Idol Cast PodCast
I'm an American fan of Asian pop culture and especially of East Asian pop music. I've spent 20+ years learning about this corner of pop culture and hope to be a bridge between East and West. All opinions are my own. Show notes and other writings from the past decade-plus can be found on my website.
Episodes
June 27, 2025 • 94 mins
Patrick St. Michel joins the Idolcast to discuss what's happening right now in J-Pop! We talk the Nene vs BMSG rap feud; STARTO's reboot; the Japan Music Awards, how much I love Cutie Street, and the biggest band on earth right now... Mrs. Green Apple!
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May 6, 2025 • 126 mins
Monia returns to continue our exploration of the Jossverse with a discussion on Firefly and Serenity and how they changed fan culture. It's a Gorram Shindig! A Big Damn Podcast.
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March 2, 2025 • 173 mins
Part two of my conversation with Monia, the Exiled Fan, on Angel the Series. We get into seasons 3-5, including a digression on the problems with "Lil Meow Meow" fans.
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February 11, 2025 • 140 mins
Monia, the Exiled Fan, returns for a discussion on Angel: The Series. This episode covers seasons one and two. We discuss the show, our reactions to it, and why people might dislike Joss Whedon's work. This is part one of a two part series.
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November 10, 2024 • 119 mins
Part 3 of my series on K-Pop's magnum opus: BigBang's MADE. This episode covers the years 2008-2010, including "Haru Haru," the breakthrough in Japan, and ending with the controversy surrounding "Heartbreaker."
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October 21, 2024 • 98 mins
Monia the Exiled Fan joins me to discuss modern fandom and the state of the industry, along with the life and tragic early death of Liam Payne.
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October 5, 2024 • 116 mins
Patrick returns to discuss two classic 1980s movies: "They All Laughed" and "Star 80." The common thread is the late Dorothy Stratten. We discuss her cinematic footprint, as well as her literary footprint in "The Killing of the Unicorn." Middle aged fantasy or true love?
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September 15, 2024 • 138 mins
I'm joined by Doom from The Nerd Blitz to discuss the 1980 sci-fi film "Galaxina." The movie starred the late Playboy Playmate Dorothy R. Stratten and we get into my theory that Playboy Playmates are about as close to idols as we ever got in America.
Warning: We do get a bit spicy in our conversation in places so if discussion (and jokes) about sex and the female anatomy are not to your taste, you may want to either skip this one...
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July 9, 2024 • 148 mins
Part of the Buffy Rewatch Project with Monia the Exiled Fan. We get deep into our mixed feelings on Seasons 6 and 7.
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June 28, 2024 • 155 mins
Part 1 of Part 2 of the Buffy Rewatch Project with special guest Monia! If you haven't listened to Episode 75 (Enter the Buffyverse) where we discuss Seasons 1-3 you might want to do that first. Or not! Join us as we dive deep into BTVS Seasons 4-7.
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June 22, 2024 • 223 mins
First time Idolcast guest Patrick joins me today to talk about the Mamas & the Papas, one of the great 60s rock acts. We get into their history, the groundbreaking Monterey Pop Festival, and much, much more!
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June 17, 2024 • 69 mins
Zach Langley Chi Chi returns to discuss the 1988 forgotten classic "Tokyo Pop," written and directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
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May 11, 2024 • 95 mins
Patrick St. Michel (https://mbmelodies.substack.com/) returns to the Idolcast to discuss what's happening in Japanese music right now. We get into the response to J-pop at Coachella, Hatsune Miku and the divide in vocaloid music, and who is buying all those CDs...
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May 8, 2024 • 105 mins
In this episode, Kelly returns to discuss Rain's Hollywood moment: Speed Racer (2008) and Ninja Assassin (2009)!
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April 24, 2024 • 199 mins
Monia joins me for this Very Special episode discussing "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" seasons one through three!
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March 23, 2024 • 142 mins
I'm joined by the Exiled Fan to discuss the Beatles Cinematic Universe and the transformation of the Beatles from a rock band to an IP.
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February 11, 2024 • 125 mins
Part 2 of my series on K-Pop's magnum opus: BigBang's MADE. This episode covers the years 2006-2008, including the initial run of singles and ending with the controversy surrounding "Lies."
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January 28, 2024 • 77 mins
Part one of a deep dive into BigBang's K-Pop masterpiece: MADE. This episode looks at the origins of YG Entertainment and the beginnings of the hip-hop and rap scene in Korea.
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November 20, 2023 • 125 mins
Friend of the pod Vera returns for a blockbuster episode heading BACK TO THE BEACH to discuss real life Disney Princess Annette Funicello and the Beach Party movies of the 1960s.
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November 19, 2023 • 111 mins
I'm joined by idol expert Patrick Galbraith to discuss the scandal at the Agency Formerly Known as Johnny's & Associates and the good and bad of being an idol fan.
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