Pop Syllabus https://popsyllabus.com en Pop Syllabus is a show where host Christiana Mbakwe Medina deconstructs the zeitgeist and answers the big cultural questions. How did we swing from body positivity to thin-being-in? Why do so many people trust wellness influencers over medical doctors? And how did tech oligarchs become the new celebrities? Think of Christiana as a cross between a messy news anchor and guerilla academic. Each week, she and an expert guest will unpack a buzzy topic, and help us understand the moment while going through it. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2fa57a72-ea89-11f0-8488-63dcd1682c0f/image/fac8d1ff938c54bff640f53b3920f7ba.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Pop Syllabus https://popsyllabus.com episodic Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Pop Syllabus is a show where host Christiana Mbakwe Medina deconstructs the zeitgeist and answers the big cultural questions. How did we swing from body positivity to thin-being-in? Why do so many people trust wellness influencers over medical doctors? And how did tech oligarchs become the new celebrities? Think of Christiana as a cross between a messy news anchor and guerilla academic. Each week, she and an expert guest will unpack a buzzy topic, and help us understand the moment while going through it. Pop Syllabus is a show where host Christiana Mbakwe Medina deconstructs the zeitgeist and answers the big cultural questions. How did we swing from body positivity to thin-being-in? Why do so many people trust wellness influencers over medical doctors? And how did tech oligarchs become the new celebrities? Think of Christiana as a cross between a messy news anchor and guerilla academic. Each week, she and an expert guest will unpack a buzzy topic, and help us understand the moment while going through it.

]]> Nkiruka Productions and Companion Arts creators@companionarts.com The Pop Culture Debrief: Mess, Drama & Headlines (Christiana Solo Episode) Welcome to another week in pop culture, where nothing is calm and everything is a headline. In this episode, Christiana flips through the latest tabloids and magazines, breaking down celebrity chaos, unhinged headlines, and the editorials everyone can’t stop talking about. Sydney Sweeney, Doja Cat, Timothée Chalamet, Anne Hathaway, and more all show up in this week’s rundown as Christiana shares her hot takes on what’s worth the hype and what’s just noise. Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack   Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  01:50 Sydney Sweeney’s “Magazine Milkies” Moment 02:59 Sofía Vergara’s Sketchy Skechers Ad 03:54 Sydney Sweeney’s Viral Lingerie Editorial 08:15 Why Everyone Is Suddenly Obsessed With Tyriq Withers 10:04 Twilight Taylors 10:22 Is Robert Pattinson the New Leonardo DiCaprio? 12:40 Teyana Taylor as Lady Liberty 14:26 Inside the “MAGA Land” Editorial 21:54 Doja Cat on Vogue 24:48 India’s Growing Influence on Pop Culture 27:10 Bhavitha Mandava, Versace & Fashion’s Rising New Faces 29:08 Jelly Roll’s Weight Loss Transformation 34:20 Sarah Michelle Gellar’s People Magazine Cover 35:48 The Royal Roundup: Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle & More 37:22 Anne Hathaway’s Best Oscars Look 38:14 Sarah Michelle Gellar Is Making a Comeback 40:19 Harry & Meghan “Exiled” From Hollywood? 43:21 Christiana’s Top Magazine Recommendation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 May 2026 07:05:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Welcome to another week in pop culture, where nothing is calm and everything is a headline. In this episode, Christiana flips through the latest tabloids and magazines, breaking down celebrity chaos, unhinged headlines, and the editorials everyone can’t stop talking about. Sydney Sweeney, Doja Cat, Timothée Chalamet, Anne Hathaway, and more all show up in this week’s rundown as Christiana shares her hot takes on what’s worth the hype and what’s just noise. Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack   Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  01:50 Sydney Sweeney’s “Magazine Milkies” Moment 02:59 Sofía Vergara’s Sketchy Skechers Ad 03:54 Sydney Sweeney’s Viral Lingerie Editorial 08:15 Why Everyone Is Suddenly Obsessed With Tyriq Withers 10:04 Twilight Taylors 10:22 Is Robert Pattinson the New Leonardo DiCaprio? 12:40 Teyana Taylor as Lady Liberty 14:26 Inside the “MAGA Land” Editorial 21:54 Doja Cat on Vogue 24:48 India’s Growing Influence on Pop Culture 27:10 Bhavitha Mandava, Versace & Fashion’s Rising New Faces 29:08 Jelly Roll’s Weight Loss Transformation 34:20 Sarah Michelle Gellar’s People Magazine Cover 35:48 The Royal Roundup: Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle & More 37:22 Anne Hathaway’s Best Oscars Look 38:14 Sarah Michelle Gellar Is Making a Comeback 40:19 Harry & Meghan “Exiled” From Hollywood? 43:21 Christiana’s Top Magazine Recommendation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to another week in pop culture, where nothing is calm and everything is a headline.


In this episode, Christiana flips through the latest tabloids and magazines, breaking down celebrity chaos, unhinged headlines, and the editorials everyone can’t stop talking about.


Sydney Sweeney, Doja Cat, Timothée Chalamet, Anne Hathaway, and more all show up in this week’s rundown as Christiana shares her hot takes on what’s worth the hype and what’s just noise.


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack  


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 


01:50 Sydney Sweeney’s “Magazine Milkies” Moment

02:59 Sofía Vergara’s Sketchy Skechers Ad

03:54 Sydney Sweeney’s Viral Lingerie Editorial

08:15 Why Everyone Is Suddenly Obsessed With Tyriq Withers

10:04 Twilight Taylors

10:22 Is Robert Pattinson the New Leonardo DiCaprio?

12:40 Teyana Taylor as Lady Liberty

14:26 Inside the “MAGA Land” Editorial

21:54 Doja Cat on Vogue

24:48 India’s Growing Influence on Pop Culture

27:10 Bhavitha Mandava, Versace & Fashion’s Rising New Faces

29:08 Jelly Roll’s Weight Loss Transformation

34:20 Sarah Michelle Gellar’s People Magazine Cover

35:48 The Royal Roundup: Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle & More

37:22 Anne Hathaway’s Best Oscars Look

38:14 Sarah Michelle Gellar Is Making a Comeback

40:19 Harry & Meghan “Exiled” From Hollywood?

43:21 Christiana’s Top Magazine Recommendation

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2758 Inside Hollywood’s Obsession With “Perfect” Faces With Dr. Carl Truesdale In Hollywood, everyone wants a “perfect” face, but the goal now is to make it look like nothing was ever done. But behind that natural look is a growing set of procedures most people would never recognize. Today, Christiana sits down with Double Board Certified Facial & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale to understand what’s driving Hollywood’s obsession with undetectable plastic surgery, from subtle lifts to revision procedures, as well as how cosmetic work among men and AI are shaping today’s beauty standards. Dr. Truesdale’s website  Follow Dr. Truesdale: Instagram  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  01:02 Meet Dr. Carl Truesdale  02:07 How Dr. Truesdale got into cosmetic surgery  03:50 Cultivating a diverse practice with cultural competency  09:05 The costs of cosmetic surgery  10:01 Thread lifts, fillers and botox  12:20 How Dr. Truesdale contributes to beauty standards and pressures  15:00 Psychological shifts for patients 17:00 Patients who are unhappy after their procedures   18:55 Dr. Truesdale on sharing his work on social media  21:46 Not being able to share the work he does for some celebrities  22:58 Celebrities who don’t share that they have had work done  25:20 Karama Brown  25:38 Lower blepharoplasty 26:06 Men getting plastic surgery  30:08 Looking younger longer  31:24 Revision surgeries   34:17 Knowing when to operate and turning patients away  34:57 Mid-facelifts  35:45 Responding to those who say plastic surgery is bad  39:10 A rapper whose “friend” paid for her cosmetic work  40:41 The future of plastic surgery, AI, and beauty standards  46:02 Christiana requests a free consultation from Dr. Truesdale   47:30 Dr. Truesdale doing his parents’ plastic surgery  49:00 Where you can find Dr. Truesdale online Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 May 2026 07:05:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina In Hollywood, everyone wants a “perfect” face, but the goal now is to make it look like nothing was ever done. But behind that natural look is a growing set of procedures most people would never recognize. Today, Christiana sits down with Double Board Certified Facial & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale to understand what’s driving Hollywood’s obsession with undetectable plastic surgery, from subtle lifts to revision procedures, as well as how cosmetic work among men and AI are shaping today’s beauty standards. Dr. Truesdale’s website  Follow Dr. Truesdale: Instagram  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  01:02 Meet Dr. Carl Truesdale  02:07 How Dr. Truesdale got into cosmetic surgery  03:50 Cultivating a diverse practice with cultural competency  09:05 The costs of cosmetic surgery  10:01 Thread lifts, fillers and botox  12:20 How Dr. Truesdale contributes to beauty standards and pressures  15:00 Psychological shifts for patients 17:00 Patients who are unhappy after their procedures   18:55 Dr. Truesdale on sharing his work on social media  21:46 Not being able to share the work he does for some celebrities  22:58 Celebrities who don’t share that they have had work done  25:20 Karama Brown  25:38 Lower blepharoplasty 26:06 Men getting plastic surgery  30:08 Looking younger longer  31:24 Revision surgeries   34:17 Knowing when to operate and turning patients away  34:57 Mid-facelifts  35:45 Responding to those who say plastic surgery is bad  39:10 A rapper whose “friend” paid for her cosmetic work  40:41 The future of plastic surgery, AI, and beauty standards  46:02 Christiana requests a free consultation from Dr. Truesdale   47:30 Dr. Truesdale doing his parents’ plastic surgery  49:00 Where you can find Dr. Truesdale online Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In Hollywood, everyone wants a “perfect” face, but the goal now is to make it look like nothing was ever done. But behind that natural look is a growing set of procedures most people would never recognize.


Today, Christiana sits down with Double Board Certified Facial & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale to understand what’s driving Hollywood’s obsession with undetectable plastic surgery, from subtle lifts to revision procedures, as well as how cosmetic work among men and AI are shaping today’s beauty standards.


Dr. Truesdale’s website 


Follow Dr. Truesdale: Instagram 


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 


01:02 Meet Dr. Carl Truesdale 

02:07 How Dr. Truesdale got into cosmetic surgery 

03:50 Cultivating a diverse practice with cultural competency 

09:05 The costs of cosmetic surgery 

10:01 Thread lifts, fillers and botox 

12:20 How Dr. Truesdale contributes to beauty standards and pressures 

15:00 Psychological shifts for patients

17:00 Patients who are unhappy after their procedures  

18:55 Dr. Truesdale on sharing his work on social media 

21:46 Not being able to share the work he does for some celebrities 

22:58 Celebrities who don’t share that they have had work done 

25:20 Karama Brown 

25:38 Lower blepharoplasty

26:06 Men getting plastic surgery 

30:08 Looking younger longer 

31:24 Revision surgeries  

34:17 Knowing when to operate and turning patients away 

34:57 Mid-facelifts 

35:45 Responding to those who say plastic surgery is bad 

39:10 A rapper whose “friend” paid for her cosmetic work 

40:41 The future of plastic surgery, AI, and beauty standards 

46:02 Christiana requests a free consultation from Dr. Truesdale  

47:30 Dr. Truesdale doing his parents’ plastic surgery 

49:00 Where you can find Dr. Truesdale online

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3145 Why Open Relationships Are More Common Than You Think With Dr. Amy Moors Non-monogamy is everywhere right now, and so are the opinions about it. In today’s episode, Christiana sits down with psychologist and Chapman University Professor Dr. Amy Moors to unpack open relationships, ethical non-monogamy, and why more people are exploring love outside the traditional mold. Dr. Amy Moors research Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 01:07 Meet Dr. Amy Moors 03:31 Defining non-monogamy  04:30 Defining polyamory and open relationships  05:50 Different types of polyamory  07:06 Who engages in consensual non-mongamy? And how common is it? 10:25 Loving multiple people 14:10 Stigmas towards people who practice consensual non-monogamy  17:35 Christiana’s familial experiences with polygamy  21:35 Both monogamy and non-monogamy can be messy  22:40 How societal inequities show up in relationships  25:19 Lindy West, millennial feminism, and trad wives 27:04 Gender ratios among non-monogamous couples 28:10 Measuring “success” among non-monogamous relationships  31:01 Couples who open their relationships after being monogamous  34:20 Why is non-monogamy seemingly everywhere?  39:18 Americans don’t like to talk about sex  41:45 LGBTQ+ couples and non-monogamy  44:28 Learning from people who practice non-monogamy  46:16 Non-monogamous parents and their children  53:20 Non-hierarchical polyamory  55:30 Finding the time to sustain non-monogamous relationships    57:42 The future of consensual non-monogamy 01:04:30 Where to find Dr. Moors’ work  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:05:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Non-monogamy is everywhere right now, and so are the opinions about it. In today’s episode, Christiana sits down with psychologist and Chapman University Professor Dr. Amy Moors to unpack open relationships, ethical non-monogamy, and why more people are exploring love outside the traditional mold. Dr. Amy Moors research Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 01:07 Meet Dr. Amy Moors 03:31 Defining non-monogamy  04:30 Defining polyamory and open relationships  05:50 Different types of polyamory  07:06 Who engages in consensual non-mongamy? And how common is it? 10:25 Loving multiple people 14:10 Stigmas towards people who practice consensual non-monogamy  17:35 Christiana’s familial experiences with polygamy  21:35 Both monogamy and non-monogamy can be messy  22:40 How societal inequities show up in relationships  25:19 Lindy West, millennial feminism, and trad wives 27:04 Gender ratios among non-monogamous couples 28:10 Measuring “success” among non-monogamous relationships  31:01 Couples who open their relationships after being monogamous  34:20 Why is non-monogamy seemingly everywhere?  39:18 Americans don’t like to talk about sex  41:45 LGBTQ+ couples and non-monogamy  44:28 Learning from people who practice non-monogamy  46:16 Non-monogamous parents and their children  53:20 Non-hierarchical polyamory  55:30 Finding the time to sustain non-monogamous relationships    57:42 The future of consensual non-monogamy 01:04:30 Where to find Dr. Moors’ work  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Non-monogamy is everywhere right now, and so are the opinions about it.


In today’s episode, Christiana sits down with psychologist and Chapman University Professor Dr. Amy Moors to unpack open relationships, ethical non-monogamy, and why more people are exploring love outside the traditional mold.


Dr. Amy Moors research


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 
01:07 Meet Dr. Amy Moors

03:31 Defining non-monogamy 

04:30 Defining polyamory and open relationships 

05:50 Different types of polyamory 

07:06 Who engages in consensual non-mongamy? And how common is it?

10:25 Loving multiple people

14:10 Stigmas towards people who practice consensual non-monogamy 

17:35 Christiana’s familial experiences with polygamy 

21:35 Both monogamy and non-monogamy can be messy 

22:40 How societal inequities show up in relationships 

25:19 Lindy West, millennial feminism, and trad wives

27:04 Gender ratios among non-monogamous couples

28:10 Measuring “success” among non-monogamous relationships 

31:01 Couples who open their relationships after being monogamous 

34:20 Why is non-monogamy seemingly everywhere? 

39:18 Americans don’t like to talk about sex 

41:45 LGBTQ+ couples and non-monogamy 

44:28 Learning from people who practice non-monogamy 

46:16 Non-monogamous parents and their children 

53:20 Non-hierarchical polyamory 

55:30 Finding the time to sustain non-monogamous relationships   

57:42 The future of consensual non-monogamy

01:04:30 Where to find Dr. Moors’ work 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4115 no Are They a Star, Celebrity or Famous Person? with Sam Sanders No matter where you find yourself on the internet, celebrities’ lives are constantly in front of us, but who’s actually a star and who’s just famous? From icons like Beyoncé to rising names like Sabrina Carpenter and Sydney Sweeney, Christiana sits down with award-winning reporter and podcaster Sam Sanders to play “star, celebrity, or famous person” and break down what really makes someone last in pop culture. Follow Sam: Instagram  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:05:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina No matter where you find yourself on the internet, celebrities’ lives are constantly in front of us, but who’s actually a star and who’s just famous? From icons like Beyoncé to rising names like Sabrina Carpenter and Sydney Sweeney, Christiana sits down with award-winning reporter and podcaster Sam Sanders to play “star, celebrity, or famous person” and break down what really makes someone last in pop culture. Follow Sam: Instagram  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices No matter where you find yourself on the internet, celebrities’ lives are constantly in front of us, but who’s actually a star and who’s just famous?


From icons like Beyoncé to rising names like Sabrina Carpenter and Sydney Sweeney, Christiana sits down with award-winning reporter and podcaster Sam Sanders to play “star, celebrity, or famous person” and break down what really makes someone last in pop culture.


Follow Sam: Instagram 


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack | 


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4307 yes Hypergamy & Sugar Dating With Dr. Megan Sawey #SugarBaby culture is everywhere online. But why is it making such a big comeback now? As money gets tighter and “SugarTok” gains traction, conversations around sugar dating and hypergamy are becoming more mainstream. Christiana sits down with Cornell lecturer Dr. Megan Sawey to examine what’s driving the trend and what it means for modern dating. Megan’s research on sugar dating Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 01:17 Meet Dr. Megan Sawey 07:20 Understanding hypergamy and dating up  12:29 Sugar dating in relation to sex work  17:55 Sugar dating as an entrepreneurial endeavor  31:50 Sugar dating and the digital intimacy economy  33:50 Sugar dating and politics   37:20 How sugar dating is portrayed as heteronormative in media and marketing  41:45 Sugar daddies and how sugar dating is regulated  45:20 Sexual racism and sugar dating 48:28 Sugar dating for men vs. women 51:07 The future of sugar dating and hypergamy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:05:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina #SugarBaby culture is everywhere online. But why is it making such a big comeback now? As money gets tighter and “SugarTok” gains traction, conversations around sugar dating and hypergamy are becoming more mainstream. Christiana sits down with Cornell lecturer Dr. Megan Sawey to examine what’s driving the trend and what it means for modern dating. Megan’s research on sugar dating Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 01:17 Meet Dr. Megan Sawey 07:20 Understanding hypergamy and dating up  12:29 Sugar dating in relation to sex work  17:55 Sugar dating as an entrepreneurial endeavor  31:50 Sugar dating and the digital intimacy economy  33:50 Sugar dating and politics   37:20 How sugar dating is portrayed as heteronormative in media and marketing  41:45 Sugar daddies and how sugar dating is regulated  45:20 Sexual racism and sugar dating 48:28 Sugar dating for men vs. women 51:07 The future of sugar dating and hypergamy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices #SugarBaby culture is everywhere online. But why is it making such a big comeback now?


As money gets tighter and “SugarTok” gains traction, conversations around sugar dating and hypergamy are becoming more mainstream.


Christiana sits down with Cornell lecturer Dr. Megan Sawey to examine what’s driving the trend and what it means for modern dating.


Megan’s research on sugar dating


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com

If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com


01:17 Meet Dr. Megan Sawey

07:20 Understanding hypergamy and dating up 

12:29 Sugar dating in relation to sex work 

17:55 Sugar dating as an entrepreneurial endeavor 

31:50 Sugar dating and the digital intimacy economy 

33:50 Sugar dating and politics  

37:20 How sugar dating is portrayed as heteronormative in media and marketing 

41:45 Sugar daddies and how sugar dating is regulated 

45:20 Sexual racism and sugar dating

48:28 Sugar dating for men vs. women

51:07 The future of sugar dating and hypergamy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3432 yes A Sexual History of the Internet With Mindy Seu The internet didn’t just change sex. Sex built the internet. So who actually gets credit for shaping the digital world? Today, Christiana speaks with Mindy Seu, author of A Sexual History of the Internet, to unpack how sex, desire, and the labor of sex workers quietly built the foundations of the internet, and why that history is still left out of the conversation. Follow Mindy on Instagram Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  00:56 Meet Mindy Seu 01:32 Cyberfeminism 05:04 How sex and sex workers have influenced the evolution of the internet  10:10 Sex workers and cryptocurrency 12:05 Defining “sex work” 23:36 Why don’t more people know about the sexual history of the internet? 26:40 The physicality of technology   32:26 Female body parts named after men  33:51 How technology and the sex industry are influencing each other  35:36 How the sexual nature of the internet is affecting girls and women  38:31 Digital black books for sex workers 39:30 Sex workers currently experimenting with technology and artificial intelligence 42:05 OnlyFans 45:54 The internet as a utopic fantasy space  47:30 The future of the internet and AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:13:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina The internet didn’t just change sex. Sex built the internet. So who actually gets credit for shaping the digital world? Today, Christiana speaks with Mindy Seu, author of A Sexual History of the Internet, to unpack how sex, desire, and the labor of sex workers quietly built the foundations of the internet, and why that history is still left out of the conversation. Follow Mindy on Instagram Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  00:56 Meet Mindy Seu 01:32 Cyberfeminism 05:04 How sex and sex workers have influenced the evolution of the internet  10:10 Sex workers and cryptocurrency 12:05 Defining “sex work” 23:36 Why don’t more people know about the sexual history of the internet? 26:40 The physicality of technology   32:26 Female body parts named after men  33:51 How technology and the sex industry are influencing each other  35:36 How the sexual nature of the internet is affecting girls and women  38:31 Digital black books for sex workers 39:30 Sex workers currently experimenting with technology and artificial intelligence 42:05 OnlyFans 45:54 The internet as a utopic fantasy space  47:30 The future of the internet and AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The internet didn’t just change sex. Sex built the internet. So who actually gets credit for shaping the digital world?


Today, Christiana speaks with Mindy Seu, author of A Sexual History of the Internet, to unpack how sex, desire, and the labor of sex workers quietly built the foundations of the internet, and why that history is still left out of the conversation.


Follow Mindy on Instagram


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 


00:56 Meet Mindy Seu

01:32 Cyberfeminism

05:04 How sex and sex workers have influenced the evolution of the internet 

10:10 Sex workers and cryptocurrency

12:05 Defining “sex work”

23:36 Why don’t more people know about the sexual history of the internet?

26:40 The physicality of technology  

32:26 Female body parts named after men 

33:51 How technology and the sex industry are influencing each other 

35:36 How the sexual nature of the internet is affecting girls and women 

38:31 Digital black books for sex workers

39:30 Sex workers currently experimenting with technology and artificial intelligence

42:05 OnlyFans

45:54 The internet as a utopic fantasy space 

47:30 The future of the internet and AI

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3706 yes Taylor Swift & Swiftynomics With Misty Heggeness If you’re a Swiftie, this episode is for you. Today, Christiana sits down with professor and author Misty Heggeness to break down her book Swiftnomics and how Taylor Swift turned fandom into a $4 billion touring empire, and what it reveals about consumption, influence, and the rise of a new economic model led by women. Misty’s website: https://www.mistyheggeness.com/  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  00:42 Meet Misty Heggeness 04:07 Swiftynomics and studying Taylor Swift as an economic muse  09:20 How do we scale swiftynomics?  11:13 Women creating space for other women  15:08 Swiftnomics vs. Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” movement  18:00 “Pearl clutchers” vs. “granolas”  20:00 Women leaving the workforce and being economically sidelined  31:44 “Masterminding” the systems 36:08 Hoarding wealth  42:45 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce 49:40 The future of Swiftynomics  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:48:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina If you’re a Swiftie, this episode is for you. Today, Christiana sits down with professor and author Misty Heggeness to break down her book Swiftnomics and how Taylor Swift turned fandom into a $4 billion touring empire, and what it reveals about consumption, influence, and the rise of a new economic model led by women. Misty’s website: https://www.mistyheggeness.com/  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  00:42 Meet Misty Heggeness 04:07 Swiftynomics and studying Taylor Swift as an economic muse  09:20 How do we scale swiftynomics?  11:13 Women creating space for other women  15:08 Swiftnomics vs. Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” movement  18:00 “Pearl clutchers” vs. “granolas”  20:00 Women leaving the workforce and being economically sidelined  31:44 “Masterminding” the systems 36:08 Hoarding wealth  42:45 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce 49:40 The future of Swiftynomics  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you’re a Swiftie, this episode is for you.


Today, Christiana sits down with professor and author Misty Heggeness to break down her book Swiftnomics and how Taylor Swift turned fandom into a $4 billion touring empire, and what it reveals about consumption, influence, and the rise of a new economic model led by women.


Misty’s website: https://www.mistyheggeness.com/ 


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack | 

Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 


00:42 Meet Misty Heggeness

04:07 Swiftynomics and studying Taylor Swift as an economic muse 

09:20 How do we scale swiftynomics? 

11:13 Women creating space for other women 

15:08 Swiftnomics vs. Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” movement 

18:00 “Pearl clutchers” vs. “granolas” 

20:00 Women leaving the workforce and being economically sidelined 

31:44 “Masterminding” the systems

36:08 Hoarding wealth 

42:45 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

49:40 The future of Swiftynomics 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3218 Why “Valley Girls” Are Totally Misunderstood With Koa Beck Like, why did the “Valley Girl” become America’s favorite punchline? Today, Christiana sits down with journalist and author, Koa Beck, to talk about how the Valley Girl stereotype took off in pop culture, why it has been so misunderstood, and how it reflects America’s bigger anxieties about young women and femininity that still shape how we see them today. Follow Koa: Instagram  Subscribe to Koa’s Substack Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 00:28 The Valley 01:25 Defining the “Valley Girl” 05:03 Valley speak and the valley girl accent 08:10 From the valley girl to the modern day influencer 17:35 The history of the Valley Girl 24:31 Why the trope of the “Valley Girl” is white  26:44 Why the valley stereotypes are associated with girls 31:00 How the concept of the “Valley Girl” became negative 40:00 The Valley Girl and sex  44:29 The Valley Girl and influencer culture 48:19 The future of the Valley Girl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:31:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Like, why did the “Valley Girl” become America’s favorite punchline? Today, Christiana sits down with journalist and author, Koa Beck, to talk about how the Valley Girl stereotype took off in pop culture, why it has been so misunderstood, and how it reflects America’s bigger anxieties about young women and femininity that still shape how we see them today. Follow Koa: Instagram  Subscribe to Koa’s Substack Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 00:28 The Valley 01:25 Defining the “Valley Girl” 05:03 Valley speak and the valley girl accent 08:10 From the valley girl to the modern day influencer 17:35 The history of the Valley Girl 24:31 Why the trope of the “Valley Girl” is white  26:44 Why the valley stereotypes are associated with girls 31:00 How the concept of the “Valley Girl” became negative 40:00 The Valley Girl and sex  44:29 The Valley Girl and influencer culture 48:19 The future of the Valley Girl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Like, why did the “Valley Girl” become America’s favorite punchline?


Today, Christiana sits down with journalist and author, Koa Beck, to talk about how the Valley Girl stereotype took off in pop culture, why it has been so misunderstood, and how it reflects America’s bigger anxieties about young women and femininity that still shape how we see them today.


Follow Koa: Instagram 


Subscribe to Koa’s Substack


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack | 


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com


00:28 The Valley

01:25 Defining the “Valley Girl”

05:03 Valley speak and the valley girl accent

08:10 From the valley girl to the modern day influencer

17:35 The history of the Valley Girl

24:31 Why the trope of the “Valley Girl” is white 

26:44 Why the valley stereotypes are associated with girls

31:00 How the concept of the “Valley Girl” became negative

40:00 The Valley Girl and sex 

44:29 The Valley Girl and influencer culture

48:19 The future of the Valley Girl

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3523 yes Hollywood’s Colorism Curse With Dr. Yaba Blay Colorism isn’t new. It’s the curse embedded in Hollywood’s DNA. Today, Christiana sits down with scholar-activist Dr. Yaba Blay to unpack how colorism operates behind the scenes of pop culture, why lighter skin is still centered, and how these hierarchies shape everything from stardom to self-worth. Follow Dr. Yaba Blay: Instagram  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  00:37 Defining “colorism” 03:30 The relativity of colorism  06:04 How colorism functions in Hollywood  08:15 A history of colorism and skin bleaching  12:50 Gender bias and colorism in entertainment  17:02 Beyonce and colorism in the music industry  28:40 Moments that feel like societal shifts 33:00 How skin bleaching has transformed  37:00 Understanding the context around why people bleach their skin  42:55 Hair trends among Black women  51:00 Questioning society and capitalism (not just the individual)  54:20 What choices can we make in light of colorism? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:31:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Colorism isn’t new. It’s the curse embedded in Hollywood’s DNA. Today, Christiana sits down with scholar-activist Dr. Yaba Blay to unpack how colorism operates behind the scenes of pop culture, why lighter skin is still centered, and how these hierarchies shape everything from stardom to self-worth. Follow Dr. Yaba Blay: Instagram  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  00:37 Defining “colorism” 03:30 The relativity of colorism  06:04 How colorism functions in Hollywood  08:15 A history of colorism and skin bleaching  12:50 Gender bias and colorism in entertainment  17:02 Beyonce and colorism in the music industry  28:40 Moments that feel like societal shifts 33:00 How skin bleaching has transformed  37:00 Understanding the context around why people bleach their skin  42:55 Hair trends among Black women  51:00 Questioning society and capitalism (not just the individual)  54:20 What choices can we make in light of colorism? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Colorism isn’t new. It’s the curse embedded in Hollywood’s DNA.


Today, Christiana sits down with scholar-activist Dr. Yaba Blay to unpack how colorism operates behind the scenes of pop culture, why lighter skin is still centered, and how these hierarchies shape everything from stardom to self-worth.


Follow Dr. Yaba Blay: Instagram 


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack | 


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 


00:37 Defining “colorism”

03:30 The relativity of colorism 

06:04 How colorism functions in Hollywood 

08:15 A history of colorism and skin bleaching 

12:50 Gender bias and colorism in entertainment 

17:02 Beyonce and colorism in the music industry 

28:40 Moments that feel like societal shifts

33:00 How skin bleaching has transformed 

37:00 Understanding the context around why people bleach their skin 

42:55 Hair trends among Black women 

51:00 Questioning society and capitalism (not just the individual) 

54:20 What choices can we make in light of colorism?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3800 yes The Dangers of Looksmaxxing With Dr. Michael Halpin Looksmaxxing is the internet’s latest male self-improvement trend — where your jawline is a strategy and your face is a project. Today, Christiana sits down with Associate Professor of Sociology at Dalhousie University, Dr. Michael Halpin, to explain what looksmaxxing really is, why cosmetic surgeries are on the rise, and how this corner of the Manosphere is reshaping masculinity and the way men see women. Dr. Michael’s research on looksmaxxing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hn3HDozK8_GMWOVtv3do3joZ4Guyxlpp/view  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  03:35 Defining “looksmaxxing” 09:45 Who is looksmaxxing?  11:00 Lookism and why boys and men are looksmaxxing  14:50 How looksmaxxing and its harmful impacts are spreading beyond the manosphere 20:42 The PSL scale  24:40 How looksmaxxers and incels are subcultures within the manosphere 40:38 What can be done to stop harmful looksmaxxing  44:00 Looksmaxxing as an emerging health crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:05:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Looksmaxxing is the internet’s latest male self-improvement trend — where your jawline is a strategy and your face is a project. Today, Christiana sits down with Associate Professor of Sociology at Dalhousie University, Dr. Michael Halpin, to explain what looksmaxxing really is, why cosmetic surgeries are on the rise, and how this corner of the Manosphere is reshaping masculinity and the way men see women. Dr. Michael’s research on looksmaxxing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hn3HDozK8_GMWOVtv3do3joZ4Guyxlpp/view  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  03:35 Defining “looksmaxxing” 09:45 Who is looksmaxxing?  11:00 Lookism and why boys and men are looksmaxxing  14:50 How looksmaxxing and its harmful impacts are spreading beyond the manosphere 20:42 The PSL scale  24:40 How looksmaxxers and incels are subcultures within the manosphere 40:38 What can be done to stop harmful looksmaxxing  44:00 Looksmaxxing as an emerging health crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Looksmaxxing is the internet’s latest male self-improvement trend — where your jawline is a strategy and your face is a project.


Today, Christiana sits down with Associate Professor of Sociology at Dalhousie University, Dr. Michael Halpin, to explain what looksmaxxing really is, why cosmetic surgeries are on the rise, and how this corner of the Manosphere is reshaping masculinity and the way men see women.


Dr. Michael’s research on looksmaxxing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hn3HDozK8_GMWOVtv3do3joZ4Guyxlpp/view 


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 


03:35 Defining “looksmaxxing”

09:45 Who is looksmaxxing? 

11:00 Lookism and why boys and men are looksmaxxing 

14:50 How looksmaxxing and its harmful impacts are spreading beyond the manosphere

20:42 The PSL scale 

24:40 How looksmaxxers and incels are subcultures within the manosphere

40:38 What can be done to stop harmful looksmaxxing 

44:00 Looksmaxxing as an emerging health crisis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3280 yes The Power of “Sinners” With Wunmi Mosaku Almost a year later, Sinners is still unforgettable, and Wunmi Mosaku’s Annie stole our hearts. But behind the performance was a woman navigating first-time motherhood, career crossroads, and big life choices.  On today’s episode, Christiana talks to Oscar-nominated Wunmi about her maternity brand Iyadé, self care, and lessons from a career-defining role. Wunmi’s maternity brand’s website:.iyadebywunmi.com Follow Wunmi on Instagram: @wunmimosaku Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  00:36 Wunmi’s Oscar nomination 03:40 “Sinners” and how playing Annie changed Wunmi’s life  08:40 Why Annie resonates with audiences  14:57 Loving yourself  18:45 Wunmi’s Golden Globe pregnancy announcement  24:04 Creating Iyadé, a maternity clothing brand  29:55 Being careful about who and what you invite in  38:43 Admiring Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan’s acting 42:35 Self care  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:25:00 -0000 full Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Almost a year later, Sinners is still unforgettable, and Wunmi Mosaku’s Annie stole our hearts. But behind the performance was a woman navigating first-time motherhood, career crossroads, and big life choices.  On today’s episode, Christiana talks to Oscar-nominated Wunmi about her maternity brand Iyadé, self care, and lessons from a career-defining role. Wunmi’s maternity brand’s website:.iyadebywunmi.com Follow Wunmi on Instagram: @wunmimosaku Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  00:36 Wunmi’s Oscar nomination 03:40 “Sinners” and how playing Annie changed Wunmi’s life  08:40 Why Annie resonates with audiences  14:57 Loving yourself  18:45 Wunmi’s Golden Globe pregnancy announcement  24:04 Creating Iyadé, a maternity clothing brand  29:55 Being careful about who and what you invite in  38:43 Admiring Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan’s acting 42:35 Self care  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Almost a year later, Sinners is still unforgettable, and Wunmi Mosaku’s Annie stole our hearts. But behind the performance was a woman navigating first-time motherhood, career crossroads, and big life choices. 


On today’s episode, Christiana talks to Oscar-nominated Wunmi about her maternity brand Iyadé, self care, and lessons from a career-defining role.


Wunmi’s maternity brand’s website:.iyadebywunmi.com

Follow Wunmi on Instagram: @wunmimosaku


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack


Merch available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 


00:36 Wunmi’s Oscar nomination

03:40 “Sinners” and how playing Annie changed Wunmi’s life 

08:40 Why Annie resonates with audiences 

14:57 Loving yourself 

18:45 Wunmi’s Golden Globe pregnancy announcement 

24:04 Creating Iyadé, a maternity clothing brand 

29:55 Being careful about who and what you invite in 

38:43 Admiring Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan’s acting

42:35 Self care 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2975 Space Racism & Astrology With Margaret Gaida Astrology is everywhere, blending spirituality, social media, and even AI apps that promise to read your future.  Today, Christiana speaks with astrology historian, Margaret Gaida, to understand how astrology shapes love, culture, and the hidden inequalities of the cosmic world. Margaret’s website: mghsci.wordpress.com/dissertation Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch⁠ available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: ⁠advertise@companionarts.com⁠ If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: ⁠hello@popsyllabus.com⁠  02:20 Astrology in the East vs. West  03:30 Astrological predictions throughout history  07:45 The mothers of astrology  12:45 Why women and LGBTQ+ communities are attracted to astrology  18:32 Astrology and science  23:48 Big Zodiac, tech and AI 29:31 White influencers and astrology   41:04 “Space racism” and dating  44:50 Individualism vs. communities  47:40 The future of astrology in America  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:05:00 -0000 full 1 6 Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Astrology is everywhere, blending spirituality, social media, and even AI apps that promise to read your future.  Today, Christiana speaks with astrology historian, Margaret Gaida, to understand how astrology shapes love, culture, and the hidden inequalities of the cosmic world. Margaret’s website: mghsci.wordpress.com/dissertation Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch⁠ available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: ⁠advertise@companionarts.com⁠ If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: ⁠hello@popsyllabus.com⁠  02:20 Astrology in the East vs. West  03:30 Astrological predictions throughout history  07:45 The mothers of astrology  12:45 Why women and LGBTQ+ communities are attracted to astrology  18:32 Astrology and science  23:48 Big Zodiac, tech and AI 29:31 White influencers and astrology   41:04 “Space racism” and dating  44:50 Individualism vs. communities  47:40 The future of astrology in America  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Astrology is everywhere, blending spirituality, social media, and even AI apps that promise to read your future. 


Today, Christiana speaks with astrology historian, Margaret Gaida, to understand how astrology shapes love, culture, and the hidden inequalities of the cosmic world.


Margaret’s website: mghsci.wordpress.com/dissertation


Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack | 


Merch⁠ available now!


Sponsor Pop Syllabus: ⁠advertise@companionarts.com⁠


If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: ⁠hello@popsyllabus.com⁠ 


02:20 Astrology in the East vs. West 

03:30 Astrological predictions throughout history 

07:45 The mothers of astrology 

12:45 Why women and LGBTQ+ communities are attracted to astrology 

18:32 Astrology and science 

23:48 Big Zodiac, tech and AI

29:31 White influencers and astrology  

41:04 “Space racism” and dating 

44:50 Individualism vs. communities 

47:40 The future of astrology in America 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3261 Paying Homage to Black Women in Reality TV With Rachel Lindsay When Rachel Lindsay said yes to being on The Bachelor, she had no clue what she was getting herself into. Since then, she has gone from practicing lawyer, to The First Black Bachelorette, to media personality and author.  Today, Christiana and Rachel talk about Black women on reality TV and how she helped change the genre.  Follow Rachel: Instagram   Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:17:00 -0000 full 1 5 Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina When Rachel Lindsay said yes to being on The Bachelor, she had no clue what she was getting herself into. Since then, she has gone from practicing lawyer, to The First Black Bachelorette, to media personality and author.  Today, Christiana and Rachel talk about Black women on reality TV and how she helped change the genre.  Follow Rachel: Instagram   Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When Rachel Lindsay said yes to being on The Bachelor, she had no clue what she was getting herself into. Since then, she has gone from practicing lawyer, to The First Black Bachelorette, to media personality and author. 

Today, Christiana and Rachel talk about Black women on reality TV and how she helped change the genre. 

Follow Rachel: Instagram  

Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack | 

Merch available now!

Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com

If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.

Email: hello@popsyllabus.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3207 The Myth of an “Overnight Success” With Jeff Hiller Jeff Hiller was 49 when he won his first Emmy but, despite what many people think, he didn’t just come out of nowhere. He was a working comedian and actor for years before landing his breakout role on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere. On today’s episode, Christiana talks to Jeff about his book “Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success” and why none of us seem to feel like we’re adulting right.   Follow Jeff: Instagram   Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:36:00 -0000 full 1 4 Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Jeff Hiller was 49 when he won his first Emmy but, despite what many people think, he didn’t just come out of nowhere. He was a working comedian and actor for years before landing his breakout role on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere. On today’s episode, Christiana talks to Jeff about his book “Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success” and why none of us seem to feel like we’re adulting right.   Follow Jeff: Instagram   Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Jeff Hiller was 49 when he won his first Emmy but, despite what many people think, he didn’t just come out of nowhere. He was a working comedian and actor for years before landing his breakout role on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere.


On today’s episode, Christiana talks to Jeff about his book “Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success” and why none of us seem to feel like we’re adulting right.  

Follow Jeff: Instagram  

Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack | 

Merch available now!

Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com

If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.


Email: hello@popsyllabus.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2930 The World of Disney Adults With Robbie Whelan Disney Adults are some of the most fascinating, layered, and hated subcultures in contemporary American life.  Today, Christiana speaks with Robbie Whelan, author of the forthcoming book House of Mouse, to understand the world of Disney Adults.  Follow Robbie: X Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack   Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:44:00 -0000 full 1 3 Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Disney Adults are some of the most fascinating, layered, and hated subcultures in contemporary American life.  Today, Christiana speaks with Robbie Whelan, author of the forthcoming book House of Mouse, to understand the world of Disney Adults.  Follow Robbie: X Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack   Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Disney Adults are some of the most fascinating, layered, and hated subcultures in contemporary American life. 

Today, Christiana speaks with Robbie Whelan, author of the forthcoming book House of Mouse, to understand the world of Disney Adults. 

Follow Robbie: X

Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack  

Merch available now!

Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com

If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.

Email: hello@popsyllabus.com 

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]]> 4034 How K-Beauty Took Over the World with Elise Hu | Pop Syllabus Glass skin, a 10-step-skincare routine and one of the fastest growing beauty categories in the world. Welcome to the church of K-Beauty!  Today, Christiana speaks with Elise Hu, author of Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital, the definitive book on how K-Beauty took over the world.  Follow Elise: Instagram | TikTok   Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack   Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:09:00 -0000 full 1 2 Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Glass skin, a 10-step-skincare routine and one of the fastest growing beauty categories in the world. Welcome to the church of K-Beauty!  Today, Christiana speaks with Elise Hu, author of Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital, the definitive book on how K-Beauty took over the world.  Follow Elise: Instagram | TikTok   Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack   Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Glass skin, a 10-step-skincare routine and one of the fastest growing beauty categories in the world. Welcome to the church of K-Beauty! 

Today, Christiana speaks with Elise Hu, author of Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital, the definitive book on how K-Beauty took over the world. 

Follow Elise: Instagram | TikTok  

Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack  

Merch available now!

Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com

If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.

Email: hello@popsyllabus.com

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]]> 3189 The Dark Side of Wellness | Pop Syllabus Today, we’re talking about “Big Wellness” - the business, its benefits, the grift? Whether we think it’s all a scam, or can’t wake up without a gorgeous green cup of matcha, wellness culture has changed our world forever.  To help us understand this phenomenon, Christiana speaks to Amy Larocca, journalist and author of How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, One Dubious Cure at a Time. Follow Amy: Instagram  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:05:00 -0000 full 1 1 Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Today, we’re talking about “Big Wellness” - the business, its benefits, the grift? Whether we think it’s all a scam, or can’t wake up without a gorgeous green cup of matcha, wellness culture has changed our world forever.  To help us understand this phenomenon, Christiana speaks to Amy Larocca, journalist and author of How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, One Dubious Cure at a Time. Follow Amy: Instagram  Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack |  Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today, we’re talking about “Big Wellness” - the business, its benefits, the grift? Whether we think it’s all a scam, or can’t wake up without a gorgeous green cup of matcha, wellness culture has changed our world forever. 

To help us understand this phenomenon, Christiana speaks to Amy Larocca, journalist and author of How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, One Dubious Cure at a Time.

Follow Amy: Instagram 

Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack | 

Merch available now!

Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com

If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.

Email: hello@popsyllabus.com

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]]> 3772 Introducing: Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Pop Syllabus is a show where host Christiana Mbakwe Medina deconstructs the zeitgeist and answers the big cultural questions. How did we swing from body positivity to thin-being-in? Why do so many people trust wellness influencers over medical doctors? And how did tech oligarchs become the new celebrities? Think of Christiana as a cross between a messy news anchor and guerilla academic. Each week, she and an expert guest will unpack a buzzy topic, and help us understand the moment while going through it. Pop Syllabus is produced by Nkiruka Productions and Companion Arts. Subscribe now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts. MERCH OUT NOW! https://popsyllabus.com/ Sign up for Christiana’s Substack! https://popsyllabus.substack.com Follow us! Instagram:  @popsyllabus TikTok:   @popsyllabus   Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:33:00 -0000 trailer Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Pop Syllabus is a show where host Christiana Mbakwe Medina deconstructs the zeitgeist and answers the big cultural questions. How did we swing from body positivity to thin-being-in? Why do so many people trust wellness influencers over medical doctors? And how did tech oligarchs become the new celebrities? Think of Christiana as a cross between a messy news anchor and guerilla academic. Each week, she and an expert guest will unpack a buzzy topic, and help us understand the moment while going through it. Pop Syllabus is produced by Nkiruka Productions and Companion Arts. Subscribe now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts. MERCH OUT NOW! https://popsyllabus.com/ Sign up for Christiana’s Substack! https://popsyllabus.substack.com Follow us! Instagram:  @popsyllabus TikTok:   @popsyllabus   Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Pop Syllabus is a show where host Christiana Mbakwe Medina deconstructs the zeitgeist and answers the big cultural questions. How did we swing from body positivity to thin-being-in? Why do so many people trust wellness influencers over medical doctors? And how did tech oligarchs become the new celebrities? Think of Christiana as a cross between a messy news anchor and guerilla academic. Each week, she and an expert guest will unpack a buzzy topic, and help us understand the moment while going through it. Pop Syllabus is produced by Nkiruka Productions and Companion Arts. Subscribe now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts. MERCH OUT NOW! https://popsyllabus.com/ Sign up for Christiana’s Substack! https://popsyllabus.substack.com


Follow us! Instagram:  @popsyllabus TikTok:   @popsyllabus   Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 126 Introducing: Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Pop Syllabus is a show where host Christiana Mbakwe Medina deconstructs the zeitgeist and answers the big cultural questions. How did we swing from body positivity to thin-being-in? Why do so many people trust wellness influencers over medical doctors? And how did tech oligarchs become the new celebrities? Think of Christiana as a cross between a messy news anchor and guerilla academic. Each week, she and an expert guest will unpack a buzzy topic, and help us understand the moment while going through it. Pop Syllabus is coming soon! Subscribe now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts. MERCH OUT NOW! Sign up for Christiana’s Substack! Follow us! YouTube | Instagram | TikTok Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Pop Syllabus is produced by Nkiruka Productions and Companion Arts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:14:00 -0000 trailer Pop Syllabus with Christiana Mbakwe Medina Pop Syllabus is a show where host Christiana Mbakwe Medina deconstructs the zeitgeist and answers the big cultural questions. How did we swing from body positivity to thin-being-in? Why do so many people trust wellness influencers over medical doctors? And how did tech oligarchs become the new celebrities? Think of Christiana as a cross between a messy news anchor and guerilla academic. Each week, she and an expert guest will unpack a buzzy topic, and help us understand the moment while going through it. Pop Syllabus is coming soon! Subscribe now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts. MERCH OUT NOW! Sign up for Christiana’s Substack! Follow us! YouTube | Instagram | TikTok Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: hello@popsyllabus.com Pop Syllabus is produced by Nkiruka Productions and Companion Arts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Pop Syllabus is a show where host Christiana Mbakwe Medina deconstructs the zeitgeist and answers the big cultural questions. How did we swing from body positivity to thin-being-in? Why do so many people trust wellness influencers over medical doctors? And how did tech oligarchs become the new celebrities? Think of Christiana as a cross between a messy news anchor and guerilla academic. Each week, she and an expert guest will unpack a buzzy topic, and help us understand the moment while going through it.

Pop Syllabus is coming soon! Subscribe now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts.

MERCH OUT NOW!

Sign up for Christiana’s Substack!

Follow us! YouTube | Instagram | TikTok

Sponsor Pop Syllabus: advertise@companionarts.com

If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments.

Email: hello@popsyllabus.com

Pop Syllabus is produced by Nkiruka Productions and Companion Arts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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