Nerdhat

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

We plan to review video games more often in season 7, so it seemed fitting to re-release this 2023 bonus episode covering classic 80s and 90s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle video games. We hope you enjoy! 

And stay tuned for our first episode of season 7, in which we’ll be reviewing the 1997 PC Game “Riven.” 

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WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

This week we close out season 6 with our review of the world's very first fully hand-painted film, "Loving Vincent." It took some 125 artists and 65,000 paintings to bring this visual feast to the table, and it does not disappoint. 

Let us know what you think in the comments. 

Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more. 

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

If you love sword fights, satire, flesh wounds, or flying cows, then this episode is for you! This week we cover two classic medieval comedies: Rob Reiner's eponymous production of "The Princess Bride" (1987) and Terry Gilliam's stab at comedy "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (1975). 

Which is your favorite? Let us know! 

This week's sources include: 

- "As You Wish: the Story of the Princess Bride" (2001) 

- "The Princess Bride' Reunion ft. Billy Crystal, Robin Wright & More | PEOPLE " (2011) 

- "The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure" by William Goldman (2007 edition) 

- "Honest Trailers | Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (2025) 

All screenshots, audio clips, and quotes from these films are used only for the purpose of commentary and are used in keeping with fair use laws in the United States. 

Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more. 

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

Today we share an episode which we first published on November 23, 2022, just 13 days after the end of Kevin Conroy's valiant battle with cancer. For us and many of millennials like us, Kevin will always be our Batman. We hope you enjoy this episode honoring Kevin's life and work. 

Image Copyrights: Kevin Conroy, Warner Brothers Animation/DC Studios

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WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

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....

*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*

Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more. 

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

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

Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more. 

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

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…..

Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more. 

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

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. 

Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more. 

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

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. 

*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*

Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more. 

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?

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!

Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.