Episoder

  • This week Haeny and Nathan are back at the table - the tabletop gaming table that is, with Kent Davis, author of the A Riddle in Ruby fantasy series and co-author of Epic RPG, a tabletop role playing game. He talks with Haeny and Nathan about how risk comes into gaming. What makes playing roles feel risky, and how can players be encouraged to take risks in a gaming environment, without pushing too hard? And of course, Haeny pitches Kent on her Kardashian themed role playing game.

    For transcripts of this episode and more, visit our website.

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.


    The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • This episode takes the theme of “playing roles” this season literally! Marah and Chris join Haeny and Nathan on the Pop and Play stage to talk about acting! They are a married couple that acts in community theater productions in San Francisco. They talk about how they got into acting, what has kept them coming back to it, and how it feels to be on stage as a lead character and a person of color in front of younger generations. Also Nathan and Haeny put them on the spot for an unrehearsed acting challenge (without even giving them to the count of ten), and the results are impressive and maybe a little terrifying.

    For transcripts of this episode and more, visit our website.

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.


    The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

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  • Nathan and Haeny are joined by Lil Miss Hot Mess (LMHM) to talk about playing with roles through drag, Drag Queen Story Hour, and what it’s like doing drag events for kids. LMHM talks with Haeny and Nathan about her journey in drag, and how drag can be part of modeling possibilities for adulthood with kids. They tackle questions like, how can we defend drag from its critics and uplift its possibilities without sanitizing discussions of drag as an art form? And LMHM demonstrate her skills in coining drag names on the fly.

    Lil Miss Hot Mess is on the board of Drag Queen Story Hour, and is the author of two children’s books centered on drag, The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish (Running Press Kids, 2020) and If You’re a Drag Queen and You Know It (Running Press Kids, 2022). Check out their website to learn more about her and her work!

    For transcripts of this episode and more, visit our website.

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.


    The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • Haeny and Nathan are joined by immersive experience designer Caro Murphy to discuss the power of immersive experiences, what kinds of choices go into designing them, and what parallels they have to learning environments and teaching. Caro is one of the designers behind the Star Wars: Galactic Experience the team visited in last week’s episode! Listen to that too, it pairs great with this episode in either order! Caro shares some tips and reflections from their immersive experience design work, Nathan makes them navigate a haunted mansion, and more, all on this week’s episode!

    For transcripts of this episode, to learn about our guests, and more, visit our website.

    To hear more from Nathan on play, technology, and learning, listen to his appearance on Pursuing the Public Good, a new podcast from Teachers College!

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.


    The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • This season is all about “playing roles,” and Haeny and Nathan start it off by exploring a long ago and far away galaxy at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser immersive experience. They are joined by fellow Teachers College professors Tran Templeton and Alex Bowers for their journey, and then interviewed by earthbound guest host Professor Lalitha Vasudevan to unpack their fantastical adventures. They ask, what is an immersive experience? What did they learn that could be relevant to designing learning experiences and environments? Why was Haeny’s experience so much different than Nathan’s? Find out all this and more on our first episode of Season 4!

    This episode includes short audio clips from the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience for transformational educational and commentary uses in this not-for-profit podcast under fair use.

    For transcripts of this episode, to learn about our guests, and more, visit our website.

    See pictures from the team's visit to Galactic Starcruiser! http://snowdaylearninglab.org/popplay_starcruiser

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • This April 9, another season of Pop and Play is about to roll into your podcast feeds! This season, Haeny and Nathan are exploring how play allows people to try on roles they might not otherwise experience in their lives. With another set of great guests, they learn about Drag, Cosplay, Young Adult fiction, Immersive Theater Design and more. They even travel to a far away galaxy (...Orlando). And of course they play games and find out “what’s poppin.” Follow now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or search “Pop and Play” wherever you listen to Podcasts and subscribe!

  • Haeny and Nathan are here, technically still in the month of January, to talk about what's in, what's out, hopes for the New Year, and more! And they have what's in and what's out from some former Pop and Play guests to share as well! Pop and Play Season 4 is coming soon! But for all you poppernauts out there who can't wait, here's a special bonus episode!

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • In the final episode of season 3, Early Childhood Researcher and Professor Tran Templeton and ten-year-old Sahana join Haeny and Nathan and everyone is “going bonkers” about intergenerational research. It’ll make sense when you listen. Sahana lets Professor Templeton know what it was like to be part of her study from the perspective of a young person involved in research. And they reflect on why adults should listen to young people.

    Visit the episode page for transcripts and more!

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • Oh don’t mind Haeny and Nathan, they just want to hang around in your podcast feed and ask a couple of questions, if it’s no trouble. Just one more thing… did you listen to this week’s episode of Pop and Play yet? Because we’re talking detectives and Columbo! Haeny and Nathan bring on guests Mark and Arlo Maynard who have a parent and child connection through this unassuming TV detective - and they’re not the only ones because returning guest Professor Sonali Rajan joins to talk about how Columbo has figured into parenting in her family as well! They talk about what brings them together across generations around detective stories and Columbo in particular. And they settle the most important question: Is Batman a detective?

    Visit the episode page for transcripts and more!

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • Haeny and Nathan love to embrace the chaos of play, but can they also get into putting away their toys neatly? This week on Pop and Play it’s all about finding fun in order and curation: we’re talking about collecting with author, high school English teacher and collector Morgan Boyd. We talk about how Morgan’s daughter got him re-started on collecting, what M.U.S.C.L.E. stands for, what makes something a collection, and why we collect. Also - Nathan tells the world how well a big investment paid off, and Haeny reveals a dark collecting secret. Pop and Play episodes are meant to be played, don’t leave this one in the original packaging!

    Visit the episode page for transcripts and more!

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • Haeny and Nathan may think they know something about Star Wars, but Gabe and siblings Sam and Zia are here to teach these padawans a thing or two about which force powers are best, and themes of family in the Star Wars universe. They also share their stories of connecting across generations and with each other as their fathers tried to indoctrinate them into the ways of the Force. Visit the episode page for transcripts and more!

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • Note: This episode contains some adult language and content.

    This week Haeny and Nathan visit UPPERWESTSKATES skate shop and talk with owner Chris Vidal about skateboarding! Did you know that Nathan once owned an extremely cool skateboard. And can you guess what sport Haeny is “pretty skilled” at?

    It turns out, visiting a skate shop is a great way to see how play and place can be at the heart of learning and community. Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to more.

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • Haeny and Nathan talk all about the BSC. Oh you didn’t know that stands for Baby-Sitters Club? Well now you do. And guess what? You’re going to hear a lot more about preferring Kristy or Stacey, how the show has translated both through time and across mediums, and why it makes Nathan misty-eyed.


    Then Nathan’s partner and his daughter join to tease him, I mean teach him about BSC, and they and Haeny talk about their connections with the show and books. Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to more.


    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.


    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • Got a strong opinion about fashion? Don’t worry, Nathan will carry that for you in his cargo shorts! Haeny and Nathan put on their best outfits and walk onto a new pop cultural catwalk with an episode on fashion! Luckily they’re joined by some experts: mother and daughter fashion trend-setters Professor Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz and Olivia Ruiz.

    They debate fashion trends and talk fashion icons, plead with Nathan to buy a bag for all that stuff he’s carrying in his cargo pockets, and talk about how fashion is about both individual expression and community. Visit the episode page for links to more and a transcript.

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • Our first episode of Pop and Play Season 3 is here! Professor John Jennings joins Haeny and Nathan to talk about comics across generations. A Hugo and Eisner Award winner, Professor Jennings is the writer and co-creator of the new Marvel series Silver Surfer: Ghost Light, which just released this February! (See the episode page to learn more about some of his impressive list of projects in the wider world of comics.) He talks with Haeny and Nathan about his creative process, who played Batman best, and re-mixing public domain superheroes for fun. Before all that, Haeny and Nathan introduce our theme for Season 3: intergenerational play.

    Our music is selections from Leafeaters by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

  • Introducing Season 3 of Pop and Play, coming February 28, 2023! Visit tc.edu/popandplay to learn more! Pop and Play is a podcast about play and pop culture with hosts Haeny Yoon and Nathan Holbert. This season explores "intergenerational play" and features a new set of great guests and topics (including kids!). Nathan and Haeny go to a skate shop, watch Babysitters Club, and possibly get Rick-rolled? You won't want to miss it!

    Pop and Play is produced by the Digital Futures Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. Our music is selections from “Leafeaters” by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

  • The truth is, we care about our young people, dare we say, even worry about them. But staying connected to their world and all the complexity they navigate can be a challenge. Pop and Play hosts Haeny Yoon and Nathan Holbert introduce this new podcast created and hosted by Pop and Play Producer Joe Riina-Ferrie, and Media Producer Jen Lee. "How's School?" looks at education, health, and psychology–but at the core is young people's well-being, and our ability to face things that impact them without losing heart.

    Follow "How's School?" wherever you podcast–the series begins Oct 12, 2022.


    From The Digital Futures Institute: tc.edu/hows-school

  • Haeny and Nathan are joined by friend of the show and colleague Lalitha Vasudevan, as well as (Re)Search for Solutions host Sonali Rajan for a special crossover episode. This episode covers a more serious topic as it discusses the troubling implications of the "Block 19" - a gun made to be adorned with LEGOs, along with the complex intersection between play and violence.

    Visit the episode page for transcripts and to learn more about what was discussed in this episode.

    Our music is selections from “Leafeaters” by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

    Check out (Re)Search for Solutions - hosted by Sonali Rajan

  • Nathan and Haeny read Choose Your Own Adventure books and discuss them with special guests: kids! (Books: Space and Beyond (Choose Your Own Adventure Series #3) and Choose Your Own Adventure Eighth Grade Witch.) They discuss what the kids thought about the CYOA book, the best reading strategies, and what's poppin' for their four guests.


    Visit the episode page for transcripts and to learn more about what was discussed in this episode.

    Our music is selections from “Leafeaters” by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.

  • Haeny and Nathan discuss Masters of the Universe: Revelation, a recent follow-up to the '80s cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. They're joined by University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign Professor Anne Haas Dyson to talk children's play, pop culture and representation! How does Pop culture inform children's play, and what is the importance of representation to children? And why do shows keep trying to teach Haeny lessons?

    Visit the episode page for transcripts and to learn more about what was discussed in this episode.

    Our music is selections from “Leafeaters” by Podington Bear, Licensed under CC (BY-NC) 3.0.