Geek Herring

In one of our most emotional episodes to date, we talk about why we can no longer support the Harry Potter franchise because of JK Rowling's hateful transphobic agenda. This is our explanation and our break-up. This episode is emotional, heartfelt, and raw. We cry, we rant, we talk about why it's more important to support and love our trans friends and trans rights than to continue pouring love into a franchise that doesn't love everyone.It's no longer a safe haven. It's no longer a place you can be yourself.If you're breaking up with the Wizarding World, too, we understand what you're going through.If you're trans and you're feeling justifiably attacked by Rowling's vitriol, you are valid, you are loved, and you are always welcome with us.This episode is conveniently coming out during Trans Visibility Week. We stand with you yesterday, now, and always. Trans rights are human rights. Trans women are women. Trans men are men.Check Out Geek Herring!Follow Geek Herring on Twitch!! | Join the Geek Herring Book Cl

Loving the skin you're in doesn't always come easy. Sometimes it comes with daily affirmations, doing things for yourself, and accepting that somedays, body neutrality is the place you'll be in that day. FrankthePegasus joins us for this intimate, inspiring, and hilarious episode about body positivity.About Frank the PegasusFrank the Pegasus is a full-time content creator on Twitch and YouTube. She focuses on on sex positivity, body acceptance, and mental health advocacy! She's been streaming for almost 5 years, is super queer, and is a big lover of simulation and collection games. Fank and Monika geek out for a really long time about birds and plants. It's incredible. You're welcome.Geeking about about loving ourselves is so cool, honestly. We talked about the importance of doing things for YOU, that light YOU up and make YOU feel good - like seriously, friends, when's the last time you prioritised YOURSELF!? Tell us the truth!How absolutely sick are you of those bullshit fatphobic stereotypes we get from th

What is grief if not love preserving?** THIS EPISODE IS FULL OF SPOILERS OF WANDAVISION SEASON 1 **WandaVision is a heartbreaking story following Wanda's experience with grief. We see throughout the season glimpses into her life and just how much trauma this one woman has endured.It's a lot. It's sad. And, we dunno about you, but we feel more connected to Wanda and Vision than ever, ever before.We talk about those first three episodes - you know, those 1950s/60s/70s style ones, based on Dick Van Dyke, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeanie, and the Brady Bunch. What did we think of them? Well, what did YOU think of them? These three episodes are definitely the most controversial of the entire series - you either LOVE them or HATE them.Moni? They were a big nope. Amanda? Episodes 1 and 2 were super, but 3 was triggering and traumatic AF. No thanks.We also gush about our love of the penultimate episode, ep 8, that looks back at alll the shit our beloved Wanda has gone through in her life.We wanna keep these notes relativ

Geek Girl in the News looks at the awesome or not so awesome news that will make you go either: "YAY" or "OMG I can't believe that." The latest and greatest geek girl news from February 2021 covers the abuse allegations gainst Marilyn Manson and Joss Whedon, racism in the World of Warcraft raiding community, a complete lack of diversity - STILL - in Hollywood's Golden Globes, Gina Carano being held accountable for her actions and dropped from Disney, Lucasfilm, and her Publicist, The Last of Us actors REVEALED, and Henry Cavill's SHOCK new role!** Before we go further, we have two content warnings with timestamps. ** Sexual Abuse, Assault, and Domestic Violence 4:30 - 28:08 Violent Racism in Gaming 28:30 - 35:51 Our first story is about the multitude of women coming forward with accusations of abuse and assault at the hand of Brian Warner, AKA Marilyn Manson. Evan Rachel Wood finally disclosed the name of her abuser, Brian Warner, on her Instagram account, describing what equates to domination, psychological

The Queen's Gambit took Netflix by storm when it released in late 2020. Finally, something to distract us from the shitshow that was the worst year ever! It was smart, sassy, addictive, and made chess cool again.Like, did you know that chess sales rose significantly because of how popular The Queen's Gambit was?Both of us absolutely loved this show. We thought the characters were perfect - and perfectly cast - and that the plot was intriguing and definitely captivating. We actually thought it was based on a true story, that's how fab it was!If you haven't seen it yet, a little Cole's Notes summary: We follow Beth Harmon after she's been orphaned at 9 years old. She ends up at a very strict orphanage where she makes friends, gets hooked on focus drugs, and learns chess from Mr. Shaibel, the orphanage's caretaker. Beth is good good at chess. So good, she starts competing nearly right away! And we follow her career from orphanage, to adoption, to local competitions, to nationals, to world championships.We love a

Like most geeks around the world, we were uber hyped for Wonder Woman 1984 to FINALLY come out. But now that it's out and we've wasted our time watching it... we wish it had stayed unreleased forever. How can one film make you feel so disappointed!?Here's your spoiler warning: Basically spoilers throughout this entire episode which is really just one big long rant. Because how can you talk about one of, if not the WORST, superhero movies ever made without hitting into spoiler territory for the whole thing? Ya can't.In this ode to a shit movie, we really do our best to make the rant humourous (totally unintentional) and think this might be the most entertaining 50 minutes of your entire week. You are WELCOME.The best part of the movie is, very literally, the beginning with young Diana. 11 minutes of greatness. And then... it just goes downhill. All the fucking way downhill until it's rolling around in the mud and getting stuck and can't get it's footing back.So what's wrong with it? In short: Female characters

This episode is so personal and emotional with both Sascz and Frazley sharing their experiences in transitioning away from their assigned genders at birth. It hasn't been an easy journey with both our guests talking of the emotional and hurtful experiences they've both had.About TranslucidityFrazley and Sascz started the podcast Translucidity to talk about all their experiences as transgender people. The podcast is for everyone to learn more about trans issues affecting them and the larger population.Please note, that at the time of recording this episode, Frazley identified as non-binary. But, as gender and sexuality are totally fluid, Frazley recently came out as a trans woman with she/her pronouns. We love you, Frazley!About Gender Identity and FluiditySascz and Frazley bring up: when they knew they were trans navigating coming out how gender and sexuality is fluid how they feel now that they've transitioned away from their assigned gender at birth This conversation is so important and empowering. Thank yo

Geek Girl in the News looks at the awesome or not so awesome news that will make you go either: "YAY" or "OMG I can't believe that." The latest and greatest geek girl news from January 2020 covers the United States Presidential election (hellooooo policy reform and KAMALA HARRIS!), the wild ride that GameStop and Reddit shares have been, Activision Blizzard's diversity hiring policy, and Resident Evil's latest BABE of a vamp!We spend entirely too much time in this week's episode talking about Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's Inauguration Day and everything they've done so far. BUT HONESTLY. After four years of utter horse shit from the previous administration, it's such a breath of fresh fucking air to actually BE ABLE To shout and celebrate.No, they're not perfect. No politician is. We also acknowledge that there are a lot of issues regarding Native land agreements that are not being upheld and that very much should be. But right now, we are breathing a big sigh of relief that the Cheeto in Chief has flown down

Tabletop RPGs are historically the territory of cis, white men, full of the types of issues that cause concern to many groups of people. That's why it's time to change the narrative surrounding these games, making them a more welcoming, acceptable, and inclusive environment. We're joined by community and convention organisaer, Kate Bullock, who talks about how she's creating safer spaces within the TTRPG community.About Kate BullockKate Bullock is a community and convention organizer with a passion for creating safer and more inclusive spaces within the TTRPG community. She’s one of the main organizers of Breakout Gaming Convention, community manager for Magpie Games, co-owner of Unicorn Motorcycle Games, and the outgoing president of the Indie Game Developer Network. You can find her blog, Bluestocking’s Organic Gaming, filled with in depth analyses of the gaming community and what we can do to make it better. Kate is a consultant for safety and inclusion in the RPG world, as well as a content editor for RPG

The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee-Taylor is one of the best books we've ever read about body positivity. We're sharing our first discussion, coinciding with chapter one of the book, that was recorded live on Twitch - and not originally intended to be a podcast episode, so please note the sound quality is not 100% up to our usual standard.Opening up about our own experiences with our bodies was like going to group therapy with your best friends. Being joined by our community friend and moderator, Gemma, who brought her experience with disability and fatness added another very important element to this discussion.Learning that we don't need to apolgise for existing in our bodies is revolutionary and, as Sonya Renee Taylor states, radical. This conversation is so important to have, that's why we're sharing it on our wider podcast.Just some of the topics we bring up: Fatness Body shame Disability Neurodiversity Loving our bodies where they are Self-love Filling our own cup Guilt SO MUCH MORE We'd love to

Imposter syndrome sucks. But, honestly, most of us have or have had it at one point or another. Not sure what imposter syndrome is? #1 lucky you! #2: Imposter syndrome is essentially the feeling that you don't know enough/aren't good enough/aren't -insert whatever here- enough to be doing what you're doing. And it's so, so real.What we discovered through recording this episode is that it's usually the people who don't need to feel like imposters who suffer from this. The overly confident and outspoken folks are usuuuually the ones who could use a bit of a pause before charging full steam ahead.We talk about some actionable tips for how to overcome imposter syndrome. What it looks like for us, how and where it shows up in our lives, and so, so much more.If you do find that you're someone who succumbs to imposter syndrome, we just want you to know that you're not alone. And it does get better.We'd love if you shared your experiences on Twitter, Instagram, or in our Discord server!!Check Out Geek Herring!Follow

Geek Girl in the News looks at the awesome or not so awesome news that will make you go either: "YAY" or "OMG I can't believe that." The latest and greatest geek girl news from December 2020 covers the sad passing of the OG Boba Fett, Jeremy Bulloch, the very fact that ALIENS (yep, real life aliens) might exist and the Galactic Federation is an actual, honest to goodness thing, Star-Lord being #ConfirmedCanonBisexual, the many painful fuck-ups with Cyberpunk 2077, Hearthstone's latest Transgender Champion, Bloodyface, and, kicking off January 2021, we want the internet to stop body shaming our men - even fit men like Kumail Nanjiani, kthx.Sadly, December saw the passing of another Star Wars star. Jeremy Bulloch passed away early in the month after a long battle with Parkinson's. He's remembered for his iconic role as Boba Fett in Star Wars Episode V & VI and so, so many other shows and films over his 45 year-long career. Rest In Peace, you legend.We also had some rather unsettling news this month coming f

Loving the skin you're in is SO important! We strong believe this, which is why we've made it our topic for January 2021. We're joined by Robyn Warren, founder of Geek Girl Strong, to talk about the intersection of fitness, geek culture, and intersectional feminism. This is such an important conversation and one that we ALL need to hear!!About Robyn WarrenRobyn Warren is a geek, feminist, Physical/Health Educator (B.S./M.S. Ed), NY State certified teacher, Accredited Xpert Pole Instructor, and American Council on Exercise certified Health Coach living in New York City.After teaching Health and Physical education in the New York City Department of Education public school system for 5 years, she realized that she wanted to live her entire life (not just in the classroom) as an example of better health.In this example, Robyn knew that it was time to offer an approach different from what was already available to the masses. She began by founding clubs and councils at the school where she worked. There was the sch

It's the most wonderful time of the year! ...So they say. We're celebrating our LAST episode of the dumpster fire that is 2020 in style by talking about our favourite Christmas movies, one you should absolutely avoid, our own Christmas traditions of years gone past, and how this year, life looks a LOT different.We also talk about how much we (okay, mostly Amanda) loves Jack Black. Because it's a whole fucking lot.And, we have a very, very special guest: Mrs Claus! She graced us with her presence to share the Christmas love. It got dirty real fast, because it wouldn't be Geek Herring without some !filth!It's time to talk about the Christmas movies that made us:Love Actually - did it hold up? It's 17 years old this year, wtf!? The Santa Clause - just the epitome of Santa PERFECTION. The Holiday - one of the GREATEST Christmas movies ever made. Fight me. The Muppets Christmas Carol - legit. The Last Unicorn, Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Frosty - yes, yes please. Christmas Chronicles 2 - SKIP THIS

2020 was a weird AF year, friends. Simultaneously the longest year of our lives but also it went past in the blink of an eye. This isn't really a recap episode though, but we ARE talking about the highs and lows we've experienced as geek girls. Amongst the highest of the highs, Amanda talks about her Harry Potter experience at the midnight release of HP 6 in Edinburgh. So many bittersweet memories of that night... that's unfortunately now a bit tainted by everything that's happened within the HP fandom this year. Sigh.We also have a bit of a general JK rant, talk about how we just can't anymore with her or our beloved franchise, and really get into the lows of being a Harry Potter fan in 2020. But, we also know we can't keep giving her the power to take things away from us. So now is the moment to embrace OTHER creators.As much as it would have pained us at one point or another to say it... Harry Potter is not the be-all and end-all of fantasy books out there. There are so many more incredible stories out the

Ary and the Secret of Seasons is a video game about a young girl on a quest to save her land from the Evil Mage. And we're joined by her Lead Writer, Genese Davis, and Game Director, Seb Le Touze, to talk about how they created such a compelling game and character who is, without a doubt, a feminist role model.About Genese Davis and Seb Le TouzeGenese Davis is the lead writer of Ary and the Secret of Seasons. She's an American novelist, online host, and video game creator, best known as the author of The Holder's Dominion and writer for MMORPG.com. Genese is also a speaker and writer about video game culture and its development within society and has made contributions to the Gamer Lit genre.Seb Le Touze is the Game Director for Ary and the Secret of Seasons.About Creating Feminist Characters in AryHow excited are we for this incredible interview about Ary and the Secret of Seasons with lead writer, Genese Davis, and game director, Seb? Full disclosure, we received a copy of Ary so that we could do a full rev

Geek Girl in the News looks at the awesome or not so awesome news that will make you go either: "YAY" or "OMG I can't believe that." The latest and greatest geek girl news from November 2020 covers Black Panther updates, David Prowse (RIP), Rosario Dawson, Charmed Trans cast, Elliot Page, and why we're all just that little bit in love with Chris Evans.Honestly, on the geek girl news front, November wasn't too bad! In fact, dare we say, it was actually kinda good!? What a relief consider what a decade this year has been.... amirite!?As we all know, with Chadwick Boseman's passing, the Black Panther series was in a bit of limbo. Marvel Studios have alluded that Black Panther 2 is set to record next summer with Shuri taking a bigger role in the franchise. Here's hoping she does take over the role of Black Panther like in the comics!Sadly, the original actor who played (the body of) Darth Vader, David Prowse, has passed away. Thank you, sir, for the formidable presence. You will not be forgotten!In other Star War

The geek community that surrounds us is one of the best communities we've both EVER known, and we've had our fair share of incredible geeky loves over the years! This episode is dedicated to YOU. Just in time for American Thanksgiving, we are grateful for you, Geek Herringtons, and love you all so, so much.In this episode, recorded back in July 2020, we talk about the importance of community, especially the geeky communities and the LGBTQIA+ communities we hold so dear to our hearts.We gush about our love of Biggus Bennus and his welcoming, wonderful people. We share so much love about how the Harry Potter community changed both of our lives independtly of each other. And we cherish and celebrate the community we're building here with Geek Herring.Community and gratitude go hand in hand for us. Thank you to everyone that listens to Geek Herring, supports us on Twitch, follows us on social media, or has joined the Discord. You are the real MVPs!!Come hang out in Discord with us!Check Out Geek Herring!Follow Ge

In this episode, we geek right out about all the new films coming out from DC! As you know, Amanda is MEH about DC, but even she's excited about some of these films. Right? We're as surprised as you are!Robert Pattinson as Batman still a top tier movie we're hyped about. Same with Wonder Woman! Just because it was supposed to come out in June doesn't mean we can't still absolutely freak out about how fab it looks!Amanda's even committing to watching ALL the DC films. So come on, give her some encouragement!Which are you most excited for?Check Out Geek Herring!Follow Geek Herring on Twitch!! | Join the Geek Herring Book ClubLove Geek Herring, please hop over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!Support Geek Herring on Patreon!If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please check out some of our others! Episode 41: Geeking Out About Marvel’s Phase 4 Episode 99: Geek Interview: Being Black and Nerdy with Justin Williams Episode 67: Geek Girl in the News: Saying no to dick pics, Raising The Game, & The Witcher 2! F

New tech got you nervous? We've brought in our pal Ellie McBride to talk about how she helps women bridge the gap between their fear and succeeding in all the amazing tech advancements they can embrace!About Ellie McBrideEllie McBride is an American expat living in Northern Ireland since 2017. After moving across the world to be with her Northern Irish husband, she struggled to find the flexibility to spend much time back at her other home in Oregon to see her friends and family. In this quest for flexibility, she realized building an online business from the ground up is the way to have everything she ever wanted in life. Ellie started out as a freelancer back in 2017. As a Virtual Assistant, she worked online with business owners in areas like social media planning, creating slick systems and automations, and perfecting their email marketing systems. However, Ellie soon realized many of her clients struggled with the same: Creating efficient processes to help open up their time for the tasks that truly need