Fanthropological

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Exploring the weird and wonderful world of fandoms!Every week, we deliver fandom-related “fanalysis” complete with hard data, guests, and, of course, rampant speculation!

The Nickscast


    • Oct 16, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h AVG DURATION
    • 483 EPISODES
    • 5 SEASONS


    Search for episodes from Fanthropological with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Fanthropological

    Fanthropological Finale: In the End

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 50:12


    Wow. This it… the end of an era. How do you summarize four years of exploring the breadth of human fandom? This week, we talk about the journey from the beginning to the end of Fanthropological, what we learned, loved, and hated… and so much more! ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/thenickscast](https://facebook.com/thenickscast) * Twitter: [@thenickscast](https://twitter.com/thenickscast) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * Taps is in the Public Domain

    Fanthropological Finale: In the End

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 50:12


    Wow. This it… the end of an era. How do you summarize four years of exploring the breadth of human fandom? This week, we talk about the journey from the beginning to the end of Fanthropological, what we learned, loved, and hated… and so much more!

    Fanthropological Finale: Fanthropological AUs (⅔)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 30:44


    As we continue wrapping up Fanthropological, we talk about several alternate universes (AUs) of topics we could have covered. Topics we would have liked to have covered * Number 5 * Z's Choice: Haruki Murakami, or * T's Choice: VTubers * G's Choice: Folk Music * Number 4 * Z's Choice: “Concept: Are there fandom archetypes?” * T's Choice: Dan Harmon's Community * G's Choice: Jojo's Bizarre Adventure * Number 3 * Z's Choice: Zappa * T's Choice: Western Comics * G's Choice: Drag * Number 2 * Z's Choice: Cyclists * T's Choice: Undertale * G's Choice: Breadtube * Honorable Mention: * Z's Choice: “Is admiration for a politician, fandom?” * T's Choice: Archer (or possibly H. Jon Benjamin) * Number 1 * Z's Choice: Aidyn Chronicles * T's Choice: Classic Anime (In particular, 90s anime) * G's Choice: Improv Comedy And more! All in about thirty minutes. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/thenickscast](https://facebook.com/thenickscast) * Twitter: [@thenickscast](https://twitter.com/thenickscast) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [ReMix: Final Fantasy VI "Tastes Like Victory"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02694) by [Leitbur](https://ocremix.org/artist/12943/leitbur) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green! ([http://fragileair.bandcamp.com](http://fragileair.bandcamp.com))

    Fanthropological Finale: Fanthropological AUs (⅔)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 30:44


    As we continue wrapping up Fanthropological, we talk about several alternate universes (AUs) of topics we could have covered.

    Fanthropological Finale: Cover to Coverage (⅓)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 36:31


    If you're joining us for the first time, sorry to say this is the beginning of the end of Fanthropological. Join us as we revisit our favourite episodes (and maybe check them out)! Our favourite episodes: * Number 5 * [Z's Choice: Zelda](https://fanthropological.com/zelda) * [T's Choice: Nier](https://fanthropological.com/nier) * [G's Choice: Galaga](https://fanthropological.com/galaga) * Number 4 * [Z's Choice: RPI](https://fanthropological.com/rpi) * [T's Choice: Bob's Burgers](https://fanthropological.com/bobsburgers) * [G's Choice: Pinball](https://fanthropological.com/pinball) * Number 3 * [Z's Choice: Breakfast Cereals](https://fanthropological.com/breakfast) * [T's Choice: Breakfast Cereals](https://fanthropological.com/breakfast) * G's Choice: Disney Parks ([Part 1](https://fanthropological.com/disneyparks1) and [Part 2](https://fanthropological.com/disneyparks2)) * Number 2 * [Z's Choice: Furries](https://fanthropological.com/furries) * [T's Choice: Fanthropological World](https://fanthropological.com/fanthropologicalworld) * [G's Choice: Gunpla](https://fanthropological.com/gunpla) * Honourable Mentions * Z's Choices: [Beyblade](https://fanthropological.com/beyblade), [The Office](https://fanthropological.com/theoffice) [Team ICO](https://fanthropological.com/ico) * T's Choices: [Ghostbusters](https://fanthropological.com/ghostbusters), [SCP](https://fanthropological.com/scp), [Final Fantasy](https://fanthropological.com/finalfantasy), [Esperanto](https://fanthropological.com/esperanto), [Escape Rooms](https://fanthropological.com/escaperooms2), [Speedrunners](https://fanthropological.com/speedrunners) * G's Choices: [Rick and Morty](https://fanthropological.com/rickandmorty), [Vampire Chronicles](https://fanthropological.com/vampirechronicles), [Pro Wrestling](https://fanthropological.com/wrestling) * Number 1 * [Z's Choice: Galaga](https://fanthropological.com/galaga) * [T's Choice: Star Trek](https://fanthropological.com/trekkies) * [G's Choice: Breakfast Cereals](https://fanthropological.com/breakfast) And more! All in about thirty minutes. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/thenickscast](https://facebook.com/thenickscast) * Twitter: [@thenickscast](https://twitter.com/thenickscast) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenicks

    Fanthropological Finale: Cover to Coverage (⅓)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 36:31


    If you’re joining us for the first time, sorry to say this is the beginning of the end of Fanthropological. Join us as we revisit our favourite episodes (and maybe check them out)!

    Are sequels good for Fandom?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 23:12


    Inspired by our upcoming charity marathon, the Race Against Time, we're back to talking about sequels and how they change fandom. A fandom can live off of very little material (e.g. Reboot, Chrono Trigger) … but what happens when there is a sequel? Is that a good thing? In particular, we talk about: * How sequels allow for the creation of new communities * How sequels ‘change your investment in fandom' * How we're huge hypocrites And more! All in under thirty minutes. Plus, we're on a short hiatus for the Race Against Time, so we'll be back in September! ## Episode Outline **Topics:** Fandom exists outside of new content; people love _more_; sequels allow for new communities; sequels create connections between the past and present; sequels can make the past more relevant; sequels get you re-invested; CHRONO TRIGGER; sequels can create division; you can never go back; not everyone likes sequels and that's fine; we're hypocrites. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is the “Race Against Time”? The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) where we beat Chrono Trigger _thirteen times_ to raise money for charity; this year that charity is [Trans Lifeline](https://www.translifeline.org/)! Tune in on August 8 and 9th from noon until midnight each day. We hope to outdo all of our previous records and raise $2300 USD. For more details on the event, you can check out the main website at [raceagainsttime.io](https://raceagainsttime.io), [our Twitch page](https://twitch.tv/theraceagainsttime) where we host the stream, or you can follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/raceagainstio) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/raceagainsttimeio) for news about guests, giveaways, and other special surprises! Heck, you can even [donate right now](https://tiltify.com/@theraceagainsttime/chrono-trigger-vi/donate)! ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [The Frontier](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01274) by [Jared Hudson](https://ocremix.org/artist/4388/jared-hudson) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under

    Are sequels good for Fandom?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 23:12


    Inspired by our upcoming charity marathon, the Race Against Time, we’re back to talking about sequels and how they change fandom. A fandom can live off of very little material (e.g. Reboot, Chrono Trigger) … but what happens when there is a sequel? Is that a good thing?

    Where does fandom end?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 25:25


    What happens 30 years after a TV show finishes? Is the fandom … over? What is the relationship between a series ending and a fandom ending? And what happens if the creator turns out to be an _awful_ person. This week it's all over as we talk about the role and effect of endings in fandom… and in life? In particular, we talk about: * How the peak of a fandom may have already passed by the time you get there * How fandoms connect people through time, even when they do end * How endings… really any discontinuity… is hard for humans. * ...Honestly, a lot about Twin Peaks, Lost, and Harry Potter. And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** Distinction between media franchise and fandom; media is always “new to you”; fandom “peaks”; twin peaks; fandoms connecting across time; how poor endings can decimate fandoms; the allure of avoiding the ending; zombie fandoms. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is the “Race Against Time”? The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) where we beat Chrono Trigger _thirteen times_ to raise money for charity; this year that charity is [Trans Lifeline](https://www.translifeline.org/)! Tune in on August 8 and 9th from noon until midnight each day. We hope to outdo all of our previous records and raise $2300 USD. For more details on the event, you can check out the main website at [raceagainsttime.io](https://raceagainsttime.io), [our Twitch page](https://twitch.tv/theraceagainsttime) where we host the stream, or you can follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/raceagainstio) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/raceagainsttimeio) for news about guests, giveaways, and other special surprises! Heck, you can even [donate right now](https://tiltify.com/@theraceagainsttime/chrono-trigger-vi/donate)! ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [Rhodes to the Past](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01226) by [Fatty Acid](https://ocremix.org/artist/4630/fatty-acid) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremi

    Where does fandom end?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 25:25


    What happens 30 years after a TV show finishes? Is the fandom … over? What is the relationship between a series ending and a fandom ending? And what happens if the creator turns out to be an awful person. This week its all over as we talk about the role and effect of endings in fandom… and in life?

    Does fandom belong to the stans?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 19:44


    It's all coming together people: the role of the artist, problematic works / creators, media criticism, consumerism and capitalism… and at the heart of it? Stans. As far as fandom goes, is it the stans who rule the roost? And is that for the better… or for the worse?! In particular, we talk about: * Take inflation and how hyperbole often destroys opportunity for nuance * The unfortunate zero-sum game that fandom can sometimes be, in particular when consumerism is involved * The role that stans play in shaping fan culture, and the media we consume And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** Blind fandom - blindly loving something without accepting any criticism of it; when you're wearing rose colours glasses, red flags just look like flags; the backfire effect; hyperbole and nuance; consumerism and capitalism in competitive fan culture; the non-reality of ‘real' fans; stans setting the bar for fandom, stans and curative fandom. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is the “Race Against Time”? The Race Against Time is an annual charity livestreaming marathon run by [the Nickscast](https://thenickscast.com) where we beat Chrono Trigger _thirteen times_ to raise money for charity; this year that charity is [Trans Lifeline](https://www.translifeline.org/)! Tune in on August 8 and 9th from noon until midnight each day. We hope to outdo all of our previous records and raise $2300 USD. For more details on the event, you can check out the main website at [raceagainsttime.io](https://raceagainsttime.io), [our Twitch page](https://twitch.tv/theraceagainsttime) where we host the stream, or you can follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/raceagainstio) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/raceagainsttimeio) for news about guests, giveaways, and other special surprises! Heck, you can even [donate right now](https://tiltify.com/@theraceagainsttime/chrono-trigger-vi/donate)! ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [Manifest Destiny](https://ocremix.org/album/7/chrono-trigger-chrono-symphonic) by [SirRus](https://www.vizzed.com/chrono/remixers.htm) from [http://

    Does fandom belong to the stans?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 19:44


    It’s all coming together people: the role of the artist, problematic works / creators, media criticism, consumerism and capitalism… and at the heart of it? Stans.

    Should fandoms be political? (Yes)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 18:06


    Everything you consume is political; 100%! _It cannot be avoided_ and, really, that point shouldn't be avoided _anyway_! Why then do people insist that the fandoms and media that they participate in be apolitical? This week, we've definitely got things to say! In particular, we talk about: * How media normalizes certain behaviours and ideas, and makes them the default experience * How politics is often used as a shield to deflect from critical examination of media and fandom * The privilege of being able to treat things as though they are _not_ political And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** Be critical of the media you consume; media is political (yes even feel-good media); Doctor Who is designed to be changed (and woman doctor is not political); violence is normalized in media; Undertale is great; Politics does not mean political party; politics as systems; politics via omission; systems determine behaviours and outcomes ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [Calamitous Judgment](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01219) by [zircon](https://ocremix.org/artist/4628/zircon) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

    Should fandoms be political? (Yes)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 18:06


    Everything you consume is political; 100%! It cannot be avoided and, really, that point shouldn’t be avoided anyway! Why then do people insist that the fandoms and media that they participate in be apolitical? This week, we’ve definitely got things to say!

    Can we cut it out with the remakes?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2020 23:20


    Are you ready for the next… Labyrinth? _Stripes_?! Who is coming up with these remakes, and why can't we get new material? This week, we're talking all about the world of fandom, adaptations, reboots, and so on! In particular, we talk about: * How money is an important contributor in the sustainability and creation of remakes (and how franchises never die as a result) * Where reboots and remakes are beneficial, especially when providing a modern take on dated material (and bringing up important issues in modern context) * How some properties… just don't age well. And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** The risk of ‘new'; the role of money in content production; you can't make new stuff unless you're Christopher Nolan; the ease of rebooting old material; modern takes on old classics; franchises; the cult of ‘new' and the zeitgeist; putting things in the modern world; if I haven't seen it it's new to me; video games as distinct from other remakes; properties not aging well; why aren't classic movies like classic rock? ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [Magnet Missiles](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01816) by [JJT](https://ocremix.org/artist/4540/jjt), [ptitteri](https://ocremix.org/artist/4967/ptitteri), [zykO](https://ocremix.org/artist/4558/zyko) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

    Can we cut it out with the remakes?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2020 23:20


    Are you ready for the next… Labyrinth? Stripes?! Who is coming up with these remakes, and why can’t we get new material? This week, we’re talking all about the world of fandom, adaptations, reboots, and so on!

    Do fans need to meet face-to-face?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 22:30


    With the world in the middle of a global pandemic, it's time to try to answer the question, as fans, do we _need_ to meet face to face? While it goes without saying that we don't _have_ to meet face to face… how does that change the wide world of fandom? In particular, we talk about: * The limitations of online communication, including the role that conventions and other events play in creating semi-private spaces? * How different forms of communication use different bandwidth, or more specifically how fan events have different levels of expectation of interaction * How the veil of anonymity changes fandom, in the online world _but_ how it also makes things more accessible And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** In-person communication not required; zines, newsgroups, and mailing lists (oh my); the multitude of tools available for online communication; how we identify other fans and how that changes in the online world; how meeting in person makes fandom experiences more real; how online / offline events and the distinction between public and private spaces; online spaces and accessibility; anonymity and the internet; in-person events and vulnerability. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## Special Announcement: Livestream for the Cure 4 The 4th Annual Livestream for the Cure (or the Livestream 4 the Cure?) has been scheduled for FORTY-EIGHT HOURS from May 28th thru the 31st, with a small four hour kick-off event scheduled for the evening before to do final tests (and hopefully wrangle in some amazing guests). This year we'll be pushing to raise $10,000 for the Cancer Research Institute, and if all of that gets doubled, we stand a very good chance of raising over $20,000 for cancer research. Hitting last year's goal on day TWO meant that, unfortunately, donations slowed to a trickle for the entirety of day three, so if we happen to hit our goal before the end this year, we'll be raising the bar by $1,000 every time we hit it and offering additional prizes for people won donate to these flex goals! As in years past, the event will be LIVE on Twitch, so be sure to head to [http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys](http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys) and give us a follow! We'll be going live with streams and other events where we'll be mentioning L4TC all the way up until the event begins the evening of May 27th. More details available at [http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/](http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy wi

    Do fans need to meet face-to-face?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 22:30


    With the world in the middle of a global pandemic, it’s time to try to answer the question, as fans, do we need to meet face to face? While it goes without saying that we don’t have to meet face to face… how does that change the wide world of fandom?

    Should we cry over anime boys?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 19:37


    Should we get emotionally attached to fictional characters? Of course we do, intentionally or not… but _should_ we? No guarantees that we get anywhere near addressing that, but we definitely dig into how and why people get attached to characters (for good reasons… and for reasons)! In particular, we talk about: * The (non-)distinction between fictional and real characters… and real people? * How writing has gotten better, and how people can relate to even villains * How people can exert agency over fictional character in fanworks and how that promotes attachment And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** We do get attached, fictional vs real characters, beyond the emotional journey of a story, uncritical character love, villains and relatability, queer coding villains, characters as proxies, rewriting characters' destinies, beyond physical attraction, reinforcement learning in a nutshell, the randomness of initial selections, a bad sports fan fandom analogy, cosplay and fictional characters. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## Special Announcement: Livestream for the Cure 4 The 4th Annual Livestream for the Cure (or the Livestream 4 the Cure?) has been scheduled for FORTY-EIGHT HOURS from May 28th thru the 31st, with a small four hour kick-off event scheduled for the evening before to do final tests (and hopefully wrangle in some amazing guests). This year we'll be pushing to raise $10,000 for the Cancer Research Institute, and if all of that gets doubled, we stand a very good chance of raising over $20,000 for cancer research. Hitting last year's goal on day TWO meant that, unfortunately, donations slowed to a trickle for the entirety of day three, so if we happen to hit our goal before the end this year, we'll be raising the bar by $1,000 every time we hit it and offering additional prizes for people won donate to these flex goals! As in years past, the event will be LIVE on Twitch, so be sure to head to [http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys](http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys) and give us a follow! We'll be going live with streams and other events where we'll be mentioning L4TC all the way up until the event begins the evening of May 27th. More details available at [http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/](http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](htt

    Should we cry over anime boys?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 19:37


    Should we get emotionally attached to fictional characters? Of course we do, intentionally or not… but should we? No guarantees that we get anywhere near addressing that...

    SPOILER ALERT

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 22:25


    Spoiler alert: You've been warned! We could spoil literally anything! That actor you like? They're in this! That plot twist? Revealed! Deep lore?! … Probably? In all seriousness, we're talking about what exactly _are_ spoilers, and how they impact people's experience with the media that they consume (and, in general, how people perceive media). In particular, we talk about: * The (non-)importance of _the twist_ in modern storytelling * You can only experience something once… or can you? * How can we “inoculate” ourselves against spoilers in this world of modern media consumption (i.e. binging, near-instant relay of information)? And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** Just… give people a spoiler alert when talking about any media; we definitely spoil some key points in Star Wars, Harry Potter, and other franchises; Everything is new to someone; how long should you wait to accidentally spoil something? The levels of spoilers, preserving new experiences, the thrill of _new_, plot versus meta, inoculation against spoilers, using spoilers to catch up, consuming media for feelings versus plot, the reliance on _the twist_, false action, rewatches, spoilers versus story quality, you only get one first impression, spoilers as liberation. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## Special Announcement: Livestream for the Cure 4 The 4th Annual Livestream for the Cure (or the Livestream 4 the Cure?) has been scheduled for FORTY-EIGHT HOURS from May 28th thru the 31st, with a small four hour kick-off event scheduled for the evening before to do final tests (and hopefully wrangle in some amazing guests). This year we'll be pushing to raise $10,000 for the Cancer Research Institute, and if all of that gets doubled, we stand a very good chance of raising over $20,000 for cancer research. Hitting last year's goal on day TWO meant that, unfortunately, donations slowed to a trickle for the entirety of day three, so if we happen to hit our goal before the end this year, we'll be raising the bar by $1,000 every time we hit it and offering additional prizes for people won donate to these flex goals! As in years past, the event will be LIVE on Twitch, so be sure to head to [http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys](http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys) and give us a follow! We'll be going live with streams and other events where we'll be mentioning L4TC all the way up until the event begins the evening of May 27th. More details available at [http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/](http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We

    SPOILER ALERT

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 22:25


    Spoiler alert: You’ve been warned! We could spoil literally anything! That actor you like? They’re in this! That plot twist? Revealed! Deep lore?! … Probably?

    Is fandom a religion?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 24:29


    The signs are all there, people! Have you heard the good word (of Firefly)? May the force be with you (and also with you)! Though there're lots of superficial connections between fandom and religion, could there be a stronger link? Some sort of… divine connection? In this episode, we're all over the place, including: * The appropriation of language from other sources (e.g. canonization) * Fandom filing the role of community and providing hope and meaning * Tons of superficial (?) connections between fandom and religion And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics: **What is a religion, what is religion legally, books of worship for fandom, the sacred texts, forums as interpretive guides, codes of fandom, proselytization, rites of passage, anne rice, blasphemy, star wars, zelda, doctor who, decline of organized religion, conventions, fandom as community. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## Special Announcement: Livestream for the Cure 4 The 4th Annual Livestream for the Cure (or the Livestream 4 the Cure?) has been scheduled for FORTY-EIGHT HOURS from May 28th thru the 31st, with a small four hour kick-off event scheduled for the evening before to do final tests (and hopefully wrangle in some amazing guests). This year we'll be pushing to raise $10,000 for the Cancer Research Institute, and if all of that gets doubled, we stand a very good chance of raising over $20,000 for cancer research. Hitting last year's goal on day TWO meant that, unfortunately, donations slowed to a trickle for the entirety of day three, so if we happen to hit our goal before the end this year, we'll be raising the bar by $1,000 every time we hit it and offering additional prizes for people won donate to these flex goals! As in years past, the event will be LIVE on Twitch, so be sure to head to [http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys](http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys) and give us a follow! We'll be going live with streams and other events where we'll be mentioning L4TC all the way up until the event begins the evening of May 27th. More details available at [http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/](http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenicksca

    Is fandom a religion?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 24:29


    The signs are all there, people! Have you heard the good word (of Firefly)? May the force be with you (and also with you)! Though there’re lots of superficial connections between fandom and religion, could there be a stronger link? Some sort of… divine connection?

    Fanthropological World - Philatelists' Stamp of Approval!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 11:22


    Tune in to our totally real television show! On this week's episode, Shakespeare and Nick Frye (the fandom guy) really dig into fans of stamp collecting, and the fascinating history of the hobby and unique origins of its name (philately). Oh drat, looks like Shakespeare is going back to jail again

    Fanthropological World - Philatelists’ Stamp of Approval!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 11:22


    Tune in to our totally real television show! On this week’s episode, Shakespeare and Nick Frye (the fandom guy) really dig into fans of stamp collecting!

    Is fandom a key part of our identity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 21:20


    Fandom has changed a lot, and over time has gone from something on the fringe of society to the forefront. Does that also mean that fandom has moved towards a key part, an integral piece of people's personal identity? In this episode, we dig a bit about representation and self-identification as well as: * What does being a fan of something even mean?! * The (non) importance of level of participation in (self) identification * Conversations that are strangely lacking self-awareness about the parallels of fan self-identification as compared to other areas of self-identification, closeting… etc. And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** How do people identify themselves, the meaninglessness of the word fan, the difference between interests and fandoms… sort of, the difference between liking something and having it be a part of your identity, interests between people don't inherently mean connections, how community contribution or participation impact perceptions of identity, the importance of self-identification and self-labelling, the desire to put things (and people) in boxes, labels as shorthand for characteristics, stereotypes, feeling closeted in your hobbies, aspirational vs actual identities ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## Special Announcement: Livestream for the Cure 4 The 4th Annual Livestream for the Cure (or the Livestream 4 the Cure?) has been scheduled for FORTY-EIGHT HOURS from May 28th thru the 31st, with a small four hour kick-off event scheduled for the evening before to do final tests (and hopefully wrangle in some amazing guests). This year we'll be pushing to raise $10,000 for the Cancer Research Institute, and if all of that gets doubled, we stand a very good chance of raising over $20,000 for cancer research. Hitting last year's goal on day TWO meant that, unfortunately, donations slowed to a trickle for the entirety of day three, so if we happen to hit our goal before the end this year, we'll be raising the bar by $1,000 every time we hit it and offering additional prizes for people won donate to these flex goals! As in years past, the event will be LIVE on Twitch, so be sure to head to [http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys](http://twitch.tv/epicfilmguys) and give us a follow! We'll be going live with streams and other events where we'll be mentioning L4TC all the way up until the event begins the evening of May 27th. More details available at [http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/](http://www.livestreamforthecure.com/) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about di

    Is fandom a key part of our identity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 21:20


    Fandom has changed a lot, and over time has gone from something on the fringe of society to the forefront. Does that also mean that fandom has moved towards a key part, an integral piece of people’s personal identity?

    Who needs canon, anyway?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 29:30


    It's fair to say that fans can take things too far, right? To the point of taking certain facts of a series and canonizing (a _biblical_ term) them, deciding which elements are ‘right' and ‘wrong'? Or even mixing up canon and tradition and requiring long-running media to follow old rules because that's the way it's always been! In this episode, we dig a bit into what canon means, in fandom, and try to answer the question… as fans, who needs canon, anyway? Also covering topics as: * Curative fandom, and the appeal of consistency and meaning * How canon justifies fan investment * A bunch of nonsense about intertextuality, worldbuilding, mythology, prescriptivism and descriptivism And more! All in under thirty minutes. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** Avoiding chaos via canon, consistency and rules in stories, the reality of multiple truths and perspectives, a brief tangent on the origins of the word canon, canon as ‘integrity' of media, how canon imbues meaning, curative fandom, canon as constraints, being beholden to canon, canon as justification for fan investment, descriptivism vs prescriptivism, worldbuilding vs mythology vs canon, and tirades about Doctor Who and the Legend of Zelda_._ ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [Pachabel's Ganon](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00753) by [djpretzel](https://ocremix.org/artist/4279/djpretzel) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

    Who needs canon, anyway?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 29:30


    It’s fair to say that fans can take things too far, right? To the point of taking certain facts of a series and canonizing (a biblical term) them, deciding which elements are ‘right’ and ‘wrong’? Or even mixing up canon and tradition and requiring long-running media to follow old rules because that’s the way it’s always been!

    What makes a good tabletop experience?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 28:56


    Combined, we've been playing tabletop games (let's admit it, mostly Dungeons and Dragons) for decades, but what is it about a game that takes it from a good one, to a great one? We try to answer the question “what makes a great tabletop experience?” (And the answer _isn't_ everyone starting on time… though it should be!). We cover… * The lack of importance of verisimilitude * The importance of not know what to expect * The importance of exploration ...And more! ## Episode Outline **Topics:** Min-maxed characters don't matter, verisimilitude doesn't matter, the importance of not knowing what to expect, improv, subverting tropes, making the game your own, plot and narrative, exploration, creating a shared experience, wonderm supporting each other, creating opportunities to grow, not (always) winning… and consequences! ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [Secret Seashells](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01086) by [Miku](https://ocremix.org/artist/4583/miku) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

    What makes a good tabletop experience?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 28:56


    The tabletop experience has changed a lot since folks started playing Dungeons and Dragons in the 70s. What are things that can take the roleplaying experience from a good one, from a great one, with all that we’ve learned?

    Are you too old for this?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 21:26


    Hopefully, the phrase “Aren't you too old for this?” has come up less and less as time goes on… but it still comes up! We dig into what it even means to be too old for fandom! * Why do people try to relive their childhood (and is it just nostalgia)? * Is it even a bad thing to be a fan of things as an adult? * Why is it a problem to have fun as an adult? And a lot more! All in under 30 minutes! ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [ReMix: Katamari Damacy "Love Everlasting"](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02956) by [DDRKirby(ISQ)](https://ocremix.org/artist/11963/ddrkirbyisq) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

    Are you too old for this?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 21:26


    Growing old means growing up, hating any amount of fun, and succumbing to typical hobbies… like sports, or the news. OR DOES IT?!

    Is it ok to be a fan of bad things?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2020 22:43


    New year, new format, new episode! This week, we ask the question “Is it ok to be a fan of bad things?”. Disregarding what _bad_ means, we dig into: * Solidarity in fans of bad media * Bad media as a metaphor for life * Bad media as a references for good media And a lot more! All in under 30 minutes! ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * [Trouble in Watertown](https://sonic25.ocremix.org/) by [YamaYama](https://vgmdb.net/artist/17141) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

    Is it ok to be a fan of bad things?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2020 22:43


    Whether it’s objectively bad, or merely not to your taste, some media is just bad. Is there a problem with being a fan of it, though?

    Marvel Cinematic Universe - The Endgame of Fandoms?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2019 50:55


    How the heck do you summarize a fandom about eleven years of films… themselves spanning twenty-three movies so far?! We've reached the endgame of this infinity war of fandoms, folks… and it's time to put everything in perfect balance. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** Representation in media, fan entitlement, discrimination in fandom, death of the author, authorial intent, the role of fandom in creative works, cinema as a story vs cinema as an experience. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * ["SNAP (Future's Avengers: Infinity War Credits Song)"](https://electrolemon.bandcamp.com/album/snap-futures-avengers-infinity-war-credits-song) by [demi adejuyigbe](https://electrolemon.bandcamp.com/) used under [CC BY 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/) * [Spekkio the Brave](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00889) by [Steffan Andrews](https://ocremix.org/artist/4381/steffan-andrews) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

    Marvel Cinematic Universe - The Endgame of Fandoms?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2019 50:55


    How the heck do you summarize a fandom about eleven years of films… themselves spanning twenty-three movies so far?! We’ve reached the endgame of this infinity war of fandoms, folks… and it’s time to put everything in perfect balance.

    Steven Universe - They're … Space Rocks!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2019 56:17


    Here we are in the future... and talking about the lessons, culture, and fandom of Steven and the Crystal Gems! Why is it so popular, especially among other contemporary animations? _“Steven Universe is an American animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar for Cartoon Network. It is Cartoon Network's first animated series to be created solely by a woman. It is the coming-of-age story of a young boy, Steven Universe (voiced by Zach Callison), who lives with the Crystal Gems—magical, humanoid aliens named Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst (Michaela Dietz), and Pearl (Deedee Magno Hall)—in the fictional town of Beach City. Steven, who is half-Gem, has adventures with his friends and helps the Gems protect the world from their own kind. The themes of the series include love, family, and the importance of healthy interpersonal relationships.”_ [—Steven Universe - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Universe) ## Episode Outline **Topics:** _Animation in the 90s, Animation in the 00s, Representation in Media, LGBTQ+, Toxic Masculinity, Secondary Audiences, Media Criticism_ ### Fandom Facts * From the [2017 r/stevenuniverse survey](https://www.reddit.com/r/stevenuniverse/comments/78fe1f/the_2017_rstevenuniverse_survey_final_results/) (again, skewed by reddit's demographics): * 60.7% identify as male, 33.8% as female, 3.4% as non-binary * Only 50.9% identify as heterosexual; 23.7% identify as bi/pansexual, 13.7% as homosexual, and 6.1% asexual * 54.9% are 20 or younger, 15.6% are older than 25 (or just 5% over 30) * Top 3 Songs: It's Over Isn't It (19.7%), Here Comes a Thought (16.8%), and Love Like You (12.3%) * Interest in Steven Universe is pretty spikey; plotting it against Adventure Time, Gravity Falls, and Regular show in [Google Trends](https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&q=%2Fm%2F0r3t_0y,%2Fm%2F0807c5r,Adventure%20Time,Gravity%20Falls) over the past 5 years reveals some interesting notes: * Interest is relatively flat, and obviously spikes when a new season is out. * Top 5 countries: Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Nicauragua, Honduras (USA is 11 and Canada 22nd) ### First Impressions #### T: I first watched Steven Universe while I was going through a hard time at the beginning of a divorce, and was watching with my ex-wife. Even though I wasn't the primary audience, I definitely learned some important lessons and came back to Steven Universe recently on the advice of multiple friends. #### Z: I've been following the show since it started thanks to Soph's interest in it and Adventure Time. I remember taking it in at first and thinking that it was a neat show that had the same surreality as Adventure Time but combined it with a much more banal setting of Beach City and a little more direct heart. ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast!

    Steven Universe - They’re … Space Rocks!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2019 56:17


    Furries - The Tame and the Feral with Sarah WaterRaven

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2019 61:56


    # Description To help us with her insight into the very dense and complex fandom that is the Furry Community, we have author and artist Sarah WaterRaven with us on this episode. Together we discover how people come to the community, why they leave, and what some of the bright spots are in this often stigmatized fandom. And for the extra curious, here's a list of links to furry artists, interviews, and more: [http://bit.ly/FurryThings/](http://bit.ly/FurryThings) Sarah can be found over at [https://www.sarahwaterraven.com/](https://www.sarahwaterraven.com/) and on the Tapas app at [https://tapas.io/sarahwaterraven/](https://tapas.io/sarahwaterraven)! ## Where can you find us? Pretty much everything we do is `something/thenickscast`, but specifically... * If you're looking for this podcast (Fanthropological), you can find it at [Fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) or on different podcatchers including [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s) and many others! * Keep up-to-date with our latest goings-on on [Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), or [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast), all `@thenickscast` * We also occasionally create extra content about fandom including convention coverage and interviews on [YouTube.com/thenickscast](https://youtube.com/thenickscast) * We have some fine merchandise available at [shop.thenickscast.com](https://shop.thenickscast.com) (and we'd love your support!) * If all else fails, you can email us: [nick@thenickscast.com](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com) ## What is "Fanthropological"? Every week, Fanthropological delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Credits * All music and sound for this week's episode was provided by Nick Green!

    Furries - The Tame and the Feral with Sarah WaterRaven

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2019 61:56


    Critical Role - When People Cosplay Your OC

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2019 61:20


    “Critical Role is an American web series in which a group of professional voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons. The show started streaming in March 2015, partway through the cast's first campaign” [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Role](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Role) Fandom Facts * Holy **crap** Critical Role is popular: is is the most popular it has ever been (aside from March 2019), but also, its popularity coincides with a [massive increase in popularity in Dungeons and Dragons](https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&q=%2Fg%2F11clghjr0y,%2Fm%2F026q9,%2Fm%2F04dzk1_) (but _not _Pathfinder) * There is a site entirely devoted to [stats about the critical role game](https://www.critrolestats.com): d20 rolls, puns, lore, you name it! * “After the split from Geek and Sundry, the cast announced a fundraiser for an animation of the popular Whitebriar arc. The campaign asked for $750,000 but reached $1 million within an hour, ending with a record-breaking $11.3 million in donations.” ### First Impressions **T:** I honestly had very little impression of what CR actually was. My only exposure was through following ItsGinnyDi on Twitter and seeing various Jester-related cosplay (I actually forgot that the show's premise was voice-actors playing Dungeons and Dragons)! I might have seen some humourous animatics with Jester too… but when G said that the episodes are like three hours long and unedited, I was skeptical. **Z:** I think I first heard about this from G, and I thought it sounded kind of like The Adventure Zone. And that was kind of it. Not because I don't find D&D interesting, but instead because I felt like I'd heard The Adventure Zone and I was good on the recorded tabletop RPG playing front. Aside from that, though, it seemed to me like it was kind of like the Game Grumps when they'd first started: The first big thing of its kind to really make headway into the mainstream. ### Observations _What we thought about the thing / fandom after reviewing it. Try to make this more of a review style._ ### Conclusions _Any concluding thoughts on the fandom._ _Z: _After reading about the phenomenon that is Critical Role and listening to the first episode of the second campaign, I feel pretty comfortable saying that it's just not for me. The episode that I listened to had a good variety of metagame chatter, general in-character conversation and exploration, and even a bit of combat, but trying to listen to what seemed like at least 7 players and one DM was just too much for me to do passively. And, to be honest, it seemed kind of slow, at least in comparison to The Adventure Zone. But I think that comparing the two is like comparing a svelte young elf who stumbles across the recipe for a Tex-Mex delicacy and an energetic tiefling with a penchant for mischief. One interests me enough to pull me through over 100 hours of recorded D&D and the other makes it fairly easy to understand why people enjoy them and the game they're a part of, but not to listen in to the show they're a part of. Links: [How Do I Beat the Matt Mercer Effect?](http://www.reddit.com/r/DMAcademy/comments/a999sd/how_do_i_beat_the_matt_mercer_effect/) [Ginny Di's Guide to Catching Up on Critical Role](http://twitter.com/itsginnydi/status/1113475920637992960) [Google Trends Data](http://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&geo=US&q=%2Fg%2F11clghjr0y,%2Fm%2F026q9,%2Fm%2F04dzk1_) [CritRoleStats](http://www.critrolestats.com) [Critical Role on Fanlore](http://fanlore.org/wiki/Critical_Role) [Thoughts on Critical Role vs The Adventure Zone?](http://www.reddit.com/r/DnD/comments/9f3fv4/thoughts_on_critical_role_vs_the_adventure_zone/) [The rise of D&D liveplay is changing how fans approach roleplaying](http://www.theverge.com/2017/11/16/16666344/dungeons-and-dragons-twitch-roleplay-rpgs-critical-role-streaming-gaming) ## Where can I get updates? If you want to f

    Critical Role - When People Cosplay Your OC

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2019 61:20


    “Critical Role is an American web series in which a group of professional voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons. The show started streaming in March 2015, partway through the cast's first campaign” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Role Fandom Facts Holy crap Critical Role is popular: is is the most popular it has ever been (aside from March 2019), but also, its popularity coincides with a massive increase in popularity in Dungeons and Dragons (but _not _Pathfinder) There is a site entirely devoted to stats about the critical role game: d20 rolls, puns, lore, you name it! “After the split from Geek and Sundry, the cast announced a fundraiser for an animation of the popular Whitebriar arc. The campaign asked for $750,000 but reached $1 million within an hour, ending with a record-breaking $11.3 million in donations.” First Impressions T: I honestly had very little impression of what CR actually was. My only exposure was through following ItsGinnyDi on Twitter and seeing various Jester-related cosplay (I actually forgot that the show’s premise was voice-actors playing Dungeons and Dragons)! I might have seen some humourous animatics with Jester too… but when G said that the episodes are like three hours long and unedited, I was skeptical. Z: I think I first heard about this from G, and I thought it sounded kind of like The Adventure Zone. And that was kind of it. Not because I don’t find D&D interesting, but instead because I felt like I’d heard The Adventure Zone and I was good on the recorded tabletop RPG playing front. Aside from that, though, it seemed to me like it was kind of like the Game Grumps when they’d first started: The first big thing of its kind to really make headway into the mainstream. Observations What we thought about the thing / fandom after reviewing it. Try to make this more of a review style. Conclusions Any concluding thoughts on the fandom. _Z: _After reading about the phenomenon that is Critical Role and listening to the first episode of the second campaign, I feel pretty comfortable saying that it’s just not for me. The episode that I listened to had a good variety of metagame chatter, general in-character conversation and exploration, and even a bit of combat, but trying to listen to what seemed like at least 7 players and one DM was just too much for me to do passively. And, to be honest, it seemed kind of slow, at least in comparison to The Adventure Zone. But I think that comparing the two is like comparing a svelte young elf who stumbles across the recipe for a Tex-Mex delicacy and an energetic tiefling with a penchant for mischief. One interests me enough to pull me through over 100 hours of recorded D&D and the other makes it fairly easy to understand why people enjoy them and the game they’re a part of, but not to listen in to the show they’re a part of. Links: How Do I Beat the Matt Mercer Effect? Ginny Di's Guide to Catching Up on Critical Role Google Trends Data CritRoleStats Critical Role on Fanlore Thoughts on Critical Role vs The Adventure Zone? The rise of D&D liveplay is changing how fans approach roleplaying Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we’ve got you covered: Facebook: facebook.com/fanthropological Twitter: @fanthropologic And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts). Oh, and here at fanthropological.com What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), see all of our projects on thenickscast.com, or email us. Credits All music for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

    Minisode: Are You A Good Fan?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2019 21:15


    This subject of this week's minisode turns inwards as the Nicks ask themselves if they consider themselves a good fan and break down what being a good fan even means ## What is the Race Against Time? The Race Against Time is our annual charity livestreaming marathon where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money [for the Alzheimer Society of Canada](https://alzheimer.ca/)! This year's event will be August 10 and 11th from noon until midnight each day. This year, we hope to outdo all of our previous records and raise $1500 CAD. For more details on the event, you can check out the main website at [raceagainsttime.io](https://raceagainsttime.io), [our Twitch page](https://twitch.tv/theraceagainsttime) where we host the stream, or you can follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/raceagainstio) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/raceagainsttimeio) for news about guests, giveaways, and other special surprises! Heck, you can even [donate right now](https://raceagainsttime.io/donate)! ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * Race Against Time Promo Music: "[Temporal Distortion](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00789)" by [Star Salzman](https://ocremix.org/artist/4403/star-salzman) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * Ending Music: "[Green Ice Exposed](https://soundcloud.com/fragileair/green-ice-exposed)" by [Fragile Air](https://fragileair.bandcamp.com)

    Minisode: Are You A Good Fan?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2019 21:15


    This subject of this week's minisode turns inwards as the Nicks ask themselves if they consider themselves a good fan and break down what being a good fan even means What is the Race Against Time? The Race Against Time is our annual charity livestreaming marathon where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Canada! This year’s event will be August 10 and 11th from noon until midnight each day. This year, we hope to outdo all of our previous records and raise $1500 CAD. For more details on the event, you can check out the main website at raceagainsttime.io, our Twitch page where we host the stream, or you can follow us on Twitter or Facebook for news about guests, giveaways, and other special surprises! Heck, you can even donate right now! Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we’ve got you covered: Facebook: facebook.com/fanthropological Twitter: @fanthropologic And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts). Oh, and here at fanthropological.com What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), see all of our projects on thenickscast.com, or email us. Credits Race Against Time Promo Music: "Temporal Distortion" by Star Salzman from http://ocremix.org used under ocremix.org content policy Ending Music: "Green Ice Exposed" by Fragile Air

    Minisode: Are Retrogamers missing out?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2019 24:32


    Are retro gamers missing out on the newest, hippest games or are they right to dig deep into the style that they love? The Nicks dive into the breadth, depth and philosophy of getting into a niche! ## What is the Race Against Time? The Race Against Time is our annual charity livestreaming marathon where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money [for the Alzheimer Society of Canada](https://alzheimer.ca/)! This year's event will be August 10 and 11th from noon until midnight each day. This year, we hope to outdo all of our previous records and raise $1500 CAD. For more details on the event, you can check out the main website at [raceagainsttime.io](https://raceagainsttime.io), [our Twitch page](https://twitch.tv/theraceagainsttime) where we host the stream, or you can follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/raceagainstio) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/raceagainsttimeio) for news about guests, giveaways, and other special surprises! Heck, you can even [donate right now](https://raceagainsttime.io/donate)! ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * Race Against Time Promo Music: "[Temporal Distortion](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00789)" by [Star Salzman](https://ocremix.org/artist/4403/star-salzman) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * Ending Music: "[Green Ice Exposed](https://soundcloud.com/fragileair/green-ice-exposed)" by [Fragile Air](https://fragileair.bandcamp.com)

    Minisode: Are Retrogamers missing out?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2019 24:32


    Are retro gamers missing out on the newest, hippest games or are they right to dig deep into the style that they love? The Nicks dive into the breadth, depth and philosophy of getting into a niche! What is the Race Against Time? The Race Against Time is our annual charity livestreaming marathon where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Canada! This year’s event will be August 10 and 11th from noon until midnight each day. This year, we hope to outdo all of our previous records and raise $1500 CAD. For more details on the event, you can check out the main website at raceagainsttime.io, our Twitch page where we host the stream, or you can follow us on Twitter or Facebook for news about guests, giveaways, and other special surprises! Heck, you can even donate right now! Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we’ve got you covered: Facebook: facebook.com/fanthropological Twitter: @fanthropologic And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts). Oh, and here at fanthropological.com What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), see all of our projects on thenickscast.com, or email us. Credits Race Against Time Promo Music: "Temporal Distortion" by Star Salzman from http://ocremix.org used under ocremix.org content policy Ending Music: "Green Ice Exposed" by Fragile Air

    Minisode: What are cons missing?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2019 21:21


    After nearly 20 years of con-going, and collectively well over 40 different conventions been attended, what kinds of things are missing from conventions (anime, sci-fi, comic, or otherwise), anyway? ## What is the Race Against Time? The Race Against Time is our annual charity livestreaming marathon where we get as many endings as possible in Chrono Trigger to raise money [for the Alzheimer Society of Canada](https://alzheimer.ca/)! This year's event will be August 10 and 11th from noon until midnight each day. This year, we hope to outdo all of our previous records and raise $1500 CAD. For more details on the event, you can check out the main website at [raceagainsttime.io](https://raceagainsttime.io), [our Twitch page](https://twitch.tv/theraceagainsttime) where we host the stream, or you can follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/raceagainstio) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/raceagainsttimeio) for news about guests, giveaways, and other special surprises! Heck, you can even [donate right now](https://raceagainsttime.io/donate)! ## Where can I get updates? If you want to follow us on social media, we've got you covered: * Facebook: [facebook.com/fanthropological](https://facebook.com/fanthropological) * Twitter: [@fanthropologic](https://twitter.com/fanthropologic) And of course, we can be found where all fine podcasts are found (e.g. [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2IVp8MBIUyCqlKyZn79iHn), [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fanthropological/id1163621210?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnBvZGlhbnQuY28vZmFudGhyb3BvbG9naWNhbC9yc3MueG1s)). Oh, and here at [fanthropological.com](https://fanthropological.com) ## What is Fanthropological? Every week, our podcast, Fanthropological, delivers about an hour of fandom-related "fanalysis" covering a different fandom every week and giving you hard data, history, special guests, and, of course, speculation! We cover topics spanning the gamut of anime, manga, comics, video games, comics, movies, books, television, and, in general, geek culture. ## Who are you? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek … who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans. If you want to learn more about us, you can follow us on most social media @thenickscast ([Facebook](https://facebook.com/thenickscast), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thenickscast), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/thenickscast)), see all of our projects on [thenickscast.com](https://thenickscast.com), or [email us](mailto:nick@thenickscast.com). ## Credits * Race Against Time Promo Music: "[Temporal Distortion](https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00789)" by [Star Salzman](https://ocremix.org/artist/4403/star-salzman) from [http://ocremix.org](http://ocremix.org) used under [ocremix.org content policy](http://ocremix.org/info/Content_Policy#If_you.27re_using_our_content_elsewhere_.28.22Terms_of_Use.22.29%E2%80%A6) * All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

    Minisode: What are cons missing?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2019 21:21


    After nearly 20 years of con-going, and collectively well over 40 different conventions been attended, what kinds of things are missing from conventions (anime, sci-fi, comic, or otherwise), anyway?

    Beyblade - A New Spin on an Old Top

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2019 44:01


    Who would've thought that spinning battle tops could enchant kids and adults alike? And that the franchise has more in common with Transformers than meets the eye? Definitely not us -- listen along as we learn about the fandom that shouts “Let it Rip!” with glee. ## Episode Outline **Topics:** Beyblade as the first anime series that ran up against our budding cynicism, the complexity of the toys, the complexity of the battles, the reality of the tournament scene, Beyblade World Championships, the World Beyblade Organization, adults are fans?, the physical appeal of Beyblades, why does [this guy](https://knowtechie.com/5-tips-and-tricks-that-every-beyblade-player-must-know/) have four apple watches?, Beyblades and bathtubs don't mix ### Fandom Facts “Beyblade, known in Japan as Explosive Shoot Beyblade, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Takao Aoki to promote sales of spinning tops called "Beyblades" developed by Takara Tomy. ... The series focuses on a group of kids who form teams with which they battle one another using Beyblades. … An anime adaptation, also titled Beyblade and spanning 51 episodes, aired in Japan on TV Tokyo from January 8, 2001, to December 24, 2001. The second, Beyblade V-Force, ran for another 51 episodes from January 7, 2002, until December 30, 2002. Beyblade G-Revolution, the third and final adaptation, also spanned 52 episodes (the last two episodes were released together as a double-length special in Japan) and aired from January 6, 2003, until its conclusion on December 29, 2003.” —[Wikipedia - Beyblade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyblade_Burst) * Even though the original series only aired between 2001 to 2003, a sequel, [Beyblade: Metal Fusion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyblade:_Metal_Fusion) premiered in 2008 and ran until 2012, a Japanese-Canadian spin-off, [BeyWheelz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BeyWheelz), which aired in 2012, and another sequel, [Beyblade Burst](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyblade_Burst), which ran from 2016-2017 (though the manga is still ongoing) * “Beyblade, Let It Rip! The Official Album was released in the UK to coincide with the show's popularity. It featured the anime's opening theme, as well as songs by artists including Nickelback and Busted.” ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyblade)) * Interest in Beyblade is… a little down since 2004 according to Google Trends ([but is really, really variable](https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&q=%2Fm%2F03hsp2)). There was a huge spike in interest around late 2010 (Release of Metal Fusion in North America, perhaps?), and has since dropped but is on the rise again. * [The Beyblade subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Beyblade/) only has about 2400 subscribers, and, bizarrely, explicitly prohibits “roleplay, fanfiction, or memes, all of which deserve their own subreddits.” ### First Impressions #### G It was the first series I remember being like “oh they're still doing this thing?” about. Just another physical thing to collect and fight, and one that wasn't part of my growing up at all. #### T Going to be honest; as a kid, even though I loved anime, I thought it was super dumb (and, given timing, I might have just been outside of the age demographics for it)... and I liked Yu-Gi-Oh (although I also had stopped watching that). Fighting magic tops sounded… stupid, and I don't think I ever got over that. I am excited to see if my impressions have changed though. #### Z Before starting the research for this one, my strongest memory of Beyblade was that it was one of what seemed like many shows trying to channel some of the hype around Pokemon -- one of those shows about something collectible that battles and has its own personality (or “heart” in the case of Yu-Gi-Oh). In particular, I remember my younger brother being really into the show, though I don't think he ever got into collecting the tops themselves. I

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