Nerdhat

By Nerdhat Productions

From Avatars to Xenomorphs, you never know what we’ll pull out of our Nerdhat.

New episodes every other Monday beginning October 13th.

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How many episodes does Nerdhat have?

The podcast currently has 147 episodes available.

Nerdhat episodes:

November 11, 2025 Anime that Influenced the Matrix: Akira vs. Ghost in the Shell
This week we pull two classic sci-fi anime films out of our Nerdhat, both of which influenced the Wachowskis and inspired elements of the Matrix trilogy. Richard will be pitching Mamoru Oshii's 1995 classic "Ghost in the Shell," while returning guest Elijah Miller will be advocating for Katsuhiro Ôtomo's groundbreaking 1988 film "Akira."

To Peruse and Purchase Examples of Elijah's art, visit https://www.elijahmillerart.com/

AI Summary*

In this episode, hosts Richard Best and Elijah Miller delve into the world of anime, focusing on two iconic films: Ghost in the Shell and Akira. They explore the artistic journey of Elijah, discussing his recent projects and experiences in the art community. The conversation transitions into a detailed analysis of both films, highlighting their themes, animation styles, and cultural impacts. Richard and Elijah share their insights on character development, visual storytelling, and the significance of these films in the anime genre, culminating in a lively discussion about their personal preferences and the future of anime.

Takeaways*

- Elijah has experienced significant growth in his artistic career over the past two years.
- Akira is a pivotal film that has influenced many aspects of modern anime and storytelling.
- Ghost in the Shell explores deep philosophical questions about identity and humanity.
- The animation quality of Akira is unmatched, showcasing a fluidity that is rare in modern anime.
- Both films reflect societal fears and hopes regarding technology and the future.
- Character development in Akira is driven by the circumstances surrounding the characters' struggles.
- Elijah emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in the art world.
- Richard shares his personal connection to the themes of Ghost in the Shell.
- The discussion highlights the cultural significance of anime in both Japan and the global context.
- The episode concludes with a light-hearted debate about the merits of each film.

*We thought it somehow appropriate to use a bit of AI assistance in creating this week's show notes. Don't worry, we didn't contract any viruses when we jacked in....

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1h 5min
October 27, 2025 Women’s Stories: Persepolis (2007) vs. The Breadwinner (2017)
In this week's episode we focus on the stories of two young women from the other side of the world, both of whom faced the challenges of living in cultures which restricted their freedoms and threatened their lives. "Persepolis," a 2007 French feature film faces off against 2017's "The Breadwinner," both of which premiered at International film festivals, and both of which were nominated for an Oscar* in their respective years.
Have you seen either of these films? If so, let us know what you think. Have you lived through something similar? We'd love to hear your stories too.

*Best Animated Feature Film

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50min
October 13, 2025 Creepy Cartoons: Gravity Falls vs. Over the Garden Wall
This week’s category is “Creepy Cartoons,” and we’re featuring two of the best to be released since Y2K frightened us into buying camping stoves and inordinate amounts of non-perishables - Alex Hirsch’s “Gravity Falls” and Pat McHale’s “Over the Garden Wall.” This week also includes an unscripted bonus segment in which Laura discusses her penchant for watching horror video gameplay on Youtube. Join us! If you dare…..

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1h 1min
September 25, 2025 Now Showing: The Long Walk (2025) vs. Demon Slayer: Infiniti Castle (2025)
This week on Nerdhat its a battle of boots versus blades, as we pit Stephen King’s “The Long Walk” against “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie - Infinity Castle.” Who will win? The walkers or the sword wielders? Listen to find out!

Also, big shoutout to Winston Salem’s Marketplace Cinema, where we enjoyed both of these films.

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1h 13min
September 11, 2025 Women of Sci-Fi: Starbuck vs. Uhura
Round 15 is all about the women of SciFi. Starbuck, also known as Kara Thrace, from the 2004 reboot of “Battlestar Galactica” faces off against Uhura, otherwise known as “Uhura” (at least to James T. Kirk), from the 2009 reboot trilogy of Star Trek movies. Joining us is special guest Rachael Morales, an accomplished author and lover of the SciFi and fantasy genres, not to mention sister-in-law to Laura and Richard! We had so much fun talking about these two strong, female characters from the realm of science fiction. Who will win this week? Listen to find out.
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1h 3min
August 27, 2025 80s Alternative Comics: Cerebus the Aardvark vs. Zot!
By Clovis’ beard! This is a strange fight indeed. On one side stands an earth-pig born (who isn’t actually a pig) and on the other stands a sheltered, teenage superhero who finds himself unprepared to face the “real world.” Both fighters meet beautiful women along the way, but only one will succeed in romance. Which will win our contest? Perhaps only Tarim knows….

Join us for round 14 as we review Dave Sim’s “Cerebus” and Scott McCloud’s “Zot!,” two creations which found their origins in the world of 80s alternative comics.

This Episode’s Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_comix
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebus_the_Aardvark
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zot!
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58min
August 13, 2025 Now Showing: Sorry, Baby (2025) vs. Weapons (2025)
In this battle between two films showing at our local Indie/Arthouse theatre A/perture Cinema, two female character each face horrors and come through the experience changed. The difference is, one of these horrors happens in real life, and the other does not. Which film left a more indelible impact on us? Listen to find out!
Which left a more powerful impact on you? Let us know in the comments or on social media!

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59min
July 30, 2025 Samurai Anime: Gintama (2005) vs Samurai 7 (2004)
This week’s battle of mid-2000s anime series features fourth wall breaking, mechanical samurai, and a dynamite slicing katana, among other things. Join us as we discuss the highly rated series “Gintama” (episodes 1-4) and “Samurai 7” (episodes 1-4).
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52min
July 16, 2025 Complex Female Leads: Ellie Arroway (Contact) vs. Louise Banks (Arrival)
This week on Nerdhat we feature a battle between complex female leads in science fiction. Far more than “just a pretty face,” these women (both the characters and the actresses who portrayed them) excel in working environments often dominated by men. As a result, they helm both of these films - 1997’s “Contact” and 2016’s “Arrival” - with aplomb. Both the characters Ellie Arroway and Louise Banks, portayed by award-winning actresses Jodie Foster and Amy Adams, respectively, have enriched the world of science fiction.
In truth, Laura had a hard time picking a winner for this week’s face-off. We’d love to know what you the listeners think; do you have a favorite? Let us know who and why in the comments (if you’re listening on Spotify) or by commenting on our social media posts.

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40min
July 03, 2025 Movies w/less than 25% on RT: Batman & Robin (1997) vs Spawn (1997)
Like a bat out of hell, this week’s battle has arrived! Richard fights for the 1997 commercial success “Batman & Robin” (is it so bad it’s good?) and Will battles on the side of the lesser known (but perhaps better made?) antihero movie “Spawn.” Who will win? Listen to find out!
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Join the other Nerdhatters in our Patreon Community!

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1h 4min

FAQs about Nerdhat:

How many episodes does Nerdhat have?

The podcast currently has 147 episodes available.