I Think You're Overthinking It

DYN-O-MITE! DYN-O-MITE! Our second live show at NerdMelt was epic explosion of all things awesome as we welcomed the director and cast of Black Dynamite to celebrate the release of the 1st issue of the BD comic, "Slave Island" (which you should SPRINT to buy immediately). Black Dynamite is one of our favorite comedies of all time, so this ruled a lot. On the panel: Scott Sanders (director), Brian Ash (writer of "Slave Island"), Byron Minns (Bullhorn), and Black Dynamite himself, Michael Jai White. Thanks to the 150 people who came out! This was a Blacktastic night for all! PS - This is a GREAT listen particularly if you're an indie filmmaker/comedy writer because these guys did it RIGHT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Xeni is not only an overlord at Boing Boing, but also one of the smartest humans on the planet and a genuine pleasure to talk to. And yes, ending a sentence with "to" is considered poor grammar, which today I am bad at. Further proven by ending a sentence with "at". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our first live podcast from @NerdMelt! We had a tweet-up to see the film "Super" (which was violent, adorable and awesome) and then brought director James Gunn (who also did "Slither", "Tromeo & Juliet" and wrote 2004's "Dawn of the Dead") back to our clubhouse, where a SPIRITED debate about zombies unfurled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris sees Anthony Michael Hall (in the hall), Jonah is slowly healing and Matt gets an inversion table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim Ferriss invited us into his home to talk about traveling, snooty college clubs, knives, and his book, "The Four Hour Body", which everyone on the show was implementing to varying degrees of commitment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I don't feel like writing a description! How about that business?? You wanna know what happened on this episode??? WE TALKED ABOUT STUFF. The end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brad Meltzer is a literary ninja. He has written several books & comics (Buffy, Justice League, Green Arrow) and hosts "Decoded" on the History Channel. This is a great episode to listen to if you have any interest in pursuing the path of the writer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More hostful goodness from SxSW!!! Austin = AWESOMESTIN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recorded in front of a live audience at SxSW on 3.14 (that's right, PI DAY)! John Oliver, as expected, CRUSHED. We spoke of the Queen, British comics you should know, the daily Daily Show routine, and of course, the C word. This show was fun to the funth power!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this hostful episode, Matthew talks about his experience at an open mic last week! Jonah is the most famous comedian from Hawaii! Chris wanted to do filthy things to the Empress from Neverending Story (I mean when I was a kid. Not NOW. That would be creepers! Though that girl is now 38. I looked it up. Here I come, Tami Stronach!!!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Community''s Abed, Danny Pudi, stops by the ol' podcast on our quest to collect the entire cast in mint condition! Also, he's hilarious and awesometastic. PLUS! Bollywood explained! Human blood trucks! Wealthy lobsters! And the mystery of Ponrichard!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris is enjoying Dr. Dog, Matt wants to be Doctor Who and Jonah wants to be Dr. Zaius. Plus! A good, hard Swanking. $10 off earbuds @ tweakedaudio.com/nerdist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nathan Fillion (a fine, fine fellow) makes us coffee, talks about his Canadian improv roots, an unmade pilot he wrote, getting Joss Whedon on Castle, and whether or not he's going to buy Firefly. Plus, fan tweets answered!!! A well-rounded audio programme (British spelling for uppity emphasis) indeed.This episode was brought to you by Falcon NW Computer Systems @ falcon-nw.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guys all realize they're much better off than they thought they were. *cue Wonder Years theme* (Nerdist listeners get $10 off snazzy new earbuds at tweakedaudio.com/nerdist) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wil. Whea. Ton. FINALLY. Never before heard stories of young Wil and young Chris: Strippers! D&D! Surgery! Saucy Picard! This episode will smear goodness onto the walls of your entertainment gland. This episode was sponsored by Falcon Northwest Computer Systems! Visit falcon-nw.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonah broke his arm and Chris broke Matt's feelings because Matt broke the news that he's never had a major failure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Colin Hanks' spoon is too big. Also, he wants to (and should) make a documentary about Tower Records. ADDITIONALLY, Colin, Chris, Jonah and Matt turn a critical eye toward "Howard the Duck", and then re-live their youth by forming a theoretical Voltron boner for Lea Thompson. Many thanks to our sponsor for this episode, Falcon Northwest Computer Systems! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads chat about death, Mexican food and the Police Academy cartoon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach Galifianakis joined us in front of hundreds of nerds at SF Sketchfest '11 for the beginning of our SECOND SEASON! Zach admitted he chews tobacco, Matt admitted he wants a pet tapeworm, Jonah admitted he once scammed a bartender, and Chris (okay, me) admitted he (I) still hasn't (haven't) seen "The Hangover". I know! I know! I'll get to it!!!! This ep was brought to you by Falcon Northwest Computer Systems [falcon-nw.com] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our second guestless cast finds the gents broadcasting from a haunted storage closet at the Punch Line Comedy Club in San Francisco during SF Sketchfest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Who's Line" alum Greg Proops is an amazing improvisor and does a spot-on Thomas Alva Edison. Chris, Jonah and Matt must have all wondered at some point that if Edison were a woman, would she have patented the electric tampon? And how could they NOT have called it "MenFlow Park"? #ThisIsWhyISpendALotOfTimeAlone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HURRAYS!!! The Nerdist Podcast moves to TWO times a week! That's a whole extra time! Our mid-week shows will usually be guestless and explore the nerdly triumvirate dynamics of Chris, Jonah & Matt. Join us, WON'T YOU??? #DOUBLERAINBOW #ThatsAnOldReferenceAlready #HashtaggingOutsideOfTwitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Kroll (The League, Fabrice Fabrice, Bobbie Bottleservice, name rhymes with "Rickroll") got heckled by a grip while auditioning for SNL. He didn't get the job. For this reason, you should feel bad for him and watch his one hour comedy special "Thank You Very Cool," premiering Saturday, January 29th at 10p ET on Comedy Central. Chris, Matt & Jonah were able to suspend a single muon in a makeshift particle accelerator and tear the very fabric of space-time. In the first timestream, these last three sentences didn't exist. They reached backwards through a charged portal and added them just to freak your brain out if you happening to be on strong drugs while reading this. Yes, you. I'M TALKING TO YOU. I'm sure the drugs have kicked in. Now waffle keyhole iron boot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TOTAL PODMASH as we recorded at the Smodcastle on 1/12! The boys and Kevin Smith discuss Zsa Zsa, Darth Vader's sexy parts and the REAL story behind Ferris Bueller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Silverman took videos of her boyfriend Alec wielding a lightsaber and her dog Duck's bleeding anus (both posted at nerdist.com, naturally). Chris has a dog named "Scott" whose anus is a-ok, Jonah finds Hawaiian comedy particularly racist and Matt has a herniated disc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Podcast worlds collide like tectonic plates in a fiery cataclysm as the boys of Nerdist join forces with the boy of WTF! It's the bad-assiest way to kick off Tweleven. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stand-up comedy special with Chris Fairbanks, Jackie Kashian, Jonah Ray, Kumail Nanjiani, Paul Cibis, Kyle Kinane & Matt Braunger. Hosted by Chris Hardwick. Recorded at Meltdown Comics in LA on December 15, 2010 in front of a live nerd audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Sklar Brothers are the only twin comedy team I can think of outside of Cheng & Eng or the Sagal sisters. They hosted "Cheap Seats," wrote/produced/starred in "Back on Topps" (a phenomenal web series) and are currently making podcasts under the "Sklarbro Country" name. Nice guys who are hilarious. WHAT MORE DO YOU VULTURES WANT???!! Oh. Apologies. There was no need for me to yell at you and I'm sorry. But sometimes you just make me so MAD, Baby...What? Ok. FINE. Go to your mother's. Like she needs more ammo against me. REAL mature, Karen! I CAN SLAM DOORS TOO, YA KNOW! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In addition to invading your brain with iconic characters such as Stimpy (and later Ren), Fry, & Doug, Billy West also did funny make-em-ups on the Howard Stern show in the early 90s. IF THAT TWEREN'T ENOUGH he's also a world class musician. In this chat, he piled so much fascinating insight into the psyche of the comedian onto the show that our brain-roofs caved in under the pressure of awesomeness. I am convinced that the recent Metrodome incident happened SOLELY for the purpose of providing an appropriate metaphor to relate it. Plus, he's nice, which is always my favorite thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mayhem Miller is an MMA wizard who is powerful yet benevolent. His hands are lethal wands that can cast punching and/or hugging spells: YOUR CHOICE! He also hosts the MTV show "Bully Beatdown," which is just as satisfying as the name promises. Most importantly, he's an interesting dude with a good heart and a solid work ethic. We forgot to ask why Tommy Lee has his named tattooed across his stomach. #wokkawokka #hashtaggingoutsidetwitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam Carolla makes his triumphant return to the Nerdist Podcast while dominating the medium with his own show. This time, Adam takes issue with rude male receptionists, radio program directors and "The Love Boat," while promoting his new book In 50 Years We'll All Be Chicks, available here. This episode was brought to you by Hiney Wine and Hickory Lube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ELEVENTH DOCTOR MATT SMITH!!! Anyone who follows anything I do probably has heard my numerous blabbings about how much I love Doctor Who. After one such blabbing on the tweetstream, I was contacted by Devin Johnson at the BBC who graciously offered to help get Matt on the podcast if at all possible. AND SO IT CAME TO PASS. I would like to smother Devin, Matt Stein and the BBC with an absurd pile of thanks. Matt Smith loves chess, Alan Partridge and cookies. Every charming character trait you see in the Eleventh Doctor is all Matt. It was an extreme pleasure hanging out with him, and we look forward to some sweet Doctor on Dickens action for the Doctor Who Xmas special on December 25th, 9p ET on BBC America. Joining me this episode were fellow Whovians Matt Mira and Janet Varney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Pollak collects Disney Haunted Mansion memorabilia. ALSO he has a dang popular chat show on the Webs, soon to be the TV/Webs what with technology and all. Chris likes the movie "Willow". Jonah Ray was out. Matt Mira's insurance company is having their way with him after a mystery person beat up his car and removed most of the show's recording equipment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donal (long 'o') Logue is currently on one of my favorite TV shows, "Terriers" (a show NOT about dogs) on FX. I want many people to watch this show so the network will make more, because that's how television works. (Somehow, I've still managed to make a campaign for a show I have nothing to do with ALL ABOUT ME and what I want!) You may also recognize Donal from "Grounded For Life," "The Tao of Steve," "Blade," or from 90s era MTV as Jimmy the cab driver. Janet Varney ("Dinner & a Movie" co-host, SF Sketchfest co-producer and Chris Hardwick co-habitator) also sits in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WIRED's head nerd Chris Anderson! He also wrote the wonderful books "The Long Tail" and "Free: The Future of a Radical Price". Mr. Anderson--as the Matrix would have to refer to him--is a super-smart, thoughtful human and I always love chatting with him. What topics can you expect from this episode? Trolls! Social politics! The economy of attention! How to write a book! And the ever-raging debate: NERDS v GEEKS. Please to enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Posehn's infant son wiped out all of Springfield (schwaaa?). Chris, Jonah & Matt worshipped the glory that is Brian's nerdtastic man room. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg Fitzsimmons will punch you in the face if you're a mean jerk. Chris, Matt & Jonah will assault you with passive agressive comments in a similar situation, but then emotionally punch themselves in the face later on at home, WAY harder than they would ever hit someone else cuz that's how nerds roll (the 20-sided die). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Birbiglia discusses comedy writing, perfectionism, hypochondria & Entourage (the tv show, not the Microsoft/Mac OS email client). Chris & Jonah did this episode in a Matt Mira-free environment, as poor Matt couldn't get out of the job that actually pays him money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rainn Wilson enjoys cookies, spirituality, and the band Pavement. Chris enjoys the Cookie Monster, spirit photography and the smell of new pavement. Jonah enjoys cookie mints and spirit-paving. Matt paved over a bunch of cookies, and now their spirits will eternally haunt him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Scheer is 33% of Human Giant and has a painting of Steve Martin from "The Jerk" that I want to steal. Matt and Jonah would totally help me. (if they want to stay on this 'show', that is) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special live show! We packed our ironic tshirts and trekked up to Seattle for the insanely fun Bumbershoot Festival! Matt, Jonah & I set up shop in the Charlotte Martin Theatre (within pooping distance of the Space Needle) and were joined by wonderlady comedy duo Garfunkel & Oates, the fantastic David O'Doherty (who is hilarious and Irish), a surprise guest, and about 500 lovable nerd voyeurs who just came to watch. PS - our surprise guest was Doug Benson. I realize that that spoils the surprise. I'm just not sure anyone reads these little descriptions anyway. I could write something like "whale-fisting clown farts," and no one would notice it here. See? You didn't bother reading that. Carry on, then. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Glover is on "Community" but has so many talents that someday we'll all just be tiny moons orbiting his mega-stardom. Chris fails with his #Hardwick4Hulk campaign and Jonah & Matt write a "Back to the Future" musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonathan Coulton is an hilarious musical nerd icon. If you don't know who he is I am surprised, but this is a good place to meet him. We chat about touring, the crafting of nerdy songs, and leaving safe but boring jobs to pursue unsafe but unboring jobs. PLUS JoCo plays a few songs, one of which is BRAND FRIGGIN NEW. Listen! Now! Really! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Maher and I sat down (standing podcasting is weird) and had a terrific chat about comedy, finding your voice and Johnny Carson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul F. Tompkins once yelled at Wierd Al, Chris invents a nerd cereal, Jonah loves Morning Zoos and Matt left his glasses in the car. Probably next to a Dave Matthews tape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Felicia Day! How could the Nerdist Podcast series ever be complete without her? Well, it can't! But now that's no longer a concern because here she is. Sure "Buffy" and "Dr. Horrible" made her a Nerd pin-up queen, but the massive following of her work on the "The Guild" proved her talents as a smart writer and a savvy producer. She is a well-rounded lady. This was a ridiculously fun episode despite Jonah's showing up THIRTY MINUTES LATE. Yeah, Jonah, you just got called out...IN TEXT FORM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast was recorded at Largo in front of many wonderful nerds on July 28th and featured the following awesome elements: David Koechner opening the show in character, Fred Willard chatting with us about comedy and Tom Kenny telling a story about the time he met Rodney Dangerfield and then closing the show with a handful of songs AS SPONGEBOB with a full friggin band and EVERYTHING. And have I mentioned FRED WILLARD enough??? Fred has a new book out called Fred Willard's Magnificent Movie Trivia: Put Your Knowledge of Movies, Actors, Facts & Firsts to the Test. Please acquire it with money. Please to enjoy! *special content note: this podcast DOES contain the occasional swear word, just in case you only look and the words "Spongebob" and "Download." The show may not be suitable for tykes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ALL 5 MYTHBUSTERS IN ONE PLACE: Jamie, Adam, Tory, Grant & Kari! I feel like I should have sealed them in mylar or jammed them all together to form some kind of Mega-Mythbusting Bot, but instead we just chatted in front of a few thousand people about life, near-death and the busting of myths. This panel was 50 kinds of fun, at least 4 of which should be illegal in most states (excluding Nevada). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rich Sommer is "Mad Men" TV department head Harry Crane. He also has a background in comedy, board games and awesomeness. Chris gets a new digital recorder. Jonah and Matt return after a forced vacation without pay. Didn't seem that heartless since they don't get paid to show up either. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS EPISODE! Allison Scagliotti is the "Good Will Hunting" of actresses--wicked smaht, wicked pretty and wicked sweet (I realize that "wicked" is an awkward modifier for "sweet," but sometimes the truth is awkward). She plays Claudia Donovan on SyFy's "Warehouse 13." In this ep she talks about overachieving, self-flagellation and Courtney Love. Get all up in her business on Twitter: @allisonscag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices