Popcorn and Possibilities

1.31: The Pop-In: Alan Govenar on Storytelling, Art, and Creative Longevity

Acclaimed filmmaker, author, and interdisciplinary artist Alan Govenar joins the podcast to discuss his extraordinary journey through storytelling, documentary filmmaking, theater, photography, and cultural preservation. From writing poetry as a teenager to creating award-winning films like Stony Knows How, Alan shares how curiosity, experimentation, and persistence shaped his decades-long creative career. In this episode, he reflects on documenting marginalized voices, researching tattoo culture before it entered the mainstream, and creating projects that explore race, identity, resilience, and human connection. Alan also shares valuable insights on collaboration, artistic discipline, and how creators can stay authentic in a world increasingly shaped by AI and digital media. Whether you’re an artist, filmmaker, writer, student, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom for building meaningful work that lasts.

1.30: Godzilla/Lake Placid: Weak Plots, Killer Crocs & Monster Mayhem

Brian and Steph dive into a double 90s creature feature review, starting with Godzilla (1998) from questionable casting and weak plot to the forgettable love story and celebrate the 90s soundtrack that still stands out. Next up, Lake Placid, the B-rated horror-comedy where Betty White steals every scene, Kelly frustrates, and the movie mixes laughs with monster thrills. They also play monster matchups (Godzilla vs the Lake Placid croc), debate the dumbest characters, and play This or That? Monster Edition with fun scenarios like shape shifter vs invisible monster and subway vs lake escape. Plus, Brian and Steph tease the podcast’s 1-year anniversary and the end of Season 1. Perfect for fans of 90s monster movies, creature features, and pop culture debates.

1.29: The Pop-In: Crust The Process - Turning Bread Into a Business

Most small businesses start with nothing more than passion and a lot of doubt. In this inspiring episode, Maia shares how she turned her homemade sourdough hobby into a thriving side hustle and neighborhood favorite. With no business plan and just a $15 stand from Facebook Marketplace, she started selling bread locally last May. What began as a simple experiment quickly grew into a full-time hustle powered by passion, resilience, and a little viral magic. Maia opens up about the real journey behind entrepreneurship, balancing motherhood, rediscovering her identity, and pushing through the self-doubt that so many aspiring business owners face. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a passion into income, this episode will inspire you to start small, stay consistent, and believe in the possibilities.

1.28: SPEED: Bus Blasts, Lost Bags & Nuked Peeps

Brian and Steph hit the gas this week as they dive into the 1994 action classic Speed! From standout performances and unforgettable scenes to Dennis Hopper’s iconic villain, they break down what makes this movie still so thrilling. They get into behind the scenes fun facts including its two Oscar wins and surprising casting what ifs, give Jeff Daniels’ character the sympathy he deserves, question the totally unhelpful captain, and ask the real question how did they even end up on an unfinished highway? Plus they debate the ultimate survival scenario would you choose the bus or the elevator? Then it’s time for a round of Travel This or That, tackling everything from window vs aisle seats to solo vs group trips, trains vs planes, and the nightmare choice between lost luggage or a canceled flight. To wrap things up, the hosts lean into some Easter fun Brian makes the case for why the holiday is underrated and shares his favorite candy even if he can’t quite pronounce it, while Steph pushes back on the lore, bans Almond Joys from Easter baskets, and introduces Easterween. One thing they can agree on Peeps are not it though microwaving them might be 😄

CROSSOVER: THE THING w/ 50 MIN OF FEAR

Most horror fans know The Thing as a groundbreaking classic, but when it was released in 1982 it was a box office flop that only gained cult status years later. In this episode, Judy from 50 Minutes of Fear joins Steph & Brian to explore why this film remains one of the most visceral and effects-driven horror movies ever made, showing that practical effects still outshine CGI. We break down John Carpenter’s creative choices, iconic creature designs, and unforgettable scenes like the chilling dog transformation and the paranoia-fueled distrust among isolated scientists. Along the way, we unpack themes of survival, sacrifice, and the thin line between human and monster. Whether you’re a longtime horror fan or new to the genre, this episode offers a fresh look at how The Thing blends suspense, storytelling, and practical effects to create a film that continues to terrify and inspire.