When They Popped - A Y2K Pop Culture Podcast
Were you team Backstreet Boys or NSYNC? Britney or Xtina? Simple Life or Newlyweds? With When They Popped, you don’t have to pick a side, because we’re going to mention it all! When They Popped retells the stories of the late 90s and early 2000s biggest celebrities, trends, and phenomena like boy band mania, celebrity-based reality TV, and the rise of “famous for being famous” socialites who ruled the tabloids. Hosts Kelsey and Mary are discussing Y2Ks most impactful cultural moments, icons, and celebrities while chronicling their rise to stardom and discussing when they reached the pinnacle of pop culture, or, when they “popped!” The girls will also consider the cultural impact of Y2K on todays society and will look to see where our beloved Y2K stars are now.
Episodes
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey celebrate the thrilling news that Hilary Duff is coming out of musical retirement and working on new music. They revisit Hilary’s most underrated bops and compiled their top 10 favorite deep cuts spanning her entire discography - Metamorphosis, Hilary Duff, Dignity, Most Wanted, and Breathe In. Breathe Out. - and discuss why these tracks deserve more love!
This epi...
Send Mary and Kelsey a Message!
In this episode, Mary and Kelsey go track by track through Mandy Moore’s debut album, So Real, dishing on everything from bubblegum bangers like “Candy” to the deep cuts you may have forgotten were total Y2K gems. They also discuss how the album was reissued as I Wanna Be With You with four new tracks that make for a perfect time capsule of teen pop magic.
Instagram: @whentheypop...
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey recap Nelly and Ashanti’s eight-episode docuserie that follows the iconic Y2K couple’s journey as newlyweds and navigating parenthood. They recap what the critics have to say on the series and their own favorite memorable moments from the show, including the couple shopping for a $300k mattress, Ashanti preparing for his first performance post-baby, and Nelly’ 50th bi...
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In this episode, Clay Aiken dishes on his American Idol experience during the show’s explosive second season, he reflects on his quick rise to fame, unlikely fan encounters, and his #1 hit 2003 album, "Measure of a Man.” Plus, Clay discusses his spirited fanbase (Claymates rise up!), his enduring friendship with Ruben Studdard, and what's next for our favorite American Idol runner up!
Send Mary and Kelsey a Message!
Oh my God, we're back again... In this episode, Mary & Kelsey recap their second trip to Vegas to see Backstreet Boys at the Sphere, giving a play-by-play of everything they’ve learned from their four shows including what time to arrive to the venue to get a spot close to the stage, which side of the stage they prefer (after trying out left, center, and right!), and more! Plus, they discuss M...
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey dive into the body-swapping icon of a movie that is 2002’s Freaky Friday (2003) featuring Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Chad Michael Murray. They discuss the behind-the-scenes stories, including the very last-minute musical chairs casting process, its incredible soundtrack, cultural impact, and their take on the brand new film, Freakier Friday!
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In this episode, Mary & Kelsey go back to the days of Juicy tracksuits, colorful Louis Vuitton bags, and flat irons with a deep-dive listening party of Jessica Simpson’s iconic 2003 album, In This Skin. From “With You” and its cheeky self-parodying video to Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, this album feels like a true Y2K-era time capsule.
Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod
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Cabs are here! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey go back to Seaside Heights in 2009 to chronicle the origins of MTV’s generation-defining series, Jersey Shore. From Snooki’s iconic entrance (party’s here!) to fist-pumping at Karma and working at the Shore Store, they detail their favorite moments from the beginning seasons up to now Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. It’s T-shirt time!
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey sit down with Grammy-award winner and visionary film and music video director Joseph Kahn. They discuss Joseph’s new 2000s nostalgia-packed horror comedy movie “Ick” which hits theaters for a limited time July 27-29, how he became one of the most sought-after music video directors in the industry, and his work with with the world’s biggest names in music including Back...
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In this episode, Mary & Kelsey answer all of your questions from opening weekend of Backstreet Boys Into The Millennium at the Sphere in Las Vegas. From how they got front row on opening night, to what bags to bring, to merch selection, to the Backstreet Boys pop-up experience at the Venetian, this episode is a must-listen if you’re planning a trip to see the show!
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In this episode, Mary & Kelsey share yet another unhinged episode live from Vegas recapping Backstreet Boys residency at the Sphere night two on July 12, 2025. They discuss the When They Popped met up, the official Backstreet Boys After Party at Voltaire, merch FAQs, and more.
Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod
TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod
Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.com<...
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In this episode, Mary & Kelsey share their raw and unedited post-show ramblings following opening night of the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere in Las Vegas on July 11, 2025. They share what surprised them most, their favorite moments, and so much more! **MAJOR SPOILERS are included in this episode!
Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod
TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod
Email: whenthey...
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey deep dive into the career of Hayden Panettiere from her soap opera start to Disney Channel star (Tiger Cruise and Disneymania 5, hullo) and leading lady of appointment television series including Heroes and Nashville.
Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod
TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod
Email: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.com
Website: linktree...
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey catch up with Lauren Christy, songwriter, singer, and 1/3 of legendary production trio The Matrix, to discuss writing Avril Lavigne’s breakthrough hit album, Let Go, and other hits for Hilary Duff, Jason Mraz, Liz Phair, and more.
Follow Lauren at @thelaurenchristy on IG and TikTok
Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod
TikTok: @whentheypoppedpod
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by dancer Tania Baron to discuss Tania’s professional dancing journey including touring with Britney Spears and appearing in her iconic music videos including Baby One More Time, (You Drive Me) Crazy, and Oops!… I Did It Again. Tania shares how she got into dancing, what it was like to perform with the princess of pop as she experienced a meteoric rise to fa...
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey rewind all the way to 2002 to dive into the dazzling debut of American Idol Season 1 — the show that turned everyday dreamers into pop royalty and gave us unforgettable gems like Kelly Clarkson, Simon Cowell’s savage zingers, and memorable if not cringe-worthy auditions. This episode sheds light on the show’s British origins, its American makeover, and the iconic chemi...
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by Beyond the Blinds co-host Kelli Williams (aka Laguna Biotch!!) to celebrate two decades of Backstreet Boys’ Never Gone album. They go track by track and dive deep on bops like Incomplete, I Still…, Crawling Back To You, Just Want You To Know, Siberia (a song that continues to be criminally underrated, if you ask us) and more!
Follow Kelli at @laguna_...
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In this episode, recorded live from the shores of Cocoa Beach, Mary and Kelsey pull up a chair at Coa, the new restaurant from Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys, for a flavor-packed convo. Howie dishes on Coa, spills tea on the upcoming BSB residency at the Sphere in Vegas, and gives a taste of Millennium 2.0. Plus, he reveals who’d snag an invite to his dream dinner party and the most memorable mo...
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In this episode, Mary and Kelsey celebrate 15 years of Ke$ha’s debut album Animal and sister EP, Cannibal. This listening party is a track-by-track dissertation on Ke$ha’s hits from TiK ToK, Blow, Your Love Is My Drug, We R Who We R and other songs you may have forgotten about like Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, Dinosaur, and Boots and Boys.
Hey, I like your beard.
Check out our sister Patreon episode...
Send Mary and Kelsey a Message!
In this episode, Mary and Kelsey discuss all things Dream Street with original founding member, Greg Raposo! Greg shares how he ended up performing at Graceland after a call from Priscilla Presley, when he knew Dream Street popped off, his solo career and upcoming performances with Matt Ballinger this summer! Follow Greg at @gregraposomusic
Instagram: @whentheypoppedpod
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