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On this episode of The Knowledge Bar, we dive into something that everybody relates to on some level: Fandom. The rise of social media, pop sensations like Taylor Swift, and mega franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe have taken fandom from online chat rooms to mainstream. Join us for a conversation about the origins of fandom, how we interact with it, and where it's going.

We’ll also spend time on today’s episode comforting Chris as the Lions lose more players to injury, get Patrick’s reaction to the NYT’s Year in Photos, and celebrate the death of cord drawers.

What are you drinking Recommendations:

• Alex: Old Cockney Gin - Two James Distilling - Detroit, MI
• Chris: G4 Madeira Blanco - Destileria El Pandillo - Los Altos de Jalisco
• Patrick: Macallan 12 - The Macallan - Easter Elchies, Scotland
• Ethan: Quite Brite, Belgian (Beer) - Bells Brewing - Kalamazoo, MI

Just One More Recommendations:

• Alex: Ted Lasso (TV Series) - Apple TV
• Chris: The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in WWII, Buzz Bissinger (book)
• Patrick: Devil’s Bargain: Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Storming of the Presidency, Joshua Green (book)
• Ethan: The Last Bronycon: A Fandom autopsy - Youtube

00:00
The Rise of Fandom Culture

32:22
Exploring the Dynamics of Fandom

33:49
The Impact of Social Media on Fandom

42:04
Personal Experiences with Fandom

47:18
Navigating Fandom Conversations

49:30
The Psychological Benefits of Fandom

51:52
The Downsides of Fandom: Knowledge Toxicity and Exclusivity

55:39
Parasocial Relationships and Their Impact

56:58
Fandoms as Social Connections

01:02:42
The Future of Fandom: Growth and Concerns

01:07:26
Toxicity in Fandoms: A Double-Edged Sword

01:12:51
The Impact of Corporate Interests on Fandoms

01:19:49
Final Thoughts on Fandoms and Community

Produced and Edited by Ethan Harig

Rate, Subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know how we’re doing.

Follow us on Instagram (@TheKnowledge.Bar) and TikTok (@TheKnowledge.Bar). Check out more Knowledge Bar content at TheKnowledge.Bar and email us feedback or topic thoughts at podcast@knowledge.bar.

Enjoy your friends and always drink responsibly! Cheers!

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Hear our thoughts and analysis on the upcoming College Football Playoff!

Produced and Edited by Ethan Harig

Rate, Subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know how we’re doing.

Follow us on Instagram (@TheKnowledge.Bar) and TikTok (@TheKnowledge.Bar). Check out more Knowledge Bar content at TheKnowledge.Bar and email us feedback or topic thoughts at podcast@knowledge.bar.

Enjoy your friends and always drink responsibly! Cheers!

Send us a text

Today we’re jumping into a topic that paints a grim picture for the future of housing in America. Major climate events in the United States have quintupled since the 1980s. Those events are particularly concentrated in Texas, Florida, and California. The effects of global climate change are making these natural disasters more and more severe, but populations and property values in high risk zones are increasing. We’ll explore what’s going on and the impacts for the future.

In addition to our main topic, we’ll catch up on the World Chess Championship, lament the impending Reds loss of Elly De La Cruz in 2029, and talk about a court case with huge consequences.

What are you drinking Recommendations:

• Alex: 51k (Beer) - Blackrocks Brewery
• Chris: Bake Sale (Beer) - Arbor Brewing Company
• Patrick:Strawberry Blonde (Beer) - Arbor Brewing Company
• Ethan: Juicy Truth (Beer) - Rhinegeist

Just One More Recommendations:

Alex: Ghostlight (movie) - Streaming on AMC+

Chris: The Great Transition (book) - Nick Fuller Googins

Patrick: Brooklyn Castle (2012 Documentary)

Ethan: Devs (Show) - Streaming on Hulu

Produced and Edited by Ethan Harig

Rate, Subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know how we’re doing.

Follow us on Instagram (@TheKnowledge.Bar) and TikTok (@TheKnowledge.Bar). Check out more Knowledge Bar content at TheKnowledge.Bar and email us feedback or topic thoughts at podcast@knowledge.bar.

Enjoy your friends and always drink responsibly! Cheers!