Creating Representation in Pop Culture – POAFG Podcast

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In the latest episode of Portrait of a Fangirl podcast, host Jenna Wrenn spoke with comic book author, Kayden Phoenix, about her journey in creating the first Latina superhero team in comics and creating representation in the media.

Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast

The “Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast” is a new series from the team at the Temple of Geek. Portrait of a Fangirl initially began as a web series and has now expanded into a podcast series as well. You can watch and listen to the series both here and on our YouTube channel.  Hosted by Jenna Wrenn, at the core of the project is the importance of telling the stories of women who have found inspiration, growth, and power through fandom.

You can listen to the Temple of Geek Podcast directly on this page or stream it on Apple Podcasts / Google Podcast / iHeart Radio / Stitcher / Spotify and wherever you stream your podcast. You can even watch it on our YouTube channel. 

Creating Representation in Pop Culture

Being a fangirl looks different to each person. In this episode, Kayden discusses how she created the first Latina superhero team in comics: A La Brava. In the latest episode of Portrait of a Fangirl podcast, host Jenna Wrenn spoke with comic book author, Kayden Phoenix, about her journey in creating the first Latina superhero team in comics and creating representation in the media.

I just wanted the representation. […] Where’s our big Latina superhero on the big screen? And that’s originally where I thought about it. If I could write anything and if I could throw it up on the movie–the big theater screen–and pretend that someone’s going to buy it, I was like “what do I want to see, just for myself as an audience member?” And my first thought was Latina superhero.

About Our Guest

Kayden Phoenix is a lesbian Chicana writer and creator of A La Brava, the first Latina superhero team in comic book history, and The Majestics, Native, and Latina Princess series.

Starting off as a writer and director from Boyle Heights, California; upon entering the film industry, the first thing she noticed was the industry-dominated standard- complete with character generalizations. In response, she became a huge advocate for diversity both in front and behind the camera, giving a voice to stories untold. She plans on evening the playing field for the under-represented through her unique and diverse storytelling.

Phoenix’s passion for equality inspired her to expand with her own company, Phoenix Studios.

“A  big part of my life’s purpose is to give voice to stories as  multifaceted, atypical, and diverse as the people we find in the real  world.”

About our Host

Jenna Wrenn is a podcast host and entertainment correspondent for Temple of Geek. She has also written several articles covering conventions, anime, and much more. Jenna is a historian by trade, writer by passion, and cat mom by birthright.

Jenna loves all things nerdy and can be found playing D&D with her long-standing Sunday night group. Equally important to her, Jenna loves cosplaying, reading, and rewatching Star Wars: Rebels.

For more Fangirl stories, check out:

Elevating Fandom Through Fashion

The Business of Fangirling

 Creating a Safe Space in Fandom

Integrating Fangirl Culture into Everyday Life

Fangirling to the Best Version of Yourself

Fandom and Self Discovery

Anne Yatco on Embracing Your Inner Fangirl

The Positive Impacts of the Cosplay Community

How Portrait of a Fangirl Came to Be

The Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast is executive produced by Monica Duarte, Nathaniel J. Peinado, and Madison Morrow. In addition, it is produced by Jenna Wrenn and Tiffany Cagle. Hosted by Jenna Wrenn and was created under the umbrella of the Temple of Geek Podcast, as an ongoing series. Originally created by Monica Duarte and Emily Schuck for Temple of Geek.