This week on Make Me A Nerd, Mandy's chatting with the multi-talented Justine Huxley – voiceover artist, musical theater star, and, as it turns out, a total nerd in her own right.

Justine's nerdiness spans the spectrum. She reminisces about belting out show tunes as a kid in San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square (pre-smartphone, sadly, no viral fame) and geeks out about Stephen Sondheim. While Mandy steers clear of museums, Justine confesses her love for all things natural history and science – butterflies, dinosaurs, the whole shebang.

But wait, there's more! Justine just celebrated her public D&D debut at DreamHack Atlanta. As the voice of a quirky scientist in the video game Apex Legends, she was invited to participate in live D&D sessions. Turns out, she's a natural, rolling a string of 20s (now known as the "Justine roll") and winning over the D&D crowd.

The heart of the episode, though, is Netflix's "Blown Away." We're all hooked on the glassblowing competition, mesmerized by the artistry and skill. They break down the show's "Top Chef"-esque format, marvel at the contestants' creations, and sympathize with the physical demands – the heat, the burns, the evaluator, Katherine, whose critiques can be a bit…oof.

They get into just a bit of the nitty-gritty of specific episodes, praising Edgar, a young glassblower with a knack for realism (sadly, eliminated too early), and discussing the "Potluck Party" challenge, where one contestant declared his dislike of eating (what?!), and another created a powerful piece about food scarcity. They also weigh in on Debra, a talented but perhaps slightly overconfident competitor.

Obviously, click through to learn more about Justine's fantastic world. And check out "Blown Away," seriously. You'll be blo... oh never mind.

Links & Notes

• Justine Huxley
• Apex Legends
• DreamHack
• "Blown Away" on Netflix
• Edgar Valentine's on Instagram
• Chihuly Garden and Glass

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This week, Mandy sits down with Darren Grodsky, a writer, director, and the mastermind behind the smash-hit podcast "How to Destroy Everything."

Mandy and Darren take a timey-wimey trip through "Quantum Leap," the iconic '80s and '90s sci-fi series that captured Darren's imagination as a young boy. Together, they explore the show's genius use of time travel as a vehicle for powerful, emotional storytelling. Darren even admits publicly to choosing "Quantum Leap" over talking to his girlfriend. He really said that. He said it on a podcast. As the conversation unfolds, Mandy and Darren dissect the unforgettable characters, the science behind the quantum leaps, and the show's uncanny ability to tackle important social issues.

If you're craving even more nerdy awesomeness, head over to MakeMeANerd.com/join and become a member of the "Make Me a Nerd" community. You'll gain access to ad-free episodes, early releases, and exclusive bonus content that will take your nerd game to the next level! And this week in the member after-party, Darren takes us on a wild journey through his best friend's tumultuous childhood, revealing the perfect blend of humor and heartbreak that makes his podcast so addictive.

Links & Notes

• Discover How to Destroy Everything
• Unlock a treasure trove of nerdy goodness by becoming a member of this very podcast and learn more about the history and making of How to Destroy Everything at MakeMeANerd.com/join

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Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Hark, adventurers and nerds both fledgling and seasoned! Gather 'round the flickering hearth of Make Me a Nerd, where tales of fantastical realms and digital dungeons unfold. In this episode, our intrepid host, Mandy Kaplan, embarks on a quest into the heart of Dragonlance, guided by the wise and whimsical Simon Petrie. Together, they delve into the worn pages of Dragons of Autumn Twilight, a tome teeming with knights, mages, and creatures most wondrous. Prepare for a journey fraught with draconians, kender, and the unpredictable magic of Raistlin, a mage whose power ebbs and flows like the tides of Krynn.

Our heroes navigate the treacherous landscapes of this epic saga, encountering a cast of characters as diverse as the races of Ansalon. From the stalwart Sturm Brightblade to the mischievous Tasslehoff Burrfoot, each companion brings their unique strengths and secrets to the fellowship. Mandy, a newcomer to this world of high fantasy, grapples with the complexities of kender and gully dwarves, while Simon, a seasoned veteran of these literary campaigns, illuminates the lore and mechanics of this beloved series. Together, they unravel the mysteries of Krynn, pondering the motivations of heroes and villains alike.

But beware! For this journey is not without its perils! Mandy’s quest for higher stakes leads her to question the invincibility of the companions, yearning for a touch of danger to heighten the drama. Simon, ever the sage guide, hints at future trials and tribulations, promising a darker path ahead. The discussion weaves through the intricacies of magic, the challenges of Dungeons & Dragons gameplay, and the surprising divinity of a certain wacky old mage.

So join us, brave listeners, as we explore the realms of Dragonlance. Prepare to roll the dice of fate, encounter dragons both real and wicker, and uncover the secrets that lie hidden within the hearts of heroes. For this is but the first chapter in a grand adventure, and the fate of Krynn hangs in the balance!

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Ever feel like you're trapped in a world of gilded villains and shadowy agendas, where the fate of nations hangs in the balance? Then step into the thrilling world of James Bond with Matt DeGroot, Vice President of Production at Crooked Media, as he guides Mandy Kaplan through the treacherous landscape of Goldfinger on Make Me A Nerd. Matt, a man who obviously navigates the corridors of power by day and the seductive world of espionage by night, unveils the secrets of 007, revealing why this particular film holds the key to understanding the enduring power of the Bond mythos. But be warned, this is not a game for the faint of heart.

Beyond the shimmering surface of shaken martinis and tailored suits lies a world of calculated risks and deadly consequences. Matt, a connoisseur of both political strategy and cinematic intrigue, dissects the anatomy of Goldfinger'splot, exposing the machinations of its villain and the vulnerabilities of a world on the brink. He'll delve into the historical context of the film, exploring its place within the Bond dynasty and the evolution of the franchise. And he'll offer a glimpse into his own origin story, sharing the childhood memories that forged his fascination with the world of espionage. But remember, knowledge is power, and in this game, information can be as deadly as a golden gun.

Together, they’ll navigate the labyrinthine world of double agents and femme fatales, illuminating the roles of Felix Leiter and Miss Moneypenny, whose secrets may hold the key to Bond's survival. And he'll offer a masterclass in political action, reminding listeners that real-world villains can be just as dangerous as their fictional counterparts. Take control of your destiny and visit VoteSaveAmerica.com to make your voice heard. Because in this world, silence is complicity.

So, are you ready to enter the world of shadows and secrets? Tune in to Make Me A Nerd for a thrilling deconstruction of Goldfinger and its enduring legacy. Discover the hidden power dynamics at play and uncover the truth behind the world's most iconic spy. But be careful who you trust, because in this game, betrayal is always a possibility. And remember, the power to change the world is in your hands.

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This week on Make Me a Nerd, Mandy sits down with podcast producer and "slutty nerd" Andy Nelson. Together, they blast off for a journey back to 1984 to revisit the cult classic film, "The Last Starfighter." This sci-fi adventure, often hailed as the best of the "Star Wars ripoffs," tells the story of Alex Rogan, a trailer park teen who achieves the highest score on an arcade game, only to discover it's a recruitment tool for an intergalactic war.

Andy shares his nostalgic love for the film, praising its surprisingly grounded characters and relatable themes of ambition and escapism. Mandy, new to the world of "Starfighter," compares its vibe to a mashup of "WarGames" and "Footloose," highlighting the film's unique blend of futuristic action and small-town charm.

Sure, it's a film with some quirky humor, from Robert Preston's charismatic performance as the alien recruiter Centauri to the grumpy, snake-faced alien. But it's also a film with some surprisingly sophisticated special effects. That's right, note the use of repurposed "Blade Runner" props and groundbreaking CGI that captivated audiences at the time.

This is a film with enduring appeal and has a prized place in the pantheon of 80s sci-fi films. So embrace your inner nerd and relive the magic of this classic film, and make sure Andy knows his nerd promiscuity is welcome here!

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This week on Make Me a Nerd, Mandy explores the world of the inkstained wretch in the complex world of graphic novels with comic book author Adam Rose. Having dipped her toes in the shallow end with lighter reads, Mandy bravely tackles the seminal work "The Watchmen," a graphic novel renowned for its intricate storytelling and mature themes.

Adam, a lifelong comic book enthusiast, and professional writer in the field, guides Mandy through the nuances of the medium, explaining how "The Watchmen" revolutionized the genre by portraying superheroes with a raw and human complexity rarely seen before. They delve into the historical and political context of the story, drawing parallels to contemporary events and exploring the book's enduring relevance.

Sure, there are struggles navigating the dense narrative and intricate artwork. Sure, she questions whether she's overthinking the details or missing crucial clues while she litigates her life choices. Adam reassures her, emphasizing that "The Watchmen" demands multiple readings to fully grasp its layers and that not every graphic novel requires such meticulous scrutiny.

Tune in as they discuss the lasting impact of "The Watchmen" on pop culture, its influence on subsequent works like "The Boys" and "Kick-Ass," and the various adaptations, including a movie and a television series that serves as a sequel to the graphic novel's events. And definitely check out Adam’s work on Huge Detective right here!

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This week, Mandy embarks on a mission to appreciate the appeal of Aliens, and a genre she admits to having little experience with. Her guide through this new territory is Darnell Smith, a longtime friend and self-proclaimed sci-fi expert. For their cinematic journey, Darnell selects James Cameron’s film, one he believes to be the pinnacle of the franchise despite its departure from the original's tone.

Throughout their discussion, Mandy questions whether "Aliens" belongs in the sci-fi category, finding its action-heavy plot and lack of nuanced alien characters more akin to a typical military movie set in space. She does, however, express fascination with the film's detailed depiction of a futuristic Earth, particularly the mundane aspects of daily life. Darnell, on the other hand, focuses on the film's deeper themes, connecting the relentless nature of the alien creatures to the horrors of the unknown and humanity's tendency towards hubris.

Sure, Mandy leans toward relatable characters and immersive world-building, while Darnell emphasizes the genre's ability to explore complex themes through fantastical scenarios. Still, Mandy's enthusiasm for the material is a huge win for nerddom. Whether or not "Aliens" fully converts Mandy into a sci-fi enthusiast remains to be seen, but the episode does offer an interesting glimpse into the subjective nature of genre and the diverse ways in which audiences connect with stories.

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This week on Make Me a Nerd, host Mandy Kaplan dives headfirst into the swirling vortex of Doctor Who with the help of returning guest and self-proclaimed "nerd-maker" Krissy Lenz.

Mandy, still riding high from solving a real-life murder mystery, confesses her trepidation about tackling the sprawling universe of Doctor Who. But fear not, dear listeners, Krissy has a plan – a plan that involves a very specific episode, a certain famous painter, and a creature that can only be described as a "grunt-faced chicken dragon."

The episode in question? Season 5's "Vincent and the Doctor," a star-studded affair featuring Bill Nighy and penned by the one and only Richard Curtis (yes, that Richard Curtis). Mandy is immediately captivated by the episode's blend of historical fiction, quirky humor, and genuine emotion. She marvels at the animation of Van Gogh's "Starry Night," ponders the Doctor's ability to befriend even the most fearsome alien, and grapples with the concept of the TARDIS (a word she only knew from the musical "Matilda," naturally).

So tune in to this week's Make Me a Nerd for a delightful conversation about the power of feeling seen, the joy of unexpected historical encounters, and the undeniable sex appeal of 1890s Danny Bonaduce. You might even learn a thing or two about Doctor Who along the way.

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