Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

Have your kids ever introduced you to something you never expected to love? Maybe they got you hooked on the Pokémon Trading Card Game, convinced you to explore Minecraft, or introduced you to a quirky game like Meccha Chameleon. In this episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, Charles and Joe explore how our kids can expand our interests, introduce us to new fandoms, and sometimes turn us into bigger nerds than they are! The episode begins with the Question of the Week: "What's something your kids introduced you to that you ended up loving?" Charles and Joe share examples of the unexpected ways parenting can lead to new hobbies and interests, including the Pokémon TCG, Minecraft, and Meccha Chameleon. It's a fun reminder that while parents often introduce their children to the things they love, kids can be just as influential when it comes to discovering new games, hobbies, and fandoms. Then the traditional Roll of the Dice takes us into "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Charles shares updates about his latest professional and creative adventures. He's stepping into a new role as an EMT teacher while also working as a social media consultant. But that's not all—Charles also talks about his other creative pursuits, including The Little Brown Pill, bringing even more projects into an already busy schedule. Joe has professional news of his own, sharing details about a recent job interview and the potential new position he's hoping to land. It's a behind-the-scenes look at balancing career opportunities, creative ambitions, and everything else life throws at busy dads. Next, it's time for Bad Dad Jokes, featuring contributions from Joe, ShadyPuppy, and Joe's father-in-law. The dice have spoken, the jokes are ready, and the groans are inevitable. If you enjoy pun-filled humor and the kind of jokes that make everyone question why they laughed, this segment is for you! The Parliament of Papas then takes on a question that has sparked debates in kitchens and refrigerators everywhere: When do someone else's leftovers become fair game? Is there an unwritten waiting period before abandoned food becomes available to the rest of the household? Does it depend on whether the food has been sitting there for a day, three days, or an entire week? Charles and Joe dig into the etiquette of leftovers, family food rules, and the delicate balance between avoiding food waste and accidentally eating the lunch someone was saving for tomorrow. For "What Are You Nerding Out About?", Joe shares some of the conversations he's been having with his wife about purchasing new electronics, including upgrades like new computer monitors. But the big excitement is gaming-related: Joe is especially happy about his plans to purchase the special Zelda edition of the Nintendo Switch 2. For Nintendo fans and Zelda enthusiasts, it's a reminder that sometimes the perfect gaming upgrade is about more than hardware—it's about celebrating the franchises we love. Charles, meanwhile, talks about an unexpectedly fun way to connect with the Wise_N_Nerdy community. He's been exchanging TikTok videos with a listener from Australia, and the experience feels a lot like having a modern-day pen pal. Their back-and-forth has become a fun form of cultural exchange, sharing humor, interests, and glimpses into life on opposite sides of the world. It's a great example of how fandom and online communities can build genuine connections, even when thousands of miles separate people. Finally, the episode wraps up with "How Do I...?", where Charles and Joe discuss strategies for applying for jobs and handling interviews. From preparing for opportunities to presenting yourself confidently and navigating the interview process, they explore ways to approach the job hunt while managing the uncertainty that comes with pursuing a new role. Whether you're actively searching for work, considering a career change, or simply preparing for your next opportunity, this conversation offers practical ideas to consider. From the unexpected hobbies our kids introduce us to and the never-ending debate over leftover food to Nintendo Switch 2 excitement, international TikTok friendships, career changes, and job interview advice, this episode brings together the humor, heart, and nerdy enthusiasm that make Wise_N_Nerdy unique. Whether you're a parent, a Pokémon fan, a Minecraft player, a Zelda enthusiast, a fellow job seeker, or someone who just wants to debate refrigerator etiquette, there's something here for you. Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another episode celebrating the connections between family, fandom, and everyday life! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which fictional dad do you secretly relate to the most? Are you the well-meaning but accident-prone Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor from Home Improvement, or do you have more in common with the dad from A Christmas Story? Joe welcomes author Bob McGough to another episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, where fatherhood meets fandom, bad dad jokes are a competitive sport, and even a nostalgic video game can turn into an adventure in breaking the rules! The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “Which fictional dad (good or hilariously bad) do you secretly relate to the most?” Bob McGough connects with Tim Taylor, the DIY-loving sitcom dad whose enthusiasm frequently outpaces his common sense. Joe, meanwhile, finds himself relating to the father from A Christmas Story. It's a nostalgic conversation about fictional fatherhood, the ridiculous moments of family life, and the dads who remind us that nobody has parenting completely figured out. Then the Roll of the Dice sends the hosts straight into Bad Dad Jokes, but this time there's a challenge on the table! Joe's son Bob throws down the gauntlet, challenging Bob McGough to see who can deliver the best terrible dad jokes. With two Bobs in the mix and plenty of pun potential, the only question is whether the winner deserves a trophy or an immediate timeout. Get ready for some groans, some laughs, and the kind of jokes that make being a dad feel like a competitive discipline. Next up is “What Are You Nerding Out About?”, where Bob McGough shares his excitement about a new bookshelf and the LEGO creations he's displaying on it. For fans of LEGO builds, display shelves, and finding ways to show off your favorite nerdy collections, Bob's latest project is right at home in this conversation. Joe, meanwhile, has returned to the legendary Nintendo classic The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, playing the version available through Nintendo Switch Online. But this isn't just a standard nostalgic playthrough. Joe has been experimenting with glitches and sequence breaks, attempting to reach places and accomplish objectives in ways the developers never intended players to follow. That leads to a deeper discussion about video game exploits and the fun of pushing games beyond their intended boundaries, including memories of using glitches to get into places you weren't supposed to reach in Halo 2. Whether you're a Zelda fan, a retro gaming enthusiast, or someone who loves discovering hidden tricks in classic games, this segment is a trip down gaming's glitch-filled memory lane. The dice then bring us to “How Do I...?”, where Joe and Bob tackle a challenge familiar to many parents: maintaining an open dialogue with teenage children. As kids grow more independent, keeping communication strong can become increasingly difficult. The hosts discuss the importance of creating an environment where teenagers feel comfortable talking honestly with their parents, even when the conversations are uncomfortable or the topics are difficult. It's a thoughtful discussion about trust, listening, and making sure your kids know they can come to you when it matters most. Then comes “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where a conversation about Joe filling out a RECA claim brings up a deeply personal and difficult memory from his first semester in college. Joe recounts a frightening experience involving his mother's care facility administering the wrong dosage of cancer medication, which led to psychosis and her temporary commitment to a mental health facility. It's a serious and emotional story about a family crisis, the impact of medical errors, and an unexpected chapter in Joe's life. This segment offers a reminder that behind the humor and nerdy conversations, real family experiences can be complicated, painful, and profoundly memorable. Finally, the Parliament of Papas takes on a Reddit story that begins with a sweet moment between a grandmother and her grandchildren. During their time together, she shows them how to observe a double sunset and explains how the phenomenon is possible because of the Earth's curvature and the way the landscape and horizon affect what they can see. The wholesome science lesson takes an unexpected turn when the children's mother, who believes the Earth is flat, becomes offended. Joe and Bob discuss the family conflict, the role of grandparents in sharing knowledge with grandchildren, and what happens when a simple educational moment clashes with deeply held beliefs. From fictional sitcom dads and competitive dad jokes to LEGO displays, Zelda glitches, parenting teenagers, difficult family memories, and a Reddit debate about science and flat Earth beliefs, this episode delivers the wide-ranging conversations you've come to expect from Wise_N_Nerdy. Whether you're a fan of Home Improvement, A Christmas Story, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Halo 2, LEGO, parenting discussions, or hilarious Reddit stories, there's something here for you. Join Joe and Bob McGough for an episode that celebrates nerdy hobbies, honest fatherhood conversations, and the unexpected stories that bring people together. Find your FAMdom and join us for another adventure where family life and fandom collide! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What movie or TV show would you use to explain the complicated concept of time travel to your child? Would you go with the classic The Time Machine, send them back to the future with Marty McFly, or introduce them to the time-bending story of Timeline? Charles and Joe tackle that question—and plenty of other nerdy and fatherhood-related topics—in another packed episode of Wise_N_Nerdy! The episode begins with the Question of the Week: "If your child asked you to explain time travel, which movie or show would you use as your teaching tool?" Charles and Joe explore some of their favorite time-travel stories, including The Time Machine, Back to the Future, and Timeline, while considering which fictional explanations might actually make sense to a curious kid. Because explaining paradoxes, alternate timelines, and temporal mechanics to a child is definitely something every parent has on their to-do list! Then the Roll of the Dice unexpectedly sends the dads into the "How Do I...?" segment, which Charles is tentatively considering renaming "The Dad Manual." This time, the focus is on advice for new fathers. Charles and Joe discuss one of the most important things a new dad can do after a baby arrives: recognizing that his partner is going to be exhausted and that her body is recovering from giving birth. The conversation focuses on practical ways new fathers can step up, take responsibility, and reduce the burden on their partner rather than waiting to be asked what needs to be done. From helping with the baby to handling household responsibilities and simply being attentive to what their partner needs, becoming a new dad is about more than learning how to hold a newborn—it's about becoming a teammate. Next, the dice lead into "What Are You Nerding Out About?", where Charles dives into the world of Resident Evil. He talks about the new Resident Evil movie and his experiences with the franchise as a whole, exploring the enduring appeal of one of gaming and horror's most recognizable franchises. If you're a fan of survival horror, zombies, video games, or the ever-expanding Resident Evil universe, this conversation is right up your alley. Meanwhile, Joe is nerding out over the LitRPG series Defiance of the Fall by TheFirstDefier, also known as JF Brink. The conversation gives LitRPG fans another series to potentially add to their reading list as Joe dives into what has him hooked on this progression-fantasy adventure. Then the fates bring us to "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," and September turns out to have provided plenty of material. Following Dragon Con, Charles jumped into a new professional chapter as a teacher at an EMT school. Meanwhile, Joe has been dealing with a very busy September of his own, putting in a significant amount of overtime nearly every Friday night. Joe also discusses a potential new job opportunity, adding another twist to an already hectic month. Of course, no Wise_N_Nerdy episode would be complete without some Bad Dad Jokes. This time, the dice deliver not one but two contributions from the Wise_N_Nerdy community, with one joke from Stephen Adams and another from TougasRose. Prepare yourself for the inevitable groans. Finally, the Parliament of Papas tackles an important parenting topic: how do you help your kids deal with bullies and recognize when a situation is escalating? Charles and Joe discuss the importance of teaching children how to respond to difficult situations, when to seek help from adults, and how parents can give their kids practical tools for handling conflict without making a bad situation worse. From time-travel movies and new-dad advice to Resident Evil, LitRPGs, career changes, overtime, terrible dad jokes, and conversations about bullying, this episode covers a lot of ground while staying true to what Wise_N_Nerdy does best: bringing fatherhood and fandom together. Whether you're a new dad, a longtime parent, a Resident Evil fan, a LitRPG reader, a time-travel enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a good conversation between nerdy dads, there's something here for you. Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another adventure filled with stories, laughs, nerdy obsessions, and practical fatherhood advice. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could choose any fictional character to be your kid's mentor? Would you trust Yoda to teach them the ways of the Force? Maybe Uncle Iroh would be the perfect source of wisdom, or Gandalf could guide them through life's biggest adventures. Or perhaps someone like Steve Rogers, Charles Xavier, or Mr. Miyagi would have exactly the kind of advice your kid needs. Joe and Devocite tackle that question and plenty of unexpected detours in this episode of Wise_N_Nerdy! The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: "Which fictional mentor would you want giving your kid advice — Yoda, Uncle Iroh, Gandalf, or someone else entirely?" The conversation quickly expands beyond the obvious choices as Joe and Devo consider what makes someone a great mentor and which fictional characters might actually have something valuable to teach the next generation. Then the Roll of the Dice sends the dads into "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Joe and Devocite share some entertaining travel stories involving GPS mishaps, wrong directions, getting lost, and the kinds of travel problems that seem funny once you've finally made it to your destination. Because sometimes the greatest adventure isn't the one you planned—it's the one where your GPS decides it knows better than you do! Next, the dice bring us to Bad Dad Jokes, and Devocite comes prepared. Literally. Armed with an actual stack of joke-filled magazines, Devo starts pulling out dad jokes with the dedication of a man who has been preparing for this moment his entire life. The results are exactly as gloriously groan-worthy as you'd expect. For "What Are You Nerding Out About?", Devocite dives into the quirky science-fiction adventure We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor. The conversation explores what makes the story such an entertaining read while giving listeners another potential addition to their nerdy reading list. Devo also talks about some of the upgrades and projects he's working on in his workshop. Meanwhile, Joe has his own literary connection to nerdy creativity. He's once again serving as a beta reader for author J. Abram Barneck, marking the second time Joe has had the opportunity to help review one of Barneck's upcoming works. It's another glimpse into the behind-the-scenes side of writing, reading, and being part of a creative community. Then the Parliament of Papas convenes to tackle a particularly frustrating beach scenario. Imagine leaving your belongings behind temporarily, only to return and discover another family has taken over your chairs and started eating your food. What should you do? Is this an innocent misunderstanding, a serious breach of beach etiquette, or the beginning of a dad-level confrontation? Joe and Devocite dig into the situation and consider how they would handle it. Finally, the episode closes with "How Do I...?", tackling one of the more challenging parts of parenting: when is it okay to let your kid fail? Joe and Devo discuss the importance of allowing children to experience failure, learn from their mistakes, and develop the skills they need to handle setbacks. Sometimes being a good parent means stepping back, resisting the urge to immediately fix everything, and giving your child the opportunity to figure things out for themselves. From Yoda and Uncle Iroh to GPS disasters, magazine-fueled dad jokes, We Are Legion (We Are Bob), workshop upgrades, beta reading, beach etiquette, and the difficult art of letting kids fail, this episode has a little bit of everything. It's another conversation filled with fatherhood, fandom, laughs, stories, and the kind of unexpected nerdy tangents you've come to expect from Wise_N_Nerdy. Whether you're a parent, a Star Wars fan, a fantasy fan, a sci-fi reader, a fan of dad jokes, or simply someone who enjoys conversations about parenting and geek culture, there's plenty here for you. Find your FAMdom and join Joe and Devocite for another adventure where fatherhood meets fandom! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could bring a piece of science fiction into the real world to make parenting just a little bit easier? Would you choose a Star Trek holodeck, a robotic helper like Rosie from The Jetsons, or perhaps sneak a little fantasy into the conversation with Hermione’s Time-Turner from Harry Potter? Those are just a few of the possibilities Charles and Joe consider in another wildly nerdy episode of Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom! The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “What item from sci-fi would make parenting so much easier?” Charles and Joe explore the parenting possibilities of futuristic technology and fictional gadgets, with several science-fiction favorites making an appearance—and a couple of fantasy items sneaking into the discussion. Because when you're talking about making parenting easier, apparently the rules about what counts as sci-fi can get a little flexible! Then the Roll of the Dice sends the dads straight into some spectacularly terrible Bad Dad Jokes. The dice have spoken, and unfortunately, there is no technology in existence capable of preventing the groans that follow. Next up is “What Are You Nerding Out About?”, where Joe introduces Charles to a new LitRPG he's been checking out: The Grand Game. Naturally, one LitRPG quickly turns into a much larger conversation as they discuss other popular titles in the genre, including The Primal Hunter and Dungeon Crawler Carl. If you're a fan of progression fantasy, LitRPG adventures, dungeon crawling, leveling systems, and stories where characters get increasingly ridiculous abilities, there's plenty here to fuel your reading—or listening—list. Meanwhile, Charles has something completely different to nerd out about: Dragon Con. After experiencing the convention, Charles shares his excitement about everything that makes Dragon Con such a unique celebration of fandom, from the incredible atmosphere to the people and experiences that make the convention memorable. The dice then bring us to the “Parliament of Papas”, where Charles and Joe react to a discussion about Dragon Con badge ribbons and Swag n Seek. Are convention ribbons and the hunt for swag creating problems, or are they simply another part of the fun and culture surrounding Dragon Con? The dads dig into the debate and consider the different perspectives surrounding convention etiquette, collectibles, and the sometimes chaotic nature of fandom. Finally, the episode wraps up with “Daddy, Tell Me A Story”, where Charles shares some exciting news about what's coming next in his professional life. He's getting ready to take on a new role as a teacher at an EMT training center, opening up a new chapter that combines his experience and knowledge with the opportunity to help train the next generation of emergency medical professionals. From futuristic parenting technology and terrible dad jokes to LitRPG recommendations, Dragon Con adventures, convention debates, and a major professional change, this episode is packed with the kind of unexpected twists and nerdy conversations you've come to expect from Wise_N_Nerdy. Whether you're a parent, a sci-fi fan, a LitRPG reader, a Dragon Con attendee, or just someone who enjoys a good dad joke, there's something here for you. Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another adventure where fatherhood meets fandom! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices