Pop, The Question

Learning should be fun, so "Pop, the Question" turns the mic on an evolving pedagogy where college professors find ways to bring plenty of “razzle dazzle” to the classroom. This includes innovative projects, collaboration, and discourse. And, as is the case for this episode’s guest, it means the incorporation of plenty of pop cultural references: the wisdom of Skeletor; the intersection of Prince’s music with mathematical fractals like the Mandelbrot set; and even lessons learned from classic Shakespeare plays. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis partners with Dr. Steven Weber, Drexel University academic leader and longtime friend of Pennoni Honors College, for a playful conversation about new and inspired ways of teaching and learning. Recorded February 7, 2024 in 155 Bentley Hall, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Steven Weber, PhD (Vice Provost for Undergraduate Curriculum and Education; Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineeri

William Shakespeare is a household name for good reason. His celebrated classics and literary themes have influenced generations of writers, performers, philosophers, and audiences, omnipresently evident in contemporary film, television, literature, and stage production. For a special live "Pop, the Question" podcast event, Host Dr. Melinda Lewis gathers together with an ensemble cast of Drexel University’s own characters—including members of Pennoni Honors College’s Shakespeare Read-Aloud community—to discuss the themes, adaptation, legacy, and impact of Shakespeare’s writing on popular culture. Recorded as a live event during the Week of Undergraduate Excellence (sponsored by Undergraduate Research & Enrichment Programs, Pennoni Honors College) on May 22, 2024 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guests: Sophie Geagan (Medical Student, College of Medicine, Drexel University; Alumna); Heather McCormack (Co-op Advisor, Steinbright Career Development Center); and Steven Weber (Vice

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 collectively serve. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis reunites with longtime school friend Dr. Not Gonna Say to discuss the path to teaching, best practices to reach students in the classroom, and pragmatic techniques for connecting with teachers on social media. Recorded February 28, 2024 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Dr. Not Gonna Say (Educator and @when_nerds_teach TikTok influencer) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Director of Strategy) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda

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—sneaker design is critical to how players perceive a character and enjoy the game. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis joins Banks to step into the complexity of footwear, 3-D modeling, and the overarching power of video games and the "Spider-Verse." "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded October 26, 2023 in 155 Bentley Hall, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Derrick Banks, Jr. (Undergraduate Student, Game Design & Production, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Drexel University) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Director of Strategy) Dean:

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 literacy with Drexel University media expert and local Emmy Award-winner Michelle McHugh to sift through what’s reliable and what’s questionable, while also shining a spotlight on the HBO series "The Newsroom" and Philadelphia regional broadcast agencies demonstrating integrity in their reporting practices. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded October 25, 2023 in 155 Bentley Hall, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Michelle McHugh (Program Director and Assistant Teaching Professor, Paul F. Herron Graduate Program, Department of Television & Med