Welcome to Fandom Fables, the podcast where three passionate hosts dive deep into the enchanting realms of nerd culture! Join us on a thrilling journey through the vast landscapes of fandoms, where we explore the tales, triumphs, and tribulations that make being a fan so extraordinary. Each episode, our dynamic trio brings their unique perspectives to the table, unraveling the latest news, dissecting beloved franchises, and engaging in spirited debates about all things nerdy. From epic movie ...
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Fandom Fables Podcasts
The home of Marianna Spring's social media and disinformation investigations for BBC Radio 4, with new series "Marianna in Conspiracyland 2".
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S5 Episode 17-French.exe Has Crashed – Insert Guest Star Tylar
1:35:12
1:35:12
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1:35:12Send us a text This week on Fandom Fables, Scott and Caleb are joined by special guest star Tylar as French is temporarily sidelined with a knee injury — he's currently more machine than man. The crew dives deep into some classic geek pillars: their ongoing love for Dungeons & Dragons, the massive legacy of Final Fantasy, and the iconic world of Gu…
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S5 Episode 16-Planes, Pokéballs, and Panic Attacks
1:14:11
1:14:11
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1:14:11Send us a text In this jam-packed episode of Fandom Fables, the crew explores three very different worlds. French kicks things off with a recap of his trip to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin—sharing his excitement over thunderous jet flyovers, bizarre experimental aircraft, and why the event is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts. He also dive…
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S5 Episode 15-Fireworks, Fantasy, and Faraway Lands
1:17:36
1:17:36
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1:17:36Send us a text In this wanderlust-filled episode of Fandom Fables, hosts Scott, French, and Caleb take a break from their usual nerdy adventures to dream big about their ultimate vacation destinations. From the misty cliffs and rolling green hills of Ireland to the neon-lit streets and ancient temples of Japan, the trio dives deep into why these pl…
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S5 Episode 14-The 100th Episode!!!!!
1:11:30
1:11:30
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1:11:30Send us a text For the monumental 100th episode of Fandom Fables, Scott, French, and Caleb are joined by returning fan-favorite guest Eric for a celebration unlike any other. To mark the occasion, the crew ditches the usual format and dives headfirst into a gauntlet of fandom-themed game shows! From rapid-fire trivia rounds to “Fandom Feud,” the la…
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Can people fight back against medical misinformation? In the months after Paloma’s death, her brothers say they want to prevent other deaths, and they believe social media companies should take stronger action against medical misinformation. Meanwhile her Mum, Kate Shemirani, takes to social media to share a different account of her death. She has …
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Are we equipped to deal with a rising tide of misinformation? The BBC’s social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring investigates how safeguarding procedures work and how social services and hospitals are trying to deal with the mainstreaming of medical misinformation. She speaks to a social worker who says it’s time for the law to be …
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3. Down the cancer conspiracy rabbit hole
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30:42
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30:42What are cancer patients seeing on social media? The BBC’s social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring goes down the cancer conspiracy rabbit hole to find out. She returns to the days Paloma spent in hospital after her cancer diagnosis to analyse the advice Paloma was being given by medical staff versus the advice she was receiving fr…
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Could the answer lie in the past? The BBC’s social media investigations correspondent, Marianna Spring, continues investigating what happened to Paloma Shemirani. She speaks to Paloma’s brothers to see if the answers could lie in the house they grew up in. Who is Paloma’s mum - prominent British conspiracy theorist influencer Kate Shemirani - and h…
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What happened to Paloma? Aged 22, Paloma Shemirani has her whole life ahead of her. She’s recently graduated, moved into a flat and found a job. But just days before Christmas in 2023 she receives bad news, she has cancer - an aggressive but treatable form of Lymphoma. Despite a good prognosis, Paloma decides - at least initially - to reject chemot…
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S5 Episode 13-Reel Talk: The Fandom Faves Film Fest
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1:35:45
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1:35:45Send us a text This week on Fandom Fables, it's all about the silver screen. Caleb, French, and Scott each unveil their favorite movie of all time, sharing what makes it unforgettable and how it shaped their fandom journey. From explosive action to heartfelt animation to mind-bending sci-fi, the trio covers a wide spectrum of cinema—complete with l…
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S5 Episode 12-Top 5 Showdowns: Our Favorite Series Revealed!
1:36:16
1:36:16
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1:36:16Send us a text In this fan-fueled episode of Fandom Fables, French, Caleb, and Scott take on a deceptively tough challenge: each host must choose their top 5 favorite shows of all time—and defend their picks. From animated classics to genre-defining dramas and cult-favorite comedies, the trio dives deep into what makes these series unforgettable. E…
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S5 episode 11-Springfield Secrets & Expedition Echoes
1:13:41
1:13:41
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1:13:41Send us a text In this episode of Fandom Fables, hosts Scott, French, and Caleb dive deep into the yellow-tinted world of The Simpsons! From eerily accurate predictions to iconic cultural moments, the trio breaks down how a cartoon family from Springfield managed to foresee everything from tech trends to world events. Could it just be coincidence—o…
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S5 Episode 10-New Journeys and Old Memories
1:07:35
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1:07:35Send us a text In this episode, Scott, French, and Caleb reflect on the end of the Atlas Journey chapter for Fandom Fables and share their excitement about diving into Ashes of Creation with their new group, The Federation. They swap stories about the thrill of exploring new worlds and how the transition has reignited their passion for discovery. T…
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S5 Episode 9-Surprise Drops and Middle-Earth Marathons
1:25:27
1:25:27
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1:25:27Send us a text In this episode of Fandom Fables, French, Caleb, and Scott dive into the latest wave of unexpected gaming greatness! Bethesda shocks everyone by shadow-dropping Oblivion, reminding fans why they’re still masters of the RPG world. The crew also breaks down Expedition 33, sharing first impressions, standout features, and what it could …
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S5 Episode 8-Hell Runs & Gauntlet Guns – Victory, Chaos, and Questions That Haunt
1:12:48
1:12:48
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1:12:48Send us a text This week on Fandom Fables, Scott, French, and Caleb are joined by special guest and honorary host Tech Guy for an epic tale of triumph, teamwork, and deep thinking. French finally conquers his Diablo II Hell run — was it worth the pain, or just another circle of digital torment? The crew celebrates with tales from the battlefield as…
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S5 Episode 7-Back from the Bug: TRON, Flash, and Atlas Adventures
1:36:34
1:36:34
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1:36:34Send us a text After a brief hiatus battling the sick bug, Scott, French, and Caleb are back and buzzing with energy! In this comeback episode, the trio dives into the neon-drenched world of the new TRON movie, debates the state of the speedster saga with The Flash, and gets caught up on all the chaos, creativity, and camaraderie happening in the n…
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S5 Episode 6-Cheeto Zard, Powerpuff Fumbles, and MTG's Secret Stash
1:25:11
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1:25:11Send us a text In this episode of Fandom Fables, Scott, French, and Caleb dive into the flaming hot legend of the Cheeto Zard—the absurdly rare, cheese-dust-coated Charizard card that has collectors in a frenzy. Then, they break down the spectacular rise and fall of the Powerpuff Girls’ failed live-action TV show, from leaked scripts to why some th…
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S5 Episode 5-Shadows & Swords – The Legend of Drizzt
1:37:16
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1:37:16Send us a text In this special episode of Fandom Fables, Caleb, Chad, Scott, and French are joined by guest Neal for a deep dive into The Legend of Drizzt, the iconic fantasy series by R.A. Salvatore. The crew discusses the series’ impact on the fantasy genre, its unforgettable characters, and why Drizzt Do'Urden remains a fan favorite. Neal shares…
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S5 Episode 4-Screens, Schemes, and Parenting Dreams
1:04:06
1:04:06
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1:04:06Send us a text This week on Fandom Fables, the crew kicks things off with their usual chaos as Caleb, Scott, French, and Chad catch up on their weeks—expect rants, random tangents, and at least one questionable life choice. Then, they dive into a hot topic: kids and screen time. How much is too much? Is it all bad, or do screens have a place in mod…
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S5 episode 3-Back with a Vengeance – June Movies & French’s Reads!
1:09:21
1:09:21
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1:09:21Send us a text After a brief (and totally unintended) hiatus, the Fandom Fables crew is back! Scott, French, and Caleb kick things off with an apology for the delay—turns out their recording equipment decided to stage a rebellion. But no worries, because they’re coming back stronger than ever! This episode, the guys dive into the most exciting movi…
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S5 Episode 2-Cosmic Connections: French's Love for Interstellar
1:27:03
1:27:03
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1:27:03Send us a text In this stellar episode of Fandom Fables, the crew embarks on a journey through time and space as French takes center stage to share his undying love for Interstellar. Caleb, Chad, and Scott eagerly join the conversation, diving deep into the film's breathtaking visuals, Hans Zimmer’s unforgettable score, and the heart-wrenching stor…
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S5 Episode 1-Gaming Futures & Forgotten Laughs
1:10:26
1:10:26
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1:10:26Send us a text The boys are back for Season 5! French, Scott, and Caleb dive into the exciting (and daunting) future of gaming in 2025—what trends are on the horizon, and what should fans brace themselves for? They also explore the puzzling decline of comedy movies in recent years: where did the laughs go, and can they make a comeback? Finally, the…
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S4 Episode 20-Holiday Hijinks: The Fandom Fables Christmas Game Show
1:14:41
1:14:41
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1:14:41Send us a text Get ready for some festive fun as Caleb, Scott, and French take the reins of holiday cheer alongside special guest Amanda! In this merry episode of Fandom Fables, the crew transforms the podcast into a laugh-out-loud Christmas game show filled with trivia, challenges, and ridiculous holiday-themed antics. From guessing obscure Christ…
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S4 Episode 19-Mana, Monsters, and Mayhem: Exploring Magic: The Gathering
1:07:58
1:07:58
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1:07:58Send us a text In this spellbinding episode of Fandom Fables, the hosts dive into the multiverse of Magic: The Gathering. Caleb conjures tales of his favorite Planeswalkers, Scott breaks down the art and lore of some iconic cards, adding his signature eccentric flair. Meanwhile, French brings the heat with a deck-building masterclass, sharing tips …
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S4 Episode 18-Would you like to know more?
1:12:45
1:12:45
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1:12:45Send us a text Join French, Scott, and Caleb as they dive headfirst into the chaotic, bug-infested world of Starship Troopers. Special guest Shawn beams aboard to unpack the layers of this cult-classic sci-fi satire. Together, they explore everything from the film's biting political commentary to its over-the-top action sequences and its enduring i…
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Send us a text In this thrilling episode of Fandom Fables, hosts French, Caleb, and Scott dive into Bushwookie's ultimate fan quandary: assembling the ultimate 5-person dream team from across all fandoms to save the multiverse! From caped crusaders to intergalactic warriors, they debate the perfect combination of skills, powers, and personalities t…
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S4 Episode 16-Community Chronicles & Weekly Adventures
1:07:05
1:07:05
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1:07:05Send us a text This week on Fandom Fables, the crew—Caleb, Chad, SCott, and French—dive into their personal highlights of the week, sharing stories that range from the hilarious to the heartwarming. The conversation then shifts to the thriving Fandom Fables gaming community, celebrating recent milestones, standout player moments, and the buzz aroun…
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S4 Episode 15-Cobra Kicks, Boxing Legends, and Fandom Feuds
1:09:04
1:09:04
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1:09:04Send us a text In this action-packed episode of Fandom Fables, the crew dives into the long-awaited new season of Cobra Kai. Caleb, Chad, Scott, and French share their hot takes on the intense drama, epic fight scenes, and how the show's legacy continues to strike hard and show no mercy. Next, the team jabs into the buzzworthy Jake Paul vs. Mike Ty…
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Send us a text In another fun episode, Scott falls asleep and dreams of another game show! This one with a spooky theme.By Fandom Fables
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bonus=Nerds, the next generation, 2
1:04:29
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1:04:29Send us a text The little ones, impressed with fandom fables takes another shot at it!By Fandom Fables
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Send us a text In this cosmic episode of Fandom Fables, hosts Caleb, Chad, Scott, and French take listeners on a journey through the stars as they dive into the expansive possibilities of space exploration and the science behind Dyson spheres. They unravel how these megastructures could theoretically harness the power of stars, revolutionizing ener…
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S4 Episode 12-The Ultimate Nerd Free-for-All
1:17:48
1:17:48
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1:17:48Send us a text In this wild and unpredictable episode of Fandom Fables, Caleb, Chad, Scott, and French throw out the rulebook for a free-for-all discussion! No topic is off-limits as the hosts dive into whatever nerdy passions come to mind. From heated debates about the best superhero team-ups, to deep dives into underrated sci-fi shows, and even a…
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5. Fandom Frenzies: Who’s afraid of little old us?
28:44
28:44
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28:44In Why Do You Hate Me? USA, BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring is investigating how what’s happening online can shape the 2024 presidential election. In this episode, Marianna goes deep inside the world of a particular kind of social media tribe: the fandom. These groups revolve around the love for celebrities from po…
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4. Doxxed and Blocked: ‘We’re distressed about war in the Middle East and now trolls are after us.'
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28:44Few topics have caused as much division online as the deepening war in the Middle East. In this episode, Marianna is in New York investigating the experiences of students targeted on social media. They have been affected by doxxing – where their personal information is shared online triggering racist and misogynistic hate – by people wanting to mak…
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S4 Episode 11-Surviving the Storm with Bush Wookiee: Games and Real Life Survival
1:30:31
1:30:31
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1:30:31Send us a text In this thrilling episode of Fandom Fables, Scott, French, and Caleb sit down with the man, the myth, the legend—Bush Wookie. Recently affected by a devastating hurricane, Bush Whookiee shares his real-life experiences of survival, resilience, and recovery. The hosts dive into a deep conversation about survival, both in the physical …
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3. The Fable of the Pikesville Clip: ‘I’ve been burnt by the fire once, so I’ll think twice before posting’
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28:28A headteacher at a school in small American suburb of Baltimore was a prominent member of the local community. But many in the neighbourhood turned on Principal Eric Eiswert, after an audio clip emerged of him appearing to make racist and antisemitic remarks. Except, what no one knew then was that another bombshell would transform what they thought…
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S4 Episode 10-While Chad is away, the boys will play.
1:21:38
1:21:38
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1:21:38Send us a text Chad got sick so we had to wing it, enjoy.By Fandom Fables
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S4 Episode 8-Beetle Juice, Beetle Juice, Beetle Juice
1:03:23
1:03:23
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1:03:23Send us a text In this spirited episode of Fandom Fables, the crew takes a trip to the bizarre and delightful afterlife of Tim Burton's Beetlejuice. Caleb, Chad, Scott), and French dive into the eccentric world of Betelgeuse, discussing its iconic characters, quirky humor, and the film's lasting impact on pop culture. Expect plenty of laughs as the…
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s4 episode 9-Cult Classics: Hidden Gems and Fan Favorites
1:07:37
1:07:37
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1:07:37Send us a text In this nostalgic episode of Fandom Fables, Caleb, Chad, French, and Scott dive into the quirky world of cult classic movies. From obscure indie flicks to underappreciated gems, the hosts explore what makes these films endure and capture the hearts of diehard fans. Expect passionate debates, hilarious anecdotes, and deep dives into f…
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2. Counting The Threats: 'I just work in IT – why am I getting threats from election deniers?'
28:20
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28:20What are the real-world consequences of the belief that almost anything and everything can be staged or rigged – from assassination attempts to elections? In Why Do You Hate Me? USA, BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring is investigating how what’s happening online can shape the 2024 presidential election. In this episod…
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1. Wild Thoughts: 'I hate Trump, she likes him – we both think he staged assassination attempts'
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28:27
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28:27Meet Camille and ‘Wild Mother’. Both women love nature, animals, and the outdoors. Both women also believe the assassination attempts on Donald Trump were staged – but have very different political views. Why do people believe the things they do? And what role do social media sites – and their algorithms – play? In this series, BBC disinformation a…
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For the second series of BBC Radio 4’s Why Do You Hate Me, disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring heads to the USA. She investigates the social media backdrop to the presidential election, interrogating different online phenomena and cases of hate – looking at how they could potentially influence the way people vote. Marianna…
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S4 Episode 7-The Dark Allure: Unraveling the Myth of Vampires
1:04:31
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1:04:31Send us a text In this thrilling episode of Fandom Fables, the hosts—Chad, Caleb, Scott as, and French—sink their teeth into the timeless fascination with vampires. From the folklore that birthed the legends to the modern-day adaptations in books, movies, and TV shows, the crew explores how vampires have evolved over time. Expect laughs, deep dives…
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S4 Episode 6-A Tale of Tales: Fables Old and New
1:03:47
1:03:47
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1:03:47Send us a text In this enchanting episode of Fandom Fables, hosts Caleb, Chad, French, and Scott embark on a journey through the world of fables—those timeless tales that blend morals, myths, and magic. They explore the origins and evolution of classic fables, discussing how these stories have influenced cultures across the globe. From Aesop's fabl…
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S4 Episode 5-Exploding into the Apocalypse: A Deep Dive into Armageddon
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1:14:54Send us a text In this explosive episode of Fandom Fables, the crew—Caleb, Chad, Scott, and French—take on the high-octane blockbuster Armageddon. Strap in as they break down the iconic moments, debate the science (or lack thereof), and share their favorite Bruce Willis scenes. Whether you're a fan of space shuttles or just love a good disaster fli…
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S4 Episode 4- Deadpool and Wolverine
1:01:33
1:01:33
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1:01:33Send us a text In this week's episode of Fandom Fables, Caleb Chad, and Scott, tackle the wild world of Deadpool 3 while French is out sick, likely concocting his own fourth wall-breaking schemes at home. The trio dives into what makes the upcoming film a potential game-changer for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Expect theories on multiverse madnes…
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S4 Episode 3-Rewriting Thrones & Discord Debates
1:10:19
1:10:19
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1:10:19Send us a text In this thrilling episode of Fandom Fables, our hosts dive deep into the world of Westeros! Caleb, Chad, Scott, and French put on their creative caps to discuss how Game of Thrones should have ended. From alternate story arcs to justice for fan-favorite characters, the crew reimagines the final season and explores what could have bee…
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Send us a text In this fun filled episode Scott falls asleep and dreams of being a game show host!By Fandom Fables
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Send us a text Welcome back to Season 4 of Fandom Fables! In this thrilling premiere, join your favorite hosts Scott, Chad, French, and Caleb as they embark on an intergalactic journey through the iconic universe of Stargate. Dive deep into the lore of the franchise, from the original 1994 movie that started it all to the beloved TV series Stargate…
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Send us a text In the thrilling season finale of "Fandom Fables," hosts Caleb, Chad, French, and Scott come together for an epic discussion that you won't want to miss. They dive deep into the illustrious career of Leonardo DiCaprio, exploring his most iconic roles and memorable moments. The conversation then shifts to "Kill Tony," where the hosts …
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