Episode 125: Abigail De Kosnik and Jinyi Li on how fandom helps connect us in troubling times

In this episode, we welcome Abigail De Kosnik, an Associate Professor and Director of the Berkeley Center for New Media and the founder of Fan Link, and Jinyi Li, the technology chief of Fan Link, to discuss their groundbreaking platform connecting fandoms with education and activism. Abigail shares how Fan Link fosters media, racial, and gender literacy through creative fan-driven projects and real-world action, empowering fans to make a difference.

The conversation also examines the differing fandom strategies used by Democrats and Republicans in the recent election. Abigail and Jingyi explore how fan communities can influence political narratives and inspire collective action, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of fandom and politics.

Here are some of the references from this episode, for those who want to dig a little deeper:

About our guest:

Abigail De Kosnik | Research UC Berkeley

Abigail De Kosnik Introduces Fanlink – News/Research – Berkeley Center for New Media

Fandom + Piracy: Fandom & Race Panel – Events – Berkeley Center for New Media

Interesting Facts and Fan Events mentioned:

Leslie Grace Says the ‘Batgirl’ Cancellation Felt ‘Like Deflating a Balloon’

The 27 Club: A Brief History

The School for First Ladies Is Now in Session

The Herald on the 2017 Trump Inauguration TV listing as Twilight Zone episode

Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping film cast

Dragon Con