The Fandom Show
The Fandom Show is a popular culture podcast hosted by Kyah Green and Stephanie Malek. Each episode explores a different fandom, from prestige TV and RPGs to sneaker collecting and Pokémon, through conversations with fans, hobbyists, and professionals. Guests discuss why they love their chosen fandom, how they engage with it, and the obscure details that only dedicated fans know. The show is produced by The From Superheroes Network.
Episodes
124: Dune
Fear is the mind-killer, but this podcast is the mind-thriller! See what I did there? Anyway, today we're talking to interior designer and movie critic, Devan Islas (he/him), about the sandy sci-fi epic that defined a genre; It's DUNE! We discuss gigantic sandworms, badass space witches, books about walking, white saviour tropes, and perpetually relevant gas metaphors. We also touch on Lynch, Vill
123: Indie TTRPGs (Table Top Role Playing Games)
Roll up with a couple friends, a couple dice and all the snacks you can muster because this week we're gathering around the table top with performer, game designer and theatre creator, Julian Frid (he/him) to discuss his experience as a player and creator of INDIE TABLETOP ROLE PLAYING GAMES! We chat about the joy of mutual hallucination, why more failure is more fun, swords vs. can openers, genre
122: Bigfoot
This week we're chatting with illustrator and amateur cryptid historian, Ben O'Neil, about the big hairy phenomenon that people are dying to lay their eyes on; BIGFOOT. We talk about the Macleans magazine story that 'broke' (read: stole) the story, woodworking pranks, the famous Patterson-Gimlin film (and its possible debunking), conspiracy theories, Bigfoot hunting laws, carefully preserved butt
121: Magic The Gathering
Grab your commander deck, because this week we're talking to comedian and actor, Andy Hull (he/him) to tap into the world's most popular collectible card game; MAGIC: THE GATHERING. We discuss some of the world's best game design, armoured seagulls, elegant works of card art, collectors items, how Post Malone got 'the one ring', and what our favourite TV shows might look like as Magic decks.
120: Avatar
Oel ngati kameie! Get zapped into a big blue cat alien body because today we are joined by comedian and actor Lance Oribello (he/him) on a journey through the paradise planet of Pandora to talk about AVATAR (the James Cameron one). We discuss the spectacle of the original movie, incredible feats of filmmaking technology, motion capture performances, the 'post-avatar' blues, peaceful life-affirming
119: Baldur's Gate 3
Get kidnapped by mind-flayers and form an adventuring party because today we're joined by DM and podcast host, Travis Ryans (they/them) for a quest into the sprawling realm of BALDUR'S GATE! We discuss loveable (and eminently romanceable) party characters, incredibly flexible game mechanics, deadly lake dives, all-bard parties and the many many spreadsheets it must have taken to make this game a r
118: She-Ra
FOR THE HONOR OF GREYSKULL! Today we are once again joined by guest co-host Jocelyn Geddie(she/her) to discuss a near and dear fandom of the lovely Stephanie Malek (she/her). That's right, it's the animated show that served as inspiration for the Fandom Show; SHE-RA! We chat about the original 80s cartoon, what changes were made for the Netflix reboot, the battle for queer representation, voice ac
117: Mad Max Fury Road
WITNESS ME! Today we are joined by guest co-host Jocelyn Geddie (she/her) who is lending her mechanical arm to our collective and metaphorical war rig, so we might interview our very own host Kyah Green (they/them) on one of their all time favourite films; MAD MAX FURY ROAD. We talk about outrageously detailed world-building, a disastrous production that never should have resulted in a finis
116: Steven Universe
Grab your ukulele and hamburger backpack, because it's time to save the universe with a bunch of friendly gems. This week, we're chatting with actress and film editor, Kinley Mochrie (she/her) about the weird, beloved little cartoon that grew into a gamechanging cultural force; STEPHEN UNIVERSE! We discuss alien politics, goofy little brothers, implicit and explicit queer themes, the huge hurdles
115: Saturday Night Live
Live from Toronto, it's a new episode! This week we're talking to improviser and sketch comedian, Matt McCready (he/him) about the weekly sketch show that launched a thousand careers: SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE! Buckle up, because we're talking about iconic casts, stand out sketches, what makes a good (or bad) host, musical guests, cultural talking points, the insane behind the scenes schedule and why Lo
114: Cats The Musical
Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats! Put on your best spandex leotard and get ready to prowl because we're chatting with comedian, writer and musical lover, Brandon Hackett about the world's first mega musical: CATS! Get ready for library cassette rentals, T.S. Elliott, leg warmers, the actual translation of 'jellicle', the failures (and successes!) of the movie adaptation, and why Cats is both
113: Toronto Blue Jays
Let's go Blue Jays! Buy some peanuts and cracker jacks because we're hitting the Rogers Centre (a.k.a. the Skydome) with comedian and actor, Paloma Nuñez (she/her) for a real grand slam of an episode about Canada's baseball team; The Toronto Blue Jays! Learn about the 92/93 World Series, the most legendary Blue Jays players, the biggest hits, most controversial bat flips, and what the heartbreakin
112: America's Next Top Model
Wanna be on top? Grab your heels and practice your smizing, because we're chatting with comedian Ben Sosa Wright (he/him) here to tell us about the most talked about reality show this year; AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL. We talk about the recent documentary series, Tyra Banks' tenuous grasp on reality, unhinged photoshoots, Squid Game style runways, extremely long buildings, and the true meaning of the
111: Stanley Kubrick
Pry your ears open, because you won't want to miss this week's discussion with filmmaker Paul Aihoshi (he/him) about the fascinating, the notorious, the visionary: STANLEY KUBRICK. We chat about his outsized impact on cinema (and The Simpsons), his 'difficult' reputation, the 90s Kubrick impersonator, pioneering special effects, fear of flying, misunderstood introversion and how he became the sing
110: Interview With The Vampire
Pour yourself some blood and contemplate the nature of immortality, because this week we have writer and podcaster, Andrew Wheeler (he/him) to talk about the gay vampires we love to loathe, it's INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE. We chat about Anne Rice vampire lore, book to movie to TV adaptations, messy undead drama, toxic divas, and the (modest) wave of MLM romances sweeping the nation. Plus, some dat
109: XTC
Dust off your vinyls and get ready to have your mind blown, because we're talking to die-hard music nerd, comedian and radio personality, Miguel Rivas (he/him), about the biggest band you've never heard of; XTC. Learn about this Talking Heads-esque band that, due to wild and tragic circumstances, exerted a Forrest Gump level of historical influence on music without ever making it big. Plus,
108: Clocks (Part 2)
The time has come (back)! That's right, for the first time in Fandom Show history, we have a follow-up episode with comedian and bonafide time nerd, Craig Fay (he/him) for more tick-talking about CLOCKS! Learn about the race to tell time at sea, the creation of Greenwich time, and bonus facts about fan-favourite Sir Shovel Cloudsley. Plus, an update on Craig's homemade clock and some fancy time me
107: Bad Bunny
Hyped up on Superbowl fever and can't get enough of the king of Latin trap? Then put on your white jersey and round up some grass wearing pals because this week we're talking with super fan Matty O'Donnell (he/they) about the singer, actor and beloved SNL host; BAD BUNNY! We discuss his meteoric rise from supermarket bagger to superstar, his best and saddest bops, the exact number of horses he tou
106: Political Satire
This week we're chatting with comedian, Beaverton writer and satirist extraordinaire, Clare Blackwood (she/her) to discuss the fandom that keeps us laughing (so we don't cry!); Political Satire! We get into the details of what makes something satirical, punching up vs. punching down, the unseen prevalence of political comedy, when jokes become reality, the best comedians in the game, why satire is
105: Heated Rivalry
We're coming to the cottage! Put on your coziest Olympic fleece because today we have 'I Hate It But I Love It's Kat Angus (she/her) back to talk about two hockey players so hot, they're melting our frozen hearts; it's HEATED RIVALRY! We chat about the unforeseen success of this small Canadian show, why it appeals to such a wide variety of demographics, steamy sex scenes, Russian accents, a
104: Dungeons And Dragons
Let's roll! Get out your shiny math rocks, because today we're talking to comedian, writer and certified bard, Kris Siddiqi (he/him) about the world's most popular role-playing game; Dungeons and Dragons. Join our party as we discuss classic published adventure modules, epic monsters, the satanic panic, how to create a great character, the popularity of actual plays, and why everyone should take t
103: Hades
There is no escape! Get ready to go on an epic run through hell, because this week we're talking to writer, mythology nerd and self-proclaimed 'sweaty gamer', Motzie Dapul (she/her), about the rogue-like game that keeps her coming back for more; HADES. We chat about Ancient Greek deep-cuts, Hermes level speed runs, never-ending dialogue options, the online Hades community, and how they made the pe
102: Labubu
Get ready to unbox all the secrets of the craze that is sweeping the internet, because we're chatting with Jaime Lujan (he/him) about his love for the little gremlins called LABUBUS. Come with us as we learn about their nordic origins, version types, secret Labubu's, blind boxes, their rise to viral stardom, some surprisingly deep lore, best unboxing practices and hardcore resale markets. Plus, ho
101: Birds
KA-KAW! Grab your field guide and a pair of binoculars because today we're joined by avid avian nerd, Rob Cumming (he/him) to learn all about our flying, feathered friends and the people who love to watch'em; BIRDING! We chat about which birds are assholes, memorizing bird calls, terrible nests, epic adventures around the world, listing vs. watching, Birder drama and why the Red Wing Blackbird is
100: Disc Golf
ONE HUNDRED EPISODES! Today we're celebrating our 100th episode by talking to comedian and actor, Alastair Forbes (he/him) about the high-flying world of DISC GOLF! We learn about the differences between 'ball' golf and the disk variety, how to avoid 'nice-ing' someone, the perils of disk collecting, the magic and variety of course terrain, tournament drama, volcano adventures, inconvenient trees
99: Jeopardy!
*tense thinking music* This popular game-show requires contestants to give all of their answers in the form of a question; What is JEOPARDY? That is correct! Today we're joined by comedian and writer Jan Caruana (she/her) to discuss TV's most beloved trivia show and the nerds that love it. Step up to the podium and get ready for some fun facts as we buzz in about our best and worst categories, leg
98: The Jersey Shore
It's T-SHIRT TIME! Grab your best little meatballs as we head to the beach for Jersey Shore with Justin Gray. Learn all about reality TV meets feudalism as we explore the enticing allure of a bunch of gym, tanned and laundered "guidos and guidettes" (their term, not ours!), how the darkness of reality can shine a light on social issues, and Snooki's iconic one liners. The Fandom Show Podcast is
97: GeoGuessr
Plonk yourselves down because we're travelling the world virtually with Gavin Pounds on this week's episode, all about GEOGUESSR. See how an interest in geography became a hobby and a passion as Gavin takes us through tips, tricks and a surprising amount of detail about poles! The Fandom Show Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts and you can also watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.
96: BTS Army
BORAHAE! This week we're joined by superfans, event organizers and sisters, Jules and Marissa Lee (she/her x 2), to discuss the worldwide fandom that has quite literally changed their lives; BTS ARMY. In our second BTS episode, we learn how Marissa and Jules went from introverts dancing on their couch to full-time organizers of sellout BTS events around Toronto. We also explore the fan community t
95: Roller Derby
Strap on a pair of quad skates and get ready to roll because this week we're chatting with lawyer and jammer extraordinaire, Allison Vanek (she/her) a.k.a Trial By Fury about a VERY REAL sport: ROLLER DERBY. We learn all about the history of derby, badass alter egos, third wave feminism, broken bones, borderless teams, derby weddings and why 'Whip It' only scratches the surface. Plus, listen in re
94: The Young And The Restless
Get ready to meet your long lost sister, because we're chatting with comedian and drag queen, Nicky Nasrallah (he/him) about the daytime soap opera that has topped the ratings for decades; THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS! Get ready to learn about the origins of the soap opera, unbelievable production schedules, forbidden lesbians, early nepo babies, murderous twins, true mourning for fictional families
93: Animaniacs
HELLO NURSE! Buckle up your khakis and set your cap to 'backwards' because this weeks 'good idea' is a totally zany conversation with comedian and author, Bryn Pottie (he/him) about the Warner Brothers and, of course, their sister Dot; It's ANIMANIACS! We chat about the unlimited cache of Jurassic Park-era Steven Speilberg, the 90s animation renaissance, gangster pigeons, intellectual lab mice, an
92: Adventure Time
Come on and grab your friends because we're talking to professional drag queen, Catfish The Dinosaur (they/them) about Pendleton Ward's animated fever dream, also known as ADVENTURE TIME! Discover colourful nuclear apocalypses, exploding candy people, low-key vampires, political princesses, fictional fanfiction, deep cut sci-fi references, and all the existential crisis you could ever want from a
91: The West Wing
Get ready to serve at the pleasure of the (fictional) president because today we are joined by consultant and crafter, Margo Mullin (she/her) for a walk and talk about the 1990s political classic; WEST WING! We chat about the waves of political burnout and optimism, the rise of the political drama on TV, Aaron Sorkin's whip-smart dialogue, great speeches, career defining performances and the not-s
90: Twin Peaks
Who killed Laura Palmer? This episode we're joined by comedian and writer, Becky Johnson (she/her), to discover all the strange, small-town secrets of David Lynch's mysterious masterpiece; TWIN PEAKS. We talk about the massive impact Twin Peaks had on the television landscape, pre-grunge fashion, the log-lady, satisfying reveals, liminal spaces, and why Becky finds the whole thing deeply relatable
89: Warhammer
Grab your measuring tape and roll out the tabletop terrain because this week we're talking to actor, writer and sound designer, Sean Meldrum (he/him) about a game that's part strategy, part collecting, part craft project: WARHAMMER! Grab a beer(hammer) and relax as we chat about the game of 'who forgets less', the art of assembling tiny plastic armies, techniques for painting in miniature, your 'f
88: Improv
YES AND! This week we're talking to improviser, comedian and Artistic Director of the Bad Dog Theatre Company, Alia Rasul (she/her), about the art form where everything is made up on the spot - IMPROV! We talk about the health and social benefits of improv comedy, what improv has in common with sports, techniques and rules that make the magic work, the importance of live performance, how improv ca
87: Elden Ring
Strap on the Blasphemous Blade and get ready to die a LOT because this week we're talking to comedian and writer, Meg Mackay (they/them), about the infamously difficult game they just recently platinum'd; ELDEN RING! We talk about the value of challenging game design, George R. R. Martin's lore, bosses that have never known defeat, sexy moons, deadly golden hippos, an incredibly dedicated online c
86: Terry Pratchett
You asked for it, now here it is. It's time to crack open The Colour of Magic and prepare to be whisked (or should I say…Disc'd?) away, because this week we're talking to podcaster, performer and practicing witch, Brett Seivwright (he/him), about his lifelong love for TERRY PRATCHETT. We talk about Pratchett's unique approach to writing, the setting of Discworld, his legendary hat, fakes news pred
85: LARP (Live Action Role Play)
GAME ON! This week we're talking with writer and comedian, Rachel Manson (she/her), about the immersive game of pretend that has fully changed her life; LIVE ACTION ROLE PLAYING (LARP). We talk about foam weapons, joyful suspension of disbelief, camping with Slenderman, pro-level costume kits, complex game-systems for running around in fields, player consent, and the myriad ways that 'immersive pl
84: The Oscars
And the Oscar goes to..! We're getting hyped for the 2025 film-nerd superbowl by chatting with cinephile and amateur award historian, Matilda Knarr (she/her), about Hollywood's Biggest Night; THE OSCARS. Strap into a deeply expensive and uncomfortable ball gown while we chat Oscar bait, red carpet looks, the Weinstein effect, most memorable hosts (for better or for worse), #oscarssowhite and why B
83: Godzilla
IT'S GOJIRA!!! We're chatting with actor, comedian and superfan, Shannon Lahaie (she/her) about her recent, monster sized hyperfocus, the King Kaiju himself; GODZILLA. Get ready to learn about post-war Japan, groundbreaking special effects, soulless American remakes, epic-monster fights and how Godzilla became an inspiration for a generation of filmmakers. Plus, we review the dating profiles for G
82: Fonts
[italic] FONTS! [italic]. We know 'em, and we love them. But do we know enough of 'em? Today we're joined by graphic designer, typographer and professor, Carl Shura, to discuss the design lurking behind every word you read. We chat about the history of typesetting, what makes a really bold font, the rockstars of the typeface world, and the elements that make typeface design so intricate. Plus, we
81: Super Mario
LET'SA GO! Today we're leveling up with game enthusiast Grant Pettypiece, as we talk about the energetic Italian plumber beloved the world over; IT'SA MARIO! We're talking about Mario's humble origins as 'jumpman', intuitive game design, the Mushroom Kingdom's questionable doctorate degrees, canonically trans birds, and which character is definitely NOT wearing a hat. Plus, we chat about how Ninte
80: Christmas
HO HO HO! Today we're chatting with 'Because News' producer and holiday enthusiast, Erin Conway, about the most wonderful time of the year; CHRISTMAS! We discuss the real (non-capitalist) spirit of the season, unusual traditions, Mariah Carey's rebirth, thrifty gifting, eclectic ornaments, and why seasonal magic can be real if you let yourself enjoy it. Plus, a battle royale of Christmas movies an
79: Stephen Sondheim
Today we are joined by one half of I Hate It But I Love it, Jocelyn Geddie, to discuss her enduring love for writer, composer and broadway legend; STEPHEN SONDHEIM. We discuss Sondheim's Simone-Biles-style lyrical backflips, his humanist outlook, freak stage accidents, influential mentorships, musical pointillism, writing while high and how Sondheim's unique style (and desire to swear) changed mus
78: Survivor
THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN! Get ready to outwit, outplay and outlast because today we're talking to comedian Chelsea Larkin (she/her) about the reality show that just won't quit: SURVIVOR! We discuss forty-seven seasons worth of iconic contestants, questionable team sorting choices, coach potatoes, competition-beasts and the narrative importance of inclement weather. Plus, Chelsea reveals her enduring
77: FanFiction
Get ready to fulfill all your fictional fantasies because this week we're chatting with writer and podcaster, Diana McCallum (she/her), about the only artistic medium that is - for legal reasons - fueled exclusively by the power of fandom; It's FANFICTION! We discuss the history of the genre, best-selling novels that started as fanfiction, the popularity of slash ships, male pregnancy, and all-wer
76: Special Effects Makeup
Get hyped for your Halloween costume because today we're talking to professional makeup artist, Meg Fraser, about the magical and monstrous world of SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP! We're taking you behind the scenes to talk about fake dirt, biologically correct injuries, old-age makeup, legendary creature designs and the iconic makeup artists whose work you didn't realize you loved. Plus, some hot tips fo
75: Star Wars The Clone Wars
Today we're playing padawan to writer and comedian Ben Sosa-Wright (he/him) about the animated Star Wars property that literally saved the galaxy; THE CLONE WARS! We discuss Dave Filoni's legendary efforts to make the Star Wars canon make sense, how Ahsoka became a fan-favourite, animated world-building, the lightsaber personality test, and which characters are queer coded (cause it's more than yo
74: Jurassic Park
Hold onto your butts! This week we're excavating fascinating fact fossils with comedian and writer Chris Leveille, as we discover a fandom that DOES move in herds; JURASSIC PARK! We dig into the massive success of Crichton's original book, how Spielberg masters fear and awe, (r)evolutionary special effects, an iconic (and meme-worthy) cast and a bunch of Pratt-keeping sequels that should have stay
73: One Piece
Grab your straw hat and munch on a devil fruit because we're talking to Katie Chin about her favorite manga, ONE PIECE! We discuss the loveable optimism of Monkey D. Luffy, geopolitical pirate politics, wacky island themes, awkward 'kid appropriate' edits, and how the author, Eiichira Oda, somehow created a narratively coherent world where he was allowed to draw whatever the hell he wanted. Plus,
72: Grey's Anatomy
Cut an LVAT wire to the tune of Snow Patrol, because we're talking to drag queen, gamer and superfan, Juice Boxx about the steamy medical drama that kills more people that it saves; GREYS ANATOMY! We discuss iconic soundtracks, weird medical cases, the origin of the 'Pick Me' girl, behind the scenes cast drama, a misguided musical episode, a parking lot of no return, the endless string of increasi
71: Fashion
Get ready to stomp the catwalk because we're learning about FASHION with writer, costume designer and drag queen extraordinaire, Justin Gray (he/him). We talk about the origin of popular fashion, who decides what's trendy, what 'au couture' actually means, the glory of Mary Kate's Birkin Bag, why you're probably washing your clothing wrong and how fast fashion is, quite literally, demonic. Plus, h
70: The Good Place
Things are about to get real forkin' philosophical because we're talking to actor and comedian Ashley Comeau about the show with an afterlife of its own; THE GOOD PLACE. We talk about Mike Schur's carte blanche from NBC, how the writers made philosophy funny, which character we think represents us best, and how it may have changed our personal outlook. Plus, we decide which celebrities would end u
69: Trolls
Grab a long-haired companion and hop a plane to Norway, because today we're joined by improviser and psychotherapist, Jess Bryson, to discuss the undefinable mythos and subsequent pop-culture phenomena of Trolls (both the doll and the creature). We dig into mysterious stone faces, troublesome sock thieves, family traditions, jerks on the internet, the original Danish doll that started the craze, a
68: Final Fantasy
Kupo kupo kupo! Performer, producer and teacher David Hadley joins us to explain the game series meant to be a saving grace that became a worldwide phenomena that is Final Fantasy. We chat about the golden era of the series, the baddies that make you want to misbehave, and how Square has reinvented the world over 16 times but still hasn't reached the Final fantasy. Produced by Andrew Ivimey as pa
67: Exercise
Lace up your sneakers and get ready to sweat because today we're talking to Kyah and Steph's personal trainer, Jimmy Kim, about his lifelong passion; EXERCISE AND FITNESS. We chat about the do's and don'ts of starting a successful exercise habit, prioritizing the fun part of working out, how lifting muscles uses your brain, the prevalence of performance enhancing drugs, how hard it really is to bu
66: Salem Witch Trials
We're talking to comedian, youtuber and one half of the Girl Historian podcast, Carley Thorne, about her obsession with the world's most famous witch-hunt; THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS. Put on a cauldron of tea and get cozy because we're talking about the origin of New England's witch hysteria, American vs. European witches, deadly teenage gossip, political scapegoats, devil-dogs, the cartoon coven that
65: Ghosts
It's time to get spooOOooOOooky. Today we're talking to actress, comedian and podcast host, Sarah Hillier (she/her) about her paranormal obsession: GHOSTS. Gather round as we discuss ghost stories, other-worldly experiences, why there are no caveman ghosts, why spirits might be annoyed by seances, a brush with an undead spider, and ghost-proof architecture. Plus a lightning round game that quickly
64: Movie Scores
*CUE DRAMATIC VIOLINS* Today we're talking to actor and comedian, Chris Sandiford (he/him) about his love for MOVIE SCORES. We chat about the difference between a 'score' and a 'theme', what makes a really good score, which composers are the most under or overrated, how a single evolving motif can enhance a narrative, and why Hans Zimmer has rejected the concept of instruments. Plus, Steph, Kyah
63: Sherlock Holmes
Elementary, Dear Watson! Today we're joined via Zoom by writer and illustrator, Molly Ostertag (she/her), to discuss her newest obsession, Sherlock Holmes! We talk about the crime-solving genius archetype that Arthur Conon Doyle unleashed on the modern era, the loyal and loving relationship between Sherlock and Watson, how Oscar Wilde influenced the character, the history of queerness in the Victo
62: Muppets
It's time to start the music and light the lights because we're joined by professional puppeteer, Jordan Brownlee (he/him), to talk about the world's most famous felt-based comedy troupe - THE MUPPETS! We get into the legacy of Jim Henson and his team, how he brought puppetry to an adult sketch variety world, iconic muppet moments, memorable guest stars and the great lengths (and very awkward pos
61: The Mummy (1999)
This week we're coming to you LIVE from Toronto ComicCon where we're joined by writer and graphic novelist, Stephanie Cooke (she/her), to discuss her favorite 90s adventure classic; THE MUMMY! We talk about the unmatched charm of Brendan Fraser, the joy of a good swashbuckler, the horror of murder scarabs, how the action-adventure genre was usurped by Marvel, and how some ancient monsters just wan
60: Our Flag Means Death
Talk it through as a crew! Today we're joined by actor, writer and artist, Neta Rose (they/them) to discuss the queer cult phenomena, OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH. Hop aboard The Revenge and sail away as we chat about queer storylines, the historical accuracy (or lack thereof), the delicate balance of comedy and heart, and how one show launched a thousand fan-ships by inspiring new communities, fanfiction
59: Ursula K. Le Guin
Get ready to think about the nature of human existence because today we're talking to comedian, actor and Baroness Von Sketch star, Aurora Brown (she/her), about the legendary science fiction and fantasy author, URSULA K. LEGUIN. We learn about Leguin's youth as the child of anthropologists, how she explored societal values in her work, how gender informed her career, her warnings against the stee
58: Veronica Mars
Grab backup and get ready for a stakeout, because this week we're talking to The Villain Was Right host, Rebecca Reeds, about her favourite teen sleuth; VERONICA MARS! We get the scoop on record breaking crowdfunding campaigns, irredeemable bad boys, what makes a great mystery, the difficulty with rebooting teen properties, and the eternal power of Kristen Bell. Plus, Steph and Rebecca discover
57: The Titanic
Never let go! Today we're talking to comedian, writer and one half of the Girl Historian podcast, Blair MacMillan, about the not-so-unsinkable ship of dreams, THE TITANIC. We talk about the real conditions that caused the Titanic to be such a massive disaster, the ethics of robbing shipwrecks, James Cameron's 1997 mega-blockbuster and why Rose is SUCH a Taurus. Plus, we get into cruise line class
56: Crosswords
Get out your pencils (or pens, if you're brave) because today we're talking to word nerd and New York Times approved puzzle constructor, Jess Shulman, about her hobby and passion; CROSSWORDS! We learn the ups and downs of building a really good crossword puzzle, the beauty of a clever crossword theme, the difference between a regular crossword and a cryptic one, and why 'Oreo' is the crossword bui
55: Monty Python
And now for something completely different! Today we are joined by actor, writer and comedian, Anders Yates, to talk about the holy grail of British sketch comedy; MONTY PYTHON. We discover what makes something 'Pythonesque', which sketches are timeless (and which ones aren't), what Terry Gilliam's incredible animation allowed them to get away with, and how they influenced other sketch groups like
54: Frasier
I'm Listening! That's right, this week we're doing some analysis of television's favorite radio psychiatrist because we're talking about the classic 90s sitcom (and Kyah's ultimate comfort watch): FRASIER! We talk about career defining performances, the magic and mayhem of David Hyde Pierce, the incredible writing and Frasier's tactics of seduction (and the associated spotify playlist). Plus, we g
53: Taylor Swift
SHAKE IT OFF! Today we're joined by superfan and certified Swifty, Kristen Macdonald, to discuss the worldwide phenomena that is pop's favorite anti-hero; TAYLOR SWIFT. Settle in for a fascinating crash course on one of the world's biggest fandoms as we discuss Swift's early music (and the battle to keep it), the media's fascination with her dating life and feuds, how she uses clues and easter eg
52: (NEW) Doctor Who
ALLONS-Y! Things are about to get wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey because today we are joined by actor and writer, Andrew Cromwell, to discuss the show that's bigger on the inside; DOCTOR WHO! We chat about the various regenerations of the eponymous Doctor, the companions that stole our hearts, which aliens keep us up at night, the three iconic showrunners and all the ways that campy sci-fi discusses bi
51: Red, White, and Royal Blue
Get ready to escape to an alternate universe where the 2016 U.S. election never happened because this week we are joined by one-half of the beloved I Hate It But I Love hosting team, Kat Angus, to talk about her newly realized fandom; RED, WHITE and ROYAL BLUE. Join us for a royal romp as we chat about what makes a compelling romance on the page, good gays vs. bad gays, the joy of political escapi
50: Halloween
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! We're chatting with writer and comedian, Jon Blair, about the holiday with a little something for everyone - HALLOWEEN! We talk about why classic monsters like skeletons are just funny by default (and whether or not we could take one in a fight), what makes for the best and worst house decorations, the age limits on trick or treating, why homemade Halloween costumes are an ancient
49: Addams Family Values
They're creepy, kooky, and altogether ooky - The Addams Family! Today we're talking about the quotable cult classic with a perfect, Disney-Goth aesthetic - ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES. We chat about the enduring legacy of The Addams Family and their post-50s, post-Reagan politics, the iconic cast (Joan Cusack! Angelica Houston! Christina Ricci!) turning in scene-stealing performances, Barry Sonnenfeld's
48: Scott Pilgrim Vs The World
Scott earned the power of self respect! Grab your Smashing Pumpkins t-shirt and head down to Sneaky Dees because today we're talking to writer and comedian, Rob Moden, about the comic-book-turned-cult-movie, Scott Pilgrim vs.The World. We chat about Bryan Lee O'Malley's manga, musical and pop-cultural influences, the ways Edgar Wright used his trademark timing to adapt the genre bending story to t
47: Josie and the Pussycats
Dujour means seatbelts! Put on your cat-ear headphones and enjoy some subliminal messaging, because this week we're talking to writer and improviser, Mariah Thompson, about the 2000's satirical cult hit, JOSIE AND PUSSYCATS. We chat about how Harry Elfont and Debra Kaplain turned an archie comic girl band into a razor sharp commentary on early aughts fandom and commercialism, the shameless perform
46: Arts Education (with Gates McFadden)
This week we're coming to you live from Toronto Fan Expo, where we're talking to legendary actor, choreographer and teacher, Gates McFadden about the fandom that's driven her life's work; ARTS EDUCATION! We discuss her time working with famous teachers like Jacques Lecoq, the trust that it takes to make art with someone, memories from her more notable students and the beauty of being exactly who y
45: The Last Of Us Part 1/Season 1
When you're lost in the darkness, look for the light! This week Steph is interviewing Kyah about the fandom that has taken over their brain like a deadly fungus - THE LAST OF US (PART ONE). Grab some ammo, cause we're doing a speed run through all the things that make the original game so exceptional, why mushroom zombies are cooler and scarier than the regular kind, how the first season of the hi
