Rum & Nerdy

Episode 6.24 - Rum and Villainy: This week Greg and Garrick record live from the legendary Scum & Villainy Cantina in Hollywood, California, proving once again that if there's a nerdy location nearby, they will eventually find a way to podcast from it.Recorded in the middle of a California adventure, the guys soak in the atmosphere of one of the most immersive nerd bars around while discussing everything from Star Wars and fandom to themed entertainment, travel stories, and whatever other topics happen to wander into the cantina.As always, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns, a few questionable opinions are shared, and there is a very real possibility that the background noise is more on-theme than anything the hosts actually say.Pull up a chair, order something from the outer rim, and join Greg and Garrick for an episode filled with rum, nerdery, and just a little villainy.Two rambling idiots—Greg and Garrick—bring you the *Rum & Nerdy Podcast*, a weekly dive into the world of nerd culture through the eyes of late 40s/early 50s dads who still can't get enough of their favorite movies, TV shows, and theme parks. With a deep love of all things nerdy and a shared passion for good rum, these two buddies mix laid-back humor, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughs as they discuss everything from classic sci-fi to the latest pop culture trends.

Episode 6.23: Nerd Rock Park: This week the guys take a trip back to one of the most fascinating “what if” stories in themed entertainment.Greg and Garrick kick things off after discovering a buddy of theirs was featured on a 2009 episode of Mega Builderscovering the rise (and very fast fall) of Hard Rock Park. That leads into a conversation about the project, including one of their favorite TEA presentations centered around the uncomfortable but important topic of great projects that fail.From there, the conversation turns personal as both Greg and Garrick reflect on projects they’ve worked on over the years, including a throwback to Nights of Terror on International Drive in the mid-2000s… and all the chaos that came with it.As always, the episode winds its way through stories, lessons learned, and a few sideways tangents before wrapping up with a look ahead at upcoming travel, conferences, and whatever adventures are next on the calendar.A little nostalgia, a little industry insight, and the usual Rum and Nerdy storytelling along the way.Two rambling idiots—Greg and Garrick—bring you the *Rum & Nerdy Podcast*, a weekly dive into the world of nerd culture through the eyes of late 40s/early 50s dads who still can't get enough of their favorite movies, TV shows, and theme parks. With a deep love of all things nerdy and a shared passion for good rum, these two buddies mix laid-back humor, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughs as they discuss everything from classic sci-fi to the latest pop culture trends.

Episode 6.22: Maul – Shadow Rum: This week the guys go dark side.Greg and Garrick dive into Season 1 of Maul: Shadow Lord on Disney+, breaking down the story, the tone, and just how deep into the shadows Star Wars is willing to go. From character arcs to overall impact on the larger universe, they unpack what worked, what didn’t, and where this series lands in the growing Star Wars lineup.Of course, no conversation stays on the rails for long. The discussion jumps into classic Star Wars tangents, theories, and a few “wait… did you know that?” moments that spiral in the best way possible.Somewhere along the way, things take a hard left turn into “10 things you didn’t know about Bumbu Rum”… which naturally leads to actually drinking it. Because research matters.Dark side discussions, random facts, rum-fueled decisions, and the usual Rum and Nerdy chaos.Two rambling idiots—Greg and Garrick—bring you the *Rum & Nerdy Podcast*, a weekly dive into the world of nerd culture through the eyes of late 40s/early 50s dads who still can't get enough of their favorite movies, TV shows, and theme parks. With a deep love of all things nerdy and a shared passion for good rum, these two buddies mix laid-back humor, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughs as they discuss everything from classic sci-fi to the latest pop culture trends.

Episode 6.21: The Rumdalorian & Grogu: This week the guys head to a galaxy far, far away… with a glass in hand.Greg and Garrick dive deep into The Mandalorian & Grogu, breaking down their thoughts on the film, what worked, what surprised them, and where it fits in the ever-expanding Star Wars universe. From character moments to story choices, they unpack it all with the usual mix of insight, sarcasm, and nerdy enthusiasm.Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Rum and Nerdy episode without chasing down Easter eggs, callbacks, and hidden details. The conversation quickly spirals (as it does) into broader Star Wars discussions, theories, timelines, and the ongoing evolution of the franchise.There are opinions. There are tangents. There may be disagreements.And somewhere in there… probably some rum.Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just here for the banter, this one has a little something for everyone.Two rambling idiots—Greg and Garrick—bring you the *Rum & Nerdy Podcast*, a weekly dive into the world of nerd culture through the eyes of late 40s/early 50s dads who still can't get enough of their favorite movies, TV shows, and theme parks. With a deep love of all things nerdy and a shared passion for good rum, these two buddies mix laid-back humor, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughs as they discuss everything from classic sci-fi to the latest pop culture trends.

Episode 6.20: Garrick’s B-DayAlright… we’re a little late on this one. But hey, better late than never.This week, it’s all about Garrick’s birthday… and somehow, underwear becomes a major plot point.Greg steps in to help Garrick maintain his long-standing (and highly questionable) streak of not having to buy his own underwear—because nothing says friendship like enabling bad habits with good intentions.The guys are sipping on Planetary Cut & Dry and Stiggins’ Fancy Rum as they bounce through a whirlwind of recent adventures, including travel stories, random encounters in Dallas bars, full-on Las Vegas shenanigans, and a few takes on Cirque shows that may or may not be completely accurate.Of course, it wouldn’t be Rum & Nerdy without detouring into streaming content, side tangents, and whatever else pops into their heads along the way.And just when you think it couldn’t get better… there’s a new jingle, baby—courtesy of Demo Dave.It’s chaotic, celebratory, and exactly what you’d expect.Pour a rum, raise a glass, and wish Garrick a happy birthday.Two rambling idiots—Greg and Garrick—bring you the *Rum & Nerdy Podcast*, a weekly dive into the world of nerd culture through the eyes of late 40s/early 50s dads who still can't get enough of their favorite movies, TV shows, and theme parks. With a deep love of all things nerdy and a shared passion for good rum, these two buddies mix laid-back humor, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughs as they discuss everything from classic sci-fi to the latest pop culture trends.

Episode 6.19: House of Nerdy: This week, Greg and Garrick settle into a slightly more refined chaos… or at least a different kind of buzz.The guys kick things off by addressing the obvious—why there’s been less rum lately (yes, it’s Greg’s fault) and the unexpected rise of Guinness as the drink of choice. Naturally, this turns into a detailed breakdown of how to properly pour a pint, complete with the realization that some things really should be a video podcast.From there, the conversation shifts into full gearhead mode, with a deep dive into cars, daily drivers, and the very real temptation of going classic for everyday use. Logic is questionable. Enthusiasm is not.Along the way, a few well-placed nods to Monty Python and the Holy Grail sneak in—because no episode is complete without at least one completely appropriate and entirely unnecessary reference.Back at home base, Garrick shares updates on decorating his Adventurers Club-inspired atrium, while also introducing a new backyard resident: a gopher tortoise, currently unnamed, but already the subject of several questionable and mostly useless facts.It’s part lifestyle shift, part car talk, part backyard wildlife documentary… and fully Rum & Nerdy.Pour a pint (properly) and enjoy.Two rambling idiots—Greg and Garrick—bring you the *Rum & Nerdy Podcast*, a weekly dive into the world of nerd culture through the eyes of late 40s/early 50s dads who still can't get enough of their favorite movies, TV shows, and theme parks. With a deep love of all things nerdy and a shared passion for good rum, these two buddies mix laid-back humor, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughs as they discuss everything from classic sci-fi to the latest pop culture trends.

Episode 6.18: Rum Encabulator - This week, Greg and Garrick lean all the way into beautifully engineered nonsense.Kicking things off with the latest evolution of the legendary “Retro Encabulator”, now upgraded to the “Hyper Encabulator”—the guys revel in peak technobabble and the kind of fake engineering that somehow feels… convincing.From there, things take a surprisingly thoughtful turn with a discussion of the 1963 Canadian short film 21-87, exploring its influence on Star Wars and the long-debated origins of “the Force.”The episode then wraps up the TEA Thea Awards Gala, with a look at the set, décor, and overall experience. Greg shares his Shire Chic moment presenting a Thea Award to Russell for the Hobbiton Movie Set—a highlight of the night and a well-earned recognition for an iconic destination.A little foreshadowing creeps in as well, teasing what’s next for “What Ya Streaming” and more random Rum & Nerdy goodness to come.It’s part satire, part cinema history, and part industry recap… with just enough chaos to keep it honest.Pour a rum and engage the encabulator.Two rambling idiots—Greg and Garrick—bring you the *Rum & Nerdy Podcast*, a weekly dive into the world of nerd culture through the eyes of late 40s/early 50s dads who still can't get enough of their favorite movies, TV shows, and theme parks. With a deep love of all things nerdy and a shared passion for good rum, these two buddies mix laid-back humor, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughs as they discuss everything from classic sci-fi to the latest pop culture trends.

Episode 6.17: TEA Inspire 2026 Review: This week, Greg and Garrick are fresh off TEA Inspire 2026 and ready to break it all down—joined by a couple of quick guest drop-ins along the way.From the Leadership Forum to Inspire the Night, the guys recap the moments, conversations, and connections that made this year’s conference stand out. They dig into the themes shaping the industry, the people driving it forward, and a few behind-the-scenes takes you won’t get anywhere else.With the Thea Awards Gala just ahead, Greg and Garrick also talk through their favorite winners, what stood out most, and throw it to you—what was your favorite?It’s a mix of insight, perspective, and just enough snark to keep it honest.Pour a rum and join the conversation.Two rambling idiots—Greg and Garrick—bring you the *Rum & Nerdy Podcast*, a weekly dive into the world of nerd culture through the eyes of late 40s/early 50s dads who still can't get enough of their favorite movies, TV shows, and theme parks. With a deep love of all things nerdy and a shared passion for good rum, these two buddies mix laid-back humor, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughs as they discuss everything from classic sci-fi to the latest pop culture trends.