Umm...About That!

What if IT was never the scariest thing about IT ? In this episode, Dr. Vanessa breaks down Season 1 of HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry and why the real horror isn’t just Pennywise, but the town itself — where fear, racism, power, and conformity create monsters long before the clown shows up. Spoilers abound, opinions are loud, and yes… we’re talking The Black Spot , the Hanlons, and all the sinister t...

Dr. Vanessa is very much still in her #RomantasyEra, and following up her two-part discussion of Fourth Wing with a critical analysis of Iron Flame - the second in the Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. This book has even more angst, shenanigans, and pearl-clutching moments than the first! This discussion focuses on the intricate dynamics of grief and loss, trust and relationships, as well as empo...

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 expe...

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 an...

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!

#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.

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 conversa...

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...

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!

#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.

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, T...

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.

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!

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”...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 fo...

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.

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.

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...

Lying to Each Other, Avoiding Our Emotions - The Family Business 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, emotion...

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.