Pop Syllabus

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...

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 |  Me...

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 s...

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:.iyadeby...

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 |  Me...

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 | TikT...

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...

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...

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 | S...

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....

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,...

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,...