Explore every episode of the podcast I'M SO POPULAR

On the fifth edition of Chi Chi’s exclusive Patreon bookclub, we discuss WHEN SHE WAS GOOD by Philip Roth. Subscribe to the Patreon to join us next time: patreon.com/imsopopular

Discussing Karl Ove Knausgård's MY STRUGGLE VOLUME THREE (2009年) + memories from my childhood + mysteries of the unconscious mind. FULL EPISODE ONLY FOR PATRONS: patreon.com/imsopopular

Very handsome novelist Jordan Castro joins to discuss his fascinating new book MUSCLE MAN (2025年), a fascinating work of fiction about an English professor who hates being an English professor and loves lifting weights. We discuss novels of the mind, Mishima Yukio and the mimetic flattening of reactionary authors, the puzzling reception to his work, the godless twenty-first century and more. For paywalled episodes of the show and over one hundred locked episodes of the essential SIRENS chat show, join us on patreon at patreon.com/imsopopular Find Jordan Castro and his fabulous books on his website: http://www.jordancastro.com/

Discussing the iconic Japanese horror mainstay franchise of RING リング: its original trilogy of late nineties films + its source material novels + the occult world of spirituality and tangible emotion + video tape and horror of memory + Nakatani Miki and her iconic haircuts. For the bonus SIRENS aftershow, join us on patreon at Patreon.com/imsopopular

Discussing the Ryan Murphy produced MONSTER: THE ED GEIN STORY (2025年) + Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO (1960年) + Polio Addison Rae + "gynephilism" + true crime + horror and phalluses. Join us on Patreon.com/imsopopular for the full episode and access to the book club, discord and more.

Inaugurating the Halloween season, we're talking about Bloober Team's 2024 remake of horror masterpiece SILENT HILL 2 + otherworlds and American rot + latent sexual impulses + grief and violence + video games as art. Full quality episode available only on Patreon: patreon.com/imsopopular

erotica THE GREAT MIRROR OF MALE LOVE 男色大鏡 (1687年) + the ethereal world of desire and pleasure + sexual roles across the great scope of history + gently falling cherry blossoms and the melancholic impermanence of all things. Only for patrons: patreon.com/imsopopular

* HQ episode available only for patrons at patreon.com/imsopopular * Maggie and Chi Chi discuss the perverse gender inverted world of Japanese samurai history by way of Yaoi excess: Yoshinaga Fumi’s OOKU 大奥.

* HQ Episode available only for Patrons at Patreon.com/comsopopular * We discuss Utada Hikaru’s tremendous and heartbreaking comeback record FANTÔME (2016年) + the career of her late mother, classic Japanese Enka singer FUJI KEIKO.

We discuss the diabolical filmography of JANE SCHOENBRUN: I SAW THE TV GLOW (2024年) + WE'RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD'S FAIR (2021年) + A SELF-INDUCED HALLUCINATION (2018年). Full episode only for Patrons: patreon.com/imsopopular

We’re joined by Maggie’s very own ex-girlfriend to discuss the state of open relationships, polyamory, artificial insemination and the future of sexuality with a review of the most shocking Japanese novel this century: Murata Sayaka’s VANISHING WORLD 消滅世界 (2015年). For the full shocking episode, join us at patreon.com/imsopopular

Discussing the seminal David Lynch film BLUE VELVET (1986年), For the full quality version of this episode + the shady take down of THOT TOPICS join us at patreon.com/imsopopular

Discussing Vladimir Nabokov’s masterpiece of perversion and English letters LOLITA (1955年) + Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of the same name LOLITA (1962年). Full episode only for patrons at patreon.com/imsopopular

High quality version available only for patrons. Bidding goodbye to my first home in Tokyo, Shinjuku Ward, with a discussing legendary Japanese singer-songwriter SHEENA RINGO 椎名 林檎 (1978年〜) + her first three albums MUZAI MORATORIUM 無罪モラトリアム (1999年) SHOSO STRIP 勝訴ストリップ (2000年) + KALK SAMEN KURI NO HANA 加爾基精液栗ノ花 (2003年). Join us for the paywalled SIRENS series and Patreon exclusive episodes at patreon.com/imsopopular

Jack Mason from The Perfume Nationalist podcast joins to discuss the new Lena Dunham created Netflix series TOO MUCH (2025年). Full episode only for subscribers: patreon.com/imsopopular

It’s the classic ISP birthday special: birthday twin Natalie joins to celebrate the closing of another year on planet Earth as Zach turns twenty nine and Natalie hits thirty. Join us on the Patreon for more: patreon.com/imsopopular

A live recording of the I’M SO POPULAR FIFTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY from Koenji, Tokyo, Japan.

Ending the endless time loops of Evangelion, Maggie returns to celebrate the fifth anniversary of ISP with a discussion of the REBUILD OF EVANGELION film franchise: EVANGELION 1.0 YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:序 [2007年] + EVANGELION 2.0 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:破 [2009年] + EVANGELION 3.0 YOU CAN (NOT) REDO ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:Q [2023年] + EVANGELION 3.0 + 1.0 THRICE UPON A TIME シン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版: 𝄂 [2021年]. *Full episode available only on Patreon at patreon.com/imsopopular)

Continuing our month long celebration of ISP’s fifth anniversary, Deniz joins to discuss one of the best films ever made: THE END OF EVANGELION (1997年) + its experimental prelude EVANGELION DEATH [TRUE]² (1997年). Find Deniz at his blog: falions.net And for the HQ version of this episode plus a steamy Gundam discussion, join us at patreon.com/imsopopular (ISP S5.E34)

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of I'M SO POPULAR, Russian genius Sascha Amato joins to revisit the most important anime of all time: NEON GENESIS EVANGELION + its manga adaptation. For the HQ version of this episode and a riveting episode of the other world bonus program SIRENS where we review Squid Game Season 3, join us on patreon: patreon.com/imsopopular (ISP S5.E33)

Discussing the seminal anime adaptation of HIGURASHI: WHEN THEY CRY ひぐらしのなく頃に by 07th Expansion + contesting with fate and will + friendship and love in the tragedy of an ill-fated and never-ending June… Full episode only available for patrons. patreon.com/imsopopular

??????????????????????????????????? Question Arc Poems of Frederica Bernkastel read by Skye

Discussing Mishima Yukio’s THE SAILOR WHO FELL FROM GRACE WITH THE SEA 午後の曳航 (1963) + the pinku eiga gay pornographic parody of his life BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY 巨根伝説 美しき謎 (1983) + intellect vs. corporeality + sex over politics + romance in the face of philosophy. For the full episode, please join us at patreon.com/imsopopular

We discuss the iconic films CRAZED FRUIT (1956) and SEASON OF THE SUN (1956) from the Japanese Sun Tribe movement: postwar nihilist youths dressed in aloha shirts and fighting to the death with boats over women. Beautiful male chests, cuckoldry anxiety, ultranationalism and hot young lust. For the juicy SIRENS bonus show follow ISP on paatreon.com/imsopopular ISP S5.E29

Inaugurating the official start to a very I'M SO POPULAR summer, I'm discussing the debut album by Addison Rae ADDISON (2025) + Stephen King's IT (1986) + the loss of innocence + sex as a rite of passage + fame and TikTok. For the full episode, join us at patreon.com/imsopopular

Following Maggie’s recent travels to Bejing China, we discuss THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA at large, its scope and influence and uncanny vision of a globalist future + the 1996 Chinese gay romance EAST PALACE WEST PALACE + the troubling art world of boomer activist/reguee life jacket stylist AI WEIWEI. For the high quality version of this episode + a juicy SIRENS bonus show follow ISP on paatreon.com/imsopopular ISP S5.E27

*ONLY FOR PATRONS* Full episode available at patreon.com/imsopopular Chi Chi presents two numbered lists of intriguing topics, ranking my top ten most listened to artists and the ten most obscure films I’ve ever seen. Follow ISP on… TIKTOK?! tiktok.com/imsopopularpod

Discussing Orson Welles’ CITIZEN KANE (1941年) + John Waters’ A DIRTY SHAME (2004年) + the doomed world of language + hedonistic catharsis + the asexual regime queerness + the legacy of Patricia Hearst across a century of film. ISP S5.E26 Join us on SIRENS for this week's bonus episode: patreon.com/imsopopular

Discussing the abduction of PATTY HEARST + Paul Schrader’s biopic of her life in hostage, PATTY HEARST (1988年) + surviving radical politics + the will to live + iconography of a girl in crisis. For my review of the new Pinkpanthress album + Luca Gaudagnino's film Queer, join us on Sirens at patreon.com/imsopopular (ISP S5.E25)

I'M SO POPULAR has been largely removed from Spotify! The Library of Alexandria burns! But fortunately, the entire history of ISP remains available on Patreon along with the special otherworld untucked bonus show SIRENS... we invite you to join us with a special free episode of SIRENS discussing MYSTERIOUS SKIN (2004年), that stupid NANI GA SUKI TikTok sound, the accelerating decay of Korean pop music and Maggie and Chi Chi's latest adventures getting blackout wasted in the Tokyo Streets. Join us on Patreon for the paywalled very special episode on Katie Price and much much more: patreon.com/imsopopular

*HQ EPISODE AVAILABLE ONLY FOR PATRONS* Discussing two novels by the iconic Japanese author TANIZAKI JUNICHIRO 谷崎 潤一郎: MANJI/QUICKSAND 卍 (1928年〜1930年) + THE MAKIOKA SISTERS 細雪(1943年〜1948年) + societal beneath feminine duress + the delight of ceremony + beauty's cataclysmic power + sexuality and actualization. patreon.com/imsopopular

(Full episode available only to subscribers on Patreon) Espousing the strange and libidinal undercurrents in the kingdom of THAILAND with a discussion on Hirasawa Susumu’s album SIM CITY (1995年) + Apichatpong Weerasethakul film TROPICAL MALADY สัตว์ประหลาด (2004年) + Nicolas Winding Refn’s ONLY GOD FORGIVES (2013年). ISP S5.E22 patreon.com/imsopopular

(High quality available only to subscribers on Patreon) Recorded live from Tokyo, we approach some of the headiest and most intriguing examples of Japanese cyperpunk: Mamoru Oshii’s film GHOST IN THE SHELL攻殻機動隊 (1995年) and Nihei Tsutomu’s manga BLAME! (1997年〜2003年) + its prequel NOISE (2000年〜2001年). Identity transposed into the net, digital selves, ugly entropy, superstructures, cyborg breasts and sanctity in the modern condition. ISP S5.E21 patreon.com/imsopopular

Full episode only for patrons. Discussing the lesbian romance corporate drama bloodbath anime MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: THE WITCH FROM MERCURY 機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女 (2022年〜2023年). patreon.com/imsopopular (S5.E20)

Returning the soul to KILL BILL and BATTLE ROYALE actress KURIYAMA CHIAKI (栗山千明) by discussing her erotic photobook GIRL OF MYTH (1997年) + Sono Sion directed film EXTE (2007年) + her failed breakthrough in the music industry CIRCUS (2011年). Subscribe for the high quality version of this episode + an extensive SIRENS episode. patreon.com/imsopopular

Full four hour episode available only for patrons. patreon.com/imsopopular A brand new co-host officially enters the world of I'M SO POPULAR to explicate the phenomenon of Otaku recorded live in Roppongi, Tokyo and discussing Saito Takami's BEAUTIFUL FIGHTING GIRL (2000年) + Quentin Tarantino's KILL BILL VOL. 1&2 (2003年〜2004年) + Anno Hideaki's SHIN KAMEN RIDER 2023年. (S5.E18)

Veronica from The Temple of Friendship podcast stops by for a discussion concerning the music and legacy of APEXH TWIN + imperial rot + electronic and classical music + the sound of of the world and the air itself. Patrons get the high quality version of this episode + a lengthy discussion on the exclusive SIRENS after show concerning demonic possession and much more: patreon.com/imsopopular (S5.E17)

Glen and Psi from the Rare Candy podcast join to discuss a newly anointed god on earth: OHTANI SHOHEI + his image and allure + his visage as product and art + his manifestation of supreme human accomplishment + the great American pastime of baseball. Subscribers to the Patreon get an extended conversation about the shape of contemporary pop music + the collected images discussed on this episode: patreon.com/imsopopular

*Full episode only available for Patrons* David, host of Gang Bang podcast and general Madonna stan twitter nuisance, joins to discuss Lady Gaga’s brand new album MAYHEM (2025年) + ARTPOP (2013年) + the tragic passage of time + art’s impermeability + the egotistic drive towards recognition. patreon.com/imsopopular (S5.E15)

HQ only available for patrons. Discussing Karl Ove Knausgård's MY STRUGGLE VOLUME TWO (2009年) + the psycho alternative feminist pop album APOCALYPSE, GIRL by Jenny Hval (2015年) + Anora and the Academy Awards + women in the modern moment. (I'M SO POPULAR S5.E14) patreon.com/imsopopular

Photographer and host of The Salt Box Matthew Denicola joins to discuss the mimetic nightmare, ecstasy and American maximalism of Jimmy Donaldson, aka MR. BEAST + his stupefying reality competition game show BEAST GAMES (2024年〜). Follow Matthew on X: https://x.com/mattiopattio (ISP S5.E13)

Available in full only for Patrons at patreon.com/imsopopular Vyl of the newly formed podcast Conversations With Prostitutes returns to I'M SO POPULAR to discuss the final novel by Michel Houellebecq ANNIHILATION (Anéantir) from 2022年 + the spiritual void of modernity + religion and ecstasy on the cold face of the planet + the evil of journalism. (ISP S5.E12)

On the fifth edition of Chi Chi’s exclusive Patreon bookclub, we discuss “Happening” by Annie Ernaux. Subscribe to the Patreon to join us next time. patreon.com/imsopopular (S5.E11)

We discuss Endo Shusaku’s brutal novel SILENCE (1966年) and Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of the same name + the cruelty of God + Catholic doubt + the swamp of Japanese paganism + our personal relationships with the nature of faith itself. Follow Stephen on X: twitter.com/stephnz Subscribe to us on Patreon for exclusive episodes of SIRENS: patreon.com/imsopopular (ISP S5.E10)

*HQ episode and accompanying paintings only available for patrons* Discussing Karl Ove Knausgård's MY STRUGGLE VOLUME ONE (2009年) + the self portraits of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1628年〜1658年) + Taylor Swift + autofiction and self portraiture in art. patreon.com/imsopopular (I'M SO POPULAR S5.E09)

[PATREON EXCLUSIVE] Discussing the calamitous message music of the two thousand tens: BEYONCÉ (2013年) + TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY (2015年) + LEMONADE (2016年) + THIS IS AMERICA (2018年). Follow Vera on X: https://x.com/lovely_2_c_u And for the full episode, subscribe to I’M SO POPULAR on patreon.com/imsopopular (ISP S5.E08)

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PATRONS: Carlton joins to discuss Cixin Liu's REMEMBRANCE OF EARTH'S PAST books: THE THREE BODY PROBLEM (2006年) + THE DARK FOREST (2008年) + DEATH'S END (2010年). Moreover, Chinese Space Communism, looming political menace, the looming doom of humankind, science and art, love as a solution to math. (ISP S5.E07) For the full episode and weekly episodes of SIRENS, join us at patreon.com/imsopopular

Paul Dalla Rosa, author of An Exciting and Vivid Inner Life joins to discuss the psychic destruction and affronting of destiny by Henry James, THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY (1881年). The verge of modernism, the insistence on self and the workings of the inner mind... Follow Paul on X:https://x.com/pauldallarosa And for the exclusive continuation in which we spill the tea on the publishing industry, subscribe to ISP on Patreon at patreon.com/imsopopular (ISP S5.E06)

[HQ available only on Patreon} As the year comes to an end, we take a final look at the state of culture with a discussion on the horrendous new season of SQUID GAME and the recent output of legendary Japanese idol girl group AKB48. (ISP S5.E05) patreon.com/imsopopular

FULL EPISODE AVAILABLE AT PATREON.COM/imsopopular A special collaborative crossover episode with Jack Mason of The Perfume Nationalist, discussing our recollections and impressions of the year 2024年 and the oeuvre of Welsh pop star MARINA DIAMINDIS, FKA MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS (1985年〜). (ISP S5.E05) (TPN S6.E97)