Education goes beyond the classroom and takes a field trip with #TeacherTok on social media. Popular TikTok account @when_nerds_teach—hosted by middle-school life science and geography teacher and influencer Dr. Not Gonna Say—offers expertise, resources, tips, and a healthy dose of humor for educators, all while respecting the students they collect…

Footwear plays an important role in defining a video-game character’s persona and capability. Such is the case with games like "Bomb Rush Cyperfunk," "Sonic Riders," "Mario Wonder," "Spider-Man," and 2K basketball installments. For gamer/designer Derrick Banks, Jr.—a Drexel University undergraduate, former STAR Scholar, and Sneaker Lab researcher—s…

With so many options for news consumption these days, it’s hard to know exactly where to focus our attention (and what to believe). There’s world news, national news, and local news; print sources; social media; and then the fact-checking sites, where we can put the accuracy of reports to the test. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis gets a lesson in news liter…

The written work of Yiddish humorist, novelist, and Nobel Prize laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer resonates today, as it did during his lifetime in the 20th century. His 1945 classic "Simple Gimpl," now translated by Dr. David Stromberg, offers a sage tale of morality and Jewish tradition. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis joins Stromberg to discuss Bashevis Sin…

Throughout the pandemic, nostalgia brought audiences back to classic television shows—from "Andy Griffith" to "The Sopranos." Two particular TV series from decades past—"Perry Mason" and "Columbo"—wrapped us in a warm narrative blanket and proved to be uncontested classics. It’s no mystery why they’re so beloved by viewers across generations, given…

In 2007, the world of fine cuisine forever changed its menu when Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures brought to life the animated feature "Ratatouille." The film follows the journey of rat protagonist Remy, who leaves the conventions of his family and hometown to satiate a “faim” for fine French cuisine. As Host Dr. Melinda Lewis disco…

There’s more than meets the eye, when it comes to the representation of robots in popular culture. In TV and movies like "The Terminator," robots have a way of appearing much more advanced and seamless than engineers actually experience behind the scenes. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis joins U.S. Naval Research Laboratory mechanical engineer and Drexel Uni…

"The Real Housewives" is a television franchise of voluminous proportions. With over 10 American-produced series since 2006 (each with multiple seasons and based in varied locations), a conglomerate of spin-offs, and numerous international series to boot, the Bravo network continues to attract the attention of audiences the world over. With charact…

For over two centuries, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University has been at the forefront of scientific research in the Philadelphia metropolitan region and across the globe. Now, more than ever, the institution’s vast collections, research initiatives, and community-based projects are forging pathways to scientific understanding about…

Esports, as a growing cultural institution, finds itself in the middle of a debate over how it qualifies in the world of professional athletics and competitive sport. With growing popularity among gamers and fans alike, esports thrives among online streamers and college-level competitors. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis faces off with Drexel University unde…

Magic has a way of (abracadabra!) appearing ubiquitously throughout popular culture. Integrated with mysticism and illusion is the core element of performance, transcending the carnival atmosphere and stage into other arenas of human life and interaction. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis talks with magician, improv comedian, Drexel University English writing…

This special episode highlights a previously recorded discussion in partnership with the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Presented as an installment of the Pennoni Panels series–and later produced as a pair of episodes for the PBS-broadcast TV series "The Civil Discourse," hosted by Drexel University Pennoni Honors College Dean Paula Marantz Coh…

The image and stories of working-class people have been central to an understanding of "America" and the "American Dream.” Their stories are omnipresent in popular literature, film, television, music, and everyday life. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis takes a tour with Drexel University sociologist Dr. Amanda McMillan Lequieu to explore a deindustrialized U…

Fandom often gets a bad rap, with communities surrounding popular texts like "Star Trek," "Lord of the Rings," and professional wrestling framed as toxic, desperate, or some combination of both. But fan communities are also the source of vibrancy and community-building with fans who make and share art, fan fiction, fanzines, clubs/message boards, c…

"Euphoria" is a highly bingeable HBO series that has made an indelible impact on pop culture of the early 2020s. It has drugs, sex, cutting-edge fashion, constant conflict, and plenty of references to past TV teen dramas like "My So-Called Life" and "Beverly Hills, 90210." It also places lead star Zendaya and writer/director Sam Levinson in the spo…

Professional wrestling encapsulates so much of what’s popular in the greater culture: dynamic characters; athleticism; narrative conflict; and riveting performance. For decades in the media spotlight, wrestling has maintained a stronghold on audiences with the likes of Hulk Hogan, André the Giant, Rick Flair, Dusty Rhodes, The Rock, Stone Cold Stev…

Beauty pageants have a prominent history in American culture, where they evolved from baby contests at state fairs to full-blown Miss America extravaganzas for millions of viewers to enjoy. With its evolution, pageantry in all its splendor has found a home in popular culture and inspired TV shows like "The Bachelor" and "Toddlers & Tiaras," movies …

The popularity of true crime indicates a fascination with crime. Whether that interest is rooted in the perpetrators, the horror of the crimes themselves, or the pleasure in detective work, audiences continually gravitate toward narratives like "The Staircase" and "Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer" or podcasts like "My Favorite Murder" a…

Philadelphia’s punk rock legacy, much like Rocky Balboa, is one embodying a fight to the finish and unsung achievements. Such is the story of author, educator, and lifelong rabble-rouser Nancy Barile, whose autobiography, "I’m Not Holding Your Coat: My Bruises-and-All Memoir of Punk Rock Rebellion," revisits her beloved Philly and a revolutionary p…

What is the meaning of life? It’s a question that many (including Monty Python) have asked themselves through the annals of history and, most recently, during a global pandemic. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis evokes a discussion on the topic with Drexel University adjunct professor of philosophy Dr. Josh Peskin, exploring representations in popular film, t…

Remember when you were 14 and there was that one album that changed the way you see and hear the world? Taking its lead from The Adolescentia Project, a digital archive that honors the music of our past, this special episode delves deep into the 14 year-old selves of three Drexel University faculty members to understand how The Police, Carpenters, …

The COVID-19 pandemic turned the fashion world on its head, prompting independent designers to step up as larger, more established brands had to either pivot their business model or fold. Prudent designers followed the call to design comfy clothes like sweats, supportive footwear like Crocs, masks for both function and fashion, and creative collabo…

Part of the allure of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian fiction, whether in print or on screen, is the ability to conjure up possible worlds and concepts that don't yet exist in reality. Novelists have done this for centuries, inspiring television and film adaptations to give rise to scientifically-based visions of what lies ahead. Host Dr. M…

As unpopular as it may seem, poop is omnipresent. We all do it, we all think about it, and we all have established practices and product preferences. Companies make big bucks from human bowel movements, while social infrastructure determines how we “go” about our daily lives. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis lets loose alongside self-proclaimed poop advocate…

Everybody loves a good musical! They’re full of life, movement, poetry, social commentary, and, of course, plenty of song. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis joins the chorus line with Drexel University Associate Teaching Professor Gail D. Rosen, a life-long devotee of musicals, to discuss the best (and worst) in stage production and screen adaptation, as well…

Binging TV, movies, and social media during a pandemic is one way to cope with the daily uncertainty and inordinate amount of time spent at home. Fresh content abounds, giving viewers plenty of excuses to procrastinate from ongoing duties and the reality of the world outside. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis invites a cast of colleagues to chat about current…

Zombies emerge as one of popular culture’s great symbols of anxiety, unrest, and crisis in the face of public health. More than ever, in a pandemic, zombie films conjure up the power of human instinct, strength, logic, and empathy. For this special episode, Host Dr. Melinda Lewis welcomes returning guest Dr. Kevin Egan to lead a team of outstanding…

Punk rock roots run decades deep in underground and mainstream culture. The music and aesthetics exist in opposition to convention and in reaction to the sociopolitical climate of the times. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis riffs with Drexel University political scientist Dr. Kevin Egan and historian Dr. Scott Gabriel Knowles about punk in popular culture, t…

At the intersection of material culture and critical theory is an ever-changing music industry. Just as popular media formats have evolved over the last century, so have marketing strategies and power dynamics to get those media into the hands of audiences around the world. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis spins tales and unpacks theory with Dr. Joe Steinhar…

Celebrating a 25th episode special, "Pop, the Question" turns the tables on Host Dr. Melinda Lewis to play a little game of celebrity Love and Hate Island. Pop culture expert, Drexel University colleague, and longtime friend Dr. Katie Barak quizzes Dr. Lewis about the worthiness of various celebrities and cultural icons. Some earn an appointment to…

Fashion always remains ahead of the curve and the vintage economy is no exception. Thrift stores and vintage specialty retailers offer an opportunity for consumers to find affordable glamour, to buy back their memories, and to even contribute to a global economy of product upcycling. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis sifts through the racks with fashion and t…

Young adult (YA) and children’s literature has defined contemporary pop culture. While Robert Cormier and Judy Blume set the stage in the 1970s for exploring adolescence, recent decades have ushered in a growing depth and diversity in the youth stories we read and write. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis curls up with a good conversation alongside Drexel Univ…

Ultrarunning is an introspective sport and way of life for those who commit to the long haul. It conjures up the unrelenting pace of running-themed movies and inspirational music, but also encourages contemplation of human joy and suffering. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis runs through the topic with ultrarunner and Drexel University information science pro…

Tedium isn’t such a bad thing, when you work for the stars. Such is the case for artist Grace Kim, whose fastidious craftwork has taken her all over the world to perfect what she was born to do as a precision tailor. Kim has worked with the likes of Rihanna, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Lucy Liu, Mahershala Ali, and sew on and sew forth. Host Dr. M…

Comfort television is nostalgia, kinship, family, convenience, escapism, and so much more. It includes favorites from the past, the syndicated usual suspects of "Law & Order" and "Star Trek" franchises, classic sitcoms, reality television, and other contemporary streaming hits. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis tunes in with former Drexel University colleague…

The field of computer science was once a playground for aspiring basement developers and classified government initiatives. Now, with the omnipresence of computer technology, video games, and a big push from Hollywood in recent decades, computer science permeates the greater economy, cultural landscape, and mostly everything humans do. Host Dr. Mel…

Game shows are a decades-long American television tradition, and "Wheel of Fortune" has one of the strongest legacies. Take a spin with Zaarah Abdul-Aziz, a Drexel University undergraduate who was a contestant and prize winner on "Wheel of Fortune" (engaging in plenty of wordplay with Pat Sajak and Vanna White). Host Dr. Melinda Lewis quizzes Abdul…

The Beatles made an unprecedented impact on music and pop culture when they first arrived on the scene over a half-century ago. To this day, their influence continues to reverberate for new generations of listeners worldwide, including a curious and critical group of Drexel University staff members who dove head first into The Beatles' back catalog…

Once relegated to undergarment necessity, the T-shirt has evolved over the last half century to fashion trend, art form, political statement, and now collectable item. For artist and musician Perry Shall—a self-identified T-shirt archivist of over 1,400 shirts (among other artifacts)—his unique hobby is an unprecedented labor of love mixed with a l…

"The Office," an American mockumentary sitcom, ran on NBC for nine seasons through 2013 and continues to resonate with fans for its satirical humor and sometimes brutally absurd depiction of everyday work life. Central to business operations at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Inc. are the personal relationships among the characters, as well as the tr…

Following growing discussion around identity politics, Hollywood rolled out the red carpet in 2018 for diverse film offerings like "Black Panther," "Sorry to Bother You," "Blindspotting," "BlacKkKlansman," "Crazy Rich Asians," and "Eighth Grade." While the industry hasn’t turned over its equitable leaf quite yet, these titles represent an exciting …

Apples are nature’s candy, as well as a popular motif and metaphor. At their core, they represent original sin, despite the adage that one a day keeps the doctor away; still there’s relatively little consumer information available in the cybersphere about this handy fruit. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis gets to the root of the matter—and even holds a taste…

Once upon a time in America, Westerns ruled the film landscape. While the Western genre no longer commands the front line of popular culture, the legacy endures through space epics, heist films, and anthology TV. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis discusses the complex and inspirational nature of the great Westerns with late filmmaker, writer, and Drexel Unive…

Horror punk godfather and musician Glenn Danzig birthed the Misfits, Samhain, and Danzig with iconography and inspiration from the likes of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and B-list horror and sci-fi flicks from his formative years. His love/hate relationship with the pop culture of his youth helped Danzig establish preeminence within the music sub…

"Working Girl" and its protagonist Tess McGill set sail on the Staten Island Ferry for a piece of the capitalist pie, challenging gender and class stereotypes. For three decades now, the 1988 film’s influence has docked in the hearts of moviegoers and feminists alike. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis and Drexel University alumnus Maren Larsen reflect on the …

Music is instrumental to self-exploration, identity, and socialization. This includes songs filed under the category of "guilty pleasure," where earnest tastes somehow prove misaligned with what's considered cool. In a special live episode of "Pop, the Question" (recorded for the 6th Annual Philadelphia Podcast Festival), Dr. Melinda Lewis digs dee…

"Keeping Up With the Kardashians" has pivoted reality television and social media to reinvent how audiences gain access to celebrity lives. With Kim at the center of it all, the Kardashians and Jenners work relentlessly to enhance their image, the public's consumption practices, and even the indelible impact on culture and society. Host Dr. Melinda…

When the music industry emerged from the shadows of AM radio and found itself in the hardcore punk music mosh pit of the late 20th Century, fans followed suit and got involved on their own terms. Music industry professor and Jade Tree Records co-founder Darren Walters went from listener to active participant, supporting the work of artists on the g…

While archeologists have Indiana Jones, geologists have Harry Dalton, Pierce Brosnan’s character in the 1997 volcano extravaganza "Dante’s Peak." The film laid the groundwork for scientific representation of volcanology in mainstream culture, and made an impact on how emergency agencies prepare the public for disaster. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis and as…

A cartoonist draws inspiration from a spectrum of influences. For graphic novelist and educator Jamar Nicholas, city life, popular comic strips, and reality TV all inform his creations. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis and the artist discuss his graphic novels, social themes at play, and his affinity for "The Real Housewives" and Stone Cold Steve Austin."Pop…