“It really does teach you how to take care of things that are bigger and smaller than yourself.”
~Marjorie Liu
This week on the Superfan Podcast, cohosts Christian Gossett, Kris Simon, and David Hyde trade panels for petals as bestselling author and comic creator Marjorie Liu (Monstress, The Night Eaters, X-23, NYX: No Way Home) joins us to talk about gardening as metaphor, ritual, and creative rebellion.
In a conversation that feels like a deep breath, Marjorie shares how tending to her garden mirrors the emotional arc of writing. She talks about cultivating patience, nurturing new growth, and composting failure — both literal and metaphorical.
We explore how her love of plants and storytelling both come from a place of transformation and resistance. Marjorie sees dirt not as a mess, but as a medium.
Also: peonies, gothic fantasy, plant magic, and the importance of letting things rest.
🔗 Reference Links
🍸 Featured Segment Extras
Cocktail: Black Cow Espresso Martini: This recipe for a three-ingredient Espresso Martini uses Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka for a smooth and luxurious twist on the classic.
50ml Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka
50ml freshly brewed espresso (chilled)
20ml maple syrup (or other sweetener like simple syrup or coffee liqueur)
Instructions
Prepare the espresso: Brew a double shot of espresso using an espresso machine, moka pot, or Aeropress. Allow it to cool or chill it in the fridge.
Chill your glass: Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes while the espresso cools.
Combine ingredients: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, then add the Black Cow Vodka, chilled espresso, and maple syrup.
Shake vigorously: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. This creates the signature frothy top.
Strain and serve: Take the chilled glass from the freezer and slowly strain the cocktail mixture into it.
(Optional) Garnish: Garnish with three coffee beans or grated dark chocolate.
Notes
For the best results, use high-quality espresso and your preferred sweetener.
Some recipes for a 3-ingredient espresso martini might include coffee liqueur instead of syrup.
The traditional garnish of three coffee beans is said to represent health, wealth, and happiness.
Dessert: Dirt Pudding:
1 package (15 or 18.7 oz) Oreo cookies
2 packages (3.4-3.9 oz each) instant chocolate or vanilla pudding mix
3 1/2 cups cold milk (whole or 2%)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (or 1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 - 1 cup powdered sugar (depending on desired sweetness)
12-16 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Gummy worms (for decorating)
Instructions
Prepare the Oreo "dirt": Crush the Oreos (filling included) into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or a rolling pin in a sealed bag. Set aside 1/2 cup of crumbs for the top layer.
Make the pudding mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and instant pudding mixes for 2 minutes or until thickened. Let stand for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding mixture, then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until combined.
Assemble the dirt cake:
In a 9x13 inch dish, trifle bowl, or individual cups, spread a layer of Oreo crumbs.
Spoon a layer of the pudding mixture over the Oreo crumbs.
Repeat the layers, finishing with the reserved Oreo crumbs.
Decorate and Chill: Arrange the gummy worms on top of the "dirt". If desired, add chocolate rocks or other decorations. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably 4 hours or overnight) to allow the cake to set.
If you’ve ever planted a metaphorical seed hoping it would grow into more than just a flower, this episode is for you. Subscriber, if you could design your dream garden, regardless of garden knowledge, what’s the one plant (or tree) that would have to be in there?
And to borrow from Audrey Hepburn, who knew a thing or two about resilience: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
Thanks for joining us for Episode 5 of the Superfan Podcast! Huge thanks to Marjorie Liu for sharing how gardening grounds her creativity and connects her to something larger than herself. Don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll be the first to hear more creators reveal the passions that nurture their work. And if you’re interested in behind-the-scenes chats, bloopers, and special unaired content, make sure you become a paid subscriber to gain access!
You can find us on the socials at Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, and X! You can also listen to the podcast on our YouTube channel, as well as wherever your other favorite podcasts are found.
Special thanks to our Season One sponsor, the amazing Fanbase Press! Fanbase Press is a GLAAD Media Award-winning and Eisner and Harvey Awards-nominated comic book publisher that celebrates super fandoms and creates new ones! #StoriesMatter.
