Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries

What a wild break (no goes to the movies for July, sorry), but Brenda and Austin are BACK.   Nerd news comes in hot with Scarlet Johansson suing Disney over breaking her contract, and beloved children’s cartoon Arthur announcing that it’s ending its run after 25 years.  That leads into the topic that Austin has brought for us this week:  A deep dive into a Canadian entertainment company Cookie Jar that was once one of the largest creators and distributors of children’s media in the world.  If you don't think you've heard of them, yes you have.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries

Brenda and Austin come to you this week still riding the high of seeing each other face-to-face for more than a couple of hours.  It was glorious, and now they're feeling both replenished and renewed. ready to bring you the news!  And that news is Paddington 3! Also, the new OLED Nintendo Switch AND new trailers for Disney’s Encanto and Marvel’s animated What If series. Finally, Brenda talks about Discovery Zone, a defunct children’s birthday party destination that is near and dear to her heart.  Chuck E. Cheese makes a return as well.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries

In this disjointed episode, we talk about Klasky Csupo and the unknowable nature of Rocket Power. This episode also features more unexpected Detective Conan talk, a discussion about training wheels, training bras, and even a guest spot from Brenda’s Mom’s Pitt Bull, Kevin. It's a lot, so thanks for being here!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries

This week on “SHoNM Goes to the Movies” we finally stop talking about Dora the Explorer the live-action movie and watch it (and tell you about it.) ::Spoilers:: it’s good.  Then, we take a quick swim into sea monster territory by watching Pixar’s Luca, a movie that director Enrico Casarosa assures us is not a gay romance, but we definitely beg to differ. (also it’s good, so please watch it).

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries

With 90% of the American market in their grasp, Nintendo was on top of the world.  Until the plucky upstart Sega came to town.  Armed with a hedgehog and a little-known console called the “Sega Genesis” Sega is in it to win it, or die trying. Brace yourselves; feelings will be hurt, hedgehog shaped balloons will be popped, and Austin will learn what a bandicoot is (because apparently, they don’t know.)

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries

Strap in for an absolutely wild ride into the history of Nintendo!  But first, an update on the Chuck E. Cheese Summer Tour, the Powerpuff Girls pilot is getting a rewrite, also Brenda and Austin try to untangle the complicated Space Jam 2 timeline.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries

On this monumental episode milestone, we kickstart a new three-part series on the console wars of the 90’s.  Up first this week:  Sega.  Where did this prolific video game company get its start?  What was Sega’s first console release?  And what does Chuck E. Cheese have to do with any of this?  Please tune in, and we promise Shigeru Miyamoto’s name is not forgotten at any point in this episode.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries

We begin this episode with a dramatic reading and critical discussion about the now canceled Powerpuff Girls live-action reboot, along with Sonic’s 30th anniversary, which leads us into this week’s main topic; Austin is here to talk about the E3 video game convention and all its highs and lows. Has E3 always been in LA? Do some gaming companies think they’re too good for E3?  Does E3 even want people to go? All this and more, you’re in for a treat, Mystorians!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries

It’s time to break out the marmalade, and a fake British accent.  This month Brenda and Austin are talking about Paddingtons 1 and 2!  Just what is it that makes this bear so endearing?  Why is Nichole Kidman’s character so scary? (Did she really need that taxidermy class for the part?)  Also, what is a “popping book"?? All these answers and more!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries

First off, Nerd News dives into the nature of speculators and how their toxicity destroys the very industries they’re trying to profit from. Next, a deep dive into something completely unrelated; Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida, a working film studio where live-action nickelodeon shows were filmed from 1991 to 2004.  Brenda shares what it feels like to be completely doused in green slime.  Also, just where is the Nickelodeon time capsule now?  You’ll find out, we promise!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmysteries