Two friends, endless obsessions. Each episode, Ian Reed Kelley and Stephanie Weaver introduce each other to new fandoms, talking about what they love, what they don't understand, and what keeps them up at night.
In this episode, special guest Dr. Matt Hasenjager tells Stephanie and Brit all about his life-long love of all things Tolkien, including The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. We talk fantasy, narrative, struggle, and, of course, Sauron's fuckboy summer.
9 Aug 2023
Jason Todd
In this episode, Stephanie tells Brit all about the various Robins - that's right, there's more than one! We focus on Jason's development, death, and resurrection, as well as how his storyline overlaps with and reflects major cultural touchstones, including tough on crime, the war on drugs, and the figure of the welfare queen. Ultimately, we decide that Jason needed loving and caring parents, and that Batman needs to stop taking in distressed teenagers.
12 Jul 2023
The Last of Us
Content Warning: In this episode, we do talk about suicide and murder, as it relates to both the game and the show. We spend time discussing the death of Black characters, in particular. If this is something that's not okay for you to hear right now, we recommend a different episode. In this episode, Brit and Stephanie talk about their memories of playing The Last of Us in 2015-2016, and how our feelings about the game have changed over time, with the onslaught of zombie shows like The Walking Dead as well as living through a real pandemic. We talk the game v. the show, especially where we think the show made good changes (i.e. Bill and Frank), and where the show really let us down (i.e. Henry and Sam). Ultimately, we conclude that, 1) maybe we don't need any more post-apocalyptic stories for a while; and 2) maybe becoming a fungus person wouldn't be too bad.
30 Jun 2023
Hockey
In this episode, Ben Wetherbee tells Brit and Stephanie all about hockey and, most importantly, the famous Russian Five that led the Detroit Red Wings to several exciting wins in the 1990s. If you're interested in Soviet-era spy-like intrigue, then this episode is for you. Also if you like hockey, this episode is for you. Content Warning for discussion of a car accident, death, and grievous injury. (Also, try out curling!)
14 Jun 2023
True Crime
Content Warning: In this episode, we talk about true crime, including rape and murder. We specifically discuss the cases of Adnan Syed and the Golden State Killer. If that's not something you're able to listen to now, check out our next episode coming out in two weeks on hockey and The Russian Five.Brit tells Stephanie about their long love of true crime media, starting with Unsolved Mysteries and proceeding on to Serial and I'll Be Gone in the Dark. We discuss key reasons we think true crime is powerful for so many, but also some of the key problems with true crime, including sexism, racism, classism, etc. We conclude that, maybe sometimes, you should consume other kinds of media. For your health. For a great article on true crime, and how it might be bad for all of us, check out Emma Berquist's "True Crime Is Rotting Our Brains" here: https://www.gawker.com/culture/true-crime-is-rotting-our-brains (https://www.gawker.com/culture/true-crime-is-rotting-our-brains).
31 May 2023
Hades
In this episode, Stephanie tells Brit about the video game Hades. We talk rogue-like games, Greek mythology, and why dying multiple times can be a really effective way to learn. We also talk about how inviting fans into regular and animated feedback is a really effective way to design not only responsive but potentially equitable games. Finally, if games aren't your thing, we really recommend that you check out the absolutely fabulous art!
17 May 2023
That Wizarding Boarding School Series, Part 2
CW: In this episode, we talk about anti-trans hate. If that's not something that is healthy for you right now, this episode may not be for you. In this episode, Stephanie and Brit talk about the anti-trans reign of terror unleashed on Twitter (and elsewhere) by She Who Must Not Be Named. We discuss some of her most unhinged tweets, and how these have reshaped our relationship with HP fandom overall. Ultimately, we conclude that we can't separate the art from the artist, and that, sometimes, we have to say goodbye to our fandoms when they cause material harm in the world. For a thorough response to Rowling's anti-trans claims, we recommend Katy Montgomerie's piece in Medium here (https://katymontgomerie.medium.com/addressing-the-claims-in-jk-rowlings-justification-for-transphobia-7b6f761e8f8f).
21 Mar 2023
That wizarding boarding school series, Part I
In this episode, Stephanie and Brit talk about their life-long relationship with Harry Potter as elder millennials. Topics include Severus Snape and Hermione Granger fanfic, Severus Snape and Harry Potter, Severus-Remus, Sirius-Remus, and even Voldemort-Harry! You get it, we talk a lot of fanfiction and romantic pairings this episode. We also ask what it means to be a "fan"? We also make some special shout-outs to the following fan-made videos: Contrapoints, “J.K. Rowling” - J.K. Rowling | ContraPoints; (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gDKbT_l2us&t=3999)Shaun, “Harry Potter” - Harry Potter. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1iaJWSwUZs)
20 Mar 2023
Haikyuu!
In this episode, Stephanie teaches Brit about Haikyuu!, the manga and anime all about high school volleyball players in Japan. We cover a range of topics, including transition, trans athletes, and the specifics of the Omegaverse. Brit breaks down briefly in confusion, but Stephanie leads the way. We conclude on self-parenting and following your dreams.
20 Mar 2023
Our Flag Means Death
In the debut episode of Random Fandom, co-hosts Brit Kelley and Stephanie Weaver talk about the lovely, refreshingly queer show, Our Flag Means Death with our guest, Dr. Elliot Tetreault. Topics involve queer masculinities, nonbinary characters (and actors), and how much we love Taika Waititi. There’s also a shoutout to the beloved podcast Fansplaining, and some hopes for a truly trans future. Also, please check out truly amazing Our Flag work by fan artist Edward here: https://linktr.ee/lydsirabella (https://linktr.ee/lydsirabella)
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