My Pop Five

Every artist has that one piece of pop culture that ultimately became their catalyst for wanting to create in the first place. Who are we kidding, it’s way more than one, but let’s narrow it down a bit. In our show, we bring on guests in the entertainment industry to break down five pieces of pop culture that had an influence on them or helped shape them to become the creators and innovators that they are today. Join us as we get nostalgic, geek out about the things we love, and ultimately learn just how influential pop culture is on who we are.

My Pop Five is a society podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 59 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts My Pop Five, a society show with 59 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #10

  Harmless: American Movie, Southland Tales, what.cd, House of Leaves, The Larry Sanders Show

  Dec 3, 202557 minS4

  Send a text Some records feel like they were built to survive the algorithm. by them, by you, by me is one of them. We sit down with Harmless to unpack how an album can be both tighter and fuller by saying no—no to bloat, no to trend-chasing, and yes to constraints, honesty, and the strange joy of finishing a thing even when life gets heavy. We start with the “gospel” works that shaped his taste: American Movie as the patron saint of do-it-anyway creativity; Southland Tales as a teenage obsession that taught him to defend bold art on its own terms; and the secret world of what.cd, where lossless rips, vinyl transfers, and deep threads turned ambient, experimental, and electronic music into a lifelong compass. Those influences explain the album’s texture: guitar-forward songs with an electronic brain, humble tools used with intent, and arrangements that feel tactile rather than crowded. The conversation also digs into the hardest parts. Harmless talks candidly about grief during production, turning in the most “noteless” record of his career, and rediscovering the peace of process over outcomes. We explore how House of Leaves mirrors internet-shaped storytelling, why The Larry Sanders Show remains the blueprint for ambitious, unlikable, deeply human art, and how an ADHD-friendly studio ritual—loop a take while a comfort show plays silently—can unlock flow when pressure spikes. We tackle AI and the future of music with clear-eyed optimism: technology will keep changing the tools, but people still gather around story, myth, and the watercooler. The work that lasts is the work that lets us talk to each other. If you’re craving a thoughtful, funny, and grounded look at taste, constraints, and creative resilience, this one’s for you. If the episode resonates, tap follow, share it with a friend who loves discovering new artists, and leave a quick review—then tell us the “gospel” film or record that shaped your taste. Follow My Pop Five: @mypopfive on all platforms We'll see you next time. But until then, what's your Pop Five?

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  Episode #9

  Arrows In Action: School of Rock, Mayday Parade, Fall Out Boy, Surf's Up, and Kingdom of Hearts

  Nov 12, 202554 minS4

  Send a text What do a classroom of kid rockers, a surfing penguin, and a keyblade have to do with a modern pop-rock band? We invited Arrows In Action to walk us through the five influences that actually shaped their sound and the world around their new record, “I Think I’ve Been Here Before.” The through-line isn’t random; it’s a map of how community, big melodies, and vivid, even unlikely, references can turn into songs that feel immediate and alive. We start with School of Rock as the north star for band life—joyful, scrappy, and possible—then move through first shows and first loves: Mayday Parade in a Florida parking lot and the earnest, high-voltage writing that stuck. Fall Out Boy anchors a craft lesson: melody first, lyrics bent to fit with conviction, and a fearless approach to range and runs learned on early morning walks. The conversation swerves to Surfs Up, a surprising but perfect fit; its sun-faded soundtrack and underdog heart seeped into the album’s front half, right down to a track that syncs to the film’s final surf sequence. And Kingdom Hearts adds scale and stakes—cinematic intros, friendship-as-compass themes, and little glints of “video game” texture that give their arrangements lift. We dig into how the band rebuilt in 2018, moved in together, wrote relentlessly, and designed this release as two cohesive halves with their own tones. They talk intentional choices—synth colors, vocal stacks, and tempos—that keep the record tight without losing contrast. There are tour stories, a drum kit disaster turned crowd moment, closer debates, and practical advice for any band trying to “do it for real”: keep improving the music, copy what works and make it yours, persist when numbers dip, and make sure it stays fun. If you love pop-punk, emo-adjacent hooks, and big-hearted songwriting, this one’s for you. Hit play, stream “I Think I’ve Been Here Before,” and tell us which influence you hear first. And if you enjoyed the show, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—your support helps more listeners find the music and the stories behind it. Follow My Pop Five: @mypopfive on all platforms We'll see you next time. But until then, what's your Pop Five?

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  Episode #8

  Our Pop Five (May 2025): Sinners, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, Garden State's 20th, Fargo, and The Studio

  May 7, 202546 minS4

  Send a text We explore five cultural touchstones that have captured our attention, ranging from new releases to beloved classics experiencing revival. • Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" blends 1930s blues culture with vampire horror while exploring themes of brotherhood and the power of music • My Chemical Romance's upcoming remixed version of "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge" addresses longtime complaints about the original's sound quality • Garden State's 20th anniversary concert reunited most soundtrack artists, including The Shins, whose song famously "will change your life" • Fargo Season One masterfully adapts the Coen Brothers' aesthetic to television with standout performances from Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman • "The Studio" on Apple TV+ offers meta-commentary on filmmaking through technically impressive one-shot scenes while examining the contradictions of studio executives' roles Go experience these cultural moments for yourself! Whether it's catching "Sinners" in theaters, streaming "The Studio," or revisiting classics like Garden State and Fargo, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Follow My Pop Five: @mypopfive on all platforms We'll see you next time. But until then, what's your Pop Five?

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  Episode #7

  Zack Quintana: Dark Side of The Moon, Be Here Now, Europe '72, Are You Experienced, and Purple Rain

  Apr 16, 20251 hourS4

  Send a text Guitar prodigy Zack Quintana takes us through his remarkable musical journey, from picking up the guitar at age four to fronting bands by eight years old. With footage showing him shredding Hendrix solos as a child, it's no wonder the podcast host introduces him as "one of the best guitarists I ever met." During this intimate conversation, Quintana reveals the profound impact of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon on his approach to guitar playing. Rather than focusing on technical prowess, he learned to appreciate David Gilmour's "simple but powerful and tasteful" style where "every note is perfectly placed." This watershed moment coincided with his discovery of synesthesia – a condition that allows him to "hear colors" – making the album particularly significant in his development. The spiritual dimension of Quintana's artistry emerges through his discussion of Ram Dass's "Be Here Now," which helped him navigate the tension between artistic expression and ego-driven validation. "Creating for me is now almost meditative than trying to get a hit record," he explains, offering valuable perspective on maintaining authenticity in an industry often focused on external metrics of success. Live performance holds special significance for Quintana, inspired by the Grateful Dead's legendary Europe '72 recordings. He champions the idea that each performance should be unique, a philosophy that extends to his recording approach – prioritizing live energy even in studio settings. With influences ranging from Hendrix's revolutionary guitar techniques to Prince's commanding stage presence, Quintana continues crafting his distinctive musical identity with new releases on the horizon. Follow Zack on Instagram @ZackQuintanaOfficial and don't miss his upcoming projects – a Valentine's Day single and two albums dropping this spring! Follow My Pop Five: @mypopfive on all platforms We'll see you next time. But until then, what's your Pop Five?

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  Episode #6

  SYML: Love Liza, "The Road", "Grace" by Jeff Buckley, jjjjound.com, and James Turrell

  Apr 9, 202550 minS4

  Send a text Step into the world of acclaimed musician SYML as he joins us for a powerful and introspective conversation about creativity, influence, and artistic evolution. From his early days with Barcelona to his current work as a solo artist, SYML reflects on the moments and media that have deeply shaped his perspective as a songwriter. We touch on films, literature, and music that left lasting impressions—some of which may surprise you—and explore how fatherhood and visual art have expanded his sense of meaning and connection in his work. Throughout the episode, SYML shares personal stories behind his latest record Nobody Lives Here , offering a glimpse into his creative process and emotional lens. Whether you're a longtime listener or just discovering his sound, this episode offers a rare and intimate look into the heart of an artist whose music continues to resonate across the world. Stream Nobody Lives Here now and catch SYML on tour across the UK and Europe. For dates and more, visit symlmusic.com. Follow My Pop Five: @mypopfive on all platforms We'll see you next time. But until then, what's your Pop Five?

  ListenShow Notes

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