Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

Wise_N_Nerdy

What happens when Toys-R-Us kids grow up and become parents? They become co-hosts of the show where geeky fathers unite to share the joys, challenges, and hilarity of navigating parenthood. Because being a grown-up doesn't mean you stop being a fan - it just means your sidekicks call you "Dad".

  1. Sep 5

    Dragon Con Is Coming… We're Fine

    Joe is on vacation, so Drunk Uncle Phil is back in the house! This week, Charles and Phil are counting down the final days before Dragon Con while talking about the ridiculous amount of work that goes into making something look effortless—and why being the person who always says “I can do that” is sometimes a terrible career decision. Things get surprisingly real when the conversation turns to imposter syndrome, creative burnout, failure, and knowing when it’s okay to walk away from a project. The dads also head to the Parliament of Papas to tackle a complicated question: If a child wants to call their stepmom “Mom,” should anyone stop them? Along the way, things get appropriately Wise_N_Nerdy: Phil’s 40th birthday turns into a broken-down-car sitcom episode. Charles explains why his family doesn’t always appreciate his perfectly timed jokes. The secret to beating imposter syndrome might be getting comfortable with failing. Dragon Con is almost here, and nobody is pretending they’re ready. Phil discovers the danger of letting your boss know you’re good at things. A VERY questionable wine label proves Phil should occasionally be listened to. Charles learns that sometimes being an EMT means knowing when to keep your mouth shut. And somehow… “sperm donor” becomes a running joke. It’s fatherhood, fandom, friendship, creativity, and the usual amount of terrible decisions. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Aug 29

    Dragon Con, Spider-Man & the Ultimate Household Workload Debate

    What can Gandalf teach us about life? How did The Matrix convince Charles to try lo mein? Why are Charles and Joe—usually two dads with very different nerdy interests—suddenly united in their love for Spider-Man: Brand New Day? And exactly how much housework is enough housework? This week on Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom, Charles and Joe tackle all of those questions and plenty more in an episode packed with movies, conventions, parenting, terrible dad jokes, and some surprisingly serious conversations about relationships and household responsibilities. The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “What’s the most unexpectedly deep life lesson you’ve learned from a piece of entertainment?” Joe pulls some wisdom from Gandalf, while Charles explains how The Matrix somehow inspired him to finally give lo mein a try. Because apparently, sometimes the path to personal growth runs through Middle-earth—and sometimes it runs through Chinese takeout. Then the Roll of the Dice determines what's next, and something incredibly rare happens: Charles and Joe are nerding out about the exact same thing! Both hosts dive into Spider-Man: Brand New Day, sharing their enthusiasm and singing the praises of a movie they thoroughly enjoyed. If you're a Spider-Man fan, this is one conversation you won't want to miss. Next up is “Daddy, Tell Me A Story,” where the conversation turns toward Dragon Con. Charles and Joe look back at their past convention experiences while also talking about what they're excited to see and do at Dragon Con 2026. Whether you're a longtime convention veteran or someone considering attending your first con, there's plenty of fandom-fueled excitement to go around. Of course, no episode of Wise_N_Nerdy would be complete without the Bad Dad Jokes. The dice have spoken, the fates have spoken, and unfortunately, the dads have jokes. Prepare yourself for some spectacularly terrible puns and the inevitable groans that follow. From there, the “How Do I...?” segment tackles one of the most dangerous territories at any convention: the vendor hall. Charles and Joe discuss some of the pitfalls shoppers can encounter, what they look for when browsing convention vendors, and how to make the most of the experience without walking away wondering how you somehow spent that much money. Finally, the Parliament of Papas weighs in on a Reddit relationship story involving a wife who believes her husband isn't pulling his weight around the house—even while acknowledging that he may actually be doing around 60% of the household work. Charles and Joe dig into the complexities of household responsibilities, expectations, communication, and why percentages alone may not tell the whole story. From unexpected life lessons and Spider-Man to Dragon Con, bad dad jokes, convention shopping, and relationship debates, this episode has a little something for every kind of nerd and every kind of parent. So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join the conversation. Find your FAMdom with Wise_N_Nerdy! Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Aug 22

    Cute Mispronunciations, Coffee, & the Things Our Kids Love

    What level of coffee snob would your favorite fictional character be? Would Captain America carefully curate the perfect cup, would The Hulk simply smash the coffee machine, or would the bizarre Worms from Men in Black somehow have the most sophisticated coffee preferences of them all? Charles and Joe kick off this episode of Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom with a hilarious Question of the Week that combines fandom, coffee culture, and plenty of ridiculous speculation. After the traditional Roll of the Dice, the show jumps straight into "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Joe shares his excitement over playing Lords of Waterdeep during his family reunion. He talks about the strategy, fun, and familiar board-game vibes that reminded him of Ticket to Ride, making it a perfect addition to a family gathering. Meanwhile, Charles is celebrating an exciting opportunity at Dragon Con, where he's getting to conduct interviews and connect with some incredible people as an official convention spokesperson. The dice then lead the hosts into the "Parliament of Papas", where Charles and Joe tackle a question from TheFullRunThrough: Should parents correct their children when they mispronounce words in an adorable or funny way? The conversation explores the balance between preserving those precious childhood moments and making sure kids eventually learn the correct pronunciation. Naturally, no Wise_N_Nerdy episode would be complete without a Bad Dad Joke, and this week's contribution involves skydiving. Prepare yourself for another joke that is almost certainly better at making you groan than it is at making you laugh. Next, the "How Do I...?" segment takes on a challenge many parents eventually face: How do you support your child's obsession when it's something you're not interested in yourself? Charles and Joe dive deep into the importance of showing up for your kids, learning about the things they love, asking questions, and finding ways to connect even when their hobbies aren't your personal cup of tea. It's a thoughtful conversation about parenting, connection, and reminding our children that their passions matter because they matter. Finally, the episode wraps with "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Charles shares a memorable—and decidedly unpleasant—family story involving his wife suffering from severe food poisoning that ultimately resulted in an emergency room visit. It's another reminder that family memories aren't always the glamorous adventures; sometimes they're the stories you tell years later because you can't believe they actually happened. From fictional coffee preferences and board games to Dragon Con, parenting dilemmas, terrible dad jokes, supporting your kids' passions, and an unexpected trip to the ER, this episode has plenty of laughs, nerdy enthusiasm, and genuine fatherhood wisdom. So grab your favorite coffee, settle in, and join the conversation. Whether you're a board-game fan, anime and pop-culture enthusiast, convention-goer, or parent trying to navigate the wonderfully chaotic journey of raising kids, there's a place for you here. Find your FAMdom and join Charles and Joe for another adventure where family, fandom, and fun come together. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Jul 25

    Critical Thinking, Cozy Anime & Bad Dad Jokes with Stephen Adams

    How useful would your superpower really be? Could you save the world… or would you simply be able to grow your fingernails 1% faster? Joe is joined by returning guest Stephen Adams for another hilarious and heartfelt episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, where fatherhood, fandom, and plenty of laughs collide. The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: "What would be the most useless superpower imaginable?" The conversation quickly spirals into comedic territory as the hosts imagine powers that no superhero would ever want. From instantly knowing when milk has expired to voluntarily making your eyes lose focus, Joe and Stephen prove that not every superpower deserves its own comic book. As always, the Roll of the Dice determines the journey, landing first on "Daddy, Tell Me A Story." Joe and Stephen reminisce about some of the mischievous adventures from their younger days, sharing stories of sneaking into places they probably shouldn't have been. Joe recalls his family floating down a river to watch hydroplane races without paying admission, while other tales include clever movie theater side-door strategies and youthful antics that make for unforgettable memories. Next comes a generous helping of Bad Dad Jokes, featuring groan-worthy contributions from Bob, Stephen, and Joe. The puns are terrible, the timing is impeccable, and the laughs are absolutely unavoidable. The dice then roll into "How Do I...?", where the hosts discuss one of the most valuable life skills parents can teach: critical thinking. In an age of social media, misinformation, and endless online content, Joe and Stephen explore practical ways to encourage children to ask questions, evaluate sources, think independently, and—perhaps most importantly—not believe everything they read on the internet. From there, it's time for "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Stephen shares his enthusiasm for HITMAN World of Assassination, praising the freedom, creativity, and replayability that have made the series a favorite among stealth gaming fans. Joe, meanwhile, has been enjoying the cozy fantasy anime The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, celebrating its relaxing atmosphere, charming characters, and comforting blend of fantasy and food. The episode wraps up with "Parliament of Papas," where the hosts react to a Reddit story involving a groomsman who refuses to buy a green suit for an upcoming wedding because he'll only wear it once—and it's going to be unbearably hot. The discussion turns into a fun debate about wedding expectations, balancing comfort with commitment, and when it's worth making a sacrifice for the people you care about. Whether you're laughing at ridiculous superpowers, reminiscing about childhood adventures, picking up parenting advice, discovering your next favorite game or anime, or enjoying another avalanche of Bad Dad Jokes, this episode has something for every geek and every parent. Join the conversation, celebrate your passions, and Find your FAMdom with the Wise_N_Nerdy community. Want to learn more about this week's guest? Visit Stephen Adams at https://www.thatstephenadams.com. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Jul 18

    Coffee Shop Chaos, Bad Dad Jokes, and Video Game Survival with the ImaginaryNomad

    What would you do if you woke up inside a video game? Would you start gathering resources, search for the nearest quest giver, or spend the first few minutes desperately trying to figure out whether you're living in Animal Crossing or trapped inside Resident Evil? Joe and special guest Philip D. Keating kick off another fun-filled episode of Wise_N_Nerdy by answering this week's Question of the Week, leading to a hilarious discussion about survival, strategy, and the importance of knowing exactly what kind of game world you've landed in. The Roll of the Dice sends the hosts first to "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Joe shares his latest anime obsession, The Cat and the Dragon, a delightfully goofy series that's full of charm and humor. Phil, meanwhile, is eagerly anticipating everything the Nintendo Switch 2 has to offer, with a particular excitement for the newest Star Fox adventure and what it could mean for longtime Nintendo fans. Next up is "How Do I...?", where Joe and Phil tackle an important parenting topic: How do you help your kids build genuine self-esteem and learn to love themselves? Through thoughtful conversation, the hosts explore the power of encouragement, celebrating effort over perfection, modeling healthy confidence, and creating an environment where children know they are valued for who they are—not just what they accomplish. The dice then land on "Parliament of Papas," where the hosts react to an unforgettable story about a teenager working in a coffee shop who secretly teamed up with his manager to pretend he was getting fired whenever customers became unnecessarily rude. The discussion dives into customer behavior, workplace humor, standing up for employees, and why kindness costs nothing. No episode would be complete without a healthy helping of Bad Dad Jokes, and this week delivers a wonderfully painful collection of puns centered around the paranormal and poetry. The groans are plentiful, the laughs are unavoidable, and the Wise_N_Nerdy tradition lives on. Finally, the episode concludes with "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Joe and Phil swap some of their most memorable travel horror stories. From flight delays and airport mishaps to the unpredictable chaos that seems to follow travel plans, the hosts prove that sometimes the best stories come from the trips that didn't go quite as expected. Whether you're imagining life inside your favorite video game, discovering a new anime, getting excited for the next generation of Nintendo, looking for parenting encouragement, or simply enjoying some spectacularly bad dad jokes, this episode has something for every nerd, parent, and lifelong fan. Join the conversation, celebrate what you love, and Find your FAMdom with the Wise_N_Nerdy community. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Jul 11

    Classic Cartoons, New Anime, and One Gross Toothbrush Story

    What happens when fatherhood meets fandom, nostalgia, anime, and one of the strangest parenting debates imaginable? You get another unforgettable episode of Wise_N_Nerdy with Charles and Joe! The episode begins with the Question of the Week: "What actor would be the most powerful if they inherited the abilities of every character they've ever portrayed?" It's an entertaining thought experiment as the hosts debate Hollywood heavyweights like Ryan Reynolds, Liam Neeson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Between superheroes, sorcerers, assassins, and action legends, the conversation quickly becomes a battle of fictional power levels and cinematic legacies. As always, the Roll of the Dice determines the adventure, landing first on "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Charles shares his excitement about collaborating with fellow content creators, including Josh Cooper from Uploads of Fun. He talks about the creative energy that comes from working alongside passionate people who love building great communities. Meanwhile, Joe has been diving into the premiere of The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System, a fresh isekai anime that immediately caught his attention with its distinctive animation style and unique approach to the genre. The dice then send the hosts into the "How Do I...?" segment, where they tackle an important parenting question: How should you interact with the people your kids are dating? Charles and Joe discuss finding the balance between being welcoming, setting healthy boundaries, showing genuine interest, and creating an environment where relationships can develop with honesty and mutual respect. No episode of Wise_N_Nerdy would be complete without a healthy dose of terrible humor, and this week's Bad Dad Jokes deliver exactly that. Thanks to contributions from the Wise_N_Nerdy Discord community, listeners are treated to another barrage of puns, groans, and laugh-out-loud moments that have become a beloved tradition. Next comes "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Charles and Joe take a nostalgic trip back to the cartoons that helped define their childhoods. From the unforgettable storytelling of Spider-Man and X-Men to the darker themes and rich world-building of Gargoyles, the hosts celebrate the animated series that shaped a generation of fans and continue to hold a special place in their hearts. The episode wraps up with "Parliament of Papas," featuring a hilariously relatable discussion inspired by a scenario involving someone using another person's toothbrush. The hosts weigh in on personal hygiene, boundaries, and exactly why this particular habit ranks so high on the list of universally disgusting experiences. Whether you're debating overpowered movie actors, discovering new anime, reminiscing about classic 90s cartoons, navigating parenting challenges, or simply enjoying a few painfully bad dad jokes, this episode delivers another perfect blend of humor, heart, and geek culture. Join the conversation, celebrate your passions, and Find your FAMdom with the Wise_N_Nerdy community. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4
out of 5
203 Ratings

About

What happens when Toys-R-Us kids grow up and become parents? They become co-hosts of the show where geeky fathers unite to share the joys, challenges, and hilarity of navigating parenthood. Because being a grown-up doesn't mean you stop being a fan - it just means your sidekicks call you "Dad".

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