Entertainment Education: The Podcast

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with Disney, we explore how Disney’s iconic storytelling principles, like “show, don’t tell” and transformative character arcs, don’t just entertain, but also educate, inspire, and shape classroom experiences. We’ll talk about everything from how Disney fandom can become a powerful academic and professional pursuit, to the evolving role of Disney’s cultural messaging now that it owns powerhouses like Marvel and Star Wars. Plus, we'll hear about our guests' latest projects and how they bring a bit of Disney magic into their everyday teaching. My ride buddies for the evening are Dr. Rebecca Rowe, Professor and Editor of International Journal of Disney Studies, and Dr. Priscilla Hobbs, Associate Dean and author.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast – The one with Narratives and Literature, we explore how narratives and literature intersect with entertainment education in the classroom to create a movement and social change. This episode blends scholarly insight with playful exchanges, offering both educators and literature fans a thoughtful conversation on how stories teach, transform, and entertain. Grab your favorite book and cosy into your favorite chair to read, as my co-authors for this episode are Drs. Erin Mann, Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, and Michelle Anya Anjirbag, Lecturer and Researcher in Fantasy

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with Legacy Media, we unpack the enduring value of legacy media in today’s fast-moving digital landscape. Together, we explore how platforms like radio, print, and public broadcasting continue to shape educational messages, often in ways modern media still can’t replicate. From the role of PBS and NPR to the surprising resurgence of radio dramas and comics, this episode dives into how old-school formats can still teach, inspire, and entertain. My evening news cohosts for this episode are Dr. Julia Kuttler, McPhearson College, and Professor Len Assante, Volunteer State Community College.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with Video Games, grab your friends and let’s challenge them to a Super Smash Bros. contest. We grab our controllers and discuss how video games can be an effective teaching method. There are so many elementary schools now that use video games to teach subjects like math, and the world is only opening up and leveling up from there. Joining me this episode as my players 2 and 3 are Dr. Medgar Roberts and Brian Raica.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with AI In the Classroom, Chat GPT is not running this episode, but the roundtable of guests joining me are! Tracy Schorle, College Professor and VP of industry, Debra Brandt, K12 and College Educator, Brittany Clark, College Professor, Amanda Czuprynski, College Professor & PhD Student, and Sarah Ivy Carson, Return Adult College Student. We have a roundtable discussion in this episode on how AI has not only changed the classroom, but the world. Join us as we delve into AI, but first, a message from the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson!

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with the Swifties, look what you made me do! I knew you fans were trouble when you walked in. EE: The Podcast is being invaded by Swifties and there’s no Bad Blood. We have a Love Story of a conversation about how TS can help teach in the classroom and create social change in a Fornight. Grab your favorite album, best friend, and lets go on tour, and welcome my guests, Associate faculty and TedX Faculty Advisor at Mt. San Jacinto College, Candace Saunder Grewe and Chair & Associate Professor of English and a Taylor Swift Course, Jamie Gorczyca from Vol State Community College.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: TP The One with Fandom, we explore the intersections of fandom, storytelling, and informal learning in educational spaces. Whether you’re a fan of sports, Disney, Marvel, or any other community, creating a nostalgic moment could create a valuable learning experience within that fandom. Returning to the guest chair this episode is Dr. Cody Havard, host of Being a Fan of Disney The Podcast and Professor of Sports Commerce at the University of Memphis. Join us as we take the journey into fandom and nostalgia.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One the Great Return, we welcome back Entertainment Education: The Podcast for season two! We’re starting off this great season talking about social media, and the art of ghost stories. Communication began with an oral culture, and although mediated today, ghost stories and narration are still effective tools in the classroom. Grab your popcorn, blanket, and smore, and welcome my guests, Assistant Professor of Communication & Honors Program Director Ines Petrovic Garcia and Associate Professor of Communication Sheri Waltz from Vol State Community College.

Entertainment Education: The Podcast is BACK for Season TWO! Here is a little teaser, featuring Cody Havard and his inner dialogue...

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast, The One With Disney, are you ready to begin? Grab your magic carpet, your favorite popcorn bucket and magic band, and put on your favorite Disney clothing item as we discuss the whole fandom of Disney and it’s impact on social change. From the princesses, to the theme parks, to the Disney Adults, we put on our Mickey ears, grab a churro, and discuss it all. My co-hosts for this final episode are Dr. Robyn Muir from the University of Surrey and Dr. Cody Havard from the University of Memphis. Join our Happily Ever After episode as we discuss all things Disney in the final episode of the season, episode eight.

On this episode of Entertainment Entertainment: The Podcast - The One With Social Media, decide which episode of Entertainment Entertainment: The Podcast is going into your MySpace top 8 as we discuss how social media has changed the way learning happens, both in and out of the classroom. Join a TikTok challenge and listen to this episode delve into why social media is important to our daily communication and lives. My co-host this week is social media influencer and assistant professor in Professional Communication at Minot State University, Dr. Olivia Simone Reed. Set your best filter for your Insta post as you join us for episode seven.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One With Health, get your glasses of wine ready as we talk about Shonda Rhimes, Grey’s Anatomy, and all things health and fitness! The storylines on medical dramas aren’t only for entertainment, but also for teaching. Social change could happen as you sit down and watch an episode of Scandal. We also discuss why teaching fitness and exercise, especially to children, so important in this day and age. My co-host this week is former MTV and NBC fitness expert, and founder of Kids Leading Kids, Saran Dunmore, join us on our workout with Entertainment Education.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One With Sports, LET’S GET READY TOOOOOOOO…talk sports and entertainment education. Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neil, Michael Jordan, Frank Thomas, Wayne Gretzky…these aren’t just famous athletes, these are people who made a difference during their careers. A society can score points and learn social change just by listening to what their favorite athletes are saying and watching what they are doing. Also, playing a sport teaches a person a whole lot. Joining me in this episode is Dr. Cody T. Havard, come along as we score a home run discussing sports and entertainment education.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One With TV, I want to thank you all for being a friend as we drive down the road and back again to discuss the cultural impact of sitcoms in the 1980s and 90s. Being able to persuade and teach an audience in 30 minutes is a challenging feat. But you would see, the greatest gift would be the message. Grab a cheesecake, and welcome my guest host this week, writer and producer of over 140 episodes of classic television sitcom and one of my absolute favorites, The Golden Girls, Richard Vaczy.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast - The One with Movies, I dive deep into collections and vaults of classic and modern cinematic masterpieces and how the stories teach and change society. From Disney to documentaries to the Dead Poets Society, we discuss how films have impacted wide audiences and many generations. I welcome my guest host this week, film critic and podcast host Erik Childress.

On this episode of Entertainment Education: The Podcast The One With Music...Live Aid, Band Aid, Farm Aid, oh my! Music does more than make us move to the rhythm. It can also create social change by supporting worthwhile causes and telling stories of change. Get your dancing shoes on, and welcome my guest, the Director of Student Media at Saint Xavier University, Peter Kreten.

Host Allen Babiarz-Lira begins the journey through this eight-part series on Entertainment Education! The One with the Basics will feature guest host author and communication professor William J. Brown, PhD, showcasing a conversation between him and Allen about why entertainment education is essential for social change.Host: Allen Babiarz-LiraGuest Host: William J. Brown, Ph.D.Production Intern: GG RabadiA special thank you to DJ JayCee and Elias Rabadi for the theme.

Just a little taste of what you are going to get in this limited eight part series!