What gives Sister Michael from Derry Girls her unusual influence in the classroom, and why do her students respond so strongly to her *ahem* forward style of guidance? Melissa and Nichole look closely at her dry humor, her steady presence, and the subtle choices that shape the way she leads. Their conversation reveals unexpected insights about authenticity, influence, and the unspoken lessons she offers.

If you want to discover what sits behind that famous deadpan stare, press play and see what you uncover. Remember to subscribe so you never miss a new pop-culture deep dive into unforgettable educators.

TW: this conversation covers sensitive topics, listen with caution

This one goes deep. Listen as Melissa and Nichole unpack Mr. Keating's depiction in Dead Poets Society, exploring how the film tackles parental pressure, mental health, and the philosophy of education. 🥀 They reflect on Neil’s tragic story, the weight of societal expectations, and the complicated role Mr. Keating plays as an inspiring—but imperfect—teacher. What responsibility do educators carry for the emotional lives of their students? And how do teaching methods shape more than just test scores?

Tune in for a thoughtful, honest conversation on grief, growth, and the long-term impact of classroom leadership

In this episode we try to find out whether Go Han-Neul from the hyper realistic K-Drama "Black Dog" is a good teacher. Join us as we watch episode 2 which depicts her first day at a private academy in Seoul, South Korea, where she struggles to balance teaching duties across two departments while navigating a tense relationship with her eccentric curriculum partner, Kim Yi-Boon. Through her experiences, we explore the realities of being a new teacher in South Korea's competitive educational system and what it takes to succeed in this demanding environment.

Grab a snack and join the conversation! 

In this episode of Pop Pedagogy, Nichole and Melissa revisit School of Rock and examine Jack Black’s character, Dewey Finn (aka Mr. Schneebly), through the lens of education. They explore his use of project-based learning, his impact on student self-esteem, and the way he unintentionally models progressive pedagogy—despite crossing serious boundaries. The hosts reflect on the fine line between creativity and safety in the classroom, the responsibilities educators carry, and how art can serve as both personal expression and political resistance.

In this episode, your hosts reflect on the first season of Pop Pedagogy, discussing their favorite moments, teacher portrayals in the media they reviewed, and what elements of season one  are staying and which are going . They express excitement for the upcoming season, highlighting new episodes and themes, and encourage listener engagement.

In this episode of Pop Pedagogy, Nichole and Melissa dive into A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik, exploring the unique world of the Scholomance—a self-run, perilous school for young wizards where survival is the ultimate graduation requirement. With no teachers and only a magical algorithm to guide them, students must rely on their own skills, alliances, and instincts to make it through. Nichole and Melissa discuss the implications of a school run by an "algorithm," comparing it to AI in education today, and unpack themes of hidden curriculum, survival-based learning, and the need for human facilitation in teaching. Tune in for an insightful look at what happens when education is left to technology and how it impacts students' learning, community, and growth.

In this episode, Melissa and Nichole get deep about Miss Honey's perhaps inappropriate relationship with Matilda, and how teachers and students cope with trauma in the classroom. This one's a little more somber, but an important discussion. Grab your snacks and get into it with us! 

In this episode of Pop Pedagogy, Nichole and Melissa delve into the 1971 Mexican classic El Profe starring Cantinflas. They explore the film's portrayal of Socrates, a passionate and unorthodox teacher sent to a small rural village where his commitment to education clashes with local power dynamics. Nichole and Melissa reflect on the movie's themes of education as liberation, the challenges of teaching in underserved communities, and the subtle yet prominent displays of sexism throughout the film. With humorous anecdotes, including Melissa's personal connection to Cantinflas through her grandmother, the duo discuss the lasting impact of Socrates' approach to teaching. Tune in for insightful analysis, nostalgic reflections, and a comparison to modern educational practices.

In this episode, hosts Nichole and Melissa discuss how effective it was to thrust singer Dolores into the classroom without training as Sister Mary Clarence in Sister Act II: Back in the habit. They explore how she handles the challenges of working with "problem" students, how she uses choice as part of her lessons, and how teaching in the face of crisis allows for innovation. So grab your snacks, watch the movie, and join in on the discussion!