Tales from the Fandom

David Ginsburg
  • 4.9 (48)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Tales from the Fandom is a podcast that explores fandoms with a different guest each week. Each guest brings their own insight into fandom. We discuss topics such as television shows, movies, books, cosplaying and more.

  1. Jenna Costa Deedy talks Marvel, Star Wars, Marine Animals, Cosplay, and more!

    6D AGO

    Jenna Costa Deedy talks Marvel, Star Wars, Marine Animals, Cosplay, and more!

    After stumbling across her Kitty Pryde cosplay and then following her work with her cosplay and writings, I knew it'd be a fun time to talk with Jenna Costa Deedy.  We kick things off by talking about Marvel. We talk about the comics, the movies, and the characters she enjoys. We focus some of the world of the X-Men. We talk about the upcoming inclusion of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and what characters she'd love to see make their MCU appearance. Jenna and I then talk about her love of Star Wars. She talks about which characters she loves, why she continues to love the Galaxy Far, Far Away, and we talk about the wide range of Star Wars media. Then, a first for the podcast, Jenna talks about Marine Animals. We talk about why she loves marine animal science and how she got interested in that field. Jenna talks about her time volunteering and working with animals all over at different centers, and what draws her to this work. Lastly, we talk about Cosplay and her writings. On the cosplay side of things, Jenna talks about how she first got into cosplay and why she got interested in it. We talk about some of the characters she's represented and why those in particular, as well as some of the character she hopes to do in the future. Jenna also talks about the writings that she does - between marine animals as well as pop culture. We cover a few different pieces she's written as well. You can find Jenna at: https://www.instagram.com/jennacostadeedy/ https://www.threads.com/@jennacostadeedy https://vocal.media/authors/jenna-deedy https://linktr.ee/jennacostadeedy Use code JENNA20 for 20% off at https://www.davidsonstea.com/ Use code JENNAD679 to get 10% off at https://superxapparel.com/

    1h 5m
  2. Gabriella Buba talks Supernatural, Sherlock, her book Saints of Storm and Sorrow and work as an Author

    FEB 16

    Gabriella Buba talks Supernatural, Sherlock, her book Saints of Storm and Sorrow and work as an Author

    I stumbled across Gabriella Buba's work on Instagram through a previous guest. This guest was cosplaying as the main character from Saints of Storm and Sorrow, and then hyped up the book. She influenced me, I read the book, and knew I'd love to talk to Gabriella about her work. We start things off by discussing her early fandom influences - Supernatural and Sherlock. We talk about both shows and how these shows were gateways into her early writing, including fan fiction. From there, we talk about her progression into a writer. We talk about the history of Saints of Storm and Sorrow from early iterations to what you can now hold (or listen) to. Gabriella talks about how just one change can be the change that makes the magic happen and make your work become what it was meant to be. We specifically focus on the first book, Saints of Storm and Sorrow, since that's the book I had read. We talk about the characters, the plot, and the setting. Gabriella talks about how real world influences of location and mythology of the Philippines, as well as the role of the Catholic Church, and colonization, all play a role in her book. Gabriella talks about how the book was received here in the US, as well as having made a trip to the Philippines to promote the book last year. Gabriella touches on the audio book version, which has Dante Basco voicing one of the main characters! We also talk about the follow up, Daughters of Flood and Fury, and what is coming next for her. You can find Gabriella at: https://gabriellabuba.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gabriellabuba/ https://x.com/GabriellaBuba https://www.tiktok.com/@gabriella.buba.books https://www.threads.com/@gabriellabuba https://www.tumblr.com/inkcurlsandknives https://bsky.app/profile/gabriellabuba.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555269646766 You can buy Saints of Storm and Sorrow at: https://amzn.to/4cuIksa

    1h 14m
  3. Rizuki talks Sailor Moon, Video Games, and Cosplay

    FEB 9

    Rizuki talks Sailor Moon, Video Games, and Cosplay

    Continuing to bring new guests to the podcast, Rizuki and I connect after following each other for quite some time on social media. I'm a fan of the work she does in the realm of Cosplay, and she is one of the co-hosts of Eternal Mooncast. We start off our conversation with none other than the one named Sailor Moon. From how Rizuki used to watch it in the mornings while getting ready for school, to the various iterations of the show that she's watched (along with the dialogue/story choices that had been made!). We talk about her favorites series, her favorite Sailor Scout, and the longevity of the franchise in the world of anime and Cosplay. Rizuki and I then switch gears to talking about video games. We cover a lot of ground with video games. From talking about her love of the Pokemon franchise, to JRPG's like Skies of Arcadia, and her deep obsession with Sonic the Hedgehog. Rizuki is down for Sonic in all versions and all generations of video game console. We also talk about how games hook her, how she can get fixated on games, and what games she's looking forward to in 2026. Then, we get to Cosplay. Rizuki talks about how she first got interested in Cosplay. We talk about the Play in Cosplay, and how having fun is important to remember. She talks about some of her favorite cosplays she's done, her goal to do all the Sailor fuku's, and what she's working on for this year with some larger group collaborations. We also talk about Eternal Mooncast, the Sailor Moon live stream / podcast that you can catch, where she and her other co-hosts discuss all the Sailor Moon you could want, and have guests on as well! You can find Rizuki at: https://www.instagram.com/rizuki https://www.threads.com/@rizuki https://www.twitch.tv/rizukiii https://www.facebook.com/rizukicosplay https://www.rizuki.net/ You can find Eternal Mooncast at: https://www.instagram.com/eternalmooncast/ https://www.twitch.tv/eternalmooncast https://www.youtube.com/@EternalMooncast

    1h 30m
  4. Don Martin talks fandom influences, podcasting, and his work as an Author of poetry, Verity Vox and The Curse of Foxfire, and more

    FEB 2

    Don Martin talks fandom influences, podcasting, and his work as an Author of poetry, Verity Vox and The Curse of Foxfire, and more

    New York Times best-selling author Don Martin joins me on the podcast for a wonderful episode full of laughs, learning, and beautiful words. We kick things off by talking about his podcast, Head on Fire. Don talks about how and why he started it, and what you can expect to find by listening or watching his episodes. He interviews experts in overlooked fields, searching for answers to life's biggest and smallest questions. From there, we talk about some of his early fandom influences. From the X-Men, to a focus on the Animorphs series by Katherine Applegate. We discuss how his time spent with family in West Virginia and the history and stories that come out of Appalachia formed the foundations for his future work. Don then talks about how he started writing poetry when he was 10-12.  Under the guidance of his uncle as his poetry & writing mentor, Don continued to develop and hone his craft. If you haven't found a poet you like, Don says you just haven't found the right one and recommends a number of poets and poetry to read. Link are at the end of the show notes. Then we talk about Don's novel, Verity Vox and The Curse of Foxfire. As mentioned previously, Don talks about how the idea for the novel started with a real town and story in West Virginia. From there, Verity Vox can be described as Kiki's Delivery Service meets Old Gods of Appalachia. We talk spoiler free about the book, and Don talks about how he infused the book's town and characters with his personal history with West Virginia and the family that resides there. We also talk about what's coming next for his work, and some projects that we hinted at are out now, including Hexes and Heroes. You can find Don at:  https://bydonmartin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bydonmartin/ https://www.threads.com/@bydonmartin Verity Vox and The Curse of Foxfire - https://amzn.to/4qf4FNL Don Martin's catalog on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3M1hixS You can find Hexes and Heroes at: https://www.youtube.com/@hexesnheroes You can find Head on Fire Podcast at:  https://www.youtube.com/@HeadOnFirePod Don's Poetry Recommendations Include: Clint Smith - Above Ground - https://amzn.to/4t6Tvgx Andrea Gibson - Lord of the Butterflies - https://amzn.to/3NPX62t Franny Choi - https://amzn.to/3Ogjzps Maggie Smith - Good Bones - https://amzn.to/49RmPjI Maggie Smith - The Well Speaks Of Its Own Poison - https://amzn.to/3M1gmJS Staceyann Chin - https://amzn.to/49YGVak Beau Sia - https://amzn.to/4ann5qN Taylor Mali - https://amzn.to/4ann5qN Saul Williams - https://amzn.to/4ar4OsD Danez Smith - https://amzn.to/3NRul5G Morgan Parker - Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up At Night - https://amzn.to/4kcF0DX Maya Popa - Wound Is the Origin of Wonder - https://amzn.to/3LPgj3Q

    1h 2m
  5. LexiChuChu returns and talks Video Games, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, Cosplay & Cosplay Judging

    JAN 26

    LexiChuChu returns and talks Video Games, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, Cosplay & Cosplay Judging

    After 5+ years, Lexi aka LexiChuChu on IG returns to the podcast! Lexi's been busy over on their side of the country and we finally had the stars (and schedules) align for their return! We get to catch up a bit before we dive into the realm of Video Games. We kick things off by talking about Hades. Lexi has put in a lot of hours with that game and you'll find out how many hours they've got, plus their favorite weapons for dear ol Zagreus. Plus, we discuss Hades 2 and the different mechanics and gameplay from Hades. Lexi also talks about a game category that we have determined to call Catharsis Games. No, they're not the cozy games you're used to hearing about. Lexi talks about what games are in her catharsis game category and what draws them to those particular games. From there, we're venturing back into Tabletop Roleplaying Games. In Lexi's first episode, this was a topic we had talked about. Now here we are with even more to say. Lexi talks about the multiple Dungeons and Dragons games they play and/or DM in, along with other TTRPG's like Pathfinder, Coyote and Crow, and more. We discuss the gameplay at the table versus online, the storylines that have been created, and the TTRPG systems they'd love to try in the future (here's looking at you, Blades in the Dark!) We then come full circle with more Cosplay. Lexi talks about the past 5 years and what they've been doing in that space, and getting back into building/crafting some cosplay pieces for competition this year. We talk about what they're working on and even more ideas for the future. We also talk about Cosplay Judging, as Lexi has judged for several competitions. We talk about what it's like having seams looked at, techniques being judged, and how to be a good competitor (in skill and respect for others) in cosplay competitions. You can find Lexi at:  https://www.instagram.com/lexichuchu/ You can listen to Lexi's first episode here: https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-194-lexichu-cosplay-talks-mmorpgs-book-recommendations-ttrpgs-and-cosplay

    1h 27m
  6. Darvily talks Video Games, Fantasy, and Cosplay

    JAN 19

    Darvily talks Video Games, Fantasy, and Cosplay

    We return to Australia after many a year as Darvily joins me for this episode! I had stumbled across her on Threads and loved the fandoms she was into, and we get to jump into a few of them for this episode. Darvily and I kick things off with talking about the broad topic of video games. We talk about the first games that she experienced, starting with Spyro. We focus on a few games that Darvily specifically was into over the years, including Animal Crossing, Pokemon, and Skyrim. Darvily also talks about some of her favorite indie games that she likes and recommends. Want the recommendations? Listen! From video games, we make our way into the realm of Fantasy Fandom. We talk about Darvily's love of How To Train Your Dragon, books like Lord of the Rings, Fourth Wing, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, to name a few. We also bundle in talk about Renfaires in Australia, as well as Darvily's experience with Dungeons and Dragons. We then wrap up with a conversation about Cosplay. Darvily talks about getting into Cosplay, along with some of the character she does. From Spider suits to Renfaire looks, Sailor Umbreon, and more. We talk about how she decides and chooses her looks and what she's working on for this year. You can find Darvily at: https://www.instagram.com/darvilyyy/ https://linktr.ee/darvily https://www.tiktok.com/@darvilyy https://www.twitch.tv/darvily https://www.youtube.com/@darvilyy

    1h 20m
  7. Stacy Kellam talks Romantasy Books and Fantasy inspired costumes & photography

    JAN 12

    Stacy Kellam talks Romantasy Books and Fantasy inspired costumes & photography

    I stumbled across Stacy on Threads back in early 2025 when she posted about who she was hoping the algorithim would bring to her account. I followed Stacy for awhile and then realized "I bet she has an Instagram page" and followed her work there too. One of my favorite things about Stacy is that she wants to build and engage with those who do follow her on her platforms. I love that, and it's one of the things I enjoyed as I got to know her. This episode is split in half! The first half we're talking about Fantasy and Romantasy books. Stacy talks about what she looks for in a book, and what she's drawn to in the Romantasy sphere. We cover a number of different books including Cruel Prince, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and more. Stacy's full list of recommended titles is at the bottom of the show notes including links to purchase! The second half of the episode features Stacy talking about what she creates! From her fantasy inspired costumes to the photography that goes along with it - including great behind the scenes stories on some of her iconic shots from her instagram. Stacy gives us the inside scoop and I am absolutely here for it. We also talk about renaissance faires and fantasy balls, including Stacy's upcoming appearance at FrostFire Ball by Storybook Soirees (link in the notes for ticket info!)  Books that Stacy recommended are: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black - https://amzn.to/3LkH4gd A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas - https://amzn.to/4qNzFoG Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas - https://amzn.to/454cG0d The Assassin's Blade novella by Sarah J. Maas - https://amzn.to/3LumYQH The Rogue King by Abigail Owen - https://amzn.to/4svVQS5 Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - https://amzn.to/4sz7UC1 Quicksilver by Callie Hart - https://amzn.to/4jxcX1C You can find more info about FrostFire Ball at: https://www.storybooksoirees.com/frostfire-ball You can find Stacy at: https://www.instagram.com/stacylkellam/ https://www.threads.com/@stacylkellam https://www.tiktok.com/@stacylkellam https://linktr.ee/stacylkellam

    1h 7m
  8. KaiaKayy talks The Lord of the Rings

    JAN 5

    KaiaKayy talks The Lord of the Rings

    As 2025 ended, I kept stumbling across this really wonderful reels on Instagram that kept going into the lore of The Lord of the Rings fandom. After being shown these several times and being captivated, I followed Kaia on Instagram. After a little bit more, I knew I wanted to have her as a guest and delve into Middle Earth lore. Kaia and I talk about everything The Lord of the Rings that we can fit into one non-extended edition podcast episode! From how she got interested in this fandom to start with, to how she continued her journey and where it has taken her today. We cover everything. From The Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, to The Silmarillion. From the animated movies to the Peter Jackson trilogy, The Hobbit movies, Rings of Power TV series, and War of the Rohirrim.  And yes, we talk about Tom Bombadil, The Eagles (not the band), Viggo Mortensen breaking his toe, and sadly, the toxic side of the fandom. This is a great time to learn about The Lord of the Rings, dive into some deeper lore like an audio version of Wikipedia, and learn about what challenge I'm taking in 2026 when it comes to this fandom. You can find Kaia at: https://www.instagram.com/kaiakayy/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kaiakays https://www.youtube.com/@kaiakayy https://www.threads.com/@kaiakayy https://substack.com/@measse https://linktr.ee/kaiakay

    1h 10m
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4.9
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About

Tales from the Fandom is a podcast that explores fandoms with a different guest each week. Each guest brings their own insight into fandom. We discuss topics such as television shows, movies, books, cosplaying and more.

Information

  • Creator
    David Ginsburg
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    564
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2016-2026 David Ginsburg
  • Show Website
    Tales from the Fandom