Author Ben Meeks Talks Writing, Conventions & Helldivers 2

This week on the Wise_N_Nerdy podcast, Joe is joined by special guest host and fantasy author Ben Meeks for an episode packed with life lessons, fandom, convention stories, and plenty of dad-powered humor. Whether you're a fan of books, gaming, anime, or thoughtful parenting discussions, this episode has something for everyone as we continue to help listeners Find your FAMdom. The adventure begins with the Question of the Week: "What are the best lessons you learned from your parents?" Joe, Ben, and the Wise_N_Nerdy community reflect on the wisdom that shaped them into the people they are today. Topics range from developing a strong work ethic and learning perseverance through adversity to becoming an independent thinker willing to question traditions and challenge assumptions. The discussion is both heartfelt and inspiring, highlighting how parental influence can echo through generations. As always, the roll of the dice determines the show's path, and the first stop is the "How Do I...?" segment. This time, the hosts discuss one of the biggest obstacles to personal growth: the fear of failure. Joe and Ben explore practical ways to cultivate a mindset that views mistakes as learning opportunities rather than reasons to quit. Whether you're learning a new hobby, developing a professional skill, or helping your children navigate challenges, their advice emphasizes persistence, resilience, and the importance of giving yourself permission to improve over time. Next, the dice deliver a welcome dose of groan-worthy comedy as Bob returns with a collection of Bad Dad Jokes. The puns fly, the eye-rolls intensify, and listeners are reminded once again that no Wise_N_Nerdy episode is complete without a healthy serving of cringe-inducing humor. The fates then guide the conversation into "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Ben shares how he first met author Bob McGough and how that friendship eventually led to them sharing author tables at conventions across the region. The story provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at convention life, networking within the writing community, and the relationships that help creative careers grow. Listeners interested in Ben's work can learn more about his novels and upcoming projects at https://www.authorbenmeeks.com/. The dice then roll into "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Ben enthusiastically discusses the cooperative gameplay of Helldivers 2, praising the teamwork, chaos, and memorable moments that make the game such a blast with friends. Meanwhile, Joe continues his anime journey by talking about Monster Eater, a series he freely admits may not be a masterpiece, but one that remains entertaining enough to keep him coming back for more. It's a perfect example of how fandom doesn't always have to be critically acclaimed to be enjoyable. Finally, the episode concludes with a lively "Parliament of Papas" discussion centered around a Reddit story involving a property line dispute. Joe and Ben examine the challenges of neighbor relationships, property ownership, and conflict resolution while sharing their own perspectives on how situations like these can escalate when communication breaks down. From valuable life lessons and convention stories to gaming, anime, and classic dad jokes, this episode showcases everything that makes Wise_N_Nerdy such a unique blend of fatherhood and fandom. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices