
WVIA Pop Shop
New Episodes Saturdays at 6pm on WVIA Radio and on podcast providers
Two professors obsessing about everything popular culture, just like you!
Are you craving smart, fun, and sometimes irreverent conversations on the topics you love? Then you’re invited to check out WVIA's Pop Shop, a new WVIA podcast and radio show hosted by college professors Allan Austin and Patrick Hamilton. Each week, we’ll talk about the biggest happenings on the scene, including movie premieres, new hit shows, toys, games, and so much more!
Latest Episodes
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In this episode of Pop Shop, hosts Allan Austin and Patrick Hamilton, with producer Kara Washington chiming in, break out the “Anticipometer” to rank and roast the most talked-about films of Summer 2025. From superhero fatigue and live-action remakes to unexpected indie gems and bloated blockbusters, the crew offers their signature blend of sharp insight, academic wit, and genuine fandom.
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Step into the neon-lit world of 1980s television with WVIA's Pop Shop! In this episode, hosts Allan Austin and Patrick Hamilton—with insightful input from producer Kara Washington—dive deep into the best, worst, and most criminally overlooked sitcoms of the decade that gave us big hair, bigger shoulder pads, and unforgettable theme songs.From The Facts of Life and Family Ties to Small Wonder and Joanie Loves Chachi, the Pop Shop crew debates iconic series, controversial picks, and underappreciated gems. Plus: What makes a great theme song? Does The Dukes of Hazzard count as a sitcom? And why does Billy Joel keep coming up?Whether you’re a fan of Cheers, The Golden Girls, or just want to rage about Mr. Belvedere, this episode is your ultimate 1980s sitcom deep dive.
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In this lively and insightful episode of WVIA's Pop Shop, co-hosts Allan Austin and Patrick Hamilton—alongside producer Kara Washington—dive deep into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. From iconic first-timers like Chubby Checker and Joe Cocker to returning nominees like Soundgarden and Cyndi Lauper, the hosts unpack the legacy, controversies, and curious omissions behind this year’s picks. Who got snubbed? Who finally got their due? And does the fan vote even matter?
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In Part 2 of their in-depth exploration of Andor Season 2, Pop Shop hosts Allan Austin and Patrick Hamilton return to the Star Wars universe to examine how the critically acclaimed series concludes—and whether it cements Andor as the best Star Wars story yet. Joined by producer Kara Washington, the trio dives into the emotional finale, the evolution of Cassian Andor, the show's sharp political commentary, and the complex themes of resistance, authoritarianism, and sacrifice.
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In this episode of Pop Shop, hosts Allan Austin and Patrick Hamilton—joined by producer Kara Washington—take a deep dive into Andor Season 2, the gripping Star Wars series streaming on Disney+. From prequel politics to moral gray zones, the team unpacks the complex storytelling, grounded characters, and bold themes that set Andor apart from the rest of the galaxy far, far away.They explore how Andor challenges traditional Star Wars narratives by focusing on everyday heroes and real-world parallels—touching on authoritarianism, insurgency, sacrifice, and the cost of rebellion. With thoughtful critique and playful banter, the hosts debate what makes Andor one of the best entries in the Star Wars universe, while also pointing out where Season 2 stumbles.Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this episode offers sharp insight, a few laughs, and plenty of reasons to rewatch the series. Spoiler alert: they’re not afraid to talk about Rogue One, Bix, Mon Mothma, and the Empire’s darkest tactics.
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In this electrifying episode of WVIA Pop Shop, hosts Allan Austin and Patrick Hamilton—joined by producer Kara Washington—take a deep dive into Thunderbolts, the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With sharp wit and thoughtful critique, they explore whether this mismatched team of anti-heroes, including Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Ghost, and the Winter Soldier, can revive a franchise many see as floundering post-Endgame. The trio discusses standout performances (Florence Pugh shines), uneven character arcs, comic book origins vs. film adaptation, and the film’s ambitious focus on trauma and mental health. Is Thunderbolts a bolt from the blue—or just more of the same? Tune in for smart commentary, plenty of laughs, and a mailbag packed with listener insights.
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Whether you're a cinephile, history buff, or pop culture enthusiast, this conversation offers rich insight into one of 2025’s most original films.
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In this deep-dive episode, Allan, Patrick and Kara break down the return of Marvel’s blind vigilante in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. Is this revival a faithful rebirth of the gritty Netflix original—or a misstep into Marvel mediocrity?
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Is Minecraft a creative triumph or just another shiny IP cash grab? Is it secretly begging to be a musical?
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In this action-packed episode of Pop Shop Podcast, Allen, Patrick and Kara dive deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming game-changer: Avengers: Doomsday. Is this the final countdown for the MCU as we know it?