Pop, the Question

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 lifelong thrill of the thrift store hunt. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis and Shall dive deep into the stories and cultural trends sewn into the very fabric of the ubiquitous T-shirt.

Recorded August 21, 2018 in 3034 MacAlister Hall, Marketing & Media, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guest: Perry Shall (Artist, Musician, and T-Shirt Archivist; Guest DJ, WKDU, 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

Graphic Design: Kathy Vy Chung

Logo Design: Michal Anderson

Additional Voiceover: Johnpaul Golaski and Julia Wisniewski

Copyright © 2019 Drexel University

To learn more about Perry Shall, visit www.perryshall.com.

"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 transformation many undergo over the course of their employment together. Most notable is lead character Dwight Schrute, who embodies the hero’s journey as theorized by mythologist Joseph Campbell. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis gets to the bottom of the paper piles with longtime fan of "The Office" and Drexel University Mathematics professor Dr. Dimitrios Papadopoulos.

Recorded November 29, 2018 in 3034 MacAlister Hall, Marketing & Media, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guest: Dimitrios Papadopoulos, EdD (Assistant Teaching Professor, Mathematics, 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

Graphic Design: Isabella Akhtarshenas

Logo Design: Michal Anderson

Additional Voiceover: Emily Kashka and Julia Wisniewski

Copyright © 2019 Drexel University

For more on "The Office" from Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University, visit https://thesmartset.com/the-banal-and-beautiful/.

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 moment and promise for historically underrepresented filmmakers and narratives. They represent greater specificity and character development to reach and resonate with their diverse global audiences. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis shines the spotlight on film and diversity in conversation with cultural critic and Drexel University English undergraduate Byshera Williams.

Recorded August 27, 2018 in 3034 MacAlister Hall, Marketing & Media, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guest: Byshera Williams (Undergraduate, English, College of Arts and Sciences; Honors Program, Pennoni Honors College, 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

Graphic Design: Isabella Akhtarshenas

Logo Design: Michal Anderson

Additional Voiceover: Nick Barber and Julia Wisniewski

Copyright © 2019 Drexel University

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 test—with apple aficionado and Drexel University Computer Engineering undergraduate Doug Gerichten.

Recorded January 29, 2018 in 3034 MacAlister Hall, Marketing & Media, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guest: Doug Gerichten (Undergraduate, Computer Engineering, College of Engineering; Honors Program, Pennoni Honors College, 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

Logo and Graphic Design: Michal Anderson

Additional Voiceover: Julia Wisniewski

Copyright © 2018 Drexel University

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 University cinema studies professor Dave “D.B.” Jones.

"Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University.

Recorded April 27, 2018 and November 13, 2018 (introductory eulogy) in 3034 MacAlister Hall, Marketing & Media, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guest: Dave “D.B.” Jones, PhD (Dean Emeritus, Pennoni Honors College and Distinguished Professor of Film, Cinema & Television, 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

Graphic Design: Isabella Akhtarshenas

Logo Design: Michal Anderson

Additional Voiceover: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD and Julia Wisniewski

Copyright © 2018 Drexel University

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 University cinema studies professor Dave “D.B.” Jones.

"Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University.

Recorded April 27, 2018 and November 13, 2018 (introductory eulogy) in 3034 MacAlister Hall, Marketing & Media, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guest: Dave “D.B.” Jones, PhD (Dean Emeritus, Pennoni Honors College and Distinguished Professor of Film, Cinema & Television, 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

Graphic Design: Isabella Akhtarshenas and Emily Anderson

Additional Vocals: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD and Julia Wisniewski

Copyright © 2018 Drexel University

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 subculture, which later lent itself back to more mainstream audiences through branding, merchandising, and appearances on cable comedy series like "Portlandia" and "Aqua Teen Hunger Force." Host Dr. Melinda Lewis and veteran Drexel University WKDU DJ Johnpaul Golaski explore Glenn Danzig’s legacy and peculiar rise to fame.

"Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University.

Recorded September 11, 2018 in 3034 MacAlister Hall, Marketing & Media, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guest: Johnpaul Golaski (WKDU 91.7 FM DJ and Former Undergraduate Student, 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

Graphic Design: Isabella Akhtarshenas

Logo Design: Michal Anderson

Additional Voiceover: Perry Shall and Julia Wisniewski

Copyright © 2018 Drexel University

"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 greater cultural appeal and impact of "Working Girl."

"Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University.

Recorded March 13, 2018 in 3034 MacAlister Hall, Marketing & Media, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guest: Maren Larsen (Custom-Designed Major '18, Honors Program, Drexel University)

Special Guest: Annie Larsen (Parent to Maren Larsen)

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

Graphic Design: Isabella Akhtarshenas

Logo Design: Michal Anderson

Additional Voiceover: Kevin Egan and Julia Wisniewski

Copyright © 2018 Drexel University

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 deep in the crates with pop music fans Ann Alexander, Dr. Katie Barak, and Jenny Carolina-Bell to unearth some of their greatest hits of all time.

"Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University.

Recorded July 1, 2018 at Tattooed Mom, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guests: Ann Alexander (Director of Administration & Finance, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University); Katie Barak, PhD (Associate Director, Honors Program); and Jenny Carolina Bell (Director, Campus Partnerships, Office of Alumni Relations)

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

Graphic Design: Isabella Akhtarshenas

Logo Design: Michal Anderson

Additional Voiceover: Eric Kennedy and Julia Wisniewski

Live Event Audio Engineering: Dave Steele for Steele Empire (in collaboration with the Philadelphia Podcast Society)

Live Event Production: Kevin Gallagher, Jr. for Crude Humor Studios (in collaboration with the Philadelphia Podcast Society)

Copyright © 2018 Drexel University

"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 Lewis and superfan Jenny Carolina-Bell explore this influence and the evolution of pop culture’s first family.

"Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University.

Recorded March 15, 2018 in 3034 MacAlister Hall, Marketing & Media, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Featured Guest: Jenny Carolina-Bell (Director, Campus Partnerships, Office of Alumni Relations, 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

Graphic Design: Isabella Akhtarshenas

Logo Design: Michal Anderson

Additional Voiceover: Nick Barber and Julia Wisniewski

Copyright © 2018 Drexel University