Referential

Drop Call #6 Victor and I try to make sense of why 2026 is starting with all the queers getting ‘cancelled’. “Cancellation” Memetic Pile Ons Ginger Minj Vs The World Escape from Gag City Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers Dylan Mulvaney Professor Mel Curth Heated Rivalry (again again) The gays in the bubble Gotmik and Violet Chachki and Marilyn Manson Lindsay Ellis and Victor Vs Raya the Last Dragon Contrapoints Fujoshis Vs Khaliden Greg Rucka ___________ Find Victor @roughcopyzine on insta and @roughcopyzinebtn on tiktok! Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok) Subscribe to our Youtube Page! https://youtube.com/@referentialpod More at www.alsopurple.com Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! _____ NEXT UP: Trans Pride Brighton '25 (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt 2) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

'The Imperial Sessions Part 2' Conversations on Fascism & Media / Video Episode 5 'The Imperial Sessions Part 2' Conversations on Fascism & Media / Video Episode 5 Vid version updates on Youtube + Spotify some weeks after initial audio-only release. Ancient Hatreds (Or New Antisemitism, and the Left’s ‘Muslim Problem’ with Dr. Jonathan Galton) In Part 2 of The Imperial Sessions series I'm joined by Dr. Jonathan Galton to talk about his upcoming book 'Does Islamo-Leftism exist? British-Left-Muslim connections beyond the caricatures'. Jonathan shared with me a chapter titled 'Is the Left antisemitic?' and that spurred us to record a conversation unpacking his research and reflecting on what it all means in this current moment. We talk Histories of Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism and 'New Antisemitism' Palestine as a 'Left wing' cause 'Islamo-leftism' The UK Left's 'Muslim problem' The UK Left and Antisemitism Conflation as an active practice Self contextualising An Arab in the West Positionality and abandoning 'outsider research' 'Unholy alliance' narratives Dehumanisation Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander and Stephen Colbert Islamophobia and the Left Centring the research subject The centring of Israel in discussions about Jewish identity Rise of Judaeo-Christian unity Ol' Rhodesia We are the quota The re-branding of Palestinian resistance The 'coalition of the willing' Joe Biden *sigh* 'Middle-classification' 'Political Blackness' 'Islamist cranks' You should listen to The Trojan Horse Affair. "We're all we got". ________ CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 9:42 Introductory chat 20:51 Introduction to Jonathan’s current research on "Islamo-Leftism" narratives 35:20 Overview of Jonathan’s book chapter dissecting tropes of "Left/Muslim antisemitism" 39:09 History of British Jews and the Labour Party's shifting relationship to Israel ("Jewish entry into whiteness", impact of holocaust, "Judaeo-Bolshevik",' "Judaeo-Christian" 49:00 Shifting modes of antisemitism in the 18th century ("emancipation of Jewry") and 20th century (the "new antisemitism") 56:00 Anti-capitalism, antisemitism and anti-Arab sentiment in the 1970s and beyond 1:02:33 Alaska sits Jonathan’s my lap 1:02:30 Antisemitism in Islamic contexts (historical and contemporary) and the myth of "ancient hatred" 1:07:28 The Labour Party "antisemitism" crisis; blurring of anti-Zionism and antisemitism (real and imagined) 1:20:50 Palestine marches and accusations of antisemitism and Islamo-Leftism 1:31:20 Gaza as an electoral issue 1:40:50 Final thoughts https://open.spotify.com/episode/7emSDa7IMxIgAU2vZv4xPr __________ If you'd like to donate to a credible organisation seeking to help the people of Gaza here are a few I'd recommend: Support QT Palestinians and the First QTM helpline: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTk5ODA1 The Sameer Project : https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject Al-Jawad Camp's donation links can be found on their Instagram bio: https://www.instagram.com/jawadcamp1 The Rammun Foundation: https://rammunfoundation.org/ __________ You can download Jonathan's monograph 'Fake Gods and False History: Being Indian in a contested Mumbai neighbourhood' for FREE here: https://uclpress.co.uk/book/fake-gods-and-false-history/ + check out his latest album All The Years: https://open.spotify.com/album/2idFSAr6PRYW4xW9syTyN1?si=Uw7f0OBjRwarGLW4BJWDiw Send an email to referentialpodcast@gmail.com if you have any thoughts on a past episode you'd like featured in a future episode! You can find Dr. Jonathan Galton on twitter @JonathanGalton. Keep up to date with the podcast by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Additional editing assistance by Laila. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Find our video essays on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@referentialp More at www.alsopurple.com Thank you for listening! Remember to leave the pod a 5* rating and review to help other people find the show! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Drop Call #5 Victor and I review Pillion and catch up on all the gay media that's been hitting 'the discourse' Pillion Dudley in the closet Heated Rivalry (again) Fujoshis Vs Jordan Firstman Rotting in the Sun AMC's Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire Paper Bag Girls I Love LA Drag Race Susan Sontag Camp Sexy Henry? Phantom Thread ________ Directed by Harry Lighton, Pillion is a coming of age film about a timid young gay man named Colin (Harry Melling) who enters into a BDSM relationship with Ray (Alexander Skarsgard), an enigmatic and handsome biker ________ Find Victor @ugly_knees on insta! Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok) Subscribe to our Youtube Page! https://youtube.com/@referentialpod More at www.alsopurple.com Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! _____ NEXT UP: Trans Pride Brighton '25 (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt 2) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Victor and I were convinced by the gay internet to watch Heated Rivalry and then sat down to process the experience. CockyHockeyBoys Yuri in Ottowa Western BL Demon Twink Media Subs and Doms and stereotypes Anal Heartstoppers, Fellow Travellers, Red, White & Royal Blue, Queer As Folk Noah's Arc Double speed scale Queer v Gay The homonormative (?) ____ Heated Rivalry is a Canadian sports romance television series created, written and directed by Jacob Tierney for Crave. Based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series, it follows two rival professional hockey players, Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and RussianIlya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), whose on-ice animosity conceals a passionate, secret romance. ________ Find Victor @ugly_knees on insta! Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok) Subscribe to our Youtube Page! https://youtube.com/@referentialpod More at www.alsopurple.com Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! _____ NEXT UP: Trans Pride Brighton '25 (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt 2) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ash and I got together to interview creator of the Webtoons series 'The Cages' to talk about the work that into making S1 and the kickstarter for S2! _________ THE CAGES is a passion project created from the love of superpowered action and queer drama. Written and created by Alexander Pavlis, featuring art by CJ Camba, Olivia Ratkins, Seye Sanyaolu, Karen Charm, Addriano Divino and Leonardo Cino; and lettered by Danny Djeljosevic! The Story For the people of State 16, life is spent inside a walled city, governed by a mysterious AI company that tells them it's for their own good. There's no way out, except for [THE CAGES] --a massive, televised event in which robots and enhanced humans clash for the opportunity at recruitment into State 16's military force and a chance to see beyond the walls. One team of recruits, determined to go the distance, might discover along the way that the price for victory might be higher than they can pay. _________ You can help fund Season 2 by supporting the team on Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thecages/the-cages-season-2-battle-round Find Alexander and more about the project @al_pavlis on socials __________ Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com and following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Hosted, produced & edited by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Video production by Victor Alexander (Check out his film video essays @Clevvergirl on tiktok!) Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! NEXT UP: Trans Pride Brighton '25 (with Dr. Sam Hall, Phat Problem & Sarah Savage) (Pt 2) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"We will not give in. We will not give up. We will not bow. We will not beg. We will not capitulate. We will survive." - Sarah Savage (Trans Pride Brighton CEO) Captured sounds and interviews from Trans Pride Brighton 2025. Trans Pride Brighton was the first Trans Pride event outside of the United States. It is also one of the largest, gathering tens of thoughts of Trans people and allies people in protest and celebration. Volunteer-led and taking no corporate sponsorship, the TPB organisation keeps the punk and rebellious spirit of Pride alive, defiant and uncompromising. Voices in order of appearance (@'s instagram): Act 1 (Morning Rain) [0 - 5.30] Victor (@uglyknees) Khaliden (@alsopurp) Glow Choir (@glow.choir) Alfie (@alfiesheppard) Laila (@serendipilayher) Bosun (@bosunburaimoh) Ed (@edviney) Tom B. (@tom.jan) Alice (@visualfeastetc) Sarah Savage (@ohsarahsavage) Act 2 (March/Speeches) [5.30 - 28.30] Sarah Savage (@ohsarahsavage) Proud Wellness (@proudwellness) Mikey (@mikey_caleb89) Dave Bosun Matthew (@nationaleducationunion) Leo ECP (@ecp_org) Olivia Campbell Cavendish (@translegalclinic) Sarah Savage Act 3 (Stages) [28.31 - 46.58] Charlie Allen (@charlieallen.music) Max Dobson Claire Zascha (@pennypounddrag) Just Like Us (@justlikeus) Radical Rhizomes (@radicalrhizomesuk) Industrial Workers of the World (@Industrialworkersoftheworld) Terrance Higgins Trust Brighton (@thtbrightonandhove) Act 4 (Kate Nash/Backstage) [46.58 - 1.01.13] Mizz Kimberly (@Mzzkimberly) Kate Nash interview [53.27 - 1.01.13] Act 5 (Afterparty[s]) [1.01.14 - 1.23.21] Prince of Persia (@theprinceofp3rsia) Lilya (@asti.pumantini) Bin Fingered (@binfingered) Wesley (@fanciful_chaos) Misha (@mx_misha) Act 6 (Outro) [1.23.22 - 1.25.19] Victor (@uglyknees) Khaliden (@alsopurp) Glow Choir (@glow.choir) Thank you everyone who contributed their voices to this episode and to the Trans Pride Brighton Committee for another year of pride and protest without compromise. Find resources and more about Trans Pride Brighton at https://linktr.ee/transpridebrighton Make a donation at https://transpridebrighton.org/donate/ Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com and following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Hosted, produced & edited by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Video production by Victor Alexander (Check out his film video essays @Clevvergirl on tiktok!) Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Drop Call #2 Victor and I have been diligently working on the next episode! In the mean time I decided to pull out my recorder to capture what we talk about in between bursts of productivity and share it as a 'Drop Call' episode! Two queers unite for a first of its kind groundbreaking neverdonebefore conversation about pop stars and pop music. Listen! Lady Gaga Sabrina Carpenter Katy Perry Taylor Swift Kelly Rowland The ghost of Mary J Blige Ashanti Jennifer Lopez Amy/Adele/Duffy City Girls Kim Petras Dula Peep Lil Nas X Ariana Chase Icon Bruno Mars Jamie Foxx Anastasia Rita Ora Cheryl Cole Gwen Stefani Lana Del Rey Girls Aloud Sugababes Brandy Dolly Parton Jojo (a) Jojo (b) Poppers music Gay songs for straight girls Let us know if you want more of these kinds of chats with a comment on socials or Spotify! _____ Find Victor @ugly_knees on insta! Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok) Subscribe to our Youtube Page! https://youtube.com/@referentialpod More at www.alsopurple.com ------- NEXT EP: Trans Pride Brighton 2025 (Parts 1 & 2) (Featuring Kate Nash, Sarah Savage, and more..) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trying something new!A very lightly edited conversation catching up with my friend Ash Alleyne (host of X of Words!)PoddingCooking vs burn outEasing back inComing up next on X of Words!Coming up next on REFERENTIAL!Let us know if you want more of these kinds of chats with a comment on socials or Spotify!_____Find Ash on all socials @Vanthefirst and @xofwords on all socials!Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials.Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung.Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok)Subscribe to our Youtube Page!https://youtube.com/@referentialpodMore at www.alsopurple.com-------NEXT EP:Trans Pride Brighton 2025 (Parts 1 & 2) (Featuring Kate Nash, Sarah Savage, and more..)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Video episode 4 Vid version available to view on the Spotify app or link below to watch the YouTube version https://youtu.be/K6Oh0AgeLaw For this video episode I'm joined by first time guest Shannon Miller (OG Nerd of Prey!!) to talk about the theme of Black Girlhood and Coming of Age in media. Shannon Miller is a cultural commentator and writer who you might know from her work as the previous Managing Editor at Adweek, the former News Editor and writer at the A.V. Club, or her many bylines from throughout the web! Our conversation spanned Black film, TV, characters and celebrity from Michaela Cole's Chewing Gum to Jodie Landon (Daria) and Megan Thee Stallion. + Find out how we also fit the following in: Adultification Depiction of Black girls and femmes in media Realities of Black girls and femmes Coming of age narratives in media The current state of Black television The erosion of physical media and Black TV cancellations Judging art by quality vs utility Empathy as an active process Escapism Steven Universe Black girl magic Toxic Excellence I Don't Know Him. Daria, Chewing Gum, Living Single, How To Die Alone, Heartstoppers, Harlem, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Moesha, Insecure, Awkward Black Girl, On My Block Wanting good things for Natasha Rothwell Transitional periods Issa Rae Megan Thee Stallion Cardi B, take me out of the group chat Michaela Coel SNIPER Buy Black! *apologies for audio issues on my end in the first 18ish minutes of the conversation, it fixes it self from that point onwards!* Find Shannon Miller @shannonlmiller on all Bluesky, @shannon_lmiller and listen to more of her pop culture thoughts @PopDishKitchen on TikTok and Instagram. Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok) Subscribe to our Youtube Page! : https://www.youtube.com/@referentialp More at www.alsopurple.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Back to regular programming! [Part 1 of a series.] Have you ever heard the term 'digital blackface'? The Real Housewives franchise has spawned a million gifs and opinions; all asking if this is how 'we'' should be represented- and what these shows mean for the community. For Episode 3 we decided to examine that statement through a discussion about Bravo's Black led Real Housewives franchise (with some thoughts on the other casts sprinkled in). Do these shows reduce Black women to something problematic for mass entertainment? Or is it us who do that work because of our hang ups? I’m joined by screenwriter, social media producer and classically trained musician (?!) Lauren Warren (Nerd of Prey!)(Caw!!)(most recently a finalist in the ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch Competition) to talk all about Bravo's Real Housewives franchise. We cover Real Housewives of Atlanta [RHOA] and Real Housewives of Potomac [RHOP], with thoughts on some of the other casts sprinkled throughout (Orange County, New York, New Jersey, DC, Salt Lake City and Vancouver). Listen to us think about existing as a Black woman in public, failing in public, respectability and the weight of representation + Find out how we also fit the following into the discussion Secret lesbians, queerness, panic and RHOA Kim, whiteness and power in early RHOA Corporate activism as a commercial exercise Colorism, and RHOP The collapse of polite fiction, pretence and reality in public Shout out to The Nerds of Prey! Mash Ups and Remixes Alaska the cat attacks Pocket gays Double standards The reality reckoning Reality vs Documentary Nene Leakes you will always be famous Bravo’s Flop era Existing If you like homework, or looking for a recommendation list you can find the 'Citation Page' for this episode on my website, available from the first Sunday after the episode is up! ! https://www.alsopurple.com/citation-corner You'll find all the quotes, books, tv, and pods referenced and recommender in this conversation. Find Lauren Warren @TheValidVictorian on Instagram and @IamLaurenP2 on Twitter all the socials! Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Produced and hosted by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Video production by Victor Alexander (Find more on the REFERENTIAL Youtube page!) Find out what I’m up to at www.alsopurple.com Don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and review to help people find the podcast! Thank you for listening! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Beyonce’s Renaissance is over, now we’ve entered the Age of Enlightenment. Welcome to the rodeo? Yeehaw! I’m joined by Antonia Jade King after watching the Renaissance film for a discussion on Beyoncé and the cultural conversations we’ve been having about her ever since she burst on the scene in 1997. AJ and I risk it all, come find out if we get cancelled by the Beyhive! + Find out how we also fit the following in: - Introducing my new silent cohost (her name is Alaska) - Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter! - The Renaissance film - Texas? Hold 'em? - Marathons - Rough swimming while Black - The Color Purple - Billionaires - Black capitalism - In praise of Black laziness - Pinkwashing - Revolutionaries vs revolutionary narratives - Black womanhood in the context of queerness - The myth of Black excellence - Justice for Ayo! - What we can expect from idols - Remember bell hooks’ beef with Beyonce? If you like homework, or looking for a recommendation list you can find the 'Citation Page' for this episode on my website, available from the first Sunday after the episode is up! ! https://www.alsopurple.com/citation-corner You'll find all the books, shows and pods referenced in this conversation. Find AJ @AntoniaJadeKing on all the socials! Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. More at www.alsopurple.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I'm joined by Ash Alleyne for a discussion about the state of Black representation in superhero, fantasy and science fiction media. + Find out how we also fit the following in: Black Telepaths or the lack of them in comics Storm & Marvel & The X-Men Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom Uhura & Star Trek Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Insecure Queen Sugar Richard Ayoade being disappointing Aircoolers or Airfryers The Empire...good? And much more! If you like homework, or looking for a recommendation list you can find the 'Citation Page' for this episode on my website at https://www.alsopurple.com/referential1 Find Ash @Vanthefirst on all socials and his podcast X of Words everywhere you find your podcasts. Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. More at www.alsopurple.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*Apologies for the audio quality! It's not too bad but we were still learning. Miss Sundi will be back on the pod soon with the mic their voice deserves!* *'Tangents' are bonus episodes posted more frequently than Main Episodes because they require less work/research/editing! Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. * Miss Sundi and I sit down to talk about and queerness in the mainstream, baby gays and how we're imagining queer futures. + Find out how we also fit the following in: Troye Sivan & Sam Smith Queer Joy Post-Empowerment Critiquing with empathy Idina Menzel is a 'Beast' Queer male bodies Latinx Madonna Pride parties Janet Jackson moaning Queer utopias Moesha Queerness & palatability Remember when Adele was dressed like Jamaica? And much more! If you like homework, or looking for a recommendation list you can find the 'Citation Page' for this episode on the website www.alsopurple.com. You'll find all the books, shows and pods referenced in this conversation. Find Miss Sundi at sundi.in.the.park on Instagram and & @MJSundi elsewhere. Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. More at www.alsopurple.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

PART 2! (slight Act 2 spoilers from 54:15 to 57:11) Tangent episode #17 REFERENTIAL rings in the new year with a 2 parter on the latest film adaptation of Act 1 of Wicked! Welcome back to the ‘Session of The Witch’! I’m joined by returning guest Miss Sundi to talk about the 20 year history Wicked the musical and its most recent film adaptation! Directed by Jon M. Chu, ‘Wicked: Part 1’ is a film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The original musical featured music and lyrics by Stephan Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman and starred Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. The musical itself was an adaptation of Gregory Macguire’s 1995 revisionist retelling of L. Frank Baum’s Wicked Witch of the West character (renamed Elphaba in tribute) from 1900’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz children’s novel. [Part 1- 'The Music' We recap of the story of Act 1 + a music commentary delving into the music of the musical track by track and note by note!] Part 2 - 'The Movie' A conversation about the history of the book, the shows musical origins and more of our thoughts on the recent film adaptation! + A 120 year 'Ozian' history - from book, to musical, to movie) Interpretation Colour grading Vocalists. The war on terror Avengers level talent - A vocally demanding musical A roll call of musical titans who played Glinda and/Or Elphaba including: Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Nikki Bentley, Rachel Tucker, Annaliegh Ashford, Brittney Johnson, Louise Dearman, Shoshanna Bean, Megan Hilty, Eden Espinosa, Alice Fern, Kerry Ellis, Jessica Vosk (...) Holding space in queer media CGI animals and zoology girlies Black Elphaba Rudity Practical effects Janet Jackson's turn as Aida Lesbians The racialisation of Elphaba The racialisation of Glinda Yuh The 'G' slur Act 1 vs Act 2 - soft spoilers Give us Hadestown the adaptation Jill Scott BOQ ___ This one is for the musical nerds who found themselves awake at 2 am listening to Elphaba and Glinda high note compilations. ___ Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. All videos edited by Victor Alexander. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com Follow me @AlsoPurp on all socials. Find out more about REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episodes on www.alsopurple.com/citations *'Tangents' are bonus episodes posted more frequently than Main Episodes because they require less work/research/editing! Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. * Thank you for listening! Leave the pod a rating to help other people find the show Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

PART 1! REFERENTIAL rings in the new year with a 2 parter on the latest film adaptation of Act 1 of Wicked! Welcome back to the ‘Session of The Witch’! [an ongoing miniseries of episodes diving into the resurgence of witches in pop culture fiction and their thematic relationship to this moment in feminism, womanhood, queerness, misogynoir (and musicals!] I’m joined by returning guest Miss Sundi to talk about the 20 year history Wicked the musical and its most recent film adaptation! Directed by Jon M. Chu, ‘Wicked: Part 1’ is a film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.. The original musical featured music and lyrics by Stephan Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman and starred Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda. The musical itself was an adaptation of Gregory Macguire’s 1995 revisionist retelling of L. Frank Baum’s Wicked Witch of the West character (renamed Elphaba in tribute) from 1900’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz children’s novel. Part 1 - 'The Music' We recap of the story of Act 1 + a music commentary delving into the music of the musical track by track and note by note! + A recap Mother Schwartz The Glinda and Elphaba binary Motifs Glinda's double speak Optional notes Making Good Jonathan Bailey is thriving Back phrasing High stamina 'I want' songs LAR Sharon D. Clarke Fresher's week at Shiz The Mics are on Nessa Um Nessa Madame Morrible's DBS Men singing Sopranos and Belters BALLGOWN! Mindful riffing Lesbianism Colours('Colors') Musical Lesbianism [Part 2 - 'The Movie' A conversation about the history of the book, the shows musical origins and more of our thoughts on the recent film adaptation.] ___ This one is for the musical nerds who found themselves awake at 2 am listening to Elphaba and Glinda high note compilations. ___ Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. All videos edited by Victor Alexander. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com Follow me @AlsoPurp on all socials. Find out more about REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episodes on www.alsopurple.com/citations *'Tangents' are bonus episodes posted more frequently than Main Episodes because they require less work/research/editing! Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. * Thank you for listening! Leave the pod a rating to help other people find the show! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tangent Episode #2 Happy Holidays! Commuting? Looking for a reason to escape family for a few minutes? Bored because you don't celebrate anything but everything has shut down for 4 days? Distract yourself with these 2 minutes minutes of Ash and I almost ending our friendship because of a weather disagreement. Are you Team Ash or Team Khaliden on this one? If you like homework, or looking for a recommendation list you can find the notes or 'Citation Page' for Episode 1 on my website https://www.alsopurple.com/referential1 You'll find all the books, shows and pods referenced. Find Ash @Vanthefirst on all socials and his podcast X of Words everywhere you find your podcasts. Keep up to date by following me @AlsoPurp on all socials. And subscribe on YouTube for each episode's visuals! https://youtube.com/@referentialp?si=SZ7W-OkVwfSMjWNx Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. More at www.alsopurple.com If you haven't already, please leave a 5 star rating and review to help more people find this podcast! I'll see you back here for a full episode next month. In the meantime, happy holidays! *'Tangents' are bonus episodes posted more frequently than Main Episodes because they require less work/research/editing! Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. * Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tangent Episode #21 'The Imperial Sessions' Conversations on Fascism & Media New recurring series alert! And to kick off these series of conversations about Fascism in media I'm joined by returning guest (and my X-Men '97 Sessions Co-host) X of Words' Ash Alleyne to cover Lucasfilms' latest instalment to the Star Wars Saga and franchise: 'Andor'. Created by Tony Gilroy, it is a prequel to the film Rogue One (2016) following thief-turned-rebel spy Cassian Andor during the formative five years that lead to the events of the film. The show stars Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgard, Genevieve O'Reilly and Denise Gough. If you're less familiar with the nuances of the Star Wars saga + haven't watched Andor Season 2 we kept the conversation spoiler free and relatively beginner friendly so don't hesitate to hit play! + Find out how we fit the following in Fascism in storytelling and fiction Revolutionary stories by Corporate entities How we discuss stories 'relevant to our times' Dissonance "Star Wars for Adults" The different strains of Star Wars The perfect fantasy weapon Manufactured catharsis The mundanity of fascism Rebels, revolutionaries and terrorists Imperialism, colonialism & The Empire The Acolyte Andor Mononymous Shout out to Rachel Zegler Democracy LATER Space Miami Why I hate sand Judas in Jedha Luther, Maarva and Mon Ash vs Khaliden (continued) LIES! DECEPTIONS! No but really, why is everyone wearing a kimono? Check out Project Fulcrum! https://www.getfreetogether.org/project-fulcrum Send an email on referentialpodcast@gmail.com if you want us to come back to cover S2 in depth! Follow us on YouTube by searching REFERENTIAL Podcast for video episodes! Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. All videos edited by Victor Alexander. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Episode podcast cover by Valentine Smith, further visual editing by Victor Alexander. Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com Follow me @AlsoPurp on all socials. Find out more about REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episodes on www.alsopurple.com/citations *'Tangents' are audio-only episodes posted more frequently than Video Episodes because they require less work/research/editing! Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. * Thank you for listening! Remember to leave the pod a 5* rating to help other people find the show! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While I’m in the edit cave prepping the next episode here’s a treat for the feed. Return of friends of the pod Allison and Joe from Queer Cinema Catch Up!Alison and Joe asked me to come on their podcast to talk about Lady Gaga’s latest album Mayhem! Tune in to hear us dig into this current moment in pop music and diva worship!Make sure to check back in a few days for REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episode examining the theme of Black Girlhood in media with critic and writer Shannon Miller!Queer Cinema Catchup is independently produced by Allison Theveny and Joe Murphy.*'Tangents' are audio-only episodes posted more frequently than Video Episodes because they require less work/research/editing!Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. *__________________________________________________________In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison are once again joined by Dr. Khaliden Nas of the Referential podcast to review Lady Gaga's latest album, 'Mayhem.' Together, they discuss Gaga's evolution as an artist; reflect on their personal relationships to her music; and complete a track-by-track analysis.00:00 Welcome to the Queer Cinema Catchup and Referential Collab01:10 Personal Histories with Lady Gaga03:42 Lady Gaga's Evolution and Public Persona08:31 Reactions to Born This Way17:40 Theatre Kid Roots and Artistry20:04 Expectations for the New Album35:12 Madonna's Influence and Pop Culture Shifts36:10 Album Review: Mayhem's Chaotic Intentionality36:57 Fan Feedback and Emotional Themes37:35 Comparing Albums: Fame Monster vs. Mayhem39:32 The Pressure of Reinvention in Pop Music42:10 Success Anxiety and Artistic Authenticity50:15 Track-by-Track Breakdown: Disease & Abracadabra53:39 Garden of Eden and Perfect Celebrity57:50 Vanish into You & Killah01:01:20 Zombie Boy & Gwen Stefani01:03:1 Love Drug01:06:40 Taylor Swift and 80s Influence in How Bad Do U Want Me01:08:12 Diverse Songwriting Styles01:10:13 Emotional Ballads (Blade of Grass) and Personal Stories01:21:11 Final Thoughts and Final ReviewSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While I’m in the edit cave prepping the next episode here’s a treat for the feed. Return of the podcast cousin Sara Century! Some time ago I was asked the host of Best Issue Ever Podcast to join her for a discussion and I chose Wonder Woman Vol. 2 #20 (by George Perez, Bob McLeod, Carl Gafford, John Costanza, and edited by Karen Berger) as the comics I wanted to talk about the most #BringBackMyndiMayer Sara Century also has a new zine now available for preorder! You can get your digital or physical copy of ‘My Heart Bleeds with Yours: Writings on Lesbian Vampires by Sara Century’ at saracentury.gumroad.com! And while you’re there make sure to also check out her other work and support at ko-fi.com/saracenturypodcasts or patreon.com/saracenturypodcasts. REFERENTIAL will be back on your feeds in a week with a brand new episode exploring the theme of ‘Black Girlhood in media’ with Shannon Miller (aka PopDishKitchen). Back in your ears soon! BEST ISSUE EVER is independently produced and hosted by Sara Century. ______________________ ______________________ REFERENTIAL Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Additional editing assistance by Laila. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. All videos edited by Victor Alexander. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com Follow me @AlsoPurp on all socials. Find out more about REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episodes on www.alsopurple.com/citations *'Tangents' are bonus episodes posted more frequently than Main Episodes because they require less work/research/editing! Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. * Thank you for listening! Leave the pod a rating to help other people find the show Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tangent episode #18 Crossover! I got together with Elana Levin from Graphic Policy Radio to talk through our feelings about the current state of the X-Men franchise in the comics. A conversation in two parts! First we sat down to talk about the Fall of X and the end of the X-Men & Marvel's 'First Krakoan Age'. Then we came back to the mic to talk about the state of the X-Office today and the relaunched slate of X-Men comics under the 'From The Ashes' banner. Tune in! + Fall of X From the Ashes (Starts at 47:46) Kieron Gillen’s Immortal X-Men, X-Men: Forever & Rise of the Powers of X Gerry Duggan’s Fall of the House of X, Hellfire Gala 3, Invincible Iron Man & Uncanny Avengers Al Ewing’s Resurrection of Magneto & X-Men: Red Si Spurrier’s X-Men Blue: Origins Jonathan Hickman Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men Jed McKay’s X-Men Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly’s NYX Eve L. Ewing’s Exceptional X-Men Solos! Lucas Werneck R.B. Silva Adam Kubert Luciano Vecchio Pepe Larraz Matteo Lolli “My name is Alex.” Democracy in the 2nd Krakoan Age The End of Hope Summers Remembering Utopia Kate Pryde and the gates Remembering Dr. Moira MacTaggart Assimilation Or Unity #XSpoilers and fandom Read comics, its good for your skin One more time, Krakoans. For the children! Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas. Additional editing assistance by Laila. Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung. All videos edited by Victor Alexander. Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. Episode podcast cover by Valentine Smith/Fall of X promotional art by Mark Brooks & Richard Isanove Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com Follow me @AlsoPurp on all socials. Find out more about REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episodes on www.alsopurple.com/citations *'Tangents' are bonus episodes posted more frequently than Main Episodes because they require less work/research/editing! Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. * Thank you for listening! Leave the pod a rating to help other people find the show Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/referential/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy