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Nerdhat

Nerdhat Productions

Across the spectrum of arts and entertainment, from fine art films to our favorite graphic novel, we share creative experiences which electrify our inner nerd, engage our nostalgia, or enliven our mildly inappropriate humor.

This is Nerdhat.

Season 8 begins Wednesday, August 12th.

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20 episodes
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S8 · E4
Thursday · 54 min
The Making of Battersea
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? In celebration of the independent film "Battersea" now being available to stream, we are re-releasing this episode from 2025. Richard sat down virtually with the film’s creators and Co-writers TJ Sandella & Jad Adkins along with lead actor Jesse Howland to dive behind the scenes of this wonderful film. Learn More about the Film Watch Battersea on... Prime Video Plex Fawesome Relay Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S8 · E3
September 9 · 46 min
Coyote vs. Acme (2026)
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? Join us as we dive deeper into the world of Coyote vs Acme. Can Will and Richard convince Laura to see the film? Listen to find out! Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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September 3 · 12 min
Instant Review: Coyote vs Acme (2026)
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? Within an hour of watching Coyote vs Acme in the theatre, Will & Richard sat down to share their initial reactions. A big shout out to Marketplace Cinemas of Winston Salem for providing both an enjoyable theatrical experience and for giving us the permission to record in one of their theater rooms. If you're passing through or live in Winston Salem, be sure to check them out! https://www.mpcws.com/ Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S8 · E2
August 26 · 51 min
Dragonball: Evolution (2009)
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? This week we cover the infamous live action adaptation of Akira Toriyama's work, "Dragonball: Evolution." Despite being a modest financial success, turning a small profit at the box office, the movie was roundly criticized by both audiences and film critics, receiving a 19% and 14% on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively. What do you think, Nerdhatters? Do you love or hate this film, or does like more in the dreaded land of "meh" for you? Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S8 · E1
August 12 · 40 min
The Odyssey (2026) vs. Spiderman: Brand New Day
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? We’re bringing back the battle, baby! To kick off season 8, we’ll be pitting Tom Holland and Zendaya against…….you guessed it - “Zendaya and Tom Holland!” The current King and Queen of Nerdy cinema are ruling the box office right now, appearing in both Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and Destin Daniel Cretton’s marvel debut, “Spiderman: Brand New Day.” Which of these two epic films can we convince Laura to go see in the theatre? Stay tuned to find out! Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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May 12 · 1 hr 5 min
RiverRun for Kids! (w/Keith Cantrell)
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? Each year the RiverRun International Film Festival features special screenings for the whole family to enjoy. This year Richard took all four of his junior Nerdhatters to experience the "Films with Class: Elementary School" screening at the Reynolds Place Theatre. Afterwards he sat down in the grass at a local park to talk with them about their favorite animated shorts from the program. Their selections? - "Blu's" (2025, RedGod Studios) - "Sunspark" (2026, Neverthought Studios) - "Something Greater than You" (2026, LePage Creatives) - "The Cloud Herder" (2025, Daily Madness Productions) This episode also includes an interview with animator Keith Cantrell ( @keithcartoons ). Keith conceived, wrote, directed, and animated the short film "Monkey Gino," which was selected to be a part of the "Saturday Morning Cartoons" lineup at this year's festival. Learn more about "Monkey Gino" and Keith's other projects: https://www.keithcartoons.com/monkeygino Learn more about "Blu's" & RedGod Studios' other projects: https://www.redgodstudios.com/projects Learn more about "Sunspark" and Danny Barque's other work: https://sunsparkmovie.com/index.html Learn more about "Something Great than You" and Gordon LePage's work: https://www.lepagecreatives.com/portfolio-collections/my-portfolio/something-greater-than-you Learn more about "The Cloud Herder" and Daily Madness Productions' work: https://www.instagram.com/dailymadnessproductions?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.* Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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May 5 · 37 min
RiverRun, 2026, Bonus: "Hotline" (w/Ricki Stern & Jesse Sweet)
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? "Fentanyl overdose is the number one cause of death for 18–44-year-olds. Fentanyl can be as inexpensive as a cigarette and more than 100 times more powerful than morphine. As overdose rates rise and stigma persists, THE HOTLINE is not just a story about crisis—it's a story about listening. Grounded in real-world harm reduction efforts, THE HOTLINE is a film about connection in the darkest moments, the power of empathy, and the quiet heroes working in the shadows to keep people breathing, one call at a time." ~ breakthrufilms.org On a more serious note*, we decided to cover the documentary short film "Hotline" (2026), which won Honorable Mention in the documentary short film category at the RiverRun International Film Festival. It was co-directed by Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet, who agreed to come on the podcast to talk about their most recent venture. If you or someone you know is battling an opioid addiction, help is available. Here are two resources which the filmmakers recommend: https://www.samhsa.gov/ The "Never Use Alone" Hotline: 1-877-696-1996 *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.* Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S7 · E8
May 4 · 52 min
RiverRun 2026, Part 3: "Over Your Dead Body" (w/Keith Jardine)
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? The dark comedy thriller "Over Your Dead Body" was the Centerpiece screening at the 2026 RiverRun International Film Festival. We had a chance to sit down with actor Keith Jardine, who plays Todd in the film, to talk about his experience working on set with director Jorma Taccone and actors Jason Segel, Samara Weaving, Timothy Olyphont, and Juliette Lewis. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34685692/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_over%20your%20dead%20b *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.* Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S7 · E7
April 20 · 48 min
RiverRun 2026, Part 2: Writer-Director Will Thwaites
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? On day 2 of the RiverRun International Film Festival, we sat down with filmmaker @willthwaites to discuss the documentary film @crimeandparody which he wrote, directed, filmed, and co-edited. "Crime + Parody" begins with an account of Anthony Novak's legal conflict with his local police department in Parma, Ohio and expands to cover the story of another Ohio resident, Omar Arrington Bay, whose encounters with law enforcement ultimately led to his death. Along the way, the film addresses issues like freedom of speech, the importance of comedy as a check on governmental power, and the controversial legal principle of qualified immunity. In addition to discussing the film, we also talked with Will about his career in the film industry, which has included projects as varied as Animal Planet's "Zoo" and James Cameron's "The Story of Science Fiction." "Crime + Parody" is his feature length directorial debut, and has already won him an award for best Director (at the Atlanta Documentary Film Festival) during its festival run. If you are listening to this episode prior to April 24th, you may be able to catch the final showing of "Crime + Parody" at the Marketplace Cinema here in our very own Winston Salem, NC. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.* Buy a ticket for the Friday, April 24th Showing of Crime + Parody: https://riverrunfilm.com/events/crimeandparody/#buynow Follow the Film on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimeandparody/ Follow Will Thwaites on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willthwaites/ Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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April 14 · 13 min
Bonus: Catching up with T.J. Sandella
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? T.J. Sandella, the co-writer and co-director of the feature film "Battersea," which played at the 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival, came back on the podcast to share how the film has faired since we last spoke. Learn More About Battersea: https://www.tjsandella.com/battersea Learn More About T.J.: https://www.tjsandella.com/ *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.* Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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April 14 · 18 min
Bonus: Catching up with Timothy Michael Cooper
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? Timothy Cooper reached out to us leading up to last year's RiverRun International Film Festival. He was our first official interview. This past week he came back on the podcast to share how "Knead," the short film he wrote and directed and which played at RiverRun last year, has faired. He also talked about an upcoming short film for which he wrote the screenplay, "Rock, Paper, Destiny." Watch "Knead" on the Omeleto Channel: https://youtu.be/gkvTQzMRrIw?si=lWgn4G-Ar2GQAS7n *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.* Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S7 · E6
April 7 · 1 hr 38 min
RiverRun 2026, Part 1: Michael Morin Comes to Town
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? This past week Richard had the privilege of sitting down for a conversation with Michael Morin, the new Executive Director of the RiverRun International Film Festival. Michael hails from California, where he grew up loving both music and movies, though music was his first love. After attending Junior college and film school in California, he began the first phase of his multi-faceted career which saw him touring with bands, filming concerts, and, eventually, working as an assistant to filmmaker David O. Russell, who directed The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle, among other films. After taking some time off from working in and around Hollywood, the film industry came calling Michael again, but this from a different place - the world of Film Festivals. Specifically, the Slamdance Film Festival, which was based in Park City, Utah at the time. Michael’s spent 7 years working there (2018-2025) which prepared him well for his current role, which he began back in December of 2025. Peruse the Offerings for the 2026 RiverRun Int'l Film Festival: https://riverrunfilm.com/2026-films-events/ Read Michael's Interview with the Winston Salem Journal: https://journalnow.com/winstonsalemmonthly/article_4c9d42d2-e4f1-44b9-944c-50f9883d84d6.html?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnlBpQI4gNrRbhh1dvIcgAw8sumMs0cT5sL7cforqJ-ceQTiWut6kmuHYXF4U_aem_2pOK-5CNexmV51Y1P0DnzQ Read Michael's Interview with Moviemaker Magazine: https://www.moviemaker.com/michael-morin-riverrun/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnY38kQ2KiXfQ_9oZsESDQFoK165dSEQtL0fpUcrudn6nJAZo7HYhQOdpRiYc_aem_GNxBIVdKDaJvUPO0Mxapeg Learn More About the Slamdance Film Festival: https://slamdance.com/ *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.* Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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March 31 · 56 min
Bonus: Women in Film
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? In honor of Women's history month, we are re-releasing two interviews originally recorded following the 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival. The first is with Yvonne Chan, MD. Phd. who came to RiverRun to promote the short film "We Are Kings," in which she played Jeri, the mother of the film's protagonist. The second interview is with Danielle Goldwert, whom Will and Richard met following the screening of her animated short, "Waterlogged." Learn More about Yvonne Chan's Body of Work: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13258603/?ref_=fn_t_1 Learn More about Danielle Goldwert's Film "Waterlogged:" https://www.instagram.com/p/DWcN1ZQj19F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.* Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S7 · E5
March 24 · 1 hr 15 min
Retro Console Games: NBA Live '96
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? This week's episode is dedicated to the memory of Ken Best, who passed away in March of 2025. In addition to teaching his son Richard how to play basketball in real life, he also took the time to sit down and play games like this one with his son (whom he always tried to defeat!). What games did you play with your fathers? Did they introduce you to sports? Did they kick your ass in NBA Jam (or perhaps let you kick theirs?). :et us know in the comments. Sources: https://youtu.be/AYfoToYVoQ0?si=x1Gn_VPBRaWHlrlm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Live_96 https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-014/page/n135/mode/2up Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S7 · E4
March 10 · 1 hr 2 min
4 Years, Baby! (Part 2)
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? We continue our celebration of 4 years making the Nerdhat podcast by sharing stories and clips from some of our favorite episodes. We also share the top 4 most popular episodes of all time (as of March 4th), including a clip from the most popular episode to date. Can you guess what it is? Let us know in the comments if you guessed correctly. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.* Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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March 8 · 7 min
Nerdhat News 3-8-26
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? Moving Forward, audio versions of Nerdhat News will be uploaded to the podcast feed. Here is a summary of today’s talking points: 1) We’re going back to a bi-weekly release schedule 2) Going Forward, video versions of full episodes will be posted exclusively to Patreon and will be available at the paid tiers only. 3) We still want to know what’s in your Nerdhat! Join Patreon at the free or paid tiers today to join in on Nerdhatter Chatter and share your requests with us there. 4) Episode Schedule for March: - March 9th: “4 Years, Baby! (Part 2) -March 23rd: “Retro Console Game Review: NBA Live ‘96 (Sega Genesis)” Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S7 · E3
February 26 · 30 min
4 Years, Baby! (Part 1)
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? In part one of our two part celebration, we return to the very first nerdy creation Richard reviewed for the podcast, Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995). This was Laura's first time ever watching an episode, so Will and Richard decided "Heart of Ice" (first aired 9-7-92) would be an excellent choice. Listen to find out if Laura liked it, and to learn whether Chicken Noodle Soup is a dish best served cold..... Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S7 · E2
February 18 · 51 min
Retro Console Games: Philips CD-I Zelda Titles
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? Once upon a time, in an age known as the 90s, three bastard children resulted from a brief alliance between the nations of Nintendo and Phillips. These children, so named "Zelda: The Faces of Evil," "Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon," and the runt of the lot, "Zelda's Adventure," went on to live in infamy in the minds of those who loved Zelda and Link. What did these children do that was so horrible? Did they survive the Great War for the land of console? Well, my friends, you must listen to our tale to learn the truth..... Sources for this episode include, but are not limited to: - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CD-i) - the Game Sack Youtube channel (https://youtu.be/wkgCJCBis8Msi=czqu3jNqZu48uGBv) - The Nintendo Complete channel on Youtube (https://youtu.be/M52zKfu-cHk?si=oQLnwRyzphUXNHYS, https://youtu.be/IqFZ1iVmhIo?si=U70u8ulr7njczShW) Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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February 10 · 40 min
Re-Release: "Wakanda Forever"
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? In honor of Black History Month, we are re-releasing our out out-of-the-theatre review of Ryan Coogler's 2022 film, "Wakanda Forever." Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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S7 · E1
February 2 · 56 min
Retro PC Games: Riven (1997)
WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? "Riven" was the bestselling PC game of 1997, despite being released in October. Laura has fond memories of playing it with her brothers, notebooks in hand, writing down clues and attempting to solve its puzzles and navigate its non-linear storyline. How about you? Did you play Riven back in the 90s? Have you experienced the 2024 re-release? Let us know what you think! Click on the link below to send us a message. Love the podcast? Want access to additional content and updates? Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nerdhatproductions/ or subscribe to our channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdhatpod for access to video clips, news, and more.
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