my life, (Chappell Roan). I appreciate the times that they have made me think about something from a different perspective. I like the interaction between the hosts and the differing opinions with a healthy amount of respect.

I enjoy every episode’s of Pop Culture, even if I may not always be particularly interested in the topic. The hosts are delightful and always give us a few minutes of happiness. While I love my NPR news, I sometimes need a break. Thank you!

Always love your take after an award show! What happened?

Some hosts’ laughter is overly exaggerated and quite harsh on the ears,making it a bit hard to bear.

Never thought I would be a fervent fan of an art critic, never mind being a fan of several critics! Love the analysis on this show and depend on the opinions of Linda, Glen, Stephen and Aisha. There are so many pop culture offerings out there to enjoy, listening to this show helps me figure out which ones to partake in. Love this show!

Glen you have a great hosting voice By the way I love your podcast You do a very good job Keep up the great work

I used to love listening to this even though I don’t agree with some of the newer people all the time and I feel like some things are phoned in, in terms of reviews. It is frustrating that listeners have to pay for an ad-free experience. I pay for enough things ( and more than they’re worth tbf) and I can tell that there are more ads than ever now. I skip past them when I am not doing something while listening; but when I’m not it’s a nuisance. I miss the days when this was free for all.

Compare the NPR critics’ fawning of “sweaty thighs” in the movie Challengers (2024 best cultural moment!) to their takedown of Yellowstone (NYT opinion writer ‘explains’ why everything about Yellowstone is wrong, wrong, wrong).

I’ve loved PCHH for many years, but the new structure of the show is quite unappealing. Linda, Aisha, etc. are great - nothing but respect - but some of these guest hosts are brutal… being negative about everything is not interesting criticism. Calling something “problematic” without unpacking further is a meaningless observation. Not every piece of culture has to be a meditation on race, gender, sexuality, etc. It’s okay for people who have not had a particular lived experience to represent that experience in art. Some things can just be. This show was a lot smarter and more fun when it recognized that.

What is the point of a “holiday movie guide” that’s basically “here are a bunch of mediocre movies we don’t recommend watching.” I don’t watch Hallmark movies generally, but I do love the holidays. Does a movie guide have to be about this year’s holiday movies if there are none to recommend? What about digging into lesser known classics? Doesn’t a guide, by definition, recommend things *to* do/watch/read?

This Moana review is lame. And wrong IMO. I’m not sure the reviewers actually watched the movie, but if they did they must have been watching it with an outline of their anticipated review and simply filled in a couple blanks to affirm their pre-release opinions. Maui shows up in the first 10 mins and his character is woven throughout, building to the epic showdown in the final scenes. Two women (and a man) set out to cut two talented women down. The new songs are catchy and distinct while carrying some degree of continuity to Moana 1, honoring not only the sound/character of LMM (a MAN who does NOT need to write on every Disney movie/kids movie this century) but also weaving in authentic-to-the-culture music… Can we celebrate how cool it is two VERY young adult women with no prior experience writing for a company like this had the talent to write this music which carried the emotion of each scene and moved the story forward? Can we celebrate how amazing it would be to hear them write more for Disney and other films?? Not these reviewers… if it’s not LMM or another man it’s only “fine”. The Chee Hoo song is WAY better than Make a Man out of you, and also is so empowering to a woman in her own female strength. It tells the story of what is to come and is preparing her for that specific battle. Beyond is an incredible power ballad… also driving the story forward… What could be better than this is delightful and catchy and fun-loving, and depicts how people can inspire others to be light hearted, brave, and break out of their tunnel vision. Get Lost is sooooo catchy! Try to get it out of your head once you’ve heard it a few times… l dare you. “Do you care about the being the best anymore?” Do YOU? These reviewers are affiliated with NPR and it seems like they didn’t even think to reach out and interview anyone affiliated with this movie to ask questions about the amount of work that obviously went into this movie. No mention of the BEST parts of the story… the love of family and community, the honoring of special traditions, the unification of a group do very different people/ personalities of varying ages, gifts, and intelligence levels, how they lift one another up, how they work together for a common goal and achieve it, how they empathize with and have compassion on one another, how they push each other to be a better version of themselves… or how are dreams can change and mature and our motivations can shift when we look beyond our personal ambitions and seek the best for the people we love. Or how the story didn’t involve/highlight horrible behavior like name-calling or belittling, like so many movies do. Any questionable content was extremely limited… and that is a win for any parent taking their kid to the movies. Our society would be better if more movies told stories just like this and if more parents demanded stories like this for their kids entertainment. The fact this movie started as a TV series should actually make it more impressive that it hits in such an epic way. Are people really excited about spider man… one of the most tired franchises in history? And ninja turtles? About another set of violent action films? About more male super hero role models? I say this as someone who LOVES men and having male protectors in own my life, but really, calling out the reviewers here for failing to take such important aspects of this movie into account and trying to make future audiences prejudiced against most aspects of this movie. The only thing I can agree with wholeheartedly in this review is that the animation IS AMAZING. Breathtaking. Mesmerizing. Don’t look away or you’ll miss something special. Do better NPR.

This show consistently cheers me up, especially when I’m trying to keep anxiety or depression at bay. I really like all of the hosts, but Glen is low-key probably my favorite. I hope nothing about this gem of a podcast ever changes. ❤️

You guys just get me. I love Glen, Aisha, Stephen and Linda. Their opinions on pop culture are always interesting and entertaining. ❤️

that’s my review…

Fun show Y’all I HAVE ALWAYS DONE BIIIIG HAND! I LITERALLY CALLED IT THAT TOO! IM SO HYPED SOMEBODY ELSE DID THIS?

I Watch Pop Culture Happy Hour every day. I love the episodes where the four hosts (Linda, Glen, Aisha and Stephen) have an issue to share and discuss. I am thinking about the episode where they each had to pick a muppet who they identified with most. Very funny . Today they talked about the reality show they could win. Again it was fun and funny at times. Love the show overall but I think I can say that my favorite shows are the ones shared by the four hosts. I wrote the previous several months ago but I just want to reinforce how much I like it when the four hosts have a program together. Today the subject was pumpkin latte’s. It just seems like they really like each other and have a sympathetic vibe going.

I can’t understand why there was constant giggling during this podcast. Very distracting. Be amusing but don’t provide your own laugh track!

I have been a consistent listener for over 10 years. Awesome show!

She contributes nothing of value.

I wish this show would go back to 5 times a day. It is my “go to” for relaxing while soaking in interesting conversation. The best episodes are when Stephen, Aisha, Linda, and Glen are together. They are funny, insightful, and have great chemistry.

Isabella — please don’t say “like” all the time. I get that you’re young, but please stop.

Interesting hosts and I’ve expanded my pop culture as a result of their recommendations, especially musically.

She doesn’t let anyone else talk Omggggg enough!

I love this show and all the hosts! Their reviews guide my pop culture consumption :) Great show, great insights!!

The “what’s making us happy” episodes are always the best.

These hosts are awful, and their opinions are just stupid.

I love this show especially the movie series of the show(MCU etc.)

Glenn just spoiled House of the Dragon for non book readers. I’ve been fed up with these guys for a while but now I’m done for good.

They are so pompous it has to be NPR.

For some reason the new naming style makes me irrationally angry. I have been way less likely to listen with these new titles. Please go back to the old style with just the name of the content discussed!!!

I like the banter and perspectives of the hosts.

Love this podcast. May not always agree but always enjoy the banter back-and-forth. Great insight from all of the hosts!

I really enjoy the four core anchors on this podcast and the way they present their reviews (and sometimes differing opinions) - respectfully and with a sense of humor. Their takes always seem to be well-researched and they are very intelligent and well-spoken people. I enjoy many of their guest reviewers, but my favorites are those who come on without an agenda. (And I’ve gotten lots of great tips on things to watch from the “What’s Making Us Happy” segments.)

I love the 4 hosts and all the amazing guests of varying perspectives & expertise they bring in. Fun to listen to and has broadened what I watch!

If I am interested in the film or the show, I will listen in to the podcast. I don’t always agree with them, but I get a good idea of it. One thing truly drives me crazy, however: it is how many times the reviewers say , “but for me…”, or “to me…” Yeah, we understand, if you are speaking, it is your opinion. One could easily have a drinking game listening each week. Just take a shot every time you hear one of those phrases.

Used to love the show for a bit of uplifting commentary in a world where negativity and hate is thrown at you. However, the past few years this show has become so critical and the hosts act like they are professional movie/tv critics rather than friends at a “happy hour”. Starts to ruin everything you enjoy if you keep listening.

Big fan, huge. Glen Weldon has a voice made of butter it’s so dang smooth.

This podcast makes me want to be a tv and movie critic. Everyone seems so well versed but also so human! And so enjoyable and engaging to listen to - I often feel involved in the convo even if I’m just listening. Love and recommend this podcast!

I enjoy this pod and always relish the takes and analyses on various shows and subjects. Glen always has interesting perspectives on things and I like the clean concise format. I am actually going to do a shameless plug for a show that I would love to see PCHH review: Scavengers Reign recently added on Netflix. This show is truly mesmerizing. Animation, music,character depth, and storytelling are tops. It is very unique and I would love to hear this show’s take and expose this show to a wider audience. This is the best show I’ve watched in years.

Love the podcast, listen to it when i am interested in something or have seen the thing. But i hate hate hate the change in titles that have made the show unwatchable for me. I typically will scrol through past episodes, see if theres something that piques my interest and queue them up, now reading all the click-baity titles (sometimes spoilery to what they think of the thing) to garner what they are actually reviewing is annoying and has me listening to far fewer episodes. Please go back to the simple naming.

Pop Culture Happy Hour changed my life. It introduced me to the world of podcasts. It introduced me to so many new notions, ideas, and perspectives. I feel like Linda, Stephen, and Glen (as well as several of the the guest contributors—Kat, Barry, Bob, and so many others) are my virtual friends. I will love this podcast forever.

In general the content is good from day to day. However the continual requests for the paid subscription is getting old. In top of that asking listeners to provide content which will be packaged up just for the paid subscribers is not a good look. I’m fast forwarding through those parts. Everything else is fine. This is fine.

It’s great getting lost in the pop culture world with this podcast. My only question is: Where is “Late Night With the Devil?”

I get it, NPR is bleeding money and needs the ad sales. But the length of ads at the beginning is just comically long at this point. It feels like an ad show with some pop culture shows tucked towards the end