Cathy and Todd discuss what 80s nerd movies like Weird Science and Revenge of the Nerds taught Gen X and what those messages look like in hindsight. They break down how these films centered male fantasies, ignored consent, and portrayed women as tools for male transformation, all while positioning the “nerd” as a misunderstood hero. They discuss the cultural backdrop: Reagan-era ideals, latchkey independence, and a tech world just beginning to take shape. Then they look at how these stories shaped a generation’s view of power, relationships, and identity and how that’s showing up in parenting today. This isn’t about canceling the past. It’s about being honest about what we learned, what we missed, and how to do better now.