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The Department of Nerdly Affairs is a bi-weekly talk podcast dedicated to exploring different aspects of nerdly arts and culture. Together bringing over 80 years of experience to the table, the hosts, Rob and Don, try to take a seasoned, knowledgeable, and real-world approach to looking at the creation of nerd culture and the forces shaping it. The podcast covers topics ranging from from film and comics to writing and history, and pretty much everything in between. If it's a hobby shared by ...
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DNA Podcast 141 – Martial Arts in Popular Culture (of the 20th Century)
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Original Poster for The Five Fingers of Death (aka King Boxer) In this episode, Don and Rob are back exploring how movies and television took martial arts from being weird and forbidden arts practiced by a select few to the McDojos of the 1990s. Along the way, they discuss how the Shaw Brothers changed everything,... Read More…
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DNA Podcast 140 – Marvel Product Tie-In Comics
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Written by Bill Mantlo – of course! In this episode, Rob, Don and Jack Ward take a trip back to the 1970s and 1980s, when a floundering Marvel Comics was saved by barbarians, vampires, giant robots and toys soldiers. It’s the story of product tie-ins brought life back to the dying comics company, and in... Read More…
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DNA Podcast 139 – Half-Hour Toy Commercials of the 80s
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In this episode, Rob and Don revisit their childhoods as they talk about the time when capitalism and animation joined together to create one of the greatest marketing forces known to mankind – the half-hour animated toy commercials of the 1980s! Strawberry Shortcake! HE-MAN and the Masters of the Universe! GI JOE! The Transformers! JEM!... Read Mo…
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DNA Podcast 138 – Family in Popular Culture
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Aka “Al” and “Peggy” Bundy In this episode, Don and Rob do their best Vin Diesel impressions and spend the whole episode talking about family. They talk about what family really is, its place in society over time, and most importantly, its place in drama up until today. All this, and why “Punch and Judy”... Read More…
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DNA Podcast 137 – AI in Popular Culture
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In this episode, Rob and Don look back at the past of humanity’s relationship with Artificial Intelligence and ponder where it will be going in the future. The duo discuss recent innovations in AI, how people’s concept of what AI is has changed over the years, and why AI might not want to wipe us... Read More…
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: English actor Tom Baker in his role as the fourth incarnation of Doctor Who in the British science fiction television series of the same name, circa 1975. With him are two of his arch-enemies the Daleks. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) In this episode, Rob and Don are joined... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob discuss the thorny issue of why people break up with their media darlings. The two delve into the reasons why people and the properties they love might go their separate ways, and explore whether that’s a good or bad thing. Along the way, the duo discuss heavy metal, isekai,... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob asks for Don’s help in brainstorming the setting for a story about caravan guards – the unspoken heroes of the fantasy world whose job it is to keep the goods flowing despite attacks by monster, bandits, and rats. Lots of rats. Along the way, the duo discuss real caravan guards in... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob head to the mall to discuss capitalism and the place of malls in popular culture for the past hundred years. Along the way, the duo discuss the history of shopping, the origins of malls, and how malls reshaped capitalism. All this, and why the 80s were the peak of... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob discuss the psychology of comic books. The two delve deep into the unconscious desires of comic book readers, discuss why Manga failed to find an audience in 1980s America, and probe how comics are linked to human needs. All this, and why British girls comics are the anti-manga, is... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don walk the path of meifumado and explore the golden age of Samurai television on Japanese TV during the 70s and 80s. Along this path to hell, Rob discusses what he learned after watching way too many Japanese jidaigeki period TV shows, why he loves them so much, the different... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob explore the intersection of reality and human perception and how these two things often fail to match up. Along the way they discuss Don’s four ways reality and humanity tend to disagree, how the internet has been both a help and destructive force in determining reality, and more high... Read More…
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The Coolest Anime RPG Cover of all time! Courtesy of comics artist Ben Dunn. In this episode, Don and Rob sit down to talk about tabletop roleplaying’s relationship with anime and manga, and the many successful and failed attempts to simulate anime style adventures through RPGs. Along the way, the duo discuss Rob’s four types... Read More…
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An anti-film censorship cartoon published in The Film Mercury magazine circa 1926. In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by Jack Ward to discuss the issue of gatekeeping in our culture. Along the way, the three discuss who the new gatekeepers are, if they’re any different than the old ones, and why people feel the need... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob explore how the way that injuries are portrayed in a story has a bit effect on how the audience perceives both stories and reality. Along the way, the two discuss how movies, role playing games, and comics have shown injuries, and what it says about their presentations of reality.... Read More…
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Shatter: The First All-Digital Comic In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with comic book writer Peter Gillis to discuss his career writing comics for Marvel, First Comics and DC Comics during the 1980s and 90s. Along the way, the three discuss how Peter got into comics, his time writing for the big three,... Read More…
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Daro, Pomru and Joe In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with comics artist and animator Doug Rice to discuss Doug’s long and fascinating career in comics and animation. Along the way, the trio discuss how Doug got into comics, his experiences working at FIRST Comics and MARVEL during the 1980s, and his crowning... Read More…
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Hey guys and ghouls! In this episode, Don and Rob explore the dark and ghoulish history of horror hosts in comic books. From the EC classics like Tales from the Crypt to Judge Edwina Strange (from Judge Dredd’s own horror anthology) the pair talk about the role that “hosts” have played in the history of... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with author of over 50 light novels, Brandon Varnell. The three discuss whether books written in English can really be light novels, how Brandon got into writing, and Brandon’s techniques for writing his books. All that, and more harem stories than you can shake a stick at,... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob sit down again with UK comics historian Richard Sheaf to talk about how American comics were received across the pond in the UK. The trio discuss the experience of being a fan of American comics in the UK, how US comics were changed to suit UK publication, and UK... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with Jonathan Solis, author and publisher of original English light novels at Novel Horizons. The three discuss Jonathan’s philosophy about publishing light novels, the challenges of being a publisher, and Novel Horizons’ unique strategies for promoting their books. All this, and the ancient war between “plot” …
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In this episode Don and Rob sit down with Eamonn Clarke of the Mega City Book Club podcast to talk about the legendary UK Comic magazine 2000AD. The trio discuss the origins of 2000AD, how Judge Dredd took over the magazine, and some of 2000ADs better and lesser known stories and strips. All this, and... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with Jimmy Shi, co-founder of Moonquill Publishing to talk about his company and his experiences as a independent book publisher specializing in light novels. The three discuss the English webnovel community, the challenges of running Moonquill, and why Jimmy needs to be more evil. All this, and... Read More…
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The Notorious UK Comic ACTION’s cover that broke the camel’s back. In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with UK Comics blogger Richard Sheaf to explore the fascinating world of UK Comic books. The three discuss how being weekly (as opposed to monthly) took UK comics in a totally different direction than American comics,... Read More…
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By https://www.flickr.com/photos/jugbo/5741554979 In this episode, Rob and Don explore how war is presented in popular culture – from books, to music, movies, and games. Working from the difference between Protest stories and Propaganda stories, they discuss how this dichotomy shapes almost all stories related to war. From there, they talk a lot ab…
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In this episode, Rob and Don discuss the disconnect in popular culture between how leaders act in film and television and how they really act in real life. Along the way, they touch the third rail of geekdom – Kirk versus Picard – and even talk about why Optimus Prime is a bad leader. All... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don go on a mission with guest Jack Ward to reveal the truth about spies in popular culture. The trio explore the 60’s Spy Craze, talking about what led up to it, how it played out, and what parts of it are still influencing our popular culture today. From The... Read MoreAf The Department of Nerdly Affairs
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In this episode, Rob and Don roll the dice with Stephen Fraser, a high school teacher and board game collector. The three of them discuss Stephen’s collection, the evolution of board gaming, and even the current trends in the hobby. Along the way, they learn the truth behind Secret Hitler, and develop Nictophobia as they... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with Graham Trelfer and Robin Bailes, the hosts of the Dark Corners Reviews YouTube channel to talk about their show. Together the group discuss the ups and downs of running a popular YouTube channel, the origins of their show, and more bad horror movies than you can... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don explore the ways that science is presented in popular culture, for better and worse. Along the way they discuss what science is, how our views of it have shaped society (and how our society has shaped science), and the shifting view of science in the United States. All this,... Read More…
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No! Not the Marvel comic! Technically, none of those kids are actually Gen-Xers, since they were born after 1980! In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Jack Ward to discuss the cultural foundations of the children born between 1965 and 1980 – Generation X! Like the mutant superheroes they share a name with,... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with their friend Dave Towers to talk about the legendary horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. They talk about Lovecraft’s life, his approach to writing, his legacy, and make a few story suggestions for those who want to dip their tow into Inssmouth Bay. Along the way, they discover... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Jack Ward to discuss the concept of competition as it plays out in our society and media. Some societies see competition as healthy, while others consider it destructive and wasteful, and the media often goes back and forth between the two approaches. Along the... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob are again joined by their friend Chad for a dangerous mission back in time to the 1980s where tough guys ruled the screen and one-liners flew thick and fast. Along the way, the three discuss what makes an 80s action hero, how these movies reflected the times they were... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Chad to talk about their common childhood passion – dinosaur movies! From The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms to Jurassic Park, the trio explore the history of dinosaurs on film and how they’ve been portrayed through the decades. Along the way, they discover there are... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob dive into another round of the genres that time forgot as they explore more things that have washed away into the river of time. The pair jump right into the types of TV shows and TV stories that once ruled the airwaves but have faded, and then go on... Read MoreAf The Department of Nerdly Affairs
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In this episode, Don and Rob struggle to understand the apocalypse they’ve found themselves in by talking about disaster films and how they reflect human society. They’re joined in the raging chaos by Jack Ward and Dave Towers, who drop by to share a few thoughts on the genre. Along the way, the group discusses... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob cast a look back in time to the 20th century and look at comic book and film genres that were once popular but have faded into the past. Hillbillies, Funny Animals and Greek demi-gods abound in this journey into the vaults of time. All this, and the amazing art... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob explore the concept of the “murder hobo” and how this approach to fantasy roleplaying connects with other parts of movies, games, and popular culture. The pair look deep into the roots of D&D, discuss how murder hobos reflect the fantasies of the audience, and the idea’s connections with Westerns.... Read More…
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In honor of the canine sleuth’s 50th anniversary, Don leads Rob and the audience on a thrilling mystery through the history of Scooby Doo. Along the way, they discuss how Scooby’s success has been linked with Archie, The Battle of the Network Stars, and 80’s Sitcoms. They wrestle over the enigma that is Scrappy Doo.... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don stalk the werewolf’s place in popular culture, hunting the elusive man who walks like a wolf! Along the way, they explore the history of werewolves in real life and fiction, talk about the origins of werewolves on film, and explore the RPG called Werewolf: The Apocalypse! All this, and... Read More…
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Picture by ‘ccPixs.com’ www.ccPixs.com In this, the hundredth episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs, Rob, Don, and Jack sit down to discuss their greatest creative failures. The trio talk about the challenges they’ve faced, what they’ve learned from them, and what failure really means. Along the way, they delve into the power of psychology,..…
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In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Jack Ward to discuss the book Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday and the implications that come with his tell-all book about media manipulation. The three delve into the techniques used by Holiday and media manipulators, how the media hacks human psychology, and why fake... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob explore vampires and their place in history and popular culture. The two intrepid stalkers of the night discuss vampire legends, obscure vampire lore, and the history of vampires on film. All this, and Rob’s rant about stupid vampire lords, is waiting to suck your attention in this episode of... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their favorite teacher Jack Ward to discuss education and how it’s reflected in popular culture. The three explore the roles education plays in society, and how pop culture and education both reflect and change each other. They also discuss the different kinds of movies about teachers... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Jack Ward to discuss the difference between Role Playing Games that use detailed rules systems (rules heavy) versus those who use minimalist rules (rules lite) and how each affects gameplay. Along the way, the trio discuss lots of oldschool RPGs, Japanese vs. American RPGs,... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Jack Ward to discuss a recent Reddit survey on fantasy tropes people love. They discuss how people might be misusing the word and idea of tropes, and then go through people’s top choices for fantasy tropes, from the heroic last stand to the plucky young hero,... Read More…
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In this episode, Rob and Don dig into the concept of tropes and discuss how they connect with tabletop RPG gaming. Few people think about how Hit Points are actually an artificial idea created by games, and how they affect the way we think about games- this is an example of a gaming trope. Don... Read More…
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In this episode, Don listens as Rob goes on a tear about one of his pet peeves- Evil Overlords in Fantasy and Science Fiction. The pair discuss the origins of the Evil Overlord trope, why is exists, and what the problems are with it. Along they way, they discuss “Villains who say Bah!”, the Asian... Read More…
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In this episode, Don and Rob take a look at the messy history of the police in popular culture. Starting off with a history of the police themselves, the pair explore how police stories are very much a reflection of the society which produces them, and how we seem to alternate between two forms of... Read More…
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