Jimmi Simpson returns to Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias to break down Ryan’s emotional journey in Dark Matter Season 2, including the plague revelation, a heartbreaking family discovery and his evolving relationship with Amanda.

Following our Season 1 conversation, Simpson explores why returning home doesn’t bring Ryan the peace he expected—and how guilt pushes him to consider his responsibility to the worlds he visits.

In this episode: • Ryan’s reaction to another version of himself potentially bringing the plague into this world • The devastating revelation involving his sister, Camila • Why reaching the box represents a chance to make things right • How Amanda’s crisis forces Ryan to step into a different role • Why Simpson describes Ryan’s journey as “fun, expansive and devastating”

Spoiler warning: This episode discusses Dark Matter Season 2 plot developments.

Watch the video interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWgnbtdh81A

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Follow Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias for more actor interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations about your favorite TV shows and movies.

Willem Dafoe joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss Tenzing, his portrayal of expedition leader John Hunt, and finding the humanity behind the journey to Mount Everest.

Dafoe shares what drew him to the film, how he balanced Hunt’s military discipline with his compassionate nature, and why research is only the beginning of creating a character. He also explores Hunt’s changing perspective on Tenzing Norgay and praises his co-star’s humility, physical preparation, and commitment to learning English and Sherpa for the role.

Episode highlights: • Why the adventure of Tenzing attracted Dafoe • Bringing John Hunt’s leadership and sensitivity to the screen • How research shapes his acting process • Hunt and Tenzing’s different approaches to Everest • The dedication behind the film’s central performance

Watch the video interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRzB9EoPK9Y

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June Laporte joined Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about American Hostage, playing Ginny Hughes, and working alongside Jon Hamm in the true crime drama.

June shares how they prepared for the role through the American Hostage podcast, archival footage, and research into 1970s radio journalism. They explore Ginny’s ambitions, her relationship with Fred, and the Episode 3 fallout that challenges her trust in her mentor.

We also discuss Giovanni Ribisi’s portrayal of Tony, building the newsroom dynamic through rehearsals, and Ginny’s journey toward finding confidence in her own voice. June reflects on their theater background, their growing passion for directing, and why they’re excited for audiences to see the season finale.

Spoiler warning: This episode discusses events through Episode 3 of American Hostage

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Cover photo credit: Pooya Nabei

Jordan Leftwich joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to go inside Coven Academy and the secrets behind her character, Sasha.

From originally auditioning for Brier to bringing Sasha’s mind-reading powers to life, Jordan shares how she built a character whose guarded exterior hides a deeply emotional story. She discusses Sasha’s friendship with Brier, behind-the-scenes cast chemistry, and her reaction to the shocking reveal about Sasha’s brother.

We also explore the Elixir of Life storyline, what Jordan hopes to see for Sasha in a possible Coven Academy Season 2, and the emotional scene she’s especially proud of.

Plus, Jordan opens up about her journey from modeling to acting, how living with Crohn’s disease shaped her determination, and her excitement about a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show opportunity.

Spoiler warning: This episode contains major Coven Academy Season 1 spoilers.

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Jordan Alexa Davis joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss The End of Oak Street, her feature-film debut, and stepping into the movie’s mysterious world.

Jordan shares what drew her to the story, how she developed the reserved but courageous Jeannette, and what it was like working alongside Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor. She also takes listeners behind the scenes of the film’s dinosaur sequences, from reacting to performers in blue suits to using dinosaur heads on sticks for eyelines.

The conversation also explores the movie’s deeper themes of family and survival, the physical and emotional demands of filming a thriller, and how Jordan learned to separate herself from the anxiety-driven scenes she performed.

Watch the full video interview on the Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias YouTube channel.

Topics include: Jordan Alexa Davis, The End of Oak Street, Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Jeannette, dinosaur scenes, feature-film debuts, acting, family, survival and thriller movies.

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Alison Thornton joins Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias to discuss playing Chris Hargensen in Mike Flanagan’s Carrie, the series adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic horror story.

Alison explores the insecurity, family dynamics, and fractured friendships behind Chris’s cruelty—and why understanding her character doesn’t mean excusing her actions. She also shares how social media makes Carrie’s world more dangerous, how she built trust with Summer H. Howell for their intense scenes, and the advice Mike Flanagan gave the cast that she’ll carry into future roles.

Plus, Alison reflects on her acting journey, including School Spirits and Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, and the message about kindness and belonging she hopes audiences take away from Carrie.

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Karen Cliche joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss playing Alison Mayfair in the new horror movie Ice Cream Man and reuniting with filmmaker Eli Roth following Thanksgiving.

Karen shares how Eli casually offered her the role, the extensive improvisation behind their family scenes and what it was like having him serve as both her director and onscreen husband. She also discusses the film’s talented young cast, shooting the creepy ending in a real cemetery and why ice cream trucks have always made her uncomfortable.

Plus, Karen compares Alison to her Thanksgiving character Kathleen, reveals her desire to do more comedy and previews her upcoming 1950s crime film alongside Vince Vaughn, Theo James and Patrick Schwarzenegger.

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Kiori Mirza Waldman, who plays Mia in Ice Cream Man, joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to discuss her character’s surprising journey, the film’s bloody school scenes and working with director Eli Roth.

Kiori shares how she landed the role, approached Mia’s transformation from a popular small-town teenager into a courageous survivor and handled the chaos surrounding her on set. She also reveals the acting advice Eli Roth gave her and why not laughing with her young co-stars became one of her biggest challenges.

The conversation explores Mia’s shocking final transformation, the sequel possibilities created by the ending and whether Kiori would return as a fully possessed version of her character. She also teases an upcoming television role and explains why she no longer trusts ice cream trucks.

Spoiler warning: This episode contains major Ice Cream Man spoilers.

Photo credit: John Bregar

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