Tabitha Carvan, an author and devoted Benedict Cumberbatch fan, discusses the surprising emotional benefits of fandom. She shares personal anecdotes that reveal how embracing one’s passions can enhance happiness and self-discovery. The conversation explores the societal stigma around being a 'geek' and how deep connections with beloved franchises foster community and combat loneliness. Tabitha emphasizes that engaging wholeheartedly in fandom can be transformational, proving that what may seem trivial can lead to profound joy.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Cumberbatch Obsession
Tabitha Carvan, an author, found herself yearning for something beyond motherhood.
This yearning led her to an unexpected obsession with actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
insights INSIGHT
Embracing Fandom
Fandom is often seen as embarrassing or frivolous.
Embracing this "geeky" love can be key to feeling more connected and present.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Geek Evangelist
Wil Wheaton, known for his role in Star Trek, embraces his identity as a geek.
He finds joy in loving things with unselfconscious enthusiasm.
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The Joy of Loving Something — Anything — Like Your Life Depends on It
Tabitha Carvan
This book is not just about Benedict Cumberbatch; it's a deeper exploration of women's passions and desires after adolescence. Carvan discusses how societal expectations can squeeze out the space for joy in women's lives and argues for the importance of loving things wholeheartedly, even if they seem frivolous. The book is a mix of personal memoir, feminist commentary, and a call to action to find and embrace one's passions without shame.
Still Just a Geek
An Annotated Memoir
Wil Wheaton
In Still Just a Geek, Wil Wheaton updates his 2004 memoir, Just a Geek, with insightful and often laugh-out-loud annotated comments, additional later writings, and all new material. The book is a raw and honest memoir that covers his life from his early days as a child actor, his time on Star Trek: The Next Generation, his struggles with depression, and his journey to finding fulfillment in his career and personal life. The annotations provide a unique perspective on his past writings, reflecting his growth and changes in perspective over the years.
Just a geek
Wil Wheaton
In 'Just a Geek', Wil Wheaton shares his personal and difficult journey to self-discovery. The book covers his transition from a teen star to a struggling actor, his struggles with being typecast as Wesley Crusher from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', and his discovery of new passions such as HTML, blogging, Linux, and web design. It also includes his reactions to the 9-11 disaster, his relationships with his family, and his transition from an actor to a successful author and blogger. The memoir is known for its honesty, wit, and self-deprecating humor, making it relatable and engaging for readers.
To celebrate five years of The Happiness Lab, Dr Laurie has picked out the five episodes she loves the most. And this is a special one - Nerd Out! The Happiness of Being a Fan.
Really love a TV show; a boyband; a sci fi movie; or a celebrity? We're often too embarrassed to admit adoring some things for fear that we'll be seen as frivolous or childish - but we may be missing out on the happiness benefits that geeking out can bring.
Dr Laurie explores the joy of fandom with Benedict Cumberbatch obsessive Tabitha Carvan, YA author Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Star Trek actor (and geek-vangelist) Wil Wheaton.
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos 
