🎬🍿 Popcorn and Possibilities kicks off 2026 with Brian and Steph reflecting on New Year traditions, movie nostalgia, and creative goals for the year ahead. In this first episode of 2026, we ask the important question: why would anyone actually want to be in Times Square for the New Year’s Eve ball drop? From there, we talk about setting realistic New Year’s resolutions, why small habits beat all or nothing thinking, and how building momentum matters more than instant transformation.

We rewind to snow days in the 1990s and review the 2000 movie Snow Day spoiler alert it does not hold up. We break down its most problematic elements, including kids driving trucks, the questionable snowplow man kidnapping plot, and a weatherman rivalry that does not actually serve the story. That review sparks a bigger conversation about our 2026 goals, creative risks we want to take (👀 Pop n Poss music?), new genres we might explore, and the positive trends from 2025 we want to keep going. We also reflect on what we have learned from movie reviews Brian’s love of strong character development versus Steph’s need for a coherent and well structured plot plus which movies and shows did hold up for us in 2025. We close the episode by rating 2025 on our signature forecast scale and setting the tone for what is possible in the year ahead.

✨ Whether you’re here for the movie talk, the nostalgia, or a fresh start for 2026, this episode sets the stage for another year of Popcorn and Possibilities.

It’s the Santa Bonanza Extravaganza and the final episode of the year! 🎅🍿 Brian and Steph close out the season with a jam packed holiday episode full of movie talk, festive debates, and classic Popcorn and Possibilities chaos. Listen closely for the keyword to enter our holiday contest!

We kick things off with a deep dive into Home Alone - why Uncle Frank is the absolute worst, Steph’s love for Catherine O’Hara, the stress of packing for trips (why do we bring so many socks and underwear?), questionable parenting choices, Kevin’s brutal traps, and fun behind the scenes facts like Danny Devito almost playing Harry and the infamous dubbed spider scene. Plus, we talk about why the movie still holds up and the endlessly quotable lines (“Look what you did, you little jerk!”).

From there, Steph goes on a Hallmark Christmas movie rant, we debate whether it’s worse to be stuck in a house with relatives you hate or forced to listen to carolers 24/7 for a week, and reminisce about iconic Christmas candies Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Christmas Tree Cakes, and Ferrero Rocher while asking the important question what happened to the popcorn bucket?

We also share our top Christmas songs (yes, Wham! “Last Christmas” reigns supreme), favorite holiday movies (The Grinch, Klaus), and why we’re officially out on ELF and Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You.

Things heat up during Wrap It Up or Pack It Up, as we debate ugly Christmas sweaters, candy canes, fruitcake (cue Steph’s rant and Ambrosia comparison), mince meat pie (is this real or something Brian made up?), and whether mall Santas need to retire.

We wrap up with This? or That? raisins vs. chocolate chips in oatmeal cookies, gift cards vs. homemade gifts, and Frosty vs. Rudolph before thanking all of you for your incredible support this year.

🎄 Happy Holidays, and thanks for making Popcorn and Possibilities part of your year!

In this episode of The Pop-In on the Popcorn and Possibilities podcast, Steph and Brian sit down with Val, creator of Fox & Olive Candle Co, for a cozy, inspiring conversation all about scent, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Val opens up about:
🕯️ The origin of the Fox & Olive name
🌿 Why she uses clean, natural soy wax
❤️ Her commitment to donating a portion of profits to dementia research
👃 Her earliest scent experiments and how Frasier Fir became a signature hit
➗ Just how much math goes into making the perfect candle
📸 The challenges of marketing, product photography, and standing out online
🏡 How the COVID lockdown sparked a hobby that grew into a business
💡 Her advice for anyone wanting to try a new hobby or pursue a dream
🔥 Her future plans for Fox & Olive and where to buy her candles

If you love small business journeys, handmade craftsmanship, or simply a good-smelling success story, this Pop-In delivers it all.

Check out Fox & Olive Candle Co to explore Val’s full scent lineup—including the beloved Frasier Fir.