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The Pop Corner with Matty Durkin
Harry Styles, Glee, Carrie & ALL the Bravo Drama! Fall Pop Culture Catch-Up
Season 1, Ep. 76
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I’M BACK, POPPERS! 🍿🎙️ After a whirlwind few weeks, Matty Durkin (@mattydurkin) is back in The Pop Corner with a jam-packed fall pop culture catch-up covering celebrity news, reality TV, horror, Broadway, music, and ALL the Bravo drama!
First, Matty catches you up on life outside the podcast, including serving as Man of Honor at his cousin Angie’s wedding in New Hampshire, celebrating friends Craig and Dustin in Boston, raising over $300,000 at Concern Worldwide’s Boston Soirée, and stepping in front of the camera for his first-ever magazine photo shoot with Amare Magazine alongside Teresa Giudice, Renee Graziano, Justina Valentine, and more!
Plus, it’s time for another Pop of Good! Matty celebrates Harry Styles helping a fan come out as bisexual at his Madison Square Garden concert and a heartwarming engagement proposal on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Because we love pop culture, but we love a little queer joy even more!
Then it’s time to get into the entertainment headlines. From Robert Pattinson’s A24 film Primetime and the upcoming gay NYC comedy Club Kid to Hilary Duff’s Christmas album, Billy Joel’s health update, and Gaten Matarazzo joining the 30th-anniversary production of Rent, Matty has plenty to say. And don’t forget the upcoming Dance Moms parody musical featuring Rosie O’Donnell and Kristin Chenoweth!
Spooky season is officially HERE! Matty breaks down Mike Flanagan’s new adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie, starring Summer H. Howell and Samantha Sloyan, and shares why the series earned five kernels. He also checks in on Crystal Lake and dives into the latest season of The Traitors: New Bloods, plus the upcoming Season 6 celebrity cast.
And, of course, we have to talk about the Housewives! Matty shares his hot takes on The Real Housewives of New York City Season 16, why the new RHONY cast is finally delivering, the return of The Real Housewives of Potomac, the latest chaos on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, his frustrations with The Real Housewives of Orange County, and the latest buzz surrounding Teresa and Gia's new restaurant!
From Bravo drama and celebrity news to horror TV, Broadway, weddings, and exciting career updates, this episode is serving EVERYTHING.
Grab your favorite cozy fall beverage, Poppers, and settle in!
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77. You Can See Everything & 90s Nostalgia with NYC Gay Dad, José Rolón
01:01:53||Season 1, Ep. 77Matty Durkin (@mattydurkin) is back on The Pop Corner with a very special guest: content creator, NYC dad, podcast host, and social media personality José Rolón (@nycgaydad)!But first, Matty kicks things off with a little movie talk! Everyone seems to be talking about You Can See Everything, and Matty shares why he thinks this film has SERIOUS Oscar potential. Is this an early awards-season contender? Let's discuss! Matty also shares a quick recap of his Halloween weekend in NYC, including his Lisa Rinna-as-Rob Rausch costume (it's couture, check the tag!), and celebrates #TeamConcern's incredible fundraising efforts at the 50th TCS New York City Marathon, raising more than $130,000 for Concern Worldwide's programs! (@concernworldwideus)Then it's time to meet José ! Whether he's creating hilarious and heartwarming content with his three kids, planning over-the-top celebrations in New York City, or hosting his podcast Love Take Two with Jaime Kelton, Jose has built a community around family, authenticity, and living life to the fullest.Then Matty and José take a trip down memory lane for a nostalgic deep dive into the 1990s! From questionable fashion choices and unforgettable pop culture moments to the influence of the QUEEN herself, Janet Jackson, they discuss the music, television, and entertainment that helped shape a generation. José also shares how he introduces his kids to the pop culture he grew up loving.But beyond the laughs and nostalgia, José opens up about his incredibly personal journey into fatherhood. After the tragic loss of his husband, José became a single dad to their beautiful three infant children, navigating grief, parenting, and an entirely new chapter of life. He shares how he found his way forward and ultimately built one of social media's most entertaining and beloved family communities through NYC Gay Dad.It's a conversation about love, loss, resilience, LGBTQ+ family life, parenting, social media, and the power of pop culture to bring generations together.From Oscar buzz and Janet Jackson to NYC family life, this episode has heart, humor, nostalgia, and plenty to talk about!🎙️ Follow José : @nycgaydad🍿 Follow Matty: @mattydurkin and @thepopcornerpodListen, follow, and subscribe to The Pop Corner with Matty Durkin on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
75. The Stars Have Something to Say! Fashion, Astrology & Celebrity Style with Alyssa Polinsky
01:17:53||Season 1, Ep. 75Matty Durkin (@mattydurkin and @thepopcornerpod) is back in The Pop Corner with a very special guest who knows a thing or two about both fashion and the stars!This week, Matty sits down with fashion expert and astrologer, Alyssa Polinsky (@starsxalyssa) for a conversation that brings together two of our favorite things: pop culture and self-expression.Alyssa shares her fascinating journey from the world of fashion into astrology, explaining how her personal experiences, studies and passion for the stars shaped her unique approach to understanding ourselves—and each other—through astrology.Matty and Alyssa dive into the resurgence of fashion trends, the influence of pop culture on what we wear, and how celebrity style continues to shape fashion and reality television. Alyssa breaks down the evolution of fashion on reality TV and shares her thoughts on the iconic style of some of your favorite stars, from Lady Gaga and Diane Keaton to Lisa Rinna. And because this is The Pop Corner, we couldn't talk about astrology without getting a little personal! Alyssa gives Matty his very own astrology reading and explains how astrology and tarot can be used as tools for self-reflection, personal growth, mental health and self-expression.From celebrity fashion and reality TV style to astrology, tarot and discovering more about ourselves, this episode is a little bit fashion, a little bit cosmic and A LOT of fun.Fashion. Astrology. Celebrity style. Pop culture. What more could you want?Grab your popcorn and get ready to look at your favorite stars—and maybe yourself—a little differently!
74. This... is American Idol! with Jim Verraros
01:16:09||Season 1, Ep. 74Matty (@mattydurkin) is back with another Pop Corner exclusive, and this week we’re going all the way back to Season 1 with Top 10 finalist, Jim Verraros! (@jimverraros) Jim is pulling back the curtain and taking us behind the scenes of the original American Idol phenomenon—sharing memories, stories, and what it was really like to be part of a television show before it became one of the biggest pop culture sensations in history.Jim also opens up about his coming-out journey and being outed shortly after his American Idol experience, and how that chapter shaped his life and career as an openly gay artist.From there, we dive into Jim’s successful music career, his 2025 album Explicit, and his latest music projects. Jim even gives Matty the behind-the-scenes scoop on his recent “Good Boy” music video… WOOO! And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Pop Corner episode without talking about the DIVAS!Jim and Matty take a trip down memory lane to celebrate the women, pop stars, and cultural icons who shaped us—and there are plenty of laughs, nostalgia, and pop culture moments along the way.
73. Seeing Red with Michelle Barone: The Interviewer Gets Interviewed!
42:55||Season 1, Ep. 73Matty Durkin (@mattydurkin) is back with a Pop Corner exclusive! This week, Matty sits down with media personality, podcast host, and host of The Red Podcast, Michelle Barone (michellebaroneofficial) — and his new partner-in-crime and bestie!Michelle is usually the one asking the questions, having interviewed everyone from Martha Stewart and reality TV icons like Teresa Giudice of The Real Housewives of New Jersey to music legends like Clive Davis. But this time, the tables are turned as Matty puts Michelle in the interview chair to hear the story behind the woman behind the microphone.Michelle opens up about her career, the grit and heart that have shaped her journey, the people she’s met along the way, and why she’s always looking for the next great story — and a great time. Expect plenty of laughs, pop culture, behind-the-scenes stories, and an inside look at Michelle beyond the interviews.It’s a fun, candid conversation between two new besties who clearly have a lot to talk about! Follow Matty: @mattydurkin &@thepopcornerpodFollow Michelle: @michellebaroneonlineListen to The Red Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
72. 🍎RHONY Season 16 Premiere Recap & Hot Takes with Josh Banfield
01:15:54||Season 1, Ep. 72Matty Durkin (@mattydurkin / @thepopcornerpod) is BACK in the Pop Corner and kicking off the highly anticipated Season 16 premiere of The Real Housewives of New York City with Bravo historian, content creator and trusted Bravo insider Josh Banfield (@joshtherhonystan)! But before they dive into the RHONY ladies, Matty gets to know the man behind the Bravo takes. Josh shares his journey from political wonk to pop culture savant and Bravo historian, building a trusted following on social media along the way. The two also take a trip down memory lane and bond over their shared obsession with WWE, becuase we love the Josh also dishes on his experience attending a TikTok pre-screening of Practical Magic 2, giving Matty the scoop on one of the most anticipated upcoming films.Then it’s time for the Pop of Good! Matty highlights the opening of the new Dolly Parton International Airport and celebrates Taylor Swift’s donation to Ashley Taunton, who is being recognized for her heroic actions. (Donate here!) And FINALLY… it’s time for the main event: RHONY Season 16! Matty and Josh break down the explosive season premiere, share their hot takes and predictions, discuss Josh’s experience at the RHONY premiere party, and react to the epic return of Carole Radziwill. From the new season of The Real Housewives of New York City to the latest Bravo news and everything happening across the reality TV universe, Matty and Josh are MENTIONING IT ALL!. If you’re a RHONY fan, Bravo fan, Housewives fan or pop culture obsessive, this is an episode you do NOT want to miss.Grab your popcorn, Poppers. The new RHONY era is here!
71. Dolly Parton’s Legacy, Married at First Sight Recap & UGT: Roaring 20th with Lauren Pevehouse
01:22:10||Season 1, Ep. 71Matty Durkin (@mattydurkin) is BACK with an extended episode of The Pop Corner—and this time, he’s bringing one of his favorite Poppers along for the ride! 🎙️🍿Matty welcomes back Pop Corner favorite and co-host Lauren Pevehouse (@alledglybravo) for a jam-packed catch-up covering life, pop culture, Bravo and everything in between.First, Lauren catches Matty up on everything happening in her world, from killing it as a lawyer to embracing her newest passion: becoming a full-fledged horse girl! Lauren also shares her “Pop of Good” with Matty, and it is every bit as sweet as you would expect. Matty then shares all the details from his cousin’s bachelorette weekend in Maine, before the two take a moment to honor some of the beloved stars we’ve lost, including Hayden Panettiere, Tim Curry and American treasure Dolly Parton.Movie talk is next, with Matty and Lauren discussing End of Oak Street and Tony, before diving into the show that has had them both in a CHOKEHOLD all summer: Married at First Sight on Peacock. And then we head straight into the Bravo universe! Matty and Lauren break down The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, celebrating 20 years of the Housewives franchise, and look ahead at the future of Bravo—including the exciting addition of Leah Remini.It's an extended episode, it's full of laughs, opinions and pop culture, and it's basically a long-distance catch-up between two friends who have A LOT to talk about. The Pop Corner with Matty is back—and Lauren Pevehouse is officially back in the Pop Corner!Follow us: @mattydurkin @thepopcornerpod
70. I’m BACK! The Odyssey, Bravo Parties, Broadway & Summer Pop Culture
58:49||Season 1, Ep. 70Matty is BACK! After a three-month hiatus, Matty Durkin returns for Episode 70 of The Pop Corner with Matty and, as always, he is ready to MENTION IT ALL!In this jam-packed comeback episode, Matty catches the Poppers up on everything they missed during his time away—from moving into his own NYC apartment to hosting and attending events with some of your favorite Bravolebrities.Matty takes you behind the scenes of a special Concern Worldwide US event, where Erin Lichy from The Real Housewives of New York City joined him and his organization to honor Laura Modi, CEO and Co-Founder of Bobbie Formula. He also shares the details from attending the Next Gen NYC Season 2 premiere, where DJ Meredith Marks was dropping the hits (and yes… WE WERE ENGAGING). Speaking of engaged, Matty talks about the Married at First Sight premiere party officiated by Summer House queen, Lindsay Hubbard, Then it's time for a major summer pop culture catch-up! Matty breaks down the biggest movies of the summer, including Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, The Invite, Obsession and Toy Story 5—which apparently required tissues (you will too) The divas are also RUNNING the music game, with Matty dishing on Olivia Rodrigo, Madonna and Ariana Grande and the biggest moments in pop music.Broadway is next! Matty shares his thoughts on the hit Tony award winning Best Musical, Schmigadoon!, Death Becomes Her, CATS: The Jellicle Ball, and the Off-Broadway production of Girl, Interrupted, starring his friend Sally Shaw.And finally, Matty gives you his summer TV watchlist, including I Will Find You on Netflix, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, Your Friends & Neighbors and so much more.After three months away, it feels SO GOOD to be back in the Pop Corner. Grab your popcorn, pour yourself a cocktail (or something fun) and get ready to catch up! Welcome back, Poppers! We're back, baby! 🎙️ Listen to My Other InterviewsWant more Matty? Check out these two recent conversations:🎧 Out Loud and Laughing with Bryan and Jon Ruiz: (Apple and Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OQQly5YW7dv5cX5SikWsr?si=5e01ba41c2514816🎧 Refuse to Subscribe with Jonny Thyne:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yBPVedcDgfPzLKQEUqdIp?si=5fa9298c9a084d4eFollow us ! Personal:IG and Threads: @mattydurkin Show: IG and Tiktok: @thepopcornerpod
69. We’re Back! London Marathon, Michael Biopic & NBC Upfront's
42:07||Season 1, Ep. 69After a month-long hiatus (and a lot of travel), Matty Durkin is back behind the mic on The Pop Corner with stories, hot takes, and plenty of pop culture chaos.Matty recaps a whirlwind month that included weddings, baby showers, a bachelorette weekend in New Orleans, and running the iconic London Marathon with his family.Then we dive into the biggest pop culture stories of the moment. Matty shares his thoughts on the year’s most talked-about upcoming movies—from Michael to The Devil Wears Prada 2—and why he’s already planning his next trip to the theater.Plus, we get into the latest music and industry news:The **Spotify Top 20 and what everyone is streamingAriana Grande’s upcoming “feral” album PetalThe guilty verdict surrounding Beyoncé’s alleged music “burglar” from last year and so much more! And of course, Matty breaks down the biggest announcements from this week’s NBC Upfronts, including plenty of news for fans of Bravo.Travel stories, pop culture breakdowns, and Matty’s unfiltered opinions—The Pop Corner is officially back.Follow us/ Subscribe ! @mattydurkin (IG/ Threads) @thepopcornerpod (IG/ Tiktok)