FannISh Podcast

What Are You A Fan Of?

Everybody’s a fan of something. What are you a fan of? You can probably name at least three things off the top of your head.

For most of us, fandom is not something we think about too often. We like stuff, other people like stuff, and it’s as simple as that.

But what if it’s not so simple?

Depending on who you are, what you’re a fan of and how you participate, fandom can be a window on all sorts of issues. Whether you’re a girl gamer, a cosplayer of color, a queer fanfic writer or a Swiftie over the age of fifty, being a fan can mean community, but it can also mean conflict. It can mean controversy. It can mean drama.

And all of that can make an amazing video podcast.

In each episode of fannISh, we’ll interview a real-live fan and explore a different issue that’s related to a fandom, its fan object and the issues surrounding it. We’re not going to give away our first episode, but it will involve animation, childhood trauma and LGBTQ+ representation. Later in our first season, we’ll confront problematic comic book villains, controversial fantasy RPGs, parasocial relationships and much more. Each season will include a variety of fandoms, from games to music to film to TV and beyond, and a mix of UT Dallas community members — students, faculty, alumni and staff.

Fan studies is an excellent way to understand media and how we interact with it. It’s also a great framework for understanding what “interdisciplinary studies” really means.

Our first episode drops September 5. Subscribe to our YouTube and click the bell for notifications so you’ll get a reminder. Also, stay tuned for more ways to listen. Join us, laugh with us and learn something. We can’t wait to interact with you in the comments!