Dive deep into the swirling vortex of nerddom with Mandy and Dana as they dissect the wildly popular A Court of Thorns and Roses. Mandy grapples with the thorny intricacies of faerie lore, romanticy, and the age-old question: just how does one maintain hygiene in a pre-modern, magically infused realm?

Dana, the seasoned reader and fantasy aficionado, acts as Mandy's Virgil, guiding her through the labyrinthine world of Sarah J. Maas's prose. They explore the surprising parallels to Beauty and the Beast, the allure of world-building (even when it leaves you scratching your head), and the irresistible pull of a good, old-fashioned, fairy-fueled romance.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's ever wondered about the finer points of faerie etiquette, the power of BookTok, or the enduring appeal of a story that blends romance, fantasy, and just a touch of good old-fashioned gore. You might even learn a thing or two about Taylor Swift along the way. Trust us, it's more connected than you think.

Links & Notes

• A Court of Thorns and Roses
• Sarah J. Maas
• Throne of Glass
• Fourth Wing
• BookTok

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

What happens when fear isn’t just in the shadows, but in the walls of your own home? When the weight of loss becomes a creature you can see, hear, and—perhaps worst of all—cannot escape?

This week, Mandy invites filmmaker, podcaster, and friend Tommy Metz III back to unpack one of the most unsettling films of the last decade: The Babadook.

Mandy and Tommy explore the architecture of horror itself, evaluating how Jennifer Kent’s 2014 cult classic reshaped the genre. From the film’s muted color palette to its sound design, they unpack how the movie doesn’t just tell a bedtime story—it feels like one.

What if the Babadook isn’t just a monster, but an author, a symbol of a mother’s unresolved trauma? Tommy presents a theory that might just make you rethink every frame of the film, complete with exhibits and photographic evidence. Mandy recounts her own nightmares, her love-hate relationship with creepy children’s books, and her newfound obsession with the film’s unsettling layers.

And what about this for unexpected twists: How did a shadowy, top-hat-wearing figure become a queer icon? Yes, you read that right. The Babadook’s journey from psychological horror to internet meme is a subplot worthy of its own deep dive.

Links & Notes

• Find Tommy on All The Feelings
• The Babadook on streaming platforms
• Photos referenced during the episode

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

Mandy Kaplan embarks on a cosmic quest to decode the enigmatic realms of sci-fi aboard the USS Orville, captained by the comedic stylings of Seth MacFarlane, with Matthew Fox, host of Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics.

This isn't a show that's obsessed with warp speeds or phaser frequencies. Instead, Matthew sees science fiction as a mirror reflecting the complexities of our own world, a lens through which to examine ethics, humanity, and the very fabric of consciousness.

Mandy sets off with The Orville, a show she initially dismissed as "frat-boy humor," and discovers the surprising depth beneath the surface. Together, they explore pivotal episodes: "About a Girl," a poignant exploration of gender identity and cultural relativism, and "Mad Idolatry," a sharp critique of religious fervor and its potential for manipulation. The Orville is a space adventure and a philosophical thought experiment wrapped in witty banter and surprising emotional resonance.

Links & Notes

• The Ethical Panda
• Star Wars Generations
• Superhero Ethics

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

Mandy embarks on a quixotic quest to decode the enigmatic world of One Piece. Yes, that One Piece – the sprawling, seemingly endless saga of pirates, devil fruits, and a rubber-limbed protagonist named Monkey D. Luffy. Now, before you dismiss this as mere children’s fare, consider this: One Piece, like a meticulously crafted Trojan Horse, smuggles profound themes of friendship, loyalty, and the enduring power of dreams within its vibrant, often absurd exterior.

Zach Logan, the erudite host of the One Piece Podcast, serves as Mandy’s Virgil, guiding her through this labyrinthine narrative. He, a veteran of the double secret life – the one where international espionage is but a mundane Tuesday – reveals the surprising depth and emotional resonance lurking beneath the surface of this thousand-plus episode epic. They discuss the nuances of the original anime, the kinetic energy of the recent “Fan Letter” special, and the surprisingly effective live-action adaptation, a production Zach’s own mother, along with a legion of other moms, inexplicably adores.

But the true heart of this episode lies in the unexpected parallels they draw between One Piece and other seemingly disparate narratives, from Homer’s Odyssey to the nerdy depths of the television show Lost. They explore the enduring appeal of the “ragtag crew on a mission” trope, the way it taps into our primal yearning for connection and belonging. In doing so, they reveal the universality of One Piece, its ability to transcend cultural boundaries and speak to something deep within the human spirit. So, grab your straw hat, hoist the Jolly Roger, and prepare to be swept away by the world of One Piece.

Links & Notes

• One Piece Podcast
• Zach on Bluesky
• One Piece Podcast on Bluesky
• One Piece Podcast Patreon

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

This week on Make Me A Nerd, Mandy goes deep into the bewitching woods of "Agatha All Along," a spin-off of the already perplexing "WandaVision." To help her grapple with the show's unique narrative structure, its blend of sitcom tropes and supernatural intrigue, and its connection to the broader tapestry of the MCU she’s got her new best Marvel friend, Matt Cole from the Debate This! Podcast!

They dissect the lingering effects of Wanda's hex spell on Agatha Harkness, exploring how it traps her in a cycle of sitcom archetypes, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. They examine the significance of Aubrey Plaza's arrival, questioning her motivations and her connection to Agatha's past. They probe the show's subtle nods to the history of witchcraft, tracing the threads of real-world folklore woven into the fictional narrative.

But the conversation extends beyond the specifics of the plot. They unpack the challenges of adapting complex comic book lore for the screen, the delicate balance between fan service and accessibility, and the tendency of superhero narratives to recycle familiar tropes. They question the effectiveness of exposition-heavy recaps and primers, arguing that sometimes, a surface-level engagement can be more rewarding than a deep dive into obscure trivia.

Ultimately, this episode is about the inherent human desire to make sense of complex narratives, to find connection in shared experiences, and to laugh at the absurdity of it all. It’s an exploration of the joys and frustrations of fandom, the tension between casual viewing and obsessive analysis, and the realization that even in the most fantastical worlds, the human element remains at the core. So, join coven as they unravel the mysteries of Agatha, navigating the convoluted corridors of the MCU with a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and a healthy appreciation for the weird.

Links & Notes

• Debate This!
• Avenge This!
• Bahnfyre PR

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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