Welcome back, nerds—and buckle up, because this week we’re diving headfirst into chaos, carnage, and one very opinionated cat.

It’s Nerd Book Club time, and we’re breaking down Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman—the wildly addictive, darkly hilarious, “what did I just read and why can’t I stop?” phenomenon that has taken over the nerd multiverse.

Carl didn’t ask for this. Earth didn’t ask for this. But the dungeon doesn’t care. And Donut? …Donut definitely has opinions about ALL of it.

In this episode, your Nerd Best Friends crew dives into:

• Why this series hits that perfect sweet spot of absurd humor + brutal stakes
• The unstoppable force that is Princess Donut (yes, we said it)
• The world-building that somehow keeps getting crazier—and better
• Our favorite moments, characters, and “did that really just happen?!” scenes
• Why fans of litRPG, sci-fi, fantasy, and chaos goblins will feel right at home

Whether you’re already deep in the dungeon, audiobook-ing your way through madness, or just hearing “GODDAMMIT DONUT!” for the first time—this episode is your invitation to join the crawl.

If you’ve read it, come geek out with us. If you haven’t… consider this your warning AND your recommendation.

As always—if you laugh, gasp, or immediately text a friend about this episode:

Hit subscribe/follow

Drop us a 5-star rating

Share with your fellow dungeon crawlers

And if you want early access, bonus content, and a seat in the live nerdy chaos—join the Nerd Herd on Patreon.

What’s the nerdiest thing you did this week?

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Think you’ve got what it takes to hang with the Nerd Best Friends in the ultimate battle of brains, bits, and bizarre pop culture facts? It’s time to prove it.

We’re back with Nerd Trivia 3, where the questions are deep cuts, the answers are just on the tip of your tongue, and the competition is… let’s call it “passionately unhinged.” From iconic fandoms to obscure nerd lore, we’re throwing down trivia that will test your memory, your instincts, and your ability to shout answers at your speakers like that somehow helps.

Play along in real time, keep score if you dare, and find out once and for all:

Are you a casual nerd… or a certified Nerd Best Friend?

Expect laughs, debates, questionable confidence, and at least one moment where someone says, “I KNEW THAT!”

Press play, challenge your party, and let the nerd games begin.

Join the Party:

Got a perfect score? (We don’t believe you, but we respect you.)

Tell us how you did and send us your favorite trivia questions—we might feature them in a future episode!

Level Up Your Nerdom:

Subscribe, follow, and share with your trivia crew.

Bonus content and exclusive nerdiness await on Patreon!

Join the NERD HERD today!

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If the Nerd Best Friends had their own mountain… who would be carved into it forever?

In this episode, the Nerd Best Friends take on the ultimate nerd debate: our personal Mount Rushmore of Nerds. We’re talking about the creators, storytellers, and visionaries who shaped the fandoms we love—the people whose ideas launched universes, defined genres, and gave nerd culture some of its most iconic moments.

From legendary filmmakers and comic book masterminds to authors and world-builders, we each choose the four nerd icons we believe deserve a permanent place on the mountain of nerd greatness. But as you might expect… the debates get passionate, the picks get personal, and the definition of what makes someone a “true nerd legend” gets tested.

Along the way we talk about:

The creators who built the fandoms we grew up in

The storytellers whose ideas changed pop culture forever

The writers and artists who shaped entire nerd generations

And the tough choices when only four faces can make the mountain

Plus, we want to hear from YOU, Nerd Herd — who would be on your Mount Rushmore of Nerds?

So grab your chisel, carve your picks in stone, and join us for one of the nerdiest debates yet.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Bonus content for the Nerd Herd on Patreon!

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What happens when your favorite nerds turn the nostalgia dial to 1996?

In this episode, Analese and Rob continue their journey through the “30’s series” — revisiting the pop culture that shaped us 30 years ago. And wow… 1996 was absolutely stacked with nerdy goodness.

We’re talking iconic movies, unforgettable TV, legendary music, and the moments that defined the mid-90s nerd landscape. From blockbuster films and cult classics to the shows we rushed home to watch after school, this episode is a time machine back to the era of dial-up internet, mall culture, and peak Gen-X/Millennial nerd energy.

Expect plenty of nostalgia, laughs, and chaotic-good nerd energy as we revisit one of the most underrated pop culture years of the decade.

If you grew up in the 90s, this episode will absolutely unlock some core memories. Analese voted for blue M&Ms and Rob swears tan and blue M&Ms were always there.

Also in this episode: different styles of printed miniatures, does anyone still listen to the radio?, the horror movie SCREAM franchise, other nerd tangents.

Bonus Nerdy Goodness

Want extra episodes, behind-the-scenes chaos, and exclusive nerd content? Join us on Patreon and become part of the Nerd Herd.

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What are you doing… and more importantly, what are you nerding out about right now?

In Episode 95, your Nerd Best Friends hit pause on the rankings and deep dives to check in on the nerdiest things currently taking over our free time. From new fandom obsessions and tabletop adventures to hobby rabbit holes we swore we wouldn’t fall into (but absolutely did), this is your official Nerd Life Update.

We’re talking:

Current game tables and character chaos

What we’re reading (and aggressively recommending)

Shows we binged “just one episode” of

Creative projects, collections, and hyper-fixations

The hobbies that are quietly stealing our sleep

It’s cozy. It’s chaotic-good. It’s that classic “what are you doing these days?” conversation—but make it nerd.

So tell us: what are you into right now? Hit us up on social @NerdBestFriends or email podcast@nerdbestfriends.com and let us know what hobby has you in a headlock.

Subscribe, follow, and share with a fellow member of the Nerd Herd—because the best part of being a nerd is finding your people.

Roll for initiative. Let’s catch up.

Bonus content on Patreon!

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Roll initiative, Nerd Herd… because this week we’re throwing hands. From perfectly choreographed sword duels to bone-crunching fistfights, from gravity-defying kung fu to glow-stick-of-destiny showdowns, your Nerd Best Friends are counting down our Top 5 Pop Culture Fight Scenes of all time.

What makes a fight scene legendary?

Is it the emotional stakes?

The choreography?

The slow-mo spin kick?

The one-liner right before the final blow?

We’re breaking down the battles that made us jump off the couch, rewind the VHS (yes, we’re that nerdy), and immediately attempt a dramatic pose in the living room.

Whether you love epic sword clashes, martial arts masterpieces, street-level brawls, or cinematic showdowns that changed pop culture forever — this episode is your arena.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Join the Nerd Herd.

Bonus nerdy chaos available on Patreon.

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Your Nerd Best Friends are cracking open the vault and looking ahead at all the gloriously nerdy chaos coming our way.

In this episode, Analese and Rob pull back the curtain on what’s next for the pod, what they’re obsessing over, what might be making a comeback, and the nerdy rabbit holes they’re about to dive headfirst into. From horror hype to tech toys, from nostalgic rewatches to brand-new obsessions, the Nerd Herd is getting a preview of the adventures ahead.

Will there be sci-fi? Probably.

Deep dives? Absolutely.

Unhinged theories? You know it.

If you’ve ever wondered what fuels the Nerd Best Friends content machine… this is your sneak peek.

And trust us — you’re going to want to be here for what’s coming next.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming.

Want bonus nerdiness? Join the Patreon and level up your Nerd Herd membership.

Strap in, friends. The next chapter of nerdy goodness starts now.

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Nerd Travels is back, and this time we’re unpacking suitcases, friendships, and ALL the nerd joy from Girls’ Just Wanna Weekend 7!

In Episode 92 of Nerd Best Friends, Analese and Rob hit the road for another installment of Nerd Travels, sharing highlights, heartfelt moments, and behind-the-scenes stories from Girls’ Just Wanna Weekend 7—the music-filled, community-driven getaway that’s equal parts vacation, fandom, and found family.

From unforgettable performances and magical moments to the small experiences that make events like this so special, we talk about what makes GJWW more than just a trip—it’s a vibe. We reflect on connection, nerd joy, and why traveling forcommunity hits differently than traveling to a destination.

Whether you were there, wish you were there, or just love hearing about nerds living their best lives, this episode is for you.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts

Join the conversation and tell us: what’s your ultimate nerd travel dream?

Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Nerd Best Friend—because nerd joy is better when it’s shared.

Bonus content for the Nerd Herd on Patreon!

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