Drexel University is executing a strategic plan to effectively and intentionally address shifts in higher education and broader challenges facing society. These challenges were magnified in 2020 with nationwide calls for anti-racism movements. The initiatives developed and executed through Drexel's Strategic Plan will ensure that we establish a diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist learning community that provides equitable opportunities for excellence and achievement for all faculty, students, professional staff, and partners. This work importantly intersects with the recommendations put forth by Drexel's Anti-Racism Task Force. In this podcast, members of the Task Force discuss what it means to be an anti-racist university, what Drexel has accomplished thus far, and the work we will continue to do moving forward.

Drexel 2030: Anti-Racism Task Force Podcast

"The Real Housewives" is a television franchise of voluminous proportions. With over 10 American-produced series since 2006 (each with multiple seasons and based in varied locations), a conglomerate of spin-offs, and numerous international series to boot, the Bravo network continues to attract the attention of audiences the world over. With characters, locations, and on- and off-screen drama aplenty, the franchise is both soap-opera-reality-show and cultural institution. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis joins longtime "Housewives" fan and Drexel University Director of International Admissions Christie Ruggieri to take a deep dive into "The Real Housewives" universe, where the show’s stars exhibit transgressive behavior and demonstrate how anything is possible on modern television.

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

Recorded January 18, 2023 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA).

Featured Guest: Christie Ruggieri (Director, International Admissions; Alumna, Drexel University)

Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Director of Strategy, Pennoni Honors College)

Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD

Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media)

Producer: Brian Kantorek (Associate 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: Zale 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.
 
Copyright © 2023 Drexel University

Getting "Real" About "Housewives" (S6-E47, Christie Ruggieri)

There’s more than meets the eye, when it comes to the representation of robots in popular culture. In TV and movies like "The Terminator," robots have a way of appearing much more advanced and seamless than engineers actually experience behind the scenes. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis joins U.S. Naval Research Laboratory mechanical engineer and Drexel University alumnus Matt Wiese to define what we mean by robots, cyborgs, and androids and to rethink how the media portrays technological advances of this type. Wiese also discusses how his work on Drexel’s comedy improv team applies to collaborative work in the robotics field.

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

Recorded February 9, 2023 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA).

Featured Guest: Matt Wiese (Alumnus, Drexel University; Mechanical Engineer, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory)

Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Director of Strategy, Pennoni Honors College)

Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD

Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media)

Producer: Brian Kantorek (Associate 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: Olivier Jacques

Graphic Design: Zale 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.
 
Copyright © 2023 Drexel University

Robot Talk (S6-E48, Matt Wiese)

In 2007, the world of fine cuisine forever changed its menu when Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures brought to life the animated feature "Ratatouille." The film follows the journey of rat protagonist Remy, who leaves the conventions of his family and hometown to satiate a “faim” for fine French cuisine. As Host Dr. Melinda Lewis discovers in conversation with Drexel alumnus and "Ratatouille" superfan Clayton Fosterweber, the animated classic speaks to all ages and has spawned a variety of fan theories, including Fosterweber’s own interpretations around collectivism, queer identity, and a search to find meaning and companionship in the melting pot that is Paris.  

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

Recorded February 10, 2023 through virtual conferencing (Philadelphia, PA, USA).

Featured Guest: Clayton Fosterweber (Alumnus, Drexel University; Former STAR Scholar, Office of Undergraduate Research & Enrichment Programs)

Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Director of Strategy, Pennoni Honors College)

Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD

Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media)

Producer: Brian Kantorek (Associate 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: Olivier Jacques

Graphic Design: Felicia Wolfer

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 © 2023 Drexel University

A “Ratatouille” Tail (S7-E49, Clayton Fosterweber)

Throughout the pandemic, nostalgia brought audiences back to classic television shows—from "Andy Griffith" to "The Sopranos." Two particular TV series from decades past—"Perry Mason" and "Columbo"—wrapped us in a warm narrative blanket and proved to be uncontested classics. It’s no mystery why they’re so beloved by viewers across generations, given their charismatic lead characters and riveting writing. For a very special 50th "Pop, the Question" episode, Host Dr. Melinda Lewis teams up with Pennoni Honors College Dean and Distinguished Professor of English Paula Marantz Cohen to investigate the longevity and brilliance of "Perry Mason" and "Columbo," exploring what makes these two cultural icons so impactful and ever-relevant to contemporary audiences in an age of streaming and binge-watching.

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

Recorded March 16, 2023 in 157 Bentley Hall, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA, USA).

Featured Guest: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University; Drexel Distinguished Professor of English, Department of English & Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences)

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 Lewis, PhD

Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek

Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek

Production Assistance: Noah Levine

Social Media Outreach: Ka’Neisha Davis and Olivier Jacques

Graphic Design: Felicia Wolfer

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 © 2023 Drexel University

The Case for “Perry Mason” and “Columbo” (S7-E50, Paula Marantz Cohen)

Gwynne Grasberger, Associate Vice Provost for Research Development, joined by Paul Jensen, Executive Vice President and Nina Henderson Provost, and David Unruh, Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement discuss the process of refining and advancing Drexel's area of excellence and opportunity within the three primary focus areas outlined by the Drexel 2030 Strategic Plan.

Drexel 2030: Areas of Excellence and Opportunity

The written work of Yiddish humorist, novelist, and Nobel Prize laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer resonates today, as it did during his lifetime in the 20th century. His 1945 classic "Simple Gimpl," now translated by Dr. David Stromberg, offers a sage tale of morality and Jewish tradition. Host Dr. Melinda Lewis joins Stromberg to discuss Bashevis Singer’s emigration from Poland to New York City in the pre-World War II era; both writers’ connection with the work of Fyodor Dostoevsky, Albert Camus, and Saul Bellow; and Bashevis Singer’s prolific work alongside translators to keep the Yiddish language alive in newspapers and publishing houses for audiences in the United States and abroad.

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

Recorded March 9, 2023 in 157 Bentley Hall, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA, USA).

Featured Guest: David Stromberg, PhD (Writer and Essayist; Translator, "Simple Gimpl: The Definitive Bilingual Edition")  

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 Lewis, PhD

Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek

Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek

Production Assistance: Noah Levine

Social Media Outreach: Ka’Neisha Davis and Olivier Jacques

Graphic Design: Estelle Guillot

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 David Stromberg and Isaac Bashevis Singer, visit http://davidstromberg.com.

Copyright © 2023 Drexel University

Ghosts of Isaac Bashevis Singer (S7-E51, David Stromberg)

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 & Media Management, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Drexel University)  

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 Lewis, PhD

Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek

Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek

Production Assistance: Noah Levine

Social Media Outreach: Ka’Neisha Davis and Olivier Jacques

Graphic Design: Estelle Guillot

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 © 2023 Drexel University

Defining News Literacy (S7-E52, Michelle McHugh)

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: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD

Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media)

Producer: Brian Kantorek (Associate Director, Marketing & Media)

Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD

Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek

Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek

Production Assistance: Noah Levine and Sadie Subedi

Social Media Outreach: Ka’Neisha Davis

Graphic Design: Estelle Guillot

Logo Design: Michal Anderson

Original Artwork and Music: Derrick Banks, Jr.

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 the work of Derrick Banks, Jr., visit youtube.com/@S4MUR0TTS_FL0W.

Copyright © 2024 Drexel University

Into the Sneaker-Verse (S7-E53, Derrick Banks, Jr.)

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 Lewis, PhD

Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek

Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek

Production Assistance: Noah Levine

Social Media Outreach: Ka’Neisha Davis

Graphic Design: Estelle Guillot

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, visit tiktok.com/@when_nerds_teach.

Copyright © 2024 Drexel University

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