Heh, I read that +1, 0, -1 bit and can hear that intro in my head

Without a computer .... well you used to be able to get standalone sequencers for Midi but near everyone uses a laptop these days for that kind of thing.  Usually programming a sequencer box is just a huge PITA.  Laptop is easier.  No harm in checking around for something second hand though.  You need something that can handle Midi 'automation' and 'Controllers' ... i.e. the ability to send Midi 'CC' messages to the Pod

In terms of how to do it 

hookup, in general terms:

Laptop --->  USB/Midi converter -->  Midi Cable --> Pod Midi In

general config

You will need to make sure that the POD listening on the same channel that the laptop is sending. Checkout Midi in the Advanced manual appendices for details and set the Pod to listen on channel 1.  http://line6.com/data/6/0a06434dfb244f7b7f489af64/application/pdf/POD%20HD500%20Advanced%20Guide%20v2.0%20-%20English%20(%20Rev%20A%20).pdf

Pod Setup

Assign an expression pedal to the pitch glide 'pitch' parameter.  Details how here (and in the advanced manual) -->  http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-2720.

Set the maximum and minimum parameters to correspond to one octave up and one octave down.  Suggest you assign to EXP1 for testing and then maybe to EXP2 when you have the correct min/max values.

Sequencer Setup

I don't have Cubase but you need to look at how to embed midi events into a sequence.   You need to send commands on Midi Channel #1 to the correct Midi CC for the expression pedal in use (cc #01 for EXP1 or cc#02 for EXP2).  The message value will be either 0 (for -1), 63 (for 0)  or 127 (for +1).