Nerdtropolis Podcast Network

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with creator Matt Roller (Rick & Morty) and stars Eliza Coupe and Jimmi Simpson about their hilarious and spooky new animated series, The Haunted Hotel.Matt opens up about crafting the show’s nostalgic opening sequence, balancing horror with comedy, and why he fought to make the theme song as catchy as The Simpsons or Bob’s Burgers. Eliza and Jimmi dive into ghostly mischief, the fun of imagining their own hauntings, and even share one-sentence Yelp reviews for the UnderVeil Hotel.From behind-the-scenes stories about working with the Rick & Morty team and Titmouse Animation to playful debates about which pop culture characters should check into The Haunted Hotel, this conversation is a spirited and funny look at what makes the show stand out.Subscribe for more celebrity interviews, movie news & trailers from Nerdtropolis!Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebookInstagramTwitter

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with director Ryan Crego about bringing Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie to life on the big screen.Ryan opens up about transforming Netflix’s beloved preschool series into DreamWorks Animation’s first-ever live-action/animation hybrid feature, balancing the show’s interactive spirit with cinematic spectacle, and the challenge of creating the vibrant world of Cat Francisco. He also shares how his own kids inspired the film, why Kristen Wiig was the perfect eccentric “Cat Lady,” and what it was like working with Laila Lockhart Kraner and Gloria Estefan to bring Gabby’s journey to theaters.From behind-the-scenes stories of tricky sequences to heartfelt reflections on preserving the magic of play for kids and parents alike, this conversation offers a fun and inspiring look at how Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie became a family adventure for all ages.Visit ⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith, who star as young Ed and Lorraine Warren in Warner Bros’ The Conjuring: Last Rites.The rising stars open up about stepping into the shoes of horror’s most iconic couple, the thrill and pressure of carrying on the Conjuring legacy, and how they balanced honoring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s performances while making the roles their own. Madison and Orion also share behind-the-scenes stories from filming the chilling delivery scene, how their views on antiques and the paranormal have changed, and whether fans could see more of the young Warrens in the future.From unforgettable scares to career-defining opportunities, this conversation highlights Madison and Orion’s passion, dedication, and what’s next for these two talents on the rise.Visit ⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Reel Insights with Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis — featuring Tom Sandoval (Vanderpump Rules, The Traitors, House of Villains, America’s Got Talent) on his upcoming tour with his band, Tom Sandoval and The Most Extras.Sandoval talks launching his 2025 tour in Texas, reinventing classics like “Take On Me,” and why “Joker and the Thief” is his favorite song to perform live. He also shares memories from America’s Got Talent, strategy tips from The Traitors, and why Buc-ee’s is a must-stop on the road.From brass-filled covers to lessons learned on reality TV, this convo spotlights Sandoval’s passion for music, performance, and connecting with fans across the country.Visit Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Corey Hawkins, Anna Diop, and debut director Nadia Latif to dive deep into their gripping new psychological thriller, The Man in My Basement, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).Corey Hawkins opens up about the challenges of portraying Charles Blakey, a man facing foreclosure and personal demons, while Anna Diop reflects on bringing nuance and humanity to her character. Nadia Latif shares how her theater background shaped her directing approach and what it meant to have Willem Dafoe join her first feature film.From powerful character discoveries to behind-the-scenes stories about working with an incredible cast, this conversation captures the artistry and emotion behind one of the year’s most talked-about thrillers.Visit: Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe about his haunting new role in The Man in My Basement, which had its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).Dafoe opens up about what first drew him to the project, crediting his admiration for Walter Mosley’s work and the vision of debut director Nadia Latif. He also shares insight into the deep preparation behind his unsettling character, noting how research was essential to grounding the performance.When discussing TIFF, Dafoe highlights why festivals like this remain crucial.With sharp reflections and candid behind-the-scenes details, this conversation is a must-watch for fans of Willem Dafoe, lovers of psychological thrillers, and anyone excited for The Man in My Basement.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with legendary actor, director, and scholar Dr. Peter Weller to dive into his brand-new YouTube channel, Weller World.Dr. Weller shares the story behind launching the channel, his lifelong journey from jazz musician and acclaimed actor (RoboCop, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai) to passionate historian and teacher. He opens up about how art, travel, and culture have shaped his worldview, why curiosity is key to learning, and the importance of compassion in how we engage with people and history. From tales of discovering Renaissance art with Ali MacGraw, to his unforgettable travels across Italy, Pompeii, Persia, and beyond, Dr. Weller mixes wisdom with humor as he explains how Weller World brings history to life in quick, exciting, and accessible ways. He also reflects on his directing career, the importance of great teachers, and his best advice for students and creators: stay curious, stay kind, and never settle for Plan B. With heartfelt stories, sharp insights, and Dr. Weller’s signature energy, this interview is a must-watch for fans of Dr. Peter Weller, lovers of history and culture, and anyone curious about the inspiration behind Weller World. Visit ⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Josh Duhamel and director Allan Ungar about their new action-comedy London Calling, following their successful collaboration on Bandit.Josh opens up about stepping into the role of a down-on-his-luck hitman forced to babysit his mob boss’s awkward teenage son, played by Jeremy Ray Taylor. He shares how the film balances high-stakes action with heartfelt humor, what it was like building the unlikely duo’s chemistry, and why Jeremy’s performance was key to making the story work.Allan reflects on reuniting with Josh, the trust they’ve built since Bandit, and how they pushed each other to make a bigger, bolder film filled with action, conflict, and even some unexpected LARPing. Together, they reveal behind-the-scenes stories, discuss their creative shorthand, and tease what could come next for this reluctant partnership.With laughs, candid insights, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments, this interview is a must-watch for fans of Josh Duhamel, Allan Ungar, and anyone excited for London Calling.London Calling hits theaters on September 18th.Visit ⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Anthony "CiTRiC" Campos about his role as Emilio in King of the Hill Season 14, the long-awaited revival of Mike Judge’s beloved animated series. Anthony shares his excitement about returning to Arlen, Texas, and voicing Emilio — a new character who shakes up Bobby’s world while honoring the show’s legendary roots. He opens up about how it feels to join the iconic cast, his first reaction to getting “the call,” and why working with Mike Judge has been such a full-circle moment since their time together on Idiocracy. The conversation dives into the legacy of King of the Hill, how Texans proudly claim the series as their own, and what it’s like recording in the booth solo versus the table reads with the cast. Anthony also reveals his favorite moments from Season 14, his thoughts on Bobby growing up, and even answers the ultimate Arlen question: propane or charcoal? With behind-the-scenes stories, heartfelt reflections, and plenty of laughs, this interview is a must-watch for fans of King of the Hill, Mike Judge, and anyone excited for the show’s epic return. King of the Hill Season 14 is now streaming.Visit ⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Twitter

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Owen Teague about his role as Brad in Griffin in Summer, the heartfelt coming-of-age comedy from writer/director Nicholas Colia.Owen opens up about why the film feels so different from anything he’s done before, calling it “one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a long time” while still carrying a “sweet soul” at its core. He shares how his character Brad — a misguided mentor figure — challenged him in new ways, and why he was grateful to Colia for giving him the chance to step outside his usual roles.The conversation explores Owen’s acting inspirations, from Andy Serkis’ groundbreaking King Kong performance to lessons he picked up from Matthew McConaughey and Marlon Brando while shaping Brad’s presence. He also reflects on his double life as a teen actor, the influence of his Bloodline castmates, and what he carried forward from his physical performance as Cornelius in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.With behind-the-scenes stories, hilarious set memories, and candid insights into his acting journey, this interview is a must-watch for fans of Owen Teague, Griffin in Summer, and Planet of the Apes.Griffin in Summer is now playing in theaters.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Callie Schuttera about her chilling role in Weapons, the latest horror-thriller from writer/director Zach Cregger (Barbarian).Callie opens up about landing the role through what she calls the “old-fashioned audition,” the eerie walk that became one of the film’s most haunting moments, and what it was like performing in front of gasping, shocked audiences. She also shares how Zach Cregger’s in-the-moment directing style kept her grounded in every scene and made the set feel alive.The conversation dives into the craft of building tension without gore, the challenges of filming unsettling dinner scenes, and how humor unexpectedly balances the dread in Weapons. Callie also teases her upcoming indie horror-thriller The Day After Tomorrow, written with her wife, and her passion for exploring magical realism and religious horror in future projects.With behind-the-scenes stories, insight into Zach Cregger’s creative process, and plenty of talk about what makes Weapons one of the year’s must-see theatrical experiences, this interview is essential viewing for horror fans and movie lovers alike.Weapons is now playing in theaters.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Ben Feldman (“Avi Schwooper”), Abbi Jacobson (“Shira Schwooper”), and showrunner/writer/EP Raphael Bob-Waksberg about Long Story Short, the new Netflix animated comedy from the creator of BoJack Horseman.The trio dives into the making of the Schwooper family, sharing laughs about family traditions, the smells that spark nostalgia, and how the series captures life’s ups and downs across decades. They reflect on what it means to grow up, grow older, and stay connected — even when life takes unexpected turns.Ben, Abbi, and Raphael also open up about what makes the Schwoopers relatable, the joy of building a family story through animation, and how Long Story Short balances heartfelt moments with sharp comedy.With personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of humor, this interview is a must-watch for fans of BoJack Horseman and anyone excited for Netflix’s next big animated series.Long Story Short is now streaming on Netflix.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebookInstagramTwitter

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Simone Miller (“Kalisha”), Joe Freeman (“Luke Ellis”), and Fionn Laird (“Nick”) about The Institute, the gripping new MGM+ series based on Stephen King’s acclaimed novel.The trio dives into what it was like stepping onto set for the very first time, the emotional goodbyes on their final day of filming, and how quickly they bonded behind the scenes. From movie nights in Halifax to unexpected laughs while tackling heavy material, they share the moments that made this production unforgettable.Simone, Joe, and Fionn also reveal which supernatural ability from the show they’d choose in real life — and how they’d actually use it. Plus, they discuss the responsibility of bringing such a beloved King story to the screen and what they hope fans take away from this chilling adaptation.With heartfelt stories, fun behind-the-scenes memories, and plenty of Stephen King love, this interview is a must-watch for fans eager to go deeper into The Institute.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebookInstagramTwitter

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with writer, producer, and showrunner Simon Kinberg about Season 3 of Invasion, Apple TV+’s bold, international, and character-driven sci-fi series.Kinberg opens up about the secrets behind the show’s cinematic look, the importance of balancing humanity with spectacle, and why writing remains his greatest passion. He also shares his lifelong love for Star Wars, reflecting on his journey from Star Wars Rebels to collaborating with some of the franchise’s biggest creative names.Get ready for a thoughtful conversation about world-class sci-fi storytelling, the art of writing, and the excitement building around both Invasion and a galaxy far, far away. Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebookInstagramTwitter/X

In this Reel Insights episode, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Adam Devine, Beck Bennett, and River Gallo to talk all things Fixed, the outrageous new R-rated 2D animated comedy from Sony Pictures Animation and legendary creator Genndy Tartakovsky.The cast shares their most laugh-out-loud moments from recording, the wildest dog behaviors they wish humans could get away with, and what they’d do if they only had 24 hours before “the big snip.” Get ready for a hilarious and no-holds-barred conversation about raunchy animation, canine chaos, and why this isn’t your typical animated movie.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebookInstagramTwitter