The 6 Best Popcast Podcast Episodes
1) BTS Conquered America. What’s Next for K-Pop?
Now that K-pop is successful on its own terms, the questions it faces are changing. Guest: Billboard's Jeff Benjamin.
2) Was Ashlee Simpson Underappreciated? Discuss
In the mid-2000s, the pop singer had platinum albums and an MTV reality show. Hear the first of two conversations about Ms. Simpson’s misunderstood career.
3) What’s Left for the Weeknd to Conquer?
“Dawn FM” suggests at least one future direction for the pop powerhouse, who’s spent a decade making careful moves. Guest: The Ringer's Rob Harvilla.
4) How TikTok Is Killing the Radio Songwriter
Radio hits are different from TikTok smashes. And the shift is having an impact on songwriting.
5) Popcast: Britney Spears
A discussion of Ms. Spears’s conservatorship.
6) The Crooner in Chief: Barack Obama’s Musical Legacy
He brought soul and hip-hop into the White House like no president before him. A discussion of Mr. Obama’s most powerful musical moments, on this week’s Popcast.
7) ASAP Rocky Interview! How Rihanna, Three Kids + Two Trials Changed His Life & Music
In an intimate, exclusive sit-down, the rapper and actor reflects on how the chaotic eight years since his previous album led to his new release, “Don’t Be Dumb.”
8) 2hollis + His Drummer Dad, Interviewed Together! On Fame, Family & Quitting the Internet
The 22-year-old rage-pop phenom and his father John Herndon, of the post-rock band Tortoise, chatted with Popcast about songwriting, nepotism and what they’ve taught each other.
9) Our Top 10 Music Moments of 2025
Jon and Joe count down their respective personal favorites of the year, including some unexpected rapping, an inescapable TikTok meme, a major tour and a sublime bridge in a breakup song.
10) Romeo Santos & Prince Royce Interview! On Why Bachata Is Still Underrated in Latin Music and Beyond
The leading stars of the Dominican genre discuss their paths to selling out stadiums and the lingering feeling that they haven’t received their due amid the Latin music boom.