Waylon Wong

Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, and Travell Anderson, journalist and host of Seated, dive into the magical world of Wicked: For Good. They discuss the film's emotional highs, standout performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and how cinematic elements enhance the storytelling. The duo critiques character development and the political themes compared to the original novel, exploring the balance of personal narratives against the backdrop of wickedness. Plus, they share what’s making them happy, from a Disney pianist to a heartwarming dog rescue account.

Aisha Harris, an arts journalist and pop culture enthusiast, and Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, dive into the Oscar-nominated film 'Conclave.' They discuss its thrilling take on the papal selection process and its humorous yet poignant commentary on the Catholic Church. The duo critiques the film’s depth in character development and reflects on how it balances tradition with modernity. Expect insights on themes of faith, ambition, and engaging storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's Daily Economics podcast, offers a fresh perspective on the film adaptation of the musical Wicked, which reimagines the iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz. The discussion dives into the visual spectacle and emotional performances, particularly Ariana Grande's role. They explore the balance between narrative depth and visual effects while reflecting on the film's first act. The hosts also share joyful pop culture moments, from K-pop updates to a charming TikTok account, and highlight the fun gameplay of Astro Bot on PS5.

Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, and Andrew Lapin, senior reporter for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, discuss the film 'Conclave,' featuring Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal in a nail-biting papal election. They delve into the film's mix of political intrigue and humor, while examining its social commentary on the Catholic Church today. The guests shed light on character complexities, the portrayal of gender dynamics, and the film's handling of themes like faith and doubt, all through a witty lens.

Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's Indicator from Planet Money, joins to debate the worst Christmas movies ever. The panel dives into the flaws of classics like 'Love Actually,' where Waylon argues its rom-com merits crumble under problematic plotlines. Aisha critiques 'I Believe in Santa' for its troubling messages, while Stephen laments 'Jingle All the Way' for celebrating commercialism. Glen highlights the campy charm of 'Scrooge & Marley,' showcasing the sincerity among its imperfections. The discussion wraps up with a lively vote for the worst!