Ashley Reese, a talented writer and creator of the newsletter 'Bad Brain,' dives into a smutty fanfiction community that showcases the quirky side of fandom. She explores the transformative power of fan fiction, emphasizing its role in building friendships and personal growth. The episode highlights the emotional complexities within fandom, from romantic tensions to jealousy, offering a humorous spin on the challenges of navigating relationships amidst creative endeavors. Get ready for a delightful blend of community dynamics and feline-inspired storytelling!
The podcast explores the transformative role of political art in understanding contemporary issues, encouraging listeners to engage with fiction for deeper insights.
The hosts discuss how social media has reshaped gossip dynamics, highlighting the shift from private interactions to a more public and scrutinized form of sharing information.
A deep dive into fan fiction communities reveals the challenges of identity and expression as writers navigate criticism and unwritten rules within tight-knit groups.
Deep dives
The Return of The West Wing Weekly
The episode highlights the reunion of the hosts of The West Wing Weekly, who are launching a new initiative, The West Wing Weekly Political Film Fest. They delve into the significance of engaging with political art as a means to gain perspective on contemporary issues. The hosts express that sometimes stepping away from the news cycle and exploring fiction can sharpen one’s understanding of political discourse. This season, they discuss various politically charged films, starting with 'The American President,' written by Aaron Sorkin, the creator of The West Wing.
Gossip in the Digital Age
The podcast shifts to a conversation about modern gossip, particularly in the context of social media. The hosts discuss how platforms like Twitter and TikTok have transformed gossiping dynamics, with subtweets and group chats becoming prevalent forms of sharing information. They emphasize the difference between public and private gossip, noting that private interactions tend to stay within trusted circles. The hosts argue that social media has led to a more public and performative aspect of gossip, which can invite scrutiny and criticism.
An Unexpected Dating Dilemma
A guest shares a particularly juicy piece of gossip about a friend who started dating a vegan man. The friend's excitement quickly turns to concern when she learns that he requires her to brush her teeth before kissing him to avoid the taste of animal products. This bizarre requirement foreshadows more trouble when the friend discovers the poor living conditions in the man's roach-infested apartment. The incident raises questions about value compromises in relationships and the limits one might go to in order to cater to a partner's preferences.
High Stakes in Fan Fiction Communities
As the discussion evolves, the narrative dives deep into the intricacies of fan fiction communities, particularly concerning a specific character from a series. A young writer navigates the challenges of becoming part of a tight-knit group while facing harsh criticism for her character's name and traits. The pressure to conform to a community's expectations leads to a dramatic exploration of identity and self-expression within fan fiction. Ultimately, it encapsulates the sometimes toxic environment of fandoms where creativity can be stifled by unwritten rules.
Empowerment through Writing
The final segment emphasizes the empowerment found in creative writing as a response to betrayal and manipulation within a community. After enduring a series of emotional hardships involving a colleague's romantic manipulations, the protagonist crafts a story that cleverly reflects the toxic dynamics at play. By channeling her frustrations into her writing, she reclaims her narrative while revealing the darker side of social interactions in her community. This cathartic act showcases how storytelling can be a powerful tool for both self-liberation and community critique.
Welcome to season SEVEN of Normal Gossip! We're starting off the season strong with Ashley Reese and a story about a smutty fanfiction community. Check out Ashley on Twitter and Instagramand check out her Substack here.
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Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs), Ozzy Llinas Goodman (@ozzy_llinas), and Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira). Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Credits read by Ginger Hollander. Show art by Tara Jacoby.