Socially Distanced

It's Spooky Szn, and Socially Distanced proudly presents its annual Halloween Episode. This All Hallows' Week, we're discussing the 25th Anniversary of the all-time cult classic, Donnie Darko.
Join Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin, "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas, and Pop Break Podcast Director Alex Marcus as they time-travel back to 2001 and break down the film starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Jenna Malone, and Mary McDonnell.
They discuss how they discovered the film, which initially bombed at the box office, and how it blew their collective minds. They reframe the argument to discuss how the film has aged and how much they relate to certain adult characters. They discuss the incredible soundtrack, which included Gary Jules' cover of Tears for Fears' "Mad World," which went on to dominate the US and UK charts in 2004. They unravel the film's time-travel conundrums and show their disdain for the potential sequels being discussed.
In the pre-game segment, Amanda and Bill talk about their Halloween traditions, like watching Disney's Ichabod Crane, listening to scary music, and putting up their decorations in August. Alex, not a Halloween guy, discusses how 2026 has been a great year for film - especially horror.

It's time for Socially Distanced to return to a galaxy far, far away. The pod's monthly Star Wars spotlight is here, and this month it's a double feature as they discuss the iconic animated series Star Wars Rebels, and Solo: A Star Wars Story.

"The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas is in the host seat and is joined by a wretched hive of scum and villainy — Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin and the boys from Don't Tail This - Al Mannarino and Ben Murchison.

In the episode they discuss a ludicrous commercial tie-in between Denny's and Solo, how the Solo would have been a perfect Disney+ series, why Rebels is a tremendous piece of Star Wars content, the careers of Emilia Clarke and Phoebe Waller Bridge, Ben's role in The Hunting Wives Season 2, the iconic Ahsoka/Vader lightsaber fight, the Ahsoka live action series, and why Donald Glover is the perfect Lando.

In the pre-game segment they discuss the announcement of Football Funday - an animated Star Wars overlay of the Super Bowl coming up on February 14, 2027. They stunt cast the players and NFL luminaries as Star Wars and Disney characters.

Oh yeah! Socially Distanced is back in full force as Bill Bodkin and "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas are back together doing what they do best - podcasting and making weird jokes.

This week they head back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe along with Tyler Bishop of The Court of Bros & Spice to discuss the premiere episodes of VisionQuest starring Paul Bettany, James Spader and Ruaridh Mollica. The series finds the SWORD created Vision on the run from the government and having constructed a virtual home for himself with the uploaded consciousness of famed Marvel AI's.

In the episode they discuss Paul Bettany being the lead of the series, the usage of James Spader, who the mystery benefactor of The Paladin is, Lobster Johnson, The Kool-Aid Man, potential tie-ins to Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the best action sequences, and the best Easter eggs laid throughout the episodes.

In the pre-game, they discuss their experiences at New York Comic-Con from cosplay to attendance to their favorite announcements coming out of the 20th Anniversary.

Hello, fellow pop culture enthusiasts!

In this week's edition of Socially Distanced, we are delving into the buzzing world of HBO's hit series Lanterns. Bill Bodkin leads the charge alongside a stellar panel of guests, including the insightful Alex Marcus and the ever-charismatic Kris Ingersoll. Together, they explore the highs and lows of the series and share their unique perspectives.

In the pre-game, the trio react to the breaking news that The Batman Part II has been delayed yet again. They also give their hype level for the new DCU release this Halloween, Clayface.

The Pop Break is celebrating 17 years, and Socially Distanced is marking the occasion with a packed episode spanning Marvel, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and one very big return to the Infinity Saga.

Amanda Rivas is joined by guest host Alex Marcus, with The Pop Break’s Bill Bodkin stopping by to celebrate the site’s anniversary. They also welcome Matt Farley of https://marvelguides.com/ for a wide-ranging discussion about some of the biggest developments coming out of Disney’s biggest franchises.

First, the crew dives into the latest Marvel news. With reshoots reportedly reshaping Daredevil: Born Again’s ending, what could the changes mean for the series finale—and for Matt Murdock’s future in the MCU? The conversation also turns to the planned Spider-Man: Brand New Day re-release, which is set to restore Rosario Dawson’s Claire Temple cameo. Could there be even more surprises waiting for audiences, and could the re-release help bridge the long gap between Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars?

Then it’s off to a galaxy far, far away as Jon Watts and Simon Kinberg prepare to launch a new Skywalker-era trilogy for Lucasfilm. The panel discusses the creative team, the early fan reaction, and what they want from the next major chapter of Star Wars. They also break down the announcement of an Aegon’s Conquest feature film, scheduled for 2029, and debate whether Game of Thrones can make the jump from prestige television to the big screen.

The main event, however, is Avengers: Endgame — Encore.

Seven years after Endgame became a defining theatrical event, the team heads back to the theater to revisit the conclusion of the Infinity Saga—and examine the new material added to the experience. Alex guides the panel through a detailed breakdown of all four scenes, including what impact they had on the Avengers: Endgame experience and what they could suggest about Avengers: Doomsday!

With the Multiverse Saga approaching its conclusion, the group also looks toward the MCU’s future. Are Marvel Studios preparing to move into a full-fledged Mutant Saga, or could the age of neatly defined “Sagas” be coming to an end altogether?

It’s nostalgia, speculation, franchise debate, and more as Socially Distanced celebrates The Pop Break’s 17th anniversary and revisits one of the biggest superhero movies ever made.

Everyone's a suspect...including Socially Distanced!

"The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas dips her toes into the world of Reality TV with Pop Break's experts on all things reality and co-hosts of the Roses and Rejections podcast DJ and Michelle Chapman as they discuss NBC's The Traitors: New Blood. They discuss how the Traitors franchise compares to other reality series Roses and Rejections cover, the decision to go with all "civilian participants" versus including celebrities this season, the Faithful and Traitors selected so far, and so much more. They also dive into the surprising Season 6 casting choices announced earlier this week.

In the pre-game segment, they break down the news that, on October 7th, Marvel will be launching three new titles as part of its new Midnight Universe: MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN #1 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and ScieTronc, MIDNIGHT FANTASTIC FOUR #1 by Benjamin Percy and Kev Walker, and MIDNIGHT X-MEN #1 by Jonathan Hickman and Matteo Della Fonte. Could this be their answer to DC’s wildly successful Absolute Universe or will it be as much of a flop as the Ultimate Universe reboot?

Socially Distanced returns to a galaxy far, far away as they continue their monthly Star Wars 50th episodes.

The series will take viewers from The Phantom Menace all the way through Star Wars: Starfighter in the summer of 2027 with all the films and Disney+ shows discussed along the way.

Hosted, and curated by "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas, this month's episode is a double feature as they discuss Revenge of the Sith and the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. This episode she's joined by Pop Break's EIC Bill Bodkin, and "The Good Brother" Jeff Grettler of theDos Incredibles Podcast. They discuss how both films have aged, how Rebels and Ahsoka have changed how they viewed both films, and somehow they get sidetracked by donuts. This episode dives deep into the soul of Anakin Skywalker, and also extols the performance of Ewan McGregor.

And now for something completely different.

Socially Distanced heads to the theater as they interview David Hudson, the co-creator and producer of The Drunk Shakespeare Society. The company, which has become nationally renowned for their productions of Drunk Shakespeare, will be launching Drunk Dracula at The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, California on Friday September 11. The production will also be performed in New York City, Houston, Chicago, Phoenix and Washington, D.C.

The episode is hosted by Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin and Justin Mancini - a veteran stage action and co-host of the Podelay! podcast. With David they discuss the evolution of Drunk Shakespeare from a bar in New York City to a national phenomenon. They discuss the company's expansion, as well as their Pirates and Christmas Carol shows as well. David discusses what type of performers the company looks for, what type of spirits performers imbibe in, and why they chose Dracula as their source material.

In the pre-game segment, Justin and Bill discuss the films they're stoked for coming to theaters this fall.

Are you ready for some football? Well, you'll have to wait a few more days for the actual football season, but you can listen to this week's episode of Socially Distanced to hear all the football talk as we conduct our annual fantasy football draft.

Pop Break's annual "Michael Bay Cup" is a PPR fantasy football league hosted by Yahoo, and has been one of the most fun hangouts on Pop Break. The episode features Bill Bodkin (Bill vs. The MCU), Amanda Rivas (Anime x Pop), Branden Hilton (House of Bros & Spice), Josh Sarnecky (Anniversary Brothers), Al Mannarino (Don't Tail This), Megan LaBruna, Marshall Stevenson (Blerd Watchers), Ben Murchison (Don't Tail This), Randy Allain (Media/Lit), Kris Ingersoll (Media/Lit) and Dan Cohen (Batman by the Numbers). They discuss their draft picks, bemoan their picks getting sniped, ragging on reaches, popping for ridiculous jokes, and complimenting excellent choices.

In the episode, you'll hear Al and Marshall passionately debate the merits of Josh Allen, Dan Cohen drop his Patriots fandom for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Randy Allain stress out, predictions on the NFC, terrible bets from Ben, and so much more.

In brightest day, in darkest light ... Socially Distanced is here!

Ben Murchison of theDon't Tail This Podcast joins Bill Bodkin and "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas to discuss HBO's new hit series, Lanterns starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre. They discuss their history with The Green Lantern comic books and the awful Ryan Reynolds film and their hype level for the series. They often veer into Early Edition discussions and Bill comes up with some really ... interesting phrases during the episode. Outside of shenanigans, they discuss theories involving Batman, Gotham, Manhunters, The Benefactor and that damn gird bird.

In the pre-game segment they pay tribute to a true American legend, Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week.

It's a rare double episode of Socially Distanced!

In the first half of the episode join Bill Bodkin, "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas, Randy Allain (Podelay!, Media/Lit) and Michelle Chapman (Roses & Rejection) as they discuss everything from D23.

In this part of the podcast they discuss the Ahsoka Season 2 teaser, the X-Men casting news, VisionQuest, the Kingdom Hearts anime, new rides, a distinct lack of Muppets, plus everything from Pixar, Disney Animation, Disney Parks, Marvel, Star Wars, and more.

In the second half of the episode, Randy, Bill and Amanda go back to Westeros for the final time this year as they chop it up about House of the Dragon Season 3. They discuss battling dragons, Team Black vs. Team Green, the best deaths, the worst moments, theories for Season 4 and Amanda's first impression on the pod!

Star Wars is back on the menu!

Socially Distanced's monthly Star Wars series is back, and this time we're jumping headfirst into the world of animation! Curated by "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas, this monthly miniseries lovingly (and not-so lovingly) discuss Star Wars film, television and animation as we embark on the road to the 50th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope and the 2027 release of Star Wars: Starfighter starring Ryan Gosling.

This month, we move from the prequel trilogy into Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the animated series which ran from October 2008-May 4, 2020 on Cartoon Network, Netflix, and Disney+ (where it currently resides). Joining Amanda on this journey to an animated galaxy far, far away is her co-host Bill Bodkin, and special guest Kami Son ofKami Son Cosplay. They discuss Season 2: Episode 12 - "The Mandalore Plot," Season 3: Episodes 15-17 – "Overlords," "Altar of Mortis," and "Ghosts of Mortis;" Season 5: Episodes 19 & 20 – "To Catch a Jedi" and "The Wrong Jedi" and Season 7: Episodes 9 - 12 – "Old Friends Not Forgotten," "The Phantom Apprentice," "Shattered," and "Victory and Death."

They also discuss theannouncement that Kevin Smith is writing a Star Wars/Marvel crossover debuting in January, as well as Kami Son's history with Star Wars and his scorching hot takes on Darth Maul, and their collective thoughts on Star Wars: Visions - The 9th Jedi.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Podcast is back. Bill Bodkin is in the host seat as Pop Break's blanket coverage of Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues.

Bill is joined by his returning co-host "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas and Pop Break's resident X-Men '97 reviewer Olivia Aiere. They discuss why people have been flocking to this film in record numbers, the Tom Holland of it all, their favorite supporting actors, multiversal ramifications of the film, the best action sequences, bromances and romances, and of course the big reveal.

They also discuss X-Men casting rumors and even do a little stunt casting of their own.

SD is talking all about SD ... CC. That's right, Socially Distanced is talking San Diego Comic-Con this week. Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin is joined by "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas, Pop Break's Podcasting Director Alex Marcus, and Derick MCDUFF of The Underrated Podcast to discuss all things San Diego Comic Con including Pop Break's panel!

In the episode they discuss their history with SDCC, their favorite panels, the best cosplay, the most delicious food, and the best free swag. They discuss Marvel, DC, Dungeon Crawler Carl, Collider's panel, Damon Lindelof, and how Amanda became BFF's with the voice actress for Polaris from X-Men '97. They also discuss the panel Pop Break did.

In the pre-game, they discuss the trailer for HBO MAX's Lanterns.

Socially Distanced goes on an odyssey ... about Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.

Bill Bodkin is the bard for this episode as Amanda Rivas is off as she's headed to San Diego Comic Con. Joining Bill on this week's episode are two Christopher Nolan diehards - Batman by the Numbers host Dan Cohen, and Bill George of theShould I Go See It? Podcast.

In the episode they discuss their collective Nolan fandom, where The Odyssey ranks amongst all of the director's films, the Oscar potential for the film, the performances of Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland ... and an argument over the merits of John Leguizamo's performance. They discuss the film's usage of practical effects, the emotional impact of Nolan's adaptation, Ludwig Göransson's score, the best action, and the siege of Troy.

In the pre-game, Bill gets Dan's blood boiling by having him discuss the trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. Find out why Bill and Bill think Dan might be a bit full of soup when it comes to his thoughts on seeing the film.

It's time for Socially Distanced's monthly celebration of all things Star Wars as we continue on the road to the 50th Anniversary of A New Hope and the release of Starfighter starring Ryan Gosling.

"The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas brings The Force together, once again, as she hosts and curates the episode. She's joined by Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin and "The Chairman of the USDN" Jeff Fountain to discuss the second installment of the prequel trilogy Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

They discuss the absolutely dreadful romantic plot involving Anakin (Hayden Christiansen) and Padme (Natalie Portman) and why this romance didn't work can't be put on the shoulders of Hayden. They discuss their love of the "Detective Obi Wan" storyline on Camino, and the Christopher Lee of it all. They discuss how, despite its reputation, Attack of the Clones is a pivotal Star War film.

In the pre-game they discuss the passing of Sam Neill. They discuss his legendary role in Jurassic Park, as well as their favorite non-Grant performances he gave on the big and small screen.

Call all your favorite cerebros and check out what Socially Distanced has to say about X-Men '97 Season 2!

Hosts Bill Bodkin and "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas are joined on this episode by Olivia "The X-Pert" Aiere, and the time-traveling, cosplaying husband and wife duo of Tyler and Allie Bishop.

On the podcast this team of X-Men aficionados discuss the first four episodes of the new season of X-Men '97. They discuss X-Force, their favorite cameos and guest spots, the future of Apocalypse as the big bad, who could his Four Horseman be, what did Wolverine mean when he said he was "getting the old team back together," that death scene, and of course theories, theories, theories and more theories.

In the pre-game they discuss the trailer for Aang: The Last Airbender and why it should hit theaters instead of Paramount+

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's Socially Distanced. That's right the flagship podcast is back, and we're discussing DC Studios Supergirl.

Pop Break's Zor El, Bill Bodkin, is in the host seat and is joined (as always) by "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas and very special guests - The Batman by the Numbers Boys - Dan "The Groom" Cohen and "The Bruce Wayne of Harvard Yard" Kris Ingersoll.

On the episode, they break down the good, the bad, and the hungover aspects of Supergirl, debate why the film did not connect with audiences at the box office, and if this box office disappointment impacts everyone's faith in James Gunn and Peter Safran's vision for the future DC in cinemas and on streaming. They discuss Milly Alcock's performance and why she is perfect in the role. Dan Cohen gets angry and that's mostly because Bill knows exactly what buttons to push. Classic Bill and Dan stuff. Kris and Amanda extol the film's tackling of issues like loss and depression, and Kris brings in a fantastic POV from the comic book source material.

In the pre-game, they discuss how stoked they all are for Prime Video's Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 which drops late July.

The doors for "The House Pop Break" open once again on Socially Distanced as we head back to Westeros to discuss the Season 3 Premiere of HBO's House of the Dragon.

"The Mother of Dragons" Amanda Rivas sits upon The Iron Throne (the host's seat) and is joined by Bill "Sir Dunk" Bodkin, Kelvin Kately of The DFPN and BCP+ and special guest John Aspler.

In this episode they discuss all the hot button issues from the episode entitled "Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood." They discuss and try not to barf a cooked sheep over the infamous kiss between Alicent and Aemund. The talk about The Battle of The Gullet, the changes made from the HOTD book to the series and how effective they are, they discuss Jace's actions and if he had it coming, and of course they discuss Sheepstealer and all the heat he's getting on the internet.

In the pre-game segment they discuss the trailer for DC Animation's new film Batman: Knightfall which brings the famous Bane storyline to animated glory late this year.

Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers, dads, daddies and zaddies from the Socially Distanced Podcast.

Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin and "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas celebrate Father's Day with a special Bill & Amanda episode of Socially Distanced.

In the episode they discuss the pop culture gifts that were handed down by their dads to them. They discuss Westerns, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, football, food, Star Wars, action movies, bodybuilding, how their dads met their moms, Amanda's dad hanging out with pro wrestlers, Bill's dad nearly signing a major record deal and the actresses both their dads had celebrity crushes on them. They also discuss how pro wrestling was a huge part of their relationships with their dads, and how Amanda's dad might have been a Fabulous Freebird. They also discuss their dad's impacts on their lives, and celebrate two giant men who have sadly passed away.

In the pre-game segment they rank their Top 3 pop culture dads of all time - some may not even be human.