Back To Pop – Details, episodes & analysis

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Holy career arc, Batman! This week on Back to Pop, we’re joined by the legendary Loren Lester—the voice behind Robin and Nightwing in the iconic Batman: The Animated Series. And more! 

What You’ll Hear:
🎭 The Broadway Debut – How Loren made it to the Kit Kat Club in Cabaret after five decades in the business
🦇 Behind the Bat-Family – Inside stories from recording, plus returning as Nightwing years later

📺 Screen to Stage Journey – From The Facts of Life and Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, Evil Speak,  to Gilmore Girls, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and beyond

🎮 Beyond Animation – Voice work in G.I. Joe, Halo 4, Batman: Arkham Knight, and dozens more
👨‍👩‍👧 A Creative Legacy – Raising Tony-nominated daughter Julia Lester (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Into the Woods)

Plus: The “love at first sight” 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 Peekskill—this is the conversation fans have been waiting for.

http://www.lorenlester.com/

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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She’s 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 — from her Kansas roots and early teaching days to becoming one of Hollywood’s 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. She’s 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 isn’t just about fear — it’s about healing it.
This conversation is part nostalgia, part masterclass in fearless living. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of her iconic roles or discovering her wisdom for the first time, Dee’s warmth, authenticity, and light will leave you inspired.
Topics Covered:
•Working on E.T. , Cujo, and more
•Behind the scenes of Southern Scares
•The healing power of horror
•Conscious creation and manifestation
•Staying creative in an ageist industry
•Asking for what you truly want

Guest: Dee WallaceHost: Marc ChildsDuration: ~45 minutes

Website: https://iamdeewallace.com/ 

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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Episode Description:

What happens when a comics fan becomes one of the most trusted voices in Star Wars storytelling—and then takes on Tim Burton’s Batman? This week, we’re joined by John Jackson Miller, the acclaimed author behind Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Kenobi, and the brand-new Batman: Resurrection.

Miller’s 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 Burton’s 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 Burton’s 1989 masterpiece

• Capturing Burton’s Gothic sensibility in prose while exploring urban trauma

• How Gotham itself becomes a character processing post-Joker trauma

• Miller’s creative process across novels, comics, and different universes

Miller discusses the delicate balance of respecting established lore while pushing creative boundaries, and reveals what’s coming next in Batman: Revolution. Whether you’re 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 Miller’s official website: See Faraway Press 

• Follow JJM on social media 

https://www.instagram.com/johnjacksonmiller?igsh=NmkzOXNjYXZwN2Jp

• Faraway Press: https://farawaypress.com/

•Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

•Audio composed and edited by 

Gabe Fletcher 

Website: 

https://gabefletcher.net/

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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Timestamps:
[00:00] Opening & introductions
[08:00] Foundation in comics retail & journalism[18:00] Building Star Wars galaxies
[30:00] Entering Burton’s 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

Tags: #StarWars #Batman #TimBurton #ComicsHistory #LicensedFiction #Storytelling #KnightsOfTheOldRepublic #Gotham #WritingProcess #PopCulture

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What happens when you mix a Grammy-nominated accordion goddess, a fearless feminist firebrand, and the wildest stage presence to hit HBO in the ’80s? You get comedy legend Judy Tenuta — and today, we’re exploring her incredible legacy with filmmaker Taylor Blackwell.

Episode Highlights:
•The making of “It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story” — a vibrant mini-biopic that’s equal parts tribute and time machine
•Behind-the-scenes secrets from using Judy’s actual costumes and original accordion on set
•Working with Alan Tudyk and bringing together an incredible cast
•Judy’s groundbreaking career — from Second City to touring with George Carlin, conquering HBO, and becoming a queer icon
•Why this story matters now — reclaiming forgotten female trailblazers in comedy
Taylor Blackwell didn’t just write and direct this film — they starred in it, channeling Judy’s fearless energy while honoring her authentic voice. This isn’t just a biography; it’s 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 “It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story.” Working closely with Judy’s estate, Taylor created a heartfelt tribute that captures both the humor and humanity of the Love Goddess herself.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp93cylB7rI

The Pope Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6YIS6cJiTY

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3512832/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_in_0_q_taylor%2520blackwell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusicalmushroom/?hl=en

Duration: 32 minutes
Listen now to discover why Judy Tenuta’s legacy is more relevant than ever — and how one filmmaker is making sure the Love Goddess lives on.

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Gabe Fletcher 

Gabefletch.net 

Website: 

https://gabefletcher.net/

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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Get ready to rediscover the worlds that shaped your childhood—and 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, Child’s Play, Hocus Pocus and so much more. Before he created pop‑culture 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 Rose‑Petal Place universe , and his success caught the eye of Steven Spielberg, leading to the Oscar‑nominated An American Tail .

From Fievel’s Hope to Chucky’s Horror

This conversation travels from the heartfelt story of Jewish‑Russian immigrants in An American Tail to the darkly comic terror of Child’s Play, where the freckled menace Chucky went on to headline seven films and a hit TV series . Kirschner explains how a fear of his sister’s 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. You’ll hear how the Sanderson Sisters went from box‑office curiosity to Halloween royalty and why a third film is now in development .

Why You Should Listen Now

If you ever sang “Somewhere Out There,” hid your toys after watching Chucky, or still quote “It’s just a bunch of hocus pocus,” this episode is for you. Kirschner shares behind‑the‑scenes secrets, creative strategies, and the personal experiences that fueled his characters. We’ll explore the common thread that ties together Fievel’s quest, Chucky’s mayhem, and the Sanderson Sisters’ mischief. Don’t miss this masterclass in storytelling—tune in, share with your tribe, and join us as we celebrate the visionary whose imagination continues to enchant and thrill audiences .

Theme music composed by 

Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Gabe Fletcher 

Website: 

https://gabefletcher.net/

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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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 Solid’s unforgettable Psycho Mantis?

Join us for an extraordinary deep-dive with Doug Stone, the legendary voice actor who’s 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 gaming’s most mind-bending villain, Doug reveals the secrets behind his incredible range.

🔥 What You’ll Discover:
The Actor’s Craft Revealed: Go inside Doug’s character creation process—how 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 ’80s 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.

Gaming’s Psychological Mastermind: Discover the unique demands of voicing Psycho Mantis—a character who breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to players, blending meta-gaming with pure psychological horror.

From Booth to Director’s Chair: Explore Doug’s 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 Bebop’s space western to Kill la Kill’s intense Japanese storytelling, learn how Doug navigates vastly different cultural contexts while maintaining character authenticity.

💫 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 Cats—proving that the same dedication he brings to character voices extends to saving real lives.

To learn more click the link: 

https://www.kittybungalow.org/

Whether you’re 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 won’t find anywhere else.

Theme music composed by 

Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Gabe Fletcher 

Website: 

https://gabefletcher.net/

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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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 you’re a longtime comic enthusiast or just discovering the rich history behind your favorite characters, you’ll find compelling stories that connect the dots between yesterday’s innovations and today’s 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 author’s voice across languages and cultures.

What You’ll Hear
 • The untold story of Spidey Super Stories and working with the Children’s 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 today’s creators
 • The art of cultural translation in global comics publishing
 • Insights on mentorship and avoiding industry burnout

Credits
Theme Song: Composed by Ron Wasserman

https://www.ronw.com/

Format: Long-form interview podcast featuring industry professionals, creators, and cultural historians

Perfect For: Comics fans, pop culture enthusiasts, aspiring creators, and anyone curious about the stories behind their favorite entertainment

Audio composed and engineered by Gabe Fletcher 

https://gabefletcher.net/

New episodes every Thrusday. Subscribe now to never miss a conversation that could change how you see pop culture forever.

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Before “Me Grimlock!” 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 Berger—the man behind Grimlock, Spirit, Firefly, Ripcord, Long Haul, Odie, and more—to explore the emotional depth, discipline, and imagination it takes to bring iconic characters to life.

💥 Inside This Episode:

• Gregg’s 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 Grimlock—and how “Me Grimlock” became pop culture gospel
• Voicing Odie—a 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 you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Gregg’s work for the first time, this episode is a masterclass in character, commitment, and the power of story.

📼 Subscribe, rewind, and relive the voices that shaped your childhood.

🕹️ Follow us @BackToPopMedia

🌐 https://www.backtopopmedia.com/

🎵 Theme Song composed by Ron Wasserman

https://www.ronw.com/

🎧 Audio engineering by Gabe Fletcher

https://gabefletcher.net/

🎙️ Guest: Gregg Berger – GreggBerger.net

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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 NYC’s acting grind to the Meisner method that shaped her craft, Allison unpacks the real journey behind the scream queen spotlight.

🎬 SEGMENTS INCLUDE:

• Making the move to NYC & surviving the audition hustle
• Finding truth in terror through Meisner technique
• Behind the scenes of Stream – trauma, tension & truth
• Screamboat’s final girl twist & late-night ferry shoots
• How horror fuels emotional depth & catharsis
• Daily rituals, reads, and what’s next beyond blood and guts

🔥 Whether you’re 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 screams—it’s survival with soul.

Find out more about Allison 

https://www.instagram.com/allisonpittel?igsh=MWR4d3ZrNnNrNHgwMw==

📲 Subscribe to Back to Pop for more deep dives with the voices shaping film, TV, and fandom culture.

📍 Hashtags to Use: #BackToPop #AllisonPittel #IndieHorror #Screamboat #StreamMovie #MeisnerTechnique #ActingLife #FinalGirl #WomenInHorror #PopCulture

Audio and sound by: Gabe Fletcher 

Gabefletcher.net

Gabe F https://www.instagram.com/gabefletch?igsh=Znl3ZDJsc2Fldnc1

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In this powerhouse episode of Back to Pop, we sit down with legendary writer Christy Marx—the 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.

🎧 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 “just for kids”
• What she’d create today with total creative freedom

Find out more about Christy Marx 

💻 https://christymarx.com/

📱 https://www.instagram.com/christy.marx?igsh=dGFnN3k0bzdoaDR3

Whether you’re 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.

🟣 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to keep discovering the legends who shaped pop culture

Audio Engineered by Gabe Fletcher 

💻 GabeFletcher.net 

💻 Backtopopmedia.com

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