That Nerd Thing

In this episode of That Nerd Thing, Morgan interviews Pamela Gocobachi, entertainment journalist and pop culture expert. Pam shares her journey through various fandoms, starting with her early love for Harry Potter and Twilight to now co-hosting  #Millennial Podcast.

Pam and Morgan explore different aspects of nerd culture, including the role of music in storytelling, the impact of fandom on professional lives, and Pam’s professional evolution in the world of entertainment journalism. They discuss meeting celebrities (like Daniel Radcliffe), the Taylor Swift fandom, Bridgerton, and so much more. The conversation also covers the dynamics within different fandom communities, media literacy, and the importance of embracing one's nerdiness.

00:18 Introduction and Welcome

01:55 Exploring Pam's Nerdy Identity

03:57 The Impact of Music in Fandom and Entertainment

09:53 Taylor Swift Fandom: A Deep Dive into Music and Tours

11:55 Current Obsessions: Taylor Swift and Fourth Wing

15:02 Bridgerton Anticipation and Fandom Excitement

17:59 The Underrated World of NaNoWriMo and Writing

19:58 Fan Fiction: A Gateway to Fandom and Creativity

24:08 Celebrity Encounters and Professional Fandom

27:11 A Dream Internship and an Awkward Encounter with Daniel Radcliffe

29:39 Celebrity Fangirling: From Paul McCartney to Taylor Swift

31:00 The Art of Interviewing: Seeking Unique Insights

40:49 Embracing Fandom: A Career Built on Passion

43:41 The Essence of Being a Nerd: Identity and Connection

47:39 Geeky Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

Follow #Millennial! 

Tiktok: @millennialpod 

Instagram: @millennialshow 

Listen to #Millennial Podcast: https://millennialshow.com

Follow Pam!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelagocobachi/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamelagocobachi

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamelagocobachi

Follow That Nerd Thing at:

⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

In this episode, host Morgan chats with Max and Megan from the Vigilante Vibes podcast and award-winning Facebook group, “MediaVerse: Comics Unwrapped.”  They share their individual journeys into nerdom, starting from their first loves in the geek universe, Pokémon and Avatar: The Last Airbender, to their current passions within the Marvel Universe.

The conversation expands to discuss their favorite characters, plot lines, and the importance of non-toxic, inclusive communities within fandoms and the MCU. They also touch on the challenges and gatekeeping within these spaces while emphasizing the significance of finding or creating welcoming communities. 

00:18 Introductions

00:53 Unveiling Nerdy Identities

01:44 Diving into Marvel Fandom

03:00 Favorite Characters and Plotlines

04:01 The Magic of Community in Fandom

04:17 Spoiler Alert and Movie Moments

05:54 MediaVerse: Comics Unwrapped

08:37 Nerdiness Beyond Marvel

09:07 Underrated Nerdy Things

11:42 Journey into Fandom and Podcast Creation

20:12 The Marvel Fandom: A Closer Look

25:11 How Fandom Changes Lives

26:48 Favorite Moments in the Fandom

28:45 Discussing a Fun Fandom Moment

30:44 Meeting Celebrities and Attending Conventions

31:55 What Being a Nerd Means

33:50 Geeky Recommendations

39:01 Where to Find Max and Megan

40:15 Final Thoughts and Goodbyes

Don’t forget to check out the Vigilante Vibes podcast where they dissect the latest rumors, announcements, and news from all of your favorite MCU projects!

Listen on Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/2bbaBhA074nbMEiQrqlHKJ?si=d38bd0616a9f4fa2

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vigilante-vibes-a-marvel-podcast/id1678136588

Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VigilanteVibesPodcast

Join their non-toxic community of over 50K member over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MediaVerse: Comics Unwrapped⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Facebook.

Follow Max: @HisNameIsMax

Follow Megan: @MeganTheGangsta

Follow them everywhere @MediaVerseCU/@VigilanteVibes!

https://www.instagram.com/vigilantevibespodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@vigilantevibes

https://x.com/MediaverseCU

Follow That Nerd Thing at:

⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

In this episode, Morgan interviews fantasy author Brooklyn Quintana, known for her beloved Fynneas Fog series. Brooklyn discusses her journey of becoming an author, starting her own publishing company, and her perspective on embracing nerdiness. She explains her philosophies around the creative process and shares her love for fantasy, anime, Harry Potter, and music. Brooklyn also offers a refreshing perspective on life, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique quirks and interests, regardless of perceived societal norms.

00:18 Introduction and Welcome

02:01 Brooklyn’s Nerdy Identity

02:05 Anime Influence and Favorites

03:15 The Harry Potter Fandom

04:26 Art of Writing and Avoiding Influences

05:26 Writing a Fantasy Book

07:19 The Role of Music in Writing

09:27 The Love for Pens

11:44 Starting a Publishing Company

17:39 Journey into Fandom and Writing

22:35 Inspiration and Process of Writing the Book

26:55 Embracing Individuality: Lessons from The Crown

27:52 Is the Fynneas Fog Fandom Right for You?

29:22 Hot Topic Merchandise

30:13 The Daunting Process of Editing

32:09 How Writing Changed My Life

34:38 The Power of Authenticity and Passion

40:49 Embrace the Weird: What Being a Nerd Means

42:53 Geeky Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Fynneas Fog Book One Amazon Link

Fynneas Fog Book Two Amazon Link

Follow Brooklyn Quintana!

Tiktok: @thebrooklynq

Instagram: @brooklyn.quintana  // @official_fynneas_fog

Author Site: https://www.brooklynquintana.com

Follow That Nerd Thing at:

⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

In this episode, Morgan interviews Professor Julian Wamble, known for his viral TikTok videos, new top-rated podcast Critical Magic Theory, as well as his course on Harry Potter and Social Identity at George Washington University.

Professor Wamble shares insights on Greek mythology, music, fanfiction, and the resilience of the Harry Potter fandom. He also discusses the inception of his podcast, which provides a platform for more profound and critical examinations of Harry Potter characters and themes. In addition, Julian shares his thoughts about turning passion into work, the role of perfectionism in creativity, and his perception of what it means to be a nerd.

00:18 Introduction and Thanking the Listeners

01:02 Guest Introduction: Professor Julian Wamble

01:45 Exploring Nerdy Identities

01:52 Diving into Greek Mythology

05:45 Joy of Teaching Harry Potter

09:02 Magic of Music and Instruments

12:43 Nerdiness of Knowledge

14:02 Teaching Harry Potter: A Dream Come True

15:38 Journey into Fandom and Virality

28:33 The Unplanned Approach to Podcasting

28:52 Surprising Lessons from Podcasting

29:49 Role of Self-Reflection in Character Analysis

31:51 Importance of Critical Love in Fandom

36:34 The Reality of Making Your Passion Your Job

37:29 Journey of Creating a Podcast

39:09 Role of Fan Fiction in the Fandom

43:21 Healing Power of the Fandom

45:50 Meaning of Being a Nerd

47:46 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Follow Professor Julian Wamble! 

Tiktok: @profw

Instagram: @prof.jw

Listen to Critical Magic Theory:

Spotify // Apple Podcasts // Audible

Also mentioned on the show:

https://archiveofourown.org

Greek Mythology Podcast - Let’s Talk about Myths, Baby!

Follow That Nerd Thing at:

⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

In this special episode, Morgan welcomes her nieces and the hosts of the Long Live Taylor podcast, Kaylan and Leanna, for an in-depth conversation about their Taylor Swift fandom and their journey into hosting a Swiftie podcast.

They explore what it means to be a nerd and how their nerdy identity aligns with their love for Taylor Swift and her music. They share their initial draw to the music icon, the journey through different phases of Swift's career, as well as the highs and lows of being a diehard Taylor Swift fan. The episode is filled with hilarious moments, personal stories, and lots of love for Taylor Swift.

00:18 Introduction and Welcoming the Guests

01:53 Discussing Nerdy Identities

02:04 Childhood Fandoms and Obsessions

05:53 Unusual and Random Nerdy Facts

13:47 Journey into the Taylor Swift Fandom

19:46 Exploring the Swiftie Fandom

20:28 The Struggle for Concert Tickets

21:04 The Excitement of Attending a Concert

21:47 Emotional Connection to Taylor Swift's Music

24:35 Taylor Swift Fandom as a Community

25:32 Kindness in the Swiftie Community

26:12 Starting a Taylor Swift Podcast

27:27 Impact of the Taylor Swift Fandom on Personal Lives

28:27 The Challenges of Being a Taylor Swift Fan

29:40 The Joy of Anticipating New Taylor Swift Content

30:19 Personal Connection to Taylor Swift Songs

35:27 Meaning of Being a Nerd

37:04 Geeky Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Follow Long Live Taylor Podcast! 

Tiktok: @longlivetaylorpod

Instagram: @longlivetaylorpod

Listen to Long Live Taylor Podcast:

Spotify // Apple Podcasts // YouTube

Check out Kaylan’s music!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CCEZ3n1uQkvtNZ51CTylL?si=XP_6x4zeRc2dKMNk9mvkmA

Follow That Nerd Thing at:

⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

In this episode of That Nerd Thing, host Morgan, welcomes Laura Tee, a beloved podcast host known for her work on MuggleCast and #Millennial.

Laura shares insights into her beginnings as a Harry Potter fan, which led to her journey into fandoms and podcasting. She discusses her lifelong love of dinosaurs, her passion for linguistics, and her propensity to dive deep into any subject that fascinates her. Laura also shares the importance of embracing nerdiness, giving oneself time to explore hobbies, and the impact of Harry Potter and fandom on her personal and professional life.

00:18 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:45 Getting to Know Laura’s Nerdy Identity

01:53 Laura's Love for Dinosaurs and Jurassic Park

06:49 Exploring Laura's Fascination with Horror and True Crime

16:43 Laura's Linguistic Skills and Love for Languages

27:10 Laura's Journey into the Harry Potter Fandom

30:22 The Impact of Harry Potter

31:26 The Joy of Being a Nerd

31:43 The Influence of MuggleCast

34:41 Lifelong Fandom Friendships 

36:27 Mutual Love of Green Day

47:53 The Impact of Fandom on Life

49:58 The Joy of Podcasting

50:22 The Experience of Having Fans

54:24 The Meaning of Being a Nerd

58:17 The Importance of Time for Passion

01:03:04 Final Thoughts

Mentioned on the Show:

https://www.sporcle.com/

Follow MuggleCast and #Millennial! 

Tiktok: @millennialpod @mugglecast

Instagram: @millennialshow  @mugglecast

https://mugglecast.com

https://millennialshow.com

Follow Laura!

Instagram: @laumtee

Threads: @laumtee

Twitter: @laurrrrrrrrita

Follow That Nerd Thing at:

⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

Welcome to That Nerd Thing where we uncover the magical impact that fandoms have on our lives! In this episode, host Morgan speaks with Julian Raymond, a multi-Grammy Award winning and Academy Award nominated record producer and songwriter who is currently the Senior Vice President of A&R at Big Machine Label Group.

They discuss Julian's journey in the music industry, his love for the technical side over performing on stage, working with a variety of artists (like Dolly Parton), and navigating the ever-changing music landscape. Julian also shares about some current artists he's working with and his thoughts on the future of music. He emphasized the importance of a good song, the role of the internet in shaping the industry, and the exciting prospects for new artists.

00:18 Introduction and Welcome

01:02 Julian's Journey and Passion for Music Production

01:48 Behind the Scenes of Record Production

03:26 Current Projects and Achievements

04:38 Career Evolution and Experiences

05:27 Working on Film Music vs Radio Music

06:20 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Producer

11:10 Encounters with Famous Artists

22:46 Entering the Music Industry and Career Reflections

27:07 Managing Conflict in the Music Industry

29:11 The Impact of Social Media on Music

30:41 The Resurgence of Vinyl

31:51 The Constant Evolution of the Music Industry

37:24 The Importance of Passion and Hard Work

41:16 The Future of the Music Industry

42:16 Final Thoughts and Advice

Visit Julian’s website at https://julianraymond.net/

Follow That Nerd Thing at:

⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

Morgan interviews New York Times #1 bestselling editor and author Erinn Pascal about her journey in the fandom world. The conversation covers Erinn's work for notable companies like Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Disney, and Andrews McMeel Universal. Erinn discusses her affinity for fandoms like Neopets and Pokémon and she also shares advice about entering the publishing industry. A surprise revelation about their shared Neopets past brings laughter and nostalgia. Enjoy interesting discussions from fandom identities to the art of being professionally annoying.

01:28 Getting to Know Erinn

01:43 Erinn’s Love of Pokémon

04:44 Dragon Ball Z

07:21 Erinn’s History of Cosplay

08:18 Journey into Book Editing

14:48 Exploring Neopets

17:00 Morgan and Erinn’s Shared Neopets History

24:34 Be Professionally Annoying

27:25 Sense of Community in Fandoms

33:33 Meaning of Being a Nerd

35:02 Geeky Recommendations

38:26 Closing Remarks

Order Neopets: The Official Cookbook: Amazon /Barnes & Noble / Books a Million / Bookshop / Target / Walmart

Personal Twitter/X: @ErinnPascal

Personal Website: https://erinnpascal.com/

Pinterest: Books edited / books authored

Andrews McMeel Publishing: Website / Main Twitter / Kids Twitter /  TikTok / YouTube / Main IG / Kids IG / Newsletter Sign-Up

What if we kissed by the Giant Omelette?

Follow That Nerd Thing at:

TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod

Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod

YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to That Nerd Thing where we uncover the magical impact that fandoms have on our lives! In this episode, host Morgan speaks with multi-talented guest, Michael Metzner, a medical doctor, artist, musician, and Producer on popular TV shows 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Station 19'.

They discuss Michael’s journey from physician to Grey's Anatomy and Station 19 Producer. Michael also shares insights into the Grey's Anatomy fandom, his personal nerdy interests, and the impact fans have had on his life and career. The conversation touches upon why it's important to follow one's passion, even if it diverges from the traditional path. They also delve into the importance of pursuing one's passion and how fandoms and shared experiences have the power to change lives.

Listen in for some fun behind-the-scenes stories from Grey's Anatomy!

00:18 Introduction and Welcome

01:30 Meeting the Guest: Getting to Know Michael Metzner

01:38 Michael’s Fascination with Airplanes

03:32 Exploring the Passion for Cooking

06:43 The Unexpected Journey into TV Production

09:30 Experiences with Celebrities and the Impact of Grey's Anatomy

11:08 Michael’s Role in TV Production and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

18:07 Michael’s Personal Journey and Embracing Passions

23:05 The Power of Fandoms and Their Impact

32:20 The Meaning of Being a Nerd and Embracing Passions

33:15 Geeky Recommendations

35:18 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Follow Michael on social media! 

Instagram: @michaeljmetzner

https://twitter.com/michaeljmetzner

Don’t forget to catch Season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy on March 14th, 2024 on both ABC and Hulu! 

Follow That Nerd Thing at:

TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod

Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod

YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod

Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

Welcome to That Nerd Thing where we uncover the magical impact that fandoms have on our lives! In this episode, host Morgan speaks with Andrew Sims from the renowned podcasts, MuggleCast and #Millennial!

Andrew and Morgan discuss the powerful impact of fandoms, dive deep into the Harry Potter fandom, and explore how it has shaped their lives. Andrew also opens up about his journey, from starting as a fan in fourth grade to hosting one of the most significant Harry Potter podcasts. Morgan shares her personal experiences as a fan while Andrew provides his take on what it means to be a nerd. He touches on the magic of fandoms, how they create a sense of belonging, and how they provide an outlet for shared passion.

00:18 Introduction and Welcome

01:33 Meeting the Guest: Getting to Know Andrew Sims

10:06 Andrew's Journey into the Harry Potter Fandom

14:49 The Impact of Fandom and Podcasting

21:45 Understanding the Harry Potter Fandom

22:36 The Longevity of Harry Potter

24:42 The Role of Podcasting in Fandom

25:31 Reminiscing Harry Potter Conventions

28:30 The Impact of the Fandom on Personal Life

34:29 The Meaning of Being a Nerd

37:04 The Experience of Having Fans

39:01 Geeky Recommendations

40:59 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Follow MuggleCast and Millennial:

Instagram:

https://impact.hypable.com/

https://mugglecast.com/

https://millennialshow.com/

Follow That Nerd Thing at:
TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: [email protected]