Zeitgeist by Pulp Culture: Recent Episodes
Pulp Culture
Jordan and Niv dive into the latest TV and movie releases, alongside the latest entertainment news and a roster of hand-curated music.
Jordan and Niv dig deep into the horror craze taking over the world, beginning with the folk horror of our era, 'Backrooms.' They discuss the intersection between horror and comedy (2:57), as well as its dramatic renaissance (5:37). They dig into the larger Zeitgeist and connections to 'Love Island (USA)' (10:12), who the main character might be (21:10), and how the central conflict might be more elusive than you might think (24:49). Then they talk about 'Obsession (29:33), what it's about (33:18), how the Monkey's paw has affected all of cinematic history (37:21), its cast (40:50), its impact and behind the scenes (43:05). They go deeper and wrangle with its unique take on possession (54:50), immoral complacency (01:02:43), and implicit consent (01:05:22).
Jordan and Niv dive deep on the Zendayaverse, beginning with her portrayal of Rue on 'Euphoria.' They kick it off by talking about the show as an adaptation (03:52), the newcomer character of Alamo (07:03), creator Sam Levinson (14:45), the biblical references (25:50), and how the show's past has changed its future (31:21). In the second half, they transition to 'The Drama (36:31). They share their thoguhts on the star power of the movie's two leads (45:17), the harrowing twist (49:26), how the film tackles its difficult topic (55:16), and how movie stars combat our contemporary Hollywood (01:04:25).
Jordan and Niv discuss the characters in 'Industry'(3:24) and the rot inherent in the financial system (21:56). Then, Niv overcomes his fears to watch 'The Pitt' (34:16), they compare seasons one and two (40:21), discuss Dr. Robby and the broader ensemble (46:50), fan theories around the show (1:03:01), the show's politics (1:04:13), the younger generation on the show (1:07:59), before discussing the next episode of our podcast (1:14:23).
Thanks to the Powerknobs for the theme music and we'll see you at the end of June for our episode on 'Euphoria' and 'The Drama'!
Jordan and Niv talk about Netflix's flirtation with nostalgia bait: they talk about which generations gravitate towards it (0:56), and how Stranger Things fits in (7:10). With Stranger Things specifically, they talk about why Steve Herrington is the standout character of the show (16:16), which other characters stand out in the later seasons (20:31), and why there may be too many (24:05). Getting into spoilers for this section (25:40), they discuss the permanence of death for TV at large, which cast member has the best chance at breaking out (31:03), and why Stranger Things has become an "actor attractor" (36:34) before touching on the now-infamous conformity gate (40:46). In the second half (47:36), they discuss how Cobra Kai has grown season by season (58:51), whether it needed to class up (1:04:44), what makes it so memorable (1:10:50), and the secret to how it stays fun to the very end (1:13:38).
Jordan and Niv delve into the arthouse film world with A24's 'Sorry Baby,' 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You,' plus Demon Slayer? Firstly, they discuss the wave of popular anime this year (05:24). Then, they discuss the development and hype train around this batch of Oscar movies (13:34), how the character of Linda deals with her sick child in 'If I Had Legs...' (21:57), the cast (25:08), the tone (29:38), and awards chances (43:27). In the second half, they discuss what makes a film about trauma rewarding (48:03), how it came to be (58:55), the cast (01:03:01), the dark tone and plot (trigger warning) (01:05:52), the importance of interdependence (01:15:49). After, they compare and contrast the two across the larger arthouse offering (01:20:48) before touching on the role hope plays (01:30:34).
For the very first Zeitgeist Mulligan, Jordan and Niv revisit some shows from previous years' podcasts and discuss how they've evolved. They begin as Niv recaps The Last of Us (1:32), then The Boys (5:44), then Jordan explains how Only Murders in the Building (9:34) has begun to stretch its premise. Before a musical interlude, they discuss House of the Dragon (16:11). After that, they talk about Hacks (22:02) Season 4, and that same season of The Bear (31:33), and how much both have evolved since their respective Zeitgeist episodes.
Special Thanks to Producer Jahlyn Reyes-McKinley and for music, The Powerknobs.
In this Halloween-themed episode of Zeitgeist, Jordan and Niv plunge into the lore of vampires, beginning with Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners.' They investigate Michael B. Jordan's contribution to his filmography (2:23), and how it fits into the blockbuster landscape of 2025 (5:57). They talk about its relationship to the blues (9:34), black joy and storytelling (13:32), and its award-winning composer (24:54).
In the second half, they discuss the Robert Egger's reimagining of 'Nosferatu' (34:52). They discuss the historical context of what makes a vampire (48:12), the design elements (57:59), the cast (1:00:46), and how effectively the narrative structure works in our modern context (1:15:32).
Ologies: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/vampirology
Our Black Panther 2 episode: https://www.mixcloud.com/pulpculture/the-heart-of-the-modern-blockbuster-with-top-gun-maverick-and-black-panther-wakanda-forever/
Pour a sbagliato and join us under the cabana as Jordan and Niv discuss the dark side of leisure, first leading into Tina Fey's 'The Four Seasons' on Netflix (2:01). They discuss the actors, where some of them (specifically Steve Carell) have disappeared into their late careers (5:23), and recount the cast, characters, and what makes this show appealing to create (8:44). Finally, we psychoanalyze a core relationship dynamic of the show (31:39), and how weaponized incompetence plays a role.
Then, they move to White Lotus (41:09). They discuss one of hosts' personal connection to Thailand as a setting (55:55), the various characters taking to the resort this season (1:15:40), and how the show's penetration into the mainstream has been an impairment (1:31:16). They get into the juicy gossip behind the scenes (1:40:53) before discussing the final takeaways on the show moving forward (1:48:53).
Podcasts referenced:
https://overthinkpodcast.com/episodes/episode-106
https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/critics-at-large/is-travel-broken
This show contains spoilers for both the programs 'Adolescence' and 'You' on Netflix. In this prestige-packed episode, Jordan and Niv dig into the hit show 'You,' discuss whether its pulp or schlock (06:30), the formula behind the show (14:22), and who stands out as a performer (25:32) heading into the show's last moments. They dig into the last season (31:12), and how well its female lead holds the bar of quality relative to seasons past, particularly in the very last episode (43:18). Before the break, they discuss how the two shows connect (48:11). In the second half, they discuss 'Adolescence' and do a deep dive on all four episodes beginning with episode one (00:57:20). They investigate whether the show may be more like a play (or if any filmed art deserves that title) (01:07:03), before getting into episode two (01:24:47). They touch on the manosphere (01:24:47) before getting into episode three (01:41:07). They end on a sentimental note once they discuss episode four (01:53:35).
Special Thanks to The Powerknobs for the theme music!
Killer Empathy by Radiolab
Jordan and Niv, in their second conversation about video games, discuss how the medium allows for total immersion (1:10) before discussing 'Fallout.' (12:30) They touch on character (21:40) and tone (39:59) before moving onto Netflix's 'Arcane.' (1:02:23) They discuss the modern transition of video game adaptations to film and television, and debate on how 'Arcane' fares, similarly in terms of complexity (01:14:03), how magic integrates into the world (01:24:01), how it succeeds in its ambitious endeavor (01:33:04). They touch on character development (01:51:44) in Season 2, or lack thereof, and how it connects to the rest of the TV landscape (02:03:25).
First they talk about how X Men 97 makes an exemplary water cooler show (2:05) and its origins as a Saturday morning cartoon (04:50). They discuss what makes X Men eternal (11:07), and how was previously portrayed onscreen (12:55) in the early 2000s. Then, they delve into the cast list (16:21), the pacing (19:21), and they touch on intertextuality (25:47) within the show. After, they remark on the show’s best episode mid-season (27:20), what makes great action (29:38) and dive deep on Wolverine (31:11), Magneto (32:51), and the rest of the show’s villains (39:19) before giving it a final review (51:08). Next, they get into the blockbuster hit, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (54:41) with the state of Marvel in 2024. They touch on what makes the multiverse a challenge (01:02:42), the film’s tone & purpose (01:09:34), specific moments & spoilers (01:13:04), and go deeper on Disney’s obsession with intertextuality (01:15:48). Niv touches on the movie’s first abandoned concept (01:25:51), and they grapple with the film’s tonal mismatch (01:28:42), before bringing it back to its place as the last movie in a trilogy (1:33:53). They give credence to the film’s villain (01:36:06), align the character into the future of the MCU (01:40:16), and close out the conversation in the most chaotic way possible (01:44:48).
As the Emmy window closes, Jordan and Niv recall two historically-based dramas from this year on TV. They discuss 'Mary and George' on Starz, how homosexuality plays a role in the show (8:50) and overall how seriously the show takes its execution (19:01). They touch briefly on some spoilers for the final moments of the sensational program (22:17) before moving on to 'Shogun' on Hulu (35:56). Niv maps out the real-life locations in Japan (44:16) that 'Shogun' spends its time around before detailing the period the show takes place in (46:33). They discuss together the show's acting talent and characters (53:12), and get into spoilers for the show (1:06:04).
For its second year, Zeitgeist checks in on the state of the animation industry. In the first half, Jordan and Niv talk about 'Blue Eyed Samurai'. They Tackle race and identity (06:30), break down the talents behind the series (11:29), animation style (17:48), and tone (26:40). Then, they touch base on 'Scavengers Reign' on Max (now also Netflix). They investigate the state of the industry (46:56), the show's animation style (51:31), themes & influences (55:24), and how ensemble plays a role (01:05:24).
[Editorial Note: You’ll hear some pops and clicks near the front of the episode today from an unresolved recording issue.] Niv and Jordan discuss the 2024 Oscars in relation to a snub, Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla.’ Then, they’re joined by Sam (9:00), who lays the foundation for the work at hand through providing context in our world today. They discuss how Priscilla inspired Lana Del Rey (11:45), Priscilla’s infantilization in relationship to domestic isolation and independence (16:13), and how Coppola wrangles with these topics (24:00). From there, they litigate Elvis’ star power in film (29:43), touch once again on Sofia’s sensibilities (39:09) before ending on why Sofia is one-of-a-kind (42:18). In the second half, Jordan and Niv talk about the two films in relation to one another, the Oscars, and a supposed "Zeitgeist Curse (45:07)," before setting the scene for 'May December (47:43).' They debate which of the two main character is the true protagonist (55:32), they praise the cast (1:07:07), and they discuss whether 'May December is a comedy, and how that genre convention relates to the theatrical traditions of Bertolt Brecht (1:20:22).
Jordan and Niv discuss two forays into Asian-American led TV on Netflix, first in regard to the recently settled SAG/AFRA and WGA strikes. Then, they set the scene for the Emmy nominated 'Beef' (7:36), investigate whether the series could have been a film (11:48), and highlight a cast on the rise (13:12). They debate the class struggles inherent in 'Beef' (16:52), and examine the way the show uses Korean representation (21:20). Then finally, before transitioning to their conversation on 'One Piece', they inquire whether Netflix is willing to take a risk on more shows with such a specific tone (25:25).
In their spoiler-filled conversation about 'One Piece', Niv dissects the balance of creative control (32:40) before Jordan shares his overall thoughts on the series (37:30). They contrast the show with its origins (41:00), before evaluating whether its exactly what Netflix is looking for (58:08). Then, they return to comparing this live-action series to its source material (1:02:51) and anticipate what Season 2 might bring (1:23:25).
Niv and Jordan talk about the act of counterprogramming as it relates to Barbie and Oppenheimer (1:20) before they discuss how Barbie rose from the cloud of smoke Oppenheimer left behind (11:58), and the rocky path to get there. Jordan dissects the acting in Barbie (21:45), and Niv designates the different ways to develop a household item into a fully realized film (28:31). They talk about the negatives and positives (42:45) before ultimately determining where they stand on Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ (54:30).
After the break, they discuss ‘Oppenheimer’ in depth (01:06:27). They talk about the leading performance that the movie revolves around (01:11:11), how the actors fit into the tone its director, Christopher Nolan, achieves in the film (01:22:01). They critique how Nolan has historically treated women in his films (01:25:01), and how ‘Oppenheimer’ fares. They deliberate about the unusual structure and the way he approaches character (01:27:54), before weighing both films possibilities in the upcoming Oscar race (1:48:11).
Jordan and Niv discuss the two buzziest Emmy contenders: Succession and Ted Lasso. First, they dissect the full series of Succession beginning with the characters, moving towards their status and situation and ending with the implications the series finale leaves us with, and what the takeaways are for such a complicated piece of media. Then, they discuss Ted Lasso in the broader context of the Emmy’s, compare Lasso and Succession, and note the ways in which Ted Lasso changes by its third season- and what’s next for the show.
Jordan and Niv discuss two streaming limited series that'll leave you with a story and a tune to hum. First, they discuss 'Up Here' on Hulu, a little-known musical series about two lost souls who find themselves in New York City. They discuss how the city plays a character in the show, how musical TV may differ from musicals onstage, and whether 'Up Here' is worth your time. In the second part (36:48), Jordan is joined by guest speaker Kieran to dilienate the strengths and weaknesses of the source material for Amazon series, 'Daisy Jones and the Six.' In the third part (50:01), Jordan and Niv have a conversation about the streaming limited series, how it works to break the mold, how it carries brand new tunes, and how it ultiumately services its characters.
In the first section, Jordan and Niv over-analyze 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie.' They discuss the cast, the potential of a property of this scale and the ways in which the film meets and misses that potential. Then, in the second section they analyse 'The Last of Us.' They discuss the difference between the video game and the HBO series, the differences and similarties, how video game mechanics enhance the drama in the show, and how it connects to other iconic apocolypic and zombie entertainment.
In Part 2 of their Oscar coverage episode, Jordan and Niv detail their Oscar predictions before diving in-deep on an analysis of 'Tar.’
In the first Oscar conversation leading up to the 2023 Academy Awards, Jordan and Niv critique the authoritative genre of the season: the meta-film. First, they discuss how each actor performed in the Steven Spielberg autofiction blockbuster, ‘The Fabelmens,’ before moving onto why these films may fail to make their mark (06:43). From there, they continue with a spoiler-ific dissection of Damen Chazelle’s ‘Babylon.’ (33:50)
Jordan and Niv make their forray into anime. First, they discuss their history with the genre, and the impact of Shonen Jump (13:00). Then, they talk about the foundation of 'Demon Slayer' in popular culture, as well as about the 2020 hit, 'Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train (15:21).' They talk about the new Entertainment District arc, and how the characters drive the show (41:49). Finally, they dive into the brand new 'Chainsaw Man,' and how the show expands their stock characters into a larger-than-life world (01:17:57).
Jordan and Niv cover two children's movies from Netflix, both about how children can accomplish impossible odds in order to protect themselves, and the people they love. First, we dive into the world of Guillermo del Toro's 'Pinocchio', before talking about the death of the mid-budget feature, and then dissecting the magical realism of 'Matilda: The Musical.'
Jordan and Niv talk about what lives at the core of the blockbuster, particularly those released this year. First, they dive into what makes ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ relevant after nearly forty years, before dissecting what each actor contributes to its new iteration. Then, they dive into ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ and how it stacks up to the original ‘Black Panther,’ as well as every other Marvel movie to date.
Jordan and Niv review the two less-than-hit feature rolls for Ana de Armas in 2022: Hulu's 'Deep Water,' and Netflix's 'Blonde.' They discuss how 'Blonde' is more than a biopic, but less than seminal (and less than optimal), and then discuss whether or not 'Deep Water' can overcome its shortcomings.
Jordan and Niv compare the HBO show 'House of the Dragon' with Amazon's 'The Rings of Power.' They first talk about the source material for 'Dragon,' the new game of Thrones spinoff, then detail the events of the show, casting, and their opinions on pacing throughout. Then, with 'Rings of Power,' they discuss the beginnings of the show, how Amazon went about creating a new era of Lord of the Rings entertainment, and how that ambition translates to the medium of television.
Royalty-free music courtesy of Setuniman, Oymaldonado and Epon Audio. These works have been modified from their original form.