Pop Mom
I'm a TV critic. People think I'm pretty opinionated. Then they meet my mom.
Fri, April 25, 2025
Nickelodeon's Double Dare
Mom reviews the classic Nickelodeon game show DOUBLE DARE. John reads listener mail. Mom resolves a case of mistaken identity.
Mon, April 21, 2025
The Truman Show
Mom reviews THE TRUMAN SHOW. A St. Patrick's Day dinner disappoints. A guy at a sandwich shop spills his soft drink.
Tue, March 18, 2025
Your Friend, Nate Bargatze
Mom reviews YOUR FRIEND, NATE BARGATZE. Mom only feeds unsalted peanuts to the crows. A lady at the pizza shop wants to know the size of Mom's feet.
Mon, March 10, 2025
The French Connection
Mom reviews the classic Gene Hackman film THE FRENCH CONNECTION. Mom wonders whether to show up for a wake. Some local ducks crash Mom's crow party.
Fri, February 28, 2025
Flow
Mom reviews the animated movie FLOW. Mom and John discuss checkout-line strategy and etiquette. A famous strawberry costs 19 dollars.
Fri, February 14, 2025
Pop Culture Jeopardy!
Mom reviews the game-show spinoff POP CULTURE JEOPARDY! Mom advises John on veterinarian loyalty. John questions the academic credentials of a famous basketball player.
Fri, December 20, 2024
Die Hard
Mom reviews DIE HARD. John thinks Mom's waiter was stoned. The paper store doesn't sell paper, exactly.
Sat, December 14, 2024
Home Alone
Mom reviews the 1990 Christmas film HOME ALONE. Mom digs into the viral "peelable candy" trend. Only the cleverest mice escape Mom's crows.
Sat, November 23, 2024
Ryan Seacrest on Wheel
Mom reviews Ryan Seacrest's work on WHEEL OF FORTUNE. Mom tries to save a couple bucks on her newspaper. A man at Target causes a case of the giggles.
Sun, November 17, 2024
Martha
Mom reviews the Netflix documentary MARTHA. Mom examines Mattel's Wicked toy screwup. Mom gets a free toy.
Sun, November 03, 2024
The Wild Robot
Mom reviews the animated film THE WILD ROBOT. An online pet-food store commemorates Toast the cat. Mom deplores crummy pencil erasers.
Fri, October 18, 2024
The Penguin
Mom reviews the crime series THE PENGUIN. Mom watches football. The merits of Halloween-themed breakfast cereals are debated.
Fri, October 11, 2024
The Floor
Mom reviews the television game show THE FLOOR. Mom besmirches Chicken McNuggets. The salt-water-gargle conspiracy deepens.
Fri, October 04, 2024
The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store
Mom reviews the manga THE CONCIERGE AT HOKKYOKU DEPARTMENT STORE. Mom remembers her own mother, the Grim Reaper of celebrity death news. Mom is upset about the wrappers on Halloween candy, or maybe upset about the candy itself, it's hard to tell.
Thu, September 26, 2024
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Mom reviews the 1988 film WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT. John and Mom mark the passing of a beloved family pet. Mom recounts her recent shoplifting.
Thu, September 19, 2024
Veep: "Helsinki"
Mom reviews the VEEP episode "Helsinki." John has a bone to pick with the Quaker Oats people. Mom wants to tear down an old house.
Fri, June 07, 2024
Wheel of Fortune: Pat Sajak's Retirement
Mom reviews Pat Sajak's final week on WHEEL OF FORTUNE. Mom ponders whether to bid on her deceased neighbors' belongings. Chaos reigns at the rummage sale.
Fri, May 24, 2024
Fallout
Mom reviews the TV show FALLOUT. Pop Mom celebrates its 10th anniversary. Someone puts their dog on the counter at the post office.
Thu, May 16, 2024
Press Your Luck: The Michael Larson Incident
Mom reviews PRESS YOUR LUCK's Michael Larson incident. Mom hassles the neighbors for not being neighborly enough. Someone at the library stares at Mom's shoes.
Fri, May 03, 2024
Stump The Schwab
Mom reviews the classic ESPN sports quiz STUMP THE SCHWAB. Mookie the guinea pig is laid to rest. John finds money in some pants.
Thu, April 18, 2024
Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office
Mom reviews the British TV miniseries MR. BATES VS. THE POST OFFICE. Mom says she might really be quitting social media this time. Some guy reads the newspaper after his meal. Note: This is a re-upload of the episode after the wrong audio file was posted! Sorry about that! All is well now!
Fri, April 05, 2024
Curb Your Enthusiasm: "The Mini Bar"
Mom reviews an episode of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Mom ate a dry carrot cake. These modern parking meters are just the pits.
Thu, March 28, 2024
The Holdovers
Mom reviews the Oscar-nominated movie THE HOLDOVERS. Mom challenges John to an Easter candy quiz. Listeners share their favorite cakes and their favorite dead pianists.
Thu, March 14, 2024
Dune: Part Two
Mom reviews DUNE: PART TWO. The plow man doesn't want to take Mom's money. John has a run-in at the post office for once.
Wed, March 06, 2024
The Simpsons: "22 Short Films About Springfield"
Mom reviews the classic SIMPSONS episode "22 SHORT FILMS ABOUT SPRINGFIELD." The "good news" about John's car sounds suspiciously like bad news. Mom traces the origins of the TV show M*A*S*H.
Fri, February 23, 2024
Bluey
Mom reviews the Australian cartoon BLUEY. An ATM's welcome screen gets too personal for Mom's taste. Mom expresses her fondness for googly eyes.
Fri, February 16, 2024
Richard Osman's House of Games
Mom reviews the gentle U.K. quizzer RICHARD OSMAN'S HOUSE OF GAMES. Mom reviews her favorite commercials from THE SUPER BOWL. John learns who RFK Jr.'s wife is.
Thu, February 08, 2024
The Princess Bride
Mom reviews THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Mom boycotts the local post office. John wilts under the heat of Mom's book club politics. Listeners are invited to submit their opinions on cake.
Fri, February 02, 2024
Only Connect
Mom reviews the British quiz show ONLY CONNECT. Mom reviews the sports YouTuber JOMBOY MEDIA. John learns about metamorphosis.
Fri, January 26, 2024
Barbie
Mom reviews the famous movie BARBIE. Mom's local grocery store catches fire. A ski lift ride is the social event of the season.
Sat, January 20, 2024
Airplane!
Mom reviews the classic comedy movie AIRPLANE!. Mom critiques a sports announcer on his Instagram. Mom finds paper on Craigslist.
Thu, January 11, 2024
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Mom reviews THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR. Mom leaves a spoiled roast out on the lawn. Mom won't help pay for a new fence.
Thu, December 21, 2023
Prancer
Mom reviews the 1989 Christmas film PRANCER. A 25% discount isn't enough to get Mom off the couch. A fence falls down.
Fri, December 15, 2023
Batman Returns
Mom reviews BATMAN RETURNS. A lady at BJ's complains about tomatoes. Mom shares her Chex Mix recipe. Birds attack.
Fri, December 08, 2023
Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special
Mom reviews PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL. Mom violates the spirit of Secret Santa. A listener puts mixed nuts in their Chex Mix.
Fri, December 01, 2023
Seinfeld: "The Strike" (Festivus)
Mom reviews "The Strike," Seinfeld's Festivus episode. John levels an accusation of jigsaw-puzzle cheating. Mom tries to get her crummy clock fixed.
Tue, November 21, 2023
The Price is Right 1986
Mom reviews a classic 1986 episode of THE PRICE IS RIGHT. Mom's sister can't stop scrolling on Facebook. John recalls a potentially explosive McDonald's franchise.
Wed, June 28, 2023
Fred Armisen: Standup for Drummers
Mom reviews FRED ARMISEN: STANDUP FOR DRUMMERS. John and Mom debate Wheel of Fortune host candidates. Mom searches in vain for a candy made from chocolate and potatoes.
Tue, May 23, 2023
The 2023 NBA Playoffs
Mom reviews the 2023 NBA playoffs. Mom accidentally tricks her family into celebrating two Mother's Days. John gets a bad haircut.
Mon, April 24, 2023
Calvin and Hobbes
Mom and John discuss the comic strip CALVIN AND HOBBES. Mom determines that the TSA agents at the airport stole her watch. Mom finds a missing wristwatch under her car seat.
Thu, March 23, 2023
The French Chef
Mom reviews Julia Child's classic public TV cooking show THE FRENCH CHEF. Mom has a long-awaited "meet and greet" with her new doctor. Mom makes a post-office faux pas.
Mon, March 06, 2023
Next Level Chef
Mom reviews the cooking competition NEXT LEVEL CHEF. Mom wonders if she's annoying her friends. John and Mom debate lakes vs. oceans.
Fri, February 24, 2023
Penn & Teller: Fool Us
Mom reviews PENN & TELLER: FOOL US. Mom laughs at Dad's neighborly heroism. Mom investigates her spam folder.
Thu, February 09, 2023
Night Court (2023)
Mom reviews the NIGHT COURT reboot. Mom considers the ethics of a shopping spree. The local post office is engulfed in scandal.
Thu, January 26, 2023
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
Mom reviews the classic soap opera satire MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN. Mom reports on the latest pasta shortages. John gets a box of gum.
Mon, January 16, 2023
Andor
Mom reviews ANDOR. John rides a train. Louis DeJoy loses Mom's package.
Thu, December 22, 2022
Arrested Development: "In God We Trust"
Mom reviews a classic Christmas episode of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. Mom and John play a holiday-themed game of "Would You Rather?". John learns he did not get credit for last year's Christmas gift.
Tue, December 13, 2022
Last-Minute-Panic Holiday Gift Guide
Mom & John share their last-minute gift guide for panicked holiday revelers. Mom pays tribute to a great cat. John opens his presents early.
Mon, December 05, 2022
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Mom reviews PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES. Mom shares memories of a festive light bulb. The shop with the sad pumpkin pie gets another try.
Mon, November 28, 2022
Frasier: "Look Before You Leap"
Mom reviews the classic Frasier episode "Look Before You Leap" (a.k.a. the "Buttons & Bows" episode). Mom has a terrible pie and informs the local pie maker of such. Mom's doctor wants a meet-and-greet.
Thu, November 17, 2022
The Rehearsal
Mom reviews THE REHEARSAL. A substitute postmaster breathes new life into the post office. A hawk steals an old chicken from some crows.
Mon, March 07, 2022
Saturday Night Live season 47 (John Mulaney)
Mom reviews a recent episode of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE hosted by John Mulaney. Disaster ensues after John's son loses his first tooth. Mom once again tells the local postmaster to quit slacking off.
Fri, February 25, 2022
The Golden Girls: "The Case of the Libertine Belle"
Mom reviews a classic episode of THE GOLDEN GIRLS. An old acquaintance buttonholes Mom at the library. A fire extinguisher unleashes mayhem.
Fri, February 18, 2022
Sports Special
For a Pop Mom SPORTS SPECIAL, Mom reviews Super Bowl LVI and the XXVI Winter Olympic Games. Mom provides an update on the cleanliness of the local post office. Mom wants to know what John finds in his spam folder.
Fri, February 04, 2022
TV Word Games
Mom and John mark Wordle-mania by remembering a bunch of TV word games. Mom discovers a book club that actually works. Mom thinks the biathlon is stupid.
Fri, January 28, 2022
Abbott Elementary
Mom reviews the new sitcom ABBOTT ELEMENTARY. Mom has a bone to pick with a local sports columnist. Discord erupts on Mom’s local yard sale Facebook page.
Thu, January 13, 2022
25 Words or Less
Mom reviews the game show 25 WORDS OR LESS. A hero dog saves the day. Mom questions Lay’s new dirt-centric promotion.
Thu, January 06, 2022
The Super Bob Einstein Movie
Mom reviews THE SUPER BOB EINSTEIN MOVIE. Mom and John remember Betty White. John salutes the Christmastime heroism of postmaster general Louis DeJoy.
Wed, December 22, 2021
The Mary Tyler Moore Show: "Christmas and the Hard Luck Kid II"
Mom reviews a classic MARY TYLER MOORE Christmas episode. Mom once again shares her unbeatable Chex mix recipe. John and Mom reflect on keeping memories of lost friends alive.
Thu, December 09, 2021
Kath & Kim
Mom reviews the classic Australian sitcom KATH & KIM. Mom wants to rescue baby guinea pigs this Christmas. Mom wonders why Wikipedia keeps asking her for money.
Thu, December 02, 2021
Succession, season 3
Mom reviews the HBO drama SUCCESSION. John and Mom recount the pies and pitfalls of their Thanksgiving. Mom develops a reputation among local dentists.
Wed, November 24, 2021
Everybody Loves Raymond: "No Fat"
Mom reviews the EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND Thanksgiving episode "No Fat." Mom spies on the Airbnb guests next door. Otters are not Christmas stamps.
Mon, October 11, 2021
Seinfeld: "The Big Salad"
Mom reviews the SEINFELD episode "The Big Salad." John wants to know what makes apple butter and applesauce different. Someone at the library wants their 65 bucks back.
Sat, October 02, 2021
Escape Perfecto
Mom reviews the Mexican game show ESCAPE PERFECTO. Mom has a surprisingly emotional visit with the dentist. John refuses an apple peeler.
Mon, September 27, 2021
LuLaRich
Mom reviews the documentary series LULARICH. Mom struggles to complete her transaction at Jo-Ann Fabrics. A dog barks.
Sat, September 18, 2021
You Bet Your Life With Jay Leno
Mom reviews YOU BET YOUR LIFE WITH JAY LENO. Mom offers advice to a sleep-deprived dog owner. Mom and John remember Norm Macdonald.
Sat, September 11, 2021
Whew!
Mom reviews the long-lost game show WHEW! Mom tries not to laugh through her mammogram. John meets a “compassionate” Michigander.
Sat, September 04, 2021
Only Murders in the Building
Mom reviews the comedy mystery series ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING. Listeners have their say on TED LASSO. The buttermilk ranch mystery is solved.
Fri, August 27, 2021
Ted Lasso
Mom reviews the soccer comedy TED LASSO. Mom reacts to the conclusion of THE WHITE LOTUS. A mystery: Is there a difference between ranch and buttermilk ranch?
Fri, August 20, 2021
Fantastic Fungi
Mom reviews the mushroom documentary FANTASTIC FUNGI. John and Mom pay tribute to the late Sean Lock. John and Mom assess the wreckage of the Jeopardy! host search.
Fri, August 13, 2021
Sexy Beasts
Mom reviews the animalistic dating show SEXY BEASTS. Mom weighs in on the new JEOPARDY! hosts. John pitches his lavatory-based reality TV concept.
Fri, August 06, 2021
The White Lotus
Mom reviews the satirical miniseries THE WHITE LOTUS. Mom salutes the good people of Marshall’s department store. Mom has a berry-picking epiphany.
Fri, July 30, 2021
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
Mom reviews the comedy game show 8 OUT OF 10 CATS DOES COUNTDOWN. Mom laments the sorry state of ice-cream-stand-parking-lot etiquette. John has trouble climbing his favorite mountain.
Wed, May 12, 2021
Mother's Day Special
Mom and John recap their respective Mother's Day celebrations and test each other with a mom-themed pop culture quiz.
Fri, April 30, 2021
The Great Pottery Throw Down
Mom reviews THE GREAT POTTERY THROW DOWN, with special focus on the show’s footage of a flaccid penis. Mom shares a tale of another gender-reveal party gone awry. Mom provides a PSA on the dangers of couch tea.
Fri, April 16, 2021
Casablanca
Mom reviews the classic film CASABLANCA. Mom is disappointed by a “very unhappy” McDonald’s cheeseburger. John recommends the late Regis Philbin for a hosting gig.
Thu, April 08, 2021
Octonauts
Mom reviews the kids’ cartoon OCTONAUTS. Mom gets more than she bargained for while browsing the magazine rack. Mom gets her second vaccine shot, eventually.
Fri, March 26, 2021
Taskmaster
Mom reviews the British panel show TASKMASTER. Mom gets trapped by the UPS bureaucracy. Mom unleashes blueberry havoc at the grocery store.
Wed, March 17, 2021
Derry Girls
Mom reviews the Irish sitcom DERRY GIRLS. Mom recounts the experience of getting her COVID vaccine. The saga of the “chicken farmer” sign is told.
Mon, March 08, 2021
This Time With Alan Partridge
Mom reviews the BBC morning-show satire THIS TIME WITH ALAN PARTRIDGE. Mom anticipates her post-vaccination meal. Mom rejects "foam soap."
Sun, February 28, 2021
Stath Lets Flats
Mom reviews the British workplace comedy STATH LETS FLATS. Mom remembers her meteorologist cousin Bob Kudzma. John doesn't see why he should photograph his roof ice.
Fri, February 19, 2021
The Chase (2021)
Mom reviews the ABC game show THE CHASE. The elderly citizens in a doctor's waiting room raise Mom's ire. Mom wonders why Tom Selleck needs more money.
Wed, February 10, 2021
Super Bowl LV
Mom reviews the televised football contest SUPER BOWL LV. Mom tries not to laugh when a guy burps at the eye doctor's office. John does his Lt. Columbo impersonation.
Mon, February 01, 2021
The Hustler
Mom reviews the Craig Ferguson-hosted game of deception, THE HUSTLER. John explores proper protocol for helping someone find a lost item. Mom disdains televised vomit.
Wed, December 23, 2020
2020 Christmas Special
Mom and John give each other a Christmas-themed quiz. Mom encounters the perils of modern speech-to-text technology. A bucket of tea wrappers forms the basis of a new listener contest.
Thu, December 17, 2020
12 Dates of Christmas
Mom reviews the dating reality show 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS. Mom is confounded by perfume commercials on television. Mom gives the local postmaster an earful, again
Tue, December 08, 2020
How To With John Wilson
Mom reviews HOW TO WITH JOHN WILSON. Mom tests John and the listeners with a Christmas-themed quiz. Mom wonders what she should do with a can of nickels.
Sat, November 28, 2020
Animaniacs (2020)
Mom reviews the ANIMANIACS reboot. Mom bids a bittersweet farewell to the FedEx delivery guy. John wishes the listeners a happy Thanksgivening.
Thu, November 19, 2020
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Mom reviews BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM. Mom explores a regret from the last hours of her own mom's life. Mom breaks down a video of a person in a rat costume dragging a pizza up some stairs.
Wed, November 11, 2020
Remembering Alex Trebek
Mom and John reflect on the life of Alex Trebek. The election results ripple through Mom's corner of rural New Hampshire. An encounter with a helicopter has Mom thinking about submarines.
Tue, November 03, 2020
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (2020)
Mom reviews the WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE revival. John works himself into a froth over Joel McHale's MILLIONAIRE appearance. Mom cancels her subscription to the local rag.
Mon, October 26, 2020
Supermarket Sweep (2020)
Mom reviews the new revival of SUPERMARKET SWEEP. A rogue FedEx driver gives Mom a cardio workout she didn't ask for. The telephone rings.
Mon, October 19, 2020
Fargo, season 4
Mom reviews the new season of the FX drama series FARGO. Mom recalls the time her cat got stoned. John wonders why there’s never been a “Pop Mom-In-Law” segment.
Tue, October 13, 2020
An old episode of The $100,000 Pyramid
Mom and John remember Charlie Siebert from the old "$100,000 Pyramid" show. Mom gets covid price-gouged on NFL-licensed fabric. Winners of the Kit Kat Flavor & Slogan Dual Innovation Contest are announced.
Mon, October 05, 2020
Japanese Kit-Kats
Mom reviews a bunch of distinctively flavored Kit Kat candy bars. Rarely heard supporting character Pop Wife appears as a guest judge. Mom inflames and soothes political tensions in her neighborhood.
Thu, August 06, 2020
Cheer
Mom asks the local postmaster if the USPS is going out of business. John loves dogs, in principle. Mom eats Lucky Charms for the first time. The Netflix television program CHEER is reviewed.
Fri, June 12, 2020
Zenimation
Mom snoops on the neighbors. Mom briefly reviews Disney's ZENIMATION. Entries from the "half a gross" listener contest are discussed and enjoyed by all.
Thu, May 14, 2020
Mom's Mystery Half-Gross
John and Mom check in to share the latest from their lockdown life. Plus: The Half-A-Gross Listener Contest
Wed, March 11, 2020
The Office: "Broke"
Mom determines which character from The Office she would most like to sleep with.
Wed, March 04, 2020
Pete Davidson: Alive From New York
Mom reviews the Netflix comedy special PETE DAVIDSON: ALIVE FROM NEW YORK. Mom offers her report from the front lines of the coronavirus fight in rural New Hampshire. Mom explains her system for choosing who to root for on JEOPARDY!.
Wed, February 26, 2020
Better Call Saul, season 5
Mom reviews the fifth season premiere of BETTER CALL SAUL. John shares the story of his worst parenting night ever. Mom protests a TV commercial for crooked-penis medication.
Wed, February 12, 2020
Lego Masters
Mom reviews the reality competition LEGO MASTERS. Mom recaps her experience of the New Hampshire primary election. John tells Mom about a dumb thing he did.
Tue, February 04, 2020
Super Bowl LIV
Mom reviews SUPER BOWL LIV: the commercials, the announcers, the halftime show, and more!
Tue, January 28, 2020
The Circle
Mom reviews the Netflix reality series THE CIRCLE. John reveals the truth behind Mom’s claim that she was named “Class Flirt” in high school. Mom ponders how to grieve a celebrity death.
Tue, January 21, 2020
John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch
Mom reviews the comedy special JOHN MULANEY & THE SACK LUNCH BUNCH. Mom insists that her high school yearbook title of “Class Flirt” is not “open to interpretation.” Mom examines the ontology of an airline boarding pass.
Tue, January 14, 2020
Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker
Mom reviews STAR WARS EPISODE IX: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER. Mom breaks her new year’s resolution with a trip to Yankee Candle. Mom is annoyed to learn of the phrase “OK, boomer” while watching JEOPARDY!.
Tue, December 17, 2019
It's A Wonderful Life
Mom reviews the holiday classic IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Photographs from a holiday party disappoint Mom. Mom scorns the “politics” of the Berenstain Bears’ quest for a Christmas tree.
Thu, December 12, 2019
White Christmas
Mom reviews WHITE CHRISTMAS. Mom’s effort to replace John’s mugs hits a grammatical snag. A restaurant fails to supply Mom with relish.
Tue, November 26, 2019
Mickey Mouse animated shorts
Mom reviews the library of Mickey Mouse cartoons on Disney+. After a visit to Chicago, Mom reflects on John's many defects of character. John gets in trouble after his son parrots his potty mouth.
Tue, November 19, 2019
The Mandalorian
Mom reviews the STAR WARS series THE MANDALORIAN. Mom’s neighbor is thrilled with her divorce. Someone at the drugstore found a clever way to cut in line.
Tue, November 12, 2019
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Mom reviews a CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING. John tries and fails to clean up some trouble he caused last week. Mom ponders proper booger etiquette.
Tue, November 05, 2019
Untitled Goose Game
Mom reviews the video game UNTITLED GOOSE GAME. To Mom’s alarm, John nominates his mother-in-law for Grandmother Of The Year. Mom explores her affinity for “chit-chat.”
Tue, October 29, 2019
The Politician
Mom reviews Ryan Murphy’s new Netflix series, THE POLITICIAN. Mom confronts John with the dilemma of a hairdresser who failed to wash his hands. The attractions of New London, N.H. are critiqued.
Tue, October 22, 2019
Modern Love
Mom reviews the Amazon Prime series MODERN LOVE. Mom asks John how he would have handled a peculiar encounter Mom had while shopping for souvenirs. John shares some of the listeners' favorite Mom quotes.
Tue, October 15, 2019
Perfect Harmony
Mom reviews the NBC sitcom PERFECT HARMONY. Mom scorns the nurse administering flu vaccines at her local community center. John reports on the state of pinball machines at New Hampshire's Funspot arcade.
Tue, October 08, 2019
On The Road: Apple Picking at King Blossom Farm
A quick, on-the-fly episode this week as John joins Mom in New Hampshire to discuss a local apple farm, our latest listener contest, an episode of SNL that delighted Mom and more!
Tue, October 01, 2019
Bless This Mess, season two
Mom reviews the second season premiere of ABC’s sitcom BLESS THIS MESS. Mom shares highlights from her trip to Colorado. John commends Mom for finally making her car street-legal.
Fri, September 20, 2019
Pop Culture Quiz Time!
John and Mom challenge each other (and listeners!) with a pair of custom-made pop culture quizzes. John cheerfully reports on his colonoscopy. Mom details her efforts to evade New Hampshire motor vehicle laws.
Fri, September 13, 2019
The 2019 NBC Sunday Night Football theme
Mom reviews the new NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL THEME. John and Mom explore the morality of watching pro football. The story of Mom’s friend Marguerite deepens with a new chapter. Mom asks John if he has seen her Dustbuster.
Fri, September 06, 2019
The Great British Bake-Off, season 10
Mom reviews the tenth season premiere of THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF. Mom frets over New Hampshire’s paucity of reliable ear-piercing facilities. John guesses how much one might pay for a giant bag of Brazil nuts.
Fri, August 30, 2019
My Favorite Shapes By Julio Torres
Mom reviews the HBO comedy special MY FAVORITE SHAPES BY JULIO TORRES. John recounts an episode of impotent road rage. Mom frets over her inability to keep up with society’s ever-shifting standards of polite language.
Fri, August 23, 2019
To Tell The Truth
Mom reviews ABC’s revival of TO TELL THE TRUTH. John tells Mom how his in-laws offended him with raisin bran. Mom is rude to people who call her on the telephone.
Fri, August 16, 2019
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Mom reviews the Quentin Tarantino film ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD. John and Mom discover an eerie coincidence in their moviegoing pasts. John and Mom fret over an upcoming Mister Rogers movie that looks like trouble.
Fri, August 09, 2019
Frankenstein's Monster's Monster, Frankenstein
Mom reviews the Netflix short FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER’S MONSTER, FRANKENSTEIN. Mom heaps scorn on her fellow library patrons. John encourages listeners to scream out their car window.
Fri, August 02, 2019
Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, season 11
Mom reviews the new season of Jerry Seinfeld’s chat show, COMEDIANS IN CARS GETTING COFFEE. The debut segment of POP MOM ON THE ROAD brings us to the Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, Vermont. John and Mom make fun of Dad.
Fri, July 19, 2019
What Just Happened??! With Fred Savage
Mom reviews the talk show parody WHAT JUST HAPPENED??! WITH FRED SAVAGE. John and Mom compare notes on cannabinoids. Mom shares her young grandson’s tale of online-gaming woe.
Fri, July 12, 2019
Instant Hotel
Mom reviews the reality competition INSTANT HOTEL. Upon further consideration, John confesses his love for SPIN THE WHEEL. Mom proposes a spinoff travel podcast, POP MOM ON THE ROAD.
Fri, June 28, 2019
Spin The Wheel
Mom reviews the new Fox game show SPIN THE WHEEL. Mom spins a tale of mistaken canine identity. John shares more listeners' advice for Mom's troublesome friendship dilemma.
Fri, June 21, 2019
Press Your Luck & Card Sharks (2019)
Mom reviews the ABC game show revivals PRESS YOUR LUCK and CARD SHARKS. John questions Mom’s desire to inherit the credit card reward points of dead people. Mom shares a conversation with a pet-supply customer service representative from the future.
Fri, June 14, 2019
Catch-22
Mom reviews the Hulu miniseries CATCH-22. John asks Mom not to buy him underwear. Mom shares the story of the Wilmot Ghost Truck.
Fri, June 07, 2019
"Jeopardy! James" Makes His Last Stand
Mom reviews the fateful June 3 episode of JEOPARDY! featuring James Holzhauer and Emma Boettcher. A friendship quandary prompts Mom to ask the listeners for advice. Mom's parcel-delivery travails continue.
Fri, May 31, 2019
Apollo 11
Mom reviews the 2019 documentary APOLLO 11. John celebrates his kids' inability to do math. Mom reports back from the Presbyterian yard sale.
Fri, May 24, 2019
All In The Family & The Jeffersons Live!
Mom reviews LIVE IN FRONT OF A STUDIO AUDIENCE: NORMAN LEAR'S ALL IN THE FAMILY AND THE JEFFERSONS. John tries in vain to keep Mom from spreading lies about him online. Mom critiques local yard sales.
Fri, May 17, 2019
DuckTales
Mom reviews the Disney animated series DUCKTALES. John asks Mom to stop sending so much dark chocolate to his wife. Mom frets over an inane POP MOM review posted to Apple Podcasts.
Fri, May 10, 2019
Gentleman Jack
Mom reviews the HBO series GENTLEMAN JACK. John and Mom argue over who burps the loudest. Mom once again tars the reputation of Dunkin' Donuts.
Fri, May 03, 2019
Avengers: Endgame
Mom reviews AVENGERS: ENDGAME. John frets that he “narc-ed” on a friend’s misbehaving kid. Mom recaps a luxurious baseball viewing experience.
Fri, April 26, 2019
Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé
Mom reviews HOMECOMING: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ. John learns the proper way to eat marshmallow Peeps. Mom complains that a neighbor’s duck-feeding habit has led to “too much quacking.”
Fri, April 12, 2019
Barry
Mom reviews Bill Hader's HBO series BARRY. John and Mom complain about going to the dentist. John punishes Mom's rude conduct toward his son by telling an embarrassing story from Mom's past.
Fri, April 05, 2019
After Life
Mom reviews Ricky Gervais' Netflix series AFTER LIFE. In a first-ever POP MOM TRUE CRIME SPECIAL, John and Mom investigate the case of a Mr. Potato Head stolen from an inn near Mom's home. Mom reflects on moments spent with her father as he succumbed to Alzheimer's disease.
Fri, March 29, 2019
Tea With The Dames
Mom reviews the documentary TEA WITH THE DAMES. John and Mom reflect on their recent radio appearance. Mom accuses John of being an old-fashioned consumer of pastries.
Fri, March 22, 2019
Shrill
Mom reviews the Aidy Bryant-starring Hulu series SHRILL. John and Mom put their own spin on March Madness with a TV game show bracket. John analyzes the mind of a toddler.
Fri, March 15, 2019
A.P. Bio
Mom reviews the NBC sitcom A.P. BIO. Mom recaps her latest post office encounter. Various neighborhood birds are ranked from best to worst. Mom complains about patrons having sex at IHOP. (Note: John’s audio this week has some clicks and pops in it. He has reprimanded the audio engineer—i.e., himself—and apologizes for the distraction.)
Thu, March 07, 2019
The Michael Cohen Hearings
Mom reviews Michael Cohen's appearance before the House Oversight Committee. Mom and John survey the career of Alex Trebek. Mom wonders why there isn't more St Patrick's Day-themed candy on store shelves. (Note: This episode was recorded before Alex Trebek released the news of his cancer diagnosis.)
Fri, March 01, 2019
PEN15
Mom reviews Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle’s middle-school comedy series PEN15. John and Mom wonder why some people can’t just shut up and listen sometimes. Mom explains how to remove double-sided tape from a window. Mom worries that John is offending Floridians.
Wed, February 20, 2019
Russian Doll
Mom reviews the time-looping Netflix dramedy RUSSIAN DOLL. The quality and nomenclature of various Girl Scout cookies are discussed. Mom reiterates her hatred of snakes.
Thu, February 14, 2019
Fyre
Mom reviews Fyre, Netflix’s documentary about the ill-fated Fyre Festival. Mom critiques the flavor and freshness of mass-market donuts. Mom refuses to apologize to John's 3-year-old son. The winner of the Pop Mom slogan contest is announced.
Wed, January 30, 2019
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
Mom reviews the Marvel animated film Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. After hearing about Mom’s unpleasant encounter with a grocery store cashier, John asks Mom whether she attracts personal drama or creates it. Mom offers backhanded compliments to the nation’s TSA employees.
Thu, January 17, 2019
Killing Eve
Mom reviews BBC America’s sort-of spy thriller KILLING EVE and suggests a new sponsor for the podcast. Plus, our listener contest continues!
Fri, January 11, 2019
Bird Box
Mom and John try to figure out the excitement behind Netflix’s new thriller BIRD BOX. Plus, John and Mom both share recent tales of self-humiliation, and we kick off a listener contest!
Thu, December 20, 2018
Holiday Classics: How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Mom revisits the '60s Christmas special HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS and finds that nostalgia doesn't always hold up. Plus, Mom shares her disdain for gift wrapping and explores some less-than-cheerful Christmas memories from her childhood.
Wed, December 12, 2018
Holiday Classics: A Christmas Story
Mom and John revisit the endlessly rerun holiday movie A Christmas Story, and Mom shares impressions from her bus trip to Broadway.
Wed, November 21, 2018
Widows
Mom reviews WIDOWS, the new heist thriller from director Steve McQueen and starring Viola Davis. Plus, Mom shares her shifting opinions of the sports announcer Joe Buck and discusses movie theater etiquette.
Tue, November 06, 2018
Forever
Mom reviews Forever, a Maya Rudolph-starring series about facing the eternity of married life. Also, Mom discuss shoplifting popcorn and other escapades during a week in John's adopted hometown of Chicago.
Tue, October 30, 2018
The Conners
After Mom shares a report on the political madness gripping rural New Hampshire, Mom and John pick apart The Conners, ABC’s “new” version of Roseanne sans Roseanne. Plus: A book recommendation for people who own chairs.
Mon, October 22, 2018
Shark Tank, season 10
Mom and John dissect the irresistible awfulness of ABC’s long-running reality hit SHARK TANK, and Mom relates stories of her sister’s weird friends.
Mon, October 15, 2018
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
Mom and John talk about Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, the profoundly moving documentary about childhood TV icon Mister Rogers. Plus, learn how you can use Jolly Rancher candies to assassinate local wildlife. And more!
Fri, October 05, 2018
Murphy Brown
Mom and John discuss CBS' revival of the sitcom Murphy Brown, supermarket checkout line etiquette, and the perils of dealing with friends' political views on Facebook.
Fri, September 28, 2018
Jeopardy!
John and Mom take a fresh look at Jeopardy!, “Squirrelgeddon” is explained, and Mom makes an unusual recommendation.
Fri, September 21, 2018
Conan
Mom and John mark the 25th anniversary of Conan O’Brien’s late night debut by checking in on his TBS show. Also, Mom shares some farm adventures, and John’s social quandary from last week continues to unfold.
Fri, September 14, 2018
Apple's 2018 iPhone Event
Mom reviews Apple's much-anticipated iPhone keynote event. Plus: An update on the backyard "mystery mound," Mom helps John with an awkward social situation, and memories of an aborted journey to Japan.
Fri, September 07, 2018
Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan
John and Mom review Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and discuss Nike’s Colin Kaepernick campaign. Plus, Mom shares a vexing encounter at the local library.
Fri, August 31, 2018
Disenchantment
Mom reviews Matt Groening's new series, Disenchantment, and asks John to explain Sonic The Hedgehog's worldview. Plus the final post-office license-plate update, an adorable guinea pig video, and more.
Fri, August 24, 2018
Terrace House
Mom reviews the Japanese reality show Terrace House (available on Netflix), shares thrilling tales from the backyard, and asks listeners to help discover the origins of the phrase "chooch my wang."
Thu, August 16, 2018
Better Call Saul, season 4
John Teti and his Mom are back with a review of Better Call Saul, a cooking-show recommendation, a post-office update, and more!
Thu, November 30, 2017
Mom's World-Beating Chex Mix Recipe
It's a check-in ("Chex-in") episode as Mom offers the recipe for her world famous Chex mix.
Thu, November 16, 2017
Nathan For Mom: Finding Frances
The Nathan For You season finale leads Mom to explore difficult chapters of her family history that a stunned John hears for the first time. Also, Mom shares the story of a recent seafood mishap, plus a discussion of dog etiquette.
Wed, November 08, 2017
Mom Runner 2049
Mom reviews Blade Runner 2049 (and the video game Journey, sort of). Mom On Pop's tour of the nation's leading advice columnists returns to Miss Manners' doorstep because John likes making fun of her. John and Mom also complain about Daylight Saving Time and the American health care system before bringing the show back to a place of good cheer with a listener contest for hand-knit socks from Mom!
Wed, November 01, 2017
Home Cooking on a Sick Day
With a laryngitic John too ill to record a full episode, Mom offers up a couple of her favorite recipes for the listeners
Wed, October 25, 2017
Project Momway
Mom offers her take on the 16th season of Project Runway, Dan Savage's Savage Love column, and the cat rescuers of her local fire department.
Wed, October 18, 2017
Saturday Night Mom II
Mom and John discuss the latest episode of Saturday Night Live, mourn John's ill-fated attempt to entertain his son with a Halloween festival, and sing the praises of the Ask Amy advice column.
Wed, October 11, 2017
Curb Mom's Enthusiasm
Mom praises the season premiere of Curb Your Enthusiasm, shares a story from her trip to the New England Aquarium, and observes that Miss Manners probably poops ice cubes.
Wed, October 04, 2017
Momerican Vandal
Mom returns! In this episode, Mom discusses Netflix's American Vandal, updates us on her ongoing struggles with the local post office, passes judgment on recent advice given by Dear Abby, and grudgingly listens to John discuss the pornography he viewed as an adolescent.
Fri, November 04, 2016
Momworld
Mom reviews HBO's Westworld, shares an aquarium story, and critiques the vacation prizes on her favorite game shows.
Fri, July 22, 2016
The $100,000 Pyramom
Mom reviews ABC's new remakes of The $100,000 Pyramid and Match Game.
Tue, June 14, 2016
Captain Amomica: Civil War
Mom pans Captain America: Civil War and tells tales from her recent travels.
Wed, May 11, 2016
Silimom Valley
Mom reviews HBO's Silicon Valley; other discussion topics include armpit hair, pastry-eating neighbor dogs, and tiny feet.
Sat, April 23, 2016
Star Mom: The Mom Awakens
Mom returns to talk about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Nathan Fielder, and a flatulent high school sweetheart.
Thu, September 17, 2015
Tweener: Match Mom '73
Mom and John remember the '70s incarnation of Match Game and then critique another batch of Dear Abby columns.
Tue, September 08, 2015
Rick And Mommy
Mom reviews Rick And Morty and the new Google logo. Plus, stories from her recent trips to Maine and to the Hopkinton State Fair.
Sat, August 22, 2015
Masters Of Mom
Mom reviews Masters Of Sex and Project Runway season 14, and we choose the winner of our "bad road trip" listener contest.
Mon, August 17, 2015
Tweener: What's My Mom
Mom and John remember the classic game show What's My Line and critique some of Dear Abby's latest advice.
Fri, August 07, 2015
Mom And Afraid
Mom reviews the Discovery reality series Naked And Afraid and the Marvel Star Wars comics. Plus, a new reader contest!
Tue, July 28, 2015
Tweener: To Tell The Mom
Mom and John reminisce about To Tell The Truth before they assess some recent advice from Dear Abby's syndicated newspaper column.
Mon, July 20, 2015
UnMOM
Mom reviews Lifetime's UnREAL, the Facebook game Guess The GIF, and incontinent airline passengers.
Mon, July 06, 2015
Jurassic Mom
Mom reviews Jurassic Park, which failed to give her a case of dino fever, and Inside Comedy, the most laid-back comedy interview show on TV.
Fri, June 19, 2015
Halt And Catch Mom
Mom reviews Halt And Catch Fire and Grace And Frankie, which she wishes would halt and catch fire.
Thu, June 04, 2015
Mad Mom: Fury Road
Mom walks into a theater hating Mad Max and walks out loving it. Plus a review of the Fox Business reality show Strange Inheritance, a post office update, and a cameo by Mom's sister!
Wed, May 20, 2015
The Mom Is Right
Mom returns to podcasting at last with tales of a brush with cancer and a long chat about the beloved game show The Price Is Right.
Mon, January 19, 2015
Mom Tank
Mom tries to process a scene of anal intimacy on Girls and offers her taxonomy of Shark Tank entrepreneurs. Plus, a new listener contest!
Mon, January 05, 2015
Last Mom On Earth
Mom shares her most anticipated TV shows of 2015, we pick the winner of our listener contest, and more!
Mon, December 15, 2014
Frosty The Snowmom
Mom and John re-watch four classic Christmas specials (Charlie Brown, Frosty, The Grinch, and Rudolph) to see how they hold up. Plus: a new listener contest, Xmas questions for John, and the latest report from the post office!
Mon, December 01, 2014
How Mommy Saved Christmas
Mom breaks out the rare "double F" as she pans two new network Christmas specials. Plus: Mom's take on Black Friday.
Mon, November 17, 2014
Momterstellar
John loses his movie-picking privileges after making his mom sit through Interstellar, Mom reviews the new CBS sitcom The McCarthys, we pick our latest contest winner, and more!
Mon, November 03, 2014
Anamomda
Mom reviews the best and worst butt-related music videos of the year. Plus: Fox quotes Mom on national TV in a Gotham promo, and a new contest!
Mon, October 20, 2014
Saturday Night Mom
Mom pans the new Fox sitcom Mulaney and reflects on SNL's past and present. Plus: The winner of our listener contest!
Mon, October 06, 2014
How To Get Away With Mom
Mom pans the CW's new telenovela Jane The Virgin, but she's not quite as hard on ABC's new Shonda Rhimes drama, How To Get Away With Murder. Plus: a new contest for Mom On Pop listeners!
Sun, September 21, 2014
Gothmom
ABC's new sitcom Selfie gets an "F-minus" from Mom, while Fox's Gotham fares a bit better. Plus: Mom judges the people in the line at CVS.
Mon, September 08, 2014
A Young Mom's Notebook
Bonney reflects on what the death of Joan Rivers means for women in her generation before the discussion turns to Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe in A Young Doctor's Notebook and a show on Nat Geo about the science of the mundane.
Fri, August 22, 2014
Moms Of The Galaxy
Guardians Of The Galaxy nearly made Mom throw up, and she loved every minute of it. Plus, John and Mom dish about Project Runway.
Fri, August 08, 2014
Mom At First Sight
Mom and John pan a documentary about one man's quest to overcome small-penis shame and delve into the reality-TV madness that is Married At First Sight.
Fri, July 25, 2014
Nathan For Mom
Bonney has harsh words for Comedy Central's Nathan For You, but she has kinder things to say about Mike Sacks' book of interviews with comedy writers, Poking A Dead Frog. Plus, an update on the Great Post-Office Vendetta Of 2014!
Fri, July 11, 2014
momQuest DSV
A.V. Club senior editor John Teti talks to his mom about the inane/educational TV show Science Of Stupid, and then Mom shares her list of beloved shows from her childhood—and John's.
Mon, June 16, 2014
Cosmom
The A.V. Club senior editor's mom, Bonney Teti, discusses the sometimes frightening but beautiful Cosmos, and she assesses the legacy of Johnny Carson alongside other late-night hosts. Plus: Mom's run-in with the U.S. Postal Service!
Fri, May 30, 2014
Game Of Moms
A.V. Club Senior editor John Teti's mom, Bonney Teti, is back to talk Mad Men and Game Of Thrones. Is one beloved GOT character afflicted with Starkholm syndrome? Is Ted Chaough an ass?
Thu, May 15, 2014
Mad Mom
The A.V. Club's new podcast, Mom On Pop, makes its debut as Bonney Teti—mother of A.V. Club senior editor John Teti—brings her critical eye to bear on the latest episode of Mad Men, "The Runaways."
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