Getting Wiser and Nerdier With Todd Sarner

Get ready for another unforgettable episode of the Wise_N_Nerdy podcast as Charles and Joe welcome back returning guest Todd Sarner for a conversation packed with gaming debates, parenting wisdom, music industry stories, anime discussions, and the kind of chaotic humor fans have come to love. The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “Do you like that games do cosmetic-only purchases, or would you prefer game-changing content?” The hosts quickly find common ground, passionately agreeing that games should never allow players to buy a competitive advantage. From battle passes to microtransactions, the discussion dives into the modern gaming landscape and why cosmetic-only monetization feels far more fair to players who value skill and balance over pay-to-win mechanics. With the traditional roll of the dice, the episode launches into a barrage of Bad Dad Jokes, courtesy of Joe’s middle child, Bob. The jokes come fast, the groans come faster, and the entire segment perfectly captures the wholesome chaos that defines Wise_N_Nerdy humor. Next comes the heartfelt “How Do I…?” segment, where the hosts discuss an important topic for parents everywhere: not letting pride get in the way of being a good parent. Through honest conversation and personal insight, Charles, Joe, and Todd explore how humility, communication, and admitting mistakes can strengthen relationships with your kids and help families grow together. The dice then guide the show into the thoughtful “Parliament of Papas” segment, featuring a question from community member MithrilBiata about fostering independence for a cousin with AuDHD. The hosts approach the discussion with empathy and care, sharing perspectives on encouragement, patience, and creating supportive environments that empower neurodivergent individuals while still respecting their unique challenges and strengths. From there, the episode shifts into the fan-favorite “Daddy, Tell Me A Story” segment, where Todd Sarner shares incredible memories from his time working as a roadie for Metallica. From behind-the-scenes chaos to unforgettable concert experiences, Todd’s stories offer a rare glimpse into life on the road with one of the biggest bands in music history. Finally, the episode wraps up with the always entertaining “What Are You Nerding Out About?” segment. Joe shares his excitement about setting up a Raspberry Pi project to host a bot he created for the Digital Media Track Discord server. The bot, hilariously named Quasar—short for Questionably Useful Automated Scheduling Assistant Robot—perfectly embodies the nerdy creativity at the heart of the show. Meanwhile, Todd talks about using manga as a tool to improve his Japanese language skills, specifically mentioning Erased. In a perfect moment of synchronicity, Charles reveals that he had just finished watching the Erased adaptation that same week. Charles also shares exciting updates about how things are finally coming together between his six-month contract work and his Sunday morning gig, bringing the episode to a hopeful and uplifting conclusion. This episode is a perfect blend of gaming culture, fatherhood, fandom, humor, and heartfelt conversation. Whether you’re here for the nerdy discussions, the parenting insights, or Todd’s incredible stories from the music world, there’s something for everyone. So settle in, share a laugh, and don’t forget to Find your FAMdom. Learn more about Todd Sarner over at http://transformativeparenting.com Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices