In this episode of Lost in Fandom, we sit down with Dominican-American cosplayer Arly Langomas (she/they) to discuss how they creatively integrate their cultural heritage into their cosplay. Arly shares their journey into the world of cosplay, how they’ve navigated the challenges of underrepresentation in media, and why being a visible Latinx cosplayer is more crucial than ever. We also explore the broader impact of representation in media, discussing recent studies highlighting the ongoing gap between Latinx population numbers and their visibility in TV and film. Join us as we delve into the intersection of culture, identity, and fandom and discover how Arly is making their mark in the cosplay community.

The disheartening experience of vendors and attendees at the poorly executed Animation Fest, an anime and body art convention in Los Angeles. It highlights the promises of high attendance and vibrant activity that fell dramatically short, leaving booths empty and expectations needing to be met. Through interviews with disillusioned vendors like Clover and insights from industry experts, the piece explores the ramifications of inadequate planning, insufficient advertising, and lackluster security. It offers a cautionary tale for future events, emphasizing the necessity of thorough organization and genuine community engagement to prevent such disappointing outcomes at inaugural conventions.

In this short, we focus on Katie Aguilar. For more of the podcast, check out the Full Episode.

In this podcast, we have on Katie Aguilar, a talented Latina designer whose career trajectory has taken her from Netflix to Disney Plus. The piece explores her impactful contributions to iconic projects like Stranger Things and Godzilla: King of the Monsters, highlighting her role in evolving media production and the influence of fandoms. It also discusses the broader shifts in the entertainment industry, notably including diverse voices and stories, showcasing Aguilar as a key figure in shaping modern entertainment.

In the inaugural episode of "Lost in Fandom," we dive deep into the heart of fandom culture with our first guests, Jose and Eddie. Join us as they unravel the stories of their personal fandom journeys, shining a light on the characters that have captured their imaginations and the communities they've found a home in. Jose and Eddie reveal the depth of their passions and the significance of their most prized possessions, from discussing their all-time favorite characters to showcasing their treasured fandom merchandise. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to fandom, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how fandoms can shape our identities and enrich our lives.