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Laura Sirikul stands out as a seasoned entertainment journalist and critic, celebrated for her in-depth coverage of TV, film, music, sports, and pop culture. With over a decade of experience, she’s become an influential figure in the industry, particularly recognized for her unwavering advocacy for Asian Americans and the wider Asian diaspora in media.

Laura Sirikul on Embracing the “Fangirl” Within

In a recent episode of the Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast, Laura Sirikul discusses her journey into entertainment writing. It’s a journey that was far from predictable. Initially drawn to science writing, she soon discovered an undeniable love for writing about film and television. This realization sparked a transformative career change, leading Sirikul to immerse herself in relevant coursework and hone her writing skills to thrive in this new field.

Sirikul enthusiastically embraces the term “fangirl.” Currently, she’s passionate about “The Acolyte,” “Doctor Who,” “Ultraman Rising,” “Cobra Kai,” the global K-pop sensation BTS, and the exhilarating world of Asian rugby. She firmly believes her enthusiasm as a fan fuels her work as a journalist, providing her with unique insights and understanding of audience perspectives.

Professionalism and Fandom

While passionate about her interests, Sirikul maintains an unwavering commitment to professionalism. She artfully crafts stories and interview questions that resonate with fellow fans, all while adhering to the highest journalistic standards. Her approach demonstrates that fandom and professional reporting can not only coexist but also complement each other.

Sirikul is a powerful advocate for increased and accurate Asian representation in entertainment. She actively uses her platform to elevate Asian voices, critique problematic or stereotypical portrayals, and push for more inclusive, authentic storytelling across the diverse landscape of media.

Sirikul openly acknowledges the challenges of a demanding career, particularly the balancing act between work and personal life. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries, confidently saying no, and seeking support when needed. To aspiring journalists, she offers this heartfelt advice: cherish every opportunity, express gratitude to those who guide and support you, and always take a moment to celebrate your hard-earned successes.

Laura Sirikul’s evolution from science academic to entertainment journalism powerhouse showcases her passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to advocating for Asian representation. Her distinct perspective, coupled with her journalistic integrity, solidifies her position as an essential and respected voice in today’s media landscape.

Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast

The Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast is a 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. The podcast is currently in its second season.

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 Portrait of a Fangirl  Podcast directly on this page or stream it on Apple Podcasts / Google Podcast / iHeart Radio / Spotify and wherever you stream your  podcast. Additionally, you ca watch it on our YouTube channel. You can also find us on social media on Instagram and TikTok.

About Our Host

Host and executive producer of the Portrait of a Fangirl  Podcast, Jenna Wrenn, is also an entertainment correspondent for Temple of Geek.  Jenna has interviewed talents such as Felicia Day, Max Brooks, Christopher Paolini, Rachel Smythe, and Ashley Eckstein. She has written several articles for Temple of Geek covering conventions, anime, pop culture, and much more.

A historian by trade, a writer by passion, and a cat mom by birthright. Jenna loves to travel, forge new connections, and cosplay. Jenna is excited to bring more fascinating interviews to viewers/listeners of the Portrait of a Fangirl  podcast.