The Socially Distanced Podcast was created by two pop culture-obsessed dads during COVID who decided to take their Facebook messenger conversations and turn them into a podcast. In 2022 they brought their friend, a pop culture-obsessed mom to the show, and things got even better!
Join hosts Amanda Rivas and Bill Bodkin as they discuss everything in the world movies, music, sports, television and pop culture — everything keeping them sane in this time of socially distancing. This podcast is powered by ThePopBreak.com.
On this episode of Socially Distanced, host Amanda Rivas is joined by Pop Break’s weekly The Last of Us recapper Sam Niles and Pop Break’s Podcast Director Alex Marcus, host of Bill vs. The MCU and It’s Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast. Together, they dive into a wide-ranging discussion spanning the Marvel Cinematic Universe and HBO’s acclaimed adaptation of The Last of Us.
The episode kicks off with the latest news from the MCU, including fresh updates on the future of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and what’s next for Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner. The guests break down recent casting announcements and speculate on the potential directions for these beloved characters. With Alex’s expertise on all things Tom Holland, the conversation offers unique insight into how Peter Parker’s journey could evolve in the next phase of the MCU.
The discussion then shifts gears to explore the moral and emotional complexity at the heart of The Last of Us. Sam leads a thoughtful analysis of Joel’s controversial decision at the end of Season 1, examining how the ambiguity surrounding the cure shapes audience perceptions. The group also unpacks Ellie and Dina’s evolving dynamic, the impact of Bella Ramsey’s performance, and how Neil Druckmann’s recent comments might hint at future story developments.
Rounding out the episode, Amanda, Sam, and Alex explore the narrative structure and character choices of the adaptation, with particular focus on Abby’s role and her notable absence thus far. They reflect on the show’s shift away from traditional zombie tropes in favor of emotional storytelling and character-driven drama. With Season 3 on the horizon, the trio discusses the significance of cliffhangers, viewer expectations, and the bold creative choices that continue to define The Last of Us.
