BNQ: Big Nerdy Questions

Welcome to Big Nerdy Wrestling! From time to time, Josh will indulge his life-long affinity for professional wrestling with some fun discussions with awesome wrestling podcasters. In this first BNW show, Josh is joined by Kelsi (SuperKicking It With Kelsi and the Two-Faced Pod) and Chad and Diesel (View from the Top Rope). The topic at hand: What would we book if NJPW/ROH and WWE had a one-night-only crossover event? Hear four awesome yet widely divergent cards in this extravaganza! Plus, we allow the Random Booker to create a card which comes out surprisingly well. Contact us! bnqfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter and Facebook: @BNQPodcast    

This week we welcome back author EC Ambrose to help us select the Mount Rushmore of genre literature. Fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and horror are fair game for the selections. There are a LOT of amazing authors who write in our favorite genres, so making our final four selections proved incredibly difficult. Let us know what you think of our choices and if you would have gone a different route. Big Nerdy Recommendation #1: Touch by Claire North Big Nerdy Recommendation #2: Golden Kamuy Check out EC Ambrose's books here! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! bnqfeedback@gmail.com ! Twitter and Facebook: @BNQPodcast

We're back for the second half of Season Three! It's time for a rapid fire episode where everyone on the panel will FINISH HIM! This week, Josh leads Matt, Rachel, Ed, and JP on a journey through Mortal Kombat style fatalties for non-MK characters. How would Teenage Groot knock off an opponent? What about Commander Riker? Thirty characters go through the MK treatment in this insane episode. Please note that, from this point forward, BNQ is not going to bleep any language. We've seen that our audience doesn't seem to matter the occasional curse words.  Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! bnqfeedback@gmail.com ! Twitter and Facebook: @BNQPodcast  

In which Josh provides an update on upcoming shows and announces an appearance on another show.

It's time to get serious as the BNQ crew tackle the huge issue of where nerdy franchises intersect with civil rights in this two-part episode. In Part I, Callie interviews Marvel writer Jeremy Whitley about his hit series "Princeless" and what comics get right and wrong about equal representation of races and genders. Joining them for this part are Josh, JP, Matt, and Colleen. This discussion goes deep, but it might be one of the most important discussions we've ever had on the show. Look out for Part II next week featuring JP's take on the history of racial depictions in animation, Matt's analysis of the X-Men as metaphor for the Civil Rights movement, and Josh's discussion of how Star Trek changed the rules for representation on television. (A fourth section was lost due to technical issues, so apologies for any odd discontinuities.)  Big Nerdy Recommendation from Jeremy: Black Panther: World of Wakanda BNQ is proudly sponsored by FleetWit! On FleetWit, you can earn real cash and prizes by displaying your trivia prowess. You might even play against Ken Jennings or your intrepid host. Send us a screenshot of your FleetWit membership page to enter a contest to kill the Gungan in an upcoming episode! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! @BNQPodcast on Twitter and Facebook | bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Could you imagine Han Solo or Deadpool as stand-up comics? Could Jar-Jar work as an "alternative comic"? This week, BNQ welcomes Kevin Gootee, the host of the hit Amazon Prime series "Comics Watching Comics," to our show to answer these questions and more as we merge the world of nerd culture with the world of comedy. Plus, Kevin discusses his show, life as a comic, and how he knows if a comic has "it." Big Nerdy Recommendation from Kevin: Far Cry 5 Check out Comics Watching Comics on Amazon Prime! BNQ is proudly sponsored by FleetWit! On FleetWit, you can earn real cash and prizes by displaying your trivia prowess. You might even play against Ken Jennings or your intrepid host. Send us a screenshot of your FleetWit membership page to enter a contest to kill the Gungan in an upcoming episode! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! @BNQPodcast on Twitter and Facebook | bnqfeedback@gmail.com

We saw Ready Player One and then recorded a review in Matt's van. Thanks to Podbean for the recording app! We hope you enjoy the on location feel of this discussion. BNQ is brought to you by FleetWit.com!

If you found yourself in a crisis, which iconic fictional squad would you want on your team? This week, JP, Colleen, Rachel, Kenneth, and Matt each pick a squad to defend against crises proposed by your resident host Josh. Which crew will experience a love triangle? What happens when the Planet Express ship is hijacked? Who will be given the enviable task of transporting Jar-Jar on a long voyage? Find out these answers and more in this wide-open discussion! Big Nerdy Recommendation: Blood and Gourd Comics BNQ is proudly sponsored by FleetWit! On FleetWit, you can earn real cash and prizes by displaying your trivia prowess. You might even play against Ken Jennings or your intrepid host. Send us a screenshot of your FleetWit membership page to enter a contest to kill the Gungan in an upcoming episode! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter & Facebook: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

You're trapped in an old house and the only way out is to either fight or trick a goblin guarding the front door. Do you imagine yourself rolling a D20 or do you place your hands on a keyboard and mouse in this scenario? Which option creates a fuller sense of immersion? This week, Matt hosts his first episode as he's joined by Josh, JP, Rachel, Kenneth, and special guest tabletop gaming blogger Tom as BNQ tackles the differences between tabletop and video gaming. Find out why you should never create a rabbit as fodder for a D&D party, how Josh scared himself silly in Fallout 4, and what happens when you claim to roll an 81 on a wisdom check.  Big Nerdy Recommendation: Space Engineers Hashtag of the Week: #D&DVista (referring to D&D 4.0) BNQ is proudly brought to you by FleetWit! Visit FleetWit for the chance to win real money just by playing trivia contests on your favorite topics. Send us a screenshot of your profile for a chance to kill Jar-Jar in an upcoming episode! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: bnqfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter and Facebook: @BNQPodcast

Get out your wands as BNQ goes back to Hogwarts! This week, Callie leads Josh, Colleen, and newcomer Amanda on a discussion through all the supporting characters of the Harry Potter series. Which character outside of the Harry, Ron, and Hermione trio is the most important, interesting, or crucial to the development of the plot? Hear how one character is more useful dead than alive and another character is the Helen of Troy in the Potterverse. And, of course, we get into a deep discussion about the character and utility of Professor Severus Snape. Ten points to your house for listening! Big Nerdy Recommendation: The Wicked and the Divine by Kieron Gillan BNQ is proudly sponsored by FleetWit! On FleetWit, you can earn real cash and prizes by displaying your trivia prowess. You might even play against Ken Jennings or your intrepid host. Send us a screenshot of your FleetWit membership page to enter a contest to kill the Gungan in an upcoming episode! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter & Facebook: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com  

This week, Josh, JP, and Matt bring you Big Nerdy Quickie #2. This time, we discuss our big announcement that we have entered into a partnership with FleetWit.com, the leading purveyor of trivia games for real money, to bring you the best new content! Josh then pits JP and Matt against one another in a battle of trivia wits about superheroes (but not really about superheroes). Be sure to listen to the end for information on how to enter a contest to kill Jar-Jar in an upcoming episode! BNQ is proudly brought to you by FleetWit! Visit FleetWit for the chance to win real money just by playing trivia contests on your favorite topics. Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: bnqfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter and Facebook: @BNQPodcast

Authors put their favorite characters through the ringer, but in this episode, we decide to flip the script. Jen Finelli, author of the amazing novel "Becoming Hero" joins Matt, Colleen, Rachel, and Josh to discuss which characters would most want to kill their authors. Find out which resident of Westeros gains vengeance on George R.R. Martin, why living the life of a city elf isn't a great idea, and which character makes Dickens pay off his debts. Check out Becoming Hero here! Big Nerdy Recommendation: Babylon 5 Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter and Facebook: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com  

From space pirates to towering mechs and from the brightest colors and orchestrations to the most tragic tales drawn on screen, anime deserves its own Mount Rushmore. In this episode, Ed hosts Rachel, Matt, and Tino as they name the limelights of this genre. Creators, animators, and composers come up in this wide-ranging discussion. Let us know if you agree with our picks! Bonus: Find great songs from nominated composers in the links at the end of the show notes! (Only available where show notes are not truncated)   Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/   Contact us! @BNQPodcast on Twitter and Facebook | bnqfeedback@gmail.com   Yoko Kanno Tank! - Cowboy Bebop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2rVnRwW0h8 Inner Universe - Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWhM_x_g6p4 Vision of Escaflowe - Ending Theme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFmLKh0TL5g&index=12&list=PLB4561845CE536EDF   Taku Iwasaki Read or Die OVA - Theme of Read or Die https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiyU3EJmhxI Read or Die OVA - Unequaled Boisterous Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDCMxXf7MDA&index=6&list=PL45C77CC73FBF7691 Rurouni Kenshin Trust and Betrayal - War of the Last Wolves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRtfkiaAma0   Yuki Kajiura Mai Hime - Mezame https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF6eNuAvLIE Noir - Salva Nos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDs_PZaSkFo&list=PLM8vhgfAIHk8lJpc9VvRVQs6qdrh8WHjP Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle - A Song of Storm and Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VujTI9J6LHw  

This week, BNQ welcomes Petrea Burchard, the English voice of Ryoko on Tenchi Muyo and acclaimed author, to Big Nerdy Headquarters. Petrea talks about what it's like to record narration for a show originally written in another language, her love of historical fiction and cozy mysteries, and how she realized that her part in anime history was much bigger than she ever imagined. We are incredibly honored that Petrea visited BNQ and we hope you enjoy our talk. Check out Petrea's books: Camelot & Vine Act As If: Stumbling Through Hollywood With Headshot in Hand Also, check out Petrea's narration of the Westwick Witches series by Colleen Cross! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: @BNQPodcast (Twitter and Facebook) | bnqfeedback@gmail.com  

It's time for a deep dive into the ships of Star Trek! This week, Josh and JP welcome Rick from Starbase 66 back to Big Nerdy Headquarters to talk the vessels of the Final Frontier. Which Enterprise is best? Which alien race builds the best behemoth? Do models of ships hold up better than CGI? Find out these answers and more in this incredibly nerdy installment of BNQ. Excelsior! Big Nerdy Recommenation: Black Mirror ("U.S.S. Callister") and Ready Player One Audiobook Find Starbase 66 here! Podible is the official platform of BNQ. Check it out today! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter and Facebook: @BNQPodcast

Welcome to the first edition of Big Nerdy Quickies! In these shorter episodes, we bring you bonus content independent of a full-fledged Big Nerdy Question. To start this tradition off right, we welcome comedian extraordinaire Chris Cope to Big Nerdy HQ for his opinions on comedy, history, and mayonnaise. (Trust us, it'll make more sense once you listen.) PLEASE NOTE that the Big Nerdy Quickie series will be uncensored, so this episode is not child-friendly. Check out Chris's site for more great content! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Facebook & Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Does Groundskeeper Willie make you hot under the kilt? Is the stench of beer and disappointment at Moe's an aphrodisiac? Are you really into women with one-eye who captain starships? If so, this is the episode for you. JP leads Josh, Erin, Ed, and Matt on a journey through the dating world in Springfield and New New York. The dialogue in this episode is for the adults, so kiddos may want to skip this entry. For everyone else, the only thing more fun than listeneing to this hour is going on a bender with Bender. Hashtag of the Week: #ChooChooChooseMe Big Nerdy Recommendations: Cuphead & Simpsons Video Games Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Podible is the official podcast platform of Big Nerdy Questions. Find your next podcast today! Contact us! @BNQPodcast on Twitter and Facebook | bnqfeedback@gmail.com

LANGUAGE WARNING!  This is JP here.  After we got done recording the two-part season 3 premiere, a few of us stayed after and caught up with one another.  One thing led to another, and eventually Ed and Colleen start talking about the latest Star Wars film.  Well, it turns out they have very strong, opposing, and entertaining opinions about the film, and luckily I was within reach of the record button not too long after Colleen really gets going.  I hope you enjoy this candid and raw discussion. This episode is UNCENSORED!  Please be advised that there are no bleeps, only a few accidental computer sounds along the way.  The discussion between Ed and Colleen is completely unedited as well. This is a behind the scenes look at who we really are, and you should find that it's not too different from who we are on the show.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it. --JP

It's time for Part II of our discussion of which fictional universes we least want to live in. Ed, Colleen, Rachel, Matt, Callie, JP, and Josh lead you through a discussion ranging from Dragon Ball to Fallout and from Resident Evil to the Powerpuff Girls. Find out which hapless villain JP wants to drink with at the bar, why life as a commoner in Westeros must suck, and if reality itself is a bad fictional universe. The official podcasting platform of BNQ is Podible. Download our shows there and help us win a new studio! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Email: BNQfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Facebook (new!): @BNQPodcast  

Hello everyone! We are currently First Place in the Podible downloads contest, but we need your help to stay there. Listen to this short episode and find out how to help us win a new studio and a featured spot on Podible. We also raise the stakes by promising to watch one of the worst films in the history of nerd culture and provide a commentary track if we win. Find out your options for cinematically torturing us in this special short. Plus, Part II of Bad Fictional Universes comes out on Thursday! Listen to us on Podible! https://play.podible.co/series/29454

We're back! Season 3 premieres with a twist on our traditional opener. Instead of discussing which fictional universe we want to live in, we flip the script and discuss which universes would constitute living nightmares. Learn how the world of "Berserk" might outdo the dark stories of George R.R. Martin, why Lord of the Rings isn't as idyllic as one might think, and why living in Dune would feel like your worst ever day at the beach. The whole crew of Colleen, Matt, Ed, Callie, Rachel, JP, and your intrepid host Josh are here. Welcome back to Big Nerdy Headquarters. Big Nerdy Recommendation: The Quincunx by Charles Palliser Podible is the official podcast listening service for BNQ. Find our show and others with similar themes today. You owe it to your brain to try it out. Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter: @BNQFeedback | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com  

A short announcement about why we are on an unplanned hiatus, plans for the future, and (in happy news) we announce the winner of the prize from CSE Games.

The truth is out there; you can find it by killing off the Gungan. Welcome to the 2017 Halloween Special where Josh, newcomer Lea, and special guest Greg from Rumor Flies talk about the classic series of conspiracies and creatures of the night, The X-Files. Instead of focusing on the mythology (which would require a much longer episode and some aspirin), we're tackling the funniest monster of the week episodes. We don't spoil the mythology of the show, but we do spoil the episodes we discuss. Come find out why Cher's music is way creepier than we ever imagined, how a tale about a man with a tail sparked a debate about misogynistic humor, and hear Josh's rendition of the COPS theme, Mulder and Scully style.  Big Nerdy Recommendation: X-COM Check out Greg and friends' shows! Rumor Flies and Jacks of Trades Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com  

And the Oscar goes to...well, not the nerdy films. For most of the history of the Academy Awards, nerdy genre films haven't got the love they so richly deserved. Josh and Colleen look to rectify these omissions with the help of special guest Steve from the OscarWatch Podcast as they discuss which nerdy films were most overlooked at the Academy Awards. Find out which classic horror film almost won two Razzies, why 2001 wasn't nominated for Costume Design, and why the Academy wanted to rescind the nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Linda Blair in The Exorcist. Plus, we talk about how to best watch older movies with content that is not ok from a modern perspective. Big Nerdy Recommendation: Academy Awards: The Complete Unofficial History by Gail Kinn and Jim Piazza Check out OscarWatch Podcast! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Whether it's tabletop, board, or in a video form, gaming is more than just a hobby. It's become an art unto itself. We at BNQ believe gaming deserves its own Mt. Rushmore. Callie, Ed, Matt, and Josh enlist the help of board gaming developer Fabio Del Rio to determine the four figures who most belong on the hallowed mountain of gaming. We guarantee you'll learn some interesting factoids as we dive deep into the limelights of all kinds of gaming. Big Nerdy Recommendation: Photosynthesis (Board Game) Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ CONTEST: Retweet this episode (1 entry) or review us and send a screenshot to bnqfeedback@gmail.com (10 entries) to enter to win a free game from Fabio Del Rio's game company, CSE Games! Support CSE Games' newest project, Gridstones: Night Sky! Contact us: Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com 

"The only question I ever thought was hard/was do I like Kirk/or do I like Picard?" -Weird Al Yankovic Welcome to the 50th Episode of BNQ! With a full panel consisting of Sarah, Ed, JP, Colleen, Matt, Josh, special guests Jay Sandlin and Orie from Dragon Fruit and a special appearance from Dr. Leah Brahms and Lt. Nuno from The Replicated Hat Podcast, this is the biggest BNQ to date. We discuss the timeless question of Star Trek: Kirk or Picard? Find out which captain most resembles General MacArthur, where you can find the Kirk Maneuver, and just how much patience Jean-Luc displayed in his diplomatic dealings with Lwaxana Troi.  Big Nerdy Recommendation: Make It So: A Star Trek Podcast Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Check out our guests' projects: Dragon Fruit, the dating app by geeks for geeks  #WhoWouldWin? from Jay Sandlin and James Gavsie The Replicated Hat Podcast Contact us: Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Have you ever finished a book or comic and thought, "Gee, this really ought to be a movie!"? We certainly have--and it's time to tell you which book and comic heroes deserve the silver screen treatment. This week, Josh, Matt, and Ed go through the best of fantasy, science fiction, Marvel, and DC Comics and name the characters who are waiting for their close up, Mr. Spielberg.  By the way, this is episode 49. Next week, expect something special. Big Nerdy Recommendation: The Cat Who Series by Lillian Jackson Braun Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com Review us on your app of choice and email us a screenshot and you can pick an upcoming Big Nerdy Recommendation!

Josh doesn't watch anime yet. Luckily, Matt, Rachel, and Ed (filling in as guest host) will rectify this situation. They present nine recommendations for gateway animes, including three series that are guaranteed appropriate for kids and parents to watch together. As Matt says at the beginning of this episode, even if it's something weird from Japan, that doesn't mean it's not awesome. Big Nerdy Recommendation: Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Alternate realities: the spaces where the characters and histories we know are twisted into something not quite recognizable. This week, we put on our evil goatees as we analyze our favorite alternate realities and histories. On the panel we have Ed, JP, Matt, and Josh. We also welcome acclaimed author Jay Sandlin to BNQ to discuss his alternate history Outbreak Mutiny. Jay is a bona fide nerd and an amazing addition to the BNQ Roundtable. If you happen to manifest a superpower during the listening of this episode, please let us know. Hashtag of the Week: #TheHanSoloCup Big Nerdy Recommendation: Outbreak Mutiny (of course) by Jay Sandlin Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter: @BNQPodcast

What do you get when you compare a scruffy nerfherder and an ophidiophobiac archaeologist? Well, if you're in Big Nerdy Headquarters, you get our discussion of who's more badass — Han Solo or Indiana Jones. We compare the two Harrison Ford iconic roles in terms of charisma, resourcefulness, moral code, intelligence, and caliber of victories. Which hero will reign supreme? Join Ed, Matt, Kenneth, and Josh to find out. Don't worry: No Crystal Skulls were used in the production of this episode. Hashtags: #FlawlessSymphony; #Punjacked Big Nerdy Recommendation: Rogue Legacy Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Welcome to the Hunger Games, Disney edition! This time, Ed, Callie, Sarah, and Josh draw 12 Disney animated characters at random and then place them in the arena for a fight to the death. Will princesses fight or ally with each other? Could a magical being cruise to victory? Can a little clock survive to the end? And what happens with the Cave of Wonders introduces a massive twist? It's one part Disney, one part D&D, and all nerdy fun.  Big Nerdy Recommendation: The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets by Simon Singh Hashtag of the Week: #CogsworthKamikaze Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Like us? Give us a rating and a review! It helps! Contact us: Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Replicators, warp drive (or is it hyperdrive), mass relays, oh my! In this foray into the cutting edge technology of the future, Matt, Colleen, and Josh examine which sci-fi technology would most change our world. We take our historical training and nerdy credentials to the max in this discussion as we dissect the pros and cons of techs across various franchises. The episode will definitely make you wonder about the future of the human race, along with the occasional horrible sci-fi pun from yours truly. Hashtags of the Week: #MattEffect, #WannaBeamAway Big Nerdy Recommendation: Samurai Cop (with the Riff Trax if at all possible) Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: Twitter: @BNQPodcast; Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

HODOR! It's BNQ first foray into Westeros as we tackle memorable deaths from Game of Thrones. The panel this week features Matt, Callie, and Ed as we visit two weddings, talk our heads off, and receive a special crown. But please be sure not to walk out of your upstairs bedroom while listening to this episode. Spoiler Alert: We spoil all of Game of Thrones, Seasons 1 through 6, and the published books. Hashtag of the Week: #SeanBeanAlity  Big Nerdy Recommendation: Berserk (1997 version) Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ BNQ is now available on Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, and, of course, Podbean! Contact us: @BNQPodcast | bnqfeedback@gmail.com  

It's the 42nd Episode of BNQ, but don't panic, we've got a mostly harmless special for you if you brought your towel. We tackle Life, the Universe and Everything about the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Why is 42 the Ultimate Answer? Would humans understand a warning to leave the planet? Why is Marvin so sad? These questions and more are covered by Josh, Callie and our special guest, Dr. Leah Brahms from the Replicated Hat podcast. It's a special topic, a podcast crossover, and full of puns. In other words, it's the best of BNQ. Spoiler alert: We don't avoid spoilers for the whole Hitchhiker's series.  Big Nerdy Recommendation: Magic 2.0 series by Scott Meyer  Listen to The Replicated Hat: A Star Trek Podcast from Dr. Brahms and Lt. Noon! "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ BNQ is now available on iTunes, Google Play Music, and Stitcher! Contact us: Twitter: @BNQPodcast | bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Welcome to another BNQ special featuring an awesome guest! Bobby Del Rio, of My Roommate's An Escort, IRL: The Series, and The Market, joins Ed, JP, and Josh in Big Nerdy Headquarters to discuss his works and his artistic process. Bobby tells us about the differences in making comedy and drama, how IRL is a reflection of our cultural changes relative to social media, and how The Market is a vulgar-yet-accurate reflection of the dark side of capitalism. We do get a bit heady in this episode, but the discussion is well worth it. (We did have a topic planned on classic supporting roles, but our interview was going so well that we didn't want to cut it short to make time for the planned question. We will revisit that question in a later episode.) Big Nerdy Recommendation: Waking Life Check out Bobby's works! IRL: The Series | My Roommate's An Escort | The Market BNQ Theme: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

War...War never changes. Whether you fight dragons or raiders with shouts or mini nukes, the war will go on. This week, Josh and Matt welcome podcast newcomer Jason to Big Nerdy Headquarters to discuss Bethesda's twin titans, Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. Which franchise provides the better RPG experience? We go in depth on story, character design, setting, and other intangibles to provide a somewhat educated pick. At the very least, this episode may give you a charisma boost. Take your Rad-X and enjoy. Big Nerdy Recommendation: Starplex by Robert J. Sawyer Hashtag of the Week: #AbrahamNugget Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

JP is your guest host one more time as BNQ starts a new series on the Mount Rushmore of Nerddom with our look into the titans of nerdy television. Who are those leaders of television who made it a great place for nerds, geeks, and all others of a genre persuasion? Ed and Josh join JP to bestow the honors, but we will need help from the listeners to fill all four slots. Big Nerdy Recommendation: Powerless Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter: @BNQPodcast

BNQ is in the midst of an uprising! JP takes over this week as the host while Josh takes a seat on the panel with Callie. Their topic--the plausibility of a machine uprising like in the Terminator franchise. Along the way, the three amateur futurists take a look at 2001, Asimov's laws, the Turing test, Battlestar Galactica, and the pros and cons of the automation economy. We were definitely wearing our thinking caps for this discussion and we hope you enjoy it. Big Nerdy Recommendation: Chrono Trigger Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Can you stick refridgerator magnets to Wolverine's claws? Does The Incredible Hulk have a limitless clothing budget? Would Iceman be more or less effective in the middle of the desert? These questions and more are on tap this week as Josh, JP, Colleen, and Matt look at how strange drawbacks can negate otherwise useful super powers. In addition to looking at established powers, the panel also gets creative and comes up with their own "if this, then that" scenarios for cancelling out marvelous abilities. We think this episode doesn't really have any drawbacks and we'll hope you agree. Big Nerdy Recommendation: Comic Jumper: The Adventures of Captain Smiley Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter: @BNQPodcast | bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Brace yourself, it's time for the most anticipated sequel of Season Two! Last year, JP gave Spongebob Squarepants the power to lift Thor's hammer. This year, it gets even better. Colleen, Ed, Matt, and Rachel join JP and Josh as they discuss over thirty characters in rapid fire to figure out who's worthy to wield the hammer and who's just a tool (see what I did there?). This might just be the funniest hour we've ever produced; we hope you enjoy. Please note: Our audio equipment malfunctioned a bit during recording, so our quality isn't as high as we'd otherwise like it to be. Don't worry, later episodes will improve dramatically! Big Nerdy Recommendation: Diggy Diggy Hole Hashtag of the Week: #Thorality Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! Twitter: @BNQPodcast; Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Do readers, authors, editors, and publishers think about books in terms of specific genre, such as historical fantasy or postmodern cyberpunk? Or is the idea of "genre fiction" an easy classification for those forms of speculative fiction that us nerds love to read and analyze? This week, we welcome special guest EC Ambrose, author of The Dark Apostle series and judge of the World Fantasy Awards, to delve into the significance of genre from all of the stockholder perspectives. We also discuss "The Dark Apostle" series and how to weave real history into a work of fantasy. Listen in for one of our best discussions yet, especially if you're as avid of a reader as we are. Check out EC Ambrose and learn more about her books at her website! Big Nerdy Recommendations of the Week, from EC Ambrose: California Bones by Greg Van Eekhout and One Night in Sixes by Tex Thompson Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! @BNQPodcast (Twitter) & bnqfeedback@gmail.com

It's a very special episode of BNQ! We invite Katie Uhlmann and Trish Rainone of the Youtube hit comedy series "My Roommate's An Escort" into Big Nerdy Headquarters to discuss our favorite female-led comedies. We also talk about what it's like to write and direct a web series and finding inspiration in real life absurdity for writing comedy.  Check out "My Roommate's An Escort" on Youtube! Big Nerdy Recommendations: Popternative and Wee Sing in Sillyville "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: @BNQPodcast on Twitter and Gmail: bnqfeedback@gmail.com 

Last week, JP, Ed, Matt, and Josh took you into the depths of horrible cinema to present the gravest cinematic injustices against beloved franchises. Of course, one episode isn't enough time to contain so much awfulness, so we now give you Part 2 to finish our deep dive into rotten waters. Find out why Matt would never cast an athlete as a superhero, hear Ed's takedown of M. Night's disgraceful handling of a modern classic, and find out which Star Trek film Josh thinks derailed the franchise.  Hashtag of the Week: #NotMyStarTrek Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ This episode is rated PG-13 for strong (censored) language and dialogue. Contact us: Twitter - @BNQPodcast | E-mail: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Sure there are bad films, but which ones truly sullied their franchise's reputation? This week, Ed, JP, Matt, and Josh dive into the worst of the worst to pick which films were the worst cinematic injustices committed against their beloved franchises. As it turns out, there is so much junk in our cinematic history that we ended up having a two hour discussion. Here's the first part; you'll get Part II next week. Please note that this episode has the most bleeping of any our episodes to date. Bad films make us angry, apparently. Hashtag of the Week: #RaidenAbides Big Nerdy Recommendation: Elisha Barber by EC Ambrose (Watch out in a few weeks for EC Ambrose's appearance on BNQ!) "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: @BNQPodcast (Twitter) | bnqfeedback@gmail.com  

In our first season, we went to a galaxy far away to determine the best dates in the Star Wars universe. This week we bring you the sequel as Callie, Matt, JP, and special guest star Rick from Starbase 66 look at the romantic options of the Star Trek universe. You'll learn why dating Q or a Klingon could prove hazardous to your health. You'll re-evaluate the trope of "Sad Geordi." You'll even think of the Enterprise herself in a whole new way. This episode is bawdy, ribald, and just plain fun. Big Nerdy Recommendation: We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor Hashtags: #SadGeordi, #50ShadesOfData Content warning: This episode is filled with adult dialogue. It's still PG-13, but kids might want to skip this entry. Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Check out Rick's other shows! Starbase 66 - The 7th Chevron - Simply Syndicated Contact us: bnqfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter: @BNQPodcast

It was the first stand-alone Star Wars live-action film, but was it a strong addition to the hallowed franchise? This week, Colleen, Ed, Matt, and Josh tackle Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. We analyze the characters, the plot, and the connections to the Original Trilogy. We also take a look at the Legends (Extended Universe) canon and examine if Rogue One and Episode VII are worthy replacements for what many authors had previously created. This week also features our tribute to Carrie Fisher - an amazing person who shall forever live amongst the stars. Big Nerdy Recommendation: Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn SPOILER WARNING: Rogue One is completely spoiled here. Consider yourself warned. Hashtags of the Week: #YodasLSDSoup, #DagobahFineDining Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us! BNQfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter: @BNQPodcast

Just like Steven Spielberg's dinosaurs, we're back! It's time for Season 2 of Big Nerdy Questions. This week, we revisit our very first topic to tackle eight more fictional universes you might want to live in. Matt, JP, Callie, and Josh bring you life in Futurama, Doctor Who, Hyrule, South Park, and four more universes. Learn how floating onomatopoeia's can ruin the medical billing industry, hear tales of the landscaping and psychiatry businesses at the Water Temple, and listen as Josh goes super saiyan when comparing our current dearth of facts to a literary classic. Big Nerdy Recommendation: Eon by Greg Bear Hashtags of the Week: #DungeonInsurance, #DeadlyOnomatopoeia, #ATrainToTheSUV Theme Song Credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: bnqfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter: @BNQPodcast

Every hero has one, sometimes they are groan-inducing, but when done right, they can set the stage for an amazing story. On this week's BNQ, Colleen, Ed, Matt, and Josh answer which hero has the best origin story. Is it a classic like Spiderman? Is it a modern sensation like Mob from Mob Psycho 100? Listen to find out. While we discuss origins this week, it's ironically the end of our first season. Thank you to all of our listeners! We'll be back in March with more brand new BNQ episodes. SPOILER ALERT: We spoil Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and several other works that have come out in the past year.  Looking for the origin story for your life-long love? Check out Dragon Fruit, the dating app by geeks for geeks! Check out the Patreon for Geek History Lesson's upcoming web comic! Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact us: Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com

Time to yell "Expecto Patronum!" at the top of your lungs, because BNQ is heading to the Potterverse. This week, Josh, Ed, Colleen, and newcomer Callie look at the spells, charms, jinxes, and other various magical miscellany that you could learn as a student at Hogwarts. If you could only choose one, which one is it? Do you use your knowledge for practicality, helping others, or to just make the world a more interesting place? Watch out for the bludgers and keep your brooms handy... Hashtags of the Week: #AccioCoffee; #WizardWorldProblems; #RepealReparo; #WizardUnion Recommendation of the Week: The Ugly Princess by Henderson Smith Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Check out Dragon Fruit, the dating app for geeks by geeks! Contact us: Email - bnqfeedback@gmail.com | Twitter: @BNQPodcast

AND NOW, THE CONCLUSION...Last week, our intrepid crew of Josh H, Josh P, and Rick from Starbase 66, The 7th Chevron, and Simply Syndicated looked at the two-part episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Having only had the time to cover the first half of those episodes, the crew returns this week to look at Time's Arrow, Chain of Command, Birthright, Descent, Gambit, and All Good Things. Plus, find out our pick for the best TNG two-parter and hear Rick's incredible Jar Jar death! Will you like this episode? Resistance is futile. Hashtags of the week: #FlyLikeAData, #StarTrekSVU Theme song credit: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Check out Rick's podcasts: Starbase 66 | The 7th Chevron (Stargate) | Ray Guns and GoGo Boots Contact us: Twitter: @BNQPodcast | Email: bnqfeedback@gmail.com