Squid Game Season 2 with Jimmy Aquino

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

#Society #Comedy #TruStory FM #DD #Star Wars #Star Trek #Marvel #Games #Technology #Nerddom

38:05

In late 1972, U.S. Marine Captain Ron Forrester disappeared on a bombing run into North Vietnam. Back home in Texas, his family could only wait and hope. Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join.…

大约1年之前 54:18

MP3•单集首页

Why does the show juxtapose childlike innocence with grotesque violence? How does its set design, awash in candy-colored chaos, weaponize nostalgia? And what does it mean to see yourself in a world where every choice is a gamble, every friendship a potential betrayal?

Jimmy reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the cast, from the controversial portrayal of a trans character to the unlikely comeback of a disgraced K-pop idol. Mandy, meanwhile, struggles with the show's relentless intensity, raising questions about the ethics of entertainment. Together, they navigate the intricate storytelling, dissect the character arcs, and celebrate the masterful use of music—from eerie arias to haunting covers.

Links & Notes

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Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

47集单集

Squid Game Season 2 with Jimmy Aquino

Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

published 大约1年之前

MP3•单集首页

Links & Notes

---
Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

47集单集

#Society #Comedy #TruStory FM #DD #Star Wars #Star Trek #Marvel #Games #Technology #Nerddom

Усі епізоди

1
The New Doctor Who with Manny Patel 57:14

2天之前57:14

57:14

What do you get when you cross a mainstream mom, a Time Lord, and the Spice Girls? A deliriously joyful trip through time, space, pop culture, and puppets. This week on Make Me A Nerd , Mandy welcomes back the dazzlingly encyclopedic Manny Patel— Doctor Who superfan, mashup artist, and the human equivalent of a well-timed sonic screwdriver—for an energetic deep dive into the “three-boot” of Doctor Who on Disney+. Together, they attempt the nerdy equivalent of catching a greased pig: explaining The Giggle , The Church on Ruby Road , and The Devil’s Chord to someone who has maybe seen three episodes and still calls Van Gogh “that guy who painted starry stuff.” Manny brings the receipts—from Neil Patrick Harris channeling every villain trope with chaotic glee, to the Doctor’s new bi-generative regeneration twist, to goblins who serenade babies before sautéing them. Mandy, meanwhile, lobs perfectly timed WTFs and deeply relatable mom-level questions (“Why isn’t anyone scared of the goblins?” “Why does the TARDIS look like a 90s karaoke screen?”). By the end, you’ll be asking yourself the real questions: Is Doctor Who too woke? Is crying the new sonic screwdriver? And will Mandy ever stop calling herself a “whobie”? Also: Jinkx Monsoon is serving Maestro menace, UNIT is basically the British Avengers, and somebody please give Manny a consulting credit already. Links & Notes Watch Manny Patel’s mashups on YouTube: @MannyPatel Support Make Me a Nerd Find Mandy on Instagram Find Mandy on Bluesky --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Andor with Yoshi Stone 55:20

9天之前55:20

55:20

In 1977, George Lucas introduced the world to a galaxy far, far away—a universe filled with lightsabers, Jedi mysticism, and the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil. In the decades since, Star Wars has alternately soared and stumbled, expanding its mythos with prequels, sequels, spin-offs, and animated series. Some of these additions have been embraced with fervor. Others have been met with a sigh. And then, in 2022, something unexpected happened. A show emerged that defied the formula, stripped away the familiar iconography, and ignored the Skywalker lineage entirely. Andor was not a story of destiny or prophecy. It was a story of people—flawed, desperate, ordinary people—trying to survive in the shadow of an empire. On this episode of Make Me A Nerd , Mandy takes her first step into the world of Andor . Her guide? Yoshi Stone, a television producer, cocktail enthusiast, and lifelong Star Wars devotee who has spent years navigating the vast and varied terrain of nerd culture. Together, they explore the show’s grounded realism, its moral ambiguity, and its surprising ability to make an intergalactic rebellion feel like a gritty political thriller. Why does Andor feel more like The Bourne Identity than The Empire Strikes Back ? What does it mean that its characters drink from mismatched cups, wear scuffed boots, and worry about bureaucratic red tape? And how did a show with no Jedi, no Sith, and no lightsabers become, in Yoshi’s estimation, the best Star Wars project of the last two decades? This is a conversation about a show that shouldn’t have worked. But did. Links & References: Mandy Kaplan on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens Join the Community for ad-free episodes and bonus content: makemeanerd.com/join --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
The Last of Us with Matthew Fox 59:26

16天之前59:26

59:26

This week on Make Me A Nerd, Mandy attempts to survive a full-blown fungal apocalypse—emotionally, spiritually, and occasionally by camouflage. And she’s not alone! She’s joined by three-time guest and ethics enthusiast Matthew Fox, who gently guides her through the cordyceps-infested wasteland that is The Last of Us . Think of them as a podcast Joel , if Joel read moral philosophy and didn’t shoot people in the face quite as often. From clickers to conundrums, this episode dives into why this so-called zombie genre show is actually about love, loss, and whether saving one person is worth dooming humanity. (Spoiler: maybe!) Mandy—bless her emotionally-intact, pastel-colored heart—only made it through two episodes before waving a white flag made of tissues and trauma. Matthew, meanwhile, brings receipts, ethics, and a voice so reassuring it makes the end of civilization feel slightly cozy. They tackle the big questions: Is Pedro Pascal’s Texan accent legally binding? Does Bella Ramsey have a resting post-apocalyptic face? Would Mandy survive five minutes in Boston 20 years after the fall of humanity? (Spoiler: No. And that’s fine.) They also explore how video games became the Shakespearean tragedies of our time, how the show contributed to the fall of the “video game curse,” and whether Joel is the reluctant dad of the decade… or just a really hot war criminal. Plus, a tribute to the late Val Kilmer, a nod to Willow, and a moment of silence for Mandy’s sanity after trying to reconcile a brain fungus outbreak with pandemic PTSD. You’re going to laugh, you’re going to think, you’re going to want to rewatch episode two and sob into a throw blanket. Links & Notes 🎧 Superhero Ethics Podcast ✨ Star Wars Generations Podcast 🌐 Join our Nerds at makemeanerd.com 📸 Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens 🐦 Find Mandy on Bluesky: @MandyMiscast --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Eras with Tommy Metz III 1:23:36

23天之前1:23:36

1:23:36

Ladies and gentlemen, Swifties and skeptics, gather round, for today we embark on a journey of seismic cultural significance. No, not another election cycle. No, not the discovery of yet another billionaire’s secret doomsday bunker. We are talking about Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour —a three-and-a-half-hour pop music odyssey, equal parts spectacle, sermon, and strut. Mandy Kaplan, self-proclaimed “mainstream mom on a mission,” has declared war on ignorance and invited back one of her favorite guests, Tommy Metz III, in a valiant attempt to indoctrinate him into the glitter-drenched, emotionally devastating and, at times, utterly perplexing world of Taylor Swift. Tommy, who entered this battle armed with little more than vague memories of Reputation and the mistaken belief that Taylor and Carrie Underwood might be the same person, emerges… changed. Together, they probe the Eras Tour concert film, marvel at the wizardry of a stage that does absolutely everything short of launching Swift into orbit, and attempt to decode the many, many hidden messages that have turned Swift’s fandom into a full-blown Da Vinci Code situation. Why is there a countdown from 13? Why does a stadium full of people scream at the mention of a random name like “Betty”? How, exactly, does Taylor maintain that level of strut energy for 40+ songs without collapsing into a sequined heap? These are the questions, people. Along the way, Mandy and Tommy discuss the sheer indecency of rhyming words with themselves, the ethics of handing a hat to a billionaire’s child instead of a Make-a-Wish kiddo, and whether or not the Reputation era was unfairly maligned by people who simply weren’t ready for Dark Taylor™. Also, there are snakes . Digital snakes. Massive, stadium-sized, Jurassic Park -worthy snakes. So, whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie, a casual observer, or someone who has been actively avoiding this cultural monolith like it’s a student loan repayment notice, this episode is for you. Listen as Tommy slowly succumbs to Taylor’s undeniable power, Mandy achieves her ultimate goal of nerd conversion, and we all collectively marvel at the fact that this woman dropped a double album in the middle of a world tour . Links & References: Become a member for bonus content: Monthy • Annually Follow Mandy on social media: Instagram: @Mandy_Kaplan_Klavans Blue Sky: @MandyMiscast Listen to All The Feelings! Watch Eras on Apple TV+ --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Severance with Jon Cassie 1:09:36

4 weeks之前1:09:36

1:09:36

You wake up. You’re at work. You don’t know how you got there. You don’t know who you are outside of this fluorescent-lit, carpeted labyrinth. And worst of all—you have to attend a melon party. This week on Make Me A Nerd , Mandy takes a cubicle tour of Apple TV+'s Severance . Joining her is Jon Cassie, a certified nerd extraordinaire, former podcaster, and educational innovator, who has spent more time thinking about sci-fi and board games than most of us spend awake. Together, they unravel Severance’s mind-melting mysteries—its eerie office culture, its unsettling cult parallels (Scientology, we see you), and its ability to make us question whether we should ever trust HR again. They marvel at the performances, particularly the shockingly terrifying Tramell Tillman (who, fun fact, is actually a warm and delightful human in real life) and the absolutely flawless Patricia Arquette, who could probably make reading a grocery list feel like a psychological thriller. And because this show refuses to let anyone breathe, Mandy relives the moment her soul left her body upon discovering Miss Casey’s true identity. Spoiler: It involves screaming, existential dread, and a mild cardiac event. And because no nerdy discussion is complete without a tangent, Jon drops some Black Mirror recommendations, Mandy reveals her undying obsession with cults, and they both agree that Severance is one of the most perfectly eerie shows ever made. But wait—there’s more! For members only, Jon gives Mandy a crash course in Babylon 5 , because why stop at one mind-bending sci-fi series when you can have two? Not a member? No worries! Just visit MakeMeANerd.com and join today! You’ll get to sign up to your very own personal podcast feed full of all the extended editions of the show! So, grab your outdated work computer, stare longingly at your reflection in a darkened elevator, and press play. Welcome to Make Me A Nerd . You may not remember how you got here, but you’ll never want to leave. Links & References: Become a member for bonus content: Monthy • Annually Follow Mandy on social media: Instagram: @Mandy_Kaplan_Klavans Blue Sky: @MandyMiscast Listen to Jon’s education podcast Many Windows Watch Severance on Apple TV+ --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Everything Everywhere All At Once with Lester Ryan Clark & Kynan Dias 1:10:40

5 weeks之前1:10:40

1:10:40

Everything Everywhere All at Once. It’s t he film that took home a million Oscars, melted a billion brains, and somehow made hot dog fingers emotionally resonant . This week, Mandy sits down with Exorcist Minute co-hosts Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias, two men who decided that watching Everything Everywhere like normal people just wasn’t enough, so they’ve chosen to break it down minute-by-minute, which is either a brilliant act of cinematic devotion or a slow descent into madness. Probably both. Together, they wade through the absurdity, the heartbreak, the nihilism, and yes, the butt plug fight scene. Along the way, they discuss the film’s mind-bending multiversal logic, the Daniels’ love of absurdism, Jamie Lee Curtis’s transformation into the IRS agent of your nightmares , and why Michelle Yeoh is basically the multiversal queen of everything . Also on the docket: The history of butt plugs (yes, really). The actual existence of a 2017 Everything Everywhere script written for Jackie Chan. The moment Mandy considered abandoning the movie entirely—only to be emotionally wrecked by the final act. And, most importantly, what the hell is up with those raccoons? So strap in, grab your fanny pack, and prepare for a cinematic discussion that will leave you questioning existence itself—while also wondering why you suddenly desperately need a bagel. And if you’re listening on Apple, leave a five-star review , or Mandy will personally send Jamie Lee Curtis to audit your taxes. Links & Notes Become a Make Me A Nerd member for ad-free episodes & bonus content: makemeanerd.com/join Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens Listen to Lester & Kynan’s Every Minute of Everything Everywhere All at Once podcast Check out The Exorcist Minute Kynan’s horror podcast Sitting in the Dark --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Wheel of Time with Audrey Kearns 1:04:19

6 weeks之前1:04:19

1:04:19

Wheel of Time —a sprawling, epic fantasy series filled with magic, palace intrigue, and, apparently, an unlimited budget for breathtaking visuals and absurdly attractive people. This week, Mandy welcomes back Audrey Kearns, aka the Geek Girl Authority herself, to painstakingly explain what the hell is going on in this Amazon Prime behemoth. We start with Mandy, who thought Wheel of Time was a fitness tracker before being thrown into a world of Trollocs, Aes Sedai, and, oh yes, an alarming number of dismembered animal carcasses. Audrey, meanwhile, is here to reassure us that, yes, this is all normal, and no, we should not be alarmed by the sudden disappearance and recasting of a major character. It happens. Nothing to see here. Move along. Together, they navigate the show's Game of Thrones -esque political machinations, Lord of the Rings -style reluctant heroes, and an inexplicable hot tub scene that Mandy found deeply relatable. Also, there’s a villainous peddler, a terrifying Björk-esque sorceress, and a lot of people who seem very angry for reasons that remain somewhat unclear. Come for the nerdy deep dive. Stay for Mandy and Audrey debating which Aes Sedai faction they’d belong to in an alternate universe. (Spoiler: It's probably not the evil one. Probably.) Links & Notes Geek Girl Authority – geekgirlauthority.com Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens Support the Show for Bonus Content – makemeanerd.com/join --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Survivor with Patrick Gomez 1:28:37

7 weeks之前1:28:37

1:28:37

This week on Make Me A Nerd , Mandy marches barefoot into the unwashed, coconut-scented, betrayal-laden world of Survivor . And who better to guide her through this mosquito-infested fever dream than Patrick Gomez, Editor-in-Chief of Entertainment Weekly and a man who has spent an alarming amount of time thinking about reality television strategy. Yes, Mandy—who typically prefers her entertainment with a side of not starving to death —has watched an entire season of Survivor , specifically Heroes vs. Villains (because nothing says “survival” like arbitrarily labeling people based on past television appearances). She emerges with questions—about alliances, injuries, the baffling lack of toothbrushes, and, most importantly, where and how these people poop. Yes, poop. Because if you’re living on a beach for over a month, that is a logistical nightmare . Patrick, a man who has personally interviewed the Survivor gods and lives to tell the tale, spills the behind-the-scenes tea: the scheming, the suffering, the completely unnecessary levels of shirtlessness, and the fact that Jeff Probst might actually be immortal . Also, did you know Survivor once had a season that was essentially race wars? Because that happened . And CBS aired it . In the 21st century. Mandy and Patrick also discuss: Boston Rob and his accent, which sounds like an actor badly pretending to be from Boston. Sandra, the queen of “As long as it ain’t me,” and why she is the best player of all time. Russell, a man who exudes the chaotic energy of someone who has definitely tried to start a cult in a Walmart parking lot. Parvati, whose flirty villainy makes Mandy want to punch a wall. The time a contestant faked his grandmother’s death to win a challenge. And, of course, why the pizza rewards look like something that was legally ruled “not food” by the FDA. Plus, if you become a Make Me A Nerd member, you’ll get access to an Oscars special where Patrick spills behind-the-scenes secrets from Hollywood’s biggest night. Because if there’s anything more cutthroat than Survivor , it’s awards season. So, grab some wine, drop your buffs , and prepare for an episode so packed with drama, you’ll want to vote someone off your couch just to process it all. Links & Notes Become a Make Me A Nerd member for ad-free episodes & bonus content: makemeanerd.com/join Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens Follow Patrick on social: @PatrickGomezLA Read Patrick’s work on Entertainment Weekly : EW.com --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine with Manny Patel 59:02

8 weeks之前59:02

59:02

In 1993, a television show did something radical. It eschewed the traditional frontier, the ever-expanding voyage, the endless pursuit of the unknown. Instead, it stood still. It stayed put. It built a world—not on a starship, but on a space station. A fixed point in the cosmos where characters, conflicts, and consequences could spiral outward in ways that no Star Trek series had attempted before. That show was Deep Space Nine. This week on Make Me A Nerd , Mandy steps into the Operations Center of the most complex, layered, and politically charged Star Trek installment. And guiding her through this cosmic storm? Manny Patel—a man whose nerd credentials run deep, from organizing conventions to crafting meticulous Star Trek mashups that have captivated fans for decades. Together, Mandy and Manny traverse the wormhole of Deep Space Nine ’s origin, its infamous status as Star Trek’s rebellious middle child, and its shifting tonal landscape—from existential crises in the pilot to the narrative fireworks of The Way of the Warrior . They discuss the unexpected intersections of pop culture (what does Taxi 's Louie De Palma have to do with Quark?), the mesmerizing gravitas of Avery Brooks (and the time he unknowingly enchanted Mandy’s Nana), and the sheer audacity of Trials and Tribble-ations —an episode that didn’t just pay homage to the past, but seamlessly wove itself into it. This is a conversation about the architecture of storytelling. The way narratives evolve. The way characters, much like people, are shaped by their environments. And it’s about the strange, wonderful process of discovery—of stepping outside your comfort zone and realizing that the thing you never thought you’d love? It might just become part of you. Links & Notes Watch Manny Patel’s mashups on YouTube: @MannyPatel Support Make Me a Nerd Find Mandy on Instagram Find Mandy on Bluesky --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Outlander with Amy Crofoot 59:40

9 weeks之前59:40

59:40

Is it possible that a historical drama with time-traveling elements could captivate a mainstream audience, birthing a fandom so fervent it borders on the delightfully obsessive? This week, Mandy wades into the world of Outlander to find out. As her guide, Mandy speaks with actress Amy Crofoot, an avowed Outlander enthusiast, to explore the show's undeniable appeal. Is it the meticulously crafted historical setting? The sweeping romance? Or perhaps the subtle nods to geek culture that resonate with a broader audience? Amy shares her personal journey into fandom, from devouring the dense source material to hosting pajama-clad viewing parties fueled by Sassenach Gin (from the distillery of Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie, a hunky main character). But what is it about this series that inspires such devotion? Is it the escapism? The complex characters? Or the way the show tackles weighty themes with a blend of historical accuracy, fantastical imagination, and nudity? Could Outlander be more than just a guilty pleasure? Could it be a cultural phenomenon that bridges the gap between mainstream entertainment and the passionate world of fandom? Tune in to find out! Links & Notes Support Make Me a Nerd Find Mandy on Instagram Find Mandy on Bluesky --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
The Exorcist with Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias 1:08:15

10 weeks之前1:08:15

1:08:15

Is "The Exorcist" just a scary movie, or is it a cultural artifact, a theological debate wrapped in celluloid? Mandy Kaplan confesses her way into the abyss with Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias, the minds behind "The Exorcist Minute," a podcast dissecting the film minute by agonizing minute. Why does the film open in Iraq? Is it a pro-Catholic screed, or something far more subversive? What does the film say about feminism? And what does it mean that the scariest voice in the movie comes from Mercedes McCambridge? Prepare to have assumptions challenged as they unearth the hidden layers of a film that continues to haunt and fascinate decades after its release. Was Linda Blair robbed of an Oscar? Is Burke Dennings a secret gay icon? And could Captain Howdy be less interested in possessing a child and more in sowing discord maybe? So join Mandy for an exploration of faith, fear, and the enduring power of a story that asks us to confront the darkness within ourselves... but you know... doing all that really nerdily. Links & Notes The Exorcist Minute : A podcast that examines the movie The Exorcist minute by minute with Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias MakeMeANerd.com : Come support the show! Every Minute of Everything, Everywhere, All at Once : Same Lester and Kynan but with more Hot Dog Fingers! The Devil's Details : A spin-off show that Lester and Kynan do, which covers the history and evolution of the devil through art and literature. --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Jungle Book with Justine Huxley 1:06:08

11 weeks之前1:06:08

1:06:08

What makes a nerd? Is it the obsessive cataloging of obscure details? The unyielding commitment to lore? The passionate embrace of minutiae deemed trivial by the larger world? This week, Mandy the Mainstreamer welcomes back Justine Huxley, a voiceover artist of rarefied skill, a legend among the Apex Legends. Together, they hit play on The Jungle Book, the 1967 Disney classic, to marvel at the lilting menace of Sterling Holloway’s Ka, the bombastic warmth of Phil Harris’s Baloo, and the aristocratic terror of George Sanders’s Shere Khan. They ask: Were the Beatles really supposed to lend their voices to a quartet of Liverpudlian vultures? And if they had, would it have changed history? What makes something timeless? And what makes it better left alone ? If that question is too big to ponder, don’t worry. Stick around for The Great Recasting! Links & Notes Join the Make Me a Nerd community: MakeMeANerd.com Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandi_kaplin_klavins Follow Mandy on BlueSky: @MandyMiscast.bsky.social Follow Justine on all platforms: @justinehuxley --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Blade Runner with Paul J. Salamoff 58:31

12 weeks之前58:31

58:31

What does it mean to be human? And, perhaps more importantly, what does it mean to feel human? On today’s episode of Make Me a Nerd , host Mandy Kaplan embarks on a journey with writer, producer, and director Paul J. Salamoff—a man whose career spans makeup effects, comic books, and award-winning filmmaking. Their mission? To dissect one of the most iconic and enigmatic films in science fiction history: Blade Runner . This is a story about contrasts—about the grit of dystopian Los Angeles and the shimmer of neon lights, about robots who just want to live and humans who’ve forgotten how. Together, they tackle the overlooked details: Joanna Cassidy’s boots that magically swap from heels to flats mid-chase, Harrison Ford’s noodle obsession, and the strangely unsettling world of J.F. Sebastian’s creepy companions. But they also dive deep—into the philosophical core of Blade Runner , into what it means to make peace with mortality, and into the ever-debated question: Is Deckard a replicant? Paul shares his first encounter with the film in the 1980s, when the Casio synths of Vangelis felt urgent and futuristic, not nostalgic and dated. He reflects on the shift from practical effects to CGI, the layers of Ridley Scott’s vision, and why Blade Runner is still his favorite film of all time. Mandy, for her part, asks the questions we’re all too afraid to ask—like why Rachel is dressed like Joan Crawford and whether dystopian futures really mean the end of deodorant. And just when you think you’ve grasped the meaning of it all, Paul hints at the mysteries of the theatrical cut’s voiceover, the unicorn dream, and the controversial possibility that Rick Deckard might be… well, you’ll have to listen to find out. PLUS : Stick around for members-only bonus content where Paul breaks down the world of the Saturn Awards, the premier honors for sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Links & Notes Paul J. Salamoff’s website Mandy Kaplan on Instagram Make Me a Nerd Membership --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
The Penguin with Matthew Fox 1:14:21

13 weeks之前1:14:21

1:14:21

We’re slogging into the murky depths of Gotham, not with capes and cowls, but with gabardine and grit. This week on the show, Mandy navigates the shadowy alleys of nerddom, guided by the insightful Matthew Fox of Star Wars Generations and the Superhero Ethics Podcast on TruStory FM. Their subject? Not the bombastic exploits of a costumed crusader, but the surprisingly nuanced rise of The Penguin on Max. This is a visceral exploration of power, betrayal, and the intoxicating allure of respect. Think The Godfather , think The Sopranos , but with a dash of, dare we say, avian peculiarity. Matthew is a returning champion of nerd culture explication and unpacks the layered history of the Penguin, tracing his evolution from quirky gangster with an umbrella gun to the complex, almost sympathetic figure portrayed with chilling brilliance by Colin Farrell. The conversation meanders through the intricacies of Cobb's physicality, his burning ambition, and the surprising tenderness that lurks beneath his hardened exterior. The true revelation lies in the electric presence of Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone. A woman forged in the crucible of a criminal dynasty, Sofia's journey from reluctant heiress to ruthless power player is nothing short of mesmerizing. The interplay between Sofia and Oz, fueled by a shared history of both loyalty and betrayal, crackles with a tension that transcends the typical will-they-won't-they trope. Join Mandy and Matthew as they unpack the complexities of The Penguin , exploring the unexpected brilliance of a show that dares to ask: what happens when the villain takes center stage, and we find ourselves, against our better judgment, rooting for him? --- Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.…

1
Squid Game Season 2 with Jimmy Aquino 54:18

14 weeks之前54:18