Most Popular: Recent Episodes
Adrienne Trier-Bieniek
This week I am talking with Sally Leslie of the Reclaiming Pride: LGBT+ Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse podcast and my colleague! Sally talks about her decision to create a podcast to address the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in toxic, narcissistic relationships. We talk about the challenges of finding relevant literature and the pervasive heteronormativity in self-help resources, which often fail to reflect the experiences of non-heterosexual relationships.
Our discussion touches on the psychological and emotional aspects of narcissistic abuse, including gaslighting, performative empathy, and the profound impact on victims' mental health. Sally explains how narcissists often target empathetic and vulnerable individuals, perpetuating cycles of abuse rooted in the victims' past traumas.
Sally Leslie is currently the Director of Faculty and Instructional Development at Valencia College. An educator with over twenty-seven years experience, Sally started the podcast Reclaiming Pride, partly, to fill a gap in a self-help genre that ignores the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Reclaiming Pride can be found at https://reclaimingpride.buzzsprout.com/
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
Welcome to my office hours! I have often thought that the times my students come and talk with me during office hours are some of the most real moments in higher education. The Office Hours episodes of Most Popular will try and give you that feeling of tucking in to a sort-of comfortable office chair and taking a deep dive into a topic, event, or question that needed some extra TLC. (We can also talk about the band TLC whenever you want.)
This episode of Office Hours addresses a theory that is often covered in sociology, the looking glass self, a concept deeply rooted in demonstrating that the way we see ourselves is not always the way others see us. I relate it to the story of my favorite teacher, Mr. Tom Richert, who is retiring this year after one million years of service. I truly hope you all have had the opportunity to have that one supportive teacher in your life and I also hope this episode makes you think of them and maybe shoot a quick note to see how they are doing.
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
Rasheda Williams is the founder and Chief Empowering Officer of Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise based in Detroit, Michigan. Listen in as we talk about Rasheda's background in journalism and her shift towards social entrepreneurship and advocacy for youth, including her creation of Empowered Flower Girl, which focuses on helping young people cope with challenges such as bullying and societal pressure, and the importance of mentorship in fostering resilience and growth among youth. Rasheda highlights the positive impact of peer mentoring and young people's involvement in social change, emphasizing that ideas about the next generation of leaders should include emphasizing the importance of listening to and supporting youth.
About Rasheda
Rasheda Williams is the founder of Empowered Flower Girl. Among her numerious achievements, Rasheda has earned the Kumon North America’s “Impact Award” and SASHE’s “Top 10 Companies for Women and Girls.” Rasheda also was also featured in Exeleon Magazine as one of “15 Dynamic Entrepreneurs of 2020", MentHer magazine as one of the “Top 20 Social Impact Founders” , Hope magazine’s Hope 25 and she has been honored as a Community Icon by Esteem We/Detroit Possible. If that wasn’t enough, (and it is certainly not!), in July 2023, Rasheda was named the Empowerment Enterprise Founder of the Year by Acquisition International magazine and received the Social & Business Impact Award. She can be found at https://empoweredflowergirl.com
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
Ever feel like the most important relationship in your life is with your phone? Have you found yourself wondering if the kids these days will know how to read (and fold) a paper map or be able to write a check? How young is too young to get a phone for your child?
In this episode of Most Popular I am talking with Emily Cherkin, The ScreenTime Consultant. Emily is a Seattle-based parent and former middle school English teacher who helps families, schools, and organizations become more "tech intentional." Listen as we talk about the important questions surrounding screen time and child development.
About Emily
Emily Cherkin, MEd., The Screentime Consultant, empowers parents to understand and balance family screen time by inspiring a movement around becoming tech-intentional. Emily holds a master's degree in education, is the mother of two, and a former middle school teacher. It is safe to say that she is very familiar with many of the issues facing parents in a digitized society. Emily’s book, The Screentime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guide to Becoming a Tech-Intentional Family, was published in January 2024 by Greenleaf Book Group.
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
Comic books are becoming increasingly great examples of how social justice messages can be mixed with great storytelling and artistry. Rebecca Bratspies is an attorney and author of the comic books "Environmental Justice Chronicles", along with the artist Charlie LaGreca. In this episode Rebecca talks about the intersection of environmental justice, law, and pop culture. Rebecca shares how the "Environmental Justice Chronicles," aims to educate young people about environmental justice issues and empower them to take action. We also talk about Rebecca's background, her journey from being a research scientist to a lawyer, and the importance of understanding the historical and legal context in addressing social and environmental challenges.
Rebecca teaches at CUNY School of Law. She is a scholar of environmental justice, human rights, and environmental law. Her book Naming Gotham won the Association of Public Historians of New York 2023 Award for Excellence in Local History. The Environmental Justice Chronicles, her graphic novel series won EPA’s 2023 Clean Air Excellence Award. In 2021, ABA-SEER honored her work with its Commitment to Diversity and Justice Award. The Centre for International Sustainability Law named her its 2022 International Human Rights Lawyer. www.rebeccabratspies.com
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
The portrayal of men in media has been fairly consistent. Take one part muscle (see Thor), one part pain tolerance (see, well, any Fast and Furious film), add a dash of handsomeness (again, Thor, but also anything with The Rock), and stir using a stick made out of the strongest metal in all the land. This recipe will bring you the manly-man, a person who is not just tough physically, but emotionally so strong that nothing will ever break him. Because he can't be broken! Or can he?
In this episode I am talking with Simon Rinne of the Australian organization Mindful Men which is dedicated to supporting men with mental illness and disability. We discuss the role of pop culture in shaping societal perceptions of masculinity and Simon also discusses his personal journey dealing with undiagnosed mental health conditions, leading to his passion for mental health advocacy. The interview also touches on how men struggle with loneliness, the power of social media in promoting mental health, and the positive impacts of openly discussing mental health issues, especially within the framework of masculinity.
Simon Rinne is a loving husband and father of two, mental health advocate and social worker. He is also the Founder of Mindful Men, a therapy practice that is dedicated to supporting men with mental illness and disability. Simon’s passion for mental health comes from living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, Anxiety, Burnout throughout the last 30 years. During this time, he struggled in silence; believing that boys and men can’t cry, all whilst using alcohol as a way to feel “normal”. At the age of 28, Simon finally reached out for help, and ever since has been on a journey of healing. By sharing his story, Simon hopes to inspire others to believe that they can turn their pain into purpose, and move from surviving to thriving.https://www.mindful-men.com.au
https://linktr.ee/MindfulMen
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
Ever heard the phrase "Train like a beast, look like a beauty"? Or, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." Or, "Eat it now, pay for it later." There are so many similar messages aimed at using shame or misinformation in order to convince people that they are one gym routine or diet away from the body that they are told is achievable, especially as we find ourselves scrolling through social media. Thankfully, people like Michael Ulloa exist. Michael Ulloa is a personal trainer and nutritionist living in Edinburgh, Scotland. His message is that the fitness industry sets people up to seek out incorrect information and he's built an Instagram following using facts couched in funny videos that call out diet culture and the dangers it presents. It doesn't get much more pop culture-y than combining social media trends with real information about health!
In this conversation we talk about the truth behind diet trends, what misinformation is out there regarding the fitness industry, and how health should be presented on social media. I also fangirl over Michael's hilarious videos that expose the absurd nature of diet culture!
You can find more information about Michael via his website, www.michaelulloa.com or his Instagram @michaelulloapt
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
In this episode of Most Popular we are talking about the conversations that are hard to have! Joining Dr. Adrienne is the fantastic Bruce Anthony of the "Unsolicited Perspectives." podcast. Bruce discusses his journey into podcasting, his experiences, and his approach towards discussing difficult but important topics, including learning from his past conversations about issues he thought he knew a lot about. Bruce highlights how being in diverse settings such as the restaurant industry allowed him to grow and evolve. Bruce also talks about the importance of expanding one's social circle to enrich one's understanding and worldview. He also delivers a shocker of a person that he would vote "most popular"-this choice cannot be missed! All said, this is an engaging discussion about the role of education, importance of continual learning, and the influence of podcasts as a medium for facilitating difficult conversations.
Bruce Anthony is the host of the Unsolicited Perspectives podcast where he delves into unique and authentic views on current events, social-political topics, race, class, and gender. Bruce believes that acquiring knowledge from diverse aspects of life helps us evolve as individuals and become more complete human beings. Bruce holds a degree in history from the University of Maryland, where he initially pursued a career in teaching, and the essence of being an educator remains at his core. Unsolicited Perspectives aspires to create a space where we can learn from one another, broaden our horizons, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. Find Bruce at www.unsolicitedperspectives.com and on Instagram @unsolicited_perspectives
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
This week we are talking about all things non-monogamy with Deanna Fierman, a mental health therapist at All the Colors Counseling. The conversations ranges from the ways Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith revealed their relationship status (hint-they didn't do so in a super chill Facebook update), to Deanna's experience specializing in polyamorous relationships. Dr. Adrienne learns a lot about the ways people are counseled when they express an interest in having a non-monogamous relations and they discuss misconceptions related to polyamory, how counseling works for individuals or couples interested in such relationships, and societal views and acceptance of the same.
Deanna Fierman is a licensed professional counselor in Colorado who established All The Colors Counseling and Consulting to provide a welcoming space for non-monogamous and LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and polycules seeking support. Deanna has practiced psychotherapy in a wide variety of clinical settings since 2010, and has been an advocate, educator, consultant, and researcher in queer communities for decades. You can learn more about Deanna and her work at https://www.allthecolorscounseling.com/
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
In this episode of Most Popular we talk about the history of queer representation in radio and what this looks like as podcasting has taken off. Dr. Bruce Drushel highlights , the impact of pop culture including how it influences societal norms, and serves as a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. We dive into the historical context of LGBTQ representation in media, the evolution of radio and podcasting as mediums, and the power of pop culture to shape our understanding of the world. We also talk about some of our favorite old Hollywood stars who were misunderstood! (Hello the genius that was Hedy Lamarr!)
Dr. Bruce Drushel is is Professor and Chair of the Department of Media, Journalism and Film at Miami University. His teaching and research interests are in the areas of media policy, audiences, media history, and LGBTQ representation in electronic media and film. He is founding co-editor of the journal Queer Studies in Media & Popular Culture and has served as guest-editor of special issues of Journal of Homosexuality, Journal of American Culture, and Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary Culture. He has edited or co-edited five books including LGBTQ Culture: The Changing Landscape (Routledge, 2021) and Star Trek: Fan Phenomenon (Intellect Books, 2013).
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
Here's a quick dad joke: Why did the scarecrow go into home renovation? Because he was outstanding in his field! This episode of most popular is a home reno crossover between a realtor/podcaster and a professor/podcaster. My guest is Kristina Browning, a licensed realtor and home functionality coach. We talk about the impact of home improvement shows, how their existence affects the realistic nature of home buying and renovation costs, and the pressure to create the perfect home. We touch on the sustainability aspect of home renovations and the influence of HGTV on viewers' perceptions of home aesthetics.
Kristina Browning is a licensed Realtor in Portland Oregon and a Home Functionality Coach® nationwide. Allergic to stagnation, she combines these two home-centric professions in a Podcast called Home Space and Reason. www.spaceandreason.com
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
Welcome to the summer of ’23 trifeceta! We are talking about the economic impact of Barbie, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift with Dr. Cecilia Rio, an economist with a focus on gender and race. The episode delves into the impact of pop culture on the economy, particularly Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, Beyonce's Renaissance Tour, and the film Barbie. Dr. Rio discusses the connection between women's empowerment and economic influence, emphasizing the changing roles of women in society and their increased purchasing power. We talk about what makes a feminist economy and the ways unpaid labor goes unrecognized. As the conversation moves to understanding the impact of technology on gender and society, we end with a brief discussion of the writers and actors strikes.
Dr. Cecilia Rio is a interdisciplinary scholar and an Associate Professor of Women's Studies from Towson University in Maryland. Dr. Rio is an economist who specializes in the political economy of race, class, and gender, as well as The U.S. political economy. Her research can be found in several journals including Critical Sociology where she talks about topics like race in feminist economics.
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
In this episode of Most Popular, Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek talks with researcher Steph Herold from Abortion Onscreen about the television series Little Fires Everywhere which premiered on Hulu in 2020. Steph's research in public health led to focus groups with multiple women where she asked them specifically about the teenage character of Lexie who, through a series of events, ends a pregnancy. While this alone is a significant twist for a character, Lexie also represents many of the troupes found in discussions of popular culture. We talk about those troupes and much more in this conversation.
Steph Herold, MPH, is a Research Analyst who studies the portrayal of abortion on television and in film with Abortion Onscreen team. With over fifteen years of experience in the reproductive health, rights, and justice fields, Steph has been the recipient of several awards, served on multiple boards related to health, and has published dozens of pieces of research in academic journals. Information on Steph Harold's research can be found at https://www.ansirh.org/about/staff/steph-herold-mph
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Support the show here. (Unless you are a current student. In that case, keep your money and remember, on Wednesday's we wear pink.)
And I'm back! Most Popular has been on a bit of a hiatus while life took over. I've missed talking with people about the ways society is impacted by pop culture! New episodes will begin again on February 7th, because on Wednesday's we wear pink and learn some stuff! Take a few minutes to listen to my plans for this new season and, as always, if you rate, review and subscribe I would be most grateful!
About the host:
Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek is a gender and media scholar who has published books on gender and pop culture, Beyoncé's influence in music, Tori Amos's fandom, as well as publications focused on the ways pop culture can help heal from trauma. Dr. Adrienne has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and NBC News and can be found at www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com or on Instagram @dr.adriennetb Supplemental teaching resources and more info for instructors is shared monthly via Dr. Adrienne's newsletter. Sign up at www.adriennetrier-Bieniek.com.
Listen in as I talk with Dr. Dara Nix-Stevenson (@sincecombahee) as we talk about the roots of the Combahee River Collective, the connection between the history of the Black feminist movement, and what the future of social movements surrounding equality will look like. Dr. Dara Nix-Stevenson is an educator and founder of the the Instagram account Since Combahee (@sincecombahee). For more information and teaching resources please visit www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com.
In this episode I speak with two women in education. The first is a school board member for Orange County Public Schools. We talk about what kids need in order to be successful students. The second works as a counselor for a rural school district in Virginia. We talk about the challenges mental health workers face in the K-5 system.For more information and teaching resources please visit www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com.
Listen to a fascinating conversation on the ways technology has become engulfed in society. Featuring experts in the tech field, sociology of digital culture, and cyber crimes.Guest include:Dr. Lee Paulsen, Project KuiperDr. Deborah Lupton, University of South Wales, Sydney Dr. Trisha Charles, Valencia CollegeDr. Doug Charles, Hillburough CollegeFor more information and teaching resources please visit www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com.
In this episode Dr. Erin Harrop talks about their research in the area of atypical anorexia. We discuss weight-related stigma, being a researcher that studies what they know, and how to care for people when they are working through an eating disorder.
If eating disorders are triggering for you, please take care while you listen. Valencia College students have counseling resources available through Baycare.
For this podcast I speak licensed psychologist Dr. Aileen Fullchange, an expert in several fields. We talk about trauma, how trauma manifests in bodies and how various intersectionalities make trauma even more complex. As you listen, please take care of yourself. Valencia College students have access to counseling services via Baycare.
Listen in as Dr. Kinitra D. Brooks and Dr. Kameelah L. Martin talk about their book The Lemonade Reader, a book written as a dissection of Beyoncé's album Lemonade. In this podcast, Brooks and Martin tie together the ways Lemonade serves as an example of the way pop culture can be studied, critiqued, and celebrated. We talk about Beyoncé's use of imagery, spirituality, southern identity, Black feminism, in Lemonade and address some critiques of the album.
More information on The Lemonade Reader and its editors, as well as episode notes, suggestions for classroom discussion, and extra links can be found at www.mostpopularpod.com.
The Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer is the first openly transgender pastor ordained in the Lutheran church. The pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and the Community Chaplain Coordinator for the San Francisco Police Department, Megan served for over a decade as a chaplain for the homeless and hungry in San Francisco. Megan's spiritual talents have been featured on Queer Eye and in Cosmo. Listen in as Megan talks about what gives them hope in 2020, how one becomes a reverend doctor, and what advances have made LGBTQ+ folks more visible.
More information on Megan, additional classroom resources for instructors, and information on topics discussed in the podcast can be found at www.mostpopularpod.com
Nick Bazo is the Education Director for the Garden Theater in Winter Garden Florida. Listen in as we talk about what an arts-based education means, how theatre and activism are connected, and how doing theater during a pandemic can help kids express their emotions.
More information on the Garden Theatre as well as resources from this episode can be found at www.mostpopularpod.com
What impact does art have on the community? Listen in as Dr. Wendy Givoglu talks about what community art means, the use of social media to share arts-based news and the importance of a thriving art scene for millennials.
Episode notes, Dr. Givolgu's bio, links to Central Florida-based art groups discussed, and more information can be found on www.mostpopularpod.com
Listen in as Dr. Samita Nandy breaks down how celebrity culture is studied, why it affects our daily lives, and shares her behind-the-scenes knowledge of fame and the impact it can have a society.
For more information on Dr. Samita Nandy and her work with the Centre for Media and Celebrity Studies, as well as episode notes and links, head to www.mostpopularpod.com
For this episode, I speak with the very talented comedienne, Juliette Burton. Juliette's award-winning one-woman shows have taken a cutting edge approach to smashing the shame and stigma associated with mental illness. Through comedy, Juliette tells the stories of her life, while also presenting an unfiltered look at what it is like to live with mental illness. You can find out more about Juliette, including links to her shows and social media, at www.julietteburton.co.uk
Most Popular is at www.mostpopularpod.com Check out links from conversations with my guests, supplemental reading for classrooms, and suggestions for classroom discussions.
Over the last few years there has been a growing discussion and debate about what journalism is. The term “fake news” has become extraordinarily prevalent in our public discussions. And, we’ve seen social media provide loose examples of news, with companies like Facebook and Twitter coming under fire for incorrect and often detrimental posts. There is a lot to unpack and in this discussion Elizabeth Chuck helps me break down what reporting is, the work journalists go through, and why it is so important to understand where your news is coming from.
Elizabeth Chuck is a senior writer at NBC News Digital who covers health and health policy, with a focus on issues affecting women and children.
More information and topics for discussion can be found at www.mostpopularpod.com.
In this podcast I talk with Dr. Tia C.M. Tyree. We talk about her work before becoming an academic, her scholarship surrounding social media, and the undeniable intersection of race, gender, and pop culture. About Dr. Tyree: Dr. Tia C. M. Tyree is a Professor at Howard University. She teaches graduate and undergraduate communications courses with a focus on strategic communications, social media and African Americans. Her research interests include hip hop, rap, reality television, film, social media as well as African-American and female representations in media.
For more information, please visit www.mostpopularpod.com
On this podcast I talk with my friend and Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2016 Jamie Spore. Jamie, a lifelong resident of Ludington, Michigan, was born almost 38 years ago with the spinal cord defect Spina Bifida, as well as, the incurable brain condition, Hydrocephalus. Jamie’s mother taught her at a young age about the importance of advocacy making Jamie very passionate about advocating and educating on the topics of visible, as well as, invisible disabilities, Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, Depression, and Anxiety. In 2016, Jamie was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan. Throughout her reign, Jamie traveled around the Midwest sharing her platform, “Choose Hope,” and sharing her story to encourage people of all abilities and disabilities to have hope in the face of adversity. We talk about all of these things as well as Jamie's penchant for jumping out of airplanes. For more information and resources please look at the episode website at www.mostpopularpod.com.
For this episode I talk with photographer Amy Paulson. Amy's photography philosophy is for women to have an image of themselves that they love. We talk about what this means, how women have been taught to see themselves, and what this means for young women as they grow up in an increasingly image-conscious society.
More information, including links to Amy's website and suggestions for classroom discussion can be found at www.mostpopularpod.com
This week I am talking about race, poverty, and the memoir Hillbilly Elegy with my guest Dr. Carson Byrd. When J.D. Vance's book Hillbilly Elegy was published in 2016, many thought it a good insight into the poverty in rural Appalachia. However, the book's portrayal of white, lower-class communities, raised some skepticism. In this episode we talk about the ways the book addressed (or didn't address) race, the stereotypes it dealt in, and discuss what terms like "color-blind" really mean.
Additional content, episode extras, and topics/questions for discussion can be found at www.mostpopularpod.com
This week I am talking about women in politics and leadership with my guest Tracy Hall. Listen for all the suggestions about running for office but also because Tracy is as close to Leslie Knope as most of us will ever get! (Make today "Treat Yo' Self" day!)
Tracy Hall is a proud progressive democrat. She’s been a college educator for over 15 years teaching political science, sociology, and gender and women’s studies courses. She is currently serving a second term on the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners and serves on many Kalamazoo County Advisory Boards including the Kalamazoo Public Housing Commission, Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study, and Discover Kalamazoo as well as community boards including the 60th District Service Office, CARES, OutFront, and the YWCA Nominating Committee.
More info, including links to Tracy's campaign and suggestions for discussion topics and classroom questions can be found on my website, www.mostpopularpod.com.
If you've watched Orange is the New Black, or if you've had any finger on the pop culture pulse over the last seven years, you'd know that the show has received acclaim and critique for its representation of lgbtq people. In this episode I talk with Dr. Carrie Buist, an expert in gender, criminology, and lgbt representation about what it means to be queer and incarcerated. We talk about what terms like "queer" mean, and discuss how criminology relates to pop culture. We add some levity by discussing an ex-"Real Housewife", and by both realizing we love Ruby Rose-even if we can't always remember her name.
Visit the website www.mostpopularpod.com for episode notes and discussion topics.
Join my guest, Dr. Kwame Harrison, and I as we talk about the roots of hip-hop, the dynamics of underground hip-hop, and the connection between race and rap music. This episode is one that I have been bursting with excitement to share!
Our conversation moves from the relationship between race and hip hop to the life of the writing and Green Book founder James "Billboard" Jackson. The premise of Hamilton rings true, "Who tells your story?" We talk about untold stories like Jackson and why some lives get highlighted and other do not.
Check out the website www.mostpopularpod.com for links to the music we reference, discussion questions, and additional information.
On this episode we are talking about activism with my guest Dr. Amanda Pullum. With the rise of social movements like #metoo, March for Our Lives, and the Women's March, we have see lots more talk of activism brewing. What is a social movement? How do they affect folks in everyday life? Most importantly, how can both Chocolate and musicals be traced back to activism in less than three degrees? It can be done. Take a listen and find out more!
More information on this episode, including suggestions for classroom discussion, additional reading, and bonus material, can be found on the website www.mostpopularpod.com I've also placed a youtube clip of several of the songs we talk about on the website. Enjoy!
This episode is all about the funny women we love! Let's talk about how gender plays a role in comedy with my guest, Dr. Sarah Fryett. We discuss our mutual love of Nanette, the root of women's comedy, and our favorite funny women of all time. Join us for a discussion of the ways gender inequality is addressed via our most humorous women!
Episode extras and suggestions for classroom discussion can be found at www.mostpopularpod.com
Every community has people who are their superheros. In this episode, I talk with Kate Powers, COO of Ele's Place in Lansing, Michigan. Ele's Place is a center which aids children and teenagers who are grieving. We talk about what a nonprofit is, the role they play in communities, and the role Ele's Place plays in helping children develop. Episode notes, and discussion topics, are posted on the podcast website, www.mostpopularpod.com
On my very first episode I talk about food insecurity and food inequality with my favorite foodie friend and poverty expert Michael Gillespie. We discuss food fads, baking shows, bread, and how all of this translates to people not getting enough to eat. In particular, how the lack of nutrition and affordable food affects college students.
If you are a faculty member, or if you want ideas for discussing food inequality, please check out the website for Most Popular. I've got episode notes, bonus content, and discussion topics ready to go! www.mostpopularpod.com
Welcome to Most Popular! Here is a preview of what to expect! New episodes launch September 4, 2019.