In this delightfully nerdy episode, Mandy joins the ranks of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the (sort of) first time with podcaster and comic book aficionado Justin Jaeger. Like a modern-day anthropologist venturing into uncharted territory, Mandy explores the mystifying world of Loki, Marvel's mercurial trickster god, through the lens of a complete newcomer.

Justin, whose personal comic collection once aspired to the likes of the Library of Alexandria with 8,000 volumes, guides Mandy through the intricacies of Marvel lore while accidentally turning their discussion into an impromptu therapy session. The pair pull apart the charming paradox of Tom Hiddleston's Loki—a villain so charismatic that Mandy initially mistakes him for the hero.

From comparing the show to Silence of the Lambs to debating the state of Marvel's special effects budget, this episode offers a refreshingly uninitiated perspective on superhero culture. Whether you're a seasoned comic collector or someone who only knows Tom Hiddleston as "Taylor Swift's ex who dances on Graham Norton," this conversation bridges the gap between mainstream and nerd culture with wit and warmth.

Links & Notes

• Jayge’s Pages (Justin's YouTube book review channel)
• Loki on Disney+
• WandaVision on Disney+
• The MCU Timeline Guide for Beginners
• Tom Hiddleston's Thor Audition Tape

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This week, Mandy sits down with the Earp-erific Melody McCune from Geek Girl Authority, who's here to school Mandy (and all of us!) on the wild world of Wynonna Earp.

Mandy bravely ventured into Season 3, Episode 7 before realizing she needed some serious backstory. So, like the true overachiever she is, she went back and watched the pilot (extra credit!). Now she's ready to chat all things Wynonna, from the show's surprising shift in tone (dark and atmospheric pilot vs. later seasons' campy fun) to the complicated family dynamics (vampire baby-daddies, anyone?).

They unpack the sisterly love, the curse, the quippy humor, and the surprisingly addictive soap opera-esque drama that makes this show a must-watch. Plus, Mandy's got some theories about Wynonna's MIA older sister, Willow – spin-off alert?! And did we mention Doc Holliday? Because, Doc Holliday.

Tune in for a hilarious deep dive into Purgatory, Revenants, and the joys of discovering new shows through podcasting. You might just become a little bit Earpy yourself.

Links & Notes

• Geek Girl Authority
• Wynonna Earp (Syfy)
• Wynonna Earp (Netflix)
• Wynonna Earp Vengeance (Tubi)

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Join Mandy and her favorite roommate of all time, Abdi Nazemian, for a deep dive into the gloriously campy world of Mommie Dearest! Mandy gets schooled by Abdi, an award-winning author and certified Mommie Dearest expert, on why this so-bad-it's-good film has become a gay cultural touchstone.

They unpack Joan Crawford's over-the-top portrayal by Faye Dunaway, the unintentional camp that makes it so hilarious, and the surprisingly poignant way the film opened up conversations about abuse. Abdi shares hilarious anecdotes, including a legendary high school Mommie Dearest party and a personal encounter with Faye Dunaway (that didn't go so well).

Plus, they brainstorm musical numbers for a Mommie Dearest musical – get ready for "Mad at the Dirt"! Whether you're a longtime fan or a Mommie Dearest newbie, this episode is guaranteed to make you look at this classic film with fresh—and maybe more forgiving—eyes.

Links & Notes

• Abdi Nazemian's website
• Six Degrees of Joan Crawford from You Must Remember This
• Susan Sontag's Notes on Camp

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