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Artwork for In Defense of Fandom

In Defense of Fandom

Sadie Witkowski
Supernatural
Conventions
Parasocial Relationships
Fandom
San Diego Comic-Con
Dragoncon
Denim-Wrapped Nightmares
Louden Swain
Music Licensing
Streaming Rights
Science Track
Music
Marvel
DVD and Blu-Ray
Science Identity
Science Communication
Mary Sue (boom Studios)
Wayward Son
Bnfs
Vancouver

In Defense of Fandom explores the world of fandom, focusing on creativity, community, and collaboration. The show, pulling from interviews with creators and fandom research, illuminates the ways that fandom can be an incredibly positive influence in our lives.In season one, the podcast focused on the creative output of the SPN Family, as Supernatural fans call themselves, a lens to understand fand... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes55Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureTV & Film

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Artwork for In Defense of Fandom

Latest Episodes

How well do you know Eric Kripke's two biggest hits: Supernatural and The Boys? Can you name all the shared actors between the two shows? Did you catch every clever homage shared between the shows? Do you think one pulled off its finale better than t... more

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Started in 1987, Atlanta Georgia’s Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe. At least, that’s according to their official... more

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This season, we're changing up formats! Conventions are all about the in-person experiences and the conversations you have with others. This season, we'll bring that interview format to life with minimally edited conversations between Sadie and a ran... more

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Welcome to the series finale of Supernatural Music Extravaganza! In this episode, the Denim Wrapped Nightmares and In Defense of Fandom crews tackle the eternal question: "Why does my Supernatural sound different on {insert name of streaming platfor... more

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Recent Guests

Matt Jarrett
Science Track Director, DragonCon
DragonCon
Episode: S4, Episode 1: What it takes to organize the DragonCon Science Track
Vaughan James
Assistant Director, Science Track, DragonCon
DragonCon
Episode: S4, Episode 1: What it takes to organize the DragonCon Science Track
Phil Sgriccia
Executive producer and director, known for work on Supernatural and other series
Amazon's The Boys and Gen V; Peacock's Twisted Metal; Supernatural
Episode: Supernatural Music Extravaganza: Series Finale - Carry On My Wayward Song (Rights)
Alexandra Patsavas
Music supervisor and founder of Chop Shop Music Supervision
Chop Shop Music Supervision; Netflix
Episode: Supernatural Music Extravaganza: Series Finale - Carry On My Wayward Song (Rights)
Briana Buckmaster
Canadian actress and singer known for Supernatural role Sheriff Donna Hanscom
Supernatural
Episode: Supernatural Music Extravaganza: Finding Their Voices - Briana Buckmaster & Lisa Berry
Lisa Berry
Canadian actress known for roles including Billy the Reaper/Death on Supernatural
Supernatural
Episode: Supernatural Music Extravaganza: Finding Their Voices - Briana Buckmaster & Lisa Berry
Charise Scott
Scott sister, vocalist in Night Parade
Scott Sisters
Episode: Supernatural Music Extravaganza: The Family Business - Supporting Local Musicians
Christian Scott
Scott sister, vocalist in Night Parade
Scott Sisters
Episode: Supernatural Music Extravaganza: The Family Business - Supporting Local Musicians
Jensen Ackles
Actor and musician, member of Radio Company
Radio Company
Episode: Supernatural Music Extravaganza: The Family Business - Supporting Local Musicians

Host

Sadie Witkowski
Host of In Defense of Fandom; tied to Denim Wrapped Nightmares; active in Supernatural fan communities

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 62 ratings
  • A Delightful Listen

    Sadie has a very soothing voice, first and foremost 😌. The podcast is exceptionally put together—and entertaining, yes, even for folks who may not be the biggest Supernatural fans. Her enthusiasm and dedication to each episode are enough for me to support her in this project—and hopefully many more in the future.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TLS321!
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great show and great presentation

    Sadie obviously spends a lot of time on this podcast, and it shows through in every way. Great guests, great topics, great editing.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ecececec
    United States3 years ago
  • Hooked!

    After listening to bonus episode three and then episode one of In Defence of Fandom, I’m hooked! My own Supernatural experience is similar and doing to Sadie’s experience. It started out as my husband’s show because it was too scary for me, haha! I began to watch more episodes with him after season four but it wasn’t until March 2023 that we binge watched every episode of Supernatural. And then I found the rabbit hole of the SPN family! I started selling my art this year as a way to save up for ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Knerq
    United States3 years ago
  • The SPN podcast we didn’t know we needed

    There are a LOT of SPN Podcasts out there but this one is a new take focussing on the fans themselves and their creativity around the show. It takes an intellectual and interesting look into all things fan and I look forward to a deeper dive in future seasons. (International fandom would make a good episode too by the way)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pinafore
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • Super fun!

    Really interesting stories that we don’t often hear, about how people form new fan communities and why they matter! I haven’t seen Supernatural, which is the main focus, but the podcast gives enough context that everything makes sense, and it’s fun to hear from people who are so passionate about the show and how being a fan has impacted their lives!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Curiositation
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fresh, positive look at fandom that still tackles challenging aspects like parasocial bonds and conventions.
Audience comments emphasize the collaborative, community-driven vibe and meaningful insights into fan culture.
Fans describe the show as accessible to newcomers while deeply rewarding for long-time listeners.
A rising, fan-centered approach that blends research with celebratory storytelling.
High-quality guests and thoughtful topic mix—great production and thoughtful conversations.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Season 3 Bonus: Sadie & Anna answer your questions!
Q: How can we get people out of parasitical relationships and instead organize for a better world?
The hosts discuss separating fandom from political or social action, noting that fame can be leveraged to support causes without conflating fan admiration with personal access, and that parasocial dynamics do not preclude meaningful real-world organizing.
Season 3 Bonus: Sadie & Anna answer your questions!
Q: What is the inverse of a parasocial relationship, or can parasocial be negative or reciprocal?
The conversation explores that inverse could be a scenario where someone knows everything about a public figure but the figure knows nothing about them, and that not all intense knowledge constitutes a healthy or reciprocal relationship, indicating complexity in the concept.
Season 3 Bonus: Sadie & Anna answer your questions!
Q: Is there a limit or line in parasocial relationships where fans should pull back?
Respondents discuss boundaries as fluid and situational, noting that while it's hard to define a universal line, volumes of information, personal disclosures, and crossing into private life can push boundaries, with cautions about privacy and respectful distance.
Bonus: Interview with Meghan Fitzmartin
Q: How did you fall in love with the show and what about it spoke to you?
Meghan talks about coming from a religious background, watching the show in college, and feeling drawn to its blend of genre storytelling and emotional depth, which eventually influenced her decision to pursue writing. She notes how the show's world-building and character dynamics sparked her early interest in storytelling, and how that love later informed her career path in TV and comics.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About In Defense of Fandom

What is In Defense of Fandom about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful exploration of fandom and its cultural footprint, with a strong emphasis on fan creativity, community, and the collaborative nature of fan-driven projects. Episodes frequently center on Supernatural's extended ecosystem—music, conventions, parasocial relationships, and the ways fans build meaning through concerts, panels, and shared storytelling. Noteworthy angles include licensing and revenue dynamics behind needle drops, the role of conventions in expanding fan communities, and the inclusive, kindness-forward approach to fan culture. The show often pairs expert guests from music, production, and writing with extensive fan perspectives, creating a nuanced portrait of how fandom can drive creative collaboration and real-world c... more

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Which podcasts are similar to In Defense of Fandom?

These podcasts share a similar audience with In Defense of Fandom:

1. Supernatural Then and Now
2. Hyperfixed
3. Nevermind the Music

How many episodes of In Defense of Fandom are there?

In Defense of Fandom launched 3 years ago and published 55 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on In Defense of Fandom?

Recent guests on In Defense of Fandom include:

1. Matt Jarrett
2. Vaughan James
3. Phil Sgriccia
4. Alexandra Patsavas
5. Briana Buckmaster
6. Lisa Berry
7. Charise Scott
8. Christian Scott

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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