Memory & Nostalgia

Haeny and Nathan talk with John Potter and Kate Cowan about their work in the UK on children's play from historical archives through the present day, how the pandemic has affected children's play, and some of their own memories of childhood play.

Plus they play "Colleagues Quiz" and share "What's Poppin'."

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!