Madison Feser, Seton Hall University, Author at Study Breaks

cover for madison feser's article on adult actors taking on the role of teens

A Few Years Beyond High School: The Implications of Adult Actors Playing Children

Legal and logistical barriers make casting minors something of a burden. Has the trend of adult actors assuming the role of teens skewed public perception?…

January 16, 2020

Peter Cushing life mask for Madison Feser's article on CGI

Resurrecting Actors: Has CGI Gone Too Far?

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Forget resting in peace — computer-generated imagery pulls long deceased actors from their graves and pushes them back into the limelight.…

January 4, 2020

health tracking illustration for Madison Feser's article by Amanda Morgan

Listen To Your Body, Not Your Fitbit — How ‘Health Tracking’ Is Hurting You

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Step trackers, calorie counters, weight calculations, BMI scores and other so-called health tracking trends are pushing people away from a healthy mind-body relationship and into a physically and psychologically damaging cult of obsession.…

December 22, 2019

Deifying Humanity — The Detrimental Effects of Idolizing Athletes

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

We might have created a dangerous sports culture that neglects the very human needs and vulnerabilities of athletes.…

December 13, 2019

amanda morgan illustration for addiction article by madison feser

Redefining Addiction: How a ‘Moral Failing’ Became a Chronic Disease

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

The American Society of Addiction Medicine’s recently updated definition of addiction clarifies misconceptions and may improve diagnosis and treatment.…

December 9, 2019

For the STEM vs Humanities article, old worn out books from PixaBay

A Battle Unjustified: STEM Versus Humanities

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

As society places bets on which discipline will deliver the knockout blow, an entire history of academia hangs in the balance.…

December 2, 2019

Acquisition illustration by Amanda Morgan for Madison Feser's article

Who’s Got The Power? A Look At America’s ‘Corporate Royal Family’

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Society once yielded to the wealth and influence of families like the Rockefellers, Kochs, Du Ponts and Vanderbilts, but the American aristocracy of yesterday are mere glittery relics compared to the powerhouse companies of today.…

November 24, 2019

Not Everyone Is an Activist, and That’s Okay

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Once a tool against injustice, the term has become a method of gatekeeping that often dissuades political involvement. It's time to retire the distinction between ‘activists’ and ‘non-activists.’…

November 17, 2019

The Deterioration of Cognition: Are You Living In A ‘Mobile Mindset’?

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Viewing the world through a mobile camera dramatically alters how one perceives and recalls memories.…

November 8, 2019

tarot card illustration by Amanda Morgan

Roll Up! Roll Up! The Tarot Reader Lies Ahead

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

From an extravagant card game, to an occult tool, to a mediation technique, tarot is far more interesting than a mere carnival exhibition.…

November 3, 2019

This Is the True Story of Halloween … and It Goes Back Over 2000 Years

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Jack rules as Pumpkin King, Marnie Piper lives in Halloweentown and the Sanderson witches haunt Salem. But none of these Halloween classics live up to the true history behind All Hallows’ Eve.…

October 25, 2019

Person depressed sad uncomfortable commuting to work commute to school blue blues

Three Tips to Overcome The Commuter Blues

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

How to manage when the workday is long, but the commute feels longer.…

October 19, 2019

student taking a scantron exam in school

The New Online LSAT: Testing Both Legal Knowledge and Tech Skills

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

The test is headed for a digital future. Are you prepared for this brave new world?…

October 11, 2019

America’s Killer Obsession: How Notorious Killers Became Celebrities

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Whether romanticized or condemned, serial killers are a staple of today’s Americana. But when, and how, did the fascination with society’s most deviant begin?…

September 30, 2019

Fletcher Street Stables: The Story of Philly’s Urban Horse Riding Culture

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

The phenomena dates back to the 1900s but rising poverty, unemployment and changing social norms threaten this community’s way of life.…

September 19, 2019

‘Derry Girls’: Causing Trouble During The Troubles

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Funeral pot brownies, a chips shop set aflame and a British boy at an Irish girls school — these teens are wreaking comedic havoc on their small northern Irish town.…

September 12, 2019

Crossing the Mason-Dixon: Alcohol Laws in Maryland and Pennsylvania

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

A little line makes a big difference.…

September 2, 2019

‘The Nightingale’ Is an Unflinching Portrayal of Colonial Australia

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Jennifer Kent’s film is unrelenting in its graphic depictions of savage brutality, but its meticulous attention to historical detail weaves a colonial story unlike any other.…

August 30, 2019

Woody Harrelson Is an Iconic Man Who Stays True to Himself

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

He acts, promotes marijuana, hangs with Willie Nelson, walks into oncoming traffic and is related to an assassin. Oh, and he can rock a beanie.…

August 21, 2019

The Doctor Is In: Therapy Is the Medicine of Choice in Fox’s ‘Lucifer’

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

It seems the Devil might actually care about mental health.…

August 14, 2019

My Hometown, My Responsibility? Should You Move Away or Stay?

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

The Clash put it best: ‘Should I stay or should I go?’…

August 8, 2019

Think You Hate Country Music? Think Again

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

It’s not all about trucks, beers and hometown girls.…

August 1, 2019

‘Midsommar’: Where Eden Meets Hell

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

The Ari Aster film seamlessly merges the sublimely beautiful with the disturbingly sinister, creating a world that audiences will both revile and desire.…

July 24, 2019

YA Fiction Was Great, But What Comes Next?

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Other worlds are waiting for you in the literary canon.…

July 18, 2019

The Lumineers Portray the Spiral of Alcoholism in ‘Gloria’

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

The folk-rock band explores the generational impact of addiction.…

July 11, 2019

‘Euphoria’ Is Not Afraid to Showcase the Taboo

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Topics that were once unspeakable have become mainstream social behavior — and this show addresses them as such.…

July 9, 2019

‘Western Stars’ Is Springsteen’s Tribute to a Bygone Era

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Springsteen steps aside and lets the music take control in his new album.…

June 28, 2019

The 5 Best Soundtracks on Television Right Now

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Jam out or binge-watch? With these soundtracks, you can do both.…

June 20, 2019

6 Shows to Fill the ‘Supernatural’ Void

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Team Freewill may be retiring from ‘Supernatural,’ but that doesn’t mean you have to give up monsters, ghouls and other creepy creatures that haunt the night.…

June 11, 2019

10 Summer Podcasts That Are Perfect for Long Summer Days

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

Each of these programs has a standalone format, which means no bingeing required.…

June 7, 2019

Suggestions

Suggestions

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University