School of Pop

In this season finale, we’re unpacking what it really means to be an “ethical fan” today, and how the system around fandom often makes that harder than it should be. From the rise of the “respectable fan” to the quiet pressures of celebrity worship, this finale takes a look at the systems, marketing and cultural expectations that shape how fans behave — and how they’re perceived. We’re asking toug...

In this solo reflection, we’re exploring how cancel culture, projection, and entitlement shape the modern fan experience. In this solo reflection, we’re exploring how cancel culture, projection, and entitlement shape the modern fan experience. Is cancel culture really about justice — or just another performance shaped by PR spin, algorithmic outrage, and the need to pick a side? And when fans star...

In this episode of School of Pop , we’re diving into the psychology behind competitive fans. From chart battles and fandom feuds to internal hierarchies and stan wars, we're looking to understand: Why do fans get so emotionally invested in wins and losses that don’t directly affect them? Why is sports fandom celebrated while pop fandom is mocked? And what happens when fan spaces become less ab...

In this episode of School of Pop, we’re unpacking the complexities of parasocial relationships: what they are, how they form, and when they might cross a line.  Dr. Lynn Zubernis, a clinical psychologist and university professor and a passionate fangirl. She has published seven books which celebrate the positive outcomes of being a fan, including two written with the cast of her favorite series, S...

Join Kat Monroe on School of Pop's very first field trip!!! We're headed to Philadelphia and New York for a special recap on two music festivals - Roots Picnic and Governors Ball.

From concert tickets and merch drops, being a fan is expensive! This lesson at School of Pop explores how to enjoy fandom without breaking the bank. Kat is joined by financial educator  Alejandra Rojas , who shares advice for budgeting and setting financial boundaries, and  Kristal Terrell , a concert pro who drops her best savings tips for going to shows. Follow School of Pop: Class Notes:  https...

From fan fiction and fan edits to AI-generated songs, this lesson at School of Pop dives into the world of fan-made creations Kat is joined by intellectual property attorney Kirk Sigmund, who unpacks the legal myths and explains how fan creations can cross into copyright infringement. The episode also explores ethical gray areas with fan-created content. Follow School of Pop: Class Notes: https://...

From heartfelt interactions to pushy crowds, this lesson at School of Pop dives into the tradition of Broadway stagedooring and how fan culture, entitlement, and social media have shaped its evolution. Kat is joined by content creator and podcaster Jillian Hayes to explore the history, ethics, and shifting expectations around meeting performers after the curtain closes. Plus, Kat shares real fan s...

From signs and screaming to pushy pit behavior and throwing objects onstage, this lesson at School of Pop explores the unwritten rules of concert culture and where things can go too far. Kat is joined by concert-goer Cameron Bristow to unpack the evolution of live event etiquette and how artists and fans are pushing back on toxic trends. Plus, indie girlband Double Standard stops by for our first...

Welcome to School of Pop , the reimagined version of what started as Fan Fave with Katrina . After two years of off and on podcasting and figuring things out, we're back with a clearer vision, a new structure, and a deeper dive into pop culture. Each season is now a "semester," and this one? We're kicking things off with a theme I’ve been wanting to explore for a long time: Fandom Ethics . This fi...

Welcome to School of Pop's semester on Fandom Ethics!

In this episode of the Fan Fave podcast, host Katrina shares her thoughts about the newest Pixar movie, Inside Out 2! Plus, a Pop Recap all about Aaron Tveit and Jojo's return to the Moulin Rouge, Universal Orlando's Epic Universe - Dark Universe updates, the Kennedy Center's Gospel Symphony Celebration for Richard Smallwood and the Pop 2000 Tour featuring Chris Kirkpatrick, BBMAK, O-Town, Ryan Ca...

In this episode of Fan Fave, host Katrina talks all about her experience attending the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago. Listen to hear about her favorite performances and lessons learned.

The greatest night in theater has come and gone! Join Fan Fave host Katrina in a recap of the night's best and worst moments. Plus, a Pop Recap talking about the rise of Chappell Roan, new Taylor Swift discourse, All Things Go NYC vs MD, Ben Platt's residency at the Palace Theater, the I Got Away tour, WNBA games and more!

In this episode of Fan Fave, Katrina shares her thoughts on Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway AND her experience seeing The Rolling Stones in concert on their Hackney Diamonds tour. Plus, a Pop Recap featuring a *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* and Katrina's thoughts on Tiana's Bayou Adventure and The Last Dinner Party.

We are SO BACK and we have a lot of catching up to do. This episode is exactly what it sounds like, a recap of pop culture things that happened while I was busy with my finals.... Topics include: My experience attending Hozier's Unreal Unearth Tour Mother's Day weekend at Walt Disney World 2024 Tony Nominations A new movie starring Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd!!! Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgi...

This week's episode, host Katrina shares her thoughts on Taylor Swift's 11th studio album The Tortured Poets Department! Plus, an overview of trending topics that include Rachel Zegler's broadway debut, seeing Spider-Man 2 in theaters, Inside Out 2's focus group, the All Things Go music festival, and Travis Kelce's Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity.

This week's episode is all about Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter and the history of black country music. Host Katrina highlights stories of black country music artists, including trailblazers from the past, like DeFord Bailey, Ray Charles, Charley Pride and Linda Martell, and hitmakers of the present and future, from Mickey Guyton to Tanner Adell. Katrina also shares her thoughts in general on the Cowboy...

Over the weekend, host Katrina had the opportunity to attend the ceremony for the 25th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.. This year, America's top prize in comedy was given to Kevin Hart. Today's episode is all about the Mark Twain Prize and Katrina's experience attending the show. Pop Recap topics include: FILM Popeye the Sailor Man, Harold a...

In this episode of the Fan Fave podcast, host Katrina takes a look at all seven studio albums released by Ariana Grande and attempts to rank them based on her favorite songs. This episode is a celebration of our favorite pop girl’s discography so join in on the fun! Katrina also shares responses from Arianators who shared what their favorite Ariana album was. Pop Recap topics include: FILM SNL 197...

In this episode of Fan Fave, we talk all about the biggest moments of this year’s Academy Awards. I’ve also watched all ten Best Picture nominations so I’ll be talking through my thoughts on them to determine if the awards given out were deserved or if others were snubbed.  Pop Recap topics include: FILM Kung Fu Panda 4 Inside Out 2 Now You See Me 3 Austin Butler's Elvis in Timothee Chalamet&#...

Today is the start of another brand new series for the Fan Fave podcast, called No Gatekeeping! This series is my way of helping out my fellow fans of pop culture experience all of the fun in the pop culture world by sharing everything I know about how to do a certain thing. Today's episode is all about how to get cheap Broadway tickets! I explain how rush and lottery works, and I do a huge ru...

We're taking a trip down memory lane! Everyone is talking about Fifth Harmony again, and as a former 5H fan, Katrina is talking all about the iconic girl group in this episode. From their music to their concerts, Katrina shares her favorite Fifth Harmony memories. Also discussed are the solo careers of each individual member, from Camila Cabello to Normani, who just announced her debut album!...

Fan Fave is launching a brand new series! Full-Time Fan spotlights fans who turned their passion for pop culture into successful professional careers. Over the weekend, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers both celebrated their 10 year anniversaries, and I realized that I never really took the time to share more about my experiences interning for NBC and The Tonig...

In this special Valentine's Day episode of Fan Fave, host Katrina takes a look at some of the most iconic romance movies, across all genres - drama, comedy, musical, action, and horror (yes, horror). Pop Recap topics include: The Super Bowl The Game My disappointment for the 49ers loss The Halftime Usher!!! The Commercials New Beyoncé music Deadpool and Wolverine Wicked Trailer Kingdom of the...