Artist and Podcaster Phil Rood returns for his 3rd episode as we talk about Vince Gilligan's latest TV series, Pluribus. The show that we had no idea what it really was about until we watched the show. Spoilers abound, so if you haven't watched the series, you may want to skip this episode.

Both Phil and I enjoy Gilligan's previous shows, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. We also championed the wonderful Rhea Seehorn from Better Call Saul and were psyched to see her cast in this latest series.

Phil and I talk about the whole series, from the story, to the respective main and supporting characters (and cast). Phil gets deep with the show and hits some discussion topics that I didn't even think about. It'll make you think and go "hmmmmm"

We also discuss what we'd like to see (or not see) in the second season, which most likely won't release until late 2027 or 2028.

Listen and let us know your thoughts on the series!

You can listen to Phil's previous episodes here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-325-better-call-saul-breaking-bad-with-phil-rood

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-214-phil-rood-talks-breaking-bad-better-call-saul-game-of-thrones-and-usagi-yojimbo

You can find Phil at:

https://www.instagram.com/philrood75/

https://philroodart.com/

https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/road-runners/list?title_no=1113928&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaduU4yN_dfAlAphqvA9XH6K4LOS0oX8fksMaCB9IZPuamQcLp0mxhAUq698Qw_aem_0GSlvoO8SbZAr-gXxnlXdA

You can find The Picture Show with Austin and Phil Rood at:

https://anchor.fm/phillip-rood

After stumbling across Jo aka MsArtsyAce on Threads back in December of 2025 and falling in love with her cosplay work, she joins me as a guest. This episode was recorded during the FIFA World Cup, and there are references to the game happening at the time (Mexico vs Ecuador) throughout the episode.

With that in mind, we kicked things off by talking about the FIFA World Cup, and Football in general. We both talked about tuning in to the various matches throughout the month at the time, and what draws us in. Jo and I talk about what teams we were rooting for, some of the history of the world cup and changes to the game this year. Jo also talks about the disparities between teams from different nations, and we have a conversation about racism and affluence in the FIFA World Cup, and in the sport in general. Jo also talks about her attention to the sport after the world cup is over, which leagues she may or may not watch, and more.

We then go from Mexico to Westeros, as we talk about House of the Dragon. Jo talks about how she got into the series, her experience with watching Game of Thrones, and characters that she loves from the series. We also talk about some of the casting of the series (Hello Steve Toussaint, aka Lord Corlys Velaryon, and Clinton Liberty aka Addam of Hull), stories we'd love to see explored in Game of Thrones series (I seriously learned about things I didn't know thanks to Jo, and did lots of Wiki-diving after the episode). Recorded during the early part of this season, we do speculate about what was to come. Tell us how we did!

Jo and I then wrap up by talking about Cosplay. We talk about how she got into cosplay, the characters she's cosplayed, competing and winning a Judges Award at C2E2, and what she's working on in the future.

You can find Jo at:

https://www.instagram.com/msartsyace/

https://linktr.ee/msartsyace

https://www.threads.com/@msartsyace

Joshua aka HylianDescent of Hyrule Gaming Group returns for his 6th episode as guest host for our 10 Year Anniversary Special. I join him as the guest, as we get into the 10 years of Tales from the Fandom.

We talk about the eras of the podcast, from its early episodes to its COVID years, along with some memorable guests. We both talk about how much work content creation is, and the behind the scenes of the podcast (and my continued dislike of editing).

One of the big things is a discussion about my personal cornerstones/pillars of fandom that I'll always come back to - even if I'm not in them as much as other creators (hello Lord of the Rings creators, you all rock!) We also talk about some fandoms that surprised me, and he asks me a hard hitting question to round things out.

On the tail end, I resume host mode and ask Hylian about two of his most recently played games (at the time of recording), Solarpunk, and Pokemon Pokopia. I also find out some future games that he's interested in playing off stream.

You can find Joshua at:

https://www.twitch.tv/hyliandescent

https://www.instagram.com/hyliandescent/

https://www.instagram.com/hyrulegg/

https://t.co/4kqVCNPl1r?amp=1

You can listen to his first five episodes here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-388-joshua-aka-hyliandescent-of-hyrule-gaming-group-returns-as-we-talk-video-games-his-twitch-growth-and-balancing-hylian-and-joshua

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-337-joshua-aka-hyliandescent-of-hyrule-gaming-group-returns-as-we-talk-twitch-video-games-and-self-care

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-268-joshua-aka-hylian-descent-of-hyrule-gaming-group-returns-to-talk-twitch-community-evolution-and-animal-crossing

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-197-joshua-aka-hylian-descent-of-hyrule-gaming-group-returns-to-talk-twitch-animal-crossing-and-community-building

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-156-joshua-aka-hylian-descent-of-hyrule-gaming-group

Reina Valentine returns to the podcast for her 6th episode as we get to catch up and talk fandom. In the title, you'd normally see the fandoms we'd be talking about. Funny (or unfunny) thing is, Reina has said that she's not currently a part of any fandom - and that is what we are discussing on the episode.

We talk about how Reina pulling back from fandoms happened, with shows like Game of Thrones, The Acolyte, and Shadow and Bone, and the reasoning for each is different - but heavy is the heart that throws down for fandoms like Reina did. So she made that decision to step back from that fandom spaces. You'll get to hear about the what's and the why's, and how things are going now.

Reina also updates us about her cosplay, now that she's regained control of her Instagram. We talk about several cosplays that have yet to be shot and posted, like one of Rose's Titanic outfits, and the work that went into creating it. We discuss some of the other cosplays she's done, along with some potential future cosplays.

You can find Reina at:

https://www.instagram.com/reinavalentinecosplay/

You can listen to Reina's previous episodes here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-166-reina-valentine-cosplay

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/fandom-friday-live-show-with-reina-valentine-cosplay-talking-game-of-thrones-on-getvokl-july-17-2020

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/fandom-friday-live-show-with-reina-valentine-cosplay-talking-dc-fandome-and-dragoncon-on-getvokl-august-28-2020

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/shadow-and-bone-season-1-review-part-1-with-reina-valentine

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/shadow-and-bone-season-1-review-part-2-with-reina-valentine

Selena aka itsselenachea on socials returns to the podcast after 4 years as we get to catch up and talk about old and new fandoms!

We start things off by talking about the Spider-Man fandom. This episode releases one week before Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and we discuss potential things that may or may not happen in the movie. We also talk about Tom Holland and how many movies he may still do as the beloved Peter Parker. We also talk about the animated side of things with talk about Spider-Man: Beyond the Spiderverse, releasing (potentially) in June 2027. Selena and I also discuss Cindy Moon, aka Silk, and how we hope that we see her in future media.

From there, we promenade, stick out our pinky fingers, and talk about Bridgerton. Selena talks about when she got into Bridgerton and what attracted her to the Netflix series. We spend some time talking about the latest season, featuring Sophie and Benedict, and how much representation means in media.

We then talk all about Selena! From her name change on social media over the past 4 years, what she's been doing in front of and behind the camera, social media, and Cospaly. It's wonderful to hear what Selena has done and is doing, and I'm glad she said yes to coming back.

You can find Selena at:

https://www.instagram.com/itsselenachea/

https://linktr.ee/itsselenachea

https://www.tiktok.com/@itsselenachea

https://www.threads.com/@itsselenachea

You can listen to Selena's original episode here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-261-cindy-aka-cindymooooooon-talks-marvel-the-mcu-spider-man-the-spider-verse-over-the-garden-wall-and-cosplay

I had stumbled across Becca's Threads account, WomenPlayDND, awhile back. I loved what she was doing with getting new players into Dungeons and Dragons and breaking people out of the rule book and getting them to the table. It was a pleasure having her join me on the podcast to talk about this, and more! We start things off by talking about the Romantasy book genre. We talk about some of her early reads, and what draws her to the Romantasy genre. Becca also talks about how characters are portrayed, storylines, and more. I recommended previous guest, Gabriella Buba's "Saints of Storm and Sorrow", and we even had a non-Romantasy book mentioned that I grew up with (Redwall, by Brian Jacques) Then we get into, you guessed it, Dungeons and Dragons. Becca talks about her early experiences getting into D&D, along with what kept her from the table and enjoying the game. She talks about how she found inspiration online, to then finding groups that worked for her and her play style, along with characters that she plays. We also talk about some of the past issues with D&D, the barriers and gatekeeping of getting into the game, and how she's worked on a system to teach others D&D and helping to make it more accessible, founding Women Play DND. You can find Becca at: https://www.womenplaydnd.co/ https://www.instagram.com/womenplaydnd/ https://www.threads.com/@womenplaydnd

Dr. Anna Eskamani, Florida native, and current Florida House of Representatives member for District 42 (in Orange County, as of release in July of 2026 - her term expires in November 2026), and currently running for Mayor of Orlando (election in 2027) joins me to talk about one of her favorite fandoms.

We split the episode in two. We focus first on Star Wars. Dr. Eskamani talks about how she got interested in the franchise. From the movies to TV shows, books, video games, and more. We talk about how she watched her older brother play Star Wars video games, and how she's love to revisit the Knights of the Old Republic games if she had time. We talk about the themes of Andor, meeting Diego Luna at MegaCon in Orlando, and reflect on the messages that Star Wars has. Plus we even talk about her current (and future) Star Wars tattoo's!

The theme of Star Wars leads us into talking about politics, and Dr. Eskamani's time in Florida politics. We talk about how she first got into advocacy and activism. From her work with Planned Parenthood after graduating from the University of Central Florida, to then being elected to the Florida House of Representatives and her work in that chamber. We talk about supporting local businesses, and why she's decided to run for Mayor of Orlando after working 8 years in the House (with term limits).

Throughout this episode, you'll find themes of family, passion, and of hope.

You can find Dr. Eskamani at:

https://www.instagram.com/annafororlando/

https://www.instagram.com/annaforflorida/

https://www.annafororlando.com/

https://bit.ly/m/annaforflorida

Hazel aka HazeltheWriter on social media returns to the podcast after 5 years as we get to catch up and talk about some new fandoms!

After recording 5 years ago, Hazel moved to England for some time, and has now moved back stateside. While over in England, she got interested in Live Action Roleplaying. If you're thinking of boffer style games, then you're about to learn what kind of games Hazel found herself in. First swept up into Lord of the Rings / Hobbit style games, Hazel branched off into Game of Thrones themed games. We talked about her weekend adventures, overnighting at these events, and how with the Game of Thrones stories, they were set with alternate histories so events could be changed.

While getting into these Game of Thrones LARP's, it was only fitting for Hazel to get into the series to learn more about these characters. We talked about her experience with Game of Thrones all these years later, favorite house, favorite characters, and a lot more.

Then we wrapped up by revisiting Cosplay. Hazel talks about her time cosplaying in England, doing some larger group projects, and what she's working on now and what you can expect to see from her in the future.

You can find Hazel at:

https://www.instagram.com/hazelthewriter/

https://hazelthewriter.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HazelTheWriterFB

You can listen to Hazel's original episode here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-218-hazel-the-writer-talks-marvel-cinematic-universe-avatar-the-last-airbender-pixars-cars-and-cosplay

After quite some time, I'm pleased to have Kate aka TheCloudyKate join me as we get to talk about some of their favorite fandoms!

We start things off by tackling One Piece. Kate talks to me about how and when they got into the series, and whether they're into the anime, the manga, or the live action. We talk about their watch parties with friends, their thoughts on the live action series and where it may or may not go, their favorite characters, and what the One Piece could end up being (though Kate threatens to quit if it becomes reality)

Then we jump over to Tabletop Roleplaying Games. From their first games rolling dice, to the games they've played - from Dungeons and Dragons, to Call of Cthulhu, Vampire: The Masquerade, and more. Kate talks about home games, being a part of actual plays, and what draws them to these games. Plus, Kate reveals the type of character they love to play when given the chance.

It's on to books, as Kate and I talk about the books they love, what they've read recently, and what they're drawn to. We also talk about the rise of fantasy balls / book events, being a part of them as a guest and as a character hired by these balls.

Lastly, we wrap up our conversation talking about Cosplay. Kate talks about how they got started in the hobby, the characters they choose to cosplay, some of their favorites, and what they're working on for the future.

You can find Kate at:

https://www.instagram.com/thecloudykate/

https://linktr.ee/thecloudykate

https://www.threads.com/@thecloudykate

https://www.tiktok.com/@thecloudykate

The first official returning guest of the 10th year of this podcast, Sadie Waycaster aka SadiebyDesign returns almost 9 years later as we get to catch up and talk about some past fandoms, new fandoms, and Cosplay! Sadie was one of my first guests back in 2016 and was a huge supporter of the podcast in its infancy. Ever since then, it has been a pleasure to know Sadie and follow her life and work and have someone I can call a friend. I knew I wanted her to return and she said yes, so here we are.

We get to catch up first since it has been awhile since we talked, and then we cover a number of new fandoms that Sadie's into. These fandoms include (but are not limited to) Infinity Nikki, Witch Hat Atelier, Chinese dramas, Brandon Sanderson, The Knight and The Moth, Tusk Love, Dungeon Crawler Carl, and Project Hail Mary.

Sadie also talks about the past several years with her cosplay work, her departure from Instagram and re-emergence on TikTok, and her plans to return to her website and blog/vlog.

You can find Sadie at:

https://www.facebook.com/sadiebydesign

https://www.tiktok.com/@sadiebydesign

https://www.sadiebydesign.com/

You can listen to Sadie's previous episodes here:

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/episode-12-sadie-geerligs

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/beauty-and-the-beast-review-with-sadie-geerligs

https://talesfromthefandom.libsyn.com/2017-retrospective-with-sadie-geerligs-of-sadie-by-design

ElectroCosplay joins from New York to talk about some of her favorite fantastical fandoms, plus we're talking about Cosplay too!

We start things off by talking about one of the biggest fantasy video games series, Elder Scrolls. Electro and I talk about how she got into the Elder Scrolls series, and we bounce around between talking about Skyrim, Elder Scrolls Online, and how she incorporates Elder Scrolls themes and idea into her real life decorating for her home. Plus, there is a request for Elder Scrolls 6 (take note Bethesda!)

From there, Electro and I talk about George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, and its television counterparts, Game of Thrones. We talk about how she first got into ASOIAF, her thoughts on the books and a particular thought about just where the final books may be. We also talk about The Game of Thrones series, plus House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. All through that, we talk about the characters, the stories, and what story she'd love to see done.

We then get to Dungeons and Dragons. Electro talks about how she got interested in the game thanks to Baldur's Gate (and fan fiction!). We talk about the kinds of characters she enjoys playing, some of her favorite spells, and what keeps her coming back to slinging dice and creating stories with others.

Then we wrap up with Cosplay. She talks about how she got started with zero skills and how she built her skills and repertoire from the ground up. We talk about a number of her cosplay looks, including her Royal Cookie dress and all that went into designing and creating it. Plus we hear some behind the scenes stories about debuting her work at conventions and all that goes into navigating with a huge gown.

You can find Electro at:

https://www.instagram.com/electrocosplay/

https://linktr.ee/electrocosplay

https://www.electrocosplay.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@electro_cosplay