Common Room: Passionate Discussion of Pop Culture, Food, Fitness, & Fashion!

Common Room: Passionate Discussion of Pop Culture, Food, Fitness, & Fashion! episodes:

• 08.26.2019

  Voiceover 101 with Daree Allen, Voiceover Artist and Life Coach

  Daree Allen is a professional voice actor and a genuinely great conversationalist. I really enjoyed speaking to her about everything from being yourself to her detailed voiceover 101 tips. Get Daree's Voiceover 101 Dos and Don'ts on comrom.co. Daree was...

  
• 04.14.2019

  Game of Thrones Recap with Pat Sponaugle!

  We've made it easy for you, Pat Sponaugle and I (Hadas!) got together for a Game of Thrones recap chat to prepare for the final season. It's finally here! The last season of Game of Thrones is upon us. Literally,...

  
• 02.25.2019

  The Best Harry Potter Meetup Group

  Jonathon Rosenthal is the lead organizer of the best Harry Potter Meetup group. This isn't an exaggeration. It's the best out there. The Group that Shall Not Be Named has been around for over a decade and has over 2000...

  
• 12.30.2018

  Alejandro Montoya Marin from Rebel Without a Crew

  Alejandro Montoya Marin is someone I've been hearing about for quite a while. I've been lucky enough to see many of his shorts (including the first version of Monday) and am so excited he was handpicked by Robert Rodriguez to...

  
• 11.18.2018

  Chamber of Secrets Movie Commentary

  After having a blast recording the Sorcerer's Stone movie commentary episode for #Potterweek, we did it again! On this Chamber of Secrets movie commentary episode, you'll learn all about our Weasley crushes, our favorite books, our first impressions, and more. This...

  
• 10.24.2018

  Wonder Woman Movie Review with Summer!

  This one's from the archives and not spoiler-free. Meet Summer Summer, my friend from the International Geek Girl Pen Pals club, is one of the biggest Wonder Woman fans I know. Summer poked me right away. She had to be...

  
• 07.31.2018

  Welcome to Common Room: A Reintroduction

  Welcome! If you've never listened to the Common Room podcast or visited our site, you're probably asking "What's Common Room?" I hear you, and I'm trying to figure that out myself.   Common Room is a place for the renaissance...

  
• 07.31.2018

  Potterweek: Race in Harry Potter

  When Noma Dumezweni was cast as Hermione Granger in the stage play of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, many praised the casting choice. Fans around the world wondered if a black Hermione could possibly be canon. JK Rowling applauded...

  
• 07.31.2018

  Terrace House: The Only Self Care You Need Right Now

  Listen to this quick 20-minute gab with me (Hadas) and Tony, aka Crazy for Comic Con and creator of the fabulous Hero Within fashion line. Fabulous isn't a word I use in my daily life. This line is designer level fandom...

  
• 07.31.2017

  #Potterweek: What is Harry Potter canon? Fantastic Beasts? The Cursed Child?

  Happy Birthday, Harry + Jo! The first seven books of the series gave us all the story we needed. Or did they? With the additions of Pottermore, Twitter, The Cursed Child, and Fantastic Beasts, JK Rowling has many outlets to...

  
• 07.30.2017

  #Potterweek: Neville Longbottom: The Boy Who Could Have Been

  Happy Birthday, Neville Longbottom! When we meet Neville in his first year at Hogwarts, we couldn't have imagined he'd turn out to be the hero we see at the end of the series. The biggest turning point came in Order...

  
• 01.15.2017

  Veronica Mars Season 2 Rewatch with Geek Girl Pen Pals

  A few months ago (read: over a year ago) I (Hadas) set out to do another tv show rematch with my Iggle pals. Rewatch Recap: We previously rewatched Roswell, the alien teenage romance drama from The WB. Then Freaks and...

  
• 11.21.2016

  Veronica Mars Season 1 Rewatch with Geek Girl Pen Pals

  A few months ago (read: over a year ago) I (Hadas) set out to do another tv show rematch with my Iggle pals. Rewatch Recap: We previously rewatched Roswell, the alien teenage romance drama from The WB. Then Freaks and...

  
• 08.26.2016

  Talk with Travis the Grimm and a bit of Twin Peaks Season 2

  Instead of an in-depth discussion on Twin Peaks listen in to Travis the Grimm and Hadas (that's me!) get nerdy. Sometimes not everything goes according to plan! When it came time to record our second episode of the Twin Peaks...

  
• 08.26.2016

  Religion in Potter

  As you know, on Common Room, we are religiously and politically neutral. We'll never post happy holidays for any holiday or support a political candidate as a site/podcast. So, when I asked friends and strangers to be on the show for...

  
• 08.15.2016

  We Have To Go Back! Lost Rewatch: Pilot 1 + 2

  It's finally here. The first episode of our Lost rewatch. These episodes will not be on the Common Room feed starting with the second episode. Frequency: twice a month. Format: Introduction of guests: First timer: Debbie of The Geeky Twin...

  
• 08.01.2016

  #Potterweek: Villains, Voldemort, Umbridge, and More!

  Villains are always fun to discuss. What makes a good one? The Potter villains are pretty diverse. So diverse we sometimes have to ask "Is X a villain?" Listen in as Akua and Ashley, both officers of Geek Girl Brunch...

  
• 07.31.2016

  Muggle vs Magic: Education, Journalism, and more!

  JK Rowling created a very detailed and well-plotted story. Yet how come Hogwarts' students miss out on traditional problem solving and critical thinking lessons? Are most wizards idiots? Jada an officer of Geek Girl Brunch and Julia of our future...

  
• 07.28.2016

  #Potterweek Relationships in Harry Potter, Ginny + Harry, Snape/Lily/James

  Relationships in Harry Potter and fun and frustrating. Ginny and Harry make sense on paper, but some people can't stand their pairing. Lily and James together is confusing, but is Lily and Snape any better?   On this fourth Potterweek...

  
• 07.26.2016

  #Potterweek Dursley's Deal

  You know that family member you don't get along with? They've got nothing on the Dursleys. Imagine for yourself two humans who show absolutely no love towards an orphaned infant. On this #Potterweek episode, our guest co-host Kris of No...

  
• 07.26.2016

  #Potterweek: Hermione Granger, Our Favorite Know It All

  Oh, Hermione. We've definitely known a Hermione in our lives. We may even be one. Did Hermione ever grow up from being a know-it-all? Is that something she needs you to grow up from? Join me and my guest host,...

  
• 07.25.2016

  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Movie Commentary #Potterweek

  What happens when you have a Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff rewatch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? For starters, a whole lot of different opinions about the Weasleys. So how does this work? Simply have you movie ready to press...

  
• 06.16.2016

  20 Feet From Stardom- Presentation, Content, and our Musical Dreams

  Another oldie but a goodie. Back in November, we consumed a bit too much for Non-Fiction November*. One of the documentaries we watched and recorded about just didn't get edited in time. Listen in as Christine, Debbie, Margaux, and I...

  
• 05.15.2016

  Men's Fandom Fashion with Tony B Kim (Crazy 4 Comic Con)

  The ladies are finally getting the flattering geeky threads they always wanted. But what about the guys, eh? Men's Fandom Fashion is the topic for our first episode back from a long hiatus (an explanation is on the episode). This...

  
• 04.05.2016

  3 Ladies Review Batman v Superman

  Yep, the long awaited fight between the Bat of Gotham and the Son of Krypton was released in March. Reviewers were unkind, fans had mixed opinions, and the stars were defensive. Joining me (Hadas) were Meghan aka @mesulli on the interwebs and...

  
• 04.01.2016

  Australian Aboriginals, Diversity, + Identity #IntWomensMonth

  What do you think about when you hear the term indigenous people? I usually think of Native Americans, yet they aren't the only indigenous people on the planet. Only in the last five years did I learn about the Aboriginal...

  
• 03.30.2016

  Sonia Liao: Geekery, Art, + Asian American Life

  Sonia Liao is the wonderful artist behind Helena Rose which Debbie and I reviewed a few months ago. Read that here and please get the comic, it's beautiful both in art and story. Sonia and I talked about geekery at first....

  
• 03.23.2016

  Lynne Yoshii: Hawaii, Japanese Culture, + NYC

  We met Lynne Yoshii through Emet Comics. She is the artist behind Inside the Loop (our review is coming soon!). I had so much fun talking to her about nerd things we actually spoke for a bit after the ep...

  
• 03.11.2016

  Maytal Gilboa, Founder of Emet Comics #IntWomensMonth

  Our 3rd International Women's Month episode is with the founder of female and diversity focused, Emet Comics. Maytal Gilboa joins us for about half an hour to chat about the idea behind the company, her upcoming plans, and some general...

  
• 03.04.2016

  Blogging as Therapy with Military Brats Megan Gotch + Jamila Rowser

  Sometime in 2015, I realized that some of the leaders of the large lady nerd communities I was part of were self-proclaimed military brats. I invited them on the episode and the conversation went in a direction I couldn't have...

  
• 03.01.2016

  Jean Barker: Stories, Idealism, + South Africa

  Jean Barker is a writer, director, and generally a storyteller. Zana, her first comic, is about a South Africa where Nelson Mandela has been killed and apartheid lives on.  Jean and I talked about Zana, her upbringing in South Africa, her writings,...

  
• 02.23.2016

  Oscars 2016 Picks!

  Oscar, Oscar! Vote Now! Listen in to Charee, Margaux, and Hadas discuss their picks for the 2016 Oscars. We were a bit disappointed with some snubs, we had a hard time with the acting categories, and we learned (again) what sound editing...

  
• 02.09.2016

  Folklore + Myth Meet in 1920s NYC

  Surprise! You might have noticed we already did an episode about The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker before. I wanted a do-over and a bit more of an in-depth discussion on the story. #AlltheTales was the perfect time to try...

  
• 02.03.2016

  Stories, Design, and Being Yourself with Elhoffer Design (Part 2 of 2)

  We’re continuing our #ALLtheTales event with Catherine Elhoffer of Elhoffer Design! In Part 2 we talk more about stories and what it was like and now is like to be a geek. Our conversation lasted 3 hours, only half of which was...

  
• 02.03.2016

  Michael Harle + The Town of Idiots (#OUAT- Once Upon a Time)

  Long time listeners and readers probably know that this team LOVES Potter (Potterweek is proof). So it was obviously very fun to have Alohomora co-host and vocal wizard Michael Harle join us on an episode. We told Michael about #AlltheTales. We mentioned...

  
• 01.27.2016

  Stories + Fashion with Elhoffer Design (part 1 of 2)

  We’re starting off our #ALLtheTales event with Catherine Elhoffer of Elhoffer Design! Our conversation lasted 3 hours, only half of which was intentionally recorded. So we broke down the 1 hour 45 minute recording into 2 episodes. In part 1,...

  
• 12.22.2015

  THAT'S NOT HOW THE FORCE WORKS! #TheForceAwakens Podcast

  Finally! After rewatching all six films, we have seen Star Wars episode VII!! Listen in to our The Force Awakens podcast episode featuring Dave, Fitz, Debbie, and me, the ever-constant interrupter! This The Force Awakens podcast ep is packed with analysis,...

  
• 12.21.2015

  Star Wars The Force Awakens Instant Reactions- WITH SPOILERS

  As my father likes to text me on Pizza Night, IT IS TIME! Star Wars The Force Awakens arrived. So the Common Roomies and friends of the Common Roomies recorded awesome instant reactions for your listening pleasure. Want to join us for...

  
• 12.13.2015

  WWW: Friendship is Magic (Internet Communities)

  It was the Sunday where everything went wrong. 3 episodes were scheduled with 8 different guests and 6 had to back out at the last minute. It was just my luck that I found the most incredible co-hosts for our episode about...

  
• 12.03.2015

  Sewing 101 with Annie from The Enantiomer Project! #NonFicNov

  Last week we released our episode about Fast Fashion and The True Cost movie. This week we're releasing our episode with Annie from The Enantiomer Project. Dr. Anne is a real-life scientist and a professor at a fancy university, but not one...

  
• 11.27.2015

  The True Cost (doc)- This Episode will Make You Feel Guilty

  Where do you shop? Do you know how your clothes were made? Where they were made? Who made them and how they were treated? Why are Forever 21, H&M;, and other stores able to sell clothing at such low prices? The...

  
• 11.17.2015

  Natural vs Nappy- Chris Rock's Good Hair Documentary

  Let's delve into the beauty scene, specifically the ins and outs of natural hair for NonFicNov. What's natural hair? It basically means leaving your hair in it's natural state without heavily manipulating it with chemicals, heat, extensions, weaves, or anything else...

  
• 11.04.2015

  Comedy, Cancer, and Children: Tig Notaro's Documentary

  For NonFicNov, Debbie suggested about 8* Netflix Documentaries to the team and the number one choice was Tig! What better way to see the real side of pop culture, food, fitness, and fashion than to go behind the scenes with documentaries? You may...

  
• 11.02.2015

  A Female Perspective on Asking for... Anything: Amanda Palmer's The Art of Asking

  When you need to ask for help are you nervous? What about asking for a raise? Why or why not? We discuss Amanda Palmer's The Art of Asking as a book and as it applies to our lives and our...

  
• 11.02.2015

  The Cutest #StarWarsRewatch Ever? Return of the Jedi!

  Cuteness overload? Here's our Episode VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI #StarWarsRewatch episode. TOPICS DISCUSSED ON THIS #STARWARSREWATCH EPISODE Nostalgia: The FinaleWho is the Audience? Kids More Than Adults?Observations After Seeing the Entire SeriesWhy Did Star Wars Become So Popular?Effects and Changes Since ReleaseWriting/Acting ScoresFavorite Quotes Share Your Thoughts in the...

  
• 10.14.2015

  F3 29: How to Survive the Hunger Games with Food, Fitness, and Fashion

  We were inspired by our discussions on the Rise of the Dystopian (political and environmental) to try a Dystopian themed F3 episode. The theme was basically How to Survive the Hunger Games with food, fitness, and fashion!   How to Survive the...

  
• 10.04.2015

  The Best Around? Empire Strikes Back Star Wars Rewatch

  The BEST around apparently. Here's our Star Wars Episode V: EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Rewatch episode. TOPICS DISCUSSEDNostalgia: The RevealAnalyzing Darth Vader and Palpatine's RolesQuestioning the ActingWhy is this THE Favorite?Effects and Changes Since ReleaseWriting/Acting ScoresFavorite Quotes Share Your Thoughts in the Comments! Where to find our co-hosts!Pat – Lindsey’s...

  
• 08.31.2015

  Viewing Star Wars's A NEW HOPE with a Critical Eye

  The one that started it all! Does it hold up? Debatable. Here's our Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope Rewatch episode. TOPICS DISCUSSEDNostalgia: First Time WatchingAnalyzing Darth VaderQuestioning Mark Hamill's ActingStrong Female Character: Leia EditionEffects and Changes Since ReleaseWriting/Acting ScoresFavorite Quotes Share Your Thoughts in...

  
• 08.23.2015

  Tom Shadyac's Documentary I AM, on making the world a better place

  For Lindsey's first Culture Club, she chose three options that discuss Body Spirit Brain. Body: DESERT RUNNERSSpirit: I AMBrain: FOOD, INC. The winning vote was for Spirit, filmmaker Tom Shadyac's documentary I AM. Pat and Hadas joined Lindsey to discuss having too much stuff, connecting in...

  
• 08.16.2015

  Iggle Rewatch: Twin Peaks. Love it or Loathe

  We're back with Iggle Rosa aka Camp Counselor Timon, and Lulu who joined us for Freaks and Geeks. Check out the full post on the IGGPPC site! The questions changed slightly this time: 00:01:43 First Timers00:06:04 Rewatchers00:09:04 Topical References00:19:58 Nostalgia/Feels00:24:47 Favorite or Least Favorite Characters00:41:14 Favorite Quotes00:58:35...