Programs featuring Gayle Stever being interviewed by various media personnel.
#1 Mind the Force | Ep. XVI – The Psychology of Fandom with Gayle Stever March 27, 2005
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.
#2 Phil deFanco show on YouTube, a featured guest on the subject of parasocial relationships, April, 2023.
#3 Australian Broadcast Company podcast February 17, 2024
#4 Time Magazine piece on July 13, 2023, both print and video interviews.
https://time.com/6294226/parasocial-relationships-benefits/
#5 Podcast on parasocial relationships from June 22, 2021 (also featuring Riva Tukachinsky Forster)