Geek Edition: The stories that make us nerds

Some are in it for the stories. Some are in it for the badges, or the camaraderie. Others like the bartering and outdoor getaways. This alternative reality club is a fandom unto itself, aimed at protecting the monsters around us, their habitats, and more.

The Monster Rangers are kind of like the Scouts mixed with the 1987 film The Monster Squad. Correspondent Brandon Haddix brings us their story.

What happens when you combine today's theater troops, a history of burlesque, and modern fandom? Add all that up and you get nerdlesque. Performances based on Batman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, even Stephen King, and much more, are selling out large theaters in major cities, and stages in small towns across the country. Why? We hear from one theatre troop based in Vancouver, BC as well as an expert on the topic who bears the title of Professor of Nerdlesque.

Links:
Geekenders
Professor of Nerdlesque
NW NERD

Have you ever heard of the term "fake geek girls?" How about "booth babes?" There's this idea among the geek community that some people, generally women, cannot truly be geeks. There's a lot loaded into that sentiment. More than you may realize, especially if you look closer at the issue, its history, and the reality of the geek community.

This episode of Geek Edition uses music by The Doubleclicks. Enjoy!

Fair warning: This particular episode of Geek Edition touches upon the dark, horrific realm of politics and opinions. As such, Geek Edition is publishing two episodes this week. If this sort of discussion isn't your thing, feel free to hit that skip button to the next episode.

This week on Geek Edition: We're pulling in radio host Dave Ross and talk show host Michael Medved for a discussion on differences. You know, those points of contention that have so many ready to demonize others – opinions, politics, Mac vs PC, or even the toxic debate over the Oxford comma.  Dave and Michael are two very different people who not only respect each other, they get along quite well. And the reason they have a good relationship is because of their different perspectives and opinions. Both are nerds (the opinion of host Dyer Oxley), so we've brought them in to discuss. 

If you don't notice Captain Quidel because of the purple tights and cape, you'll definitely notice her car – bright purple and pink with a massive virus on top. Lin Wilson is the person behind the mask. While she was hired to be a community engagement manager for Quidel (a medical diagnostics company), the pandemic shook everything up. But she wasn't going to let it get in the way of doing a good job, and using her role to help the local community. 

Geek Edition brings you dispatches from the geek community; reporting on stories from the crossroads of fandom, pop culture, science, and more. Each episode presents a feature story, and sometimes an interview. 
Geek Edition is about the collector whose passion led him to starting his own, genuine Star Wars church. It's about the fans of 8-bit video game music who pack theaters to hear it performed by a full orchestra. It's about the tea maker who can taste movies, books, and music, thanks to her unique form of synesthesia, and how she uses it to blend customs teas. It's about the bartender who was frustrated with the lack of nerd hangouts in town ... so he started his own bar with the best Spider-Manhattan in the city. It's all that and more.

It started with a Star Wars lunchbox. It led to the formation of a Star Wars church. And along the way, Johnny Ramone helped out ... sort of. On this Geek Edition, the story of Tyler Arnold's holy mission to cherish and preserve pop culture through his Jedi Alliance church. 

Springfield is among the most common town names in America. But the one we all know the best is the home of the Simpsons. While officials with the show are adamant that the animated town is not based on any real location, one community claims to have a bit more Simpsons cred than all the others. It's partially based on legend, and partially based on the town's enduring Simpsons fandom. 

As modern symphonies face dwindling audiences and financial hardships, some are learning that there are wider audiences who appreciate music from an unlikely source - video games. Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses is one group of musicians bringing video game music to the stage, in front of sold out theaters.