Up Your Nerd Cred

Casual Host CiCi, Expert Host AM Diaz
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ANIMATION & MANGA
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Did you used to know everything happening in the Marvel and DC universes? Did finding out that some superheroes are from Marvel and some are from DC blow your mind? Has keeping track of everything happening there… and then realizing we’re talking about the comics universe, not the cinematic ones… and the different universes with their own multiversal crisesses has gotten a little bit out of hand, don’t worry. Up Your Nerd Cred is here to talk about gods cosplaying as men, men cosplaying as gods, and how much the cinematic universes are leaving out.

  1. 5D AGO

    We’ve Been Here the Whole Time: Women in Nerd Culture | UYNC S2 Ep 12

    Who built nerd culture? If you’ve ever been made to feel like women “entered” comics, fandom, or nerd spaces late, this episode is here to gently (and not-so-gently) correct the record. Because women didn’t just show up—we’ve been reading, writing, editing, organizing, and sustaining nerd culture from the beginning. This week, CiCi and AM Diaz dig into the history that gets overlooked, from the rise of romance comics in the 1940s and 50s, to the steady presence of readers who kept shops afloat, to the fandom spaces where women created the stories they weren’t being given. We’re talking about the editors, writers, and fans who helped shape the industry, even when they weren’t centered in it. We also highlight the impact of creators like Naoko Takeuchi, whose work expanded global fandom, and the legacy of Lucille Ball, whose support helped Star Trek become one of the most influential franchises in sci-fi history. And yes—we talk about the “Women in Refrigerators” trope, but more importantly, we look at how women in comics have always been more than just plot devices. This episode is less about “women entering nerd culture” and more about recognizing the people who were always here. Follow the HostsCiCi: @ciracdavis AM Diaz: @amdiaz Follow the ShowInstagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod #WomenInComics, #NerdCulture, #ComicsHistory, #WomenInFandom, #SailorMoon, #NaokoTakeuchi, #StarTrek, #LucilleBall, #ArchieComics, #ComicBooks, #GeekCulture, #Fandom, #WomenInGeekCulture, #PopCulturePodcast, #Marvel, #DCComics, #UYNC

    1h 7m

  2. MAR 23

    Can a Good Person Be a Good Leader? | UYNC S2 Ep11

    Can a good person actually be a good leader? Or does leadership force people to compromise what makes them “good” in the first place? This week on Up Your Nerd Cred, CiCi is joined by longtime friend Matthew to break down one of the most quietly complicated questions in nerd culture: are great leaders born… or made? From Jean-Luc Picard’s unwavering moral code, to Delenn’s impossible wartime choices, to Faith Lehane learning morality through circumstance—and even Lady Jessica’s role in shaping a destiny that spans generations—we’re asking: Is being “good” enough to make you a good leader? Or does power always demand something more… or something worse? SHOW UPDATE: WE'RE MOVING TO MONDAY MORNING FROM FRIDAY MORNING RELEASES Listen & Follow We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more—just search Up Your Nerd Cred. 📸 Instagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod 🎙️ CiCi: @ciracdavis 🎨 AM Diaz: @amdiazart #NerdCulture, #Marvel, #DCComics, #StarTrek, #Dune, #BuffyTheVampireSlayer, #BlackPanther, #Leadership, #Philosophy, #Fandom, #Comics, #PopCulture, #JeanLucPicard, #LukeCage, #WonderWoman, #UpYourNerdCred

    1h 4m

  3. MAR 13

    "To all those who enter here..." The Happiest Place on Earth, with Tiffie Starchild | UYNC S2 E10

    What happens when nerd culture collides with the happiest place on Earth? This week on Up Your Nerd Cred, AM Diaz takes the lead mic while CiCi reacts as the conversation dives into one of the most debated topics in modern fandom: Disneyland. Joined by special guest Tiffi Starchild, the crew explores the culture surrounding Disney parks, the rise of “Disney Adults,” and why places like Disneyland hold such a powerful grip on nerd communities. From theme park fandom to character nostalgia, the discussion looks at how immersive spaces like Disneyland blur the line between entertainment, fandom, and identity—and why so many fans keep coming back. Along the way the group also nerds out about fandom entry points, shared pop-culture memories, and the experiences that turn casual fans into lifelong nerds. Follow Our GuestTiffi Starchild: @tiffistarchild Follow the HostsCiCi: @ciracdavis AM Diaz: @amdiaz Follow the ShowInstagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod #UpYourNerdCred, #NerdCulture, #GeekCulture, #PodcastClips, #NerdPodcast, #Disneyland, #DisneyAdults, #DisneyParks, #ThemeParkFans, #FandomCulture, #GeekCommunity, #PopCulturePodcast, #DisneyFans, #NerdCommunity

    53 min

  4. MAR 6

    The Little Mermaid: A Gay Danish Allegory (Tentacles Optional) | UYNC S2 Ep 9

    The Little Mermaid: A Gay Danish Allegory (Tentacles Optional) | Up Your Nerd Cred Did you know the original version of The Little Mermaid is significantly darker than the Disney classic most of us grew up with? Before Ariel was collecting gadgets and gizmos aplenty, Hans Christian Andersen was writing a story about identity, belonging, and the cost of trying to fit into a world that might never accept you. In this solo episode of Up Your Nerd Cred, CiCi takes a deep dive into the 1837 fairy tale that inspired the Disney Renaissance classic and explores how the story evolved from a tragic Danish allegory into one of the most beloved animated films of all time. We’re talking about the original story, the Disney adaptation, the cultural context around Howard Ashman and the Disney Renaissance, the drag inspiration behind Ursula, and why modern internet discourse about Ariel’s hair color might be missing the point entirely. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UpYourNerdCredPod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UpYourNerdCredPod Follow CiCi: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciracdavis 💥 Support the Pod If you enjoy the show and want to help keep the nerd cred flowing, you can support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod Your support helps keep the show running, improves production quality, and helps us keep diving into the weirdest corners of nerd culture. #LittleMermaid, #DisneyRenaissance, #DisneyHistory, #HansChristianAndersen, #DisneyLore, #QueerSubtext, #FairyTales, #DisneyAnalysis, #Ariel, #Ursula, #HowardAshman, #AlanMenken, #LinManuelMiranda, #DisneyPrincess, #AnimationHistory, #PopCultureAnalysis, #NerdCulture, #NerdPodcast, #UpYourNerdCred

    36 min

  5. FEB 27

    Beyond “Black” and Lightning: Black Heroes Breaking the Trope | UYNC S2 Ep8

    It’s the end of Black History Month and we’re highlighting Black superheroes who don’t rely on lightning powers or “Black” in their codename. From Green Lanterns to War Machine, from Monet St. Croix to Queen Nubia, we’re breaking down the evolution of representation in Marvel and DC — and how modern storytelling is finally letting these characters breathe. Plus: BAFTA controversy, Starfleet Academy queerness, and side-eyeing the BBC. Follow & Support: Show Instagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod Patreon: patreon.com/upyournerdcredpod Cici: @ciracdavis A.M. Diaz: @AMDiazArt #BlackSuperheroes, #BlackHistoryMonth, #MarvelComics, #DCComics, #ComicBookPodcast, #GreenLantern, #JohnStewart, #SojournerMullein, #WarMachine, #IsaiahBradley, #MonetStCroix, #Vixen, #Nubia, #RepresentationMatters, #DiversityInComics, #ComicBookCulture, #BAFTAs, #BBCControversy, #RyanCoogler, #JonathanMajors

    1h 23m

  6. FEB 20

    Why Black Heroes Are Always Carrying Trauma | Storm, Shuri & the Cost of Being “Strong” | UYNC S2 E7

    What does it cost to always be the strong one? This week, we’re digging into grief, trauma, and emotional resilience across Marvel’s Black heroes — from Luke Cage’s incarceration and invulnerability, to Storm’s claustrophobia and PTSD, to Shuri’s rage on the ancestral plane, to Riri Williams building armor around her grief, and Sam Wilson proving that sometimes the most powerful move isn’t a punch — it’s a conversation. Joined by licensed clinical social worker Dr. Mercedes Samudio, we explore how strength, leadership, and representation intersect with mental wellness — and why Black superheroes are so often expected to carry everything without breaking. We’re talking: Prison trauma and Black masculinity in Luke CageStorm’s depowerment and trauma responseShuri’s grief and ancestral disconnectionRiri Williams, adultification, and intellectualized copingSam Wilson, imposter syndrome, and therapy as heroismReferenced episode: X-Men ’97 — Season 1, Episode 6: “Lifedeath – Part 2” (Storm’s depowerment arc and trauma response storyline) Guest: Dr. Mercedes Samudio Licensed Clinical Social Worker Instagram: @dr.mercedessamudio Pod Socials: @UpYourNerdCredPod Hosts: @ciracdavis, @AMDiazArt If you have a burning question you want us to discuss so you can up your nerd cred, leave a comment or DM us — we might feature it in an upcoming episode. 🖤⚡ #BlackSuperheroes #Marvel #Storm #Shuri #Ironheart #SamWilson #MentalHealth #XMen97 #BlackNerd #BlackGeekCulture #MarvelTok

    1h 12m

  7. FEB 16

    Black Power Ranger or Pink One? Growing Up as the Token Black Girl | UYNC S2 Ep 6

    Were you the Black Power Ranger… or the Pink one? In this solo episode of Up Your Nerd Cred, CiCi dives into what it meant to grow up as the token Black girl in 90s TV friend groups — and the quiet, uncomfortable pressure to “identify correctly.” From Saved by the Bell and Clueless to Daria, Power Rangers, and that infamous “Pretty White Kids with Problems” sketch, we’re talking about: The scarcity mindset of representationBeing assigned a character because you were the only Black girlFeeling guilty for not liking “your” characterThe difference between Black-led shows and token inclusionWhy intersectionality matters in media and real lifeWe also dig into the academic side — from 1970s television shifts to Kimberlé Crenshaw’s definition of intersectionality — and why it's nice to not have to root for everybody Black just because they’re the only one. Revel in the ability to experience both Black excellence and Black mediocrity onscreen without it being the only thing that exists. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @upyournerdcredpod CiCi: @ciracdavis AM Diaz: @amdiazart Want solo scripts, behind-the-scenes footage, and bonus content? Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/UpYourNerdCredPod #UpYourNerdCred, #BlackRepresentation, #TokenCharacter, #Intersectionality, #KimberleCrenshaw, #90sTV, #PowerRangers, #SavedByTheBell, #Clueless, #Daria, #Glee, #BlackWomenInMedia, #NostalgiaTV, #MediaAnalysis, #PopCulturePodcast, #BlackGirlNerd, #FandomCulture, #MarvelFans, #DCFans, #NerdCulture, #BlackVoices, #RepresentationMatters, #TVHistory, #CulturalCritique

    32 min

  8. FEB 6

    Zero to Hero: The Evolution of the Disney Prince Pt 2 (With Solving for X) | UYNC S2 Ep 5

    We’re back with Part 2 of our deep dive into the Disney Prince pipeline — and this time, things get competitive. CiCi, AM Diaz, and the Solving for X crew finish the conversation by putting these princes to the test: hotness, usefulness, and whether they were wildly out of their league. From Prince Naveen and Flynn Rider to Hercules, Aladdin, and the Beast, we rank, debate, disagree loudly, and absolutely overthink animated men. Along the way, we talk emotional growth, healthy partnerships, why “nice” is not the same as good, and how Disney accidentally taught a generation what to expect (and what not to tolerate) in romance. This episode is opinionated, chaotic, affectionate, and exactly as unserious as ranking fictional princes should be. 👑🔥 Guest IG Handles:Kevin — @kjeezy87 Shawney — @shawneyhavok Ryan — @ryeorio Solving for X — @solvingforx.xmen.tas Follow the PodInstagram: @upyournerdcredpod Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Watch on YouTube. Host: @ciracdavis Co-host: @amdiazart Support the show / bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/UpYourNerdCredPod Hashtags#UpYourNerdCred, #UpYourNerdCredPod, #Podcast, #Podcasts, #PodcastLife, #PodcastRecommendations, #NewPodcast, #PopCulturePodcast, #NerdPodcast, #GeekPodcast, #Disney, #DisneyPodcast, #DisneyAdults, #DisneyFans, #DisneyCommunity, #DisneyPrinces, #PrinceCharming, #FlynnRider, #PrinceNaveen, #Kristoff, #LiShang, #Aladdin, #Hercules, #BeautyAndTheBeast, #TheBeast, #Mulan, #Tangled, #PrincessAndTheFrog, #Animation, #AnimatedMovies, #FilmPodcast, #MoviePodcast, #PopCulture, #NerdCulture, #GeekCulture, #QueerNerds, #LGBTQPodcast, #QueerPodcast, #XMenTas, #SolvingForX

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Did you used to know everything happening in the Marvel and DC universes? Did finding out that some superheroes are from Marvel and some are from DC blow your mind? Has keeping track of everything happening there… and then realizing we’re talking about the comics universe, not the cinematic ones… and the different universes with their own multiversal crisesses has gotten a little bit out of hand, don’t worry. Up Your Nerd Cred is here to talk about gods cosplaying as men, men cosplaying as gods, and how much the cinematic universes are leaving out.

Information

  • Creator
    Casual Host CiCi, Expert Host AM Diaz
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Casual Host CiCi, Expert Host AM Diaz
  • Show Website
    Up Your Nerd Cred