The Department of Nerdly Affairs

DNA Podcast 141 – Martial Arts in Popular Culture (of the 20th Century)

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:55:00 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are back exploring how movies and television took martial arts from being weird and forbidden arts practiced by a select few to the McDojos of the 1990s. Along the way, they discuss how the Shaw Brothers changed everything, how Bruce Lee never dies, and why American Ninja ruled the 80s. All this, and Don and Rob's "Martial Arts Top 10s!" are waiting for you in this action-packed episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Show Notes:

These Fists Break Bricks Get Tough! by Major Fairbairn The Manchurian Candidate The Shaw Brothers The One-Armed Swordsman Wuxia Bonnie and Clyde The Legend of Billy Jack Kung Fu TV Series The Five Fingers of Death (aka King Boxer) Enter the Dragon Golden Harvest Mystics in Bali Drunken Master Encounters of the Spooky Kind The Bodyguards Sonny Chiba The Many Clones of Bruce Lee The Karate Kid American Ninja Black Belt Theatre TV Package Pat Morita Ralph Macchio Chuck Norris Kill Bill The Street Fighter Theme Song

Our Top 10 Lists:

Rob 10) The Karate Kid 9) Zatoichi series 8) Once Upon a Time in China series 7) Master of the Flying Guillotine (1976) 6) Police Story (Jackie Chan) 5) The Street Fighter (Sonny Chiba) 4) Kung Fu Cult Master 3) The 36th Chamber of Shaolin 2) Iron Monkey 1) Five Fingers of Death + Enter the Dragon

Don 10) The Death Master (1972) 9) Hai Karate Aftershave 8) D&D Monk Character Class (original) 7) They Call Me Bruce 6) Gymkata 5) Street Fighter II (game) 4) Miami Connection (watch MST3K live version!) 3) Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star) 2) Kung Fu Hustle 1) Count Dante and the Black Dragon Society

DNA Podcast 140 – Marvel Product Tie-In Comics

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 16:50:31 +0000

In this episode, Rob, Don and Jack Ward take a trip back to the 1970s and 1980s, when a floundering Marvel Comics was saved by barbarians, vampires, giant robots and toys soldiers. It's the story of product tie-ins brought life back to the dying comics company, and in the process reinvented the comics industry for the time. All that, and two of the greatest Marvel comics you've never read, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Roger Corman Fantastic Four Oswald the Rabbit The Reluctant Dragon Willow: The Series Dell Comics Disney Tie-Ins Gold Key Star Trek Marvel's Conan Roy Thomas Kull the Conqueror Comic Marvel Tomb of Dracula Dracula Sovereign of the Damned Anime Movie Doc Savage Master of Kung Fu/Deadly Hands of Kung Fu Planet of the Apes Comics Logan's Run Wizard of Oz DC/Marvel Superman vs. Muhammad Ali Marvel Star Wars Marvel Hanna Barbera Comics Marvel Godzilla Comic Battle Fever J The Human Fly Comic 1977 Bill Mantlo Herb Trimpe KISS Marvel Comics The Micronauts Comic Peter B. Gillis The Shogun Warriors Comic Force Five Voltron Jimmy Woo ROM: Space Knight Dazzler Dreadstar GI JOE Marvel Comic Starstruck Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld Crystar the Crystal Warrior Comic Team America U.S. ONE Comic Transformers Marvel Comic Simon Furman Questprobe Questprobe Afro STAR Comics Elfquest The Congress (Movie, Robin Wright)

DNA Podcast 139 – Half-Hour Toy Commercials of the 80s

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Tue, 02 May 2023 02:47:02 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don revisit their childhoods as they talk about the time when capitalism and animation joined together to create one of the greatest marketing forces known to mankind - the half-hour animated toy commercials of the 1980s! Strawberry Shortcake! HE-MAN and the Masters of the Universe! GI JOE! The Transformers! JEM! It was a brief and truly outrageous time in North American animation history. But what forces led to this rise of these marketing behemoths? And, why did they die out almost as quickly as they appeared? Find out this, and what shows had the best theme songs, in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs!

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

GoBots Gobots: Challenge of the Rock Lords Popeye Action for Children's Television Romper Room Mister Rogers Polka Dot Door Hot Wheels Cartoon Planet of the Apes Cartoon Miss Twitch Bunnicula ABC Weekend Special (Anthology) The Micronauts Micronauts Marvel Comic Strawberry Shortcake Those Characters From Cleveland ROM Space Knight Comic The REAL Ghostbusters SUNBOW Entertainment Secret Galaxy YouTube Chanel Todd (McFarlane) Toys Daigata Defenders Egg-Fu (character) Microman Toys Gaiking Combatter V Blackstar The Bionic Six The Inhumanoids Jace and the Wheeled Warriors The Galaxy Rangers C.O.P.S.

DNA Podcast 138 – Family in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 02:57:36 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob do their best Vin Diesel impressions and spend the whole episode talking about family. They talk about what family really is, its place in society over time, and most importantly, its place in drama up until today. All this, and why "Punch and Judy" was the original socially destabilizing family comedy, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Dan Carlin: Suffer the Children Aristotle's "Poetics" Punch and Judy Bringing Up Father The Gumps Lil Abner Blondie I Love Lucy Leave it to Beaver Bewitched I Dream of Jeannie One Day at a Time The Brady Bunch Family Ties The Cosby Show Cousin Oliver Married with Children Roseanne or maybe.... Friends Big Bang Theory

DNA Podcast 137 – AI in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:35:49 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don look back at the past of humanity's relationship with Artificial Intelligence and ponder where it will be going in the future. The duo discuss recent innovations in AI, how people's concept of what AI is has changed over the years, and why AI might not want to wipe us out after all. All this, and why sexbots may herald humanity's doom, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Artificial Intelligence Google Engineer Claims Google AI is Sentient BF Skinner ChatbotGPT Dr. Susan Calvin (Robopsychologist from Issas Asimov stories) Queensryche- The Warning (Album) GREY (manga) The Turing Test Understanding Comics Cognitive Dissonance The Singularity The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Is the Internet Conscious? If It Were, How Would We Know? Colossus: The Forbin Project Electric Dreams (movie) Lawnmower Man (movie) Cyberpunk Max Headroom Gamma World Tay Microsoft Chatbot Korean Mukbang Videos

DNA Podcast 136 – Classic Doctor Who

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 20:02:12 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by Jack Ward to discuss the 20th century versions of the iconic staple of U.K. science fiction - Doctor Who. The trio discuss how they first met The Doctor, the various incarnations and evolutions of the series, and how it affected their lives. All this, and which Doctor is Don's favorite, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Doctor Who The Sonic Society Magic Shadows Documentary "Couch Jumping" Professor Quatermass ITV Space: 1999 Professor Kitzel Trickster God Sixties Spy Craze The Master FASA DR.WHO RPG Abslom Daak: Dalek Killer Interview with Tom Baker from 1981 Hammer Horror X-Men: Days of Future Past Genesis of the Daleks

DNA Podcast 135 – Breaking Up With Fandom Is Hard To Do

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 02:51:25 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob discuss the thorny issue of why people break up with their media darlings. The two delve into the reasons why people and the properties they love might go their separate ways, and explore whether that's a good or bad thing. Along the way, the duo discuss heavy metal, isekai, and manga, but everything they talk about can be applied to anything that brings joy to peoples' hearts. All this, and a healthy dose of nerd rage, is coming to you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Marie Kondo The Phantom Ghostbusters- Afterlife A Headbanger's Journey The KISS Army Venom (Band) Kylie Jenner Diet Pepsi Commercial Isekai Truck-kun Hikkomori Being an Influencer is Soul Crushing Sentai Samurai TV DNA Episode SLAM DUNK! MASHLE SPRIGGAN MAZINGER DEVILMAN All-Star Squadron The Desert Peach The Streisand Effect

Don's Four Ways Fans Break up with a Property -(fans) Age Out -(fans) Reach Saturation (with a property) -Style Drift (of the media property) -Hardcore Nerd Rage (because fans don't get what they want from it anymore)

Rob's Fifth: -Fans are driven away by toxic fandom even though they still like the property.

DNA Podcast 134 – Brainstorming a Caravan Guards Story Setting

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:50:26 +0000

In this episode, Rob asks for Don's help in brainstorming the setting for a story about caravan guards - the unspoken heroes of the fantasy world whose job it is to keep the goods flowing despite attacks by monster, bandits, and rats. Lots of rats. Along the way, the duo discuss real caravan guards in history, the importance of trade, and the tactics caravan guards would use to get their cargo to where it's going. All this, and the importance of ox poop, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Caravans Where There's a Whip There's a Way (from the Rankin Bass Return of the King) Chinese Armed Escort Agencies High Arctic Haulers Vampire Hunter D Merchant Marines Azumi Manga Hideyoshi's Invasion of Korea Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army, 1978, Donald W. Engels The Dragon, the Hero and the Courier Manga Discworld Sutler - definition Earthshaker! D&D Module Murder Hobos DNA Episode Aubrey-Maturin Novels (Master and Commander) Paid GMs Empire of the Petal Throne Talislanta Prof. M.A.R. Barker

DNA Podcast 133 – Malls in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 03:18:37 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob head to the mall to discuss capitalism and the place of malls in popular culture for the past hundred years. Along the way, the duo discuss the history of shopping, the origins of malls, and how malls reshaped capitalism. All this, and why the 80s were the peak of mall culture, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Jesus and the Moneylenders Shopping Centers Wikipedia A History of Malls The Medicis Yoshiwara ["Prostitute Island"] Shopping District Sears 80s Mall TV Commercials Arcology Post WWII American Prosperity The Golden Mile White Flight Dawn of the Dead (1978) Tiffany (singer) 7 Totally Radical 1980s Mall Events Fast Times in Ridgemont High Masonville Mall, London ON Chopping Mall movie American FLAGG

DNA Podcast 132 – The Psychology of Comics

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 02 May 2022 04:12:02 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob discuss the psychology of comic books. The two delve deep into the unconscious desires of comic book readers, discuss why Manga failed to find an audience in 1980s America, and probe how comics are linked to human needs. All this, and why British girls comics are the anti-manga, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Martin Scorsese on Marvel Movies Seduction of the Innocent Cap's Kooky Quartet Eagle Comics Golgo 13 Fist of the North Star Albedo Omaha the Cat Dancer Condorito Cypher (X-men character) The Man With No Name Trilogy Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs DNA History of Manga Podcast (Part 1 / Part 2) Highlights Magazine City Hunter Super Doctor K Manga (Scalpel of the North Star!) Slam Dunk! Manga Prince of Tennis Shonen Jump Online The Japanese Bubble Economy Blacksad Rock Lee (Naruto Character) Stupid Comics - British Girls Comics Welcome to Webcomics (YouTube Video)

Japanese manga fulfils 12 basics human needs: 1. Sexuality (Physiological) 2. To feel safe or secure? (Safety) 3. To belong group to a group (Love and Belonging) 4. Being loved (Love and Belonging) 5. Being picked/needed (Esteem) 6. Being admired/respected (Esteem) 7. Being praised (Esteem) 8. Being useful (Esteem) 9. To be praised for effort (Esteem) 10. To feel clever or smart (Self-Actualization) 11. To feel special/powerful (Self-Actualization) 12. To be a hero or at least the leader (Self- Actualization)

DNA Podcast 131 – Samurai TV

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:09:43 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don walk the path of meifumado and explore the golden age of Samurai television on Japanese TV during the 70s and 80s. Along this path to hell, Rob discusses what he learned after watching way too many Japanese jidaigeki period TV shows, why he loves them so much, the different types of samurai TV series, and why Sonny Chiba is the Japanese William Shatner. All this, and how Australia lost it's mind for a Samurai TV series in the 60s, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

James Bond Manga Golgo 13 Kazuo Koike Hirata Hiroshi Desilu Productions Keiretsu Police Procedurals Jitte Zenigata Heiji The Falcons of Edo TV series Toshiro Mifune Red Sun movie Kirisute Gomen TV series (License to Kill) Abarenbo Shogun TV series Matsudaira Ken Kiku TV Toyama no Kinsan (Magistrate Toyama) TV series Kage no Gundan (Shadow Warriors) Sonny Chiba Japan Action Club (JAC) Tokugawa Buraicho TV series Onimitsu Kenshin (Shintaro the Samurai) TV series Nemuri Kyoshiro The Yagyu Conspiracy TV series Lone Wolf and Cub TV series Zatoichi TV Series Usagi Yojimbo Taiga Drama jp-film.com Message from Space film (Japanese Star Wars knockoff) Mirai Ninja (aka Cyber Ninja, which I mistakenly called Robo Ninja in the show) film

DNA Podcast 130 – The Mandela Effect

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 20:38:52 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob explore the intersection of reality and human perception and how these two things often fail to match up. Along the way they discuss Don's four ways reality and humanity tend to disagree, how the internet has been both a help and destructive force in determining reality, and more high weirdness than you can shake a Sasquatch at! All this, and how rye bread may have caused the Salem Witch Trials, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

The Matrix The Weekly World News The Slenderman Slenderman Murders Richard Gere Gerbiling The Jersey Devil The Satanic Panic The Salem Witch Trials Did Climate Change Cause the Salem Witch Trials? How Rye Bread May Have Caused the Salem Witch Trials Cognitive Dissonance Paul is Dead Zines CKLW The Big 8 King Diamond Officially Pronounced Dead Patch The Thunderbird Picture The Berenstain Bears The Mandela Effect Penn Jillette Roy the Game from Rick and Morty STTNG The Inner Light Ape Canyon Bigfoot Tale The Legend of Boggy Creek The Paterson-Gimli Film Mysterious Monsters 1975 Movie The Loch Ness Monster In Search Of TV Series Amityville Horror In Search of The Amityville Horror The Silly Season Reddit Bazaar of the Bizarre group Merman Seen off the Coast of Brest (1725) The Necronomicron SCP Foundation SCP Abridged Creepypasta

DNA Podcast 129 – Anime Tabletop Roleplaying

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 03:17:34 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down to talk about tabletop roleplaying's relationship with anime and manga, and the many successful and failed attempts to simulate anime style adventures through RPGs. Along the way, the duo discuss Rob's four types of anime RPGs, how anime and RPGs have both evolved over time, and the enduring question of whether BattleTech is actually an anime-style game. All this, and more references to Mayfair's DC Heroes RPG than you can shake a 5 AP stick at, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Bubblegum Crisis RPG Weird War Comics Dragonball Z Prefectural Earth Defense Force Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe) Mekton RPG Cyberpunk RPG Teenagers from Outer Space Urusei Yatsura DC Heroes RPG (Mayfair) Tenra Bansho Zero Galaxy High Cartoon TOON RPG Robotech RPG BattleTech Wargame Armored Trooper Votoms: The Role-Playing Game Cartoon Action Hour Season 2 Big Eyes Small Mouth (BESM) RPG Sailor Moon RPG Champions RPG Vampire: The Masqurade Ninja Crusade RPG Blue Rose RPG Magical Girl Meg-Chan Tunnels and Trolls Quick-Ass Gaming System

DNA Podcast 128 – Who Gates the Gatekeepers?

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 03:37:11 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by Jack Ward to discuss the issue of gatekeeping in our culture. Along the way, the three discuss who the new gatekeepers are, if they're any different than the old ones, and why people feel the need to censor and monitor the expression of others. All this, and the Horseshoe Theory of Politics, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Gina Carano Hartley Sawyer CNN First Broadcast The Fairness Doctrine i-Dosing The Sad Puppies VOX Article on "I Sexually Identify as an Attack Helicopter" Horseshoe Theory of Politics Emo Phillips Rotten Rejections True Colors MIT Predicted a Social Collapse, and We're Right on Schedule!

DNA Podcast 126 – Injuries in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 03:57:05 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob explore how the way that injuries are portrayed in a story has a bit effect on how the audience perceives both stories and reality. Along the way, the two discuss how movies, role playing games, and comics have shown injuries, and what it says about their presentations of reality. All this, and 16 Lies Movies have Told You About Violence, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Dick Tracy Dick Tracy Cartoon Ethnic Cast The Last Action Hero The Hays Code (aka The Motion Picture Production Code) New Hollywood Pam Grier CHAMPIONS: The Superhero RPG DC HEROES (Mayfair RPG) 16 Lies About Violence that Movies have Told You (from CRACKED.com) Fight! Dragon TV series The Dragon Man Skull

DNA Podcast 126 – Comics Writer Peter B Gillis

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 01:17:24 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with comic book writer Peter Gillis to discuss his career writing comics for Marvel, First Comics and DC Comics during the 1980s and 90s. Along the way, the three discuss how Peter got into comics, his time writing for the big three, and his legendary works Strikeforce: Morituri, SHATTER, and The Black Flame. All this, and the truth about Blaze Barlow, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Peter B. Gillis Wiki Page Peter B. Gillis Comic Book DB Entry Peter's Webserial Humans at Counterfactual.news Strikeforce: Morituri The Black Flame SHATTER Ralph Macchio Mark Gruenwald David Kraft Mary Jo Duffy Joe Kubert Tony Isabella Steve Gerber Doug Moench Steve Englehart Chris Claremont John Ostrander Don McGregor Roy Thomas Denny O'neil Peter Sanderson Sid Jacobson Warren Kremer Mike Zeck Mike Gold Jim Shooter Mark Badger Kelly Jones A.E. van Vogt Olaf Stapledon Mike Saenz Dave Olbrich John Romita Sr. Tailgunner Jo Elliot Maggin Kevin van Hook Virginia Kidd Julius Schwartz The Last Unicorn Graphic Novel The King of Elfland's Daughter Alex Nino The Romance of the Rose Mark Badger Blaze Barlow Gerry Conway Phil Foglio

DNA Podcast 125 – Comics Artist Doug Rice

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 21:27:34 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with comics artist and animator Doug Rice to discuss Doug's long and fascinating career in comics and animation. Along the way, the trio discuss how Doug got into comics, his experiences working at FIRST Comics and MARVEL during the 1980s, and his crowning achievement - the comic Dynamo Joe. All this, and the exciting return of Dynamo Joe, is coming to you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Doug Rice Comics Page Doug Rice IMDB Page Famous Monsters of Filmland Joe Staton (E-man) FIRST Comics Bruce Patterson MARS (comic) Dynamo Joe John Ostrander Phil Foglio Ben Dunn Paul Guinan (Cargonauts) First Adventures Cartoon/Fantasy Organization Cybersix The Sandy Frank Song (MST3K) Hilary Barta Manhunter (Mark Shaw) Tailgunner Jo Sam Keith Girl Genius

DNA Podcast 124 – Comic Book Horror Hosts

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 02:08:21 +0000

Hey guys and ghouls! In this episode, Don and Rob explore the dark and ghoulish history of horror hosts in comic books. From the EC classics like Tales from the Crypt to Judge Edwina Strange (from Judge Dredd's own horror anthology) the pair talk about the role that "hosts" have played in the history of comics books and their place in the horror genre. All this, and why Sam Beckett from Quantum Leap is actually Jesus, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

List of Comic Book Horror Hosts TV Horror Hosts DNA Episode Part One and Part Two EC Comics The Cryptkeeper Tales from the Crypt The Space Museum Detective Conan (Case Closed) Carl Barks The Shadow Vampira (Horror Host) Dynaman "Not the 60s!" House of Mystery House of Secrets Marv Wolfman Life Magazine invents Teenagers Stan Lee Publishes First Drug Story Vertigo Comics Swamp Thing Mister Monster Quantum Leap The Ice Cream Man (comic) MISTY UK Comic Star Lord UK Comic V-Tubers

DNA Podcast 123 – Original English Light Novels with Brandon Varnell

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 18:05:41 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with author of over 50 light novels, Brandon Varnell. The three discuss whether books written in English can really be light novels, how Brandon got into writing, and Brandon's techniques for writing his books. All that, and more harem stories than you can shake a stick at, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Brandon's Homepage An American Tail American Kitsune Yen Press A Most Unlikely Hero Rosario + Vampire To Love RU Arcadia's Ignoble Knight Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Jobless Reincarnation Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside WIEDERGEBURT Legend of the Reincarnated Warrior A Certain Magical Index Frog-kun Twitter Eric Vall Adam Ladner D.S. Craig William D. Arand Will Wight's Cradle Aaron Crash Battle Through the Heavens Tales of Demons and Gods

DNA Podcast 122 – US Comics in the UK with Richard Sheaf

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 16 May 2021 20:56:01 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down again with UK comics historian Richard Sheaf to talk about how American comics were received across the pond in the UK. The trio discuss the experience of being a fan of American comics in the UK, how US comics were changed to suit UK publication, and UK comic book convention culture. All this, and Abslom Daak: Dalek Killer, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Boys Adventure Comics (Richard's blog) Eagle Dan Dare The Pictorial Guide to 1950s British Scifi and Horror Comic Books Miller Western Comic Books A Selection Killraven Death's Head Transformers UK Abslom Daak: Dalek Killer House of Hammer Magazine Fan Expo Canada

DNA Podcast 121 – Novel Horizons with Jonathan Solis

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 02:36:11 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with Jonathan Solis, author and publisher of original English light novels at Novel Horizons. The three discuss Jonathan's philosophy about publishing light novels, the challenges of being a publisher, and Novel Horizons' unique strategies for promoting their books. All this, and the ancient war between "plot" and "ba-donka-donk," will be revealed to you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Novel Horizons Azure Wing Buck Rogers RE: Zero Jobless Reincarnation High School DxD Dog Days Redo of Healer One-Two-Five Daphne 1/7 Scale Limited Edition Figure ACX : Audiobook Creation Exchange Keijo- Hip Whip Girl Irregular at Magic High School Maoyu Mao Yusha

DNA Podcast 120 – 2000AD Magazine with Eamonn Clarke

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 21:12:07 +0000

In this episode Don and Rob sit down with Eamonn Clarke of the Mega City Book Club podcast to talk about the legendary UK Comic magazine 2000AD. The trio discuss the origins of 2000AD, how Judge Dredd took over the magazine, and some of 2000ADs better and lesser known stories and strips. All this, and D.R. & Quinch, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Mega City Book Club Podcast IPC Comics 2000AD the magazine (or this) The Judge Dredd Megazine Rebellion Studios (current publisher of 2000AD collections) John Wagner Pat Mills Starlord (UK Comic) Strontium Dog Ro-busters Tornado (UK Comic) Deathwish (character) FLESH (UK comic) Dan Dare Metalzoic The Ballad of Halo Jones Brian Bolland Skizz Button Man Mazeworld Brink D.R. & Quinch Abelard Snazz Hap-Hazzard and Tricky ABC Warriors Slaine Summer Magic Bad Company Rogue Trooper Judge Minty film Ron Smith Carlos Ezquerra "Gaze into the Fist of Dredd!" Judge Dredd: Origins Judge Dredd: America Robo-Hunter Space-Spinner 2000 Podcast Matchbox Landraider Toy

Thrill Sucker

DNA Podcast 119: Moonquill Publishing with Jimmy Shi

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 20:57:02 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with Jimmy Shi, co-founder of Moonquill Publishing to talk about his company and his experiences as a independent book publisher specializing in light novels. The three discuss the English webnovel community, the challenges of running Moonquill, and why Jimmy needs to be more evil. All this, and Don's big trillion-dollar Romance novel formula, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Moonquill.com Jin Yong Gu Long SPCnet.tv Forums (the birthplace of English Wuxia) Wuxiaworld The Adventures of Lu Xiao Feng Lord of Goblins Royal Road ScribbleHub Novel Updates The Ride-On King Moonquill Podcast Influence by Robert Cialdini

DNA Podcast 118 – UK Comics with Richard Sheaf

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 03:31:56 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with UK Comics blogger Richard Sheaf to explore the fascinating world of UK Comic books. The three discuss how being weekly (as opposed to monthly) took UK comics in a totally different direction than American comics, how Pat Mills was UK's version of Stan Lee (but with more talent), and why UK girls comics succeeded while their American cousins failed miserably. All this, and Hookjaw, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Boys Adventure Comics (Richard Sheaf's blog) British Comics Blog Amalgamated Press DC Thomson Press The Beano (comic magazine) 2000 AD (comic magazine) Commando (War Comic) IPC Magazines Judge Dredd Mega-zine Eagle (comic magazine) Billy's Boots Punch Magazine Starlord (comic magazine) Charlie's War Roy of the Rovers Pat Mills (writer, creator) A Haunt of Fears : The Strange History of the British Horror Comics Campaign By Martin Barker ACTION (comic magazine) The Treasury of British Comics Misty (girls comic magazine) Deadline (comic magazine) Dan Dare

DNA Podcast 116 – Leadership in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 03:10:38 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don discuss the disconnect in popular culture between how leaders act in film and television and how they really act in real life. Along the way, they touch the third rail of geekdom - Kirk versus Picard - and even talk about why Optimus Prime is a bad leader. All this, and how Hitchhiking went from patriotic to evil in a generation, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Flash Gordon Winner Take All Bavarian Fire Drill The Illuminatus Trilogy Influence by Robert Cialdini Culture Shock Cheddar: Why Hitchhiking Ran Out of Favor Hitchiking Robot Murdered Epic of Gilgamesh Master and Commander The Saga of Tanya the Evil

DNA Podcast 115 – Spies in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 19:59:32 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don go on a mission with guest Jack Ward to reveal the truth about spies in popular culture. The trio explore the 60's Spy Craze, talking about what led up to it, how it played out, and what parts of it are still influencing our popular culture today. From The Scarlet Pimpernel to Jason Bourne, and everything in between, this podcast takes listeners into the shadowy world of men and women who might not exist. All this, and why Mission Impossible might be the greatest spy TV series ever, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Spies Super Spies Mission Impossible The Scarlet Pimpernel TURN: Washington's Spies Secret Agent X Counterspy OTR I Was A Communist For The FBI The Saint James Bond Secret Agent/Danger Man ( UK TV series) Secret Agent Man by Johnny Rivers The Avengers (UK TV series) Matt Helm The Man from U.N.C.L.E. GET SMART ARCHER I SPY Leverage TV Series Mission Impossible Mask Reveal The Prisoner The Champions (Uk TV series) Sapphire and Steel The Six Million Dollar Man Nemesis (DC Character) The Human Target (DC Character) Doomwatch Remo Williams Charlie's Angels The A-Team Knight Rider Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy A Man Called Intrepid The Manchurian Candidate Jason Bourne The Sting TRON

DNA Podcast 114 – Board Games with Stephen Fraser

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 00:31:40 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don roll the dice with Stephen Fraser, a high school teacher and board game collector. The three of them discuss Stephen's collection, the evolution of board gaming, and even the current trends in the hobby. Along the way, they learn the truth behind Secret Hitler, and develop Nictophobia as they try to find their way out of the maze of games on the market. All this, and Dwar7s, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

BoardgameGeek Website Settlers of Catan Sentinels of the Multiverse Pandemic Charterstone Marvel Champions Star Wars Destiny Stuffed Fables Husband at Large Fog of Love Nictophobia Galaxy Trucker Captain Sonar Secret Hitler Red Dragon Inn Colt Express Twilight Imperium Axis and Allies Discover: Lands Unknown Dwar7s Fall Munchkin

DNA Podcast 113 – Dark Corners Interview

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 23:59:40 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with Graham Trelfer and Robin Bailes, the hosts of the Dark Corners Reviews YouTube channel to talk about their show. Together the group discuss the ups and downs of running a popular YouTube channel, the origins of their show, and more bad horror movies than you can shake a severed hand at! All this, and the two hosts' secret guilty pleasures, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs!

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Dark Corners Reviews YouTube Channel The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik-Yak The Blood of Dracula Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity Roller Blade The Black Sleep Bob Wilkins Rockula Ganjasaurus Rex Chainsaw Hookers Black Christmas Plague Zoltan: Hound of Dracula Vampire Hookers Faster Pussycat Kill Kill Creation of the Humanoids Journey to the Center of Time Corona Zombies The Evolution of James Bond Posters Secrets of Cinema TV show Slaughter of the Vampires The Playgirls and the Vampire The Monster and the Girl The Seance Monster A Gogo Hard Ticket to Hawaii The Ski Bum Hard Rock Zombies

DNA Podcast 112 – Science in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 02:01:54 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don explore the ways that science is presented in popular culture, for better and worse. Along the way they discuss what science is, how our views of it have shaped society (and how our society has shaped science), and the shifting view of science in the United States. All this, and statistics on who is more scientifically literate republicans or democrats (the answer may surprise you), is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Edward Bernays (or this link.) Terrorists Take Action Figure Hostage The Movie Titanic Changed the Constellations Startalk Podcast Dr. Stone Shonen JUMP MacGyver The Deadly London Fog PEW Research Poll on the Public and Science Granny Weatherwax

DNA Podcast 111 – The Secret Origin of Generation X

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 30 May 2020 02:51:52 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Jack Ward to discuss the cultural foundations of the children born between 1965 and 1980 - Generation X! Like the mutant superheroes they share a name with, these young people were bridges between the old world and the new - the pre and post internet ages. From Saturday Morning TV to Dungeons and Dragons - this episode looks at the things that have shaped their choices as they've stepped out to take the reins of society. So, come join us as we explore, the secret origins of Generation X in this episode of The Departemnt of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Gen X Notes Generation X *(definition) Generation Eccchh Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Coupland The Prime Time Access Rule 1972 Goofus and Gallant Highlights Magazine Weird Al's UHF William Shatner's "Get a Life" Speech Mazes and Monsters Pirates of Silicon Valley (film) Starsuckers Documentary (YouTube) Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future CNN's first broadcast Bubblegum Crisis

DNA Podcast 110 – H.P. Lovecraft with Dave Towers

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:40:08 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with their friend Dave Towers to talk about the legendary horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. They talk about Lovecraft's life, his approach to writing, his legacy, and make a few story suggestions for those who want to dip their tow into Inssmouth Bay. Along the way, they discover that Lovecraft may in fact be one of the most inspiring writers of all time, if he could get off the damn Internet! All this, and more, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

HP Lovecraft (wikipedia) HP Lovecraft Archive On Writing by Stephen King Lovecraft: A Biography by L. Sprague de Camp Robert E Howard Call of Cthulhu RPG Ghost Masters : Weird Tales from Famous Writers The Lovecraft Lexicon: A Reader's Guide to Persons, Places and Things in the Tales of H.P. Lovecraft Jojo's Bizaare Adventure Night Gallery Junji Ito (who cites Lovecraft as an inspiration) Brian Lumley The Enigma of Amigara Fault HP Lovecraft Movie Adaptations HP Lovecraft Podcast (note, I mistakenly thought they did readings, but they actually do summaries and discussion in each episode, not read the story. They have done some full story readings, which can be found here.)

DNA Podcast 109 – Competition in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 22:15:09 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Jack Ward to discuss the concept of competition as it plays out in our society and media. Some societies see competition as healthy, while others consider it destructive and wasteful, and the media often goes back and forth between the two approaches. Along the way, the three discuss comics, politics, old TV, and crappy movies, and how each offers an insight into competition. So come on and join us, if you think you can handle it! All this, and the most watched TV show of all time, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Act-Age Manga Ratemypoo.com Geeks versus Nerds Most Watched TV Show of All Time Cerebus the Ardvark John Carter of Mars Dark Shadows Magnum PI Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas Life of the Party The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment (Don calls it candy, but the experiment with kids was originally marshmallows.) Tragedy of the Commons George Orwell's Theory of Revolution

DNA Podcast 108 – 80s Action Movies with Chad

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 01:40:07 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are again joined by their friend Chad for a dangerous mission back in time to the 1980s where tough guys ruled the screen and one-liners flew thick and fast. Along the way, the three discuss what makes an 80s action hero, how these movies reflected the times they were made, and their top three 80s action films. All this, and why Miami Connection is the greatest 80s action movie you've never heard of (but not in a good way), is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Rambo: First Blood Part 2 Commando The Terminator Red Dawn The Karate Kid The Last Action Hero Die Hard Commando Mall Scene Escape from New York Damnation Alley Dead Heat ALIENS AVATAR PREDATOR No Retreat No Surrender Corey Yuen The Street Fighter (Sonny Chiba) Sukeban Deka ROBOCOP Robo Attempted Rape Scene Robocop Trivia Page on IMDB Future Kill R.O.T.O.R Lady Battlecop Metal Hero Japanese Superhero TV Series The Running Man Total Recall Miami Connection YOR: Hunter From the Future The Killer (John Woo) A Better Tomorrow Police Story Police Story Opening Sequence Death Wish III Invasion USA

DNA Podcast 107 – Dinosaur Movies

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Chad to talk about their common childhood passion - dinosaur movies! From The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms to Jurassic Park, the trio explore the history of dinosaurs on film and how they've been portrayed through the decades. Along the way, they discover there are really only six kinds of dinosaur films, and delve into the many techniques people have used to bring dinosaurs to life over the years - some more successful than others! All this, and giant robot apes, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

List of Films Featuring Dinosaurs (Wikipedia) Evolution of Cinema Dinosaurs (1920-2015) (YouYube) Charles R. Knight (dinosaur artist) Charles R. Knight Dinosaur Art Brute Force (1914) Willis O'brien Ray Harryhausen The Lost World King Kong (1933) Lost King Kong Spider Footage Giant King Kong Robot Dino De Laurentiis Mighty Joe Young (1949) Stop Motion Monster Trailer Reel (YouTube) The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms THEM The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms Poster Charlton Comics GORGO The Land of the Lost The Last Dinosaur 1977 great clips (Tsubaraya Foam Rubber Dinosaurs) FLESH (2000 AD Comic) Attack of the Super Monsters (Izenborg) Dinosaur Prince The Land Before Time Dinosaucers Terra Nova TV series Primal TV series DINOSAURS TV series Velocipastor Tammy and T-Rex Roger Corman

DNA Podcast 106 – Lost Genres 2 Sitcom Bugaloo

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:33:00 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob dive into another round of the genres that time forgot as they explore more things that have washed away into the river of time. The pair jump right into the types of TV shows and TV stories that once ruled the airwaves but have faded, and then go on to explore lost corners of print, toys and music. All this, and why Pac Man Fever was the end of an era, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Variety TV Shows Texaco Star Theatre Pink Lady and Jeff Carol Burnett Show Smothers Brother's Comedy Hour Sitcoms The Spin-Off All in the Family Happy Days Laverne and Shirley Hooterville Trilogy Good Times Diff'rent Strokes High Concept Mork and Mindy Quark Herman's Head My Mother the Car The Munsters Daytime Soap Operas Christmas Specials That's Incredible! America's Funniest Home Videos Magazines Korean Webtoons Video Game Market Crash of 1983 Pac Man Fever Shining Force Novelty Songs Dr. Demento Nerdcore Gloryhammer Edguy Beast in Black Outlaw Country Crooners Surf Music Gangsta Rap

DNA Podcast 105 – Disaster Films

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 17:22:54 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob struggle to understand the apocalypse they've found themselves in by talking about disaster films and how they reflect human society. They're joined in the raging chaos by Jack Ward and Dave Towers, who drop by to share a few thoughts on the genre. Along the way, the group discusses Irwin Allen, Social Anxiety, and why disaster films may have been ruined by CGI. All this, and Jack Ward's creepy new hobby, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

The Fire (1901) The Omega Man The Poseidon Adventure The Children of Men 2012 Godzilla (1953) War of the Worlds (1950) Empire of the Ants The Birds Kingdom of the Spiders The Swarm Left Behind Twister A Night to Remember Top 100 Best Disaster Films Virus Towering Inferno Irwin Allen The Day After Threads (movie) Panic in Year Zero The Mist When the Wind Blows On the Beach METEOR Skyscraper Night of the Comet Roland Emmerich The Kingdom (Netflix Korean Disaster Drama) Snowpiercer World War Z Cracked Podcast on Apocalypses The East Coast Blackout of 2003 The Bird Box The Road One Upon a Time: Man

DNA Podcast 104 – Lost Genres

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 13:38:48 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob cast a look back in time to the 20th century and look at comic book and film genres that were once popular but have faded into the past. Hillbillies, Funny Animals and Greek demi-gods abound in this journey into the vaults of time. All this, and the amazing art of Mel Birnkrant, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Cracked Podcast - How We Get the Old West Wrong Hillbilly Comics L'il Abner The Hooterville Trilogy The Beverly Hillbillies Deliverance (film) Sports Comics Joe Palooka Anthology Comics Heavy Metal Magazine Jungle Comics Romance Comics Funny Animal Comics Howard the Duck Movie Adaptation Comics Gorgo Reptilicus Konga Dell Comics Gold Key/Disney/Dell Comics Connection Kids Comics Star Comics Animax Toys MelBirnkrant.com Starship A.R.C. Gag Comics Archie Ripoffs (part1/part2/part3/part4) Meet Corliss Archer Dan Decarlo Erotic Comics Singing Cowboy Films Sword and Sandal Films (wikipedia - scroll down the whole page, I dare you!) MST3K Heracules Films on YouTube Luchador Films Deepfakes Beach Movies/Teen Sex Romp

DNA Podcast 103 – Murder Hobos

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 18:26:00 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob explore the concept of the "murder hobo" and how this approach to fantasy roleplaying connects with other parts of movies, games, and popular culture. The pair look deep into the roots of D&D, discuss how murder hobos reflect the fantasies of the audience, and the idea's connections with Westerns. All this, and why Bridget Jones just might be a murder hobo, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Knight Errant Ronin OGRE Tabletop Wargame Aaron Allston's Strike Force (for Champions RPG) Buckaroo Banzai Ramayana Unforgiven The Boys Into the Badlands Deadlands Death Wish Films Fist of the North Star Isekai

DNA Podcast 102 – Scooby Doo

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 15:03:14 +0000

In honor of the canine sleuth's 50th anniversary, Don leads Rob and the audience on a thrilling mystery through the history of Scooby Doo. Along the way, they discuss how Scooby's success has been linked with Archie, The Battle of the Network Stars, and 80's Sitcoms. They wrestle over the enigma that is Scrappy Doo. And, they discuss the many clones of Scooby Doo, all in an effort to find out the truth. All this, and Richie Rich Teams up with Pac Man, in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Scooby Doo Archie Sugar Sugar Hanna-Barbera I Love a Mystery Dobie Gillis Hardy Boys Nancy Drew The Famous Five Tom Swift Meddling Kids + Sidekick + Mysteries = Series: 13 Hanna-Barbera productions that recycled the Scooby-Doo format The Battle of the Network Stars Total Drama Island Diff'rent Strokes The Blair Witch

DNA Podcast 101 – Werewolves in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 02:41:12 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don stalk the werewolf's place in popular culture, hunting the elusive man who walks like a wolf! Along the way, they explore the history of werewolves in real life and fiction, talk about the origins of werewolves on film, and explore the RPG called Werewolf: The Apocalypse! All this, and more B-movies than you can shake a stick at (fetch boy!), are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde The Island of Dr. Moreau Coyote (the Trickster) Skinwalkers Kitsune The Werewolf of London Wikipedia entry on Werewolf Fiction Bisclavret Peter Stumpp- 'the Werewolf of Bedburg' Beast of Gévaudan Wolfen The Manitou The Cat People (1942) Werewolves on Wheels The Howling The Beast Must Die! An American Werewolf in London Curse of the Cat People The Hideous Sun Demon The She-Creature Night of the Lepus Food of the Gods Prophecy Phase IV BUG (film) Blood Freak Tom Leher Werewolf the Apocalypse Michigan Dogman The Iranian Angelina Jolie The Beast of Bray Road Dog Soldiers Wolf Silver Bullet Ginger Snaps The Company of Wolves Monster Squad Otherkin

DNA Podcast 100 – Failure

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 16:21:13 +0000

In this, the hundredth episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs, Rob, Don, and Jack sit down to discuss their greatest creative failures. The trio talk about the challenges they've faced, what they've learned from them, and what failure really means. Along the way, they delve into the power of psychology, marketing, and clowns. Which pretty much sums up this entire episode! Enjoy, and thanks for listening!

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Mysterious Universe Mutual Audio Network The Sonic Society Mark Time Awards Red Tails Movie Tuskegee Airman Movie (I was wrong, it predates Red Tails by a decade.) Ed Wood Sunk Cost Fallacy Twin Stars Biff Straker Decoder Ring Theatre Penn and Teller Penn and Teller Master Class Understanding Comics Ali Wong: Anaconda Momma Terry O'Reilly: Under the Influence Podcast Influence by Robert Cialdini The Rule of Reciprocity Wired for Story by Lisa Cron Cognitive Dissonance Red: Living on the Edge Manga Buckskin Brigades by L. Ron Hubbard The Joe Rogan Experience Stan Sakai Tim Truman Dave Stevens Slasher (TV Series) Criterion Collection

DNA Podcast 099 – Trust Us, We’re Lying

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 15:10:25 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Jack Ward to discuss the book Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday and the implications that come with his tell-all book about media manipulation. The three delve into the techniques used by Holiday and media manipulators, how the media hacks human psychology, and why fake news may have always been with us. All this, and the startling truth about the reptilian invasion, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.” - William Randolph Hurst Source Amnesia The Thunderbird Photo The Backfire Effect Yellow Journalism I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell James O'Keefe Andrew Brietbart D&D Satanic Panic The Internet Research Agency (Russian Troll Farm) A Russian Facebook page organized a protest in Texas. A different Russian page launched the counterprotest. Gawker Media 4-chan 8-chan Nick Denton Jezebel Freakonomics The Lumiere Brothers The New York Sun / Benjamin Day Mutual Audio Network Scott Adams (Created Dilbert) Kinda Racist? Try Diet Racism! (Collegehumour) This Video Will Make You Angry What is an Influencer? Help a Reporter Out (HARO) Quora Jordan Peterson The Year 2525 The Congress (film)

DNA Podcast 098 – Vampires in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 01:58:00 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob explore vampires and their place in history and popular culture. The two intrepid stalkers of the night discuss vampire legends, obscure vampire lore, and the history of vampires on film. All this, and Rob's rant about stupid vampire lords, is waiting to suck your attention in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Dracula Aswang Kappa Penganggulan (Bodyless Malyasian Vampires) Jiangshi (Chinese Hopping Vampire) Lich Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood The Vampyre by John William Polidori Carmilla Elizabeth Bathory Yuka Kinoshita (YouTube, Japanese eating champion) Nosferatu (1922) Dracula (1931) The Thing from Another World Who Goes There (short story) Planet of Blood (Alternate title for this; or this....) Queen of the Damned I Am Legend The Last Man on Earth Blade: Vampire Hunter The Lamia The Daughters of Lilith 'Salem's Lot Fright Night The Lost Boys The Vampire Lestat The Van Helsing Tapes (Actually, "The Dracula Tapes") True Blood TV Series Doctor Spektor Dark Shadows Nick Knight / Forever Knight TV Series Tomb of Dracula Comic Vampirella Dracula Eats a Hamburger The Strain Van Helsing Movie Vampire: The Masquerade RPG Chill RPG: Vampires Vampire Hunter D Buffy the Vampire Slayer Twilight Count Yorga films Count von Count 2000 AD Werewolf Story Paranormal Romance

DNA Podcast 097 – Education in Popular Culture with Jack Ward

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 01:54:06 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their favorite teacher Jack Ward to discuss education and how it's reflected in popular culture. The three explore the roles education plays in society, and how pop culture and education both reflect and change each other. They also discuss the different kinds of movies about teachers and students, and Jack shares a few teaching stories. All this, and Jack's theory that education is a virus, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

Grave Robbing Andy Hardy Mad Scientist Pontypool Changes Everything Doctor Who The Wonderful Stories of Professor Kitzel Ms. Frizzle (The Magic Schoolbus) Mission Magic Bill Nye Dexter's Lab Beakman's World John Bell's Mr. Wizzard Our Gang Poindexter Darwood Kaye (aka Waldo, the nerd from Our Gang/ Little Rascals) Dead Poet's Society To Sir With Love Blackboard Jungle The Class of 1984 The Class of 1999 Don't Knock the Rock Footloose Ferris Bueller's Day Off Animal House Revenge of the Nerds Fast Times at Ridgemont High Rebel Without a Cause What can be done about violence against elementary school teachers? (CBC article) Mister D One Eight Seven (Film with Sam Jackson as Teacher) Fredrick Douglas Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Bodily Humours

Rob Note: the early women's fashion magazine which I was referring to at the start was the Gynaeceum, sive Theatrum Mulierum (Theatre of Women, in which are reproduced by engraving the female costumes of all the nations of Europe), printed in 1586. I mistakenly confused it with another publication. My apologies.

DNA Podcast 096 – Rules Heavy and Lite RPGs

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 19:27:06 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Jack Ward to discuss the difference between Role Playing Games that use detailed rules systems (rules heavy) versus those who use minimalist rules (rules lite) and how each affects gameplay. Along the way, the trio discuss lots of oldschool RPGs, Japanese vs. American RPGs, Console RPGs, and the direction that games are taking in general. All this, and slimes, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music:

Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed:

What's New With Phil and Dixie (Sex in D&D Joke) Soft Sci-fi versus Hard Sci-fi DNA Making the Biff Straker RPG with Jack Ward Narrativist RPG Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Fallout IV The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen (game) CHAMPIONS RPG Star Fleet Battles Space Opera RPG Traveller RPG Star Frontiers RPG Star Frontiers: Night Hawks The World of Synnibarr RPG X Minus 1 - Cold Equations The Ninja Crusade RPG Ninja HERO RPG PC-98 Phantasy Star Dragon Quest Console RPG Japanese Dragon Quest Slimes Chocobo Horsebirds Elephant bird Cosmic Patrol RPG Amazon Women on the Moon It Came from the Late, Late, Late Show DNA Horror RPG Episode Gundam RPG Vampire the Masquarade Cartoon Action Hour RPG Shadowrun 5th Edition Lasers and Feelings RPG Love and Justice RPG Lasers and Feelings Hacks (Holy crap there's a lot of them) D20 Modern

DNA Podcast 095 – Fantasy Tropes People Love with Jack Ward

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 02:54:05 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Jack Ward to discuss a recent Reddit survey on fantasy tropes people love. They discuss how people might be misusing the word and idea of tropes, and then go through people's top choices for fantasy tropes, from the heroic last stand to the plucky young hero, and discuss why each trope is there and people like them so much. All this, and a whole pile of dragons and swords, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Reddit Thread on Fantasy Tropes Texas Chainsaw Massacre Phantom Lady Trope TVtropes.org Bathos (your new word of the episode) What Writers Should Learn from Wonder Woman (video) The Hunt for the Wilder People What We Do in Shadows The Karate Kid Crane Kick ARIEL (anime) Bildungsroman Horatio Alger Horatio Hornblower The Count of Monte Christo The Count of Monte Christo 2002 Film Mu (Lost Continent) Atlantis The Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis Indigenous Taiwanese and Maori Are Linked Dinotopia Reign of Fire Laid Back Camp Bakuman The Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler

DNA Podcast 094 – Gaming Tropes

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 02:45:47 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don dig into the concept of tropes and discuss how they connect with tabletop RPG gaming. Few people think about how Hit Points are actually an artificial idea created by games, and how they affect the way we think about games- this is an example of a gaming trope. Don and Rob also discuss many popular games like CHILL, TOON, and TORG, and how these genre-simulating games play on the tropes of other media. All this, and why the DC Heroes RPG was the best game ever, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed DC HEROES RPG (Mayfair) Call of Chthulhu RPG Ninja Crusade Champions RPG Villains and Vigilantes Superworld Superhero 2044 GURPS:Supers Chill RPG Hammer House of Horror TOON RPG MAGE RPG It Came from the Late Late Late Show RPG TORG Cabin the Woods (movie) William Castle (B-Horror Movie maker, Don calls him Frank Castle by accident. Frank is The Punsher, William is the Tingler!) The Magician's Podcast #97 - Teller litRPGs

DNA Podcast 093 – Death to Evil Overlords!

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 03:32:24 +0000

In this episode, Don listens as Rob goes on a tear about one of his pet peeves- Evil Overlords in Fantasy and Science Fiction. The pair discuss the origins of the Evil Overlord trope, why is exists, and what the problems are with it. Along they way, they discuss "Villains who say Bah!", the Asian versus western approach to Evil, and how to avoid the Evil Overlord trope. All this, and why Skeletor is the most cuddly Evil Overlord ever, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed The Wheel of Time The Way of Kings Mistborne Don't Ask for DC Heroes RPG Oscorp The Venture Brothers The Guild of Calamitous Intent Training Video Edge of Tomorrow Marvel Star Wars Comics (Originals) Rules for Rulers (Video about power) The Very Complete, Very Extended, Printer Friendly, Evil Overlord List The Eternals Journey to the West (the Monkey King) Ushio and Tora Starscream Centurions Bionic Six Dungeons and Dragons Ford Commercial Dungeons and Dragons cartoon Ending Youtube Video Skeletor

DNA Podcast 092 – Police in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 02:51:23 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob take a look at the messy history of the police in popular culture. Starting off with a history of the police themselves, the pair explore how police stories are very much a reflection of the society which produces them, and how we seem to alternate between two forms of cop story in the modern era depending on society's mood. All this, and why Sherlock Holmes was the original Deadpool, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Criminals in Popular Culture DNA Podcast A History of Police Sheriff Robin Hood Yakuza Sam Vimes - Discworld Murders in the Rue Morgue The Pinkertons The Moonstone (first Police Detective Novel) Sherlock Holmes The Keystone Kops Dick Tracey Bulldog Drummond Dragnet Serial Podcast G-Men Movies Heart to Heart McMillan and Wife Columbo Dirty Harry S.W.A.T. Miami Vice ADAM 12 C.H.I.P.S. Hill Street Blues Sledge HAMMER COPS Cop Rock NYPD Blue LAW and ORDER LAW and ORDER: Criminal Intent C.S.I. VG CATS - 67 - Choice Words CSI Zoom and Enhance Meme Murder She Wrote The Mentalist Matlock Elementary TV Series

DNA Podcast 091 – tReading the Path of Heaven

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:41:21 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with Jonathan Kinney and Richard Curtissmith from the tReading the Path of Heaven podcast to talk about Asian Light Novels and webnovels. The four of them discuss the differences between Japanese, Korean, and Chinese webnovels, some of their favorites, and what makes webnovels characters unique. All this, and why being merciful to your enemies is being merciless to yourself, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Treading the Path of Heaven Podcast Wuxiaworld.com Novelupdates.com Light Novel Bastion QiDian-Webnovel.com SPCNET.tv Forums Shalvation Translations Gravity Tales Coiling Dragon Readlightnovel.org RE:Monster Jin Yong Gu Long Haruhi Suzumiya Sword Art Onlin e Arifureta Escaflowne Truck-kun That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Rising of the Shield Hero So I'm a Spider, so what? Dungeon Defense MMORPGs Isekai Overgeared Legendary Moonlight Sculptor Seoul Station's Necromancer Everyone Else is a Returnee Dimensional Sovereign Murim I Level Alone/Solo Leveling Tales of Demons and Gods New Game Plus I Shall Seal the Heavens DNA Interview with Deathblade The King's Avatar Against the Gods Desolate Era The Deathmage Who Doesn't Want a Fourth Time Martial God Asura Nine Star Hegemon Body Art The Dao Heart Martial World Gurren Lagann Hunter x Hunter Tenchi Muyo! High School DxD The Tutorial is Too Hard! Rainbow Turtle

DNA Episode 90 – Crime and Villainy in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 17 May 2019 12:33:34 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don delve into society's dark underbelly and explore how popular culture and our image of criminals have become intertwined. Along the way, the pair discuss where our concepts of villainy come from, how the roles of hero and villain have switched places over history, and how TV and movies have shaped how criminals see themselves. All this, and Don's unhealthy obsession with 60s Youth Gone Wild films, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Gilgamesh Druids Jack the Ripper Marijuanna The Black Panthers Bonnie and Clyde Cowboy Cop (TV tropes) The Yakuza Troubled Teen Films Japanese 70's Exploitation Films (Yes, that's a real movie) Doc Savage Dirty Harry Knight Rider Magnum PI Revenge of the Nerds PORKY'S Dragnet and the 50's version Holmes and Yoyo ADAM-12 CHIPS Hill Street Blues Matlock T.J Hooker The Six Million Dollar Man Andre the Giant Sandy Duncan The Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors Bigfoot Andre The Giant Clip Silence of the Lambs The Godfather Scarface Bosozoku Yanki Subculture Tanuki Ganguro Culture Japanese Street Fashion (wikipedia) I Accuse My Parents Breaking the Law by Judas Priest Judge Death The Comics Code Von Hoffman's Invasion Tales from the Tour Bus Take This Job and Shove It

DNA Podcast 089 – Mysticism Continued with Lothar Tuppan and David Towers

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 02:36:32 +0000

Following up on the last episode, Don and Rob continue their exploration into the world of the occult with new guest Lothar Tuppan and returning guest David Towers. The four of them pick up where Dave left off, giving more context to the ancient Abrahamic origins of modern mystic thought, and then tumble forward in time to discuss not just European approaches to mysticism, but African and Asian perspectives as well. Along the way, the four discuss the mythical figure of Hermes Trismegistus, how the Nag Hammadi Scriptures changed everything, and the real meaning of working magic. All this, and the secret power of memory theatres, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Note: Apologies for the audio quality on this one and the previous one. We've been forced to use SKYPE's built-in recording system, which is a bit unstable. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Lothar Tuppan Jack Hunter Jeffrey Kripal The Book of Ezekiel Merkabah mysticism The Cult of the Saints Hermes Trismegistus Hermeticism The Kabbalah The Nag Hammadi Scriptures Traditional Religion and Revealed Religion Abrahammic Religion The Zohar The Picatrix Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa John Dee John Dee and the Empire of Angels by Jason Louv Sir Francis Bacon Giordano Bruno Memory Theatres The Magicians of the Golden Dawn The Invisibles by Grant Morrison Jacob's Ladder The Diary of a Drug Fiend The Death and Resurrection Show Marcus Tullius Cicero

DNA Podcast 088 – Mysticism with David Towers

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 13:24:51 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with Don's old friend David Towers to discuss mysticism. Dave has had a lifelong interest in the subject, and he shares the fruits of his research with the pair. Spiraling off from Don and Rob's earlier episode about the Satanic Panic, the three of them delve deep into the origins of pop culture mysticism and the role it plays in our lives. Along the way, they discuss Aleister Crowley, the Rosicrucians, and how the Freemasons got their reputation for being keepers of mystic knowledge. All this, plus Dave's answer to the meaning of mysticism in our lives, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Satanism The Satanic Panic Mysticism Anton Lavey Aleister Crowley John K King Books in Detroit The Golden Dawn Freemasons Ordo Templi Orientis Bothered About Dungeons and Dragons Black Sabbath (This is the one everybody'll recognize) Rosicrucians Alchemy The Golden Bough The Order (TV) The Case of Charles Dexter Ward The Library of Alexandria The Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis National Treasure The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

DNA Podcast 087 – Automating Tabletop Gaming with Brian Welcher

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 02:46:58 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with teacher, martial artist, and gamer Brian Welcher to discuss his project to automate some parts of tabletop gaming. The three discuss how Brian first got into gaming, and how his fascination with the RPG Pathfinder led him to look for ways to create scripts that would control the actions of absent players and NPCs. It's a fascinating discussion that leads to questions about what games actually are, and the possibilities of players being able to work co-operatively in wargaming instead of against each other. All this, and the bard with the worst luck ever, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Brian's Email: sackvilledm@gmail.com Dungeons and Dragons First Edition Pathfinder Palladium Fantasy Robotech RPG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles RPG Warhammer Panzer Leader Avalon Hill Game Company Dust 1947 Bolt Action Flames of War Battletech Mekwars.org - Classic Battletech Campaign and Server (I was wrong, it isn't solo, but just online play- Rob) Thorn Battlemech Fallout Tabletop Game Albedo RPG Call of Chthulu The Walking Dead: All Out War Tabletop Game Creative Commons

DNA Episode 086 – Interview with Lee Gold

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 02:48:51 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with the incomparable Lee Gold to discuss her life as an early RPG designer, editor of the long-running APA Alarums and Excursions, and filk songwriter. Along the way, the trio discuss the history of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society (LASFS), how she started her APA, and some of Lee's memories of the early days of fandom. All this, and a sample of Lee and her husband Barry's singing, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Lee Gold Wikipedia Alarums and Excursions Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society (LASFS) APA-L DRAGON Magazine Amazon Cannot Ship to Australia Chivalry and Sorcery Steve Perrin Fanzines Worldcon Westercon Gary Gygax Jackals Fattening on a Lion's Kill by Gary Gygax Could you repeat that in Auld Wormish? by Lee Gold ORGINS Convention Issac Asimov Foundation Trilogy SLAN by A.E. Van Vogt Lensmen by E.E. Doc Smith Doomed Lensmen by Sybly Whyte Skylark of Space Filk Songs Tunnels and Trolls (or here) Superhero 2044 Toyo 2000 Basic Kanji Characters Lands of Adventure RPG Fantasy Games Unlimited GURPS Japan You Bash the Balrog and I'll Climb the Tree Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart Liaden Series by Sharon lee and Steve Miller In The Garden of Iden by Kage Baker Lois Bujold's Vorkosigan Series

DNA Podcast 085 – Media and the Law

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 02:49:35 +0000

In this episode, Rob, Don and Jack Ward discuss the relationships between the law and entertainment media. These three gumshoes leave no stone unturned as they delve into the seedy and often antagonistic relationship between those who make the rules and those who make the fun. Along the way, they discuss how copyright law has affected Audio Drama, real-life superheroes, and a surprising amount of adult material. All this, and why the king of Prussia was one sneaky S.O.B., is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Google Books Uncovers Massive Plagiarism How Mickey and Superman Changed Copyright Law Broken Sea Audio Conan the Barbarian Copyright Issues The History of Trademarks The History of Copyright History of Disclaimers Disney DC Comics Marvel Comics Pendant Productions Brampton Batman The Crimson Canuck Batman Dead End Spider-Man in Television Audio Drama Ratings System A History of PG-13 Dreams of Fisherman's Wife by Hokusai (NSFW) Libel Slander Parody Ratings Systems This Hour Has 22 Minutes Marg Warrior Princess Star Trek: The Next Generation a XXX Parody (Trailer) The Air Pirates Censorship Friendly Franks - The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Japanese Comic Book Demographics Inspector Kurokochi King of Prussia Markets Potatoes Chinpokomon South Park Jack's Notes: Lone Ranger Unmasked http://mentalfloss.com/article/12536/court-ordered-unmasking-lone-ranger But Moore's career hit a speed bump in 1978, when Jack Wrather, who still owned the rights to the character, obtained a court order barring him from appearing in public as the Lone Ranger. The suit came because Universal Pictures felt it was time for a new take on the legendary masked man. After a year-long court battle, Moore lost the right to wear the mask in 1979, a move that devastated both him and his fans. Moore was quoted as saying, “It felt like a slap in the face.” Gary McKinnon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_McKinnon McKinnon stated that he was able to get into the military's networks simply by using a Perl script that searched for blank passwords; in other words his report suggests that there were computers on these networks with the default passwords active. He said he investigated a NASA photographic expert's claim that at the Johnson Space Center's Building 8, images were regularly cleaned of evidence of UFO craft, and confirmed this, comparing the raw originals with the "processed" images. He stated to have viewed a detailed image of "something not man-made" and "cigar shaped" floating above the northern hemisphere, and assuming his viewing would be undisrupted owing to the hour, he did not think of capturing the image because he was "bedazzled", and therefore did not think of securing it with the screen capture function in the software at the point when his connection was interrupted. Real Life Superheroes https://listverse.com/2013/03/24/10-outrageous-real-life-superheroes/ Knight Warrior- Supernatural Power- to make the world a better place Although he doesn’t have any combat training, gadgets, weapons, or identifiable means of protection, he does have a flashy costume, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need to get people’s attention. According to him, “When people see me coming up it does tend to stun them into silence.” Knight Warrior lives with his mother. Wheel Clamp Man His main “heroic” activity is a full-fledged crime—he patrols Perth with an angle grinder and cuts wheel clamps off cars that have been illegally parked.Dressed in a skintight green leotard, rainbow socks, and a glue-on mustache, Wheel Clamp Man has only been working in the area for a relatively short time, but motorists are grateful for his help in helping them avoid a $135 fine. Dark Guardian New York, Inspiring video taking out a drug dealer out of the park https://vimeo.com/3529737 Captain Australia With gardening gloves flexed and ampersat blazing, Captain Australia is waging a one-man war against crime in Fortitude Valley. In his day life he’s a stay-at-home father of two, but a desire to clean up Queensland’s streets has motivated him to put together a makeshift costume and patrol some of the “seedier areas” of Brisbane at night. Thanatos Vancouver! Wearing a black trench coat, black hat, and a green skull mask, Thanatos takes a community involvement approach to vigilante justice, passing out food and clothing to people on the street, even though he still keeps an eye out for any crimes that cross his path. Phoenix Jones Seattle Washington is an MMA fighter. Bullet proof vest and armor plating The Flashing Blade Has only been involved in one incident so far, but it was definitely bizarre. A gang armed with chains and knives attacked two detectives in South Shields in 2007. The detectives were unarmed, but out of nowhere a man leaped into the fight, swinging a katana and shouting, “Leave him alone, he’s a police officer!” The sword caught one of the gang members on the arm, and the rest of them turned and ran, according to the report.After the detectives were safe, The Flashing Blade disappeared and was never seen again. The only description the police got was that he was white, in his 40s, and had a mustache. So, be on the lookout. Chinese Redbud Woman. http://www.chinahush.com/2011/12/31/female-superhero-chinese-redbud-woman-appears-in-beijing/ She has been spotted several times in Beijing wearing a mask and cape and handing out food to homeless people on the streets.Are these people vigilantes, putting their lives and the lives of others in danger, or are they actually making a difference in whatever way they can? Paramount and Axanar https://www.engadget.com/2017/01/21/cbs-and-paramount-settle-lawsuit-with-star-trek-fan-film/ Official fan guidelines. Specifically, the production can only be 30 minutes long in total, and even then it has to be split into two parts. The Axanar film also can't have "Star Trek" in the title, cannot use public crowd-funding and may not compensate any of the professional talent for their work. Flagpole sitting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_sitting Flagpole sitting was a fad in the mid-to-late 1920s. The fad was begun by stunt actor and former sailor[2] Alvin "Shipwreck" Kelly, who sat on a flagpole, either on a dare by a friend[3] or as a publicity stunt.[2] Shipwreck's initial 1924 sit lasted 13 hours and 13 minutes. It soon became a fad with other contestants setting records of 12, 17 and 21 days. In 1929, Shipwreck decided to reclaim the title. He sat on a flagpole for 49 days in Atlantic City, New Jersey, setting a new record.[4] The following year, 1930, his record was broken by Bill Penfield in Strawberry Point, Iowa who sat on a flagpole for 51 days and 20 hours, until a thunderstorm forced him down. Flagpole sitting in the 1920s was a major part of the decade. For the most part, pole sitting died out after 1929, with the onset of the Depression. Conan the Barbararian and Broken Sea www.sffaudio.com/conan-and-new-zealands-new-copyright-law-vs-broken-sea/ February 24, 2009 An intellectual property company has been harassing fans that were making audio versions of public domain Robert E. Howard CONAN stories. They’d keep going, but the new fucked-up New Zealand copyright law will shut down their whole operation if the company complains. Broken Sea Audio Productions, headquartered in New Zealand, has shut down all their Robert E. Howard projects after receiving another threatening letter from the lawyers for Conan Properties International LLC (aka Paradox Entertainment). Disney, Universal and Warner Brothers https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2017/12/13/hollywood-is-about-to-become-a-cage-match-between-disney-universal-and-warner-bros/#5823958243fa

DNA Podcast 084 – Food in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 00:12:29 +0000

Ronald McDonald 1.0 In this episode, Rob and Don explore the weird relationship between food and popular culture. From C3POs to Mac Tonight, the pair discuss how food is both shunned and adored in popular culture, and how this relationship has changed over time. Along the way, they ask the big questions, like "Can you eat D&D Monsters?" and "Why are North American so afraid of food in their media?" All this, and the Creepy Burger King, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: C3PO's Cerial Box Prizes Tokyo Midnight Diner Bartender Manga The Stuff Descent into the Depths of the Earth (D&D) The Underdark Delicious in the Dungeon Toriko Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Restaurant in Another World Nobunaga's Chef Isekai Izakaya "Nobu" Dr. Stone Iron Chef Cutthroat Kitchen Wok With Yan Julia Child Gordon Ramsey Anthony Bordain Alton Brown Good Eats NHK World Aunt Jemima Mascots Ronald McDonald Ronald McDonald Dating Mac Tonight Wendy's Twitter Feed Burger King Bearskin Rug The Burger King Elias's Big Boy Petey Wheat (Scroll down....) Volto From Mars Folgers Coffee Romantic Commercials (Taster's Choice actually....) Long Long Man Japanese Commercial Series (HAW! Subtle!) Messin With Sasquatch Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma

DNA Episode 083 – Warhammer with Professor Otaku

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 02:46:23 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined again by Professor Otaku to discuss the legendary tabletop miniatures game Warhammer. From the original Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay to the glory that is Warhammer 40k, the trio dive deep into the dark lore of the game which rules basement tables and hobby shops across the UK. Along the way, they discuss how the game has changed over the years, the things that make the Warhammer setting unique, and their own memories of playing the game. All this, and so much fun the inquisition would outlaw it, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Games Workshop White Dwarf Citadel Miniatures Warhammer Warhammer RPG Warhammer 40K Rogue Trader The Knight Sabres/Bubblegum Crisis Bretonia Age of Sigmar Mordheim Adeptus Titanicus 40K: The Dark Imperium Map The Eldar The Tau Bolt-Thrower

DNA Podcast 082 – Character Progression and Gamerisms in Media

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 02:46:13 +0000

In this episode Don and Rob discuss Don's view that tabletop RPGs and video games have influenced the way people write and consume stories. Delving deep into the topic, the pair discuss Kung Fu movies, westerns, Isekai stories and (naturally) litRPGs. All this and a deep discussion into where Dr. Who went wrong and how it's connected to sitcoms, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: The Lester Dent Pulp Formula Michael Moorcock's How to Write a Book in Three Days White Box Dungeons and Dragons The Hero's Journey Commando (movie) The Shaw Brothers (That's all you need to know....) Horse Operas The Rebel: Johnny Yuma Shout Factory TV Go (the game) Where Eagles Dare Die Hard litRPGs Dragonball Z "It's over 9000!" Isekai The Righteous Avenger Plot (from my blog) Death Wish WTF Happened to PG-13? (YouTube Video) No Game No Life (Abridged Version) Rocky (film) All the Write Moves by R.A. Paterson Wired for Story by Lisa Cron The Kishotenketsu Buffy The Vanpire Slayer BLEACH Manga Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star) Two Broke Girls How I Met Your Mother

DNA Podcast 081 – DNA Millwood Chapter with Anika and Matt

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 04:19:50 +0000

First Group picture pic.twitter.com/Ue75tvKTZy

— DNA Millwood Chapter (@dnamillwood) November 10, 2016 A while ago, friend of the show Jack Ward approached us about making his High School's nerdly arts club into a branch of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. We naturally were flattered, and accepted- thus the DNA Millwood Chapter was born! Now we sit down with Anika MacMullen and her co-president Matt Bambrick to talk about the club, it's membership, and their activities. Then Anika and Matt turn the tables on us, and interview Don and Rob about some burning questions they have about our organization. So, sit back and enjoy this very special Christmas episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: DNA Millwood Chapter Twitter Page Leigh Brackett Sword Art Online Progressive Jojo's Bizarre Adventure E-sports The Dark Dungeons Pamphlet The Sword and Lazer Podcast SHAZAM!/Captain Marvel

DNA Podcast 080 – J-Novel Club with Sam Pinansky

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 03:27:27 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by J-Novel club founder Sam Pinansky. J-Novel club is the largest online seller of translated Japanese Light Novels, and one of the pioneers in bringing these Japanese works to English readers. During this great interview, the trio discuss Sam's journey to becoming a publisher, the nature of the English Light Novel market, and why Light Novels are exploding in popularity in English right now. All this, and the challenges of translating Japanese Light Novel names into English, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed J-Novel Club Website String Theory Quantum Field Theory Quantum Entanglement Light Novels Sword Art Online Konosuba Goblin Slayer In Another World with My Smartphone Tezuka Productions Hobby Japan Overlap Media Factory Kodansha Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Last and First Idol Doujinshi (he called them Doujin) Last and First Men by Olaf Stapledon JK Haru is a Sex Worker in Another World An Archdemon's Dilmmea: How to Love Your Elf Bride How Not to Summon a Demon Lord Arifuretta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest Me? A Genius? I've been Reincarnated into Another World But I Think They've Got the Wrong Idea! Apprently It's My Fault My Husband Has the Head of a Beast! My Next Life as a Villianess: All Routes Lead to Doom! I Can't Believe My Little Sister is This Cute! Invaders of the Rokujoma Chuunibyo Record of Lodoss War The Light Novel Review YouTube Channel Shosetsu ni Naro! (I Want to Become a Novelist) Website

DNA Podcast 079 – Giant Robot Smackdown with Professor Otaku

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 02:14:45 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob enter the arena of giant robot combat with blazing hearts to face off with Professor Otaku- mecha history expert extraordinaire! The three discuss why Japan is so darn fascinated by giant robots, super robots vs. real robots, and the nature of mecha anime characters. Then, for the main event, Don and Professor Otaku spar off against each other over the Professor's scathing review of G-Fighter Gundam in a clash so powerful that we only have audio because the cameras all melted! All this, and a surprisingly deep discussion of racism, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Professor Otaku's YouTube Channel (D2) Professor Otaku's Review of G-Fighter Gundam G-Gundam Visual List of Gundams by Country Gundam Wing Yaoi Voltron History of Mecha Gundam Retrospective Gatchaman/Battle of the Planets Star Blazers Macross Your Name (movie) Aldonoah Zero Darling in the Franxx Chuck Wendig Dan Abnett GaoGaiGar Getta Robo Yoshiyuki Tomino Koji Kabuto Ideon Evangelion Mazinger Z Cyborg 009 My Hero Academia Sword Art Online Shadowrun Panzer World Galient SPT Layzner Mobile Suit Gundam Ronin Warriors Combattler V Fist of the North Star Leiji Matsumoto Blame Blue Oyster Cult Mobile Suit G-Fighter Gundam Essentialism The Thermian Argument Galaxy Quest The Tequila Gundam (Called the "Spike Gundam" in the dub) Afro-Futurism Battletech Shogun Warriors Mighty Orbots Robot Jox Bubblegum Crisis Gunsmith Cats Riding Bean Kenichi Sonoda Warhammer 40K

DNA Podcast 078 – We Robots with Jack Ward

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 03:34:48 +0000

In this episode, Rob, Don, and their friend Jack Ward attempt to delve into robots in popular culture, but what was intended as a light jaunt into robots and their place in entertainment turns into a deep existential discussion about what it really means to be human. Along the way, the trio explore possible definitions of what a robot is, how robots might truly be the children of men, and questions of our relationship with the machines around us. All that, and naturally sex robots, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Hero of Alexandria The Turing Test The Golem Talos George Carlin First Appearance on SNL Bicentennial Man A.I. by Speilberg Ex Machina (movie) Maria from Metropolis Robby the Robot The Three Laws of Robotics Erewhon by Samuel Butler A Mexican Mystery by W. Grove Tetsuwan Atom/Astro Boy The Questor Tapes Lost in Space Yokohama Kaidashi Kikō (this might be the one about the robot girl after the apocalypse, not sure) The Uncanny Valley Younger Dryas impact hypothesis (comet wipes out civilization) The AD Police Red Dwarf Rick and Morty D20 Gamma World The Monkey Sphere City Story by Clifford D. Samack The Culture Series by Iain M. Banks

DNA Podcast 077 – Hub Comics with Tim Finn and Jesse Farrell

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 01:48:04 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don team do an international team-up with Tim Finn and Jesse Farrell of Hub Comics of Somerville, Mass. to expose the true nature of owning a comic shop in this modern age. Thrill as the intrepid foursome discuss the perils of pissing off your comic reading audience. Gasp as Tim and Jesse expose the hidden side behind the counter at Hub Comics and what really goes on when the doors close. Shudder as the true reading habits of comic shop denizens are laid bare for your eyes to behold. All this, and more references to Persepolis than you can count, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs! Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Hub Comics DC INK line DC Zoom line Marvel Superhero Adventures Art School Confidential Ghost World Warriors Novels (fantasy cats) Nonplayer Criminal Moebius Understanding Comics Neil Gaiman MICE: Mass. Independent Comics Expo Persepolis Fun Home Maus Sandman SAGA March by John Lewis Toon Books

DNA Podcast 076 – American Superhero Comics

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 12:35:40 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob delve deep into the history of American superhero comics. From their early murky and pulpy origins to the modern digital age, the pair explore the rocky history of superhero comics and how they reflect American society. All this, and the Crimson Bee, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Marvel Comics DC Comics A Brief History of American Comics The Scarlett Pimpernel Zorro The Grey Seal Gregg Taylor Pulp DNA Episode The Shadow Superman Old Time Radio Show The Shadow Old Time Radio Show Freakonomics Captain Nazi (I was wrong, he's a SHAZAM villain) The Crimson Bee (actually the Red Bee, but I don't think it matters....) Lucy Meets Superman Captain Comet Adam Strange Tommy Tomorrow Gold Key Comics Charlton Comics Del Rey Kid Colt The Comix Book Captain Canuck E-man Shogun Warriors Atlas Comics Morlock 2001 Devil Hunter (I kinda combined a few versions of the name) Iron Jaw Merry Marvel Marching Society Amazing Heroes Ty Templeton Sho Kosugi The Marvel New Universe Yuusuke Murata Spiderverse Poster Crisis on Infinite Earths The Death of Superman Marvel Mangaverse Woman in the Fridge Trope Marvel MAX The Marvel Adventures Line IDW Marvel Unlimited DC Universe

DNA Podcast 074 – Toxic Fandom

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 17:59:09 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don delve into the weird and wacky world of fandom. They talk about their own fandom backgrounds, explore modern fandom's roots, and talk about how it evolved. Along the way, they discuss fandom's positive side, and try to define toxic fandom. All this, and why the My Little Pony RPG is D&D for kids, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Zines Fandom Trekkies USENET Reddit Anime London Universal Monster Movies Jeff Wood Rowerbrazzle (Hey! I'm on the internets!) Amateur Press Associations (APAs) Dr. Who Preservation Society Fangoria Star Fleet/X-Bomber Voltron Shiro Controversy Doijinshi Rule 34 Pendant Productions Star Trek: Axanar Fake Geek Girls Ty Templeton Comic Shippers Slash Fiction Steven Universe Toxic Fandom My Little Pony RPG The Flumph Cosmic Patrol RPG

DNA Podcast 073- UFOs in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 02:20:03 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob explore the place of UFOs in our popular culture with the help of Jack Ward. The trio explore the earliest UFO reports, talk about how UFOs have changed with the times, and what our ideas about aliens say about us. Along the way, Jack tells the story of his father's UFO encounters, and they talk about their favorite alien-related movies. All this, and the 82 kinds of aliens, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: UFO on Wikipedia In Search Of Remake (It's down near the bottom) Twilight Zone (Night of the Meek) Chinese UFO Cave Paintings Ancient Egyptian UFO Sightings Project Blue Book TV Series Ezekiel UFOs in the Bible UFOs in Rennaisance Art The Gospel According to Saint Thomas The Vedas Six Million Dollar Man Bigfoot Airship Scares The Tomato Man: (I may have mixed this with this) The Nazi Bell The Monsters are due on Maple Street HG Welles' War of the Worlds Movie 1953 Watch the Skies by Curtis Peebles Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind US Military Has Plans for UFO Invasion Kenneth Arnold sees Flying Saucers Maury Island Incident UFOS by Leslie Kean Project Disclosure Videos Red Planet Mars The Three Body Problem Silver Screen Saucers Mysterious Universe The X-Files Fire in the Sky Betty and Barney Hill Billy Meier Traveller RPG Rendezvous with Rama Edgar Michelle NASA Astronaut I Married a Monster from Outer Space Night of the Blood Beast Who Goes There by John W. Campbell (The Thing) Devilman The Abyss Project Serpo (it's down a bit) Dulce Base New Mexico Outer Limits Episode "The Architects of Fear" The Five Kinds of UFO Encounters DR and Quinch from 2000 AD James Forrestal Shag Harbour Incident Phoenix Lights Predator District 9 The Abyss alternate end Mars Attacks Cloverfield The Arrival It Came from Outer Space Earth vs. The Flying Saucers The Mysterians Plan 9 From Outer Space U.F.O. TV Series Terrorvision They Live The Girl with All the Gifts The Powers of Matthew Starr Mork and Mindy The First Wave Torchwood: Children of Earth Dark Conspiracy RPG The Eternals ROM: Spaceknight I Come in Peace (Movie) Dark Skies The Hidden V: The Series Jack's UFO Notes: Dr. Edgar Mitchell (who passed away in 2016) was a NASA astronaut who traveled to (and walked on) the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. A Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, he once completed a record-breaking nine-hour, 24-minute EVA on the surface of the moon. In addition to his distinguished scientific career with NASA, he was a strong believer in metaphysical phenomena. He was a strong believer in the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life and claimed Earth had frequently been visited by aliens. Among the many times he made these assertions was in a 2009 interview with the Guardian: “We are being visited,” [Mitchell] said. “It is now time to put away this embargo of truth about the alien presence. I call upon our government to open up … and become a part of this planetary community that is now trying to take our proper role as a spacefaring civilisation.” ***************** Leslie Kean- UFOs Before writing UFOs, Kean co-founded the Coalition for Freedom of Information, an independent alliance advocating for greater government openness on information about UFOs. In this capacity, she was the plaintiff in a successful, five-year Freedom of Information Act federal lawsuit against NASA, which had withheld information concerning a crash of an object in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania in 1965. In 2007, Kean co-organized a landmark Washington DC international press conference on official UFO investigations, which received media coverage around the world. She was also a producer for the 2009 independent documentary I Know What I Saw directed by James Fox. She co-organized a 2013 international conference providing a platform for scientists, government officials and journalists studying UFOs to present data, and she lectured at American University in 2014. Previously, Kean worked as a freelance writer and radio producer. In the 1990’s she was an on-air host for a daily investigative news program on KPFA radio, a Pacifica station in California. She contributed articles to dozens of publications here and abroad including the Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Providence Journal, International Herald Tribune, Globe and Mail, Sydney Morning Herald, The Nation, and Journal for Scientific Exploration.. Her stories were syndicated through Knight Ridder/Tribune, Scripps-Howard, New York Times wire service, Pacific News Service, and the National Publishers Association. While spending many years reporting on Burma, Kean coauthored Burma’s Revolution of the Spirit: The Struggle for Democratic Freedom and Dignity (Aperture, 1994). She contributed essays for a number of anthologies published between 1998 and 2009. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/201625/ufos-by-leslie-kean/9780307717085/ ***************** American Government (Pentagon) admits The Pentagon has officially confirmed that there was, in fact, a $22 million government program to collect and analyze “anomalous aerospace threats” — government-speak for UFOs. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2017/12/18/the-government-admits-it-studies-ufos-so-about-those-area-51-conspiracy-theories/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.2a60d2feba11 *************** Lists of Governments investigating UFO's https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_investigations_of_UFOs_by_governments *************** Silver Screen Saucers- Sorting Fact from Fantasy in Hollywood's Movies https://www.amazon.ca/Silver-Screen-Saucers-Sorting-Hollywoods/dp/1910121118 *********** 5 Most Credible Sightings https://www.history.com/news/ufo-sightings-credible-modern 8 World's Best Places to Search for ET's https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2018/01/28/the-worlds-8-best-places-to-hunt-for-extraterrestrials-and-search-for-ufos/#7abe67822ddb Alien visits? UFO survey says 1,101 sightings across Canada in 2017 https://toronto.citynews.ca/2018/07/10/alien-visits-ufo-survey-says-1101-sightings-across-canada-2017/ Falcon Lake incident is Canada's 'best-documented UFO case,' even 50 years later https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/falcon-lake-incident-book-anniversary-1.4121639 Phoenix Lights A Sleptic's Discover That we are not alone https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Lights-Skeptics-Discovery-Alone/dp/1571746323 Rendlesham Forest Incident https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rendlesham_Forest_incident Aliens Shutting Down Nuclear Sites https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/ufo/8026971/Aliens-have-deactivated-British-and-US-nuclear-missiles-say-US-military-pilots.html POP Culture Of Course Spielburg Believes in UFO's https://io9.gizmodo.com/of-course-steven-spielberg-believes-in-aliens-1818519987 http://mentalfloss.com/article/63198/15-things-you-may-not-know-about-close-encounters-third-kind - Spielberg partly based his idea on the research of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a civilian scientific advisor to Project Blue Book who eventually admitted that 11 percent of the study’s findings about unidentified flying objects could not be explained using science. Hynek has a cameo - Hynek, who also served as a technical advisor on the movie, makes an uncredited cameo in the final scene of the movie. You can spot him pretty easily—he’s the goateed man smoking a pipe and wearing a powder blue suit who pushes through the crowd of scientists to get a better look at the aliens. -Spielberg approached French actors like Lino Ventura, Yves Montand, and Jean-Louis Trintignant to play Claude Lacombe—who was based on famous UFO researcher Jacques Vallée—before settling on director and sometimes-actor François Truffaut. - Close Encounters was a forerunner for ET. Puck would help inspire E.T. after Spielberg asked himself, “What if this little guy didn’t get back on the mothership?” Rambaldi would also go on to design the character of E.T. *********** The situation on U.S. Navy Flight 19, from which the airplanes that appear in the Mexican desert came, disappeared off Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 1945. No trace has ever been found of "the Lost Flight 19," which left the Naval Air Station near there in 1945. *********** Rumours of dropping hints https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2018/06/spielberg-close-encounters-and-conspiracy-theories/ ************ Project Serpo—an alleged human/alien exchange program between US military personnel and a race of extraterrestrials from the Zeta Reticuli star system. The story goes that, in July of 1965, twelve astronauts were taken to the planet Serpo aboard an alien spaceship and remained there for thirteen years. In exchange, the aliens left one of their own in the custody of the US government. This story didn’t emerge until 2005 in the form of a string of anonymous emails that were sent to selected UFO researchers, including Project Camelot/Avalon’s Bill Ryan, who created a website dedicated to the “leaks.” ************* Ufology https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2018/03/dont-forget-ufology-the-influence-of-ufo-lore-in-pop-culture/ Indeed, the first reports of flying saucers in the modern UFO era pre-date Hollywood’s first feature film about UFOs by three years. It was in 1947 that pilot Kenneth Arnold’s famous sighting gave rise to the “flying saucer” term, but it wasn’t until 1950 that Hollywood produced The Flying Saucer, a cheap attempt to cash-in on the UFO hysteria then sweeping America—a hysteria incited not by cinema, but by numerous reports nationwide of disc-shaped objects intruding upon America’s airspace. Ever since 1950, the movie industry has been grabbing hold of UFOlogical concepts and popularizing them through the science-fiction genre: “Men in Black,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “The Fourth Kind,” “Area 51.” Hollywood didn’t create these terms, they were all part of the common language of UFOlogy decades before Hollywood lifted them. The same is true of the now-iconic image of the “Gray” alien—a form that has its roots in pre-existing UFO literature and which has since has found its way into some of the most popular science-fiction movies and TV shows of all time. Travis Walton had described such entities as early as 1975. It wasn’t until two years later, in 1977, that Hollywood produced its first fully crystalized cinematic image of the Grays in Spielberg’s proudly UFOlogical Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The Grays in the movie were based directly on first-hand testimonies gathered by Spielberg’s production designer, Joe Alves. Communion was adapted for Hollywood in 1989; its poster featured a full-face image of a Gray, staring hypnotically into the eyes of millions of creeped-out cinemagoers worldwide. Then followed Intruders (1992), a miniseries based directly on real-world descriptions of Grays as documented in abduction literature. More Grays would then appear in The X-Files (1993-), Babylon 5 (1994-1998), Dark Skies (1996-1997), and others. By the late-1990s, the image of the Gray had supplanted almost all other pre-existing cultural imaginings of what an alien might look like. ************ Jupiter Ascending esoteric meanings https://deusnexus.wordpress.com/2015/02/22/meaning-jupiter-ascending/ ********************** 11 Musicians who have seen UFO's https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/d09fdaf6-ca65-427d-8177-25f209ad9c3b ********** Top Ten Songs about UFO's http://ultimateclassicrock.com/songs-about-ufos/ DON NOTE: They forgot a couple: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2ZvIe7Iia8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYkvpNR8BGU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SSWIg8HJec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epOigyGHPV8 *************** https://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-about-ufos/ranker-film Best Movies about UFO's ****************** Best TV Shows about Aliens https://www.ranker.com/list/best-tv-shows-about-aliens/ranker-tv ************* Close Encounters 1st Kind- When a person sees a UFO within 150 metres 2nd Kind- Leaves evidence such as scorch marks 3rd Kind- Visible aliens in or out of craft 4th Kind- Taken and experimented on 5th Kind- Mutual Bilateral Communication http://new.cseti.org/ce5initiative.html ********************* Dad's experiences ************** James Forrestal's Death https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Forrestal *************** NASA Friend ***************** UFO Themes - Government Conspiracies - Brother from another Planet - Evil Aliens eat humans/ want resources - Aliens from another universe - Aliens are truly the Earth People - Aliens think we're unimportant - Aliens are future humans - Saviors/Heroes from the Stars - Animal Experiments - Alien Bases on Earth - Breakaway Civilization - Hybrids *************** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Hellyer ******************** Foo Fighters Ghost Rockets 82 Aliens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Fsn0B3ti8&ebc=ANyPxKoJCmungN49nLp2F4I609hQQVyeUiEqhzoB1lzB4Klfj7dF21_L89TU7IgZeLgVJb6VFvxAbyhkO_bKNzu5Y3s5eDq_PA ************ The Girl with All the Gifts https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4547056/

DNA Podcast 072 – Time Travel in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 23:25:37 +0000

In this week's episode, Rob and Don sit down to talk about time travel! The pair discuss the past, present, and future of time travel stories, how time travel seems to have developed fictional "rules" that everyone agrees on (but have no basis in fact), and what some of their favorite time travel stories are. All this, and a voice from the future drops by, in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: BBC Online Time Travel Possible Doctor Who HG Wells: The Time Machine Asmiov's Three Rules of Robotics Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure Natsu no Arashi Doctor Strange (Movie) Memoires of the 20th Century The Warp Drive Star Trek The Fey Folk John Carter of Mars: A Princess of Mars Ano 7603 Mysterious Universe Podcast Jack Ward's Borrowed Time Audio Drama List of Time Travel Stories from Wikipedia Edge of Tomorrow (movie) Daylight TV Series (Day Break, actually.) The Sound of Thunder Lest Darkness Fall The Door Into Summer All You Zombies Captain Z-Ro Mr. Peabody and His Boy Sherman Max the 2000 Year Old Mouse The Ghost of Slumber Mountain Once Upon a Time Man... Frequency Steins Gate The Time Traveller's Wife About Time The Restaurant at the End of the Universe Back to the Future Somewhere in Time Time Bandits The Undead by Roger Corman Journeyman TV Series A Conneticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Unidentified Flying Oddball The Shadow out of Time 12 Monkeys Travellers TV Series Quantum Leap Legends of Tomorrow Twilight Zone: Walking Distance Twilight Zone: The Execution Twilight Zone: The Incredible World of Horrace Ford Terminator Timelapse

DNA Podcast 071 – Fake News

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 02:46:20 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob discuss The News, exploring the past, present and future of our primary source of knowledge about the world around us. In the process, they discuss the relationship between the news makers and the audience, how the news has evolved to meet the needs of different eras, and how the democratic nature of the news actually works against itself. All this, and Ben Franklin's tips on choosing a mistress, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Steal this Book! (Still available on Amazon.) Amusing Ourselves to Death Bards Benjamin Franklin Advice to a Friend in Choosing a Mistress by Ben Franklin The Golden Age of Cinema Milton Berle Texaco Star Theatre Watergate Don Henley Dirty Laundry Kennedy Nixon Debate Vampire LARP CNN First Broadcast Culture War Profiteering Episode Pundits Citizen Journalism NHK World

DNA Podcast 070 – Trinidad Dreams with Justin Charles

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 18:54:40 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with Justin Charles of the A Dude and Chick Walk Into a Studio podcast to talk about Justin's life growing up as a geek in the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. The three explore how Trinidad and Justin's early loves of anime, video games, storytelling, and audio drama shaped his future and lead him to his work today in the media production industry. All this, and how Ruroni Kenshin made the strong men of Trinidad weep, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed Dude and a Chick Podcast Page Justin's Website - Sandosavant.com Trinidad and Tobago Steel Drums (or if you prefer....) Ruroni Kenshin Spiderman and his Amazing Friends A-Levels University of the West Indies Howard University Justin's Audio Dramas Butajin Lgend of Zelda: The Wrath of a God by Rich Barrigan Project Arclite The Jumbee Final Fantasy Skyrim Detroit: Become Human

DNA Podcast 69 – Retro TV Recycle Bin with Jack Ward

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 14:44:16 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with their friend Jack Ward to talk about the TV shows that might have died too soon (or not soon enough!). The trio leave no unfinished stone unturned as they delve into shows about science fiction, fantasy, comedy and cartoons that never made it past their freshman year. From Logan's Run to Manimal, It's Your Move to Madam's Place, the three rummage through the recycle bin of TV history to see if there's anything worth salvaging in there. Note: Due to some technical difficulties, the audio quality on this episode is a bit dodgy. Our apologies. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed The Incredible Hulk (TV Show) Man in a Suitcase Megas XLR Sym-Bionic Titan Firefly Gene L. Coon Battlestar Galactica (1978) Battlestar Galactica Documentary YouTube Kings (Tv Series) Ian McShane Cupid (1994) Brimstone Galactica 1980 (I thought we weren't talking about this?) Max Headroom Matt Frewer Dwight Schultz The Lexx Logan's Run TV Planet of the Apes TV UFO Space 1999 Captain Scarlett and the Mysterons X-COM:UFO DEFENSE It's Your Move Otherworld The Fantastic Journey 1977 Voyagers! The Sonic Society The Starlost Dark Skies The First Wave John Doe Memento I Need a Hero by Bonnie Tyler Alien Nation Robert J. Sawyer Highwayman Space: Below and Behind Peversions of Science Babylon 5:Crusade Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles Manimal Earth 2 Automan Time Tunnel Land of the Giants Far Out Space Nuts The Phoenix Chariots of the Gods The Powers of Matthew Starr Benji and the Alien Prince Madame's Place The Duck Factory The George Carlin Show MAD TV Jericho ROME Space Academy The Invaders Tekwar Under the Mountain Outlaws Starcops Star Maidens Saphire and Steel Quatermass Salvage One Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire The Time Express It's About Time Time Trax Space Precinct Hypernauts Crime Traveller Mercy Point Prey Code Name:Eternity The Last Train Now and Again Strange Luck Threshold Supertrain The Man From Atlantis The Invisible Man The Gemini Man Ancient Warriors NHK World Ninja Truth NHK/YouTube Spicy City Cool World Roswell Conspiracies The Wonderful World of Disney Swamp Fox Stranger Things

DNA Podcast 068 – Super Sentai with Squall Charlson

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 03:04:33 +0000

In this episode...everybody say HAI! Because Rob and Don sit down with YouTuber and Tokusatsu fan Squall Charlson to discuss the history of Japan's Super Sentai genre. Donning the colours of Red, Blue and Yellow, the three heroes discuss the genre's origins, how it evolved over time, and the highlights of Super Sentai's 43 year history! All this, and how Dynaman is the greatest thing ever, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed List of Sentai Series IT'S HENSHIN TIME! The History of Super Sentai & Power Rangers (a YouTube documentary on the history of Sentai and Power Rangers) Squall's YouTube Channel Dynaman Comedy Dub Episodes Kamen Rider Metal Hero Shows Himistu Sentai GoRanger JAKQ Joss Whedon Japanese Spiderman Battle Fever J TNT Ultra 7 Squall's Video on Reused Sentai Locations Bioman Liveman Jetman Keita Amemiya Zyuranger Dairanger Megaranger Kakuranger Gingaman Gogo Five Timeranger Kamen Rider Kuuga Magiranger Hurrikenger Boukenger Kamen Rider Faiz Dekaranger V-Cinema Go-Onger Shinkenger Gokaiger Go-Busters ToQger Failed Megazord (ToQger Mecha Boner!) Lupinranger vs. Patoranger Kamen Rider Dragon Knight Kamen Rider Ryuki Kamen Rider The First Kamen Rider The Next

DNA Podcast 67 – Intelligence in Popular Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 12:00:12 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with Jack Ward to discuss portrayals of Intelligence in popular culture. The three delve into the hows and whys of the way smart people are portrayed the way they are in the media, the difference between wisdom and intelligence, and how it's all linked with the ways the human brain works. All this, and why Daniel Kahneman is the most important person you've never heard of, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: The Great Gazoo Mr. Myxlpltzk Professor Jordan Peterson Marcus Brody (Indiana Jones) Geeks vs Nerds Podcast Confucianism Andy Griffith Mr. Smith Goes to Washington TRON Reboot TV Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Rabbit Brain - Tortoise Brain (actually called "Hare Brain Tortoise Mind.") Sliders TV E-Sports The Dark Web Doogie Howser MD Death Note Being There (Movie) John Grisham Lee Child DNA Nerd Episode Cyberpunk Kramer vs. Kramer Glengary Glen Ross The S.P.I.N.E. of a Good Story (from Rob's blog) Epic Rap Battles: Steven Spielberg vs Alfred Hitchcock Invisible Ink by Brian MacDonald Inciting Incident Ferris Bueller's Day Off Stephen Hawking Dirty Harry Charles Bronson

DNA Podcast 66- A History of Mecha Anime Part Two – Real Robots

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 18 May 2018 12:00:46 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don continue exploring the world of mecha anime with a journey into the "Real Robot" subgenre. The pair discuss how the Real Robot genre split off from the Super Robot subgenre they covered in the last episode, and then recombined with Evangelion, to form a whole new kind of titanic monster machine, covering the subgenre's past, present, and future. All this, and what a Man in a Suitcase Show is, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: List of Real Robot Anime Boston Dynamics Robot Dog Anime Ja Nai (Mobile Suit ZZ Gundam Opening) Mobile Suit Gundam Ideon Macross Man in a Suitcase Show Yoshitsune Gundam Sousei Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud Gekiga Yoshiyuki Tomino Fang of the Sun Dougram Battletech Robotech Message from Space The Hakkenden Armoured Trooper VOTOMS Dorvak Genesis Climber Mospeda Isekai Aura Battler Dunbine Round Vernian VIFAM Victory Gundam Victory Gundam End theme (Winner's Forever) Ninja Robot Tobikage Opening (Love Survivor) Bubblegum Crisis OVA - Original Video Animation Megazone 23 Metal Skin Panic MADOX X-01 Mobile Police Patlabor Mamoru Oshi Gundam Wing Evangelion Code Geass Hetalia Girls and Panzer Giguk - Mecha: The Rise & Fall of Giant Robots

DNA Podcast 65- A History of Mecha Anime Part One – Super Robots

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 04 May 2018 13:45:37 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down to discuss the origins of Super Robot mecha anime. The pair discuss how it exploded onto Japanese TV in the 1970's, how it changed and evolved over time, and it's invasion of the minds of youth everywhere. All this, and the story of how the genre started because one man hated traffic jams, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: List of Mecha Anime Professor Otaku's A Visual History of Mecha Go Nagai IT! The Living Colossus Mazinger Z Gigantor Ultraman Ultra 7 Frankenstein Jr. The Green Slime Tsuburaya Productions Ray Harryhausen Gatchaman Getta Robo Getta Robo G Taekwon V Brave Raideen Goddam Gowapper V Tekkaman Shogun Warriors Force Five Young Boy Chokes to Death on Battlestar Galactica Toy Combattler V (or maybe the new one) Rainbow Sentai Robin (B&W, ironically....) Tranzor Z (When I was a kid this is what ALL super robot openings looked like.) Discotek Media Dinosaur War Eizenborg Ichiro Mizuki Danguard Ace Zambot 3 Yoshiyuki Tomino Voltes V Mobile Suit Gundam Ideon GoLion Voltron Armored Fleet Dairuggar 15 Sabre Rider and the Star Sherrifs Gunbuster Dangaioh Guren Lagaan (...is that a Porg...?) Brave Robot Series GaoGaiGar Neon Genesis Evangelion Goddanner Mazinger Infinity Mighty Orbots MegasXLR Sym-Bionic Titan Pacific Rim

DNA Podcast 064 – Russian Science Fiction with Simon Vale

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 22:01:05 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with Simon Vale of Magic Dome Books, a company which specializes in translating Russian science fiction into English. The trio discuss Russian geek culture, Russia's fascination with litRPGs, and the nature of the Russian book markets. All this, and why the Strugatskie brothers are the greatest Science Fiction writers you've probably never heard of, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Things Discussed Magic Dome Books Balder's Gate Stanislav Lem Issac Asimov The Lexx The Witcher Litnet.com Peter Watts (author) Perry Rhodan Simon's Notes: What first Russian S/F should someone who wants to check them out read? There are some great authors, Strugatskie brothers for example: Roadside Picnic - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1613743416 The Doomed City - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7SVFC4 Hard to be a God - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TONTAFK This is Russian Sci-Fi classic. Unfortunately many of their books including some amazing stories aren’t translated or as in this case (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0026151200) are only available for a great deal of money. Then there are modern authors: Vasily Mahanenko (LitRPG) The Way of the Shaman - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQRW14E Galactogon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012B9L0DI Michael Atamanov (LitRPG) The Dark Herbalist - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M9F1AM7 Perimeter Defense – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015JMSSJS Dmitry Gluhovskiy (PostApocalypse) Metro 2033 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003774XKG Sergei Lukyanenko (Vampire Fantasy) The Night Watch - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031RSB5U Pavel Kornev (steampunk) The Sublime Electricity - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J1WY2U6 Zotov (ironical Sci-Fi, dystopia) Moskau - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IWR5R32

What distinguishes Russian Science Fiction/Fantasy from English Novels? Style? Audience? Attitude?

Speaking about Fantasy I think that there is no big difference. Russian Fantasy is having the same roots as every other Fantasy in the world - books by John Tolkien and Joanna Rowling, Dungeon & Dragons tabletop games and old computer games like Baldurs Gate or Eye of Beholder. There is also some national material based Fantasy in Russia and it is relatively popular. Some authors do specialize on it. It is much more complicated with Science Fiction. The way I see it is - in the end of XIXth century world Science Fiction was mostly positive. You know, human progress, improving medicine, magic of electricity. On that positive basis people once again tried to build the ideal modern society but ended up building two horrible dictatorships – Nazi Germany and Soviet Union. That’s why world Science Fiction of the second half of the 20th century is all about disappointment. Disappointment in progress which is not helping to solve every problem as it seemed before. But since Russia was one of those ideal societies we couldn’t afford such a view. With censorship and all that. So when Polish author Stanislav Lem wrote about how we can't communicate with any other alien forms because all we're looking for in space is a mirror and when Isaac Azimov wrote about danger of artificial inteligence and when Heinlein wrote about hunger of the outgrown human population, all that time we kept writing about how great and kind people of the communistic future will be. It was a little naive but Soviet censorship just wouldn't allow anything else to be published. Maybe this is why PostApocalypse and cyberpunk genres are still popular in Russia. Dark Science Fiction, you know, to balance things up with our inheritance. Maybe this or else maybe because many Russian Science Fiction writers are former military people. For a few years now Russians are reading YA Fantasy mostly. I see many young women writers coming up on stage with that genre.

Where does most modern Russian S/F come from? (Websites? Print companies?)

I have to say that Russian publishing market had seen better days. In 90-s average number of copies for a fantasy novel easily could be 25-50 thousands of copies. Even more! Today it's more like 5000 copies. I mean paper editions of course. Our big problem is the market itself. We have one big publisher which is publishing like two-thirds of all books in Russia. Up until recently we had two. But they merged together and now we have one. It is very hard to work on that market first of all because Russia is very big. Most books are printed in western part of Russia. So when you need to deliver them to the east – it costs a fortune. People do read digital books and here we’re across another big problem of the market – piracy. Still there are ways to make some money on this market, but it’s not very well developed. Many authors in Russia are having their own online shops.

Is there a typical Russian Novel reader in English? What are they like?

Russian literature on English market is mostly represented with classics. Dostoevskiy, Chekhov, Tolstoy. So I guess typical Russian novel reader in English would be a person who studies foreign literature in university. Russian Fantasy and Sci-Fi are represented much worse. But we’re working on it! Since we’re publishing LitRPG, our readers are mainly gamers. At least many of them are. MMORPG games are the same everywhere – World of Warcraft or Eve Online. So readers are familiar with all the references inside books. Unfortunately, books from Eastern Europe and Russia aren’t very popular in US in general. There is a splendid series from Polish author Andzhey Sapkovsky. The Witcher. Even if u didn't read it, u probably know the computer game. And also as you might know - there is Netflix series coming up soon. In Russia it has a huge fandom! The Witcher (book 1 – Classic Fantasy) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043M6712

Is there a typical Russian hero? What are they like? How are they different from an American one?

In modern literature I think typical Russian hero is strong and silent. He’s a loner and he is irregularly shaved. But that’s modern Sci-Fi. There is a classic hero from Russian fairy tales. A fool. Brilliant idiot who gets lucky all the time. Some Sci-Fi author do borrow him for their books.

DNA Podcast 063 – A History of GI Joe with Tim Finn

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 17:18:17 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with Tim Finn, author of the upcoming book GI Joe: A Real American Book, to discuss the history of GI Joe. The trio discuss Joe's origins as the first Action Figure for boys, how the GI Joe comic helped reboot the franchise, and the GI Joe: A Real American Hero animated series. All that, and the real meaning of the name Hasbro, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Tim's Website GI Joe (Wikipedia Entry) Hasbro Toys Mister Potato Head (Oh, sweet Merciful Fates...!) Don Levine First GI Joe TV Ad Larry Hama HYDRA MEGO Toys Micronauts Shogun Warriors General Hawk Duke HISS Tank GI Joe Steel Brigade Lady Jaye Mysticons Toys Filmmation Ron Friedman Sunbow Productions Marvel Productions (animation) Steve Gerber Howard the Duck Shipwreck (Character) Buzz Dixon Sergeant Slaughter Slaughter's Marauders Kenner Toys GI Joe Extreme Visionaires ROM:Space Knight

DNA Podcast 062 – Taiwanese Comics with Julia Chien

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 03:14:46 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with Taiwanese writer Julia Chien to discuss the past, present and future of Taiwanese comic books. Along the way, they talk about comic codes, what life for comics artists was like under military rule, and why many of Taiwan's best and brightest artists are working in the Korean market. All this, and why the Taipei suburb of Beitou was once believed to be filled with witches and demons, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Julia's article: Tales of Taiwan's Comic Artists: Persecution, Isolation and Endless Talent Taiwan Min Nan Beitou Doraemon Korean Webcomic Layout (Manhua Nobelesse, which is still breaking it up, the actual comic would be one long strip) Zhuangzi Speaks Romance of the Three Kingdoms Image to Audio Converter Julie Chien (味王, Wei Wang) Mixcloud Page Books From Taiwan Comics Page Tsai Chi-Chung's Chinese culture comic app Patau (Beitou) on Comico Webtoon Slowork Publishing Slowork's Monsoon crowdfunding Page Chen Jian's Son of the Sea on books.com.tw Chen Uen's comics on books.com.tw TV special on Chen Uen Mangasick Comic Shop BBC Video on Taiwan's Comic Book Heroes

DNA Podcast 61 – What is Fantasy?

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 01:38:37 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob take a look at the Fantasy genre and explore some of their favorite Fantasy RPGs. Along the way, they discuss Don's five types of Fantasy, look at how RPGs have redefined what Fantasy is, and debate the difference between magic and theology. All this, and the great debate over whether Star Wars is fantasy or science fiction, are waiting for you to decide in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Fantasy Alternate World Fiction Warhammer 40K Conan the Barbarian Dungeons and Dragons The Monkey King Apocalyptic RPG Episode Nanotechnology The Force Midichlorians Psionics Wuxia Taoism Abelard Snazz Visionaries (toys) MAGE: The Ascension RPG MAGE (The Comic) by Matt Wagner The World of Darkness Warhammer RPG Weapons of the Gods RPG Exalted RPG Auspicious Beginnings (Weapons of the Gods Intro Adventure) Airship Pirates RPG Abney Park (band) RIFTS RPG Shadowrun RPG Victoriana RPG Runequest RPG Mouseguard RPG Bunnies and Burrows RPG The White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle The Crushed D20 Supplement So I'm a Spider! So What? (Light Novel) No Game, No Life! (Light Novel) No Game No Life in 7 Minutes (Video) In Another World with My Cell Phone (Light Novel) Dragon Quest RPG One Piece My Little Pony RPG

DNA Podcast 060 – Chinese Webnovels with Jeremy Bai

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:29:39 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with translator and author Jeremy Bai to discuss the world of Chinese Webnovels. The trio discuss the history of Chinese adventure fiction being translated to English, how Chinese heroes differ from English heroes, and the best Webnovels for people new to the genre to check out. All this, and the real meaning of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Deathblade YouTube Channel I Shall Seal the Heavens Wuxiaworld.com Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon SPCnet.tv Novel Translation Forums The Dear and the Cauldron The Book and the Sword Louis Cha/Jin Yong Stellar Transformations XuanHuan and Common Terms in Chinese Novels (General Chinese Fantasy) Xianxia (Immortal Hero Fantasy) Wuxia (Martial Arts Fantasy) Coiling Dragon Rebirth of the Thief Massively Multiplayer Roleplaying Games The Wheel of Time Taiwan Qidian.com 17k.com Webnovel.com Japanese vs Chinese Light Novel Main Characters One-Punch Man Has Eyes but Didn't See Mount Tai Tales of Demons and Gods Edgar Rice Burroughs Desolate Era Novelupdates.com Novel Translations Subreddit Legends of Ogre Gate story Wandering Heroes of Ogre Gate Weapons of the Gods RPG Feng Shui RPG Legend of the Condor Heroes

DNA Podcast 059 – Portrayals of Strength in the Media

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 02:01:12 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob look at cultural views of strength in the media. The pair explore why lead characters being strong is so important to North American audiences, how views of strength have changed over time, and what a strong female fighter really means. All this, and how Free to Be You and Me destroyed a generation, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed Dynaman 1950's Education Films and PSAs Bob Dobbs Self Actulization Free To Be You and Me 1970's Exploitation Films John Carpenter Slasher Films Texas Chainsaw Massacre Mystery Science Theatre Industrial Arts Film Dirty Harry Charles Bronson Dragnet Adam 12 Kojak Baretta Death Wish Commando Cobra (Stallone) The Hills Have Eyes Silver Bullet Nightbreed Spider Baby Married with Children Fight Club 1980's Action Films The Rock (movie) Con Air (movie) Hippy Movement 90s Milk Ads Conan the Barbarian Broadchurch Twin Peaks Star Trek: Discovery Surf Nazis Must Die

DNA Podcast 058 – Light Novels with Justus R Stone

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 13:00:33 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob head East with Justus R. Stone, YouTube Light Novel Reviewer, to discuss the ins and outs of the Japanese and American Light Novel markets. Along the way, Justus takes the pair on a tour of the origins of Light Novels, why they're growing in popularity in English, and how Light Novels have become linked with web-fiction. All this, and the answer to the question Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed Justus R. Stone YouTube channel Sword Art Online Legend of the Galactic Heroes Record of Lodoss War Slayers Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! Accel World Pulp Serial Novels Wattpad Shosetuka ni Naro! Bunkobon Format Tankobon Format Self-Insert Fiction Your Name (Movie Trailer) Naruto Shonen Manga Shojo Manga Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Hentai (Caution! Adults only! NSFW!) Ecchi J-Novel Club Yen Press (Yen On) RE:Zero Cross Infinite World (female Light Novel publisher in English) Crunchyroll.com TV Pilot Episode Ready Player One NEET(Not in Education, Employment, or Training) Isekai: The Genre That Took Over Anime (video) The Ryuo's Work is Never Done! As a Chinese, I'd like to talk about those Chinese web novels classification (yy fiction) The Rising of the Shield Hero Overlord A Lich The Isolator Monster Girl Doctor Tokyo Pop Kadokawa Shoten (Publisher) Bookwalker Light Novels Kindle Direct Publishing Books Kinokuniya The Meteors The Devil is a Part-Timer My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong As I Expected Konosuba Tsunedere Magical Girl Genre

DNA Podcast 057 – Culture War Profiteering

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 02:33:20 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Jack Ward to discuss Culture War Profiteering. What is Culture War Profiteering? And how is it being used on you on a daily basis? The trio will delve into this, the issues surrounding it, and what we can do about it. All this, and the sad tale of Swastika Lane, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Note: This episodes has some dodgy audio at the beginning, but clears up fairly quickly. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: The Amazing Atheist video about the Outrage Machine Virtue Signalling Marvel Comics Social Justice Failure Marvel Comic Print Runs The Image Comics Boom of the 90's Comics and Diversity YouTube Channel (We got the name backwards....) Riri Williams Purse Puppies Star Wars Rebels: Rebel Assault Episode Netpicks Channel: 13 Reasons Why Stranger Things: Female Characters Kept Separated The Swastika Rush Limbaugh Alex Jones The Satanic Panic The 90's Comic Speculator Boom The Big Sort Russian Facebook Pages Organize Two Duelling Rallies in America Caves of Steel by Issac Azimov Monty Python- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life Ready Player One

DNA Podcast 056 – Writing Shonen Manga

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 15:54:29 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down to discuss Rob's new book- Write! Shonen Manga. The pair discuss the history of Shonen manga, the different types and meta-genres, and how the Japanese approach writing stories differently than Americans do. All this, and Rob shamelessly hawking his book, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Write! Shonen Manga Weekly Shonen Jump Bakuman Tankobon Murata Yuusuke Onepunch-Man Mazinger Z Captain Tsubasa Dragonball One Piece Naruto Robot x Lazerbeam 90's Golf Manga with the "Frying Swallow" (It's called "Hayato 18ban Shobu.") Detective Conan Kindaichi Case Files RE: Monster Sword Art Online Dr. Stone Legendary Moonlight Sculptor So, I'm a Spider- So What? Honzuki no Gekokujou (Bookworm Light Novel) Ekho (European Comic) Ranma 1/2 Urusei Yatsura Kimargure Orange Road I's Manga G-Fighter Gundam Akira Great Teacher Onizuka Gokusen Legend of Yoshitune Aho Girl Manga in Theory and Practice Kishotenketsu Three Act Structure Yurucamp Scott McCloud's Making Comics Comics and Sequential Art Drive-Thru Comics Wattpad

DNA Podcast 055 – Making the Biff Straker RPG

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 03:25:37 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with their friend Jack Ward to help him construct a tabletop RPG system for his Audio Drama series Spaceways Starring Biff Straker. In the process, the trio discuss the benefits of different dice systems, damage systems, character design approaches, and how to bring the feels to an RPG. All this, and the My Little Pony RPG, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Spaceways Starring Biff Straker Champions RPG Doc Savage Jake Samson Car Wars Cartoon Action Hour GURPS Morrow Project Vampire the Masquerade The D6 System Xena the Warrior Princess Shadowrun Cyberpunk Space 1889 Star Trek FASA RPG My Little Pony RPG Battletech Star Wars (West End Games) Mekton (First Edition)

DNA Podcast 054 – TV Superheroes

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 02:58:01 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down to discuss the history of American TV superheroes. From the open plains where the Lone Ranger roams, to Gotham City and Smallville, the pair chart the history of TV supers as from the dawn of TV to the present day. Along the way, they define what a Superhero is, discuss how animated TV supers evolved, and bring back memories of the Six Million Dollar Man monster that terrified Rob as a kid. All this, and why Hugh Hefner is responsible for the campy Batman 66 TV series, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: List of TV Superhero Shows Capes and Cowls: A History of Superhero TV Small Wonder The Lone Ranger The Adventures of Superman DC Heroes RPG Kung Fury Movie Serials Batman Serial The Superman Radio Show Doc Savage Man of Bronze Captain Video Couragous Cat and Minute Mouse Bob Kane Underdog Astro Boy Eight Man Gigantor Batman 66 or, if you prefer.... Al Lewis The Green Hornet The Marvel Superheroes TV Series (60's) Captain America Theme Space Ghost The Super Six Spiderman 67 Hanna Barbera Frankenstein Junior and the Impossibles The Mighty Heroes The Superfriends The Spidermobile Shazam! (TV Series) ISIS The Six Million Dollar Man Bionic Bigfoot Ted Cassidy (Lurch) Richard Kiel (Jaws) The Bionic Woman The Bionic Superpowers Sound Effect Wonder Woman TV The Amazing Spiderman 70's TV Electra Woman and Dyna Girl Spiderman and His Amazing Friends The Greatest American Hero Manimal Automan Misfits of Science My Secret Identity Jerry O'Connell Superboy TV Series Super Force Gemini Man Probe TV Series Global Frequency M.A.N.T.I.S. Lois and Clark Power Rangers Batman TAS Buffy the Vampire Slayer Smallville HEROES TV Series LOST One Punch Man Young Justice Damage Control Angel and the Ape Prez Comic The Tick (2017) Skull the Slayer

DNA Podcast 053 – The Horror of Paul E. Cooley

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 14:35:12 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with horror author Paul E. Cooley to talk about his genre of choice. The three discuss exactly what horror is, Don's Eight Types of Horror, and the good and bad sides of podcasting your work. All this, and a heaping helping of Dead Robots' Society lore, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Shadow Publications (Paul's Homepage) Dead Robots Society Podcast - Writers on Writing Tor Johnson HP Lovecraft Logan's Run Slasher Horror M (film) Invasion of the Body Snatchers John Carpenter David Cronenberg The Thing (1982) Videodrome Shivers (Cronenberg) Canadian Content Rules Dead Ringers The Curse of the Cat People The Cat People (Natasha Kinski) Salem's Lot Window Scene Nightmares Red White and Blue The Exorcist Child's Play Hellraiser Hell House Poltergeist A Bottle Story Unfriended (film) John Wayne Gayce Jeffry Dahmer Grim's Fairy Tales Christopher Walken Goodnight Moon (Video) The Yellow King Dracula Urban Fantasy Nick Knight Werewolf: The Apocalypse Nightmare on Elm Street Ad Pseudopod The Black The Intruder Within Severed Press Phil Rossy Scott Sigler Jake Bible Ed Lorne Matt Wallace Terry Mixon

DNA Podcast 052- A Brief History of American Comics

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 14:42:34 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don plunge into the vast history of American comic books and try to make sense of it all. The pair explore the origins of the first comic books, and how the name Gains changed the comic book world not once, but twice! Then they face the challenge of the superheros as Superman's birth brings about a new age, both in comic books and real life. Finally, they talk about the current comic market, and what flagging sales mean for Marvel and DC's future. All this, and Brother Power the Geek, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: A History of Comic Books (wikipedia) The Great Canadian Comic Books Nelvana of the Ether People Angus MacAskill- The Giant of Cape Breton Cherry Poptart The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck Journey to the Gold Diggins Hogan's Alley The Yellow Kid Birth of a Nation The Sunday Supplements Winsor McKay Little Nemo in Slumberland Funnies on Parade New Fun Comics Doctor Occult Action Comics #1 Superman Batman Superman OTR Superman vs The KKK DC Comics The Shadow Archie Comics Wilbur Dell Comics Fawcett Comics EC Comics Horror Hosts Vampira Spook Shows Seduction of the Innocent The Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquincy Wonder Woman Dragonball The Flash Marvel Comics MAD Magazine Robert Crumb ZAP Comix Underground Comix Trashman Don Heck Teen Titans Comics Code Authority Brother Power the Geek Harvey Comics Elfquest Eclipe Comics First Comics Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Crisis on Infinite Earths The Black and White Glut IMAGE Comics Rob Liefield Todd McFarlane Jim Lee X-Men Valiant Comics Malibu Comics The Death of Superman Marvel Unlimited

DNA Podcast 051 – Comedy Tabletop RPGs

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 20:48:20 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by their friend Chad to discuss Comedy Tabletop Roleplaying Games. The three delve into the classics of the genre like Paranoia and Toon, check out their old Alma Mater, hang with Beach Bunny Bimbos with Blasters, and reminisce about being Teenagers from Outer Space. All this, and how to run a comedy RPG, is waiting for you in this fun-tastic episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Thing Discussed: List of Comedy RPGs Paranoia Alma Mater Toon Teenagers from Outer Space Warhammer 40k Galaxy High Cartoon Cartoon Action Hour Season 3 Ghostbusters RPG Judge Dredd RPG Macho Women with Guns Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles RPG Gamma World Bunnies and Burrows The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen game GURPS IOU It Came from the Late Late Late Show Attack of the Humans DC Heros: Don't Ask TMNT: Road Hogs It's a Mad Mad Mad World Pokethulu Beach Bunny Bimbos with Blasters Tales of the Floating Vagabond Scared Stiff Critter Commandos

DNA Podcast 050 – Horror Tabletop RPGs

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 22:44:02 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob trip the night fantastic with their friend Chad and discuss the creepy subject of Horror Role Playing Games. Long regarded as one of the harder types of RPGs to run, the three probe the different types of horror RPGs and do an overview of the classics of the genre. All this, and more fun than that thing creeping up behind you right now, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed A History of Horror RPGs Call of Cthulhu The Dunwich Horror Bureau 13: Stalking the Night Fantastic Ghostbusters Bureau 13 Novels Chill Planet Motherfucker RPG GURPS Horror Beyond the Supernatural It came from the Late Late Late Show Paranoia Nightlife Stellar Games Ravenloft Vampire the Masquerade Eerie: The Crime Crusher (I thought I heard a "poom") Dark Conspiracy Deadlands Grimm (this is the latest incarnation) All Flesh Must Be Eaten

DNA Podcast 049 – Star Trekking with Jack Ward

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 02:51:47 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Jack Ward to go where no man has boldly gone before! The past and future collide as the three discuss the history of Trek and whether or not it's still relevant in today's world. All this, and Jack and Rob's big throwdown on Star Trek Enterprise, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Star Trek Star Trek the Next Generation Star Trek Deep Space Nine Star Trek Voyager Star Trek Enterprise Star Trek Discovery Gene Roddenberry Gene Roddenberry Crashlands Plane Lucille Ball Star Trek Pilot Inside Star Trek The Real Story Herb Solo Star Trek was first TV show that started in Colour Nichelle Nicols meets Martin Luther King Solarpunk Land of the Giants Gene L. Coon Gold Key Star Trek Comics Leonard Nimoy Billboard Story (I can't find the story, but I can find the ad) Star Trek Phase II Free Enterprise Earth Final Conflict In Defense of the Male Miniskirt Post on Rob's Blog Starlog Magazine Babylon 5 The Origin of the BORG Manny Coto China Bans LGBT Content

DNA Podcast 48 – History of Manga (Part 2)

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 02:51:49 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don finish their discussion of the History of Japanese Comics. Starting in the 1980's, they discuss the rise and fall of Shonen Jump, how Dragonball changed everything, and how modern manga have been influenced by animation. All this, and Bakuman, in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Gung Ho (movie) Shonen Jump Go Nagai Shameless School PTA Pachinko Rapeman Young Sunday Comiket Moto Haggio The Group of 24 Japanese Garage Kits The Japanese Manga Studio System Journey to the West (The Monkey King) Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken) Dr. Slump Dragonball Dragonball Z Jojo's Bizzare Adventure Cyber Blue Sakigake!! Otokojuku City Hunter Josei Manga Mai the Psychic Girl Slam Dunk Sailor Moon Magical Girl Genre Shonen Jump Sales Chart One Piece Naruto Yu-yu Hakusho Bakuman Nakayoshi Death Note Hikaru no Go Wallman Pokémon or if you prefer.... Yu-Gi-Oh! Bleach My Hero Academia Robot x Lazerbeam One Punch Man Franken Fran Boichi (this sums it up pretty well....) Dr. Stone

DNA Episode 47 – The History of Manga (Part 1)

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 20:45:47 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don journey back into the past of Japanese comic books to explore it from its roots 1300 years ago until the great experimental manga age of the 1970s. They explore the European roots of Manga, how the medium was shaped by the winds of Japan's history, and the major figures who helped make manga what it is today. All this, and how Go Nagai brought sex and violence to Japanese children's television, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: A Brief History of Manga by Helen McCarthy Manga! Manga! The World of Japanese Comics by Fredrick L. Scholt Shojo Comics Shonen Comics The Vampire Diaries Toba-E (Toba Scrolls) Reddit Furry Comics (Hard to find a non-porn link....) Tokugawa Shogunate Hokusai Dreams of a Fisherman's Wife Punch Magazine (UK) The Meiji Restoration Charles Wirgham Japanese Story Scrolls Georges Bigot Toba-E Magazine (Bigot) Rakuten Kitazawa Frank A. Nankivell Sakhalin Islands The Russo-Japanese War The Great Kanto Earthquake Norakuro Beetle Bailey Machiko Hasegawa Sazae-san Thimble Theatre Tank Tankuro Felix the Cat Yon-Koma George Gaynes Kashi-Bon (Rental Comics) Osamu Tezuka 1 954 Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) Princess Knight A Drifting Life about Yoshihiro Tatsumi Tesujin 28 (Gigantor) Gekiga Seinen Comics Star of the Giants Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe) Rose of Versailles Area 88 Ernie Colón (and if you're wondering what American shojo might look like) Amethyst Princess of Gemworld Golgo 13 Go Nagai Shameless School Kekko Kamen Lone Wolf and Cub Shonen Jump Mazinger Z Super Robot Anime/Manga Cutie Honey Fan Service Cyborg 009 Manga Hulk Supaidaa Man Bat Manga American Comics in Japan (also this) Shotaro Ishinomori Leiji Matsumoto

DNA Podcast 046 – Interview with Larry Houston

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 02:31:53 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with Larry Houston, storyboard artist and animation producer, to talk about his history in animation and work on X-men: The Animated Series. The trio discuss how Larry broke into the animation industry back in the 1980's, what it was like to work with Stan Lee, and his techniques for sneaking things past the TV censors. All this, and how Larry ended up creating the coolest openings in TV animation history, and waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Larry F. Houston (IMDB) Astro Boy Will Meugniot Interview (DNA) Mark Evanier Hanna Barbera Filmation Don Christianson Sport Billy Stan Lee Thundarr the Barbarian Gil Kane Jacky Kirby Rick Hoberg Russ Heath Lone Ranger Tarzan Hour Jane Fonda Ted Turner X-Men the Animated Series Genosha Saban Entertainment Graz Enteratinment Laputa Ruby Spears Productions Alex Toth Art Vitello Andrew Lumis (How to Draw the Human Figure) Boyd Kirkland Robocop Alpha Commando The Karate Kid (Cartoon) Lupin the 3rd Galtar the Golden Lance GI Joe the Movie Opening Mighty Orbots Opening The Spirit

DNA Episode 045 – Affluence in the Media

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 03:17:14 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don delve into the topic of Affluence in the Media. Where do our ideas of wealth come from? How does the media shape our ideas of what it is to be wealthy? And why is Richie Rich a post-apocalyptic warlord? All this, and Sigmund Freud’s Nephew are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: 1984 Orwell's A, B, and C (The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism) Dan Carlin Capitalism vs Socialism Edward Bernays The Century of the Self The Honeymooners The Bickersons Fibber McGee and Molly Commando Grunge Music Undercover Boss Dragon's Den Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Product Placement Cutthroat Kitchen Top Gun Product Placement Macross Vending Machine AirForce Ones by Nelly Life Lessons of an Ad Man -Rory Sullivan School Choice Movement Cognitive Dissonance Behaviorism Biological Determinism Dark Conspiracy Cyberpunk 2.0.2.0. Richie Rich

DNA Podcast 044 – Musical Brains

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 02:16:43 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by their friend Richard Moule to discuss music and how it affects us. The trio explore the physical processes behind our reactions and interactions with music and discuss how music and humans evolved together over time. The three also delve into music as soundtrack, and discuss the ways in which moviemakers use music to control and shape the emotions of the audience. All this, and why John Williams owes Gustav Holst royalties is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Dr. Daniel Levitan Sylvanian Nose Flute (earliest musical instrument) Yoruba Tribe Talking Drums Edgar Varez (Experimental Composer) Insane Clown Posse Fucking Magnets How Do they Work? Troubadours Skalds A History of Talkies and Silent Film Holst's The Planets John Carpenter (composer) Dio Post-Rock Invisble Soundtrack Music Tortoise Thrill Jockey Radiohead Opening to JAWS Tubular Bells (it's a classic, but this is my fave take on it!) Hans Zimmer Midnight Express The Revenant You Could Be Mine Blood Red Skies Lalo Schifrin (Dirty Hairy Soundtrack) John Barry Barry Gray (actual composer of the Thunderbirds) Disco Saturday Night Fever The Meteors Music in Neo-Natal Wards The Simpsons- Yvan Eht Nioj

DNA Podcast 043 – Post Apocalyptic RPGs

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 13:21:46 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined again by their friend Chad to discuss Post-Apocalyptic (Tabletop) Role Playing Games. The three discuss the different ways in which an RPG can be Post-Apocalyptic, the importance of post-apocalyptic hygiene, and then go through the history of the Post-Apocalyptic gaming genre with side trips into movies, anime and pop-culture. All this, and why The Flintstones is a post-apocalyptic setting, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: A History of Post Apocalyptic RPGs The Oregon Trail The Road Mad Max The Fist of the North Star Future Shock The Planet of the Apes Panic in Year Zero! Metamorphosis Alpha Expedition to the Barrier Peaks The Starlost Endless Quest- Light On Quests Mountain Gamma World Thundarr the Barbarian Radioactive Dreams Aftermath FGU The Late Great Planet Earth The Morrow Project Fallout video game Tri-Tac Games TMNT RPG After the Bomb Road Hogs Twlight 2000 Traveller Traveller 2300 Battletech Robotech Macross Southern Cross Invid Invasion Mospeda RIFTS Logan's Run The Omega Man Beyond the Supernatural Car Wars Mutant Year Zero The End of the World This is the End (movie) Apocalypse World Deadworld Samurai Jack World of Darkness

DNA Podcast 042 – Dungeons and Dragons

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 19 May 2017 12:00:56 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by fellow gamer Jack Ward to discuss the granddaddy of tabletop roleplaying- Dungeons and Dragons. The intrepid trio throw on their adventuring gear and delve deep into the many editions of D&D while sharing their thoughts on how D&D became a cultural fixture in our society. All this, and why you need to roll for initiative right now!... are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Image Credits (Used under CC 2.0 License): Galfragnog The Mighty DM by Scott Macleod Things Discussed: Chainmail Dungeons and Dragons 1:1 Scale Gundam Tolkien and Led Zepplin The Crying Native by the Side of the Road Hunter in the Dark Monica Hules In Children's Books Food replaces Sex Greyhawk Blackmoor AD&D Tunnels and Trolls King of Kong Dragonlance Forgotten Realms Stranger Things 12 Famous People Who Play D&D Record of Lodoss War Interview with Will Meugniot Dungeons and Dragons Cartoon Shannara Dragon Riders of Pern Wizards of the Coast Red Wedding Reaction Videos Ral Partha D&D Toys Strongheart and Warduke Pathfinder 6 Best Editions of D&D Ranked List of Best RPGS of All Time Orc with a Pie D&D Brandon Sanderson Piers Anthony Community D&D Harmonquest

DNA Podcast 041 – Remakes, Sequels and Reboots. Oh My!

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 05 May 2017 12:00:32 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down to discuss the issues involved with remakes, prequels, sequels and reboots, and why at best they're a tough act to pull off well, and at worst they're totally awful. Along the way, they delve into the nature of story itself and how stories reflect the writers and society. All that, and why the Ice Cream Man was an important figure in Star Wars lore (at least according to Don), is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Romance Novel Formula The Anatomy of Story Humans are wired to learn through story. Friday the 13th SCREAM Why The Force Awakens Bombed in China Murder Mystery Formula Audiences Like Films Better when they know what happens The Green Hornet: movie and character The Phantom Edit Star Wars Ice Cream Man (Willrow Hood)

DNA Podcast 040 – Mister Kitty’s Stupid Comics

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 21:00:27 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by Shain and Dave from Misterkitty.org to talk about their ongoing Stupid Comics project where they showcase some of the most awful and unique pieces of comic book art visited upon mankind. Along the way, the four talk about the pair's Mister Kitty's Lo-Fi Landfill audio project, really really oldschool anime, whether Archie is really comics or not, and the demise of local culture. All this, and how to make friends in high school using Omaha the Cat Dancer, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: MisterKitty.org Stupid Comics Mr. Kitty's Lo-Fi Landfill Guardians of Justice and the O Force Anime Weekend Atlanta Anime North Anime Hell Corn Pone Flicks Don Rickles meets Jimmy Olsen Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew! Bizarre Sex Comic Omaha the Cat Dancer Robert Crumb Fletcher Hanks Stardust the Super Wizard Phantoma the Mystery Woman Dan DeCarlo Archie Superheroes Danguard Ace Danguard Ace Compilation Films (watch online) Captain Harlock Shingo Araki Prince Planet 8 Man Kurt Scaffenberger When Stupid Comics Ruled the World How to Publish Comics the Solson Way Sue Cat Chargeman Ken Horror Hosts Littlest Hobo Kids in the Hall

DNA Podcast 039 – Bad Movies We Love

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 14:01:29 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by their friend Chad to talk about the movies that they know are awful, but can't help but have soft spots in their hearts for. This journey takes the trio from classic 50's monster movies, to the heights of 80s cheese and the depths of Asia's cinematic vaults. Thrill to Chad's love of Ed Wood! Stare in shock at Don's encyclopedic knowledge of 80's horror! Wonder at Rob's passion for backwoods monsters! All this, and Don's dramatic twist surprise that Rob and Chad didn't see coming, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Don's Top 3: 3) Better Off Dead 2) Inframan 1) The Star Wars Holiday Special Chad's Top 3: 3) Plan 9 From Outer Space 2) King Kong Escapes (trailer) 1) Daoism Drunkard Rob's Top 3: 3) Kung Fu Cult Master 2) Godzilla vs. Megalon (trailer) 1) Hawk the Slayer (trailer) (Dis)-Honorable Mentions: Deathstalker II Riki-Oh- The Story of Riki The Death Master The Legend of Boggy Creek The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (trailer) The Dungeon Master (trailer) War of the Gargantuas (trailer) The Giant Claw Terrorvision (trailer) The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai (trailer) Buckaroo Banzai March My Name is Nobody (trailer) The Class of 1999 (trailer) Mad Monster Party (trailer) Wild Zero (trailer) Watership Down (trailer) When the Wind Blows Psychomania THEM (trailer) BEN (trailer) Of Unknown Origin (trailer) Neco z Alenky Alice (trailer) Chinese Ghost Story The Daoism Song

DNA Podcast 038 – Interview with Spiritual Medium Mary Bezaire

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 02:29:28 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with psychic medium Mary Bezaire to discuss what it's like to see spirits and be a channel into the unknown. The three discuss a wide variety of topics, from the nature to spirit guides, to the most haunted places in Essex County, to the existence of evil spirits. All this, and the question of what happens to us after we pass on are waiting for you this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Spirit Guides Power Animals Touched by an Angel Buddhist Philosophy Spectral Solutions (Windsor, Ontario Ghost Hunters) Heritage Village of Essex County Little Devil Picture (she never sent it along, sorry) Paul Martin House (aka Harry Low House) in Windsor Spectral Solutions Sigh Audio (couldn't find it, maybe it was taken down?) Ley Lines Speaking in Tongues The Real Annabelle (Loraine Warren) The Conjuring John Zaffis (The Haunted Collector) Chip Coffey Aleister Crowley Andrew Jackson Davis Arthur Findlay White Eagle Publishing Arthur Conan Doyle Ruth Montgomery Mary Summer Rain Mountains, Meadows and Moonbeams Doreen Virtue Sylvia Brown Zazen Meditation

DNA Podcast 037 – Death and the Nerdly Arts

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 04:14:57 +0000

Rob, Don and Jack Ward explore the place of death in the nerdly arts. From superheroes who never die, to the real life celebrities who do (for now), and how our own fears of death shape our entertainment of choice, the trio head down a funerary rabbit hole. It's an episode of grave humour, and sober considerations about the future of the kind you'll only find on the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: The Princess Diarist Nicholas Hammond Rocket Robin Hood King Arthur Edward Snowden Bill and Ted play Chess with Death Millenial Problems Japanese Don't Have Sex Japanese VR Sex Toys The Venus Project Basic Minimum Income Randi Cartier

DNA Podcast 036 – Interview with Will Meugniot

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 04:12:42 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by comic artist and animation director and producer Will Meugniot to talk about Will's long history in the comics and animation industry. In this deep exploration of the animation industry of the 80's and 90's, they discuss the DNAgents, Will's role as showrunner for X-Men the Animated Series and Exo-Squad, and so much more! All this, and how Urusei Yatsura shaped JEM and the Holograms is here for you in the 36th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Will Meugniot's IMDB Entry Will's Wikipedia Entry Will's Comics Database Entry The Masked Mayhem Presents The Almost Unseen Artwork of Will Meugniot California Comics Jo Meugniot Comics Database Entry Tigra Tony Isabella Dick Giordano Mark Evanier Hanna-Barbera Godzilla (1978 cartoon) Dave Stevens (Rocketeer) DNAgents Vanity (Comic) Pacific Comics Misfits of Science Street Fighter (USA Animated Series) Rick Hoberg Dick Sebast Russ Heath Spider-man Newspaper Strip GI Joe Animated Series GI Comic Animated TV Commercials GI Joe TV Openings GI Joe Movie JEM Inhumanoids Defenders of the Earth Conan the Adventurer Return of the Living Dead 3 Larry Huston Pryde of the X-Men (episode on YT) Eric Lewald (X-Men Story Editor) X-Men The Animated Series TOEI Animation Sunbow Entertainment Force Five Battleship Yamato Captain Harlock Buzz Dixon Flint Dille The Real Ghostbusters Captain Planet and the Planeteers Bucky O'Hare Sigfried and Roy Animated Series Duke dies in GI JOE the Movie Exo-Squad Nippon Sunrise Spider Man Unlimited Dragonlance Animated Movie Villains and Vigilantes DNAgents Sourcebooks Murdoch Mysteries JIN (time travelling doctor) Time Taxi 800 Words Miss Fisher Mysteries Osamu Dezaki Dunegons and Dragons Cartoon Urusei Yatsura JEM Music Videos JEM Opening UY- Beautiful Dreamer

DNA Podcast 035 – The Hero’s Journey Strikes Back!

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 02:52:24 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by Jack Ward for a spirited debate about Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey. Does Campbell's opus really hold the key to writing satisfying stories? Jack thinks so, but Rob and Don aren't so sure, and this leads to a long discussion involving comparative mythology, newspaper comic strips, 1970's vampire hunting reporters, and more sitcom references than an 80's flashback! All this, and Don's unhealthy fixation with the obscure scifi comedy Quark are waiting for you in this, the 35th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed The Hero with a Thousand Faces (book) Glove and Boots Heros Journey (in 5 minutes, with puppets) The Power of Myth Bill Moyers/Joseph Campbell Christopher Vogler Hero's Journey Memo Kishotenketsu For Beginners (Alternate Japanese Story Structure) Buck Rogers Mary Worth Snuffie Smith Blondie Cousin Oliver/Brady Bunch The Story Toolkit Podcast Eating Raoul (trailer) Captain Blood (Errol Flynn, trailer) Quark (first episode) Law and Order Kolchak the Night Stalker Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud Who's the Boss?

DNA Podcast 034 – What are litRPGs?

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 22:08:32 +0000

Don and Rob are joined by the awesome Ramon Meija of the litRPG podcast to talk about the biggest new genre you've probably never heard of- litRPGs. The three discuss the origins of the genre, what makes a litRPG, what books you should be checking out, and how the litRPG genre reflects the world we live in today. All that, and how to write litRPGs in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs!

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: The litRPG Podcast Gate of Revelation (the novel Rob couldn't remember the name of where our world is the game world) The King's Avatar (another one Rob mentioned) Legendary Moonlight Sculptor (English fan translation) A dventures on Terra: Beginnings (Ramon's Book! Check it out!) Sword Art Online Ready Player One litRPG Forum- LitRPG Forum - Books, Geeks, & Gamification Ramon's Extensive Notes for the show: What are litRPGs?

- LitRPG or literary RPGs are stories that incorporate role playing game mechanics.
- There's a facebook group dedicated to LitRPG (https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGGroup/) that's had that discussion several times. As a group, we've come up with two identifying marks of LitRPG. I'll paraphrase them:
- 1) The story must exist, at least partially, in a world with expressly stated game mechanics. This can mean that the story is set in an MMO, a VR game, an RPG game, or even a parallel or alien world. As long as there are expressly stated game mechanics. For example: Level up Notifications, Experience Points given for completing quests or killing monsters, learning game skills, health/mana bars.
- 2) The main character progresses in an expressly stated way. For example: Leveling up, Increasing skills or abilities, increasing ranks, or increasing reputation. Also by expressly stated, I mean that it says it in the text of the book and isn't something that's inferred or something only the author would be aware of.
- The easiest and most common way this is done is usually something like this:
- "A blue notification screen appeared before the character.
- You've gained 1 level."
- It's not complicated. It's just not hidden in the background of the story or some table of information only the author sees. This type of information is conveyed to the reader. LitRPG, or literary RPG, merges the things gamers love about RPGs and MMOs and a good sci-fi or fantasy story. Those guidelines allow for maximum storytelling flexibility while maintaining the core elements of the genre.

How popular are they?

- Among the fans, amazingly popular. LitRPG stories are like literary crack to the fans. They just can’t get enough stories. I’ve personally read over 300 LitRPG novels and online stories this year.
How big is the fandom?
- Our facebook group has about 3,000 members.
- Over 7,000 people visit the Royal Road regularly, a place where people post a lot of free/amature LitRPG.
- FogCon, a literary convention is considering adding a panel on the genre.
- It’s also a lot more popular in countries like Russia, Korea, China, and Japan.

Where did the genre come from?

- There have been stories set in Virtual Reality and game worlds since the 1970s, when there was a virtual reality boom. However, the recent explosion of LitRPG originates overseas in places Korea with the Legendary Moonlight Sculptor (2007), a story set in a virtual reality massively multiplayer online game (VRMMO). With the popularization of gaming culture worldwide LitRPG stories spread throughout Korea, China, Japan, and Russia.
- It’s only in the last 5 years or so that it’s spread to the U.S because those international works were translated into English either by fans or specialized publishing companies like Magic Dome Books.

Where did the term litRPG come from?

- Vasily Mahanenko, a Russian LitRPG author of Way of the Shaman, says he and another author came up with the term LitRPG or Literary RPG to describe their brand of fiction that has their stories set in game worlds (2012).

Why do people enjoy litRPGs?

- They’re fun. It’s the same reason people like to play video games and tabletop RPGs.They’re fun. They incoporate game rules that make sense to the reader. I’ve played video games for twenty years so the worlds that LitRPG stories exist in make more sense to me sometimes than the real world. Additionally many LitRPG stories speculate about a future where full immersion VR exists and people can explore their favorite MMOs as if they were real worlds. What gamer wouldn’t like that kind of world?

What do you wish people understood about litRPGs? (What is most people's misunderstanding about them?

- I don’t know that the genre has been around in the U.S. long enough for people to misunderstand LitRPG.
- I guess if I there was one thing, is that while a lot LitRPG has video games as their base, not all video game fiction is LitRPG. They need to hit those two qualifies we talked about earlier: 1) Set in a Game World with expressly stated game mechanics, and 2) character growth in game terms.

How did you get into them?

- I fell into the rabbit hole that is LitRPG through my love of another geek culture. Anime. I saw the anime Sword Art Online and fell in love with the idea of living in a game world. So much so that I searched the internet for the original Korean Light novel that the anime was based on. I found that I enjoyed the books more and searched the internet for more like it. I read a ton of translated LitRPG from Japan and Korea. When I exhausted those sources I started trolling fan sites like the Royal Road and then paying good money for new stories on Amazon. Now I spend most of my waking hours either reading, writing, or podcasting about LitRPG.

What are the most popular LitRPGs and where do people find them?

- There are a lot of free LitRPG stories on the http://royalroadl.com/
- Translated fiction from other countries can be found on http://www.novelupdates.com/
- I have a recommendation list of 130 LitRPG series on my site: www.geekbytespodcast.com
- The most popular ones on Amazon:
  - The Way of the Shaman series http://amzn.to/2gW9KvD
  - Chaos Seeds series http://amzn.to/2gDLm1u
  - Play to Live series http://amzn.to/2gW5hZY
  - End Online series http://amzn.to/2g0ua29
  - Dragon's Wrath series http://amzn.to/2gDUAef
  - Continue Online series http://amzn.to/2h38xz1
  - Critical Failures series http://amzn.to/2gDPVbU
  - Awaken Online http://amzn.to/2h38CTk
  - Delvers LLC http://amzn.to/2gDUO4W
  - Ascend Online http://amzn.to/2gWcUPW
Are there different subgenres of LitRPGs? How are they different?
- Yes. Just about every sub genre of Fantasy and Sci Fi is also a sub genre of LitRPG. Some of the more unique ones are trapped in a game, transported to a game world, cultivation, dungeon master.

Why did you start the LitRPG podcast?

- I love LitRPG. I started interviewing LitRPG authors on my podcast the Geek Bytes Podcast as a way to express that love to those listeners and found they were really popular. So I spun it into it’s own podcast where I talk about LitRPG news, reviews and author interviews. The community has responded well.

What are some of the challenges of writing LitRPGs?

- The same challenges as writing normal. Figuring out a good story to tell and getting people to read it. Some of the unique challenges are figuring out the game rules your story uses. Most of the LitRPG authors I’ve interviewed have multiple spreadsheets to keep track of all the formulas they use, character sheets, skill and ability descriptions, and research material. That and how all your readers are gamer and are more than willing to point out the flaws in your game systems.
- Adventures on Terra: Beginnings http://amzn.to/2fXJRfw

DNA Podcast 033 – Writing Formulas

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 18:22:26 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down to discuss story structure. They explore the origins of the 3-act structure, discuss Chris Fox's Write to Market strategy, and break down the Lester Dent Master Pulp Writing Formula and Michael Moorcock's How to Write a Book in Three Days method. All this, and why Buffy the Vampire Slayer is really a ninja, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs!

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: 3 Act Structure Made Easy (video) Aristotle's Poetics Save the Cat! Story/Plotting Formulas Chris Fox's Write to Market Anne Rice Buffy Vampire Slayer Vampire the Masquerade Urban Fantasy The Hero's Journey The Procedural Writing Creative Procedural Fiction Rob's Thoughts on Different Story Structures (blog post) Bakuman Manga Dan Harmon's Story Wheel Dick Tracy Predator Rocky Sequel? Lester Dent Master Pulp Writing Formula Michael Moorcock's How to Write a Book in 3 Days Method

DNA Podcast 032 – Voice Acting with Kimlinh Tran

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 03:16:53 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don explore the possibilities of sound by talking with voice actress Kimlinh Tran about her experiences and perspectives gained voice acting in anime and video games. They talk about her efforts to improve her craft, why being near entertainment production centers is a must, and why recording walla is so much fun. All this, and why having a voice acting safe word is a must, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Kimlinh's Homepage Dust: An Elysian Tail Fidget Skullgirls Ms. Fortune Tweeny Witches Hookers (The story I told is apparently not quite right- Rob) Walla K-On! Voice Acting Club

DNA Podcast 031 – Comics Creator Ben Dunn and Antarctic Press

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 04:18:46 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by comic book creator and founder of Antarctic Press, Ben Dunn. The three of them sit and chat about Ben's long career in comics, how Antarctic Press came to be, and the ups and downs of running a comic book company. Along the way, Ben gives great advice about succeeding as an artist both in and outside the comics field and discusses the secrets to AP's longevity and success. All this and a heaping helping of Ninja High School can be found in this, the 31st episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Ben's Wikipedia Page Ben's Body of Work Inkpot Award Marvel Mangaverse Antarctic Press Ninja High School Mangazine Exremely Silly Comics Mazinger Z Tiger X Urusei Yatsura Project A-Ko Warrior Nun Areala Diamond Comics Distributors Fred Perry Wild Life Shatter (computer generated comic) Gold Digger Strangers in Paradise Box Office Poison Trudyverse Warrior Nun Pilot (animated) Warrior Nun Pilot (live action) Steam League Science is Magic Mighty Tiny Upwork.com (formerly Odesk) comixology (digital comics site)

DNA Podcast 030 – Interview with Dr. R.N. Shukul

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 01:59:54 +0000

Rob and Don sit down with Journalist and TV Producer Dr. Rashid Narain (R.N.) Shukul to discuss Television and Media in India. Along the way, they touch on RN's career as a cameraman and war correspondent, his time as TV game show producer in India, his time producing documentaries for Fremantle Media, and some of the political figures he's encountered. Are Indians into Scifi? What is their preferred style of heroic fiction? And what's up with all the singing and dancing? All of these questions and more will be answered in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Fremantle Media Press Trust of India Indira Gandhi $64,000 Dollar Question Scandal Margaret Atwood Media Convergence Marshal McLuhan

DNA Podcast 029 – Our One Year Anniversary

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 01:06:43 +0000

Rob and Don have been at this for a year, and take a show to look back on 28 episodes of the Department of Nerdly Affairs and how far they've come. They discuss the origins of the show, some behind the scenes thoughts about the different episodes and their guests, and finish with a special announcement. (No, the show isn't ending.) So, come on in and join us to celebrate one year of the Department of Nerdly Affairs!

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Check individual episodes for show notes.

DNA Podcast 028 – The Nature of Nerdliness

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 19:16:00 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with guest Jack Ward to discuss what it means to be a nerd. The trio discuss exactly what nerds are, where they came from, and whether nerds as a concept is even still relevant in modern culture. All this, and why The Nutty Professor was the great nerd hero of the 20th century are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Nerds The Anarchist movement The IT Crowd Oscar Wilde The Nutty Professor (trailer) Trekkie Science Fiction Conventions Our Gang Otaku Zines Fanzines Fanfiction Starfleet Command Fan Organization Mysterious Universe Snake Theory of Human Evolution Metal- A Headbanger's Journey (trailer) Led Zeppelin and Tolkien Star Wars and Flash Gordon Easy Riders - Raging Bulls Howard the Duck (movie review) C-3PO's Cereal (video review) B.A.D.D. Heavy Metal Magazine Custer's Revenge (video review) The Nintendo Power Glove (video review) Oliver Twist The Picwick Papers Hammy Hamster's Adventures on the Riverbank (video)

DNA Podcast 027b – Horror Hosts Extra with Michael Monahan

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:00:34 +0000

This is an extra after-show conversation which occurred after the recording of episode 27 and continues on from where we left off. Among other things, we talk about the passing into history of the original horror hosts, how Horror Hosts dealt with national tragedies like the Kennedy Assassination and 9/11, and the changing relationship between people and local media. Don grew up with a variety of Detroit horror hosts, which you can see here:

DNA Podcast 027 – Horror Hosts with Michael Monahan

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:00:40 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with Michael Monahan, author and co-producer of the documentary American Scary, to talk about Horror Hosts. We delve into the origins of the Horror Host phenomena from its early days with Vampira to the megahit Ghoulardi and the modern incarnations which still stalk the airwaves. All this, and why Bob Wilkins is a name every scifi fan should know, is coming to you in this, the 27th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: American Scary Trailer American Scary (First 10 mins) Z-Team Productions YouTube Channel (has bonus and deleted Horror Host interviews) 3 Minute Horror Hosts Montage from American's Funniest Videos Bob Wilkins Horror Hosts E-Gors Chamber of TV Horror Hosts (more detailed host list here) Shock Theatre Package Midnight Spook Show EC Horror Comics Vampira Turn Blue: The Short Life of Ghoulardi (Documentary on Cleveland Horror Host) Interview with Horror Host Tom Leahy (Documentary on Kansas Horror Host) Zacherle Ghoulardi Svenghouli Dinner with Drac Hillarious House of Frightenstein (episode one) Elvira YouTube Horror Host Playlist (nice random sample of horror host schtick) Doctor Morgus from New Orleans hosts a showing of Godzilla (video, full episode) Mystery Science Theatre 3000 Youtube Channel Reptilicus Trailer American Scary- The Book Dr. Ghoulfinger doctorghoulfinger@gmail.com

DNA Podcast 026 – Indie RPGs with Graham MacLean

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 03:41:13 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by scholar and game designer Graham MacLean to talk about the Independent Tabletop RPG scene. The trio talk about the origins of Indie RPGs, why D&D was the first Indie RPG, and how the Fruitful Void can make you look at games in a new way. All this, and heaping helping of Paranoia are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: D&D 1st Edition Empire of the Petal Throne Bully Pulpit Games Evil Hat Productions Palladium Books Apocalypse World It Came from the Late Late Late Show The Forge Indie RPG Community Narrativist Theory Over the Edge Dogs in the Vineyard Fruitful Void Sorcerer Mekton Emily Care Boss Story Games Paranoia Dog Eat Dog Ron Edwards (game designer) Do- Pilgrims of the Flying Temple Polaris Microscope RPGNow The Unstore Robin D. Laws Pelegrine Press Legend of the Five Rings Shotgun Diaries Cosmic Patrol TORG Wushu Feng Shui: Shadowfist The Mountain Witch Lady Blackbird Fiasco Castle Falkenstein Old School Renaisance Games Monster Hearts Golden Sky Stories Weapons of the Gods 401 Games in Toronto Kingdom Hetalia Alternate Reality Games Second Life

DNA Podcast 025 – The Kevin Doak Comedy Hour

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 20:43:04 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with comedian Kevin Doak to discuss comedy and the nerdly arts. The trio debate which superhero you want to have over for dinner, why the Walking Dead needs more laughs, and the depressed turnout of Batman v. Superman. All this, and why Shawn of the Dead is the most realistic zombie movie ever, is waiting for you in this, the 25th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things discussed: Don Rickles Honest Trailers Batman v. Superman Shawn of the Dead Callahan's Crosstime Saloon The Dresden Files Terry Prachett Piers Anthony

DNA Podcast 24 – Science Fiction Author Gary Gibson

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 12:00:41 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don interview Scottish science fiction writer Gary Gibson about his career, writing Space Opera, and why Science Fiction has become boring. All this, and why Zardoz is a classic film, in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Gary Gibson's Homepage Gary's Amazon Author Page Robert Heinlein Marvel UK Stealing Light Starship Troopers New Wave Science Fiction Angel Stations Scrivener Neal Stephenson Corey Doctorow Nick Mamatas Chuck Tingle Ed Wood's Orgy of the Dead Zardoz Andromeda

DNA Podcast 023 – Why You Shouldn’t Be a Writer

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 12:00:46 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don discuss the cons of becoming a professional writer (or artist). While the internet is filled with people telling you that you're one Kindle book away from quitting your day job (mostly by people selling writing how-to advice and services) Rob and Don look at some of the cold, hard costs and challenges that come with trying to write for a living. Along the way, they discuss ways to overcome those challenges and make yourself a better writer if you're determined to follow the hard road. All this, and a heaping helping of Dinosaur Porn are waiting for you in the 23rd episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs! Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

DNA Podcast 022 – Heavy Metal Thunder

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:11:38 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by music historian Richard Moule to discuss their mutual love and admiration for the musical art form known as Heavy Metal. The trio trace Metal's history and inspirations, and talk about how metal became THE nerdly music of choice. All this, and why Death Metal is really redneck music, here for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Black Sabbath Judas Priest Transformers the Movie (1986) Soundtrack Jethro Tull The Moody Blues Hammer Horror Dennis Wheatley Iron Maiden Motorhead Nightwish Blind Guardian Opeth Manowar Children of Bodom covers Vivaldi Tri-tone Algeron Blackwood Blue Oyster Cult Blue Oyster Cult in Comics! 331E-Rock Frog Leap Studios Global Metal Documentary

DNA Podcast 021 – Interview with Tim Eldred

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 16:37:54 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with comic artist and director of Marvel's Avengers Assemble animated series Tim Eldred to discuss his career in the comic book industry and how it led him into the world of animation. Along the way, they discuss Tim's advice for aspiring comic book artists, why getting your work done on time is crucial for a career in the comic book industry, and why the secret to successful media production is to have a really big raft! All this, and a look at Tim's new project Pitsberg, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Tim Eldred Comic History Tim Eldred IMDB Page Pitsberg Cosmo DNA (Star Blazers Fansite) Grease Monkey Dark Horse Comics Eternity Comics Malibu Comics Valiant Comics Aircel Comics Central Park Media (CPM) Star Blazers Lensman (Novel Series) Lensmen: The Secret of the Lens (Anime Movie) Mecha (the comic) Dynamo Joe Captain Harlock Chaser Platoon Armoured Trooper VOTOMS Robotech: Invid War Cybersuit Arkadyne Secret Wars (2015 Comic) Avengers Assemble VOTOMS: Supreme Survivor (comic) Wing Commander Academy (episode 1, YouTube) Starblazers Rebirth Webcomic

DNA Podcast 020 – Tabletop RPG Memories

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 02:36:17 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Chad to discuss their love of Tabletop Role-Playing Games. The trio explore the history of TRPGS, and talks about their own experiences and growing up playing these games. Along the way, they discuss the appeal of Gamma World, point based vs. random character creation, and their love of Superhero Gaming. All this, and the future of TRPGs are waiting for you in the 20th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Chainmail: Rules for Medival Miniatures Dungeons and Dragons Little Wars by HG Wells Metamorphosis Alpha Traveller RPG Gamma World Superhero 2044 Villains and Vigilantes Champions Review HERO System (Champions) TSR Marvel Superheros RPG Review Mayfair DC Heroes RPG GURPS Palladium Fantasy RPG TMNT: And other Strangeness RPG Ninjas and Superspies RIFTS Call of Cthulhu Robotech RPG D20 System Shadowrun GNS Theory (Narrativst Games) Pathfinder RPG Mekton Cyberpunk 2.0.2.0. Weapons of the Gods Review Exalted RPG Beyond the Supernatural Chill Horror RPG TORG World of Darkness RPG Universe AR Gameboards

DNA Podcast 019 – Ghosts of Saturday Mornings Past

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 16:54:10 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob discuss North American TV animation, tracing it from its roots in the 1950s to the rise of Saturday morning television and its eventual evolution in the age of Netflix. Along the way, they spend time with Huckleberry Hound, The Flintstones, Josie the Pussycats, the Micronauts, and Goober and the Ghost Chasers. All this, and why Fred and Barney sold cigarettes on air is waiting for you in this, the 19th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Crusader Rabbit Episode 1 Huckleberry Hound Show Intro Rough and Ready The Flintstones DuMont TV Network Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) 1948 TV Freeze Hanna-Barbera Productions Wait til your Father Gets Home The Barkleys The Roman Holidays Saturday Morning Cartoons Action for Children's Television Advocacy Group (note Don was wrong during the episode, Tipper Gore was in fact not involved with this organization that I could find, it was run by Peggy Charren and Judith "Judy" Chalfen) Josie and the Pussycats Filmation Animated Star Trek Return to the Planet of the Apes (animated) Rocket Robin Hood Battle of the Planets Episode 1 The Micronauts Thundarr the Barbarian Clips Larry Hama Mighty Orbots Episode 1 Galaxy High Episodes The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers Episode 1 Jem and the Holograms Sunbow Entertainment Batman the Animated Series Japanese X-men Openings Netflix Voltron Trailer

DNA Podcast 018 – Edd Vick and MU Press

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:00:14 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with Edd Vick, founder and publisher of MU Press and Comics F/X magazine, to discuss Edd's history in comics and the independent comics scene of the 80s and 90s. Former guest Jeff Wood, one of Edd's friends and contributors also stops by, and the four of them discuss comics culture, convention culture, and what they see as the future of comic books. All of this, and the real story of why the comics industry collapsed in the 90s are coming to you in this, the 18th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: MU/Aeon Press Edd Vick Jeff Wood Speed Racer Episodes on YouTube Radio Caroline UK Pirate Radio Wonder Warthog Stan Sakai (creator of Usagi Yojimbo) Steve Gallacci (creator of Albedo Athropomorphics) Donna Barr (creator of The Desert Peach) The Desert Peach (which is as great as it is odd) Dave Sim (creator of Cerebus the Ardvark) Amateur Press Association (APA) Kickstarter Patreon DeviantArt Astro City Black Panther 2016 Comic One Punch Man Franken Fran Assassination Classroom I am a Hero. I am a Hero movie trailer.

DNA Podcast 017 – All About Ultraman

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 02:59:12 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don do an overview of the Japanese media titan Ultraman, delving into the concepts behind the series, doing an overview of Ultraman's long history, and talking about their personal connections to the character. All this, and a trip into the world of 80's independent television, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs Note- I had a few Mic issues with this one, sorry about the quality of the recording on my side. Also, this is our largest episode to date, but we just couldn't get Ultraman any smaller! Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed Ultra Q Ultraman The Ultra Series Johnny Sokko and his Flying Robot Barnaby (Linn Sheldon) Channel 20 Detroit Channel 29 Buffalo Channel 43 Cleveland Ultraman Pepsi (Cosmos) Thai Ultraman Licensing Moonstone Ultraman in Popular Culture Ultraman Episode One(Original Series, English Dub) Ultra 7 Episodes in English (YouTube playlist) Ultraman Ace episode 1 (Malaysian English Dub) Ultraman the Anime, Episode One (English dubbed) Ultraman: The Adventure Begins (Full animated film by Hanna Barbera) Ultraman: Towards the Future Episode 1 (Australian Ultraman) Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero Ep 1. (American Ultraman) Ultraman TIGA Episode 1 (English Subbed, if you've never seen Ultraman before, this is a good spot to start.) Ultraman Dyna Episode 1 (English Subbed) Ultraman Cosmos Episode 1 (English Subbed) Ultraman Nexus (Series Playlist, English subbed.) Ultraman Mebius (Series Playlist, English Subbed.) Crunchyroll (which currently has 7 different Ultra series up for viewing with English subtitles, including Ultraman Gaia, Ultraman Leo, Ultraman 80, Ultraman Max, and the most recent shows, you need a premium account to see them, but can get a free two-week trial.)

DNA Podcast 016 – Exploring the Hero Pulps with Gregg Taylor

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 20 May 2016 13:53:15 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Gregg Taylor of the Decoder Ring Theatre podcast to talk about a subject that's near and dear to Gregg's heart- Pulp Heroes! We talk about the original Batman v. Superman- The Shadow and Doc Savage, how a pulp hero is made by their choice of hats, and why the world of pulp hero The Spider would be an awful place to live! All this, and a discussion of what's next for Decoder Ring Theatre, is waiting for you in this, the 16th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs! Note: I want to make a special thanks to Gregg Taylor for being a complete gentleman through what turned out to be a very difficult recording session. You went above and beyond the call, sir, and even The Red Panda himself couldn't have done better! Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed Decoder Ring Theatre The Shadow Doc Savage Walter B. Gibson (who wrote 10,000 words A DAY!) Lester Dent Lester Dent's Master Pulp Writing Formula Elmore Leonard The Yellow Peril Stories The Spider The Phantom Detective Theodore Tinsley NY Mayor La Guardia's Campaign Against the Spicys Spicy Adventure Covers Penny Dreadfuls Episodes of the X-1 Radio Show on Archive.org Pulpcrazy Podcast (for more about the Pulps)

DNA Podcast 015: Podcasting Audio Drama

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 06 May 2016 13:57:31 +0000

In this episode, Don and Rob are joined by Jack Ward of the Sonic Society podcast to talk about Jack's experiences hosting the Internet's greatest audio drama showcase for over a decade and the thrills and frustrations of being an audio drama producer in the podcast age. Slap on your Podjectors and Flip the switch to join us in this, the 15th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs! Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Podcasting Adam Curry (The Podfather!) The Sonic Society Decoder Ring Theatre Serial Podcast The Black Tapes Podcast Welcome to Night Vale Electric Vicuna Podcast Firefly: Old Wounds Radio Drama Willis Cooper's Lights Out Broken Sea Audio Productions Darker Projects Power Records Patreon Audio Drama Lovers Facebook Group Icebox Radio Theatre Scott Sigler Destructamundo Podcast (ending the world, one show at a time!) Host Your Own Old Time Radio Drama (by Craig Robotham) Chatterbox Audio Theatre We're Alive Midnight Radio Theatre- The Woman in the Basement (listen to it at night with the lights out at night, we double dog dare you!) Podcast Directories Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Showcase

DNA Podcast 014: Talking 80’s Independent Comics with Jeff Wood

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 02:15:42 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with former Comics F/X magazine founder and editor Jeff Wood to talk about the West Coast independent comics scene of the 1980's. The three discuss the origins of Comics F/X magazine, MU Press, the small press black and white comics explosion, and how "three adjectives and a noun" comics and anthropomorphic smut crashed the industry. All this and the story behind Jeff's own legendary comic Snowbuni are waiting for you in this, the 14th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed Comics F/X Magazine Jeff Wood Snowbuni Mike Sagara Steve Jackson Games Uncle Al's Auto Stop and Gunnery Shop Catalog Car Wars Jason Waltrip Albedo Anthropmorphics Omaha the Cat Dancer Tank Vixens Fish Police Boris the Bear MU Press Antarctic Press Warrior Nun (video) Morty the Dog Phil Foglio XXXenophile Girl Genius Steampunk What's New with Phil and Dixie Buck Godot The Smart Passive Income Podcast

DNA Podcast 013: Collectible Card Chaos

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 18:09:25 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by James Wegg of No Dice Games to talk about collectible card games (CCGs). The three of them discuss Collectible vs. Living Card Games, the current state and future of CCGs, and the pros and cons of running a gaming store. All this, and (Butt) Crack Gate, are waiting for you in this 13th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Collectible Card Games Living Card Games Magic: The Gathering Cards Against Humanity Spellfire: Master the Magic Illuminati (SJG) Pokemon TCG Yu-Gi-Oh TCG Yu-Gi-Oh vs. Magic (video) RAGE CCG Dragonball CCG RIFTS CCG Babylon 5 CCG Elder Dragon Highlander Rules for M:TG M:TG Online BattleTech Hearthstone Force of Will Crack Gate

DNA Episode 012 – Pokemon Turns 20!

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 18:38:19 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Chad to discuss 20 years of Pokemon! They discuss how and why the phenomena has lasted so long, the origins of the game, and why a dark Pokemon movie is inevitable. All this, and a heaping helping of Nerd Rage is waiting for you in this, the 12th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed Pokemon Pokemon GO! (trailer) Michael Vick Persona Game Series GURPS RPG Don's GURPS:Pokemon Rules Pokemon Trading Card Game Fossil Fighters Game Series Proposed Jurrasic Park Human-Dino Hyrbrid Designs Dinosaurs for Hire Triceratons Monster Rancher Games Ultra-7 Capsule Monsters Pokemon Original Concept Development Artwork Dr. Demonicus Pokemon Gangsta Rap

DNA Podcast Episode 011 – Teen Culture

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 15:39:50 +0000

In this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs, Rob and Don discuss the dreaded creatures known as teenagers! Slouching their way from post-WWII suburbia, these strange beings have had a huge effect on culture and media, and the pair are joined by the Sonic Society's Jack Ward to discuss their past, present and future. Along the way they discuss Archie, Star Trek, Social Justice and Slactivism, with a dose of Footloose to keep everyone dancing. All this and Mr. Skygack of Mars are waiting for you in this, the 11th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs! Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Archie Andy Hardy Movies Pole Sitting CBC's The Current: Genius Linked to Geography CBC's The Current: The Harry Potter Generation Universal Income Wild in the Streets (trailer) Slactivism Wall-E (trailer) John Cleese on Political Correctness (video) Social Justice Footloose 1984 (trailer) You are not... speech from Fight Club (video) Science Fiction Conventions (1936 was the right answer!) Mr. Skygack of Mars MST3K- Give Uncle Scotor a Hug! (video)

DNA Podcast 010 – Twisted Robot Mego Chicken Theatre

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 03:03:24 +0000

In this episode, Rob interviews Don about his Mego toymaking hobby. They discuss the history of the Mego company, the current state of Mego fandom, and the future of toys in a 3-D Printing world. All this, and the Mego Mangler are waiting for you in this 10th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Thing Discussed: Mego Corporation The History of Mego (short video) Meco Star Wars Cover A History of Action Figures GI Joe - America's Movable Fighting Man Wooden Superman Doll from the 1930's Major Matt Mason The Fighting Yank (GI Joe Clones) Action Jackson Commercial (with the coolest theme song ever!) MegoMuseum.com Popy Japanese Mego Figures Gatchaman (aka Battle of the Planets) The Post Brothers Robot Chicken Twisted Mego Theatre What The? Doc Mego Mego Mangler Fisher Price Adventure People Cyberpunk 2.0.2.0 AV-4 Judge Dredd Lawmaster Tor Johnson Professor Badass Hololens Apple's Giant Automated Factory (apparently, the project died and it was cancelled) Lego Braille Printer Gallery of of some of Don's Custom Mego Figures

DNA Podcast 009 – Clap if you Love Gamera!

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 00:09:11 +0000

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Chad to discuss all things Giant Monster! They discuss why the genre has an enduring popularity, and then delve into their favorite Giant Monster films and guilty Daikaiju pleasures. Finally, they talk about the future of Giant Monster movies and what it would take to revitalize the genre in the 21st century. All this and Moby Dick helping teens solve crimes at sea are discussed in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: Godzilla Gamera Saint George and the Dragon Repitilicus (trailer) The Giant Claw (trailer) Island Claws Nature Gone Amok, aka Natural Horror Films The Giant Behemoth (trailer) Gorgo (aka The British Godzilla) (trailer) Troll Hunter (trailer) 20 Million Miles to Earth (trailer) Professor Quatermass Food of the Gods (trailer) King Kong Destroy all Monsters (trailer) Monster Island Godzilla (98): the Series (intro) King Kong 60's Cartoon (episode) Moby Dick 60's Cartoon (episode) Frankenstein Jr. Cartoon (clip) Godzilla vs. Cattle Rustlers (Marvel's Godzilla Comics) Ultraman (original series, episode one, English Dubbed) Ultra Q (Episode one, English Subbed) Gamera vs. Legion (Japanese Trailer, because the dubbed one is crap!) The X from Outer Space (trailer) King Kong Escapes (trailer) The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (trailer) Godzilla's Revenge (trailer) The Monolith Monsters (trailer) THEM (1954, trailer) Godzilla vs. Megalon (Japanese trailer) MST3K Jet Jaguar Theme Inframan (full film, English subbed) War of the Gargantuas (trailer) Godzilla vs. The Devil (which turned out to be a myth, sorry Don!)

DNA Podcast 008 – Are Superhero Movies Bad for Us?

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 04:13:23 +0000

Welcome Operatives to the Department of Nerdly Affairs. In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by indomitable Jack Ward, host of the Sonic Society Podcast, to discuss actor/writer Simon Pegg's article about the infantalization of popular culture and society. The trio go deep into the topic, and come out having discussed Nazis, Adult Films of the 70s, and the Honeymooners. All this, and how "Free to Be You and Me" affected our childhoods in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: The Sonic Society Podcast Simon Pegg's Infamous Article Brave New World vs. 1984 Amusing Ourselves to Death (Video interview with the author.) The Odessa File Free to Be You and Me Deep Throat BADD Flesh Gordon Alice in Wonderland: An X-Rated Musical Comedy Caligula (film) Episodes TV Series Jackie Gleason and UFOs The Canadian Conspiracy

DNA Podcast 007 – Welcome to Cyberpunk

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 04:51:46 +0000

Greetings Operatives! In this episode Rob and Don discuss the ways in which the reality has come to mirror Cyberpunk fiction. It's 2016, and in the 1980's Cyberpunk promised us Netrunning, Posergangs and Rockergirls! What did they get right? What did they get wrong? We also discuss why AKB48 are the perfect girl group, For-Profit Prisons and the glorious show that is Max Headroom! So jack into the net and let your avatar soar into the Department of Nerdly Affairs! Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Show Notes: African American Culture Cyberpunk New Star Trek Series Premiers January 2017 William Gibson Bruce Sterling Walter John Williams Greg Bear Cyberpunk RPG Pewdiepie (video) Fred (video) AKB48 Baby Metal 3 ways the Japanese entertainment industry keeps idol singers from dating Hatsune Miku (video) Vocaloids My Girlfriend Got a Virus (lyrics because they've taken down the song) Most American Pop Written by 2 Guys American Flag Rifftrax Macross Plus Datamining Facebook and Polarization Study Campus Activists Weaponize Safe Spaces Posergangs Horse Race Journalism Max Headroom Promo Video Max Headroom Episode One League of Legends "The Wizard" (video trailer) The Wizard - Nintendo Powerglove (video) Esports Judge Dredd Telephone Booth Stuffing Ray J. Johnson Uber West Virginia's Water Crisis For Profit Prisons Is Technology Making Society Safer? EH: The Broad Street Pump (sanitation) World's Largest Clone Factory Insurance company now offers discounts -- if you let it track your Fitbit Insurance Monitoring Drivers

DNA Podcast 006 – A New Years Look at 2015 and 2016

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 04:39:01 +0000

Greetings Operatives! In this episode Rob and Don are joined by their friend Chad to discuss the nerdly films of 2015. What was awesome? What barely made the grade? And what didn't the trio like from 2015? Then we forge on into 2016, and discuss why a new film version of The Little Prince excites us more than Batman v. Superman, why Yo-Kai Watch may or may not be the next Pokemon, and why Pokemon GO! may result in kids getting a little more than just fresh air! All this, and a heaping helping of Nerd Rage are waiting for you in this New Years episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs! Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed or Mentioned: Asterisk: the Mansions of the Gods trailer (this movie is also on Netflix at the moment) Tintin Inside Out trailer Grave the Fireflies Bambi's Mother Dies (video) The Little Prince (2015) trailer The Little Prince (wiki) Shawn the Sheep trailer Pixels trailer Tommy Boy Futurama versus Pixels What We Do in the Shadows trailer World of Darkness Fury Road trailer Fist of the North Star (animated film) The Road Warrior filming The Man from UNCLE (2015) trailer Bill Melendez The Good Dinosaur trailer Hogwarts is a Death Trap! MST3K Revival Ultron Gamera 3: The Revenge of Iris trailer Space Pirate Captain Harlock trailer (also on Netflix right now) Dr. Slump Rosario + Vampire Urusei Yatsura (aka LUM) Gods of Egypt trailer Batman v. Superman Trailer Zootopia trailer X-men Apocalypse trailer Star Trek Beyond trailer Independence Day 2 Trailer BFG Trailer Angry Birds Movie Trailer Warcraft Trailer Dolly Madison ZIngers/Peanuts Commercial Yo-kai Watch (anime episode 1) Yokai Pokemon GO! Stockholm Syndrome Ingress AR Game Niantic Inc. One-Punch Man in a Nutshell (video) Rick and Morty (video)

DNA Podcast 005 – Star Wars Memories

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 16:17:42 +0000

Greetings Operatives and welcome to the Department of Nerdly Affairs. In this episode, Rob and Don explore the effects that Star Wars has had on their lives, and the culture around them, as they’ve grown up. Comics, cards, toys and the origins of Don’s Beilert Valance action figure are all explored in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Episode Show Notes: Star Wars Novelization NPR's Star Wars Radio Plays Star Wars Trading Cards ET Trading Cards Photonovels Marvel's Star Wars Comics Howard Chaykin Beilert Valance Walt Simonson Star Wars Newspaper Strips (read them here!) Roy Thomas Star Wars: Republic (the Dark Horse comic I couldn't remember the name of) John Ostrander Radio Controlled Sand Crawler Cracked on why R2-D2 is a Murderer Mobile Suit Gundam Gatchaman/Battle of the Planets (video opening) Space Cruiser Yamato/ Star Blazers (first season videos) George Lucas and The Hidden Fortress Throne of Blood The Lensmen Novels of E.E. Doc Smith (eBooks) Star Wars and Lensmen The Star Wars comic (adapting Lucas' original script) WuXia Video Game Crash of 1983 Star Wars Disco Theme Song by Meeco

DNA Podcast Episode 004 – Satanic Panic

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 04:25:15 +0000

Welcome Operatives! In today's show, Rob and Don explore the Ritual Satanic Abuse panic that gripped America during the 1970s and 1980s and how the game Dungeons and Dragons became wrapped up in it. Then, in the second half of the show, the pair dig deep into the cinematic roots that laid the groundwork for Satanism's grip over the American psyche of the period. All this and 2000 Maniacs are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Episode Show Notes: Satanic Ritual Abuse Michelle Remembers The McMartin Preschool Trial Mazes and Monsters (book) Mazes and Monsters (video- full movie) Dark Dungeons Geraldo on Satanism (video) Dungeon Master's Guide Dungeons and Dragons Saturday Morning PSAs (video) Reptilian Obama Gary Gygax Biography Bill Nye vs Ken Ham Debate (video) High Schools Ban D&D Villains and Vigilantes RPG Champions RPG Traveller RPG Warhammer FRPG Realms of Chaos Book Judge Dredd Ghostbusters RPG Robotech RPG Extra Discussion: Rosemary's Baby (video clip) The Devil's Hand (video- full movie) Blood Feast (video, trailer, gory, we got the name backwards) The Bright Young Things Bonnie and Clyde New Hollywood Hayes Code 2000 Maniacs (video, trailer, gory) American Grindhouse

DNA Podcast Episode 003- Nerdly Speculators

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 00:07:11 +0000

Welcome Operatives to the Department of Nerdly Affairs, tonight your hosts Rob Paterson and Don Chisholm discuss whether the nerdly spectulators markets of the 80s and 90s helped or hurt nerd culture, and how this crept into the action figure market as well. Don gives us the comic shop eye view of the industry during this period, and we talk about how the Punisher was responsible for the comic speculator's boom of the 1980s. All this and more are waiting for you in Episode Three of The Department of Nerdly Affairs! Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed Elfquest Starslayer Head Shops The Black and White Comics Glut GRIT Vertigo Comics Death of Superman Toyfare Magazine Spawn Figure Collector's Market Monthly Shonen Jump TORG Space 1889 Come chat with us at obeythedna.com!

DNA Podcast Episode 002- Audience Expectations

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:14:51 +0000

Welcome Operatives to the Department of Nerdly Affairs, tonight your hosts Rob Paterson and Don Chisholm discuss how audience expectations shape how people create media and react to it. In addition, we discuss Jack Campbell's The Lost Fleet series, what really makes a story "Adult", why Hollywood can't get Wonder Woman right, and International Comics culture. All that, plus the Combat Sign Wave and Phantom Lady's incredible cleavage are waiting for you in this week's episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs. Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt Things Discussed: The Lost Fleet by Jack Campbell Show Don't Tell Phantom Lady Charlton Comics Marvels Damage Control New Adult Fiction The Magicians by Lev Grosman The Magicians TV Series (video) Masamune Shirow Combat/Exposition Sine Wave Dragonball Bleach Naruto/Bleach/One Piece Background Comparison One Piece Sailor Moon Crystal Sucks Cyborg 009 vs. Devilman Movie (video) Justice League vs. The Avengers Wonder Woman TV (2011) (video) International Iron Man (Okay, so it was 25 countries.) Supaida Man The Incredible Hulk Manga Super Sentai Go Ranger Battle Fever J Super Robot Red Baron (video) Inspector Bicycle (video)

DNA Podcast Episode 001- Writing Scifi and Horror

The Department of Nerdly Affairs — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:37:31 +0000

Rob Paterson and Don Chisholm discuss the books Ready Player One and H. Beam Piper's Space Viking. We're also going to discuss the idea behind the common writing advice "Write what you know", the techniques of Stephen King, and why writers have a lot to learn from HP Lovecraft and the Scottish pirate metal band Alestorm. All this, and a heaping helping of magic white guys are ahead for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

Closing Music: Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt

Things Discussed in This Episode: The Fly (1958) Ending Poltergeist Clown Scene Salem's Lot (1979) Window Scene On Writing by Stephen King Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Alestorm (Pirate Metal Band) Late Bloomer (HP Lovecraft Sex Ed Class) The Cosmic Computer Space Viking Fuzzy Sapiens The Moon is a Harsh Mistress Starship Troopers Heavy Metal L-Gaim Mobile Suit Gundam James Clavell's Shogun The Black Panther (Marvel Comic) Amazon Sues Fake Reviewers