Well, hello there fellow nerds. It's like you're a long lost stable boy, and we're...OK the analogy falls apart. But between the title and the scantily clad shownotes, I'm guessing you already know we're talking about Princess Bride.    If you've never seen it, though inconcievable! Perhaps you find it on your streaming services, or at a local library. It's no spoiler to say that we all had a great time watching and reveling in all of the oh-so-quotable lines in this one. Next up on tap for us is a really special episode  - no not like The Wonderyears, but we're talking music that's sci-fi and specifically dystopian. So if you want to listen ahead so you can follow along, we're talking about: Nine Inch Nails, Year Zero The Mars Volta, Deloused in the Comatorium and Muse, Simulation Theory Pull up a comfy seat, get your beverage of choice, and revel in some auditory stimulation!

Welcome to season 5 of Nerds of the Old Republic! We're back and talking about the fabled Brandon Sanderson's novella The Emperor's Soul. While we dig into this interesting work, if he's not your thing, just wait until next month's episode when we talk about The Princess Bride. The Nerds want to give a big shoutout to fan Kevin for suggesting this cast's book -- we love to hear from our listeners! We're @nerdsofoldrepublic everywhere, including gmail. Drop us a line, and we might just use your suggestion!

Or, the other greatest animated series of all time... Join Shaun, Mike and Adam and they talk about Cartoon Network's Rick and Morty. If you've never watched -- like Shaun and Adam -- Mike has created a perfect playlist to dive into the wonderful world of sarcastic, abusive megalomaniacs with dad issues that is this show. Watch the following episodes ahead of time, or listen in, then watch and see how right  we are! S2E6: The Ricks Must Be Crazy S3E1: The Rickshank Episode S3E3: Pickle Rick S3E4: Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender S3E7: The Ricklantis Mixup  S4E8: The Vat of Acid Episode We talk about a ton more of this series, but the above are where we focus. Thanks for listening in, and if you're sticking around for a while, why not grab a copy of Brandon Sanderson's The Emperor's Soul, as one listener recommended it for our next read. Thanks for the recommendation, Kevin! If you'd like to support the work we do, please consider giving us a rating, and a review. It's a free way to support us and helps our 'cast appear in front of new Nerds. Do you love books? Do you like listening to this show? Well, then our Bookshop.org Storefront is the perfect for you! You get books from stores local to you delivered to your door, and we get a small commission. What could be better?

Join Shaun, Mike and Adam as they go back to the 1980's classic and ever present Mad Max films. While not necessary to enjoy the film, they grab a tasty beer and discuss their history with the films, the diesel punk aesthetic, and the dystopian film genre in general.  Longtime listeners will know which one of the hosts could name every car in the film, and which one of us was distracted by Lord Humongous' clothing, or lack thereof.   If you'd like to support the 'cast, feel free to share our link with someone you think would appreciate what we do, or give us a rating and review on your pod catcher. It's a quick, and free way to support us as it increases our visibility to likeminded nerds everywhere. If you'd like to follow us more closely, and who wouldn't, then check us out at BlueSky or GoodReads. We're @NerdsofOldRepublic everywhere. Thanks for your time, and cheers Nerds!  

Hi everyone, and welcome to another Nerds book review, this time of Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff Vandermeer. In this episode, the intrepid hosts struggle to see the appeal of VanderMeer's 2017 novel, especially in light of his other, weirder books. They even challenge, erm, invite, Jeff VanderMeer to share his thoughts with them live, on a cast of his choosing.  To chase away the bad aftertaste of slow-burn clifi with a weak mystery, the hosts rely on a fan favorite, The Kraken Rum, and then compare it a upgraded pick, Diplimatico rum from Venezuela. What they all agree on: both liquors will certainly help you forget about the impending climate disaster in real life, at least for a couple of hours. If you're interested in joining our next cast, check out cult and critic favorite, Mad Max: The Road Warrior as well as Mad Max: Fury Road. There is SO much to say about the leather in these two movies, and no, they hosts are certainly not going to shame anyone for their bedroom preferences. If you'd like to support this cast, please leave up to a five star review on whatever podcatcher you use - it's a free and quick way to really help us get the word out. If you're in the market for a book, please check out our bookshop.org site. Bookshop.org uses bookshops local to you to fulfill your online orders, supporting them in the process. Nerds of the Old Republic also gets a 15% commission on any purchases through our link, so it's a win-win-win! Until next time: Cheers, Nerds!

Listen in as the hosts, Shaun, Mike and Adam talk about their experience watching the early 2000's anime Cowboy Bebop! They discuss that banger intro by The Seatbelts, noir in the space opera story, and the weird Ed while Adam's own Corgi (sadly, not named Ein, nor data-dog) occasionally interrupts the recording.  And that score! The soundtrack is discussed many times, as it deserves to be. If you've never watched Cowboy Bebop, check it out on Hulu or Crunchy Roll - we think it's worth your time to watch all 26 episodes! If you're looking for books, we're reading Jeff Vandermeer's Hummingbird Salamander next as we continue the themes of noir, cyberpunk and dystopia.  Want to support our work with nerdy fiction? Head over to our Bookshop.org bookstore to order your next read! We get 15% of the proceeds, and you support local bookstores near you, instead of the giant conglomerate.  Until next time, see you space cowboy...

Thanks for listening as the hosts try a new liquor and talk up the book 36 Streets by Australian author TR Napper. There's so much for everyone in this title: Vietnamese war history, virtual reality, the most sophisticated propaganda and mindflay ever conceived, cyberpunk weapons, old school crime families and smoking. Lots of smoking.  If that doesn't sound like a conversation worth listening in to, I do know that next, we're discussing our watch of Cowboy Bebop, the anime series. If you've never seen, it's available on Crunchy Roll or Hulu as a part of your subscriptions. It can also be purchased on Apple (though it is quite pricy there).  Lastly, if you want to support the work we're doing for nerds around the world, please consider using our Bookshop.org link. It gives us a small cut of the sale for anything you buy using our link, and supports local books stores near you!

In this episode of 'Nerds in the Old Republic,' hosts Adam, Shaun, and Mike take on the 1995 anime cult classic, Ghost in the Shell. With much anticipation and fandom excitement in the air, the trio embarks on a spirited discussion about the film's complex plot and philosophical themes, all while savoring the unique experience of sipping on Japanese sake. Is it the anime masterpiece it's often hailed to be? Or does it succumb to the pitfalls of convoluted storytelling? Join the hosts as they navigate through the intricate world of cybernetic intrigue, question what it means to be human, and assess the film's groundbreaking animation and soundtrack. With commentary filled with humor and a touch of nostalgia, this episode not only serves as a reflection on a classic film but also as an invitation for listeners to revisit the existential questions posed by the film.

Join the hosts of Nerds of the Old Republic as they delve into George R.R. Martin's fascinating world of Westeros, focusing on the enchanting tales of Dunk and Egg from The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Explore the rich history and complex characters that populate these novellas, as the hosts discuss Martin's unparalleled world-building and storytelling prowess. From the thrilling jousts to the intricate political machinations, discover how these stories capture the essence of chivalry and adventure within a medieval fantasy setting. Along the way, enjoy the lively banter and occasional guest appearances as the hosts pair their discussions with their favorite beverages, sharing their candid takes on everything from historical inspirations to modern adaptations. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Martin's work or new to the realm of Westeros, this episode promises to be a captivating exploration of themes, characters, and the enduring legacy of one of fantasy's most prolific authors. If you'd like to support this podcast, consider passing it on to a like-minded friend or family member. It's a great, no cost way to support creators you enjoy.  If you're in the market for a new book, consider using our affiliate link over at Bookshop.org. We get 15% of any sale through our link, and you support local bookstores, since Bookshop.org fulfills every online order through a local shop near you.

Hey everyone, and Happy New Year! We're back with the second half of our "Year-in-Review" show, and this time, we're focusing on what Shaun, Mike and Adam want to see more of in the coming year. Hint: it's not more Disney+ specials set in the Star Wars Universe. But it is: more great anime, like Cowboy Beebop Fantasy like House of the Dragon More cyberpunk like 36 Streets And more! Since it's that time of year where we reflect on all of the awesome things in our lives, we want to thank you, our listeners for hanging around with us. It's great to know that there are likeminded nerdy fiction fans out there, and that you think we're worth your time. Thanks for listening! We'd also like to thank our friends over at Za Bills Podcast for not only being a kick ass podcast, but for also giving Shaun some time over on the mic there too. If you need pizza recommendations while you're in the Buffalo Region, give them a listen ahead of time -- they know their za! If you'd like to support our cast, a simple review on wherever you listen would make a huge difference in helping other people find us. Or, if you prefer, follow us on Goodreads - we tend to know a little about books, if you're looking for recommendations! Lastly, if you're in the market for a new book, why not use our Bookshop.org shop?  Purchasing anything from Bookshop.org while using that link will send 15% our way, so it helps us pay for the monthly cost to host the show, or new equipment. Like new cables, for example.  If you're ready to continue your training, young padawan, we're going to be talking about George RR Martin's short work, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as well as the famous Ghost in the Shell. Make sure to watch the 1995 anime version, not the newer live action film if you want to join along in the convo.  Till then, cheers!

Hey there! And welcome to Nerds of the Old Republic - we're wrapping up the year with a tentative year-in-review in all things nerdy! On this cast, we're chatting about the following: Tolkien Star Wars George RR Martin Dungeons and Dragons And a big shout out to our friends at Za Bills - check out their great pizza reviews, and Buffalo Bills chat. Lastly, if you need a last minute holiday gift, why not support us AND a book store local to you? With our bookshop.org affiliation, you can do just that. Just use the link in our show notes and that's it! Bookshop.org will fill your order using a books store near you, we'll get 15% of your purchase, and your recipient will know you really, truly do know them because you got them the perfect gift. Thanks for your time, we know it's precious, and cheers!    

Hey there nerds! We're here reading our sub-etha meson reader, and this month it's The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Grab your a big glass of gargle blaster and follow along as we discuss whether not it's parody, and whether or not it's worth your time. But before you get into that, why not dig into our good friend's podcast, Za Bills? Shaun's been invited there a few times and we think they do great work! Lastly, if you're looking for some gifts this holiday season, why not consider our new affiliation with Bookshop.org? We've curated a list of books that we've read and anything purchased from our link will also send 15% our way, which would go a long way towards things like our monthly hosting costs.

We're going back to the well of The Weird, edited by the Vandermeers. In this cast, we're talking about Shirley Jackson, Jorge Louis Borges, and a story or two we each picked. Cuddle up with the tome, and read along -- this is a perfect fall read.   Something new from us: Check out our Bookshop.org Store! If you want to support the cast, and read along with us, we're now working with Bookshop.org to help you get your Nerdy hands on what we're reading! Any purchase made through our link provides us a small affiliate percentage of your sale for no extra cost. AND Bookshop.org is the best way to support local book stores online! Bookshop.org supports local bookstores by giving local book stores a competitive online presence - and the orders are fulfilled directly by your neighborhood sellers! It's a win-win!   

Hey there! Do you like weird fiction? Is your bookshelf filled with Kafka and Algernon Blackwood? Well, then you know more about weird fiction than I did before we read selections from Jeff and Ann Vandermeer's collection of short fiction, The Weird.  Today, we're reading "The Willows" by Algernon Blackwood and "In the Penal Colony" by Franz Kafka. After that, we're on to Shirley Jackson's "The Summer People" and "The Aleph" by Borges. Grab a copy of the book, and give 'em a read! 

Hello and welcome to Nerds of the Old Republic! We're three friends who love reading nerdy fiction. We're taking a break from the reading this week to talk about Disney's The Acolyte, and it ended up also being about all of the Disney Star Wars Franchise. Star Wars not your thing? Next month, for two episodes, we're digging into an anthology of weird fiction appropriately titled, The Weird edited by Jeff and Ann Vandermeer. We're starting with "The Willows" and "The Penal Colony", but feel free to do your own, weird thing.

Welcome back as we return to form with a book review: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. It's a multi-epoch book spanning the eras of Colonialism all the way through the glories of Neo So Copros with their fantastic clones serving you in the dinning hall, to the fall and eventual resurrection of human civilization in a Hawaiian colony.  It's not our normal vibe in that it's less sci-fi and fantasy and more "everything bagel" of a novel, but we think you should listen in and maybe read it too. After this, join us in two weeks for a discussion of Disney's influence on Star Wars, and our takes on properties like Acolyte and the Skywalker Saga. You might want to make sure your volume is down a bit, because we definitely take it to 11.   Cheers!

Hey there and welcome to the first episode in our fourth season! We're stretching our interests a bit with this one, but we're going to talk about The Goonies, that 1985 adventure movie with Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Ke Huy Quan, Kerri Green, Corey Feldman and directed by Richard Donner. Why The Goonies, you ask? Firstly because Mike had vowed never to watch it, and we got him to change a key aspect of his personality for the 'cast. Secondly, the Goonies are a different kind of nerd we've not yet touched upon -- the social pariah who is so simply because they refuse to be anything other than themselves. Who can't associate with that? Join us as we enjoy some Rocky Road martinis (if you're like me, you heard that in Sloth's voice), and share our lukewarm takes, it is just a few years old, after all.

Hello, and welcome to our last episode of season four! We’re reviewing an icon, our idol, and early cast book in William Gibson’s <i>Neuromancer<\i>. It’s got sexy robots, international heists and apartments the size of NYC closets, what more could you need in your cyberpunk? Seriously, this novel is genre defining and explanation avoiding — which is half the fun of listening to this episode. How do Adam, Shaun and Mike try to explain what is inexplicable (and for Adam, unfinished)? If you want more nerdy goodness while we’re off for the summer, why not check out our back catalogue? We’ve read books like <i>Snow Crash <\i> by William Gibson and <i>Walkaway<\i> by Cory Doctorow that are in the same dystopian-cyber-maker-fi vein. If you’d rather a more known property, we read the Star Wars villain book Thrawn. There’s lots to love for every nerd.  We’ll see you again in the fall, with <i>Cloud Atlas<\i>!

Hey there fellow nerds! We're talking about the 2022 smash movie, Everything Everywhere All at Once while drinking a smoked, maple bourbon peach smash -- kinda an everything all-at-once cocktail. Listen in if you've already watched it, and if not, grab your favorite chapstick, head to Netflix, and give it a watch.   For those mixologists out there, here's my recipe and process for our beverage: 1 oz bourbon (we used Elijah Craig) 1 oz maple syrup 0.5 oz lemon juice 1/2 a peach Directions:  Slice your peach into 1/4 and place them in your smoking cloche (or other cocktail smoker) Smoke the peaches for at least 5 minutes as you mix the rest of the cocktail. We used hickory wood for this. Muddle the peaches in the bottom of your cocktail shaker, then fill it with ice. Smoke the drinking glasses, making sure to leave the smoke there for a minute. Put the liquid ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake until frost forms on your shaker. Remove the glass from your smoking device, or vise-versa and pour the cocktail. Rim the glass with the unsmoked peach, and leave on glass for garnish.   If you want to catch up with our next read, it's the groundbreaking Neuromancer by Neal Stephenson. Genre-defining, compound-adjective-forming, this one is sure to give us a lot to talk about. Until then, stay nerdy!  

Today we review a book that's all about our avatar's baby cousin -- the octopus. Ray Naylor's The Mountain in the Sea. What's better than octopodes with a culture and written language? How about a near future where we've created the first sentient android, and a security officer with a first name so long you'd have to scroll down to read it all? There's more to Naylor's Mountain than this, but after a few surprise beverages from Shaun in our running series of Shaun surprises Mike and Adam with a new brew, what else is there to know? Grab a copy of the book and dive on in! If first contact with new intelligences isn't your thing, what about the OG cyberpunk from William Gibson? Up next for us is his genre-defining Neuromancer.