Nw Nerd Podcast: Fandom-powered News

NW NERD enlists a panel of cosplayers and geeks to discuss dating and relationship questions from listeners. They also address a recent advice column titled "How do I get a cosplay girl to like me?" There's a lot to unpack. Also, Dyer takes listeners to Super Sonic Speed Dating in Portland where convention attendees went to make friends, maybe more, two minutes at a time.

Dyer and Brandon return from break to discuss news that broke while they were away. Retired superhero Phoenix Jones was arrested for allegedly selling drugs. Checking back in with Wayward Coffeehouse which now needs your help. Atari has something special in mind for Seattle, set to break ground soon. Also, an interview with professional cosplayers Alkali Layke and Zabracus. They discuss their journey into cosplaying and geek entrepreneurialism.

Nick and Dyer present NW NERD's annual Festivus special before the holiday podcast break with special guests, including: Genevieve Haas with After These Messages and The Grapes of Rad fame; also Aaron Mason, co-host of KIRO Nights and also of Grapes of Rad fame (and he also did a podcast called The Leap Home: A Look Bakula).There will be airing of grievances -- both for people in the room, and for pop culture in general. And there will be feats of strength -- a quiz designed by Associate Producer Brandon Haddix. And of course, there will be Festivus miracles ... Monorail! (Listen to the episode to find out what that's about)

Jonathan Belle is an artist who takes flight with his cosplay. Through photography, and wearing a Superman suit, he displays stunning images of the Man of Steel set against the vast array of the American landscape. His work conveys a story in each shot, spurs imagination, and delivers a message of inspiration and positivity. But his journey to becoming Superman wasn’t a simple path, and staying positive is easier said than done. Also, news discussion:-Can Superman be relevant in a modern age? Is that a ridiculous question? -Should they just rename The Mandalorian “Baby Yoda?”-The hottest new apple to hit the scene has been 20 years in the making, cost $100,000 to make, and is the first apple variety to sprout from Washington. -NASA is slated to go back to the moon and beyond, and one Redmond company will propel them there. -Nick has a big announcement. Regular NW NERD listeners will want to stay tuned for this. And finally, an interview with Becca Servoss, the new owner of Seattle’s Wayward Coffeehouse. Wayw

Jet City Comic Show just pulled off its 10th annual pop culture event. This comic con in Tacoma has roots that run deep with other major Northwest conventions, but has made a considerable effort to maintain a focus on comics above all else. James Taylor with Jet City Comic Show joins NW NERD to discuss the history of the event and his perspective on organizing a convention. Also, NW NERD checks in with Venator Impala, one year after the screen-accurate Supernatural car arrived in the Northwest and began rolling through pop culture events throughout the region. The car is making appearances just as the show enters its 15th and final season.

In this magazine episode, Dyer takes us to a special tea shop in Wallingford, Seattle where the owner makes tea blends based on what her favorite fandoms taste like. Then, Nick and Dyer discuss some nerdy news, including the uneven launch of Disney+, the redesigned Sonic the Hedgehog, and more. Finally, they wrap things up with some recommendations, including The Mandalorian and a timely, revisited Superman story.

Voice actor Jen Cohn sits down with NW NERD to discuss how she got the role of Pharah on Overwatch, how she likes her coffee (it's complicated), and who she credits with influencing her personality. That, and a lot more.

The Monster Rangers are like the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, combined with the 1980s film "Monster Squad." Some are in it for the outdoorsy meetups, others like the badges, the crafting, or the bartering. Either way, this alternative reality group gathers to protect the monster around us and their habitats, and much more.19:40 The NewsGame of Thrones spinoff updates and Star Wars changes.Act quick: McDonalds is releasing its greatest Happy Meal hits this week. This is what you could find. University of Washington students (and high schoolers) are going down in satellite history.UPDATE: Ethan HD's goal of buying and taking over Destiny City Comics in Tacoma.36:10 RecommendationsMonster Rangers feature by Brandon HaddixMusic by The Hoot Hoots and Kevin MacLeod

NW NERD presents two interviews. First, a conversation with actor Russell Hodgkinson, who has led an eclectic life from the military to the stage, and to his role as Doc on Z Nation. He even was a manny for Lucille Ball's grandchildren at one point. Also, comic artist Blacky Shepherd talks about the genre of horror and how he has found a way to contribute his art to the titles he loves, from Vampirella to Voltron, and more.

In this magazine episode, hosts Nick Jarin and Dyer Oxley start things off with a visit to Seattle's Pike Place Market, which is remarkably packed with ghosts. For this year's Halloween story, they focus on the children who haunt Pike Place Market's shops and alleys. Then, Nick and Dyer discuss some nerdy headlines, including the final trailer for the final installment of the Rey/Kylo Star Wars trilogy and a new Minecraft exhibit at MoPOP. Finally, they wrap things up with some viewing recommendations. Nick says this HBO version of Watchmen is actually good. Dyer says Paul Rudd's latest Netflix show is worth your time. Special thanks to associate producer Brandon Haddix for his work on the ghost story.

NW NERD was invited to moderate a keynote science panel at Renton City Comic Con 2019. Five experts across varying fields were asked to weigh in on the exciting, and perhaps frightening, advancements in space travel, AI, education, bioengineering, and much more. What does the future hold? How will it affect us? Should we be anxious? Take a listen and find out. Panelists included: Nile Wilson: Neural engineer and data scientist; bioengineering PhD out of the University of Washington.Richard Boyd: His experience ranges from video game technology to movie technology which he has innovated through a series of startups. Steven Smith: NASA Education Specialist.Geoff Nunn: Curator for space history with the Museum of Flight.Michelle Zimmerman: Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and author of the book "Teaching AI."

This magazine episode starts off with a dive into ‘landlocked surf rock’ with a nerdy twist by Dyer. Then, he and Nick discuss some headline news including WeWork’s continued growth in Seattle despite the company’s IPO debacle and the startlingly high box office gross for DC’s Joker. Finally, they round out the show with recommendations. Nick surprises Dyer with an endorsement for an MTV show that Dyer promptly makes fun of.

Felicia Day has many titles -- actor, entrepreneur, and author. Whatever the endeavor, creativity has played a significant role. Her recently-release book "Embrace Your Weird" takes a unique, engaging approach to anxiety and self-refection. Day talks about her own experience with anxiety, authenticity, and more, and how she finds strength in creativity. Also, who is Day's hero and what genre would she totally not want to write? Why does the title “Queen of the Geeks” seem to make her quite nervous? Listen to find out.

Nick Jarin and Dyer Oxley are joined by author and business development expert Neil Cohen in Season 4's first spotlight episode. They discuss Cohen's new book, Business is Dead: Resurrecting Entrepreneurship Through the Fan-Focused Venture, which is full of stories from Walking Dead "fantrepreneurs", people who started businesses spun out of their passion for the Walking Dead. What makes a successful fantrepreneur business? How does the explosion of comicons and fan expos affect this phenomenon?

This magazine episode starts off with Dyer’s feature story on the Jedi Alliance, an actual church of the Force (from Star Wars) in Spokane, Washington. The place is a monument to pop culture. It’s stuffed from wall to wall, basement to ceiling with games and memorabilia. Then, Nick and Dyer discuss some nerdy news including Anacortes’ foray into municipal broadband, the end of LimePods in Seattle, and an encouraging move by King County leadership to foster more film and music business. Finally, they offer some viewing recommendations, including Dyer’s guide to watching Star Trek: The Next Generation to get ready for 2020’s Picard.http://nw-nerd.com/blog/2019/9/17/star-trek-the-next-generation-syllabus

From superhero Phoenix Jones to Critical Role's Travis Willingham, a passion for KITT (yes that one car), some Northwest tech history, and a very, very embarrassing story from the Comic Dads. Also, a couple comments from Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon about how his love of music suffered after an attack. These are the cuts from Season 3 -- parts of interviews or other audio that didn't make it into a feature story or the podcast in general. But we think they are special enough to share with you.1:45 Phoenix Jones learns how to be a superhero7:05 Cable was invented in Astoria, Oregon9:20 The wrong time to use finger guns with the Comic Dads13:15 Nicholas Brendon and the music he likes15:25 One man's passion for Knight Rider and KITT22:50 Travis Willingham explains how Critical Role started playing Dungeons and Dragons

When this special podcast is released, Nick and Dyer will be in Portland, tending to the NW NERD booth at Rose City Comic Con. This Rose City Sampler is for all the fine folks we meet in Portland, to provide a sample of what NW NERD does and the stories we cover.These particular features all have an Oregon nexus. We profile the Nerd Out in Portland, which boasts making the best (Spider) Manhattan in town; we then go on a search for the real Springfield of Simpsons fame; a quick stop out on the coast for some film history; and finally, a spooky story about an old hotel where guests and employees have documented their eerie experiences.CONTENTSIntro2:56 The Nerd Out has the best Spider-Manhattan in town16:45 Where is The Real Springfield?34:14 Oregon’s place in film history and all the cult movies from one particular region51:40 The Ghost Logs of the Grand Lodge — where some residents never check out

NW NERD sits down with Seattle-based artist Blacky Shepherd to discuss a horror comic book project he took part in, with a video store theme. Dyer and Shepherd recall the days when going to the video store was nearly a spiritual experience. This is a peek at a much longer interview with Shepherd that will be published in upcoming season 4. Also, an introduction to a new character around the NW NERD offices, who will be pitching in on the effort to tell the stories that make us nerds.

If you've been listening to NW NERD over the past year, you're well aware that we've focused some attention on the Renton community, its comic con, art projects, etc. These are the Renton files -- stories we've done on Renton's geek community.

In this special edition of NW NERD, Dyer sits down with Gareb Shamus to discuss his career path – from launching Wizard Entertainment to ACE Universe which has experienced considerable success in a short period of time (he also became a painter along the way).An ACE Universe event feels different than other pop culture conventions. There is definitely an emphasis on content that is curated and well-produced. Gareb explains his approach to comicons, fandom, art, and more in this discussion with NW NERD.