The positive impacts of the Cosplay Community – POAFG Podcast

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Host Jenna Wrenn is joined by cosplayer Natalia to discuss the positive impacts that cosplay and the cosplay community have made on her life.

Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast

The “Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast” is a new series from the team at the Temple of GeekPortrait 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. 

The positive impacts of the Cosplay Community

Cosplay is a play on the words “Costume” and “Role Play” and for many cosplay is a way for people to express themselves, be creative, and make new friends. It creates a sense of community that most grown-ups lose after high school or college. For some, it goes so far as to make them feel more confident about themselves. Many found it was an avenue that helped them learn more about themselves. And let’s face it, it’s just fun to dress up!

Photo Courtesy of Natalia

During this episode of the Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast, we are talking with cosplayer Natalia about her experiences in cosplay. We also suggest checking out some great cosplay resources here on the Temple of Geek website.

Cosplay Positivity and Fighting the Pitfalls of Cosplay Unhappiness

How to host a Cosplay Meetup at your local Comic Con

Portrait of a Fangirl – Cosplayer Natalia 

Natalia is a Utah-based cosplayer. Some of her favorite fandoms include Jujutsu Kaisen and Marvel. During our interview with Natalia, she tells us about the confidence that cosplay has helped her gain. And how she discovered things about herself that she didn’t know existed. We also discuss the impact that the cosplay community has had on her cosplays and in her life.

You can find Natalia on TikTok as oh_na_talia, as well as on Instagram as ohnahtalia. Her social media accounts are where she shares her passion for cosplay and fandom.

@oh_nah_talia

lol #richardgrayson #dccomics #nightwing #batfam #batfamily

♬ original sound – daphneberry

This idea began as a photography project with the goal of capturing the rich and diverse manifestations of fangirling. We wanted to take portraits of geeky women as a way to celebrate their fandoms. We soon came to realize that, even though a picture—as the cliché goes—is indeed worth a thousand words, these women have stories to tell that require a more robust mode of storytelling.

And so, Natalia provided photos and stories from their life that are meant to break the stereotypes and praise their vast and unique expression.

About our Host Jenna Wrenn

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

Jenna Wrenn, Portrait of a Fangirl Host

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:

Episode Seven – Jade Valkyrie  

Alice Fanchiang- Episode Five

Tiffany Michelle Cagle – Episode Four

Victoria Male – Episode Three

Jordan Ellis– Episode Two

Utahime Cosplay – Episode One

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 Wrena 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.

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