11/15/2025
A little history about where Popped has been and where it's going:
Review of the Podcast Series Popped
Introduction
Popped is a podcast born out of the creative frustration and isolation of the 2020 pandemic. Conceived by a musician and former music teacher named Daniel, the show emerged while he was working an assembly job that allowed him to listen to podcasts. Inspired by the medium, Daniel decided to create his own show centered on movies and television series that deserved renewed attention and discussion. The name Popped cleverly references both pop culture and popcorn, symbolizing the show’s focus on entertainment that is both accessible and worth savoring.
Background and Origins
The podcast began as Popped Podcast and quickly gained traction through Buzzsprout, reaching multiple podcast platforms. Daniel’s vision was to celebrate fan-favorite and cult-classic films and series, blending nostalgia with insightful commentary. To launch the show with impact, he enlisted co-host Ben Wilson and chose Better Off Dead as their debut topic. In a bold move, Daniel reached out to actress Diane Franklin, who played Monique in the film, and she agreed to appear as their first guest—setting a high standard for future episodes.
Format and Segments
Popped distinguished itself early on through its creative use of recurring segments that kept discussions lively and structured:
I Know That Dude: Spotlighting one actor from the featured film or series and exploring their career.
I Coulda Done Without That: A candid critique of elements that didn’t work.
Trivia: Sharing behind-the-scenes facts and production insights.
Popped Academy: A playful awards segment recognizing the best and worst performances.
The Sound Table: A roundtable discussion with friends and fans.
Let’s Get to Poppin!: A signature rating system using a scale of one to five “pops.”
Initially, the show also featured bonus “Top 5” episodes, where the hosts ranked their favorite films or series within specific themes. Although these episodes received less attention, the concept evolved into a recurring segment that remains part of the show’s DNA.
Growth and Evolution
As the show matured, Daniel expanded the team by adding co-host Tanya Holstrum during the Babylon 5 episode. Her articulate and fresh perspective brought balance and diversity to the discussions. Daniel also introduced the Round Table format, inviting fans, friends, and family to participate as guest hosts. This inclusive approach broadened the show’s community and deepened its connection with listeners.
Notable guests over the years have included Jeffrey Weissman, Julie Caitlyn Brown, Patricia Tallman, Curtis Armstrong, Suanne Braun, Colin Cunningham, Jo Addie (President of INSITE), and Kevin McKeever (Head of Marketing for Harmony Gold). These appearances added credibility and variety, enriching the show’s exploration of cult and fan-favorite media.
Transition to Video and Production Expansion
Encouraged by his experiences with guests like Jo Addie and Jeffrey Weisman, Daniel decided to expand Popped from an audio-only format into video. Having already mastered audio editing, he taught himself video production using DaVinci Resolve and launched a YouTube channel. This transition marked a major milestone, allowing the show to reach new audiences and experiment with visual storytelling.
Around the time of the Joe Versus the Volcano episode, Daniel established Brain Cloud Productions as the parent company for his creative work. This move formalized the production process and provided a foundation for future projects. To support ongoing production costs, a Patreon page was launched, offering early access to episodes and exclusive content for supporters.
The Modern Era
As the show evolved, both Ben and Tanya eventually departed, leading Daniel to partner with Eric Cheung. Eric’s enthusiasm and collaborative spirit revitalized the series. Together, they streamlined the format, removing outdated segments and focusing on tighter, more engaging discussions. Eric’s active participation during live YouTube premieres has strengthened the show’s community engagement, fostering real-time interaction with viewers.
While Popped has shifted from featuring celebrity guests to highlighting friends, family, and dedicated fans, it continues to honor its original mission: celebrating the films and series that shape pop culture. The hosts’ ventures into TikTok, conventions, and other platforms demonstrate their commitment to expanding the show’s reach and adapting to new media landscapes.
Conclusion
Popped stands as a testament to creative resilience and passion for storytelling. What began as a pandemic project has grown into a dynamic, multimedia production that bridges nostalgia and modern fandom. Through its evolving hosts, inventive segments, and genuine love for film and television, Popped continues to “get to poppin’” with the same enthusiasm that sparked its creation.
If you would like to be a guest or send a message to the crew our email has changed: [email protected]
Our website remains the same: poppedpodcast.com
YouTube:
Diane Franklin Yum Yum Podcast Jeffrey Weissman Patricia Tallman
