Hard N.O.C. Life

Latest Episodes:

Dominic Mah on How Sports Betting, Mina Kimes, and Asian American Identity Inspired his Novel 'JQK' Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Dominic is in the guest seat to discuss his new novel, 'JQK' and how sports fandom can be just as nerdy as superheroes and science-fiction and opens up the can of wormholes that is being an Asian American sports fan.

Buy your copy of JQK on Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0ilIlE0x

Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vaqXrEpn_kU

All this and more on Hard NOC Life! Watch it on your screen, hit "play," and check this. Subscribe to all of the podcasts in the Hard NOC Media family on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, NPR One, and Spotify! Support us on GoFundMe and Patreon! Buy merch on TeePublic! Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

J. Alphonse Nicholson and Jasmine Cephas Jones on 'Lanterns' and Superheroes Surviving Systemic Racism Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

Lanterns is without a doubt, DC's finest streaming series to date. With a detective-style plot, richly developed characters, and phenomenal acting by its cast, this series has demonstrated just how deep and powerful superhero storytelling can be. We spoke with J. Alphonse Nicholson (John Stewart Sr.) and Jasmine Cephas Jones (Bernadette) about bringing groundedness and realism to their characters in the latest episode, "OutKast."

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

'Camp Rock 3' Star Casey Trotter on Daring Drumming Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

From singing and dancing to drumming with a solo number, Casey Trotter electrifies the screen with his performance as Cliff in Camp Rock 3, the newest installment in the Camp Rock franchise. We had a chance to chat about his early beginnings, learning how to drum, and what his film preparation was like.

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

Vivica A. Fox on Her Career Trajectory and Delivering Intentionality in Performance May 27, 2026

Show notes

Valerie Complex speaks to Vivica A. Fox via about her new film Is God Is, her career, and how to create staying power in a shifting industry.

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

'Fantastic Four' Lays the Foundation for the MCU's Future Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

On a new Hard NOC Life, Keith and Dominic reminisce about Comic-Cons past before diving into the Peacemaker season 2 trailer and other San Diego tidbits. Then, they debate whether The Fantastic Four: First Steps did a better job than Superman in resurrecting their respective superhero franchise. Spoiler: there is disagreement!

Dominic's comics-inspired pop music group 12 Valentines happens here and here!

This episode is also sponsored by Goli. Use the code HARDNOC to get 10% off and Free Shipping on your order at https://go.goli.com/hardnoc

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

'Superman' Takes Us Home Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Hard NOC Life is back — and so is Superman. In our return episode, Keith and Dominic dive deep into the latest take on the Man of Steel: How does he stack up against previous Superman incarnations? Is James Gunn's DCU off to a flying start? And what does this movie say about the future of superheroes on screen?

You can watch Keith and Dominic's conversation on YouTube as well: https://youtu.be/31Rxu-ezbl4?si=Px6uv_kxgRy8wJNU

Help Dominic crowdfund 12 Valentines: https://ko-fi.com/dommah

This episode is also sponsored by Goli. Use the code HARDNOC to get 10% off and Free Shipping on your order at https://go.goli.com/hardnoc

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

'Andor' and a New Hope for 'Star Wars' May 19, 2025

Show notes

Before Hard NOC Life goes off the air for a few weeks, Keith and Dominic have a few more Andor takes to share. Not only did the final episodes rekindle a love for Star Wars for our hosts, it will forever change how they watch the franchise going forward. The end of the series also helped Dominic gain a new appreciation for the Asian cultural exchange that has been present since '77. In addition to the Andor talk, they also have some thoughts on the latest Superman trailer.

Support 12 Valentines on Bandcamp: https://12valentines.bandcamp.com/

Read Unicorn vs. Pegasus on Kindle Vella: https://amzn.to/3xXL8wh

This episode is also sponsored by Goli. Use the code HARDNOC to get 10% off and Free Shipping on your order at https://go.goli.com/hardnoc

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

One Day Ghor May 12, 2025

Show notes

Last week on Hard NOC Life, Keith and Dominic joked about how Andor was basically "Les Mis in Space France." This week, they're serious about the comparison. Also, Keith rants about the most recent episode of The Last of Us, and Dominic has a theory about the superstars in the NBA Playoffs and their superhero equivalents.

Support 12 Valentines on Bandcamp: https://12valentines.bandcamp.com/

Read Unicorn vs. Pegasus on Kindle Vella: https://amzn.to/3xXL8wh

This episode is also sponsored by Goli. Use the code HARDNOC to get 10% off and Free Shipping on your order at https://go.goli.com/hardnoc

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

Some 'Thunderbolts*' Assembly Still Required May 05, 2025

Show notes

Keith and Dominic celebrate the extended Star Wars holiday weekend to review the next batch of Andor episodes, aka Lucasfilm presents "Les Mis in Space France." Then, they discuss what did and didn't work for them in the latest MCU offering, Thunderbolts*. All this and more on a new episode of Hard NOC Life,

Help Dominic crowdfund 12 Valentines: https://ko-fi.com/dommah

Read Unicorn vs. Pegasus on Kindle Vella: https://amzn.to/3xXL8wh

This episode is also sponsored by Goli. Use the code HARDNOC to get 10% off and Free Shipping on your order at https://go.goli.com/hardnoc

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

'Andor' is a Prestige Drama for Adult Audiences, and That's Alright Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

This week on Hard NOC Life, Keith and Dominic look back at the first three episodes of Andor season 2. Then, Lauren joins Keith to share about her experience at Star Wars Celebration in Japan.

Check out the original video of Lauren's Star Wars Celebration adventure here: https://youtu.be/E0vySiPrBaw

Help Dominic crowdfund 12 Valentines: https://ko-fi.com/dommah

Read Unicorn vs. Pegasus on Kindle Vella: https://amzn.to/3xXL8wh

This episode is also sponsored by Goli. Use the code HARDNOC to get 10% off and Free Shipping on your order at https://go.goli.com/hardnoc

As always, our official theme music is brought to you by the super team of Adam WarRock and Chops.

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