GAME ON! This week we’re talking with writer and comedian, Rachel Manson (she/her), about the immersive game of pretend that has fully changed her life; LIVE ACTION ROLE PLAYING (LARP). We talk about foam weapons, joyful suspension of disbelief, camping with Slenderman, pro-level costume kits, complex game-systems for running around in fields, player consent, and the myriad ways that ‘immersive play’ communities overlap. Plus, what to look for in a good LARP-ing experience and why we should all spend more time at play.

The Fandom Show Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts and you can also watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FandomShowPod!

Want to learn more about this as well as all our episodes, and get access to even more fandom? Check us out at Patreon.com/TheFandomShow

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes

And the Oscar goes to..! We’re getting hyped for the 2025 film-nerd superbowl by chatting with cinephile and amateur award historian, Matilda Knarr (she/her), about Hollywood’s Biggest Night; THE OSCARS. Strap into a deeply expensive and uncomfortable ball gown while we chat Oscar bait, red carpet looks, the Weinstein effect, most memorable hosts (for better or for worse), #oscarssowhite and why Bong Joon-Ho called the Oscars ‘a local award show’. Plus, a look back on some of the Oscars' biggest snubs and a prediction for this year’s winner.

The Fandom Show Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts and you can also watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FandomShowPod!

Want to learn more about this as well as all our episodes, and get access to even more fandom? Check us out at Patreon.com/TheFandomShow

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes

IT’S GOJIRA!!! We’re chatting with actor, comedian and superfan, Shannon Lahaie (she/her) about her recent, monster sized hyperfocus, the King Kaiju himself; GODZILLA. Get ready to learn about post-war Japan, groundbreaking special effects, soulless American remakes, epic-monster fights and how Godzilla became an inspiration for a generation of filmmakers. Plus, we review the dating profiles for Godzilla’s kaiju enemies and Steph gets thirsty for some “thicc” thighs.

The Fandom Show Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts and you can also watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FandomShowPod!

Want to learn more about this as well as all our episodes, and get access to even more fandom? Check us out at Patreon.com/TheFandomShow

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes

[italic] FONTS! [italic]. We know ‘em, and we love them. But do we know enough of ‘em? Today we’re joined by graphic designer, typographer and professor, Carl Shura, to discuss the design lurking behind every word you read. We chat about the history of typesetting, what makes a really bold font, the rockstars of the typeface world, and the elements that make typeface design so intricate. Plus, we learn some scandalous facts about our favourite fonts and discover a newfound respect for the much maligned Comic Sans.

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes Network.

LET’SA GO! Today we’re leveling up with game enthusiast Grant Pettypiece, as we talk about the energetic Italian plumber beloved the world over; IT’SA MARIO! We’re talking about Mario’s humble origins as ‘jumpman’, intuitive game design, the Mushroom Kingdom’s questionable doctorate degrees, canonically trans birds, and which character is definitely NOT wearing a hat. Plus, we chat about how Nintendo prioritizes play and indulge in our own game of ‘Smash Bros or Pass bros’. 

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes Network.

HO HO HO! Today we’re chatting with ‘Because News’ producer and holiday enthusiast, Erin Conway, about the most wonderful time of the year; CHRISTMAS! We discuss the real (non-capitalist) spirit of the season, unusual traditions, Mariah Carey’s rebirth, thrifty gifting, eclectic ornaments, and why seasonal magic can be real if you let yourself enjoy it. Plus, a battle royale of Christmas movies and the hosts share their strangest holiday decorations (hint: some Halloween decor simply never got put away). 

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes Network.

Today we are joined by one half of I Hate It But I Love it, Jocelyn Geddie, to discuss her enduring love for writer, composer and broadway legend; STEPHEN SONDHEIM. We discuss Sondheim's Simone-Biles-style lyrical backflips, his humanist outlook, freak stage accidents, influential mentorships, musical pointillism, writing while high and how Sondheim’s unique style (and desire to swear) changed musicals forever. Plus, Steph gets possessed by Sondheim's ghost ‘Steve’ and Jocelyn vibrates through solid objects like the Flash.

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes Network.

THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN! Get ready to outwit, outplay and outlast because today we’re talking to comedian Chelsea Larkin (she/her) about the reality show that just won’t quit: SURVIVOR!  We discuss forty-seven seasons worth of iconic contestants, questionable team sorting choices, coach potatoes, competition-beasts and the narrative importance of inclement weather. Plus, Chelsea reveals her enduring love for Jeff Probst and why you should never ever volunteer to do the puzzle. 

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes Network.

Get ready to fulfill all your fictional fantasies because this week we’re chatting with writer and podcaster, Diana McCallum (she/her), about the only artistic medium that is - for legal reasons - fueled exclusively by the power of fandom; It’s FANFICTION! We discuss the history of the genre, best-selling novels that started as fanfiction, the popularity of slash ships, male pregnancy, and all-werewolf universes, what ‘whump’ means, the perils of censorship, and why Anne Rice is probably rolling in her grave right now. Plus, Kyah and Steph share their own forays into the fanfiction world.

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes Network.

Get hyped for your Halloween costume because today we’re talking to professional makeup artist, Meg Fraser, about the magical and monstrous world of SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP! We’re taking you behind the scenes to talk about fake dirt, biologically correct injuries, old-age makeup, legendary creature designs and the iconic makeup artists whose work you didn’t realize you loved. Plus, some hot tips for your next zombie costume and a handy home-made blood recipe. 

Produced by Andrew Ivimey as part of The From Superheroes Network.