Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

Ever feel like you're trapped in a world of gilded villains and shadowy agendas, where the fate of nations hangs in the balance? Then step into the thrilling world of James Bond with Matt DeGroot, Vice President of Production at Crooked Media, as he guides Mandy Kaplan through the treacherous landscape of Goldfinger on Make Me A Nerd. Matt, a man who obviously navigates the corridors of power by day and the seductive world of espionage by night, unveils the secrets of 007, revealing why this particular film holds the key to understanding the enduring power of the Bond mythos. But be warned, this is not a game for the faint of heart.

Beyond the shimmering surface of shaken martinis and tailored suits lies a world of calculated risks and deadly consequences. Matt, a connoisseur of both political strategy and cinematic intrigue, dissects the anatomy of Goldfinger'splot, exposing the machinations of its villain and the vulnerabilities of a world on the brink. He'll delve into the historical context of the film, exploring its place within the Bond dynasty and the evolution of the franchise. And he'll offer a glimpse into his own origin story, sharing the childhood memories that forged his fascination with the world of espionage. But remember, knowledge is power, and in this game, information can be as deadly as a golden gun.

Together, they’ll navigate the labyrinthine world of double agents and femme fatales, illuminating the roles of Felix Leiter and Miss Moneypenny, whose secrets may hold the key to Bond's survival. And he'll offer a masterclass in political action, reminding listeners that real-world villains can be just as dangerous as their fictional counterparts. Take control of your destiny and visit VoteSaveAmerica.com to make your voice heard. Because in this world, silence is complicity.

So, are you ready to enter the world of shadows and secrets? Tune in to Make Me A Nerd for a thrilling deconstruction of Goldfinger and its enduring legacy. Discover the hidden power dynamics at play and uncover the truth behind the world's most iconic spy. But be careful who you trust, because in this game, betrayal is always a possibility. And remember, the power to change the world is in your hands.

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In this delightfully nerdy episode, Mandy joins the ranks of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the (sort of) first time with podcaster and comic book aficionado Justin Jaeger. Like a modern-day anthropologist venturing into uncharted territory, Mandy explores the mystifying world of Loki, Marvel's mercurial trickster god, through the lens of a complete newcomer.

Justin, whose personal comic collection once aspired to the likes of the Library of Alexandria with 8,000 volumes, guides Mandy through the intricacies of Marvel lore while accidentally turning their discussion into an impromptu therapy session. The pair pull apart the charming paradox of Tom Hiddleston's Loki—a villain so charismatic that Mandy initially mistakes him for the hero.

From comparing the show to Silence of the Lambs to debating the state of Marvel's special effects budget, this episode offers a refreshingly uninitiated perspective on superhero culture. Whether you're a seasoned comic collector or someone who only knows Tom Hiddleston as "Taylor Swift's ex who dances on Graham Norton," this conversation bridges the gap between mainstream and nerd culture with wit and warmth.

Links & Notes

• Jayge’s Pages (Justin's YouTube book review channel)
• Loki on Disney+
• WandaVision on Disney+
• The MCU Timeline Guide for Beginners
• Tom Hiddleston's Thor Audition Tape

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Hark, adventurers and nerds both fledgling and seasoned! Gather 'round the flickering hearth of Make Me a Nerd, where tales of fantastical realms and digital dungeons unfold. In this episode, our intrepid host, Mandy Kaplan, embarks on a quest into the heart of Dragonlance, guided by the wise and whimsical Simon Petrie. Together, they delve into the worn pages of Dragons of Autumn Twilight, a tome teeming with knights, mages, and creatures most wondrous. Prepare for a journey fraught with draconians, kender, and the unpredictable magic of Raistlin, a mage whose power ebbs and flows like the tides of Krynn.

Our heroes navigate the treacherous landscapes of this epic saga, encountering a cast of characters as diverse as the races of Ansalon. From the stalwart Sturm Brightblade to the mischievous Tasslehoff Burrfoot, each companion brings their unique strengths and secrets to the fellowship. Mandy, a newcomer to this world of high fantasy, grapples with the complexities of kender and gully dwarves, while Simon, a seasoned veteran of these literary campaigns, illuminates the lore and mechanics of this beloved series. Together, they unravel the mysteries of Krynn, pondering the motivations of heroes and villains alike.

But beware! For this journey is not without its perils! Mandy’s quest for higher stakes leads her to question the invincibility of the companions, yearning for a touch of danger to heighten the drama. Simon, ever the sage guide, hints at future trials and tribulations, promising a darker path ahead. The discussion weaves through the intricacies of magic, the challenges of Dungeons & Dragons gameplay, and the surprising divinity of a certain wacky old mage.

So join us, brave listeners, as we explore the realms of Dragonlance. Prepare to roll the dice of fate, encounter dragons both real and wicker, and uncover the secrets that lie hidden within the hearts of heroes. For this is but the first chapter in a grand adventure, and the fate of Krynn hangs in the balance!

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This week, Mandy embarks on a mission to appreciate the appeal of Aliens, and a genre she admits to having little experience with. Her guide through this new territory is Darnell Smith, a longtime friend and self-proclaimed sci-fi expert. For their cinematic journey, Darnell selects James Cameron’s film, one he believes to be the pinnacle of the franchise despite its departure from the original's tone.

Throughout their discussion, Mandy questions whether "Aliens" belongs in the sci-fi category, finding its action-heavy plot and lack of nuanced alien characters more akin to a typical military movie set in space. She does, however, express fascination with the film's detailed depiction of a futuristic Earth, particularly the mundane aspects of daily life. Darnell, on the other hand, focuses on the film's deeper themes, connecting the relentless nature of the alien creatures to the horrors of the unknown and humanity's tendency towards hubris.

Sure, Mandy leans toward relatable characters and immersive world-building, while Darnell emphasizes the genre's ability to explore complex themes through fantastical scenarios. Still, Mandy's enthusiasm for the material is a huge win for nerddom. Whether or not "Aliens" fully converts Mandy into a sci-fi enthusiast remains to be seen, but the episode does offer an interesting glimpse into the subjective nature of genre and the diverse ways in which audiences connect with stories.

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Join Mandy and her favorite roommate of all time, Abdi Nazemian, for a deep dive into the gloriously campy world of Mommie Dearest! Mandy gets schooled by Abdi, an award-winning author and certified Mommie Dearest expert, on why this so-bad-it's-good film has become a gay cultural touchstone.

They unpack Joan Crawford's over-the-top portrayal by Faye Dunaway, the unintentional camp that makes it so hilarious, and the surprisingly poignant way the film opened up conversations about abuse. Abdi shares hilarious anecdotes, including a legendary high school Mommie Dearest party and a personal encounter with Faye Dunaway (that didn't go so well).

Plus, they brainstorm musical numbers for a Mommie Dearest musical – get ready for "Mad at the Dirt"! Whether you're a longtime fan or a Mommie Dearest newbie, this episode is guaranteed to make you look at this classic film with fresh—and maybe more forgiving—eyes.

Links & Notes

• Abdi Nazemian's website
• Six Degrees of Joan Crawford from You Must Remember This
• Susan Sontag's Notes on Camp

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Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.