Episode 286: Discomfort

How do fans cope when the object of their fandom becomes problematic? Dr. Zoë Jay returns to the show to share insights from her research within the Eurovision community about this topic through the Eurovisionaries project. We also discuss ideas for fans who may be approaching 2026 with the mindset of new year, new me, new special interest.

Dr. Zoë Jay

Dr Zoë Jay is a researcher in international politics at the University of Helsinki. She is the lead investigator of the Eurovisionaries Project, which explores how Eurovision fans think about and participate in cultural diplomacy and international politics.

📸 Cover photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Discomfort Summary

• New Insights from the Eurovisionaries Project (2:07)
• What do we do with our problematic faves? (11:17)
• Grief (21:15)
• New Year, New Me, New Special Interest? (28:18)

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Links:

• Episode 242: Eurovisionaries
• The Eurovisionaries | How Fan Diplomats Are Making Europe
• Zoë Jay (@zoecharlottejay) / X