Pop Pantheon
Pop Pantheon is a podcast where host DJ Louie XIV and guests thoroughly analyze and overanalyze favorite pop stars, ultimately ranking them in the official Pop Pantheon. The show delves into the careers, music, and cultural impact of pop icons, offering deep dives and lively discussions. It is hosted on Acast.
Episodes
Troye Sivan is at His Best on She's The Best (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ gather to break down Troye Sivan's 4th studio album, She's the Best, which sensually explores the middle ground between queer lust and longing.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon:
Mailbag: Is It Time For Taylor Swift To Retire the “Hater” Narrative? Plus Rihanna’s legacy & more!
Mailbag time! Louie and Russ tackle questions from the Mailbag, including one about Taylor Swift invoking her "haters" on record and a question about Rihanna's legacy. Plus we finally find out out: what is Russ' whole deal, anyways?Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFo
Uplifting Tinashe's Popstar + Charli XCX & Charlie Puth Live (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss their respective experiences seeing Charlie Puth and Charli XCX recently, before going deep on Tinashe's latest album, Popstar.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access
2026 Main Pop Girl Power Ranking (with Fran Tirado & Rose Dommu)
From Taylor to Karol, both Olivias, Ella, Ariana, Audrey, and more, hosts of the Like a Virgin podcast, Fran Tirado and Rose Dommu, join Louie and Russ to power rank the Main Pop Girls of the last 12 months.Tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous Halloween on 10/30Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on Instagr
Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore Track-by-Track + Our VMAs Wrap-up (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss last night's woeful 2026 MTV Music Video Awards, before turning their attention to the deluxe re-issue of Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, going track-by-track.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord ch
Our Favorite VMA Performances of All Time (with Jake Cornell)
In anticipation of the annual MTV Video Music Awards airing this Sunday, comedian Jake Cornell joins Louie and Russ to count down each of their favorite performances from the storied show's 42 year history.Buy tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous HalloweenJoin Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on Instagram
Second Spin: TINASHE (with The Cut's Cat Zhang)
Tinashe has a new album, Pop Star, dropping in a couple days. Get all caught up with her career to this point with our 2024 episode on the Niche Legend with The Cut's Cat Zhang.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. S
Miley Cyrus' Bass Persuades + Troye Sivan's "Party," Robyn Live, & More! (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss live shows from Eli and Robyn, Troye Sivan's newest single, "Party," Miley Cryus' latest solo album, Bass Persuades, and who they think will headline the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channe
Are Taylor Swift, Drake, and Ariana Grande Moving Up or Down in the Pop Pantheon?
In a game of "Step Up, Step Down," Louie and Russ discuss recent career developments from Taylor Swift, Drake, Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Gracie Abrams, and Audrey Hobert to determine whether they're currently trending up or down in the official Pop Pantheon.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on In
Miley Cyrus' "Bass Persuades" + Ranking All Miley Lead Singles (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie shares his experience seeing Backstreet Boys live at The Sphere in Vegas. Then, Louie and Russ get into about Miley Cyrus' new single, "Bass Persuades," the lead single from her forthcoming album of the same name, before ranking it amongst all of Miley's lead singles.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bo
What Was The Song of the Summer?
Louie and Russ come together to debate what this year's song of the summer was. Was it Ella Langley's chart topper "Choosin' Texas"? What about Taylor Swift's latest mega-single, "I Knew It, I Knew You" or Ariana Grande's "Hate That I Made You Love Me"? Maybe Olivia Rodrigo? Drake?! Or something not even on the top of the charts, like Slayyyter or Madonna. They discuss the summer in pop and then r
Britney Spears' Glory - Track-by-Track (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ go track-by-track on the final studio album from Britney Spears, Glory, in honor of its 10th anniversary.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscri
M.I.A. (with Julianne Escobedo Shepherd)
Julianne Escobedo Shepherd returns to Pop Pantheon to unpack the career of a pop star who changed the very notion of what a “pop star” could be: M.I.A. Louis and Julianne dig into M.I.A.’s origins, from England to Sri Lanka, India and back, her first mixtape and breakthrough with 2005’s Arular. Next they discuss 2007’s Kala and “Paper Planes,” the 2010’s Maya, the mess that followed the 2012
Charli XCX's Vroom Vroom at 10: Track-by-Track (+ Russ on Music Fashion Film) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Russ shares his belated thoughts on Charli XCX's latest, Music Fashion Film, before he and Louie go track-by-track on 2016's Vroom Vroom, the pivotal Sophie-produced EP that forever changed Charli's sound and career.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord c
Beyoncé's B'Day at 20: Track-by-Track (Originally Published on Patreon on May 11, 2026)
Pop Pantheon is off until September. In the meantime, we're dropping some gems from our Patreon for free! This week, we're sharing our episode from May of this year where Russ and Louie went track-by-track on Beyoncé's second album, B'Day, to commemorate it's upcoming 20th anniversary. If you like what you hear and want more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier to receive weekly
Karol G’s No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto + Becky G's Baraja Bendita (with Isabella Gomez Sarmiento) (Patreon preview)
NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento returns to Pop Pantheon All Access to join Russ for a discussion about two albums from Latin pop stars released this month. First they tackle Karol G's sonic pivot on her recent breakup album No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto, then they unpack the many diverging paths that led to Becky G's new record Baraja Bendita. To hear the rest of the this episo
The Chaos and Calculations of Camila Cabello's C,XOXO (with Omri Rolan) (Originally Published on Patreon on 7/1/24)
Pop Pantheon is off until September. In the meantime, we're dropping some gems from our Patreon for free! This week, we're sharing our episode from July 2024 reviewing Camila Cabello's C,XOXO. If you like what you hear and want more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier to receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more. You can
New Music from Troye Sivan, Phoebe Bridgers, Ravyn Lanae & More (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ go deep on new songs from Troye Sivan, Flo, Ravyn Lanae, Phoebe Bridgers, Tyla, and Adela.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the
Did Pop Music Used to Be Better?
Digging through this week's top ten from the last five decades— the 1980s, the 1990s, the 2000s, the 2010s, and today— Louie and Russ try to figure if pop music, at least the songs that reach the summit of the Billboard Hot 100, used to be better.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollo
Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor vs. Confessions II: Which is Better? (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ debate the age old question: Is Madonna's original Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005) or her recently released sequel Confessions II (2026) the stronger album?To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop
TEGAN AND SARA (with Annie Zaleski)
Author and critic Annie Zaleski returns to Pop Pantheon to discuss the career and legacy of a pair of queer icons: the Canadian sister act Tegan and Sara. Annie and Russ dig into the origin of the Quin sisters in Calgary, their folksy early albums, 2002’s If It Was You and the seminal indie pop classic So Jealous (2004). From there, they unpack Tegan and Sara’s brief flirtatious with the American
Ariana Grande Goes Dark on Petal (with Rachel Handler) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, New York Magazine's Rachel Handler joins DJ Louie to talk discuss Ariana Grande's 8th studio album, Petal, which arrives amidst a swirl of public discourse around the pop diva and her recent announcement that she will be pulling back from public life.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pan
Second Spin: MADONNA: PART 3 (with Annie Zaleski)
Louie and Russ are taking the last two weeks of July off! In the meantime, in light of the commotion over Confessions II, we're revisiting our Madonna series from 2023. Parts 1 and 2 published last week, and here is Part 3. Pop Pantheon will return with new episodes on August 6th. In the meantime, you can always hear new weekly episodes by subscribing at Patreon.com/PopPantheon.Join Pop Pantheon:
Charli XCX Bucks Brat on Music, Fashion, Film (with Joan Summers) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Paper's Joan Summers joins DJ Louie to break down Charli XCX's anti-Brat follow-up to that blockbuster, her eighth studio album, Music, Fashion, Film.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at
Second Spin: MADONNA: PART 2 (with Jason King)
Louie and Russ are taking the last two weeks of July off! In the meantime, in light of the commotion over Confessions II, we're revisiting our Madonna series from 2023. Part 1 published yesterday, Part 2 today, and Part 3 will come out next Thursday.Pop Pantheon will return with new episodes on August 6th. In the meantime, you can always hear new weekly episodes by subscribing at Patreon.com/PopPa
Second Spin: MADONNA: PART 1 (with Edward Russell)
Louie and Russ are taking the last two weeks of July off! In the meantime, in light of the commotion over Confessions II, we're revisiting our Madonna series from 2023. Part 1 will publish today, Part 2 tomorrow, and Part 3 next Thursday.Pop Pantheon will return with new episodes on August 6th. In the meantime, you can always hear new weekly episodes by subscribing at Patreon.com/PopPantheon.Join
Madonna's Halftime Show, Gracie Abrams' Daughter From Hell, + a Charli XCX Vibe Check (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss Madonna's FIFA Finals Halftime Performance, talk about the vibes around Charli XCX on the eve of her new studio album, Music Fashion Film, and break down Gracie Abrams' Daughter From HellTo hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel
Are Oliva Rodrigo, Lizzo, and Madonna (!) Moving Up or Down in the Pop Pantheon?
In this week's Step Up, Step Down, Louie and Russ debate whether recent moves from Olivia Rodrigo, Lizzo, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Kacey Musgraves constitute upward or downward trends for them in the official Pop Pantheon.Buy tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous: Renaissance in NYCJoin Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollo
Bebe Rexha's Dirty Blonde + Hilary Duff's Luck... or Something (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Russ tells Louie about his interview with Bebe Rexha for PAPER and they discuss her place in the pop firmament following her new album Dirty Blonde. Then a listener-demanded and long, long awaited discussion about Hilary Duff's return to pop, Luck... or Something!To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episod
The Best Ariana Grande Songs of All Time (with Kyle Denis, Larisha Paul, & Nora Princiotti)
In anticipation of forthcoming 8th studio album, Petal, Louie is joined by Every Single Album's Nora Princiotti, Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul, and Billboard's Kyle Denis to draft the greatest 20 best Ariana Grande singles of all time. Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie X
The Revelations of Madonna's Confessions II (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, The Queen of Pop Madonna is back with her 15th studio album, Confessions II, her first since 2019's ghastly Madame X and the sequel to her beloved 2005 record Confessions on a Dance Floor. So did she pull off the comeback we almost didn't dare dream was possible? Louie and Russ discuss!To hear the rest of the this episode plus rece
Lizzo's Pass (with StraightioLab's George Civeris and Sam Taggart)
StraightioLab's George Civeris and Sam Taggart join Louie to discuss Lizzo's Pass – a concept Sam created to describe the fork in the road in which a pop star must decide to make music for Target of for Pitchfork.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow
MORE Listener Mailbag: Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, Geese, and more! (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ are taking more listener questions about Beyoncé's Act III, the Geese psyop which Gen Z girlies have the biggest chance of reaching Tier 1 and more.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: A
MICHELLE BRANCH & VANESSA CARLTON (with Molly Mary O'Brien)
Molly Mary O'Brien returns to Pop Pantheon to unpack the careers of two women who served as counter-programming to the mechanized teen pop that dominated the early 2000s: Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton. Molly and Louie discuss Michelle's 2001 slammer “Everywhere” and her glossy yet yearning album The Spirit Room and Vanessa’s instantly memorable “A Thousand Miles” and her 2002 album Be Not No
Ariana Grande's Dangerous Woman: Track-by-Track (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, On the eve of her eighth studio album, Petal, due next month, Louie and Russ are going track-by-track on Ariana Grande's third record, Dangerous Woman, which turns ten years-old this year.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, sub
New Pop Girl Power Ranking (with Ivy Wolk)
Actress and comedian Ivy Wolk returns to the podcast to power rank the new class of pop girlies with Louie and Russ. From Ella Langley to Holly Humberstone, Olivia Dean, Underscores, Audrey Hobert and more, they debate who's up, who's down, and who's got the best chance of sticking around for the rest of this year and beyond. Buy tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous Pride in LA on 6/19 and NY 6/26Join Pop
The Utility of Cliché on Olivia Rodrigo's You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love (with Lauren Michele Jackson) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie is joined by cultural critic Lauren Michele Jackson to break down Olivia Rodrigo's third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Acc
Listener Mailbag! Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, & More
Louie and Russ answer listener questions about where The Life of a Showgirl ranks amongst Taylor Swift's recent albums, how likely it is that Rihanna will ever release R8, pairing flopping pop stars with new producers, their favorite indie songs of the century, Louie's book publishing process, and so much more.Buy tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous Pride in LA on 6/19 and NY 6/26Join Pop Pantheon: All A
New Music from Taylor Swift, Madonna, & Tinashe + Early Grammy Predictions (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ break down new singles from Taylor Swift, Tinashe, and Madonna, before tackling their way-too-early Grammy nomination predictions and playing a game of "Toy Sorry."To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, su
RUPAUL (with Paper's Joan Summers)
PAPER senior editor Joan Summers returns to Pop Pantheon for a special Pride episode unpacking a complex but revolutionary figure who changed queer culture forever, Supermodel of the World RuPaul. Louie and Joan explore Ru’s roots, his rise in New York City and breakthrough with “Supermodel (You Better Work).” Then they discuss the music he made during his initial burst of fame and his second musi
Ariana Grande Makes a Half Hearted Return + Kim Petras Finds Her Groove (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss the slightly confounding lead single from Ariana Grande's forthcoming eighth studio album Petal, plus Kim Petras' return to form on her 3rd debut record Detour.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more
The Best Pop You Might Have Missed in 2026 So Far (with Pitchfork's Walden Green)
Russ is joined by Pitchfork's Walden Green to countdown their lists of the most underrated pop songs of the year so far.Check out a playlist of Russ and Walden's favsBuy tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous Pride in LA on 6/19 and NY 6/26Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on
Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor: Track-by-Track (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, in anticipation of Madonna's 15th studio album, Confessions II, due out in July, Louie and Russ revisit the 2005's original Confessions on a Dance Floor, the Queen of Pop's last universally-adored effort.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord cha
The Best Pop Songs of 2026 So Far (with NPR's Hazel Cills)
NOTE: A previous version of this episode had an editing error that caused cross-talk in the interview. If this episode auto-downloaded, delete it from your library and refresh the feed for the updated version. Thank you!From Robyn to Charlie Puth, Olivia Rodrigo, Haute & Freddy, Underscores, and more, Louie is joined by NPR's Hazel Cills to countdown their favorite Pop Songs of 2026 so far.Che
New Music From Charli XCX & Gracie Abrams, + Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Requiem and Blue Dot Fever (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ talk about Charli XCX's incoming rock era, Gracie Abram's new single, Lady Gaga's latest concert special, the why so many artists are cancelling their tours at the last minute.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so m
LILY ALLEN (with The Guardian's Laura Snapes)
The Guardian's deputy music editor Laura Snapes returns to Pop Pantheon to unpack the work and career of one of pop’s most trenchant storytellers, Lily Allen. Louie and Laura dig into Lily's MySpace origins and scrappy 2006 debut, Alright, Still, her status as a British tabloid fixture, and her 2009 electro pop record It's Not Me, It's You. From there, they track her decline in acclaim and on the
Beyoncé's B'Day at 20: Track-by-Track (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, to commemorate the twenty year anniversary of Beyoncé's beloved second solo album, 2006's B'Day, Louie and Russ go track-by-track on one of Queen B's most explosive, concise, and complicated works.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel an
What Will Be The Song of Summer 2026?
"Drop Dead?" "Dracula?" Drake? Louie and Russ make bets on what they think will be The Song of Summer for 2026. Gorgeous Gorgeous NYC 4/8Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio
Kacey Musgraves Goes Back to Basics + Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter & Zara Larsson (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ ponder the latest Madonna single, "Bring Your Love" featuring Sabrina Carpenter, Zara Larsson's remix album Midnight Sun: Girls Trip, and Kacey Musgraves' latest, Middle of Nowhere.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and
Hot 100 Dumpster Dive 2026
Louie and Russ explore the mysterious Billboard Hot 100 and unpack a sample of songs they know nothing about,Gorgeous Gorgeous LA 4/2Gorgeous Gorgeous NYC 4/8Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac
An Empty Michael Jackson Biopic and a Lush Kehlani Album (with Mya Abraham) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ are joined by journalist Mya Abraham to talk about the blockbuster new Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, as well as to deep-dive on R&B diva Kehlani's self titled studio album.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and s
EN VOGUE (with NPR's Brittany Luse)
Journalist, critic and host of NPR's It's Been a Minute, Brittany Luse, makes her Pop Pantheon debut as we dive into the sassy, brassy ‘90s phenom En Vogue. Brittany and Louie explore the girl group’s prefab origins and their storm onto the Billboard charts with 1990’s Born To Sing. Next they dive into their classic sophomore album, 1992’s Funky Divas, their first member shake-up, and 1997’s EV3.
Madonna and Olivia Rodrigo End the Main Pop Girl Drought (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss new music from Madonna and Olivia Rodrigo, and play a game where they predict the commercial and critical reception to a panoply of forthcoming pop girl albums.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more
Are Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, and Zara Larsson Moving Up or Down in the Pop Pantheon?
Louie and Russ discuss recent career developments for Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Zara Larsson, BTS, and Robyn and whether they're currently trending upward or downward in the Pop Pantheon.Gorgeous Gorgeous LA 4/2Gorgeous Gorgeous NYC 4/8Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie
Coachella Weekend 1 + Lady Gaga and Doechii's New Single & Lily Allen Live (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, From Sabrina and Justin to Addison, Pink Pantheress, Slayyyter, & Katseye, Louie and Russ talk some of the buzziest performances from Coachella weekend. They also dig into Lady Gaga and Doechii's "Runway" and Russ' experience seeing Lily Allen perform West End Girl live.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receiv
The Best Lana Del Rey Songs of All Time (with Jason P. Frank, Walden Green, & Lauren Michele Jackson)
Louie is joined by Vulture's Jason P. Frank, Pitchfork's Walden Green, and critic Lauren Michele Jackson to draft the 20 best Lana Del Rey songs of all time.Check out a playlist of our best Lana songs of all timeGorgeous Gorgeous LA 4/2Gorgeous Gorgeous NYC 4/8Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on
Raye’s This Music May Contain Hope + Slayyyter’s Worst Girl in America (with Steffanee Wang) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ are joined by The Fader's Steffanee Wang to break down new albums from Raye and Slayyyter.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can al
MAROON 5 (with Mic The Snare)
Mic The Snare returns to Pop Pantheon to unpack the career of one of the most successful bands of the century, Maroon 5. Louie and Nick dig into the M5's beginnings as a high school band called Kara’s Flowers, their pivot to funky pop rock on their 2002 blockbuster debut Songs About Jane, and the softer reception to their second and third records— as well as the start of lead singer Adam Levine’s
Robyn and Charlie Puth Embrace Cringe + Zara Larsson Live (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ talk about their experiences seeing Zara Larsson's Midnight Sun Tour before breaking down new albums from Charlie Puth and RobynTo hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Ac
The Best Pop Albums of the 21st Century So Far (with Shaad D'Souza & Reanna Cruz)
Louie is joined by Shaad D'Souza and Reanna Cruz to count down their favorite pop albums of the century so far.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BTS, Blackpink + the State of K-Pop (with Crystal Bell) (Patreon Preview)
Journalist and editor Crystal Bell joins Russ from Seoul, South Korea to break down BTS' big comeback. Last week, the K-pop boy band released their first studio album in six years, Arirang, following each member of the group completing South Korea's mandatory military service. Crystal and Russ break down the album, BTS' live performance comeback and their new Netflix documentary BTS: The Return. T
Do #1 Hits Matter Anymore? (With Chris Molanphy & Sam Murphy)
Friend of the Pod Sam Murphy recently posted a TikTok positing an interesting question about whether Hot 100 #1s have the same salience as they used to have. To parse this question out further, Louie is joined by Sam and Chris to talk about the state of the #1 single, the Billboard charts, and what it all says about the music listen functions in 2026. Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Cha
The Best Diane Warren Songs of All Time (with Bobby Finger & Lindsey Weber) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Happy Oscars! To celebrate the big day and our fav prolific Oscars also-ran, we're dropping All Access early and drafting the 20 best Diane Warren songs of all time with our pals Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber of Who? Weekly. Tell us your Diane favs in the comments and enjoy this wild ride through one of the best songwrit
Is Whitney Houston Tier 1?
For the conclusion of our Whitney Houston Series, Louie and Russ play clips from all three guests— Emily Lordi, Jason King, & Gerrick Kennedy— plus take listener calls to finally determine if Whitney Houston is in Tier 1 of the Pop Pantheon.Whitney Houston Essentials PlaylistBuy tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous NYC on 3/20Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content an
Are the Boys Okay? Harry Styles vs. Bruno Mars (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Two of the biggest male pop stars of the day, Harry Styles and Bruno Mars, just returned with new albums after relatively long absences. What's new with these two and what do they have to say after years out of the spotlight? On this episode, Louie and Russ unpack Bruno Mars' The Romantic and Harry Styles' Kiss All The Ti
WHITNEY HOUSTON: PART 3 (with Gerrick D. Kennedy)
Gerrick Kennedy, author of Didn't We Almost Have It All: In Defense of Whitney Houston, joins Pop Pantheon for the third in our four-part series on the pop supernova Whitney Houston. Louie and Gerrick discuss Whitney’s most consistent and idiosyncratic album, 1998’s My Love Is Your Love, and its follow-up, the defensive flop, 2002’s Just Whitney, her only without Clive Davis at the helm. They unpa
One Year of Lady Gaga's Mayhem: A Track-by-Track Deep Dive (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Lady Gaga's 7th studio album, Mayhem, turns one year old this week. To celebrate, Louie and Russ look back on the Grammy winner, going track-by-track on the record that had Gaga proclaiming, "my nachos are mine, I invented them, and I’m proud of them!"To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes
WHITNEY HOUSTON: PART 2 (with Jason King)
Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music Jason King returns to Pop Pantheon for the second in our four-part series on the late, great pop Whitney Houston. Louie and Jason dissect Whitney’s unprecedented run of cultural dominance through the '90s, from her iconic Super Bowl 1991 performance to 1992's The Bodyguard, the best-selling soundtrack of all time. They then discuss Whitney’s troubled marria
Rihanna's Anti Turns Ten: A Track-by-Track Deep Dive (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Rihanna's 8th (and last?????) studio album Anti dropped a decade (!!) ago. To celebrate ten years, Louie and Russ look back on the record, going track-by-track on RiRi's loosest, most internal, and adventurous album, both a crowning achievement and frustrating cornucopia of unfulfilled potential.To hear the rest of the th
WHITNEY HOUSTON: PART 1 (with Emily Lordi)
Author of the forthcoming book Holding Lightning: The Life, Loves, and Art of Whitney Houston Emily Lordi returns to Pop Pantheon to kick off our special four-part on a pop star known as “The Voice” – perhaps the single greatest singer to ever grace the charts— Whitney Houston. Louie and Emily dig into Whitney’s origins in New Jersey, her musical family and first taste of the industry as a teenage
Listener Mailbag: Grimes, Boy Bander Singles, & Our Niche Legend Mt. Rushmore (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ take more listener questions on Grimes, the best solo singles from former boy banders and girl groupers, who's on their Niche Legend Mount Rushmore, and more!To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscrib
Mailbag: Gay Guy Music Video Night, Lorde’s Missed Moment, Letterboxd top 4 + More
Louie and Russ crack open the mailbag and answer listener questions about everything from the lack of buzz for Lorde post Virgin to what videos we like to put on at Gay Guy Music Video Night, our Letterboxd Top 4 and more.Buy tickets for Main Pop Girls on 2/27 in NYCBuy tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous LA 2/13Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch
Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl + Charli XCX in The Moment (with Reanna Cruz) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Friend of the Pod Reanna Cruz joins Louie and Russ to break down Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show performance and Charli XCX's.... less historic new film, The Moment.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop
The Long Road to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl (with Julianne Escobedo Shepherd and Alana Casanova-Burgess)
This Sunday, Bad Bunny will make history as the first Puerto Rican born and the first Latin male artist to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Ahead of the big game, Russ is joined by Hearing Things co-founder Julianne Escobedo Shepherd and Alana Casanova-Burgess, co-creator + host of La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience, to dig into the history of Latin performers at the Halftime S
The Best Pop Songs of the 21st Century So Far (with Brittany Spanos & Jason P. Frank)
From Beyoncé to Sophie, Jai Paul, Kelly Clarkson, Aaliyah, Nelly, Carly Rae Jepsen, and more, Brittany Spanos and Jason P. Frank join DJ Louie to countdown each of their Top 20 pop songs of the last quarter century . Listen to a playlist of our picks here (Apple Music link here!)Get tickets to Main Pop Girls on 2/27 at Parkside Lounge Get tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous NYC on 1/31Get tickets to Gorg
RICKY MARTIN (with Nuria Net)
Before Bad Bunny takes the stage at the Super Bowl, Pop Pantheon is exploring the career and work of another trailblazing Puerto Rican superstar, Ricky Martin. Nuria Net joins Louie to dig into Ricky’s origins as a boy bander turned soap star. The two discuss the music Ricky made with Menudo, his solo debut, and his global breakthrough with 1995's “Maria.” From there, they break down how an explos
Revisiting Harry Styles' Harry's House: Track-by-Track (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Superstar Harry Styles just announced that his fourth studio album, Kiss Me All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, will drop on March 6. To prep, Louie and Russ returned to his last record, 2022's Harry's House, to parse out their feelings on that Grammy Winner for Album of the Year, track by track.To hear the rest of the this episode plus
The Best Madonna Singles of All Time (with Joan Summers & Annie Zaleski)
Madonna Singles Draft! Louie and Russ are joined by Paper's Joan Summer and music journalist Annie Zaleski to join forces and pick the Top 20 Madonna Singles of All Time, draft style. Listen to a Spotify playlist of our Top 20 Madonna Singles of All TimeGet tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous NYC on 1/31Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pa
New Music from Robyn & Bruno Mars + Reacting to More of Your Unpopular Opinions (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ talk about the lead single for Bruno Mars' forthcoming fourth studio album, "I Just Might," then break down the latest pairing from Robyn, "Talk to Me" and "Sexistential," and finally take on more of your unpopular opinions about Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Madonna, and Cyndi Lauper.To hear the rest of the this episode plus
Reacting to Your Unpopular Opinions about Addison Rae, Sabrina Carpenter, & More (with Ivy Wolk)
Louie and Russ are joined by actress, comedian and Pop Pantheon listener (!) Ivy Wolk to react to all of your most unhinged unpopular opinions about Addison Rae, Janet Jackson, Sabrina Carpenter, & More! Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on TwitterFollow DJ Loui
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