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.

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

• Start small: hit local art markets, craft fairs, and library events before dropping big money on multi-day conventions and hotel rooms.

• Build a basic booth kit: black tablecloth, simple book or product stands, and at least one easy way to take electronic payments (plus some cash change).

• Protect your algorithm: let friends and family buy in person, but focus your online sales and reviews on strangers who actually read your genre.

• Scout your cons: visit first, see where Authors Alley and vendor spaces actually sit, and choose the spot with real foot traffic—not just a hallway of passers-through.

• Partner with people who match your energy: share tables with folks who hustle like you do, so someone is always “on” while the other is on panels or taking a breather.

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

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

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/

This week on Wise_N_Nerdy, Charles and Joe kick off the show with a popcorn-powered Question of the Week: “What is the best popcorn?” From classic buttery goodness to sweet caramel crunch and even the fancy gourmet blends, the hosts and listeners pop off (pun intended) on what makes the perfect snack.With the dice rolled and destiny set, the first segment lands on “What Are You Nerding Out About?” — where Charles talks about Too Many Losing Heroines, a cozy and feel-good anime he loves to throw on in the background. He also admits he’s bursting at the seams wanting to talk about the new Demon Slayer movie — if only Joe would finally watch it! Meanwhile, Joe’s been fully immersed in the world of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, so much so that he’s rewatching it with his wife, proving that great anime really is worth a second run.Next up, the dice take us into the “How Do I…?” segment, where Charles and Joe tackle a real parenting conundrum: What do you do when your kid wants to quit an activity mid-season? Both dads agree that sticking it out is an important life lesson — it builds character, teaches commitment, and keeps those registration fees from going to waste!The show keeps rolling with “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where the hosts get reflective about how parenting evolves over time. From strict curfews to more relaxed rules, Charles and Joe share how being a parent to your firstborn can look very different from raising your youngest — and why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.Then it’s time for the “Parliament of Papas” segment, featuring a speakpipe from fan-favorite Devocite, who tells a tale about making his daughter clean up a biohazard left by her dog. Charles and Joe weigh in with their takes on responsibility, consequences, and the fine art of gross parenting moments that build character (and stories for the podcast).Finally, the episode wraps up with a classic Bad Dad Joke that compares air conditioning to computers — because, of course, both stop working at the worst possible times.Full of warmth, wit, and dad-level wisdom, this episode is a perfect mix of heart and humor. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the life lessons, or the anime talk, you’re bound to Find your FAMdom right here with Charles and Joe.Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

In this spooky (and hilarious) episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, Charles and Joe kick things off with the Question of the Week: “Which movie monster or horror villain would make the worst trick-or-treat chaperone?” From Pennywise’s balloon-filled nightmares to the creepy charm of Kruger — and an uncomfortably real mention of Jeffrey Epstein — the answers are as chaotic as they are entertaining.With the dice rolled and fate decided, the adventure begins with “What Are You Nerding Out About?” — Charles admits he’s feeling a little grumpy but lights up while talking about a Choose Your Own Adventure-style book with D&D flair. Joe, on the other hand, dives into The Prison Healer trilogy by Lynette Noni, a romantic fantasy (“romantasy”) series his wife Kelsi introduced him to.The dice next land on “How Do I…?”, where the hosts share tips on staying young at heart and full of energy. From keeping your body in motion to challenging your mind, Charles and Joe remind us that growth and curiosity are the keys to vitality.Of course, no episode would be complete without some groan-worthy humor — this time courtesy of Bad Dad Jokes from CaseyJay, featuring classic zingers about reading maps backward and a skating dog that’s “paws-itively” funny.Then, it’s time for “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where Charles and Joe look back on sharing internet classics like Charlie the Unicorn and Charlie Bit Me with their kids — bridging generations one viral video at a time.Finally, the dice land on the “Parliament of Papas” segment, where things get real. The dads break down the good, bad, and ugly sides of DoorDash — from privacy scandals involving dashers to the sneaky, predatory pricing practices that hurt customers and restaurants alike.Full of heart, humor, and honesty, this episode is a perfect example of how Wise_N_Nerdy blends real talk with laughs — and as always, invites you to Find your FAMdom.Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

In this laugh-filled and heartfelt episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, Charles and Joe invite listeners to Find your FAMdom as they dive into another week of fandom fun, fatherly wisdom, and nerdy adventures.The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “What is your favorite Easter egg in a movie or show?” From Star Wars hidden cameos to clever Disney and Pixar callbacks, and the countless Marvel Cinematic Universe secrets, Charles, Joe, and their listeners geek out over the details that make storytelling magic even more fun to uncover.Then, the roll of the dice leads into “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where Charles shares behind-the-scenes tales from his years of being an extra on movie and TV sets. From long shoot days to surprising celebrity encounters, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the entertainment industry from someone who’s lived it.Next up, the dice bring us to “What Are You Nerding Out About?” Joe talks about the new anime A Gatherer’s Adventure in Isekai, a surprisingly fun (if familiar) addition to his seasonal watchlist. Meanwhile, Charles recounts his amazing weekend at Multiverse Con, filled with panels, cosplay, and connecting with fellow fans.The fates then deliver a fan-favorite moment—Bad Dad Jokes featuring none other than Devocite and his daughter Ruby! Their back-and-forth brings giggles and groans alike, and Joe adds in his own punchline about an escalator that stops working.After the laughter fades, the dice move us to “How Do I…?” where the hosts explore ways to encourage kids to develop their positive predispositions—like natural curiosity, creativity, and motivation. It’s a sincere, dad-level discussion about nurturing potential and helping children thrive.Finally, the show wraps with the “Parliament of Papas” segment. The hosts unpack a complex Reddit story about a 19-year-old on a gap year who refuses to pay rent to her parents after already covering her own groceries and cooking. It sparks a thoughtful talk about family expectations, independence, and communication.From heartfelt reflections to geeky excitement, this episode is the perfect reminder that fatherhood and fandom go hand in hand. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

This episode of Wise_N_Nerdy with Charles and Joe kicks off with a heartfelt Question of the Week: “What is your favorite Robin Williams movie?”  From the magic of Aladdin and the swashbuckling adventure of Hook to the emotional depth of Awakenings and What Dreams May Come, the hosts and listeners celebrate the incredible range and impact of one of the world’s most beloved actors.After rolling the dice, fate leads the duo into the “How Do I…?” segment, where Charles and Joe explore how to decide which causes are truly worth supporting. They discuss meaningful giving, how to avoid pitfalls like high-overhead charities, and how to make sure your generosity makes a real difference. Next, it’s time for the “Parliament of Papas” — and this week’s Reddit story sparks big discussion. When a hungry 15-year-old reacts to her mom snagging fries without asking, a simple moment turns into a full-blown family standoff. Was it selfishness, manipulation, or just a misunderstanding about boundaries and respect? The hosts weigh in with empathy, humor, and dad-level insight. The dice then bless the show with a “Daddy, Tell Me A Story” segment, where Charles and Joe share personal moments that make them feel awesome — those little victories and proud dad vibes that remind us to celebrate life’s small wins.But no Wise_N_Nerdy episode would be complete without bad dad jokes, and this week’s come courtesy of the always hilarious Devocite, complete with his daughter’s eye-roll-worthy reactions. Finally, the fates guide the hosts to “What Are You Nerding Out About?” — where Charles shares his passion for connecting with people and helping them thrive, while Joe dives into his new favorite cozy fantasy anime, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill, a deliciously heartwarming show about magic, food, and friendship. It’s a journey full of laughter, reflection, and community — everything that makes Wise_N_Nerdy special. So tune in, laugh along, and remember to Find your FAMdom. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

This episode of Wise_N_Nerdy with Charles and Joe kicks off with a heartfelt Question of the Week: “What is your favorite Robin Williams movie?” From the magic of Aladdin and the swashbuckling adventure of Hook to the emotional depth of Awakenings and What Dreams May Come, the hosts and listeners celebrate the incredible range and impact of one of the world’s most beloved actors.

After rolling the dice, fate leads the duo into the “How Do I…?” segment, where Charles and Joe explore how to decide which causes are truly worth supporting. They discuss meaningful giving, how to avoid pitfalls like high-overhead charities, and how to make sure your generosity makes a real difference.

Next, it’s time for the “Parliament of Papas” — and this week’s Reddit story sparks big discussion. When a hungry 15-year-old reacts to her mom snagging fries without asking, a simple moment turns into a full-blown family standoff. Was it selfishness, manipulation, or just a misunderstanding about boundaries and respect? The hosts weigh in with empathy, humor, and dad-level insight.

The dice then bless the show with a “Daddy, Tell Me A Story” segment, where Charles and Joe share personal moments that make them feel awesome — those little victories and proud dad vibes that remind us to celebrate life’s small wins.

But no Wise_N_Nerdy episode would be complete without bad dad jokes, and this week’s come courtesy of the always hilarious Devocite, complete with his daughter’s eye-roll-worthy reactions.

Finally, the fates guide the hosts to “What Are You Nerding Out About?” — where Charles shares his passion for connecting with people and helping them thrive, while Joe dives into his new favorite cozy fantasy anime, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill, a deliciously heartwarming show about magic, food, and friendship.

It’s a journey full of laughter, reflection, and community — everything that makes Wise_N_Nerdy special. So tune in, laugh along, and remember to Find your FAMdom.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

In this week’s Wise_N_Nerdy episode, Charles and Joe are back with another hilarious, heartfelt, and thought-provoking ride through fatherhood, fandom, and everything in between. The show kicks off with the Question of the Week: “If you could take a vacation in any fictional setting, where would you go?” From the magical lands of Faerûn to the adventurous Johto Region, the elegant beauty of Naboo, and even the monster-filled streets of Solo Leveling’s South Korea, the hosts dream up the ultimate geek getaways that will have every listener imagining their own nerdy travel plans.

Next, the trusty roll of the dice leads into the “What Are You Nerding Out About?” segment. Joe dives into his latest anime obsession, May I Ask For One Final Thing?, sharing how its first two episodes set up a hilariously over-the-top premise that hooked him immediately. Charles switches gears, celebrating the unexpected delight of Nerds Slurpees at 7-Eleven, then takes listeners behind the mic to discuss the art of crafting a great podcast hook. He also gets a bit introspective, reminding us all to recognize the good moments in life and hold onto them when they come — a message that perfectly captures the spirit of Wise_N_Nerdy.

When the dice land on “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” Joe brings the laughs (and cringes) with tales from his adventures donating plasma — including verbal brawls in the waiting room and one unforgettable person who decided mid-donation was a great time to remove their needle. Chaos, compassion, and comedy — all in one segment.

The fun continues with some “Bad Dad Jokes” straight from the Discord community, proving once again that no pun is too painful for this show. Then it’s time for “How Do I…?”, where Charles and Joe share genuine advice on how to cope when life throws everything your way and you’re feeling completely frazzled. It’s a candid, supportive, and relatable discussion that perfectly blends humor with heart.

Finally, the “Parliament of Papas” segment brings a real-world ethical dilemma to the table: a bride-to-be asks her sister-in-law not to bring her seizure-alert dog to the wedding because her maid of honor has a severe allergy. The hosts break down the drama, exploring both sides of the issue with empathy, reason, and that signature Wise_N_Nerdy wit.

From laughter to life lessons, this episode has it all — a reminder to slow down, laugh often, and Find your FAMdom in the moments that matter most.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom