Culture Shook

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina bring season one to a close with a  lively conversation reflecting on the first month of 2025. The hosts hold space for ‘Defying Gravity,’ admit that electricity is confusing, honour the magic of David Lynch and anticipate some awkward red carpet encounters. Thank you for being such a wonderful audience, stay tuned for season two!  Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina dive into the much anticipated second season of ‘Squid Game’ after bingeing it together in one sitting. Audience reviews are mixed but overall the hosts enjoyed the new characters, games and campy style choices. It’s not everybody's cup of tea but bring on season three! Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina pay respect to season one of the smash hit Netflix series ‘Squid Game’. Yes, they know this was released over 3 years ago but it wouldn’t be cool to discuss the recent season without first celebrating the 9 life altering episodes that started it all! Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina reflect on the transition from 2024 to 2025, celebrating their achievements and highlights of last year. Both hosts are feeling optimistic about the year of the snake, ready to embody the transformative creativity it brings. Find out what Culture Shook predicts will happen in 2025 and if ‘the chicken dance’ is ‘IN’ or ‘OUT’ this year. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina delve into their own family holiday traditions and share standout childhood memories. From abandoning a cult and adopting Christmas morning meltdowns to snooping for spoilers and learning to manage expectations, the hosts agree that the most wonderful time of the year is different for everyone.Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina reflect on some of the classic holiday specials from their childhoods and unfortunately these programs are not as innocent as they once seemed. The rewatch of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer exposes problematic themes such as body shaming, oppressive conformity and the toxic workplace conditions of the North Pole! It turns out Santa himself may need to be on the naughty list. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina add some iconic 90s toys to their Christmas wish lists. The hosts discuss toys that had the biggest impact on their childhoods. Some were possessed, some were valuable and some were forbidden. Can you guess what's coming out to play? Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina are reminded of mainstream musicians who were discovered on YouTube and those who went from bedroom vloggers to household names in Hollywood. They discuss a few top channels on the platform and the problematic nature of these content creators, including the one and only, Mr Beast. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina explore the early days of YouTube and pay their respects to the influential early content. Some of the pioneers discussed include Liam Kyle Sullivan, ‘Charlie the Unicorn’, SMOSH, Jenna Marbles, Fred, Shane Dawson and Trisha Paytas. Through the good, the bad and the ugly this revolutionary social media platform remains stronger than ever! Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina continue to ponder the metaverse. They discuss the nuances of Facebook Marketplace and how this virtual garage sale can get you into trouble! The hosts focus in on Mark Zuckerberg and his AI intentions; he claims that Meta Platforms Inc is a ‘human connection company’ but it all feels a little robotic. Is he destined to become the swaggy tech overlord that dooms us all? Or will the bees save humanity? We’ll have to wait and see (through Ray-Ban smart glasses). Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina metaphorically log onto facebook and take a scroll down memory lane. The hosts both have photographic memories of the moment they learned about Facebook and can't deny that the website changed life as we knew it. They discuss Farmville addiction, unsolicited pokes and the messy photo albums. So what is their current relationship status with Facebook? It’s Complicated. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina spend some more time with nostalgic Halloween themed kids shows. They share stories of their own ‘Midnight Society’ style experiences from childhood and discuss a few stand out ‘Are you Afraid of the Dark’ episodes. The hosts realise that not all the beloved series remain entertaining to this day but there will always be Scooby Doo! Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina get nostalgic with some of their favourite ‘scary’ kids shows. They dive into the iconic first episode of ‘Goosebumps’ and realise that the main message of ‘The Haunted Mask’ is universal and relevant to this day! They discuss another timeless classic, ‘Sabrina The Teenage Witch’ and a lesser known series called, ‘Freaky Stories’. October is the perfect time to revisit these shows (even though they aired all year round)! Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina return to their Emo kid roots. They dive into the subculture's origins, aesthetic and its eventual transition into Scene Queen territory. The fashion! The make up! The hair! The music! What an exciting time to be sad and alive! The hosts are flooded with nostalgia reminiscing about My Chemical Romance and the many emo one hit wonders that made it onto their favourite burned CDs. Will we get to witness a style resurgence or did emo culture disappear with Audrey Kitching and MCR? Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina review a few more stand-out  horror movies from their past, highlighting the pitfalls of characters who make stupid decisions that get them killed. Despite their criticisms, the hosts acknowledge real life experiences that parallel some of the themes discussed. It’s been decided that House of Wax should be left in 2005 but VHS and Hostel are worth a rewatch.     Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina share some of their favourite and memorable horror movies just in time for Halloween. The hosts focus on three impactful films that they feel were overlooked by mainstream audiences. May, Ginger Snaps and Teeth are all female-centric blood baths that deserve your attention! Listen to find out what you’re getting yourself into before pressing play on these freaky flicks.    Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina dive into the wild world of the HBO docuseries, Chimp Crazy. After bingeing it the hosts agree that exotic animal owner Tonia Haddix is an instant icon and a very captivating star alongside her fugitive Hollywood chimp, Tonka. This Conversation highlights the complex relationships between humans and chimpanzees, the ethical dilemma of owning a really cool pet and the emotional toll on both the animals and their caretakers.  Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina continue their conversation about MTV reality shows. The hosts had different experiences with some of the most popular shows at the time; Marshall indulged in the glitz and glamour of the Hills while Sabrina was getting crazy and wild on the Jersey Shore. Featuring: Cribs, Becoming and My Super Sweet 16.  Notable clips for your consumption: Forgive and Forget https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqrcLcpHyG4 “Where’s the beach?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avbAICV2SI0 Super Sweet Meltdowns  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLT4_HafcbU Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina slip into the fever dream of early 2000s MTV reality shows. Full of outrageous concepts and harmful stereotypes, the most popular shows at the time were horrific! But the hosts just can’t look away from the trashy car crash. Featuring: The Osbournes, Punk’d, A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila, Next, Room Raiders and Date My Mom.  Problematic clips for your consumption: Quintessential ‘Next’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOA1jCMfSSw&t=3s Gay Episode of ‘Next’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIIpvXBrSOQ Awful ‘Date My Mom’ finale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OM9Ug9jPTE Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina get silly talking about their favourite infomercials from the glory days of paid programming. The Snuggie, Shake Wieght and Shamwow all earned shoutouts, listen to find out which other products the hosts deem iconic. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina continue their conversation about Instagram. They discuss the current state of social media trends, potential pros and cons of going viral and the expectations of highly curated profiles. What do you think the future of IG has in store for us? Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina examine the evolution of instagram. Listen to find out how a humble, location based ‘check-in’ app transformed into the all consuming social media platform that it is today. #glowup  Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina discuss some of the fashion trends that helped make Y2K such an exciting, hot mess. The hosts have a love/hate relationship when it comes to the statement pieces the decade had to offer and they think most will agree that the early 2000s had a very maximalist attitude. Do you think fake tans and the infamous dress over jeans style will ever make a comeback?   Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina revisit their favourite memories of nostalgia. They miss the warm fuzzy feelings of Saturday morning cartoons, scholastic book fairs and video stores but reminiscing about these childhood themes keeps the dreamy sensation alive. What are you nostalgic for? Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina dig into the concept of nepotism in Hollywood, focusing on their favourite nepo babies in the industry today. While many nepo babies are considered to have undeserved fame, there are standouts that the hosts believe are true artists who’ve  earned their celebrity status fair and square.  Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina discuss water bottles. Plastic or reusable? Fiji or tap? Spout or straw? There are so many things to consider when choosing a vessel for our precious H20. Are you thirsty? Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina talk about their epic pride party weekend in Seattle! They analyzed gay pride archetypes, partied with the legendary Lady Bunny at their favourite leather daddy club and danced until it hurt. Listen to the trip highlights and find out which performer needs to sashay away. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina explore the evolution of selfie culture. They reminisce about their earliest selfie memories which predate the iPhone and even digital cameras! Paris Hilton may claim to have invented the trend in 2006 but the hosts Myspace profile pictures could easily disprove this. Before Instagram took over, the selfies stakes were low, there wasn't yet a consensus on etiquette or standards to uphold. Have we gone too far? Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina remember the fierce hold that American Apparel had on them in high school. The iconic hoodies and provocative marketing made American Apparel the hottest fashion ‘it girl’ of the early 2000s but her glory days were tragically short lived. The hosts agree that founder Dov Charney is problematic AF but the impact of the brand lingers despite its controversial downfall. Marshall and Sabrina think it's about time for an indie sleaze revival but right now, it's online only. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

What came first, the acne or the ‘Oil Free Acne Wash’? In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina talk about their love-hate relationship with skin care regimes. They reflect on the challenge of teenage breakouts and the many products that they’d hoped would grant them blemish-free complexions. Very few highschool favourites have stood the test of time, sometimes the most unconventional suggestion will do the trick. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina discuss the concept of ‘Wealth Porn’ and its impact on society. Even those of us who have never heard the term ‘Wealth Porn’ have unknowingly consumed it in the form of social media posts, reality tv shows, travel vlogs and celebrity obsession. Why do so many people worship the rich? Should we reject opulence and start a revolution? Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina revisit popular reality shows of the early 2000s. They ask questions like, were the rewards from ‘Extreme Home Makeover’ and ‘Trading Spouses’ really worth all the stress and drama of production in the end? Yes, ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’ was an iconic, groundbreaking series but did it also help to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about gay men? We’re grateful to Tyra Banks for teaching us how to smize but did she also teach us  that we will never be worthy of the runway? Listen and find out the answer to these questions and more! Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning  Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina discuss the rise of reality shows and their impact on culture as a whole. They touch on topics such as the potential reboot of The Simple Life and the problematic aspects of shows like American Idol and The Swan. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

No, it’s not a joke. In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina try to fathom how the Tim Hortons musical will unfold. The iconic fast food chain is ‘taking a bite out of broadway’ to celebrate its 60th anniversary and the hosts have a lot to say about it. Will any beloved Canadian superstars appear in the cast? Will audience members get to enjoy limited edition timbits during the show? Will the production save the brand or make the restaurant go bankrupt? Marshall and Sabrina ponder these questions and more while reminiscing about the glory days of Tim Hortons. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this bonus episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina discuss the 2024 MET GALA. The opulence, the prestige, the LOOKS! The exhibition on display is “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” and the dress code theme is “Garden of Time”. Everyone has an opinion about this elitist Hunger Games-esque event, do you roast or toast? Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina discuss the word, CHEUGY. Skinny jeans, wide brim hats and ‘inspirational’ quotes are some of the trends that fall into mainstream cheugy territory. If you or someone you know is trapped on the cheugy train, listen to find out how you can avoid getting roasted by Gen Z. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina vent about their ‘pet peeves,’ some of which include: teenagers texting at the gym, pedestrians stretching on the sidewalk and people who call coffee, bean juice. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this bonus episode of Culture Shook, Marshall tells Sabrina about his experience at a Taylor Swift album release party. They discuss the different levels of Swifty fandom including the extreme, sometimes religious nature of her most loyal followers. There is no denying this musicians’ powerful influence. Is she just the beating heart of every romantic hometown girl? or could we be dealing with an otherworldly force that transcends fame… Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina discuss lifestyle trends that they find questionable. Products like tongue scrapers, charcoal infused water and SPF cosmetics won’t leave them alone! They’re not sold and want to know, are you buying into it? Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina reveal some of the unconventional features that they find attractive. Pull up your socks (particularly tall white athletic socks,) this one is juicy. Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage

In this episode of Culture Shook, Marshall and Sabrina discuss the word 'coded’ and its various meanings. They explore the words history and evolution into social media slang as well as the concept of queer coding and its presence in nostalgic movies and TV shows. The hosts also analyze the term 'babygirl’ and debate who really deserves this title in the future.  Music by: Nick D. Frenette & Sabrina Manning Cover art by: Marshall Heritage