Episode 170: The Cult Episode

Episode notes

This week, Guy Branum, Karen Tongson, Margaret Wappler and Wynter Mitchell are joined by LA-based artist Akina Cox to discuss the Netflix documentary series Wild Wild Country and cults in pop culture.

Karen Tongson is all about Killing Eve on BBC America, which features the return to TV of the beloved Sandra Oh. Wynter is all about The Zen Diaries of Gary Shandling on HBO, Judd Apatow’s love letter to one of the best and most complex comics in history. Akina is all about Ron Chernow’s biography of Ulysses Grant, which is guaranteed to NOT have not be adapted into a musical. Margaret is all about Junot Diaz’s New Yorker article about the trauma he experienced as a child. Guy is all about John Sherman’s Buzzfeed article about Love Simon’s shortcomings as a movie featuring queer characters.

The panel will their why cults have become such a fascinating subject in entertainment, including Far Cry 5, Wild, Wild Country and more. Plus, Akin will share her experience of growing up in an actual cult and her thoughts on some of the modern famous charismatic religious figures.

With Karen Tongson, Guy Branum, Margaret Wappler, Wynter Mitchell and Akina Cox.

That’s My Jam:

Akina Cox – SASAMI – Callous

Karen Tongson – Jens Lekman -To Know Your Mission –

Margaret Wappler – Nat King Cole – Nature Boy

Guy Branum Rex Orange County – Loving is Easy

Each week we’ll add everyone’s jams to our Spotify playlists.

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Produced by Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.