Pop culture”s depth and impact is on display every year at the Pop Culture Association national conference. I attended this year’s gathering Chicago, joining media and cultural studies folks from around the world.

It is fascinating to see the array of panels on television, anime, film, literature and digital media. Yes, I scout the panels and speakers for potential guests. Further, I troll the exhibition room where publishers promote their wares. Increasing, academic books are destined for syllabi, as well as pleasure reading. And occasionally, their authors land on Advanced TV Herstory.

I was fortunate to spend some time with to PCA President Sherry Ginn. Presidents at national conferences are busy people! We discussed her work leading the organization and her path to pop culture. It’s a neat story that involves her love of sci-fi, Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and earning a PhD. Our episode Talking Sci-Fi with a Scientist, was released last week.

One of my goals for Advanced TV Herstory has been to create a fact-based resource for students and scholars. My membership in the PCA is a worthwhile investment of time and money. Also, my support of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media provides me a pipeline of ideas.