Character Progression

47. NewNerdNormal - Studio Ghibli part 1

Studio Ghibli has made some of the world's most beloved animated films.  Under the direction Hayao Miyazaki, they've gone from a studio that could be making niche anime to one that creates whimsical fantasy worlds filled with so much adventure, heroism, whimsy, and heart that Disney scooped up the distribution to deliver them to fans all across the globe.  From the emotional powerhouse that is Grave of the Fireflies, to the environmental fable of Princess Mononoke, and the worldwide phenomen...

46. Character Progression - Kaldur'ahm from DC Comics' Young Justice (Yves Mills)

In 1964, DC Comics created the Teen Titans when Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Wonder Girl decided to form a team of their own.  Stepping out of the shadows of Batman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman, the team has remained a mainstay of the DC publishing library and has spun off into multiple televised iterations.  And while Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go concentrate on the New Teen Titans line-up, Young Justice decided to branch out by giving Aquaman a brand new sidekick.  Kaldur'ahm i...

46. Character Progression - Aquaman from DC Comics' Young Justice (Yves Mills)

In 1964, DC Comics created the Teen Titans when Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Wonder Girl decided to form a team of their own.  Stepping out of the shadows of Batman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman, the team has remained a mainstay of the DC publishing library and has spun off into multiple televised iterations.  And while Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go concentrate on the New Teen Titans line-up, Young Justice decided to branch out by giving Aquaman a brand new sidekick.  Kaldur'ahm is...

45. Character Progression - Uncle Iroh from Nickelodeon's Avatar: the Last Airbender (Chris Allen)

The first time I covered Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender, we looked at the perspective of a kid growing up with his lessons.  Today, we see how it was to experience them when you're already an adult.  Seeing his sacrifices for the Fire Nation, his relationship with Zuko 's father, the Fire Lord, and his love of tea taught today's guest how to listening can be more important than speaking and how learning about each other with respect can make the entire world a better place to liv...

Character Progression (Trailer)

44. NewNerdNormal - Superman

Last son of Krypton, Man of Steel, mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet in Metropolis.  Clark Kent is known by many names, but all throughout the universe know him by one in particular...Superman.  Kal-El fights a never ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way.  Alongside allies like the Justice League, he strives to protect his adopted home world of Earth.  So that if villains like Lex Luthor or Darkseid are somehow about to defeat him, they will never defeat what he ha...

43. Pod Pilot - Anime (Chris Allen)

One of the few things that match the only thing that matches the diverse nature of anime is how beloved & influential it is worldwide.  From old favorites like Dragon Ball Z and Cowboy Bebop to newer series like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and Aggretsuko, there is a massive passion from so many people for Japanese animation.  And with shows like Naruto and Inuyasha getting sequels, One Piece nearing 1,000 episodes, and Sailor Moon continuing to captivate fans of all ages and genders, ...

42. Character Progression - SpongeBob SquarePants from Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants (John Mulcahy)

Nicktoons have a long and celebrated history as some of the most influential cartoons for kids born from the 1980's through today.  From the original three of Doug, Rugrats, and Red & Stimpy.  To newer inclusions like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Winx Club.  But right in the middle of those two extremes was an era of classics!  With shows like Invader Zim, Fairly Odd Parents, and one of the most popular Nickelodeon stv shows of all time, SpongeBob SquarePants!  This Sponge took America (...

41. NewNerdNormal - Steven Universe

They are the Crystal Gems and they always save the day.  And if you think they can't, they always find a way.  That's why viewers all over the world watch, relate to, and believe in Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl and Steven!  Cartoon Network has developed a track record of amazing animated shows that appeal to both kids and adults.  Starting with the Cartoon Cartoon days of Cow & Chicken and Courage the Cowardly Dog, through Teen Titans and Justice League Unlimited, and into modern favorites li...

40. Character Progression - Leia Organa from Disney and Lucasfilm's Star Wars (Allie MacDonald)

Sci-fi has given us more strong, warrior women than almost any other genre.  Ripley from the Alien movies, She-Ra from Netflix's She-ra, and Furiosa from Mad Max: Fury Road.  But the strongest of them all is the princess of Alderaan turned general in the resistance against the first order from Disney and Lucasfilm's Star Wars, Leia Organa!  Together with Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3PO, and R2D2, she lead the rebellion against the empire, Palpatine, and Darth Vader in battles agains...

39. Pod Pilot - Podcasting (Daniel Brown)

Throughout the year and a half I've been podcasting, I've come to really love the entire process of recording, editing, and publishing these episodes. There's so much freedom to put something out into the world and do it my way. And that's what I'm talking about here today. Why I love the unique opportunities that podcasts provide, both as a medium of entertainment and a creative outlet. If we all took that step towards putting our passions out into the world, I truly believe we'd all lead ...

38. NewNerdNormal - Final Fantasy 7 Remake

When people discuss the greatest video games of all time, there are a few names you always hear.  The Last of Us, Super Mario World, Skyrim, Chrono Trigger, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and of course...Final Fantasy 7 (or Final Fantasy VII to our Roman numeral loving friends).  This game not only introduced RPG games to millions of new fans around the world, but it also popularized the genre to the point that it's still successful today!  Recently, Square Enix gave us a remake that h...

37. Character Progression - Gomez Addams from The Addams Family (Melissa Mollentze)

They're creepy and they're kooky.  Mysterious and spooky.  They're all together ooky.  The Addams family!  Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Lurch, Thing, and Cousin Itt.  Together they make up the Addams Family.  And though they all care deeply for each other, no one but their family patriarch can keep them together with the sense of love and compassion that this macabre clan deserves.  That's right.  This episode, we're talking about father, husband, and acquitted "ladykiller," G...

36. NewNerdNormal - Celeste

Most of the big video games that come out are made by large groups of programmers over the course of months to years for millions of dollars.  And that's all well and good.  Many of those games are hugely popular like Call of Duty, The Last of Us, and Assassin's Creed.   But there's something to be said for games made by small teams with a single vision, fueled by little more than passion for the project they're working on.  Those games may not have the visual polish of a big budget game.  B...

35. Character Progression - Wally West from DC Comics' The Flash (Mike Logsdon)

The only thing harder than blazing your own trail is doing it in the shadow of those who came before you.  Some keep pace with the demand while others may fall behind.  But some run right by everyone's expectations until they hit a new level, all their own.  And  if any series knows what it takes to run that race, it's The Flash!  DC Comics superhero, founding member of the Justice League, and star of a hit self-titled show on CW, The Flash is the fastest man alive and has a lineage of heroe...

34. NewNerdNormal - Avatar the Last Airbender

Water. Earth. Fire. Air. My grandmother used to tell me stories about the old days, a time of peace when the Avatar kept balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. But that all changed when the Fire Nation attacked!  Now it's time for Steven to learn about Avatar Aang as Vicky guides him through the world of the show considered to be among the best American animated series of all time!  Premiering on Nickelodeon in 2005, the adventures of Aang, Katara, Sok...

33. Character Progression - Oswald the Lucky Rabbit from Disney (Brian Villar)

When you think of Disney's most famous characters, who comes to mind?  Mickey Mouse?  Donald Duck?  What about Elsa from Frozen or Ariel from The Little Mermaid?  Well, for my guest today there's only one character who fills that spot.  And that's Oswald the Lucky Rabbit!  Oswald was one of Disney's earliest characters but was really the brainchild of an underappreciated animator named Ub Iworks.  Tune in to learn why Oswald matters to animation history and how he was traded for NFL sportsca...

32. NewNerdNormal - Kingdom Hearts

Welcome to the inaugural episode of NewNerdNormal!  The show where one friend takes the other two on a journey of their fandoms!  One of which is casually familiar with it and the other is a complete beginner.  This episode is all about Kingdom Hearts!  The crossover between Square Enix 's Final Fantasy and Disney that shouldn't have worked but somehow did and has built an entire mythos across many MANY top selling games!

31. Pod Pilot - Sun & Moon Photography (Jensen Eddins and Vinny Kim)

In the first full episode of Pod Pilot, I talk to the founders of Sun & Moon Photography.  A collective that strives to connect businesses with photographers in different cities across America in order to create a more positive, close knit environment for everyone involved.  Both Jensen and Vinny have such a passion for their craft and I couldn't think of anyone better to start off this brand new series!

30. Character Progression - A from David Levithan's Every Day (Sydney Lienau)

In all of us, there is one fundamental question that some people spend their whole lives trying to answer...Who am I?  And as difficult as that can be for the average person to answer, It's even harder for A, from David Levithan's Every Day.  Why?  Well, you'll just have to listen to this episode to find out.  But let's just say A has a very good reason for it to be such a difficult question to answer.  And the fact that A manages to keep their individuality in tact is a sign of just how str...

29. Pod Pilot - Introduction

Welcome to the introductory episode of Pod Pilot!  This is a sister Series to Character Progression and a new project for me that's all about giving each episode's guest a chance to be vocal about their passions!  Whether that's by allowing people to talk about them, coming up with creative avenues to get them out to the public, or giving people a stage to debate...this is all about you and the things you care about.  This series will release new episodes bi-weekly, during the off weeks of C...

28. Character Progression - Klaus Baudelaire from Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (Steven Finkle)

Starting season 2 off with a bang!  Unfortunately, that bang started a fire that destroyed the home and parents of the newly orphaned Baudelaire orphans.  Luckily, their dear Count Olaf will be there to take them into his home and our dear Lemony Snicket will be there to tell the tale!  Whether with Jim Carrey or Neil Patrick Harris, the story of these children who invent, read, and bite has captured the imaginations of millions through books, Nickelodeon movies, and Netflix shows.  And now ...

Character Progression Special Announcements

Eight months into this passion project called Character Progression and it's time to make this monster grow!  Both with the announcement of season 2 and the introduction of a new sister series called Pod Pilot!  Want to know what's going on?  Check out this episode to find out!

27. Character Progression - Leslie Knope from NBC's Parks & Rec (Brianna Walker)

Few shows become part of the cultural zeitgeist as soon as they come out.  Friends did, The Simpsons did, and The Office did.  These shows didn't just have their finger on the pulse of what audiences wanted, they changed the beat to suit themselves.  And, with The Office still being the most streamed show on Netflix, it really says something when people still argue about when it was better than the producer's next show, Parks and Rec!  No matter what side you're on, there's no denying that P...

26. Character Progression - Tony Stark from Marvel's Iron Man (Nick Hodgins)

Phase three of the MCU has come to a close.  And with it, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been through a lot of changes.  Whether that's Captain America passing on the shield to Falcon, 2014 Gamora running around, or just the fact that many of the characters lost five years.  But no change has hit the universe or fans as hard as the death of Tony Shark...also known as Iron Man!  Between creating Ultron, escalating the super hero Civil War, or getting drunk while in his suit, Tony's flaws o...

25. Character Progression - Scrooge McDuck from Disney's DuckTales (Michael Weisbecker)

For the Duck family in DuckTales, life was like a hurricane, there in Duckberg.  Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad, Donald Duck, Webby, Huey, Dewey, and Louie had used race cars, lasers, and airplanes to do everything from solve and mystery to rewriting history!  Few TV shows bring as many good memories as those from the Disney Afternoon block.  But, as great as Talespin, Chip n Dale: Rescue Rangers, and Darkwing Duck were...there was something special about the wild adventures of the McDuck family....

24. Character Progression - Superman from DC Comics (Alex Bennett)

When you think of superheroes, who comes to mind?  Batman?  Spider-Man?  Iron Man?  Captain America?  They're all heroes, and some of the greatest examples in comics book history.  But none of them would exist without the inspiration of two men from Cleveland, when they created Clark Kent.  A reporter for the Daily Planet who grew up in Smallville...and is also know as DC Comics' Superman!  So with today being the Fourth of July, there didn't seem like a better time to do an episode all abou...

23. Character Progression - Broadway from Disney's Gargoyles (Daniel Brown)

Disney's library of original animated shows is second to none!  Shows like  Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers  and  TaleSpin  breathed new life into old characters.  Meanwhile Darkwing Duck and Adventures of the Gummi Bears forged their own paths with new shows.  And while all of them were fantastic, there was something special about Gargoyles!  Maybe it was the multicultural characters, the cast of Star Trek alumni, the adult themes, or the literary allusions, but this show stood out among a sea...

22. Character Progression - Ophelia from William Shakespeare's Hamlet (Whitney Hamrick)

William Shakespeare is considered to be one of the greatest playwrights of all time!  With classic's like Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth (aka The Scottish Play), there's no end to his talent and influence.  But the main characters aren't always the most influential.  For example, Hamlet is the story about a Danish prince who's on a quest to avenge the murder of his father.  For my guest this week, that isn't relatable at all.  But Ophelia, Hamlet's scorned lover who had her agency stolen by thos...

21. Character Progression - Hal Jordan from DC Comics' Green Lantern (Christian Inirio)

DC Comics has many iconic heroes!  Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash to name a few.  But with details of his movie on the horizon, now seemed like the perfect time to talk about Green Lantern!  An identity that can be held my anyone with strong enough willpower!  These space cops hold classic members such as Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Kyle Rayner.  Along with newer recruits like Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz.  But for old school fans of the character, there's no lantern quite lik...

20. Character Progression - Mr. Feeny from Disney's Boy Meets World (Alex Ruiz)

When you think of Disney tv shows, what comes to mind?  Animated shows like DuckTales, Darkwing Duck, or Gravity Falls?  Maybe 2000's live action shows like Hannah Montana,  Lizzie McGuire, or That's so Raven?  Nothing against those shows but, for 90's kids all around the globe, there was one show that was on everybody's list; Boy Meets World!  Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and Eric came into our homes each week on ABC's TGIF block.  And, over the seven years that show was on the air, no one influen...

19. Character Progression - Dr. Gregory House from Fox's House MD (Patrick Keating)

Over the years, Fox has had many medical dramas.  But few have captured the love of fans quite like House.  Along with Cuddy, Wilson, and a rotating diagnostics team, House solved the medical mysteries no one else could.  Even now, seven years after it's ending, the show's fan base is still going strong with a legions of fans all over the world.  Something about this vicodin popping, cane walking, atheist, curmudgeon has captured the hearts of millions.  Including this week's guest.  A man w...

18. Character Progression - Pikachu from Nintendo's Pokemon (Pez Roan)

Nintendo has released some incredible franchises over the years,  Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Kirby, etc...  but few have become a worldwide phenomenon quite like Pokemon!  With cute characters, collecting, and everything from video games to anime to cards, it would be difficult to find anyone who doesn't know about the series.  And, of all 807 current pokemon, none are more recognizable than Pikachu!  This electric mouse is currently starring in the hit movie, Detective Pikachu (with some h...

17. Character Progression - Static Shock (Glitch Wilder)

Sometimes a character speaks to us because we've never seen anything like them before.  In the case of this week's guest, that character is Static Shock!  The young, black superhero many of us grew up watching each week on Kids WB!  Static impacted my guest because it was the first time he saw himself in a heroic protagonist.  One who was stood for everyone, regardless of what they look like or where they're from.  You could say Static put a shock to his system!

16. Character Progression - Bubbles from Cartoon Network's The Powerpuff Girls (Jensen Eddins)

When we watch cartoons as a kid, we never knew how they might affect us.  We just knew that the channel they were on was hyping it up and we fed off that excitement.  Just like Cartoon Network did when they released The Powerpuff Girls in 1998.  A few years later, the show was a global phenomenon!  With Blossom (commander and the leader) and Buttercup (The toughest fighter) stealing the spotlight.  But, for Jensen Eddins, Bubbles brought the joy and the laughter!  As well as teaching her tha...

15. Character Progression - Arnold Shortman from Nickelodeon's Hey Arnold! (Sade Lee)

Many times on this show, my guests have been inspired by a character's words.  And while today's is no different, the actions of one bold kid have proven to be just as impactful as any words could ever be.  Whether having dinner with Pigeon Man, helping Stoop Kid get over his fear of leaving his stoop, or finding an immigrant's long lost daughter, Arnold never shied away from doing what was right.  Never asking anything in return, except to try to help those around you.  And my guest, Sade, ...

14. Character Progression - Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid (Caleigh Gilfillan)

Fictional characters inspire some of us to be better people.  Others inspire people to fight through a difficult time.  In the case of my guest today, she was inspired with a love of travel that has lead her all the way around the world.  Caleigh Gilfillan has loved Ariel from The Little Mermaid from a very young age.  And, from that love, grew a love of travel and a love of adventure that lead her all the way to Shanghai, China!

13. Character Progression - Kamen Rider One (Josh Steelman)

Sometimes it's not who a character is that inspires us, but why they were created!  In the case of my guest, it's a character who was conceived to be a hero after a tragedy that his creator was powerless  to stop.  By creating heroes that didn't fit the standard archetypes, Shotaro Ishinomori created a concept that could be adapted to anyone, no matter who they are or what they're going through.  Today, almost exactly 41 years since it first premiered, Josh Steelman and I celebrate the legac...

12. Character Progression - Doctor Who (Helen Scott)

November 23rd, 1963 is a day that means Many different things.  It's both a day of tragedy, and the day that hope began to rise anew.  But no matter what it means to you, there is one definitive message that it brings across.  We must stand together.  And one of the leading voices in that message is an man who isn't even one of us.  Doctor Who!  This alien from the the planet of  Gallifrey is a man with two hearts full of love for humanity.  And he's here to do whatever he can to save us.  A...

11. Character Progression - Uncle Iroh from Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender (Vicky Hallam)

Some people always know the right thing to say.  No matter what the situation is, they somehow find the words to lift you up and inspire you to keep going.  Sometimes you can even be inspired by words meant for someone else.  Like my guest, Vicky Hallam was with the words of Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender!  Throughout the series, Uncle Iroh gave words of wisdom to Zuko and helped him grow from an angry boy into a young man with hope for the future and a direction in life.  And, e...

10. Character Progression - BJ Hunnicutt from MASH (Dan Brown)

Inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of characters.  And, in my case, it came from a character who co-starred on a show that ended two years before I was born.  BJ Hunnicutt was a fourth season addition to the cast of M*A*S*H and, through his humor, loyalty, and sincerity, showed me the kind of person I wanted to become.  Even if I didn't know it yet.   Being a "meatball surgeon" in a mobile army surgical hospital, BJ saw the kind of horror that war brings, day in and day out, and he di...

9. Character Progression - Goku from Dragon Ball Z (Dustin Spain)

One of the biggest influences on an entire generation of people is anime.  And, while some series made the journey to the west beforehand, none had the cultural impact of Dragon Ball!  Even just saying that causes millions of people to remember youthful days filled with pretending to shoot beams from their hands and wishing they could become a Super Saiyan.  And no character is more synonymous with the franchise than Goku!  A young boy with a tail who lived in the woods and grew up to become...

8. Character Progression - Gandalf from JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings (Cam Jones)

Sometimes it's not a single character who inspires us, but an entire world.  And few fictional worlds have set minds racing like Middle Earth from  J. R. R. Tolkien.  But, when asked to narrow the entirety of these epic fantasies down to a key character, Cam Jones didn't even hesitate to say Gandalf!  This wizard has traveled the world for countless eons.  But not in the effort of money or power...but altruism.  Gandalf's kind heart has impacted the lives of creatures great and small.  Inclu...

7. Character Progression - Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Nick Centeno)

This week, my guest and I talk about vampires, our moms, and the importance of representation.  Buffy the Vampire Slayer may have ended 16 years ago, but the impact it's characters made can still be felt by many people every day.  So to all the witches, Scoobies, and Big Bads out there, I hope you enjoy this episode and thank you so much for listening!

6. Character Progression - Batman (Bill Svitavsky)

This week, my guest the co-author of two books all about Superheroes and their impact on society, Bill Svitavksy.  He and I sit down to talk about Batman, a character that I'm surprised took this long for someone to cover.  Over the course of our conversation, we get into our favorite comic creators, what Batman represents, and what his story is really all about.  Which, if you're expecting us to say is "Punching bad guys in the face," prepare to be surprised.   Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men...

5. Character Progression - Mame Dennis from Auntie Mame (Stephanie Elfont)

In this episode, I skate the rules a little bit as my guest and I talk about the fictionalized version of a real person.  But throughout our conversation, we get to something real with it.  Mame is a woman who went through so much in her life yet always managed to come out with a smile.  And, if she can do that during the depression, maybe there's hope for the rest of us.

4. Character Progression - Sailor Moon (Allie MacDonald)

Depression is a incredibly difficult for the many people who suffer with it daily.  Sometimes you get the will to keep fighting from unlikely places.  Like Allie MacDonald, my guest today who learned how to cope by watching Sailor Moon as a child.  Hear her describe the lessons and strategies that helped her as a child and still influence her today!

3. Character Progression - Janie Crawford from Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God (Veronica Smith)

Zora Neale Hurston is a Central Florida icon.  Just in time for the annual ZORA! Festival, my guest and I discuss one of her most iconic characters.  Check out Veronica Smith and I discuss how she relates to the story of Janie Crawford, from Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God!

2. Character Progression - The Joker (Andy Boell)

The Joker is a violent criminal.  But to Andy Boell, co-host of Love Hate Relationship, he represents the ability to laugh in the face of life's hardest moments.  Enjoy this unique take on the ideology of Gotham City's clown prince of crime! Love Hate Relationship

1. Character Progression - Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation & Chandler Bing from Friends (Mike Logsdon)

In the first full episode of Character Progression, we talk to my friend Mike Logsdon about the two characters who've had the greatest impact on his life.  One who inspires him to be better and one who makes him feel better about who he is now.  Check it out to hear him describe how these two, drastically difference characters have impacted his life.