Umm...About That
Do you often find yourself becoming insta-BFFs with folks who understand your fascination with your favorite character, comic, or show? Join Dr. Vanessa Hintz, Geek psychologist and pop culture enthusiast, as she provides expert analysis on community and belonging in fandom. Take a deep dive into the psyche of pop culture with discussions of the impact our favorite stories have on our individual identities, relationships, and ways of being.
EPISODE 01 - “The Origin Story”
Learn more about Dr. Vanessa, the resident nerd Psychologist, as she shares details about her journey to professional geekdom.
EPISODE 02 - My Love Language is FANDOM
Sharing experiences with people who love the same things we do – with the same level of ferocity and nerdy awesomeness – can help us to cope with angst and stresses in our lives. Listen as Dr. Vanessa recounts her recent introduction to the Supernatural fandom, and her trip to the Salute to Supernatural convention in Las Vegas - including, stories of joy, belonging, and up-close experiences with the brothers Winchester!
EPISODE 03 - Creativity Heals Cultural Wounds
Dr. Vanessa and Victor Dandridge, Jr., the “Hardest Working Man in Comics” are here to educate and to motivate! In the first – of three – conversations about Wakanda Forever, the duo discusses experiences of grief – both individual and collective.
EPISODE 04 - Vulnerability is Resilient
Joined by Mr. Victor Dandridge, Jr., the “Hardest Work Man in Comics,” Dr. Vanessa outlines some components of the “Strong Black Woman” archetype. The duo discusses the holistic portrayals of Black Women in Wakanda Forever, including the righting of some very misogynistic wrongs from the first film.
EPISODE 05 - Umm…About Those Colonizers?
The epic conclusion to the critical analysis of Wakanda Forever features discussion of colonization, to include the influences of “the other” on some of the film’s most iconic characters. Dr. Vanessa is once again joined by the “Hardest Working Man in Comics,” Mr. Victor Dandridge, Jr., as the two provide an in-depth analysis that is sure to stimulate the psyche.
EPISODE 06 - Supernatural Spotlight: Season 1
Join Dr. Vanessa for one of her favorite pastimes - reminiscing about Sam, Dean, and all things Winchester - as she starts her Supernatural rewatch journey! Get your salt, holy water, and any other hunters’ essentials as we discuss some themes from Season 1, including grief and trauma, parenting, and stigma. And don’t forget - driver picks the music!
EPISODE 07 - America’s Horror Story
How do the things we fear reflect societal beliefs and expectations? Join Dr. Vanessa for a brief overview of horror genres, to include discussion of cultural and historical considerations, and all that scary movies teach us about how we value difference.
EPISODE 08 - Cowabunga! Life Lessons and the Evolution of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
What role did events in our global community play in the development of everyone’s favorite heroes in a half shell? Join Dr. Vanessa as she traces the history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and their evolution from a single black-and-white drawing to pop culture icon status. And remember - Go Ninja! Go Ninja! Go!
EPISODE 09 - Black Adam: the epitome of anti
Pecs, biceps, and judgements abound! Join Dr. Vanessa in this discussion of the DC film, Black Adam, including depictions of the effects of intergenerational trauma, as well as dynamics of power and morality. Please note, Black Adam is about that life and he ALWAYS WANTS THE SMOKE!
EPISODE 10 - SHEroism and Dynamics of Intersectionality
Women in popular culture not only fight crime and injustice, but do so while navigating cultural and systemic oppression. Join Dr. Vanessa in a discussion focused on intersectionality, as she highlights popular narratives focused on women, to include how these stories influence societal expectations and individual health and wellness.
EPISODE 11 - Supernatural Spotlight - Season 2
Dr. Vanessa takes a pit stop on her Supernatural rewatch journey to provide the critical, geeky analysis of the show’s highest rated season. Supernatural’s second season is more than an emotional rollercoaster - it’s a whirlwind! Season 2 features the introduction of many Winchester staples, including death and resurrection, emotional repression, and the unnecessary lying - all the things that make us want to hug Sam and Dean close, while also serving them major side-eye.
EPISODE 12 - An 80s Daydream, or a Comforting Nightmare?
Season 2 starts off with a BANG - including a discussion of nostalgia, the Upside Down, and all of the Hawkins happenings! In 2022, Stranger Things was the most streamed show in the United States. Hollywood has proven time and time again - nostalgia sells…it heals! Unfortunately, it can also harm. Join Dr. Vanessa as she discusses Netflix’s horror smash, and its potentially harmful utilization of the show’s few Black characters.
EPISODE 13 - Part of Your (Modern Reimagined) World
Dr. Vanessa is joined by psychologist and consultant, Dr. Lauren Chapple-Love, as these two millennials discuss their reactions to the 2023 reimagining of The Little Mermaid. In the first of two conversations, these docs provide their in-depth BLerd analyses on the changes from Disney’s original 1989 film, as well as depictions of feminism and racial diversity.
EPISODE 14 - #MyForeverMermaid
Joined by Dr. Lauren Chapple-Love, psychologist and consultant, Dr. Vanessa discusses the value of representation in the 2023 reimagining of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The two outline both benefits and potential harms to the inclusion of characters from marginalized groups.
EPISODE 15 - Exploring Collective Identity in Fandom
Four professional geeks walk into a lobby…wait - how’s that joke go?! Recorded at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, Dr. Vanessa is joined by a trio of fandom scholars, including Justine Mastin, Dr. Kaela Joseph, and Dr. Tanya Cook. United in many ways - including in their identities as Supernatural mega fans - the group discusses the benefits of engaging in fandom communities, to include providing tips for navigating potential toxicity in fandom spaces.
EPISODE 16 - Sit in That Discomfort - Doctors’ Orders!
Dr. Vanessa and Dr. Carlton E. Green, psychologist and consultant, are here for the critical film analysis! In the first–of three–conversations about the indie horror, Soft & Quiet (2022), the duo discuss their reactions to the film, including the harsh and violent realities of the “everydayness” of racism.
EPISODE 17 - Speaking Up is Hard to Do
Joined by Dr. Carlton E. Green, psychologist and consultant, Dr. Vanessa discusses the insidious and harmful nature of racial inequity. The duo discusses the dynamics of whiteness - such as those depicted in the indie horror film, Soft and Quiet (2022) - that support many societal systems.
EPISODE 18 - The Work of Justice - It’s LOUD!
The epic conclusion to the critical analysis of Soft and Quiet (2022) features suggestions for disrupting systems of racial injustice. Dr. Vanessa is once again joined by Dr. Carlton E. Green, psychologist and consultant, as the two discuss manifestations of “soft and quiet” racism in everyday interactions, relationships, and organizations.
EPISODE 19 - Supes and the (Im)Balance of Power
What would you do if you knew that nobody could stop you? Homelander, Soldier Boy, The Deep, and many other Vought supes give us some glimpses into the potential dangers of unchecked power. Join Dr. Vanessa for this critical discussion of The Boys - both the comic series and the TV show - focused on hedonism, character development, and human hierarchy.
EPISODE 20 - Supernatural Spotlight - Season 3
Family Don’t End with Blood….Or Hell!
Dr. Vanessa takes a detour from her Supernatural rewatch journey to discuss those Winchester boys and all the major Season 3 happenings. Joined by Dr. Shelly Clevenger, this pair of Supernatural super fans discuss the highs and lows of the season, to include the fan-favorite Mystery Spot episode, as well as the lessons in perseverance.
EPISODE 21 - Narrative Police - Do Better!
Dr. Vanessa is joined by Benjamin Taitz, Registered Psychological Associate, and Dr. Leandra Parris, School Psychologist, to discuss the often-banned graphic novel, Maus. Often heralded as one of the greatest graphic novels ever written, Maus invites us to bear witness to a deeply personal narrative, telling a story of survival and a legacy of trauma. Prepare yourself, world - the “banned books” discussion is about to get NERDY!
EPISODE 22 - Bear Witness! The Healing Power of Storytelling
Joined by Dr. Leandra Parris, School Psychologist, and Benjamin Taitz, Registered Psychological Associate, Dr. Vanessa concludes the discussion of the acclaimed graphic novel, Maus. The trio discuss the influence of narrative storytelling on both the exacerbation and the mitigation of intergenerational trauma. In short, stories heal!
EPISODE 23 - Unraveling the Spider-Verse: Part I
A Portrait of Miles Morales
We’re doing BIG THANGS for the Season 3 premiere! Dr. Vanessa is joined by the Hardest Working Man in Comics, the incomparable Victor Dandridge, Jr. In the first of three conversations focused on the Spider-Verse film franchise, this BLerd dream team discusses the origins - and cultural relevance - of Marvel’s Miles Morales.
EPISODE 24 - Unraveling the Spider-Verse: Part II
That Box Office Ain’t Nothin But a Number
Joined by Victor Dandridge, Jr., the Hardest Work Man in Comics, Dr. Vanessa continues her analysis of the Spider-Verse, discussing direct comparisons of each of the Spider-Man film franchises. The duo analyzes the various box office successes - or lack thereof - of these films, including potential implications for each hunky hero (Miles, Tobey, Andrew, Tom, and them).
EPISODE 25 - Unraveling the Spider-Verse: Part III
#MilesIsMySpiderMan
The epic conclusion to the critical analysis of the Spider-Verse franchise features discussion of the value of “the Black Spider-Man.” Dr. Vanessa is once again joined by the Hardest Working Man in Comics, Victor Dandridge, Jr., as the two outline themes of choice, empowerment, and collectivism inherent in Miles’s narrative.
EPISODE 26 - #ConRewind: Fan Expo NOLA
In the first-ever installment of the #ConRewind, Dr. Vanessa shares the perspectives of two very special guests - her mother and sister - and their experiences at Fan Expo: New Orleans 2024. Topics of discussion include the value of fandom, cosplay, and the distinctions between joy and escapism. Y'all know what they say about families that con together…they experience all the feels!
EPISODE 27 - Supernatural Spotlight: Season 04
At yet another pit stop on her rewatch journey, Dr. Vanessa is back with more interpretation and conversation concerning all things Winchester. Season 4 of Supernatural was the absolute most! We see more of Bobby. We meet Lucifer and the angels - including our very own, very special, Castiel! This leads to some surprising and complex moral dilemmas for our favorite hunting duo. What will surprise no one, however, are Sam and Dean, and all of their lying and emotional shenanigans! I swear - them Winchesters are allergic to honesty and emotional regulation…SMH.
EPISODE 28: I’m a Barbie Girl - Where’s MY Barbie World?
As one of the most popular films of the last decade, Barbie (2023), is one of Hollywood’s most recent attempts to manufacture nostalgia. Not only does the film capitalize on the connections people have with the most recognizable fashion doll of ever, but Barbie - for decades - has served to motivate and inspire. Join Dr. Vanessa as she discusses this blockbuster, and how it is prompting conversations about gender roles, femininity, and challenging the powers-that-be.
EPISODE 29: #ConRewind - Emerald City Comic Con
#ConRewind - take two! Dr. Vanessa recounts her first-ever experience at Emerald City Comic Con 2024, which also commemorated her inaugural trip to the city of Seattle! ECCC offered numerous opportunities for FANGIRLing, as well as time to reflect on the commodification of fame and norms in fandom spaces.
EPISODE 30: Supernatural Spotlight - Season 5
HEY…ASSBUTT! The most recent detour on her rewatch journey finds Dr. Vanessa all up in the feels! Season 5 of Supernatural is HEAVY, featuring consistent themes of hopelessness, brotherly strife, and all manner of unpleasantness…I mean, the Apocalypse is happening (kind of)! The most AMAZING season for Sam and Dean ever - many would say so!
EPISODE 31: Basgiath Breakdown: Fourth Wing - PART I
Dr. Vanessa is living her best #RomatasyEra life, bringing to you her one-of-a-kind take on the worldwide phenomenon Fourth Wing. From the creative mind of Rebecca Yarros, this story is centered on the business of Basgiath War College, which houses some of the most powerful dragon riders in the nation of Navarre. This first breakdown features discussions of existentialism and dynamics of grief and mortality, as well as perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. #VioletIsMySHEroe
EPISODE 32: Basgiath Breakdown: Fourth Wing - PART II
And the conversation about Violet, Xaden, and them CONTINUES! Join Dr. Vanessa in the conclusion of her analysis of the phenomenal Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Topics include our two powerful prodigies - Violet and Xaden - and their journeys to overcoming adversity, all while balancing love, power, and expectations. Dr. Vanessa focuses on elements of their stories that speak to our everyday experiences. Whether we’re riders, scribes, or just “regular folk” - we are infinite!
