Back to Pop Podcast: Your All-Access Pass to Pop Culture Icons
Dive headfirst into the vibrant world of pop culture with the âBack to Pop Podcast,â where we celebrate the legends and lore of the entertainment universe. From the visionaries behind the scenes to the iconic faces in front of the camera, we bring you exclusive, heart-to-heart conversations with the diverse talents that have shaped our cultural landscape.
 âBack to Popâ is not just a podcast; itâs a vibrant dialogue with the movers and shakers of music, movies, TV, and comics. Each episode is a unique journey, offering you a front-row seat to the untold stories, creative inspirations, and behind-the-scenes insights from your favorite pop culture personalities.
âBack to Popâ is where nostalgia meets novelty, where we reminisce about classic moments while exploring the latest trends that are defining the future of entertainment. Itâs your chance to hear from the legends you admire and the rising stars youâre curious about, all in one place.
So, if youâre looking to get your pulse on pop cultureâs past, present, and future, tune into âBack to Pop Podcast.â Be part of a community that thrives on the excitement, creativity, and passion that pop culture brings into our lives. Join us, and letâs celebrate the stories that connect us all.
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Holy career arc, Batman! This week on Back to Pop, weâre joined by the legendary Loren Lesterâthe voice behind Robin and Nightwing in the iconic Batman: The Animated Series. And more!Â
What Youâll Hear: đ The Broadway Debut â How Loren made it to the Kit Kat Club in Cabaret after five decades in the business đŚ Behind the Bat-Family â Inside stories from recording, plus returning as Nightwing years later
đş Screen to Stage Journey â From The Facts of Life and Rock ânâ Roll High School, Evil Speak, to Gilmore Girls, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and beyond
đŽ Beyond Animation â Voice work in G.I. Joe, Halo 4, Batman: Arkham Knight, and dozens more đ¨âđŠâđ§ A Creative Legacy â Raising Tony-nominated daughter Julia Lester (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Into the Woods)
Plus: The âlove at first sightâ moment that started it all, advice for aspiring actors, and what excites him about the future of entertainment. Whether you know him as Dick Grayson, Fritz Hansel, or Roy from Peekskillâthis is the conversation fans have been waiting for.
Sheâs the mother who protected Elliott in E.T., the woman who fought a rabid Saint Bernard in Cujo, and the primal force behind The Howling. For over four decades, Dee Wallace has moved seamlessly between heartwarming classics and the darkest corners of horror, creating an unforgettable legacy on screen. In this episode of Back to Pop, host Marc Childs sits down with the legendary actress to explore her remarkable journey â from her Kansas roots and early teaching days to becoming one of Hollywoodâs most beloved Scream Queens. Dee opens up about working with Steven Spielberg on the set of E.T., the physical and emotional intensity of filming Cujo (a performance Stephen King himself said deserved an Oscar), and her return to authentic horror with her latest project, Southern Scares. But Dee Wallace is more than an actress. Sheâs a best-selling author, international speaker, and teacher of conscious creation who has dedicated her life to helping others manifest their deepest desires. We discuss her philosophy on self-creation, how she defied six specialists to create her daughter, and why she believes horror isnât just about fear â itâs about healing it. This conversation is part nostalgia, part masterclass in fearless living. Whether youâre a lifelong fan of her iconic roles or discovering her wisdom for the first time, Deeâs warmth, authenticity, and light will leave you inspired. Topics Covered: â˘Working on E.T. , Cujo, and more â˘Behind the scenes of Southern Scares â˘The healing power of horror â˘Conscious creation and manifestation â˘Staying creative in an ageist industry â˘Asking for what you truly want
Guest: Dee WallaceHost: Marc ChildsDuration: ~45 minutes
What happens when a comics fan becomes one of the most trusted voices in Star Wars storytellingâand then takes on Tim Burtonâs Batman? This week, weâre joined by John Jackson Miller, the acclaimed author behind Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Kenobi, and the brand-new Batman: Resurrection.
Millerâs journey from running Comics & Games Retailer magazine to crafting beloved stories in iconic universes is anything but typical. We explore how his deep industry knowledge shaped his approach to licensed storytelling, from ancient Jedi temples to the Gothic shadows of Burtonâs Gotham.
In this episode: ⢠How documenting comics history prepared Miller for creating within beloved franchises
⢠The unique challenges of writing in the Old Republic era versus closer to the films⢠Why Batman: Resurrection required 12 theatrical viewings of Burtonâs 1989 masterpiece
⢠Capturing Burtonâs Gothic sensibility in prose while exploring urban trauma
⢠How Gotham itself becomes a character processing post-Joker trauma
⢠Millerâs creative process across novels, comics, and different universes
Miller discusses the delicate balance of respecting established lore while pushing creative boundaries, and reveals whatâs coming next in Batman: Revolution. Whether youâre a Star Wars devotee, a Batman enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the craft of licensed storytelling, this conversation offers rare insights into creating within worlds we already love.
Links & Resources: ⢠Batman: Resurrection - Available now
⢠John Jackson Millerâs official website: See Faraway PressÂ
EP: 40 The Love Goddess Lives On: Taylor Blackwell on Resurrecting Judy Tenuta
What happens when you mix a Grammy-nominated accordion goddess, a fearless feminist firebrand, and the wildest stage presence to hit HBO in the â80s? You get comedy legend Judy Tenuta â and today, weâre exploring her incredible legacy with filmmaker Taylor Blackwell.
Episode Highlights: â˘The making of âIt Happened: The Judy Tenuta Storyâ â a vibrant mini-biopic thatâs equal parts tribute and time machine â˘Behind-the-scenes secrets from using Judyâs actual costumes and original accordion on set â˘Working with Alan Tudyk and bringing together an incredible cast â˘Judyâs groundbreaking career â from Second City to touring with George Carlin, conquering HBO, and becoming a queer icon â˘Why this story matters now â reclaiming forgotten female trailblazers in comedy Taylor Blackwell didnât just write and direct this film â they starred in it, channeling Judyâs fearless energy while honoring her authentic voice. This isnât just a biography; itâs a resurrection of a comedy icon who paved the way for generations of performers. Perfect for listeners who love: Comedy history, filmmaking stories, LGBTQ+ icons, feminist pioneers, and anyone curious about the fearless performers who changed entertainment forever.
Guest Bio: Taylor Blackwell is the writer, director, and star of âIt Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story.â Working closely with Judyâs estate, Taylor created a heartfelt tribute that captures both the humor and humanity of the Love Goddess herself.
Get ready to rediscover the worlds that shaped your childhoodâand the nightmares that still send chills down your spine. In this episode, we sit down with David Kirschner, the creative force behind An American Tail, Childâs Play, Hocus Pocus and so much more. Before he created popâculture icons, Kirschner designed album covers for Neil Diamond and worked with Jim Henson on Sesame Street and The Muppets . He later dreamed up the magical RoseâPetal Place universe , and his success caught the eye of Steven Spielberg, leading to the Oscarânominated An American Tail .
From Fievelâs Hope to Chuckyâs Horror
This conversation travels from the heartfelt story of JewishâRussian immigrants in An American Tail to the darkly comic terror of Childâs Play, where the freckled menace Chucky went on to headline seven films and a hit TV series . Kirschner explains how a fear of his sisterâs dolls inspired the franchise and why the character still endures. We also dive into the unfinished fantasy epic The Pirates of Dark Water, the environmental parable of The Pagemaster, and the cult rise of Hocus Pocus. Youâll hear how the Sanderson Sisters went from boxâoffice curiosity to Halloween royalty and why a third film is now in development .
Why You Should Listen Now
If you ever sang âSomewhere Out There,â hid your toys after watching Chucky, or still quote âItâs just a bunch of hocus pocus,â this episode is for you. Kirschner shares behindâtheâscenes secrets, creative strategies, and the personal experiences that fueled his characters. Weâll explore the common thread that ties together Fievelâs quest, Chuckyâs mayhem, and the Sanderson Sistersâ mischief. Donât miss this masterclass in storytellingâtune in, share with your tribe, and join us as we celebrate the visionary whose imagination continues to enchant and thrill audiences .
Ever wondered what it takes to voice an entire cast of characters in a single show? Or how an actor brings psychological terror to life as Metal Gear Solidâs unforgettable Psycho Mantis?
Join us for an extraordinary deep-dive with Doug Stone, the legendary voice actor whoâs brought countless characters to life across animation, anime, and video games. From leading the heroic M.A.S.K. team as Matt Trakker (while simultaneously voicing seven other characters in the same series!) to delivering spine-chilling performances as gamingâs most mind-bending villain, Doug reveals the secrets behind his incredible range.
đĽ What Youâll Discover: The Actorâs Craft Revealed: Go inside Dougâs character creation processâhow he builds distinct voices, finds emotional truth in isolation, and transforms scripts into living, breathing personalities.
Behind the M.A.S.K.: Learn how voice actors of the â80s essentially became one-person repertory companies, and hear Doug break down the challenge of voicing heroes, villains, and everyone in between within a single animated universe.
Gamingâs Psychological Mastermind: Discover the unique demands of voicing Psycho Mantisâa character who breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to players, blending meta-gaming with pure psychological horror.
From Booth to Directorâs Chair: Explore Dougâs transition from performer to director and casting specialist, including his work on Mobile Suit Gundam, Tenchi Muyo!, and Street Fighter II. Dubbing Mastery Across Cultures: From Cowboy Bebopâs space western to Kill la Killâs intense Japanese storytelling, learn how Doug navigates vastly different cultural contexts while maintaining character authenticity.
đŤ Plus: A Cause Close to His Heart Doug opens up about his passion for animal rescue and his work with the Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Catsâproving that the same dedication he brings to character voices extends to saving real lives.
EP: 37 A Postcard That Changed Everything: A Conversation w/ Jim Salicrup
What if a postcard could change your life? Welcome to Back to Pop, the podcast that dives deep into the stories behind the stories in comics, pop culture, and the creative industry. Each episode features intimate conversations with the legends, innovators, and unsung heroes who shaped the entertainment we love.
From Marvel editors to European comic translators, from educational comic pioneers to digital media trailblazers, Back to Pop uncovers the human moments that transformed creative careers and influenced entire generations of fans. Whether youâre a longtime comic enthusiast or just discovering the rich history behind your favorite characters, youâll find compelling stories that connect the dots between yesterdayâs innovations and todayâs pop culture landscape.
Featured in This Episode Join us for an incredible conversation with Jim Salicrup, former Marvel editor and , the former co-owner of Papercutz, in which ( Terry Nantier and Jim recently sold Papercutz to Mad Cave Studios ), who has spent over 40 years making comics accessible to kids worldwide. From his teenage fanzine days in Brooklyn to shepherding literary giants like Ray Bradbury and legends like Jack Kirby under one roof at Topps Comics, Jim shares behind-the-scenes stories that span the entire modern comics era.
 They Discover how a single letter to Roy Thomas launched a legendary career, learn about the meticulous process of adapting European comics like Asterix for American audiences, and get insider perspectives on everything from the Marvel Try-Out Book to the rise and fall of Stan Lee Media. Plus, Jim opens up about mentorship, creative wellness, and what it takes to preserve an authorâs voice across languages and cultures.
What Youâll Hear  ⢠The untold story of Spidey Super Stories and working with the Childrenâs Television Workshop  ⢠Behind-the-scenes tales from Marvel Age magazine and proto-social media engagement  ⢠War stories from managing creative legends at Topps Comics ⢠Early digital adventures with Stan Lee Media and lessons for todayâs creators ⢠The art of cultural translation in global comics publishing ⢠Insights on mentorship and avoiding industry burnout
EP: 36 More Than a Voice: A Conversation w/ Gregg Berger
Before âMe Grimlock!â echoed across Saturday mornings, before Spirit walked calmly through the chaos of G.I. Joe missions, there was a young performer discovering the power of voice.
In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Back to Pop, we sit down with voice acting legend Gregg Bergerâthe man behind Grimlock, Spirit, Firefly, Ripcord, Long Haul, Odie, and moreâto explore the emotional depth, discipline, and imagination it takes to bring iconic characters to life.
đĽ Inside This Episode:
Greggâs early creative spark and the artists who inspired him
His first foray into voiceover and how he built a toolbox that shaped a generation
The emotional core behind G.I. Joe heroes and villains alike
The evolution of Grimlockâand how âMe Grimlockâ became pop culture gospel
Voicing Odieâa masterclass in non-verbal performance
Philosophies on range, truth, and why voice acting is more than just sound
Reflections on fandom, legacy, and the roles that live in his heart
Whether youâre a lifelong fan or discovering Greggâs work for the first time, this episode is a masterclass in character, commitment, and the power of story.
đź Subscribe, rewind, and relive the voices that shaped your childhood.
In this raw and revealing episode, we dive deep with Allison Pittel, breakout star of indie horror hits Stream and Screamboat. From her leap to NYCâs acting grind to the Meisner method that shaped her craft, Allison unpacks the real journey behind the scream queen spotlight.
đŹ SEGMENTS INCLUDE:
Making the move to NYC & surviving the audition hustle
Finding truth in terror through Meisner technique
Behind the scenes of Stream â trauma, tension & truth
Screamboatâs final girl twist & late-night ferry shoots
How horror fuels emotional depth & catharsis
Daily rituals, reads, and whatâs next beyond blood and guts
đĽ Whether youâre an actor, horror fanatic, or pop culture obsessive, this episode is a must-listen. We talk emotional stamina, genre tropes, character-building, and why horror is more than just screamsâitâs survival with soul.
In this powerhouse episode of Back to Pop, we sit down with legendary writer Christy Marxâthe visionary behind Jem and the Holograms, a creative force on G.I. Joe, Spider-Man, Babylon 5, Conan the Adventurer, and so much more.
From pioneering emotional storytelling in Saturday morning cartoons to building entire worlds in comics like Sisterhood of Steel, Red Sonja, and Elfquest, Christy Marx has always championed character-driven narratives rooted in empathy, identity, and purpose.
đ§ In this episode:
The untold origin story of Jem & the Holograms
Writing in male-dominated rooms for Spider-Man & G.I. Joe
Crafting nuanced fantasy in Conan & Babylon 5
Balancing humor and heart with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Building entire mythologies in comics with the Sisterhood of Steel
Her writing philosophy: why genre fiction is never âjust for kidsâ
What sheâd create today with total creative freedom
Whether youâre a fan of 80s cartoons, a comic book enthusiast, or a storyteller looking to learn from one of the best in the business, this episode is a masterclass in genre writing and creating with soul.
đŁ Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to keep discovering the legends who shaped pop culture
Timestamps: [00:00] Opening & introductions [08:00] Foundation in comics retail & journalism[18:00] Building Star Wars galaxies [30:00] Entering Burtonâs Gotham [45:00] Psychology of trauma in Gotham City [53:00] Craft, technique, & creative process [61:00] Looking ahead to Batman: Revolution Runtime: 1 hour, 11 minutes
Duration: 32 minutes Listen now to discover why Judy Tenutaâs legacy is more relevant than ever â and how one filmmaker is making sure the Love Goddess lives on.
Whether youâre an aspiring voice actor, a fan of iconic animation and games, or just love hearing about the craft behind the characters you grew up with, this episode delivers insights you wonât find anywhere else.
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