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Pop Syllabus

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.

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  • 28 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 4 min
  • English

Episodes 28

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  • Wednesday · 1 hr 14 min

    The Pop Culture Debrief Season Finale: Breaking Down September Issue covers

    September is for back-to-school, changing weather, and apparently a LOT of celebrity magazine covers. For the Season 1 finale of Pop Syllabus, Christiana picks up the September issues and takes us inside their biggest covers and most interesting stories. From Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere on Vogue to Rihanna, Usher, Charli XCX, and a powerful Essence cover celebrating Black women, she explores what these magazines choose to put on their covers, what they leave inside the pages, and what it all says about pop culture right now. Thanks to our sponsor, Bilt Rewards, for supporting today's episode: https://joinbilt.com/popsyllabus 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 01:30 Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere on the cover of US Vogue 02:42 Regime change at Vogue 03:30 Nepo babies 06:00 US Vogue cover 07:16 Rihanna on the cover of Elle 09:35 Rihanna’s relationship with Dior 10:47 Elle editorial with Rihanna 12:08 Jermey Strong on the cover of GQ 14:21 GQ editorial with Jeremy strong 16:33 Nicole Kidman on the cover of British Vogue 18:43 Brad Pitt on the cover of Esquire 20:04 Esquire editorial with Brad Pitt 26:18 Sanaa Lathan, Nina Compton, Mara Brock Akil and Nikole Hannah-Jones on the front cover of Essence 27:50 Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on the back cover of Essence 28:09 America at 250 30:00 Seeing Black women with mature skin and gray hair 31:30 Isan Elba 32:01 Hair styles and product recommendations in Essence 35:38 Mardi Gras 36:00 Essence editorial with Sanaa Lathan, Nina Compton, Mara Brock Akil and Nikole Hannah-Jones 37:19 Terrence Jenkins and Mikalah Sultan 39:12 Essence editorial with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson 40:57 “Letters to America” in Essence 41:30 Afro-optimism 41:52 The American flag and who gets to own it 44:20 Christiana’s relationship with England and the English flag 46:19 Black women and reproductive health in Essence 46:42 Usher on the cover of Architectural Digest 49:25 A feature on decorative plates in Architectural Digest 49:58 Usher’s Architectural Digest feature 52:58 Charli XCX on the cover of Rolling Stone 54:40 George Michael feature in Rolling Stone 55:00 Comparing Rolling Stone to other magazines 55:13 Shaboozey in Rolling Stone 55:40 James Comey profile in Rolling Stone 57:00 Charli XCX editorial in Rolling Stone 57:40 Afroman in Rolling Stone 59:00 Keke Palmer editorial in Rolling Stone 01:00:18 Adam Friedland in Rolling Stone 01:00:42 The Legend of the Plaster Caster in Rolling Stone 01:02:16 A man who wants to help people print guns in Rolling Stone 01:02:30 Assessing Rolling Stone 01:03:12 Star Magazine 01:10:00 How to keep up with Christiana Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 16 · 1 hr 11 min

    Understanding Women with ADHD with Corinne the Coach

    Forget the stereotypical image of ADHD. For many women, it looks a lot different. This week, Christiana sits down with Corinne the Coach to explore why women and girls are so often overlooked, why women of color face even greater barriers to diagnosis, and how ADHD can impact everything from mental health and shame to motherhood, money, and work. Corinne also opens up about her own diagnosis, navigating medication, and building a business while neurodivergent. Corinne’s website: https://corinnethecoach.life/ 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 01:43 Corinne’s ADHD diagnosis 06:45 Why it takes longer for girls and women to get diagnosed with ADHD 11:30 Different types of ADHD 16:30 Underdiagnosis among girls and women of color 22:15 How ADHD can be related to eating disorders and substance abuse 26:58 Skepticism around women of color having ADHD 29:30 Signs that a woman may be struggling with mental health challenges 31:45 How women hide their shame 35:12 Strains on mothers 38:58 How Corinne started her business while being neurodivergent 39:50 How ADHD keeps people impoverished 41:04 Taking medication for ADHD 48:00 Corinne’s experiences with ADHD medication 54:45 How we can support the people in our lives who might have ADHD 01:08:21 How you can find Corinne the Coach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 9 · 43 min

    Bad Moms in Pop Culture with Ej Dickson

    We love to talk about motherhood like there’s a right way to do it. But the rules have never been as simple as they seem. This week, Christiana sits down with WIRED senior culture writer and author of One Bad Mother Ej Dickson to explore the cultural history of the “bad mom,” from the “welfare queen” to today’s MAHA moms, momfluencers, tradwives, and stage moms. They unpack why the ideal of the “good mother” has always been complicated, why dads seem to get a much easier assignment, and how motherhood became one of our favorite ways to police women. Follow Ej: Instagram Ej’s website: https://www.ejdickson.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 2 · 1 hr 16 min

    The State of Beauty Politics and What It All Means with Tressie McMillan Cottom

    Botox, filler, beauty trends, and the pressure to keep up with it all. This week, Christiana sits down with NYT columnist and UNC Chapel Hill professor Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom to explore how beauty culture is changing around the world, why our appearances carry so much power, and what happens when the rules of beauty keep changing. Follow Tressie: Instagram Thanks to our sponsor, Bilt Rewards, for supporting today's episode: https://joinbilt.com/popsyllabus 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 01:37 Meet Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom 03:45 Sculpt and how beauty norms became what they are right now 06:12 The democratization of plastic surgery and injectibles 09:06 Beauty and ugliness as structural concepts 13:14 The end of body positivity a return to whiteness 15:13 How technology has changed time, our attention, and beauty norms 16:55 Peptides 19:45 How what is seen as beautiful has changed 21:00 Thinking of ourselves as scientific compositions 22:05 Grappling for community 22:39 Discourse around “the Black community” 24:15 Ethnic rhinoplasty 25:51 The death of the natural hair movement 26:30 What is Black beauty now? 27:10 The homogeneity of beauty 30:14 How the formula we were taught for a good life isn’t working and cruel optimism 35:26 Observing neutrally and knowing our choices aren’t neutral 39:10 The cost of resistance and choosing our defeats 42:49 Bracing for impact 45:00 Black women being punished 45:40 Conservative movements among white women and where white women go next 49:55 “One Household, One Vote” and women retreating from the workplace 52:30 Late-stage capitalism and AI will come for everyone, including men 54:00 Men committing Interpersonal violence 55:30 Going analog 56:38 How Tressie approaches reading and engaging with ideas 01:01:22 What Tressie is turning to for nourishment and delight 01:06:25 What Tressie is working on now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 26 · 1 hr 23 min

    Ranking the 2020s Pop Culture Divas with Ryan Mitchell

    Divas! We all love them, and we all have very strong opinions about who deserves a spot in our personal top 3. So this week, Christiana sits down with journalist, culture critic, and the NFL’s first LGBTQ+ brand ambassador Ryan Mitchell to bring back our signature pop culture rubric and rank the biggest divas of the 2020s. But who will take the crown? Listen in to find out. Follow Ryan: 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 00:00 Intro 00:13 Meet Ryan 05:00 Showing up as a Black queer fat person 07:20 Growing up in the South 08:22 Ryan’s role as the NFL’s first queer ambassador 12:12 Navigating the current conservative backlash 15:02 How to show up for queer folks right now 19:02 How pop culture brings people together 22:20 The definition of a “Diva” 27:20 How Christiana made this 2020s diva list 29:17 The “general population” category for 2020s divas 30:10 The “technicalities” category for 2020s divas 30:48 The “sleeper divas” category for 2020s divas 32:50 Attitude as part of the criteria 36:00 Ariana Grande 47:27 Billie Eilish 55:14 Chappell Roan 59:00 Celebrities are still humans 01:00:35 Olivia Rodrigo 01:02:50 Sabrina Carpenter 01:04:43 Olivia Rodrigo 01:05:55 Beyoncé 01:12:26 Charli xcx 01:19:29 Cleo Sol and Syd 01:19:37 Yebba 01:20:40 PinkPantheress 01:20:54 SZA 01:20:59 Doechii 01:21:03 Where you can find Ryan Mitchell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 19 · 1 hr 3 min

    Power, Pleasure, and White Women’s Hair with Sarah Mesle

    Only a small percentage of women are naturally blonde, yet blonde hair has become one of the most powerful symbols of beauty and privilege in American culture. This week, Christiana sits down with Sarah Mesle, USC professor and author of Tangled: Seven Iconic Moments in White Women's Hair and What They Tell Us About Power, Pleasure, and Complicity, to examine the cultural politics of white women’s hair. Through stories of blonde privilege, Britney Spears, and Princess Diana, Sarah explains how hair reveals the complicated relationship between beauty, identity, and power. Sarah’s website: https://sarahmesle.com/ Follow Sarah: 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 1:26 Meet Sarah 1:47 Hair and white feminine power 3:50 Sarah’s interest in hair 5:08 White visual performances and whiteness as a currency 8:50 January 6th uprising 10:40 Partisan aesthetics 13:50 Princess Diana and women with short hair 18:43 Blonde hair 20:58 JoJo Siwa 21:33 Maternal love and white resource hoarding 22:40 White mothers giving their daughters elaborate hair styles 25:00 Blonde privilege and the value of the currency of whiteness 27:47 How Black women are treated depending on their hair styles 29:30 Class and white women’s fear of “trashiness” 32:40 Relationship between white women’s hair and thighs 33:30 Thin hair 35:17 Long hair and the women surrounding Trump 36:06 Picking white women to focus on in “Tangled” 40:32 Britney Spears 45:50 Complicating the idea that there are victims and villains 47:00 Cruel optimism 48:10 Gwyneth Paltrow 51:00 Opting out and diverging from the norm 54:30 The game is rigged 55:20 What’s next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 12 · 1 hr 35 min

    Pioneers, Builders, and Innovators: a new Pop Syllabus rubric with Blue Telusma

    This week, writer and YouTuber Blue Telusma joins Pop Syllabus for a wide-ranging conversation on modern relationships, gender dynamics, and what Love Island reveals about our culture. Best known for her sharp commentary on the hit reality series, Blue and Christiana explore everything from dating and accountability to race and media. Then, the two debut our new Pioneers, Builders & Innovators game, weighing in on cultural figures from Joe Rogan and Tyra Banks to Jay-Z, Madonna, Kim Kardashian, and Kris Jenner. Follow Blue: 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 1:18 Meet Blue Telusma 5:28 The Diaspora Wars Explained 6:10 Dating Nigerian Men and Blue's Dating Experience 10:16 "Good Women Aren't Having Babies Anymore" 15:45 Partnership vs. Companionship 22:05 Dating as an Unambiguous Woman 27:37 What Love Island Gets Wrong About Race 36:20 Calling Out Women vs. Challenging the System 38:55 The Ego Tantrums Taking Over Love Island 40:38 Has Reality TV Normalized Dysfunction? 45:45 Pioneers, Builders & Innovators Game 52:12 Joe Rogan: Pioneer, Builder, or Innovator? 57:18 Tyra Banks: Pioneer, Builder, or Innovator? 1:07:13 Jay Z: Pioneer, Builder, or Innovator? 1:11:45 Madonna: Pioneer, Builder, or Innovator? 1:15:58 Kim Kardashian & Kris Jenner: Pioneers, Builders, or Innovators? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 5 · 1 hr 16 min

    Pop Culture and The Royal Family: Past, Present, and Future with Omid Scobie

    The royal family has mastered the art of staying in the spotlight. For generations, they’ve been a source of fascination, controversy, and endless conversation. But why do we keep coming back to the Crown? In this episode, Christiana sits down with NY Times bestselling author of Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy’s Fight for Survival, TV writer, producer, and royal commentator Omid Scobie to break down the monarchy as the ultimate pop culture phenomenon. After 13 years covering the royal beat, Omid shares what he’s learned about the institution, the media machine behind it, the scandals that shaped public opinion, and why the world remains obsessed with the royals. Follow Omid: Instagram Explore Omid Scobie’s Books on the Royal Family 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 1:14 Meet Omid Scobie 3:40 Inside the Royal Beat 5:54 Why Britain Created WAG Culture 6:50 Meghan, Harry & the Palace 13:28 How the Press Built Meghan's Narrative 17:46 Why Americans See the Royals Differently 19:46 What Makes Someone a Royalist? 21:21 Kate's Cancer Announcement 23:28 Why Royal Women Face More Scrutiny 26:31 Why Meghan & Harry Became Easy Targets 30:08 Writing Endgame 36:17 Inside the Royal Feuds 39:32 America's "Royal Families" 43:49 Can the Monarchy Ever Change? 46:13 Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal 52:14 King Charles, Trump & Politics 55:27 Harry vs. William 58:17 Behind Palace Dynamics 1:04:51 The Monarchy's Diversity Problem 1:09:24 The Royals in 2027: What's Next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 22 · 1 hr 1 min

    The Anatomy of a Real Housewife with Candiace Dillard Bassett

    Millions of people watch The Real Housewives, but few know what it's really like to be one. In this episode, Christiana sits down with former Real Housewives of Potomac star and Miss USA 2013, Candiace Dillard Bassett, for an honest conversation about fame, friendship, IVF, marriage, and what it actually takes to survive one of television's biggest franchises. Follow Candiace: Instagram Read Christiana’s Substack essay on why The Real Housewives is the dark mirror we deserve: https://popsyllabus.substack.com/p/why-the-real-housewives-is-the-dark 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 01:16 Meet Candiace Dillard Bassett 02:17 Why Candiace became a Real Housewife 03:30 Candiace’s familial privilege 05:20 Black American Princess (BAP) culture 06:00 Feeling shame about growing up privileged 10:00 From beauty pageants to Real Housewives 13:38 Crying as a Black woman on reality TV 18:49 Candiace and Monique Samuels’ friendship breakup 20:45 Drew Sidora’s salary leak and the economics of being a Real Housewife 29:44 The psychological toll of being on Real Housewives 33:00 Going through IVF 37:08 On returning to Real Housewives 39:14 Colorism on reality TV 43:44 Candiace’s first test scene 45:10 Candiace’s longstanding relationships from the show 45:30 The Traitors season 4 48:08 What’s next for Candiace 54:20 Candiace’s marriage with Chris Bassett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 16 · 1 hr 8 min

    GLP-1s and The Death of Body Positivity with Dr. A. Janet Tomiyama

    Are GLP-1s changing our relationship with our bodies? The science says yes, but not in the ways you might think. In this episode, Christiana sits down with Dr. A. Janet Tomiyama, health psychologist, UCLA professor, and director of the Diet, Stigma, and Health (DiSH) Lab, to examine how GLP-1s are redefining body positivity, exposing the persistence of weight stigma, and raising bigger questions about who gets to be accepted and why. Thanks to our sponsor, Bilt Rewards, for supporting today's episode: joinbilt.com/popsyllabus 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 1:25 Meet Janet 3:53 What Japan and Nigeria Reveal About Weight Stigma 5:55 Is Weight Really About Willpower? The Science of Genetics & Dieting 7:56 Should Governments Pay for Weight Loss? 9:37 Why Most Diets Don't Work Long-Term 15:41 How Culture Shapes the Way We Eat 20:21 Why Bigger Bodies Once Represented Wealth 24:29 What Is "Food Noise"? 29:01 The Hidden Reality of Eating Disorders in Black Women 32:14 GLP-1s, Grief, and the Identity Shift No One Talks About 36:41 Who Gets Access to GLP-1s? 42:21 The Risks and Unknowns of GLP-1 Medications 49:03 Are GLP-1s a Lifetime Commitment? 51:28 Raising a Family in a Weight-Obsessed World 56:14 Should Parents Put Their Kids on GLP-1s? 1:01:21 Why Body Neutrality May Be More Realistic Than Body Positivity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 8 · 55 min

    Are They a Star, Celebrity or Famous Person? with Zuri Hall

    We're back with another round of our signature pop culture game, Are They a Star, Celebrity, or Famous Person? This week, Christiana is joined by Emmy Award-winning TV host, Zuri Hall, to pull names from the bowl and weigh in on everyone from Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark to Cardi B, Dua Lipa, Timothée Chalamet, Anna Wintour, Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, and more. They also get into the rise of influencer culture, the business of celebrity, and who has the staying power to become a true star. Ready to play? Follow Zuri on Instagram Zuri’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 1:36 Meet Zuri Hall 3:35 Zuri’s exit plan from Access Hollywood 9:36 The game begins 12:33 Angel Reese enters the chat 13:30 Angel Reese vs Caitlin Clark rivalry breakdown 15:41 Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio & Daniel Day-Lewis energy 18:03 Anna Wintour: the “mean boss” myth 19:41 Charli D'Amelio family drama 20:37 Celebrities vs influencers: who runs culture now? 26:44 Cardi B chaos & charisma 34:14 Dua Lipa wedding watch + love life 37:47 Billie Eilish era check 40:03 Bad Bunny takeover 41:43 The Weeknd enters the conversation 47:23 Zohran Mamdani surprise finale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 1 · 49 min

    IVF, Pregnancy, and Home Birth at 45 with Jesse Golden

    More women are having children after 40, but what does that actually look like when you are in it? In this episode, Christiana sits down with Jesse Golden, CEO and founder of The Golden Secrets, to talk about her journey of trying for motherhood at 45, including IVF, miscarriage, and starting over later in life. She also opens up about home birth, treatment costs, community, and what it really means to redefine motherhood on your own terms. Follow Jesse 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 1:09 Meet Jesse Golden 2:53 Trying for motherhood again at 45 4:09 What it’s really like trying to get pregnant in your 40s 6:15 Navigating miscarriage and loss 10:04 Inside Jesse’s IVF journey 14:43 The real cost of IVF (financial and emotional) 19:44 Finding community as a woman giving birth after 40 22:14 What actually helps improve your chances of pregnancy 27:22 Is IVF the right path for you? 32:53 Egg freezing and what the future of IVF looks like 36:21 Exploring home birth later in life 40:13 Jesse’s home birth story 43:36 Staying grounded in your choices and your body Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 24 · 1 hr 4 min

    The Pop Culture Debrief: Deconstructing Magazines

    This week’s pop culture syllabus comes straight from the magazine rack! In this solo episode, Christiana sits down to talk us through the latest from Women's Health, GQ, Harper's Bazaar, and the juiciest tabloids, breaking down celebrity glow-ups, style statements, and luxury obsessions from names like Jay-Z, Anne Hathaway, Rita Ora, and more while unpacking what this month’s magazines are really saying about pop culture. 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 0:39 Rita Ora’s wellness era 3:12Inside Rita’s new look 7:00 The millennial facelift boom 13:55 Meghan & Harry tabloid drama 17:30 Ryan Seacrest’s face fears 19:17 Paris Hilton, theme queen 21:40 Crosswords: hot or not? 23:04 Jay-Z’s GQ takeover 23:39 Is Jay-Z channeling Basquiat? 28:12 Luxury ads everywhere 29:02 Pop culture’s iconic watches 32:22 Sketchers sketchy ads 34:06 GQ’s wedding rulebook 36:22 The life of Jay-Z 38:44 The Horology of HOV 45:38 Anne Hathaway’s Harper’s Bazaar moment 49:35 Chanel’s star-studded campaign 54:10 Bobbi Brown & beauty businesses 57:18 Ariana’s Swarovski sparkle 59:03 Inside Lulu Guinness’ whimsical home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 17 · 53 min

    Manthropology with Holly Solem

    Women spend a lot of time wondering what men really think about love and relationships. In this episode, Christiana sits down with Holly Solem, advice columnist and creator of the social media series Manthropology, to discuss what she’s learned from interviewing men about dating, masculinity, and loneliness. They also play a game revisiting iconic fictional men in pop culture and how they shaped millennial women’s understanding of love and relationships. Holly’s Vogue essay Follow Holly on Instagram Follow Mathropology 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 01:19 Meet Holly Solem 06:20 Holly’s move back to LA 07:14 Creating “Manthropology” 11:28 What Holly has learned about men while making “Manthropology” 13:34 How men in LA compare to men in NY 14:45 How women absorb the shame of men 16:09 Misogyny in 2026 18:02 Platonic relationships between straight men and women 22:20 How Holly reacts during Manthropology interviews 23:20 White girlhood vs. Black girlhood 25:51 Fictional pop-culture men game 27:14 Chandler Bing from “Friends” 28:58 Ross Geller from “Friends” 29:39 Batman 30:50 Superman 32:24 Homer Simpson 34:10 Lawrence from “Insecure” 35:13 Big from “Sex and the City” 37:13 Don Draper from “Mad Men” 38:18 Walter White from “Breaking Bad” 40:13 Nick Young from “Crazy Rich Asians” 41:35 Prince Akeem from “Coming to America” 42:46 Austin Powers 43:37 James Bond 46:40 Wolverine 48:13 Adam Sackler from “Girls” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 10 · 1 hr 32 min

    Ranking Pop Culture Divas with Gerrick Kennedy

    We’ve been calling women divas for years, but we still can’t agree on what the word actually means or who qualifies. In this episode, Christiana sits down with music journalist Gerrick Kennedy, co-author of Brandy's new memoir, Phases, to do the impossible: rank the greatest divas across the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s and unpack what really earns someone the title. Together, they debate the diva status of icons like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga, while making the case for a few overlooked sleeper divas along the way. By the end, it becomes clear that defining a diva is a lot harder than it sounds. Gerrick’s book with Brandy: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/phases-brandy?variant=44324080779298 Gerrick’s book on Whitney Houston: https://gerrickkennedy.com/whitneyhouston Follow Gerrick 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 01:18 Meet Gerrick Kennedy 03:20 How Gerrick Built a Career in Music Journalism 06:33 The Time Gerrick Met Joe Jackson 11:18 Diva Ranking Game 13:19 Defining a “diva” 16:46 Ranking 90s divas 18:50 Brandy 27:07 Janet Jackson 29:22 Mariah Carey 34:07 Gerrick on Working With Brandy on Phases 36:16 The Patriarchal Control Behind Pop Divas 40:59 Ranking 2000s divas 42:11 Why Divas Have to Go Solo 48:59 Jennifer Lopez 55:59 Britney Spears 1:00:37 Amy Winehouse 1:05:01 Ranking 2010s divas 1:06:03 Lady Gaga 1:12:54 Rihanna 1:16:29 Tinashe 1:17:52 Beyoncé 1:23:56 Taylor Swift 1:25:39 The Next Generation of Pop Stars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 3 · 57 min

    Deconstructing the Kardashians with MJ Corey

    Whether you love them or hate them, it’s hard to argue the Kardashians didn’t completely change the way we think about fame. So how did this family go from reality TV to becoming the blueprint for modern celebrity and one of the most powerful forces in pop culture? In this episode, Christiana sits down with author MJ Corey to talk about her book Deconstructing the Kardashians: A New Media Manifesto and trace the evolution of the Kardashians and what their success really says about them. Together, they do what the internet has always done best and overanalyze the Kardashians, getting into fame, branding, controversy, and where this endlessly fascinating family goes next. Follow MJ 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 00:52 MJ Corey’s first time watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians 03:08 Understanding postmodernism to understand the Kardashians 03:50 Kim Kardashian and ethnic ambiguity 04:55 Comparing the Kardashians to iconic American brands 08:50 Kris Jenner, the O.J. Simpson trial and revisionist history 13:00 The Kardashians, cultural appropriation and Black romantic partners 22:00 The Kardashians as early adopters of technology 25:25 The Paris robbery and trial 31:09 How the Kardashians will be remembered 32:15 Who will be Kris’ successor? 34:12 Predicting Kim’s future in politics 36:20 Which grandchild is most likely to be the next star? 37:40 Does Kim venture into podcasting? 38:10 Does SKIMS IPO? 38:28 How many more times will Kim Kardashian get married? 40:00 When will Kris Jenner retire? 42:04 What’s the future of Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet? 44:29 Which Kardashian is mostly likely to make a hard pivot? 48:30 MJ’s biggest prediction for the Kardashians/Jenners in the next five years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 27 · 58 min

    The Celebrity Couples Game with Erin Lim Rhodes

    Celebrity couples today don’t just date, they trend, and every move instantly becomes part of the cultural conversation online. In this episode, Christiana sits down with E! Entertainment host Erin Lim Rhodes to play our signature Celebrity Couples Game and debate some of pop culture’s most talked-about pairs, from Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet to Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, and more. Expect hot takes, chaotic rankings, and a few moments that will definitely have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about these couples. Follow Erin 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 01:03 Meet Erin Lim Rhodes 04:24 Erin’s move to Singapore 06:18 Getting hired by E! 11:46 “The Rundown” and using social media 18:29 The Celebrity Couples Game 19:30 Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner 20:43 Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade 24:36 Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra 28:40 Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck 33:14 Olandria and Nic Vansteenberghe 36:28 John Legend and Chrissy Teigen 41:57 Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco 48:49 Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 20 · 1 hr 17 min

    The Conversation We Need About Womb Health With Dr. Kemi Doll

    Womb health is still one of the most misunderstood areas of women’s care, especially for Black women. In today’s episode, Christiana sits down with gynecologic oncologist and author of A Terrible Strength: The Hidden Crisis of the Black Womb and Your Survival Guide to Healing to walk us through fibroids, endometriosis, and the symptoms that are often dismissed, plus what women should be asking about care and diagnosis. Dr. Kemi’s website Follow Dr. Kemi Doll: 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 01:00 Meet Dr. Kemi Doll 03:40 How Dr. Doll’s background has informed her work 07:30 Understanding womb suffering 08:55 Black women with womb suffering getting misdiagnosed 10:47 Womb condition #1: heavy menstrual bleeding 23:40 Options for people with the BRCA1 gene 25:36 Womb condition #2: endometriosis 35:29 Teenagers and young women with womb suffering 39:05 Womb condition #3: fibroids 51:18 Womb condition #4: endometrial cancer 01:01:28 Advice for dealing with doctors and medical institutions 01:08:45 Combining holistic wellness with medicine 01:11:55 Setting boundaries in order to heal 01:13:00 Where to find Dr. Kemi Doll’s work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 13 · 47 min

    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

  • May 6 · 52 min

    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

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