Idling In The Impala | a ride through SPN fandom and fanfiction

Sandra and Kasey | SPN Fandom and FanFic Buddies
  • 5.0 (12)
  • After Shows
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast for lovers of the show Supernatural and the fanfiction Sam and Dean Winchester inspire. Buckle up as your hosts, Sandra and Kasey, interview fanfic authors and creators from every corner of the fandom. You can expect AO3 fic recommendations, discussions on the art of storytelling with fellow writers, podfics, episode rewatches, and discussions of characters and story arcs. If SPN and fanfic intersect, Sandra and Kasey will probably talk about it. SPNFamily, hop in the backseat!

  1. 1d ago

    Inside Supernatural Fanfiction | SuperWiki Editor Jules on Writing

    Jules returns to discuss fanfiction writing! As managing editor of SuperWiki and fanfic author Missyjack, Jules explores fix-its, AUs, and how fanfiction rewrites Supernatural canon. Sandra and Kasey dig into trope language, the role of archives in fandom discovery, and why certain fanfic themes resonate with readers. A deep dive into creative storytelling and fandom resilience. From the SuperWiki site on how to contact if you’re interested in helping to maintain the Wiki: “Any fan is welcome to join the Supernatural Wiki as an editor, just email Jules (she/her), the Supernatural Wiki Managing Editor at juleslwilkinson@yahoo.com.au to get an account created, or with any queries or suggestions for the site.”  Reference Doc (External Fic Lists and Links provided by Jules) ~~~ We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat. Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala. ~~~~~ TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)! All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast Our Discord #backseat Channel. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect. Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks! We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!June 30, 2026 is the final day for our Priding in the Impala 2026 Fundraiser!~~~~~ Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys: World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) ~~~~~ For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)   ~~~~~ LGBTQ+ Charities Switchboard LGBT UK The Trevor Project - USA and Global ~~~~~ Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance. ~~~ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:10 - What’s up at SuperWiki 00:11:36 - The fandom that got Jules into fanfic 00:15:43 - Finding fic in the dawn of the Internet 00:20:37 - LiveJournal 00:30:54 - Gold Rush of SPN Fic 00:33:45 - Reader Insert Early Days 00:35:59 - Tops and Bottoms 00:38:58 - Fandom fic preference crossover 00:41:45 - Context clues and fandom husbandry 00:50:50 - Writing outside of fanfic 00:56:07 - Jules’ first SPN fanfic 01:01:45 - RPF 01:05:00 - Any tropes for Jules 01:07:37 - Tentacles 01:12:47 - Omegaverse 01:22:16 - Dalliances with other fandoms 01:29:10 - Film to fan delay 01:32:05 - A Tech Support Jensen fic by Jules 01:39:17 - Fave SPN fanfic authors 01:46:12 - Kasey has questions 01:49:11 - Final thoughts and outro

    2h 1m

  2. Jun 23

    SPN Fandom Deep Dive | Interviewing the Sam Girl Retrospective Podcast Creator

    Sandra and Kasey welcome Audree (sunflowerchester on tumblr), creator and co-host of A Sam Girl Retrospective Podcast, a Supernatural rewatch series celebrating Sam Winchester. Fresh off wrapping Season 3, Audree joins us to discuss what makes Sam-centric storytelling resonate, how fanfiction amplifies character depth, and a decade of friendship built around SPN fandom. Learn more about the art of loving the boy Sam Winchester with unshakeable conviction. Find the podcast here: https://samgirlretrospective.podbean.com/ Find Audree on tumblr. ~~~ We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat. Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala. ~~~~~ TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)! All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast Our Discord #backseat Channel. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect. Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks! We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!  Our Priding in the Impala Fundraiser merch is available now! ~~~~~ Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys: World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) ~~~~~ For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)   ~~~~~ LGBTQ+ Charities Switchboard LGBT UK The Trevor Project - USA and Global ~~~~~ Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance. ~~~ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:40 - Kasey needs to ask THE question 00:06:58 - When did Audree get into Supernatural 00:11:47 - When blorbos collide 00:18:40 - Growing up with Sam 00:20:45 - Other faves on the show 00:23:42 - The Needs of Sam and Dean 00:33:00 - The Finale and other frustrations 00:45:40 - Watching Sam with Sam fans 00:56:03 - Mystery Spot 00:58:56 - Born Under A Bad Sign 01:02:37 - Sam wardrobe malfunctions 01:16:43 - Sacrifice 01:26:50 - Bugs 01:28:51 - Making longtime fandom friends 01:33:25 - Deciding to podcast 01:38:45 - Behind the podcast curtain 01:50:58 - Podcast connections and goals 01:53:25 - The brothers provide reflection and safety 02:01:47 - Questions from Kasey 02:11:28 - Final thoughts and outro

    2h 19m

  3. Jun 16

    Supernatural Alternate Versions | The Many Selves of Sam and Dean Winchester

    Sandra and Kasey dive into the show Supernatural, exploring all the wildly creative alter egos of Sam and Dean Winchester across 15 seasons, from parallel universe versions to possession and shape-shifting storylines. But they didn't stop with Sam and Dean, so the supporting character list grew quite lengthy. Discover what makes these variations resonate with fans, and why fanfic writers keep returning to this endlessly adaptable canon. ~~~ We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat. Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala. ~~~~~ TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)! All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast Our Discord #backseat Channel. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect. Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks! We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!  Our Priding in the Impala Fundraiser merch is available now! ~~~~~ Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys: World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) ~~~~~ For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)   ~~~~~ LGBTQ+ Charities Switchboard LGBT UK The Trevor Project - USA and Global ~~~~~ Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance. ~~~ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:45 - Trying to deep dive and rank this episode 00:05:49 - Categorizing the alter egos 00:08:27 - Alternative character versions 01:08:25 - Possessed characters 01:37:53 - Sick characters 01:45:39 - Our top performers 01:47:16 - Outro

    1h 51m
  4. Ramble On Podfic - Only If You're Lucky

    Jun 12 ·  Bonus

    Ramble On Podfic - Only If You're Lucky

    Podfic Narration Time – “Only If You’re Lucky” by FlanneledFae ~~~~~ It’s a Sam/OFC story by Bets, part of the duo we recently interviewed on the podcast. Bets mentioned that she likes to write stories that diverge a bit from or play with canon. This is a perfect example and the start to the series, “I Will Follow You.” ~ Sandra Read the story here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/71559261 Find all of our podfic narrations (including the ones that earn us an Explicit rating) that spotlight a ton of amazing writers on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/series/2964867 ~~~~~ Supernatural Fandom Rated Mature (Graphic Depictions Of Violence) Sam Winchester/OFC Summary: Lexi was just trying to do her job - hunt the evil thing and kill it- but when she meets another hunter in the small town of Burkitsville, Indiana, her world is turned upside down.

    27 min

  5. Jun 9

    From OFCs to Ships | Inside Supernatural Fanfiction with Annie & Bets

    Sandra and Kasey sit down with SPN fanfiction writers Annie (copperboom82) and Bets (flanneledfae) to explore why they write the fanfic they love—from original female characters to multi-ship adventures and rare pairs. Discover how this community celebrates "doing it for yourself" and making fandom a welcoming space for all storytellers and readers. Find Annie on tumblr and AO3. Find Bets on tumblr and AO3. ~~~ We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat. Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala. ~~~~~ TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)! All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast Our Discord #backseat Channel. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect. Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks! We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!  Our Priding in the Impala Fundraiser merch is available now! ~~~~~ Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys: World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) ~~~~~ For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)   ~~~~~ LGBTQ+ Charities Switchboard LGBT UK The Trevor Project - USA and Global ~~~~~ Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance. ~~~ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:30 - Annie and Bets Meet Cute 00:04:30 - How they got into Supernatural 00:10:03 - Blorbo Bias 00:14:57 - Overall thoughts on the show 00:19:33 - Favorite Characters 00:21:53 - Where was fandom found 00:26:58 - Writing journey 00:42:45 - OFC and Reader Insert 00:51:44 - Fave fic tropes 00:56:27 - Plotter or Pantser 01:09:33 - Trying out different collaborative programs 01:14:31 - All the ships for Bets 01:24:32 - No kink shaming here 01:31:05 - Being a Beta 01:34:49 - Banging it out 01:41:59 - Fave FanFic Authors 01:54:28 - Fave creations 01:58:50 - Username origins 01:59:09 - Kasey had a massive effect for Bets 02:02:54 - Annie’s Gilmore Girls inspo 02:04:46 - The Secret Question 02:07:10 - Final thoughts 02:10:42 - Outro

    2h 15m
  6. Ramble On Podfic - Priding in the Impala 2026

    Jun 8 ·  Bonus

    Ramble On Podfic - Priding in the Impala 2026

    Podfic Narration Time – “Priding in the Impala 2026” by Drasna ~~~~~ “Priding in the Impala 2026” by Drasna Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Pairing: None, General Characters: Dean, Sam, some OCs that you might recognize Summary: The boys get called in to help out with a case that Sandra and Kasey have researched. Dean's gonna have to be bait and show some pride in the process. ~~~~~  Happy Pride Month! Fanfic Writers of the SPN Fandom Monthly Challenge for June Prompt: What better way to fight for equal rights and to celebrate pride than a pride parade? Write a fic with your favorite character(s) attending a Pride March. Since the Idling in the Impala podcast is fundraising for Pride month using some amazing art by jayjay-thejet-plane (you can find them on Tumblr), I got inspired to write a story based on the artwork with a prompt from the FFWotSPNF Discord server. And since Kasey and I are in the artwork, I included us in the story. Think of this as our introduction/hunter origin story on the show, somewhere around S2. Note: the use of the word "queer" by Dean is not meant as a slur or derogatory term. Kasey (they/them) has reclaimed this term for themselves and the LGBTQIA+ community, and I got their blessing to use it in the story. Also, Big Drumroll… Kasey helped me narrate the fic! ~ Sandra ~~~~~ Story link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/86130776 Find all of our podfic narrations (including the ones that earn us an Explicit rating) that spotlight a ton of amazing writers on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/series/2964867

    14 min

  7. Jun 2

    Canon Fodder: J2 AU | Fanfic Recommendations from AO3

    Sandra and Kasey revive Canon Fodder with an in-depth look at J2 AU fanfiction—the nuanced space where RPF meets alternate universe storytelling. Discover handpicked fanfic recommendations from AO3 that explore this beloved (and sometimes controversial) fanfic category, plus insights into how the Supernatural fandom has shaped this creative corner over the years. Also, hear from two of the authors themselves in this episode with an excerpt from a 2025 interview with nyxocity and a recent chat Sandra had with Compo67. Fic Recs (AO3 Links) Sandra: A Touch of Evil by nyxocity Kasey: Saxx and Gun Oil by NaughtyPastryChef Sandra: Back Pocket Verse by Compo67 Kasey: Pretending Is Who We Are by BewareTheIdes15  ~~~ We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat. Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala. ~~~~~ TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)! All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast Our Discord #backseat Channel. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect. Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks! We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!  Our Priding in the Impala Fundraiser merch is available now! ~~~~~ Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys: World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) ~~~~~ For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)   ~~~~~ LGBTQ+ Charities Switchboard LGBT UK The Trevor Project - USA and Global ~~~~~ Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance. ~~~ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:02 - Canon Fodder Nostalgia 00:03:10 - How did we decide on J2 AU 00:04:16 - Thoughts on RPF Then and Now 00:09:54 - J2 Ken Dolls 00:14:54 - Getting into our picks 00:16:07 - A Touch of Evil by nyxocity 00:36:15 - Saxx and Gun Oil by NaughtyPastryChef 00:41:19 - Backpocket Verse by Compo67 00:47:31 - Pretending is Who We Are by Bewaretheides15 00:55:57 - Special chat with Compo67 about Backpocket 01:39:45 - Outro

    1h 42m

  8. May 26

    The Boys Series Discussion | How It Compares to Supernatural

    The Boys finale has everyone talking—and we're here for it. In this episode, Sandra and Kasey break down the series' biggest moments, compare its themes of power and brotherhood to Supernatural, and ask the all-important question: Did Kripke stick the landing? We chat about character arcs, cameos by familiar faces, and how this show gets graded by some fandom buddies. Buckle up for your favorite hosts diving into another corner of TV gold. ~~~ We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat. Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala. ~~~~~ TL;DR - If you can’t be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.com We'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)! All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcast Our Discord #backseat Channel. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect. Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks! We’ve got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!  Our Priding in the Impala Fundraiser merch is available now! ~~~~~ Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys: World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) ~~~~~ For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)   ~~~~~ LGBTQ+ Charities Switchboard LGBT UK The Trevor Project - USA and Global ~~~~~ Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance. ~~~ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:26 - Anticipating the Finale 00:23:22 - The Anxiety Spectre of Supernatural 00:35:01 - Season stand out moments 00:38:05 - Series Finale Scene by Scene 01:44:17 - Thoughts on the ending from our Discord Server 01:53:00 - Outro

    1h 56m
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12 Ratings

About

A podcast for lovers of the show Supernatural and the fanfiction Sam and Dean Winchester inspire. Buckle up as your hosts, Sandra and Kasey, interview fanfic authors and creators from every corner of the fandom. You can expect AO3 fic recommendations, discussions on the art of storytelling with fellow writers, podfics, episode rewatches, and discussions of characters and story arcs. If SPN and fanfic intersect, Sandra and Kasey will probably talk about it. SPNFamily, hop in the backseat!

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