The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Nerd Out! The Happiness of Being a Fan

Sep 12, 2022

Tabitha Carvan, a YA author and passionate Benedict Cumberbatch fan, discusses how fandom can enhance happiness and enrich lives. She shares her emotional journey of embracing her love for Cumberbatch and the community it created. The conversation also delves into the psychological benefits of fandom, tackling the stigma around intense interests while celebrating their ability to foster connection and joy. Ultimately, Carvan encourages listeners to embrace their inner geek and the transformative power of shared passions.

32:28

Creator website

Episode guests

Tabitha Carvan

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Psychological Benefits of Fan Fiction

00:59

Intro

2min

Rediscovering Self Through Unexpected Inspiration

2min

The Complexity of Fandom

11min

The Joy of Embracing Your Inner Geek

3min

The Psychology of Fandom

9min

The Duality of Fandom

4min

Embracing Fandom: Finding Community and Joy

7min

Embracing Your Inner Geek for Greater Happiness

2min

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 Santos 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.

For Further Reading:

Tabitha Carvan - This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch

Wil Wheaton - Still Just a Geek

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