That Nerd Thing That Nerd Thing

In this episode, Morgan interviews Dean Ravenola, Narrative & Creative Director of Neopets. Also known as TNT Aesop, Dean’s writing has appeared in video games, short stories, books, graphic novels, animated shorts, and much more!
Dean shares his journey from being a book and video game enthusiast to shaping the stories of Neopets and being the “lore keeper.” He discusses the importance and focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the Neopets universe. Dean delves into how fandoms like Hercules, Sly Cooper, and Star Wars have influenced his nerdy identity. Hear Morgan and Dean talk about nerdy interests like What We Do In The Shadows, The Way of the Househusband, Invincible, and various other TV Shows! Listen to the episode to hear Dean share more about his unconventional career trajectory and all of his creative endeavors. 


00:24 Meet Dean Ravenola: A Multifaceted Storyteller
02:08 Exploring Dean's First Fandom Loves
03:12 Dean's Fascination with World Building
04:53 Favorite Nerdy Things: Neopets and Beyond
06:24 The Impact of Neopets and Fandom Evolution
16:00 Dean's Journey from Reader to Narrative Director
20:53 Embracing the Nerd Awakening
23:53 Journey Through Game Writing: From Neopets to How to Train Your Dragon
25:50 The Challenges and Triumphs of Game Development
27:08 Navigating a Career in Creative Writing
38:17 Embracing Fandom: From Personal Joy to Professional Fulfillment
41:51 The Essence of Being a Nerd 
44:49 Geeky Recommendations


Follow Dean: 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-ravenola
Twitter - https://twitter.com/dean_ravenola
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dean_ravenola/
https://deanravenola.com/


Check out Dean’s short films!

YouTube - https://youtube.com/@Surrealms?feature=shared
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@surrealmsshorts?_t=8lN1YRfkBwc&_r=1

Purchase Dean’s YA Fantasy Novel:

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Aether-Warriors-Hidden-War-Book/dp/1478700602
Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aether-warriors-dean-ravenola/1117308491


…and for the plot: https://www.neopets.com/


Follow That Nerd Thing at:
⁠⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠
⁠⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠
⁠⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠

Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com


Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

Journey into the world of fandoms, writing, and body positivity as Morgan interviews YA fantasy author Ria Parisi. The discussion covers Ria's inspirations, experiences in cosplay, writing journey, and advocacy for plus-sized inclusivity. They discuss Disney Parks, young adult (YA) literature, the transformative experience of cosplay, and the intricacies of writing. Ria also shares their initial fascination with Star Wars and her involvement in The Rebel Legion. Don’t forget to pre-order and check out Ria’s upcoming book, “Of Wolves and Stags” available March 2025!

00:50 Introducing Ria Parisi: A Journey into YA Fantasy
01:47 From Star Wars Fandom to Cosplay Passion
04:58 Exploring the World of Cosplay: Creativity and Community
06:18 Ria Parisi's Upcoming Projects: A Glimpse into Future Tales
07:48 A Deep Dive into Nerdy Loves: Disney Parks and Beyond
11:11 The Stormlight Archive Series and Mental Health Representation
15:30 Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Inhumans and Personal Nerdy Favorites
19:59 The Origin Story: From Roleplay to Published Author
26:02 Navigating the Publishing World: A Personal Journey
30:33 Promoting Body Positivity Through Writing and Cosplay
31:35 Facing Fandom's Dark Side: A Cosplay Experience
40:01 Embracing Nerd Culture and Its Impact
43:12 Geeky Recommendations: From Hazbin Hotel to Bridgerton
48:31 Looking Forward: Importance of Pre-Orders


Pre-order and add Of Wolves and Stags to your Goodreads list today! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208390290-of-wolves-and-stags https://www.wordsmakeart.com/products/of-wolves-and-stags

Ria’s Website: https://www.riaparisi.com/

Follow Ria on Social Media: 
https://www.instagram.com/riathewolfwrites/
https://www.tiktok.com/@riathewolfwrites
https://twitter.com/ria_thewolf

Follow That Nerd Thing at:
⁠⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠
⁠⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠
⁠⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

In this episode of That Nerd Thing, Morgan interviews horror author Eric Otero and they discuss his journey as a writer and his passion for horror. They explore the influence of his blue-collar job on his writing and his journey into becoming a horror author.  Eric even shares a SPOOKY experience from when he was a teenager! 
Eric also goes deep into sharing his fascination with the Japanese military science fiction media franchise, Gundam, and he even explains the history behind the franchise. He explains how you can join the fandom and ways to participate in the Gundam community. 
Eric explores his other nerdy interests like lepidopterology, nurturing butterflies, and the influences of Christian mysticism in his writing.  The episode also touches on the broader topic of starting to write later in life, facing insecurities as an author, and the power of niche communities online for embracing one's nerdiness.


00:18 Welcome and Introduction
00:48 Diving into Horror with Author Eric Otero
01:54  Exploring Eric's Creations: From Body Horror to Cosmic Mysteries
06:17 Unraveling the Depths of Nerdy Identity
06:20 Unpacking Gundam: A Deep Dive into Mecha and Its Impact
13:32 Embracing Nerdiness: Finding Community and Overcoming Isolation
16:00 Embracing the Indie Writing Journey
17:47 Eric's Unexpected Nerdy Passion: Lepidopterology
19:30 A Shift in Popularity: From Small Town to Comic Book Expert
21:05 Exploring Christian Mysticism and Personal Fears
22:51 A Childhood Fascinated by the Paranormal
23:21 A Mysterious Encounter in the Woods: A Personal Horror Story
26:37 From Isolation to Creative Writing
27:45 The Challenges and Triumphs of Writing
29:14 Embracing Vulnerability: Sharing Creative Work with the World
33:22 Navigating Fandoms: Gundam and Beyond
39:39 The Essence of Being a Nerd: Passion and Inclusivity
41:18 Geeky Recommendations: Embracing Horror and Sci-Fi
42:55 Connecting with the Author: Social Media and Final Thoughts


Follow Eric Otero at: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHowlingBetweenWorlds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.m._otero/

Check out Eric’s work and stories!
https://nightmaredownloads.com/products/between-the-panels-by-eric-otero

Follow That Nerd Thing at:⁠⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

Surprise! In this special episode of That Nerd Thing, Morgan, the show's host, has an in-depth and candid conversation with her friend Tamara, delving into the podcast’s inception and growth.
Morgan, a therapist by profession and a podcast enthusiast, shares her journey towards embracing her nerdy interests openly and creating a podcast as a platform for others to celebrate their nerdy identities too. They touch upon various fandoms, including Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Back to the Future, The Office, Bridgerton, and many others, revealing how fandoms can spark joy, build connections, and even save lives.
Morgan shares her journey of starting the podcast, her experiences with guests, and how nerdiness has evolved over time. Additionally, the episode touches on rejection of traditional online business models in favor of passion-driven content. Tamara provides a unique outsider perspective, prompting Morgan to reflect on personal anecdotes, the growth of the podcast, and aspirations for future episodes. Together, they explore the essence of nerd culture, emphasizing the inclusivity, passion, and joy it brings to people's lives.

00:18 Welcome to a Special Episode: Unscripted Conversations with Tamara Howell
01:56 Defining Nerdiness and Its Evolution
04:11 From Passion to Profession: The Joy of Doing What You Love
09:17 The Journey to Starting a Podcast
11:24 Overcoming Fears and Embracing the Podcasting Process
22:53 The Unexpected Joys and Challenges of Podcasting
31:09 Behind the Scenes: Organizing and Pitching for the Podcast
33:44 Dreaming of Interviewing David Tennant
34:42 The Joy of Nerd Culture and Fandoms
36:25 Reflecting on Podcast Experiences and Listener Engagement
40:47 Exploring Personal Nerdy Passions
42:22 The Importance of Community in Fandoms
43:18 The Creative Process Behind 'That Nerd Thing' Podcast
48:55 The Making of 'That Nerd Thing' Podcast
51:49 Supporting and Sharing the Podcast
01:01:16 Final Thoughts and Gratitude



Follow That Nerd Thing at:⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

In this episode, Morgan interviews award-winning and bestselling storyteller Matt Eicheldinger. Transitioning from a teaching profession to a full-time author, Matt opens up about embracing his creative side, the significant changes it brought into his life, and his aspirations to give back to the community through storytelling. Matt discusses his love for storytelling, gaming, and even whittling wood! Don’t forget to check out the first book in The Matt Sprouts Series…Matt Sprouts and The Curse of The Ten Broken Toes!

00:18 Introducing Matt Eicheldinger
01:30 The Matt Sprouts Series
02:30 Diving into Matt’s Nerdy Identity: From Ninja Turtles to Whittling Wood
05:48 Exploring the Depths of Creativity
10:25 Exploring the Depths of Nerdy Interests: Video Games, Comics, and More
12:53 The Underrated and Random Nerdy Sides of Matt
15:13 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Publishing and Going Viral
16:36 The Art of Storytelling: Connecting Through Creativity and Comedy
20:40 Navigating the World of Social Media
31:09 The Unpredictable Path of a Teacher Turned Author
34:08 The Power of Crowdfunding and Community Support
37:03 The Breakthrough: Securing an Agent and a Book Deal
39:12 Reflections on Teaching, Writing, and Personal Growth
43:38 The Creative Process and Embracing New Beginnings
46:46 Building a Community: The Importance of Support and Mentorship
53:13 Reflections on Storytelling and Personal Growth
57:23 The Surprising Journey of Becoming an Author
01:00:25 Embracing Nerdiness: Finding Community and Learning from Others
01:03:08 Final Thoughts and Geeky Recommendations


Order Matt Sprouts and The Curse of The Ten Broken Toes: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books a Million / Bookshop / Target

Check out Matt’s Website: ⁠https://matteicheldinger.com/

Follow Matt on Social Media! 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matteicheldinger/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matteicheldinger

Follow That Nerd Thing at:⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠
⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠
⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠
Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!

In this episode of That Nerd Thing, Morgan interviews Pamela Gocobachi, entertainment journalist and pop culture expert. Pam shares her journey through various fandoms, starting with her early love for Harry Potter and Twilight to now co-hosting  #Millennial Podcast.
Pam and Morgan explore different aspects of nerd culture, including the role of music in storytelling, the impact of fandom on professional lives, and Pam’s professional evolution in the world of entertainment journalism. They discuss meeting celebrities (like Daniel Radcliffe), the Taylor Swift fandom, Bridgerton, and so much more. The conversation also covers the dynamics within different fandom communities, media literacy, and the importance of embracing one's nerdiness.

00:18 Introduction and Welcome
01:55 Exploring Pam's Nerdy Identity
03:57 The Impact of Music in Fandom and Entertainment
09:53 Taylor Swift Fandom: A Deep Dive into Music and Tours
11:55 Current Obsessions: Taylor Swift and Fourth Wing
15:02 Bridgerton Anticipation and Fandom Excitement
17:59 The Underrated World of NaNoWriMo and Writing
19:58 Fan Fiction: A Gateway to Fandom and Creativity
24:08 Celebrity Encounters and Professional Fandom
27:11 A Dream Internship and an Awkward Encounter with Daniel Radcliffe
29:39 Celebrity Fangirling: From Paul McCartney to Taylor Swift
31:00 The Art of Interviewing: Seeking Unique Insights
40:49 Embracing Fandom: A Career Built on Passion
43:41 The Essence of Being a Nerd: Identity and Connection
47:39 Geeky Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

Follow #Millennial! 
Tiktok: @millennialpod 
Instagram: @millennialshow 

Listen to #Millennial Podcast: https://millennialshow.com


Follow Pam!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelagocobachi/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamelagocobachi
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamelagocobachi


Follow That Nerd Thing at:
⁠TikTok: @thatnerdthingpod⁠
⁠Instagram: @thatnerdthingpod⁠
⁠YouTube: @thatnerdthingpod⁠

Email: thatnerdthingpod@gmail.com

Don’t forget to share this podcast with your nerdy friends!