This episode examines why fewer Americans report life satisfaction — falling trust, rising loneliness and isolation, and relentless media exposure — using recent research and personal observations.

The takeaway: prioritize relationships, build routines with others, and reduce media consumption to increase meaning and well-being.

Show Notes

https://www.governing.com/urban/the-long-and-persistent-history-of-loneliness-in-america

https://www.pewresearch.org/2025/05/08/americans-trust-in-one-another/#h-age

https://news.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/610742/exploring-americans-satisfaction-personal-lives.aspx

Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digestible amount of personal growth to help you deal with all of life’s circumstances. Hosted by Elizabeth Martin, a business owner (Southern Supply) and former HR lady, and Hart Morse, an actor (Will Trent, FBI) and writer, these two bring diverse and hilarious experiences, perspectives, and expertise in a relatable, fun to listen to format every Monday and Thursday.

Check us out on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PopandCircPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popandcircumstancepod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popandcircpod?lang=en

Our Popsicles are from https://braheartcompany.com/

Miss Otis Regrets painting by Kris Lamorena https://www.krislamorena.com

Hosts Hart Morse and Elizabeth Martin react to Catherine O'Hara's unexpected death, break down the 2026 Best Picture Oscar nominees and notable snubs, and debate graphic content in contenders like Bugonia and Sinners.

They also unpack the Odessa Zion casting controversy and whitewashing backlash, plus pop-culture updates including Bridgerton season 4, a new Oscars casting category, and style-news about Law Roach working for the Bezos.

Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digestible amount of personal growth to help you deal with all of life’s circumstances. Hosted by Elizabeth Martin, a business owner (Southern Supply) and former HR lady, and Hart Morse, an actor (Will Trent, FBI) and writer, these two bring diverse and hilarious experiences, perspectives, and expertise in a relatable, fun to listen to format every Monday and Thursday.

Check us out on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PopandCircPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popandcircumstancepod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popandcircpod?lang=en

Our Popsicles are from https://braheartcompany.com/

Miss Otis Regrets painting by Kris Lamorena https://www.krislamorena.com

This episode digs into the awkward reality of setting boundaries with friends, sparked by the Blake Lively–Taylor Swift text exchange.

Hosts Hart and Elizabeth discuss why we avoid tough conversations, common boundary pitfalls (people-pleasing, power dynamics, quid pro quo), and give three practical steps: be honest with yourself, name the issue kindly, and offer alternatives while following through.

Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digestible amount of personal growth to help you deal with all of life’s circumstances. Hosted by Elizabeth Martin, a business owner (Southern Supply) and former HR lady, and Hart Morse, an actor (Will Trent, FBI) and writer, these two bring diverse and hilarious experiences, perspectives, and expertise in a relatable, fun to listen to format every Monday and Thursday.

Check us out on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PopandCircPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popandcircumstancepod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popandcircpod?lang=en

Our Popsicles are from https://braheartcompany.com/

Miss Otis Regrets painting by Kris Lamorena https://www.krislamorena.com

A brisk rundown of this week’s biggest pop-culture moments: Harry & Meghan’s well-received Sundance doc, the Brooklyn Beckham–Nicola Peltz family feud, and the explosive unsealing of documents in the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni case (including celebrity texts and behind-the-scenes emails).

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle flop at Sundance?

https://pagesix.com/2026/01/25/royal-family/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-dont-sell-out-their-sundance-film-festival-2026-screening/

Brooklyn Beckham & Nicola Peltz drama with Victoria & David Beckham

https://pagesix.com/2026/01/24/celebrity-news/nicola-peltz-sides-with-wedding-dj-after-he-backs-brooklyn-beckhams-take-on-victorias-inappropriate-dance/

Lively v. Wayfarer Motion for Summary Judgement document dump from unsealed court documents - winners, losers, queens

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69510553/lively-v-wayfarer-studios-llc/?page=8

Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digestible amount of personal growth to help you deal with all of life’s circumstances. Hosted by Elizabeth Martin, a business owner (Southern Supply) and former HR lady, and Hart Morse, an actor (Will Trent, FBI) and writer, these two bring diverse and hilarious experiences, perspectives, and expertise in a relatable, fun to listen to format every Monday and Thursday.

Check us out on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PopandCircPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popandcircumstancepod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popandcircpod?lang=en

Our Popsicles are from https://braheartcompany.com/

Miss Otis Regrets painting by Kris Lamorena https://www.krislamorena.com

For this Circumstance topic Elizabeth leads us through our 2025 goals, failures, and accomplishments. The good, the bad, and the ugly, with a little encourage to keep trucking through the new year.

Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digestible amount of personal growth to help you deal with all of life’s circumstances. Hosted by Elizabeth Martin, a business owner (Southern Supply) and former HR lady, and Hart Morse, an actor (Will Trent, FBI) and writer, these two bring diverse and hilarious experiences, perspectives, and expertise in a relatable, fun to listen to format every Monday and Thursday.

Check us out on: YouTube: / @popandcircpod

Instagram: / popandcircumstancepod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popandcircpod...

Our Popsicles are from https://braheartcompany.com/

Miss Otis Regrets painting by Kris Lamorena https://www.krislamorena.com

This Monday on the pod Hart and Elizabeth are recapping noteworthy moments from the Golden Globes, dives into Bridgerton Season 4 which drops on January 29 on Netflix, and chats about Amazon content. Join us on Pop & Circumstance to get your Monday dose of pop culture updates to help you stay in the loop!

1:30 Golden Globe Winner Recap

8:19 Thoughts on best podcast Golden Globe winner & nominees

18:19 Adolescence continues awards sweep

28:47 Bridgerton Season 4

34:26 Sophie Turner is the new Lara Croft

39:20 Amazon ads + slide downhill rant

Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digestible amount of personal growth to help you deal with all of life’s circumstances. Hosted by Elizabeth Martin, a business owner (Southern Supply) and former HR lady, and Hart Morse, an actor (Will Trent, FBI) and writer, these two bring diverse and hilarious experiences, perspectives, and expertise in a relatable, fun to listen to format every Monday and Thursday.

Check us out on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PopandCircPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popandcircumstancepod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popandcircpod?lang=en

Our Popsicles are from https://braheartcompany.com/

Miss Otis Regrets painting by Kris Lamorena https://www.krislamorena.com

This circumstance topic covers labels. The labels we place on ourselves, the labels others place on us and who has the power to determine what influence the labels have over us.

26:45 Not Using Labels as Crutches

33:00 Downside of Self Labeling

36:05 Thought provoking questions about self identity

Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digestible amount of personal growth to help you deal with all of life’s circumstances. Hosted by Elizabeth Martin, a business owner (Southern Supply) and former HR lady, and Hart Morse, an actor (Will Trent, FBI) and writer, these two bring diverse and hilarious experiences, perspectives, and expertise in a relatable, fun to listen to format every Monday and Thursday.

Check us out on: YouTube: / @popandcircpod

Instagram: / popandcircumstancepod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popandcircpod...

Our Popsicles are from https://braheartcompany.com/

Miss Otis Regrets painting by Kris Lamorena https://www.krislamorena.com

Tea is being served and it's piping hot. We talk Ashley Tisdale(French) recent run in with the "toxic mom group" she used to be a part of. Are you team Ashley or Team Hilary (Duff), you decide. We also give you the history of the Hollywood Award season, from the Golden Globes, to the SAG Awards (now The Actors Awards), and the Academy Awards (Oscars).

00:00 Intro

01:40 Ashley Tisdale Hollywood Mom Drama

30:25: History of Hollywood Award Season

58:55 NFL Flu Outbreak

59:55 Spencer Pratt Running for Mayor of LA

Pop and Circumstance is your go-to podcast to stay in the loop on what’s happening in pop culture, and get a digestible amount of personal growth to help you deal with all of life’s circumstances. Hosted by Elizabeth Martin, a business owner (Southern Supply) and former HR lady, and Hart Morse, an actor (Will Trent, FBI) and writer, these two bring diverse and hilarious experiences, perspectives, and expertise in a relatable, fun to listen to format every Monday and Thursday.

Check us out on: YouTube: / @popandcircpod

Instagram: / popandcircumstancepod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@popandcircpod...

Our Popsicles are from https://braheartcompany.com/

Miss Otis Regrets painting by Kris Lamorena https://www.krislamorena.com