Your new Monday/Thursday thing. Part catch-up, part check-in. Pop and Circumstance gives you a quick hit of what’s happening in the culture — and a quick lift for your life. Two hosts. Two segments. One very good decision.
2026 is here - how are you starting off the new year? Not sure yet? Even better…we’ve got some ideas. Hart is delivering this week’s circumstance with some research-backed ideas on kicking off the new year in a way that works for you…but still helps you keep moving forward. Chime in…how do you start off the new year?
Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digesti...
We pop off with our thoughts on the final episodes of Taylor's 'End of an Era' Docuseries and then gives tons of spoilers, thoughts, predictions for the 'Stranger Things' Volume 2 (Episodes 5-7) drop along with our reactions to Will Byers crying about being gay.
00:00 Intro
00:50 Final 2 Episodes of The End of an Era
24:20 Stranger Things Volume 2 (Episodes 5-7) *SPOILERS*
30:45 Reaction...
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! It’s Christmas and also a Circumstance day here at Pop & Circumstance, so Elizabeth is giving you a lift by helping you focus on the small moments - because it’s the moments that make the magic, no matter your situation. Tune in for this short and sweet Christmas episode for some laughs, some feels, and some encouragement to get you through Christmas Day 2025.
Pop and Circumstance is your go...
On this pop off we talk about Nicki Minaj awkward comment to Erika Kirk at Turning Point USA and that GAWD awful (and unflattering) Vanity Fair photoshoot, Nick Reiner’s involvement with his father (Rob Reiner)’s death, and the End of an Era Episode 3 and 4 recap!
00:00 Intro
02:27 Nicki Minaj at Turning Point USA and Vanity Fair Shoot
10:27 Rob Reiner Murder
<...It's time for your weekly circumstance - the 4 parenting styles AND which one leads to the most successful children?
00:00 Intro
03:40 Case Studies
05:00 4 Parenting Styles
21:20 The Importance of Warmth
26:00 Practical Steps for Improvement
39:40 But Why? But Why?
47:400 Effort and Improvement > Outcome
Pop and Circ...
We are popping off with Taylor Swift's newly released docuseries on Disney+ 'The End of an Era' covering episodes 1 and 2. From the high stakes of the terrorist threat that led to the cancelation of one of the shows, to the journey of the dancers and the casting process. Lots of tears.....does this girl ever sleep?
02:00 Episode 1
38:15 Episode 2
Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the ...
Struggling to find the perfect gift? Not sure where to start or how much to spend? Elizabeth breaks it down into a few easy steps and gives you the inspiration you need to get started. AND drops some easy holiday recipes!
00:00 Intro
12:00 Use a Spreadsheet
13:20 Stick to a theme each year
16:40 Use their Hobbies
27:00 Budgeting 101
39:30 Seasonal Recipes
Links
We pop off with Taylor Swift wedding venue rumors, Real Housewives Reunion leak, Spotify Wrapped, and cap it off with the massive Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
00:00 Intro
01:25 Taylor Swift Venue Fiasco
08:00 Real Housewives Reunion Leaks
13:00 Taylor Swift and that Infamous Bullet Proof Walk
21:30 Spotify Wrapped
26:30 Netflix and Warner Brot...
It's a Thursday so that means we're slapping you in the face with a circumstance topic. And this one is something we all can work on; the art of letting people be wrong about you. Allowing yourself to be misunderstood may feel crunchy but promise you'll start changing once you realize your self worth is an inside job.
⏱️Timestamps⏱️
00:00 Intro
05:40 Allowing people to be wrong about you
22:20 Instance...
Elizabeth's does a deep dive on Stranger Things 'The Last Shadow' on Broadway and it's easter eggs and relations to Season 5. Then dissects the the motifs and themes throughout the first 4 episodes and what they foreshadow. *SPOLER ALLERT* PLUS her predictions for the remainder of Season 5 and how time travel could play a role in Vecna's redemption.
⏱️Timestamps⏱️
00:00 Intro
01:30 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
14:50 Stanger Thing...
Its Thanksgiving and we shift into some unconventional ways to give thanks this Thursday and shade the Conquistadors that colonized America.
⏱️Timestamps⏱️
00:00 Intro
14:30 Unconventional Ways to Give Thanks
Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digestible amount of personal growth to help you deal with all of life’s circumstances. Hosted by Elizabeth Marti...
We Pop off this Monday by gearing up for Stranger Things (Netflix), talk Meghan Markle's strange requirement to have her title announced at every room she enters. We also analyze how Timothée Chalamet could very well be the UK rapper Esdeekid. And the 2026 Met Gala theme has been announced, 'Costume Art' which is the first exhibition in the Costume Institute’s new permanent galleries at The Met.
⏱️Timestamps⏱️
00:00 Intro
02:45 St...
For this Circumstance topic we dive into those awkward family convo's - or rather, how to AVOID such topics during the Holidays. We give you tips and tricks on how to keep the peace this Holiday Season, and managing family conflict with grace. Pass the Turkey, not the tension ya'll!
⏱️Timestamps⏱️
00:00 Intro
02:15 Reason’s Why These Awkward Convo’s Arise
5:15 Set Intentions, Not Expectations
8:00 Boundary Setting
21:00 Change the ...
This Monday on Pop & Circumstance, it’s Elizabeth’s day to Pop Off and she is covering the Wicked Premiere in Singapore, Kris Jenner’s Birthday party and Billie Eilish’s latest crusade (we’re here for it). Then this deja vu duo is chatting about Taylor Swift’s latest holiday release and finally, Tom Felton’s on stage debut in the Cursed Child on Broadway.
01:10 Fan jumps barricade at Wicked Premiere in Singapore - Cynthia ...
It's Thursday and in this segment of 'Shift Happens' Elizabeth covers self-care. The misconceptions, the cultural relevancy, and the difference between instant gratification and comfort versus the long term investment that is self-care.
⏱️Timestamps⏱️
00:00 Intro
1:38 Shift Happens Intro
5:30 Self-Care
9:00 Comfort Vs Self Care
11:15 Self-Care and Comfort Are Not Synonymous
29:50 Self-Care Does Not Always Mean Instant Gratification
...On today’s episode of Pop and Circumstance, it is the first day of our new format! That means Monday is all about Pop Culture - where we give you everything you need to know to stay current on what’s happening in the culture.
In this episode Hart and Elizabeth are chatting about the new Hulu show “All’s Fair”, the new Ryan Murphy show starring Kim Kardashian. Then we’re talking about the new influencer to celebrity pipeline and wh...
Elizabeth analyzes Jennifer Lawrence's recent interview regarding her choice to withhold political commentary and opinions and how more and more celebrities are choosing to not let their stances be known, and and update on the Justin Baldoni lawsuit. Hart talks about the sting of failure and how adopting a growth mindset could be your key to overcoming fear of failure and achieving your goals.
⏱️Timestamps⏱️
00:00 Intro
03:49 Jenni...
It's our Halloween special ya'll! Hart goes through the Mount Rushmore of Halloween candy, the most nostalgic Halloween films and come history behind them, then covers the 2025 Vogue World: Hollywood runway and all of the costume designers. Elizabeth gives us the history of Halloween and some fun facts about the holiday.
⏱️Timestamps⏱️
00:00 Intro
01:45 Mount Rushmore of Halloween Candy
04:50 Most Nostalgic Halloween Movies
15:00 ...
On this episode of Pop & Circumstance, Elizabeth catches you up on the latest pop culture news including the Kristen Bell controversy that riled up the internet, the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees including Taylor Swift being inducted in her first year of eligibility, new customizable app icons for IG, and a new series called “Famous Last Words”. Then, Hart delivers some shift with a conversation on personality types - ...
Hart covers the 2025 Academy Museum Gala's best and worst dressed. Elizabeth draws from her 15 years experience in HR leadership and shares invaluable tips that are guaranteed to help you land your next job. We talk resumes, cover letters, how to use the STAR Method to ace your interviews, and some do's and don'ts during job interviews.
⏱️Timestamps⏱️
00:00 Intro
00:28 2025 Academy Museum Gala Best and Worst Dressed
06:47 Lionsgat...
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them. Season 5 - The Burden: Death & Deceit in Alliance On April Fools Day 1999, 26-year-old Yvonne Layne was found murdered in her Alliance, Ohio home. David Thorne, her ex-boyfriend and father of one of her children, was instantly a suspect. Another young man admitted to the murder, and David breathed a sigh of relief, until the confessed murderer fingered David; “He paid me to do it.” David was sentenced to life without parole. Two decades later, Pulitzer winner and podcast host, Maggie Freleng (Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, Wrongful Conviction, Suave) launched a “live” investigation into David's conviction alongside Jason Baldwin (himself wrongfully convicted as a member of the West Memphis Three). Maggie had come to believe that the entire investigation of David was botched by the tiny local police department, or worse, covered up the real killer. Was Maggie correct? Was David’s claim of innocence credible? In Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie recounts the case that launched her career, and ultimately, “broke” her.” The results will shock the listener and reduce Maggie to tears and self-doubt. This is not your typical wrongful conviction story. In fact, it turns the genre on its head. It asks the question: What if our champions are foolish? Season 4 - The Burden: Get the Money and Run “Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and that path was bank robbery. Bank, bank, bank, bank, bank. In season 4 of The Burden: Get the Money and Run, we hear from Joe who was once the most prolific bank robber in Southern California, and beyond. He used disguises, body doubles, proxies. He leaped over counters, grabbed the money and ran. Even as the FBI was closing in. It was a showdown between a daring bank robber, and a patient FBI agent. Joe was no ordinary bank robber. He was bright, articulate, charismatic, and driven by a dark rage that he summoned up at will. In seven episodes, Joe tells all: the what, the how… and the why. Including why he tried to murder his father. Season 3 - The Burden: Avenger Miriam Lewin is one of Argentina’s leading journalists today. At 19 years old, she was kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires for her political activism and thrown into a concentration camp. Thousands of her fellow inmates were executed, tossed alive from a cargo plane into the ocean. Miriam, along with a handful of others, will survive the camp. Then as a journalist, she will wage a decades long campaign to bring her tormentors to justice. Avenger is about one woman’s triumphant battle against unbelievable odds to survive torture, claim justice for the crimes done against her and others like her, and change the future of her country. Season 2 - The Burden: Empire on Blood Empire on Blood is set in the Bronx, NY, in the early 90s, when two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” The boss, Calvin Buari, lived large. He and a protege swore they would build an empire on blood. Then the relationship frayed and the protege accused Calvin of a double homicide which he claimed he didn’t do. But did he? Award-winning journalist Steve Fishman spent seven years to answer that question. This is the story of one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence. He may prevail, but someone’s gotta pay. The Burden: Empire on Blood is the director’s cut of the true crime classic which reached #1 on the charts when it was first released half a dozen years ago. Season 1 - The Burden In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers who all say they are innocent. They turned themselves into jailhouse-lawyers and in prison founded a lway firm. When they realized Scarcella helped put many of them away, they set their sights on taking him down. And with the help of a NY Times reporter they have a chance. For years, Scarcella insisted he did nothing wrong. But that’s all he’d say. Until we tracked Scarcella to a sauna in a Russian bathhouse, where he started to talk..and talk and talk. “The guilty have gone free,” he whispered. And then agreed to take us into the belly of the beast. Welcome to The Burden.
"SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!