Nerdhat

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Each year the RiverRun International Film Festival features special screenings for the whole family to enjoy. This year Richard took all four of his junior Nerdhatters to experience the "Films with Class: Elementary School" screening at the Reynolds Place Theatre. Afterwards he sat down in the grass at a local park to talk with them about their favorite animated shorts from the program. Their selections? - "Blu's" (2025, RedGod Studios)- "Sunspark" (2026, Neverthought Studios)- "Something Greater than You" (2026, LePage Creatives)- "The Cloud Herder" (2025, Daily Madness Productions)    This episode also includes an interview with animator Keith Cantrell ( @keithcartoons ). Keith conceived, wrote, directed, and animated the short film "Monkey Gino," which was selected to be a part of the "Saturday Morning Cartoons" lineup at this year's festival. Learn more about "Monkey Gino" and Keith's other projects: https://www.keithcartoons.com/monkeyginoLearn more about "Blu's" & RedGod Studios' other projects: https://www.redgodstudios.com/projectsLearn more about "Sunspark" and Danny Barque's other work: https://sunsparkmovie.com/index.htmlLearn more about "Something Great than You" and Gordon LePage's work: https://www.lepagecreatives.com/portfolio-collections/my-portfolio/something-greater-than-youLearn more about "The Cloud Herder" and Daily Madness Productions' work: https://www.instagram.com/dailymadnessproductions?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?"Fentanyl overdose is the number one cause of death for 18–44-year-olds. Fentanyl can be as inexpensive as a cigarette and more than 100 times more powerful than morphine.  As overdose rates rise and stigma persists, THE HOTLINE is not just a story about crisis—it's a story about listening. Grounded in real-world harm reduction efforts, THE HOTLINE is a film about connection in the darkest moments, the power of empathy, and the quiet heroes working in the shadows to keep people breathing, one call at a time."     ~ breakthrufilms.orgOn a more serious note*, we decided to cover the documentary short film "Hotline" (2026), which won Honorable Mention in the documentary short film category at the RiverRun International Film Festival. It was co-directed by Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet, who agreed to come on the podcast to talk about their most recent venture. If you or someone you know is battling an opioid addiction, help is available. Here are two resources which the filmmakers recommend: https://www.samhsa.gov/The "Never Use Alone" Hotline: 1-877-696-1996*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?The dark comedy thriller "Over Your Dead Body" was the Centerpiece screening at the 2026 RiverRun International Film Festival. We had a chance to sit down with actor Keith Jardine, who plays Todd in the film, to talk about his experience working on set with director Jorma Taccone and actors Jason Segel, Samara Weaving, Timothy Olyphont, and Juliette Lewis. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34685692/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_over%20your%20dead%20b*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?On day 2 of the RiverRun International Film Festival, we sat down with filmmaker @willthwaites to discuss the documentary film @crimeandparody which he wrote, directed, filmed, and co-edited. "Crime + Parody" begins with an account of Anthony Novak's legal conflict with his local police department in Parma, Ohio and expands to cover the story of another Ohio resident, Omar Arrington Bay, whose encounters with law enforcement ultimately led to his death. Along the way, the film addresses issues like freedom of speech, the importance of comedy as a check on governmental power, and the controversial legal principle of qualified immunity.      In addition to discussing the film, we also talked with Will about his career in the film industry, which has included projects as varied as Animal Planet's "Zoo" and James Cameron's "The Story of Science Fiction." "Crime + Parody" is his feature length directorial debut, and has already won him an award for best Director (at the Atlanta Documentary Film Festival) during its festival run. If you are listening to this episode prior to April 24th, you may be able to catch the final showing of "Crime + Parody" at the Marketplace Cinema here in our very own Winston Salem, NC. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Buy a ticket for the Friday, April 24th Showing of Crime + Parody: https://riverrunfilm.com/events/crimeandparody/#buynowFollow the Film on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimeandparody/Follow Will Thwaites on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willthwaites/Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Timothy Cooper reached out to us leading up to last year's RiverRun International Film Festival. He was our first official interview. This past week he came back on the podcast to share how "Knead," the short film he wrote and directed and which played at RiverRun last year, has faired. He also talked about an upcoming short film for which he wrote the screenplay, "Rock, Paper, Destiny." Watch "Knead" on the Omeleto Channel: https://youtu.be/gkvTQzMRrIw?si=lWgn4G-Ar2GQAS7n*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?T.J. Sandella, the co-writer and co-director of the feature film "Battersea," which played at the 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival, came back on the podcast to share how the film has faired since we last spoke. Learn More About Battersea: https://www.tjsandella.com/batterseaLearn More About T.J.: https://www.tjsandella.com/*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This past week Richard had the privilege of sitting down for a conversation with Michael Morin, the new Executive Director of the RiverRun International Film Festival.     Michael hails from California, where he grew up loving both music and movies, though music was his first love. After attending Junior college and film school in California, he began the first phase of his multi-faceted career which saw him touring with bands, filming concerts, and, eventually, working as an assistant to filmmaker David O. Russell, who directed The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle, among other films. After taking some time off from working in and around Hollywood, the film industry came calling Michael again, but this from a different place - the world of Film Festivals. Specifically, the Slamdance Film Festival, which was based in Park City, Utah at the time. Michael’s spent 7 years working there (2018-2025) which prepared him well for his current role, which he began back in December of 2025. Peruse the Offerings for the 2026 RiverRun Int'l Film Festival: https://riverrunfilm.com/2026-films-events/Read Michael's Interview with the Winston Salem Journal: https://journalnow.com/winstonsalemmonthly/article_4c9d42d2-e4f1-44b9-944c-50f9883d84d6.html?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnlBpQI4gNrRbhh1dvIcgAw8sumMs0cT5sL7cforqJ-ceQTiWut6kmuHYXF4U_aem_2pOK-5CNexmV51Y1P0DnzQRead Michael's Interview with Moviemaker Magazine: https://www.moviemaker.com/michael-morin-riverrun/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnY38kQ2KiXfQ_9oZsESDQFoK165dSEQtL0fpUcrudn6nJAZo7HYhQOdpRiYc_aem_GNxBIVdKDaJvUPO0MxapegLearn More About the Slamdance Film Festival: https://slamdance.com/*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?In honor of Women's history month, we are re-releasing two interviews originally recorded following the 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival. The first is with Yvonne Chan, MD. Phd. who came to RiverRun to promote the short film "We Are Kings," in which she played Jeri, the mother of the film's protagonist. The second interview is with Danielle Goldwert, whom Will and Richard met following the screening of her animated short, "Waterlogged." Learn More about Yvonne Chan's Body of Work: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13258603/?ref_=fn_t_1Learn More about Danielle Goldwert's Film "Waterlogged:" https://www.instagram.com/p/DWcN1ZQj19F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week's episode is dedicated to the memory of Ken Best, who passed away in March of 2025. In addition to teaching his son Richard how to play basketball in real life, he also took the time to sit down and play games like this one with his son (whom he always tried to defeat!). What games did you play with your fathers? Did they introduce you to sports? Did they kick your ass in NBA Jam (or perhaps let you kick theirs?). :et us know in the comments. Sources: https://youtu.be/AYfoToYVoQ0?si=x1Gn_VPBRaWHlrlmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Live_96https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-014/page/n135/mode/2upLove the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?We continue our celebration of 4 years making the Nerdhat podcast by sharing stories and clips from some of our favorite episodes. We also share the top 4 most popular episodes of all time (as of March 4th), including a clip from the most popular episode to date. Can you guess what it is? Let us know in the comments if you guessed correctly. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Moving Forward, audio versions of Nerdhat News will be uploaded to the podcast feed. Here is a summary of today’s talking points: 1) We’re going back to a bi-weekly release schedule 2) Going Forward, video versions of full episodes will be posted exclusively to Patreon and will be available at the paid tiers only. 3) We still want to know what’s in your Nerdhat! Join Patreon at the free or paid tiers today to join in on Nerdhatter Chatter and share your requests with us there. 4) Episode Schedule for March: - March 9th: “4 Years, Baby! (Part 2) -March 23rd: “Retro Console Game Review: NBA Live ‘96 (Sega Genesis)” Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?In part one of our two part celebration, we return to the very first nerdy creation Richard reviewed for the podcast, Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995). This was Laura's first time ever watching an episode, so Will and Richard decided "Heart of Ice" (first aired 9-7-92) would be an excellent choice. Listen to find out if Laura liked it, and to learn whether Chicken Noodle Soup is a dish best served cold.....Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Once upon a time, in an age known as the 90s, three bastard children resulted from a brief alliance between the nations of Nintendo and Phillips. These children, so named "Zelda: The Faces of Evil," "Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon," and the runt of the lot, "Zelda's Adventure," went on to live in infamy in the minds of those who loved Zelda and Link. What did these children do that was so horrible? Did they survive the Great War for the land of console? Well, my friends, you must listen to our tale to learn the truth.....Sources for this episode include, but are not limited to: - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CD-i) - the Game Sack Youtube channel (https://youtu.be/wkgCJCBis8Msi=czqu3jNqZu48uGBv) - The Nintendo Complete channel on Youtube (https://youtu.be/M52zKfu-cHk?si=oQLnwRyzphUXNHYS, https://youtu.be/IqFZ1iVmhIo?si=U70u8ulr7njczShW) Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?In honor of Black History Month, we are re-releasing our out out-of-the-theatre review of Ryan Coogler's 2022 film, "Wakanda Forever." Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?"Riven" was the bestselling PC game of 1997, despite being released in October. Laura has fond memories of playing it with her brothers, notebooks in hand, writing down clues and attempting to solve its puzzles and navigate its non-linear storyline. How about you? Did you play Riven back in the 90s? Have you experienced the 2024 re-release? Let us know what you think! Click on the link below to send us a message. Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?We plan to review video games more often in season 7, so it seemed fitting to re-release this 2023 bonus episode covering classic 80s and 90s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle video games. We hope you enjoy! And stay tuned for our first episode of season 7, in which we’ll be reviewing the 1997 PC Game “Riven.” Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week we close out season 6 with our review of the world's very first fully hand-painted film, "Loving Vincent." It took some 125 artists and 65,000 paintings to bring this visual feast to the table, and it does not disappoint. Let us know what you think in the comments. Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?If you love sword fights, satire, flesh wounds, or flying cows, then this episode is for you! This week we cover two classic medieval comedies: Rob Reiner's eponymous production of "The Princess Bride" (1987) and Terry Gilliam's stab at comedy "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (1975). Which is your favorite? Let us know! This week's sources include: - "As You Wish: the Story of the Princess Bride" (2001) - "The Princess Bride' Reunion ft. Billy Crystal, Robin Wright & More | PEOPLE " (2011) - "The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure" by William Goldman (2007 edition) - "Honest Trailers | Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (2025) All screenshots, audio clips, and quotes from these films are used only for the purpose of commentary and are used in keeping with fair use laws in the United States. Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Today we share an episode which we first published on November 23, 2022, just 13 days after the end of Kevin Conroy's valiant battle with cancer. For us and many of millennials like us, Kevin will always be our Batman. We hope you enjoy this episode honoring Kevin's life and work. Image Copyrights: Kevin Conroy, Warner Brothers Animation/DC StudiosLove the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week we pull two classic sci-fi anime films out of our Nerdhat, both of which influenced the Wachowskis and inspired elements of the Matrix trilogy. Richard will  be pitching Mamoru Oshii's 1995 classic "Ghost in the Shell," while returning guest Elijah Miller will be advocating for Katsuhiro Ôtomo's groundbreaking 1988 film "Akira." To Peruse and Purchase Examples of Elijah's art, visit https://www.elijahmillerart.com/AI Summary*In this episode, hosts Richard Best and Elijah Miller delve into the world of anime, focusing on two iconic films: Ghost in the Shell and Akira. They explore the artistic journey of Elijah, discussing his recent projects and experiences in the art community. The conversation transitions into a detailed analysis of both films, highlighting their themes, animation styles, and cultural impacts. Richard and Elijah share their insights on character development, visual storytelling, and the significance of these films in the anime genre, culminating in a lively discussion about their personal preferences and the future of anime.Takeaways*- Elijah has experienced significant growth in his artistic career over the past two years.- Akira is a pivotal film that has influenced many aspects of modern anime and storytelling.- Ghost in the Shell explores deep philosophical questions about identity and humanity.- The animation quality of Akira is unmatched, showcasing a fluidity that is rare in modern anime.- Both films reflect societal fears and hopes regarding technology and the future.- Character development in Akira is driven by the circumstances surrounding the characters' struggles.- Elijah emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in the art world.- Richard shares his personal connection to the themes of Ghost in the Shell.- The discussion highlights the cultural significance of anime in both Japan and the global context.- The episode concludes with a light-hearted debate about the merits of each film. *We thought it somehow appropriate to use a bit of AI assistance in creating this week's show notes. Don't worry, we didn't contract any viruses when we jacked in....*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?In this week's episode we focus on the stories of two young women from the other side of the world, both of whom faced the challenges of living in cultures which restricted their freedoms and threatened their lives. "Persepolis," a 2007 French feature film faces off against 2017's "The Breadwinner," both of which premiered at International film festivals, and both of which were nominated for an Oscar* in their respective years. Have you seen either of these films? If so, let us know what you think. Have you lived through something similar? We'd love to hear your stories too. *Best Animated Feature FilmLove the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week’s category is “Creepy Cartoons,” and we’re featuring two of the best to be released since Y2K frightened us into buying camping stoves and inordinate amounts of non-perishables - Alex Hirsch’s “Gravity Falls” and Pat McHale’s “Over the Garden Wall.” This week also includes an unscripted bonus segment in which Laura discusses her penchant for watching horror video gameplay on Youtube. Join us! If you dare…..Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week on Nerdhat its a battle of boots versus blades, as we pit Stephen King’s “The Long Walk” against “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie - Infinity Castle.” Who will win? The walkers or the sword wielders? Listen to find out! Also, big shoutout to Winston Salem’s Marketplace Cinema, where we enjoyed both of these films. Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Round 15 is all about the women of SciFi. Starbuck, also known as Kara Thrace, from the 2004 reboot of “Battlestar Galactica” faces off against Uhura, otherwise known as “Uhura” (at least to James T. Kirk), from the 2009 reboot trilogy of Star Trek movies. Joining us is special guest Rachael Morales, an accomplished author and lover of the SciFi and fantasy genres, not to mention sister-in-law to Laura and Richard! We had so much fun talking about these two strong, female characters from the realm of science fiction. Who will win this week? Listen to find out. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?By Clovis’ beard! This is a strange fight indeed. On one side stands an earth-pig born (who isn’t actually a pig) and on the other stands a sheltered, teenage superhero who finds himself unprepared to face the “real world.” Both fighters meet beautiful women along the way, but only one will succeed in romance. Which will win our contest? Perhaps only Tarim knows….Join us for round 14 as we review Dave Sim’s “Cerebus” and Scott McCloud’s “Zot!,” two creations which found their origins in the world of 80s alternative comics. This Episode’s Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_comixhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebus_the_Aardvarkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zot!Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?In this battle between two films showing at our local Indie/Arthouse theatre A/perture Cinema, two female character each face horrors and come through the experience changed. The difference is, one of these horrors happens in real life, and the other does not. Which film left a more indelible impact on us? Listen to find out! Which left a more powerful impact on you? Let us know in the comments or on social media! Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week’s battle of mid-2000s anime series features fourth wall breaking, mechanical samurai, and a dynamite slicing katana, among other things. Join us as we discuss the highly rated series “Gintama” (episodes 1-4) and “Samurai 7” (episodes 1-4). Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week on Nerdhat we feature a battle between complex female leads in science fiction. Far more than “just a pretty face,” these women (both the characters and the actresses who portrayed them) excel in working environments often dominated by men. As a result, they helm both of these films - 1997’s “Contact” and 2016’s “Arrival” - with aplomb. Both the characters Ellie Arroway and Louise Banks, portayed by award-winning actresses Jodie Foster and Amy Adams, respectively, have enriched the world of science fiction. In truth, Laura had a hard time picking a winner for this week’s face-off. We’d love to know what you the listeners think; do you have a favorite? Let us know who and why in the comments (if you’re listening on Spotify) or by commenting on our social media posts. Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Like a bat out of hell, this week’s battle has arrived! Richard fights for the 1997 commercial success “Batman & Robin” (is it so bad it’s good?) and Will battles on the side of the lesser known (but perhaps better made?) antihero movie “Spawn.” Who will win? Listen to find out! Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?3 years ago this week, Laura made her first, albeit unplanned, appearance on the podcast. She had watched Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom with Will and Richard and stuck around for their recording. We hope you enjoy this re-release! Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week in 2023, we released one of our most popular episodes of all time, our out-of-the-theater review of “Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse.”  We hope you enjoy it! Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Kate & Joshua, together with their younger sister and some friends, created the short film “Moon Cat,” which premiered at the RiverRun International Film Festival. Richard sat down with the two sibling filmmakers to discuss their journey from the film’s conception to watching it in on the big screen at Marketplace Cinema. Film Synopsis: “Two sisters navigate what loving each other truly means as they better understand themselves and each other.”https://riverrunfilm.com/events/mooncat/Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?What do Reserva Tequila, crushed Laxative tablets, and a dedicated doorman have in common? You’d have to watch “Bad Shabbos” to find out. Join Will and Richard for their reviews of this award-winning* comedic film, including 14 minutes of spoiler free content! *Winner, Audience Award, Narrative Feature, Tribeca Film FestivalSources: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14402042/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_0_in_0_q_bad%2520shabboshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShabbatLove the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?We drop a surprise review of the MCU’s latest entry - “Thunderbolts*” - for this week’s episode, asking ourselves the questions “what about Bob?” And “how does one say the name De Fontaine?” You know, the important shit. Enjoy!Sources: https://youtu.be/9YBajswtXFk?si=vXG0reONEEVFkNv_https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20969586/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_0_in_0_q_thunderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolts_(comics)Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?As promised, the final episode of festival month is our interview with three of the people responsible for bringing the inspiring independent film “Battersea” to life. T.J. Sandella & Jad Adkins wrote, directed, and produced the film together, it being the culmination of over ten years of writing and dreaming for the long-time friends. Battersea is their first feature film. Jesse Howland, who hails from our very own North Carolina, plays the male lead in the film - Les. He has been active in LA since he graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2016, appearing in both tv and film. A big shoutout to the RiverRun International Film Festival for bringing amazing films like this one to Winston Salem! To learn about both the film and those who made it, visit: https://www.tjsandella.com/battersea Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Today we release a unique episode in which we review 10 films that played at the 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival. We at Nerdhat are grateful to the directors for inviting us to be a part of this year’s festival. We had so much fun! As of release (April 24th), films are still playing virtually. You can purchase tickets now through April 27th at https://riverrunfilm.com/events/Here is a breakdown in order of the films we are reviewing for this episode: 1) “The Death of James” (animated short, drama/comedy)2) “A Night at the Rest Area” (animated short)3) “Waterlogged” (animated short, narrative) 4) “Cucumber” (live-action short, comedy)5) “Order for Ben” (live-action short, drama)6) “We Are Kings” (live-action short, drama)7) “Time Travel is Dangerous” (feature, scifi/comedy)8) “Motherland” (feature, drama/thriller)9) “Battersea” (feature, drama)10) “The Pantone Guy” (feature, documentary)Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?On the first day of the RiverRun International Film Festival, hosted in our very own hometown of Winston Salem, NC, Richard sat down with filmmaker Timothy Cooper (@timothymichaelcooper) to talk about his entry, the scifi comedy short film “Knead.” They also discussed Timothy’s other work, including a web series he wrote & directed which starred SNL badass Kate McKinnon and a year long writing project which saw him publish 365 science fiction short stories. We hope you enjoy their conversation as much as they did! If you’re in or near Winston Salem this week, by the way, head over to the RiverRun festival and catch the second showing of “Knead,” playing at 1:00 PM this Saturday and virtually beginning April 21st. Click below to purchase your tickets now:https://riverrunfilm.com/events/abreakforlaughter/#buynowLinks: About Timothy:https://blueprintscreenwritinggroup.com/about-timothy“Knead” (2024)https://www.kneadfilm.comJordan Carlos: https://linktr.ee/jordancarlos?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=eb2ce8d6-4c3e-4ebc-accf-31d27f19c862“Lemon” (2016):https://m.imdb.com/title/tt6055594/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_2_cdt_t_3Jenn Lyon: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm4434808/?ref_=tt_cst_i_3https://www.instagram.com/thejennlyon?igsh=ZG1zaGR1MzluaW1tConcierge: The Serieshttps://m.imdb.com/title/tt1842596/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_0_in_0_q_concierge%253A%2520the%2520seriesUpright Citizens Brigade:https://ucbcomedy.comBlueprint Screenwriting Group: https://blueprintscreenwritinggroup.com365 Short Stories:https://www.365shortstories.com/Ted Chiang’s “Stories of your Life”: https://www.amazon.com/Arrival-Stories-Your-Life-MTI-ebook/dp/B01JEMPGWQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3OPFKXFZCTS7K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Rji28B9iVwNV_ZlkvpTCacYvDSFgtmMpkQ91OutlbuEfSMxgvhzNO9Lbut12rYG18minJN34immK8kNkWKcDTYZrOpOVIrOruz2hTfyWEjwky6o5bcS_YyTzQGyXmkf1804lJCQ6fTghQgDjrhSmDkNC3R5PU7HulK6nnHF0ncQ7khuXgMG-1kIa3xGwtdSu-qfqKNVlwg_PpP7twC4qIw.sHSeXmVBSHjsUQur9KFUMxvpkdusYeO1Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Join us as we kick off a special month featuring independent and arthouse cinema with a battle between two Jeff Nichols films, both starring the inimitable Michael Shannon. Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?In honor of the 4K re-master and re-release of Princess Mononoke in IMAX today, we share our review, originally published during season 4 of the podcast. Enjoy! Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Whew! That episode title was a mouthful! Why do Anime so often have titles as long as a 19th century novel? Who knows. Anyway, we’re here this week for a battle of in-theater* Anime movies. Who will win? Listen to find out! *both films, at the time of episode release, are no longer in theaters. For streaming options, keep an eye on Crunchyroll. March’s Fundraiser, Crisis Control Ministries of Winston Salem: https://ig.me/2a9k1rXJZhkg2HCLove the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?In honor of Women’s History Month, we are re-releasing this classic episode which kicked off season 3 of the podcast (then known as “The Irreverent Nerds”): Kira Sings a Duet. Kacie of @holodeck4 joined Richard to discuss the women of Star Trek, with a special focus on one of her favorite Deep Space Nine episodes, “Duet.” Enjoy! Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?The category for round is “Poor, Unfortunate Souls! (Disney Movies that Freaked us Out).” Although, apparently, only Richard was scared by these films when he saw them as a young, impressionable child. Laura and Will were just too badass to be afraid. Anywaaaaay….we’re pitting 1989’s “The Little Mermaid” against the 1986 film “The Great Mouse Detective.” Who will win - Ratigan or Ursula? Listen to find out! Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?In our first bonus episode of season 6, guests Kacie of Holodeck4 (Instagram, TikTok, Youtube) and Wes of Twin Cities Trekkies Podcast compete against one another in a battle of 90s Star Trek series. Who will win? Listen to find out!Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week it’s a battle of Eisner Award-winning comics as we put Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo Grasscutter series (1999) against Jeff Smith’s Bone The Great Cow Race series (1994). This month’s fundraiser: H.O.P.E. Of Winston SalemDonate: https://ig.me/21WlSr1O4tP0CUlVolunteer: https://hopews.org/ways-to-help/donate-time/This week’s Nerdhat Donor: Retroid Games of Winston Salem, NChttps://www.retroidgames.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZipgX9pRXUIwlhqfsm4VVB_j1rJRRh124RCLGDiOLUdzjVNvbKZTSa1xM_aem_jxV1Od-YRnD3o2BmYpPzUwLove the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?It’s a battle of the 90s this week as we pit two wacky comedies against one another - Robin William’s “Mrs. Doubtfire” and the Arnold Swarzeneggar - Danny Devito team-up movie “Junior.” Who will win this battle of 90s movie-stars? Listen to find out! eungurs2Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Round one of season six is here, and it is an epic showdown of comfort food television. Yes, this week’s category is “I watched my feelings,” and we’re here for it. Who will fight for whom? Which show will win? Listen to find out! Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?One year ago today, when we were still known as “The Irreverent Nerds” and Laura had not yet joined our show, Will and Richard sat down to discuss The Simpsons. We hope you enjoy this re-release as you wait for season 6 to kick off in January. We finally did it! We covered The Simpsons! Obviously, there is no way we could do justice to the hundreds of episodes released through the years, so we decided to zoom in on a handful of Christmas episodes. We also talk about how Matt Groening and the other Simpsons writers handle religion, our first experiences with the series, and more. Join us!**The holidays can be a difficult time for many people. If you or someone you know is battling suicidal thoughts and feelings, please reach out for help. You can call 988 to reach someone now at the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also go to their website: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/Don’t wait. Reach out. There are people available to help.**Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Laura takes the lead for the season 5 finale of Nerdhat with a review of one of her favorite films, M. Night Shyamalan’s 2006 enchanting fantasy, “Lady in the Water.” This time, Will is the host looking from the outside in, as he has yet to see this movie. Will Laura convince him to spend some hard-earned free time on this entry into the Shyamalanverse? Listen to find out. Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?Join us this week as we discuss one of Will’s favorite cartoon series of all time, “The Real Ghostbusters.” Premiering in 1986, the series cemented the popularity of Ghostbusters in the minds and hearts of kids all over America, helping it to grow into the beloved franchise that it is today. Don’t miss this special, nostalgic episode. Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?“No sloths were harmed in the making of this movie.”But we can’t say the same for Sorority girls! Join us as we review what is without a doubt “the most random movie we’ve ever covered,” the 2023 horror comedy “Slotherhouse.”Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink