The Department of Nerdly Affairs
The Department of Nerdly Affairs
The Department of Nerdly Affairs is a bi-weekly talk podcast dedicated to exploring different aspects of nerdly arts and culture. Together bringing over 80 years of experience to the table, the hosts, Rob and Don, try to take a seasoned, knowledgeable, and real-world approach to looking at the creation of nerd culture and the forces shaping it. The podcast covers topics ranging from from film and comics to writing and history, and pretty much everything in between. If it's a hobby shared by few or by many, you can expect to hear it talked about by the Department of Nerdly Affairs...
Episodes
DNA Podcast 141 – Martial Arts in Popular Culture (of the 20th Century)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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 Online 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