Hey! We're taking a short break to regroup, recharge, and do a little of the summer stuff that we're told grown-up nerds do. So you should do the same! We'll catch you in about a month... stay tuned!

What happens when a self-help comedy podcaster and a self-proclaimed mainstream mom dive headfirst into the high-stakes world of dragon-based erotica? Fire. Literally.

That’s right, this week Mandy welcomes Misty Stinnett to Make Me a Nerd for a full-on nerd-out over Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, the romantasy sensation that has TikTok, book clubs, and reluctant fantasy readers in a collective swoon. Misty—who’s spent the last 15 years producing content for Netflix, MasterClass, political campaigns, and more—is best known as the creator and host of Go Help Yourself, a podcast that makes self-help accessible, skeptical, and laugh-out-loud funny. But today, she trades the wellness aisle for war colleges, dragons, and extremely hot enemies-to-lovers situations.

Together, Mandy and Misty break down everything from the book’s death-defying obstacles and magical bonding rules to the overuse of the word “smirk” and the ethical dilemma of mental telepathy during sexy times. There are spoilers (fair warning), major laughs, and even a sidebar about cheese. It’s a lovefest, a critique, and a very funny ode to the joys of falling into a good fantasy book—even if it involves dragon lust.

🐲 Links & References:

• 🎙️ Go Help Yourself Podcast
• 📖 Bloomsbury Books – support Mandy’s favorite local shop
• 🖥️ Misty Stinnett on IMDb

🎉 Bonus Content Reminder!

Love this episode? There’s more! Join us at makemeanerd.com to become a member and unlock bonus content—like Misty giving a behind-the-scenes look at producing Go Help Yourself, what it’s like reviewing 325+ self-help books, and how to navigate the chaotic sea of personal development content with humor and heart. Members enjoy early episodes, ad-free listening, and the bonus segment!

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Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Let’s talk about America. No—not that America ... Captain America, who—despite being a science experiment in high-waisted pants—somehow manages to be the most grounded Avenger in a sea of flying metal suits and literal gods with hammer fetishes.

This week, Mandy invites longtime friend and deep-level comic nerd John Mundy to hold her hand as she dives headfirst into Captain America: The First Avenger. And, it’s an episode that is more packed than Chris Evans’ post-serum pecs.

Together, Mandy and John embark on a cinematic journey that includes the ethics of weaponized patriotism, or as we like to call it, “Red, White, and Whoop-Ass.” There’s a deep dive into Marvel tropes: why all skinny underdogs are secret geniuses and why throwing a garbage can lid can get you drafted into heroism. There’s a detour into CGI that makes you say, “Wait, is that a bobblehead with abs? Of course the show addresses the sex appeal of moral fortitude. Yes, really.

But that’s not all! Mandy also gets misty-eyed over soldier rescues, super-serums, and a surprisingly moving romance between a supersoldier and a woman who can shoot a Nazi from 40 paces without smudging her lipstick. Honestly, it’s all quite wholesome until the face-peeling starts.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to become a nerd in real time—with only vague recollections of Spider-Verse, a stubborn commitment to romantic fantasy novels, and a heart full of justice—this episode is for you. Plus, there’s an actual moment when a teenager discovers their sexuality thanks to Chris Evans emerging from a transformation chamber glistening like a Christmas ham. Iconic.

Links & Notes

• 🌐 Join our Nerds at makemeanerd.com
• 📸 Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens
• 🐦 Find Mandy on Bluesky: @MandyMiscast

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Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.