Nw Nerd Podcast: Fandom-powered News

Jim Demonakos (Emerald City Comic Con, LightBox Expo, Comic Stop) has a new project – a documentary on Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Thanks so a very successful Kickstarter campaign, the documentary has more than enough funding to be completed. Jim joins pop culture journalist Dyer Oxley to discuss the project, as well as talk about the career of an "entreprenerd."Also, Joel the Geek co-hosts to discuss what to watch over the next couple months. There's plenty of shows and movies coming to a streaming service near you ... like really near you ... your living room because that is where we watch things these days. Joel and Dyer have a few recommendations. Finally, Avatar is the world's highest earning film in history, again. It's still a terrible film. But it's made a lot of money. So they're making four sequels that you can look forward to starting this year. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

The pandemic and 2020 shocked the pop culture convention industry that gives us comicons and other coveted gatherings. NW NERD brings in Todd Jones (former Global Director of Content and Celebrity Talent for ReedPOP) to help explain what has gone on behind the scenes, and what comicons will likely look like moving forward.Also, Dr. Tim Elam with the University of Washington's Applied Physics Lab discusses how his work is helping NASA search for ancient life on Mars. That work is happening right now!And Netflix just released demographic data about its own content and company. The numbers show that the streaming company has some work to do. Cosplayer and artist RainyRentyn joins Dyer this episode to talk through it all. Also: Want to submit your own recording to introduce NW NERD? Just like Renee aka Pixie Bomber did for this episode? We'd love to include you. Email nwnerdpodcast@gmail.com for details. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

On the first episode of Season 5, we meet a new superhero on the streets of Seattle, and she has a pretty cool car, too. Meet Captain Quidel, who arrived in time for the pandemic. Also...Catching up with Jedi Minister Tyler Arnold on the changes to Spokane's Jedi Alliance church. A discussion on pop culture conventions as we look ahead in 2021. Will you attend any comicons over the coming months?Finally, Dyer provides an update about Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon, and developments that occurred since NW NERD's feature story on his fan meet ups / bowling tour. And also a few announcements. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

We've left one year behind, and are embarking on another. There are a few headlines that may affect our relationship to pop culture in the months ahead. Plus, the Northwest has a couple connections to a coming mission to the moon that will make history. To get into the details, we talk with Northwest News Network's Tom Banse about one booming corner of the film industry (despite, and because of the pandemic), as well as NASA's Steven Smith about news around the developing Artemis missions.Joining this episode are special guests People's Critic Tim Hall (also with Made in the 80s podcast) and Pixie Bomber cosplay.  Film industry booming in Hollywood NorthTwo notable astronauts part of Artemis teamSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

The annual Festivus special carries a bit of a curse on NW NERD. Audio gets glitchy, Dyer's soundboard doesn't work, or the Monorail keeps interrupting. And this year's Festivus recording is on par with all that ... and 2020 in general. Yeah, we'll blame it on 2020. Despite some recording snafus, we had a great time with Egypt with the Comic Dads and cosplayer RainyRentyn who joined us for the airing of grievances, and some feats of strength. It's time for a Festivus for the rest of us!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

Featuring: Tae Phoenix with Trek the VoteTalk show hosts Dave Ross and Michael MedvedMellina White, co-founder of The Seattle ConservativeEgypt with The Comic DadsWarning: Some may disagree with parts of the discussion ... and that's OK. "Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis, the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe."A little honesty -- this is not the usual NW NERD Podcast episode. While it's not the focus, the discussion in this episode deals with politics and other points of disagreement. There are a range of guests in this episode, and none of them align. People are going to speak their minds, and express opinions. But to be clear, that is not what this episode is about. It's about all of us. It's hard not to notice the division and the toxic nature of many interact

Volunteers are working to restore The Dominion tugboat to her former glory, and make this boat a living piece of history. But they've found out that history may still be living aboard.NW NERD goes on a ghost hunt with AGHOST, led by author and expert Ross Allison, and finds out that this boat has a lot of stories to tell. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

NW NERD archive: Dyer stops at a hotel while on a road trip through Oregon. But this unique hotel has a history that some say continues to haunt its hallways ... and rooms. The ghostly activity at the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove is so prevalent that the front desk maintains a ghost log for employees and guests to document their experiences. NW NERD takes a look at this ghost log, and in a way, brings it to life. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

NW NERD archive: The Pike Place Market is one of the most well-visited areas in the Northwest. But visitors may not have realized that among the bustling walkways, the paranormal is also highly active. In particular, the Pike Place Market is known for all the ghost children who walk its halls. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

We're reanimating one of our best round table discussions, straight out of the NW NERD archives. What are the best methods of surviving a zombie apocalypse? In season two, we brought in a series of experts to help answer that question, including Craig Engler (Z Nation creator) and infectious disease expert Dr. Tara Smith. Then we brought in Liz Ellis and Travis Samson, who both work in the film industry, to further comment. Do you know your zombie response plan? Take a listen and let us know via Twitter or Facebook. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

As Halloween approaches (the best holiday all year), we are reaching back into the NW NERD archives and presenting our favorite ghost stories. This time, we're reaching all the way back to season 1, when we produced our first ghost story. NW NERD takes a trip out to Port Gamble, a New England style town set in the Northwest. The residents and shop keepers all have tales of ghostly encounters, including stories of the Walker Ames home, which is said to be the most haunted house in Washington state. And yes, something odd did happen while reporting on scene. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

Hey there! It's been a minute ... or five ... OK, probably even longer than that. It's time to check in. A lot has happened since the end of the last season of NW NERD. Dyer and Brandon are checking in, providing a few updates on the future of the podcast, talking about what has been happening, and pointing out a few things to look forward to. There are a few changes coming to NW NERD, and Dyer even has a request for listeners (potentially an opportunity for you storytellers out there). Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

Spokane has had a few comicons come and go over the years, but Lilac City Comicon has stood out. That's partially because it keeps going, but also because it keep growing. That's largely thanks to one man, Nathan O'Brien, who believed that the geek community east of the Cascade Mountains is strong enough for a decent comicon. This is Lilac's journey. Also, news headlines including:The coronavirus pandemic is affecting the video game industry, delaying the release of some games. Tim Cullings with Seattle Indies provides some insight. Blue Origin is the latest NW company to help out in the fight against COVID-19. This is how.Despite being a serious issue, the pandemic has prompted plenty of memes, misinformation, and conspiracy theories that are spreading throughout social media. We go through a few notable examples, and Brandon gets a surprise quiz. Personal corner: Brandon has a big announcement. But he needs advice some more experienced nerds out there. Support the show (https://www.patre

NW NERD talks with two one-of-a-kind artists -- Jeff Carpenter and Alex the Pumpkin Geek. Headlines: Ashley Hiruko, reporter with KUOW, discusses her article about businesses that technically are considered "essential" under Washington's stay-at-home order during the coronavirus pandemic ... but are they really? One business she addresses is the Northwest's favorite purveyor of pop culture -- Funko. The largest comic book distributor says it can't pay its vendors while the pandemic continues to shut down businesses (such as comic book shops).Dyer gets some answers back from an Emerald City Comic Con rep about how the event will transfer over to its new August dates. Also, how are you tackling cabin fever while practicing social distancing? We'd like to hear. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

Cosplayers in Washington and beyond are organizing to make face masks, face shields, and more to help doctors, nurses, and first responders get what they need as they fight a pandemic. Also, stay-at-home orders and closed businesses for COVID-19 are pushing back film release dates and changing movie theater operations. Brandon is still waiting for Half Life 3. And Dyer has a dilemma: What to do with fan art that is piling up.Featuring: Pixie Bomber Cosplay and Zaklabs. Music by Keven MacLeod.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

Artist, cosplayer, and Superman Jonathan Belle joins NW NERD as a guest host to chat about how Emerald City Comic Con has rescheduled for August 21 and check in on what he's been up to lately. Coronavirus concerns continue, so we brought in some positivity (And we also may talk about how great The Killers are).Also, an interview with Charles Brown, part of Spokane's Grown Folkz Kids Show. They talk about geek news, they talk about issues. And it's always fun. Charles discusses Spokane's geek scene and its unique features.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

The headlines are filled with "Coronavirus," "COVID-19," and "pandemic" lately. Though if you're like Dyer, then most of what you know about a virus spreading across the globe most likely comes from movies. We turn to Dr. Tara Smith who is an epidemiologist out of Kent State -- she actually teaches a course on plagues and pandemics. Dr. Smith likes to talk about this science in terms of pop culture (such as zombie movies), so we discuss the current COVID-19 pandemic to find the line between Hollywood and reality, fiction and fact. Also, wash your hands. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

Before we launch into our two interviews with Northwest artists, we need to talk about the elephant in the room -- coronavirus. AKA COVID-19. Emerald City Comic Con is moving forward with its 2020 event as concerns over COVID-19 grow. What you should know about the issue. Then an interview with Seattle-artist Jen Vaughn. Beyond her varied work from Goosebumps to Archie comics, she also discusses her perspective on how to enter into the comics industry. Also, a conversation with Joy Spurgeon, aka Grandma Gone Geek. Joy makes some of the most unique, and humorous works of cross stitch art ever found at comic cons. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

Geek Boots Military Nerds join NW NERD as guest hosts to talk about geek news, including: -Space economy in Redmond may get a financial boost.-Renton City Comic Con is rebranding and adopting a new name. What will the new con look like? -And will marvel movie actors start their own Dungeons and Dragons campaign? Two are rumored to be considering it. This week's feature showcases Sanctuary, a shop in Wenatchee that focuses on Magic: The Gathering. But behind this small shop is the story of one man, Thaddeus Deane, whose career has been intense -- from Navy SEAL to fire fighter. But Magic has been a part of his life ever since the game debuted. Today, he uses it to have a positive influence on the world. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)

NW NERD travels to the intersection of pop culture and mental health. First, a conversation with "Doc," who makes wands and sells them at comicons. Doc, a military veteran, is vocal about his experience with PTSD and how woodworking helped him after his time in the Army. Also, a discussion with Nikki York, Sara Pence, and Steven Collins. The three work in the mental health industry, often with youth and families. They also host panels on mental health and pop culture at conventions. We sat down with them at the NW NERD booth at Rose City Comic Con to discuss everything from Marvel films to what pop culture gets wrong about therapy. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nwnerd)