Five(ish) Fangirls Episode #521: The Medium and Message

It’s birthday tradition time once again at Five(ish) Fangirls! To celebrate, one of us gets to choose a Doctor Who Big Finish audio adventure, and this year it’s Rachel’s turn. Her pick? Big Finish #204: Criss-Cross. We dive into this twisty Sixth Doctor story, unpack its layered narrative, discuss performances, themes, and timey-wimey chaos, and share how it stacks up among Big Finish favorites. Was this birthday pick a hit? Tune in and find out!

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam  

TIME STAMPS

00:00:20 Intro

00:04:54 News

00:25:25 Feedback

00:56:27 Big Finish #204 Criss-Cross

01:32:35 Closing Thoughts

01:33:36 Outro

NEWS

Acting legend Robert Duvall has passed away at age 95

Good Omens S3 date announcement

Indy PopCon updates: Sean Astin

Salt Lake Fan X updates: Alan Tudyk, Mark Sheppard

InConJunction date announcement

Gold Standard: KPop Demon Hunters, Sleeping Beauty

Gold Standard Patreon (January): The Illusionist

 

RESOURCES

https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Criss-Cross_(audio_story) 

WREN: Women’s Royal Naval Service 

Bletchley Park Trust YouTube Channel

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.   

 

Fiveish Fangirls Episode #520: Mystery Actor Archive Vol. 25

It’s time to spin the wheel once again! In this episode, we pull celebrity names from our trusty (and very digital) wheel picker, fully expecting our usual mix of fun surprises. Instead, fate throws us a curveball when the wheel lands on one of the biggest icons in modern Hollywood. With a résumé that’s far too massive for a quick rundown, we pivot and dedicate the entire episode to celebrating this legendary career. Who is it? You’ll have to listen to find out! Plus some fandom news and your feedback!

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam  

TIME STAMPS

00:00:17 Intro

00:03:30 News

00:25:49 Feedback

00:49:56 Mystery Celebrity

01:12:11 Slight tech detour

01:14:04 And we're back

02:02:45 Closing Thoughts

02:07:12 Outro

NEWS

Catherine O'Hara dies at 71 | AP News

The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl Spot (2026)

Michael Trailer #1 (2026)

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Trailer #1 (2026)

Daredevil Born Again S2 trailer

Big Finish extends Doctor Who license till 2035

2026 Oscar nominations

GenCon badges are now on sale

Book club update

 

RESOURCES

Meryl Streep

-The Deer Hunter

-Kramer vs. Kramer

-Out of Africa

-Defending Your Life

-The Hours

-Mama Mia!

Mama Mia! Here’s We Go Again

-Mary Poppins Returns

-Only Murders In The Building

Why Do We Love Meryl Streep?

 

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.   

Five(ish) Fangirls Episode #519: Professional Wizard

In anticipation of the newest entry in The Dresden Files series (which will be out by the time this episode drops), we’re diving headfirst into Jim Butcher’s beloved urban fantasy world. From wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden and his ever-growing list of supernatural problems to the blend of noir detective vibes, magic, monsters, and heart, we discuss what makes this long-running book series such a fandom staple—and why now is the perfect time to jump in (or jump back in). Plus some fandom news, quite a bit of feedback, and a bit of a side-tangent so Rachel can give a quick review of her recent seeing of MJ The Musical.

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam  

TIME STAMPS

00:00:13 Intro

00:01:59 News

00:11:16 Feedback

00:45:52 The Dresden Files

02:29:48 Closing Thoughts

02:32:58 Outro

NEWS

Black Panther-Fantastic Four, Avengers Doomsday teaser

The Russo brothers tease that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Doomsday

Gold Standard: The World’s End

 

 Rachel and James Marsters

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.   

 

Five(ish) Fangirls Episode #518: Right Side Up

As we journey back to Hawkins one last time, we dive into the fifth and final season of the mega-hit series *Stranger Things*. We discuss how the show wraps up its long-running storylines, the emotional arcs of our favorite characters, and the balance between nostalgia, horror, and heart that defined the series from the start. From epic moments to lingering questions, we reflect on the legacy of *Stranger Things* and what its conclusion means for fans who’ve been along for the ride since day one.

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam  

TIME STAMPS

00:00:18 Intro

00:04:03 News

00:43:21 Feedback

01:04:02 Stranger Things

02:56:31 Closing Thoughts

02:59:15 Outro

 

NEWS

YouTuber Adam the Woo passes away

2026 Critic’s Choice winners

2026 Golden Globes winners

Avengers: Doomsday teasers-Steve Rogers, Thor, The X-Men

Humble Bundle: Fierce Women of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror

Help out a fellow fangirl with her research

 

 

 

RESOURCES

STRANGER THINGS THE FIRST SHADOW BREAKDOWN! Every Connection from the Play to Season 5!

Stranger Things Season 5 Ending Explained

Top 37 Things You Missed In Stranger Things Season 5 

 

 

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.   

A Little Extra Squee: Sportsball!

For this special A Little Extra Squee side quest, Rachel and Holly take a break from pop culture to check in on the current state of some local sports teams—because being a nerd and loving sports are absolutely not mutually exclusive. From highs and lows to painfully mediocre seasons, nothing is off the table. They also dive into a newer fandom obsession, Inter Milan football, and tangent into conversations about athletes who don’t know when to retire and why Olympic coverage in the U.S. keeps hiding behind paywalls (looking at you, NBC).

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam 

AUDIO CLIPS

Sports Go Sports by Garfunkel and Oates

"Weird Al" Yankovic - Sports Song

Jock Jams 3 - Commercial - 1997

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.   

 

Five(ish) Fangirls Episode #517: Welcome To The Party Pal!

We’re closing out 2025 the only way that makes sense: with explosions, one-liners, and a whole lot of holiday chaos. For our final episode of the year, we’re revisiting the action classic Die Hard and breaking down what makes it such an enduring favorite. From John McClane’s reluctant heroism to unforgettable villains, iconic moments, and the eternal “is it a Christmas movie?” debate, we’re going out with a bang—yippee-ki-yay and all.

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam 

TIME STAMPS

00:00:24 Intro

00:03:30 News

00:23:30 Feedback

00:43:48 Die Hard

02:00:24 Closing Thoughts

02:04:03 Outro

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.   

NEWS

Anthony Geary, General Hospital Legend Who Played Luke Spencer, Dies at 78

Rob Reiner, Legendary Comedic Actor and ‘Princess Bride’ Director, Found Dead in His Home 

Five(ish) Fangirls Episode #516: Everyone Say Yabbos!

 

Rachel is back from another whirlwind convention weekend and is recapping her recent trip to GalaxyCon Columbus, an event that’s quickly becoming an annual tradition. From catching up with old friends and meeting new celebrity guests (complete with autographs and photo ops), to shopping the vendor hall and indulging in some memorable food, this episode is a love letter to con life. If you enjoy convention chaos, fandom joy, and snack talk, this recap has you covered.

 

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam 

 TIME STAMPS

00:00:24 Intro

00:01:38 News

00:13:06 Feedback

00:27:41 GalaxyCon Columbus

02:50:40 Closing Thoughts

02:55:14 Outro

NEWS

Gold Globe nominations

Book club updates

Gold Standard: Ghostbusters (1984)

 

RESOURCES

GalaxyCon

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.