Returning for a 3rd episode and to help us get closer to our 10th anniversary, Arizona cosplayer and creator Sara Moni Cosplay joins me. We originally recorded an episode in 2016 during my first year, and then she returned in 2020. Now here we are, reflecting on the past, present, and futures of our fandoms and passions.

We kick things off with a through line through our previous conversations, as we once again return to the X-Men. We talk about the past several years of X-Men media, from movies like New Mutants, to X-Men 97, and the inclusion of X-Men characters in the MCU. Sara and I discuss what could be coming in the MCU with Doomsday, and what she'd like to see from the future of the X-Men and other mutants in the MCU. Sara and I also dip our toes into the comics by talking about the Krakoa run.

From there, we talk about something new. Monster High doll collecting. We talk about how Sara's gotten into this new space of fandom and how her collection has grown and the process of adding to the collection. Plus, we talk about the characters lend themselves well to be cosplayed.

We wrap up with a great overview of what Sara is doing now. We talk about her recent addition of streaming on Twitch to all the content she creates. Sara talks about what you can expect to find on her Twitch streams (which are really neat to sit and listen/watch). We also talk about her social media, her continued time in Cosplay over the past 10 years since I've been following her, and we reflect on the closure of JoAnn and how it has affected the cosplay community since.

You can find SaraMoniCosplay at:

https://www.instagram.com/saramonicosplay/

https://www.twitch.tv/saramonicosplay

https://www.youtube.com/@saramonicosplay

https://www.facebook.com/SaraMonicosplay

https://saramoni.carrd.co/

You can listen to her previous episodes here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-179-sara-moni-returns

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-28-sara-moni

TW: Mental Health discussions

On the same day we celebrate the 49th anniversary of Star Wars, Jessica of Rebellion of Hope Podcast joins me to celebrate and talk about the famed fandom, plus a whole lot more!

I've been following Jessica for quite some time from the lead up to launch of her Star Wars podcast, Rebellion of Hope. We finally were able to get together and I could host her on my podcast. We kick things off by decidely NOT talking about Star Wars, as we talk about Avatar: The Last Airbender. We mainly stay in the animated series realm, as we talk about how Jessica got into Avatar, favorite characters, what kind of bender she'd be, and the connection between this show and Star Wars media for her.

Then, we travel to a fandom from a galaxy far, far away. We spend a lot of time talking about Star Wars. From how Jessica got into Star Wars, how it got her through tough times in life, and getting into the fandom more and more. We talk about a lot of the media, from Clone Wars, to the Mandalorian, The Acolyte, and more. We discuss the EU/Legends, and Disney's decision to move into their own choices with the Star Wars universe. We also talk about her Star Wars podcast, Rebellion of Hope, and what she has done/is doing as a positive voice in the Star Wars fandom. We also talk about Star Wars conventions, panels, and so much more.

We also talk about Jessica's desire to strike out on her own and starting her own business, Asteria Outpost. You'll hear the background behind that, what Jessica does to source the items she sells for her brand, and being an entrepreneur in these times.

You can find Jessica and Rebellion of Hope Podcast at:

https://linktr.ee/rebellionofhope

https://www.instagram.com/therebellionofhope/

https://www.threads.com/@therebellionofhope

https://www.youtube.com/@therebellionofhope

You can find Asteria Outpost at:

https://asteriaoutpost.com/

https://www.instagram.com/asteriaoutpost/

https://www.threads.com/@asteriaoutpost

Coming highly recommended, I'm joined by multi-hyphenate DaVaun Sanders as we explore the depths of his work as an author, along with taking a peek behind the scenes, as we delve into his work as an Editor.

DaVaun and I start off by talking about how he got started in wordsmithing. From his early work in poetry to his first book idea which came to him, we explore that early time. Then, we talk about his middle grade series, Keynan Masters. I read the first book, so we tend to focus primarily on that one. DaVaun talks about how he got the idea for Keynan Masters, the magic system in the book series, and much more. Then we talk about two big names, Minecraft and Marvel. DaVaun talks about how he ended up writing for both properties, who his favorite characters were to write for the Marvel "What If... The Multiverse Was Doomed", and more.

Then we take a look behind the words with DaVaun's work as an editor of FIYAH, a quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about Black people of the African Diaspora. From starting out as a slush reader to his current role as Executive Editor, DaVaun talks about what goes on behind the scenes. We talk about how different ideas come to fruition, the submission process, and reflects on the history of the magazine.

You can find DaVaun at:

https://davaunsanders.com/

https://www.instagram.com/davaunsanders/

https://www.threads.com/@davaunsanders

https://linktr.ee/davaunsanders

You can buy DaVaun's work here:

Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew - https://amzn.to/4uXTax2

The Seedbearing Prince: Part 1 - https://amzn.to/4uiG7q0

Minecraft: The Tournament - https://amzn.to/4tERBCO

Marvel: What If...The Multiverse Was Doomed? - https://amzn.to/4ugheuO

You can find FIYAH at:

https://fiyahlitmag.com/

https://www.threads.com/@fiyahlitmag

https://campsite.bio/fiyahlitmag

Forged in FIYAH: Celebrating Ten Years of Black Speculative Fiction - https://amzn.to/4wzYJTH

After nearly 9 years, Carleigh aka Uneekchic on Instagram returns to the podcast! I've had the pleasure of following Carleigh and her journey through life since we recorded in late 2016. Now located on the East Coast, Carleigh and I get to catch up and talk about what's been going on ever since.

We get to talk about two of her fandoms that she's been into during this time. Starting things off, Carleigh talks about getting into Dungeons and Dragons. She talks about how she first got into it after her move, and who introduced her to the game. We talk characters, her play style, and what she enjoys about the game.

From there, we talk about her love of Renfaires. From how she dresses up, to what she enjoys doing at the faires, and which faires she's been frequenting. There's also a scandalous revelation that Carleigh makes when asked about a particular Renfaire staple.

We wrap up by revisiting Cosplay. We talk about Carleigh's experience with Cosplay back on the West Coast, and how her Cosplay life has changed since moving to the East Coast.

You can find Carleigh at:

https://www.facebook.com/Carleigh-Skrammy-Uneekchic-670538599693887

http://www.instagram.com/uneekchic

You can listen to Carleigh's original episode at:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-40-carleigh-aka-uneekchic

Kicking off May of 2026 with a perfectly timed episode releasing on May 4th, Emily aka Imagination.Em on Instagram returns to talk Star Wars and Cosplay. May the 4th Be With You!

It's been nearly 4 years since Emily was on with her original episode, but we get to catch up and blend two topics together. Star Wars and Cosplay. The first half of the episode definitely leans more Star Wars, as we talk about the shows that have released since 2022. We discuss Skeleton Crew, The Acolyte, and Andor. Emily talks about the experience of attending the Andor Season 2 premiere, and we discuss Andor as it ties into current political situations today. We talk about the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu movie, and Emily makes her best pitch for what she'd do if Dave Filoni asked her to create a Star Wars property.

Then, we're on to Cosplay, as you may know Emily for her viral Moana Fett cosplay from 4 years ago. We talk about how it's been as a Cosplayer, from upgrading her Moana Fett look, to doing Mo Dameron, Mara Jade, joining the Droidsmiths Union, and making a Grogulorian cosplay, to name a few. We talk about her relationship with other cosplayers in the fandom, as well as creators that she works with. Emily also reflects back on her time as a Cosplayer, and we talk about what she could be working on for the future.

You can find Emily at:

https://www.instagram.com/imagination.em/

You can listen to Emily's original episode here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-289-emily-aka-imaginationem-talks-marvel-comics-disney-star-wars-and-cosplay

Returning for a 6th episode and to help me get one week closer to the podcast's 10th anniversary is Kris Lozano aka Cafe.Contessa on Instagram.

We get to catch up and talk about how long we've known each other before diving into a repeat topic, Taylor Swift. Kris had joined me previously to talk about The Eras Tour once the movie had come out, and before we even had an inkling that a new album was on its way (TTPD). This time, Kris talks about the wrap up of the tour, the final concert that was recorded, plus the behind the scenes documentary. Plus, we revisit a few conversations about costumes and songs from that previous episode (linked below), as well as discuss a bit about the latest album.

Then, Kris and I talk about one of her biggest passions, reading. We talk about what books are on her shelf, what books she'd recommend, and what she's looking forward to. We talk about Ana Huang's "King" series (King of Gluttony releasing 4/28), "Not In My Book" by Katie Holt, and the "Never After" series by Emily McIntire.

We then wrap up with a little talk about Cosplay. Kris talks about where she is with Cosplay and whether she plans to continue with that part of her life, or hang it up in the closet.

You can find Kris at:

https://www.instagram.com/cafe.contessa/

You can listen to her previous episodes here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-369-taylor-swift-and-the-eras-tour

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-322-kris-lozano-returns-and-talks-dystopian-movies

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/final-fantasy-35th-anniversary-special

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-15th-anniversary-special

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-174-kris-lozano

Jazmin aka ThatOneNerdyFanGirll returns after 2 years as we get closer to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the podcast. I always get excited when people say yes and come for the 1st episode. It's always super special when people come back for return episodes.

Jazmin and I get to catch up to what's been going on, and talk about one of her latest fandoms, One Piece. She talks about how she got influenced into watching the anime, where she is currently, and we talk about the live action series as well (this was recorded prior to the 2nd season releasing). We talk about favorite characters, and who she's looking forward to seeing.

Then we revisit Star Wars. We talk about what we enjoyed the past two years, the state of Star Wars, and the future series that are on the horizon, as well as the future in the movie space. (This episode was recorded prior to the Maul release)

Jazmin and I then talk about her Cosplay work. We talk about some of the characters she's cosplayed recently, and cosplay projects she's working on for the future. Plus a no sew ballgown, and how she goes about thrifting for her cosplay work.

You can listen to Jazmin's 1st episode here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-358-jazmin-aka-thatonenerdyfangirll-talks-star-wars-the-lord-of-the-rings-and-cosplay

You can find Jazmin at:

https://www.instagram.com/thatonenerdyfangirll/

https://www.threads.net/@thatonenerdyfangirll

https://beacons.ai/thatonenerdyfangirl

It's only been 2 years since her last episode, but Mayanna Berrin returns for her 4th episode as we once again get to catch up and talk about her latest works!

We cover the biggest thing that's happened since our last episode in 2024, and that is the critically acclaimed video game, Dispatch. Mayanna was a writer for the game, as well as the voice actor for the character of Coupe. We talk about how she got started with AdHoc Studios and found her way into both the writing and voice acting side of things. Mayanna and I talk about the game, some of the development, her role as a writer, finding her voice for Coupe, and we discuss a few of the choices people can make in the game (and yes, there are spoilers).

Mayanna and I then talk about her Kingdom Hearts podcast that she co-hosts, Simple and Clean. We talk about how it came to existence, the planning that goes into the podcast, and we touch on what could come first - Kingdom Hearts 4 or Grand Theft Auto 6.

We then talk about her work as Creative Producer for StoryQuest, an actual play platform for tabletop roleplaying games. We discuss what she does, and her continued work in the TTRPG space.

You can find Mayanna at:

https://www.instagram.com/mayannaberrin/

https://www.threads.com/@mayannaberrin

https://bsky.app/profile/mayannaberrin.bsky.social

You can find Simple and Clean: A Kingdom Hearts Podcast at:

https://pod.link/1826633591

https://www.instagram.com/simpleandcleanpod/

You can find StoryQuest at:

https://linktr.ee/StoryQuestShowOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/storyquestshow/

You can listen to Mayanna's first three episodes at:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-374-mayanna-berrin-returns-and-talks-improv-writing-for-movies-television-tabletop-roleplaying-and-video-games

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-171-mayanna-berrin-returns

http://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-47-mayanna-berrin