This episode of Wise_N_Nerdy brings together fatherhood, fandom, and mental health as Charles and Joe are joined by special guest Todd Sarner, a licensed psychotherapist, parenting coach, and the founder of Transformative Parenting. Blending nerdy fun with meaningful conversation, this episode is a perfect example of how pop culture and real-life parenting lessons can coexist.

The show kicks off with the Question of the Week: “If you could have any two IPs do a crossover, which two would you choose?” The conversation quickly spirals into delightful chaos as the hosts imagine dream mashups like Star Trek meeting The Lord of the Rings, Quantum Leap crossing paths with Doctor Who, and even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles teaming up with Demon Slayer. It’s imaginative, passionate, and exactly the kind of nerdy debate fans love.

As tradition demands, the roll of the dice sends the crew straight into a round of truly unfunny bad dad jokes—the kind that hurt to hear and somehow hurt even more to tell. Groans are plentiful, dignity is lost, and the tone is perfectly set for what comes next.

In the “Daddy, Tell Me A Story” segment, Todd shares his personal and professional journey into therapy, opening up about what led him to create Transformative Parenting and why helping families navigate emotional growth has become his life’s work. It’s a heartfelt look at how experience, empathy, and intention shape better parents and healthier kids.

That naturally leads into the “How Do I…?” segment, where Charles, Joe, and Todd dig into the benefits of therapy—especially for children. They discuss breaking stigmas, building emotional tools early, and how therapy can be a proactive support rather than a last resort. It’s an encouraging reminder for parents that seeking help is a strength, not a failure, and a powerful way to Find your FAMdom through support, connection, and understanding.

The dice then decree it’s time for the Parliament of Papas, featuring a legendary parenting tale of epic revenge. The hosts unpack a story where a father proves a point by allowing his kids to “loot” his brother’s house—turning a teachable moment into a hilarious and unforgettable lesson about consequences.

To close things out, the episode dives into “What Are You Nerding Out About?” Joe offers a balanced and thoughtful take on the newly released Hytale, highlighting both its strengths and noticeable flaws while expressing excitement for its future potential. Charles passionately rants and raves about Tron: Ares, while Todd nerds out over the growing power of AI as a transformative tool—and shares some personal joy by talking about his upcoming nuptials.

It’s an episode packed with laughs, insight, and heart—bringing together expert parenting wisdom and unapologetic fandom in a way only Wise_N_Nerdy can.

Learn more about Todd Sarner over at http://transformativeparenting.com/

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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In this episode of the Wise_N_Nerdy podcast, Charles and Joe kick things off with a thought-provoking Question of the Week: “If you could instantly master any creative skill, what would it be?” From video editing wizardry to musical prowess and artistic talent, the hosts explore the creative abilities they’d love to unlock—and why creativity plays such an important role in both personal growth and parenting. It’s a relatable conversation that invites listeners to reflect on their own passions and reminds everyone that curiosity is a powerful motivator as you Find your FAMdom.

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This Wise_N_Nerdy segment kicks off exactly how real life feels at a con: audio levels fighting for their lives, intros going sideways, and Charles and Joe still rolling with it like it’s part of the show (because… it is). The dice hits early and lands on a surprisingly practical “How do I interact with my favorite celebrity?”—and it turns into a mini masterclass on not being weird in the best way possible. Joe nails the core: celebrities are people, they’re having a day like everyone else, and the character is not the human (with a perfectly timed “Joffrey” example that made the whole thing land). Charles brings the con-floor wisdom—bathroom etiquette, consent, and the power of a deep-cut compliment that makes a guest stop and actually talk.

Then the panel slides into “Daddy, tell me a story” and delivers the most convention-core tale possible: Joe’s 2006 car decides Atlanta is the perfect place to throw a Christmas-tree dashboard, kill power steering, and spark a chaotic tour of AutoZone → Advance Auto → “we don’t do alternator checks anymore (even though the sign says we do)” → mechanic limbo. And yet, the vibe doesn’t crash—because the takeaway isn’t “everything went wrong,” it’s “this is what we make it.” They close by nerding out about guiding kids through the MCU like a controlled emotional demolition (Infinity War is next—those kids have no idea what’s coming), then they end with exactly what the dice was born for: bad dad jokes, audience participation, and just enough groans to prove the room is fully alive.

• Celebrity interactions: Treat them like humans, assume they’ve repeated the same convo all day, and lead with kindness—not entitlement. Bonus: a deep-cut compliment can spark a real moment.

• Convention etiquette: Don’t ambush celebs in bathrooms, ask for consent even in paid photo ops, and remember: “their character” ≠ “them.”

• When travel chaos hits: Don’t let one crisis hijack the whole weekend—shift to “it is what you make it,” focus on what you can control, and salvage the experience.

• Parenting + fandom hack: Watch big franchise moments with your kids and watch their faces more than the screen—those reactions become the memory.

“You can wallow in what’s going wrong… or recognize it’s not the end of the world. I made it here. It’s going to be a great weekend regardless.” — Charles McFall

Wise_N_Nerdy rolls in hot with Charles McFall and Joe Ard doing what they do best: turning convention chaos into a living-room hangout with dice, segments, and just enough friendly roasting to keep everybody honest. Guest Bob McGough (author, game designer, and professional chaos gremlin) drops in to talk vending numbers with ruthless transparency—what it cost to be there, what it takes to break even, and the oddly satisfying moment when the “I’m $50 short” math flips into “everything from here is profit.” Along the way, bad dad jokes hit the floor, ramen gets romanticized as “fancy broke,” and we get a peek behind the curtain of con life that’s equal parts hustle and heart.

Then the episode swerves into the stuff that sneaks up on you: parenting teenagers and trying to stay connected while they morph into whole new humans in real time. It’s real talk—movie nights, anime bonding, board games, sending cosplay pics from the con floor—plus one unexpectedly touching origin story about why Bob writes “redneck meth wizard” books (and how giving broken people a happy ending can be its own kind of magic). It’s funny, a little unhinged, and surprisingly heartfelt… like most of the best conversations are.

• Break even on purpose: If you vend at cons, track your costs (table + hotel + parking + travel) and set a clear “break-even target” before you ever show up—everything after that becomes intentional profit, not a mystery.

• Make connection a habit, not a special event: With teens, don’t wait for the “perfect moment.” Build recurring touchpoints (movie night, board games, shared shows) so connection is normal, not awkward.

• Meet them where they are (even if it’s not your thing): Sometimes the win is simply sitting with them in their fandom (anime, games, cosplay), because what they’ll remember is the attention, not the content.

• Use micro-moments to show you’re thinking of them: A quick text of “I saw this cosplay and thought of you” can land harder than a whole lecture about family time.

• If you’re building a vendor hall or con experience: Prioritize variety and “true creatives” where possible—audiences feel it when the hall is diverse instead of duplicated (even if that hot take hurts somebody’s Funko feelings).

“You can beat addiction. You can’t beat redneck.” — Bob McGough

This episode of Wise_N_Nerdy with Charles and Joe is a heartfelt, humorous, and very on-brand celebration of family, fandom, and the traditions that bring us together—especially during the holiday season. As always, the show blends thoughtful parenting conversations with nerdy joy, proving once again why listeners are encouraged to Find your FAMdom.

The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “What is your favorite family tradition?” Charles and Joe reminisce about the rituals that make the holidays feel magical. From visiting an idyllic Christmas tree farm that feels like it was lifted straight out of a Hallmark movie, to making annual trips to Stone Mountain Park, to sipping eggnog while decorating the Christmas tree, the discussion is filled with warmth, nostalgia, and relatable family moments that resonate with parents everywhere.

With the roll of the dice, the show jumps into the “How Do I…?” segment, where Charles and Joe break down the pros and cons of white elephant gift exchanges. They explore how, with the right group of people and expectations, these exchanges can be hilariously fun—or painfully awkward. Their practical advice and lived experience help listeners decide whether a white elephant exchange will spark joy or chaos at their next gathering.

Next up is the “Daddy, Tell Me A Story” segment, which leans hard into the spirit of giving. Charles and Joe share stories about generosity, including meaningful traditions like angel trees and secretly doing the 12 Days of Christmas for a family in need. These stories highlight the power of quiet kindness and the lasting impact of teaching children the joy of giving rather than receiving.

The dice then lead into “What Are You Nerding Out About?”, where Joe talks about the time-loop holiday movie Pete’s Christmas, praising its heartfelt message about appreciating family and friends before it’s too late. Charles follows up with an eclectic mix of nerdy passions—discussing Cult of the Lamb and confidently declaring how naturally gifted he is as a cult leader, before shifting gears to gush about his love for the Alien franchise and how much he enjoyed Alien Earth.

Of course, no episode would be complete without bad dad jokes, and this batch is strong enough to earn even a reluctant chuckle from Charles—high praise by Wise_N_Nerdy standards.

The episode wraps up with a spirited “Parliament of Papas” discussion tackling a classic holiday debate: Is Scrooge actually a villain? Charles firmly plants his flag on the villain side, while Joe pushes back, questioning whether Scrooge is truly evil or simply a deeply flawed man capable of growth. It’s a thoughtful, funny conversation that invites listeners to reconsider a familiar story through a dad-lens.

From family traditions and holiday generosity to nerdy obsessions and philosophical debates, this episode perfectly captures what Wise_N_Nerdy does best—bringing humor, heart, and fandom together for parents who love both.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

Links - 
Devo creating the WNN gavel: https://youtu.be/VFKqTSmtoAQ

Devo's cupid shuffle: https://youtube.com/shorts/Z8SmRJlLJLo?feature=share

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In this week’s episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, Charles and Joe kick things off with the Question of the Week: “Which fictional character would make the best podcast guest — and why?” Joe goes with a timeless classic—Space Ghost—and Devocite immediately backs him up. Charles shoots for the brilliantly unhinged and selects Rick Sanchez, because what could possibly go wrong inviting Rick onto a podcast?

With the ceremonial roll of the dice, the chaos begins as the hosts dive into a mountain of bad dad jokes. Devocite delivers his signature groan-worthy punches, Bob jumps in with his own comedic ammunition, Joe brings the heat, and even Charles drops a rare joke of his own. If you love puns that hurt so good, this round is pure gold.

The dice then pull the show into the Parliament of Papas, where Charles and Joe unpack one of adulthood’s hardest lessons: knowing when to say no. From friends to coworkers to the people you really want to help but maybe shouldn’t, they discuss personal boundaries, burnout, expectations, and how to balance compassion with self-preservation.

Next comes Daddy, Tell Me A Story, where Joe takes listeners on a whirlwind chapter of his life—graduating college, landing a new job, and moving in with his in-laws all in the same week. It’s heartfelt, funny, and relatable for anyone who’s ever had life come at them fast.

Then it’s time for What Are You Nerding Out About? Joe gushes over a new wholesome romantasy anime, Pass The Monster Meat, Milady, a delightful blend of magical creatures, charming relationships, and cozy fantasy vibes. Charles isn’t nerding out this week, but he opens up in an honest moment about taking steps to improve his mental health through therapy—reminding listeners that growth takes many forms.

Finally, the show wraps with How Do I…?, as the dads tackle burnout and lack of motivation. They share strategies for rebuilding momentum, protecting your energy, and reconnecting with the things that make life meaningful. It’s encouraging, practical, and a great reminder to Find your FAMdom—the communities and passions that lift you up.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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In this lively and heartfelt episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, Charles and Joe kick things off with the Question of the Week:

“What fictional universe would you want to raise kids in — and why?”

Joe immediately champions the Robots universe, praising one key feature every parent dreams of: kids with volume dials. Charles, meanwhile, paints a wild and colorful picture of parenting in the zany world of Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, where chaos may be constant, but imagination thrives. And longtime fan favorite Devocite calls in to share his own pick — the magical, whimsical, and wonderfully strange version of Oz from the classic books.

After a roll of the dice, the adventure continues with the “What Are You Nerding Out About?” segment. Joe gushes about rewatching Frequency with his wife and rediscovering how emotionally powerful it is. Charles, after a few delightful detours, dives into his latest obsession: Split Fiction, a new psychological video game that’s caught his curiosity in all the best ways.

The next random segment leads to “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where the hosts look back on comically ill-advised moments from their lives — those unforgettable stories of getting into trouble for doing something, well… dumb. It’s relatable, hilarious, and an instant reminder that we all have those moments.

The dice then deliver a round of Bad Dad Jokes, courtesy of Joe, whose delivery is somehow both perfect and perfectly groan-worthy. Charles suffers valiantly.

When fate calls for the “Parliament of Papas,” Charles and Joe talk through a real situation shared by listener TheFullRunThrough, discussing how life’s chaos sometimes spills into relationships — and how communication can help repair the cracks.

Finally, the show wraps up with “How Do I…?”, where the hosts share thoughtful and nerd-approved advice on choosing the best geeky gifts for your family and friends. Whether it’s fandom merch, tabletop games, or personalized treasures, Charles and Joe break down how to gift thoughtfully and creatively.

Across stories, tangents, laughs, and dad wisdom, this episode invites every listener to Find your FAMdom and celebrate the joy of being both a parent and a nerd.

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Joe Ard and Charles McFall take Wise_N_Nerdy live to Conjuration, teaming up with authors Ben Meeks and Bob McGough for a chaotic, dice-driven hangout where fatherhood, fandom, and the hustle of creative life collide. One roll of the dice and they’re deep into “How do I start selling at conventions?” with Ben and Bob breaking down what really goes into turning your books and crafts into table-ready money-makers—black tablecloths, book stands, Square readers, newsletter clipboards, and the all-important reality check on why you’re doing events in the first place.

From there, the conversation swings through awkward booth encounters (including over-sharing would-be authors and roaming conspiracy conversationalists), the power of having the right table partner, and the difference between Artist Alley and the vendor hall when it comes to actual sales. They wrap things up debating the best movies to introduce kids to fantasy—think The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, NeverEnding Story, Willow, and more—before landing in a storm of skunk apes, dad jokes, and pure nerd-dad energy. If you’re a creative, a parent, or just love convention culture, this one hits all the sweet spots.

Actionable Takeaways

Quote

“As long as you’re covering your costs, every con is worth it—if you’re losing money, you’ve got to dig down and ask why.”
— Bob McGough

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These notes are empowered by AI. ~Chad

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In this lively and laughter-filled episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, Charles and Joe kick things off with the Question of the Week: “If you were transported into a D&D campaign as your current self, what class would you actually be?” Joe wastes no time declaring that Charles would absolutely be a bard, armed not with a lute but with a drum — because of course he would. Charles fires back, suggesting Joe would be a bard too… before quickly pivoting and upgrading him to wizard, because someone has to keep the party alive with spell slots fueled by bad dad jokes.

With the roll of their signature dice, the randomness begins — and the first stop is a fresh round of Bad Dad Jokes, led by community favorite Devocite, who drops some groan-worthy punchlines that get Charles and Joe rolling (their eyes and their dice). Naturally, the hosts can’t resist adding a couple of terrible dad jokes of their own.

Next, fate guides the show into “Daddy, Tell Me A Story”, where Charles and Joe reminisce about convention moments that made them stop and think, “Yep… these are my people.” From chaotic con floors to unexpected geeky bonding moments, the stories highlight exactly what it means to Find your FAMdom within fan culture.

Then it’s time for “What Are You Nerding Out About?”, where Charles shares his hilarious RPG experiences from CONjuration, recounting game sessions so wild they nearly had the table crying from laughter. Joe shifts gears into anime mode, gushing about Hero Without a Class: Who Even Needs Skills?!, a series starring a protagonist who ignores societal expectations and instead rises to greatness through pure determination and hustle.

The dice tumble again and land on “How Do I…?”, where the hosts address a universal parenting struggle: what to do when your kids are pushing every last one of your buttons. Charles and Joe offer real talk, real strategies, and the reminder that even the best parents have days when they’re this close to losing it.

Finally, the show closes with the “Parliament of Papas” segment, where the dads unite to roast the phenomenon of PROMposals — calling them over-the-top, unnecessary, and peak-level cringe. It’s a perfect blend of parenting wisdom, cultural commentary, and comedic snark.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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In this festive and laughter-packed episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, Joe is joined by the incredible TVsTravis, bringing his signature charm, insight, and perfectly timed dad-level humor. The duo kicks things off with the Question of the Week: “What holiday treats hit differently now that you’ve grown up?” From the questionable legacy of fruitcake to the nostalgia of store-bought cookies and the surprising sophistication of eggnog, Joe and TVsTravis dive into which seasonal snacks have aged like fine wine — and which have not.

With the ceremonial roll of the dice, the first segment lands squarely on Bad Dad Jokes, and TVsTravis comes armed and ready. He unleashes a barrage of perfectly crafted groan-inducing zingers, setting the bar high before Joe adds a couple of his own questionable masterpieces. It’s a pun-slathered opening that sets the tone for an episode filled with levity and warmth.

The dice then point the way to “What Are You Nerding Out About?”, where TVsTravis talks about one of his passions: modding old hardware. From transforming a vintage tube radio into a digital speaker to turning an antique telephone into a fully functional microphone, his creativity sparks inspiration for makers and nostalgia lovers alike. Meanwhile, Joe can’t contain his enthusiasm for My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON, raving about its emotionally charged first episodes, jaw-dropping animation, and powerful storytelling.

Next, the fates guide them into the “Parliament of Papas” segment, where a surprisingly heated (yet hilarious) debate breaks out over leftover etiquette. How long must leftovers sit in the fridge before they’re no longer “claimed”? One day? Three? A week? Joe and TVsTravis dig into the ethics, the chaos, and the unspoken rules of household fridge diplomacy.

After that, it’s time for “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where workplace war stories take center stage. From botched software rollouts to technical mishaps that triggered frantic recovery efforts, both hosts share tales that every tech-savvy parent — or anyone with a job — can relate to.

The episode wraps up with a thoughtful “How Do I…?” segment, where Joe and TVsTravis offer genuine, practical advice for navigating today’s challenging job market. From resume prep to interview mindset to staying resilient in uncertain times, the discussion is honest, encouraging, and grounded in real-world experience — the perfect blend of fatherly wisdom and nerd-approved insight.

Whether you’re here for the dad jokes, the tech talk, the anime hype, or the life advice, this episode offers the perfect place to Find your FAMdom.

Learn more about TVsTravis over at at https://tvstravis.com/

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