Hello and welcome to the Certified Fangirl Podcast! On Episode 08, we are joined by Kelsey Keena.

Kelsey is a passionate marketing professional at Vans who loves being part of a brand that celebrates creativity, self-expression, and individuality. In this episode, we dive into her journey, her musical influences, and what makes her such a fangirl of individuality.

We talk about growing up in Southern California, being a true Warped Tour kid, and how the SoCal music scene helped shape who she is today. Kelsey shares stories about the artists and experiences that inspired her, along with her perspective on authenticity, community and making your thirteen year-old self proud.

Warped Tour is more than just a concert, it's a catalyst for social change. Terra from Feed Our Children NOW!, shares how the tour transformed into a movement against childhood food insecurity. By collecting cans, they redistribute over 30 tons of food to children in need, making philanthropy accessible to fans and artists alike.

This episode explores the origins of Feed Our Children Now and how Warped Tour amplifies charity visibility. With band endorsements driving awareness, Terra highlights the ongoing support that keeps food flowing to those in need.

Discover how music and community efforts can lead to national change, and learn how you can help by volunteering!

On Episode 06 of the Certified Fangirl Podcast, we are joined by D'Anna Geist. D'Anna is a key member of The Maine on Tour (TMOT), one of the most passionate fan-driven communities surrounding The Maine. We dive into her journey as a lifelong fan-turned-community builder, and what it really means to be a "professional concert attendee."

D'Anna shares how music has shaped her life, how she discovered The Maine, what it's like helping run a fan platform that connects people across cities, tours and experiences. We also discuss building real friendships through live music, the culture of traveling for shows, and the little details fans care about most (unique merch + setlists, for example).

D'Anna is a prime example of why being a fangirl is so rewarding.

On episode 05 of the Certified Fangirl Podcast, I'm joined by Kellyn Champion. She is the founder, designer and owner of Elder Emo Co., a brand you've probably seen at your favorite festivals and shows, including Warped Tour and Emo Orchestra.

We talk about growing up in fandom, from Disney to emo, what it takes to run a business on the road, and how Kellyn built a community through merch. We also discuss how to stand out among a sea of elder emos, highlighting Elder Emo Co's iconic green locker.

And yes, we also discuss the mystery of who stole her skateboard in Florida. We have questions.

On this episode of the Certified Fangirl Podcast, I spoke with Anna Neitzel, songwriter and singer of songs in Bay Area band, Neverlyn. We talked about her journey as an artists, from her earliest influences to building her own sound and identity within the music industry.

Anna also discussed working behind the scenes, her thoughts on AI music, and she navigates staying true to herself without conforming to industry expectations. Plus, we dive into her connection with tarot, and how it plays a role in her upbringing.

On episode 03 of the Certified Fangirl Podcast, I'm joined by singer-songwriter LysXO for a conversation about what it really looks like to pursue music independently today. We talk about balancing multiple jobs, staying motivated, and navigating the ups and downs of trying to build a career in the industry.

We also get into fan culture! Why it's important to embrace being a fan, the artists and bands that shaped her growing up, and how those influences show up in her music today.

Plus, we talk about her goals for the future, including manifesting her first tour!

Join us on this episode as we speak to Sierra Lyman about her dynamic journey in the music industry. We explore her experiences managing artists, the transformative role of nonprofits and fan engagement, and her unique upbringing on the Warped Tour. Sierra shares insights on building strong artist catalogs, and navigating the evolving landscape of DIY scene and social media, offering a fresh perspective on the future of music.

In the debut episode of Certified Fangirl, Kanan is joined by Lexi (_cemeterywedding), music photographer, videographer, publicity intern at Big Picture Media, and founder of Punkaganda Press.

From her early Blink-182 fandom to working behind the scenes on some of your favorite tours, Lexi shares how her love for music evolved into a career rooted in passion, learning and fighting for marginalized voices.

What was your first fandom?