Best Idolcast Podcasts (2026)

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Episode 90 1:58:07

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13d ago1:58:07

1:58:07

Part 4 of the M.A.D.E. series, looking back at BigBang's journey to the album I consider the high water mark of K-Pop. This episode covers 2010-2011.By Idolcast

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Episode 89 Part 2 1:21:16

23d ago1:21:16

1:21:16

Scooby Doom of the Nerd Blitz joins the Idolcast to discuss Scooby Doo: Monsters Unleashed (2004) and many other things!By Idolcast

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Episode 89 part 1 1:24:59

3M ago1:24:59

1:24:59

Part 1 of Episode 89 features return guest Scooby Doom of the Nerd Blitz talking Scooby-Doo (2002) and Scooby-Doo: Monsters Unleashed (2004)By Idolcast

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Episode 88 1:34:19

7M ago1:34:19

1:34:19

Patrick St. Michel joins the Idolcast to discuss what's happening right now in J-Pop! We talk the Nene vs BMSG rap feud; STARTO's reboot; the Japan Music Awards, how much I love Cutie Street, and the biggest band on earth right now... Mrs. Green Apple!By Idolcast

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Episode 87 2:06:51

8M ago2:06:51

2:06:51

Monia returns to continue our exploration of the Jossverse with a discussion on Firefly and Serenity and how they changed fan culture. It's a Gorram Shindig! A Big Damn Podcast.By Idolcast

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Episode 86 2:53:33

10M ago2:53:33

2:53:33

Part two of my conversation with Monia, the Exiled Fan, on Angel the Series. We get into seasons 3-5, including a digression on the problems with "Lil Meow Meow" fans.By Idolcast

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EPISODE 85 Part 1 2:20:56

11M ago2:20:56

2:20:56

Monia, the Exiled Fan, returns for a discussion on Angel: The Series. This episode covers seasons one and two. We discuss the show, our reactions to it, and why people might dislike Joss Whedon's work. This is part one of a two part series.By Idolcast

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Episode 84 1:59:11

1y ago1:59:11

1:59:11

Part 3 of my series on K-Pop's magnum opus: BigBang's MADE. This episode covers the years 2008-2010, including "Haru Haru," the breakthrough in Japan, and ending with the controversy surrounding "Heartbreaker."By Idolcast

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Episode 83 1:38:45

1y ago1:38:45

1:38:45

Monia the Exiled Fan joins me to discuss modern fandom and the state of the industry, along with the life and tragic early death of Liam Payne.By Idolcast

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Episode 82 1:56:43

1+ y ago1:56:43

1:56:43

Patrick returns to discuss two classic 1980s movies: "They All Laughed" and "Star 80." The common thread is the late Dorothy Stratten. We discuss her cinematic footprint, as well as her literary footprint in "The Killing of the Unicorn." Middle aged fantasy or true love?By Idolcast

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Episode 81 2:18:54

1+ y ago2:18:54

2:18:54

I'm joined by Doom from The Nerd Blitz to discuss the 1980 sci-fi film "Galaxina." The movie starred the late Playboy Playmate Dorothy R. Stratten and we get into my theory that Playboy Playmates are about as close to idols as we ever got in America. Warning: We do get a bit spicy in our conversation in places so if discussion (and jokes) about sex…

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Episode 80 Part 2 2:28:49

1+ y ago2:28:49

2:28:49

Part of the Buffy Rewatch Project with Monia the Exiled Fan. We get deep into our mixed feelings on Seasons 6 and 7.By Idolcast

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Episode 80 Part 1 2:35:39

1+ y ago2:35:39

2:35:39

Part 1 of Part 2 of the Buffy Rewatch Project with special guest Monia! If you haven't listened to Episode 75 (Enter the Buffyverse) where we discuss Seasons 1-3 you might want to do that first. Or not! Join us as we dive deep into BTVS Seasons 4-7.By Idolcast

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Episode 79 3:43:44

1+ y ago3:43:44

3:43:44

First time Idolcast guest Patrick joins me today to talk about the Mamas & the Papas, one of the great 60s rock acts. We get into their history, the groundbreaking Monterey Pop Festival, and much, much more!By Idolcast

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Episode 78 1:09:42

1+ y ago1:09:42

1:09:42

Zach Langley Chi Chi returns to discuss the 1988 forgotten classic "Tokyo Pop," written and directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).By Idolcast

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Episode 77 1:35:20

1+ y ago1:35:20

1:35:20

Patrick St. Michel (https://mbmelodies.substack.com/) returns to the Idolcast to discuss what's happening in Japanese music right now. We get into the response to J-pop at Coachella, Hatsune Miku and the divide in vocaloid music, and who is buying all those CDs...By Idolcast

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Episode 76 1:45:31

1+ y ago1:45:31

1:45:31

In this episode, Kelly returns to discuss Rain's Hollywood moment: Speed Racer (2008) and Ninja Assassin (2009)!By Idolcast

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Episode 75 3:19:21

1+ y ago3:19:21

3:19:21

Monia joins me for this Very Special episode discussing "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" seasons one through three!By Idolcast

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Episode 74 2:22:27

2y ago2:22:27

2:22:27

I'm joined by the Exiled Fan to discuss the Beatles Cinematic Universe and the transformation of the Beatles from a rock band to an IP.By Idolcast

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Episode 73 2:05:44

2y ago2:05:44

2:05:44

Part 2 of my series on K-Pop's magnum opus: BigBang's MADE. This episode covers the years 2006-2008, including the initial run of singles and ending with the controversy surrounding "Lies."By Idolcast

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Episode 72 1:17:58

2y ago1:17:58

1:17:58

Part one of a deep dive into BigBang's K-Pop masterpiece: MADE. This episode looks at the origins of YG Entertainment and the beginnings of the hip-hop and rap scene in Korea.By Idolcast

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Episode 71 2:05:50

2y ago2:05:50

2:05:50

Friend of the pod Vera returns for a blockbuster episode heading BACK TO THE BEACH to discuss real life Disney Princess Annette Funicello and the Beach Party movies of the 1960s.By Idolcast

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Episode 70 1:51:22

2y ago1:51:22

1:51:22

I'm joined by idol expert Patrick Galbraith to discuss the scandal at the Agency Formerly Known as Johnny's & Associates and the good and bad of being an idol fan.By Idolcast

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Episode 69 NICE 2:28:31

2y ago2:28:31

2:28:31

In this extra nice episode of the Idolcast, I bring on a baby A.B.C-Z fan to discuss THE GREATEST IDOL GROUP OF ALL TIME in advance of their final release as a five member unit. We discuss the group and go through some of our favorite songs. Links to performance videos will be in the show notes on my website!…

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Episode 68 2:05:50

2y ago2:05:50

2:05:50

K-Pop Book Club reads Jessica Jung's Shine and Bright! I bring on Old R of the K-Pop Sunbaes and previous guest Ellie to discuss Jessica's story, S.M. Entertainment, the inner workings of K-Pop, and much, much more!By Idolcast

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Episode 67 1:42:14

2y ago1:42:14

1:42:14

"Alice in Japanese Wonderlands" with Amanda Kennell is the topic today! We discuss Alice in Wonderland and her history and many, many adaptations in Japan.By Idolcast

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Episode 66 2:40:40

2y ago2:40:40

2:40:40

Four time returning champion Brigit is back to discuss one of the most tedious books on idols I've encountered: Idol Burning! We go deep into the novel, what it means to stan, our experiences in fandom, and much, much more!By Idolcast

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Episode 65 1:27:28

2+ y ago1:27:28

1:27:28

My guest is Zach Langley Chi Chi of "I'm So Popular" and we discuss the great Sawada Kenji aka "Julie" and the 1979 classic "The Man Who Stole the Sun."By Idolcast

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Episode 64 2:32:37

2+ y ago2:32:37

2:32:37

I bring back Jessica the Ninety One fan from episode 53 for a Super Duper BLOCKBUSTER review of the Kazakh boy band's new album: GAP. We cover everything from Adorkable to the protests in Zhanaozen and back again. Fan chants, villains, and an independent idol group just trying to survive in a hostile market...…

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Episode 63 2:02:24

2+ y ago2:02:24

2:02:24

I bring on Kelly to talk "FANTASTIPO," the Brady Bunch cum Lynchian 2005 film starring Johnny's & Associates idols Domoto Tsuyoshi and Kokubun Taichi that has been lost to the mists of time. We also discuss the state of Johnny's & Associates today, Kinki Kids, Tokio, SMAP, Katori Shingo's amazing art exhibition, and so much more!…

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Episode 62 TVXQ 4 2:05:35

2+ y ago2:05:35

2:05:35

Part 4 of the Rise and Fall and Rebirth of TVXQ covering the years 2009-2012, from the long courthouse walk by Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu to the final resolution with S.M. Entertainment 3 years and four months later.By Idolcast

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Episode 61 1:18:58

2+ y ago1:18:58

1:18:58

Part 3 of my series on the Rise and Fall and Rebirth of TVXQ. This episode covers 2006-2008, featuring Koda Kumi (one of the three queens of J-pop), Junsu's dad jokes, some classic J-pop bangers, and the biggest boy group rivalry of the era: TVXQ vs BigBang.By Idolcast

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Episode 60 1:11:12

2+ y ago1:11:12

1:11:12

Part 2 of my series on the Rise and Fall and Rebirth of TVXQ. This episode covers 2003-2005, featuring the state of Korean pop, Bae Yong Joon Fever, and the most popular Korean boy group of the era: SG Wannabe.By Idolcast

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Episode 59 1:06:43

2+ y ago1:06:43

1:06:43

The first part in a series on the rise and fall and rebirth of TVXQ. This is really a prologue to their story, taking you through the beginnings of SM Entertainment and the birth of K-Pop.By Idolcast

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Episode 58 2:13:46

2+ y ago2:13:46

2:13:46

In a special #Pride episode, I'm joined by Vera to discuss the great Kenny Ortega! We get into Shag the Movie and the High School Musical series, why Glee was demonic, and why we loved Stockard Channing's sexual energy in Grease.By Idolcast

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Episode 57 2:13:37

2+ y ago2:13:37

2:13:37

My guest for this episode is Ellie the Girl Group fan and we dig into the differences between J-Pop idols and K-Pop idols; the fallout of Produce 48; what happens when Sherlock fans meet SHINee fans; and I lament what could have been with BigBang at Coachella... plus I shill for my favorite idols: A.B.C-Z.…

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Episode 56 2:22:41

2+ y ago2:22:41

2:22:41

I'm joined by Emily of the Active Faults Substack to discuss Chinese idol fandom dramas, the canon of global BL, fan fiction, Esther Yi's excellent novel "Y/N" and so much more! Enjoy!By Idolcast

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Episode 55 2:25:44

3y ago2:25:44

2:25:44

I'm joined by Hannah of the Nante Japan podcast to discuss J-Pop vs K-pop, idols, idol culture, and the BBC documentary on Johnny Kitagawa. Please note that there is a content warning for discussion of child sexual abuse. You can skip ahead to about 47:30 to avoid it. We do mention the documentary a couple of times after that point but not in regar…

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Episode 54 2:01:03

3y ago2:01:03

2:01:03

Get Ready to be Boyzvoiced! I bring back the Exiled Fan herself to discuss the cult Norwegian film from Espen Eckbo and Henrik Elvestad. We discuss Boyzvoice, boy bands generally, Scandinavian Top 40, and so much more!By Idolcast

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Introduction to Mohammed Rafi 20:16

3y ago20:16

20:16

Another old episode from my vaults. This time introducing the wonderful playback singer Mohammed Rafi! Please enjoy!By Idolcast

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Introduction to Kishore Kumar 22:56

3y ago22:56

22:56

Reposting this old 2009 episode of My Filmi Mix Tape on Bollywood playback singer Kishore Kumar. Enjoy friends!By Idolcast

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Episode 53 2:32:53

3y ago2:32:53

2:32:53

Jessica Doyle of Singles Jukebox and the fantastic "Ninety One Series" joins me to talk about the Kazakhstani idol group Ninety One. We deep dive into the group, the nature of idols, and what it means to be an idol fan.By Idolcast

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Episode 52 1:08:18

3+ y ago1:08:18

1:08:18

What's the word for when you're both jumping and popping? A look back on the "Avengers of K-Pop": SUPERM!By Idolcast

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Episode 51 1:57:09

3+ y ago1:57:09

1:57:09

I'm joined by Mary Sisson of BlockB.com to talk Block B, the business of Kpop, and much, much more!By Idolcast

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Episode 50 1:10:02

3+ y ago1:10:02

1:10:02

The Rise and Fall of the Hip Hop Idol--taking you from the early days of Korean Hip Hop to today... through an idol lens. Music from Mino, Zico, TOP, BigBang, Block B, and ToppDogg, etc. Enjoy!By Idolcast

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Episode 49 2:18:13

3+ y ago2:18:13

2:18:13

It's the long awaited return of one of my most popular guests! The ex-A.R.M.Y. from episode 24 returns to discuss the end of BTS, their legacy, and the state of Kpop in America today.By Idolcast

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Episode 48 2:35:29

3+ y ago2:35:29

2:35:29

My guest is an academic and researcher looking into Kpop and fan studies. We talk about bullying in fan spaces, Churchism in pop music, the (many, many) problems in Kpop academia, and the lack of serious Kpop journalism.By Idolcast

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Episode 47 2:38:44

4y ago2:38:44

2:38:44

I'm joined by Monia Ali of the Exiledfan substack to discuss her excellent post on joining and then being exiled from One Direction fandom. We get into the weeds on the psychology behind fandom and better ways of being a fan. Don't forget to "treat people with kindness" and "love yourself", friends!By Idolcast

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Episode 46 2:13:25

4y ago2:13:25

2:13:25

Special guest Tokuswag and I dig deep into the connections between Japanese "toku satsu" shows (that would be shows like Power Rangers for the non-initiated) and Jpop idols! We also talk a lot about SMAP! Sports! Music! Assemble! People!By Idolcast

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Episode 45 1:56:58

4y ago1:56:58

1:56:58

David Turner of Penny Fractions joins me to talk about music business, the business of Kpop, and the ways fans can misinterpret both. We pick apart the big question: What are the Big Three, really?By Idolcast