Best Pop Culture Survival Guide Podcasts (2025)

1
Charlie Kirk and Online Rage + Inside Trump’s Chip Flip + This Week in A.I. 1:13:47

Play Pause

3d ago1:13:47

1:13:47

This week, we discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk, freedom of speech and the terrifying new reality of extremely online violence. Then The Times’s David Yaffe-Bellany brings us inside the blockbuster New York Times investigation into a $2 billion investment in Trump’s crypto company World Liberty Financial and a controversial deal to send the…

1
First Date Horror Stories with BLOO | GET REAL S5 EP5 52:18

4h ago52:18

52:18

BLOO joins this week’s episode of Get Real! 🖤🔥 We’re breaking down the WORST dating spots — from awkward restaurant choices to the worst date activities. The hosts spill their own horror date stories and share tips on where NOT to go for that first date. 👀

1
Kardashians Flop Era? + Addison Rae & Neve from Catfish 17:48

5d ago17:48

17:48

Nori’s Black Book creator Natalie Franklin joins me to ask the question: do we still care about the Kardashians? We get into Kim’s “North is nicer” claim vs. the savage Nori persona, why the Hulu show feels flat, and whether Next-Gen Kardashians (North vs. Penelope) can revive the franchise. We also unpack Addison Rae’s PR friendship with Kourtney …

1
Tattoo Buds’ Survival Guide : Tsunamis, Slow Season, Feelings and Flatulence (EP. 46) TATTOO BUDCAST 1:30:21

1h ago1:30:21

1:30:21

We got a Bud Solo on our hands today! James is back from his Hawaiian tattoo trip and—believe it or not—he narrowly survived a tsunami scare. He’s spilling all the wild details about how he escaped his brush with death. 🌊 But it wouldn’t be the Budcast without some laughs—your Buds dive into food talk, fart jokes, and a taste-test of the latest Fla…

1
After Reality: Chaos, Calm, and Bachelorette Revelations 17:22

2h ago17:22

17:22

In this episode of After Reality, I’m diving into all the chaos and calm of the week — from family life to the latest reality TV drama. ABC just announced the new Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul, and I’m sharing my thoughts on her colorful past, including her Mormon background and her previous domestic violence arrest. I’ll also play a clip from …

1
Are We Past Peak iPhone? + Eliezer Yudkowsky on A.I. Doom 1:12:24

10d ago1:12:24

1:12:24

Apple’s yearly iPhone event took place this week, and it left us asking, Is Apple losing the juice? We break down all the new products the company announced and discuss where it goes from here. Then, Eliezer Yudkowsky, one of the most fascinating people in A.I., has a new book coming out: “If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies.” He joins us to make th…

1
Quick Pop: Tori’s Divorce, Kyle’s Reunion & Ariana’s VMAs Persona 11:47

12d ago11:47

11:47

This week’s Quick Pop delivers a fast hit of pop-culture drama: Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott’s messy divorce filings (and why Tori is Hollywood’s most underrated talent). Kyle Richards and Mauricio reunite at their daughter’s wedding — but is there hope for a real reconciliation? Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s baby timeline frenzy (and the interne…

1
Standard Issue Pizza Rolls: Piercing Myths & Truths w/ Alexx (Ep. 45) TATTOO BUDCAST 1:47:14

3h ago1:47:14

1:47:14

It’s hard to run a tattoo-centered podcast without eventually touching on piercing—and today, the Buds welcome their very first piercer guest! 🎉 Long-time friend and professional piercer Alexx joins the show. With over a decade of experience, she’s here to bust common piercing myths, drop some piercing truths, and share a few horror stories from th…

1
A.I. School Is in Session: Two Takes on the Future of Education 1:11:48

17d ago1:11:48

1:11:48

This week, we check in on the state of artificial intelligence in education. We talk with a co-founder of Alpha Schools, MacKenzie Price, about how her private K-12 schools are using A.I. to generate personalized lesson plans and enabling teachers to spend their time motivating rather than teaching students. Then, the Princeton historian D. Graham …

1
After Reality: Reality Steve Dishes on Bachelor Nation Cruise Drama, Final BIP Couples, Next Bachelor Talk, & More! 31:21

5d ago31:21

31:21

In this episode, Reality Steve and I dive deep into the latest buzz surrounding Bachelor Nation, and trust me, there’s a lot to unpack! We kick things off by breaking down the upcoming Bachelor Nation cruise — from its jaw-dropping price tag to the big names involved, like Tyler Cameron and Jesse Palmer. But with low ticket sales looming, could thi…

1
FIFTY FIFTY on Life Between Cultures & K-Pop Dreams | GET REAL S5 EP4 1:06:22

8d ago1:06:22

1:06:22

FIFTY FIFTY’s CHANELLE MOON and ATHENA join the hosts to talk about growing up between cultures and the challenges that come with it. 🌏💬 From culture shock moments to stepping up for their parents, they’re keeping it real. Plus, childhood memories and trainee stories you don’t want to miss!!

1
Pamela & Liam: Were We Lied To? + This Week’s Hot Takes 25:55

19d ago25:55

25:55

Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson had us all swooning… but was it real love or the ultimate PR stunt? 👀 This week I bring on a publicist to spill the insider tea and ask the big question: were we lied to? Plus my hot takes on: 💥 Kelly Wolfe’s new Instagram + her sudden “treatment center” move 💥 Anne Hathaway tumbling on the Devil Wears Prada set & cl…

1
1 Star On Yelp, 5 Stars in Friendship: With Emily Taylor & Pops (EP. 44) TATTOO BUDCAST 1:52:34

7d ago1:52:34

1:52:34

What’s better than one guest? TWO guests! 🎉 This week the Buds sit down with not one but two tattoo buds from Handmade Tattoo: Pops (the shop owner) and his right-hand woman, Emily Taylor. We get into shop life, coworker dynamics, and even read some of their most ridiculous Yelp reviews. Emily shares how she almost didn’t apply to her first tattoo …

1
After Reality: Oh Honey with Christian & Wendy Long 1:00:28

8d ago1:00:28

1:00:28

On this episode of After Reality, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Christian Long and his mom, Wendy Long, the dynamic duo behind the Oh Honey podcast. I’ve quickly become a big fan of their intergenerational conversations—their charming banter and thoughtful advice always make me smile. Christian shared how he convinced his (initia…

501
Intel’s New Deal + Waymo C.E.O. Tekedra Mawakana on Scaling Driverless Cars + Trumps in Tech 1:02:53

24d ago1:02:53

1:02:53

President Trump announced this week that the U.S. government, in a highly unusual deal, had agreed to take a 10 percent stake in the chip maker Intel, and that he was considering similar investments in other companies. We discuss why Trump cares so much about Intel, what the government is trying to accomplish with this deal, and how people in Silic…

1
Pop Culture Chaos: Taylor’s Ring, Housewives, & Lana’s Alligator 26:54

25d ago26:54

26:54

In this episode of Talk Pop To Me, I sit down with the always-hilarious @jillbadlotto to break down the biggest stories in pop culture right now. ✨ We go deep on Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s engagement — from the $1M ring and dreamy garden proposal to the wildest fan theories. ✨ We spill on the Housewives universe, including what it really takes t…

1
Waiting Mode: Paralysis, Procrastination, and the Great Millennial Standoff 44:11

25d ago44:11

44:11

Ever had your whole day ruined by the dread of a dentist appointment, a brunch plan, or a package delivery window? Welcome to “waiting mode”—that anxiety paralysis where you can’t do anything until the next thing is over. In this episode, Peter and Shaun spiral through the utterly relatable mental chaos of looming commitments, from why a simple pho…

1
Peters Savage Solution Ep 2 (Demonic Cats, Vegan Nightmares & Shower Door Scandals) 32:08

26d ago32:08

32:08

Welcome back to the show where your fucked-up problems become Peter's entertainment. This week's disasters include: a girlfriend convinced her cat is possessed by demons (spoiler: it's just an asshole), a psychotic roommate secretly feeding someone's cat VEGAN food, and a babysitter whose client has mysteriously vanished (theories range from murder…

1
Johnny Vampotna: LA's Paranormal Trad-Dad of Tattoos (EP. 43) TATTOO BUDCAST 1:51:00

14d ago1:51:00

1:51:00

On this episode, we conjure up the ghost guy himself—Johnny Vampotna. Best known as the paranormal trad-dad of LA, you can spot one of his ghostly or Halloween-inspired tattoos from a mile away. But Johnny doesn’t just draw otherworldly things—he lives them. We dive into his career, branding, and spiritual “gifts.” And for the first time ever, we g…

1
After Reality: Golden Bachelor Star Susan Noles Talks Love, Long-Distance & Celebrity Moments 💋 55:55

16d ago55:55

55:55

On this episode of After Reality, I sit down with the fabulous Susan Noles — The breakout star from The Golden Bachelor. We talk about her Kris Jenner surprise moment, her podcast Golden Hour with Kathy Swarts, and what it’s like finding love again in her golden years (including the difficulties of long-distance) We also talk about the beauty of to…

1
Reality Is Optional (And So Is Sobriety at Brunch) 53:55

28d ago53:55

53:55

Is memory just a group conspiracy, or did we all collectively forget how facts work? This week, the Apocalypse & Avocados crew return with a dose of reality-warping chaos, serving up lies, half-truths, and enough shared confusion to make your group chat spiral. Join us for a Monday where brunch is blurry, pop culture is gaslit, and nobody makes it …

1
Is This an A.I. Bubble? + Meta’s Missing Morals + TikTok Shock Slop 1:06:31

1M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Note: This episode contains sexually explicit music. This week, the whole tech world seemed to be asking: Are we in an A.I. bubble? We’ll explore the cases for and against, including who we think stands to lose most. Then we’re joined by the journalist Jeff Horwitz to discuss his blockbuster reporting about an internal Meta policy document that per…

1
After Reality: Molly Mesnick on Parenting, Marriage & Life Beyond The Bachelor 52:34

20d ago52:34

52:34

On this episode of After Reality, I sit down with Molly Mesnick to dive into life after The Bachelor. We get real about the highs and lows of reality TV fame—navigating social media, the pressure to keep showing up in the spotlight, and the challenge of creating a “normal” life once the cameras stop rolling. Beyond our shared reality TV history, Mo…

1
Mom, The Internet Hates Me (Again) 53:50

23d ago53:50

53:50

Wake up, doomscrollers: The internet in 2025 moves faster than your morning coffee, and today it’s your turn in the cancellation queue. On this episode of Apocalypse & Avocados, we unpack what it means to open your phone and find your old tweets trending, your newest TikTok stitched with a sorrowful violin soundtrack, and your mom texting, “Are you…

1
The Breakup Survival Guide with Joan| GET REAL S5 EP3 58:05

1M ago58:05

58:05

Our girl Joan Kim is back! 💔 This episode, she joins the hosts to get REAL about breakups — from the first signs it’s ending to the messy, emotional aftermath. Can you actually stay friends with an ex? Is ghosting ever okay? And how do you really move on?

1
Peter's Savage Solutions (Minisode Series) Episode 1 29:13

1M ago29:13

29:13

Get ready for a ruthless ride as Peter brings the hard truths and hotter takes in the premiere of “Peter’s Savage Solutions”! Why pay for therapy when Reddit (and Peter’s opinions) are free? In this first minisode, Peter and Sean dive into: Gaycation drama gone wild—Ibiza-style Awkwardly honest relationship confessions Partners who pack bags (and d…

1
This Episode Stinks : Ai Robots, Listener Questions & Confessions. (Ep. 42) Tattoo Budcast 1:17:29

21d ago1:17:29

1:17:29

TRUST US, THIS ONE STINKS… LITERALLY. This week the Buds get nose-deep in the world of smells (don’t ask why, we don’t know either). But what really stinks? AI tattoo robots invading NYC’s tattoo shops. Thanks to a spicy listener comment, the Buds also dive back into the messy mentor/apprentice dynamic and why it rarely lasts longer than a stick-an…

1
Dwerk Hard, Play Harder: Season 2 Kickoff 59:12

1M ago59:12

59:12

Vacation’s over and the chaos crew is back—with extra glitter, accidental thirst traps, and questionable Instagram scrolls. In this unfiltered Season 2 premiere, Peter, Carissa, and Shaun go deep on internet dwerking (yes, with a “d”), public indecency, and stories so wild you’ll need a private folder for your camera roll. From gym class drama to C…

1
After Reality: Taylor Swift, Reality TV, 🍑 Summer I Turned Pretty Predictions & a Side of Self-Defense with Daniel Trujillo 1:12:43

1M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

In this episode, Daniel Trujillo and I dive into all the good stuff — pop culture, personal stories, and those little life observations you can’t unhear once someone points them out. We break down the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce phenomenon — her business genius, her songwriting magic, and their internet breaking podcast episode on New Heights. Da…

1
GPT-5 Backlash + Perplexity C.E.O. Aravind Srinivas on the Browser Wars + Hot Mess Express 1:11:29

1M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

OpenAI spent the week responding to outcry from users who miss the behavior of the old ChatGPT, before the latest flagship model was released. We discuss the criticism, why it caught the company by surprise and what it indicates about the deepening emotional relationships that people are forming with chatbots. Then, Aravind Srinivas, the chief exec…

1
The Buds On Trial : Attorney Matt Gomes Explains Your Rights (EP. 41) TATTOO BUDCAST 1:24:44

28d ago1:24:44

1:24:44

Court is now in session! The Buds sit down with Attorney Matt Gomez to tackle some burning legal questions. We’re getting to know our rights… and maybe litigating a few grudges we’ve been holding against each other. This is one hearing you won’t want to miss. Laugh now, or be held in contempt. ----more---- Like & Subscribe to Our Channel: https://w…

1
After Reality: From Playground Tears to Paradise Fears — Freedom, Feels & Flaming the “Bro Code” 18:12

29d ago18:12

18:12

I’m back — and life feels a little different these days! Kids in school. Mom’s got freedom. And I’ve got thoughts. From emotional drop-offs and my dad’s 75th birthday bash to a scathing Bachelor in Paradise rant (looking at you, “bro code”), I’m spilling it all — plus my latest TV binges and must-listen podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv…

1
GPT-5 Arrives, and We Try the New Alexa+ 1:12:57

2M ago1:12:57

1:12:57

This week, OpenAI released its much-anticipated flagship model, GPT-5. We break down what we know about the upgrade, drawing from our initial testing and a special news briefing with Sam Altman. Then, we explain why we were underwhelmed by Amazon’s new Alexa+, which is powered by generative A.I., and take our feedback to Daniel Rausch, vice preside…

1
ROADBUDS: Road Trip, Prescott or Bust series! | Tattoo Budcast Bonus 3 35:27

1M ago35:27

35:27

🎉 BONUS EPISODE ALERT! 🎉 Welcome to Part 3 of our ROADBUDS: Road Trip, Prescott or Bust series! We’re hittin’ the highway and bringing you along for the ride—literally. Hop in the back seat (audio-only, sorry not sorry) as Sanae and Jimmy Jam trade stories, trash talk, and questionable snack choices en route to the Northern Arizona Tattoo Fest. No …

1
ROADBUDS: Road Trip, Prescott or Bust series! | Tattoo Budcast Bonus 2 35:27

1M ago35:27

35:27

🎉 BONUS EPISODE ALERT! 🎉 Welcome to Part 2 of our ROADBUDS: Road Trip, Prescott or Bust series! We’re hittin’ the highway and bringing you along for the ride—literally. Hop in the back seat (audio-only, sorry not sorry) as Sanae and Jimmy Jam trade stories, trash talk, and questionable snack choices en route to the Northern Arizona Tattoo Fest. No …

1
ROADBUDS: Road Trip, Prescott or Bust series! | Tattoo Budcast Bonus 1 31:41

1M ago31:41

31:41

🎉 BONUS EPISODE ALERT! 🎉 Welcome to Part 1 of our ROADBUDS: Road Trip, Prescott or Bust series! We’re hittin’ the highway and bringing you along for the ride—literally. Hop in the back seat (audio-only, sorry not sorry) as Sanae and Jimmy Jam trade stories, trash talk, and questionable snack choices en route to the Northern Arizona Tattoo Fest. No …

1
JAMIE Spills her Toxic Friendship Red Flags | GET REAL S5 EP2 1:04:02

2M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

JAMIE joins the hosts for a discussion on something we don’t talk about enough — friendship breakups. 💬💔 Why do they happen? Can you outgrow a bestie? And is it ever okay to just ghost a friend? We’re spilling ALL the tea! 📲 Download the 'Mindset by DIVE Studios' app (FREE) at www.getmindset.com🛍 DIVE Studios merch at https://shop.divestudios.io/ 🏷…

1
ROADBUDS: Tattoo Summer Camp with Mike Pinto, Adrienne & Tony Carey, Close Out Northern AZ Fest | TATTOO BUDCAST 40 1:14:58

2M ago1:14:58

1:14:58

On this episode, we’re packing up and saying goodbye to the Northern Arizona Tattoo Fest—but not before one last session with some of the realest to ever do it. First up is long-time convention staple, tattooer, master painter, and certified Rad Dad: Mike Pinto. He takes us back to where it all started and gives his take on where the industry is he…

1
Season Finale: Confessions, Chaos & Vinegar Balls 59:00

2M ago59:00

59:00

It’s here—the unhinged, oversharing, totally unpredictable Apocalypse & Avocados SEASON FINALE! We tried to be deep, but gave up and went full chaos: a game with no rules, criminal confessions, surprise guests (who had no idea), and WAY too many niche Easter eggs. Did we get meaningful? Barely. Did we get personal? Always. Oh, and did someone say “…

1
Age-Gating the Internet + Cloudflare Takes On A.I. Scrapers + HatGPT 1:11:32

2M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

This week, we look at the fallout from a sweeping internet age-verification law that went into effect in Britain. We explain why age restrictions are suddenly popping up all over the internet — and how some might create more problems than they solve. Then Matthew Prince, chief executive of Cloudflare, returns to the show to discuss his company’s ne…

1
Outrage Olympics: Taking Gold in Everyday Drama 53:04

2M ago53:04

53:04

Could you win a medal in daily overreacting? This week on Apocalypse and Avocados, Peter and Shaun are letting their inner drama athletes run wild. From waking up annoyed at headlines or breakfast pics, to getting irrationally heated at almond milk recommendations, they dive into 21st-century emotional gymnastics—no actual fitness required. Peter a…

1
After Reality: Trouble in Paradise, Pop Culture and True Crime 19:56

2M ago19:56

19:56

On this episode of After Reality, I cover everything from pop culture headlines to personal moments from my week. I get into the news about Andy Byron possibly suing Coldplay over a viral video, and I share my honest thoughts on the current season of Bachelor in Paradise—let’s just say, I have some strong opinions about the direction it's headed an…

1
RoadBuds Northern AZ Tattoo Convention: Jared Starbard, Samazon & Dalton Elliott | TATTOO BUDCAST 39 1:34:48

2M ago1:34:48

1:34:48

RoadBuds Reloaded – Jared Starbard, Samazon & Dalton Elliott This week, the Tattoo Buds are still kicking it mountainside in beautiful Prescott, Arizona for the Northern Arizona Tattoo Fest—because why leave a good time? In this fresh RoadBuds episode, we wrangle three tattoo artists straight from the convention floor and jump right into the chaos.…

1
This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things! 1:08:09

2M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

Ever find yourself in a heated debate over pineapple pizza, all while sipping a $16 mocktail that tastes like capitalism and existential dread? Same. This week, Peter confesses to rage-Googling cruise ship disappearances, Shaun reviews overpriced lattes with a splash of chaos, and Carissa exposes why self-care is now sold at luxury pricing. If you’…

1
Trump Fights ‘Woke’ A.I. + We Hear Out Our Critics 1:06:20

2M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

On Wednesday, President Trump signed three A.I.-related executive orders, and the White House released “America’s A.I. Action Plan.” We break down what’s in them, how the federal government intends to target “political bias” in chatbot output, and whether anyone will stand up against it. Then, do we hype up A.I. too much? Are we downplaying potenti…

1
Digital Disasters and Strawberry Robots: A Survival Guide 59:42

2M ago59:42

59:42

Warning: Carissa admits she Googled "Dame un grr" for 20 minutes and discovered constipation is now a trend. We're all questioning reality. This week, your favorite disasters dissect living authentically when robots write catchier songs than humans but they're about microwaves having existential crises. We decode the psychological mindfuck of Gen Z…