I always knew that I wanted to interview Amanda, that you all needed to know her and what she does. She is one of those gems that makes everything she touches a little bit better. She is the co-founder at Thankful Cow Solution and co-founder and host, with her best friend Monika,  of Geek Herring a great podcast dealing with geek culture with a feminist lens. I have learnt a lot from her, and it was only fair to share some her wisdom! 

* What is Geek Herring and why that name?

Geek Herring is a podcast that critically examines geek culture through a feminist lens. We named our show Geek Herring because we talk about geeky stuff, and herring is 1950’s gangster slang for an incorruptible woman. It seemed very fitting for us!

* What is the most significant impact of what you do?

Geek Herring encourages girls and women to own the geek side of their personality. 

For so long, geek culture has been dominated by the male, with many women receiving either sexual harassment, discouragement, or verbal abuse. Not to mention the shame many women have historically felt for enjoying the geekier side of society.

There is a rising tide of change within geek culture. We celebrate this change! Through our podcast, we’re changing attitudes. Both from male geeks who don’t realise the impact of their actions and for women, helping them embrace their geekier sides. 

*, what is the biggest ambition for Geek Herring, the big dream?

The biggest ambition for Geek Herring is to be a safe and encouraging haven for women and marginalised genders to talk about the aspects of geek culture they love with full acceptance. By continuing our activism, we dream of a geek society free from sexism, where everyone, regardless of gender or identity, can geek out about what they love.

* How can we know more and who and why should listen to it and follow you today!

You can learn more about Geek Herring athttps://geekherring.com! We also record our episodes live on Twitch every Tuesday at 7 pm UK time over onhttps://twitch.tv/geekherring. And on social media everywhere, @GeekHerring.

Geek Herring is relevant for anyone interested in learning more about geek culture from a feminist perspective. We have episodes for everyone, from news stories to Harry Potter to video game critiques. Believe it or not, the majority of our vocal audience is men open to being better allies!

And this is what she had to say when we passed our Feminist questionnaire, identical to everyone!

What is Feminism for you?

Feminism, to me, is equality. Equality for everyone, regardless of gender, identity, sexual orientation, race, class, ability, religion - whatever. Feminism can’t exist without intersectionality. Feminism, to me, is just the right thing to do. It’s the most natural way to be.

Which “everyday sexism” really bothers you?

Honestly - the concept of the “friendzone”. This bothers me so damn much. It’s such an entitled way of thinking. A woman doesn’t owe a man a relationship just because he’s into her. It doesn’t work that way.

Do you remember when you start identifying as a Feminist and why?

Yes! I remember it so clearly. I was in grade 10 homeroom, and my teacher was asking the class if we were feminists. The majority of the course said they weren’t. And he asked us - “Why not? Why aren’t you a feminist? I’m a feminist.” He continued asking if we believed in equal rights, that women were equal to men, and all these questions that really got us all thinking. At the end of it, he asked again - are you a feminist? To which, obviously, everyone declared they were! And proudly, at that.

 Who is your biggest feminist role model?

I’ve had so many over the years. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hermione Granger, Robin Hobb, and Emma Watson, to name a few. Most recently, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are incredible. I’m obsessed with everything they’ve done and everything they’re doing.

What is your favourite Feminist quote?

“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” - Malala Yousafzai

What is your proud feminist victory?

Starting Geek Herring. I’ve always been quietly geeky and quietly feminist, but since speaking out about my passions, my views, my hopes, and my frustrations, so much has happened. I trust myself more, get asked my opinion more often, and I feel I’ve stepped into my role as a geek feminist. Changing lives and opinions one day at a time!

What is your feminist recommendation? 

- Book:I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. It’s my most recent feminist read, and I loved (and hated, obviously) every page of this miraculous read. Malala is a true hero.

- tv show:Grace and Frankie! And definitely Sex Education!

- Film: Captain Marvel and Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

What is your feminist call of action to whoever is reading?

Loving yourself is an act of rebellion. 

If loving yourself isn’t easy to do, find one way that you can start. Whether wearing something that lights you up, styling your hair, wearing earrings, practising yoga, meditating, whatever it is, start doing that one thing that gets you closer to unconditionally loving yourself. There’s so much propaganda bullshit out there telling us why we shouldn’t love ourselves. I challenge you to start loving yourself and shout about it. Overwhelm the bullshit!

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I told you she was class!! You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter  and read the article she wrote for us about Star Wars and Feminism!