Pop Culture Vultures

Grandma's House in a Gas Station

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to another chatty catch up eppy! Digressions include life updates, what we've been watching lately, Shrek 5, what fairy tale characters we would be, and our usual random bullshit. So tune in!!! :D

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Black Out and Crack Out

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 20:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to another chatty episode where we catch you up on our silly little lives and all the pop culture we've been consuming lately! Topics include the Grammy's, Toni's upcoming show, recent movies we've seen, and some other random shit as per use. 🤪

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

PCV Wrapped

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0600

The end of the year is upon us, and to celebrate we're recapping our favorite movies, books, TV shows, music and podcasts of the year! Tune in to hear what we fucked with this year.

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Why Are We Crashing Out Right Now???

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0600

After watching Y2K and having a major laugh, the girls are here to discuss the major crash out events of Y2K and 2012. Why were people stressing so hard about these so called end of the world scenarios? Why was Jon Cusack driving a limousine through the city as the world was literally falling apart? These questions and more are discussed on this week's episode...

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Welcome to the Villa Babes

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 20:00:00 -0600

After obsessively binging and having many revelations about Love Island USA season 6, we're back to talk about reality dating shows! Why do we love to watch people go through highly surveilled emotional turmoil in pursuit of love?? We dive deep into the history, psychology, and ethics of dating shows, with a special emphasis on Love Island. So give it a listen babes!!

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

We Love Nuanced Monsters

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0600

I vant to suck your blood! Get ready for this spooky episode where the girlies discuss one of the most complex and nuanced monsters in all of pop culture - the vampire! Get your fangs on 'cause this is a halloween special you're gonna want to sink your teeth into.

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod

Suffering for the Clownery

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 17:15:00 -0600

In the spirit of spooky season, we're discussing all things clowns and how they've transformed from child-friendly entertainers to horror movie monsters 😳 Clown around and find out!! 🤡

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod

You Wanna Be Probed?!?

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0600

👽I Want To Believe🛸 The girls have been having an alien-themed summer, so to send it off and transition into fall, this episode is all about aliens - from their presence in history, conspiracies, the government, and most importantly...pop culture!

Do you believe in aliens? And/or have you ever been abducted by them?? Email us @thepopculturevulturespod and let us know!

Shrek Special

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0600

After our eventful night at the Shrek Rave, we FINALLY had to talk about the cultural and internet icon himself: SHREK. In this episode, we dive into Shrek's lore, analyze the themes of the first two movies, and talk about the lifelong impact an animated ogre has made on our personalities!

Email us your favorite Shrek movie/song/meme: thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

The meme Julia referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3SVmuffxqg&pp=ygUqZm9yIGZpdmUgbWludXRlcyBjb3VsZCB5b3Ugbm90IGJlIHlvdXJzZWxm

Revealing Our Lore...

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 18:00:00 -0600

This week the gals return to a laid back (and slightly stoned...) format to chat about recent pop culture they've been consuming. And we'd be remiss to not add a little Q&A to the docket!

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Literally Sharkicide

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Today we're diving into the ocean to talk about all things sharks. From Shark Week to the viral Chili's shark drink, why are we as a culture obsessed with sharks? How did Jaws and other shark movies affect our perceptions of them? And are these perceptions even accurate?? We'll answer all these questions and more so listen up!!

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Summer Slashers

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Boo! We're back from our little break to discuss the history and modern day iteration of the slasher film, exploring movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scream and most recently, the X trilogy. >:)

Email us your fav slasher @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Let Your Pirate Flag Fly

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Ahoy maties! Today be the day we talk about pirates! From history to modern day piracy to pop culture, we're diving deep into the pirate lore. ARGHH!!

Email us! @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

2000s Movie Draft With The SWAMP Pod

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 26 May 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Joined by our guests Dara and Emily over at The SWAMP pod, the film girlies build their own movie brackets for the inaugural Pop Culture Vulture's movie draft. The theme? 2000s. The vibes? Unhinged.

Listen to our homies over at The Swamp here and follow them on Instagram and TikTok @theswamppod

Email us! thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

What if We Just Did a Concert...a Big Ass Concert

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 12 May 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Today, we're talking about two iterations of America's most iconic music festival: Woodstock!! Julia talks about the original hippie-dippie Woodstock of 1969, while Toni dives into its fucked up cousin: Woodstock '99.

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Sources:

Woodstock: Three Days that Defined a Generation

Woodstock 1969: How a Music Festival That Should've Been a Disaster Became Iconic Instead

Riots, death, sexual assault: Maybe Woodstock was always a nightmare

Trainwreck: Woodstock '99

Break stuff! How Limp Bizkit, rioting fans and a huge candle handout led to a music festival fiasco

19 Worst Things About Woodstock '99

I was at Woodstock '99 and it destroyed my innocence

What That Board Game Do

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 05 May 2024 18:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we explore one of the oldest forms of entertainment: the board game! Join us as we dive into the history of board games and two board game related movies that scarred us as kids: Jumanji and Zathura :'D

Let us know your favorite board game by emailing us @thepopculturevultures@gmail.com

One Lobotomy Please!

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0600

This week, we continue our internet deep dive and take it to a place of late 2010's Youtube by talking about some of the most notorious Youtuber scandals. Julia discusses the beef between James Charles, Tati Westbrook, Jeffree Star and Shane Dawson known as Dramageddon, while Toni regales us with the horrors of David Dobrik and the Vlog Squad.

Email us @ thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

I Wanna Rewire My Brain

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:30:00 -0600

This week, we're diving into Gen Z internet culture to dissect all the aesthetics, cores and ways we categorize people online. Toni talks about the male manipulator indie boy archetype, while Julia explores all things femcel/female manipulator/fleabag core.

Email us @popculturevulturespod@gmail.com

In the Wonka World

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 18:00:00 -0600

The girlies are back with another laid-back chit chat episode, where we discuss what we've been watching, reading, eating, and listening to recently. So grab a snack and kick back with us :-D

Let us know what pop culture things you've been loving/hating recently!

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Entering the Obscure

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to another wild card episode, where we each pick separate, obscure ass topics and surprise each other on the pod. Listen to find out just what the hell we yapped about this week :)

Email us @thepopculturevulturepod@gmail.com

Waffle House Employees Are God's Greatest Soldiers

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0600

In typical Pop Culture Vulture's fashion, this week we once again dive into a super niche topic that's occupied our brains all week...the American diner! From Twin Peaks to the history of Waffle House, we're investigating every facet of the greasy spoon that is THE diner.

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Sometimes You Have to Break Out of Group Psychosis

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 18:00:00 -0600

In this episode, the girls discuss some of our hottest takes regarding pop culture. Please don't hate us....<3

Our Taylor Swift songs that bang playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tlcWH3kQcJJ6x6YB5DcvK?si=c6d7714be049415c

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Enter Computer Lab

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Age regress with us once again as we dive into two internet games that took the 2000s by storm: Webkinz and Club Penguin!

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

High School Musical Walked So Glee Could Run

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Were you a theater kid in the 2010's and/or gay? Then this episode is for you! Today we dive into the choke hold that musicals in high school settings had on pop culture in the 2010's. Toni talks about the one that started it all, High School Musical, while Julia discuses the cursed legacy of Glee.

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Ode to Cowboys

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0600

This town IS actually big enough for the two of us...so join us as we dive into the complex American icon, the cowboy, and its many forms and iterations within pop culture.

And while you're at it...listen to our Western-themed playlists below :

Julia's howdy playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5jrzbLQI6oZWZSW9oDBaIP?si=19d885081ff1485f

Toni's cowboy playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cMnt06v3ObptvDYHzSHRr?si=4f7266263ae14aff

Email us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Indie Sleaze Bands

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 20:00:00 -0600

This week, we're discussing the indie sleaze aesthetic and music scene of the 2010's. Toni covers The Yeah Yeah Yeahs while Julia talks about MGMT. So put on your glitter makeup and thigh high socks and let's party like it's 2010!!

Pop Culture Chit Chat #2

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0600

New year, new pop culture round up! We're back to yap about all the movies, TV shows, books, music, and podcasts that we've been consuming lately.

Let us know what you've been watching/reading/listening to lately by emailing us @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Holiday Special

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0600

On the first day of Christmas your true loves (us) send you a special holiday themed episode! This week, the vultures talk about the origins of Christmas and the pieces of pop culture that bring us joy during the holiday season.

Write to us! Send an email to @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

2000s Video Games

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0600

This week, the vultures revisit some of their favorite video games from their childhoods: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and The Sims.

Write to us! Send an email to @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Wild Card!

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0600

To shake things up...this week, Toni an Julia surprise each other with two different topics that they researched (the difference in vibes is astounding). Join us for our first ever wild card episode!

Write to us! Send an email to @thepopculturevulturespod@gmail.com

Poe and Lovecraft

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Spooky season isn't over yet! Join the pop culture vultures for one last spooky episode where we talk about the godfathers of horror writing: Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft.

Halloween Special

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Don't be a weenie this Halloween...celebrate with the Pop Culture Vultures! On this episode (aside from a long winded discourse on candy) we also touch on the history behind Halloween traditions and our favorite pieces of pop culture for the season.

Occult Musicians

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0600

This week we dive into the worlds of music and the occult and discuss the famous legends of where they intersect. Toni covers the story of Robert Johnson and Julia discusses the witchy women in music, you don't want to miss it!

Found Footage Films

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0600

If you love spooky first person point of view - this episode is for you. Join Toni and Julia as they talk about two of the most influential found footage films: The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity.

Comfort Shows

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Cozy up with Toni and Julia on this week's episode as they discuss their favorite comfort shows to watch during the fall season: Gilmore Girls and Freaks and Geeks.

SpongeBob Special

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Are you ready kids?? Join Toni and Julia as they take a deep dive into their favorite cartoon of all time: SpongeBob SquarePants. Meh hoy minoy!

Joan and Eve

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0600

On this episode, we're talking about THE California it-girl writers, Joan Didion and Eve Babitz. Get ready for some hot goss and crazy oh bananas oh bananas oh bananas story telling as we dive deep into the lives and works of these special ladies.

90s Rom Coms

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0600

10 things we hate about rom coms? I bet you can guess... This week we're discussing two of our romantic comedy favorites, Singles and 10 Things I Hate About You.

80s New Wave Bands

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Have no fear (or tears), because we're back with another music themed episode, talking about two iconic new wave bands: Tears for Fears and The Cure.

Barbenheimer Special

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Join Toni and Julia on this mini-episode as they debrief after viewing Oppenheimer and Barbie back to back.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Cooking Shows

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0600

We're going to flavor town! On this episode we're serving up some hearty entertainment as we talk about some of our favorite cooking shows. Toni talks about the beloved Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, while Julia goes over The Great British Bake Off. This episode pairs exquisitely with a homecooked meal or your favorite takeout mmm.

Stop Motion Movies

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Making up a song about Coraline... IT'S TIME! On this episode Julia talks about one of her favorite movies of all time, Coraline, while Toni talks about one of her favorite stop motion films (second to Chicken Run), James and the Giant Peach. Deep dive into the world of stop motion movies and prepare for even more antics from the Pop Culture Vultures.

Special thanks to Carlos Jimenez and the University of Denver's Media, Film and Journalism Department.

Pop Culture Chit Chat

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Fri, 26 May 2023 09:00:00 -0600

We're switching things up on this episode and talking about some of our recent favorites in pop culture. If you're looking for any new TV show, movie, book, podcast or music recommendations look no further!

Special thanks to Carlos Jimenez and the University of Denver's Media, Film and Journalism Department.

Crooners

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Sat, 20 May 2023 09:00:00 -0600

We're taking it back to the 1950s on this episode, where we discuss two most famous crooners- Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. Get ready to learn about these iconic artists, and prepare your eardrums for our questionable impressions.

Special thanks to Carlos Jimenez and the University of Denver's Media, Film and Journalism Department.

Reality TV Shows

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Fri, 12 May 2023 18:00:00 -0600

One of the American population's favorite vices...we're talking reality TV! It's cringey, dramatized, and at times hard to watch, but you just can't look away. On this episode Toni covers "RuPaul's Drag Race" while Julia talks "Survivor" to get at the heart of what makes reality TV so good.

Special thanks to Carlos Jimenez and the University of Denver's Media, Film and Journalism Department.

80s Horror Movies

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0600

We're bringing the spooky to spring time on this episode. Join us to talk about two cinematic masterpieces from one of the best decades in horror movie history- Creepshow and Poltergeist. They're heeere.

Special thanks to Carlos Jimenez and the University of Denver's Media, Film and Journalism Department. Music by the one and only, Sam Shapiro.

YA Dystopian Series

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0600

On this episode, we're taking you back to your pre-teen days- without all the depression and calling on every ounce of YA dystopian fangirling. Get ready for some juicy goss and laughs while we reminisce about The Hunger Games and The Maze runner book series.

Special thanks to Carlos Jimenez and the University of Denver's Media, Film and Journalism Department. Music by the one and only, Sam Shapiro.

Conspiracy Theories

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Secret tunnels? Lizard people? Faked celebrity deaths? You heard that right. On this episode we're coming at you with some of the most notorious and other worldly conspiracy theories. Julia talks the DIA theories while Toni covers the mysterious unsolved cases of the deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.

Special thanks to Carlos Jimenez and the University of Denver's Media, Film and Journalism Department. Music by the one and only, Sam Shapiro.

Boy Bands

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0600

From the bands that brought you profound lyrics like “if you ever feel alone - don’t” and “we’re like na, na, na. Then we’re like yeah, yeah, yeah” we’re talking about two of the most quintessential boy bands from recent times: *NSYNC and One Direction, and what made them so popular.

90s Female Artists

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 18:00:00 -0600

Today we’re talking about the lives and careers of two iconic female artists of the 1990s: Courtney Love and Lauryn Hill. Sit tight because it’s a doozy!

Cult Directors

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 18:00:00 -0600

In this episode, our inner film bros discuss (and lowkey psychoanalyze) the Supreme Film Bros, Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino, to answer the question, how did these two out-of-pocket white guys achieve such cult status?

Beat Authors

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 30 May 2022 18:00:00 -0600

Jump back in time with us to examine the Beat Movement of the midcentury and two of its key players: Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsburg. You may just start taking better care of your liver!

70s Bands

Toni Elton, Julia Mertes, DU MFJS — Mon, 23 May 2022 18:00:00 -0600

For our first episode, we’re discussing two very different bands from the 1970’s: ABBA and The Clash. Get ready for some band drama and tone-deaf singing!