Dear Fandom

In this episode, HJ takes Megan through the magical mystery tour that is the SpongeBob Musical: from its inception and unique composition, to its star studded cast and potential for a life beyond professional productions. What makes a musical good? What does SpongeBob's success bode for the future of musical theater?

In this episode, Megan and HJ discuss the ongoing SAG-AFTRA/WGA strike and what it means for the entertainment industry and labor rights as a whole. Are we as fans complicit in union activities? It's more complicated than you think.

In the triumphant return episode (did you miss us?), Megan and HJ examine the recent controversy of Colleen Ballinger and iilluminaughtii AKA Blair Zoń, as well as the past controversy of Creepshow Art. Taking a deep dive into the phenomenon of the YouTube drama machine, they examine the role of misogyny in the outrage, why YouTube is a breeding ground for this type of uproar, and whether or not YouTube is a sustainable career path. Part 1 of 2.

In this episode, HJ leads a discussion on the most controversial American woman to ever exist: Barbara Millicent Roberts, aka Barbie, of course. From its not-so-humble beginnings to world domination, topics discussed include our own personal relationships with Barbie and her friends, collecting vs. playing, how Barbie helps shape multiple aspects of a child's identity no matter how you dice it, and how, actually, she's a feminist icon.

Trigger warning: mentions of sexual assault

In this episode, Megan tells a confused but very interested HJ all about the second season of The Witcher starring Henry Cavill, while somehow managing not to talk a lot about Henry Cavill. Topics actually discussed include how this season passes the Bechdel test, racism metaphors and if they can actually work, how high fantasy can be a great tool to explore trauma, and how it should be illegal for bards to be buff.

In this episode, Megan and HJ surprise themselves by doing a last minute topic change and discussing 2001's Pixar classic, Monsters Inc., a movie which is about how two monsters accidentally discover work/life balance and unintentionally topple over a company's structure simply by asking questions. Topics discussed include a heavy handed metaphor for fossil fuels vs. clean energy, making friends at work, corporate rhetoric and how no job is your friend, and why Megan's perspective on this film has changed since becoming a parent (and HJ's has changed since becoming an aunt!).

In this episode, Megan and HJ finally (finally!) discuss one of their all time favorite movies, Kevin Smith's Dogma, his most financially successful and most ambitious film to date. Megan was raised Catholic and HJ was raised atheist, so get ready for two wildly different perspectives! Also discussed: various aspects of the Bible as referenced in the film, how this movie was a snapshot of a particularly successful time in film, and a touch about the View Askewniverse.

In this episode, Megan and HJ discuss the newest installment of the Matrix series, "Resurrections," which was...a film that was made. A lot of ground is covered here, so buckle up: capitalism ruining the entertainment industry, the drying up of original ideas, why the Matrix is about class struggle just as much as it's about gender identity, and much, much more. Follow us on Instagram! @dearfandompodcast

In this episode, Megan tells HJ all about the new edition of the classic Zelda prequel, Skyward Sword. HJ, who knows quite literally nothing about video games, delights in pointing out absurdities. Topics discussed include the current climate of video game critique and Twitch culture, the accessibility of video games and the mood they set, and why it's amazing when villains' names are exactly what it says on the tin. Welcome back to regularly scheduled posting, y'all!

In this episode, Megan and HJ discuss the state of the movie musical through the lens of the abomination that is Cats 2019. Topics discussed include Tom Hooper's complete lack of filmmaking skills, the benefits of casting celebrities vs. unknowns, community theater tropes, and a certain version of the film that almost made it to cinemas worldwide. This is our last episode for 2021 - stay tuned for much more content in 2022! We love you!