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What happens when you finally experience the books, movies, and music everyone's been telling you to check out for years? Ryan and Daniel revisit four seasons of podcast conversations to reveal how "My Pop Five" has fundamentally changed their relationship with art and culture.
The conversation begins with Daniel's newfound obsession with Robert Eggers' "Nosferatu" before pivoting to the heart of the episode: reflecting on cultural touchstones they might never have experienced without the podcast's recommendation format. Daniel shares how Devon's early episode featuring the band Brand New transformed his entire approach to music, while Ryan recounts how interviewing Juliana Zachariou deepened his appreciation for her artistry beyond fandom.
The hosts trade stories of belated cultural education—Daniel's deep dive into David Lynch's filmography came heartbreakingly close to the director's passing, while Ryan finally binged the Harry Potter series after years of avoidance, culminating in watching the final film with the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. Their discussion of The Simpsons reveals how revisiting certain works uncovers layers of cultural influence previously invisible to them.
Perhaps most touching is their exploration of how our relationship with art evolves as we age. Daniel describes rewatching The Iron Giant in a theater years later and being moved to tears by nuances his younger self couldn't appreciate. These moments of reconnection with art—seeing it through more experienced eyes—showcase how static works can yield entirely new meanings as our lives progress.
As we stream into Season 4, join us for more conversations about the art and media that shape our lives, and the beautiful connections formed when we share what we love with the people around us. What recommendation have you been putting off that might change everything?

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We'll see you next time. But until then, what's your Pop Five?