Best Pulp Culture Podcasts (2026)

1
009 - Happy New Year Shark Tank 2:25:03

Play Pause

10h ago2:25:03

2:25:03

Happy belated New Year! MJ & Nath kick off 2026 by looking back at their favourite movies, TV, comics and music of 2025. Then things go off the rails when Nath pitches a DC Comics version of Shark Tank and MJ responds the only appropriate way, “Shaddap You Face.” Late to the party, but loud with laughs and full of zest, it’s the Pulp Culture Podcas…

1
Previewing E-Motion Sickness: A Love Boat Re-Watch Podcast 1:01:41

1d ago1:01:41

1:01:41

set sail with its maiden voyage, and we’re not easing into calm waters. In this debut episode, John Siuntres and Franco dive headfirst into Season One, Episode One of The Love Boat, the episode that launched a TV institution and defined late-’70s comfort viewing for decades to come. Joining them as this week’s guest passenger is Margaret Larkin fro…

1
Scene Missing Anatomy Of A Murder 1:06:26

3d ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Today On Word Balloon Scene Missing takes a deep dive into Otto Preminger’s Anatomy of a Murder, the landmark courtroom drama that shattered Hollywood taboos and rewrote how adult themes could be portrayed on screen. Joining me is Chicago radio legend Dan McNeil, known to generations of listeners from WSCR and WMVP, bringing his sharp perspective a…

1
Tim Seeley X-Factor Godzilla Revival TV and More 1:17:22

1d ago1:17:22

1:17:22

Tim Seeley joins met talk about many current projects includng Deadpool, Godzilla, He-Man, X-Factor Psylocke Ninja, and the status of his SyFy TV Show Revival,By John Siuntres

1
Matthew Specktor (Novelist & Screenwriter) and Fred Specktor (Agent) on The Golden Hour, Hollywood Family, and a Changing Industry 43:00

2d ago43:00

43:00

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes acclaimed writer Matthew Specktor and his father, legendary CAA agent Fred Specktor. Matthew's latest book, The Golden Hour: A Story of Family and Power in Hollywood, captures the underbelly of Los Angeles through the lens of three generations embedded …

1
Chris Roberson Enters the Trek Continuum 1:36:19

5d ago1:36:19

1:36:19

On this episode, I’m joined by writer Chris Roberson for a wide-ranging conversation about Star Trek past, present, and occasionally frustrating. Chris discusses his Star Trek novella and his ambitious IDW Comics crossover teaming up the original series crew with the Legion of Super-Heroes, blending two classic sci-fi universes with big ideas and d…

1
Father Of US Pulp Fiction Edgar Rice Buroughs 1:26:26

7d ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Today a discussion of one of the father's of pulp hero fiction. Edgar Rice Burroughs , honoring the legendary creator of Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, Carson of Venus, and a galaxy of other characters who helped define adventure and imaginative storytelling for generations of readers.. ERB was a pioneer in creator ownership of his heroes, and made a…

1
Best of 2025 Trek Author David Mack 1:30:58

9d ago1:30:58

1:30:58

Welcome back to Word Balloon! Today, we’re diving deep into the Star Trek universe with one of its most accomplished storytellers — David Mack. You know his work from the Deep Space Nine episodes “Starship Down” and “It’s Only a Paper Moon”, two fan-favorite installments that captured the show’s emotional depth and moral complexity. Since then, Mac…

1
aw yeah urine review 2025 2:26:58

4d ago2:26:58

2:26:58

A look back with Art Baltazar Franco Scoot McMahon and MeBy John Siuntres

1
Daniel Chabon Editor Of The Dark Horse New Wave 1:10:14

10d ago1:10:14

1:10:14

Powers. Black Hammer Minor Threats, and more. Dark Horse Comics editor Daniel Chabon joins the show for an in-depth conversation about shaping creator-driven comics in today’s industry. Daniel breaks down the editor’s role behind the scenes, from developing pitches and guiding visual storytelling to balancing creator vision with long-term publishin…

1
Paul Jenkins Return To Marvel 1:37:55

12d ago1:37:55

1:37:55

In this episode, we sit down with one of the defining writers of modern Marvel to talk about what’s next, what still matters, and what didn’t quite land. Paul discusses his two new Marvel series coming in 2026, including his long-awaited return to The Sentry, launching this March. We dig into why this new Sentry story feels necessary now, how it bu…

1
Best of 25: Daredevil Panel Nocenti Romita Macchio 1:01:23

13d ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Live from Terrificon, this panel reunites Ralph Macchio, Ann Nocenti, and John Romita Jr. to revisit one of Daredevil’s most memorable creative periods. Ralph sets the stage with behind-the-scenes stories of the handoff from writer Denny O’Neil to Frank Miller, and ultimately to Ann Nocenti, charting the evolution of the Man Without Fear through sh…

1
Best Of 2025 Bob Schreck Editing Batman Green Arrow and More 1:16:48

12d ago1:16:48

1:16:48

By John Siuntres

1
Twas The Night Before Bendis pt 3 1:07:04

15d ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Part three of ’Twas the Night Before Bendis,. This episode is one of those conversations that starts simple and then immediately spirals—in the good way. We get into secret identities. Do they still matter? Do they work the way they used to? Are they essential to superhero storytelling, or are they a storytelling device we’re all pretending still f…

1
Twas The Night Before Bendis pt 2 1:02:34

16d ago1:02:34

1:02:34

More on Bendis and Oeming's return to Powers in Powers 25 for Dark Horse, his Italy trip reuniting him with Ult Spider-man Artist and the co-creator of Miles Morales Sara Pichelli, fan questions anda preview of his Avengers story with Mark Bagley for #800 Part 3 tomorrowBy John Siuntres

1
Twas The Night Before Bendis pt 1 1:08:03

11d ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Part 1 of a three part chat. Mike Oeming and Taki Soma ended up joining us, obstensivley to talk about their new Powers 25 ongoing book from Dark Horse, but we instead did a lot of movie talk, and the threats of AI art. More tomorrow.By John Siuntres

1
008 - It's a Christmas Movie! 2:24:18

13d ago2:24:18

2:24:18

It’s Christmas time on the Pulp Culture Podcast, and MJ & Nath are spreading pop culture cheer with their soot-stained hearts. MJ has landed firmly on the nice list, while Nath… well, let’s just say the naughty list knows his name. Armed with a very specific (and highly questionable) set of rules, they debate the ultimate festive question: “Is it a…

1
Best Of 25 Steve Lieber Metamorpho and Jimmy Olsen 1:57:36

18d ago1:57:36

1:57:36

As we look back at some of the very best conversations of 2025, there was no way I could leave this one out. One of the standout talks of the year comes from an artist whose work consistently blends sharp storytelling, inventive visuals, and genuine heart. From Whiteout to Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen, Steve Lieber has proven time and again that he’s…

1
Scene Missing Mike North 1:15:42

13d ago1:15:42

1:15:42

My Buddy chicago rado legend and my forer partner Mike North joins me for some movie talk about old HollywoodBy John Siuntres

1
Batman The JLA and Santa Silent Knight pt 2 1:10:52

20d ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Once upon a time in the DC Universe, Santa Claus wasn’t just slipping down chimneys… he was training Batman and battling monsters with the world’s greatest heroes. And now in Jeff Parker’s wild 2024 yuletide epic, Santa Claus isn’t just on the nice list — he’s in the Justice League’s corner as the entire DCU faces supernatural threats and a mysteri…

1
Batman and Santa Silent Knight pt 1 1:13:01

21d ago1:13:01

1:13:01

Welcome to Word Balloon, the podcast that dives deep into the art and craft behind the comics you love. In today’s festive yet fierce chapter of the DC Universe, we’re exploring one of the most delightfully unexpected team-ups in comics history. Imagine the Dark Knight of Gotham City — brooding on rooftops, stalking shadows… now pair him with a man…

1
Scene Missing Burl Ives Rudolph's Snowman 1:23:39

22d ago1:23:39

1:23:39

Welcome back to Scene Missing, the show where we dig past the highlight reels and get into the real story. This time, Gabriel Hardman, Ian Brill, and I take a hard, unsentimental look at the career of Burl Ives—a performer whose legacy is far bigger, messier, and more complicated than the warm baritone most people remember. We start with the role t…

1
WB best of 2025 Andy Mangels 2:20:40

23d ago2:20:40

2:20:40

Today on Word Balloon, a best of talk with writer, producer, and comics industry fixture Andy Mangels It's a vital conversation about breaking barriers in geek culture. In this episode, Andy opens up about his experiences as an openly gay creator working in comics, television, animation, and fandom — how he navigated an industry that wasn’t always …

1
aw yeah xmas special 1:37:37

18d ago1:37:37

1:37:37

the beatles meet star wars, rankin bass xmas specials, and why are the avenger doomsday trailers locked into avatar screenings?By John Siuntres

1
007 - King TMNT Bond'ing 1:59:57

23d ago1:59:57

1:59:57

MJ & Nath hit Episode 007 in style, talking all things James Bond while somehow ending up partying with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. There’s plenty of Stephen King chat with the lights on for MJ & a bold attempt to rank the Top 20 Heroes of the DC Universe, with some disappointment guaranteed. Big heroes, bigger opinions and zero licence to be…

1
Josh Trujillo sends The FF To The Planet Of The Apes 1:10:39

22d ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Josh Trujillo talk about the upcoming marvel crossover the planet of the apes versus the fantastic four . you can tell from our talk he's done his homework on both sides we also discuss his dc go digital comiic about aquaman in the D Sea universe.By John Siuntres

1
Jon M. Chu (Director, Producer, & Screenwriter) on Wicked, Casting Elphaba and Glinda, and Defending Cinema 57:23

20d ago57:23

57:23

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes Jon M. Chu on the opening day of Wicked: For Good, a film that generated exciting audience reactions during test screenings. From his family's Chinese restaurant in Silicon Valley to directing one of the most anticipated musicals in Hollywood history, J…

1
Mr. Skin on the State of Movies, TV, and the Top 10 of 2025 1:05:03

26d ago1:05:03

1:05:03

On this episode of Word Balloon, I sit down with pop-culture archivist and entrepreneur Mr. Skin for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of MrSkin.com and the state of movies and television in 2025. Mr. Skin breaks down how his site has adapted in the streaming era, what sets true curation apart from casual online searching, and how aud…

1
Ed Catto Talks Adam West and Retro Fan Magazine 1:16:52

27d ago1:16:52

1:16:52

Today on Word Balloon, I’m joined by Ed Catto, Editor-in-Chief of Retro Fan Magazine, a publication dedicated to celebrating the movies, television, comics, and pop culture that shaped generations. We’re talking about the latest issue of Retro Fan, which is packed with deep-dive features and thoughtful retrospectives — including a look back at Adam…

1
Chaim Gingold, "Building SimCity: How to Put the World in a Machine" (MIT Press, 2024) 20:31

22d ago20:31

20:31

Building SimCity explores the history of computer simulation by chronicling one of the most influential simulation games ever made: SimCity. As author Chaim Gingold explains, Will Wright, the visionary designer behind the urban planning game, created SimCity in part to learn about cities, appropriating ideas from traditions in which computers are u…

1
Anthony Snyder Bets On Comics 1:14:28

28d ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Today on Word Balloon, I’m joined by Anthony Snyder — the son of the legendary sports broadcaster Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, and the owner of AnthonysComicBookArt.com, one of the most respected destinations for original comic book art collectors. Anthony talks about growing up around the larger-than-life world of sports media, what it was like being…

1
WB Best of 2025 Bryan Hitch Pt2 1:17:13

29d ago1:17:13

1:17:13

On this episode of Word Balloon, host John Siuntres continues his in-depth conversation with acclaimed artist Bryan Hitch in Part Two, focusing squarely on Superman, Lex Luthor, and the larger DC Universe. Bryan breaks down his visual approach to the Man of Steel, how he balances power with humanity, and why framing Superman correctly on the page i…

1
WB Best of 2025 Bryan Hitch pt 1 1:13:52

29d ago1:13:52

1:13:52

On this episode of Word Balloon, host John Siuntres kicks off a wide-ranging conversation with legendary artist Bryan Hitch in Part One of an in-depth interview covering his career past, present, and future. Bryan talks about his creator-owned series Redcoat, the ideas and influences behind The Authority, and how those books helped redefine widescr…

1
Olan Soule: The Forgotten Knight of Batman Voice Actors 1:23:39

30d ago1:23:39

1:23:39

Today on Word Balloon, we’re diving into the legacy of Olan Soule — the original animated Batman — and the long, fascinating TV career that made him a cornerstone of early superhero entertainment. And there’s no better guide for this conversation than our guest, Dan Pasternack. Dan is one of the great archivists and historians of television comedy …

1
Jeremy Adams Talks DC KO and more 1:16:06

1M ago1:16:06

1:16:06

A new talk with writer Jeremy Adams — digging into his personal takes on Flash Gordon, Green Lantern, and Aquaman, and what draws him to (and challenges him about) each iconic mythos. They get into how classic pulp energy, cosmic storytelling, and sea-soaked adventure inform his creative instincts, and how those sensibilities show up in his work. J…

1
006 - Back to the Present 2:00:02

25d ago2:00:02

2:00:02

Episode 6 sends MJ & Nath through time, or at least attempting to. MJ seems firmly stuck in the past while Nath broadcasts from some version of the future. Together they deliver your weekly update on The Mummy 4, dig deep into The Zest & The Review, & challenge the ranking of the Top 10 Greatest Star Wars TV Characters. Sadly, 1984’s Caravan of Cou…

1
Trek Watch Starfleet Academy Teaser Scene Review 2:01:08

1M ago2:01:08

2:01:08

Get ready — on this episode of Trek Watch, we break down the brand-new sneak preview for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, dropped at CCXP 2025 before the official premiere on January 15. We talk about what the clip reveals: the fate of the U.S.S. Athena as it comes under surprise attack, the first look at cadet life, and the ominous arrival of the vil…

1
Best of 2025 Al Ewing Marvel and DC Greatness 2:06:58

1M ago2:06:58

2:06:58

Another great talk from this year with acclaimed comics writer Al Ewing with deep-dives. First into two legendary mythic heroes: Thor and Metamorpho.Ewing explores the mythic roots, narrative shifts, and creative challenges behind modern takes on these icons — from thunder gods to chemical-powered shapeshifters. Deep dives into Norse Mythology and …

1
Fear Agent 20th Anniversary Celebration – Remender, Moore & Hawthorne 1:18:54

1M ago1:18:54

1:18:54

Two decades after it crash-landed into comics, Fear Agent is still one of the most ferocious, heartfelt, and inventively insane sci-fi adventures ever put to paper. For its 20th anniversary, we bring together the core creative team — Rick Remender, Tony Moore, and Mike Hawthorne — for a no-holds-barred panel looking back at the series that redefine…

1
WB 3001 Marty Pasko 2015 pt 2 2:02:39

1M ago2:02:39

2:02:39

Pasko and I continue our wide-ranging discussion on comics, television, and animation — expanding into old-time TV, behind-the-scenes film and show business, and the sometimes surprising roots of comic-book properties. They talk about the portrayal of Wonder Woman — including the editorial pressures and controversies surrounding her early stories u…

1
Word Balloon #3000 – Part 1: A Classic 2015 Conversation with Martin Pasko 1:55:25

1M ago1:55:25

1:55:25

For this landmark 3000th episode, we’re opening the vault for a special two-part conversation from 2015 with the late Martin Pasko — writer, editor, historian, and one of the sharpest, funniest minds ever to shape modern comics and genre television. In Part 1, Marty walks us through the foundations of his career, beginning with his time writing Sup…

1
Best of 2025 Christopher Cantwell pt 2 Crime Comics and 2026 TV Plans 41:56

1M ago41:56

41:56

We discuss Chris's books Out Of Alcatraz from Oni Press , Kid Maroon from Vault, and his upcoming season of The Terror Siler In Black on AMC next yearBy John Siuntres

1
Best of 2025 Christopher Cantwell pt 1 DC Marvel Star Trek and More 57:29

1M ago57:29

57:29

In this 2 part chat, Chris and I talk about his comic book hits Star Trek: Redshirts (IDW) — Cantwell’s latest project, a take on the classic “redshirt expendables” trope from the Star Trek universe. The conversation touches on the creative intent behind giving voice and stakes to characters who traditionally die off quickly, and how this reinventi…

1
005 - Stranger Movie Mixup Things 1:32:42

1M ago1:32:42

1:32:42

Episode 5 sees MJ & Nath sinking their roots into the Upside Down world as they unpack the latest spoiler free Stranger Things episodes. They debut their new segment Movie Title Mixup, where film names collide with wild translations from around the world, and they introduce their very first Artist of the Week. Strange worlds, strange titles and ple…

1
Mike Norton A Dog's Life Battlepug Krypto and More 1:18:53

1M ago1:18:53

1:18:53

In this episode, Mike Norton returns to dig into three big projects at very different stages of his creative journey. We kick things off with Battlepug Vol. 3, fresh off his successful Kickstarter campaign. Mike talks about building the latest chapter of the saga, leveling up the world and characters, and why this volume may be his wildest yet. Fro…

1
Suzanne de Passe (Producer, Executive) on Motown, The Jackson 5, and Building an Entertainment Empire 58:35

1M ago58:35

58:35

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with legendary producer and entertainment executive Suzanne de Passe. From championing the Jackson 5 early in their career to producing Emmy Award–winning miniseries like Lonesome Dove, Suzanne’s career is defined by vision, talent recognition, and bre…

1
Origins Of 100 Bullets w Azzarello Risso and Johnson 1:02:55

1M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

The 2016 100 BULLETS Panel brings together the full creative hit squad: writer Brian Azzarello, artist Eduardo Risso, and cover artist Dave Johnson for a raw, no-BS conversation about their landmark Vertigo crime saga. Recorded live at a 2016 convention, this session digs into how three very different sensibilities fused into one of the most ruthle…

1
Christos Gage on Marvel Battleworld, DC Dark Legion and the Streaming Wars 1:06:24

1M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

In this wide-ranging conversation, writer Christos Gage digs into the creative madness behind his Marvel Battleworld mini-series. A multiversal romp where time-displaced heroes and villains collide. Gage breaks down how he approached juggling characters pulled from wildly different eras and realities: WWII-era Bucky, the tyrannical Maestro-Hulk, th…

1
Happy Belated Birthday Jerry Ordway 1:36:33

1M ago1:36:33

1:36:33

Here's my first in-depth interview with Jerry Ordway, focusing on his legacy in the Superman mythos, his work on the Justice Society of America (JSA) and All Star Squadron, his role in creating/working on Infinity, Inc., and other characters he helped shape — from early creations like Ron Troupe and Gangbuster to newer ones like Cat Grant. Plus the…

1
Aw Yeah Podcast: “The Shoemaker” (Feb 2014) 1:11:41

1M ago1:11:41

1:11:41

In this February 2014 episode of the Aw Yeah Podcast, the boys slip on the boots for a free-wheeling pop-culture marathon they lovingly call “The Shoemaker.” A big celeb name dropping episode. It’s one of those classic hangout sessions where every tangent is fair game and the laughs come fast. We kick things off revisiting Robin Williams’ Popeye, t…