The Pop Pod

PopSamCam

Your ultimate guide to the world of pop.

Hosted by music journalist and pop obsessive Sam Murphy (aka @PopSamCam), this podcast keeps you caught up on everything happening across the pop universe. From headline-making news and deep-dive album reviews to hot takes, artist interviews, and bold Grammy predictions, it’s all here.

New episodes on Thursdays.

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111 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes111

Newest first

February 25 · 38 min
Retracing Rihanna's Career Through The Singles: From 'Pon De Replay' To 'Work'
Rihanna might be the greatest singles artist of the 21st century...at least that's the hypothesis I went into this episode with. I work chronologically through her singles to make sense of one of the most varied careers in pop music. What is your fave Rihanna single? Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
February 19 · 59 min
Ranking Every Harry Styles Single From 'Sign Of The Times' To 'Aperture'
Harry Styles is gearing up for the release of a new album 'Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally' so we thought it was time to go through his past singles. Sam and Jono duke it out to come up with the best and worst Harry singles with a few major points of difference. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
February 12 · 31 min
Holly Humberstone Talks Pop Classics From Madonna To Lorde
I have been a fan of Holly Humberstone for years. I had her debut album ‘Paint My Bedroom Black’ on repeat and am fired up for the release fo her second album ‘Cruel World’ in April. She sat down with me on The Pop Pod to talk about her own music as well as the pop classics that have influenced her from Madonna and Prince to Lorde and Lana Del Rey. Let me know who you want on the podcast next! Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
February 2 · 51 min
2026 Grammys Recap: The Winner, The Snubs & The Surprises
It is the morning after the Grammys and we are collecting our thoughts in the midst of the Grammys hangover. Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish and Olivia Dean took home the main awards but who were the real winners? Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
January 29 · 1 hr 3 min
2026 Grammy Winner Predictions + Harry Styles 'Aperture' Review
It is Grammys week, which means it's finally time to place bets on who is going to take home the awards. On this episode, we go through the main categories as well as the pop ones. We also review the new Harry Styles single 'Aperture'. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.poppod/ Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
January 21 · 59 min
The Most Anticipated Albums of 2026 from Beyoncé to Harry Styles
The Pop Pod is back! And we're counting down the albums that we are most looking forward to in 2026 from the ones that have actual release dates like Harry Styles' 'Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally' to the ones that are simply rumors like Lana Del Rey's 'Stove'. Rumours or not, we got into why 2026 could be a great year for music. Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.poppod/reels/?__d=1%2FPopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
Dec 15, 2025 · 54 min
Best Songs & Albums of 2025
We have bopped or flopped pop music for the whole year and now it's time to nail it down to the projects that impressed us the most. From Addison Rae to Lady Gaga, we break down the high highs of 2025. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAmSend voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.comListen to my Best Songs of 2025 playlist: https://lnk.bio/thepoppod
Dec 8, 2025 · 51 min
Reacting To The Pop Albums Of The Year According To The Critics: Rosalía, Bad Bunny, Addison Rae + More
This week, we're diving into the 2025 albums that critics are putting at the top of their lists. We break down the “Best of 2025” lists from NME, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and more, and look at which artists are dominating across publications — including Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Oklou, and Addison Rae, who are all emerging as the year’s most critically adored releases. Jono and I also reveal our Spotify Wrapped and talk about the deluxe edition of JADE's 'That's Showbiz Baby'. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.
Dec 2, 2025 · 42 min
Was 2025 Really A Bad Year For Pop Music? The Year In Review
Pop in 2025 has been… a ride. In this episode, we break down the year that gave us conservative pop trends, breakout niche-class stars, and some of the strangest chart behaviour we’ve seen in years. I dive into why Pop felt so safe this year, the rise of artists operating completely on their own wavelength — Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, JADE, and the wider Niche Class — and how R&B quietly became one of the most interesting genres again. Meanwhile, Rap had a tough run, but the lack of superstar domination meant new talent finally got to shine: Ravyn Lenae, Leon Thomas, SOMBR, Katseye and more all delivered some of the year’s strongest moments.
Nov 11, 2025 · 55 min
Reacting To The Grammy Nominations + Rosalía's 'Lux'
The Grammy nominations are finally here — and we have thoughts. This year’s field is led by Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga, and we’re diving straight into the biggest surprises, the snubs, and the categories that are going to be tough to call. We also get into Rosalía’s brand-new album, her first since MOTOMAMI. We talk through the sound, the visuals, the influence she's pulling from, and why this era feels like a full reset for pop music. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.
Nov 4, 2025 · 44 min
Final Grammy Nomination Predictions: Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny and More
The Grammys are almost here — so it's time for my final nomination predictions. In this episode, I break down who I think will land the biggest nods across the General Field and Pop categories, from Album of the Year to Best Pop Vocal Album. I dive into the artists shaping this year’s race — including Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and more — and talk surprises, snubs, and the momentum behind each contender. Who’s a lock, who’s fighting for a spot, and who might shock us when nominations drop? Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a.
Oct 10, 2025 · 37 min
New Music Bop Or Flop: The PinkPantheress Remixes, Demi Lovato, Haim and More
This week on Bop or Flop, we’re diving into new music from PinkPantheress, HAIM, Not For Radio and Demi Lovato. Are they bops or are they flops? Let’s find out. Songs discussed: PinkPantheress & Sugababes – Nice to Know You PinkPantheress & Kylie Minogue – Stateside Oklou feat. FKA twigs – viscus HAIM & Bon Iver – Tie You Down Amber Mark with Anderson .Paak – Don’t Remind Me Natanya – Meeting You Once (The End) Madison Beer – bittersweet Not for Radio – Swan Alemeda & Doechii – Beat A B!tch Up Demi Lovato – Kiss Say Now – Supermarket Rose Gray – Lotus Celeste – Time Will Tell Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
Oct 3, 2025 · 54 min
First Impressions Of Taylor Swift's 'The Life Of A Showgirl'
Jono and I dive into Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl, sharing our first impressions track by track. We break down the standouts, the skips, and how the showgirl theme comes to life across the record. From best and worst songs to the big-picture vibe of the era, we’re unpacking it all. 💬 Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm 🎙️ Send voicenotes or questions: thepoppod@popsamcam.com 🎵 PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
Oct 1, 2025 · 46 min
Ranking The Best Taylor Swift & Max Martin Collaborations
On this episode, I am ranking every Taylor Swift and Max Martin collaboration ahead of the release of The Life Of A Showgirl. From “I Knew You Were Troubl” to “Style” and “Blank Space,” we’re putting them all in order and debating which one takes the top spot. I’m also joined by upcoming artist Ally Solart, who talks about her debut EP Change Of Plans, the stories behind the songs, and what’s next for her. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
Sep 26, 2025 · 47 min
New Music Bop Or Flop: Doja Cat, Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson + More
This week on Bop or Flop we go through new albums from Doja Cat, Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson and Mariah Carey. The songs include Doja Cat’s “Gorgeous,” Olivia Dean’s “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” Zara Larsson’s “Blue Moon,” and Mariah Carey with Anderson .Paak on “Play This Song.” We also cover Tate McRae, Florence + The Machine, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tame Impala, Magdalena Bay, Cardi B & Selena Gomez, Alessi Rose and FKA twigs. Songs included are: Doja Cat – Gorgeous Olivia Dean – So Easy (To Fall In Love) Tate McRae – TIT FOR TAT Mariah Carey, Anderson .Paak – Play This Song Florence + The Machine – One Of The Greats 5 Seconds of Summer – NOT OK Tame Impala – Dracula Magdalena Bay – Second Sleep Zara Larsson – Blue Moon Cardi B, Selena Gomez – Pick It Up Alessi Rose – First Original Thought FKA twigs – Cheap Hotel Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
Sep 25, 2025 · 58 min
Throwback Bop or Flop: Miley Cyrus, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, Rihanna + More
We’re throwing it back this week on Bop or Flop! I’ve invited my friends Yan and Sara to help me sift through some iconic gems from the late 2000s and early 2010s. From Miley Cyrus’ Who Owns My Heart to Gwen Stefani’s Cool, Katy Perry’s Unconditionally, Kelly Clarkson’s I Do Not Hook Up, Metro Station’s Shake It, P!NK’s Raise Your Glass, Demi Lovato’s Heart Attack and so many more—are they still undeniable bops, or do they flop in 2025?
Sep 22, 2025 · 47 min
New Music Bop Or Flop: Miley Cyrus, RAYE, Lola Young + More
This week on Bop or Flop, we’re diving into some of the most exciting new drops in pop. RAYE returns with a powerhouse moment, Miley Cyrus teams up with Lindsey Buckingham for a surprising collab, and Lola Young delivers one of her boldest tracks yet. We break down whether these tracks are undeniable bops—or total flops. Plus, we get into fresh releases from Kali Uchis & Ravyn Lenae, JADE, Rose Gray, Demi Lovato, Carly Rae Jepsen, Madison Beer, and Amber Mark. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
Sep 16, 2025 · 32 min
Who Is Dominating The 2026 Grammys: Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter Or...
The 2026 Grammys are almost here, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable years yet. In this episode, I go through the major popstars one by one and break down their chances at taking home gold. From Lady Gaga’s big return and Bad Bunny’s global dominance, to Tate McRae’s breakout run and Kendrick Lamar’s critical stronghold, I cover it all. Plus, I dive into Addison Rae and Sabrina Carpenter’s pop culture momentum, and whether Lorde can make a Grammys comeback. Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
Sep 9, 2025 · 54 min
Finding The Most Underrated Pop Artist (With Abby Butler & Nic Kelly)
This week, I’m joined by triple j’s Abby Butler and The Hit Network’s Nic Kelly for a battle to crown the most criminally underrated artist in pop. From Zara Larsson to Caroline Polachek to Ravyn Lenae, we dig deep into why these artists deserve way more love — and fight it out to decide who’s truly the most slept-on star in music. 🎧 Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm 🎙️ Send voicenotes or questions to: thepoppod@popsamcam.com 🎵 PopSamCam's New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a
Sep 5, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
New Music Bop or Flop: Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber + More (And An Interview With Mimi Webb!)
It’s a huge week for pop — Lady Gaga is back with The Dead Dance from the Wednesday soundtrack, and Justin Bieber returns with his new single LOVE SONG. But are they bops or flops? Plus, I sit down with Mimi Webb ahead of the release of her second album Confessions next week to talk about the new era, her biggest inspirations, and her perfect pop song. We’re also breaking down the rest of this week’s biggest releases: Tame Impala – Loser Lady Gaga – The Dead Dance Calvin Harris & Jessie Reyez – Ocean Lola Young – SPIDERS SG Lewis & Oliver Sim – Baby Blue The Last Dinner Party – The Scythe hemlocke springs – the beginning of the end Latto & Ice Spice – Gyatt flowerovlove – I’m your first Natanya – Jezebel Justin Bieber – LOVE SONG Come and chat with us in the Discord: https://discord.gg/QEw9se7yAm Send voicenotes or questions: thepoppod@popsamcam.com PopSamCam’s New Music Friday Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FDLtpOHeFvrzesTKQ5Qhb?si=78c15e3dfa05462a