After a brief, unexpected hiatus, we're back and diving into the swamp! In this episode, we explore the history and surprising rise of Shrek, the animated hit that changed the game for studios like DreamWorks Animation. From its unconventional production journey to its massive cultural impact, we discuss how Shrek became an unlikely success story—and why its humor, heart, and fairy tale twists still resonate with audiences today. Plus we tackle the pile up of fandom news and feedback that may have sent us on a few tangents and rabbit trails.

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00:00:23 Intro

00:03:45 News

00:45:33 Feedback

01:34:27 Shrek

02:35:50 Closing Thoughts

02:37:50 Outro

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

It's Hollywood's biggest night, and we're breaking it all down! Join us as we discuss the 98th Academy Awards with our returning guest DJ Nik. From the biggest wins and surprising upsets to memorable moments from the ceremony, we share our reactions to this year's Oscars. Plus, it's time to reveal the results of our annual head-to-head Oscars prediction contest—who came out on top this year? Tune in for plenty of movie talk, friendly rivalry, and awards season squee!

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00:00:24 Intro

00:05:12 Feedback

00:11:47 98th Academy Awards

01:18:26 Closing Thoughts

01:20:19 Outro

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

This week we're taking a day off—Ferris style! Join us as we revisit the beloved 1980s comedy Ferris Bueller's Day Off, one of the most iconic films from writer-director John Hughes. From breaking the fourth wall to unforgettable moments across Chicago, we discuss why Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane's legendary skip day still resonates decades later. Is Ferris a charming hero or a master manipulator? Either way, this John Hughes classic remains endlessly quotable and wildly fun.

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TIME STAMPS

00:00:24 Intro

00:04:59 News

00:30:10 Ferris Bueller's Day Off

01:51:24 Closing Thoughts

01:53:43 Outro

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

This episode dives into Innuendo, one of the most powerful and emotionally complex albums in Queen's legendary catalog. We talk about the album's themes of defiance, reflection, and perseverance, its blend of classic Queen bombast with surprising experimentation, and the context of where the band—and Freddie Mercury—were at the time. From epic title tracks to deeply personal moments, Innuendo stands as a bold, moving statement at the end of an era. Plus some fandom news and your feedback!

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam

TIME STAMPS

00:00:13 Intro

00:02:39 News

00:21:50 Feedback

00:33:35 Innuendo

01:48:42 Closing Thoughts

01:51:15 Outro

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

It's birthday tradition time once again at Five(ish) Fangirls! To celebrate, one of us gets to choose a Doctor Who Big Finish audio adventure, and this year it's Rachel's turn. Her pick? Big Finish #204: Criss-Cross. We dive into this twisty Sixth Doctor story, unpack its layered narrative, discuss performances, themes, and timey-wimey chaos, and share how it stacks up among Big Finish favorites. Was this birthday pick a hit? Tune in and find out!

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TIME STAMPS

00:00:20 Intro

00:04:54 News

00:25:25 Feedback

00:56:27 Big Finish #204 Criss-Cross

01:32:35 Closing Thoughts

01:33:36 Outro

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

It's time to spin the wheel once again! In this episode, we pull celebrity names from our trusty (and very digital) wheel picker, fully expecting our usual mix of fun surprises. Instead, fate throws us a curveball when the wheel lands on one of the biggest icons in modern Hollywood. With a résumé that's far too massive for a quick rundown, we pivot and dedicate the entire episode to celebrating this legendary career. Who is it? You'll have to listen to find out! Plus some fandom news and your feedback!

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam

TIME STAMPS

00:00:17 Intro

00:03:30 News

00:25:49 Feedback

00:49:56 Mystery Celebrity

01:12:11 Slight tech detour

01:14:04 And we're back

02:02:45 Closing Thoughts

02:07:12 Outro

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

In anticipation of the newest entry in The Dresden Files series (which will be out by the time this episode drops), we're diving headfirst into Jim Butcher's beloved urban fantasy world. From wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden and his ever-growing list of supernatural problems to the blend of noir detective vibes, magic, monsters, and heart, we discuss what makes this long-running book series such a fandom staple—and why now is the perfect time to jump in (or jump back in). Plus some fandom news, quite a bit of feedback, and a bit of a side-tangent so Rachel can give a quick review of her recent seeing of MJ The Musical.

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam

TIME STAMPS

00:00:13 Intro

00:01:59 News

00:11:16 Feedback

00:45:52 The Dresden Files

02:29:48 Closing Thoughts

02:32:58 Outro

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

As we journey back to Hawkins one last time, we dive into the fifth and final season of the mega-hit series *Stranger Things*. We discuss how the show wraps up its long-running storylines, the emotional arcs of our favorite characters, and the balance between nostalgia, horror, and heart that defined the series from the start. From epic moments to lingering questions, we reflect on the legacy of *Stranger Things* and what its conclusion means for fans who've been along for the ride since day one.

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FiveishFangirls #FiveishFam

TIME STAMPS

00:00:18 Intro

00:04:03 News

00:43:21 Feedback

01:04:02 Stranger Things

02:56:31 Closing Thoughts

02:59:15 Outro

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.