I’m Dr. Shan—a cultural studies professor, writer, and creator who believes stories can save us. I study how film, pop culture, travel, and everyday pleasures shape how we think, feel, and move through the world. My work sits at the intersection of culture and power, curiosity and care: decoding what our favorite stories are really doing, and why they matter right now.

Pop Smart Media is where culture becomes “muse you can use.” Whether I’m breaking down a film, leading a conversation, or guiding people through art and travel, the goal is the same: to turn movies, media moments, and lived experiences into tools that can help us stay safe, stay connected, and stay hopeful.