The Pop Culture Scholar and gallup strengths coach
Hey there, friend! I’m Kris McPeak—a pop culture junkie, Higher Ed veteran, and now a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. I use the magic of music, movies, and television to spark real-life lessons that help people thrive at work and in life.
After 30+ years in higher education (and a secret dream of becoming either a country music star or a film critic), I finally discovered what was missing: alignment. Not just in my job or my calendar, but in my whole dang approach to life.
For years, I tried side hustles that weren’t really me.
Like Annette Bening said in The Grifters, “I kissed a lot of frogs.” 🐸
And I spent more than I made—because I thought hustle had to look a certain way.
But everything changed when I launched a pop culture podcast with my sister and started building a business rooted in my actual passions. I stopped forcing the grind. I stopped chasing strategies. And I started showing up with more focus, more joy, and way less stress.
Now I help other professionals—especially burned-out Higher Ed folks—realign with their unique strengths and stop playing small. Whether you're exploring a new path or just want to love your current one a little more, I’m here to help you reconnect with the brilliance that’s always been there.
🎉 Welcome to The Pop Culture Scholar Community—where we coach, connect, and nerd out in equal measure.
Life Imitating Art imitating life…
Pop culture doesn’t just entertain us—it teaches us.
From movie moments to song lyrics, these stories reflect our fears, dreams, and growth in real time.
As a Pop Culture Scholar and Strengths Coach, I use film, music, and TV to help clients connect the dots between who they are and who they’re becoming. It’s personal development with a fun, relatable twist—because when you see your life through the lens of the stories you love, things start to click.
Self-awareness becomes easier. Growth feels more fun.
And your journey? Way more aligned. 🎬💡💖
Check Out THE TOP FIVE PODCAST!
FUN and FANTASTIC!
“Love this podcast! It is fun and entertaining - just what I need for my morning commute. Cannot recommend it enough!”
—Janice, Host of The Beauty Call Podcast
