fannISh, a fan studies podcast, was conceived as a way to make an academic topic — the concept of interdisciplinarity — come to life. Fan studies is interdisciplinary by nature; plus, everyone is a fan of something. There aren’t many topics more engaging or fraught with drama and intrigue than media fandom.

By combining a well-researched video essay, a one-on-one interview, and high production value in each episode, we’ve created thought leadership content that reaches all over UT Dallas and well beyond it, to fan studies scholars at other universities, and even to random people scrolling YouTube for commentary on their favorite shows, games, or music.

Each episode features a scripted intro and an interview with a fan who takes us into their world. As we explore one fandom after another, we see how every fan object — from Megan Thee Stallion to Naruto — is a world, and fandom is a universe.

The visuals for fannISh were created in collaboration with graphic designer Erin Gutschke. As creative director of the podcast, I wanted the branding to evoke this galactic vibe, so I asked my designer to explore the midcentury atomic decorative art style. This echoes the space-themed branding of the university while remaining distinct. My own handwriting was the basis for the logo, with the IS emphasized as a nod to Interdisciplinary Studies. In collaboration with my team and university facilities, we chose colors, fabrics, and design elements for our studio.

Our first episode, which launched in late 2025, explored the fandom for a cancelled Disney original cartoon series called The Owl House. In our second episode, we interviewed a Batman scholar about a constellation of topics related to the caped crusader. You can watch our episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify.