The Grounded Learners Guild

Pop Culture Playground: Game of Thrones Rewind and Reflect

[https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fab2c74fb2c7674d2a9d618/1757861969311-XW52UOET3QXAR7M6EBDP/unsplash-image-N1gFsYf9AI0.jpg?format=1000w] Pop Culture Playground: Game of Thrones Rewind and Reflect The Grounded Learners Guild Think back to the last time you heard someone talking about Jon Snow, Danerys Targaryen, or Tyrion Lannister? Binge-watching the final season with your eyebrows permanently raised and wondering if you missed a PD session on plot twists? Maybe you were dodging spoilers like arrows at the Battle of the Bastards, or rewatching the Red Wedding to confirm that, yes, it was that traumatic. Or maybe you were listening to a trio of edu-podcasters drawing some fiery parallels between Westeros and the world of professional learning. Whatever the case may be, let's hop back on the dragon and soar into all the political intrigue, power plays, and unexpected character arcs of Game of Thrones—to revisit the connections we made back in 2021.

Pop Culture Playground Redux: Game of Thrones

[https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fab2c74fb2c7674d2a9d618/1757861802911-HL1IQ944IGH475A2TTK0/unsplash-image-EvY96ANTkA4.jpg?format=1000w] This rerun I’m bending the knee to one of our most iconic episodes: "Pop Culture Playground: Game of Thrones”, which originally aired June 17, 2021. Four winters (and summers) have come and gone, and this one still rules the realm. It’s my chosen favorite to revisit and share with my fellow Guildmates and listeners. Whether you're a seasoned dragon rider or a “sweet summer child”, give it a listen. Warning: side effects may include insight, inspiration, and the sudden urge to shout, “King in the North!” Because some episodes don’t just play the game—they win it. Pop Culture Playground Redux: Game of Thrones The Grounded Learners Guild

Pop Culture Playground: What We Do In The Shadows Rewind & Reflect

[https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fab2c74fb2c7674d2a9d618/1751910827030-RT7VMBDMYBI699RIQTL8/unsplash-image-yRauBlhgBRI.jpg?format=1000w] We are now reflecting on one of our favorite offbeat mashups: that time we explored What We Do in the Shadows, the mockumentary about New Zealand or Staten Island’s most lovable vampire roommates. The movie and later developed TV show actually sucked us into some pretty powerful reflections on teaching and learning. From Colin Robinson’s energy vampire tendencies—to Laszlo’s chaotic charm and Nandor’s eternal quest for finding his why, we found ourselves asking: What does it really mean to lead, to learn, and to live… forever… in the classroom? So let’s take time unearthing What We Do in the Shadows of the classroom and see what’s changed since we last aired. Pop Culture Playground: What We Do in the Shadows Reflect & Rewind The GroundED Learners Guild

Pop Culture Playground Redux: What We Do In The Shadows

[https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fab2c74fb2c7674d2a9d618/1749489575794-7W52L1EZM8XOON8NQFXN/unsplash-image-qAts81pZrbg.jpg?format=1000w] We have covered some pretty intense shows in our pop culture playground series - including the global phenomenons game of thrones and tiger king. But I think some of our most interesting and insightful educational connections have come from a vampire movie AND its companion series in spite of its bloody violence, crude sexual content, and language. Thankfully, it’s bloody hilarious too. Our What We Do In The Shadows minisode first aired August 23rd, 2023.   Enjoy! Pop Culture Playground Redux: WWDITS The GroundED Learners Guild

Tiger King: Rewind & Reflect

[https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fab2c74fb2c7674d2a9d618/1747830309349-9AXJCTLY7ZCY0NJQPTR3/unsplash-image-S0txA-JnUFA.jpg?format=1000w] Where were you the last time you heard the names Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin? Binge watching the surprise mega hit “The Tiger King” during the pandemic? Maybe catching the sequel a few years after or Carole dancing to Eye of the Tiger on Dancing with the Stars ? Or maybe listening to a few first-year education podcasters having a little fun connecting with listeners during summer break? Whatever the case may be, welcome back   - we’re setting our sights on all the craziness of the Tiger King and the connections we made back in 2021 between the world of edu & learning and the world of tiger cub selfies and expired Walmart baloney. Tiger King: Reflect & Rewind The GroundED Learners Guild