Pop Culture & Entertainment
2:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Anti-Heroes and Why We Love Them
Killmonger, Homelander, Deadpool—the entire Doom Patrol and Suicide Squad. What makes one a villain and another an antihero? While superheroes dominate the landscape, there’s a growing trend of fan affection for the not-so-straight shooters of the super squad. Why are antiheroic characters so popular, and how is this shaping pop-culture storytelling?
Moderator: ET Wardwell
Panelists: ET Wardwell, Sherri Dean, John Eads, Tim Frayser
Tracks: Film & TV, Comics, Cosplay, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Gaming
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Cafeteria Monsters
Are classic monsters like mummies or vampires being diluted by their many fictional riffs? Or do basic archetypes provide endless springboards for variation?
Moderator: ET Wardwell
Panelists: ET Wardwell, James Hollaman, Ted Pennella, A C Smart, B J Thrower
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, Horror, Gaming, Supernatural & Paranormal
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Character-Building Exercises
Some characters spring forth, fully realized as Athena. Others might be throwaways, or that guy who annoyed you in high school. Panelists share tips and techniques for keeping characters real and memorable.
Moderator: Julia S. Mandala
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala, David Carrico, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Ethan Nahté, Selina Rosen, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment
1:00 PM | Location: University C
Dr. Trek's Between the Cracks: The Anniversaries!
CON OF WRATH is 40! ST VI is 30! NEMESIS is 20! Join "Dr. Trek" Larry Nemecek for some lost facts, in-jokes, and behind-the-scenes insights from his Trekland archives — including his Star Trek Stellar Cartography maps/book set.
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Larry Nemecek
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fandoms
4:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
I Can See a Trope from My Backyard!
Tropes are comfortable standbys for storytelling. But sometimes the cringe factor outweighs the narrative need. When's a trope welcome, and what do we really need to start leaving behind?
Moderator: A. Lee Martinez
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Aaron Bossig, Mark Finn, Sally Hamilton, Rook Riley, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Comics
8:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Karaoke
Join Elijah Farmer for late-night karaoke. (3 hours)
Moderator: Elijah Farmer
Panelists: Elijah Farmer
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Music, Performing Arts
10:00 PM | Location: University C
Killjoy's Drag Cosplay Spectacular
The Cosplay Spectacular is a revue of drag and cosplay artists from all over Oklahoma (and maybe beyond!). Join us for a fun show featuring hosts L.L.Killjoy and Mica Membrane!
Moderator: L.L.Killjoy
Panelists: L.L.Killjoy, GatorDunn, Mica Membrane, Phoenix Noire, Yakisoba Michaels
Tracks: Music, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Performing Arts, Cosplay
Noon | Location: Sooner B
Philosophy of Fear
Delve into what makes chilling tales so delicious. Purgation? Vicarious punishment? Just a sick psyche? Exactly why do we want to be frightened for entertainment?
Moderator: Tommy B. Smith
Panelists: Tommy B. Smith, Mark Alfred, Daniel Erickson, Pigeon, A C Smart
Tracks: Supernatural & Paranormal, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Horror
4:00 PM | Location: University C
Q&A with Jamie Marchi and J. Michael Tatum
Meet voice actors Jamie Marchi and J. Michael Tatum in this all-ages Q&A session.
Moderator: Jamie Marchi
Panelists: Jamie Marchi, J. Michael Tatum
Tracks: Film & TV, Performing Arts, Anime, Pop Culture & Entertainment
3:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ
Q&A with Johnny Yong Bosch
Join Johnny Yong Bosch for this audience Q&A. (45 minutes. Seating begins at 3 PM.)
Moderator: Brett Parker
Panelists: Brett Parker, Johnny Yong Bosch
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Performing Arts, Anime, Film & TV
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Retrofuture: Visions of the Future from the Past
From robots that clean and tablet computers, to jetpacks and flying cars. Join the fun as our panelists discuss how the past saw the future! What did they get right, what did they get laughably wrong?
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: Mel. White, Mark Alfred, Tim Frayser, Sheila Hartney, Chaz Kemp, Kathleen M O'Brien
Tracks: STEM, History, Culture & World Affairs, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment
9:30 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)
SoonerCon @ Midnight: Worst Book Ever
Join us with your beverage(s) of choice in hand as intrepid writers lay on their best purple prose to create titles and openings for the Worst Book Ever, hosted by Larry "Dr. Trek" Nemecek! (Max occupancy 30 at one time.)
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Larry Nemecek, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Daniel Erickson, Mark Finn, Tim Frayser, vickey malone kennedy, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, General Interest
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Star Wars: Start Here
With such an expanded canon, the Star Wars franchise can be intimidating to newcomers interested in joining in and geeking out. Punch it on into the Star Wars universe.
Moderator: Stevo the Gutter Nerd
Panelists: Stevo the Gutter Nerd, La Blanke, James Dock, John Eads, TattedSith Cosplay
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Fandoms, Film & TV
5:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ
Take One Improv Comedy Show
Take One puts on a short-form improv comedy show, similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway, that is suitable for all ages. A tried-and-true comedy show performed across the nation for the last 10 years and has left a trail of laughter in its wake. This show involves audience participation and guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Moderator: Cory J. Phillips
Panelists: Cory J. Phillips, Take One Improv
Tracks: Performing Arts, Fandoms, Pop Culture & Entertainment
Noon | Location: Boomer B
70s Sci-Fi and Fantasy
The 70s brought lasting franchises to the big screen and small, some still going strong! Alien, Superman, Star Wars, Wonder Woman, Westworld, Battlestar Galactica, the list goes on! Can you define the 70s’ “certain something”?
Moderator: Matthew Price
Panelists: Matthew Price, Mark Alfred, James Hollaman, Ethan Nahté, Sue Sinor, ET Wardwell
Tracks: Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fandoms, Comics
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Art Imitating Life, Imitating…
Since the earliest times, we have experienced the world and shared that experience by creating works of art. New ideas emerge from creative expression. Examine this symbiotic journey, as how art eventually becomes reality and vice versa.
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, Chaz Kemp, Tracy S. Morris, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Art, Anime, Cosplay, Film & TV, Internet Life, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing
8:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)
Cartoons & Cereal
Wake up conventioneers, it's time for vintage cartoons and cereal to get your con day started (with prizes)! Open to all ages, first come, first served while supplies last. (2 hours)
Moderator: Joshua Coughlin
Panelists: Joshua Coughlin
Tracks: Food & Drink, Film & TV, Meetup, Fandoms, Pop Culture & Entertainment
5:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ
Extended Q&A with Jamie Marchi and J. Michael Tatum
Join Michael and Jamie for this SoonerCon exclusive Q&A session as they talk more about their VA roles, share about expanding their current projects, and spill all the hot tea with fans.
Moderator: Jamie Marchi
Panelists: Jamie Marchi, J. Michael Tatum
Tracks: Film & TV, Anime, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Performing Arts
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
Fandom Past, Present, and Future
Conventions have been happening, officially, since 1939's Worldcon. But...why? Panelists share nerdkind's lore about con traditions, the history of sf fandom, and how congoers today are defining pop-culture trends and building new media markets.
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Larry Nemecek, Aaron Bossig, Sara Felix, Tim Frayser, Kimber, Paula Helm Murray
Tracks: History, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Fantastic Connections
Stories explore the human condition in ways that help us think. Allegories analyze us and society. How does this work? Why are we so connected with fantastical people/places/stories? Can escaping into speculative fiction help us heal in the real world?
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, J.H. Fleming, Melinda LaFevers, Bradley H Sinor, Tommy B. Smith, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Folk and Fantasy, Kith and Kin
Modern fantasy and urban fantasy often draw from oral and academic histories of folktales worldwide. How are these best incorporated into today's sf stories? And what's the line between appreciation and appropriation of these cultural myths in making new media mythologies?
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, David Carrico, Shai Fenwick, A. Lee Martinez, Ted Pennella, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: History, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Supernatural & Paranormal, Writing & Publishing, Fantasy
3:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Fursuiting 101
A crash course in everything fursuiting related! From building the suit, suiting up for the first time, and how to move and perform in your suit! This panel is an all-ages panel focused on fursuit performing and fursuit building.
Moderator: Cal Custard
Panelists: Cal Custard, Kekkuda, Moe
Tracks: Anime, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Costuming & Fashion, Maker, Cosplay
9:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Karaoke
Join Elijah Farmer for late-night karaoke. (2.5 hours)
Moderator: Elijah Farmer
Panelists: Elijah Farmer
Tracks: Music, Performing Arts, Pop Culture & Entertainment
10:00 AM | Location: Noble
King Arthur's Knights and the Search for the Holy Grail
Anthropologist Mel. White shares the fascinating history and mythology of the legendary search for the Holy Grail.
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: Mel. White
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, History, General Interest
1:00 PM | Location: University C
Larry’s State of the Trek: Fan Forum 2022
“Dr. Trek” Larry Nemecek will intro and referee – YOU vent or share your thoughts with fellow fans about current Trekland: the changing face of media, fandom, culture – and what it all means for Star Trek. Comic Lower Decks, kid-centric Prodigy, Picard’s familiar faces, the evolution of Discovery, old-school Strange New Worlds, elusive “Star Trek 4.” All opinions welcome – as long as the emphasis stays on listening and reflecting.
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Larry Nemecek
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fandoms
4:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ
My Hero Academia VAs Q&A
Join voice actors Johnny Yong Bosch, Jamie Marchi, Cory J. Phillips, and J. Michael Tatum as they share their experiences and answer your fan questions about all things My Hero Academia! (45 minutes. Seating begins 4 PM.)
Moderator: Johnny Yong Bosch
Panelists: Johnny Yong Bosch, Jamie Marchi, Cory J. Phillips, J. Michael Tatum
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Anime, Performing Arts
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Popped Culture
When crunch is the norm and everyone's disposable, how does this affect pop culture and media? Examine burnout and its effects on our society. What's the spec-fic take?
Moderator: Aoi Kitsu
Panelists: Aoi Kitsu, Alice-of-Hearts, Buck Berlin, Charles Dane Clark, Rook Riley, Martha Steele
Tracks: Health & Wellness, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Culture & World Affairs, Business & Marketing
Noon | Location: Oklahoma HIJ
Q&A with Johnny Yong Bosch
Join Johnny Yong Bosch for this audience Q&A. (45 minutes. Seating begins at noon.)
Moderator: Brett Parker
Panelists: Brett Parker, Johnny Yong Bosch
Tracks: Anime, Film & TV, Performing Arts, Pop Culture & Entertainment
1:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Return of the Seminar: How to Become an Evil Overlord
Expert overlords coach newcomers on many topics, such as lair construction, the ever-important costume, the best weapons, and the care and feeding of minions. (And disposing of those who mess up.)
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Phillip Drayer Duncan, Sherri Dean, John Ferguson aka Count Gregore, Jovial Juggernaut, Kimber, Julia S. Mandala
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Fandoms, Cosplay, Anime
10:00 AM | Location: University C
Shortcake + Me: Q&A with Muriel Fahrion
Meet artist Muriel Fahrion, creator of beloved characters like Strawberry Shortcake, the Care Bears, and more in this interactive Q&A session.
Moderator: Muriel Fahrion
Panelists: Muriel Fahrion
Tracks: Fandoms, General Interest, Art, Pop Culture & Entertainment
11:00 AM | Location: University C
STEM Keynote: Breaking Bad Science Storytelling Habits in Media
Chemist and OU professor Dr. Donna J. Nelson shares about her experiences as Science Advisor for AMC's Breaking Bad, and why promoting the understanding and public perception of science and scientists in pop-culture media matters. Presentation with brief Q&A.
Moderator: Dr. Donna J. Nelson, FRSC, FACS
Panelists: Dr. Donna J. Nelson, FRSC, FACS
Tracks: STEM, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
The B-Movie Panel
Bad sci-fi movies are a guilty pleasure for so many of us! Why do we love movies that love to be bad?
Moderator: Caleb Masters
Panelists: Caleb Masters, Buck Berlin, Mark Finn, James Hollaman, Bekah June
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Fandoms
4:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
The Hero's New Reality
The Hero's Journey, one of the most appealing narrative structures, takes a person from the ordinary to extraordinary then back again. How do these steps define a hero? How do our encounters with fictional heroes shape our worldviews when we face similar challenges IRL?
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Pigeon, Alan J Porter, Selina Rosen, Bradley H Sinor
Tracks: Cosplay, Writing & Publishing, Gaming, Comics, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
5:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Welcome to Larry's Trekland Briefing Party!
Come sample Portal 47 and hear about Larry's Trekland Treks location-site tours—visit with P47ers, try for door prizes, get sign-up gifts! Perfect time to vent or ply Dr. Trek with your questions, too.
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Larry Nemecek
Tracks: Science Fiction, Fandoms, Meetup, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
2:00 PM | Location: University C
Be a Karaoke Rock Star
Karaoke isn't just about hitting the correct notes. Let our experts on stage presence teach you how to harness your inner rock star.
Moderator: John Eads
Panelists: John Eads, Elijah Farmer, Madi
Tracks: Music, Performing Arts, Fandoms, Pop Culture & Entertainment
3:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Biodiversity in ST: Discovery: Why It STILL Matters in Trek
How does “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations” play out? Whales working alongside the crew? Humans with multiple lifetimes of experiences? Discuss inclusion near and far in various Star Trek properties.
Moderator: Gwenna Laithland
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Tim Frayser, Rebecca Jackson, Ted Pennella, ET Wardwell
Tracks: STEM, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Fandoms
9:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)
Cartoons & Cereal
Wake up conventioneers, it's time for vintage cartoons and cereal to get your con day started (with prizes)! Open to all ages, first come, first served while supplies last. (2 hours)
Moderator: Joshua Coughlin
Panelists: Joshua Coughlin
Tracks: Food & Drink, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Meetup, Fandoms
1:00 PM | Location: University C
Cutthroat Iron Cosplay
Four cosplayers have 30 minutes to quick-construct the best costume using provided materials. A theme or required material is included, and basic cosplay materials are provided along with some not-so basic options to use. The audience is the judge of this creative contest. May the best cosplay win!
Moderator: Buck Berlin
Panelists: Buck Berlin, Chaotic Neutral Cosplay, Cal Custard, Lollalotus, the Lo-Fi Ky
Tracks: Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Contest, Costuming & Fashion, Art, Anime, Cosplay, Maker
Noon | Location: Sooner B
Entertaining the Climate Crisis
According to the 2022 World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report, climate change is THE greatest global threat today. Speculative fiction is uniquely suited to explore these issues. From the wry satirical allegory of Don't Look Up, to Solarpunk futures, to biodiversity and ecosystem loss, natural disasters, survivalism, and what hope the future holds, how can we explore climate change in our specific media?
Moderator: Tyrell Gephardt
Panelists: Tyrell Gephardt, Tim Frayser, Brian A. Hopkins, Carolyn Kay, Caleb Masters, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, STEM, Culture & World Affairs, Film & TV, General Interest, Science Fiction, Writing & Publishing
10:00 AM | Location: University C
Kitchen Dancing and Morning Meditations with Muriel Fahrion
Let's dance on it! Join artist, poet, creator and Instagram dance sensation Muriel Fahrion to bust some moves and clear your head space in this judgment-free joy zone.
Moderator: Muriel Fahrion
Panelists: Muriel Fahrion
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Music
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Reimagining the Hero's Journey for SF
What does a good hero story look like today in spec fic? High tech, low tech, otherworldly and fantastic settings aside, how has the hero's journey changed in 2022? What stories need telling now? What's it mean to be a hero, anyway?
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, Brook Bullock, David Carrico, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Daniel Erickson, A C Smart
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Film & TV, Gaming, Fandoms, Cosplay
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Serial Star Wars
Perhaps Star Wars was always destined for TV. In such an expansive universe of media tie-ins, why not? First The Mandalorian, then, uh, The Book of Boba Fett, then Obi-Wan Kenobi, then Andor. Are the possibilities truly endless, or will we need more feature films to sate our cravings for the onscreen stories from a galaxy far, far away?
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Tracy S. Morris, Michael Cross, James Dock, Carolyn Kay, Matthew Price, Karen Thrower
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Fandoms
2:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Start Your Own Podcast
You want your own podcast, but where do you start? Learn from established indie podcasters about gear, episode planning, hosting, recording, editing, and building a regular listening audience. Let's begin!
Moderator: Martha Steele
Panelists: Martha Steele, Aaron Bossig, Michael Cross, Caleb Masters, Michael Mosley, Seth Skorkowsky
Tracks: Podcasting, Internet Life, Pop Culture & Entertainment
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
You Mean Star Trek Star Maps Are Kinda Real?
Join “Dr. Trek” Larry Nemecek, the author of Star Trek: Stellar Cartography (2013/2018) and a Trek star-mapper since 1976, for more than you ever realized: How much of Star Trek’s stellar layout is based on real science? Where does everything go? And does anyone working or playing on Star Trek really pay attention?
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Larry Nemecek
Tracks: Fandoms, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, General Interest, STEM
2:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Your Own Away Mission: Star Trek Location Sites
We love the stages and the sets of Star Trek – but those are under lock and key ... or even long gone. But hey, away-team wannabe – did you know there’s plenty of Star Trek out there you can visit on your own? Let “Dr. Trek” Larry Nemecek, host of Trekland Treks, take you on a virtual tour of just a few of the iconic L.A.-area locations used across the generations of Treks – and even how some sites have shifted, like Starfleet Academy and Chateau Picard.
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Larry Nemecek
Tracks: Fandoms, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV, Science Fiction