Podcast
Nerd Skool
Hosted by History For Jerks · EN
The Nerd Skool Podcast, part of the Queen City Podcast Network, began when nerd-curious Joe Hunsaker of “History for Jerks” realized that he knew more experienced nerds in his life beyond simply his former entertainment writer brother Andy. After witnessing many spirited debates between his co-workers – the Sith-identifying Arthur “ArtStar” Lovely and the “Secret Nerd” Tiffany Bryant-Jackson - he decided he wanted to learn how to become a nerd himself. The three convened the Nerd Skool to educate Joe on nerd culture and nerd media, as well as the benefits of “actually paying attention to movies.” They are soon to begin a course on Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
2w ago01:19:30Tap to summarizeBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever Analysis The group discussed the movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, focusing on its handling of grief and the character development of Shuri. They analyzed how the film addressed the loss of Chadwick Boseman and explored Shuri's emotional journey, including her encounter with the ancestral plane where she saw Killmonger. The discussion also covered the film's cinematography, underwater scenes, and the character of Namor, including his comic book history and representation in the film. Namor and Atlantean Characters Discussion Andy discussed the character Namor from Marvel comics, explaining his solo nature and conflicts with other heroes like the Hulk and Doctor Strange. He detailed Namor's history with the Phoenix Force, which led to him flooding Wakanda and creating animosity with T'Challa. Andy also covered other Atlantean characters including Namora and Atuma, noting that Marvel made Namor's home city Tl'Chok rather than Atlantis to avoid competing with DC's Aquaman. The discussion concluded with a brief mention of Riri Williams as a new character in the film. Ironheart Character Development Discussion The group discussed the character Riri Williams/Ironheart from Marvel comics and the related TV series. They compared the character development between the comic origins in 2016 and the TV adaptation, noting how the contemporary setting and diverse writing room made the character more relatable and less problematic than older comic book characters. The discussion also touched on how the Chicago setting in the series helped connect viewers to the story, and they reflected on the character's growth from the TV series to the movie adaptation. Marvel Character Names and Costumes The group discussed character names and costumes in Marvel comics, particularly focusing on Namor and his attire. They noted that while Namor's costume evolved over time to include pants and a vest, it made more sense for him to be semi-naked given his aquatic setting. Tiffany expressed frustration with illogical character names and costumes in comics, suggesting she would like a job at Marvel to review character designs and names. The discussion concluded with Andy providing background on Namor's character development and complex nature as both a ruler and hero. Angela Bassett's X-Men Casting Discussion The group discussed Angela Bassett's performance in the Black Panther film and her potential casting as Storm in the X-Men franchise. They compared Bassett's portrayal to Halle Berry's earlier performance and discussed how Bassett would have been a better fit for the role due to her character's African heritage and background. The conversation also touched on Bassett's other notable roles, including Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It and her performance in Waiting to Exhale.Thriller Drama Casting DiscussionThe group discussed potential casting ideas for a thriller drama featuring Viola Davis and Angela Bassett. Tiffany expressed strong enthusiasm for seeing these actors together in a suspenseful role, recommending that whoever writes the script needs to handle it well to justify casting such powerful performers. The conversation also touched on Viola Davis's acclaimed autobiography and Angela Bassett's recent role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with the group agreeing that Bassett's performance helped reintroduce audiences to her talent.
Transcribe →Nerdy 30: Werewolf By Night Part Two
Mar 1300:44:07Tap to summarizeArtstar and Joe continue the Werewolf discussion.
Transcribe →Nerdy 30: Werewolf By Night Part 1
Feb 1700:35:10Tap to summarizeArt & Joe start talking some Werewolf by Night. Also they talk a lil D&D, a little Christopher Nolan, a lil OBS....
Transcribe →Nerdy 30: Heroclix, Death by Lightning, Comic Shop Best Practices and more.
Dec 1800:38:52Tap to summarizeThe gang continues their discussion about nerdom, and their current nerdy activities.
Transcribe →Nerdy 30: The Comic Shop, Outdrawn, Transformers and more
Nov 3000:28:33Tap to summarizeThe gang gets together for a quick Nerdy 30 about nerdy media they are currently consuming including books and youtube shows.
Transcribe →She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Sep 1901:11:23Tap to summarizeThe Nerd Skool gang discuss the Marvel Television series, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law starring Tatiana Maslany. Listen as we discuss all things She-Hulk, its various characters, including Hulk and Skaar, while also exploring themes of nerd culture, societal expectations for women, and character development in superhero stories, particularly focusing on Jennifer Walters' journey in She-Hulk. The conversation concluded with discussions about Marvel Comics storylines, character introductions, and the cancellation of She-Hulk. Nerd Skool is a proud product of History For Jerks. Check out www.Historyforjerks.com
Transcribe →Thor: Love and Thunder
Aug 2301:12:26Tap to summarizeNerd Skool continues the MCU timeline with a discussion of the film: Thor: Love and Thunder. We discuss the following topics and more: Confusion regarding Tessa Thompson's character's actual name. The stress of consuming the entire MCU rather than just enjoying a fim Writers writing for screen rather than just writing to write Russel Crowe as Zeus Roy Kent as Hercules The Necro Sword, the Dark Hold and comic book stories vs. movies Chris Hemsworth's acting chops, and bare butt Natalie Portman's beefy arms Gorr, the God Butcher the character in comics Please like and subscribe and love all of the History For Jerks stuff.
Transcribe →Nerdy 30: Andor & Visual Art
Jun 2800:35:12Tap to summarizeArtstar and Joe discuss the following topics: Star Wars Franchise Expansion Discussion Traditional vs. Digital Comic Art Preserving Joy in Creative Work Artistic Inspiration and Digital Creation Digital Art Journeys: From Photoshop to Procreate Action Figures and Online Communities Art Pricing and Authenticity
Transcribe →Ms. Marvel TV Series
Jun 900:58:55Tap to summarizeThe Ms. Marvel Episode. Topics include: The She-Hulk TV series, Ms. Marvel and her origins in comics Representation in media. Avengers Video Game DLCs Ms. Marvel's Cultural Impact Kamala Khan's Mutant Evolution MCU Expansion and Inhumans Disney IP and Marvel
Transcribe →Return of the Nerds
May 22, 202501:14:58Tap to summarizeTBJ, Arstar and Joe re-convene after an unexpected Nerd Skool hiatus. We discuss some of the things that made us have to take a pause, and what has happened in the Nerd World specifically the MCU. We also end up touching a little on the great Queen Latifah, Discord, Gaming, and other random nerd talk. We'll be back to cover Ms. Marvel soon!
Transcribe →