Hosted by Hugo Filipe and Mikael Melo, the Canadian pop culture podcast enters a new chapter as “PopTake, powered by View the VIBE,” with ambitions to reach audiences across Canada and beyond.
TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2026 /CNW/ — Canadian pop culture podcast PopTake, hosted by Hugo Filipe and Mikael Melo, has officially joined Stamina Group’s media network through a strategic partnership with View the VIBE. The collaboration brings together two entertainment-focused platforms with a shared passion for culture, community and storytelling, with plans to expand PopTake’s reach nationally and explore international distribution opportunities.
Now operating as “PopTake, powered by View the VIBE.” Your hot takes on music, pop culture and life. The show will benefit from the publication’s established Canadian audience, editorial platform and industry/distribution relationships while maintaining the independent voice and creative chemistry that have become its signature.
The partnership also builds on Stamina Group’s experience bringing Canadian-produced content to international audiences. Through its globally distributed video podcast Gents Talk, which has secured placement on airline entertainment systems worldwide and through other transportation syndication partners, Stamina Group has established relationships it hopes to leverage to introduce PopTake to audiences beyond Canada.
“Building Stamina Group has always been about amplifying creative voices and connecting audiences through meaningful content,” says Steven Branco, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Stamina Group Inc. and Editor-in-Chief, View the VIBE. “With PopTake’s focus on pop culture and View the VIBE’s roots in community, culture and entertainment, the partnership felt like a natural fit. Hugo and Mikael have built something special, and we’re excited to help take it further. Building on the international success of Gent’s Talk and our global distribution partnerships, we see an opportunity to bring PopTake to audiences across Canada and around the world.”
Two best friends, plenty of hot takes
Launched in April 2025, PopTake is a weekly entertainment podcast covering music, film, television, celebrity culture and life. Hosted by longtime friends Hugo Filipe and Mikael Melo, the show combines candid commentary, celebrity interviews and social-first content with the energy of a group chat.
Now in its second season, PopTake has built a growing presence on Canada’s entertainment circuit, covering major events including TIFF, the JUNO Awards, the Canadian Screen Awards and Osheaga. Its celebrity interviews have featured the likes of Zara Larsson, Katy Perry, Chloe Bailey, JADE, Perrie Edwards, FLO, Sofi Tukker, Patrick J. Adams, Eric McCormack, Lauren Ash, Simple Plan and Holly Humberstone, and more.
The show also features recognizable segments including Backtrack, where artists identify their songs played backwards; This or That, a rapid-fire celebrity interview format where artists must choose between their own songs; and HotTake or FlopTake, featuring the hosts’ weekly pop culture verdicts.
“PopTake started as two best friends who couldn’t stop talking about pop culture, so we hit record,” says Hugo Filipe, Co-Founder & Co-Host, PopTake. “Partnering with View the VIBE puts our takes in front of an audience that loves this stuff, as much as we do.”
“We strike the balance between professional and fanboy,” adds Mikael Melo, Co-Founder & Co-Host, PopTake . “Our podcast feels like your two internet besties gushing over your favourite artists, and every now and then, we get to interview them. Asking the questions fans actually want answered.”
Beyond the podcast, both hosts bring established entertainment and creative industry experience.
Hugo Filipe is a Toronto-based creative director, photographer and entrepreneur. He leads Mister Mister, a creative studio with clients including H&M, RBC, OVO and Campbell’s, and owns Nosso Studio, which operates two creative spaces in Toronto.
Mikael Melo is a Canadian Screen Award-winning producer, reporter and digital creator whose credits include ET Canada, Big Brother Canada and The Social. He has interviewed international stars including Katy Perry, Olivia Rodrigo and Florence Pugh, and collaborated with brands including Paramount+, Samsung, Sony Pictures and Universal Music Canada.
What’s next for PopTake?
Through the partnership, PopTake will continue producing its weekly podcast and signature social-first content, while exploring expanded editorial collaborations, new sponsors, celebrity interviews, event coverage, branded entertainment opportunities, in-person events and new distribution channels.
The addition of PopTake further strengthens Stamina Group’s growing portfolio of International media properties, which includes View the VIBE, WanderEater, Gent’s Post and the internationally distributed and acclaimed video podcast, Gent’s Talk.
NOTE TO EDITORS
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About PopTake
PopTake is a Canadian pop culture and entertainment podcast hosted by best friends Hugo Filipe and Mikael Melo. Every week, the pair deliver fresh perspectives and unfiltered hot takes on the biggest stories in music, film, TV and celebrity culture. Beyond the weekly episode, PopTake has built a reputation for social first interviews and red carpet coverage, from the JUNO Awards and the Canadian Screen Awards to TIFF and Osheaga, with signature segments like Backtrack, This or That and HotTake or FlopTake. PopTake brings the energy of a group chat to the biggest names in pop. PopTake is powered by View the VIBE, part of the Stamina Group media network.
For more, visit PopTake on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok and everywhere you stream your podcasts or PopTakePodcast.com.
About View the VIBE
Established in 2010, View the VIBE is a leading Canadian digital lifestyle and entertainment publication delivering fresh, engaging and culturally relevant content. Known for its fun, edgy and informative approach to storytelling, the platform covers food, hospitality, fashion, entertainment, pop culture and lifestyle through original editorial, video, social storytelling and live experiences. For over 15 years, View the VIBE has connected audiences with the people, places, trends and cultural conversations shaping Toronto, Canada and beyond. Proudly owned and operated by Stamina Group Inc., View the VIBE continues to deliver its signature perspective on culture, community and, of course, the best VIBES.
For more, visit ViewtheVIBE.com.
About Stamina Group Inc.
Stamina Group Inc. (STAMINA) is a privately owned Canadian media, communications and creative production company specializing in award-winning digital-first content, original storytelling and unique brand experiences. Founded and led by award-winning creative multihyphenate and on-air lifestyle expert Steven Branco, STAMINA owns, operates or partners with a growing network of Canadian media brands and platforms, including View the VIBE, WanderEater, Gent’s Post, the globally streamed video podcast Gent’s Talk, and PopTake. Through its creative production arm, STAMINA produces original editorial photography, video and branded content internationally, with work produced for and/or featured in leading global publications including Flaunt, FASHION, HELLO!, VULKAN, SWAGGER, GQ, The Perfect Man, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Architectural Digest, among others.
For more, visit HaveStamina.com.
SOURCE STAMINA Group Inc.
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