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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Jul 4

    Villains, Video Games, and Very Bad Dad Jokes

    Welcome back to Wise_N_Nerdy, where fatherhood and fandom collide for another unforgettable adventure filled with laughs, nostalgia, parenting wisdom, and plenty of geeky discussion! This week's Question of the Week asks a surprisingly thought-provoking question: "Which villain would actually make a great parent?" Charles and Joe explore iconic antagonists who may not be as evil as they seem when it comes to family. From The Vulture and Magneto to Spawn and Greed from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the hosts debate which villains possess the loyalty, sacrifice, and protective instincts that could actually make them outstanding parents. The Roll of the Dice sends everyone first to Parliament of Papas, where the hosts tackle a parenting dilemma involving a father who promised his son a reward worth up to $200 for finishing the school year strong—but now the child has his sights set on the highly sought-after Nintendo Switch 2. Charles and Joe discuss keeping promises, managing expectations, and balancing generosity with practical parenting. Next comes everyone's favorite palate cleanser: Bad Dad Jokes! Bob, Nolan, and Devo unleash a barrage of puns and groan-worthy punchlines guaranteed to make you laugh, cringe, and question why you keep coming back for more. The dice then land on What Are You Nerding Out About? Charles shares his excitement as preparations ramp up for Dragon Con, including his role as one of the convention's official spokespeople and interviewer. Joe, meanwhile, has fallen headfirst into The Primal Hunter series by Zogarth, praising the addictive LitRPG adventure and its immersive audiobook experience. From there, it's time for Daddy, Tell Me A Story, where the hosts reminisce about some of their favorite childhood gaming memories. Charles recalls countless hours spent exploring the groundbreaking world of Half-Life, while Joe fondly remembers battling through the notoriously challenging Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game on the NES. It's a nostalgic celebration of the games that helped shape two lifelong nerds. The episode concludes with How Do I...?, where Charles and Joe discuss one of the most valuable skills in today's information-rich world: How do you choose creators worth learning from? Rather than chasing popularity alone, the hosts explain how they evaluate creators based on expertise, consistency, humility, and demonstrated results, offering concrete examples of the voices they trust and why. Whether you're debating comic book villains, laughing through terrible dad jokes, reliving classic video games, preparing for Dragon Con, or searching for creators who genuinely add value to your life, this episode has something for every fan. Join the conversation, embrace 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

  6. Jun 27

    Author Ben Meeks Talks Writing, Conventions & Helldivers 2

    This week on the Wise_N_Nerdy podcast, Joe is joined by special guest host and fantasy author Ben Meeks for an episode packed with life lessons, fandom, convention stories, and plenty of dad-powered humor. Whether you're a fan of books, gaming, anime, or thoughtful parenting discussions, this episode has something for everyone as we continue to help listeners Find your FAMdom. The adventure begins with the Question of the Week: "What are the best lessons you learned from your parents?" Joe, Ben, and the Wise_N_Nerdy community reflect on the wisdom that shaped them into the people they are today. Topics range from developing a strong work ethic and learning perseverance through adversity to becoming an independent thinker willing to question traditions and challenge assumptions. The discussion is both heartfelt and inspiring, highlighting how parental influence can echo through generations. As always, the roll of the dice determines the show's path, and the first stop is the "How Do I...?" segment. This time, the hosts discuss one of the biggest obstacles to personal growth: the fear of failure. Joe and Ben explore practical ways to cultivate a mindset that views mistakes as learning opportunities rather than reasons to quit. Whether you're learning a new hobby, developing a professional skill, or helping your children navigate challenges, their advice emphasizes persistence, resilience, and the importance of giving yourself permission to improve over time. Next, the dice deliver a welcome dose of groan-worthy comedy as Bob returns with a collection of Bad Dad Jokes. The puns fly, the eye-rolls intensify, and listeners are reminded once again that no Wise_N_Nerdy episode is complete without a healthy serving of cringe-inducing humor. The fates then guide the conversation into "Daddy, Tell Me A Story," where Ben shares how he first met author Bob McGough and how that friendship eventually led to them sharing author tables at conventions across the region. The story provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at convention life, networking within the writing community, and the relationships that help creative careers grow. Listeners interested in Ben's work can learn more about his novels and upcoming projects at https://www.authorbenmeeks.com/. The dice then roll into "What Are You Nerding Out About?" Ben enthusiastically discusses the cooperative gameplay of Helldivers 2, praising the teamwork, chaos, and memorable moments that make the game such a blast with friends. Meanwhile, Joe continues his anime journey by talking about Monster Eater, a series he freely admits may not be a masterpiece, but one that remains entertaining enough to keep him coming back for more. It's a perfect example of how fandom doesn't always have to be critically acclaimed to be enjoyable. Finally, the episode concludes with a lively "Parliament of Papas" discussion centered around a Reddit story involving a property line dispute. Joe and Ben examine the challenges of neighbor relationships, property ownership, and conflict resolution while sharing their own perspectives on how situations like these can escalate when communication breaks down. From valuable life lessons and convention stories to gaming, anime, and classic dad jokes, this episode showcases everything that makes Wise_N_Nerdy such a unique blend of fatherhood and fandom. 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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