

Pop Pantheon
DJ Louie XIV
The podcast where DJ Louie XIV and guests completely overanalyze all your favorite pop stars, then rank them in the official Pop Pantheon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 14, 2025 • 10min
Justin Bieber Surprises With Swag, Plus New Music From Cardi B, Drake, Katseye & More (with Troy McEady) (Patreon Preview)
Friend of the pod Troy McEady returns to Pop Pantheon All Access for a super sized New Music Speed Round. Troy and Russ give their first impressions of Justin Bieber's surprise album Swag, Cardi B's lead single for her sophomore record, "Outside," Katseye's EP Beautiful Chaos, Lizzo's rap mixtape My Face Hurts from Smiling & more!To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 2h 10min
PARIS HILTON & LINDSAY LOHAN (with Nora Princiotti)
Nora Princiotti, a staff writer at The Ringer and author of "Hit Girls," dives into the early 2000s pop culture phenomena of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. They discuss Lindsay's transformation from beloved child star to pop icon, her impressive tracks like "Ultimate You," and the decline of her music career. Paris's catchy "Stars Are Blind" and her life as a socialite are thoroughly examined, with both icons' attempts to reclaim their pop star status candidly explored. The conversation is a thrilling reflection on fame, music, and scandal.

Jul 8, 2025 • 10min
Kesha Finds Her Independence on Period (with Rolling Stone's Brittany Spanos) (Patreon Preview)
Kesha released her sixth studio album on Friday – notably, her first as an independent artist. Friend of the pod Brittany Spanos of Rolling Stone joins Russ to break down Period's highs and lows, what it means for Kesha to make unapologetic party music again and where she sits in the pop firmament as she heads out on a roaring summer tour with The Scissor Sisters.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
Reacting To Unpopular Opinions about Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Chappell Roan + more (with Reanna Cruz)
We put out another call for our audience's most unpopular pop opinions and boy did you deliver. Switched on Pop producer Reanna Cruz joins Russ to field unpopular pop opinions about Lady Gaga’s vocal abilities, Taylor Swift’s videography AND discography, Charli XCX’s refusal to let the brat moment die and, of course, Benson Boone. Plus Reanna and Russ reveal some of their OWN unpopular opinions in the process… BUY TICKETS TO MAIN POP GIRLS: POP GIRL SUMMER ON 7/25 AT THE MEADOWS!Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow Reanna Cruz on TwitterFollow Reanna Cruz on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on TwitterJoin Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 30, 2025 • 11min
Lorde Deconstructs Herself on Virgin (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Lorde's long-awaited fourth studio album, Virgin, dropped this past Friday and finds the New Zealand savant both looking backwards at past sounds and versions of herself while exploring new writing modalities. Louie and Russ dig into the new music, its candid, grimy explorations of gender, sexuality, the body, and being in your late 20s and how Lorde's new dedication to reveling in mess affects her status as a generational pop prophet. To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 39min
Are Miley Cryus, Drake, The Weeknd, & Ed Sheeran Moving Up Or Down in the Pop Pantheon?
In an engaging discussion, Louie and Russ dive into the ups and downs of current pop giants like Miley Cyrus and Drake. They dissect the mixed reviews of Miley's new album while evaluating her influence alongside other stars. Ed Sheeran’s struggle for chart relevance is examined, shedding light on industry trends. The conversation also navigates the dynamic pressures facing female artists and the evolving legacy of pop icons. Tune in for insights on the shifts in the pop landscape and the artistry behind the music.

Jun 23, 2025 • 11min
Haim Works Harder Than Ever on I Quit (with Alex Frank) (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Sister auteurs Haim returned on Friday with their 4th studio album, I Quit. Writer and editor Alex Frank joins Louie to talk about the new record, how Haim fairs on their first songs without long-time collaborator Ariel Rechtshaid but— due to Danielle's and his' recent breakup— his specter hanging all over this music, the notion of "quitting," and how this album campaign is attempting, perhaps in vein, to launch Haim to a new echelon of fame.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 57min
ELTON JOHN: PART 2 (with Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield)
Joining the discussion is Rob Sheffield, a celebrated writer for Rolling Stone known for his sharp insights into music and pop culture. He and Louie dive into Elton John's multifaceted career, exploring his comeback in the '80s and the emotional depth of his hits. They discuss the cultural significance of songs like 'Philadelphia Freedom' and his iconic collaborations with contemporary artists. Sheffield also reflects on John's impact on LGBTQ representation in music and the lasting legacy of his innovative artistry.

5 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 59min
ELTON JOHN: PART 1 (with Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield)
Rob Sheffield, Senior Writer for Rolling Stone and an ardent Elton John fan, joins to unpack the vibrant life of Elton John. They discuss Elton's roots in Middlesex and his groundbreaking rise with hits like 'Your Song.' Sheffield highlights the iconic partnership with Bernie Taupin and how it shaped Elton's unique sound. The conversation also touches on the cultural significance of classic albums like 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' and explores the emotional depth and storytelling woven throughout Elton's music, showcasing his enduring legacy in pop culture.

Jun 9, 2025 • 11min
It's Addison Rae's World. We're Just Living in It (Patreon Preview)
In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Tik Tok Influencer turned gay pop fan cause célèbre Addison Rae dropped her debut album, Addison, last Friday following a series of surprisingly great singles. Does the record meet the hype? How does Addison translate in album form? And how unlikely is it for this former social media star to suddenly emerge as the vanguard pop diva du jour? Louie and Russ discuss it all.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


