Pop Pantheon
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Tinashe Live, Tate McRae's "Housewife," Jay-Z's Super Bowl, & More! (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ talk Tinashe live in Brooklyn, Jay-Z picking himself to headline the Super Bowl, rumors of Dua Lipa, SZA, and Tame Impala headlining Coachella, the success of Tate McRae's new single "Housewife" and more.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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RIHANNA: PART 3 (with The New York Times' Joe Coscarelli)
The New York Times' Joe Coscarelli joins Pop Pantheon for part three of our Rihanna series, digging into Rih's imperial era as the biggest hitmaker in pop. Joe and Louie explore her return to bright, carefree pop following the darkness of Rated R with 2010's Loud, which spawned three #1 hits, including “Only Girl (In the World),” “What's My Name?” and “S&M.” Then they tackle her rapid-fire follow-up, 2011's Talk That Talk, which featured her biggest hit yet, the EDM era-defining “We Found Love,” and pushed her sound and persona in increasingly sexually provocative directions. Finally, they discuss Rihanna's controversial reunion with Chris Brown on the “Birthday Cake” remix and how her relentless string of hits cemented her place at the very top of the pop hierarchy.
Join us next week when we'll dig into 2012's Unapologetic, Rihanna's then-unprecedented four year hiatus from solo albums, her return with 2016's magnum opus, Anti, and the ups and downs of the decade-long drought since then.
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Will Olivia Rodrigo Still Be Relevant In 10 Years? Mailbag ep! Tate McRae, Billie Eilish & more (Patreon Preview!)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ take more listeners calls about the sound of the 2020s so far, generation bias, Lady Gaga's Mayhem, which Gen Z pop girl will be relevant in 10 years and MORE! Thanks to everyone who sent in mailbag questions and reminder we'll be doing a special monthly mailbag just for the QUEEN TIER. Spots in the Queen Tier tier open Nov 1!
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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RIHANNA: PART 2 (with Lauren Michele Jackson)
Lauren Michele Jackson returns to Pop Pantheon for part two of our five part Rihanna series. Lauren and Louie dig into Rih’s blockbuster third album, 2007's Good Girl Gone Bad, which turned her from a tentative aspirant into a full-fledged diva via signature hits like the house-laced “Don’t Stop the Music” and “Umbrella." They then turn to her relationship with fellow budding pop star, Chris Brown, the domestic violence incident between them that forever changed Rihanna’s career and image, and the album that followed, 2009’s Rated R.
Join us next week, when we’ll break down Rihanna's Imperial Era with 2010's Loud and 2011's Talk That Talk.
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Carly Rae Jepsen Revels in Abundance on Day and Night (with KC Hoard) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Xtra Magazine's KC Hoard joins Russ to tackle Canadian pop queen Carly Rae Jepsen's recent double album Day and Night. KC and Russ debate the creative merit of Carly's prolific release strategy, then dig into the evolution of her artistry on Day and Night, which features some of her best work in years.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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RIHANNA: PART 1 (with NPR's Sheldon Pearce)
NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins Pop Pantheon for the first in our new five-part series on BadGalRiri herself, Rihanna. Sheldon and Louie dig into Rih’s early life in Barbados and how she was discovered then signed by Jay-Z and L.A. Reid. Then they discuss her breakout with “Pon De Replay” and the Caribbean sounds that defined 2005’s Music of the Sun before tackling her quick return with 2006’s A Girl Like Me, a more genre expansive record that spawned enduring hits like “SOS” and "Unfaithful" and set the stage for her global chart takeover.
Join us next week as we explore the second leg of Rihanna’s 2007's Good Girl Gone Bad and 2009's Rated R.
NOTE: An earlier version of this episode included a minor audio editing error around 12:25-12:40 that has now been fixed. If your podcatcher downloaded the episode, delete it from your library and refresh the feed for the corrected version.
Listen to our Rihanna Essentials Playlist
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Troye Sivan is at His Best on She's The Best (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ gather to break down Troye Sivan's 4th studio album, She's the Best, which sensually explores the middle ground between queer lust and longing.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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Mailbag: Is It Time For Taylor Swift To Retire the “Hater” Narrative? Plus Rihanna’s legacy & more!
Mailbag time! Louie and Russ tackle questions from the Mailbag, including one about Taylor Swift invoking her "haters" on record and a question about Rihanna's legacy. Plus we finally find out out: what is Russ' whole deal, anyways?
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Uplifting Tinashe's Popstar + Charli XCX & Charlie Puth Live (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss their respective experiences seeing Charlie Puth and Charli XCX recently, before going deep on Tinashe's latest album, Popstar.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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2026 Main Pop Girl Power Ranking (with Fran Tirado & Rose Dommu)
From Taylor to Karol, both Olivias, Ella, Ariana, Audrey, and more, hosts of the Like a Virgin podcast, Fran Tirado and Rose Dommu, join Louie and Russ to power rank the Main Pop Girls of the last 12 months.
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Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore Track-by-Track + Our VMAs Wrap-up (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss last night's woeful 2026 MTV Music Video Awards, before turning their attention to the deluxe re-issue of Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, going track-by-track.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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Our Favorite VMA Performances of All Time (with Jake Cornell)
In anticipation of the annual MTV Video Music Awards airing this Sunday, comedian Jake Cornell joins Louie and Russ to count down each of their favorite performances from the storied show's 42 year history.
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Second Spin: TINASHE (with The Cut's Cat Zhang)
Tinashe has a new album, Pop Star, dropping in a couple days. Get all caught up with her career to this point with our 2024 episode on the Niche Legend with The Cut's Cat Zhang.
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Miley Cyrus' Bass Persuades + Troye Sivan's "Party," Robyn Live, & More! (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss live shows from Eli and Robyn, Troye Sivan's newest single, "Party," Miley Cryus' latest solo album, Bass Persuades, and who they think will headline the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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Are Taylor Swift, Drake, and Ariana Grande Moving Up or Down in the Pop Pantheon?
In a game of "Step Up, Step Down," Louie and Russ discuss recent career developments from Taylor Swift, Drake, Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Gracie Abrams, and Audrey Hobert to determine whether they're currently trending up or down in the official Pop Pantheon.
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Miley Cyrus' "Bass Persuades" + Ranking All Miley Lead Singles (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie shares his experience seeing Backstreet Boys live at The Sphere in Vegas. Then, Louie and Russ get into about Miley Cyrus' new single, "Bass Persuades," the lead single from her forthcoming album of the same name, before ranking it amongst all of Miley's lead singles.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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What Was The Song of the Summer?
Louie and Russ come together to debate what this year's song of the summer was. Was it Ella Langley's chart topper "Choosin' Texas"? What about Taylor Swift's latest mega-single, "I Knew It, I Knew You" or Ariana Grande's "Hate That I Made You Love Me"? Maybe Olivia Rodrigo? Drake?! Or something not even on the top of the charts, like Slayyyter or Madonna. They discuss the summer in pop and then reveal the winners of the 2026 Pop Pantheon Song of the Summer Draft.
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Britney Spears' Glory - Track-by-Track (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ go track-by-track on the final studio album from Britney Spears, Glory, in honor of its 10th anniversary.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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M.I.A. (with Julianne Escobedo Shepherd)
Julianne Escobedo Shepherd returns to Pop Pantheon to unpack the career of a pop star who changed the very notion of what a “pop star” could be: M.I.A. Louis and Julianne dig into M.I.A.’s origins, from England to Sri Lanka, India and back, her first mixtape and breakthrough with 2005’s Arular. Next they discuss 2007’s Kala and “Paper Planes,” the 2010’s Maya, the mess that followed the 2012 and her commercial decline. Finally, they discuss her later era music, recent string of controversies and rank M.I.A. in The Official Pop Pantheon.
Listen to Pop Pantheon's M.I.A. Essentials Playlist
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Charli XCX's Vroom Vroom at 10: Track-by-Track (+ Russ on Music Fashion Film) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Russ shares his belated thoughts on Charli XCX's latest, Music Fashion Film, before he and Louie go track-by-track on 2016's Vroom Vroom, the pivotal Sophie-produced EP that forever changed Charli's sound and career.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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Beyoncé's B'Day at 20: Track-by-Track (Originally Published on Patreon on May 11, 2026)
Pop Pantheon is off until September. In the meantime, we're dropping some gems from our Patreon for free! This week, we're sharing our episode from May of this year where Russ and Louie went track-by-track on Beyoncé's second album, B'Day, to commemorate it's upcoming 20th anniversary.
If you like what you hear and want more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier to receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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Karol G’s No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto + Becky G's Baraja Bendita (with Isabella Gomez Sarmiento) (Patreon preview)
NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento returns to Pop Pantheon All Access to join Russ for a discussion about two albums from Latin pop stars released this month. First they tackle Karol G's sonic pivot on her recent breakup album No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto, then they unpack the many diverging paths that led to Becky G's new record Baraja Bendita.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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The Chaos and Calculations of Camila Cabello's C,XOXO (with Omri Rolan) (Originally Published on Patreon on 7/1/24)
Pop Pantheon is off until September. In the meantime, we're dropping some gems from our Patreon for free! This week, we're sharing our episode from July 2024 reviewing Camila Cabello's C,XOXO.
If you like what you hear and want more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier to receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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New Music from Troye Sivan, Phoebe Bridgers, Ravyn Lanae & More (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ go deep on new songs from Troye Sivan, Flo, Ravyn Lanae, Phoebe Bridgers, Tyla, and Adela.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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Did Pop Music Used to Be Better?
Digging through this week's top ten from the last five decades— the 1980s, the 1990s, the 2000s, the 2010s, and today— Louie and Russ try to figure if pop music, at least the songs that reach the summit of the Billboard Hot 100, used to be better.
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Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor vs. Confessions II: Which is Better? (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ debate the age old question: Is Madonna's original Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005) or her recently released sequel Confessions II (2026) the stronger album?
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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TEGAN AND SARA (with Annie Zaleski)
Author and critic Annie Zaleski returns to Pop Pantheon to discuss the career and legacy of a pair of queer icons: the Canadian sister act Tegan and Sara. Annie and Russ dig into the origin of the Quin sisters in Calgary, their folksy early albums, 2002’s If It Was You and the seminal indie pop classic So Jealous (2004). From there, they unpack Tegan and Sara’s brief flirtatious with the American mainstream, their pop pivot with 2013’s Heartthrob and their strange, mega-popular soundtrack single “Everything Is Awesome.” Finally, they discuss their later era works and rank Tegan and Sara in The Official Pop Pantheon.
Listen to our Tegan and Sara Essentials Playlist
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Ariana Grande Goes Dark on Petal (with Rachel Handler) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, New York Magazine's Rachel Handler joins DJ Louie to talk discuss Ariana Grande's 8th studio album, Petal, which arrives amidst a swirl of public discourse around the pop diva and her recent announcement that she will be pulling back from public life.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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Second Spin: MADONNA: PART 3 (with Annie Zaleski)
Louie and Russ are taking the last two weeks of July off! In the meantime, in light of the commotion over Confessions II, we're revisiting our Madonna series from 2023. Parts 1 and 2 published last week, and here is Part 3.
Pop Pantheon will return with new episodes on August 6th. In the meantime, you can always hear new weekly episodes by subscribing at Patreon.com/PopPantheon.
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Charli XCX Bucks Brat on Music, Fashion, Film (with Joan Summers) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Paper's Joan Summers joins DJ Louie to break down Charli XCX's anti-Brat follow-up to that blockbuster, her eighth studio album, Music, Fashion, Film.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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Second Spin: MADONNA: PART 2 (with Jason King)
Louie and Russ are taking the last two weeks of July off! In the meantime, in light of the commotion over Confessions II, we're revisiting our Madonna series from 2023. Part 1 published yesterday, Part 2 today, and Part 3 will come out next Thursday.
Pop Pantheon will return with new episodes on August 6th. In the meantime, you can always hear new weekly episodes by subscribing at Patreon.com/PopPantheon.
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Second Spin: MADONNA: PART 1 (with Edward Russell)
Louie and Russ are taking the last two weeks of July off! In the meantime, in light of the commotion over Confessions II, we're revisiting our Madonna series from 2023. Part 1 will publish today, Part 2 tomorrow, and Part 3 next Thursday.
Pop Pantheon will return with new episodes on August 6th. In the meantime, you can always hear new weekly episodes by subscribing at Patreon.com/PopPantheon.
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Madonna's Halftime Show, Gracie Abrams' Daughter From Hell, + a Charli XCX Vibe Check (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss Madonna's FIFA Finals Halftime Performance, talk about the vibes around Charli XCX on the eve of her new studio album, Music Fashion Film, and break down Gracie Abrams' Daughter From Hell
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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Are Oliva Rodrigo, Lizzo, and Madonna (!) Moving Up or Down in the Pop Pantheon?
In this week's Step Up, Step Down, Louie and Russ debate whether recent moves from Olivia Rodrigo, Lizzo, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Kacey Musgraves constitute upward or downward trends for them in the official Pop Pantheon.
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Bebe Rexha's Dirty Blonde + Hilary Duff's Luck... or Something (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Russ tells Louie about his interview with Bebe Rexha for PAPER and they discuss her place in the pop firmament following her new album Dirty Blonde. Then a listener-demanded and long, long awaited discussion about Hilary Duff's return to pop, Luck... or Something!
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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The Best Ariana Grande Songs of All Time (with Kyle Denis, Larisha Paul, & Nora Princiotti)
In anticipation of forthcoming 8th studio album, Petal, Louie is joined by Every Single Album's Nora Princiotti, Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul, and Billboard's Kyle Denis to draft the greatest 20 best Ariana Grande singles of all time.
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The Revelations of Madonna's Confessions II (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, The Queen of Pop Madonna is back with her 15th studio album, Confessions II, her first since 2019's ghastly Madame X and the sequel to her beloved 2005 record Confessions on a Dance Floor. So did she pull off the comeback we almost didn't dare dream was possible? Louie and Russ discuss!
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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Lizzo's Pass (with StraightioLab's George Civeris and Sam Taggart)
StraightioLab's George Civeris and Sam Taggart join Louie to discuss Lizzo's Pass – a concept Sam created to describe the fork in the road in which a pop star must decide to make music for Target of for Pitchfork.
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MORE Listener Mailbag: Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, Geese, and more! (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ are taking more listener questions about Beyoncé's Act III, the Geese psyop which Gen Z girlies have the biggest chance of reaching Tier 1 and more.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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MICHELLE BRANCH & VANESSA CARLTON (with Molly Mary O'Brien)
Molly Mary O'Brien returns to Pop Pantheon to unpack the careers of two women who served as counter-programming to the mechanized teen pop that dominated the early 2000s: Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton. Molly and Louie discuss Michelle's 2001 slammer “Everywhere” and her glossy yet yearning album The Spirit Room and Vanessa’s instantly memorable “A Thousand Miles” and her 2002 album Be Not Nobody. Then they discuss each woman’s post-peak work and rank Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton in The Official Pop Pantheon.
Listen to our Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton Essentials Playlist
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Ariana Grande's Dangerous Woman: Track-by-Track (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, On the eve of her eighth studio album, Petal, due next month, Louie and Russ are going track-by-track on Ariana Grande's third record, Dangerous Woman, which turns ten years-old this year.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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New Pop Girl Power Ranking (with Ivy Wolk)
Actress and comedian Ivy Wolk returns to the podcast to power rank the new class of pop girlies with Louie and Russ. From Ella Langley to Holly Humberstone, Olivia Dean, Underscores, Audrey Hobert and more, they debate who's up, who's down, and who's got the best chance of sticking around for the rest of this year and beyond.
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The Utility of Cliché on Olivia Rodrigo's You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love (with Lauren Michele Jackson) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie is joined by cultural critic Lauren Michele Jackson to break down Olivia Rodrigo's third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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Listener Mailbag! Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, & More
Louie and Russ answer listener questions about where The Life of a Showgirl ranks amongst Taylor Swift's recent albums, how likely it is that Rihanna will ever release R8, pairing flopping pop stars with new producers, their favorite indie songs of the century, Louie's book publishing process, and so much more.
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New Music from Taylor Swift, Madonna, & Tinashe + Early Grammy Predictions (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ break down new singles from Taylor Swift, Tinashe, and Madonna, before tackling their way-too-early Grammy nomination predictions and playing a game of "Toy Sorry."
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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RUPAUL (with Paper's Joan Summers)
PAPER senior editor Joan Summers returns to Pop Pantheon for a special Pride episode unpacking a complex but revolutionary figure who changed queer culture forever, Supermodel of the World RuPaul. Louie and Joan explore Ru’s roots, his rise in New York City and breakthrough with “Supermodel (You Better Work).” Then they discuss the music he made during his initial burst of fame and his second musical act with alongside his hit series, RuPaul’s Drag Race. They tackle the absolute avalanche of music Ru’s released (16 albums + counting!) and rank RuPaul in The Official Pop Pantheon.
Check out our playlist of RuPaul Essentials
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Ariana Grande Makes a Half Hearted Return + Kim Petras Finds Her Groove (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss the slightly confounding lead single from Ariana Grande's forthcoming eighth studio album Petal, plus Kim Petras' return to form on her 3rd debut record Detour.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
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The Best Pop You Might Have Missed in 2026 So Far (with Pitchfork's Walden Green)
Russ is joined by Pitchfork's Walden Green to countdown their lists of the most underrated pop songs of the year so far.
Check out a playlist of Russ and Walden's favs
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Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor: Track-by-Track (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, in anticipation of Madonna's 15th studio album, Confessions II, due out in July, Louie and Russ revisit the 2005's original Confessions on a Dance Floor, the Queen of Pop's last universally-adored effort.
To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.
Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.
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The Best Pop Songs of 2026 So Far (with NPR's Hazel Cills)
NOTE: A previous version of this episode had an editing error that caused cross-talk in the interview. If this episode auto-downloaded, delete it from your library and refresh the feed for the updated version. Thank you!
From Robyn to Charlie Puth, Olivia Rodrigo, Haute & Freddy, Underscores, and more, Louie is joined by NPR's Hazel Cills to countdown their favorite Pop Songs of 2026 so far.
Check out a playlist of Louie and Hazel's favs
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