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What happens when a classically trained flutist who beatboxed with Parliament-Funkadelic picks up a pen and starts drawing worlds? You get Afua Richardson — musician, illustrator, mythmaker, and cultural architect whose work refuses to stay inside the lines.
In this soul-stirring 60-minute conversation, we trace Afua’s journey from Carnegie Hall at eleven to the panels of Marvel’s Black Panther: World of Wakanda, where she wove Adinkra symbols and ancestral memory into every frame. We talk about her alter ego “Docta Foo,” the power of self-taught artistry in gatekept spaces, and why mermaids aren’t just fantasy — they’re spiritual revolution.
This isn’t your typical artist interview. We’re going deep into the waters of feminine imagination, cultural reclamation, and what it means to create mirrors so people can see they already belong. Afua shares why her current project Aquarius: The Book of Merr demands a soundtrack, how anger became calm through alter egos (featuring the Bo Jackson story you’ve never heard), and what the ancestors whisper when you’re drawing love between Black women.
We explore:
∙Music as first language, art as second sight
∙Building your own door when gatekeepers won’t open theirs
∙Translating feminine strength into visual mythology
∙Water as emotional weight, softness as revolutionary act
∙The difference between prayer, protest, and play in creative work
For the young artist with a sketchbook who’s been told their stories are “too much,” for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re dancing between disciplines rather than choosing one, for souls who understand that myth isn’t escape but reimagining — this one’s for you.
Connect with Afua:
∙Instagram: @afuarichardson
∙Website: www.afuarichardson.com
∙Support Aquarius: The Book of Merr
This is rhythm in line form. This is ink with breath in it.

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman

Audio composed and edited by

Lauren M. Antoine

Website:

Composer Ron Wasserman

Back To Pop

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Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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She was a five-time World Karate Champion before the world even knew her name. Then Hong Kong discovered her, and Hollywood spent the next three decades trying to keep up.

From the high-octane streets of 1980s Hong Kong in Yes, Madam! to the cult-classic grit of China O’Brien and her latest powerhouse project Black Creek, Cynthia Rothrock didn’t just join the action genre—she redefined it.

In this career-spanning deep dive, Cynthia joins Back to Pop to reveal how a 13-year-old girl from Pennsylvania became a global icon.

Inside the Episode:

• The Leap of Faith: Stepping onto a plane to Hong Kong in 1984 with no acting experience and zero Cantonese.

• Golden Era Greatness: What it was really like filming with Michelle Yeoh and training with Jackie Chan’s legendary stunt team.

• Survival of the Fittest: The physical toll of doing her own stunts in the world’s most dangerous film industry.

• Building a Legacy: Transitioning from "The Queen of Video" to taking total creative control with Black Creek.

• The Philosophy of the Kick: Why discipline on the mat translates to resilience in life.

This isn’t just a celebration of fight choreography—it’s a masterclass in conviction, courage, and carving your own path when the door is locked.

Connect with the Legend:

🎬 Stream: Black Creek (Available now)

🎧 Follow: Back to Pop for more deep dives into the icons of pop culture.

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman

Audio composed and edited by

Lauren M. Antoine

Website:

Composer Ron Wasserman

Back To Pop

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If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

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In December of 1993, a small team of artists was handed an impossible assignment: take a direct-to-video project, pivot to a theatrical film, and deliver it in just eight months.

It should’ve been a disaster.

Instead, it became the gold standard.

This week on Back To Pop, we’re celebrating Batman: Mask of the Phantasm—a noir tragedy wrapped in a mystery, draped in Art Deco shadows that still haven’t faded. Decades later, fans don’t just call it a great animated film… many call it the most definitive Batman story ever put on screen.

And today, we’re joined by the architects who built it:

Alan Burnett (writer), Kevin Altieri (director), and Brad Rader (artist/storyboard).

We go deep on:

• The theatrical pivot: shifting from DTV to widescreen filmmaking under insane deadlines
• The graveyard sequence: crafting grief and guilt before a single line is spoken
• Andrea Beaumont’s “Bacall energy”: elegance, danger, and timing that sells the heartbreak
• Phantasm vs. Joker: silent mythic terror colliding with chaotic noir violence
• The World’s Fair finale: spectacle, storyboarding collaboration, and that haunting final image

By the end, we’re left with the question that still stings: did Batman win… or did Bruce lose everything?

Merry Christmas, Gotham. Go back to the graveyard. Go back to the World’s Fair. And go rewatch the masterpiece.

🎧 Listen now and celebrate Mask of the Phantasm with us.

Connect with Back to Pop:

• Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com/

• Composer Ron Wasserman

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman

Audio composed and edited by

Lauren M. Antoine

Alex Ray - "Galaxy Kid" custom background song

Support the show

If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1

Support the show

If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

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You’ve heard this voice a hundred times… but chances are, you’ve never heard him.

Jason Paige is the voice of the original Pokémon anthem—a song that defined a global generation. But that’s just the cover. Peel it back, and you find a working artist with an astonishing body of work that you've probably never connected to his name.

From singing background for Michael Jackson to creating the earworm responsible for curing your heartburn ("Nausea, heartburn, indigestion..."), Jason has been the invisible soundtrack to your life for decades.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the man behind the voice. We strip away the nostalgia to discuss the "invisible work" of a session singer, the pressure of carrying a cultural legacy, and what happens when your voice becomes more famous than your name.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Origin Story: How Jason realized his voice was a tool, not just a talent.

• The Pokémon Phenomenon: The true story behind that 4-hour recording session and how he handles the weight of a billion childhood memories.

• The Commercial King: How to approach a Pepto Bismol jingle with the same artistic integrity as a pop ballad.

• The Legend: What it was really like to stand in the orbit of Michael Jackson.

⏳ Episode Chapters:

• (02:00) The Seed: First notes and realizing the power of the voice.

• (17:00) The Peel: The truth behind the Pokémon theme song session.

• (35:00) The Juice: The invisible work (Pepto Bismol, Mountain Dew, and MJ).

• (50:00) The Flesh: Who is Jason Paige today?

Connect with Jason Paige:

• Website: https://jasonpaige.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonpaige?igsh=ZGl1OGxzOW8wbm55

Connect with Back to Pop:

• Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com/

• Composer Ron Wasserman

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman

Audio composed and edited by

Lauren M. Antoine

Alex Ray - "Galaxy Kid" custom background song

Support the show

If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1

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Dive sword-first into the world of Savage Crucible, the indie toy line that is redefining collectible fantasy art!

Join us as we welcome the visionary creator and founder of Harvinger Studios, William Post, for an exclusive, deep-dive interview.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The Shocking Collaboration: How William partnered with the Frank Frazetta Estate to transform the legendary fantasy artist's iconic paintings into stunning, highly-articulated action figures.

• The Genesis of a Mythos: From a successful Kickstarter to becoming a specialty retailer favorite, William shares the origin story of Savage Crucible and why he chose to go indie in a market dominated by major players.

• Translating Legends: The incredible design challenges of turning Frank Frazetta's raw, two-dimensional brushstrokes into three-dimensional, poseable figures while maintaining respect for the original masterpieces.

• Building a Universe: Learn about the deep lore, factions (Lemurians, Jaeger, Nashorn), and storytelling that give the Savage Crucible original characters real depth.

• What's Next? A sneak peek at the Lovecraftian Wave 3: Abyss Dreadnoughts and the future potential for even more legendary art collaborations!

If you're a fan of fantasy, high-end collectibles, or the immortal art of Frank Frazetta, this episode is an essential listen. Get ready to lose your mind!

https://www.instagram.com/savagecrucible?igsh=b2h1YXhrajA4cTJ5

https://savagecrucible.com/

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman

Audio composed and edited by

Lauren M. Antoine

Website:

Composer Ron Wasserman

Back To Pop

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Support the show

If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

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The Architect of Childhood - Margaret Loesch on Saturday Mornings , X-Men, Power Rangers, and the Fox Kids Revolution

Margaret Loesch didn’t just give us shows. She gave us identity.

Before the MCU, before the streaming wars, Margaret Loesch was the driving force behind the greatest Saturday Morning and syndicated children's programming of the 1980s and 1990s.

As the President of Marvel Productions (Dungeons & Dragons, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Jem) and under her leadership at Fox Kids came (X-Men: The Animated Series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), her non-negotiable vision was to give kids serialized, emotional, and complex stories.

In this powerful, feature-length conversation, Margaret walks us through her entire career:

• The Origin Story: Her early years at ABC/NBC and what she learned about the potential of children's programming.

• The Dream Factory: Pushing for deeper narratives at Hanna-Barbera.

• The Marvel Years: Why she believed kids were ready for the deeper stories and the tragedy of Optimus Prime’s death in The Transformers: The Movie.

• Her Thoughts on Pryde Of The X-Men

• The Revolution: Building Fox Kids from the ground up, fighting for X-Men '92 (tackling prejudice, trauma, and identity), and the biggest gamble that paid off: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

• A Love Letter: What she wants the millions of adults who grew up on her worlds to know today.

This is an essential history lesson, a vibrant homage, and a deeply moving thank you to the woman who shaped millions of imaginations.

Support the show

If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Relive your childhood with the voice that defined a generation!

In this unforgettable episode, host Marc Childs steps Back to Pop with the multi-talented Patricia Patts, the original voice of the iconic tomboy, Peppermint Patty, in beloved Peanuts classics like You’re the Greatest, Charlie Brown and She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown.

But Patricia is much more than a famous voice.

She takes us on a journey through her captivating career—from her starring turn as Annie in the national touring production of the hit musical, to the intimate stories of recording with the legendary Charles M. Schulz.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The Spark: What drew a six-year-old Patricia to the bright lights of Broadway and the stage.

• A Good Skate: Behind-the-scenes secrets from the recording booth and how she connected with Patty’s confident yet vulnerable spirit.

• Beyond the Limelight: Patricia’s evolution from actress to songwriter, entrepreneur, and the inspiring reason she returned to the Peanuts world as the host of her own podcast, The Peanuts Gallery.

This is a heartfelt, joyful conversation that proves sometimes, the voices we grew up with still speak the loudest years later. Press play and step back into the golden age of pop culture!

Follow Patricia Patts:

• Podcast:

The Peanuts Gallery Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/4tpuWv6tMDgD5hISkJMNGC?si=OAhLkUQtTI2AIgofZnde8Q

• Socials:

Patricia’s Social Links

https://www.instagram.com/patriciapeppermintpattypatts?igsh=MTdidzc1a2RuOGE2NQ==

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AHHjyzrd7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman

Audio composed and edited by

Lauren M. Antoine

Website:

Composer Ron Wasserman

Back To Pop

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Subscribe to Back to Pop for more trips down memory lane!

Support the show

If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1

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Join us for an extraordinary conversation with comic book legend Tom DeFalco, former Marvel Editor-in-Chief and co-creator of Spider-Girl.

In this 60-minute deep dive, Tom takes us through his remarkable journey from clipping newspaper strips in Queens as the oldest of seven kids to becoming one of the most influential figures in comics history.

We explore his early days breaking into the industry at Archie and DC Comics, his transition to Marvel where he launched Dazzler and wrote iconic runs on Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, and Fantastic Four, and his seven transformative years as Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief from 1987 to 1994.

Tom opens up about his creative philosophy, his legendary collaborations with artists like Ron Frenz and Paul Ryan, and what it took to guide Marvel through a period of massive expansion. We discuss the challenges of balancing editorial leadership with creative vision, address the controversial Clone Saga, and celebrate the unexpected triumph of Spider-Girl and the MC2 universe.

From the evolution of the comics industry across multiple decades to advice for aspiring creators today, this episode offers rare insights from a true architect of the Marvel Universe. Whether you’re a longtime comics fan or curious about the creative process behind beloved characters, Tom’s stories illuminate what it takes to craft lasting mythology in a collaborative medium.

Topics covered: Early career at Archie & DC • Launching Dazzler • Writing Spider-Man & Thor • Marvel Editor-in-Chief tenure • The Clone Saga • Co-creating Spider-Girl • Writer-artist collaborations • Industry evolution • Creator advice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman

Audio composed and edited by

Lauren M. Antoine

Website:

Composer Ron Wasserman

Back To Pop

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https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Support the show

If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1