Fan Effect’ friend Heather Kelly, (host of “The Heather Kelly Show)” got to attend the press conference for the event, and is sharing her one-on-one interview with Mr. Loggins himself!  She is also joined by the founders of the award, YouTube’s “Professor of Rock,” Adam Reader, Grammy-nominated producer Caleb Chapman, and a couple who drove halfway across the country to see Kenny accept the award and watch the concert. 

Enjoy this behind the scenes look into Loggins’ career, influence, and how his music continues to bridge generations.

It is no secret that there is a big difference between what audiences and critics think of movies, but even among critics there are some great debates about what makes a movie award-winning. Rachel discusses this process as the Utah Film Critics Association already listed their 2025 favorites in a lively debate. She also shares her top films of 2025 and worst films of 2025.

Together, they emphasize the importance of ignoring other people and enjoying what you enjoy! Like Rachel does on The Hallmarkies Podcast, and how KellieAnn has chosen her stupidly-fun pick of the year with Amazon’s “The Playdate.

KellieAnn will even be coming out of her shell to run a kids’ crafting booth and host a panel at the event! Titled “Keep Creating! Getting Started on Julia Cameron’s ‘Artist Way.’”

On this episode of Fan Effect, KellieAnn is joined by event founder Ryan Sagers to discuss how the event celebrates creativity, local artists, and more, all for a good cause. This year’s event benefits The Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating school lunch debt in Utah, once and for all. So come and feed your creativity while helping feed Utah’s kids!

Also joining this episode is a local professional veteran artist with over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Adrian Ropp, to discuss his career and creativity. You might have seen his work at Disney, Pixar, Marvel Comics, Star Wars, Archie, Underdog, Pink Panther, Rocky & Bullwinkle – as well as an industry-leading game writer/artist with “Disney Infinity” and “Hogwarts Legacy.” He provides inspiration for budding artists and gives tips on supporting artists while identifying and defeating art thieves.

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Origanally Published January 13th, 2026.

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The Hallmarkies Podcast host, Rachel Wagner, has finally convinced producer Kellieann to watch and talk all things Hallmark Holiday Movies. Together with Church News reporter Mary Richards, they dissect the magical wonder of all things Hallmark holiday, from comfortable plotlines, joyful endings, and romance. 

They discuss how this has become Rachel’s “Favorite Fandom,” how it binds Mary’s family, and how it might just be softening KellieAnn’s frigid heart (So much so, she illustrated the podcast cover!) Enjoy this Black Friday “What’s Your Favorite Fandom” Holiday special!

Originally Published November 28th, 2025

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On this episode of Fan Effect, KSL NewsRadio’s Heather Kelly interviews the show’s “America’s Test Kitchen” hosts Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster to take a look behind the show, in the kitchen, and how audiences across the nation have enjoyed the tastes of “America’s Test Kitchen.” 

Originally Published November 12th, 2025.

Known for his role as Rembrandt Brown on the ’90s science fiction TV series “Sliders,” this Tony Award-winning singer and songwriter shares his unique start in the entertainment industry, the possibility of a “Sliders” reboot, and even sings a bit with our host!

Originally Published November 12th, 2025.

Visit FanxSaltLake.com for event information, to purchase tickets, and download the FanX App (a great way to plan and track your con!), and follow #FanX on Facebook for the latest show updates and tips.

In this double-sized episode, we get a sneak peek at what these celebrity panels are like, featuring guest insights, creative tips, and stories of how their work has touched fans around the world. We start with KSL Newsradio’s Heather Kelly interviewing Happy Days actors Don Most and Anson Williams. Then, FanX’s Jeremy Kartchner interviews voice actors Sarah Natochenny and Erica Schroeder. We then switch to planning and exploring (semi-live) the FanX website with Producer KellieAnn Halvorsen, which features a plethora of lists of panels, artists, celebrities, events, and more. 

We wrap up with a thought of how FanX serves as an annual family reunion celebration for all of us Utah nerds, geeks, and fandom fans. 

Originally published September 23rd, 2025.

On this episode of KSL’s  Fan Effect podcast, FanX Founder Dan Farr previews the 2025 event, talking all about what to expect this year, a sneak peek into show highlights and guests, and tips on how to get your con on. And joining as our guest co-host is fellow FanX fan and moderator Heather Kelly from KSL Newsradio.

Visit FanxSaltLake.com for event information, to purchase tickets, and download the FanX App (a great way to plan and track your con!), and follow #FanX on Facebook for the latest show updates and tips.

Originally published August 28th, 2025.

To prepare for the feature, producer KellieAnn Halvorsen read the original (and very outdated) 1972 book by Mary Rogers, watched the campy 1976 version “Freaky Friday,” re-watched her generation’s version with the Lindesy Lohan movie (2003), as well as the 2018 musical version.

Now she is joined again by her honorary niece Adele Kemp (now 15 years old, featured previously on our deep dive into “Inside Out 2″ and as the main child of KSL NewsRadio’s Quarters for Chrismas radio drama, “A Pocket Change Christmas”) and HallMarkies Podcast host/Rachel’s Reviews writer, Rachel Wagner, to explore the movie and it’s body-swapping legacy. Our first segment is spoiler-free!

Originally published August 8th, 2025.

Darin Lundberg of the NostalgiaCast Podcast joins Rachel and KellieAnn for a masculine perspective on the beloved pair. Not only do they dive into a (spoiler-filled) review of the 2025/James Gunn’s version of the Man of Steel, but they look deeply into the 1978 “Superman: The Movie,” which provides a great foundational gateway for learning about The Man from Krypton.

Originally published July 27th, 2025.

The movie, featuring a new cast, including the stunning Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey, is a blend of action, peril, and all your favorite movie tropes. 

The movie somehow balances nostalgia with originality, incorporating elements from previous films and introducing new characters and dinosaurs. While not a perfect movie, it really is a perfect popcorn movie! Our first segment is spoiler-free, then we dive deeply into the Jurassic Park franchise, movie magic, and why we love these ancient creatures so so much!

Originally published July 8th, 2025.

Fan Effect guest host, KSL NewsRadio’s Heather Kelly, sat down with Leviton to discuss the ins and outs of birthing such an event and the growth they expect to see in the upcoming years. The festivals will feature concerts, workshops, and immersive experiences with various artists and in various venues.

The three-day festival’s “micro-launch” starts on June 10 at the Tracy Aviary in Liberty Park — and it’s already sold out. The second concert at the aviary will take place on June 12, with a third concert scheduled for later this summer at Thanksgiving Point. Visit EdenArtsFestival.com to learn more about this ongoing festival project.

Originally published June 10th, 2025.

Together, they discuss the history, impact, and various versions of the beloved fantasy world of Tolkien, as well as how to enter the expansive fandom. 

With a world-building so vast, Chris has some recommended sources to explore all things Tolkien: the fan-created wiki the Tolkien Gateway, the 12-part book series History of Middle-Earth, “Tree and Leaf” which is Tolkien’s more philosophical writing, “J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography” by Humphrey Carpenter, Deseret News’ article talking to The Rings of Power’ showrunner, and of course The Tolkien Professor, Dr. Corey Olsen. (Oh, and we can’t forget to include KellieAnn’s favorite Lembas Bread recipe to share with her fellow food-loving hobbits.)

Originally published May 6th, 2025.

Together, they discuss their involvement in the local comic, artistic, and pop culture world. Roger expands on the history of Free Comic Book Day, while Jonathan provides the details of Star Wars Day’s impact. 

All three will be seen celebrating both holidays this weekend in downtown Salt Lake City (with the support and displays of our friends at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention): The Urban Arts Gallery will have their local-artist-contributed Star Wars exhibit, Clark Planetarium will have some galactic photo opportunities with cosplayers, Dr.  Volt’s Comic Connection will have comic giveaways and many local comic creators, our FanX Hall of Fame Cosplayer friends will have a cosplay competition, there will be a Star Wars Dance party by the Utah Arts Alliance and much more more! 

Originally published May 1st, 2025.

Producer KellieAnn Halvorsen crashes Andy Farnsworth’s conversation with T.C. for a KSL Movie Show Digital Extra, dissecting the story, the filming, and the power of storytelling with the film’s director and writer. Alma Richards was the first Utahn to win an Olympic gold medal, and in this spoiler-filled deep dive, T.C. shares his personal connection to the story, as his grandmother was Alma’s sister. 

Learn more about the film and the man at RaisingTheBarMovie.com. 

Originally published April 22nd, 2025.

Last week, they announced one of the biggest celebrity guests in the universe, with actor David Tennant joining the lineup of out-of-this-world guests, including fellow space traveler William Shatner. #FanX25 is happening on September 25th – 27th, 2025, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Various passes and experiences are available to purchase now at FanXSaltLake.com, but prices tend to increase as we get closer to the event. 

Want to know the latest updates for FanX as they come? Make sure to subscribe to the FanX newsletter. Want to meet others who are interested and going to FanX? Join the private Facebook FanX® Salt Lake Comic Convention™ Group to meet and socialize with fellow attendees and cosplayers (like our Fan Effect Producer KellieAnn Halvorsen).

Originally published April 15th, 2025.

But finally, avid Disney fangirl, our cohost and producer KellieAnn Halvorsen, has seen and is ready to pull apart the mess of potential that is “Snow White” 2025. She is joined by Utah’s Evil Queen herself, FanX Hall of Fame Cosplayer Marial Clark, to discuss the highs (Rachel Zegler’s singing) and lows (those dwarves) and absolute nonsense that is this classic remake.

Originally published March 21st, 2025.

For nearly 60 years, Star Trek has inspired generations of fans to not just reach for new scientific frontiers but to explore different cultures and possibilities. This conversation delves into what makes the series so far-reaching and long-lasting, why it is important to individuals, and how to get into the fandom if it seems a bit too daunting. 

Originally published March 20, 2025.

Filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura had big shoes to fill, following in his father’s footsteps.  So, he made a documentary about his dad, Robert A. Nakamura, the godfather of Asian-American Media. In the film, Third Act, Tadashi follows his father’s footsteps from his time in a Concentration Camp for Japanese Americans during WWII to his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease.  You can see Third Act on PBS later this year if you miss the Sundance Film Festival. 

Originally published February 25th, 2025.