FEATURED GUEST MODERATORS
JESSICA POLSTON & SARAH MAST
Jessica Polston and Sarah Mast are the co-hosts of Droughtlander Diaries, the Official Podcast Partner of The Land Con U.S. Known for their thoughtful conversations, humor, and deep connection to the fandom community, Jessica and Sarah have become beloved voices among longtime fans of the series. Their passion for storytelling and genuine love for the community embody the spirit of LandCon — from fans, for fans.
Since launching Droughtlander Diaries, they have built a loyal audience through engaging podcast discussions, interviews, event coverage, and fandom content across social media, creating a space where fans can stay connected long after the episodes end.
At The Land Con U.S., Jessica and Sarah will be joining us throughout the weekend not only as the event’s Official Podcast Partner, but also as Featured Guest Moderators on the Main Stage, helping lead panel discussions, audience conversations, and other special programming experiences. They will also host a live podcast recording and an exclusive panel experience, both for Platinum ticket holders.
HANAKO M. RICKS
Some of the most memorable moments at The Land Con happen on stage—through the conversations, the stories, and the connection. We’re so excited to welcome Hanako M. Ricks as one of our Guest Moderators at The Land Con U.S.!
Hanako is the creator and host of Fandom Hybrid Podcast, a podcast known for its lively discussions on television, film, pop culture, and fandom. A self-proclaimed “conversation enthusiast,” she has appeared on more than 500 podcast episodes and over 100 panels across fan conventions over the past 18 years. Her background also includes writing and blogging for entertainment outlets, alongside years of experience contributing to fan conversations both on stage and behind the mic.
Known for her genuine love of fandom and the connections it creates, Hanako brings energy, insight, and a natural ease to every conversation she helps guide. We’re so excited to have her joining us in Austin to help shape meaningful moments, lively discussions, and unforgettable fan experiences all weekend long!
NICOLE CORFE & LISA AUSTIN
🎙️ Some of the best fandom conversations are passionate, funny, emotional, and just a little chaotic, which is exactly why we’re so excited to welcome Nicole Corfe and Lisa Austin as Guest Moderators at The Land Con U.S.!
Best friends, Aussie mums, and the voices behind the Outlandishly Hot Podcast, Nicole and Lisa have built a devoted following through their hilarious, insightful, and wildly relatable conversations exploring Outlander, fandom culture, romance storytelling, the female gaze, and the modern internet fandom experience.
Nicole brings a background in media, pop culture commentary, and creative strategy, with experience spanning major brands including Cosmopolitan and InStyle magazines. Lisa brings a deep love of literature, storytelling, and character analysis, along with years spent helping others connect more deeply with stories through teaching and discussion. Together, their chemistry, humor, and refreshingly candid perspective have resonated with fans around the world.
Known for their hot takes, hilarious digressions, emotional honesty, and wonderfully unserious energy, Nicole and Lisa bring warmth, humor, and lively conversation everywhere they go — creating the kind of fan discussions that remind us why we all fell in love with these stories in the first place.
We’re thrilled to have them joining us in Austin to help bring laughter, connection, and unforgettable conversations to The Land Con U.S. weekend! ✨