Nerdlandia

Robert James Russell is an author and illustrator based in Lincoln. His graphic memoir Hard Body, out in 2026 by Simon and Schuster, focuses on toxic masculinity and body image.

We discuss what makes graphic memoir a uniquely expressive form, his current creative inspirations and how anyone can start making diary comics.

Connect with Rob on his Substack, website or Instagram.

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings. Additional by Pocketbeats Music and Jonas from Pixabay 

Slow Your Dough owners Jon and Sam take us behind the scenes of their scone-themed bakery in Lincoln. We talk about flavor combinations, how to recover from baking fails and our favorite scone puns.

Learn more about Slow Your Dough.

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings. Additional music by Dvir Silver and Pufino from Pixabay.

Toby Burnham is the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum member & affiliate coordinator. We talk about the lessons he’s learned about gardening, his favorite recipes featuring garden produce and Spring Affair.

Learn more about the Spring Affair plant sale.

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings. Additional music by Ievgen Poltavskyi and Rockot from Pixabay.

Mackenzie Chapek is the director of Brave Animal Rescue in Lincoln, Nebraska. We discuss her backstory on rescuing animals, how Brave’s volunteer-based programs have grown over the past five years and tips on finding the best rescue pet for you.

Learn more about Brave Animal Rescue. 

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings. Additional music by folk_acoustic from Pixabay.

John Jasa shares his enthusiasm for and knowledge of thrifting vintage silk shirts. We discuss how they’re made, how to take care of them and why Goouch is his favorite brand.

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings. Additional music from Pavel Sivahrakau and Michael Daniel from Pixabay.

Today is a follow-up with a very special season 1 guest! Molly Chapple Roe moved from California to Germany with her spouse Mike and their cat Max in 2023. Last episode, we talked about her first six months living abroad. Since then, she’s gotten more comfortable with her German-speaking skills and has traveled to a few different countries including Ireland, Switzerland and Norway. (Note: this episode includes mentions of alcohol.)

--

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings. Additional music from Mykola Sosin and Dana Music from Pixabay

Grace Gaard is an outdoor educator and artist based in Lincoln. We talk about our favorite parts of Nebraska nature, Robin Wall Kimmerer's newest bookThe Serviceberryand my plans to get a pet jumping spider.

Connect with Grace onInstagram andEtsy.

--

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings. Additional music by u_8mkfqbal8d and Dvir Silver from from Pixabay.

Matel Rokke is an artist and co-owner of the boutique Tsuru in downtown Lincoln. We talk about what inspires her work, the importance of being a more conscious clothing shopper and why the shop is named “crane” in Japanese. 

Connect with Tsuru and Matel's photography.

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings. Additional music by Alex Guz and FASSounds from Pixabay

Your favorite source of creative and nerdy conversations is back! Learn more about season 2 and the first full-length episode, which will be out January 8.

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings.

Saving Fiona is a band based in Lincoln. We talk about the creative processes behind two original songs from their most recent album, What a Shame.

Connect with Saving Fiona on Spotify or Instagram.

---

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings.