Make Me A Nerd With Mandy Kaplan podcast

#Society #Comedy #TruStory FM #DD #Star Wars #Star Trek #Marvel #Games #Technology #Nerddom

28:39

For centuries, members of the B’doul Bedouin tribe lived in the caves around the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Then, in the 1980s, the government forced the tribe to move in the name of preserving the geological site for tourists. But if the residents are forced to leave, and if their heritage has been permanently changed, then what exactly is being preserved? SHOW NOTES: Meet The Man Living in The Lost City Carved in Stone Jordan: Petra's tourism authority cracks down on Bedouin cave dwellers The tribes paying the brutal price of conservation “There is no future for Umm Sayhoun” Jordan’s Young Bedouins Are Documenting Their Traditions on TikTok Check out Sami's company Jordan Inspiration Tours Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

Del

Serier hjem•Feed

Hey folks. Mandy Kaplan here. I’d like to share a bit about my intentions and mission for MMAN if you’ll indulge me. You will? Huzzah! Look, I am a lot of things. I’m a writer, actress, mother, and lover of musicals and cats, but NOT Cats, The Musical. Give me a little bit of credit, would ya? So...throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded (and intrigued) by all things nerd. A sister who plays D&D, a Star Wars-obsessed husband, friends who love anime, comic books, video games, and...well, you get the picture. Somehow, I have always held it all at arm's length. Not to get too deep, but maybe I never thought I was smart enough to follow it. Or maybe I have control issues and have never been able to embrace fantastical things like dragons and time travel. Until now! So, with an open mind and heart, I am ready to join this massive (and beautifully inclusive) club and GEEK THE #%$ OUT! It’s time for all my wonderfully strange friends to baptize me into NERD-DOM. Please join me on this journey. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover or remember a side of yourself along the way. Or at least make fun of me as I try!

44 episoder

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

updated for 6 dage siden

Del

Serier hjem•Feed

44 episoder

#Society #Comedy #TruStory FM #DD #Star Wars #Star Trek #Marvel #Games #Technology #Nerddom

Alle episoder

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Eras with Tommy Metz III 1:22:02

for 6 dage siden1:22:02

1:22:02

Ladies and gentlemen, Swifties and skeptics, gather round, for today we embark on a journey of seismic cultural significance. No, not another election cycle. No, not the discovery of yet another billionaire’s secret doomsday bunker. We are talking about Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour —a three-and-a-half-hour pop music odyssey, equal parts spectacle, sermon, and strut. Mandy Kaplan, self-proclaimed “mainstream mom on a mission,” has declared war on ignorance and invited back one of her favorite guests, Tommy Metz III, in a valiant attempt to indoctrinate him into the glitter-drenched, emotionally devastating and, at times, utterly perplexing world of Taylor Swift. Tommy, who entered this battle armed with little more than vague memories of Reputation and the mistaken belief that Taylor and Carrie Underwood might be the same person, emerges… changed. Together, they probe the Eras Tour concert film, marvel at the wizardry of a stage that does absolutely everything short of launching Swift into orbit, and attempt to decode the many, many hidden messages that have turned Swift’s fandom into a full-blown Da Vinci Code situation. Why is there a countdown from 13? Why does a stadium full of people scream at the mention of a random name like “Betty”? How, exactly, does Taylor maintain that level of strut energy for 40+ songs without collapsing into a sequined heap? These are the questions, people. Along the way, Mandy and Tommy discuss the sheer indecency of rhyming words with themselves, the ethics of handing a hat to a billionaire’s child instead of a Make-a-Wish kiddo, and whether or not the Reputation era was unfairly maligned by people who simply weren’t ready for Dark Taylor™. Also, there are snakes . Digital snakes. Massive, stadium-sized, Jurassic Park -worthy snakes. So, whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie, a casual observer, or someone who has been actively avoiding this cultural monolith like it’s a student loan repayment notice, this episode is for you. Listen as Tommy slowly succumbs to Taylor’s undeniable power, Mandy achieves her ultimate goal of nerd conversion, and we all collectively marvel at the fact that this woman dropped a double album in the middle of a world tour . Links & References: Become a member for bonus content: Monthy • Annually Follow Mandy on social media: Instagram: @Mandy_Kaplan_Klavans Blue Sky: @MandyMiscast Listen to All The Feelings! Watch Eras on Apple TV+ --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Severance with Jon Cassie 1:08:02

for 13 dage siden1:08:02

1:08:02

You wake up. You’re at work. You don’t know how you got there. You don’t know who you are outside of this fluorescent-lit, carpeted labyrinth. And worst of all—you have to attend a melon party. This week on Make Me A Nerd , Mandy takes a cubicle tour of Apple TV+'s Severance . Joining her is Jon Cassie, a certified nerd extraordinaire, former podcaster, and educational innovator, who has spent more time thinking about sci-fi and board games than most of us spend awake. Together, they unravel Severance’s mind-melting mysteries—its eerie office culture, its unsettling cult parallels (Scientology, we see you), and its ability to make us question whether we should ever trust HR again. They marvel at the performances, particularly the shockingly terrifying Tramell Tillman (who, fun fact, is actually a warm and delightful human in real life) and the absolutely flawless Patricia Arquette, who could probably make reading a grocery list feel like a psychological thriller. And because this show refuses to let anyone breathe, Mandy relives the moment her soul left her body upon discovering Miss Casey’s true identity. Spoiler: It involves screaming, existential dread, and a mild cardiac event. And because no nerdy discussion is complete without a tangent, Jon drops some Black Mirror recommendations, Mandy reveals her undying obsession with cults, and they both agree that Severance is one of the most perfectly eerie shows ever made. But wait—there’s more! For members only, Jon gives Mandy a crash course in Babylon 5 , because why stop at one mind-bending sci-fi series when you can have two? Not a member? No worries! Just visit MakeMeANerd.com and join today! You’ll get to sign up to your very own personal podcast feed full of all the extended editions of the show! So, grab your outdated work computer, stare longingly at your reflection in a darkened elevator, and press play. Welcome to Make Me A Nerd . You may not remember how you got here, but you’ll never want to leave. Links & References: Become a member for bonus content: Monthy • Annually Follow Mandy on social media: Instagram: @Mandy_Kaplan_Klavans Blue Sky: @MandyMiscast Listen to Jon’s education podcast Many Windows Watch Severance on Apple TV+ --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Everything Everywhere All At Once with Lester Ryan Clark & Kynan Dias 1:09:07

for 20 dage siden1:09:07

1:09:07

Everything Everywhere All at Once. It’s t he film that took home a million Oscars, melted a billion brains, and somehow made hot dog fingers emotionally resonant . This week, Mandy sits down with Exorcist Minute co-hosts Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias, two men who decided that watching Everything Everywhere like normal people just wasn’t enough, so they’ve chosen to break it down minute-by-minute, which is either a brilliant act of cinematic devotion or a slow descent into madness. Probably both. Together, they wade through the absurdity, the heartbreak, the nihilism, and yes, the butt plug fight scene. Along the way, they discuss the film’s mind-bending multiversal logic, the Daniels’ love of absurdism, Jamie Lee Curtis’s transformation into the IRS agent of your nightmares , and why Michelle Yeoh is basically the multiversal queen of everything . Also on the docket: The history of butt plugs (yes, really). The actual existence of a 2017 Everything Everywhere script written for Jackie Chan. The moment Mandy considered abandoning the movie entirely—only to be emotionally wrecked by the final act. And, most importantly, what the hell is up with those raccoons? So strap in, grab your fanny pack, and prepare for a cinematic discussion that will leave you questioning existence itself—while also wondering why you suddenly desperately need a bagel. And if you’re listening on Apple, leave a five-star review , or Mandy will personally send Jamie Lee Curtis to audit your taxes. Links & Notes Become a Make Me A Nerd member for ad-free episodes & bonus content: makemeanerd.com/join Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens Listen to Lester & Kynan’s Every Minute of Everything Everywhere All at Once podcast Check out The Exorcist Minute Kynan’s horror podcast Sitting in the Dark --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Wheel of Time with Audrey Kearns 1:02:45

for 27 dage siden1:02:45

1:02:45

Wheel of Time —a sprawling, epic fantasy series filled with magic, palace intrigue, and, apparently, an unlimited budget for breathtaking visuals and absurdly attractive people. This week, Mandy welcomes back Audrey Kearns, aka the Geek Girl Authority herself, to painstakingly explain what the hell is going on in this Amazon Prime behemoth. We start with Mandy, who thought Wheel of Time was a fitness tracker before being thrown into a world of Trollocs, Aes Sedai, and, oh yes, an alarming number of dismembered animal carcasses. Audrey, meanwhile, is here to reassure us that, yes, this is all normal, and no, we should not be alarmed by the sudden disappearance and recasting of a major character. It happens. Nothing to see here. Move along. Together, they navigate the show's Game of Thrones -esque political machinations, Lord of the Rings -style reluctant heroes, and an inexplicable hot tub scene that Mandy found deeply relatable. Also, there’s a villainous peddler, a terrifying Björk-esque sorceress, and a lot of people who seem very angry for reasons that remain somewhat unclear. Come for the nerdy deep dive. Stay for Mandy and Audrey debating which Aes Sedai faction they’d belong to in an alternate universe. (Spoiler: It's probably not the evil one. Probably.) Links & Notes Geek Girl Authority – geekgirlauthority.com Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens Support the Show for Bonus Content – makemeanerd.com/join --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Survivor with Patrick Gomez 1:27:03

for 5 weeks siden1:27:03

1:27:03

This week on Make Me A Nerd , Mandy marches barefoot into the unwashed, coconut-scented, betrayal-laden world of Survivor . And who better to guide her through this mosquito-infested fever dream than Patrick Gomez, Editor-in-Chief of Entertainment Weekly and a man who has spent an alarming amount of time thinking about reality television strategy. Yes, Mandy—who typically prefers her entertainment with a side of not starving to death —has watched an entire season of Survivor , specifically Heroes vs. Villains (because nothing says “survival” like arbitrarily labeling people based on past television appearances). She emerges with questions—about alliances, injuries, the baffling lack of toothbrushes, and, most importantly, where and how these people poop. Yes, poop. Because if you’re living on a beach for over a month, that is a logistical nightmare . Patrick, a man who has personally interviewed the Survivor gods and lives to tell the tale, spills the behind-the-scenes tea: the scheming, the suffering, the completely unnecessary levels of shirtlessness, and the fact that Jeff Probst might actually be immortal . Also, did you know Survivor once had a season that was essentially race wars? Because that happened . And CBS aired it . In the 21st century. Mandy and Patrick also discuss: Boston Rob and his accent, which sounds like an actor badly pretending to be from Boston. Sandra, the queen of “As long as it ain’t me,” and why she is the best player of all time. Russell, a man who exudes the chaotic energy of someone who has definitely tried to start a cult in a Walmart parking lot. Parvati, whose flirty villainy makes Mandy want to punch a wall. The time a contestant faked his grandmother’s death to win a challenge. And, of course, why the pizza rewards look like something that was legally ruled “not food” by the FDA. Plus, if you become a Make Me A Nerd member, you’ll get access to an Oscars special where Patrick spills behind-the-scenes secrets from Hollywood’s biggest night. Because if there’s anything more cutthroat than Survivor , it’s awards season. So, grab some wine, drop your buffs , and prepare for an episode so packed with drama, you’ll want to vote someone off your couch just to process it all. Links & Notes Become a Make Me A Nerd member for ad-free episodes & bonus content: makemeanerd.com/join Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens Follow Patrick on social: @PatrickGomezLA Read Patrick’s work on Entertainment Weekly : EW.com --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine with Manny Patel 57:28

for 6 weeks siden57:28

57:28

In 1993, a television show did something radical. It eschewed the traditional frontier, the ever-expanding voyage, the endless pursuit of the unknown. Instead, it stood still. It stayed put. It built a world—not on a starship, but on a space station. A fixed point in the cosmos where characters, conflicts, and consequences could spiral outward in ways that no Star Trek series had attempted before. That show was Deep Space Nine. This week on Make Me A Nerd , Mandy steps into the Operations Center of the most complex, layered, and politically charged Star Trek installment. And guiding her through this cosmic storm? Manny Patel—a man whose nerd credentials run deep, from organizing conventions to crafting meticulous Star Trek mashups that have captivated fans for decades. Together, Mandy and Manny traverse the wormhole of Deep Space Nine ’s origin, its infamous status as Star Trek’s rebellious middle child, and its shifting tonal landscape—from existential crises in the pilot to the narrative fireworks of The Way of the Warrior . They discuss the unexpected intersections of pop culture (what does Taxi 's Louie De Palma have to do with Quark?), the mesmerizing gravitas of Avery Brooks (and the time he unknowingly enchanted Mandy’s Nana), and the sheer audacity of Trials and Tribble-ations —an episode that didn’t just pay homage to the past, but seamlessly wove itself into it. This is a conversation about the architecture of storytelling. The way narratives evolve. The way characters, much like people, are shaped by their environments. And it’s about the strange, wonderful process of discovery—of stepping outside your comfort zone and realizing that the thing you never thought you’d love? It might just become part of you. Links & Notes Watch Manny Patel’s mashups on YouTube: @MannyPatel Support Make Me a Nerd Find Mandy on Instagram Find Mandy on Bluesky --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Outlander with Amy Crofoot 58:06

for 7 weeks siden58:06

58:06

Is it possible that a historical drama with time-traveling elements could captivate a mainstream audience, birthing a fandom so fervent it borders on the delightfully obsessive? This week, Mandy wades into the world of Outlander to find out. As her guide, Mandy speaks with actress Amy Crofoot, an avowed Outlander enthusiast, to explore the show's undeniable appeal. Is it the meticulously crafted historical setting? The sweeping romance? Or perhaps the subtle nods to geek culture that resonate with a broader audience? Amy shares her personal journey into fandom, from devouring the dense source material to hosting pajama-clad viewing parties fueled by Sassenach Gin (from the distillery of Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie, a hunky main character). But what is it about this series that inspires such devotion? Is it the escapism? The complex characters? Or the way the show tackles weighty themes with a blend of historical accuracy, fantastical imagination, and nudity? Could Outlander be more than just a guilty pleasure? Could it be a cultural phenomenon that bridges the gap between mainstream entertainment and the passionate world of fandom? Tune in to find out! Links & Notes Support Make Me a Nerd Find Mandy on Instagram Find Mandy on Bluesky --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
The Exorcist with Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias 1:06:42

for 8 weeks siden1:06:42

1:06:42

Is "The Exorcist" just a scary movie, or is it a cultural artifact, a theological debate wrapped in celluloid? Mandy Kaplan confesses her way into the abyss with Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias, the minds behind "The Exorcist Minute," a podcast dissecting the film minute by agonizing minute. Why does the film open in Iraq? Is it a pro-Catholic screed, or something far more subversive? What does the film say about feminism? And what does it mean that the scariest voice in the movie comes from Mercedes McCambridge? Prepare to have assumptions challenged as they unearth the hidden layers of a film that continues to haunt and fascinate decades after its release. Was Linda Blair robbed of an Oscar? Is Burke Dennings a secret gay icon? And could Captain Howdy be less interested in possessing a child and more in sowing discord maybe? So join Mandy for an exploration of faith, fear, and the enduring power of a story that asks us to confront the darkness within ourselves... but you know... doing all that really nerdily. Links & Notes The Exorcist Minute : A podcast that examines the movie The Exorcist minute by minute with Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias MakeMeANerd.com : Come support the show! Every Minute of Everything, Everywhere, All at Once : Same Lester and Kynan but with more Hot Dog Fingers! The Devil's Details : A spin-off show that Lester and Kynan do, which covers the history and evolution of the devil through art and literature. --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Jungle Book with Justine Huxley 1:04:34

for 9 weeks siden1:04:34

1:04:34

What makes a nerd? Is it the obsessive cataloging of obscure details? The unyielding commitment to lore? The passionate embrace of minutiae deemed trivial by the larger world? This week, Mandy the Mainstreamer welcomes back Justine Huxley, a voiceover artist of rarefied skill, a legend among the Apex Legends. Together, they hit play on The Jungle Book, the 1967 Disney classic, to marvel at the lilting menace of Sterling Holloway’s Ka, the bombastic warmth of Phil Harris’s Baloo, and the aristocratic terror of George Sanders’s Shere Khan. They ask: Were the Beatles really supposed to lend their voices to a quartet of Liverpudlian vultures? And if they had, would it have changed history? What makes something timeless? And what makes it better left alone ? If that question is too big to ponder, don’t worry. Stick around for The Great Recasting! Links & Notes Join the Make Me a Nerd community: MakeMeANerd.com Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandi_kaplin_klavins Follow Mandy on BlueSky: @MandyMiscast.bsky.social Follow Justine on all platforms: @justinehuxley --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Blade Runner with Paul J. Salamoff 56:57

for 10 weeks siden56:57

56:57

What does it mean to be human? And, perhaps more importantly, what does it mean to feel human? On today’s episode of Make Me a Nerd , host Mandy Kaplan embarks on a journey with writer, producer, and director Paul J. Salamoff—a man whose career spans makeup effects, comic books, and award-winning filmmaking. Their mission? To dissect one of the most iconic and enigmatic films in science fiction history: Blade Runner . This is a story about contrasts—about the grit of dystopian Los Angeles and the shimmer of neon lights, about robots who just want to live and humans who’ve forgotten how. Together, they tackle the overlooked details: Joanna Cassidy’s boots that magically swap from heels to flats mid-chase, Harrison Ford’s noodle obsession, and the strangely unsettling world of J.F. Sebastian’s creepy companions. But they also dive deep—into the philosophical core of Blade Runner , into what it means to make peace with mortality, and into the ever-debated question: Is Deckard a replicant? Paul shares his first encounter with the film in the 1980s, when the Casio synths of Vangelis felt urgent and futuristic, not nostalgic and dated. He reflects on the shift from practical effects to CGI, the layers of Ridley Scott’s vision, and why Blade Runner is still his favorite film of all time. Mandy, for her part, asks the questions we’re all too afraid to ask—like why Rachel is dressed like Joan Crawford and whether dystopian futures really mean the end of deodorant. And just when you think you’ve grasped the meaning of it all, Paul hints at the mysteries of the theatrical cut’s voiceover, the unicorn dream, and the controversial possibility that Rick Deckard might be… well, you’ll have to listen to find out. PLUS : Stick around for members-only bonus content where Paul breaks down the world of the Saturn Awards, the premier honors for sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Links & Notes Paul J. Salamoff’s website Mandy Kaplan on Instagram Make Me a Nerd Membership --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
The Penguin with Matthew Fox 1:12:47

for 11 weeks siden1:12:47

1:12:47

We’re slogging into the murky depths of Gotham, not with capes and cowls, but with gabardine and grit. This week on the show, Mandy navigates the shadowy alleys of nerddom, guided by the insightful Matthew Fox of Star Wars Generations and the Superhero Ethics Podcast on TruStory FM. Their subject? Not the bombastic exploits of a costumed crusader, but the surprisingly nuanced rise of The Penguin on Max. This is a visceral exploration of power, betrayal, and the intoxicating allure of respect. Think The Godfather , think The Sopranos , but with a dash of, dare we say, avian peculiarity. Matthew is a returning champion of nerd culture explication and unpacks the layered history of the Penguin, tracing his evolution from quirky gangster with an umbrella gun to the complex, almost sympathetic figure portrayed with chilling brilliance by Colin Farrell. The conversation meanders through the intricacies of Cobb's physicality, his burning ambition, and the surprising tenderness that lurks beneath his hardened exterior. The true revelation lies in the electric presence of Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone. A woman forged in the crucible of a criminal dynasty, Sofia's journey from reluctant heiress to ruthless power player is nothing short of mesmerizing. The interplay between Sofia and Oz, fueled by a shared history of both loyalty and betrayal, crackles with a tension that transcends the typical will-they-won't-they trope. Join Mandy and Matthew as they unpack the complexities of The Penguin , exploring the unexpected brilliance of a show that dares to ask: what happens when the villain takes center stage, and we find ourselves, against our better judgment, rooting for him? --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Squid Game Season 2 with Jimmy Aquino 52:44

for 12 weeks siden52:44

52:44

What compels someone to willingly re-enter a labyrinth of death, deceit, and desperation? Is it revenge? Redemption? Or is it something darker—something unspeakable? In this week’s episode of Make Me A Nerd , Mandy welcomes back friend-of-the-show and pop culture aficionado Jimmy Aquino for a sprawling conversation about Season 2 of Netflix’s global phenomenon, Squid Game . Why does the show juxtapose childlike innocence with grotesque violence? How does its set design, awash in candy-colored chaos, weaponize nostalgia? And what does it mean to see yourself in a world where every choice is a gamble, every friendship a potential betrayal? Jimmy reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the cast, from the controversial portrayal of a trans character to the unlikely comeback of a disgraced K-pop idol. Mandy, meanwhile, struggles with the show's relentless intensity, raising questions about the ethics of entertainment. Together, they navigate the intricate storytelling, dissect the character arcs, and celebrate the masterful use of music—from eerie arias to haunting covers. Links & Notes Mandy Kaplan on Instagram (@mandy_kaplan_klavins) Jimmy Aquino’s Comic News Insider Podcast Join Make Me A Nerd for Bonus Content --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
King of Kong with Megan Isser 54:16

for 13 weeks siden54:16

54:16

What happens when obsession becomes a refuge, when a high score becomes a legacy, and when a rivalry turns into a morality play? This week on Make Me A Nerd , Mandy Kaplan goes deep into the pixelated world of Donkey Kong, a place where the stakes are high, the egos are massive, and the quarters just keep coming. Mandy is joined by Megan Isser, a former documentary filmmaker turned professor of film, who brings her nuanced lens to the unlikely drama chronicled in the cult-classic documentary The King of Kong . This isn’t just a story about a video game—it’s a story about identity, community, and the fraught pursuit of greatness. Billy Mitchell, the reigning champion with a penchant for arrogance and hot sauce, becomes the perfect foil for Steve Wiebe, the underdog science teacher whose life has been a series of almosts—almost a great athlete, almost a great musician, almost a winner. The film, directed by Seth Gordon, captures their rivalry with the precision of a Donkey Kong hammer smashing barrels, raising larger questions about what it means to devote yourself to something utterly niche, but deeply important. Megan and Mandy dissect the film’s narrative structure, its unforgettable cast of characters (from Walter Day’s referee stripes to Brian Kuh’s kill-screen evangelism), and the fine line between celebrating nerd culture and mocking it. They also explore the documentary’s impact on the genre itself, as well as the ethical choices filmmakers face when portraying their subjects. Is Billy Mitchell the villain we want him to be? Is Steve Wiebe the hero we need him to be? And what does it all say about the lengths we’ll go to for recognition, even in an arcade? This episode is a love letter to obsession and the people who find meaning in the unlikeliest places. But it’s also a meditation on humanity, on what drives us to compete, to connect, and to care. Press play. Because somewhere in the background, a Donkey Kong cabinet is still buzzing, and a potential kill screen is always looming. Links & Notes Mandy Kaplan on Instagram (@mandy_kaplan_clavens) Make Me A Nerd – Official Website The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (IMDb) Twin Galaxies – Official Website --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Kyle Olson & Pete Wright 1:06:51

for 14 weeks siden1:06:51

1:06:51

This week, Mandy slays into Buffy the Vampire Slayer , a show she'd previously avoided. Joined by Pete Wright and Kyle Olson, she confronts her assumptions about vampires and the supernatural in stake and song. Before the nostalgia kicks in, Kyle addresses the complicated legacy of Joss Whedon, emphasizing the importance of separating the art from the artist. This is a conversation about reclaiming the Buffy fandom as a source of joy, setting the stage for a more nuanced discussion. Are Pete and Kyle, middle-aged straight white men, the right vessels for Buffy fandom? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. In fact, it's their experience that shines a spotlight on just how broad the fandom of this show reaches. This is an exploration of that fandom, the power of nostalgia, and the complex relationship between art and its creators. Along the way, they patrol through S2E3: School Hard, S4E10: Hush, and S6E7: Once More With Feeling. Links & Notes Evan Ross Katz's book, Into Every Generation a Slayer is Born Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Hulu/Disney+) Buffy the Vampire Slayer (JustWatch) --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

1
A Court of Thorns and Roses with Dana Ogle 55:48

for 16 weeks siden55:48