Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke dives headfirst into the intersection of culture wars and pop culture, starting with the now-viral Gold’s Gym locker room incident and how TikTok, Twitter, and the rest of the internet decided to litigate every angle of it. From performative outrage to surprisingly thoughtful commentary, Brooke breaks down how the discourse unfolded across platforms—and what it says about where we are right now. She then shifts into the ever-expanding universe of Sydney Sweeney drama, exploring why the reactions on TikTok and Twitter feel like they’re coming from two different planets. The memes, the critiques, the overblown narratives—Brooke untangles the noise and looks at what’s really going on. Plus! Brooke taps into the latest TikTok trend built around military cadence which is wildly catchy. And of course, she rounds things out with a look at what to watch next, including buzzy new releases like Pluribus, All Her Fault, and All’s Fair. A packed week in pop culture—let’s get into it. This weeks newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/11/10/golds-gym-starbucks-cup-genes-jeans-again-and-so-much-more/

Ethan to provide    Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!    This week, Brooke talks about some of her favorite highlights from the NYC marathon and how she’s paying more attention to marathoners than ever before. And of course there is World Series and the bling the boys were wearing and our love of all things Ohtani. And the man formerly known as Prince Andrew makes an appearance. Because the memes!     Rounding this week out were some poor choices as always this Halloween. And even if she wants to, Brooke can’t ignore the JD Vance/Erika Kirk saga that has the Internet in a chokehold.    Enjoy!   Mentioned this week:   WellisAir Total Home Purification | Surface & Air Disinfectionwellisairpure.com Best Air Purifiers with HEPA | FDA-Cleared | MOLEKULEmolekule.com   Check out my list on Amazonamazon.com   This weeks newsletter:BASEBALL MANIApopculturemondays.com

Happy Thursday you pop culture junkies!   This week, Brooke (who recorded the podcast before Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica) showcases what was unfolding online before it hit. The good, the bad. The ugly. Jamaica is deeply personal to Brooke and she is able to paint a picture of what the island is like.   And then we have Lily Allen who dropped a BANGER of an album. A SCOARCHED EARTH album if there ever was one. David Harbour might be in witness protection at this point.   Grab your headphones and some candy!   YouTube/Live Weather: https://www.youtube.com/live/qitHKtkqN_w   This week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/10/27/worrying-about-jamaica-%f0%9f%87%af%f0%9f%87%b2/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!    This week, Brooke is as taken with the Louvre heist as the rest of the world is. Watch some of the fun TikToks and commentary that has come out of this staggering - and heartbreaking - moment in time.    Brooke also looks at what is happening with the musician Sombr and why everyone online is mad at him. This TikTok famous musician has a young fan base and one of his “older” fans took to TikTok to complain about the experience at one of his shows and how inappropriate his actions could be knowing his audience is so young. And Sombr decided to post a reaction video and well, it’s all downhill from there.    Also, learn all about what GROUP 7 is. We are Group 7s and we are BADDIES.    That and more! Enjoy.    This week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/10/20/jewel-heist-of-the-century/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!    This week, Brooke looks back at Diane Keaton’s impact through movies and style and music. She shares some of her favorite Diane Keaton moments and some of the bajillion reactions of grief by so many.    We also take a look at the growing subculture of STICK NATION which is a bit of good news from around the world. For the tech peeps, we have a breakdown of the newest tech media channel, TBPN and for those wondering why your kids are asking about Mt. Everest, we have Everest Tok.    And of course, we have show recommendations. This week, Brooke is loving: “The Last Frontier” on Apple TV and “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu.    This week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/10/13/this-one-hurt/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. Whether you like the album or bot, you’re likely talking about or heard the chatter. People have THOUGHTS about Taylor Swift’s latest album, “Life of a Showgirl.” And Brooke showcases some of the conversation. The consensus over at PCMoT? It’s a GROWER! ;)   Brooke also talks about the AI video madness that’s only just beginning. There’s a funny pudding trend coming out of Germany that needs some explaining. And a professor and her class at University of Washington have gone viral.    And Brooke saw the new movie, “One Battle After Another” and has thoughts. Those thoughts are that the movie is flawless.    This week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/10/06/its-showgirl-time-2/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies.    This week Brooke (with special guest, Potato) talks about Lewis Hamilton and his beloved dog Roscoe who died over the weekend. The world was rooting for Roscoe and while he lost his battle, we got to see a macho F1 all star athlete, show a very vulnerable side. And we are all there to support Hamilton who admitted that Roscoe was his best friend.    Brooke also talks about Bad Bunny and the Super Bowl and the positive and negative responses to the news. And while the Swifties were disappointed, they will soon forget once the album drops this Friday!    There’s also a little bit of drama around the comedy festival taking place in Saudi Arabia.    Grab your headphones and candy and enjoy! 

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies.    You might have a headache this week so go ahead and grab some Tylenol!  Trust us. Grab your Tylenol.    Besides the Tylenol debacle, Brooke talks about Kimmel and the fall out and his return (recorded before he actually returned) and of course….RAPTURETOK.    Come for the pop culture, stay for the sass.    This week’s newsletter:https://popculturemondays.com/2025/09/22/jimmy-kimmel-the-rapture-nothing-to-see-here/  

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies.   This week, Brooke debated even doing the podcast due to her trepidation in how to handle the assassination of Charlie Kirk in terms of what was unfolding online. But she decided to go forward and give her take on the state of things while also looking at SOME of the social media response.   To counter the heavy, there is light. From the Snack Time Bedtime lady on TikTok to a new trend popping up where creators are actually creating their own shows, Brooke break it all down.   And please check out this week’s newsletter:   https://popculturemondays.com/2025/09/15/rainbows-butterlies/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. On this anniversary of Sept. 11th and the day after a political assassination, we have a little pop culture escapism to help us get through it all.    This week, Brooke talks about her experience at the Oasis concert and why she thinks this tour has become such a cultural moment.    We also have the adorable Coop on a Stoop who is now adored by the Internet (and celebs and brands) and why this series is our new Bones/No Bones.    And for a little this and that we have Becca Bloom’s wedding, the Gen Z meltdown over the New York Times putting a paywall on some of its popular word games and of course, baseball Karen.    This week’s newsletter: COOP ON THE STOOP popculturemondays.com

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!   This week, Brooke, who is just back from Jacksonville, FLA finally addresses the engagement heard around the world. She tells us more about the ring (and it’s JAX connection) and the reactions around the world. We are now on wedding watch 24/7.   There is also an update on the hat stealer from the US Open and the Cardi B trial (she won!) but it gave us so many gifts, and of course, the weighted vest trend.   And lastly…all anyone is talking about right now on TikTok is Netflix’s “Unknown Number: the High School Catfish” which is the most bonkers documentary we have seen in a minute. There will be SPOILERS but Brooke gives you a heads up.   Grab some candy and enjoy!

Happy Thursday, you darling pop culture junkies! The world has stopped as a result of the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce engagement, we know this. Brooke recorded the pod before the world-changing news broke so this covers all the pop culture moments this past week BEFORE the world came to a standstill. And Brooke will unpack all the engagement excitement NEXT week.   This week, we have US Open drama, and Burning Man drama (ever heard of a Haboob?), and of course CRACKER BARREL drama. In fact, Cracker Barrel has since reversed course and gone back to its old logo after ALL the drama. And then of course…then DENIM WARS. Gap wins!     This week’s newsletter:   https://popculturemondays.com/2025/08/25/the-world-has-gone-crackers/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. Brooke is back a whole week since the world stopped with the news that Taylor Swift is dropping a new album on October 3rd, “The Life of a Showgirl.” And she announced it on her boyfriend’s podcast, “New Heights” with a few teasers that literally made the world pause for a moment. From Swiftie Nation Easter egg hunting to every single social media manager of every single brand working overtime, there is a lot to uncover.   Brooke also gives a review of the movie, “Weapons,” spoiler – she LOVED it.   She also goes over the controversy around the Minnesota Vikings and gives a back-to-school lesson on all the new slang/lingo the kids are using.   New Heights pod: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lX9XESvDE   Pop Culture Mondays newsletter:

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!   This week, Brooke walks us through some viral trends that unfold into other viral trends. From women lip synching Hamilton songs and sneaking out of windows, to explaining what a FINAL BOSS is and breaking down The Culture Awards and the song of the summer, “Diet Pepsi”, by Ben Platt NOT Addison Rae. And of course we have the dark sides of pop culture. A woman going viral on TikTok for falling in love with her psychiatrist and turning to the community to talk about it while seemingly in an AI psychosis as she relies entirely on ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude for all her communications and counsel. WOO BOY. We also have a warning about an “energy drink” called Feel Free which seems to be highly addictive. BE WARNED. And Brooke has decided that MAHJONG is the new Pickleball.   PCM Newsletter This week: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/08/11/hamilton-ai-psychosis-diet-pepsi-its-pop-culture-summer/   The Culture Awards CLIP TO WATCH: IN ABSENTIA -  https://www.tiktok.com/@bravotv/video/7535598076484914487?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies!   This week, Brooke breaks down the evolution of the Labubu craze and why we are where we are. From people shocked at their own obsession to the latest trend in high fashion for your dolls. Everyone is doing it, including Gaga. (Go see her Mayhem Ball tour!)   Brooke also talks about the Levi’s and Beyoncé partnership and the seemingly purposeful timing. We have Jesus Christ Superstar. We have Cabaret. We have Hunting Wives. And of course there’s so much more.   This week’s newsletter:   LABUBU MADNESS CONTINUES! popculturemondays.com

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke takes a look at two companies that have made a stir with the public for very different reasons.   First, we have American Eagle’s GOOD GENES campaign with Sydney Sweeney that has been a lightning rod across social media. Lots of hand wringing over the campaign and choice of words and people calling for Sydney Sweeney’s head. CALM DOWN EVERYONE! In an uproar that mainly lived in TikTok and then bled out on Twitter, Brooke gives a look into some of the reactions and explains why. This was ALL so avoidable. But also, CALM DOWN EVERYONE.   Then, we look at the company at the center of KISS CAMGATE and that is Astronomer. They hired Chris Martin’s consciously uncoupled ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow as “temporary spokesperson” for a tongue in cheek video that definitely raised more awareness of the brand but PERHAPS wasn’t in the best of taste? The Internet is divided!   And lastly, the ‘90s are BACK. From Oasis to the Backstreet Boys to Justin Timberlake and some fashion moments…we are back, baby.   This week’s newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/07/28/the-brand-campaigns-edition/

Hi guys! After a little break, Brooke is back with Pop Culture Mondays on Thursdays and the timing couldn’t be more perfect with all of the Coldplay kiss Cam drama to unpack. From memes within memes within memes… This story has legs. But there are other stories and moments and trends to look at from Kolbert being canceled to “c*nty” being the favorite word of GenZ, to the Gen Z stare and the “I have one daughter” trend on TikTok… It’s an action packed Epi!    This week’s newsletter: The “KISS CAM” Edition popculturemondays.com   And please reach out with comments, requests and obviously praise at:   Subscribe@popculturemondays.com

EMERGENCY POD: Brooke came out of hiatus to talk about LA since everyone has been asking her. But of course as serious as the situation is, we also have memes. And we love the memes! For this weeks newsletter: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/06/09/the-inevitable-edition/

Happy Friday, you pop culture junkies! Well, better late than never as the saying goes? Thank you for your patience this week. We had some technical difficulties which prevented us from publishing on Thursday. And while the audio is still a little wonky in areas, it was saved! And I would like to personally thank the incredible Rachel Sklar and Ron Passaro the producer extraordinaire who made this entire thing possible and brought it back to life. I am SO grateful. This was the first guest we have had in a long time so it was so sad to think it would never see the light of day. We have the LEGENDARY Alyssa Mastromonaco who was the youngest White House Deputy Chief of Staff who served under Obama. She is a best-selling author of TWO books, She is the podcaster behind the hit podcast, Hysteria. She is a jam maker. A cat mom. And just an incredible friend. And we get INTO it. We do a little DC dish because we HAVE to, of course. We talk Harry and Meghan. Gaga and Rio. And of course, the MET GALA. Keep in mind, this was recorded before the new Pope so you have to read next week’s newsletter for that. And housekeeping news. We are going to take a little break from the pod while I build up the team and bring it back to life in a format that will be delightful. Stay tuned! Order “Who Knew” by Barry Diller https://www.amazon.com/Who-Knew-Barry-Diller/dp/1668096870 PCM Newsletter/The Royal Edition https://popculturemondays.com/2025/05/05/the-royal-edition/

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke can't stop thinking about "Sinners", the movie you have to RUN, do not walk, to see. Brooke dives into the movie's incredible cultural significance, the cool tech behind the scenes, details you might have missed, and her vision for a "Sinners," the musical. You can see it too, can't you? To avoid totally becoming a "Sinners" podcast, Brooke also has to discuss the hilarious "I'm so hungry..." trend shocking parents all over TikTok and her newest FoodTok-inspired craving, egg flights.    This week's PCM: https://popculturemondays.com/2025/04/28/the-labubu-madness-edition/  The official Sinners Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX9cgnKcytSCK?si=cd0c0aca02ce4f28