NW NERD: Fandom-powered geek magazine artwork

NW NERD: Fandom-powered geek magazine

171 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 48 ratings

These are the stories that make us nerds. Broadcasting from the crossroads of fandom, covering comics, film, TV, comicon, cosplay, pop culture, games, and all other corners of the geekonomy. NW NERD is a magazine-style podcast with interviews and feature stories from the diverse geek community. 

Society & Culture nerd nerd news geek geek news fandom northwest comicon pop culture arts
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Episodes

The many lives of cosplayer Alicia Marie

March 27, 2024 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

You may know Alicia Marie from comic conventions where she is often a guest, but this cosplayer is more than meets the eye. Alicia Marie lives many lives: Cosplayer, fitness expert, social media influencer, advocate for the deaf community, author, and more. With so much going on, it's no wonder that some information has been stretched online. So we set the record straight by going to the source and learning about the many lives of Alicia Marie. Cosplayer Alicia Marie took time to chat with...

Ming Chen's bars and bites guide to the NW

March 27, 2024 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

Ming Chen spends a lot of time on the road, traveling to different pop culture conventions as a guest and a host. In doing so, he has become familiar with many cities across the USA, getting to know the local restaurants, cafes, dive bars, and more. When he is visiting the Northwest (Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Puyallup), he has a few spots he always returns to. In this episode, Ming discusses his favorite hang outs in the region. This is Ming Chen's bars and bites guide to the NW. (This ep...

How PlayTest NW upped its game

March 27, 2024 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

Beau Johnson organizes events for PlayTest NW, so game designers can test their creations. But when the pandemic struck in 2020, prompting lockdowns and social distancing, the gaming organization had to evolve overnight. How did PlayTest NW change, and what does it look like today. Beau Johnson with PlayTest NW took time to chat with NW NERD at a previous Washington State Summer Con.  Theme music by The Hoot Hoots. 

Look! It's Captain Slinky!

March 29, 2023 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

How to describe Captain Slinky? Well, for starters, he makes these lamps. They're one-of-a-kind and you just have to see them to believe them. They certainly fit in at an event called "The Oddmall." Captain Slinky took the helm of The Oddmall in Washington and has been featuring crafters and vendors that don't always fit in at your generic craft fair. Here, you will find the weirdness that defines the Northwest, and more. Think of it like the best of the DIY vendors at a comic con.  Also: R...

Feature: A profile on Rogues Gallery Cosplay

March 04, 2023 22:00 - 14 minutes - 9.88 MB

Cosplay is not just about crafting screen-accurate costumes for Rogues Gallery Cosplay. It's also about fitness.  NW NERD presents a feature profile on this Northwest couple who builds their attire along with their bodies. This feature is an audio version of a profile on Rogues Gallery Cosplay published in the first edition of NW NERD Magazine. Find a digital copy of the magazine here. Cover photo by Dave Gallagher NW NERD's theme music is by The Hoot Hoots. Music in this episode: "The C...

Your cosplay or your job? A conversation with cosplayer/writer Ani-Mia

February 12, 2023 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MB

Cosplayer Ani-Mia has taken her cosplay to new heights as a writer who has been featured in Otaku Magazine and Cosplay Central. She didn't let her passions end there and also penned a series of comics for Dynamite's Betty Page series. But these stories may not be what you would assume.  Also in this episode: Random Fandom with Comic Dad Andrew. Andrew reaches back into his childhood memories to reminisce about a little-known 1980s TV show.  NW NERD's theme music is by The Hoot Hoots. Other...

Navigating the ups and downs of self-publishing your indie comic project

November 07, 2022 03:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

Do you have a comic book idea you want to see in print? Woody Arnold is a DIY, indie comic creator who has navigated the tricky world of self publishing. He has had to adapt to many challenges, which he hasn't let stop his current project,  Cybersymbiosis.  Woody is taking Cybersymbiosis to a whole new level with his latest Kickstarter effort. Check that out here.  Also, a new segment debuts on NW NERD: Random Fandom. We all have some piece of pop culture we hold dear — perhaps something t...

Beverly Downen wears many helmets

October 25, 2022 04:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

Beverly Downen wears many hats ... or helmets, horns ... and crowns? She's a cosplayer, competitor, judge, and now an author! You may know Beverly as a skilled cosplayer who crafts impressive costumes for the Northwest's many comic cons. You may know her from competitions she has participated in or judged. You may know her from the SheProp! community (celebrating female, non-binary, and transgender cosplayers). Pretty soon, you will know Beverly as an author. Her new book, "Cosplayer's Ulti...

This looks like a job for THE HERO INITIATIVE

September 02, 2022 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

The Hero Initiative is a federally recognized non profit with a simple mission – help comic creators in need. It's been around nearly 20 years and during that time it has distributed more than $1 million to such comic creators. But what does helping "comic creators in need" mean anyway? We're pulling in Cullen Stapleton, Hero Initiative's volunteer in the Pacific Northwest. He gives us an up-close look at what this non-profit does and what kind of help our cherished comic creators need. And ...

This looks like a job for THE HERO INITIATIVE

September 02, 2022 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

The Hero Initiative is a federally recognized non profit with a simple mission – help comic creators in need. It's been around nearly 20 years and during that time it has distributed more than $1 million to such comic creators. But what does helping "comic creators in need" mean anyway? We're pulling in Cullen Stapleton, Hero Initiative's volunteer in the Pacific Northwest. He gives us an up-close look at what this non-profit does and what kind of help our cherished comic creators need. And ...

Russell Hodgkinson is not a nerd

August 25, 2022 03:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MB

A chat with actor Russell Hodgkinson of "Z Nation" fame. The actor discusses the film scene in Spokane, whether or not he should shave his beard, projects he's working on, cats, and gardening ... and more. This interview was recorded at Spokane's Lilac City Comic Con. And check out the first time Russell spoke with NW NERD.  This episode is brought to you by Rose City Comic Con's Drink and Draw after party, presented by Dark Horse Comics. Drink and Draw is 8 p.m. on September 9, at the Spi...

Introducing NW NERD Magazine!

August 13, 2022 03:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

Dyer has some big news to announce, and to explain it all ... this episode is going to get a little weird. Egypt Archie from the Comic Dads and Joel the Geek take over the podcast to press Dyer about what NW NERD has been up to, why did it go on hiatus, what will the podcast be like now ... and what's the deal with this magazine?! That's right, NW NERD has made a magazine that is now showing up at geek hangouts across the Northwest, from Portland to Spokane, Seattle to Bellingham. Digital c...

From clerk to 'Clerks' and beyond: Ming Chen's winding career path

August 10, 2022 01:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MB

What started as a chance encounter with a rental VHS copy of "Clerks" put Ming Chen on a path to working with the film's creator, Kevin Smith. That path included designing websites, podcasting, TV's Comic Book Men, and more. Ming sits down on the couch with Dyer Oxley during Washington Summer Con to discuss his unique resume ... and just about everything else. Like, do you have a favorite sparkling water? Ming does. So does Dyer. And by the way, this podcast episode is brought to you by ...

All about Shang-Chi; with comic creator Jim Starlin and Jaime Jameson

September 12, 2021 23:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MB

What would Jim Starlin, creator of Shang-Chi, say about where this character could be headed on screen? We ask him in an exclusive interview. Also featuring collaborator Jaime Jameson to talk Dreadstar and more.  Our Shang-Chi discussion continues with Joel the Geek and NW NERD’s Nina to cover our reviews of the film, as well as (spoiler alert) speculation on where Marvel could be aiming its films now that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has been released.

Do you take this nerd in geeky matrimony?

July 02, 2021 06:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

Chanel Johnson just wanted a perfect wedding. For her (and husband Bil) that meant a Harry Potter / Viking themed event. Chanel tells the story of her geek wedding. Also, Victoria Rudolph with Simply Nerdy Events provides some insights into wedding planning, especially for those who really want to include their pop culture passions.  And joining this special wedding episode is Nina, the girl who Dyer somehow convinced to marry him. They have their own experience to relate, which includes ...

Do you take this nerd in geeky matrimony?

July 02, 2021 06:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

Chanel Johnson just wanted a perfect wedding. For her (and husband Bil) that meant a Harry Potter / Viking themed event. Chanel tells the story of her geek wedding. Also, Victoria Rudolph with Simply Nerdy Events provides some insights into wedding planning, especially for those who really want to include their pop culture passions.  And joining this special wedding episode is Nina, the girl who Dyer somehow convinced to marry him. They have their own experience to relate, which includes ...

509: The tastes, the scents, and the cocktails of pop culture

June 16, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB

This episode is for all the geek senses – tastes and smells, etc. Michel Paves used her creativity during the pandemic to develop scent profiles for her favorite fandoms and characters, from Wolverine to Falkor the luck dragon. That evolved into Nerdwax Candles which can be found online and perhaps at a farmer's market near you. She talks with NW NERD about some candle projects in the works.  Also, NW NERD recently won an award from the Society of Professional Journalists for a version o...

The tastes, the scents, and the cocktails of pop culture

June 16, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB

This episode is for all the geek senses – tastes and smells, etc. Michel Paves used her creativity during the pandemic to develop scent profiles for her favorite fandoms and characters, from Wolverine to Falkor the luck dragon. That evolved into Nerdwax Candles which can be found online and perhaps at a farmer's market near you. She talks with NW NERD about some candle projects in the works.  Also, NW NERD recently won an award from the Society of Professional Journalists for a version o...

508: Oregon Trail gets an historic update

June 02, 2021 06:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MB

You can still play The Oregon Trail on Apple Arcade, but the modern version of this iconic educational game has gotten an upgrade as part of an effort to more accurately depict the times, and the people along the trail – Native Americans in particular.  This story comes to us from reporter Anna King who first reported this story for Northwest News Network. You can read and hear her story here.  Music in this episode was by Kevin MacLeod. NW NERD's theme music is by The Hoot Hoots.  Suppo...

Oregon Trail gets an historic update

June 02, 2021 06:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MB

You can still play The Oregon Trail on Apple Arcade, but the modern version of this iconic educational game has gotten an upgrade as part of an effort to more accurately depict the times, and the people along the trail – Native Americans in particular.  This story comes to us from reporter Anna King who first reported this story for Northwest News Network. You can read and hear her story here.  Music in this episode was by Kevin MacLeod. NW NERD's theme music is by The Hoot Hoots. 

507: Despite all the dysentery, we still love The Oregon Trail (encore)

May 19, 2021 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

An encore presentation of NW NERD's feature story on the Oregon Trail video game that was the highlight of many young students' school day in the 1980s and 1990s. NW NERD talks with Don Rawitsch, the creator of the educational video game,. It was a rocky road over many years before The Oregon Trail was a pop culture icon.  Ensign Brandon Haddix and Pop Culture Journalist Dyer Oxley go over their own experiences with the game, and Dyer even pops a quiz on Brandon. 

506: Where no journalists have gone before

May 06, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

What is the connection between Star Trek and journalism? NW NERD presents a special roundtable discussion with three award-winning journalists who happen to be major Star Trek fans. Essex Porter, Heather Bosch, and Jeff Pohjola join Dyer for a chat about their love of Star Trek, and how it can relate to their industry. 

505: Funko vs the Pandemic

April 21, 2021 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

When the pandemic first struck in 2020, Funko was already in a bit of a funk. But the company, and its fans, learned to adapt over a rocky year. This is the story of how Funko (and its fans, and retail shops) faced the pandemic. What it learned and how it adapted may change things for this Northwest-based fandom company. Also featuring Pixie Bomber Cosplay. This feature references reporting from The Seattle Times, GeekWire, and CNBC.

504: Cassius Marsh opens a Magic (The Gathering) shop

March 31, 2021 04:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MB

Former Seahawk Cassius Marsh (currently Pittsburgh Steelers) has long dreamed of owning a store focused on Magic: The Gathering and other collectable cards. He has now achieved that dream with Cash Cards Unlimited, further aiming to provide a new experience for card collectors. It turns out, this is not Cassius' only nerd niche ... and he may have even more ambitions to pursue. He talks about it all with NW NERD. Also – can Spokane be Washington's film town? We talk through why filmmakers...

503: Jim Demonakos talks 'Drawing Monsters' documentary and the life of an entreprenerd

March 16, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 43 MB

Jim Demonakos (Emerald City Comic Con, LightBox Expo, Comic Stop) has a new project – a documentary on Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Thanks so a very successful Kickstarter campaign, the documentary has more than enough funding to be completed. Jim joins pop culture journalist Dyer Oxley to discuss the project, as well as talk about the career of an "entreprenerd." Also, Joel the Geek co-hosts to discuss what to watch over the next couple months. There's plenty of shows and movies coming to...

503: 'Drawing Monsters' documentary and the life of an entreprenerd

March 16, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 43 MB

Jim Demonakos (Emerald City Comic Con, LightBox Expo, Comic Stop) has a new project – a documentary on Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Thanks so a very successful Kickstarter campaign, the documentary has more than enough funding to be completed. Jim joins pop culture journalist Dyer Oxley to discuss the project, as well as talk about the career of an "entreprenerd." Also, Joel the Geek co-hosts to discuss what to watch over the next couple months. There's plenty of shows and movies coming to...

502: State of the Comicons (what can we expect moving forward?)

March 02, 2021 07:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MB

The pandemic and 2020 shocked the pop culture convention industry that gives us comicons and other coveted gatherings. NW NERD brings in Todd Jones (former Global Director of Content and Celebrity Talent for ReedPOP) to help explain what has gone on behind the scenes, and what comicons will likely look like moving forward. Also, Dr. Tim Elam with the University of Washington's Applied Physics Lab discusses how his work is helping NASA search for ancient life on Mars. That work is happening ...

501: Who is Captain Quidel?

February 16, 2021 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

On the first episode of Season 5, we meet a new superhero on the streets of Seattle, and she has a pretty cool car, too. Meet Captain Quidel, who arrived in time for the pandemic.  Also... Catching up with Jedi Minister Tyler Arnold on the changes to Spokane's Jedi Alliance church.  A discussion on pop culture conventions as we look ahead in 2021. Will you attend any comicons over the coming months? Finally, Dyer provides an update about Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon, a...

501: Who is Captain Quidel?

February 16, 2021 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

On the first episode of Season 5, we meet a new superhero on the streets of Seattle, and she has a pretty cool car, too. Meet Captain Quidel, who arrived in time for the pandemic.  Also... Catching up with Jedi Minister Tyler Arnold on the changes to Spokane's Jedi Alliance church.  A discussion on pop culture conventions as we look ahead in 2021. Will you attend any comicons over the coming months? Finally, Dyer provides an update about Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon, a...

Looking ahead: New year, pop culture changes, and the moon

January 02, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 47.3 MB

We've left one year behind, and are embarking on another. There are a few headlines that may affect our relationship to pop culture in the months ahead. Plus, the Northwest has a couple connections to a coming mission to the moon that will make history. To get into the details, we talk with Northwest News Network's Tom Banse about one booming corner of the film industry (despite, and because of the pandemic), as well as NASA's Steven Smith about news around the developing Artemis missions. ...

Festivus 2020: Despite the Festivus curse, we pull through

December 23, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MB

The annual Festivus special carries a bit of a curse on NW NERD. Audio gets glitchy, Dyer's soundboard doesn't work, or the Monorail keeps interrupting. And this year's Festivus recording is on par with all that ... and 2020 in general. Yeah, we'll blame it on 2020. Despite some recording snafus, we had a great time with Egypt with the Comic Dads and cosplayer RainyRentyn who joined us for the airing of grievances, and some feats of strength. It's time for a Festivus for the rest of us!

Special Episode: Pop culture lessons for rising above division

November 02, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 54.6 MB

Featuring: Tae Phoenix with Trek the Vote Talk show hosts Dave Ross and Michael Medved Mellina White, co-founder of The Seattle Conservative Egypt with The Comic Dads Warning: Some may disagree with parts of the discussion ... and that's OK. "Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis, the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after...

Halloween Special: History is still living aboard The Dominion

October 31, 2020 03:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

Volunteers are working to restore The Dominion tugboat to her former glory, and make this boat a living piece of history. But they've found out that history may still be living aboard. NW NERD goes on a ghost hunt with AGHOST, led by author and expert Ross Allison, and finds out that this boat has a lot of stories to tell. 

Working alongside ghosts at this historic Oregon hotel

October 28, 2020 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

NW NERD archive: Dyer stops at a hotel while on a road trip through Oregon. But this unique hotel has a history that some say continues to haunt its hallways ... and rooms. The ghostly activity at the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove is so prevalent that the front desk maintains a ghost log for employees and guests to document their experiences. NW NERD takes a look at this ghost log, and in a way, brings it to life.  Support the show

Working alongside ghosts at this historic Oregon hotel

October 28, 2020 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

NW NERD archive: Dyer stops at a hotel while on a road trip through Oregon. But this unique hotel has a history that some say continues to haunt its hallways ... and rooms. The ghostly activity at the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove is so prevalent that the front desk maintains a ghost log for employees and guests to document their experiences. NW NERD takes a look at this ghost log, and in a way, brings it to life. 

The children who never leave Pike Place Market

October 26, 2020 03:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

NW NERD archive: The Pike Place Market is one of the most well-visited areas in the Northwest. But visitors may not have realized that among the bustling walkways, the paranormal is also highly active. In particular, the Pike Place Market is known for all the ghost children who walk its halls. 

NW NERD vs the zombie apocalypse

October 19, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MB

We're reanimating one of our best round table discussions, straight out of the NW NERD archives. What are the best methods of surviving a zombie apocalypse? In season two, we brought in a series of experts to help answer that question, including Craig Engler (Z Nation creator) and infectious disease expert Dr. Tara Smith. Then we brought in Liz Ellis and Travis Samson, who both work in the film industry, to further comment.  Do you know your zombie response plan? Take a listen and let us kn...

A weird thing happened in haunted Port Gamble

October 13, 2020 01:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MB

As Halloween approaches (the best holiday all year), we are reaching back into the NW NERD archives and presenting our favorite ghost stories. This time, we're reaching all the way back to season 1, when we produced our first ghost story.  NW NERD takes a trip out to Port Gamble, a New England style town set in the Northwest. The residents and shop keepers all have tales of ghostly encounters, including stories of the Walker Ames home, which is said to be the most haunted house in Washingto...

Checking in with NW NERD amid the ongoing pandemic - Summer 2020

August 15, 2020 06:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MB

Hey there! It's been a minute ... or five ... OK, probably even longer than that. It's time to check in.  A lot has happened since the end of the last season of NW NERD. Dyer and Brandon are checking in, providing a few updates on the future of the podcast, talking about what has been happening, and pointing out a few things to look forward to.  There are a few changes coming to NW NERD, and Dyer even has a request for listeners (potentially an opportunity for you storytellers out there). 

Episode 422: How Lilac City Comicon bloomed in Spokane

April 12, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MB

Spokane has had a few comicons come and go over the years, but Lilac City Comicon has stood out. That's partially because it keeps going, but also because it keep growing. That's largely thanks to one man, Nathan O'Brien, who believed that the geek community east of the Cascade Mountains is strong enough for a decent comicon. This is Lilac's journey.  Also, news headlines including: The coronavirus pandemic is affecting the video game industry, delaying the release of some games. Tim Culli...

Episode 421: Talking with artists Jeff Carpenter and Alex the Pumpkin Geek

April 05, 2020 06:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

NW NERD talks with two one-of-a-kind artists -- Jeff Carpenter and Alex the Pumpkin Geek. Headlines:  Ashley Hiruko, reporter with KUOW, discusses her article about businesses that technically are considered "essential" under Washington's stay-at-home order during the coronavirus pandemic ... but are they really? One business she addresses is the Northwest's favorite purveyor of pop culture -- Funko.  The largest comic book distributor says it can't pay its vendors while the pandemic con...

Episode 420: How cosplayers are stepping up to help fight a pandemic

March 26, 2020 20:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

Cosplayers in Washington and beyond are organizing to make face masks, face shields, and more to help doctors, nurses, and first responders get what they need as they fight a pandemic.  Also, stay-at-home orders and closed businesses for COVID-19 are pushing back film release dates and changing movie theater operations.  Brandon is still waiting for Half Life 3.  And Dyer has a dilemma: What to do with fan art that is piling up. Featuring: Pixie Bomber Cosplay and Zaklabs.  Music by Kev...

Episode 419: Talking ECCC 2020 with Jonathan Belle; interview with Grown Folkz Kids Show

March 19, 2020 15:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

Artist, cosplayer, and Superman Jonathan Belle joins NW NERD as a guest host to chat about how Emerald City Comic Con has rescheduled for August 21 and check in on what he's been up to lately. Coronavirus concerns continue, so we brought in some positivity (And we also may talk about how great The Killers are). Also, an interview with Charles Brown, part of Spokane's Grown Folkz Kids Show. They talk about geek news, they talk about issues. And it's always fun. Charles discusses Spokane's ge...

Episode 418: The lines between fact, fiction, and the coronavirus

March 12, 2020 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MB

The headlines are filled with "Coronavirus," "COVID-19," and "pandemic" lately. Though if you're like Dyer, then most of what you know about a virus spreading across the globe most likely comes from movies.  We turn to Dr. Tara Smith who is an epidemiologist out of Kent State -- she actually teaches a course on plagues and pandemics. Dr. Smith likes to talk about this science in terms of pop culture (such as zombie movies), so we discuss the current COVID-19 pandemic to find the line betwee...

Episode 417: Talking with artists Jen Vaughn and Grandma Gone Geek

March 05, 2020 08:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

Before we launch into our two interviews with Northwest artists, we need to talk about the elephant in the room -- coronavirus. AKA COVID-19. Emerald City Comic Con is moving forward with its 2020 event as concerns over COVID-19 grow. What you should know about the issue.  Then an interview with Seattle-artist Jen Vaughn. Beyond her varied work from Goosebumps to Archie comics, she also discusses her perspective on how to enter into the comics industry.  Also, a conversation with Joy Spurg...

Episode 416: The Magic in Wenatchee (with Geek Boots Military Nerds)

February 27, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MB

Geek Boots Military Nerds join NW NERD as guest hosts to talk about geek news, including:  -Space economy in Redmond may get a financial boost. -Renton City Comic Con is rebranding and adopting a new name. What will the new con look like?  -And will marvel movie actors start their own Dungeons and Dragons campaign? Two are rumored to be considering it.  This week's feature showcases Sanctuary, a shop in Wenatchee that focuses on Magic: The Gathering. But behind this small shop is the story ...

Episode 415: Pop culture, wands, and mental health

February 20, 2020 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

NW NERD travels to the intersection of pop culture and mental health.  First, a conversation with "Doc," who makes wands and sells them at comicons. Doc, a military veteran, is vocal about his experience with PTSD and how woodworking helped him after his time in the Army.  Also, a discussion with Nikki York, Sara Pence, and Steven Collins. The three work in the mental health industry, often with youth and families. They also host panels on mental health and pop culture at conventions. We sa...

Episode 414: Geeks, relationships, cosplay, Super Sonic Speed Dating, and more

February 13, 2020 16:17 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MB

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.

Episode 413: Cosplay business with Alkali Layke and Zabracus

February 06, 2020 05:16 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

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.

Episode 412: A Festivus for the Rest of Us 2019

December 19, 2019 20:16 - 1 hour - 48.7 MB

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 Prod...

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