Tales from the Fandom
Tales from the Fandom is a podcast that explores a variety of fandoms with a different guest each week. Fandom topics range from TV Shows, Movies, Books, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay, and more.
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Episode 461: Ali aka The Ali Way talks about his growth and evolution as a person & creator, and his brand
06/06/2026
Episode 461: Ali aka The Ali Way talks about his growth and evolution as a person & creator, and his brand
June 6th reflects the anniversary of Tales from the Fandom. This episode also serves as the 10 year anniversary, as well as the birthday of our returning guest, Ali aka The.Ali.Way Recorded back in February, Ali returns after nearly 3 years since his first episode. Our conversation focuses all about Ali and his journey as a creator. In our first episode, Ali seemed to be right at the start of reaching that brass ring in the content creator space. We now reflect on the years since that release. From attending movie premieres, working/partnering with brands to create content and reviews for them, and more. Ali talks about his experiences with them, as well as growing as a person and brand, and evolving. From bounding and dancing, to opportunities with modeling and working and walking in Toronto Fashion week. Throughout this conversation, we talk about how Ali is bridging the gap of who he was 3 years ago to who he is now. We talk about how he focuses on making sure that each post he makes fit not just his brand, but also for his community. He talks about creating with intention, being his authentic self, and pushing himself to new opportunities and growth. Ali is one of those people I just love to see in my feed. To see his continued success and I am just so happy that we were able to get back together to celebrate him! You can find Ali at: You can listen to Ali's original episode at:
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Episode 460: Sara Moni Cosplay returns and talks X-Men, Monster High Dolls, Cosplay, and more!
06/01/2026
Episode 460: Sara Moni Cosplay returns and talks X-Men, Monster High Dolls, Cosplay, and more!
Returning for a 3rd episode and to help us get closer to our 10th anniversary, Arizona cosplayer and creator Sara Moni Cosplay joins me. We originally recorded an episode in 2016 during my first year, and then she returned in 2020. Now here we are, reflecting on the past, present, and futures of our fandoms and passions. We kick things off with a through line through our previous conversations, as we once again return to the X-Men. We talk about the past several years of X-Men media, from movies like New Mutants, to X-Men 97, and the inclusion of X-Men characters in the MCU. Sara and I discuss what could be coming in the MCU with Doomsday, and what she'd like to see from the future of the X-Men and other mutants in the MCU. Sara and I also dip our toes into the comics by talking about the Krakoa run. From there, we talk about something new. Monster High doll collecting. We talk about how Sara's gotten into this new space of fandom and how her collection has grown and the process of adding to the collection. Plus, we talk about the characters lend themselves well to be cosplayed. We wrap up with a great overview of what Sara is doing now. We talk about her recent addition of streaming on Twitch to all the content she creates. Sara talks about what you can expect to find on her Twitch streams (which are really neat to sit and listen/watch). We also talk about her social media, her continued time in Cosplay over the past 10 years since I've been following her, and we reflect on the closure of JoAnn and how it has affected the cosplay community since. You can find SaraMoniCosplay at: You can listen to her previous episodes here:
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Episode 459: Jessica of Rebellion of Hope Podcast talks Avatar: The Last Airbender, Star Wars, Podcasting, and more
05/25/2026
Episode 459: Jessica of Rebellion of Hope Podcast talks Avatar: The Last Airbender, Star Wars, Podcasting, and more
TW: Mental Health discussions On the same day we celebrate the 49th anniversary of Star Wars, Jessica of Rebellion of Hope Podcast joins me to celebrate and talk about the famed fandom, plus a whole lot more! I've been following Jessica for quite some time from the lead up to launch of her Star Wars podcast, Rebellion of Hope. We finally were able to get together and I could host her on my podcast. We kick things off by decidely NOT talking about Star Wars, as we talk about Avatar: The Last Airbender. We mainly stay in the animated series realm, as we talk about how Jessica got into Avatar, favorite characters, what kind of bender she'd be, and the connection between this show and Star Wars media for her. Then, we travel to a fandom from a galaxy far, far away. We spend a lot of time talking about Star Wars. From how Jessica got into Star Wars, how it got her through tough times in life, and getting into the fandom more and more. We talk about a lot of the media, from Clone Wars, to the Mandalorian, The Acolyte, and more. We discuss the EU/Legends, and Disney's decision to move into their own choices with the Star Wars universe. We also talk about her Star Wars podcast, Rebellion of Hope, and what she has done/is doing as a positive voice in the Star Wars fandom. We also talk about Star Wars conventions, panels, and so much more. We also talk about Jessica's desire to strike out on her own and starting her own business, Asteria Outpost. You'll hear the background behind that, what Jessica does to source the items she sells for her brand, and being an entrepreneur in these times. You can find Jessica and Rebellion of Hope Podcast at: You can find Asteria Outpost at:
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Episode 458: DaVaun Sanders talks his work as an Author, and Editor of FIYAH
05/18/2026
Episode 458: DaVaun Sanders talks his work as an Author, and Editor of FIYAH
Coming highly recommended, I'm joined by multi-hyphenate DaVaun Sanders as we explore the depths of his work as an author, along with taking a peek behind the scenes, as we delve into his work as an Editor. DaVaun and I start off by talking about how he got started in wordsmithing. From his early work in poetry to his first book idea which came to him, we explore that early time. Then, we talk about his middle grade series, Keynan Masters. I read the first book, so we tend to focus primarily on that one. DaVaun talks about how he got the idea for Keynan Masters, the magic system in the book series, and much more. Then we talk about two big names, Minecraft and Marvel. DaVaun talks about how he ended up writing for both properties, who his favorite characters were to write for the Marvel "What If... The Multiverse Was Doomed", and more. Then we take a look behind the words with DaVaun's work as an editor of FIYAH, a quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about Black people of the African Diaspora. From starting out as a slush reader to his current role as Executive Editor, DaVaun talks about what goes on behind the scenes. We talk about how different ideas come to fruition, the submission process, and reflects on the history of the magazine. You can find DaVaun at: You can buy DaVaun's work here: Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew - The Seedbearing Prince: Part 1 - Minecraft: The Tournament - Marvel: What If...The Multiverse Was Doomed? - You can find FIYAH at: Forged in FIYAH: Celebrating Ten Years of Black Speculative Fiction -
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Episode 457: Carleigh aka Uneekchic returns and talks Dungeons and Dragons, Renfaires, and Cosplay
05/11/2026
Episode 457: Carleigh aka Uneekchic returns and talks Dungeons and Dragons, Renfaires, and Cosplay
After nearly 9 years, Carleigh aka Uneekchic on Instagram returns to the podcast! I've had the pleasure of following Carleigh and her journey through life since we recorded in late 2016. Now located on the East Coast, Carleigh and I get to catch up and talk about what's been going on ever since. We get to talk about two of her fandoms that she's been into during this time. Starting things off, Carleigh talks about getting into Dungeons and Dragons. She talks about how she first got into it after her move, and who introduced her to the game. We talk characters, her play style, and what she enjoys about the game. From there, we talk about her love of Renfaires. From how she dresses up, to what she enjoys doing at the faires, and which faires she's been frequenting. There's also a scandalous revelation that Carleigh makes when asked about a particular Renfaire staple. We wrap up by revisiting Cosplay. We talk about Carleigh's experience with Cosplay back on the West Coast, and how her Cosplay life has changed since moving to the East Coast. You can find Carleigh at: You can listen to Carleigh's original episode at:
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Episode 456: Emily aka Imagination.Em returns and talks Star Wars and Cosplay
05/04/2026
Episode 456: Emily aka Imagination.Em returns and talks Star Wars and Cosplay
Kicking off May of 2026 with a perfectly timed episode releasing on May 4th, Emily aka Imagination.Em on Instagram returns to talk Star Wars and Cosplay. May the 4th Be With You! It's been nearly 4 years since Emily was on with her original episode, but we get to catch up and blend two topics together. Star Wars and Cosplay. The first half of the episode definitely leans more Star Wars, as we talk about the shows that have released since 2022. We discuss Skeleton Crew, The Acolyte, and Andor. Emily talks about the experience of attending the Andor Season 2 premiere, and we discuss Andor as it ties into current political situations today. We talk about the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu movie, and Emily makes her best pitch for what she'd do if Dave Filoni asked her to create a Star Wars property. Then, we're on to Cosplay, as you may know Emily for her viral Moana Fett cosplay from 4 years ago. We talk about how it's been as a Cosplayer, from upgrading her Moana Fett look, to doing Mo Dameron, Mara Jade, joining the Droidsmiths Union, and making a Grogulorian cosplay, to name a few. We talk about her relationship with other cosplayers in the fandom, as well as creators that she works with. Emily also reflects back on her time as a Cosplayer, and we talk about what she could be working on for the future. You can find Emily at: You can listen to Emily's original episode here:
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Episode 455: Kris Lozano returns and talks Taylor Swift and Book Recommendations
04/27/2026
Episode 455: Kris Lozano returns and talks Taylor Swift and Book Recommendations
Returning for a 6th episode and to help me get one week closer to the podcast's 10th anniversary is Kris Lozano aka Cafe.Contessa on Instagram. We get to catch up and talk about how long we've known each other before diving into a repeat topic, Taylor Swift. Kris had joined me previously to talk about The Eras Tour once the movie had come out, and before we even had an inkling that a new album was on its way (TTPD). This time, Kris talks about the wrap up of the tour, the final concert that was recorded, plus the behind the scenes documentary. Plus, we revisit a few conversations about costumes and songs from that previous episode (linked below), as well as discuss a bit about the latest album. Then, Kris and I talk about one of her biggest passions, reading. We talk about what books are on her shelf, what books she'd recommend, and what she's looking forward to. We talk about Ana Huang's "King" series (King of Gluttony releasing 4/28), "Not In My Book" by Katie Holt, and the "Never After" series by Emily McIntire. We then wrap up with a little talk about Cosplay. Kris talks about where she is with Cosplay and whether she plans to continue with that part of her life, or hang it up in the closet. You can find Kris at: You can listen to her previous episodes here:
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Episode 454: Jazmin aka ThatOneNerdyFanGirll returns and talks One Piece, Star Wars, and Cosplay
04/20/2026
Episode 454: Jazmin aka ThatOneNerdyFanGirll returns and talks One Piece, Star Wars, and Cosplay
Jazmin aka ThatOneNerdyFanGirll returns after 2 years as we get closer to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the podcast. I always get excited when people say yes and come for the 1st episode. It's always super special when people come back for return episodes. Jazmin and I get to catch up to what's been going on, and talk about one of her latest fandoms, One Piece. She talks about how she got influenced into watching the anime, where she is currently, and we talk about the live action series as well (this was recorded prior to the 2nd season releasing). We talk about favorite characters, and who she's looking forward to seeing. Then we revisit Star Wars. We talk about what we enjoyed the past two years, the state of Star Wars, and the future series that are on the horizon, as well as the future in the movie space. (This episode was recorded prior to the Maul release) Jazmin and I then talk about her Cosplay work. We talk about some of the characters she's cosplayed recently, and cosplay projects she's working on for the future. Plus a no sew ballgown, and how she goes about thrifting for her cosplay work. You can listen to Jazmin's 1st episode here: You can find Jazmin at:
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Episode 453: Mayanna Berrin returns and talks Dispatch, Kingdom Hearts, and StoryQuest
04/13/2026
Episode 453: Mayanna Berrin returns and talks Dispatch, Kingdom Hearts, and StoryQuest
It's only been 2 years since her last episode, but Mayanna Berrin returns for her 4th episode as we once again get to catch up and talk about her latest works! We cover the biggest thing that's happened since our last episode in 2024, and that is the critically acclaimed video game, Dispatch. Mayanna was a writer for the game, as well as the voice actor for the character of Coupe. We talk about how she got started with AdHoc Studios and found her way into both the writing and voice acting side of things. Mayanna and I talk about the game, some of the development, her role as a writer, finding her voice for Coupe, and we discuss a few of the choices people can make in the game (and yes, there are spoilers). Mayanna and I then talk about her Kingdom Hearts podcast that she co-hosts, Simple and Clean. We talk about how it came to existence, the planning that goes into the podcast, and we touch on what could come first - Kingdom Hearts 4 or Grand Theft Auto 6. We then talk about her work as Creative Producer for StoryQuest, an actual play platform for tabletop roleplaying games. We discuss what she does, and her continued work in the TTRPG space. You can find Mayanna at: You can find Simple and Clean: A Kingdom Hearts Podcast at: You can find StoryQuest at: You can listen to Mayanna's first three episodes at:
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Episode 452: Lio aka Lionbcos talks about Cosplay
04/06/2026
Episode 452: Lio aka Lionbcos talks about Cosplay
Lio aka Lionbcos joins me to talk all about Cosplay, the characters they do, and so much more. I had come across Lio's Instagram several times thanks to their collaborations with others, and people sharing their work to their stories. I really enjoyed what Lio did, and here we are, getting to talk about it! We're talking all about the Cosplay and characters that Lio does. However, we start off at a young age as Lio talks about growing up with parents who are nerds, and how their influences rubbed off on them. Lio talks about some of their favorite characters, and we do spend a bit of time with Laura Kinney aka Wolverine, fka X-23. We talk about the characters that Lio cosplays as, like Claudia from Interview with the Vampire, Invisigal from Dispatch, and more. While they trend towards emo characters, a surprising princess made it into Lio's rotation - and we talk about how and why! We talk about how they choose the characters they cosplay, the group collaborations they've done, and what Lio is planning to do in the future. You can find Lio at:
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Episode 451: Moe aka DreadheadCos talks about Cosplay and Prop Making
03/30/2026
Episode 451: Moe aka DreadheadCos talks about Cosplay and Prop Making
I kept seeing a number of cosplays shared by people that featured Moe. That lead to following Moe, and then having Moe on the podcast. You might know on Instagram as DreadheadCos. For this episode, we're sticking to talking about Cosplay, so if that's your thing, then sit back and enjoy. Moe and I start with talking about how they got interested in Cosplay. From there, we talk about some of the first characters they've cosplayed, and how sticking to canon doesn't have to be standard and how to put your own flare and personality into cosplays. As we talk about the characters they've done, we do venture into the fandom world to discuss, particularly with Red Hood. We also talk about Moe's work with prop making and how they approach the different pieces, along with how they work deciding which cosplay or prop to work on. One of my favorite quotes of the episode is "When in dobt, add a corset and belts" We wrap up by talking about what Moe is working on this year, their dream cosplay, and more. You can find Moe at:
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Episode 450: Saint Valkyrie talks Video Games, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, DC & Marvel, and Cosplay
03/23/2026
Episode 450: Saint Valkyrie talks Video Games, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, DC & Marvel, and Cosplay
Saint Valkyrie joins me from Puerto Rico as we dive into a number of different fandoms! I had stumbled across her account on Instagram and really enjoyed her work, and I'm glad you all get to listen! We start things off by talking about Video Games. Broad topic, as we start with how she got into gaming, her first console and games, and more. Then we have a focused disucssion on Cyberpunk 2077. We talk about what that game means to her, why she enjoys the game, and how it informs and educates in its own way. Her discussion changed the way I looked and approached the game. It was a great discussion. We also talked about a game she recommends, Sun Haven, and why you should check it out (link below!) Then we jump over to more gaming, but this time, tabletop roleplaying games! We talk about games like Dungeons and Dragons, and Pathfinder. We talk about the kinds of characters and stories she plays, the amount of games she's in, and how she got into TTRPG's in the first place. Next, we're flipping the coin of comic giants, with DC and Marvel. We get to talk about how she got into these two giant fandoms, where she falls on the spectrum of medium - comics? TV shows? Movies? Plus, we're talking about favorite characters, and favorite properties. Then we're wrapping up with a conversation about Cosplay. She talks about how she got started, some of the characters she's done and skills she's learned, along with characters she's currently working on and future plans. You can find Saint Valkyrie at: You can find Sun Haven on Steam at:
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Episode 449: DannyVanWebster talks Resident Evil, Dispatch, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Cosplay
03/16/2026
Episode 449: DannyVanWebster talks Resident Evil, Dispatch, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Cosplay
After following Danny aka DannyVanWebster for quite some time, and trying to coordinate calendar, I'm finally excited to have his episode release for everyone to listen to! We kick things off by talking about one of his favorite fandoms, Resident Evil. Danny talks about how he got into the franchise, his favorite games, the remakes that released over the past few years, and who his favorite character is. We speculate about the newest entry into the franchise, as this was recorded before the latest Resident Evil released. Danny and I then switch gears, as we talk about one of the most talked about games from last year, Dispatch. Danny talks about how he stumbled across this game, goes over the premise of the game, and we talk about his favorites. We do delve into a bit of spoiler territory for the ending of the game. We then go over to another talked about fandom from last year- K-Pop Demon Hunters. Danny talks about how got into the movie, what continues to draw him to it, his favorite characters, and we discuss the rumored (at the time) potential sequel. Lastly, we wrap up by talking about Cosplay. Danny talks about how he got into Cosplay, doing volunteer work, some of the cosplays he's done and what character's he is drawn to. You can find Danny at:
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Episode 448: Vivien of FreshFrippery talks The Lord of the Rings and Costuming
03/09/2026
Episode 448: Vivien of FreshFrippery talks The Lord of the Rings and Costuming
This week, I have the pleasure of having Vivien of FreshFrippery join me on the podcast! I had been following Vivien's Instagram for quite some time and had been astounded by the work she creates. We start things off by talking about The Lord of the Rings fandom. Vivien and I talk about how she first got into the fandom. We talk about the books and movies, the characters, and what drew her to his particular fandom. Plus, we talk about the costuming. That leads into the perfect segue as we get to explore the ins and outs of costuming. Vivien talks about how she first got into costuming thanks to a chance encounter on her college campus with someone from the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA). From there, Vivien talks about how she first started crafting and creating costume pieces. We talk about sewing these historical costumes and cosplay, and what skills she's learned along the way. Vivien talks about how she decides on the costume and look she creates. Plus, we talk about the cool costuming and ball events that have been in the spaces for the past several years. She talks about a few of the different events she's attended, and what draws her to specific events. You can find Vivien at:
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Episode 447: Mehr aka SuperMehr2.0 talks about Superheroes and Cosplay
03/02/2026
Episode 447: Mehr aka SuperMehr2.0 talks about Superheroes and Cosplay
We've got a hero on the podcast, as Mehr aka SuperMehr2.0 on Instagram joins me. We're talking about two of her favorite things - Superheroes, and Cosplay! With the episode divided in half, the first half is all about superheroes. Mehr talks about getting into superheroes thanks to her brothers, and being sat for several of the animated shows. Iconic shows such as Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League, and Teen Titans, just to name a few. We talk about these shows, then get into some of the different comics. One such comic, and a primary focus, is Ms. Marvel - aka Kamala Khan. We talk about what the character means to Mehr, as well as discuss the comic version to the MCU version. Another surprise character that Mehr talks about is Damien Wayne. I won't say more, so you can listen and find out. Then we turn to Cosplay. Mehr talks about first getting interested in cosplay and talks about the characters that she represents. We talk about her cosplaying during COVID and how she pivoted to online content. We circle back to the love of Ms. Marvel and representing her in various looks and cosplays, and attending the premieres of Ms. Marvel, as well as The Marvels. Mehr talks about some of her upcoming ideas and what she has planned. You can find Mehr at: DC Comics Webtoon can be found at:
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Episode 446: Jenna Costa Deedy talks Marvel, Star Wars, Marine Animals, Cosplay, and more!
02/23/2026
Episode 446: Jenna Costa Deedy talks Marvel, Star Wars, Marine Animals, Cosplay, and more!
After stumbling across her Kitty Pryde cosplay and then following her work with her cosplay and writings, I knew it'd be a fun time to talk with Jenna Costa Deedy. We kick things off by talking about Marvel. We talk about the comics, the movies, and the characters she enjoys. We focus some of the world of the X-Men. We talk about the upcoming inclusion of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and what characters she'd love to see make their MCU appearance. Jenna and I then talk about her love of Star Wars. She talks about which characters she loves, why she continues to love the Galaxy Far, Far Away, and we talk about the wide range of Star Wars media. Then, a first for the podcast, Jenna talks about Marine Animals. We talk about why she loves marine animal science and how she got interested in that field. Jenna talks about her time volunteering and working with animals all over at different centers, and what draws her to this work. Lastly, we talk about Cosplay and her writings. On the cosplay side of things, Jenna talks about how she first got into cosplay and why she got interested in it. We talk about some of the characters she's represented and why those in particular, as well as some of the character she hopes to do in the future. Jenna also talks about the writings that she does - between marine animals as well as pop culture. We cover a few different pieces she's written as well. You can find Jenna at: Use code JENNA20 for 20% off at Use code JENNAD679 to get 10% off at
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Episode 445: Gabriella Buba talks Supernatural, Sherlock, her book Saints of Storm and Sorrow and work as an Author
02/16/2026
Episode 445: Gabriella Buba talks Supernatural, Sherlock, her book Saints of Storm and Sorrow and work as an Author
I stumbled across Gabriella Buba's work on Instagram through a previous guest. This guest was cosplaying as the main character from Saints of Storm and Sorrow, and then hyped up the book. She influenced me, I read the book, and knew I'd love to talk to Gabriella about her work. We start things off by discussing her early fandom influences - Supernatural and Sherlock. We talk about both shows and how these shows were gateways into her early writing, including fan fiction. From there, we talk about her progression into a writer. We talk about the history of Saints of Storm and Sorrow from early iterations to what you can now hold (or listen) to. Gabriella talks about how just one change can be the change that makes the magic happen and make your work become what it was meant to be. We specifically focus on the first book, Saints of Storm and Sorrow, since that's the book I had read. We talk about the characters, the plot, and the setting. Gabriella talks about how real world influences of location and mythology of the Philippines, as well as the role of the Catholic Church, and colonization, all play a role in her book. Gabriella talks about how the book was received here in the US, as well as having made a trip to the Philippines to promote the book last year. Gabriella touches on the audio book version, which has Dante Basco voicing one of the main characters! We also talk about the follow up, Daughters of Flood and Fury, and what is coming next for her. You can find Gabriella at: You can buy Saints of Storm and Sorrow at:
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Episode 444: Rizuki talks Sailor Moon, Video Games, and Cosplay
02/09/2026
Episode 444: Rizuki talks Sailor Moon, Video Games, and Cosplay
Continuing to bring new guests to the podcast, Rizuki and I connect after following each other for quite some time on social media. I'm a fan of the work she does in the realm of Cosplay, and she is one of the co-hosts of Eternal Mooncast. We start off our conversation with none other than the one named Sailor Moon. From how Rizuki used to watch it in the mornings while getting ready for school, to the various iterations of the show that she's watched (along with the dialogue/story choices that had been made!). We talk about her favorites series, her favorite Sailor Scout, and the longevity of the franchise in the world of anime and Cosplay. Rizuki and I then switch gears to talking about video games. We cover a lot of ground with video games. From talking about her love of the Pokemon franchise, to JRPG's like Skies of Arcadia, and her deep obsession with Sonic the Hedgehog. Rizuki is down for Sonic in all versions and all generations of video game console. We also talk about how games hook her, how she can get fixated on games, and what games she's looking forward to in 2026. Then, we get to Cosplay. Rizuki talks about how she first got interested in Cosplay. We talk about the Play in Cosplay, and how having fun is important to remember. She talks about some of her favorite cosplays she's done, her goal to do all the Sailor fuku's, and what she's working on for this year with some larger group collaborations. We also talk about Eternal Mooncast, the Sailor Moon live stream / podcast that you can catch, where she and her other co-hosts discuss all the Sailor Moon you could want, and have guests on as well! You can find Rizuki at: You can find Eternal Mooncast at:
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Episode 443: Don Martin talks fandom influences, podcasting, and his work as an Author of poetry, Verity Vox and The Curse of Foxfire, and more
02/02/2026
Episode 443: Don Martin talks fandom influences, podcasting, and his work as an Author of poetry, Verity Vox and The Curse of Foxfire, and more
New York Times best-selling author Don Martin joins me on the podcast for a wonderful episode full of laughs, learning, and beautiful words. We kick things off by talking about his podcast, Head on Fire. Don talks about how and why he started it, and what you can expect to find by listening or watching his episodes. He interviews experts in overlooked fields, searching for answers to life's biggest and smallest questions. From there, we talk about some of his early fandom influences. From the X-Men, to a focus on the Animorphs series by Katherine Applegate. We discuss how his time spent with family in West Virginia and the history and stories that come out of Appalachia formed the foundations for his future work. Don then talks about how he started writing poetry when he was 10-12. Under the guidance of his uncle as his poetry & writing mentor, Don continued to develop and hone his craft. If you haven't found a poet you like, Don says you just haven't found the right one and recommends a number of poets and poetry to read. Link are at the end of the show notes. Then we talk about Don's novel, Verity Vox and The Curse of Foxfire. As mentioned previously, Don talks about how the idea for the novel started with a real town and story in West Virginia. From there, Verity Vox can be described as Kiki's Delivery Service meets Old Gods of Appalachia. We talk spoiler free about the book, and Don talks about how he infused the book's town and characters with his personal history with West Virginia and the family that resides there. We also talk about what's coming next for his work, and some projects that we hinted at are out now, including Hexes and Heroes. You can find Don at: Verity Vox and The Curse of Foxfire - Don Martin's catalog on Amazon - You can find Hexes and Heroes at: You can find Head on Fire Podcast at: Don's Poetry Recommendations Include: Clint Smith - Above Ground - Andrea Gibson - Lord of the Butterflies - Franny Choi - Maggie Smith - Good Bones - Maggie Smith - The Well Speaks Of Its Own Poison - Staceyann Chin - Beau Sia - Taylor Mali - Saul Williams - Danez Smith - Morgan Parker - Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up At Night - Maya Popa - Wound Is the Origin of Wonder -
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Episode 442: LexiChuChu returns and talks Video Games, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, Cosplay & Cosplay Judging
01/26/2026
Episode 442: LexiChuChu returns and talks Video Games, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, Cosplay & Cosplay Judging
After 5+ years, Lexi aka LexiChuChu on IG returns to the podcast! Lexi's been busy over on their side of the country and we finally had the stars (and schedules) align for their return! We get to catch up a bit before we dive into the realm of Video Games. We kick things off by talking about Hades. Lexi has put in a lot of hours with that game and you'll find out how many hours they've got, plus their favorite weapons for dear ol Zagreus. Plus, we discuss Hades 2 and the different mechanics and gameplay from Hades. Lexi also talks about a game category that we have determined to call Catharsis Games. No, they're not the cozy games you're used to hearing about. Lexi talks about what games are in her catharsis game category and what draws them to those particular games. From there, we're venturing back into Tabletop Roleplaying Games. In Lexi's first episode, this was a topic we had talked about. Now here we are with even more to say. Lexi talks about the multiple Dungeons and Dragons games they play and/or DM in, along with other TTRPG's like Pathfinder, Coyote and Crow, and more. We discuss the gameplay at the table versus online, the storylines that have been created, and the TTRPG systems they'd love to try in the future (here's looking at you, Blades in the Dark!) We then come full circle with more Cosplay. Lexi talks about the past 5 years and what they've been doing in that space, and getting back into building/crafting some cosplay pieces for competition this year. We talk about what they're working on and even more ideas for the future. We also talk about Cosplay Judging, as Lexi has judged for several competitions. We talk about what it's like having seams looked at, techniques being judged, and how to be a good competitor (in skill and respect for others) in cosplay competitions. You can find Lexi at: You can listen to Lexi's first episode here:
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Episode 441: Darvily talks Video Games, Fantasy, and Cosplay
01/19/2026
Episode 441: Darvily talks Video Games, Fantasy, and Cosplay
We return to Australia after many a year as Darvily joins me for this episode! I had stumbled across her on Threads and loved the fandoms she was into, and we get to jump into a few of them for this episode. Darvily and I kick things off with talking about the broad topic of video games. We talk about the first games that she experienced, starting with Spyro. We focus on a few games that Darvily specifically was into over the years, including Animal Crossing, Pokemon, and Skyrim. Darvily also talks about some of her favorite indie games that she likes and recommends. Want the recommendations? Listen! From video games, we make our way into the realm of Fantasy Fandom. We talk about Darvily's love of How To Train Your Dragon, books like Lord of the Rings, Fourth Wing, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, to name a few. We also bundle in talk about Renfaires in Australia, as well as Darvily's experience with Dungeons and Dragons. We then wrap up with a conversation about Cosplay. Darvily talks about getting into Cosplay, along with some of the character she does. From Spider suits to Renfaire looks, Sailor Umbreon, and more. We talk about how she decides and chooses her looks and what she's working on for this year. You can find Darvily at:
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Episode 440: Stacy Kellam talks Romantasy Books and Fantasy inspired costumes & photography
01/12/2026
Episode 440: Stacy Kellam talks Romantasy Books and Fantasy inspired costumes & photography
I stumbled across Stacy on Threads back in early 2025 when she posted about who she was hoping the algorithim would bring to her account. I followed Stacy for awhile and then realized "I bet she has an Instagram page" and followed her work there too. One of my favorite things about Stacy is that she wants to build and engage with those who do follow her on her platforms. I love that, and it's one of the things I enjoyed as I got to know her. This episode is split in half! The first half we're talking about Fantasy and Romantasy books. Stacy talks about what she looks for in a book, and what she's drawn to in the Romantasy sphere. We cover a number of different books including Cruel Prince, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and more. Stacy's full list of recommended titles is at the bottom of the show notes including links to purchase! The second half of the episode features Stacy talking about what she creates! From her fantasy inspired costumes to the photography that goes along with it - including great behind the scenes stories on some of her iconic shots from her instagram. Stacy gives us the inside scoop and I am absolutely here for it. We also talk about renaissance faires and fantasy balls, including Stacy's upcoming appearance at FrostFire Ball by Storybook Soirees (link in the notes for ticket info!) Books that Stacy recommended are: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black - A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas - Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas - The Assassin's Blade novella by Sarah J. Maas - The Rogue King by Abigail Owen - Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - Quicksilver by Callie Hart - You can find more info about FrostFire Ball at: You can find Stacy at:
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Episode 439: KaiaKayy talks The Lord of the Rings
01/05/2026
Episode 439: KaiaKayy talks The Lord of the Rings
As 2025 ended, I kept stumbling across this really wonderful reels on Instagram that kept going into the lore of The Lord of the Rings fandom. After being shown these several times and being captivated, I followed Kaia on Instagram. After a little bit more, I knew I wanted to have her as a guest and delve into Middle Earth lore. Kaia and I talk about everything The Lord of the Rings that we can fit into one non-extended edition podcast episode! From how she got interested in this fandom to start with, to how she continued her journey and where it has taken her today. We cover everything. From The Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, to The Silmarillion. From the animated movies to the Peter Jackson trilogy, The Hobbit movies, Rings of Power TV series, and War of the Rohirrim. And yes, we talk about Tom Bombadil, The Eagles (not the band), Viggo Mortensen breaking his toe, and sadly, the toxic side of the fandom. This is a great time to learn about The Lord of the Rings, dive into some deeper lore like an audio version of Wikipedia, and learn about what challenge I'm taking in 2026 when it comes to this fandom. You can find Kaia at:
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Episode 438: Lola Valentine of Winx Forever Podcast talks Winx Club
11/03/2025
Episode 438: Lola Valentine of Winx Forever Podcast talks Winx Club
Lola Valentine of Winx Forever Podcast joins me for the final episode of 2025! We're talking all about the Winx Club Fandom! This is a first for the podcast, as I knew nothing about the Winx Club show(s) and movies and only had knowledge via people who cosplayed certain characters. Lola is gracious and gives me (and you listening) a great background into Winx Club, which started in 2004! Lola talks about the original Winx Club series, a 4Kids production back in 2004. We talk about how Lola was definitely the target audience for the show, and how she learned about it back then. We talk about its origins in Italy, being brought to the US, and the 4Kids Dub vs future dubs. We get an overview of the story, the characters, and what kept Lola coming back to the fandom. We talk about the shows, the movies, the live action series on Netflix, and the newest Winx Club iteration, Winx Club: The Magic is Back. Lola also talks about the origin of her podcast, Winx Forever Podcast. We talk about how she got started, what people can expect from it, and what the podcast has meant for her and the Winx Club fandom in general. You can find Lola and the Winx Club Forever Podcast at:
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Episode 437: Byuka returns and talks Umamusume: Pretty Derby
10/27/2025
Episode 437: Byuka returns and talks Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Twitch streamer and fellow Hyrule Gaming Group member Byuka returns to the podcast as we talk about the world wide release of the Umamusume: Pretty Derby game. After nearly a year and a half, Byuka comes back to the podcast as we talk about an app/game that has taken over our lives. Japanese horse girl racing game, Umamusume: Pretty Derby, released world wide earlier this year. A game that has been in Asia for several years, Umamusume providers the player a chance to train and race their favorite horse girl over the course of a 3 year period. What will you train? Speed? Wit? Will you give them recreation time? How often will you let them rest? And what skills will your horsegirl obtain in the course of their career? It's highly deep in strategy, frustrating with the RNG at times, and has deep lore for each character - and each character being based on a real horse that exists (or existed). We go over a lot of what we love about the game, the lore and history, how we play, plus tips and tricks! Go check out Umamusume: Pretty Derby, and send me your trainer code so we can be friends! Check out this website for game information! You can find Byuka at: You can listen to Byuka's previous episode at:
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Episode 436: Eden Royce returns and talks Psychopomp & Circumstance, writing for an anime movie, and more!
10/20/2025
Episode 436: Eden Royce returns and talks Psychopomp & Circumstance, writing for an anime movie, and more!
Real life friend, 7x podcast guest, and multi-award winning author Eden Royce joins me from England as we get to catch up, talk her latest works, and more! We start things off by talking about her latest book, Psychopomp & Circumstance. It's her first published work geared towards adults. Billed as a historical southern gothic fantasy, we talk about how this book came about. From her writing process for adults vs children, the themes of the books, the characters, and the setting. I won an ARC, so I was able to read it a few months ago and there are certain scenes that still stick with me from this book. We also talk about some of her previously published works. Then, Eden talks about her latest announcement. Eden is co-writing a horror/thriller anime called Webe: Spirit Detective under the production company, N LITE, and being executive producerd by Jaden and Willow Smith. Eden talks about how she was found specifically for this movie, the work and how its different than writing her novels and short stories, and what this may lead to for the future. Eden and I talk about which works of hers may she'd love to see get translated for the visual medium. We wrap things up by talking about what she's working on currently or planning for the future! Purchase Psychopomp & Circumstance at: UK - Afrori Books US - Signed copy via Sistah SciFi or on Amazon at: Purchase Conjure Island at: Purchase Root Magic at: Purchase Who Lost, I Found at: or on Kindle at: Purchase The Black Girl Survives In This One at: Purchase Blackened Roots: An Anthology of the Undead at: You can find Eden at: You can listen to Eden's previous podcast episodes here: Episode 2: Project 13 Dark: One Year Anniversary: Women in Tabletop Gaming special episode: Book Trek: Eden Royce, Author of Root Magic: Episode 324:
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Episode 435: Ashley aka FreakazoidCosplay talks DC, Marvel, Castlevania, and Cosplay
10/13/2025
Episode 435: Ashley aka FreakazoidCosplay talks DC, Marvel, Castlevania, and Cosplay
After following them for quite some time, I am joined by the wonderful FreakazoidCosplay (aka Ashley) for a great discussion about some of their favorite fandoms. We first kick things off with the dual superhero powers, DC and Marvel. Ashley talks about how they first got their start with DC - from the animated series and movies, to the most recent slate, the comics, and much more. We're talking about what their favorites are, their favorite characters, and how it was growing up in a Marvel household. Which leads directly into how they finally got into Marvel. What their first entry point was, the movies they like, the characters that keeps them coming back for more (and which characters don't - and some may surprise you!) We talk about the upcoming Avengers movie w/Dr. Doom, and what they hope for in the future. Then, after we're all superheroed out, we delve into Netflix's Castlevania series. Ashley talks about how they found out about the show, their favorite characters, and what drew them to the series (and its sequel). We talk about how highly rated the series is, and how if you've not watched it, why its worth the watch. We wrap up with talking about Cosplay. Ashley talks about their first experiences getting into the cosplay scene, parental support, and and the characters they represent (including an anime throwback that caught me off guard!). We talk about photo shoots, con experiences, and what their future and dream cosplays are. You can find Ashley at:
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Episode 434: Sarah aka SpiritDaySarah returns and talks content creation during pregnancy
10/06/2025
Episode 434: Sarah aka SpiritDaySarah returns and talks content creation during pregnancy
Central Florida creator Sarah aka SpiritDaySarah returns to the podcast after 18 months. I always enjoy seeing what Sarah is doing and creating and am glad to welcome her back. For this episode, Sarah had something special to talk about. While we still remain in the realm of content creation, cosplaying, and bounding, Sarah discusses what it is like doing all that while pregnant. Sarah goes over 5 tips to help creators who are or may become pregnant in the future and advice on how she's had to adapt and pivot her content over the past several months. We talk about batching content, writing down ideas that could work over a period of time, changes in what she's able to do and the times she's able to create, and so much more. There's a lot of behind the scenes talk in this episode and even if pregnancy isn't in your future, Sarah's tips work well for any creator. You can find Sarah at: You can listen to Sarah's first episode here:
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Episode 433: Olivia aka TheLibraLiv talks Marvel, The X-Men, Star Wars, Musical Theater, and Cosplay
09/29/2025
Episode 433: Olivia aka TheLibraLiv talks Marvel, The X-Men, Star Wars, Musical Theater, and Cosplay
It's always fun bonding with people over shared interests. For Olivia and I, it was Star Wars and The Bad Batch series. It was a pleasure getting to have Olivia join me on the podcast to talk about this, and so much more! We start things off by by getting into Marvel and The X-Men fandom. Olivia talks about some of her favorite movies/shows that exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and what keeps her coming back for more. We talk about some of her favorites (one of her favorite movies may surprise you!) and then we talk about The X-Men. From X-Men 93 and 97, to comics, and what she's hoping for in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when it comes to the X-Men, including one mutant that made my jaw drop. Then we find ourselves in the galaxy far, far away to talk Star Wars. Olivia talks about her first experiences with the fandom, from the movies to TV shows, and characters. Olivia talks about her love of shows like Rebels, how she's catching up on shows she missed, and what we're expecting from the future movies/shows that have been announced. Musical Theater is next. Olivia talks about how and when she started on the stage, and what drives her to entertain. We talk about some of her experiences and roles, including being Flounder on a Disney cruise ship. Now that she's back on land, we talk about what she's working towards now and her future on stage and screen. We then wrap up by talking about Cosplay. Olivia talks about getting into cosplay, the characters that she cosplays as, and some of the future plans for her as an individual along with potential future group shoots. We also talk briefly about her podcast, Damsels Distressing, which should be returning soon! You can find Olivia at: You can find Damsels Distressing at:
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Episode 432: Anshie_Shinohara talks Final Fantasy 7, Gardening, and Cosplay
09/22/2025
Episode 432: Anshie_Shinohara talks Final Fantasy 7, Gardening, and Cosplay
We have another international guest joining us, as Anshie Shinohara joins me from Germany! After stumbling across her Aerith cosplays on Instagram, I'm happy to welcome her to the podcast. Anshie and I start off with the only topic we could start with, Final Fantasy 7. Anshie talks about how she first got into the video game, back in the original Playstation days. We talk about what kept her coming back to that franchise, her experiences beyond 7, and then returning to the game with Remake and Rebirth. We cover who her favorite characters are, her thoughts on the remake storyline, and what she hopes for how the story ends this time. From there, we go into a topic Aerith would be proud to talk about - Gardening. Anshie discusses how she first got into gardening and her history with it, some of her favorite plants, and her current gardening situation. We talk about a plant she'd love to have, and her advice for those who may be interested in gardening. We wrap up with Cosplay. Anshie has been cosplaying for over 20 years, and she talks about how she first got started with cosplay. This includes a great story about dying her hair pink for a character, some of the characters she's cosplayed over the years, and her love of representing Aerith from Final Fantasy 7. We talk about a few designs she'd love to do in the future, and some behind the scenes talk about some of the photographs on her page. You can find Anshie at:
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