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 Sci-Fi, to Fantasy, Anime, Cosplay, and more.
info_outline
Episode 363: Yaya aka SpaceCowgirlYaya talks Anime and Cosplay
04/22/2024
Episode 363: Yaya aka SpaceCowgirlYaya talks Anime and Cosplay
I always love seeing who people are sharing on their instagram stories. It helps me find new people for this podcast, including today's guest, Yaya aka SpaceCowgirlYaya (or Yaya Cosplay). I fell in love with their traditional Mexican Sailor Moon Cosplay. I knew I needed to get her on the podcast to share her stories. Yaya joins me as we divide the episode in two. The first half of the episode we're talking all about Cosplay. We talk about how Dragonball was her first entry point into anime and what she enjoys about that series. We also touch on anime like Trigun, Full Metal Alchemist, and Attack on Titan. It's a great reflection on where anime fit in Yaya's early life and where she is now with it. In the second half, it's all about cosplay. We talk about how she first got into cosplay, and the motivation behind her Mexican infused cosplays such as the traditional Mexican Sailor Moon fuku, Charro Chibiusa, and Selena x Sailor Moon mashup. Yaya talks about what she's working on for the rest of the year, and the reception she's received with her work. You can follow Yaya at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/30909173
info_outline
Episode 362: Ally Marr talks Dungeons and Dragons, Romance, and her work as an Author
04/15/2024
Episode 362: Ally Marr talks Dungeons and Dragons, Romance, and her work as an Author
Content Warnings: 18+, NSFW, Kink (further content warnings related to kink listed below) After a desire to read more and have more authors on the podcast, I made a post on Threads expressing that. The response was overwhelming, and our first Author joins me from that post, Ally Marr. Ally and I talk first about Dungeons and Dragons. She talks about how she first got into playing, what hooked her into continuing to play, and how her play style has evolved since those first games. We also talk about other tabletop roleplaying games outside of the D&D sphere. The possibility of romance and flirting within D&D leads us into a conversation about romance in that arena, alongside literature. This leads us into talking about Ally's work as an author. 37min 46seconds CW: Kink, Bondage / BDSM, female dominance, orgasm denial Ally talks about how she first started writing, and writing the stories that she wanted to read but didn't seem to find out there. We talk about her book, Desire for Dominance, which is the one I read. We talk about the characters, a bit of the plot, without spoiling the book. Ally mentions how she portrays the kink community and the positive response she's received thus far. We talk about the methods in how she writes, how her books come together, and her book that just released, Denial (the theme is orgasm denial), along with other works in progress. You can find Ally and her work at: Any kinks/warnings are listed on Ally's site above based on book. Desire for Dominance - Denial -
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/30817328
info_outline
Episode 361: Heather Boddy talks Gremlins, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Marvel, Cosplay, and more
04/08/2024
Episode 361: Heather Boddy talks Gremlins, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Marvel, Cosplay, and more
There's always guests that are into so many things that it is tough to contain it all in one episode. Today's guest, Heather Boddy, is one of those guests. She's into so much and does so much that we did our best to squeeze it all into one episode. We kick things off with talking about the nostalgic movies from our childhood. For Heather, we talk about two that stuck with her - Gremlins and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. She talks about how these movies were instrumental in her childhood, particularly Rocky Horror. From there, we go into Marvel. Not just Marvel Comics, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well. Heather talks about how she got into the Marvel side of life, and we talk about one of her favorite characters, She Hulk. Then we talk all about Heather! We dive into the realm of Cosplay and how she was already into it without being into it (listen to the episode to understand that!). We talk about the business she launched, Geeknasium, which is nerdy workouts you can do in the comfort of your own home. And we talk about the podcast she co-hosts, Mental Health Multiverse, and what you can expect to hear. Want more of Heather? You can find her at: You can find Geeknasium at: 14 Day Free Trial - Geeknasium Membership Page - Geeknasium Facebook Page - You can find Mental Health Multiverse Podcast at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/30710353
info_outline
Episode 360: Polly aka Co_Mixed talks Marvel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Battlestar Galactica
04/01/2024
Episode 360: Polly aka Co_Mixed talks Marvel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Battlestar Galactica
My first international guest of 2024! Polly aka Co_Mixed on the socials joins me from Serbia to talk all about her favorite fandoms. Note - there may be a few audio echoes in the episode. Polly and I start things off with talking about Marvel. Not just the Cinematic Universe, but we start with a conversation about the comics, TV shows, and movies pre-MCU. Find out why Polly loves the X-Men, her rewatch of the X-Men animated series, and more. We talk about some of the pre MCU movies like Spider-Man and the X-Men movies, and we also delve into the Cinematic Universe with the movies and TV shows. From there, we switch gears and go to Hell... or maybe a Hellmouth. We're talking about Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We joke about some of the comics that came out post TV series, but we focus on the TV series. Polly talks about how she got into the show, some of her favorite characters, the Angel TV spin-off, among other things. Then we're talking about the Battlestar Galactica reboot series. Find out who failed up in Polly's mind, some of the characters she doesn't like, her opinions on the show, and much more. You can find Polly at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/30602508
info_outline
Episode 359: Keir aka Keirtastic7 talks Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Indie Comics, Audio Dramas, and Film Festivals
03/25/2024
Episode 359: Keir aka Keirtastic7 talks Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Indie Comics, Audio Dramas, and Film Festivals
Rounding out the March 2024 slate is Keir aka Keirtastic7 on Instagram! After talking with his fiancee, Rebellious Dreamer, I got to have the pleasure of having him on this year! We start things off by talking about Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. It's a new to me fandom, though I've heard of it by name. Keir talks about what the show is, how he got into it, and what it's all about. From there, we go to Indie Comics. We talk about the comics that we both were/are drawn to in the indie scene, the evolution of some indie comics becoming mainstream, and supporting the indie comic creators. Then we go into Audio Dramas. Keir talks about what draws him to the medium, as he talks about the Marvel audio dramas regarding Wolverine, and I bring up some of the podcast audio drama work (including a shout out to Fool and Scholar Productions!) We wrap things up talking about film festivals. From Keir's work with them, to some of the behind the scenes things that go on, plus some tips about attending your first film festival. You can find Keir at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/30516463
info_outline
Episode 358: Jazmin aka ThatOneNerdyFanGirll talks Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Cosplay
03/18/2024
Episode 358: Jazmin aka ThatOneNerdyFanGirll talks Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Cosplay
Threads is the new social media platform and something that I've taken to quite well. And today's guest, Jazmin aka ThatOneNerdyFanGirll is my first guest that I stumbled across on the Threads platform! Jazmin joins me to talk about two of the long running, big fandoms out there! First, we talk about Star Wars! Jazmin talks about how she got into Star Wars, some of her favorite media from the franchise, favorite characters, and what she'd love to see in the future! Then, we get to talk about The Lord of the Rings. We talk about the trilogy, the characters, and her first experiences with it. Jazmin then talks about Cosplay. From her first getting into Cosplay, the characters she does, how she decides who to cosplay, and some of her future plans. You can find Jazmin at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/30184268
info_outline
Episode 357: Amber aka TheSpaceJamber returns and talks Danny Phantom, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, Mental Health, and Crochet
03/11/2024
Episode 357: Amber aka TheSpaceJamber returns and talks Danny Phantom, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, Mental Health, and Crochet
Content Warnings: NSFW, 18+, wide ranging and frank mental health discussion Amber aka TheSpaceJamber returns after two years as we get to catch up and talk about life and everything that's been going on recently! We first get to catch up and chat for a bit before diving right back into one of Amber's main passions, Danny Phantom. We talk about the series again (listen to their original episode linked below for more Danny Phantom discussion) before Amber talks about an actual play series they ran for a tabletop roleplaying live stream (links to the stream also below!) We segue into the realm of tabletop roleplaying games. Amber also talks about being ENNIE nominated in the TTRPG space and the work they've been doing with Flabbergasted and Necrobiotic. Amber also reveals that they're working on the latest CHEW tabletop rpg (based on the Image comic) Then Amber and I talk about mental health. Amber talks about the past two years and her experiences. Amber talks about the importance of therapy. The discussion is wide ranging and frank, but worthwhile. We wrap things up talking about crochet. From how it helps Amber with a number of things, to the creativity, and how they'd recommend learning/getting into the world of crochet. You can find Amber at: You can listen to Amber's original episode at: You can watch the actual play of the TTRPG similar to Danny Phantom at: You can find Flabbergasted at: You can find Necrobiotic at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/30184253
info_outline
Episode 356: Sara aka AltoGirl2019 talks Adventure Time, Ooblets, Art, Singing/Songwriting, and Twitch Streaming
03/04/2024
Episode 356: Sara aka AltoGirl2019 talks Adventure Time, Ooblets, Art, Singing/Songwriting, and Twitch Streaming
I'm excited to get to share Sara aka Alto.Girl2019's stories and fandoms with you. I've been in the same community as Sara for several years and was happy when she said yes to being a guest! We start things off with talking about the animated series, Adventure Time. They talk about what brought them to the series, their favorite characters, and what the show means to them, amongst other things! Then, we talk about a new(ish) video game, Ooblets. Sara gives us the backstory about the game, how they got into it and watching others stream it, the game play, and what they enjoy about it. For the last half of the episode, we're talking all about Sara. We get to learn about how Sara got into art (and digital art), singing, songwriting, and streaming all of those on Twitch, along with video games too! You can see Sara's work across multiple channels, and find them on Spotify too! You can find Sara at: You can find the Hyrule Gaming Group at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/30176703
info_outline
Episode 355: Chloe aka ChloesFandomLife talks Star Wars
02/26/2024
Episode 355: Chloe aka ChloesFandomLife talks Star Wars
After stumbling across Chloe's Star Wars bounding and fandom blog, I knew I would love to have her on the podcast and talk about some of her favorite things. We were able to connect and talk all about Star Wars, one of her favorite fandoms. We get to cover Star Wars from all the sides. We're talking about the movies, the shows, the books (including the High Republic!). Chloe talks about her favorite characters, the cast, and everything in between. If you like Star Wars, you'll like this episode! Get to know some deep Star Wars lore on this episode too. I learned so much about background characters that even I did not know about, and that's always a good time for me! Chloe also has a blog that's not just Star Wars, so make sure you go check out her writings and photos from there too! You can find Chloe at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/30095113
info_outline
Episode 354: Kal aka AssortedCreates talks Neil Gaiman, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, Cosplay, and Prop Making
02/19/2024
Episode 354: Kal aka AssortedCreates talks Neil Gaiman, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, Cosplay, and Prop Making
Joining me from my old stomping grounds in North Carolina, Kal aka AssortedCreates talks about some of their favorite fandoms and personal works! We start things off with talking about the works of Neil Gaiman. We primarily touch on The Sandman comics and TV series, and I learn that there's an Audible audio drama too! We dabble with American Gods, and reflect on some of his other work as well. From there, we switch over to talking about Tabletop Roleplaying Games. We cover Dungeons and Dragons, as well as some other game systems like Blades in the Dark, DIE, and Pirate Borg. Kal talks about what TTRPG's mean to them, and what they enjoy playing. We also talk about Critical Role and The Adventure Zone actual plays, and what those shows appeal are. Then we talk about Kal! Kal talks about their cosplays, the characters they represent, and of course, the props, since Kal also does propmaking! We also briefly touch on the band that Kal is in, Oh! You Pretty Things! Hear a bit of their music at the end of the episode. You can find Kal at: You can find Oh! You Pretty Things at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/29999953
info_outline
Episode 353: Brandon aka KingWebHead talks Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and Cosplay
02/12/2024
Episode 353: Brandon aka KingWebHead talks Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and Cosplay
Brandon aka KingWebHead on social media joins me to talk about some of his favorite fandoms. We start off with the Marvel. Brandon and I talk about his introduction into the long running fandom. We cover everything from animated shows, to comics, to the movies, and more. Brandon tells us about his favorite character(s), movies, and what keeps him drawn to the Marvel franchise. Then, we flip to the other of the Big 2, DC. Not only do we cover similar topics: comics, TV shows, animated works, and movies, but Brandon makes me so interested in a DC character that I want to go out and find some comics with that character. Which character? Listen to the episode to find out. We do also talk about the future of the DC live action movies. From there, we travel to a Galaxy Far, Far Away... Star Wars. Brandon and I talk about who introduced him to the franchise, and the multiple fandom entry points from the movies, to TV shows, and so much more. We also reflect on negative comments that had been released at the time of recording about Star Wars not being for women. Lastly, we talk about Cosplay. Brandon talks about how he first got into cosplay, along with some of the characters he represents. We talk about the strength he has to carry Captain America's shield, and the work he continues to do in the cosplay realm. You can find Brandon at: You can find The Real Assemblers at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/29890383
info_outline
Episode 352: Sarah aka SpiritDaySarah talks Disneybounding
02/05/2024
Episode 352: Sarah aka SpiritDaySarah talks Disneybounding
Stumbling across creative people is something I love and I was so glad when Sarah aka SpiritDaySarah said yes to coming on to the podcast, because I love the creativity she brings to her videos and posts! If you haven't checked out Sarah's work, go click on the link now in the show notes. Sarah joins me to talk about one of her biggest creative outlets, and that is Disneybounding (or bounding in general!) Sarah takes us through just how she got into Disneybounding and it is a story that I don't think you'll be expecting. From her humble bounding beginnings, Sarah talks about how she continued bounding, and how she creates the content that you see. Sarah reveals some of her secrets about clothing colors, accessorizing, and how certain colors overlap with a multitude of characters. We also talk about the videos she creates. From the first thought, to her creative process with not just video but with editing, green screens, and more. Plus, some of the hardships that go into it and behind the scenes stories. Seriously, go follow Sarah for some incredible content! You can find Sarah at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/29670973
info_outline
Episode 351: Raz aka R_Hawk24 talks Godzilla, Resident Evil, Marvel and DC, Cosplay, and Music
01/29/2024
Episode 351: Raz aka R_Hawk24 talks Godzilla, Resident Evil, Marvel and DC, Cosplay, and Music
Raz aka R_Hawk24 on Instagram reached out to me and asked to be a guest. I already had him on my list of people I wanted to reach out to, and well... the rest is audio history in your ears! We kick things off with a fandom that Raz has been in a long time that is getting a resurgence across multiple fronts. Godzilla! We talk about his experience watching the old "man in suit" movies, to the latest movie Godzilla Minus One. We talk about what draws him to the franchise, the longevity of it, and its future. Then we move on to the Resident Evil series, specifically talking about the video game side of things. Raz walks us through some of his favorite games and moments in the franchise, favorite characters, and what he enjoys about the franchise. Raz then dual wields comic book lore with both Marvel and DC. We touch on everything that the companies offer, from movies to TV series, animated shows, and comics. Raz gives a brief talk about one of his favorite characters, Superman, and we talk about the future of both companies in the cinematic realm. Cosplay is next, which is what many a people know Raz for. We talk about how he got into the world of Cosplay, some of his favorite characters he's done, the cons he has gone to, and what he's doing in the future. We also talk about music, specifically about the music that Raz creates. He talks about his creative process, making the music, and putting it out into the world. You can find Raz at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/29670678
info_outline
Episode 350: SwordLilyCosplay talks Final Fantasy, Horizon Zero Dawn, Taylor Swift, and Cosplay
01/22/2024
Episode 350: SwordLilyCosplay talks Final Fantasy, Horizon Zero Dawn, Taylor Swift, and Cosplay
After stumbling across her Final Fantasy cosplay work on Instagram and falling in love with it, I'm super happy to have SwordLilyCosplay as a guest! We start things off with talking about a franchise we both love, the Final Fantasy franchise. She talks about the game that first got her into the franchise, and some of her favorite games and characters from the series. We do stop and make sure we show our love for Zack and Aerith. Next, we talk about a new series, Horizon Zero Dawn. We talk about how we were both drawn to the game through the character of Aloy, plus all the cool lore, and of course... ROBOT DINOSAURS! How could anyone say no to that? Taylor Swift is our third stop on this fandom talk. She shares what Taylor means to her, the music, the creativity, and everything in between. Lastly, we talk Cosplay. She talks about how she got into cosplay, some of the work she's done, her inspirations, and of course, what she's planning for this year! You can find SwordLilyCosplay at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/29570753
info_outline
Episode 349: Randi aka HeyBlueHairCosplay talks Star Wars, Cosplay, and 3D Printing
01/15/2024
Episode 349: Randi aka HeyBlueHairCosplay talks Star Wars, Cosplay, and 3D Printing
Randi aka HeyBlueHairCosplay on Instagram and one half of the Clark and Dagger Company joins me on the podcast to talk about one of her favorite fandoms. Star Wars! We explore how Randi first got into Star Wars, and then getting back into it over the years. We cover a lot of space (get it, space? Har har) that Star Wars occupies. From the movies to TV shows, the animated shows to books, video games. I think the only thing we didn't talk about was Star Wars cereal! Favorite characters, favorite media, and what they would do if Dave Filoni asked them to create their own media. From there, we talk about Cosplay. Randi talks about how she got into the world of Cosplay, some of her favorite characters that she cosplays as, and how it goes hand in hand with their business, Clark and Dagger. With her fiancee, David (not me!), they run Clark and Dagger to create 3D props, along with a number of other items. Randi gives us a behind the scenes look about what that means and how the process works. You can find Randi at: You can find Clark and Dagger at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/29461703
info_outline
Episode 348: Brad Carter of BnB Anime Podcast Returns and talks Dungeons and Dragons, Anime, and Podcasting
01/08/2024
Episode 348: Brad Carter of BnB Anime Podcast Returns and talks Dungeons and Dragons, Anime, and Podcasting
Brad Carter of the BnB Anime Podcast returns after 3 1/2 years as we get to catch up and talk about new and old fandoms! We first get to talk about his newest fandom, Dungeons and Dragons. Brad talks about how he first got into the tabletop roleplaying game as a player several years ago. After getting his feet wet on the player side of things, he's found a comfortable seat as the dungeon master. We get to explore his experiences on both sides of the table, what he really enjoys, and what's in the future for his D&D gaming. Then, we have to talk Anime. I mean, Brad co-hosts the BnB Anime podcast. It's a given. We revisit his love for certain anime, while also exploring his drive to consume everything. Find out what kind of anime Brad likes, his 3 desert island anime he'd take, and even learn about which anime he's never watched (as we both confess to never having watched it!) We wrap up with an open and honest conversation about podcasting. We talk about the longevity of the BnB Anime podcast (co-hosted with Blue) and the evolution of their podcast. We talk about how lonely podcasting can be, experiences in the podcasting communities, and do our best to keep it a positive discussion! You can listen to Brad's original episode at: You can find Brad at: You can find BnB Anime Podcast at: You can listen to co-host Blue Lavander's episode here:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/29364723
info_outline
Episode 347: Erminia aka StalwartUrsa talks Magic: The Gathering
01/01/2024
Episode 347: Erminia aka StalwartUrsa talks Magic: The Gathering
Welcome to 2024! We are kicking this year off right for a wonderful deep dive into the world of Magic: The Gathering, courtesy of Erminia aka StalwartUrsa. Erminia talks about how she got into playing Magic: The Gathering, and her experiences with these pieces of art on small pieces of cardboard. She talks about her experiences with game stores, the expansion of the game, the new artists being brought in, and more. We also talk about the intersection of Magic: The Gathering and fandoms, where cards from fandoms like Jurassic Park, My Little Pony, Lord of the Rings, and more, are being incorporated into this long lasting game. If you're looking for a wonderful conversation about this game, definitely take a listen. You can find Erminia at: Get 10% of your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/29237868
info_outline
Episode 346: Jarret Keene talks Hammer of the Dogs, writing, and influential fandoms
11/27/2023
Episode 346: Jarret Keene talks Hammer of the Dogs, writing, and influential fandoms
Author and Professor Jarret Keene, PhD, joins me on the last episode of 2023 to talk about his new book, Hammer of the Dogs! Jarret and I talk about his newest book, Hammer of the Dogs. Jarret talks about how the book came about during one of the classes he was teaching and working on it from there. From the synopsis: Set in the wasteland of post-apocalyptic Las Vegas, Hammer of the Dogs is a literary dystopian adventure filled with high-octane fun starring twenty-one-year-old Lash. With her high-tech skill set and warrior mentality, Lash is a master of her own fate as she helps to shield the Las Vegas valley’s survivors and protect her younger classmates at a paramilitary school holed up in Luxor on the Las Vegas Strip. After graduation, she’ll be alone in fending off the deadly intentions and desires of the school’s most powerful opponents. Jarret and I talk about the plot, characters, and setting while keeping it spoiler free for you listening. That way, you can get yourself a copy of the book to read! We also talk about influential fandoms that had an impact on Jarret's work, everything from movies, comics, and books. A listing of recommendations are below for those interested. Hammer of the Dogs is available in Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook at: You can find Jarret at: Jarret's recommendation list includes: Movies: The Goonies, Krull, Dragonslayer, Tron, The Black Hole (Disney), Fire and Ice, Heavy Metal, The Secret of Nimh, Legend, Labyrinth, Conan the Barbarian, Red Dawn, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Highlander, Flash Gordon, Howard the Duck, Buckaroo Banzai, and Robocop Comics: Marvel's Secret Wars, X-Men: Mutant Massacre, Elf Quest, Frank Miller's Ronin, and Jack Kirby's Kamandi: The Last Boy On Earth Books: Stephen King's Carrie, and Firestarter Get 10% of your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28792523
info_outline
Episode 345: Victoria Avalor returns and talks about her books, Egyptology, and Cosplay
11/20/2023
Episode 345: Victoria Avalor returns and talks about her books, Egyptology, and Cosplay
This one has been a long time coming. After over 5 years, Victoria Avalor returns to the podcast! Fate and our schedules finally aligned, as I've been trying to have Victoria back for a number of years now. We get to catch up and talk about the past several years and then we talk about her two books. Realm of Lore, published in 2017, and An Unholy Union, published in 2020. We talk about what else she's working on, as well as the work/life balance that she handles. Then, we get into talking about another of her passions, Egyptology. Victoria talks about how she first became interested in Egyptian history and mythology. Then we talk about the videos she creates on TikTok and Instagram sharing little stories and tidbits. Lastly, we wrap up with a reflection about Cosplay. Victoria has been active in the community for many a years. We talk about what she's working on now, but we primarily reflect on the history, how cosplay has changed since she started, and more. You can find Victoria's books at: Realm of Lore - An Unholy Union - You can find Victoria at: Podcast episode 48: Wonder Woman Review: Book Trek: Victoria Avalor, Author of Realm of Lore: Get 10% of your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28711713
info_outline
Episode 344: Drew Orozco aka DrewBearded returns to talk Final Fantasy VII (Original and Remake)
11/13/2023
Episode 344: Drew Orozco aka DrewBearded returns to talk Final Fantasy VII (Original and Remake)
Drew aka Drewbearded returns for the end of 2023! We're talking about his nearly year long play through of Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII Remake / Intermission. After playing Crisis Core last year and wrapping up earlier this year, Drew delved into playing the original Final Fantasy 7 and then following it up with his play through of Final Fantasy 7 Remake (and Intermission) Drew talks about his experiences with both games, from revisiting the original FF7 and the changes in story and characters with Final Fantasy 7 Remake. We talk about what he liked and didn't like, what worked for Remake, and some of the things that didn't work. Plus we talk about the world (city?) building with Remake specifically set in Midgar. And we do touch on Intermission, a bit of Dirge of Cerberus, and the next release, Rebirth. Want to watch or find Drew? You can find him at: You can listen to his first four episodes here: Get 10% of your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28596868
info_outline
Episode 343: Elizabeth aka Psych4Geeks talks Avatar: The Last Airbender, Anime, and Fandom & Geek Culture in Clinical Psychology
11/06/2023
Episode 343: Elizabeth aka Psych4Geeks talks Avatar: The Last Airbender, Anime, and Fandom & Geek Culture in Clinical Psychology
After being intrigued by her work on Instagram and seeing what she does, I am glad to welcome Elizabeth Sánchez Arvizu of Psychology for Geeks to the podcast. We start things off by talking all about Avatar: The Last Airbender. Elizabeth and I talk about the series and characters, the storylines, and how kids relate to the series. We also dabble in conversation about the live action Netflix series, the writer and actors strike, and what that could mean for the future projects in the fandom. Then, we switch gears and talk broadly about Anime. From Elizabeth's first experiences with it, to getting into One Piece thanks to her brother, and other anime that she recommends. Finally, we talk about Psychology for Geeks (or Psych4Geeks, as is her username). Elizabeth talks about how she uses fandom and geek culture in her Clinical Psychology work. How she incorporates it, applications, and what her future plans are. You can find Elizabeth at: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28516223
info_outline
Episode 342: KiwiNinamori talks The Owl House, The Dark Crystal, Squid Game, Alice in Borderland, and Cosplay
10/30/2023
Episode 342: KiwiNinamori talks The Owl House, The Dark Crystal, Squid Game, Alice in Borderland, and Cosplay
After finding KiwiNinamori from someone's stories on Instagram awhile back, she was someone I was super excited to get to talk with. Kiwi joins me as we talk about a number of different fandoms. We start things off by talking about The Owl House. We explore the characters and stories, the cancellation, relationships, and so much more. Then we change from that to another cancelled fandom, The Dark Crystal. We of course talk about the movie, but we primarily focus on The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, the Netflix series cut short after one season. We talk about the show and characters, and the tragedy of cancellation. We then pair a Korean and Japanese show together with Squid Game and Alice in Borderland. Kiwi talks about how she discovered these shows, and what her draw is to them. Lastly, we wrap up with cosplay. Kiwi talks about first getting into cosplay, the characters she cosplays, the conventions and cosplay contests she's won, and what her plans are for the future. You can find Kiwi at: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28450889
info_outline
Episode 341: Michelle Reed talks Jurassic Park, The Witcher, The Last of Us, and Cosplay
10/23/2023
Episode 341: Michelle Reed talks Jurassic Park, The Witcher, The Last of Us, and Cosplay
After stumbling across Michelle Reed's work being shared on Instagram, and enjoying what she creates and does to support those around her, I was excited to have her join me for this episode. We're talking franchises in this episode, with each franchise spanning a variety of media. It's a fun episode and we get to bounce around within the fandoms. The first one we start off with is the Jurassic Park franchise. We talk about the original trilogy, the Jurassic World trilogy, plus Camp Cretaceous, the animated series. We also talk about the books, merch, and what may be in store for the future of Jurassic Park. Then we switch to the realm of the Witcher. Michelle talks about how she first got into the franchise, her thoughts on the TV show, if she's read the books, and the character that she loves the most. The Last of Us franchise spans between two games and a TV series, and we get to talk about both. This franchise is the one that Michelle most connects with in a very personal way. She shares these stories while talking about the games, the TV show, and what she hopes for the future. We wrap up with a double header of Cosplay and Twitch streaming. Michelle talks about how she got into Cosplay, the characters she represents and her plans for the future. Plus, she talks about streaming on Twitch, the games she plays, and what you can expect from her and her community. You can find Michelle at: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28362989
info_outline
Episode 340: Kat aka MoonettaMagic returns and talks Monster High, Disney's Fairies, Photography, and Cosplay
10/16/2023
Episode 340: Kat aka MoonettaMagic returns and talks Monster High, Disney's Fairies, Photography, and Cosplay
Kat aka MoonettaMagic returns to the podcast after over 6 years! We'd been looking for awhile to have a return episode and timing and scheduling made this work. Note, this episode was recorded prior to the strikes. We catch up a bit before Kat dives into one of their newest fandoms, Monster High. We talk about the original Monster High doll line, the latest releases, and the various series/movies out there on the networks and streaming services. Then, we go to Pixie Hollow with Tinkerbell and the Disney Fairies line. We talk about the books, the movies and shows, and what this world means to Kat. We delve into the realm of Fairies in general as well. This leads into our next topic, which is how Kat found themselves getting into photography. Not just taking the pictures, or being in the pictures, but helping others with her creative vision, finding places for shoots, and so much more. It's really a wonderful listen as Kat talks about her passion for photography. Then, we circle back to Cosplay, which is how I had found Kat those many years ago on Instagram. We talk about some of their former cosplays and what happened to them, some of their current work, and what they're looking forward to in the future. You can find Kat at: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28305875
info_outline
Episode 338: BajanPrincessBrittany talks Bridgerton, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Disney, and Bounding
10/02/2023
Episode 338: BajanPrincessBrittany talks Bridgerton, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Disney, and Bounding
After stumbling across her work from previous guests, I was so excited to have Brittany aka BajanPrincessBrittany on IG join me for this latest episode! We start things off with talking about Bridgerton. Brittany talks about how she first got into the TV series and then the books. We talk about some of her favorite characters and storylines, how she connects to the show, and more. We also segue into a James Bond discussion before circling back to wrap up Bridgerton and its upcoming season. Then we switch over to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We talk about her first introduction into the MCU, some of her favorite movies, shows, and characters. Plus, Brittany assembles her own Avengers squad. Find out who she chooses! Brittany then takes us to Disney. Not literally though, sorry everyone. Disney is so all encompassing that we do our best to tackle movies, TV shows, and theme parks. Plus, we discuss if Powerline is overrated or underrated. What do you think? We wrap up with a conversation about Bounding, and how I found her work. Brittany got into doing Disneybounding (and other bounds from things like the MCU). We talk about her wardrobe, self shoots, some of the Bound Challenges people post, and some other wonderful creators. You can find Brittany at: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28184162
info_outline
Episode 337: Joshua aka HylianDescent of Hyrule Gaming Group Returns as we talk Twitch, video games, and self care
09/25/2023
Episode 337: Joshua aka HylianDescent of Hyrule Gaming Group Returns as we talk Twitch, video games, and self care
It's becoming a yearly tradition. Joshua aka HylianDescent of the Hyrule Gaming Group returns for his 4th episode as we continue to take a look into the live of a Twitch Partner and ll that goes on in his world. Hylian talks about his continued experience as a steamer. With the past year being an evolution as a streamer. He talks about putting the focus back on himself and some of the self care he’s been doing away from the streams. We talk about his break from cornerstone games to an expanded roster of streamed games. From Story of Seasons to No Man’s Sky, his adventures with Disney Dreamlight Valley, and the return to Hyrule with Tears of the Kingdom. But we don’t pass up the chance to talk Animal Crossing as well. It's always a pleasure to get to talk with Joshua about his experiences, the growth of his communities, his streams, and his continued plans for the future. You can find Joshua at: You can listen to his first three episodes here: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28119764
info_outline
Episode 336: Sarah aka Feelsbender talks Vampires in Fandom
09/18/2023
Episode 336: Sarah aka Feelsbender talks Vampires in Fandom
I've invited Sarah aka Feelsbender back to the podcast for one of her favorite topics. We're talking Vampires in Fandom! Sarah kicks things off by talking about her first exposure to Vampires, through the book "The Silver Kiss" by Annette Curtis Klause. She talks about what drew her to the book, and then to vampires in general. Then we talk about vampires beyond the scope of the European influence. Sarah talks about vampires in the Filipino culture, the Aswang and the Manananggal. We talk about the upcoming BIPOC Vamp Day (9/22-9/24) and what has been happening recently with BIPOC Vamp Day, Black Fae Day, and others. Sarah and I also talk about Vampire media recently and we talk about shows and movies, plus we focus on specific vampires that Sarah has to show love too. We wrap things up talking about what she and I expect for the future of vampires in fandom and the tone that may be set. You can find The Silver Kiss at: You can find more info on BIPOC Vamp Day at: You can find Sarah at: You can listen to Sarah's first episode at: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/28054896
info_outline
Episode 335: Michi aka Mew21_Cosplay Returns and talks Sailor Moon, Cosplay, and Eternal Mooncast
09/11/2023
Episode 335: Michi aka Mew21_Cosplay Returns and talks Sailor Moon, Cosplay, and Eternal Mooncast
It's always something when a guest asks to come back. It's even better when it was one of my original guests when there was no podcast! Michi aka Mew21_Cosplay on Instagram returns to the podcast after 7 years! Her original episode was Episode 8 (link below!). So here we are, catching up! We revisit the Sailor Moon fandom, as Sailor Moon Crystal had only been out a year when we originally recorded. We talk about the various fandom aspects from the TV shows, to the live action show, and the movies that have been released. Michi is a huge Sailor Moon fan, so its easy to get caught up in so many different stories. We also check back in with Michi and the cosplay world. Michi has been cosplaying for 10+ years as of our recording, and she spends some time talking about how she organizes and wrangles large cosplay groups for conventions. Plus, we talk about the cosplay realm in general, going overseas for a cosplay shoot, and more. Then, we focus on the evolution of Eternal Mooncast. Michi created this podcast/live stream show after getting a positive response on her in-depth lore dives about the Sailor Moon franchise. It has evolved beyond just a podcast, but it also exists as a live stream on Twitch, and more. Be sure to check their schedule for their live shows and what they'll be focusing on each show! You can find Michi at: You can listen to Michi's original episode here: You can find Eternal Mooncast at: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/27988776
info_outline
Episode 334: Brent aka DorklordCanada talks Babylon 5, The Murderbot Diaries, and Tabletop Roleplaying Games
09/04/2023
Episode 334: Brent aka DorklordCanada talks Babylon 5, The Murderbot Diaries, and Tabletop Roleplaying Games
Joining me from Canada, Brent aka DorklordCanada, is someone I've known on Twitter through the tabletop roleplaying community for many years. Finally, we get together and have a wonderful conversation. We first kick off with a conversation about Babylon 5. Brent talks about how he first discovered the show and what kept him invested in it. We talk about the characters, the plot lines, the actors, and the now released animated movie. Then, we change to a new to the podcast fandom. Brent talks about The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. Brent tells us how he got into the series of novellas and why you should be checking out this series. Finally, Brent and I get into the tabletop roleplaying discussion. Brent tells a wonderful story about how he first got into TTRPG's through a small library, and the path that it took him. From Dungeons and Dragons to Call of Cthulhu, to actual play live streams, Solo RPG's, and so much more. Brent talks about the games he enjoys and what draws him to particular games now. We also talk about his work with TTRPG's with editing and actual plays. You can find Brent at: You can find The Murderbot Diaries on Amazon at: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/27926232
info_outline
Episode 333: Wynterr_Cosplays talks Anime, Cartoon Shows, Retro Video Games, and Cosplay
08/28/2023
Episode 333: Wynterr_Cosplays talks Anime, Cartoon Shows, Retro Video Games, and Cosplay
I love stumbling across people on Instagram. It's one of my favorite things. You never know who you're going to see and what you're going to love. When I saw Wynterr as Miles Morales, I knew I had to check out their work and lo and behold, I loved what cosplays they did! And now, Wynterr joins me to talk about some of their favorite fandoms. We're talking about a number of broad subjects and then getting into the nitty gritty. The first topic we cover is anime. Wynterr talks about how they got into anime, and some of their favorites, like Dragonball and YuYu Hakusho. From there, we go to the cousin of anime, Cartoon shows. We discover a shared love of Bob's Burgers (find out which characters they see themselves as) plus.... Spongebob Squarepants, which may be the first time I've talked about Spongebob on this podcast! When then go back.... to retro video games. Wynterr talks about which consoles they like, some of their favorites games, and we talk about Super Smash Brothers. Find out what their main is for the game! Lastly, we talk all about Cosplay. Wynterr talks about how they got into cosplay along with fantastical make up. We talk about some of their favorite cosplays, characters, and what they have in store for the future. You can find Wynterr at: Get 10% off your order of Woodmarks, Tolkien style maps, and more from In The Reads by using code TALES10 at checkout. Visit them at:
/episode/index/show/talesfromthefandom/id/27860163