Best The Northwest Nerd Podcasts (2024)

1
How PlayTest NW upped its game 15:42

3M ago15:42

15:42

Beau Johnson organizes events for PlayTest NW, so game designers can test their creations. But when the pandemic struck in 2020, prompting lockdowns and social distancing, the gaming organization had to evolve overnight. How did PlayTest NW change, and what does it look like today. Beau Johnson with PlayTest NW took time to chat with NW NERD at a p…

1
The many lives of cosplayer Alicia Marie 22:19

3M ago22:19

22:19

You may know Alicia Marie from comic conventions where she is often a guest, but this cosplayer is more than meets the eye. Alicia Marie lives many lives: Cosplayer, fitness expert, social media influencer, advocate for the deaf community, author, and more. With so much going on, it's no wonder that some information has been stretched online. So we…

1
Ming Chen's bars and bites guide to the NW 28:53

3M ago28:53

28:53

Ming Chen spends a lot of time on the road, traveling to different pop culture conventions as a guest and a host. In doing so, he has become familiar with many cities across the USA, getting to know the local restaurants, cafes, dive bars, and more. When he is visiting the Northwest (Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Puyallup), he has a few spots he alway…

1
Episode 22 - 8 Takeaways from 11 Campus Visits 33:40

3M ago33:40

33:40

Just back from my Pacific Northwest Expedition, I have 8 takeaways: time-tested, Tom-tested pro tips for better campus visits and college exploration. Your backup may be a better fit than your top choice. A sunny day on campus is just one sunny day. Comparisons = connections Listen to what they’re saying. Get off campus. Every campus visit is about…

1
Ministry Menagerie 32:31

3M ago32:31

32:31

Happy Birthday to the Nerd! The Nerd is doing her best with Lent and The Belle is trying to find her best ministry: a pumpkin ministry, a Beyonce birthday ministry...and The Nerd is freeing her from all of them.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Episode 21 - Pacific Northwest Expedition (or How I Traded My Credit Card Miles for Campus Visits) 15:38

3M ago15:38

15:38

It's been a minute since you've heard from me, and even longer since I've visited any new campuses. Time to kill two birds with one stone on a three-day, eleven college tour of Washington and Oregon. View my itinerary and campus visit wish list in the accompanying blog.By Tom Kleese (Owner of OnCampus College Planning)

1
The Adventures in Drug Testing & Daily Routines 35:25

4M ago35:25

35:25

Who loves a good story? The Belle got drug tested and lives to tell.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Rachael Reads: Meet Jodi Cowles 26:36

4M ago26:36

26:36

The Nerd interviews her friend, business partner, and author Jodi Cowles to discuss books, Jodi's recent projects, and the plight of the unknown author.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Tricky Sitch 29:51

5M ago29:51

29:51

The Belle gives her best lipstick beauty secret before the Nerd & Belle dive into discussing uncomfortable, tricky social situations and their proper solutions.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Guilty Pleasures & Princesses 36:08

5M ago36:08

36:08

The Nerd & Belle round up a funny series of topics going deep about the difference between guilty pleasures and self indulgences.By The Nerd & Belle

1
You've Got A Friend In Me with special guest, Brandon Janous 52:46

5M ago52:46

52:46

The Nerd & Belle chat with their friend Branon Janous about life, death, solo parenting, and friendship.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Hey There, 2024 31:24

6M ago31:24

31:24

The Nerd & Belle discuss their goals for 2024. Some are achievable, some most likely are not. You be the judge to see what these friends can--and cannot--accomplish in the coming year.By The Nerd & Belle

1
The Christmas One 38:05

6M ago38:05

38:05

Jingle all the way to the tree farm, mountains, or....Home Depot as the Nerd & Belle breakdown Christmas.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Rachael Reads: Meet Rose Booth! 27:01

7M ago27:01

27:01

The Nerd interviews author Rose Booth about her new book, Dancing in the Valley.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Real Life: Dog Barf & Garbage Debates 26:20

7M ago26:20

26:20

The Belle has a hot-off-the-press story to tell about her dog, Frank (named after Benjamin Franklin) and The Nerd wants to talk about recycling. This is as real as it gets.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Bringing a House Back from the Dead 27:30

8M ago27:30

27:30

The Belle can't believe the nasty garbage The Nerd climbs through to remodel and flip a house. Listen in for all the gory details.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Tickle Me This, And Other Random Laws 29:48

8M ago29:48

29:48

The Nerd & Belle invent their own fun and play a game guessing random state laws still in place today.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Check Your Panty Line 45:43

9M ago45:43

45:43

The Nerd & Belle discuss style: the standards, comfort, and colors. What was meant to be a conversation about how to help the Nerd's lack of style becomes a deeper conversation about unrealistic beauty standards, The Nerd's deep love of comfort, and the Belle's effortless choice of clothing and colors.…

1
Hooray/No Way (Part 2) 25:46

9M ago25:46

25:46

How are the Nerd & Belle feeling about controversial topics like self-checkout and piercings? Determine your own policies on these important issues with The Northwest Nerd & Southern Belle.By The Nerd & Belle

1
The Blue Cuckoo: What Not To Give on an Important Anniversary 28:58

10M ago28:58

28:58

The Nerd & Belle discuss the tradition and oddity of Hallmark anniversaries and what gifts are good and which ones to avoid.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Episode 20 - Why Essays Matter 27:20

10M ago27:20

27:20

Here's the skinny: Why and how much essays matter Essay myths, misconceptions and harmful half-truths The real reasons colleges make you write essays Two primary types of essays Two quick tips for every writerBy Tom Kleese (Owner of OnCampus College Planning)

1
Throwing Shade: Sororities 30:36

10M ago30:36

30:36

The Nerd comes face-to-face with her prejudice against sororities. The Belle graciously entertains the conversation and educates The Nerd about the history, tradition, and charm of sororities and together they evaluate if The Nerd would have a shot at making it into a sorority. Is there a Birkenstock-wearing, book-loving, early-to-bed sorority for …

1
Ep164: We're Back 2:09:27

11M ago2:09:27

2:09:27

We're back after a break. Catch up on what's been going on!By Black Nerd Radio

1
Special Announcement 1:11

11M ago1:11

1:11

Special Announcement by Black Nerd RadioBy Black Nerd Radio

1
Let's Get Dressed for Football Season 23:26

11M ago23:26

23:26

Football season is right around the corner and The Nerd and Belle want to make sure everyone is ready with their best football fashion. The two friends discuss getting dressed for football in the North and South and the distinct differences make for a great conversation. Culture influences getting ready for the game depending on where you live and …

1
Hooray/No Way (Part 1) 25:45

11M ago25:45

25:45

The Nerd & Belle play a fun game to reconnect after missing out on so many years of friendship. In this game, the Belle grills the Nerd on a wide variety of topics--from casseroles to turtlenecks and everything in between. Is each item a "hooray" or a "no way" according to the Nerd & Belle? Hear the two friends weigh in and discuss the pros and con…

1
Textiquitte 19:44

11M ago19:44

19:44

The Nerd & Belle discuss the intricate details of text messaging. They parse out the time suck and lack of boundaries surrounding group texts and create better goals going forward.By The Nerd & Belle

1
Episode 19 - Three Reasons NOT to Freak Out in the College Admissions Process 36:52

12M ago36:52

36:52

When a Mom asks for your help, you better deliver. Here's something parents can share with stressed, panicky students pondering seriously scary college and life decisions.By Tom Kleese (Owner of OnCampus College Planning)

1
Won't You Be My Neighbor? 29:55

12M ago29:55

29:55

The Nerd & Belle discuss living in a neighborhood. Sounds like a bore until you hear the Belle believing the girls down the street can do better and the Nerd needs to take notes about her 13-year-old's side hustle. These days we could all use some Southern charm to smooth over the world's division and polarity, and it starts with us! We challenge e…

1
If I Were A #Hashtag 20:55

1y ago20:55

20:55

The Nerd & Belle reconnect with a question, "How would your friends describe you in #hashtags?" They've missed a lot of each other's lives so they're giving each other the highlights. The Belle would like zero people in her garage and it's the first place the Nerd wants to explore.By The Nerd

1
Fake Road Trip 24:55

1y ago24:55

24:55

If the Nerd & Belle went on a road trip who would do what? Episode #3 unpacks how this road trip would go down. Stories and plans spill out and take the shape of a very fancy, expensive, pink, and snack-filled road trip. Wind down the road with the Nerd & Belle as they plan an epic, very organized road trip with fun around every turn.…

1
The Origin Story 44:32

1y ago44:32

44:32

The Nerd & Belle remember who they were 20 years ago when they met at the copy machine during a political campaign. Impressed by each other for wildly different reasons, these two ambitious, college-aged women became fast friends. They rode the highs and lows of a statewide political campaign in the great state of Oklahoma and paved the foundation …

1
Welcome to the Northwest Nerd & Southern Belle Podcast! 1:06

1y ago1:06

1:06

So here's the deal...we met in our 20's but barely kept in touch for the next 20 years. We've rekindled our friendship flame and we have SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT. Join us for the big deals and minutiae of everyday life. We're here for it and we hope you are too.By Rachael Mitchell

1
Episode 18 - Estimating College Costs with Net Price Calculators 36:53

1y ago36:53

36:53

Part 3 of our College + Money series digs into a tool you can find on (almost) any college website called a Net Price Calculator. The best versions help you estimate merit and need-based aid, and I'll show you how to spot the good, the bad, and the potentially game-changing ones. As with parts 1 and 2, you can access key information on our blog and…

1
Episode 17 - Merit Aid: Your Teen's Best Part-Time Job 28:25

1y ago28:25

28:25

Merit aid is the best tool you have to reduce the cost of college, and it expands options you didn't know existed. It's also one of the least understood pieces of the college admissions process, so here's a quick introduction into what it is, where to find it, and how to lower costs by turning in your homework. This is part 2 of a 3-part series on …

1
Episode 16 - College Costs Simplified: The 15/35/45 Rule 31:19

1y ago31:19

31:19

The cost of college can be not only overwhelming, but confusing if you're looking at incomplete data or misunderstanding key components. In this episode you'll learn how to simplify costs and use a valuable 15/35/45 tool for better comparisons. Here's a condensed version in blog form with easy to follow numbers and clear graphics. Links to the thre…

1
Look! It's Captain Slinky! 15:41

1y ago15:41

15:41

How to describe Captain Slinky? Well, for starters, he makes these lamps. They're one-of-a-kind and you just have to see them to believe them. They certainly fit in at an event called "The Oddmall." Captain Slinky took the helm of The Oddmall in Washington and has been featuring crafters and vendors that don't always fit in at your generic craft fa…

1
Feature: A profile on Rogues Gallery Cosplay 14:17

1+ y ago14:17

14:17

Cosplay is not just about crafting screen-accurate costumes for Rogues Gallery Cosplay. It's also about fitness. NW NERD presents a feature profile on this Northwest couple who builds their attire along with their bodies. This feature is an audio version of a profile on Rogues Gallery Cosplay published in the first edition of NW NERD Magazine. Find…

1
Episode 15 - Creating a Timeline for Sophomores 32:02

1+ y ago32:02

32:02

Hey, sophomores! You're now halfway between the day you began high school and the time when you'll apply to college. (Really?) Let's do some math. You'll apply after junior year - that's six semesters - and you're now done with three. (Whoa.) To hear what matters most to colleges and learn three things you can do now to prepare.…

1
Your cosplay or your job? A conversation with cosplayer/writer Ani-Mia 19:34

1+ y ago19:34

19:34

Cosplayer Ani-Mia has taken her cosplay to new heights as a writer who has been featured in Otaku Magazine and Cosplay Central. She didn't let her passions end there and also penned a series of comics for Dynamite's Betty Page series. But these stories may not be what you would assume. Also in this episode: Random Fandom with Comic Dad Andrew. Andr…

1
Episode 14 - Both sides of "no" in college admissions 20:29

1+ y ago20:29

20:29

Sometimes a "no" from a college means more than you might think, and it's not just about looking for other options -- although scanning the horizon a bit more is always good practice. Students also get to say "no", but the best time to do so is NOT right now. If you or your student just heard "no", or if you live in fear of that happening one day, …

1
Episode 13 - My Most Rewarding Moments: +8 ACT, Chem Nerd, Cultural Connections, and One Fun Family 17:31

1+ y ago17:31

17:31

Here are four quick stories about three students and one family all doing amazing things.By Tom Kleese (Owner of OnCampus College Planning)

1
Navigating the ups and downs of self-publishing your indie comic project 26:33

1+ y ago26:33

26:33

Do you have a comic book idea you want to see in print? Woody Arnold is a DIY, indie comic creator who has navigated the tricky world of self publishing. He has had to adapt to many challenges, which he hasn't let stop his current project, Cybersymbiosis. Woody is taking Cybersymbiosis to a whole new level with his latest Kickstarter effort. Check …

1
Episode 12 - The Low Risk, High Fun, One Hour College Kickstarter Plan 21:20

1+ y ago21:20

21:20

Kickstart the college conversation in one hour with an easy to follow, proven plan that's low risk, high fun, and includes a meal on a college campus. Everybody wins! For you note-takers out there, here are the four required components: Share a part of your story. Ease into some low risk questions. Take a walk and talk about what you see. Share a m…

1
Beverly Downen wears many helmets 19:26

1+ y ago19:26

19:26

Beverly Downen wears many hats ... or helmets, horns ... and crowns? She's a cosplayer, competitor, judge, and now an author! You may know Beverly as a skilled cosplayer who crafts impressive costumes for the Northwest's many comic cons. You may know her from competitions she has participated in or judged. You may know her from the SheProp! communi…

1
Episode 11 - Test Drive Majors with Four-Year Curriculum Plans 16:54

1+ y ago16:54

16:54

Four-year curriculum plans are a simple but powerful tool found on every college website. They're a road map of required and elective courses, and can be used not just to explore majors but make apples-to-apples comparison between colleges. Learn how to find this valuable resource and then put it to good use. Email me at tom@oncampuscollegeplanning…

1
This looks like a job for THE HERO INITIATIVE 22:51

2y ago22:51

22:51

The Hero Initiative is a federally recognized non profit with a simple mission – help comic creators in need. It's been around nearly 20 years and during that time it has distributed more than $1 million to such comic creators. But what does helping "comic creators in need" mean anyway? We're pulling in Cullen Stapleton, Hero Initiative's volunteer…

1
Russell Hodgkinson is not a nerd 16:55

2y ago16:55

16:55

A chat with actor Russell Hodgkinson of "Z Nation" fame. The actor discusses the film scene in Spokane, whether or not he should shave his beard, projects he's working on, cats, and gardening ... and more. This interview was recorded at Spokane's Lilac City Comic Con. And check out the first time Russell spoke with NW NERD. This episode is brought …

1
Introducing NW NERD Magazine! 52:55

2y ago52:55

52:55

Dyer has some big news to announce, and to explain it all ... this episode is going to get a little weird. Egypt Archie from the Comic Dads and Joel the Geek take over the podcast to press Dyer about what NW NERD has been up to, why did it go on hiatus, what will the podcast be like now ... and what's the deal with this magazine?! That's right, NW …

1
From clerk to 'Clerks' and beyond: Ming Chen's winding career path 37:24

2y ago37:24

37:24

What started as a chance encounter with a rental VHS copy of "Clerks" put Ming Chen on a path to working with the film's creator, Kevin Smith. That path included designing websites, podcasting, TV's Comic Book Men, and more. Ming sits down on the couch with Dyer Oxley during Washington Summer Con to discuss his unique resume ... and just about ever…

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