You Are What You Love

Ally Carter, author of massive novels like The Gallagher Girls novels, The Blonde Identity, and most recently, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, joins to discuss the work of Agatha Christie. We discuss growing up on a farm, the first time Ally realized she could be a writer, and how Agatha Christie's mysteries provided a better fantasy than Science Fiction. Plus: how Ally became a writer in her own right, how her novels impacted me personally, and her newest novel, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year. Tangents include: the necessity of longing in romance, the beauty of YA, and whether or not algorithms are ruining our ability to build our own taste.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  For the best listening experience and to get personalized podcast recommendations, find You Are What You Love on Heard.FM.  Download Heard.FM on iOS and Android now!

Sarah Ullrich, co-host of Post Book Depression, joins to discuss the romance book duet from author Pepper Winters. We discuss how the book was outside of her comfort zone, and how that helped Sarah understand herself, the expectations readers have of the romance genre as a whole, and how the long journey with these characters helped Sarah open herself up to the people around her. Tangents include fluff versus angst, how books teach us a unique type of empathy, and the possibility of travel through fiction. Be sure to catch me on Post Book Depression discussing Emily Henry! We'll be off next week for the holiday. You Are What You Love will return on 11/29!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page. 

Amy Watson, co-host of Post Book Depression, joins to discuss the romance thriller duet from author Mia Sheridan.  We discuss how Sheridan's writing made Amy reframe her view of characters she wasn't sure she should care for, open up discussion with her friend and future co-host Sarah, and how suspense and romance can meet. Tangents include Amy's preference for an unhappy ending, whether life ends once you find love, and how romance is in every story, and should be taken more seriously.  Be sure to catch me on Post Book Depression, and join us next week with Amy's co-host, Sarah!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page. 

Mallory, immersive theatre creator, joins to discuss K.A. Applegate's book series, Animorphs.  We discuss how the books focused on family and friendship rather than centering on romantic endings, Mallory's childhood dream of being a vet and how that helped her connect with one of the characters, and discovering the books at the Scholastic Book Fair. Tangents include how darker themes helped Mallory form her own view of the world and art, whether fandom should be a part of the creator's writing process, and whether an unsatisfying ending is actually the right answer.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page. 

Jac, writer and Co-Host of Book Talk for Book Tok, returns to discuss Sarah J Maas' epic hit book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (FKA ACOTAR).  We discuss why the books are so popular, how women in fandom benefit the economy, and why female authors don't get the same respect as male authors. Tangents include how fiction can create a safe space to explore your own emotions, why fandom can feel a bit like therapy, and the truth about The Great Gatsby.  Be sure to catch me on Book Talk for Book Tok with Amy and her co-host Jac, where we discuss the first romcom I ever made, and what Shakespeare's Hamlet means to me.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page. 

Jac, writer and Co-Host of Book Talk for Book Tok, joins to discuss Sarah J Maas' epic hit book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (FKA ACOTAR).  We discuss how Jac started the series at the same time as therapy, what Feyra's relationships taught Jac about her own romantic leanings, and how romance books (and fan fiction) give women a safe space to explore and discuss their sexuality. Tangents include what women want (and how romance novels can be a guide), what the books of our youth, including Twilight and Gossip Girl, taught us about sex, and regrettably, Two Girls One Cup.  Be sure to catch me on Book Talk for Book Tok with Amy and her co-host Jac, where we discuss the first romcom I ever made, and what Shakespeare's Hamlet means to me.  We'll be back next week with the second part of this episode!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page. 

Amy, Co-host of Book Talk for Book Tok, joins to discuss one of the biggest online to traditional publishing success stories, Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments.  We discuss how Amy discovered Cassandra Clare through her Harry Potter fan fiction, why Clare's publishing journey meant so much to Amy, and how the books changed our view of feminism and femininity. Tangents include whether haters have the right to put artists down, chasing the thrill of the young adult books that excited us in our teenage years, and why fan fiction can make you a better writer.  Be sure to catch me on Book Talk for Book Tok with Amy and her co-host Jac, where we discuss the first romcom I ever made, and what Shakespeare's Hamlet means to me.  We'll be back next week with Amy's co-host, Jac, to talk about the hit fantasy romance series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR).  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Erin, co-host of The Fic List, joins to discuss Fan Fiction as a whole.  We discuss how transformative works have been around for far longer than we had a term for them, the difference between fan fiction and adaptation, and how the public perception of the form is changing. Tangents include Erin's first fan fiction, how Harry Styles and One Direction shaped a new era of fan fiction (and traditional publishing), and the idea of anonymity in fandom.  Heading to New York Comic Con? So is Erin! Join her, the rest of The Fic List team, and previous You Are What You Love guest Berklie Novak-Stolz at their panel on the history of fan fiction. Information on the panel can be found here.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Mike Schubert, host of The Newest Olympian, join to discuss the book series we've been sleeping on all along, Percy Jackson and The Olympians.  We discuss how Mike started reading the series for the first time as an adult, the idea of genuine goodness in Percy and his friends, and what the books can still teach us after childhood. Tangents include positivity in fandom, representation of mental health and family dynamics, and why Rick Riordan is such a good guy. Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Percy Jackson experts, best friends, and co-hosts of the Seaweed Brain podcast, Erica and Carter, join to discuss the incredible children's series, Percy Jackson and The Olympians.  We discuss how Erica and Carter bonded over the books growing up, the groundbreaking ways Rick Riordan represented mental health and family dynamics, and the most important lessons they took away from the series. Tangents include banned books, the importance of yielding, and the true definition of a hero.  Next week, Mike Schubert from The Newest Olympian returns for his take on the books!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Maddie, crocheter, fangirl, and writer joins to talk about the international boyband sensation, *NSYNC. We discuss how band brought her comfort decades after they released their last album, the impact of boybands across generations, and how the band's treatment and response to it can strengthen our sense of empathy. Tangents include which boyband is winning the nostalgia era, why fan relationships matter so much, and why teenage girls deserve more respect.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Sean Barnett, writer, director, and actor joins to talk about the musical internet sensation, Team Starkid.  We discuss how the theatre company helped Sean understand the idea and possibility of a multi-hyphenate, how the outlandish comedy matched his personality, and the way Team Starkid shaped the internet. Tangents include the importance of being silly on stage, the fantasy of a future family Team Starkid allowed, and the connection the internet allows us to form with the artists who make what we love. Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Harrison Prince, writer and host of the upcoming Ruff Boys podcast, returns to talk about the Young Adult Sci-Fi series, The Pendragon Adventure by D.J. MacHale. We discuss how the books made Harrison a better person, the craft of a team behind a book, and how D.J. MacHale was the first author that helped Harrison understand brand recognition. Tangents include whether social media is good for book lovers, the value of biographies, and the trust you put in writers you love. Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Harrison Prince, writer and host of the upcoming Ruff Boys podcast, joins to talk about the Young Adult Sci-Fi series, The Pendragon Adventure by D.J. MacHale. We discuss how the books helped Harrison escape during a tumultuous time, the way the first book's format broke the rules of writing, and how the series helped Harrison to start to hone his own craft.Tangents include whether books have to be good to be worthwhile, controversial reader takes, and Matthew McConaughey. We'll be back next week with part 2 of this episode!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Tyler Hyrchuk, founding member of Lengthy Tangent and producer, writer, and voice actor for the upcoming audio drama Peculiar Radio, joins to talk about the children's book "Grandma and the Pirates."  We discuss how Tyler's understanding of performance changed as he grew older, how he found his place as a voice actor rather than an on screen performer, and how parroting other people's comedy gave him confidence. Tangents include the craft behind improv, committing to the bit, and, unfortunately, Dane Cook.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  Check out Lengthy Tangent at their website! 

Tyler Hyrchuk, founding member of Lengthy Tangent and producer, writer, and voice actor for the upcoming audio drama Peculiar Radio, joins to talk about the children's book "Grandma and the Pirates."  We discuss how memorizing the audiobook sparked a love for performance, how mimicking the author's performance helped Tyler understand storytelling, and the balance of art and math in education. Tangents include problem solving in the internet age, impressing parents and peers, and if it's possible to beat modern video games.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  Check out Lengthy Tangent at their website! 

During our season break, things have shifted in the entertainment industry. The WGA strike has continued, and SAG-AFTRA has joined them on the picket line in the fight for a fair deal with the AMPTP. In this special episode, I'm joined by four WGA members, Elyse Morales, George Ghanem, Kyle Lau, and Charlotte Austin Johnson.  We talk about how each of them became working writers and members of the WGA, their personal experiences in the industry and what they're fighting for while on strike, and the moments in media that inspired them to become writers in the first place.  Donate to The Entertainment Community Fund, and find out how to join the picket line: https://www.wgacontract2023.org/take-action/stand-with-writers Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Merete Mohs, founding member of Lengthy Tangent and producer, writer, and voice actor for the upcoming audio drama Peculiar Radio, returns to talk about Stephen King's 7 book series, The Dark Tower. We discuss how Stephen King's writing transported her to new worlds, how her tastes have changed and developed since, and how our creative journeys can be sparked by envy of a really good thing. Tangents include Merete's love of travel, how she wants her kids to see the world, and how creative passions can start before you realize what's happening.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  Check out Lengthy Tangent at their website! 

Merete Mohs, founding member of Lengthy Tangent and producer, writer, and voice actor for the upcoming audio drama Peculiar Radio, joins to talk about Stephen King's 7 book series, The Dark Tower. We discuss how the books took time to grow on her but helped Merete return to reading, the way it was the first time she remembered not trusting that characters would make it to the end of the adventure, and how her reading habits have changed since she started the series. Tangents include whether it's harder to make audiences laugh or cry, the importance of Johnny Knoxville, and how life changes when you become a parent.  We'll be back with part 2 next week!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Alex C. Telander, writer and creator of the audio fiction podcasts Circe and The Ostium Network, joins to talk about the cultural juggernaut that is The X-Files.  We discuss how the show was inspired by Twin Peaks and went on to inspire other cult classics, the dichotomy between wanting to believe and being grounded in science, and how the show helped Alex meet his wife. Tangents include fan convention culture, the beauty of DVD box sets, and what we'd like to see in an X-Files reboot.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Mary Frances Noser, actor, writer, and educator, returns to discuss the worldwide phenomenon children's series, Harry Potter.  We unpack Mary Frances' relationship with the books in the face of J.K. Rowling's public views, Harry Potter's representation of women, and Mary Frances' own connection to the Chosen One Narrative. Tangents include fan fiction, the true nature of evil, and how children's stories can help us navigate darkness in the abstract.   Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Mary Frances Noser, actor, writer, and educator, joins to discuss the worldwide phenomenon children's series, Harry Potter.  We discuss how the book series helped Mary Frances through her struggles with dyslexia, the moral failings of the adults in the Harry Potter universe, and the particulars of Draco Malfoy's upbringing. Tangents include the fandom surrounding the franchise, navigating an adult relationship with the books, and the complexities of finding a place to belong.  We'll be back with part 2 of this episode next week.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Meghan Fitzmartin, writer for television shows like The CW's Supernatural, DC Comics' Tim Drake: Robin, and the new animated film, Justice League x RWBY Superheroes & Huntsmen Part 1, returns to talk about the television adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World.  We discuss how The Lost World being accessible was important to Meghan's journey with television, how the show's cancellation was her first insight to television as a business, and her journey from youth pastor to television writer. Tangents include using fandom as a short hand for personal interactions, Meghan's personal relationship with religion, and the day she had to tell her therapist about Destiel.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Meghan Fitzmartin, writer for television shows like The CW's Supernatural, DC Comics' Tim Drake: Robin, and the new animated film, Justice League x RWBY Superheroes & Huntsmen Part 1, joins to talk about the television adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World.  We discuss how Meghan found the show while living in Florida when she first had a television in her house, how Marguerite helped her feel strong, and how mornings watching The Lost World helped her find her place in the world. Tangents include the nuances of ship wars, how fandom can be an inherited trait, and, of course, Dean Winchester. We'll be back next Wednesday with part 2 of this episode!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

J.K. Robbins, Creator of Lengthy Tangent's upcoming audio drama, "Peculiar Radio," returns to talk about the cult classic, Twin Peaks.  We discuss how the show spoke to J.K.'s love for the darkness underneath small towns, the way the show influenced other work including his own, and his feelings on Season 3, the return to Twin Peaks. Tangents include small towns versus big cities, the way we can move at our own pace without feeling guilty, and the stories that come out of the parts of the country that are often overlooked.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

J.K. Robbins, Creator of Lengthy Tangent's upcoming audio drama, "Peculiar Radio," joins to talk about the cult classic, Twin Peaks.  We discuss how the show created one of the first water cooler effects, the way Twin Peaks encouraged weirdness, and how Dale Cooper and Twin Peaks helped J.K. through loss. Tangents include the similarities between Dale Cooper and Don Draper, the widespread impact Twin Peaks had on the media that followed, and the perfect storm that was created by the creative team.  We'll be back next week with part 2 of this episode.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Mahi, University Student, listener of the podcast, and enthusiastic enjoyer of things, joins to talk about the sitcom "The Big Bang Theory." We talk about the way the sitcom flipped the outsider dynamic with Penny and Sheldon, the joy of watching other people be passionate about media, and how the show helped Mahi form her own taste and discover media she wouldn't have otherwise. Tangents include the importance of world building, how sitcoms can teach us humor and nuance, and Mahi's global journey to where she is now.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Mei Rothschild, creator of the Webtoon original "Brimstones and Roses," returns to discus the animated classic, Steven Universe. This is part 2 of a two part episode.  We talk about how Steven Universe inspired Mei's journey as an artist, how she built her own following through fan art, and how an anonymous hate message about her Steven Universe art drove her to sharpen her skills when it came to body diversity in her art. Tangents include what it's like to have your own fans after being one for so long, how fandom can be toxic, and the era of Tumblr ask blogs.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Mei Rothschild, creator of the Webtoon original "Brimstones and Roses," joins to discus the animated classic, Steven Universe.  We talk about how the show took steps for diversity on screen, how Steven's exploration of his own heritage represented a diasporic experience, and how the show broke ground in both style and subject matter. Tangents include how diverse media is held to an almost impossible standard, why adults aren't allowed to enjoy things for the sake of enjoying them, and the constant embarrassment of being alive. We'll be back next week with part 2 of this interview!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Klaudia Amenábar, podcaster and critic, joins to talk about the anime and manga, Sailor Moon.  We talk about the differences between the various adaptations, how Klaudia watched every episode on her iPod touch and unreliable wifi, and how the show has stuck with her through every phase of her life. Tangents include the hope punk genre as a whole, Klaudia's first cosplay, and how the show helped her form connections in real life after leaving home.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Alex Whisenhunt, writer (His Royal Fakin Highness, That Vampire Show) returns to discuss the musical TV phenomenon, Glee.  We talk about the way Glee sold the fantasy of an outcast growing to importance, how Darren Criss lived everyone's dream, and the way Glee delivered mashups in a way like no other show had. Tangents include a gritty drama reboot of the show, how Will Schuester was technically the main character, and whether something has to be critically "good" to be important.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Alex Whisenhunt, writer (His Royal Fakin Highness, That Vampire Show) joins to discuss the musical TV phenomenon, Glee.  We talk about the way the show swept the nation as well as her town in upstate New York, the musical media that came before it, and the way Glee shaped a generation of misfits. Tangents include what life was like before the influencer, Glee's brilliant marketing strategy, and how fandom is changing the way media is promoted today. Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Alexandra Tandon, writer and director of the horror fiction podcast All In My Head, returns to discuss the 90's TV show, Charmed. This is part 2 of a 2 part conversation.  We talk about how Charmed influenced her as a creator herself, how she discovered the online fandom for the show this past year while creating prop replicas, and how the Halliwell sisters helped her understand that being a strong woman didn't mean that you weren't a vulnerable one. Tangents include Alexandra's feelings on how the love stories wrapped up, her own creative endeavors, and her enjoyment of near reality fiction.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK 

Alexandra Tandon, writer and director of the horror fiction podcast All In My Head, joins to talk about the 90's television show, Charmed.  We talk about how she discovered the show mid cliffhanger, how the show came into her life during her middle and high school years, and how Charmed showed her women who were powerful and in charge of their own lives, something that differed from the other TV shows she was watching at the time. Tangents include the awkward transition from middle school to high school, the importance of Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place, and whether Hannah Montana's record deal would hold up in the real world.  We'll be back next week with part 2 of this episode!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Interested in being a guest on You Are What You Love? Submit a request via the form on this page.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

Ellory Smith, Emmy nominated writer and comedian, joins to discuss the global teen vampire phenomenon, Twilight. This is part 2 of a 2 part episode.  We talk about how Edward Cullen was more of a mirror for us than Bella Swan, how vampirism in Twilight mirrors the repression of teenage girls, and the idea of collective suffering. Tangents include how media can help us through grief, how as adults we romanticize childhood, and how creating an escape through media is an important endeavor.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

Ellory Smith, Emmy nominated writer and comedian, joins to discuss the global teen vampire phenomenon, Twilight.  We talk about how the books and the movies stretched through all of our formative years, the parentification of Bella Swan, and the important distinction of the books' portrayal of teen sexuality compared to the other teen media we were served at the time. Tangents include our own personal brands of comedy, the importance of female role models, and attending all girls schools growing up.  We'll be back next week with part 2 of this episode!  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

Faith McQuinn, writer, director, and founder of Observer Pictures, joins to discuss how Lost helped shape her friendships and her taste in media as a creator.  We talk about the experience of watching a phenomenon like Lost as it aired, making friends online through the mystery of the show, and the way the creative team behind Lost made themselves accessible to the fans. Tangents include Faith's experience at Film School, her love for Science Fiction, and sharing television through generations, both with her mother and her daughters.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

Erin, host of The Fic List podcast, joins to talk about how Green Day's seminole album, American Idiot, helped shape her journey from childhood to teenagerdome.  We talk about her experience growing up in suburbia, how pop punk helped her feel seen, and how par asocial relationships help us form our sense of self. Tangents include the tour vlogs of the early 2000's, meeting Cobra Starship, and the way pop punk helped her feel her feelings in a safe rebellious way as a kid.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

Megan Carter, actor and writer, joins to talk about the NBC hit comedy, The Good Place. We talk about how the show gave her a positive and hilarious perspective to hold onto during a time of isolation, how the team behind the show helped her think critically about being a writer herself, and how the show's view of the afterlife helped her through loss. Tangents include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, how choices in media can leave you feeling betrayed, and how engaging in fandom can make you a better creator yourself.  You can hear Megan as the voice of Mina Jacobs in That Vampire Show, and as the voice of Tammy in Life On Pause, available wherever you get your podcasts, or at our website.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

Fernando Perez, content creator and streamer, joins to talk about the adventure video game franchise, Uncharted.  We talk about how the game helped him through loss, helped build his excitement and love for video games, and how he ultimately came to the space of streaming games himself.  Tangents include the hit Denzel Washington film “Man On Fire,” enjoying things for the sake of enjoying them, and the joy of building a community that supports you, rather than giving into the echo chamber of hater culture. Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

This week, host Marissa Tandon shares a special, personal episode talking about her own relationship with fandom and media, and how it shaped her into the creator she is today.  Marissa talks about how obsessing over media gave her comfort at different shifting moments in life, how the community of fandom both online and off helped her form connections, and how writing fan fiction taught her the fundamentals of writing before eventually pursuing a career in media herself.  Listen to That Vampire Show by visiting our website at https://tandonproductions.com/that-vampire-show/ or by searching for "That Vampire Show" wherever you're listening to this podcast.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

Torian Bracket, voice actor and narrator, joins to talk about the table top roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons. We talk about how the game helped him build a sense of community during the pandemic and a hard life change, why he thinks D&D is the perfect actors' game, and what separates the rules lawyers from casual players. Tangents include therapy, healing through storytelling, and the magic of improv.  You can hear Torian as the voice of Freddy & Callum Rainier in That Vampire Show, available wherever you get your podcasts, or at our website.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

Adam Mamawala, stand up comedian and podcast host, joins to talk about another comedian: Russell Peters.  We talk about learning comedy by imitation, how Russell Peters' special helped Adam find his own comedic voice, and the joy of sharing something you love with other people. Tangents include the comedians we grew up on, the magic of a small venue, and how to balance your personal relationships when you talk about them on stage.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  We'll be back next week with Torian Brackett!  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM

Travis Reaves, musician and podcast producer, joins to talk about how the National Basketball Association changed his life.  We discuss how the NBA's regular season was able to provide consistency in a time of turmoil, how Klay Thompson's injury and recovery helped Travis through his own, and how basketball might be the greatest drama on television. Tangents include how the NBA might be an Anime, friendships made through sports, and how Space Jam told the true story of Michael Jordan's retirement.  Sign up for my newsletter at our website, tandonproductions.com, and let me know what you thought of the episode by finding me on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok @marissakumari.  Join our Discord server to connect with other listeners, chat with Marissa, and find out about watch parties! https://discord.gg/VNtVCMDxEK  We'll be back next week with Adam Mamawala!  To learn more about Heard.FM and sign up for early access to the app, visit their website, Heard.FM