Kris, a teacher and Marvel fanboy, and Dave, a freelance writer and DC fanatic, love to talk about their nerdy passions: comic books, movies and television, and video games. Each week, they discuss nerdy news, recommend new media, and take a deep dive into one niche in nerd culture. “The Nerd Byword” also features interviews with industry greats and up and coming talent. New episodes release every Monday.
Episodes
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Kris and Dave sit down with comic book creator Tom Scioli to talk about his new book Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics. Plus: the return of Fable and an epic meeting between Turtles and Rangers.
Monday Jul 27, 2020
Monday Jul 27, 2020
Kris and Dave sit down with superstar artist Luciano Vecchio to talk about his inspiration, his work with DC and Marvel, and his creator-owned book, Sereno. Plus, a hot take on Ubisoft's attitude toward female protagonists and some new nerd-commendations!
Monday Jul 20, 2020
Monday Jul 20, 2020
Kris and Dave wrap up their quest to fix the Star Wars prequels with Revenge of the Sith. Plus, they discuss Bad Batch, Stargirl, Spider-Man, and Netflix's Warrior Nun.
Monday Jul 13, 2020
Monday Jul 13, 2020
Kris and Dave continue their deep-dive into the Star Wars prequels and attempt to fix Attack of the Clones. Plus: pop culture news and nerd-commendations!
Monday Jul 06, 2020
Monday Jul 06, 2020
Have you ever wondered what it's like behind the scenes of comic book creation? The latest episode of the Nerd Byword podcast serves up a treasure trove of insights and discussions that will satisfy your inner nerd.
In this episode, we're thrilled to have an engaging conversation with Jason Douglas, a comic book writer with a passion for storytelling and an inspiring journey through the industry. Jason shares his experiences, from his initial leap into writing comics to the serendipitous moments that led to his first published work.
But that's not all – the episode dives into the nerd news that's buzzing in the community, including a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot and the increasing prices of next-gen video games.
This episode isn't just a casual chat; it's a deep dive into the passions that drive the nerd culture forward. Whether you're a comic enthusiast, a gaming aficionado, or just love a good story, there's something here for you.
Nerd News
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are rebooting... again!
NBA 2K21 sparks debate as next-gen game prices rise
Byword Big Talk
Jason Douglas opens up about the creation of Parallel
Nerd Commendations
Extraction on Netflix
Harleen by Stjepan Šejić
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:20) Nerd News: TMNT reboot and gaming's pricey future
(16:45) Byword Big Talk: Jason Douglas and the world of Parallel
(01:02:10) Nerd Commendations: Extraction and Harleen
(01:17:30) Closing thoughts and a Call to Action
Monday Jun 29, 2020
Monday Jun 29, 2020
Are you a Star Wars aficionado who has strong feelings about the prequels? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of the Nerd Byword podcast, where the hosts embark on a mission to fix the The Phantom Menace.
The Phantom Menace has always been a contentious topic among Star Wars fans. Some love it for the nostalgia, while others feel it could have been executed better. In this episode, hosts Kris and Dave, don't just critique; they re-imagine. The episode is not just a critique; it is a love letter to storytelling and character arcs.
But it's not all serious business. The episode is sprinkled with humor and relatable insights, making it a fun and engaging listen. Whether you're a hardcore Star Wars fan or just love a good story, this episode of the Nerd Byword podcast is sure to entertain and maybe even inspire. So, grab your lightsaber, hop into your podracer, and get ready to join the hosts on a journey to a galaxy far, far away.
Nerd News
Dan Didio's controversial comments on Wally West and Dick Grayson
Michael Keaton's potential return as Batman in the DCEU
Big Talk
Fixing Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Nerd Commendation
Grayson by Tom King and Tim Seeley - A thrilling espionage twist on a beloved DC hero
Jason Aaron's Thor - A majestic saga that redefines the Norse superhero
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:20) Nerd News: Didio's DC character critiques and Michael Keaton's Bat-comeback
(17:45) The Phantom Menace Overhaul: Major fixes for a galaxy far, far away
(01:02:30) Nerd Commendations: Grayson's spy adventures and a powerhouse Thor run
(01:15:00) Closing thoughts and a Call to Action
Monday Jun 22, 2020
Monday Jun 22, 2020
Are you ready to nerd out? This week's episode of the Nerd by Word podcast is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of galaxies far, far away, epic console battles, and the vibrant world of comics.
In a Nerd Byword first, we sit down with Robert Pilk, co-founder of Mountain Empire Comics, for an insightful look behind the counter. Pilk shares his journey through the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges comic book stores face today. He also weighs in on DC's controversial split with Diamond Distribution and the future of comic book sales.
Our weekly nerd commendations are not to be missed. If you're a fan of Miles Morales Spider-Man or if retro gaming tickles your fancy, we have some top-notch recommendations that will have you rushing to your nearest comic book store or dusting off your old Game Boy.
Nerd News
Star Wars: Squadrons trailer breakdown
PS5 reveal event impressions and the digital future
Big Talk
Interview with Robert Pilk of Mountain Empire Comics
Nerd Commendations
Miles Morales: Spider-Man comic series by Saladin Ahmed
Game Boy restoration and upgrades for retro gaming enthusiasts
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:10) Nerd News: Star Wars: Squadrons and PS5 reveal
(16:50) Byword Big Talk: Interview with Robert Pilk
(58:35) Nerd Commendations: Miles Morales comic and Game Boy restoration
(01:08:00) Closing thoughts and Call to Action
Monday Jun 15, 2020
Monday Jun 15, 2020
In the latest episode of the Nerd Byword, we tackle a story that's rippling through the comic book universe: DC Comics has officially split from Diamond Distribution. This isn't just industry news; it's a pivotal moment that could reshape the future of how we get our favorite comics. Ever felt like certain aspects of nerd culture just aren't for you? You're not alone. We confess our unpopular nerd opinions, and you might just find yourself nodding along. We also dish out some nerd commendations that are sure to pique your interest.
Nerd News
DC Comics and Diamond Distribution end their long-standing relationship
Byword Big Talk
The Nerdy Things we Usually Avoid
Nerd Commendations
Black Panther and The Crew by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Yona Harvey
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:15) Nerd News: DC Comics says goodbye to Diamond
(22:00) Byword Big Talk: Nerdy things we skip and why
(46:30) Nerd Commendations: Black Panther and The Crew & Shantae
(01:05:15) Closing thoughts and Call to Action
Monday Jun 08, 2020
Monday Jun 08, 2020
Are comic books in peril? Can the Man of Steel soar again? And how does JK Simmons feel about his film future as J. Jonah Jameson? In a world where superheroes dominate the box office, their source material—the comic books—seem to be fading into the shadows. This week, we donned our capes and brainstormed ways to rescue the comic book industry. We also shine a spotlight on gems like Brian Q. Miller's Batgirl and Mark Waid's History of the Marvel Universe. So grab your headphones, settle in, and prepare for an adventure through the pages of comic book history.
Nerd News
JK Simmons addresses J. Jonah Jameson's future in film
Henry Cavill in talks to return as Superman
Byword Big Talk
Strategies to save the comic book industry
Nerd Commendations
Batgirl by Bryan Q. Miller
History of the Marvel Universe by Mark Waid & Javier Rodriguez
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:15) Nerd News: The future of J. Jonah Jameson and Superman's cinematic return
(16:30) Byword Big Talk: Six strategies to save the comic book industry
(54:25) Nerd Commendations: Batgirl's hopeful journey & a stunning Marvel history
(01:07:15) Call to Action
Sunday May 31, 2020
Sunday May 31, 2020
In our premiere episode, we kick things off with a bang, delving into the latest Snyder Cut news that's been setting the nerd world abuzz. But that's not all – every hero has an origin story, and so do your nerdy hosts. In a segment as personal as it is relatable, Dave and Kris unveil their "nerd origin stories," taking you on a journey through the moments that transformed them into the passionate nerds they are today. The episode rounds out with a treasure trove of nerdy recommendations that go beyond the mainstream.
Nerd News
Ruby Rose exits Batwoman: What does this mean for the Arrowverse?
Snyder Cut confirmed: Is it the holy grail of DCEU?
Byword Big Talk
Dave and Chris share their "nerd origin stories"
Nerd Commendations
The Witcher audiobooks
House of X and Powers of X by Jonathan Hickman
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:25) Nerd News: Ruby Rose's Batwoman departure and the Snyder Cut's promise
(36:50) Byword Big Talk: The personal journeys into the nerd multiverse
(58:30) Nerd Commendations: Immersive audiobooks and groundbreaking comics
(01:12:45) Call to Action