February 3, 2025 • 27 mins
Get ready for an electrifying dose of pop culture as we sit down with the ever-talented Joe Manganiello (Deal or No Deal Island, Magic Mike) and Chase Stokes & Lana Condor (Valiant One).
First up, Joe Manganiello brings his charisma and flair to talk "Deal or No Deal Island" on NBC and Peacock. Discover how a chance conversation led Joe to this thrilling role, where he masterfully balances hosting duties with his natural enthusiasm for the game. Joe shares candid insights into the joys and challenges of staying neutral as a host while still rooting for contestants, and he offers a peek into what the future holds for him and the show. His passion for the project is contagious, and you won't want to miss his thoughts on how this opportunity perfectly aligns with his vibrant personality.
Then, Kyle McMahon chats with Chase Stokes and Lana Condor, the dynamic duo from the gripping new film "Valiant One." Set on the tense border between North and South Korea, this film takes you on an intense rollercoaster of emotions, with powerful performances that honor their personal ties to the military. Chase and Lana open up about embracing new challenges and stepping beyond their previous roles to deliver raw and compelling portrayals of growth and leadership. Hear how their family connections to the military influenced their characters, and get an inside look at the themes that drive this thrilling narrative. This episode is packed with fascinating stories and insights that showcase the multifaceted world of entertainment.
Watch Kyle McMahon's interview with Chase Stokes & Lana Condor here.
Kyle McMahon's Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don't Discuss is now streaming: https://www.deathandgrief.show/Chapter-One-The-Diagnosis-AKA-WTF/
---------------
Get all the Pop Culture Weekly podcast info you could want including extra content, uncut interviews, photos, videos & transcripts at: https://podcast.popcultureweekly.com
Watch celebrity interviews at: https://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon/videos
or Pop Culture Weekly YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@popcultureweekly
Read the latest at http://www.PopCultureWeekly.com
Follow Kyle on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kmacmusic
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@kyle2u
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@popcultureweekly
Website: http://www.kylemcmahon.me
First up, Joe Manganiello brings his charisma and flair to talk "Deal or No Deal Island" on NBC and Peacock. Discover how a chance conversation led Joe to this thrilling role, where he masterfully balances hosting duties with his natural enthusiasm for the game. Joe shares candid insights into the joys and challenges of staying neutral as a host while still rooting for contestants, and he offers a peek into what the future holds for him and the show. His passion for the project is contagious, and you won't want to miss his thoughts on how this opportunity perfectly aligns with his vibrant personality.
Then, Kyle McMahon chats with Chase Stokes and Lana Condor, the dynamic duo from the gripping new film "Valiant One." Set on the tense border between North and South Korea, this film takes you on an intense rollercoaster of emotions, with powerful performances that honor their personal ties to the military. Chase and Lana open up about embracing new challenges and stepping beyond their previous roles to deliver raw and compelling portrayals of growth and leadership. Hear how their family connections to the military influenced their characters, and get an inside look at the themes that drive this thrilling narrative. This episode is packed with fascinating stories and insights that showcase the multifaceted world of entertainment.
Watch Kyle McMahon's interview with Chase Stokes & Lana Condor here.
Kyle McMahon's Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don't Discuss is now streaming: https://www.deathandgrief.show/Chapter-One-The-Diagnosis-AKA-WTF/
---------------
Get all the Pop Culture Weekly podcast info you could want including extra content, uncut interviews, photos, videos & transcripts at: https://podcast.popcultureweekly.com
Watch celebrity interviews at: https://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon/videos
or Pop Culture Weekly YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@popcultureweekly
Read the latest at http://www.PopCultureWeekly.com
Follow Kyle on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kmacmusic
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@kyle2u
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@popcultureweekly
Website: http://www.kylemcmahon.me
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
In this episode of Pop Culture Weekly, I talked to
Joe manganello all about Deal or No Deal Island, and
I talk with Chase Stokes and Lana Condor all about
their brand new movie Valiant One.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Let's go Welcome to pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon
from my Heart Radio, your pop culture news, views, reviews
and celebrity interviews on all the movies, TV, music and
pomp culture U Crab Weekly. Here's Kyle McMahon.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Nick Na Na Na Nit, Hello and welcome the pop
Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon. I, of course am Kyle McMahon,
and I thank you so much as always for hanging
out with me for another episode of pop Culture Weekly.
This is an interview only episode, and I promise you
next episode we're going back to you know, the typical format,
(00:52):
but we have a couple of interviews to for today.
First up is Joe Manganela. Oh, Joe has been an actor,
you know, in the business for a while. It's been
both in TV and film, and I would say his
first big breakout role was as Outside in True Blood
(01:15):
on HBO and he was a fan favorite that entire
run from twenty ten to twenty fourteen. He's been in
all kinds of movies and TV shows. As I mentioned,
he of course is Big Dick Ritchie in Magic Mike
and Magic Mike XXL, Death Stroke, of course, the famous
DC comics villain in Justice League, among many other titles.
(01:39):
He's also very passionate about fitness. He was a three
sport athlete in high school and college. He's authored books
on health and wellness and has been a huge advocate
for numerous charities as well. So Joe is currently hosting
and producing Deal Or No Deal Island on NBC and Peacock,
(02:02):
to spin off obviously of Dealer No Deal, and this
features contestants that are competing in physical challenge on an island,
and they retrieve briefcases containing cash values, and then the
winner of each challenge selects a selects a contestant to
play the Banker's Challenge in a segment that's like the
(02:22):
traditional Dealer No Deal. And in the first season the
winner won three point seven five million dollars. So it's
pretty high stakes, pretty nice. Season two has upped the
stakes and it's it's really just a fun show. So
I'm going to talk to him about that and about
Army of the Dead, going to ask them for an
(02:43):
update on Army of the Dead Las Vegas as well
as you know what we can expect from him next.
So let's get in to my interview with the one
and only Joe Manganella. Hey, Joe, how are you. I'm
doing well? Thank you? First of all, thanks for speaking
with me. I really appreciate it. You are in the
(03:03):
middle of Deal or No Deal Island season two. How
did you get involved? You know, you're hosting and producing.
How did you get involved in that?
Speaker 4 (03:12):
It was an incoming call NBC and end of all,
Shine wanted to speak to me about this show idea
that they had and we had about a ninety minute conversation.
It's about like twelve twelve people on this on this call,
and you know, once they started explaining it to me,
I just knew like that this is my show, like
(03:35):
you know, and this is a perfect, perfect show for
me and my personality. And then they thought the same thing.
So it was we were off to the races.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
Yeah, and it's so so enjoyable to watch you and
especially in you know, a it's not a film role,
you know what I mean, or a television role in
that traditional regard. It's more you're more loose and your
personality really shines through.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
Great. Yeah, I think it's it's very close. Big I am.
I would say that.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yeah, And how has the experience you know, now you're
in the middle of season two, which is on right now,
how has the experience been for you? You know, you
have one full season under your belt, you've assumed film
the second season which is out. Now, how's it been
for you the experience overall? Was it what you thought
it would be?
Speaker 4 (04:25):
Well, you know, you never know. You never know how
people are going to receive it. You never know how
the game is going to go, if things are going
to line up. But all of that has far by
far exceeded my expectations. And I just love it. I
love I love hosting the show. I love running the show.
It's a blast. And you know, I hope I get
(04:48):
to do it for many, many, many many years. So
I mean, I would do this show forever. It's awesome.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
I love that and I think people are enjoying it.
I certainly do, and you know, people that I talk to,
I really think it's a great twist and it's fun
and it's it's it's just a great show, So kudos
to you on that. Are you able to as the
host and ep are you able to kind of you know,
do you ever have favorites and if so, are you
(05:15):
able to separate that from as a viewer, as a
fan of what's happening, from you know, somebody that's running it.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Sure, yeah, no, of course I I Yeah, there are
people that especially sometimes you hear somebody's story and you think, boy,
you know, it would be great to see them win this,
or you know, or just certain people's personalities you're like, oh,
that person's that's a great person. That's that's all. You know,
they're just super you know, you're rooting for them. And
(05:44):
then you know, conversely, sometimes there's people that you know,
you're like, boy, I'd really be okay if they got eliminated,
you know. So so yeah, you have your human you
have all those those you know, you have all those impulses.
But but my job is to not ever let that
get in the way of what's going on in the show.
(06:05):
But you know, again like being aware of it and
also being a conduit to the audience. Yeah, my brain
is processing all that information in a way that's like hm,
I bet you. If I think this or feel this
way about a person, the audience is going to think
and feel that way too. So you know, you're being
very conscious of all of that while you're running a game.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
And are you ever surprised at the outcome? You know,
obviously as viewers we are, but you have more insight,
a lot more time with the contestants and the games
and all. Are you ever, you know, shocked at what happens,
just like we are watching?
Speaker 4 (06:41):
Of course, So you see me in season one, I'm
fist pumping. I can't believe it Boston Robb hit that target.
I was like, what you know? I mean, you're just
you know, I'm setting up the drama. I'm setting up
everything so that when that that final event happens and
that challenge happens. You know, it's like setting up the
(07:02):
you know, the putt to win the Masters, or you know,
you're you're setting up that that that near perfect bowling
game with one ball left, or that ninth inning you know,
two outs, you know that that at that you're setting
all of that up. So yeah, I mean you get
caught up in it all, of course, and especially this
(07:23):
season this season, the person that Wins breaks the all
time television game show record, and it was the most
insane thing I've ever witnessed in my life.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Wow, as you're watching or I'm sorry, as you're recording,
you know, filming. Uh, and then you go presumably there's
a period where you're able to step away after it's wrapped.
Do you go and watch with that same excitement you
know when it's when it's on NBC.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
Yeah, of course. Well, you know, I'm also on you
know while during the process of editing, you know, I'm
always in there and I'm going in as well, refinding
the episodes and tweaking and fine tuning, and you know,
I give notes and things like that on episodes and
what works and what doesn't or you know what I
think you know was missing or things I remember that
(08:13):
that that you know that are in the can somewhere
from from shooting from the Island. But yeah, no, of
course I've you know, I actually just watched the finale
of the season put together, and I was like jumping
in my chair. I mean, I'm not I'm not kidding.
It's like, yeah, it's it's electrics.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
Talk about a teaser for for the challenges are there
challenges that because it's got to be fun to come
up with some of these. Do you how does that
process work for you when you're working through them?
Speaker 4 (08:47):
Well, we we have a team that that puts together challenges.
I I get to pitch challenges as well. But but
you know, the complex and the strategic and you know,
and there are certain kind of guidelines that you follow,
and there's certain aspects to the show's own personality that
you have to kind of follow. You know that that
(09:09):
kind of differentiate our show from some of the other
competitions here. So but yeah, I mean once once I'm
there on the island, you know, I'll go out while
the team is testing out the challenges with we have
kind of like stand in contestants and things like that,
so I'll kind of get a feel for how it's
going to run. I want to understand where the you know,
where the where the the strategic points are. You know,
(09:30):
I want to I want to try to wrap my
brain around it so that I'm ready, you know, and
I know what I'm looking at and I know it's
at stake when when the actual challenges are filmed. So, yeah,
it's the process.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
Have you ever participated in any of them yourself. I mean,
obviously not in the show.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
I don't really have time for it because of just
my schedule when I'm there, you know, like you know,
but but I definitely want to. Are you kidding?
Speaker 3 (09:56):
So finally, you you have some cool stuff coming up,
including a film called Nona's Right. Yes, how excited are
you about that? It looks great.
Speaker 4 (10:07):
It's going to be on Netflix towards the end of
the spring early summer. Great comedy that I played Vince
Vaughan's best friend. And there's some other great Italian American
actors in it. Lorraine Brocco, Italia Shire, Brenda Viccaro, Drea
de Matto, Linda Cardolini. Great, you know, it's all about
being Italian Italian food. It's fantastic.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
And what else can we look forward to in the
near future for you?
Speaker 4 (10:34):
Well, I some point in the future, I've filmed a
begun filming for One Piece, which is the adaptation of
the best selling manga and anime and Japanese history that
was adapted by Netflix and it's become the biggest show
(10:54):
in the world. Yeah, play a very notorious pirate on
the show and that'll start airing at some.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
Point awesome, and uh, the Army of the Dead Las Vegas?
Is that ever coming?
Speaker 4 (11:07):
It's dead?
Speaker 3 (11:07):
Okay, gotcha?
Speaker 4 (11:10):
That is uh. As far as like what happened, I'm
probably not at liberty to say yeah, yeah, yeah, that
is all right.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
Well, Joe, thank you. I can't wait for everybody to
continue watching Deal or No Deal Island. It's so much
fun and you're just so great in it.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
Thank you, Thanks man, I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Have a good day. Thanks. Such a great guy. I
love his work. I love I like this is I
love the Magic Mic films, which sounds crazy, but they're
actually like really great dramas. I mean that, you know,
and it has super high pedigree for the filmmakers. So
but he's great in those films. I love him in
(11:52):
of course True Blood and really just everything he's done.
So love having him on. Hope to have him again
or known As, which comes out later this year. All right,
let's take a quick break thirty seconds, and when we
come back, we are going to speak with Chase Stokes
and Lanta Condor all about their brand new film Valiant One.
(12:17):
All right, welcome back. Thank you for hanging out with
me and supporting our sponsors that make this show able
to happen every single week, every single episode. So next up,
Valliant One is a new film from Steve Barnett the director,
(12:39):
and stars Chase Stokes and Lanta Condor. It follows a
routine mission by an army helicopter crew kind of in
between the borders of North and South Korea. I guess
at the border, and ultimately I'm trying to be as
spoiler free as possible. Sergeant Edward played by Chase Stokes
(13:02):
is assigned to a mission who kind of must step up.
Lana Condor plays Selby and so it's a great war film,
but it's like an actiony thriller war film. It's really
enjoyable and Chase and Lana are great in it. So
Lana Condor is an actress who made her debut as
(13:23):
Jubilee in X Men Apocalypse. Then of course, Lara Jekovey
into All the Boys' movie franchise films. Great actor with
an interesting life, and she's amazing in Valiant One. And
that Chase Stokes best known as John the star of
Outer Banks on Netflix. This is his first big starring
(13:46):
role in a big film like this, so he also
is currently dating Kelsey Ballerini, So like, what awesome? So,
in any event, let's talk about Valiant One with Lara
Condor and Chase Stokes. Congratulations to both of you on
the film. It really is a awesome movie that is
(14:09):
both action packed, thrilling and dramatic, and it really is
enjoyable to watch. So congrats to both of you.
Speaker 5 (14:16):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
So let me start by asking Lanna. I believe that
I read were you once in the Navy?
Speaker 5 (14:23):
No? No, my brother, My brother's in the navy.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Your brother's in the navy.
Speaker 5 (14:28):
Yeah, okay, so he's actually currently stationed in Japan right now.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Oh wow, Well, thank you, thank you and your brother
for his service. Did you talk to him at all,
you know, as you were preparing for the role.
Speaker 5 (14:41):
Honestly, not really. I I think I didn't talk to
him because I I don't know why. I talk to
like my uncle, who's a general. I talked to other
family members who are in the military, But for my brother,
I didn't really talk to him about it. I don't
(15:02):
really know why. I think maybe it came from this
sense of like I really so badly wanted to do
him justice, and I felt like just nervous to even
bring it up. So I actually didn't really talk to
him about it, but I will say, like, he doesn't
often watch a lot of my work, and I do
think that this might be one of the first movies
that he watches of vine. So that's great. Well, oh
(15:24):
my god, I hope he likes it. I guess we'll
find out soon.
Speaker 3 (15:29):
Yeah, so are you nervous about that? I feel like
that's like a big thing.
Speaker 5 (15:32):
I'm really really nervous. I'm really, really, genuinely, honest to god, nervous,
like I'm going to throw up.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
I just like, really, really.
Speaker 5 (15:42):
I really did want to do this movie for a
huge part because of him, and I my heart will
break if he says like I didn't do it right,
because we really tried on this film to honor the
men and the women that serve and we tried so
hard to make it realistic. And I think if he
(16:02):
were to tell me that it wasn't and that would
be a real that would be a real bummer.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
Yeah, is that what attracted you to the movie? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (16:13):
Definitely the familial tized I know that Chase has comes
from a military family as well, but also the opportunity
to show a different side of myself as an artist.
I feel like I've been doing rom comms for so
long and I love doing them, but I know that
there's more in me and I really wanted the opportunity
(16:33):
to show that, and so hopefully that came through.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
I think it did. How about for you, Chase, what
attracted you to the role of Brockbank.
Speaker 6 (16:43):
Yeah, I think it's everybody has that friend that you
look at and you say, you could just be doing
so much more with your life. Yes, And the fact
that there was a character that I felt that immediately
jump off the page, felt like a story and a
character that I wanted to bring a life. And then
when Lana jumped on board, it just felt like a
really cool opportunity because I knew that we had a
(17:04):
similar want to flex that muscle in different areas of
our careers. So I knew that she had like a
hunger to be like, all right, hold my beer, like
let's see yeah, and I was in the same space,
So yeah, I think just that. And then you know,
my grandfather and my great grandfather served, and I have
friends who are in the military, and I just wanted
to do a different version of a war film that
(17:26):
felt a little more character focused, and this really hit
home for me.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
I love that. And one of the things that I
love about the film is, you know, it's very raw
in the fact that Brockman, you know, all the characters,
but Brockman, I think in particular. You know, I feel
like he's a leader, but he needs to get there.
You know. It's kind of like a flaws and all
sorts of thing, which is kind of all of us,
isn't it.
Speaker 6 (17:49):
Yeah, I mean I think, you know, he is the
modern tech soldier. He is somebody who sits at a
desk nine to five and analyzes data and assess the situations,
and that's what he does. He's been a basic like
everybody else. But just like with Selby, you know, these
characters haven't been in the field, right, there's no combat experience.
So when you're faced with adversity, what happens? You know,
(18:12):
do you go instinctually into that training that they all have.
And there's something really interesting about the human experience when
fighter flight comes in and what happens there. And so
watching him shift from you know, like you hear wanting
to go to Silicon Valley and have a seven figure
contract into you know, becoming a leader and taking on
responsibility was a fun role to, uh, to kind of tackle.
Speaker 7 (18:34):
How about for you, Lana, I think I think it's
kind of like adapter or die. And I think I
think what you said about like fighter flight or freeze
that is so true. And I think I hope that
audiences will be will come out of the theater.
Speaker 5 (18:52):
And be like empowered that like they no matter what,
can survive if you want to, you can survive. You
you just got it. You adapt period. I mean we're
seeing that, you know, all over the world. But it's
like there are people, there are normal people put in
put in extraordinary circumstances, and you have to adapt and
(19:15):
you have to keep going and and you are strong
enough to do that. And I mean I even like
even with the oh God, even with the LA wildfires,
like seeing the community come together and being like, Okay,
we're gonna do this, like we're going to support each other,
We're going to get through this devastating time, Like that's
(19:35):
in all of us, even if we don't necessarily think that,
you know. And I think that's empowering and very and
a great message.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
Yeah, and you know, kind of along those lines now
that I think about it. I love, you know, big
giant superhero movies as much as the next person. But
Valiant One really kind of looks at our every day superheroes,
if you will. And you know, it's interesting to me because,
as Chase was saying, you know, in many ways, you're
(20:05):
sitting at a desk and and what a hero may
look like traditionally to somebody might not look like that
to what others think, but still they're they're doing it,
you know, in support of the mission, which is to
keep us safe or you know, whatever that may be.
So you know, it really does the film really does
(20:25):
kind of take a peek under that curtain, if you will,
in both ways. Right, well, yeah, thank you for that, yeah,
of course. And Chase, you've spoken about having imposter syndrome before,
which I think, I know I've struggled with myself as
you have been establishing a career as an actor. Have
(20:46):
you found that you know, you're leading a film with
Lana right now talking, you know, doing a press junket
for it. Does that give you more comfortability or is
that something that you think is still a struggle.
Speaker 6 (20:59):
You know, I think think my goal is just at
my core, I just want to tell great stories with
great people and continue to collaborate in this space. And
I think whenever you put yourself out there, especially in
the artist's space, it's vulnerable and you're naked often and
there's nothing not scary about that, and I think the
beauty of it is finding that that little switch in
(21:23):
your brain that gives you the opportunity to just push
forward and give the performances that you're really proud of.
And so I think I'll never not have imposter syndrome,
and I think I allow myself to be at peace
with that. But ultimately for me, you know, like I'm
just very fortunate that people like Lana want to do
films with me and they believe in my art in
the same ways that I've believed in hers and will
(21:43):
continue to believe in hers. And I think that's just
where I'm at, and it's just the next right thing,
you know. I can't get too far ahead or look
too far back, because none of it matters as much
as this moment in time right now.
Speaker 3 (21:55):
That's beautiful. And I don't know either of you have
ever heard of the book The Power of Vulnerability. Brene Brown.
But I'm trying to like make that my bible because
you know, as you said, being vulnerable putting your art
out there or telling somebody how you really feel is scary,
you know, And there's a whole world, it seems sometimes
that is out there ready to judge you whenever you
(22:16):
do take that step and be vulnerable. So I applaud
you both for speaking about it now and being brave
enough to share your story because it helps, in my opinion,
it helps so many other people that are like, wait
a second, I feel that too, and Chase is saying that,
so it's okay for me to say that, you know,
so thank you for that. Similarly, Lana, you know, is
(22:38):
that something you struggle with too? As you and Chase
headline valiant one to be.
Speaker 5 (22:44):
Frank, I, I have a really strong belief in myself.
I yeah, I think it was the way that I
was raised. But I like, my dad has a quote
where he says greatness is coming, and he said that
to me since I was a baby and I was
(23:05):
raised to be proud of who I am. I was
raised to be like confident and smart. I think, of course,
of course, there are days where I'm like, oh my god,
like I really really really like I'm insecure and I'm
nervous about this, that and the other thing. But in
terms of my work, like I actually do have a
sense that like I love to act, period, this is
(23:29):
my favorite thing to do. Like acting is all that
I want to do, and therefore I just want I
just want to step into it, like I do have
this kind of maybe it's a delusional sense of confidence,
but I think so far it's working out.
Speaker 6 (23:48):
I was just gonna say not to cut you off,
like you you are so like it was really fun
to watch and it really encouraged me, like you were
instinctually so good at this craft and you are so
like she comes to set and it is it is true,
Like it was really mind blowing to watch, like instinctually
you're right on the nose and if it's not that,
the way that you can adjust and adapt and her
(24:10):
emotional range in this film is absolutely bananas. And I'm
super excited for you as a co star, as a friend,
for people to see this performance because even watching it
last night, I was like, oh my god, like I'm
so emotional watching the way that you connect with Diana
who plays been and it's just cool to see people
that you care about and have shared the screen with
(24:31):
get an opportunity to flex the muscle in a way
that maybe the world hasn't seen and to be able
to take confidence and power in that is so badass.
Speaker 5 (24:38):
I just love what we get to do. It's the
best and I and I just never wanted to go away.
Speaker 6 (24:45):
Totally agree with you.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
Well, I will say as a viewer and as a
movie lover, and you know, it is a joy to
watch both of you. However, both of you get there.
You're getting there and you're delivering for you know, audiences
like me. And it's so important in my opinion, for storytellers,
whether it's actors or creators or journalists or whatever it is,
(25:07):
to continue to tell their stories of people and humanity
and all of that. And I can't wait for everybody
to see Valiant One. Thank you, Lana, Thank you, Chase.
I really appreciate your time.
Speaker 5 (25:19):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 6 (25:20):
Thank you for supporting the film.
Speaker 4 (25:21):
Man.
Speaker 6 (25:21):
We appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (25:23):
Of course, have a great day, guys. Yeah you too,
our condor and Chase Stokes. I'm telling you you got
to go see Valiant One if you like First of all,
if you love like the kind of military war movies,
you'll absolutely love this. But it's a great thriller, it's
a great drama. It really is a very enjoyable film
that I highly recommend you go and check out. So
(25:46):
all right, that is all for this episode of pop
Culture Weekly. We will be back next week with the
usual format. We got a lot of great stuff coming up.
And if you haven't noticed, I am pumping out videos
across all social platforms. So there are some of my
classic interviews, the long form ones. There's clips you know, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube,
(26:10):
wherever you are, hopefully pop Culture Weekly is there. So
let me know what you think, comment on the videos,
let me know what you want to see. Hit me up.
What do you want to see more of? What do
you want to see less of? What ideas do you
have that we can do. Continue to be a part
of the show because the show does not exist without you.
All right, I will see you next week. I love you, We.
Speaker 2 (26:35):
Thank you for listening to pop Culture Weekly. Here all
the latest at pop cultureweekly dot com.
Speaker 3 (26:52):
Whoam into
Speaker 6 (27:00):
Spare
In this episode of Pop Culture Weekly, I talked to
Joe manganello all about Deal or No Deal Island, and
I talk with Chase Stokes and Lana Condor all about
their brand new movie Valiant One.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Let's go Welcome to pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon
from my Heart Radio, your pop culture news, views, reviews
and celebrity interviews on all the movies, TV, music and
pomp culture U Crab Weekly. Here's Kyle McMahon.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Nick Na Na Na Nit, Hello and welcome the pop
Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon. I, of course am Kyle McMahon,
and I thank you so much as always for hanging
out with me for another episode of pop Culture Weekly.
This is an interview only episode, and I promise you
next episode we're going back to you know, the typical format,
(00:52):
but we have a couple of interviews to for today.
First up is Joe Manganela. Oh, Joe has been an actor,
you know, in the business for a while. It's been
both in TV and film, and I would say his
first big breakout role was as Outside in True Blood
(01:15):
on HBO and he was a fan favorite that entire
run from twenty ten to twenty fourteen. He's been in
all kinds of movies and TV shows. As I mentioned,
he of course is Big Dick Ritchie in Magic Mike
and Magic Mike XXL, Death Stroke, of course, the famous
DC comics villain in Justice League, among many other titles.
(01:39):
He's also very passionate about fitness. He was a three
sport athlete in high school and college. He's authored books
on health and wellness and has been a huge advocate
for numerous charities as well. So Joe is currently hosting
and producing Deal Or No Deal Island on NBC and Peacock,
(02:02):
to spin off obviously of Dealer No Deal, and this
features contestants that are competing in physical challenge on an island,
and they retrieve briefcases containing cash values, and then the
winner of each challenge selects a selects a contestant to
play the Banker's Challenge in a segment that's like the
(02:22):
traditional Dealer No Deal. And in the first season the
winner won three point seven five million dollars. So it's
pretty high stakes, pretty nice. Season two has upped the
stakes and it's it's really just a fun show. So
I'm going to talk to him about that and about
Army of the Dead, going to ask them for an
(02:43):
update on Army of the Dead Las Vegas as well
as you know what we can expect from him next.
So let's get in to my interview with the one
and only Joe Manganella. Hey, Joe, how are you. I'm
doing well? Thank you? First of all, thanks for speaking
with me. I really appreciate it. You are in the
(03:03):
middle of Deal or No Deal Island season two. How
did you get involved? You know, you're hosting and producing.
How did you get involved in that?
Speaker 4 (03:12):
It was an incoming call NBC and end of all,
Shine wanted to speak to me about this show idea
that they had and we had about a ninety minute conversation.
It's about like twelve twelve people on this on this call,
and you know, once they started explaining it to me,
I just knew like that this is my show, like
(03:35):
you know, and this is a perfect, perfect show for
me and my personality. And then they thought the same thing.
So it was we were off to the races.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
Yeah, and it's so so enjoyable to watch you and
especially in you know, a it's not a film role,
you know what I mean, or a television role in
that traditional regard. It's more you're more loose and your
personality really shines through.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
Great. Yeah, I think it's it's very close. Big I am.
I would say that.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yeah, And how has the experience you know, now you're
in the middle of season two, which is on right now,
how has the experience been for you? You know, you
have one full season under your belt, you've assumed film
the second season which is out. Now, how's it been
for you the experience overall? Was it what you thought
it would be?
Speaker 4 (04:25):
Well, you know, you never know. You never know how
people are going to receive it. You never know how
the game is going to go, if things are going
to line up. But all of that has far by
far exceeded my expectations. And I just love it. I
love I love hosting the show. I love running the show.
It's a blast. And you know, I hope I get
(04:48):
to do it for many, many, many many years. So
I mean, I would do this show forever. It's awesome.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
I love that and I think people are enjoying it.
I certainly do, and you know, people that I talk to,
I really think it's a great twist and it's fun
and it's it's it's just a great show, So kudos
to you on that. Are you able to as the
host and ep are you able to kind of you know,
do you ever have favorites and if so, are you
(05:15):
able to separate that from as a viewer, as a
fan of what's happening, from you know, somebody that's running it.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Sure, yeah, no, of course I I Yeah, there are
people that especially sometimes you hear somebody's story and you think, boy,
you know, it would be great to see them win this,
or you know, or just certain people's personalities you're like, oh,
that person's that's a great person. That's that's all. You know,
they're just super you know, you're rooting for them. And
(05:44):
then you know, conversely, sometimes there's people that you know,
you're like, boy, I'd really be okay if they got eliminated,
you know. So so yeah, you have your human you
have all those those you know, you have all those impulses.
But but my job is to not ever let that
get in the way of what's going on in the show.
(06:05):
But you know, again like being aware of it and
also being a conduit to the audience. Yeah, my brain
is processing all that information in a way that's like hm,
I bet you. If I think this or feel this
way about a person, the audience is going to think
and feel that way too. So you know, you're being
very conscious of all of that while you're running a game.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
And are you ever surprised at the outcome? You know,
obviously as viewers we are, but you have more insight,
a lot more time with the contestants and the games
and all. Are you ever, you know, shocked at what happens,
just like we are watching?
Speaker 4 (06:41):
Of course, So you see me in season one, I'm
fist pumping. I can't believe it Boston Robb hit that target.
I was like, what you know? I mean, you're just
you know, I'm setting up the drama. I'm setting up
everything so that when that that final event happens and
that challenge happens. You know, it's like setting up the
(07:02):
you know, the putt to win the Masters, or you know,
you're you're setting up that that that near perfect bowling
game with one ball left, or that ninth inning you know,
two outs, you know that that at that you're setting
all of that up. So yeah, I mean you get
caught up in it all, of course, and especially this
(07:23):
season this season, the person that Wins breaks the all
time television game show record, and it was the most
insane thing I've ever witnessed in my life.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Wow, as you're watching or I'm sorry, as you're recording,
you know, filming. Uh, and then you go presumably there's
a period where you're able to step away after it's wrapped.
Do you go and watch with that same excitement you
know when it's when it's on NBC.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
Yeah, of course. Well, you know, I'm also on you
know while during the process of editing, you know, I'm
always in there and I'm going in as well, refinding
the episodes and tweaking and fine tuning, and you know,
I give notes and things like that on episodes and
what works and what doesn't or you know what I
think you know was missing or things I remember that
(08:13):
that that you know that are in the can somewhere
from from shooting from the Island. But yeah, no, of
course I've you know, I actually just watched the finale
of the season put together, and I was like jumping
in my chair. I mean, I'm not I'm not kidding.
It's like, yeah, it's it's electrics.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
Talk about a teaser for for the challenges are there
challenges that because it's got to be fun to come
up with some of these. Do you how does that
process work for you when you're working through them?
Speaker 4 (08:47):
Well, we we have a team that that puts together challenges.
I I get to pitch challenges as well. But but
you know, the complex and the strategic and you know,
and there are certain kind of guidelines that you follow,
and there's certain aspects to the show's own personality that
you have to kind of follow. You know that that
(09:09):
kind of differentiate our show from some of the other
competitions here. So but yeah, I mean once once I'm
there on the island, you know, I'll go out while
the team is testing out the challenges with we have
kind of like stand in contestants and things like that,
so I'll kind of get a feel for how it's
going to run. I want to understand where the you know,
where the where the the strategic points are. You know,
(09:30):
I want to I want to try to wrap my
brain around it so that I'm ready, you know, and
I know what I'm looking at and I know it's
at stake when when the actual challenges are filmed. So, yeah,
it's the process.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
Have you ever participated in any of them yourself. I mean,
obviously not in the show.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
I don't really have time for it because of just
my schedule when I'm there, you know, like you know,
but but I definitely want to. Are you kidding?
Speaker 3 (09:56):
So finally, you you have some cool stuff coming up,
including a film called Nona's Right. Yes, how excited are
you about that? It looks great.
Speaker 4 (10:07):
It's going to be on Netflix towards the end of
the spring early summer. Great comedy that I played Vince
Vaughan's best friend. And there's some other great Italian American
actors in it. Lorraine Brocco, Italia Shire, Brenda Viccaro, Drea
de Matto, Linda Cardolini. Great, you know, it's all about
being Italian Italian food. It's fantastic.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
And what else can we look forward to in the
near future for you?
Speaker 4 (10:34):
Well, I some point in the future, I've filmed a
begun filming for One Piece, which is the adaptation of
the best selling manga and anime and Japanese history that
was adapted by Netflix and it's become the biggest show
(10:54):
in the world. Yeah, play a very notorious pirate on
the show and that'll start airing at some.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
Point awesome, and uh, the Army of the Dead Las Vegas?
Is that ever coming?
Speaker 4 (11:07):
It's dead?
Speaker 3 (11:07):
Okay, gotcha?
Speaker 4 (11:10):
That is uh. As far as like what happened, I'm
probably not at liberty to say yeah, yeah, yeah, that
is all right.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
Well, Joe, thank you. I can't wait for everybody to
continue watching Deal or No Deal Island. It's so much
fun and you're just so great in it.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
Thank you, Thanks man, I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Have a good day. Thanks. Such a great guy. I
love his work. I love I like this is I
love the Magic Mic films, which sounds crazy, but they're
actually like really great dramas. I mean that, you know,
and it has super high pedigree for the filmmakers. So
but he's great in those films. I love him in
(11:52):
of course True Blood and really just everything he's done.
So love having him on. Hope to have him again
or known As, which comes out later this year. All right,
let's take a quick break thirty seconds, and when we
come back, we are going to speak with Chase Stokes
and Lanta Condor all about their brand new film Valiant One.
(12:17):
All right, welcome back. Thank you for hanging out with
me and supporting our sponsors that make this show able
to happen every single week, every single episode. So next up,
Valliant One is a new film from Steve Barnett the director,
(12:39):
and stars Chase Stokes and Lanta Condor. It follows a
routine mission by an army helicopter crew kind of in
between the borders of North and South Korea. I guess
at the border, and ultimately I'm trying to be as
spoiler free as possible. Sergeant Edward played by Chase Stokes
(13:02):
is assigned to a mission who kind of must step up.
Lana Condor plays Selby and so it's a great war film,
but it's like an actiony thriller war film. It's really
enjoyable and Chase and Lana are great in it. So
Lana Condor is an actress who made her debut as
(13:23):
Jubilee in X Men Apocalypse. Then of course, Lara Jekovey
into All the Boys' movie franchise films. Great actor with
an interesting life, and she's amazing in Valiant One. And
that Chase Stokes best known as John the star of
Outer Banks on Netflix. This is his first big starring
(13:46):
role in a big film like this, so he also
is currently dating Kelsey Ballerini, So like, what awesome? So,
in any event, let's talk about Valiant One with Lara
Condor and Chase Stokes. Congratulations to both of you on
the film. It really is a awesome movie that is
(14:09):
both action packed, thrilling and dramatic, and it really is
enjoyable to watch. So congrats to both of you.
Speaker 5 (14:16):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
So let me start by asking Lanna. I believe that
I read were you once in the Navy?
Speaker 5 (14:23):
No? No, my brother, My brother's in the navy.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Your brother's in the navy.
Speaker 5 (14:28):
Yeah, okay, so he's actually currently stationed in Japan right now.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Oh wow, Well, thank you, thank you and your brother
for his service. Did you talk to him at all,
you know, as you were preparing for the role.
Speaker 5 (14:41):
Honestly, not really. I I think I didn't talk to
him because I I don't know why. I talk to
like my uncle, who's a general. I talked to other
family members who are in the military, But for my brother,
I didn't really talk to him about it. I don't
(15:02):
really know why. I think maybe it came from this
sense of like I really so badly wanted to do
him justice, and I felt like just nervous to even
bring it up. So I actually didn't really talk to
him about it, but I will say, like, he doesn't
often watch a lot of my work, and I do
think that this might be one of the first movies
that he watches of vine. So that's great. Well, oh
(15:24):
my god, I hope he likes it. I guess we'll
find out soon.
Speaker 3 (15:29):
Yeah, so are you nervous about that? I feel like
that's like a big thing.
Speaker 5 (15:32):
I'm really really nervous. I'm really, really, genuinely, honest to god, nervous,
like I'm going to throw up.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
I just like, really, really.
Speaker 5 (15:42):
I really did want to do this movie for a
huge part because of him, and I my heart will
break if he says like I didn't do it right,
because we really tried on this film to honor the
men and the women that serve and we tried so
hard to make it realistic. And I think if he
(16:02):
were to tell me that it wasn't and that would
be a real that would be a real bummer.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
Yeah, is that what attracted you to the movie? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (16:13):
Definitely the familial tized I know that Chase has comes
from a military family as well, but also the opportunity
to show a different side of myself as an artist.
I feel like I've been doing rom comms for so
long and I love doing them, but I know that
there's more in me and I really wanted the opportunity
(16:33):
to show that, and so hopefully that came through.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
I think it did. How about for you, Chase, what
attracted you to the role of Brockbank.
Speaker 6 (16:43):
Yeah, I think it's everybody has that friend that you
look at and you say, you could just be doing
so much more with your life. Yes, And the fact
that there was a character that I felt that immediately
jump off the page, felt like a story and a
character that I wanted to bring a life. And then
when Lana jumped on board, it just felt like a
really cool opportunity because I knew that we had a
(17:04):
similar want to flex that muscle in different areas of
our careers. So I knew that she had like a
hunger to be like, all right, hold my beer, like
let's see yeah, and I was in the same space,
So yeah, I think just that. And then you know,
my grandfather and my great grandfather served, and I have
friends who are in the military, and I just wanted
to do a different version of a war film that
(17:26):
felt a little more character focused, and this really hit
home for me.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
I love that. And one of the things that I
love about the film is, you know, it's very raw
in the fact that Brockman, you know, all the characters,
but Brockman, I think in particular. You know, I feel
like he's a leader, but he needs to get there.
You know. It's kind of like a flaws and all
sorts of thing, which is kind of all of us,
isn't it.
Speaker 6 (17:49):
Yeah, I mean I think, you know, he is the
modern tech soldier. He is somebody who sits at a
desk nine to five and analyzes data and assess the situations,
and that's what he does. He's been a basic like
everybody else. But just like with Selby, you know, these
characters haven't been in the field, right, there's no combat experience.
So when you're faced with adversity, what happens? You know,
(18:12):
do you go instinctually into that training that they all have.
And there's something really interesting about the human experience when
fighter flight comes in and what happens there. And so
watching him shift from you know, like you hear wanting
to go to Silicon Valley and have a seven figure
contract into you know, becoming a leader and taking on
responsibility was a fun role to, uh, to kind of tackle.
Speaker 7 (18:34):
How about for you, Lana, I think I think it's
kind of like adapter or die. And I think I
think what you said about like fighter flight or freeze
that is so true. And I think I hope that
audiences will be will come out of the theater.
Speaker 5 (18:52):
And be like empowered that like they no matter what,
can survive if you want to, you can survive. You
you just got it. You adapt period. I mean we're
seeing that, you know, all over the world. But it's
like there are people, there are normal people put in
put in extraordinary circumstances, and you have to adapt and
(19:15):
you have to keep going and and you are strong
enough to do that. And I mean I even like
even with the oh God, even with the LA wildfires,
like seeing the community come together and being like, Okay,
we're gonna do this, like we're going to support each other,
We're going to get through this devastating time, Like that's
(19:35):
in all of us, even if we don't necessarily think that,
you know. And I think that's empowering and very and
a great message.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
Yeah, and you know, kind of along those lines now
that I think about it. I love, you know, big
giant superhero movies as much as the next person. But
Valiant One really kind of looks at our every day superheroes,
if you will. And you know, it's interesting to me because,
as Chase was saying, you know, in many ways, you're
(20:05):
sitting at a desk and and what a hero may
look like traditionally to somebody might not look like that
to what others think, but still they're they're doing it,
you know, in support of the mission, which is to
keep us safe or you know, whatever that may be.
So you know, it really does the film really does
(20:25):
kind of take a peek under that curtain, if you will,
in both ways. Right, well, yeah, thank you for that, yeah,
of course. And Chase, you've spoken about having imposter syndrome before,
which I think, I know I've struggled with myself as
you have been establishing a career as an actor. Have
(20:46):
you found that you know, you're leading a film with
Lana right now talking, you know, doing a press junket
for it. Does that give you more comfortability or is
that something that you think is still a struggle.
Speaker 6 (20:59):
You know, I think think my goal is just at
my core, I just want to tell great stories with
great people and continue to collaborate in this space. And
I think whenever you put yourself out there, especially in
the artist's space, it's vulnerable and you're naked often and
there's nothing not scary about that, and I think the
beauty of it is finding that that little switch in
(21:23):
your brain that gives you the opportunity to just push
forward and give the performances that you're really proud of.
And so I think I'll never not have imposter syndrome,
and I think I allow myself to be at peace
with that. But ultimately for me, you know, like I'm
just very fortunate that people like Lana want to do
films with me and they believe in my art in
the same ways that I've believed in hers and will
(21:43):
continue to believe in hers. And I think that's just
where I'm at, and it's just the next right thing,
you know. I can't get too far ahead or look
too far back, because none of it matters as much
as this moment in time right now.
Speaker 3 (21:55):
That's beautiful. And I don't know either of you have
ever heard of the book The Power of Vulnerability. Brene Brown.
But I'm trying to like make that my bible because
you know, as you said, being vulnerable putting your art
out there or telling somebody how you really feel is scary,
you know, And there's a whole world, it seems sometimes
that is out there ready to judge you whenever you
(22:16):
do take that step and be vulnerable. So I applaud
you both for speaking about it now and being brave
enough to share your story because it helps, in my opinion,
it helps so many other people that are like, wait
a second, I feel that too, and Chase is saying that,
so it's okay for me to say that, you know,
so thank you for that. Similarly, Lana, you know, is
(22:38):
that something you struggle with too? As you and Chase
headline valiant one to be.
Speaker 5 (22:44):
Frank, I, I have a really strong belief in myself.
I yeah, I think it was the way that I
was raised. But I like, my dad has a quote
where he says greatness is coming, and he said that
to me since I was a baby and I was
(23:05):
raised to be proud of who I am. I was
raised to be like confident and smart. I think, of course,
of course, there are days where I'm like, oh my god,
like I really really really like I'm insecure and I'm
nervous about this, that and the other thing. But in
terms of my work, like I actually do have a
sense that like I love to act, period, this is
(23:29):
my favorite thing to do. Like acting is all that
I want to do, and therefore I just want I
just want to step into it, like I do have
this kind of maybe it's a delusional sense of confidence,
but I think so far it's working out.
Speaker 6 (23:48):
I was just gonna say not to cut you off,
like you you are so like it was really fun
to watch and it really encouraged me, like you were
instinctually so good at this craft and you are so
like she comes to set and it is it is true,
Like it was really mind blowing to watch, like instinctually
you're right on the nose and if it's not that,
the way that you can adjust and adapt and her
(24:10):
emotional range in this film is absolutely bananas. And I'm
super excited for you as a co star, as a friend,
for people to see this performance because even watching it
last night, I was like, oh my god, like I'm
so emotional watching the way that you connect with Diana
who plays been and it's just cool to see people
that you care about and have shared the screen with
(24:31):
get an opportunity to flex the muscle in a way
that maybe the world hasn't seen and to be able
to take confidence and power in that is so badass.
Speaker 5 (24:38):
I just love what we get to do. It's the
best and I and I just never wanted to go away.
Speaker 6 (24:45):
Totally agree with you.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
Well, I will say as a viewer and as a
movie lover, and you know, it is a joy to
watch both of you. However, both of you get there.
You're getting there and you're delivering for you know, audiences
like me. And it's so important in my opinion, for storytellers,
whether it's actors or creators or journalists or whatever it is,
(25:07):
to continue to tell their stories of people and humanity
and all of that. And I can't wait for everybody
to see Valiant One. Thank you, Lana, Thank you, Chase.
I really appreciate your time.
Speaker 5 (25:19):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 6 (25:20):
Thank you for supporting the film.
Speaker 4 (25:21):
Man.
Speaker 6 (25:21):
We appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (25:23):
Of course, have a great day, guys. Yeah you too,
our condor and Chase Stokes. I'm telling you you got
to go see Valiant One if you like First of all,
if you love like the kind of military war movies,
you'll absolutely love this. But it's a great thriller, it's
a great drama. It really is a very enjoyable film
that I highly recommend you go and check out. So
(25:46):
all right, that is all for this episode of pop
Culture Weekly. We will be back next week with the
usual format. We got a lot of great stuff coming up.
And if you haven't noticed, I am pumping out videos
across all social platforms. So there are some of my
classic interviews, the long form ones. There's clips you know, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube,
(26:10):
wherever you are, hopefully pop Culture Weekly is there. So
let me know what you think, comment on the videos,
let me know what you want to see. Hit me up.
What do you want to see more of? What do
you want to see less of? What ideas do you
have that we can do. Continue to be a part
of the show because the show does not exist without you.
All right, I will see you next week. I love you, We.
Speaker 2 (26:35):
Thank you for listening to pop Culture Weekly. Here all
the latest at pop cultureweekly dot com.
Speaker 3 (26:52):
Whoam into
Speaker 6 (27:00):
Spare
Popular Podcasts
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Decisions, Decisions
Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!