In Episode XVI of Mind the Force, Kristine and James are joined by celebrity culture and fandom expert Gayle Stever to explore the fascinating world of fandoms. Gayle shares her extensive research on celebrity culture, parasocial relationships, and what drives the intense devotion behind superstar fandoms. From Star Trek and The Hobbit to icons like Michael Jackson and Josh Groban, Gayle dives deep into what makes these fandoms tick and why we are so drawn to larger-than-life figures.

We examine the psychological dynamics of fandom—what counts as fandom, what doesn’t, and how these fan cultures reflect broader societal trends.

We also take a special look at Star Wars, one of the most iconic and passionate fandoms in the world, and explore what it is about the galaxy far, far away that has sparked such a deep connection for generations of fans. Gayle offers unique insights into how Star Wars fits into the broader picture of fandom culture and the psychological aspects that keep fans coming back for more.

Guests: Gayle S. Stever, Ph.D.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gayle_Stever

https://gstever.sunyempirefaculty.net/

Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & James Abbate

Produced by: Press Record Studios

www.pressrecordstudios.com

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Mental Health Disclaimer

We are not medical or mental health professionals. Mind the Force podcast is intended for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this Podcast do we diagnose or treat listeners with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist or licensed mental health professional.