Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

What movie or TV show would you use to explain the complicated concept of time travel to your child? Would you go with the classic The Time Machine, send them back to the future with Marty McFly, or introduce them to the time-bending story of Timeline? Charles and Joe tackle that question—and plenty of other nerdy and fatherhood-related topics—in another packed episode of Wise_N_Nerdy!

The episode begins with the Question of the Week: "If your child asked you to explain time travel, which movie or show would you use as your teaching tool?" Charles and Joe explore some of their favorite time-travel stories, including The Time Machine, Back to the Future, and Timeline, while considering which fictional explanations might actually make sense to a curious kid. Because explaining paradoxes, alternate timelines, and temporal mechanics to a child is definitely something every parent has on their to-do list!

Then the Roll of the Dice unexpectedly sends the dads into the "How Do I...?" segment, which Charles is tentatively considering renaming "The Dad Manual." This time, the focus is on advice for new fathers. Charles and Joe discuss one of the most important things a new dad can do after a baby arrives: recognizing that his partner is going to be exhausted and that her body is recovering from giving birth.

The conversation focuses on practical ways new fathers can step up, take responsibility, and reduce the burden on their partner rather than waiting to be asked what needs to be done. From helping with the baby to handling household responsibilities and simply being attentive to what their partner needs, becoming a new dad is about more than learning how to hold a newborn—it's about becoming a teammate.

Next, the dice lead into "What Are You Nerding Out About?", where Charles dives into the world of Resident Evil. He talks about the new Resident Evil movie and his experiences with the franchise as a whole, exploring the enduring appeal of one of gaming and horror's most recognizable franchises. If you're a fan of survival horror, zombies, video games, or the ever-expanding Resident Evil universe, this conversation is right up your alley.

Meanwhile, Joe is nerding out over the LitRPG series Defiance of the Fall by TheFirstDefier, also known as JF Brink. The conversation gives LitRPG fans another series to potentially add to their reading list as Joe dives into what has him hooked on this progression-fantasy adventure.

Then the fates bring us to "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," and September turns out to have provided plenty of material. Following Dragon Con, Charles jumped into a new professional chapter as a teacher at an EMT school. Meanwhile, Joe has been dealing with a very busy September of his own, putting in a significant amount of overtime nearly every Friday night. Joe also discusses a potential new job opportunity, adding another twist to an already hectic month.

Of course, no Wise_N_Nerdy episode would be complete without some Bad Dad Jokes. This time, the dice deliver not one but two contributions from the Wise_N_Nerdy community, with one joke from Stephen Adams and another from TougasRose. Prepare yourself for the inevitable groans.

Finally, the Parliament of Papas tackles an important parenting topic: how do you help your kids deal with bullies and recognize when a situation is escalating? Charles and Joe discuss the importance of teaching children how to respond to difficult situations, when to seek help from adults, and how parents can give their kids practical tools for handling conflict without making a bad situation worse.

From time-travel movies and new-dad advice to Resident Evil, LitRPGs, career changes, overtime, terrible dad jokes, and conversations about bullying, this episode covers a lot of ground while staying true to what Wise_N_Nerdy does best: bringing fatherhood and fandom together.

Whether you're a new dad, a longtime parent, a Resident Evil fan, a LitRPG reader, a time-travel enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a good conversation between nerdy dads, there's something here for you.

Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another adventure filled with stories, laughs, nerdy obsessions, and practical fatherhood advice.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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What if you could choose any fictional character to be your kid's mentor? Would you trust Yoda to teach them the ways of the Force? Maybe Uncle Iroh would be the perfect source of wisdom, or Gandalf could guide them through life's biggest adventures. Or perhaps someone like Steve Rogers, Charles Xavier, or Mr. Miyagi would have exactly the kind of advice your kid needs. Joe and Devocite tackle that question and plenty of unexpected detours in this episode of Wise_N_Nerdy!

The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: "Which fictional mentor would you want giving your kid advice — Yoda, Uncle Iroh, Gandalf, or someone else entirely?" The conversation quickly expands beyond the obvious choices as Joe and Devo consider what makes someone a great mentor and which fictional characters might actually have something valuable to teach the next generation.

Then the Roll of the Dice sends the dads into "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Joe and Devocite share some entertaining travel stories involving GPS mishaps, wrong directions, getting lost, and the kinds of travel problems that seem funny once you've finally made it to your destination. Because sometimes the greatest adventure isn't the one you planned—it's the one where your GPS decides it knows better than you do!

Next, the dice bring us to Bad Dad Jokes, and Devocite comes prepared. Literally. Armed with an actual stack of joke-filled magazines, Devo starts pulling out dad jokes with the dedication of a man who has been preparing for this moment his entire life. The results are exactly as gloriously groan-worthy as you'd expect.

For "What Are You Nerding Out About?", Devocite dives into the quirky science-fiction adventure We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor. The conversation explores what makes the story such an entertaining read while giving listeners another potential addition to their nerdy reading list. Devo also talks about some of the upgrades and projects he's working on in his workshop.

Meanwhile, Joe has his own literary connection to nerdy creativity. He's once again serving as a beta reader for author J. Abram Barneck, marking the second time Joe has had the opportunity to help review one of Barneck's upcoming works. It's another glimpse into the behind-the-scenes side of writing, reading, and being part of a creative community.

Then the Parliament of Papas convenes to tackle a particularly frustrating beach scenario. Imagine leaving your belongings behind temporarily, only to return and discover another family has taken over your chairs and started eating your food. What should you do? Is this an innocent misunderstanding, a serious breach of beach etiquette, or the beginning of a dad-level confrontation? Joe and Devocite dig into the situation and consider how they would handle it.

Finally, the episode closes with "How Do I...?", tackling one of the more challenging parts of parenting: when is it okay to let your kid fail? Joe and Devo discuss the importance of allowing children to experience failure, learn from their mistakes, and develop the skills they need to handle setbacks. Sometimes being a good parent means stepping back, resisting the urge to immediately fix everything, and giving your child the opportunity to figure things out for themselves.

From Yoda and Uncle Iroh to GPS disasters, magazine-fueled dad jokes, We Are Legion (We Are Bob), workshop upgrades, beta reading, beach etiquette, and the difficult art of letting kids fail, this episode has a little bit of everything. It's another conversation filled with fatherhood, fandom, laughs, stories, and the kind of unexpected nerdy tangents you've come to expect from Wise_N_Nerdy.

Whether you're a parent, a Star Wars fan, a fantasy fan, a sci-fi reader, a fan of dad jokes, or simply someone who enjoys conversations about parenting and geek culture, there's plenty here for you.

Find your FAMdom and join Joe and Devocite for another adventure where fatherhood meets fandom!

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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What if you could bring a piece of science fiction into the real world to make parenting just a little bit easier? Would you choose a Star Trek holodeck, a robotic helper like Rosie from The Jetsons, or perhaps sneak a little fantasy into the conversation with Hermione’s Time-Turner from Harry Potter? Those are just a few of the possibilities Charles and Joe consider in another wildly nerdy episode of Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom!

The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “What item from sci-fi would make parenting so much easier?” Charles and Joe explore the parenting possibilities of futuristic technology and fictional gadgets, with several science-fiction favorites making an appearance—and a couple of fantasy items sneaking into the discussion. Because when you're talking about making parenting easier, apparently the rules about what counts as sci-fi can get a little flexible!

Then the Roll of the Dice sends the dads straight into some spectacularly terrible Bad Dad Jokes. The dice have spoken, and unfortunately, there is no technology in existence capable of preventing the groans that follow.

Next up is “What Are You Nerding Out About?”, where Joe introduces Charles to a new LitRPG he's been checking out: The Grand Game. Naturally, one LitRPG quickly turns into a much larger conversation as they discuss other popular titles in the genre, including The Primal Hunter and Dungeon Crawler Carl. If you're a fan of progression fantasy, LitRPG adventures, dungeon crawling, leveling systems, and stories where characters get increasingly ridiculous abilities, there's plenty here to fuel your reading—or listening—list.

Meanwhile, Charles has something completely different to nerd out about: Dragon Con. After experiencing the convention, Charles shares his excitement about everything that makes Dragon Con such a unique celebration of fandom, from the incredible atmosphere to the people and experiences that make the convention memorable.

The dice then bring us to the “Parliament of Papas”, where Charles and Joe react to a discussion about Dragon Con badge ribbons and Swag n Seek. Are convention ribbons and the hunt for swag creating problems, or are they simply another part of the fun and culture surrounding Dragon Con? The dads dig into the debate and consider the different perspectives surrounding convention etiquette, collectibles, and the sometimes chaotic nature of fandom.

Finally, the episode wraps up with “Daddy, Tell Me A Story”, where Charles shares some exciting news about what's coming next in his professional life. He's getting ready to take on a new role as a teacher at an EMT training center, opening up a new chapter that combines his experience and knowledge with the opportunity to help train the next generation of emergency medical professionals.

From futuristic parenting technology and terrible dad jokes to LitRPG recommendations, Dragon Con adventures, convention debates, and a major professional change, this episode is packed with the kind of unexpected twists and nerdy conversations you've come to expect from Wise_N_Nerdy.

Whether you're a parent, a sci-fi fan, a LitRPG reader, a Dragon Con attendee, or just someone who enjoys a good dad joke, there's something here for you.

Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another adventure where fatherhood meets fandom!

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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Joe is on vacation, so Drunk Uncle Phil is back in the house! This week, Charles and Phil are counting down the final days before Dragon Con while talking about the ridiculous amount of work that goes into making something look effortless—and why being the person who always says “I can do that” is sometimes a terrible career decision.

Things get surprisingly real when the conversation turns to imposter syndrome, creative burnout, failure, and knowing when it’s okay to walk away from a project. The dads also head to the Parliament of Papas to tackle a complicated question: If a child wants to call their stepmom “Mom,” should anyone stop them?

Along the way, things get appropriately Wise_N_Nerdy:

It’s fatherhood, fandom, friendship, creativity, and the usual amount of terrible decisions.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom.

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What can Gandalf teach us about life? How did The Matrix convince Charles to try lo mein? Why are Charles and Joe—usually two dads with very different nerdy interests—suddenly united in their love for Spider-Man: Brand New Day? And exactly how much housework is enough housework?

This week on Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom, Charles and Joe tackle all of those questions and plenty more in an episode packed with movies, conventions, parenting, terrible dad jokes, and some surprisingly serious conversations about relationships and household responsibilities.

The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “What’s the most unexpectedly deep life lesson you’ve learned from a piece of entertainment?” Joe pulls some wisdom from Gandalf, while Charles explains how The Matrix somehow inspired him to finally give lo mein a try. Because apparently, sometimes the path to personal growth runs through Middle-earth—and sometimes it runs through Chinese takeout.

Then the Roll of the Dice determines what's next, and something incredibly rare happens: Charles and Joe are nerding out about the exact same thing! Both hosts dive into Spider-Man: Brand New Day, sharing their enthusiasm and singing the praises of a movie they thoroughly enjoyed. If you're a Spider-Man fan, this is one conversation you won't want to miss.

Next up is “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where the conversation turns toward Dragon Con. Charles and Joe look back at their past convention experiences while also talking about what they're excited to see and do at Dragon Con 2026. Whether you're a longtime convention veteran or someone considering attending your first con, there's plenty of fandom-fueled excitement to go around.

Of course, no episode of Wise_N_Nerdy would be complete without the Bad Dad Jokes. The dice have spoken, the fates have spoken, and unfortunately, the dads have jokes. Prepare yourself for some spectacularly terrible puns and the inevitable groans that follow.

From there, the “How Do I...?” segment tackles one of the most dangerous territories at any convention: the vendor hall. Charles and Joe discuss some of the pitfalls shoppers can encounter, what they look for when browsing convention vendors, and how to make the most of the experience without walking away wondering how you somehow spent that much money.

Finally, the Parliament of Papas weighs in on a Reddit relationship story involving a wife who believes her husband isn't pulling his weight around the house—even while acknowledging that he may actually be doing around 60% of the household work. Charles and Joe dig into the complexities of household responsibilities, expectations, communication, and why percentages alone may not tell the whole story.

From unexpected life lessons and Spider-Man to Dragon Con, bad dad jokes, convention shopping, and relationship debates, this episode has a little something for every kind of nerd and every kind of parent.

So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join the conversation. Find your FAMdom with Wise_N_Nerdy!

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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What level of coffee snob would your favorite fictional character be? Would Captain America carefully curate the perfect cup, would The Hulk simply smash the coffee machine, or would the bizarre Worms from Men in Black somehow have the most sophisticated coffee preferences of them all? Charles and Joe kick off this episode of Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom with a hilarious Question of the Week that combines fandom, coffee culture, and plenty of ridiculous speculation.

After the traditional Roll of the Dice, the show jumps straight into "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Joe shares his excitement over playing Lords of Waterdeep during his family reunion. He talks about the strategy, fun, and familiar board-game vibes that reminded him of Ticket to Ride, making it a perfect addition to a family gathering. Meanwhile, Charles is celebrating an exciting opportunity at Dragon Con, where he's getting to conduct interviews and connect with some incredible people as an official convention spokesperson.

The dice then lead the hosts into the "Parliament of Papas", where Charles and Joe tackle a question from TheFullRunThrough: Should parents correct their children when they mispronounce words in an adorable or funny way? The conversation explores the balance between preserving those precious childhood moments and making sure kids eventually learn the correct pronunciation.

Naturally, no Wise_N_Nerdy episode would be complete without a Bad Dad Joke, and this week's contribution involves skydiving. Prepare yourself for another joke that is almost certainly better at making you groan than it is at making you laugh.

Next, the "How Do I...?" segment takes on a challenge many parents eventually face: How do you support your child's obsession when it's something you're not interested in yourself? Charles and Joe dive deep into the importance of showing up for your kids, learning about the things they love, asking questions, and finding ways to connect even when their hobbies aren't your personal cup of tea. It's a thoughtful conversation about parenting, connection, and reminding our children that their passions matter because they matter.

Finally, the episode wraps with "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Charles shares a memorable—and decidedly unpleasant—family story involving his wife suffering from severe food poisoning that ultimately resulted in an emergency room visit. It's another reminder that family memories aren't always the glamorous adventures; sometimes they're the stories you tell years later because you can't believe they actually happened.

From fictional coffee preferences and board games to Dragon Con, parenting dilemmas, terrible dad jokes, supporting your kids' passions, and an unexpected trip to the ER, this episode has plenty of laughs, nerdy enthusiasm, and genuine fatherhood wisdom.

So grab your favorite coffee, settle in, and join the conversation. Whether you're a board-game fan, anime and pop-culture enthusiast, convention-goer, or parent trying to navigate the wonderfully chaotic journey of raising kids, there's a place for you here. Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another adventure where family, fandom, and fun come together.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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Joe is still out exploring the world, so Charles is joined once again by fan-favorite John Devocite for another episode filled with music, memories, maker projects, and wonderfully nerdy rabbit holes. From the songs that shaped who they are—from Alice in Chains and the Bee Gees to Weird Al and Broadway—they explore how music becomes the soundtrack to our biggest moments and sometimes even helps us survive our darkest ones.

Then the conversation shifts into the joy of curiosity itself. Whether it's woodworking, mesh networking, podcasting, or taking apart electronics just to see how they work, Charles and John celebrate the mindset that keeps creators creating. Toss in dad jokes, Dragon Con talk, and a reminder that perfection is overrated, and you've got another episode proving that fatherhood and fandom make a pretty incredible combination.

Featured Quote

"I think curiosity is one of the best traits anybody can have... it makes all the difference in your daily life."

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This week on Wise_N_Nerdy, Joe's out, so I called in one of my favorite people to cause absolute chaos: Josh Cooper from Uploads of Fun and my co-host on The Little Brown Pill. We somehow go from debating the worst fictional roommate ever to reliving embarrassing stories, Dragon Con, burgers, mushrooms, and enough coffee talk to make a barista question their life choices. If you've ever wondered what happens when two friends are given microphones and zero adult supervision... this is it.

Then things really go off the rails. We answer the age-old question of how to become a full-fledged coffee snob, roast everything from Starbucks to mushroom coffee, argue over fast food burgers, tell stories that probably should've stayed private, and somehow end up discussing ThunderCats, Fight Club, Pokémon cards, and whether Pig-Pen would be the roommate from hell. It's the kind of conversation that only makes sense while you're listening—and somehow gets funnier the deeper it goes.

If you like nerd culture, dad humor, caffeine-fueled debates, and two guys chasing every rabbit trail they can find without ever losing the fun, this episode is for you. Grab your favorite mug, hit play, and come hang out with us. Just don't blame us if you suddenly find yourself shopping for a pour-over kit by the end of the episode.

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How useful would your superpower really be? Could you save the world… or would you simply be able to grow your fingernails 1% faster? Joe is joined by returning guest Stephen Adams for another hilarious and heartfelt episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, where fatherhood, fandom, and plenty of laughs collide.

The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: "What would be the most useless superpower imaginable?" The conversation quickly spirals into comedic territory as the hosts imagine powers that no superhero would ever want. From instantly knowing when milk has expired to voluntarily making your eyes lose focus, Joe and Stephen prove that not every superpower deserves its own comic book.

As always, the Roll of the Dice determines the journey, landing first on "Daddy, Tell Me A Story." Joe and Stephen reminisce about some of the mischievous adventures from their younger days, sharing stories of sneaking into places they probably shouldn't have been. Joe recalls his family floating down a river to watch hydroplane races without paying admission, while other tales include clever movie theater side-door strategies and youthful antics that make for unforgettable memories.

Next comes a generous helping of Bad Dad Jokes, featuring groan-worthy contributions from Bob, Stephen, and Joe. The puns are terrible, the timing is impeccable, and the laughs are absolutely unavoidable.

The dice then roll into "How Do I...?", where the hosts discuss one of the most valuable life skills parents can teach: critical thinking. In an age of social media, misinformation, and endless online content, Joe and Stephen explore practical ways to encourage children to ask questions, evaluate sources, think independently, and—perhaps most importantly—not believe everything they read on the internet.

From there, it's time for "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Stephen shares his enthusiasm for HITMAN World of Assassination, praising the freedom, creativity, and replayability that have made the series a favorite among stealth gaming fans. Joe, meanwhile, has been enjoying the cozy fantasy anime The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, celebrating its relaxing atmosphere, charming characters, and comforting blend of fantasy and food.

The episode wraps up with "Parliament of Papas," where the hosts react to a Reddit story involving a groomsman who refuses to buy a green suit for an upcoming wedding because he'll only wear it once—and it's going to be unbearably hot. The discussion turns into a fun debate about wedding expectations, balancing comfort with commitment, and when it's worth making a sacrifice for the people you care about.

Whether you're laughing at ridiculous superpowers, reminiscing about childhood adventures, picking up parenting advice, discovering your next favorite game or anime, or enjoying another avalanche of Bad Dad Jokes, this episode has something for every geek and every parent. Join the conversation, celebrate your passions, and Find your FAMdom with the Wise_N_Nerdy community.

Want to learn more about this week's guest? Visit Stephen Adams at https://www.thatstephenadams.com.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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What would you do if you woke up inside a video game? Would you start gathering resources, search for the nearest quest giver, or spend the first few minutes desperately trying to figure out whether you're living in Animal Crossing or trapped inside Resident Evil? Joe and special guest Philip D. Keating kick off another fun-filled episode of Wise_N_Nerdy by answering this week's Question of the Week, leading to a hilarious discussion about survival, strategy, and the importance of knowing exactly what kind of game world you've landed in.

The Roll of the Dice sends the hosts first to "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Joe shares his latest anime obsession, The Cat and the Dragon, a delightfully goofy series that's full of charm and humor. Phil, meanwhile, is eagerly anticipating everything the Nintendo Switch 2 has to offer, with a particular excitement for the newest Star Fox adventure and what it could mean for longtime Nintendo fans.

Next up is "How Do I...?", where Joe and Phil tackle an important parenting topic: How do you help your kids build genuine self-esteem and learn to love themselves? Through thoughtful conversation, the hosts explore the power of encouragement, celebrating effort over perfection, modeling healthy confidence, and creating an environment where children know they are valued for who they are—not just what they accomplish.

The dice then land on "Parliament of Papas," where the hosts react to an unforgettable story about a teenager working in a coffee shop who secretly teamed up with his manager to pretend he was getting fired whenever customers became unnecessarily rude. The discussion dives into customer behavior, workplace humor, standing up for employees, and why kindness costs nothing.

No episode would be complete without a healthy helping of Bad Dad Jokes, and this week delivers a wonderfully painful collection of puns centered around the paranormal and poetry. The groans are plentiful, the laughs are unavoidable, and the Wise_N_Nerdy tradition lives on.

Finally, the episode concludes with "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Joe and Phil swap some of their most memorable travel horror stories. From flight delays and airport mishaps to the unpredictable chaos that seems to follow travel plans, the hosts prove that sometimes the best stories come from the trips that didn't go quite as expected.

Whether you're imagining life inside your favorite video game, discovering a new anime, getting excited for the next generation of Nintendo, looking for parenting encouragement, or simply enjoying some spectacularly bad dad jokes, this episode has something for every nerd, parent, and lifelong fan. Join the conversation, celebrate what you love, and Find your FAMdom with the Wise_N_Nerdy community.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

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