Nerd Best Friends

We did it, nerd fam—100 episodes of the Nerd Best Friends Podcast! And you KNOW we’re not celebrating quietly… this is a full-blown NERDSTRAVAGANZA.From the nerdiest debates to deep dives, wild tangents to iconic Top 5s, Nerd Best Friends has been the place for the conversations you’re already having (or wish you could). And in this milestone episode, we’re going ALL IN:A look back at some of our favorite moments, chaos, and inside jokes from the first 100 episodesWhat we’ve learned about being nerds, creators, and best friends along the wayA hype-filled preview of what’s coming next for the showSpecial nerdsphere tributes to the legendary Chuck Norris and Nicholas Brendon—because no nerd universe is complete without honoring icons or iconic characters in our favorite showsWhether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or just discovered your new favorite podcast, this episode is a celebration of YOU—the Nerd Herd that made it all possible.So grab your favorite fandom, turn the volume up, and let’s celebrate 100 episodes of nerdy greatness… with so much more ahead.CALL TO ACTION:If you’ve laughed, learned, or nerded out with us even once—hit that follow/subscribe button, drop us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with your fellow nerds.Want even MORE Nerd Best Friends?Join the Nerd Herd on Patreon for early access, bonus content, and live studio vibes nerdbestfriends.com@NerdBestFriendsHere’s to 100… and the next 100. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, nerds—and buckle up, because this week we’re diving headfirst into chaos, carnage, and one very opinionated cat. It’s Nerd Book Club time, and we’re breaking down Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman—the wildly addictive, darkly hilarious, “what did I just read and why can’t I stop?” phenomenon that has taken over the nerd multiverse.Carl didn’t ask for this. Earth didn’t ask for this. But the dungeon doesn’t care. And Donut? …Donut definitely has opinions about ALL of it.In this episode, your Nerd Best Friends crew dives into:Why this series hits that perfect sweet spot of absurd humor + brutal stakesThe unstoppable force that is Princess Donut (yes, we said it)The world-building that somehow keeps getting crazier—and betterOur favorite moments, characters, and “did that really just happen?!” scenesWhy fans of litRPG, sci-fi, fantasy, and chaos goblins will feel right at homeWhether you’re already deep in the dungeon, audiobook-ing your way through madness, or just hearing “GODDAMMIT DONUT!” for the first time—this episode is your invitation to join the crawl.If you’ve read it, come geek out with us. If you haven’t… consider this your warning AND your recommendation.As always—if you laugh, gasp, or immediately text a friend about this episode:Hit subscribe/followDrop us a 5-star ratingShare with your fellow dungeon crawlersAnd if you want early access, bonus content, and a seat in the live nerdy chaos—join the Nerd Herd on Patreon.What’s the nerdiest thing you did this week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think you’ve got what it takes to hang with the Nerd Best Friends in the ultimate battle of brains, bits, and bizarre pop culture facts? It’s time to prove it.We’re back with Nerd Trivia 3, where the questions are deep cuts, the answers are just on the tip of your tongue, and the competition is… let’s call it “passionately unhinged.” From iconic fandoms to obscure nerd lore, we’re throwing down trivia that will test your memory, your instincts, and your ability to shout answers at your speakers like that somehow helps.Play along in real time, keep score if you dare, and find out once and for all:Are you a casual nerd… or a certified Nerd Best Friend?Expect laughs, debates, questionable confidence, and at least one moment where someone says, “I KNEW THAT!”Press play, challenge your party, and let the nerd games begin.Join the Party:Got a perfect score? (We don’t believe you, but we respect you.)Tell us how you did and send us your favorite trivia questions—we might feature them in a future episode!Level Up Your Nerdom:Subscribe, follow, and share with your trivia crew.Bonus content and exclusive nerdiness await on Patreon!Join the NERD HERD today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the Nerd Best Friends had their own mountain… who would be carved into it forever?In this episode, the Nerd Best Friends take on the ultimate nerd debate: our personal Mount Rushmore of Nerds. We’re talking about the creators, storytellers, and visionaries who shaped the fandoms we love—the people whose ideas launched universes, defined genres, and gave nerd culture some of its most iconic moments.From legendary filmmakers and comic book masterminds to authors and world-builders, we each choose the four nerd icons we believe deserve a permanent place on the mountain of nerd greatness. But as you might expect… the debates get passionate, the picks get personal, and the definition of what makes someone a “true nerd legend” gets tested.Along the way we talk about:The creators who built the fandoms we grew up inThe storytellers whose ideas changed pop culture foreverThe writers and artists who shaped entire nerd generationsAnd the tough choices when only four faces can make the mountainPlus, we want to hear from YOU, Nerd Herd — who would be on your Mount Rushmore of Nerds?So grab your chisel, carve your picks in stone, and join us for one of the nerdiest debates yet.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Bonus content for the Nerd Herd on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your favorite nerds turn the nostalgia dial to 1996?In this episode, Analese and Rob continue their journey through the “30’s series” — revisiting the pop culture that shaped us 30 years ago. And wow… 1996 was absolutely stacked with nerdy goodness. We’re talking iconic movies, unforgettable TV, legendary music, and the moments that defined the mid-90s nerd landscape. From blockbuster films and cult classics to the shows we rushed home to watch after school, this episode is a time machine back to the era of dial-up internet, mall culture, and peak Gen-X/Millennial nerd energy.Expect plenty of nostalgia, laughs, and chaotic-good nerd energy as we revisit one of the most underrated pop culture years of the decade.If you grew up in the 90s, this episode will absolutely unlock some core memories. Analese voted for blue M&Ms and Rob swears tan and blue M&Ms were always there. Also in this episode: different styles of printed miniatures, does anyone still listen to the radio?, the horror movie SCREAM franchise, other nerd tangents. Bonus Nerdy GoodnessWant extra episodes, behind-the-scenes chaos, and exclusive nerd content? Join us on Patreon and become part of the Nerd Herd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are you doing… and more importantly, what are you nerding out about right now?In Episode 95, your Nerd Best Friends hit pause on the rankings and deep dives to check in on the nerdiest things currently taking over our free time. From new fandom obsessions and tabletop adventures to hobby rabbit holes we swore we wouldn’t fall into (but absolutely did), this is your official Nerd Life Update.We’re talking:Current game tables and character chaosWhat we’re reading (and aggressively recommending)Shows we binged “just one episode” ofCreative projects, collections, and hyper-fixationsThe hobbies that are quietly stealing our sleepIt’s cozy. It’s chaotic-good. It’s that classic “what are you doing these days?” conversation—but make it nerd.So tell us: what are you into right now? Hit us up on social @NerdBestFriends or email podcast@nerdbestfriends.com and let us know what hobby has you in a headlock.Subscribe, follow, and share with a fellow member of the Nerd Herd—because the best part of being a nerd is finding your people.Roll for initiative. Let’s catch up. Bonus content on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roll initiative, Nerd Herd… because this week we’re throwing hands. From perfectly choreographed sword duels to bone-crunching fistfights, from gravity-defying kung fu to glow-stick-of-destiny showdowns, your Nerd Best Friends are counting down our Top 5 Pop Culture Fight Scenes of all time.What makes a fight scene legendary?Is it the emotional stakes?The choreography?The slow-mo spin kick?The one-liner right before the final blow?We’re breaking down the battles that made us jump off the couch, rewind the VHS (yes, we’re that nerdy), and immediately attempt a dramatic pose in the living room.Whether you love epic sword clashes, martial arts masterpieces, street-level brawls, or cinematic showdowns that changed pop culture forever — this episode is your arena.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.Join the Nerd Herd.Bonus nerdy chaos available on Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your Nerd Best Friends are cracking open the vault and looking ahead at all the gloriously nerdy chaos coming our way.In this episode, Analese and Rob pull back the curtain on what’s next for the pod, what they’re obsessing over, what might be making a comeback, and the nerdy rabbit holes they’re about to dive headfirst into. From horror hype to tech toys, from nostalgic rewatches to brand-new obsessions, the Nerd Herd is getting a preview of the adventures ahead.Will there be sci-fi? Probably.Deep dives? Absolutely.Unhinged theories? You know it.If you’ve ever wondered what fuels the Nerd Best Friends content machine… this is your sneak peek.And trust us — you’re going to want to be here for what’s coming next.Listen wherever you get your podcasts.Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming.Want bonus nerdiness? Join the Patreon and level up your Nerd Herd membership.Strap in, friends. The next chapter of nerdy goodness starts now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nerd Travels is back, and this time we’re unpacking suitcases, friendships, and ALL the nerd joy from Girls’ Just Wanna Weekend 7!In Episode 92 of Nerd Best Friends, Analese and Rob hit the road for another installment of Nerd Travels, sharing highlights, heartfelt moments, and behind-the-scenes stories from Girls’ Just Wanna Weekend 7—the music-filled, community-driven getaway that’s equal parts vacation, fandom, and found family.From unforgettable performances and magical moments to the small experiences that make events like this so special, we talk about what makes GJWW more than just a trip—it’s a vibe. We reflect on connection, nerd joy, and why traveling forcommunity hits differently than traveling to a destination.Whether you were there, wish you were there, or just love hearing about nerds living their best lives, this episode is for you. Listen now wherever you get your podcastsJoin the conversation and tell us: what’s your ultimate nerd travel dream?Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Nerd Best Friend—because nerd joy is better when it’s shared.Bonus content for the Nerd Herd on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello nerds! This week we are taking a break from our typical episodes and promoting our amazing guest spot on The Geek Speak Show! Your nerd best friends joined the show for an Issues of the Day episode, and got to nerd out with some fellow geeks.Check out and go follow The Geek Speak Show we will be back next week with Nerd Travels: Girls Just Wanna Weekend 7. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hard-boiled noir. Superhero trauma. One of Marvel’s most complex antiheroes.Your Nerd Best Friends are tackling Jessica Jones and asking the ultimate nerd question: Should you read the comics first… or watch the show first? Either way, this one has swears & butts!Noir vibes vs. prestige TVComic canon vs. on-screen storytellingTrauma, agency, and why Jessica Jones still mattersWhether you’re brand new to Jessica Jones or revisiting her story with fresh eyes, this episode will help you decide where to start—and why there’s no wrong answer… just different kinds of brilliant.Also in this episode: murder mystery puzzles, gamer profiles, Space Weirdos, Final Girl 3, Army Painter metallic speed paints, winter is hobby winter. Listen now wherever you get your podcastsFollow Nerd Best Friends and join the Nerd Herd on Pateron Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, your Nerd Best Friends take a VERY bold trip back to Oz… and wow, was it darker than we expected. For Analese and Rob, this was a first-time watch of Return to Oz, and let’s just say—no one was prepared for wheelers, electroshock therapy vibes, or an alarming number of interchangeable heads. Meanwhile, Dr. Intern Joan revisits a childhood favorite and helps us unpack why this deeply unsettling sequel left such a lasting impression on a whole generation of nerds.Is it a misunderstood masterpiece? A nightmare masquerading as a kids’ movie? Or the ultimate example of 80s films saying, “Sure, kids can handle this”? We break down the visuals, the themes, the lore, and the emotional damage—plus why this movie still lives rent-free in so many brains decades later.Strap in, grab your ruby slippers (or chicken), and join us for a delightfully dark Nerdstalgia dive.New episode out now—listen wherever you get your podcasts and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share with a fellow nerd who definitely remembers those Wheelers.Bonus content on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new year is here—and your Nerd Best Friends are making plans… the nerdy way.In this episode, we’re setting 26 nerdy goals for 2026—from books we want to read and games we want to play to projects we want to finish, hobbies we want to try, and fandoms we want to spend more time with. Some goals are ambitious, some are cozy, and some are just an excuse to lean harder into the things that bring us joy.This isn’t about productivity or perfection—it’s about intention, curiosity, and giving ourselves permission to be excited about what’s next. Whether you’re a list-maker, a goal-setter, or someone who just wants an excuse to buy more minis or crack open another comic, this episode is for you.So grab your planner, your paintbrush, or your controller—and let’s talk about what we’re nerding out about in 2026.Also in this episode: Nerd Mail, tangents, new apps for nerd organization, systems to optimize your nerd experience. Listen now wherever you get your podcastsRate, review, and share to help grow the Nerd HerdBonus content on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great Scott! Your Nerd Best Friends are firing up the DeLorean and hitting 88 miles per hour as we travel back (and forward) through one of the most iconic nerd franchises of all time: Back to the Future.Analese, Rob, and Dr. Intern Joan dive into why this trilogy still holds up decades later—from perfect casting and quotable lines to time-travel rules that somehow actually make sense. We talk favorite moments, the genius of Doc Brown, Marty McFly’s enduring cool factor, and how Back to the Future shaped pop culture, sci-fi storytelling, and the very idea of what “the future” was supposed to look like.Is Back to the Future a flawless trilogy? Why does it hit so hard for Gen X, Millennials, and new nerds discovering it today? And what lessons can we learn from a movie that insists your future isn’t written yet?Grab your hoverboard, avoid paradoxes, and join us for a nerdy joyride through time.Also in this episode: After Prom, karaoke, hypnotists, tangents, Nerdstalgia, D&D 2024 leveling up, Bewitchin'Listen now wherever you get your podcastsLove the episode? Rate, review, and share to help grow the Nerd HerdFollow us @NerdBestFriends for more pop culture deep dives and nerdy nonsenseBonus content on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s officially cozy-season, Nerd Herd! This week, your Nerd Best Friends are diving headfirst into their Top 5 Holiday Must-Watch lists — the movies, specials, and episodes that absolutely DEFINE the season. From nostalgic classics to chaotic comfort watches, we’re breaking down the stories that make our nerd hearts glow like a retro string of Christmas lights. Analese decks the halls and Rob snacks through the fa-la-las.Whether you're a lover of cozy classics, campy holiday chaos, or deep-cut seasonal gems — you will find yourself right at home with this one.Listen now and tell us YOUR holiday must-watch list!Don’t forget to rate the podcast, follow us on social media, and share the nerdy joy with a friend. Bonus content on Patreon!Happy holidays, Nerd Herd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think you know your fandoms? Your Nerd Best Friends are BACK with an all-new episode, and this time…it’s NERD TRIVIA night! In this chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly intense showdown, Analese, Rob, and Dr. Intern Joan put their nerd knowledge to the test across movies, TV, comics, gaming, nostalgia, and all the weird little corners of pop culture we’ve been storing in our brains for decades. Analese chose Bizness Ethics for Rob and Rob chose anything but Buffy for Analese.IN THIS EPISODE:Analese flexes obscure knowledge no human should haveRob takes some big swings (and even bigger misses)Dr. Intern Joan becomes the trivia chaos agent we didn’t know we neededThe Herd gets a brand-new set of inside jokesIf you love pop culture, pointless knowledge, and friends talking nerdy, this is YOUR episode.Listen now and play along — tell us your score!Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast so we can keep growing the Nerd Herd! Bonus content and other giveaways on Patreon.Also in this episode: favorite games shows of all time, character-themed fast food gimmicks, jammy advent calendars, slowing inventory of weasel-hair brushes for painting, getting gifts from our family that are things the nerds talk about during the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Analese, Rob, and Dr. Intern Joan check in on their Nerd Goals for the year — the wins, the works-in-progress, and the “oh wow, we definitely forgot that was even on the list.” Analese doubled down on reading and Rob focused on becoming C3TO (or, a CTO, to be sure). In this episode, Analese, Rob, and Dr. Intern Joan:Review their 2025 Nerd Goals (with honesty and chaos)Celebrate the little victories and the big onesShare what they’re excited to tackle nextAdmit which goals have been… temporarily benchedEncourage YOU to jump back into your own nerdy passionsWhether you're crushing your goals or riding the procrastination dragon, you’re in good company.Also in this episode: becoming a WNBA Inaugural season ticket holder, Nerd Stores in California's state capital, and insane endings to football games.Join the Nerd Herd, hit play, and let’s level up those nerd goals together!Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast — it helps our little nerdy universe grow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the most wonderful nerdy time of the year! Analese and Rob are diving headfirst into the multiverse of gifting to bring you the Official Nerd Best Friends Gift Guide—packed with gadgets, page-turners, cozy fandom gear, and delightfully weird treasures for every nerd on your list (including you, let’s be honest). Analese creates chaos with monkey hooks and Rob doubles down on best binging during the holiday season. And here’s the real holiday magic:Dr. Intern Joan has crafted an exclusive DIGITAL GIFT GUIDE—a beautifully nerdy, curated masterpiece to level up your gifting game. Want it? Just become a Patron for $1 or $3 and it’s all yours. Seriously. That’s like… less than the cost of a single festive cookie.So throw on your comfiest fandom hoodie, grab your peppermint mocha, and hit play.Your nerdy holiday shopping starts NOW.Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a five-star rating, and share with your fellow nerds—spread that holiday cheer like confetti!Also in this episode: Nerd Mail (redheads in comic books), the best fictional holiday setting, old people marching, creative book gifts, kinkos > Fedex (mostly because price).  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Nerd Best Friends, Analese and Rob dive into the quotes, lines, and iconic one-liners that have lived rent-free in our nerd brains for decades. It’s time for our Top 5 Pop Culture Catchphrases, and yes—choosing just five was absolutely impossible, but we did it anyway (because we’re nerds, and we love a challenge). From TV to comics, movies to memes, we break down why these catchphrases stuck, how they became cultural landmarks, and the moments they made us laugh, gasp, or feel entirely too seen. Analese sifts through 90s sketch comedies and Rob goes with a galaxy far, far, away.As always, join the conversation, tell us YOUR favorite catchphrases, and help us grow the Nerd Herd by rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your fellow nerds!Also in this episode: Nerd Mail, Monsters: The Ed Gein Story, beer face, SORA, shoutout to Gateway Games in Santa Rosa (CA), and what the heck is Microsoft doing with Xbox? Bonus and early access to content on Patreon! Join now!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab your capes, grab your tissues, and get ready to fly into another epic Nerd Book Club adventure! This week, Analese and Rob dive deep into Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the beautifully bold and heart-wrenchingly heroic comic that has taken the nerd world by storm. We’re talking space cowboys, moral quandaries, epic quests, and a Supergirl story that punches you right in the feels — in the best nerdy way possible. Plus, the Nerds ask the real questions, like: how often should heroes get therapy? Could we survive intergalactic travel without snacks? And what exactly counts as a space horse? Saddle up, nerd herd — we’re going cosmic. Analese is tired of the same ol' tropes and Rob is loving the space western awesomeness. Also, Dr. Intern Joan is back! As always, we want to hear from YOU! Did you read along? What did you think of Supergirl’s story? Who do you want to see in the next Nerd Book Club pick?Don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating, share with your fellow nerds, and join us weekly for all the chaotic wholesome joy that is the Nerd Best Friends Podcast. Also in this episode: Nerd Mail, halloween episodes of Buffy, we have 99 problems and Hoopla might be one, naming your top 5 movies of all time, Almost Famous is 25 this year, winning free nerd stuff and 26 for 2026 projects, nerding out over this podcast.Thanks for being part of the Nerd Herd — the nerdiest, best friends on the internet! Subscribers don't forget to look for your EXCLUSIVE reading guide - or go to Patreon now and become a Nerd Herd member to gain exclusive access! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.