Idol Cast PodCast: Recent Episodes
Idolcast
I'm an American fan of Asian pop culture and especially of East Asian pop music. I've spent 20+ years learning about this corner of pop culture and hope to be a bridge between East and West. All opinions are my own.
Show notes and other writings from the past decade-plus can be found on my website.
Patrick St. Michel joins the Idolcast to discuss what's happening right now in J-Pop! We talk the Nene vs BMSG rap feud; STARTO's reboot; the Japan Music Awards, how much I love Cutie Street, and the biggest band on earth right now... Mrs. Green Apple!
Monia returns to continue our exploration of the Jossverse with a discussion on Firefly and Serenity and how they changed fan culture. It's a Gorram Shindig! A Big Damn Podcast.
Part two of my conversation with Monia, the Exiled Fan, on Angel the Series. We get into seasons 3-5, including a digression on the problems with "Lil Meow Meow" fans.
Monia, the Exiled Fan, returns for a discussion on Angel: The Series. This episode covers seasons one and two. We discuss the show, our reactions to it, and why people might dislike Joss Whedon's work. This is part one of a two part series.
Part 3 of my series on K-Pop's magnum opus: BigBang's MADE. This episode covers the years 2008-2010, including "Haru Haru," the breakthrough in Japan, and ending with the controversy surrounding "Heartbreaker."
Monia the Exiled Fan joins me to discuss modern fandom and the state of the industry, along with the life and tragic early death of Liam Payne.
Patrick returns to discuss two classic 1980s movies: "They All Laughed" and "Star 80." The common thread is the late Dorothy Stratten. We discuss her cinematic footprint, as well as her literary footprint in "The Killing of the Unicorn." Middle aged fantasy or true love?
I'm joined by Doom from The Nerd Blitz to discuss the 1980 sci-fi film "Galaxina." The movie starred the late Playboy Playmate Dorothy R. Stratten and we get into my theory that Playboy Playmates are about as close to idols as we ever got in America. Warning: We do get a bit spicy in our conversation in places so if discussion (and jokes) about sex and the female anatomy are not to your taste, you may want to either skip this one or have your finger on the fast forward button.
Part of the Buffy Rewatch Project with Monia the Exiled Fan. We get deep into our mixed feelings on Seasons 6 and 7.
Part 1 of Part 2 of the Buffy Rewatch Project with special guest Monia! If you haven't listened to Episode 75 (Enter the Buffyverse) where we discuss Seasons 1-3 you might want to do that first. Or not! Join us as we dive deep into BTVS Seasons 4-7.
First time Idolcast guest Patrick joins me today to talk about the Mamas & the Papas, one of the great 60s rock acts. We get into their history, the groundbreaking Monterey Pop Festival, and much, much more!
Zach Langley Chi Chi returns to discuss the 1988 forgotten classic "Tokyo Pop," written and directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
Patrick St. Michel (https://mbmelodies.substack.com/) returns to the Idolcast to discuss what's happening in Japanese music right now. We get into the response to J-pop at Coachella, Hatsune Miku and the divide in vocaloid music, and who is buying all those CDs...
In this episode, Kelly returns to discuss Rain's Hollywood moment: Speed Racer (2008) and Ninja Assassin (2009)!
Monia joins me for this Very Special episode discussing "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" seasons one through three!
I'm joined by the Exiled Fan to discuss the Beatles Cinematic Universe and the transformation of the Beatles from a rock band to an IP.
Part 2 of my series on K-Pop's magnum opus: BigBang's MADE. This episode covers the years 2006-2008, including the initial run of singles and ending with the controversy surrounding "Lies."
Part one of a deep dive into BigBang's K-Pop masterpiece: MADE. This episode looks at the origins of YG Entertainment and the beginnings of the hip-hop and rap scene in Korea.
Friend of the pod Vera returns for a blockbuster episode heading BACK TO THE BEACH to discuss real life Disney Princess Annette Funicello and the Beach Party movies of the 1960s.
I'm joined by idol expert Patrick Galbraith to discuss the scandal at the Agency Formerly Known as Johnny's & Associates and the good and bad of being an idol fan.
In this extra nice episode of the Idolcast, I bring on a baby A.B.C-Z fan to discuss THE GREATEST IDOL GROUP OF ALL TIME in advance of their final release as a five member unit. We discuss the group and go through some of our favorite songs. Links to performance videos will be in the show notes on my website!
K-Pop Book Club reads Jessica Jung's Shine and Bright! I bring on Old R of the K-Pop Sunbaes and previous guest Ellie to discuss Jessica's story, S.M. Entertainment, the inner workings of K-Pop, and much, much more!
"Alice in Japanese Wonderlands" with Amanda Kennell is the topic today! We discuss Alice in Wonderland and her history and many, many adaptations in Japan.
Four time returning champion Brigit is back to discuss one of the most tedious books on idols I've encountered: Idol Burning! We go deep into the novel, what it means to stan, our experiences in fandom, and much, much more!
My guest is Zach Langley Chi Chi of "I'm So Popular" and we discuss the great Sawada Kenji aka "Julie" and the 1979 classic "The Man Who Stole the Sun."
I bring back Jessica the Ninety One fan from episode 53 for a Super Duper BLOCKBUSTER review of the Kazakh boy band's new album: GAP. We cover everything from Adorkable to the protests in Zhanaozen and back again. Fan chants, villains, and an independent idol group just trying to survive in a hostile market...
I bring on Kelly to talk "FANTASTIPO," the Brady Bunch cum Lynchian 2005 film starring Johnny's & Associates idols Domoto Tsuyoshi and Kokubun Taichi that has been lost to the mists of time. We also discuss the state of Johnny's & Associates today, Kinki Kids, Tokio, SMAP, Katori Shingo's amazing art exhibition, and so much more!
Part 4 of the Rise and Fall and Rebirth of TVXQ covering the years 2009-2012, from the long courthouse walk by Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu to the final resolution with S.M. Entertainment 3 years and four months later.
Part 3 of my series on the Rise and Fall and Rebirth of TVXQ. This episode covers 2006-2008, featuring Koda Kumi (one of the three queens of J-pop), Junsu's dad jokes, some classic J-pop bangers, and the biggest boy group rivalry of the era: TVXQ vs BigBang.
Part 2 of my series on the Rise and Fall and Rebirth of TVXQ. This episode covers 2003-2005, featuring the state of Korean pop, Bae Yong Joon Fever, and the most popular Korean boy group of the era: SG Wannabe.
The first part in a series on the rise and fall and rebirth of TVXQ. This is really a prologue to their story, taking you through the beginnings of SM Entertainment and the birth of K-Pop.
In a special #Pride episode, I'm joined by Vera to discuss the great Kenny Ortega! We get into Shag the Movie and the High School Musical series, why Glee was demonic, and why we loved Stockard Channing's sexual energy in Grease.
My guest for this episode is Ellie the Girl Group fan and we dig into the differences between J-Pop idols and K-Pop idols; the fallout of Produce 48; what happens when Sherlock fans meet SHINee fans; and I lament what could have been with BigBang at Coachella... plus I shill for my favorite idols: A.B.C-Z.
I'm joined by Emily of the Active Faults Substack to discuss Chinese idol fandom dramas, the canon of global BL, fan fiction, Esther Yi's excellent novel "Y/N" and so much more! Enjoy!
I'm joined by Hannah of the Nante Japan podcast to discuss J-Pop vs K-pop, idols, idol culture, and the BBC documentary on Johnny Kitagawa. Please note that there is a content warning for discussion of child sexual abuse. You can skip ahead to about 47:30 to avoid it. We do mention the documentary a couple of times after that point but not in regards to the CSA.
Get Ready to be Boyzvoiced! I bring back the Exiled Fan herself to discuss the cult Norwegian film from Espen Eckbo and Henrik Elvestad. We discuss Boyzvoice, boy bands generally, Scandinavian Top 40, and so much more!
Another old episode from my vaults. This time introducing the wonderful playback singer Mohammed Rafi! Please enjoy!
Reposting this old 2009 episode of My Filmi Mix Tape on Bollywood playback singer Kishore Kumar. Enjoy friends!
Jessica Doyle of Singles Jukebox and the fantastic "Ninety One Series" joins me to talk about the Kazakhstani idol group Ninety One. We deep dive into the group, the nature of idols, and what it means to be an idol fan.
What's the word for when you're both jumping and popping? A look back on the "Avengers of K-Pop": SUPERM!
I'm joined by Mary Sisson of BlockB.com to talk Block B, the business of Kpop, and much, much more!
The Rise and Fall of the Hip Hop Idol--taking you from the early days of Korean Hip Hop to today... through an idol lens. Music from Mino, Zico, TOP, BigBang, Block B, and ToppDogg, etc. Enjoy!
It's the long awaited return of one of my most popular guests! The ex-A.R.M.Y. from episode 24 returns to discuss the end of BTS, their legacy, and the state of Kpop in America today.
My guest is an academic and researcher looking into Kpop and fan studies. We talk about bullying in fan spaces, Churchism in pop music, the (many, many) problems in Kpop academia, and the lack of serious Kpop journalism.
I'm joined by Monia Ali of the Exiledfan substack to discuss her excellent post on joining and then being exiled from One Direction fandom. We get into the weeds on the psychology behind fandom and better ways of being a fan. Don't forget to "treat people with kindness" and "love yourself", friends!
Special guest Tokuswag and I dig deep into the connections between Japanese "toku satsu" shows (that would be shows like Power Rangers for the non-initiated) and Jpop idols! We also talk a lot about SMAP! Sports! Music! Assemble! People!
David Turner of Penny Fractions joins me to talk about music business, the business of Kpop, and the ways fans can misinterpret both. We pick apart the big question: What are the Big Three, really?
Reuploading my old episode from 2008/9 on the great Lata Mangeshkar who passed away today, February 6, 2022, at the age of 92. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and her many devoted fans. Her voice will live forever.
I'm joined by two long time Johnny's & Associates fans as we run down "Johnny's Festival ～Thank you 2021 Hello 2022～" and discuss Johnny's fandom, the state of Johnny's in 2022, and more in this special BOU! NEN! KAI! themed episode.
I'm joined by @krishraghav and @yancongphoto to discuss popular music in China, the indie rock scene in Beijing, and we'll finally get the answer to the question asked by FP: "Why are there 1.5 billion people in China and no good rock bands?"
Music from Carsick Cars, the Romp, Cui Jian, Chui Wan, Chinese Football, Omnipotent Youth Society, Hualun, and INTO1 and more!
Music critic Patrick St. Michel joins me to discuss the State of Jpop in 2021, the City Pop boom, and how AKB48 conquered the pop charts. Find out our Jpop SOTY!
Old R from Kpop Sunbaes joins me for a deep dive into H.O.T. and first generation Kpop!! Buckle up for two and a half hours of things you didn't know you didn't know about H.O.T. as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.
And be sure to check out her complete history series on H.O.T. coming soon!! https://youtu.be/ivzV1kXsxZY
Brigit from Episode 39 returns, bringing with her another idol expert to discuss the most important question in music right now: What is Kpop?
We go from Isawa Shuji to... the Dirty Eyed Girls plus a bonus round up of at least 3 songs about coffee.
Will we get to an answer? Listen and find out!
A conversation with fellow traveler Brigit who shares my love of Johnny's and frustration with Kpop academia and journalism.
The final part in my history of Group Sounds band the Tigers, Japan's first idol group and a foundational rock band. Featuring music from the Tigers, PYG, Kahashi Katsumi, Bread & Butter, and more!
A conversation with Sandra, one of the hosts of "Together Again: An NSYNC Podcast"! We talk NSYNC, boy bands, being mature fan girls, early 2000s dance music, why JC Chasez is so great, and why I'm now Team Chris Kirkpatrick!
A short history of boy bands from the Beatles to today! Featuring your British Invasion faves plus the Monkees, the Jackson 5, the Osmonds, the Bay City Rollers, the Sex Pistols, Duran Duran, NKOTB, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and more!
A special album episode devoted to Winner's EVERYD4Y aka "Everyday"! Enjoy the music of the Kpop four-some and become a super fan with me!
I bring on a Korean American friend to talk about what Kpop means and doesn't mean to her; her experiences in stan twitter; and the Korean history that Western fans need to be aware of.
Nick from thebiaslist.com guests on this mega-super-JPOP edition of the Idol Cast. We talk about what makes Johnny's so great and unique; what separates Jpop from Kpop; what IS an idol; express our deep love for songwriter Tommy Clint and more!
Music from AAA, A.B.C-Z, Kis-My-Ft2, KAT-TUN, Hey! Say! JUMP, TMRevolution, Yamashita Tomohisa, and more!
I'm back with my dear Arashi-fan friend and we discuss the newest episodes of Arashi Voyage. Other topics include recent BTS promotions in Japan; what's popular in Japan right now; how idol sales techniques work; what being a global idol means; and how Sho's Hip Pop Boogie still bangs. Music from Arashi, Keyakizaka46, Mflo, Yonezu Kenshi, and more!
Kpop and professional wrestling have more in common than you would think. I bring on a pro wrestling fan friend to discuss Kpop, Kayfabe, and what happens when an wrestler does a repackage. We also touch on the sad passing of Kimura Hana and the way we can lose sight of the person behind the persona.
The video my friend references as a good introduction: https://youtu.be/BQCPj-bGYro please enjoy!
My friend from episode 17 is back and we review the currently airing docuseries: Arashi's Diary Voyage, BTS's Break the Silence, and Seventeen's "Hit the Road" as well as a lengthy discussion on what is the biggest underlying question of this podcast: What does it mean to be an idol?
A look back at the Taiwanese Wave dramas of the 2000s, featuring music from F4, Fahrenheit, Kaneshiro Takeshi, Teresa Teng, Judy Ongg, the L.A. Boyz, the Tigers Boys from Taiwan, the Tiger Boys from Hong Kong, and Joanna Wang!
Discussing the amazing mainland Chinese drama THE UNTAMED and other joys of idol dramas featuring drama theme songs and more from F4, Arashi, V & Jin, Shuji to Akira, and just a pile of bromantic goodness...
Talking 60s and 70s popular Korean music and youth culture with Matt from the blog GUSTS OF POPULAR FEELING. Songs played from April and May, the Key Boys, He6, the Pearl Sisters, Twin Folio, famed studio band Light of the East, Lee Soo Man (yes that one), Shin Joong-Hyun, and more!
A long talk with a former Army who spills the dirt on her days in the trenches and we talk about music, music, music, and more music.
Intro song is Dviinlwwr [심해어] by Khundipanda GO CHECK OUT MORE: https://soundcloud.com/hatefullmind
Audio version of the first blog post in this idol series dated from January 2018 talking about the pressures on idols and our ethical responsibility as fans...
Discussing the two new debuted groups from Johnny's & Associates: SixTones and SnowMan!! With bonus songs from Takizawa Hideaki, A.B.C-Z, Kis-My-Ft2, Yara Tomoyuki, X-Japan's Yoshiki, ROLLY, and... the all-female Takarazuka Theater Troupe!
Back with three time guest Lola to discuss SuperM, my trip to Japan and Korea, the numerous times we've been ratioed over the last few months, recent news with BTS and the grammys, Miss Amber's comments, and more!
Part two of my series on the very first idol group, the 1960s Japanese Group Sounds band the Tigers! This episode picks up with the Tigers debut and ends after the release of their groundbreaking album "Human Renascence".
In this episode I talk with the infamous @AustralianSana about how BTS fandom has changed since 2017, online bullying, navigating complex topics in fandom spaces, how much she loves Infinite, and more!
The first of three episodes looking at the original 1960s Japanese idol group The Tigers! Featuring groovy group sounds music from the Tigers, the Spiders, and more!
The Idolcast talks to another long time who has gone from Arashi to BTS and the similarities and differences we see between J-pop and K-pop idol culture. It's a long one but a good one!
The Idol Cast brings back the lovely Lola for an encore performance! We talk everything from getting forced kissed in Busan to those Jimin Loves Black Men compilation videos and wonder why fandom can work up 16k likes for a shipping post but is either dead silent or making excuses when it comes to member's physical pain.
Filmi Girl takes you on a guided tour of SHINee's 2018 3-part album The Story of Light.
Filmi Girl talks to Lola @pengpeach in a no holds barred conversation about loving K-Pop but hating the industry; why you should listen to Yoongi and put down your dang phones at concerts; and why BTS stopped getting solo work in Korea...
In Episode 13 Filmi Girl talks with her dear friend Toggy in Tokyo about going to concerts, things Westerners might not understand about Asian idol culture, encouraging good fan girl behavior, BTS in America, and lots, lots more!
Goodbye and Hello! This is the last episode of season one and tells two stories: 1) The Rise of BTS and 2) the collapse and rebirth of Johnny's & Associates. Featuring songs from SMAP, Arashi, BTS, EXO, SHINee, Sexy Zone, and more!!
Covering 2012 and the rise of K-pop in American with Gangnam Style; JYP and his complicated history including plagiarism accusations; and how both Arashi and BIGBANG were the biggest band in the world.
Covering 2011-2012 in Japan with Arashi, the entwined history of Kis-My-Ft2 and A.B.C.Z, and Golden Bomber, the weirdest idol group you will ever listen to.
Episode 6 covers the years 2007-2009 in Korea! The rise of BIGBANG; the lawsuits against SM; Super Junior's complicated past; and TVXQ/DBSK crack under the pressure.
Covering boy groups from about 2000-2006 in both Japan and Korea. The Golden Era of Johnny's Juniors, KAT-TUN, the bumpy early years of Arashi, DBSK/TVXQ and their uncontrollable fans, Shinhwa escape SM.
Episode 4 covers the 1990s in Korea. The rise of Lee Soo Man and his SM Entertainment; Seo Taiji and Boys, the origins of the "Kpop sound", and H.O.T. the first Kpop idol group.
Episode 3: The 1980s-90s in Jpop with Tanokin Trio, Shonentai, Hikaru Genji, Checkers, and SMAP.
Overview of 60s and 70s J-pop. The rise of Johnny Kitagawa; the Johnny's sound; Group Sounds; the Tigers; the Four Leaves; and the idol scene in Japan.
Introduction to the podcast and Idol Groups. Discussion of BTS, Arashi, SHINee, SMAP, BIGBANG.