Stay ConnectedMorgan, a psychologist by day, and a nerd at her core, speaks with fellow nerds, fans, and experts to uncover the magical impact that fandoms have on our lives.
Every episode, you can expect a deep dive into the world of fandoms. We’ll explore our nerdy identities and our personal journeys into specific fandoms, delving into the fandom’s evolution and its life-altering influence on us. Tune in for a nerdy, insightful, and fun-filled exploration.
Copyright: © That Nerd Thing
Join Morgan and special guest Pam from Millennial Podcast for an engaging and *spoiler-filled* discussion on the first four episodes of Bridgerton Season 3. In this bonus episode, they explore character developments, romantic tropes, and scene breakdowns, including the much-anticipated and juicy carriage scene. They explore the evolving dynamics and character development, particularly focusing on the friends-to-lovers trope between Colin and Penelope. They highlight the intricate dynamics within the Bridgerton and Featherington families, the series' stellar musical cues, and what they hope for in future episodes.
00:57 Diving Deep into Bridgerton Season 3: Spoilers Ahead!
03:54 First Impressions: Bridgerton Season 3 Unpacked
14:18 Episode-by-Episode Breakdown Begins
01:09:45 The Carriage Scene
01:25:10 Predictions and Hopes for the Second Half of the Season
Follow #Millennial!
Tiktok: @millennialpod
Instagram: @millennialshow
Listen to #Millennial Podcast: Millennialshow.com
Follow Pam!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelagocobachi/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamelagocobachi
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamelagocobachi
Follow That Nerd Thing at:
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your Bridgerton-loving friends!
This week, Morgan chats with Chloe Laverson, known for her work as a social media manager for multiple podcasts and her passion for everything girly, pink, and nerdy. They discuss Chloe's early connection to fandom through Harry Potter and Webkinz and how fandom served as a refuge and source of joy. They explore Chloe's professional journey in the world of fandom, experiences with celebrities at conventions, and the importance of being true to oneself. The conversation also covers the importance of being unapologetically nerdy, embracing one's interests regardless of age or societal expectations, and the transformative power of connecting with others through shared passions.
01:12 Introducing Chloe Laverson
03:17 From Harry Potter to Webkinz
05:50 The Impact of Stories on Well-being and Mental Health
06:47 Diving Deep into Favorite Fandoms: Harry Potter, Barbie, and More
09:31 Seasonal Fandom Favorites and the Magic of Reading
12:46 The Joy of Community in Fandoms
20:27 From Listener to Influencer
25:02 Meeting Fandom Influencers in Real Life
28:19 Embracing Your Inner Nerd
29:05 The Joy of Being Unapologetically Yourself
29:42 Haters Are Really Fans
33:23 Celebrity Encounters and Fandom Moments
42:02 What Being a Nerd Really Means
47:25 Geeky Recommendations and Closing Thoughts
Follow Chloe:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chloelaverson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloelaverson
Podcasts Mentioned:
https://thoseforkingfangirls.com/
Follow That Nerd Thing at:
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!
In this episode, Morgan interviews Andrea Towers, an accomplished author, editor, and writer with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, having worked with TV Guide Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Nerdist, and Marvel Entertainment. Andrea shares her journey through various fandoms, from her early obsession with The Phantom of the Opera and The X-Files to Rent and writing Geek Girls Don’t Cry and the Gamer Girls series. She offers insights into the intersection of her professional life and nerdy interests, highlighting how her genuine fan perspective enriches her work. Andrea's story is a testament to how fandoms can impact one's identity and lead to fulfilling careers and lifelong friendships.
00:25 Meet Andrea Towers: Entertainment Journalist
02:06 Andrea's Professional Journey: From Marvel to TV Guide
03:08 Nerdy Identity: From Broadway to X-Files
08:38 The Transformative Power of Fandoms in Andrea's Life
16:54 Embracing Nerdiness: Mugs, Memorabilia, and More
21:39 Andrea's Professional Journey: Writing, Fandom, and Finding Her Path
26:08 Cosplay: A Creative Outlet for Fandom Love
33:22 Living the Dream: Reflecting on a Life Shaped by Fandom
36:13 Fandom Today: A Mix of Exhaustion and Fulfillment
45:21 Geeky Recommendations and Embracing Your Nerdiness
Follow Andrea Towers:
Website: http://www.andrea-towers.com/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/_atowers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_andreatowers/
Check out Andrea’s books:
http://www.andrea-towers.com/books
Follow That Nerd Thing at:
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!
In this episode, Morgan interviews author Carly Anne West about her journey as a writer. Carly shares her nerdy passions, like Star Trek: The Next Generation, and dives deep into her love of office supplies. She talks about her passion for scary stories, the writing process, finding an agent, and the different paths to publishing. Carly also encourages everyone to embrace their nerdy identity and to be unapologetically yourself. Be sure to pre-order Carly’s upcoming book “The Ghosts of Nameless Island” today!
00:18 Welcome to That Nerd Thing: Introducing Carly Anne West
02:36 The Ghosts of Nameless Island
04:03 Star Trek: The Next Generation
06:27 The Joy of To-Do Lists
08:56 Office Supplies: A Writer's Underrated Passion
13:45 Carly's Writing Journey
16:10 Navigating the Publishing World
17:44 The Art of Catching an Agent's Eye
19:14 Navigating the Publishing World
20:48 The Rollercoaster of a Writing Career
23:01 Embracing the Full-Time Writing Life
23:53 Inside the World of Book Publishing
26:05 Finding Inspiration and Identifying as a YA Author
28:43 The Impact of Being an Author
31:03 Exploring the Publishing Landscape
32:34 Nerd Culture and Embracing Your Authentic Self
33:40 Geeky Recommendations and Encouraging Nerdiness
35:52 Concluding Thoughts and Where to Find Carly
Follow Carly Anne West:
Website: https://carlyannewest.com/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlyannewestwrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlyannewest
Check out Carly’s books: https://carlyannewest.com/books/
Follow That Nerd Thing at:
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!
In this episode, Morgan interviews Allissa AKA shebereadinthembooks, a popular Black BookTok activist and a Literary Activist of the Year nominee for the 2024 AAMBC Literary Awards. Allissa discusses her advocacy for literary diversity, challenges faced by BIPOC authors, and the positive influence of social media in amplifying diverse voices and stories.
They discuss the transformative impact of book-related social media platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram on reading habits and the sense of community they foster among readers. Allissa shares her journey into the realm of literary activism, emphasizing the importance of diverse reading and supporting black-authored books. She also touches on her personal nerdy interests, from SpongeBob to sci-fi, and how being unapologetically herself has shaped her identity and career as a teacher and content creator.00:58 A Deep Dive into Booktok and Bookstagram with Allissa
03:40 Nerdy Identity: From SpongeBob to Sci-Fi
07:10 The Power of Representation in Black-Authored Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books
09:58 Underrated and Random Nerdy Loves: NPR to Pokémon
13:07 Navigating Fandom and Social Media: A Personal Journey
15:28 The Unique World of Black BookTalk
21:25 Navigating Fame and Impact in the BookTok Community
26:51 BookTok: A Space of Fun, Learning, and Occasional Challenges
28:28 Reflecting on Book Reviews and Uplifting Voices
29:07 Engaging with Students and Social Media Dynamics
30:49 The Impact of Reading and Teaching on Life
38:18 Embracing Nerdiness
43:16 Advice for Aspiring Content Creators
46:56 Closing Thoughts and Contact Info
Follow Allissa at shebereadinthembooks:
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shebereadinthembooks
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shebereadinthembooks
Follow That Nerd Thing at:
TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!In this episode, Morgan interviews Dean Ravenola, Narrative & Creative Director of Neopets. Also known as TNT Aesop, Dean’s writing has appeared in video games, short stories, books, graphic novels, animated shorts, and much more!
Dean shares his journey from being a book and video game enthusiast to shaping the stories of Neopets and being the “lore keeper.” He discusses the importance and focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the Neopets universe. Dean delves into how fandoms like Hercules, Sly Cooper, and Star Wars have influenced his nerdy identity. Hear Morgan and Dean talk about nerdy interests like What We Do In The Shadows, The Way of the Househusband, Invincible, and various other TV Shows! Listen to the episode to hear Dean share more about his unconventional career trajectory and all of his creative endeavors.
00:24 Meet Dean Ravenola: A Multifaceted Storyteller
02:08 Exploring Dean's First Fandom Loves
03:12 Dean's Fascination with World Building
04:53 Favorite Nerdy Things: Neopets and Beyond
06:24 The Impact of Neopets and Fandom Evolution
16:00 Dean's Journey from Reader to Narrative Director
20:53 Embracing the Nerd Awakening
23:53 Journey Through Game Writing: From Neopets to How to Train Your Dragon
25:50 The Challenges and Triumphs of Game Development
27:08 Navigating a Career in Creative Writing
38:17 Embracing Fandom: From Personal Joy to Professional Fulfillment
41:51 The Essence of Being a Nerd
44:49 Geeky Recommendations
Follow Dean:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-ravenola
Twitter - https://twitter.com/dean_ravenola
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dean_ravenola/
Check out Dean’s short films!
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@Surrealms?feature=shared
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@surrealmsshorts?_t=8lN1YRfkBwc&_r=1
Purchase Dean’s YA Fantasy Novel:
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Aether-Warriors-Hidden-War-Book/dp/1478700602
Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aether-warriors-dean-ravenola/1117308491
…and for the plot: https://www.neopets.com/
Follow That Nerd Thing at:
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!
Journey into the world of fandoms, writing, and body positivity as Morgan interviews YA fantasy author Ria Parisi. The discussion covers Ria's inspirations, experiences in cosplay, writing journey, and advocacy for plus-sized inclusivity. They discuss Disney Parks, young adult (YA) literature, the transformative experience of cosplay, and the intricacies of writing. Ria also shares their initial fascination with Star Wars and her involvement in The Rebel Legion. Don’t forget to pre-order and check out Ria’s upcoming book, “Of Wolves and Stags” available March 2025!
00:50 Introducing Ria Parisi: A Journey into YA Fantasy
01:47 From Star Wars Fandom to Cosplay Passion
04:58 Exploring the World of Cosplay: Creativity and Community
06:18 Ria Parisi's Upcoming Projects: A Glimpse into Future Tales
07:48 A Deep Dive into Nerdy Loves: Disney Parks and Beyond
11:11 The Stormlight Archive Series and Mental Health Representation
15:30 Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Inhumans and Personal Nerdy Favorites
19:59 The Origin Story: From Roleplay to Published Author
26:02 Navigating the Publishing World: A Personal Journey
30:33 Promoting Body Positivity Through Writing and Cosplay
31:35 Facing Fandom's Dark Side: A Cosplay Experience
40:01 Embracing Nerd Culture and Its Impact
43:12 Geeky Recommendations: From Hazbin Hotel to Bridgerton
48:31 Looking Forward: Importance of Pre-Orders
Pre-order and add Of Wolves and Stags to your Goodreads list today!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208390290-of-wolves-and-stags
https://www.wordsmakeart.com/products/of-wolves-and-stags
Ria’s Website: https://www.riaparisi.com/
Follow Ria on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/riathewolfwrites/
https://www.tiktok.com/@riathewolfwrites
https://twitter.com/ria_thewolf
Follow That Nerd Thing at:
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!
In this episode of That Nerd Thing, Morgan interviews horror author Eric Otero and they discuss his journey as a writer and his passion for horror. They explore the influence of his blue-collar job on his writing and his journey into becoming a horror author. Eric even shares a SPOOKY experience from when he was a teenager!
Eric also goes deep into sharing his fascination with the Japanese military science fiction media franchise, Gundam, and he even explains the history behind the franchise. He explains how you can join the fandom and ways to participate in the Gundam community.
Eric explores his other nerdy interests like lepidopterology, nurturing butterflies, and the influences of Christian mysticism in his writing. The episode also touches on the broader topic of starting to write later in life, facing insecurities as an author, and the power of niche communities online for embracing one's nerdiness.
00:18 Welcome and Introduction
00:48 Diving into Horror with Author Eric Otero
01:54 Exploring Eric's Creations: From Body Horror to Cosmic Mysteries
06:17 Unraveling the Depths of Nerdy Identity
06:20 Unpacking Gundam: A Deep Dive into Mecha and Its Impact
13:32 Embracing Nerdiness: Finding Community and Overcoming Isolation
16:00 Embracing the Indie Writing Journey
17:47 Eric's Unexpected Nerdy Passion: Lepidopterology
19:30 A Shift in Popularity: From Small Town to Comic Book Expert
21:05 Exploring Christian Mysticism and Personal Fears
22:51 A Childhood Fascinated by the Paranormal
23:21 A Mysterious Encounter in the Woods: A Personal Horror Story
26:37 From Isolation to Creative Writing
27:45 The Challenges and Triumphs of Writing
29:14 Embracing Vulnerability: Sharing Creative Work with the World
33:22 Navigating Fandoms: Gundam and Beyond
39:39 The Essence of Being a Nerd: Passion and Inclusivity
41:18 Geeky Recommendations: Embracing Horror and Sci-Fi
42:55 Connecting with the Author: Social Media and Final Thoughts
Follow Eric Otero at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHowlingBetweenWorlds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.m._otero/
Check out Eric’s work and stories!
https://nightmaredownloads.com/products/between-the-panels-by-eric-otero
Follow That Nerd Thing at:TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!
Surprise! In this special episode of That Nerd Thing, Morgan, the show's host, has an in-depth and candid conversation with her friend Tamara, delving into the podcast’s inception and growth.
Morgan, a therapist by profession and a podcast enthusiast, shares her journey towards embracing her nerdy interests openly and creating a podcast as a platform for others to celebrate their nerdy identities too. They touch upon various fandoms, including Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Back to the Future, The Office, Bridgerton, and many others, revealing how fandoms can spark joy, build connections, and even save lives.
Morgan shares her journey of starting the podcast, her experiences with guests, and how nerdiness has evolved over time. Additionally, the episode touches on rejection of traditional online business models in favor of passion-driven content. Tamara provides a unique outsider perspective, prompting Morgan to reflect on personal anecdotes, the growth of the podcast, and aspirations for future episodes. Together, they explore the essence of nerd culture, emphasizing the inclusivity, passion, and joy it brings to people's lives.
00:18 Welcome to a Special Episode: Unscripted Conversations with Tamara Howell
01:56 Defining Nerdiness and Its Evolution
04:11 From Passion to Profession: The Joy of Doing What You Love
09:17 The Journey to Starting a Podcast
11:24 Overcoming Fears and Embracing the Podcasting Process
22:53 The Unexpected Joys and Challenges of Podcasting
31:09 Behind the Scenes: Organizing and Pitching for the Podcast
33:44 Dreaming of Interviewing David Tennant
34:42 The Joy of Nerd Culture and Fandoms
36:25 Reflecting on Podcast Experiences and Listener Engagement
40:47 Exploring Personal Nerdy Passions
42:22 The Importance of Community in Fandoms
43:18 The Creative Process Behind 'That Nerd Thing' Podcast
48:55 The Making of 'That Nerd Thing' Podcast
51:49 Supporting and Sharing the Podcast
01:01:16 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Follow That Nerd Thing at:
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!
In this episode, Morgan interviews award-winning and bestselling storyteller Matt Eicheldinger. Transitioning from a teaching profession to a full-time author, Matt opens up about embracing his creative side, the significant changes it brought into his life, and his aspirations to give back to the community through storytelling. Matt discusses his love for storytelling, gaming, and even whittling wood! Don’t forget to check out the first book in The Matt Sprouts Series…Matt Sprouts and The Curse of The Ten Broken Toes!
00:18 Introducing Matt Eicheldinger
01:30 The Matt Sprouts Series
02:30 Diving into Matt’s Nerdy Identity: From Ninja Turtles to Whittling Wood
05:48 Exploring the Depths of Creativity
10:25 Exploring the Depths of Nerdy Interests: Video Games, Comics, and More
12:53 The Underrated and Random Nerdy Sides of Matt
15:13 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Publishing and Going Viral
16:36 The Art of Storytelling: Connecting Through Creativity and Comedy
20:40 Navigating the World of Social Media
31:09 The Unpredictable Path of a Teacher Turned Author
34:08 The Power of Crowdfunding and Community Support
37:03 The Breakthrough: Securing an Agent and a Book Deal
39:12 Reflections on Teaching, Writing, and Personal Growth
43:38 The Creative Process and Embracing New Beginnings
46:46 Building a Community: The Importance of Support and Mentorship
53:13 Reflections on Storytelling and Personal Growth
57:23 The Surprising Journey of Becoming an Author
01:00:25 Embracing Nerdiness: Finding Community and Learning from Others
01:03:08 Final Thoughts and Geeky Recommendations
Order Matt Sprouts and The Curse of The Ten Broken Toes: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books a Million / Bookshop / Target
Check out Matt’s Website: https://matteicheldinger.com/
Follow Matt on Social Media! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matteicheldinger/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matteicheldinger
Follow That Nerd Thing at:TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod
Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com
Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!
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