in defense of fandom
Episode 1: why supernatural
Welcome to the first episode of In Defense of Fandom! We’ll be exploring the world of fan creativity, using Supernatural as a lens. In particular, over the course of this short series I hope to show how SPN Family, as the Supernatural fans are known, display a strong sense of creativity, community, and collaboration.
I really hope you enjoy this labor of love.
Episode 4: audio
Welcome to my world, the world of audio! In this episode, we hear from podcasters, a podficcer, and even some musicians you might just recognize.
Episode 6: Community
We’ve spent quite a bit of time on the creativity of the SPN Family, and now we’ve even talked about the darkside. But in this episode, let’s hear how fandom studies has grown as a field and how community aspects of fandom have come to the fore.
Bonus 1: Fan origin stories
The first season may be over, but we aren’t done yet! In this first bonus episode, hear some of the voices from across the season tell their stories of how they discovered Supernatural and what hooked them on the show, and the fandom.
Bonus 4: The Costumes of Gotham Knights
While I assumed costume designers would have a heyday with Halloween, it turns out costumers just want to dress others up - not themselves. At least, that’s according to costume designer Jennifer May Nickel. For this bonus episode, I’m bringing you a conversation with the costume designer from Gotham Knights!
Season 2, Episode 1: What makes a tv ending?
New season, new topic! This season, we’re talking about how television shows bring their stories to a close, and how that affects the fandom. We’ll talk about great endings and terrible endings. Shows that got to go out on their own terms and shows that were canceled, only to later be revived in a new format.
And of course, there will be discussion about the ending of Supernatural. A LOT of discussion.
episode 2: writing
In this episode, we explore the written world of SPN Family. Which, yes, does include a deep dive into fan fiction.
Episode 4.5: video
Enjoy this mini-episode while I take a mini-break to work on the second half of this season! In this episode, we’re taking a peek at video, youtube, and a very short discussion on TikTok.
Episode 7: Charity
The SPN Family doesn’t just support each other. Fan and cast alike have started campaigns, founded nonprofits, and committed charitable acts to support both those in the community and the world beyond. In this episode, learn about the international impact of the Supernatural fandom.
Bonus 2: WGA/SAG Strike & Personal Update
SPN Family shows up to help picket for fair contracts for both the WGA (Writers Guild of America) and SAG (Screen Actors Guild). Oh, and a small personal update.
Bonus 5: writing on the winchesters
I was so excited to meet Gabe at San Diego Comic Con last summer! He graciously agreed to an interview for this little podcast, all about his experiences writing for The Winchesters.
Make sure to fill out this form to help prepare for season 2 of the podcast
Season 2, Episode 2: putting my theory to the test
I have a little theory about TV endings. Good endings are fondly remembered, bad endings kill fandoms, and divisive endings make them stick around forever (to argue!). So, am I actually right? Let’s find out…
episode 3: art
I may not be a native of Tumblr, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how the platform helped launch the careers of multiple fan artists! And let’s not forget to include our SPN convention ‘photogs’ in this episode examining the visual world of fandom.
Episode 5: darkside
As much as we’d like to believe that fandom is all supporting each other’s nerdy interests, that’s not always the case. What are some of the pitfalls of fandom? And which are specific to SPN Family? Let’s find out.
Episode 8: Conventions (& Conclusions)
Somehow we’ve come to the end of this road trip, and we’re bringing things back to where it all started. In this final episode of season one, we reflect on the SPN family and how conventions play a major role as a “family reunion” for fans across the world.
It seems Bobby wasn’t just referring to the Winchesters when he said that, family don’t end in blood.
Bonus 3: Family business beer company
What’s it like to be on the other side of fandom, when you’re not the famous one? And how does having a famous family member affect a non-fandom business? Family Business Beer Co CEO Gino has seen it all. It turns out when fandom and ‘normies’ mix, you get all sorts of stories.
Stay tuned for a unique contest at the end!