Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan

We’re slogging into the murky depths of Gotham, not with capes and cowls, but with gabardine and grit. This week on the show, Mandy navigates the shadowy alleys of nerddom, guided by the insightful Matthew Fox of Star Wars Generations and the Superhero Ethics Podcast on TruStory FM. Their subject? Not the bombastic exploits of a costumed crusader, but the surprisingly nuanced rise of The Penguin on Max.

This is a visceral exploration of power, betrayal, and the intoxicating allure of respect. Think The Godfather, think The Sopranos, but with a dash of, dare we say, avian peculiarity. Matthew is a returning champion of nerd culture explication and unpacks the layered history of the Penguin, tracing his evolution from quirky gangster with an umbrella gun to the complex, almost sympathetic figure portrayed with chilling brilliance by Colin Farrell. The conversation meanders through the intricacies of Cobb's physicality, his burning ambition, and the surprising tenderness that lurks beneath his hardened exterior.

The true revelation lies in the electric presence of Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone. A woman forged in the crucible of a criminal dynasty, Sofia's journey from reluctant heiress to ruthless power player is nothing short of mesmerizing. The interplay between Sofia and Oz, fueled by a shared history of both loyalty and betrayal, crackles with a tension that transcends the typical will-they-won't-they trope.

Join Mandy and Matthew as they unpack the complexities of The Penguin, exploring the unexpected brilliance of a show that dares to ask: what happens when the villain takes center stage, and we find ourselves, against our better judgment, rooting for him?

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This week, Mandy sits down with Darren Grodsky, a writer, director, and the mastermind behind the smash-hit podcast "How to Destroy Everything."

Mandy and Darren take a timey-wimey trip through "Quantum Leap," the iconic '80s and '90s sci-fi series that captured Darren's imagination as a young boy. Together, they explore the show's genius use of time travel as a vehicle for powerful, emotional storytelling. Darren even admits publicly to choosing "Quantum Leap" over talking to his girlfriend. He really said that. He said it on a podcast. As the conversation unfolds, Mandy and Darren dissect the unforgettable characters, the science behind the quantum leaps, and the show's uncanny ability to tackle important social issues.

If you're craving even more nerdy awesomeness, head over to MakeMeANerd.com/join and become a member of the "Make Me a Nerd" community. You'll gain access to ad-free episodes, early releases, and exclusive bonus content that will take your nerd game to the next level! And this week in the member after-party, Darren takes us on a wild journey through his best friend's tumultuous childhood, revealing the perfect blend of humor and heartbreak that makes his podcast so addictive.

Links & Notes

• Discover How to Destroy Everything
• Unlock a treasure trove of nerdy goodness by becoming a member of this very podcast and learn more about the history and making of How to Destroy Everything at MakeMeANerd.com/join

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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.

What does it mean to be human? And, perhaps more importantly, what does it mean to feel human?

On today’s episode of Make Me a Nerd, host Mandy Kaplan embarks on a journey with writer, producer, and director Paul J. Salamoff—a man whose career spans makeup effects, comic books, and award-winning filmmaking. Their mission? To dissect one of the most iconic and enigmatic films in science fiction history: Blade Runner.

This is a story about contrasts—about the grit of dystopian Los Angeles and the shimmer of neon lights, about robots who just want to live and humans who’ve forgotten how.

Together, they tackle the overlooked details: Joanna Cassidy’s boots that magically swap from heels to flats mid-chase, Harrison Ford’s noodle obsession, and the strangely unsettling world of J.F. Sebastian’s creepy companions. But they also dive deep—into the philosophical core of Blade Runner, into what it means to make peace with mortality, and into the ever-debated question: Is Deckard a replicant?

Paul shares his first encounter with the film in the 1980s, when the Casio synths of Vangelis felt urgent and futuristic, not nostalgic and dated. He reflects on the shift from practical effects to CGI, the layers of Ridley Scott’s vision, and why Blade Runner is still his favorite film of all time. Mandy, for her part, asks the questions we’re all too afraid to ask—like why Rachel is dressed like Joan Crawford and whether dystopian futures really mean the end of deodorant.

And just when you think you’ve grasped the meaning of it all, Paul hints at the mysteries of the theatrical cut’s voiceover, the unicorn dream, and the controversial possibility that Rick Deckard might be... well, you’ll have to listen to find out.

PLUS: Stick around for members-only bonus content where Paul breaks down the world of the Saturn Awards, the premier honors for sci-fi, fantasy, and horror.

Links & Notes

• Paul J. Salamoff’s website
• Mandy Kaplan on Instagram
• Make Me a Nerd Membership

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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.

Is it possible that a historical drama with time-traveling elements could captivate a mainstream audience, birthing a fandom so fervent it borders on the delightfully obsessive? This week, Mandy wades into the world of Outlander to find out.

As her guide, Mandy speaks with actress Amy Crofoot, an avowed Outlander enthusiast, to explore the show's undeniable appeal. Is it the meticulously crafted historical setting? The sweeping romance? Or perhaps the subtle nods to geek culture that resonate with a broader audience?

Amy shares her personal journey into fandom, from devouring the dense source material to hosting pajama-clad viewing parties fueled by Sassenach Gin (from the distillery of Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie, a hunky main character). But what is it about this series that inspires such devotion? Is it the escapism? The complex characters? Or the way the show tackles weighty themes with a blend of historical accuracy, fantastical imagination, and nudity?

Could Outlander be more than just a guilty pleasure? Could it be a cultural phenomenon that bridges the gap between mainstream entertainment and the passionate world of fandom? Tune in to find out!

Links & Notes

• Support Make Me a Nerd
• Find Mandy on Instagram
• Find Mandy on Bluesky

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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.

Is "The Exorcist" just a scary movie, or is it a cultural artifact, a theological debate wrapped in celluloid? Mandy Kaplan confesses her way into the abyss with Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias, the minds behind "The Exorcist Minute," a podcast dissecting the film minute by agonizing minute.

Why does the film open in Iraq? Is it a pro-Catholic screed, or something far more subversive? What does the film say about feminism? And what does it mean that the scariest voice in the movie comes from Mercedes McCambridge?

Prepare to have assumptions challenged as they unearth the hidden layers of a film that continues to haunt and fascinate decades after its release. Was Linda Blair robbed of an Oscar? Is Burke Dennings a secret gay icon? And could Captain Howdy be less interested in possessing a child and more in sowing discord maybe?

So join Mandy for an exploration of faith, fear, and the enduring power of a story that asks us to confront the darkness within ourselves... but you know... doing all that really nerdily.

Links & Notes

• The Exorcist Minute: A podcast that examines the movie The Exorcist minute by minute with Lester Ryan Clark and Kynan Dias
• MakeMeANerd.com: Come support the show!
• Every Minute of Everything, Everywhere, All at Once: Same Lester and Kynan but with more Hot Dog Fingers!
• The Devil's Details: A spin-off show that Lester and Kynan do, which covers the history and evolution of the devil through art and literature.

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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.