Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias

Kerry Frances joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about her breakout role as Tammy in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — the latest chapter in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed murder-mystery franchise.

Kerry reveals how she returned to the Knives Out universe without an audition, why she instantly connected with Tammy’s calm, unbothered attitude, and how a simple granola bar became one of the film’s biggest fan-favorite mome...

Sydney Agudong joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to dig into her emotional role as Aria in Netflix’s hit drama Ripple — a young woman navigating music, identity, heartbreak, and the ripple effects every decision creates.

Sydney opens up about:

Relating to Aria’s creative struggles and imposter syndrome

 The powerful meaning behind “What It Means to Be Human”  The episode that left the entire cast in tears  The bond she formed ...

Jon Heder Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about his latest film Tapawingo and his uniquely lovable character, Nate.

In this conversation, Jon breaks down what drew him to the quirky indie script, how Nate fits into the lineage of characters fans love, and why this role allowed him to explore a quieter, more confident kind of hero. He also discusses the film’s offbeat small-town world, working with an eccentric ensemble cast,...

Adrianna Mitchell joins Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about her role as Jamilah in the Paramount+ comedy series CRUTCH. Adrianna opens up about her journey from Spelman College to Broadway to television, the setbacks that shaped her resilience, and why Jamilah’s “coming home and starting over” storyline resonated so deeply with her.

She also shares behind-the-scenes stories from CRUTCH, h...

David Tomlinson joins Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to discuss stepping into the horror genre with Silent Night, Deadly Night, the reimagining of the cult classic holiday slasher. David breaks down his role as Max Benedict, a small-town police officer contending with a brutal series of murders unfolding around the holidays — and why the character is far more layered than he initially appears.

During the conversation, David opens u...

Michael Jai White joins Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias for an in-depth conversation about his latest film Exit Protocol, an assassin-driven thriller centered on loyalty, survival, and living by a personal code.

Michael breaks down his role as Isaac, a character who’s always five steps ahead, and explains how he approaches playing men who operate in morally gray worlds. He also shares what first drew him to the script, the personal ...

Van Crosby joins Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to talk about returning as Kyle in The Family Plan 2, the hit action-comedy sequel streaming on Apple TV. In this episode, Van reflects on the massive success of the first film, how surreal it was realizing millions of people watched it worldwide, and what fans can expect from the Morgan family’s next chaotic adventure.

Van dives into how Kyle has grown up since the first movie, the s...

Ian Harding joins the Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about his new Netflix drama Ripple, where he stars as Nate, a wine bar owner whose life is turned upside down by an unexpected health crisis and a marriage falling apart.

In this conversation, Ian breaks down Nate’s emotional journey, the meaning behind the show’s central idea of “ripple moments” — small decisions that quietly change the course of our lives — and why this...

Claudia Black joins Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss her powerful role as Cossutia in Spartacus: House of Ashur. In this in-depth conversation, Claudia breaks down the emotional and political complexity of her character, the bold “what-if” direction of this new Spartacus chapter, and the intense pace of filming the series.

She also shares the unexpected way she was approached for the role, how this character challenged her creative...

Emily Hall joins Pop Culture Unplugged for a festive, feel-good conversation about her breakout role as Sienna in Netflix’s holiday hit A Merry Little Ex-Mas. From landing the role through auditions to becoming the emotional core of the film, Emily shares what it really takes to bring heart to a modern Christmas movie.

Emily opens up about working alongside Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, and Melissa Joan Hart, filming in real s...

Sarah Drew sits down with Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged — and this debut conversation delivers everything fans could hope for. 

In her FIRST interview with the show, Sarah opens up like never before about returning as Emily Lane in Mistletoe Murders Season 2, navigating the biggest emotional stakes yet, and why this series is the most meaningful job of her entire career.

From brand-new flashbacks revealing Emily’s past, to the fie...

Mikkal Karim Fidler joins Elias to break down his role as Teddy in IT: Welcome to Derry. Mikkal talks about joining the Stephen King universe, the emotional weight behind Teddy’s guilt, and how real friendships off-camera helped shape the on-screen chemistry fans are loving.

Hear Mikkal open up about the audition process, building Teddy’s layered mindset, and the intense stunt work that challenged him in surprising ways.

Marisa Coughlan joins Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to talk about her deeply personal new film Blue Eyed Girl, where she serves as writer, producer, and star. Marisa opens up about returning home to Minnesota, the emotional inspiration behind the story, filming heartfelt scenes with Beau Bridges, and why she felt compelled to play the role of Jane herself.

We dive into how Blue Eyed Girl became a “coming-of-age story for 40-someth...

Kahyun Kim joins Pop Culture Unplugged to dive into her fan-favorite role as Serena on NBC’s St. Denis Medical. She shares why the show is her “dream job,” how Serena mixes chaos with confidence, and what fans can expect from her romance and character growth in Season 2. Kahyun also opens up about learning English through sitcoms, bonding with the cast, and why mockumentary comedy feels like home.

Highlights: – Kahyun calls St. De...

Actor Pierson Fodé joins Pop Culture Unplugged to talk all things A Merry Little Ex-Mas and his scene-stealing role as Chet in Netflix’s latest holiday hit. From wild improv to heartfelt moments, Pierson delivers one of his most candid and entertaining conversations yet.

Episode Highlights: – Pierson shares why “My break is hanging out with you — and I love it.” – The hilarious behind-the-scenes story of the improvised firefighte...

Jack Molloy Legault joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about his breakout role as Phil in HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry! Jack opens up about the surreal journey from self-tape audition to becoming part of the IT universe, working alongside his real-life sister Matilda, and how he brought humor and heart to the horror-filled streets of Derry.

🎙️ Highlights include: – How Jack discovered his audition was secretly for IT: Wel...

Sarah Cortez joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about her role as Dulce in the Western drama Long Shadows, premiering November 7. Sarah shares how she instantly connected with the character’s strength and vulnerability, the emotional challenges of filming, and the surprising twist that made her “throw her laptop.”

🎧 Interview Highlights:

• Why Long Shadows is a different kind of Western with heart and hope.

• The emo...

Clara Stack joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about her breakout role as Lilly in HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry. Clara opens up about landing the role through a self-tape audition, exploring Lilly’s emotional depth, and stepping into the Stephen King universe. She also discusses balancing real-world trauma with supernatural fear, meeting Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, and the friendships formed behind the scenes. Clara even r...

Maggie Lawson joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about her new role as Sarah Silver in Boston Blue! 💙

In this episode, Maggie dives into what it’s like stepping into the shoes of the youngest superintendent in Boston PD history, how Boston Blue honors the Blue Bloods legacy while creating its own identity, and her excitement about working alongside Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green.

She also opens up about h...