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 undergraduate, gamer, and Drexel Esports President Claire Toomey to understand the rapid evolution of esports and how colleges are fostering a sense of sport and community for gamers. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded October 21, 2022 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Claire Toomey (President, Drexel Esports and Undergraduate Student, Software Engineering, College of Computing & Informatics, Drexel University) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Social Media Outreach: Jaelynn Vesey Graphic Design: Kat Heller Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Drexel University or Pennoni Honors College. For more info on Drexel University esports, visit https://linktr.ee/drexelesports. Copyright © 2022 Drexel University

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 professor, and overall “Man of Mystery” Dr. Fred Siegel to uncover the allure of the magic genre, its evolution, and its performative relevance to life on stage and in the classroom. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded September 29, 2022 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Fred Siegel, PhD (Teaching Professor of English and Director, First-Year Writing Program, Department of English & Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Social Media Outreach: Jaelynn Vesey Graphic Design: Kat Heller Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Drexel University or Pennoni Honors College. Visit "The Smart Set" at https://www.thesmartset.com/magic-class for a related essay by Fred Siegel. Copyright © 2022 Drexel University

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 Cohen–“When Great Artists Behave Badly” features Tony Award-winning dancer/choreographer Bill T. Jones and a panel of esteemed experts. The panelists take on the topic of controversial artists and how society can separate the art from the artist in cases of toxic, immoral personal behavior. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded January 21, 2021 through virtual conferencing with supplemental recording on October 13, 2022 (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guests: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean and Host of The Civil Discourse); Aruna D’Souza (Author and Art Critic); Bill T. Jones (Tony Award-Winning Dancer/Choreographer); Martha Lucy, PhD (Barnes Foundation Renoir Scholar); and Erich Hatala Matthes, PhD (Author and Philosopher) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD with Melinda Lewis, PhD and Brian Kantorek Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Social Media Outreach: Jaelynn Vesey Graphic Design: Kat Heller Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Drexel University or Pennoni Honors College. To watch these episodes and others from "The Civil Discourse," check your local PBS listings or visit www.youtube.com/c/thecivildiscourse. Copyright © 2022 Drexel University

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 United States of America and its hardest hit communities, where some choose to leave while others remain. Along the way, the two also explore narratives that have helped shape policy and public perception of what it means to come from a place of importance. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded May 27, 2022 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Amanda McMillan Lequieu, PhD (Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Center for Science, Technology and Society, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean, Pennoni Honors College) Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Social Media Outreach: Jaelynn Vesey Graphic Design: Bhavna Ganesan Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Drexel University or Pennoni Honors College. To learn more about Amanda McMillan Lequieu, visit www.amandamcmillanlequieu.com. Additional historical information on Herminie, PA by Jim Miller. To learn more about this and other Pennsylvania towns, visit www.youtube.com/channel/UCbtpYJoRYw7PdJ3M7IyWvYg. Copyright © 2022 Drexel University

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, cosplay, and conventions. Participatory culture helps expand the boundaries of the text, expanding its reach and meanings. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis explores these communities with Drexel University student, artist, writer, and consummate fan Kat Heller, who discusses their own research and relationship with fandom. The conversation also dives into the depths of the HBO Max series "Our Flag Means Death," offering overt queer representation with its characters and, in turn, plenty for fans to enjoy. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded May 20, 2022 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Kat Heller (Undergraduate, Animation & Visual Effects, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Drexel University) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean, Pennoni Honors College) Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Social Media Outreach: Jaelynn Vesey Graphic Design: Bhavna Ganesan Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Drexel University or Pennoni Honors College. Copyright © 2022 Drexel University

"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 spotlight, but not without criticism. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis welcomes Drexel University student and "Euphoria" critic Kiara Santos for a debrief of the show’s first two seasons, exploring the ups and downs of the cast of characters and the writing behind all the drama. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded March 11, 2022 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Kiara Santos (Undergraduate, Communication, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean, Pennoni Honors College) Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Graphic Design: Bhavna Ganesan Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Drexel University or Pennoni Honors College. Copyright © 2022 Drexel University

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 Steve Austin, and The Undertaker. However, as the profession changes, so do the players with the passing of time and their own aging in the face of mortality. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis gets in the ring with Drexel University student services pro and lifelong wrestling fan Dr. Subir Sahu for a match for the ages. The tag team takes on wrestling’s powerful place in pop culture with a special focus on The Undertaker’s trajectory from Mean Mark Callous to a masterful icon of the sport. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded January 21, 2022 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Subir Sahu, PhD (Senior Vice President for Student Success, Enrollment Management & Student Success, Drexel University) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean, Pennoni Honors College) Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Graphic Design: Camille Velasquez Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Drexel University or Pennoni Honors College. Copyright © 2022 Drexel University

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 like "Miss Congeniality" and "Drop Dead Gorgeous," and also the way social media influencers comport themselves. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis examines the history, trends, and cultural impact of beauty pageants with Dr. Hilary Levey Friedman, a Brown University sociology professor, the author of "Here She Is: The Complicated Reign of the Beauty Pageant in America," and the daughter of a former Miss America winner. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded October 22, 2021 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Hilary Levey Friedman, PhD (Sociologist, Brown University Professor, and Author of "Here She Is: The Complicated Reign of the Beauty Pageant in America") Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean, Pennoni Honors College) Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Graphic Design: Camille Velasquez Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Drexel University or Pennoni Honors College. Copyright © 2022 Drexel University To learn more about Hilary Levey Friedman, visit www.hilaryleveyfriedman.com.

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" and "Criminal." True crime has become a lifestyle, where enthusiasts even attend conventions like CrimeCon. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis examines the truth behind true crime in conversation with criminologist and serial killer expert Anthony Meoli, who has spent years corresponding with those behind bars. From Michael Alig to Gary Whiteside (and Charles Manson and Ted Kaczynski in between), Meoli has built relationships with some of the more notorious people of true crime lore and provides insight to the complexities and nuance of crime and criminality. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded March 1, 2021 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Anthony Meoli (Criminologist and Serial Killer Expert) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean, Pennoni Honors College) Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Graphic Design: Camille Velasquez Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis Copyright © 2021 Drexel University To learn more about Anthony Meoli, visit www.anthonymeoli.net.

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 period in music culture. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis stage-dives into conversation with Barile for a return to the author’s old stomping grounds and the punk rock lifestyle that made her who she is today as a high school English teacher and hardcore punk historian. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded October 5, 2021 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Nancy Barile (Author, "I’m Not Holding Your Coat: My Bruises-and-All Memoir of Punk Rock Rebellion") Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean, Pennoni Honors College) Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Assistant Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Graphic Design: Camille Velasquez Original Photography: Bruce Rhodes and Allison Schnackenberg (courtesy of Bazillion Points) Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis Copyright © 2021 Drexel University To learn more about Nancy Barile, visit Bazillion Points at www.bazillionpoints.com.