Podcast Spotlight: FanDummies

FanDummies is a conversational podcast about movies, television shows, and comic books the three hosts are excited about. Hosts Greg, Erin, and Jessica are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about pop culture and science fiction, exploring different fandoms and dropping inside jokes throughout their discussions. The podcast is best enjoyed by listeners who are already fans of the topic at hand. Greg, Erin, and Jessica use FanDummies as a chance to get deeper into a plot line or character casting, so it is easier to engage with their discussions if listeners are already informed on the topic. FanDummies comes out twice a week, and the dedicated hosts publish a blog on their website with even more commentary and easy-to-miss Easter eggs. At the end of each episode, they each roll a dice to see who “hosts” the next podcast, which keep the episodes from becoming formulaic. FanDummies feels like a conversation between friends because it is – Greg, Erin, and Jessica have wonderful chemistry. Listeners of all fandoms are welcome! 

We were fortunate to talk with Greg about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

Greg: The FanDummies team has been working together for over 10 years. During that time the one constant was our love for Superheros, Sci-Fi and Fantasy. Our discussions, individual experiences, and research greatly enhanced everything we were reading and watching. We wanted to include others in our discussions and we thought the best way to do that was with a podcast. 

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Fandummies?

Greg: Our goal is to enhance our listeners’ experience with Fandoms. A good example is when we talked about the CW Crisis on Infinite Earths. Some listeners may be fans of only one superhero or one CW show. We released a series of podcast episodes to help our listeners get familiar with all the Arrowverse characters as well as some key moments in their comic book history. Of course, we take the opportunity discuss what we like and don’t like as well as invite our listeners to also comment. We follow this show recipe with a wide range of fandoms so if our listeners are looking for something new to watch, read, or play they can tune in for recommendations.

DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?

Greg: Our favorite comment is “Fandummies is like Fandom Therapy”. There are certainly times when we are very excited about something or have to work through our grief if we lost a character or show. We also get many comments about how our listeners didn’t like a particular tv show but after hearing the backstory they are going to give the show another try. Fandom content has a ton of context. If a listener has no experience with a particular fandom they may miss out on something great because they are missing out on the context. 

DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?

Greg: We use a Rodecaster Pro connected to Rode Podmics. We use the multichannel out via USB to an iMac running Adobe Audition. This gives us the ability to have a backup recording as well as take phone calls and have sounds. We use Buzzsprout for our hosting.

DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

Greg: Awareness of the show is the biggest challenge. Many podcast apps only show the top 50 on any given search result making indie podcasts impossible to find. Promoting is as difficult and time-consuming as creating the podcast content.

DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?

Greg: We hope to continue Fansummies for many years to come and make a meaningful contribution to the Fandoms we love. 

DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

Greg: Greg – Market Foolery, Tim Ferriss, The Adventure Zone, the drive, Star Wars Report Podcast, The Front End Tech, Ask the Podcast Coach, Geeks Guide to the Galaxy.

Erin – The Adventure Zone, Bubble, Couples Therapy, Voyage to the Stars, ID10T with Chris Hardwick, Pokemon Go Radio, That Creative Live

Jessica – The Adventure Zone, Wonderful! – Griffin and Rachel McElroy, Critical Role, The Wayward Podcast – Kim Rhodes and Briana Buckmaster, Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, Felicitations – Felicia Day, ID10T with Chris Hardwick, The JV Club with Janet Varney, Welcome to Night Vale, Bubble, David Tennant does a Podcast with…

DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?

Greg: We are humbled and honored the so many people choose to spend time with Fandummies. To our listeners, each of you is special to us and we are so appreciative of your support.