The Pop Docs

2026 has officially kicked off, and the Pop Docs are looking ahead to the movies and television shows they are most excited to see in the new year! In this episode, the Pop Docs begin with a brief discussion of the cancellation of the Wheel of Time television series (with a side of Joseph's mourning concerning the Chiefs' disappointing 2025 campaign). Afterwards, the Pop Docs run down their top five most anticipated movies and television shows set to debut in 2026. There will be talk of fashion, superheroes, and dragons! Mild spoilers may abound.Introduction: 0:00-2:05Wheel of Time Discussion: 2:06-6:09The Pop Docs' Top Five Lists: 6:10-40:18Books We Are Reading and Bookstore Shout-Out: 40:19-52:00Bookstore shout-out!Liberty Books176 W Crogan St.Lawrenceville, GA 30046https://www.libertybooks.us/Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

The Wheel of Time season three has arrived, and the Pop Docs have thoughts on this new turning. Did Rhuidean meet Deni's expectations? Has Joseph enjoyed Mat's storyline? Listen to find out the answers to these questions and so much more! Book and show spoilers included--free of charge!Introduction: 0:00-6:17Episode One Discussion: 6:18-24:29Two Rivers Discussion: 24:30-45:34Proto-Tanchico Discussion: 45:35-59:20Aiel Waste Discussion: 59:21-1:10:32Books We Are Reading and Bookstore Shout-Out: 1:10:33-1:17:42Bookstore shout-out!Writer's Block Bookstore316 N. Park Ave.Winter Park, FL 32789https://www.writersblockbookstore.com/Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

The wheel has woven a new season for The Wheel of Time television show, and the marketing is furiously spinning out trailers, promos, and posters in anticipation. The Pop Docs are here to discuss the first full scene and trailer for the new season. Hear Joseph's eagerness to learn more about the past! Listen as Deni describes her excitement to see Perrin do something this season! As always, spoilers abound, particularly for the first two seasons of The Wheel of Time and books one through five in the series!Introduction: 0:00-7:50WoT Season 1 and 2 discussion: 7:51-15:14WoT preview discussion: 15:15-23:38WoT Season 3 trailer discussion: 23:39-58:00Books We Are Reading and Bookstore Shout-Out: 58:01-1:09:33Bookstore shout-out!Sunshine Book Co.647 Lake Ave.Clermont, FL 34711https://www.sunshinebookco.com/Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

Spooky season may have ended but its passing will not deter the Pop Docs from discussing their favorite monsters in media! Hear the Pop Docs list their top 5 monster-related media after a discussion of one of their new faves--What We Do in the Shadows! Listener beware, spoilers abound!Introduction: 0:00-1:35What We Do in the Shadows Discussion: 1:36-15:00Monster Media Rankings: 15:01-1:02:00Books We Are Reading and Bookstore Shout-Out: 1:02:01-1:11:26                                             Bookstore shout-out!Wicked Good Books260 Essex St.Salem, MA 01970https://sillybunnysalem.com/Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

The Pop Docs have had a busy summer, headlined on the pop culture front by San Diego Comic Con and season 2 of House of the Dragon. In this episode, the Pop Docs recap the Con and review HotD's second season before diving into descriptions about the upcoming season of the Rings of Power. As always, spoilers abound!Introduction: 0:00-2:45San Diego Comic Con: 2:46-17:52House of the Dragon-Season 2 Review: 17:53-50:56Rings of Power Discussion: 50:57-1:20:32Books We Are Reading and Bookstore Shout-Out: 1:20:33-1:28:44                                              Bookstore shout-out!Mitzi's Books510 Main StreetRapid City, SD 57701https://mitzisbooks.com/Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

It must be trailer season because we have been blessed with a multitude of previews for upcoming movies and television shows. The Pop Docs use the release of recent trailers as a reason to dive into several franchises and share whether they are excited or indifferent for the upcoming offerings. Hear Deni's excitement for Bridgerton season 3 tempered by Netflix's two-part release! Share in Joseph's lamentations over the seeming demotion of novels in the greater Star Wars canon! As always, spoilers abound!Introduction: 0:00-1:50Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: 1:51-8:43The Penguin: 8:44-15:46Alien: Romulus: 15:47-30:16The Acolyte: 30:17-40:22Bridgerton Season 3: 40:23-47:29House of the Dragon Season 2: 47:30-59:33Books we're reading and bookstore shout-out: 59:34-1:10:18                                              Bookstore shout-out!The Strand828 Broadway at 12th StreetNew York, NY 10003https://www.strandbooks.com/Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

Dune: Part Two has arrived! Don your stillsuits and join The Pop Docs for a discussion of Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's saga.  Caution: Spoilers ahead!Introduction: 0:00-7:45Talking Dune 1: 7:46-20:53Talking Dune 2 (Spoiler free): 20:54-25:10Talking Dune 2 (Spoilers): 25:11-1:14:32Books we are reading: 1:14:33-1:17:16Bookstore shout-out: 1:17:17-1:20:51                                               Bookstore shout-out!Second Read Books51 Cordova StreetSt. Augustine, FL 32084Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

Recently, the Pop Docs attended an unexpected showing of The Fellowship of the Ring on a big screen, which they found to be as majestic and epic as it was when it debuted in theaters. Inspired by this opportunity, the Pop Docs decided to devote any entire episode to talking about Tolkien's world. Tune in to hear the Pop Docs wax poetically about The Lord of the Rings trilogy! Hear Joseph express his frustration that The Rings of Power diverts time and resources from The Wheel of Time! Listen as Deni discusses how The Hobbit trilogy is . . . ok! But be wary, dear listeners, for spoilers abound!Introduction: 0:00-2:30An Evening Watching The Fellowship of the Ring : 2:31-18:24Discussing The Lord of the Rings trilogy: 18:25-42:01Discussing The Hobbit trilogy: 42:02-58:12Discussing The Rings of Power: 58:13-1:20:37Books we are reading: 1:20:38-1:24:26Indie bookstore shout-out: 1:24:27-1:27:09Books we are currently reading:Deni: The Fires of Heaven (Wheel of Time #5) by Robert JordanJoseph: Three Axes to Fall (The Grave of Empires #3) by Sam Sykes                                                Indie bookstore shout-out!Barrel of Books and Games403 N. Donnelly StreetMt. Dora, Florida 32757Website: https://barrelofbooksandgames.com/Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

A new year has dawned, and in this episode, the Pop Docs get ready for it by running down their list of most anticipated entries in books, shows, and movies! Hear how they journey from The Mandalorian to a Tim Burton exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City! Listen as they learn about the variation in reality programming! Join them in worrying about the release of The Winds of Winter yet rejoicing in the upcoming second season of House of the Dragon!   Introduction: 0:00-6:17*&\% we found on the internet: 6:18-23:22Looking Forward to 2024!: 23:23-1:02:00Books we are currently reading: 1:02:01-1:08:10Indie bookstore shout-out: 1:08:11-1:10:28Books we are currently reading:Deni: Heat (Dark Kings #12) by Donna GrantJoseph: Three Axes to Fall (The Grave of Empires #3) by Sam Sykes                                                Indie bookstore shout-out!Arty Bees Books106 Manners StreetWellington, New ZealandWebsite: https://www.artybees.co.nz/Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

The holiday season is upon us, and although Halloween has passed, the Pop Docs do not want the spooky season to fade away without being able to talk about some scary stories. Listen as Joseph begrudgingly admit that he likes some horror books, shows, and movies! Share in Deni's excitement over Bridgerton's upcoming third season! Join the Pop Docs' discussion of The Mist -- in written and film forms!*&\% we found on the internet: 8:07Discussion of the horror genre and The Mist: 24:05Books we are currently reading: 1:04:49Indie bookstore shout-out: 1:09:38Books we are currently reading:Deni: Smoke and Fire by Donna GrantJoseph: The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan                                                 Indie bookstore shout-out!Beastly Books418 Montezuma AvenueSanta Fe, New Mexico 87501Website: https://www.beastlybooks.com/Follow us on social media!Ex-Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

The newest video game adaptation has arrived with a flurry of mayhem, quips, and slag—Twisted Metal is here! In this episode, The Pop Docs spill the milk on the Twisted Metal television series debuting on Peacock. Listen as Deni waxes poetic about the Easter eggs that made the transition from video game to t.v. series. Scrutinize, with Joseph, the infrastructure spending in the post-apocalyptic setting. And, for Wheel of Time fans, join The Pop Docs as they discuss the promotional scenes released by Amazon prior to the debut of the second season. As always, spoilers abound!       *&\% we found on the internet (The Wheel of Time): 3:28Discussion of Twisted Metal: 26:51Indie bookstore shout-out: 1:16:05Books we are currently reading: 1:18:20Books we are currently reading:Deni: Passion Ignites by Donna GrantJoseph: The Jade Setter of Janloon by Fonda Lee                                                 Indie bookstore shout-out!Verbatim Books3793 30th StreetSan Diego, CA 92104Website: https://verbatimbooks.com/Follow us on social media!Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs 

Henry Cavill may soon be hanging up Geralt’s smiling sword; however, he has one last season as THE Witcher, and The Pop Docs have seen the first part of this new season! They have thoughts, and in this episode, The Pop Docs offer their reactions to The Witcher as they retell the first five episodes in their own words. Listen as Joseph struggles to remember anyone’s name! Hear Deni search for character arcs from anyone! Assess their respective ratings for the first part of the season! Snark, sincerity, and spoilers abound!*&\% we found on the internet (The Wheel of Time and Twisted Metal): 6:06Recap and review of season three of The Witcher: 20:38Books we are currently reading: 1:35:00Indie bookstore shout-out: 1:38:52Books we are currently reading:Deni: The Shadow Rising (Book Four of The Wheel of Time series) by Robert JordanJoseph: Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon SandersonIndie bookstore shout-out!            Writers Block Bookstore            316 N. Park Avenue            Winter Park, FL 32789            32 W. Plant Street            Winter Garden, FL 34787            Website: https://www.writersblockbookstore.com/Follow us on social media!            Twitter: @ThePopDocs            Instagram: @thepopdocspod             Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs 

Halloween remains months away; however, Universal Orlando Resort announced The Last of Us will be part of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights! In this episode, The Pop Docs celebrate this news by dedicating the fourth episode to discussing zombies in different forms of popular culture. Discover whether Joseph and Deni would survive a zombie apocalypse—according to a Buzzfeed quiz! Listen as Deni opines on the incompatibility of rom-coms and zombie films! Marvel at Joseph’s ambivalence towards Zack Snyder zombie films! As always, beware because spoilers may shamble upon you without notice!Books we are currently reading:Deni: The Shadow Rising (Book Four of The Wheel of Time series) by Robert Jordan; Patricia Wants to Cuddle: A Novel by Samantha AllenJoseph: A Dance with Dragons (the fifth book in A Song of Ice and Fire series) by George R.R. Martin Escape room shout-out! American Escape Rooms-Orlando12074 Collegiate WayOrlando, FL 32817Website: https://americanescaperooms.com/orlandoFollow us on social media!Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs 

Despite the unrelenting elation for season 2 of the Wheel of Time (debuting on September 1st!) that seeks further discussion, the Pop Docs turn to other topics in this episode. They launch into the topic on the minds of every listener--#Scandoval! Listen as Joseph displays his ignorance of the scandal. Marvel at Deni’s explanation of the Scandal and speculate about the upcoming season of Vanderpump Rules. Turning from reality television, the Pop Docs wax poetic about Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, discuss the allure of dragons (particularly romantic dragons), and reminisce about video games of old. This way spoilers may lay—you have been warned!Books we are currently reading:Deni: The Shadow Rising (Book Four of The Wheel of Time series) by Robert Jordan; Hot Blooded (Book Four of The Dark Kings Series) by Donna GrantJoseph: Dawnshard (a novella in the Stormlight Archive) by Brandon Sanderson Indie bookstore shoutout!Country Book Shelf28 West Main StreetBozeman, Montana 59715Website: https://www.countrybookshelf.com/Follow us on social media!Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs 

It is a time of jubilation! Our weary wait for information on the start of The Wheel of Time's season two has ended at last, with an announcement that the upcoming season will debut on September 1, 2023. Since the announcement, the Pop Docs have been doing their best to contain their glee and moderate their anticipation for the upcoming season of The Wheel of Time; however, they devote much of this podcast episode to The Wheel of Time, discussing the article in Entertainment Weekly and the accompanying first-look photos from the upcoming season of the show. Join the conversation as the Pop Docs scrutinize and analyze the newly-released information, speculating on what it all could mean for the second season, the characters' journeys, and how the tear on Mat's cheek can be so perfectly placed. Of note, spoilers are no strangers to the podcast, yet the Pop Docs do their best to limit them to the first season of The Wheel of Time television series and the first three books of the written series.Source: https://ew.com/tv/the-wheel-of-time-season-2-first-look-photos-premiere-date/Books we are currently reading:Deni: The Shadow Rising (Book Four of The Wheel of Time series) by Robert JordanJoseph: The Fires of Vengeance (Book Two of The Burning series) by Evan WinterIndie bookstore shoutout!Ocoee Book Rack125 W. McKey StOcoee, FLInstagram: @ocoee_bookrackFollow us on social media!Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs

In this inaugural episode, meet the Pop Docs: Joseph (a doctor in degree only) and Deni (a doctor in name only) detail their origin stories, describe their fandoms, and explain the genesis of the Pop Docs. Listen as Deni deftly maneuvers from reliving the Twisted Metal game to longing for an opportunity to try the omelets from the resurgent Neopets franchise at the upcoming San Diego Comic Con. Commiserate with Joseph as he is beset by memories of Timothée Chalamet moping around the austere ruins of Arakkis during a lengthy discussion of Dune 2. After recounting the news of the time, the Pop Docs reflect upon and rank their three favorite and least favorite pilots (of television not airlines--apologies to Spirit and Frontier in advance!) before their clinic closes for this episode. Spoilers lurk around each sentence and often amidst every opinion (mainly due to Joseph's inability to apply a filter to his thoughts and opinions).    Books we are currently reading:Deni: You Suck: A Love Story (Second Book in the Bloodsucking Fiends series) by Christopher MooreJoseph: A Clash of Kings (Second Book in the A Song of Ice and Fire Series) by George R.R. MartinIndie bookstore shoutout!A Few Books More520 N. 32nd St. Billings, MT 59101Follow us on social media!Twitter: @ThePopDocsInstagram: @thepopdocspod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Pop_Docs