Dear Fandom

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Dear fandom, we love you...for better or for worse. We're your hosts, Megan and Hilary. Lifelong friends and passionate nerds, we want to explore the question: what does it mean to be a fan? Over the course of this podcast, we'll explore all sorts of our favorite media, from popular franchises to lesser known bodies of work, discussing what works - and what doesn't. Everything you like is terrible - and that's okay! So if you're a fan of anything and could use a laugh, join us! There's an episode for you, and if there isn't, we'll make one.

Dear Fandom


    • Aug 17, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 51m AVG DURATION
    • 49 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Dear Fandom

    Dear Fandom Episode 50 - SpongeBob the Musical, and why against all odds, it works

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 49:43


    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?

    Dear Fandom Episode 49 - SAG-AFTRA/WGA Strike or why fandom and labor rights are linked

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 46:05


    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.

    Dear Fandom Episode 47 - YouTube Drama Part 1: It's More of a Feminist Issue Than You Think

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 44:29


    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.

    Dear Fandom Episode 46 - A mid-century miracle: How Barbie shaped our lives and the lives of billions of people worldwide

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 55:26


    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.

    Dear Fandom Episode 45 - Exchanging fanservice for plot development? It's The Witcher Season 2!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 56:26


    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.

    Dear Fandom Episode 44 - How we all missed that Monsters Inc is actually a movie about labor rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 51:50


    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!).

    Dear Fandom Episode 43 - Unintentionally contraband and thoroughly irreverent: Kevin Smith's Dogma

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2022 59:34


    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.

    Dear Fandom Episode 42 - Why Matrix Resurrections, and other Reboots, should never have been made

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 56:46


    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

    Dear Fandom Episode 41 - Skyward Sword, the necessity of lore, and why gatekeeping video games is utter BS

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 52:51


    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!

    Dear Fandom Episode 40 - Holiday Special: Should Cats 2019 have been made in the first place? (among other movie musical concerns)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2021 51:40


    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!

    Dear Fandom Episode 39 - Who's Afraid of Trisha Paytas?: A dissection of late stage capitalism and modern transgender issues

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 55:52


    In today's episode, Megan and HJ (referred to as Hilary in this episode) discuss the infamous Trisha Paytas, noted Gerard Way stan, pioneer of the filmed breakdown, and all around controversial figure. Her recent blowups with former friends, accusations of assault against former teachers, and extremely public exploration of a nonbinary gender identity are all hot topics in the public eye, but why are we so fascinated with this D-list celebrity? Topics discussed include transmedicalism, the American Dream, the unique fame that YouTube brings, and the very nature of celebrity that keeps us paying attention.

    Dear Fandom Episode 38 - Christine Weston Chandler Part 2: Transphobia, Internalized Misogyny, and the Online Indoctrination of the Texas Tech Troll

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 47:28


    For the second part of a two-parter on Chris-Chan, Hilary and Megan reflect on their own time as MySpace age teenagers while examining the person who set off this awful chain of events: a "terminally online" 20 year old cisgender lesbian college student who grew up wealthy, privileged, and isolated. As they examine the Texas Tech Troll's origins and how she operated online, as well as conducted herself offline, the topic of nature versus nurture is once again addressed, and several questions are raised as a result. What role did the internet play in the development of TTT's gender and sexual identity, as well as her prejudices? How should parents, caretakers, and educators be integrating the internet into a child's world? And what is the future of socialization, with both the benefits and drawbacks of a more connected world?

    Dear Fandom Episode 37 - Christine Weston Chandler Part 1: Who is she, why is she this way, and what next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 49:21


    In Part 1 of this two part episode, Megan and Hilary add another contribution to what is called Christory - the collection of information on the most documented person on the internet, Christine Weston Chandler. Is nature or nurture to blame? Can multiple truths about an individual exist? Can identity be respected in the face of atrocities? TRIGGER WARNING: RAPE/SEXUAL ASSAULT, ELDER ABUSE, TRANSPHOBIA, MISOGYNY, RACISM.

    Dear Fandom Episode 36 - A Discussion about Parasocial Relationships as informed by Bo Burnham's Inside

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2021 58:21


    In this episode, Megan and Hilary discuss their own relationships with the notion of celebrity and how it has evolved over the past several years, as well as dispense some advice on how to navigate these parasocial relationships for the sake of one's own health. At the time this episode was recorded, news about John Mulaney's relationship had not been brought to light. We will touch upon this in a later episode, but we wanted to keep this part of the discussion in tact for the sake of continuity.

    Dear Fandom Episode 35 - Bo Burnham's Inside Part 1: Could I interest you in everything all of the time?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2021 54:09


    Hi, all. Hilary and Megan are back after a lengthy hiatus to deliver you an episode that was recorded in June. Life happens, alas. In this episode, we dive into our initial findings upon viewing Inside, our relationship to Bo Burnham (not personal - we'll get to that next episode) and the pervasive and dangerous nature of the internet. Thanks for bearing with us; we've missed you!

    Dear Fandom Episode 34 - Pokemon 25th Anniversary Special: Wait, there was a musical?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 48:02


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary drop a nostalgia bomb on you all by reveling in the Pokemon franchise and all that came from it. Topics discussed include why video games should be easy, the perplexing phenomenon of Pokemon Live!, and why Pokemon is actually better for adults than it is for kids.

    Dear Fandom Episode 33 - Blackpink in your area (as well as the kpop industry at large)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2021 50:20


    In today's episode, Hilary takes Megan through the magical world of the Korean pop music industry, through the lens of dominating girl group Blackpink. Topics discussed include a comparison to American pop music in the 1990s, how curation is an essential part of the celebrity mystique, and how fans could benefit from an ounce of self awareness.

    Dear Fandom Episode 32 - The Witcher, or how I stopped worrying and learned to love Tub Daddy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2021 53:01


    In today's episode, Megan takes Hilary through the wild and woolly world of The Witcher (the TV show, y'all, we simply do not have time for the extended universe). Topics discussed this episode include the many forms of Henry Cavill, why it's essential to include POC in your fantasy/medieval universe, and some hot takes on the fantasy genre.

    Dear Fandom Episode 31 - A Crash Course in Hil's Favorite Movie, The Royal Tenenbaums

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2021 56:21


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary take a deep dive into a movie that's very special to the both of them: Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums. Topics discussed include why every teenage girl wants to be Margot, an earned vs. an expected redemption arc, and why this movie was made for two different audiences.

    Dear Fandom Episode 30 - The Matrix, but every role is played by Laurence Fishburne

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2021 46:03


    In today's episode, Megan takes Hilary on a magical adventure through the Matrix Trilogy, as so well crafted by the Wachowski sisters. Hilary spends much of the episode laughing like a hyena. Topics discussed include how this easily could've been two films, how incels and the alt-right have harmfully co-opted language and concepts from a film made by two trans lesbians, and a reimagined How I Met Your Mother where every role is played by Laurence Fishburne. Tweet your complaints to @dearfandomtxt!

    Dear Fandom Episode 29 - Cosplay: At the end of the day, you're still a nerd

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2021 50:56


    In today's episode, Megan tells Hilary about the history of cosplay and her place in it, and they reminisce about their time in convention fandom in the mid 2000s. Topics discussed include gatekeeping and why it sucks, owning your plastic surgery because there's nothing wrong with it, and why it's absolutely okay to just enjoy the things you like unabashedly. Recorded in 2020. Happy new year, everyone! :)

    Dear Fandom Episode 28 - An Abridged, Garbled History of My Chemical Romance

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 49:27


    In today's episode, Hilary gives Megan the lowdown on the rise and fall and rise again of iconic American rock band My Chemical Romance. Topics discussed include not knowing the ages of rock dudes, the ins and outs of a high concept creative process, and why Gerard Way is so obsessed with the Kennedys (like the rest of us). Special shoutout in the beginning to My Chemical Fancast!

    Dear Fandom Episode 27 - Back in the 90s, Meg & Hil were little kids (sung to the tune of the Bojack Horseman Credits Song)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2020 58:02


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary explore the characters and situations of Bojack Horseman and the other varied, multifaceted residents of Hollywoo and beyond. Topics discussed include owning your character deficits, diametric opposites serving as foils, good role models in flawed characters, and, somehow, J. Jonah Jameson.

    Dear Fandom Episode 26 - Our American Psycho episode got a reservation at the Dorsia

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2020 58:16


    In this (hopefully eagerly awaited) return episode, Megan and Hilary continue our discussion of toxic masculinity with everyone's favorite women written and directed film on the subject, American Psycho. Topics discussed include why Tom Cruise is vital to Patrick Bateman's persona, a hyper wealthy masculine world we will never have access to, the pervasive nature of American pop culture, and why white women will never hold men accountable for their actions. Special brief cameos from Megan's husband and brand new child.

    Dear Fandom Episode 25 - Breaking the rules by talking about Fight Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 55:53


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary dive headfirst into the misogynistic waters of the Fight Club fandom, for both book and film. Topics discussed include leading the examined life, why men need to stop blaming women for everything, how Marla is probably the best character in the work, and the weird love triangle between a man with DID and Jared Leto.

    Dear Fandom Episode 24 - The Thing About Harry Potter Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 50:52


    In today's episode, which is part two of a two parter tackling Harry Potter, Megan and Hilary delve more into the fandom side of things and also why Jo Rowling sucks.

    Dear Fandom Episode 23 - The Thing About Harry Potter Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 47:02


    In part one of a two part episode, Megan and Hilary talk about Hilary's longstanding history with Harry Potter. We talk a lot about Jo being a TERF in this one, y'all, so buckle up. We also talk a lot about Jo being a TERF in the next one, so double buckle up. Other topics include the fandom in general and fanfiction culture.

    Dear Fandom Episode 22 - Well, On That (Death) Note

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 48:10


    On today's episode, Megan and Hilary (mostly Megan, with Hilary kind of following along) talk about all adaptations of Death Note - anime, manga, and unfortunate Netflix movie. Topics discussed include Megan insisting that it's a Japanese exclusive tale, Hilary contemplating how an American adaptation could have been handled better, Shonen Jump's reigning days, and how Shinigami can't do the do. (Can you tell Hilary wrote this summary? Anyway, make a Cuban Miami adaptation happen.)

    Dear Fandom Episode 21 - Fandom Antics

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2020 51:11


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary delve into their past (and present!) fandom antics, from AMVs (well, VGMVs) to self-insert fanfiction. Topics discussed include Megan setting a KH AMV to Shiksa Goddess, Hilary's Mary Sue fic in the Holes fandom when she was 11, and how fanworks have evolved over the last decade plus that we've been fans. (Hilary is writing fic right now. No, you cannot have a link.)

    Dear Fandom Episode 20 - Hot Takes on Hamilton

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 50:08


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary air out their grievances about the backlash re: Hamilton, a musical that has been out for five years and whose soundtrack has been on Spotify and iTunes for the last four years, for the love of God. Your outrage is LATE. This is a spicy one, y'all. Topics discussed include how to enjoy things critically, suspension of disbelief, and why white people really love to make things about themselves while failing to take actual responsibility.

    Dear Fandom Episode 19 - Heroes (the show, not the song)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 51:12


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary take a trip down memory lane (aka the 2000s) to examine a show that really should've just had one season: Heroes. Topics discussed include chronology vs. anthology, how to construct a proper villain, how NOT to approach your second season, and everything else that went wrong. Note: Nathan Petrelli's actor is Adrian Pasdar, not Pascal. Hilary was thinking of Rent for some reason.

    Dear Fandom Episode 18 - Final Fantasy VII - Mess Around with Timelines and Find Out!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 44:14


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary are back with another round of Final Fantasy VII, because Megan took an extremely deep dive and emerged a woman obsessed. Topics discussed include how no one knows how to use the word "meta" correctly, why messing around with time instantly makes a story interesting, and the ways in which the new game promote gender and sexuality diversity.

    Dear Fandom Episode 17 - The Boys (are back in town...sorry)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 46:01


    In today's episode, Megan tells Hilary about her latest favorite television show, 2019's much acclaimed The Boys, adapted from Garth Ennis' 2005 comic book of the same name. (Both are discussed in this episode.) Topics discussed include just how far one man can push copyright infringement, the darker implications of what it could mean to be superpowered, and why moral ambiguity is important in storytelling. Trigger warning for discussion of rape, implied child abuse, and graphic violence.

    Dear Fandom Episode 16 - Umbrella Academy Messed Up Time Travel...Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2020 60:56


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary finally get to talk about what they've been freaking out about over text for the past week and a half prior to recording: the second season of Netflix's Umbrella Academy! Topics discussed include the mysterious link between Megan and JFK, why you love to love and hate The Handler (aka a boss we've all had), why Vissy is the OTP to end all OTPs, and what the hell is in that green box.

    Dear Fandom Episode 15 - Dancing With The Beastars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 58:39


    On today's episode, Megan and Hilary have a surprisingly jovial discussion about anthropomorphized high school drama Beastars. Topics discussed include the universality of drama kid antics, the merits of stop motion animation vs CGI-drawn hybrid (they're both great), how not to write a sexually active young woman (er, rabbit?), and how Robin Hood is the gateway drug. TRIGGER WARNING: topics discussed include sexuality involving anthropomorphized animals, sentience of animals consumed as meat, and a brief mention of child trafficking. While not discussed at great length, all topics are touched upon. Feel free to skip this one if these topics upset you.

    Dear Fandom Episode 14 - Kingdom Hearts Part 2: The 14 Members of Organization 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2020 41:59


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary conclude their two part special on Disney's venture into video games, Kingdom Hearts. Topics discussed in this episode include Megan's drunken escapades as a young adult in New York City (they're related), how the OrgXIII names are all anagrams of weird ass names, and why, despite everything, this is a good game to get your kid into gaming.

    Dear Fandom Episode 13 - Kingdom Hearts Part 1: the unlikely FF/Disney Mashup

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 49:58


    In today's episode (part 1 of 2), Megan and Hilary go back to basics with Megan's gateway drug into gaming, Disney's Kingdom Hearts. This is a zany one, guys. Topics discussed include Goofy's status as the only Disney character with documented knowledge of a woman's touch, the approximately twenty seven games in this goddamn universe, and The Hero's Journey.

    Dear Fandom Episode 12 - Knocked Up, But I Get Down Again!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2020 45:43


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary tackle 2007's iffy at best film, Judd Apatow's Knocked Up. Topics discussed include what a goddess Leslie Mann is, the depiction of annoying women vs. cool dudes, and why you shouldn't just stay with someone because you're expecting a child together.

    Dear Fandom Episode 11 - Juno: The Pregnancy Fandom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2020 51:07


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary revisit one of their favorite films from their teenage years, Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody's Juno. Topics discussed include the depiction of pregnancy in modern media, why Vanessa rules actually and Jason is a jerk, and how Hilary once was hit on by Trace Cyrus at age fifteen.

    Dear Fandom Episode 10 - Silence of the Lambs...A Musical Adventure!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2020 51:11


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary dive into the 1991 Best Picture winning Silence of the Lambs. (It was the year Hilary was born. She does not want to talk about it.) Topics discussed include a possible Hannibal-Spiderman crossover, the actual SOTL musical, and how things are meant to age like milk so we learn.

    Dear Fandom Episode 9 - Holes: I can fix that!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2020 50:56


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary take a look at one of their girlhood favorites, Louis Sachar's Holes, both the prize winning book and the nearly identical movie adaptation. Topics include Hilary not knowing what a vigilante is, teen-led cast commentaries veering into the wildly inappropriate, and whether a certain comment at the end was problematic. We didn't mention it in the feed because both of us were pressed for time, but Black lives still matter! They will always matter! Go to our linktree for ways to help.

    Dear Fandom Episode 8 - Who Watches the Watchmen? Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2020 51:57


    In this week's episode, Megan and Hilary continue their discussion about HBO's Watchmen, this time focusing on the Tulsa police department and why it's so satisfying to watch white supremacists get the tar beaten out of them. Topics include the humanity of billionaires, police brutality, and the nature and nurture of trauma. Megan's cat makes a bonus appearance at the end of the episode.

    Dear Fandom Episode 7 - Who Watches the Watchmen? Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2020 50:38


    In this two part episode, Megan and Hilary discuss the limited TV series of Alan Moore created Watchmen. Topics covered include what an alternate America would be like, eating beans while watching people having sex, and why you should really be hating the rich man. Also, if Rorschach is your favorite character from the original Watchmen, then you've entirely missed the point.

    Dear Fandom Episode 6 - The Umbrella Academy of Libras

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 54:32


    In today's episode, Hilary fills Megan in on the origins and current status of her personal hero Gerard Way's Eisner winning series, The Umbrella Academy. Both the comic book and television series are discussed, with heavy emphasis on what's coming up for Season 2! To Hotel Oblivion fans: sorry, Hilary's still recovering from refreshing herself on Dallas.

    Dear Fandom Episode 5 - Legend of Zelda (not Fitzgerald or Williams)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 57:58


    In today's episode, Megan takes Hilary on a great adventure into the world of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Topic discussed include shintoism, World War II's influence on Japan, and death as a passage of rites.

    Dear Fandom Episode 4 - Clerks wasn't even supposed to be here today!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 50:57


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary tackle the first installment in Kevin Smith's Askewniverse, discussing generational rot, suburban strip mall hell, and why you should dump your mediocre boyfriend.

    Dear Fandom Episode 3 - A Series Of Unfortunate Events Taught Me How to Read

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 55:13


    In today's episode, Hilary says the word "anachronism" about a thousand times, a word which here means "an element of scenery, atmosphere, or costume not analogous with the current time period". Additionally, more geeking out about world building and why Lemony Snicket really takes you there.

    Dear Fandom Episode 2 - FF VII And The Spoiler Everyone Should Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 48:04


    In today's episode, Megan and Hilary discuss about one tenth of the reboot, get nerdy about world building in fantasy, and talk about the last effects of the Final Fantasy games.

    Dear Fandom Episode 1 - Harry Potter and The Whatever Stone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 49:13


    In the inaugural episode, Megan and Hilary break down the boy wizard phenomenon and roast a certain TERF extraordinaire while they're at it.

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