Explore every episode of the podcast Up Your Nerd Cred
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I Used to Play with Myself... | UYNC Season 2 Ep 1 | 09 Jan 2026 | 01:08:47 | |
Welcome back to Up Your Nerd Cred, and welcome to Season 2. This week, we’re talking about toys-not just the ones we played with, but the ones that quietly taught us who we were allowed to be. From Saturday morning cartoons doubling as toy ads, to dolls and action figures that gave some of us freedom and others a box, this episode is about imagination, identity, and why nostalgia hits harder than people want to admit. Joining us this week is the absolutely fabulous London Villamayor, official cosplayer for The Uncanny Experience, longtime Power Rangers fan, She-Ra devotee, Barbie icon, and true mistress of shapeshifting. We get into what it means to grow up loving toys that didn’t always love you back-and how reclaiming them as adults can be powerful as hell. In the B-segment, we dig into: -He-Man, She-Ra, and the aggressively gay leather vibes of 80s fantasy -Power Rangers, tokenization, and how kids learned to sort each other into boxes -Why Barbie worked differently than most “boy toys”-and still does -How imagination, not branding, is what actually sticks with us -Why representation in toys isn’t “extra,” it’s foundational GuestLondon Villamayor Official Cosplayer-The Uncanny Experience All socials-@LondonHeartsU (L-O-N-D-O-N-H-E-A-R-T-S + the letter U) HostsCC (Casual Nerd Host)-@ciracdavis AM Diaz (Expert Nerd Host)-@AMDiazArt or @amds_art Support the PodWe now have a Patreon. If you like what we’re building and want to support the show (or just want bonus nonsense), check the link in the show notes. Where to ListenListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed the episode, rate, review, and subscribe-it helps a lot. Episode Hashtags#UpYourNerdCred #Podcast #NerdCulture #PopCulture #Toys #80sKids #90sKids #SaturdayMorningCartoons #Nostalgia #RepresentationMatters #BlackGirlMagic #TransJoy #LGBTQ #QueerNerds #Cosplay #TheUncannyExperience #HeMan #SheRa #MastersOfTheUniverse #PrincessOfPower #PowerRangers #MightyMorphinPowerRangers #SuperSentai #MyLittlePony #Barbie #Mattel #Hasbro #KenyaDoll #Dolls #ActionFigures #ToyCollectors #Fandom #GeekTok #NerdTok | |||
| Flash, Get in Here and Fix This Timeline | UYNC Ep 28 | 26 Dec 2025 | 00:58:50 | |
If timelines keep breaking, and universes keep rebooting, eventually someone has to live with the consequences. In the thrilling conclusion of our Flash trilogy, CiCi and AM tackle the fallout of Flashpoint, the collapse of the New 52, and the long road back to legacy through DC Rebirth. This is the episode where Wally West’s disappearance actually matters, where memory becomes a superpower, and where DC finally has to confront what happens when you erase generational heroes. Whether your Flash is Jay, Barry, Wally, Bart, or Ace — this episode makes the case that legacy isn’t optional. It’s the engine. What We Cover
Up Your Nerd Cred is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Instagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod Support the pod on Patreon: #UpYourNerdCred, #TheFlash, #DCComics, #Flashpoint, #DCRebirth, #New52, #WallyWest, #BarryAllen, #JayGarrick, #BartAllen, #AceWest, #SpeedForce, #ComicsPodcast, #NerdPodcast, #ComicBookLore, #SuperheroLegacy, #Multiverse, #TimelineChaos, #DCMultiverse | |||
| Episode 4: Which Multisexual has had the most interesting dating life? | 27 Jun 2025 | 00:55:56 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we're talking about multisexual characters in Marvel and DC. Kitty Pryde, Mystique, and Deadpool, repping Marvel, John Constantine, Harley Quinn, with Tim Drake and Jon Kent for DC. Let's be real, though, the CCA has definitely had an impact on how much queerness in general is allowed to be seen. We've progressed notably in allowed representation, but even characters explicitly stated by their creators to be intended to be queer tend to be in heterosexual relationships. Just remember, the first Pride was a riot! Be Gay, Do Crime!* *Neither the pod nor the hosts technically endorse crime, and remind you that civil disobedience often leads to jail time, even if you're morally correct Follow us on Instagram: @upyournerdcredpod Follow AM across socials: @amdiazart Follow Cici across socials: @ciracdavis Follow us on Facebook: Up Your Nerd Cred Pod Email us: upyournerdcredpod@gmail.com | |||
| Let's Go Lil Kitty Kat: Bruce Wayne is Definitely Dating Up| UYNC Episode 20 | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:19:09 | |
This week, CiCi celebrates Gotham’s favorite cat burglar-turned-antihero. From her 1940 debut to Frank Miller’s Year One reinvention, Selina Kyle has clawed her way from “femme fatale” to fully realized character, proving she’s more than just Batman’s on-again, off-again love interest. We talk Comics Code censorship, Gotham City Sirens, her complicated relationship with Bruce Wayne, the One Year Later motherhood arc, and why being able to walk away from a billionaire with your ethics intact is the ultimate flex. In this episode:
🎃 Quick note: no new episode next week—we’re off for the High Holy Gays (Halloween weekend). Follow @UpYourNerdCredPod on Instagram, and find CiCi (@ciracdavis) and AM (@amdiazart) on all platforms. | |||
| Hang On, When Did Beast Go Crazy? | Up Your Nerd Cred Ep. 15 | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:23:27 | |
When you think of the X-Men’s Beast, do you picture the witty scientist quoting Shakespeare from his cell in X-Men: The Animated Series? Or the fuzzy blue Avenger cracking jokes with Wonder Man? This week, CiCi takes you through Hank McCoy’s journey from his Silver Age debut to his role as the team’s gentle giant and resident biochemist. This episode is Part One of a two-parter — we’re focusing on the “nice Beast” era before AM comes in next week to explain how and why things took a darker turn. From oversized hands and feet in X-Men #1, to the serum that gave him his iconic fur, to teaching at Xavier’s and wrestling with the Legacy Virus, this is your crash course in Beast before everything changed. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. | |||
| Episode 2: Who's the top: Scott or Logan? | 13 Jun 2025 | 01:11:30 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we're talking about the X-Triad, Scott, Jean, and Logan. Oh yeah, the only 3 in the Summers mansion with no specific doors between their rooms? It's definitely a thing. Side note: don't forget that comic canon Wolverine is *very* differently sized than Hugh Jackman is Follow us on Instagram: @upyournerdcredpod Follow AM across socials: @amdiazart Follow Cici across socials: @ciracdavis Follow us on Facebook: Up Your Nerd Cred Pod Email us: upyournerdcredpod@gmail.com | |||
| Episode 10: Wait... Have I seen you somwhere? | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:23:42 | |
This week on Up Your Nerd Cred, we’re taking a break from multiversal collapse and reality-warping chaos to look at something a little lighter… or is it? We’re diving into the wild world of MCU double casting—where actors get a second shot at superhero stardom. From Chris Evans’ journey from fireball himbo to America’s ass, to Michael B. Jordan’s redemption arc from Fan4stic to Killmonger with a point, we’re talking about all the actors who blew their Marvel shot—only to come back hotter, cooler, and way more plot-relevant. We cover:
We also look ahead to Battleworld, ask whether variants count as double casting, and take a moment to ask Kevin Feige: can we please fix the Blade situation? 🎧 Up Your Nerd Cred is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. | |||
| The Marvelous Ms Marvels | UYNC Ep 21 | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:56:22 | |
Carol Danvers may be the Captain Marvel you know from the MCU — but she’s far from the only one to claim that name. This week, CiCi and AM Diaz explore the women who redefined what “Marvel” means: Carol Danvers, the Air Force pilot turned cosmic powerhouse, and Monica Rambeau, the light-speed leader who once captained the Avengers before most of the guys even made the roster. From feminist icons to cosmic soldiers, from Kree DNA to the power of pure light, we’re unpacking how both women earned (and sometimes fought for) the same title — and how their legacies still shape the Marvel Universe today. Expect laughter, lore, “wait, WHAT?!” moments, and a healthy dose of chaos energy. ✨ This is Part 1 of our two-part deep dive!
New episodes drop Fridays at noon ET Instagram → @UpYourNerdCredPod | |||
| Hang On, When Did Beast Go Crazy (Pt 2) | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:56:29 | |
Beast used to be the witty, Shakespeare-quoting professor, the one who could hold his own in a fight and in the lab. So… how did Hank McCoy become one of the most reviled figures in mutant history? In this expert-level deep dive, CiCi and AM trace the slow burn of Beast’s fall:
Is this a tragedy of hubris? A story of hidden darkness always waiting to surface? Or just the most painful example of what happens when intellect loses its humanity? This week, we’re asking whether Beast can ever be redeemed—or if this is who he’s been all along. Available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. | |||
| Thor, Can I Borrow Your Hammer? | UYNC Episode 17 | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:36:43 | |
Thor’s hammer has a history that spans myth and Marvel. From Loki’s bet with the dwarves and Thor’s cross-dressing rescue mission in Norse legend, to Mjolnir’s Marvel Comics debut, worthiness enchantments, and all the surprising people who’ve lifted it — we’re digging in. In this solo episode, CiCi explores:
Follow @UpYourNerdCredPod on Instagram, and don’t forget — you can listen to Up Your Nerd Cred on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other major platforms. | |||
| Episode 5: The Star Spangled Man with a Plan! To Team Up With His Friends | 04 Jul 2025 | 00:58:27 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! Happy 4th of July! Today, we're talking about The Star Spangled Man with a Plan, the former skinny kid from Brooklyn, the man who Assembles the Avengers, Steven Rogers, aka Captain America. The original Antifa, his first issue has him punching Hitler in the face... on the cover. Chris Evans has done an amazing job portraying him, and when Ant-Man said "As far as I'm concerned, that's America's ass!", I didn't stand up and cheer because it's impolite to do that opening weekend in a crowded theater, but I digress. He's been around for nearly 85 years and is one of the most well-known Marvel characters of all time. | |||
| Episode 11: A Toast to Harley Quinn | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:33:28 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we're raising a glass to Dr Harleen F. Quintzel. Harley Quinn may have started out as Joker’s henchwoman in Batman: The Animated Series, but she’s long since carved out her own place in DC canon. In this episode, CiCi takes a solo deep dive into Harley’s unusual entry into the universe, how Mad Love gave her a backstory, and why she’s one of the closest to ever take Batman down. We’ll talk about how Harley’s alignment is fully locked to chaotic neutral... from refusing to fight a pregnant Black Canary, being a devoted hyena mom and the how much better her life is once she finally broke away from Joker for good. Plus, how Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad reframed her through the female gaze, giving Harley more character depth than the hot-pants era ever allowed.Harley Quinn’s story isn’t just about mayhem — it’s also about survival, reinvention, and learning to direct chaos on her own terms.
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| DAD, FLASH BROKE THE TIMELINE, AGAIN! | UYNC Ep 27 | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:56:32 | |
The Flash isn’t just one guy in red spandex—it’s a whole family, and DC continuity has been putting them through a cosmic blender since the Silver Age. In this episode, we break down how Crisis on Infinite Earths reshaped DC’s multiverse, why Wally West had to grow from “Kid Flash” into the Flash, and how the Speed Force became the backbone of modern Flash mythology. Then we get into the most chaotic redhead time-disaster in the family tree: Bart Allen (Impulse/Kid Flash II)— the grandson-from-the-future who makes “no impulse control” look like a mission statement. We talk Titans, Young Justice, Infinite Crisis fallout, the Rogues going off-script, and why the Flash legacy always comes with trauma and heart. Also: holiday banter, pop culture tangents, and the universal truth that if you can convince a Flash to sit still, you can convince anybody to do anything. In this episode:
Content notes: Strong language and adult humor. Follow us:
#UPYOURNERDCRED, #COMICSPODCAST, #DCOMICS, #THEFLASH, #FLASHFAMILY, #WALLYWEST, #KIDFLASH, #BARTALLEN, #IMPULSE, #SPEEDFORCE, #CRISISONINFINITEEARTHS, #INFINITECRISIS, #FINALCRISIS, #TEENTITANS, #YOUNGJUSTICE, #JUSTICELEAGUE, #DCMULTIVERSE, #COMICBOOKLORE, #GEEKPODCAST, #NERDCULTURE, #COMICBOOKHISTORY, #SUPERHEROES, #POPCULTURE | |||
| Episode 12: Wait, the Sentinels do WHAT? | 29 Aug 2025 | 01:08:14 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we're talking about Marvel’s most persistent mutant-hunting menace: the Sentinels. From their first stomping steps in X-Men #14 to their endless upgrades—Nimrod, Bastion, Prime Sentinels, and beyond—these machines have been a stand-in for fear of the other for six decades.We’ll dig into where they came from, why they keep getting reinvented, and how storylines like Days of Future Past, Genosha, and Krakoa turned them from clunky robots into full-blown existential threats. Plus, AM Diaz is back in the studio after his Wanda-imposed sabbatical, so CiCi doesn’t have to argue with herself about mutant metaphors anymore.✨ Follow us on Instagram @UpYourNerdCredPod for clips, updates, and bonus nerd content.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. | |||
| Episode 8: Wanda Maximoff is a GD Mess [Scarlet Witch Double Episode Part 1] | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:30:06 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we’re diving deep into the chaos storm that is Wanda Maximoff’s origin story. Was she born on Wundagore Mountain (with a cow midwife, no less)? Is Magneto her dad? Wait, is he not? Wait do mutants run everything? Wait, where'd all the mutants go? Scarlet Witch has had more backstories than most characters have costumes... And Janet Van Dyne was her coworker! We’re breaking down every retcon, every heartbreak, every weird editorial decision—and asking: is she a good witch, a bad witch, or just Marvel’s most powerful emotional time bomb? Also: could we possibly work on the relationship status with therapy? Are her kids magic, reincarnated, or did she have a really awkward conversation with Kaplans and Shepards? And girl, I get missing Vision, but Wonder Man? And that's just the backstory info dump, part 2 is where the real chaos starts... Follow us on Instagram: @upyournerdcredpod | |||
| Episode 3: Is Tony Stark a Father Figure, or more of a Dad Bod? | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:55:08 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we're talking about Tony Stark and Peter Parker. Specifically, focusing on Tony Stark's paternal role in Peter Parker's life (or honestly, lack thereof.) Turns out the cinematic universe adds things in instead of just leaving it out. Peter and Tony's relationship in the comics is quite different than the MCU; Civil War is a very different vibe when Peter Parker unmasks as an adult. Plus, it lead to the One More Day arc... Le sigh Follow us on Instagram: @upyournerdcredpod Follow AM across socials: @amdiazart Follow Cici across socials: @ciracdavis Follow us on Facebook: Up Your Nerd Cred Pod Email us: upyournerdcredpod@gmail.com | |||
| The Hellfire Gala Origins- Met Gala, but Make it Mutant |UYNC 19 | 17 Oct 2025 | 01:15:21 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we’re taking our seats (and our sequins) at the Hellfire Gala — Marvel’s answer to the Met Gala, where mutants, diplomats, and icons walk the same psychic red carpet. CC (@ciracdavis) and AM (AMDiaz_Art) are joined by special guests Jordan Blaza Olsen (@thegirlwithagreatsmile) and Colby Melvin (@colbymelvin | @coscolby) for a deep dive into the origins of the Hellfire Club, the rise of Emma Frost and Jean Grey as queens of mutant diplomacy, and how fashion, identity, and representation shape Krakoa’s most glamorous night of the year. We explore: Plus, Jordan shares insight from her work with the Transgender Strategy Center, and Colby talks about building safe, joyful spaces for queer creatives online and IRL. 📍 Guests & Links Transgender Strategy Center – transgenderstrategy.org About the Show Follow us on Instagram @UpYourNerdCredPod | |||
| Episode 6: Don't heckle the villain! (Even if they're goofy AF) | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:58:30 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we're talking about how the villains who were created because of the impact of the Comics Code Authority were... kind of embarrassing. The CCA was created to ensure that the children who might read comics wouldn't be exposed to... unsavory ideas. Instead, they were introduced to Kite Man, the Eraser, and Killer Moth. Even getting characters like Morbius took time to be allowed [because vampires were too scary]. And *don't* get us started about the refusal to acknowledge sexuality existing! Or do. <3
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| Episode 0: The Nerds are Coming | 25 May 2025 | 00:02:18 | |
Dropping June 6, 2025 Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! We're here to talk about gods cosplaying as men, men cosplaying as gods, and how much the cinematic universes are leaving out. AM and Cici are here to bridge the gap between the Marvel and DC comic and cinematic universes, talk about pop culture, and nerd out together. Come hang! | |||
| Marc, and Steven, and Jake, and... | 10 Oct 2025 | 01:03:09 | |
When is a mask not a mask? When it’s an alter. This week, CiCi and AM dive into the complicated, chaotic world of Moon Knight — mercenary, avatar of Khonshu, and one of the few major Marvel characters officially diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). We unpack how Marc Spector, Steven Grant, and Jake Lockley came to be; how the show’s portrayal of DID compares to the comics; and how Marvel’s writers have tried (and sometimes failed) to balance heroism with mental health realism. From Werewolf by Night to the West Coast Avengers, from Khonshu’s divine meddling to the Moonlight Knight of Sailor Moon R (yes, really), we’re peeling back every layer of this complex hero. Along the way, CiCi and AM discuss the evolution of mental health in comics, how trauma shapes the Marvel and DC universes, and why Moon Knight’s journey is more than just another brooding vigilante story. (Respectful, verified sources for listener education) | |||
| Episode 7: Wait, What Age Are We Talking About? | 18 Jul 2025 | 00:58:09 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we're talking about the evolution of comic books and how popular culture helped them expand their bounds. We're talking about the major ages of comics, from the Golden Age to the Modern Age, and how societal changes influenced storytelling. Also, put a little more respect on Archie Andrews' name! [Not that much... just a little] Also, of course we're going to talk about Uncanny Experience, Senior Year is around the corner! Follow us on Instagram: @upyournerdcredpod Follow AM across socials: @amdiazart Follow Cici across socials: @ciracdavis Follow us on Facebook: Up Your Nerd Cred Pod Email us: upyournerdcredpod@gmail.com | |||
| Episode 14: Is Mystique the *Worst* Mom? | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:47:39 | |
Welcome back to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, CiCi and AM dive into one of the most chaotic family trees in comics: Mystique’s. From abandoned children to adopted daughters, from retconned baby daddies to Destiny’s prophecies, Raven Darkhölme has a parenting record that’s… well, let’s just say complicated. We’ll talk about:
Plus: AM’s thoughts on Wednesday Season 2, CiCi’s window repair saga, and why queer-coded villains are finally getting their dues. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Hashtags: #Mystique, #XMen, #MarvelComics, #Destiny, #Nightcrawler, #Rogue, #Marvel, #DCComics, #ComicPodcast, #UpYourNerdCred | |||
| Episode 1: Wait, how many Robins are there? | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:58:56 | |
Welcome to Get Your Nerd Cred Up! This week, we're talking about Robin, Robin, Robin, Robin, Robin, and... no, that one's not a Robin. Batman needs a Robin, and it turns out the original Boy Wonder can't be 15 forever. Plus, those winged booties weren't really giving. Join us as we talk about the ever expanding Bat-Family! Follow us on Instagram: @upyournerdcredpod Follow AM across socials: @amdiazart Follow us on Facebook: Up Your Nerd Cred Pod Email us: upyournerdcredpod@gmail.com | |||
| Mom, Flash Broke the Timeline! | UYNC Episode 26 | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:47:05 | |
Did you know there are FIVE different Flashes? Because CiCi sure didn’t — and AM absolutely did. 😭 In Part 1 of this expert-level two-parter, we start at the very beginning with Jay Garrick, the Golden Age Flash who got super-speed via the most 1940s origin imaginable (hard water vapors???), and then jump to Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash who helped revive superhero comics… and also helped kick off DC’s whole “wait, what timeline are we on?” problem. We talk:
And yes: we tease the mystery redheaded child, but you have to come back for Part 2 for that. Follow us: #UpYourNerdCred, #UpYourNerdCredPod, #TheFlash, #Flash, #DCComics, #DCUniverse, #DCEU, #DCU, #JamesGunn, #Supergirl, #SupergirlWomanOfTomorrow, #Krypto, #JayGarrick, #BarryAllen, #GrantGustin, #JusticeSociety, #JusticeSocietyOfAmerica, #JSA, #JusticeLeague, #JusticeLeagueOfAmerica, #JLA, #Multiverse, #DCMultiverse, #CrisisOnInfiniteEarths, #ComicsCodeAuthority, #CCA, #ComicBooks, #ComicBookPodcast, #NerdPodcast, #GeekPodcast, #PopCulturePodcast, #ComicsExplained, #ComicBookLore, #DCCharacters, #SpeedForce, #TheRogues, #CaptainCold, #MirrorMaster, #WeatherWizard, #HeatWave, #GorillaGrodd, #IrisWest, #ForensicScience, #Superheroes, #NerdCulture, #Podcast, #YouTubePodcast, #SpotifyPodcast, #ApplePodcasts, #PodcastersOfYouTube, #ComicTok, #NerdTok, #GeekTok | |||
| Is Thor Falling on My Car an Act of God?| UYNC Ep 25 | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:30:46 | |
What actually happens when superheroes, gods, villains, and reality-warpers run headfirst into real-world law? Is Thor falling on your car… an Act of God? In this episode, CiCi breaks down the surprisingly relatable 1L-level legal concepts hiding inside Marvel and DC storylines: torts, state actors, qualified immunity, contracts under duress (looking at you, Mephisto), superheroes testifying in costume, the Rule Against Perpetuities vs immortals (!!), and why Franklin Richards is a property lawyer’s actual nightmare. This is a casual-but-deep legal nerd-out, filled with comics lore, real doctrine, accessible explanations, and the kind of storytelling that makes even the driest law school topics fun. If you’ve ever wondered how the legal system would deal with Batman on payroll, Spider-Man on the witness stand, or a gamma bomb accident that doubles as a workplace safety violation… buckle up. And if you love this kind of approachable, delightfully chaotic breakdown of nerd culture + real-world systems, consider supporting the show on Patreon so we can keep making more episodes like this! ✨ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod | |||
| Wonder Twin Powers, Activate! Wait, Who Are You Again? | UYNC Ep 24 | 28 Nov 2025 | 00:47:00 | |
This episode breaks down why Zan and Jayna — the Wonder Twins — are some of DC’s most underrated heavy hitters. Despite debuting in Super Friends (1977), their powers were far stronger than the show ever portrayed. We explore how Hanna-Barbera limitations, comedic framing, and shifting comic eras prevented them from ever securing their place in the modern DC pantheon. In this episode, we cover:
📌 Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube | |||
| How Strange Was My Doctor? Stephen Vs Hugo | UYNC Ep 23 | 21 Nov 2025 | 00:35:06 | |
Welcome back! This week CiCi dives into the tale of two Doctors Strange- Marvel’s Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme (sometimes), and DC’s Hugo Strange, Batman’s underappreciated OG mad scientist villain. We’re talking nature vs nurture, Golden Age chaos, Comics Code Authority shenanigans, and why one Strange sits atop a cinematic empire… while the other keeps getting yeeted off cliffs. Instagram: @upyournerdcredpod We’re now on Patreon! Support the show, get perks, and help us grow: | |||
| The Marvelous Ms... er Captain Marvels pt 2| UYNC Ep 22 | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:54:01 | |
This week’s episode of Up Your Nerd Cred continues our Marvels duology with a focused deep dive into Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan. | |||
| Episode 13: I'm sorry, you're HOW OLD? | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:33:24 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, CiCi dives solo into one of comics’ strangest truths: just how ancient some of your favorite heroes and villains really are. From Martian Manhunter’s centuries of grief-snacking on Oreos to Wonder Woman’s millennia of Amazonian wisdom, from Loki’s thousand-year commitment to the horned helmet bit to Apocalypse’s 5,000 years of survival-of-the-fittest cosplay — the multiverses are crowded with characters who could probably qualify for senior discounts ten times over.We’ll cover: 13 Marvel and DC characters with canon ages over 120 yearsThe comic issues and stories that explicitly reveal their birthdates or lifespansWhy immortality sometimes means being bad at skincare, parenting, or just picking a better outfit Whether you’re here for deep lore, weird trivia, or just to hear CiCi dunk on Mystique’s parenting skills, you’ll leave this episode knowing a little more — and upping your nerd cred. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods. 📺 Watch on YouTube @UpYourNerdCredPod. 📲 Follow on Instagram @UpYourNerdCredPod for clips and extras. | |||
| Episode 9: Wanda Maximoff is a GD Mess (part 2) | 01 Aug 2025 | 01:39:40 | |
Welcome to Up Your Nerd Cred! This week, we're wrapping up our two-part special about Wanda Maximoff and the mess that is her life. Sometimes you accidentally manifest children, sometimes it turns out that you're adopted, and sometimes you end up as all three aspects of the triple-headed goddess after you get a little bit killed. But at no time is there an option to be boring. [Side note, there's a brief spoiler-y discussion of Fantastic Four around the 10 minute mark] | |||
| Beyond “Black” and Lightning: Black Heroes Breaking the Trope | UYNC S2 Ep8 | 27 Feb 2026 | 01:23:19 | |
It’s the end of Black History Month and we’re highlighting Black superheroes who don’t rely on lightning powers or “Black” in their codename. From Green Lanterns to War Machine, from Monet St. Croix to Queen Nubia, we’re breaking down the evolution of representation in Marvel and DC — and how modern storytelling is finally letting these characters breathe. Plus: BAFTA controversy, Starfleet Academy queerness, and side-eyeing the BBC. Follow & Support: Show Instagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod Cici: @ciracdavis #BlackSuperheroes, #BlackHistoryMonth, #MarvelComics, #DCComics, #ComicBookPodcast, #GreenLantern, #JohnStewart, #SojournerMullein, #WarMachine, #IsaiahBradley, #MonetStCroix, #Vixen, #Nubia, #RepresentationMatters, #DiversityInComics, #ComicBookCulture, #BAFTAs, #BBCControversy, #RyanCoogler, #JonathanMajors | |||
| Why Black Heroes Are Always Carrying Trauma | Storm, Shuri & the Cost of Being “Strong” | UYNC S2 E7 | 20 Feb 2026 | 01:11:55 | |
What does it cost to always be the strong one? This week, we’re digging into grief, trauma, and emotional resilience across Marvel’s Black heroes — from Luke Cage’s incarceration and invulnerability, to Storm’s claustrophobia and PTSD, to Shuri’s rage on the ancestral plane, to Riri Williams building armor around her grief, and Sam Wilson proving that sometimes the most powerful move isn’t a punch — it’s a conversation. Joined by licensed clinical social worker Dr. Mercedes Samudio, we explore how strength, leadership, and representation intersect with mental wellness — and why Black superheroes are so often expected to carry everything without breaking. We’re talking:
Referenced episode: Guest:
If you have a burning question you want us to discuss so you can up your nerd cred, leave a comment or DM us — we might feature it in an upcoming episode. 🖤⚡ #BlackSuperheroes #Marvel #Storm #Shuri #Ironheart #SamWilson #MentalHealth #XMen97 #BlackNerd #BlackGeekCulture #MarvelTok | |||
| Black Power Ranger or Pink One? Growing Up as the Token Black Girl | UYNC S2 Ep 6 | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:31:49 | |
Were you the Black Power Ranger… or the Pink one? In this solo episode of Up Your Nerd Cred, CiCi dives into what it meant to grow up as the token Black girl in 90s TV friend groups — and the quiet, uncomfortable pressure to “identify correctly.” From Saved by the Bell and Clueless to Daria, Power Rangers, and that infamous “Pretty White Kids with Problems” sketch, we’re talking about:
We also dig into the academic side — from 1970s television shifts to Kimberlé Crenshaw’s definition of intersectionality — and why it's nice to not have to root for everybody Black just because they’re the only one. Revel in the ability to experience both Black excellence and Black mediocrity onscreen without it being the only thing that exists. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @upyournerdcredpod CiCi: @ciracdavis Want solo scripts, behind-the-scenes footage, and bonus content? #UpYourNerdCred, #BlackRepresentation, #TokenCharacter, #Intersectionality, #KimberleCrenshaw, #90sTV, #PowerRangers, #SavedByTheBell, #Clueless, #Daria, #Glee, #BlackWomenInMedia, #NostalgiaTV, #MediaAnalysis, #PopCulturePodcast, #BlackGirlNerd, #FandomCulture, #MarvelFans, #DCFans, #NerdCulture, #BlackVoices, #RepresentationMatters, #TVHistory, #CulturalCritique | |||
| Zero to Hero: The Evolution of the Disney Prince Pt 2 (With Solving for X) | UYNC S2 Ep 5 | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:43:50 | |
We’re back with Part 2 of our deep dive into the Disney Prince pipeline — and this time, things get competitive. CiCi, AM Diaz, and the Solving for X crew finish the conversation by putting these princes to the test: hotness, usefulness, and whether they were wildly out of their league. From Prince Naveen and Flynn Rider to Hercules, Aladdin, and the Beast, we rank, debate, disagree loudly, and absolutely overthink animated men. Along the way, we talk emotional growth, healthy partnerships, why “nice” is not the same as good, and how Disney accidentally taught a generation what to expect (and what not to tolerate) in romance. This episode is opinionated, chaotic, affectionate, and exactly as unserious as ranking fictional princes should be. 👑🔥 Guest IG Handles:Kevin — @kjeezy87 Instagram: @upyournerdcredpod Host: @ciracdavis Support the show / bonus content: #UpYourNerdCred, #UpYourNerdCredPod, #Podcast, #Podcasts, #PodcastLife, #PodcastRecommendations, #NewPodcast, #PopCulturePodcast, #NerdPodcast, #GeekPodcast, #Disney, #DisneyPodcast, #DisneyAdults, #DisneyFans, #DisneyCommunity, #DisneyPrinces, #PrinceCharming, #FlynnRider, #PrinceNaveen, #Kristoff, #LiShang, #Aladdin, #Hercules, #BeautyAndTheBeast, #TheBeast, #Mulan, #Tangled, #PrincessAndTheFrog, #Animation, #AnimatedMovies, #FilmPodcast, #MoviePodcast, #PopCulture, #NerdCulture, #GeekCulture, #QueerNerds, #LGBTQPodcast, #QueerPodcast, #XMenTas, #SolvingForX | |||
| Zero to Hero: The Evolution of the Disney Prince Pt 1 (With Solving for X) | UYNC S2 Ep 4 | 30 Jan 2026 | 01:00:19 | |
This week, we’re stepping outside the Marvel and DC multiverses (just for a minute) to talk about the Disney Princes — and how they evolved from voiceless, last-minute plot devices into fully realized characters with agency, flaws, and emotional growth. Joined by the Solving for X crew, we break down the different eras of Disney princes, what makes a “good” prince versus a functional one, and whether increased involvement actually strengthens (or undermines) the princesses’ agency. From early fairy-tale stand-ins to modern, ride-or-die partners, this conversation goes places. So maybe put some headphones in during the Heated Rivalry discussion... 👀 Guests
Join the Patreon for bonus content, solo scripts, and behind-the-scenes access: Also available in podcast form on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Hashtags#UpYourNerdCred, #UpYourNerdCredPod, #Disney, #DisneyPrinces, #DisneyAdults, #DisneyPodcast, #Podcast, #PopCulturePodcast, #NerdPodcast, #GeekPodcast, #Animation, #DisneyAnimation, #DisneyHistory, #DisneyRenaissance, #Cinderella, #SnowWhite, #SleepingBeauty, #TheLittleMermaid, #Mulan, #HerculesDisney, #Aladdin, #Tangled, #Frozen, #PrinceCharming, #PrinceEric, #PrincePhilip, #FlynnRider, #Kristoff, #PrinceHans, #FilmDiscussion, #AnimationDiscussion | |||
| Saturday Morning Cartoons: The Original Must See TV | UYNC S2 Ep3 | 23 Jan 2026 | 01:03:28 | |
Did you grow up thinking cartoons were just something you watched before going outside—only to realize later they were also 22-minute toy ads wrapped in surprisingly strong moral messaging? This week on Up Your Nerd Cred, CiCi and AM Diaz dive into the cartoon blocks that shaped Gen X and Millennial nerd culture, from the Hanna-Barbera–dominated Saturdays of the 70s and early 80s to the crowded, competitive cartoon ecosystems of the 90s—and finally to the slow decline of Saturday morning cartoons in the early 2000s. We explore:
We also talk about:
If you grew up with cereal bowls, bunny-ear antennas, and strong opinions about which channel you watched on Saturday mornings, this episode is absolutely for you. Follow us📸 Instagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod 💖 Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod #UpYourNerdCred, #SaturdayMorningCartoons, #90sNostalgia, #80sNostalgia, #CartoonHistory, #NerdCulture, #GeekCulture, #ToyCommercials, #HannaBarbera, #FoxKids, #KidsWB, #BatmanTAS, #XMenAnimatedSeries, #Animaniacs, #PowerRangers, #GIJoe, #SheRa, #CareBears, #MillennialNostalgia, #GenXNostalgia, #PopCultureHistory, #ComicBookCulture, #AnimationHistory, #CartoonNetwork, #Nickelodeon | |||
| 22 Minute Toy Ads: Why Gen X and Millennials Nostalgia Game is Strong | UYNC S2 Ep 2 | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:52:50 | |
Did you ever wonder why you still remember cereal mascots, toy commercials, and Saturday morning cartoons with unsettling clarity? In this episode of Up Your Nerd Cred, we break down how entire generations—especially Gen X and Millennials—were deliberately marketed to as children, and how those strategies didn’t just sell toys. They shaped nostalgia, spending habits, and fandom itself. We introduce the concept of “toyetic” media, explore how 1980s deregulation transformed cartoons into sales engines, and examine the psychological tactics—eye contact, scarcity, completionism—that made marketing to children extraordinarily effective. From cereal aisles to toy aisles to long-term IP control, this episode looks at how marketing, psychology, and media converged in ways we’re still reckoning with today. Joining the discussion is Anscia Terelle, marketing strategist and community-builder, to talk about ethical marketing, storytelling, representation, and why legacy marketing institutions left enormous amounts of money on the table by focusing too narrowly on a single demographic for far too long.
The following sources informed the research and discussion in this episode:
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| "To all those who enter here..." The Happiest Place on Earth, with Tiffie Starchild | UYNC S2 E10 | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:53:00 | |
What happens when nerd culture collides with the happiest place on Earth? This week on Up Your Nerd Cred, AM Diaz takes the lead mic while CiCi reacts as the conversation dives into one of the most debated topics in modern fandom: Disneyland. Joined by special guest Tiffi Starchild, the crew explores the culture surrounding Disney parks, the rise of “Disney Adults,” and why places like Disneyland hold such a powerful grip on nerd communities. From theme park fandom to character nostalgia, the discussion looks at how immersive spaces like Disneyland blur the line between entertainment, fandom, and identity—and why so many fans keep coming back. Along the way the group also nerds out about fandom entry points, shared pop-culture memories, and the experiences that turn casual fans into lifelong nerds. Follow Our GuestTiffi Starchild: @tiffistarchild Follow the HostsCiCi: @ciracdavis Instagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod Support the show on Patreon: #UpYourNerdCred, #NerdCulture, #GeekCulture, #PodcastClips, #NerdPodcast, #Disneyland, #DisneyAdults, #DisneyParks, #ThemeParkFans, #FandomCulture, #GeekCommunity, #PopCulturePodcast, #DisneyFans, #NerdCommunity | |||
| The Little Mermaid: A Gay Danish Allegory (Tentacles Optional) | UYNC S2 Ep 9 | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:35:45 | |
The Little Mermaid: A Gay Danish Allegory (Tentacles Optional) | Up Your Nerd Cred Did you know the original version of The Little Mermaid is significantly darker than the Disney classic most of us grew up with? Before Ariel was collecting gadgets and gizmos aplenty, Hans Christian Andersen was writing a story about identity, belonging, and the cost of trying to fit into a world that might never accept you. In this solo episode of Up Your Nerd Cred, CiCi takes a deep dive into the 1837 fairy tale that inspired the Disney Renaissance classic and explores how the story evolved from a tragic Danish allegory into one of the most beloved animated films of all time. We’re talking about the original story, the Disney adaptation, the cultural context around Howard Ashman and the Disney Renaissance, the drag inspiration behind Ursula, and why modern internet discourse about Ariel’s hair color might be missing the point entirely. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UpYourNerdCredPod Follow CiCi: 💥 Support the Pod If you enjoy the show and want to help keep the nerd cred flowing, you can support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod Your support helps keep the show running, improves production quality, and helps us keep diving into the weirdest corners of nerd culture. #LittleMermaid, #DisneyRenaissance, #DisneyHistory, #HansChristianAndersen, #DisneyLore, #QueerSubtext, #FairyTales, #DisneyAnalysis, #Ariel, #Ursula, #HowardAshman, #AlanMenken, #LinManuelMiranda, #DisneyPrincess, #AnimationHistory, #PopCultureAnalysis, #NerdCulture, #NerdPodcast, #UpYourNerdCred | |||
| How to Survive Comic-Con Without Missing Everything (Comic-Con 2: Electric Boogaloo) | UYNC S2 Ep14 | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:49:02 | |
How to Survive Comic-Con Without Missing Everything | UYNC S2 Ep __ What actually happens when you go to a comic convention—and how do you make sure you don’t waste the experience? In Part 2 of our con series, we’re breaking down what it really feels like to step onto the floor of a Comic-Con for the first time. From panels vs the show floor, to the chaos of con lines, to the unspoken rules of cosplay etiquette, this episode is your survival guide to navigating the madness without missing what matters. CiCi turns AM into the “guest expert” to walk through the real con experience—what to prioritize, what to avoid, and why you cannot do everything (no matter how hard you try). Whether you’re planning your first con or you’re a seasoned attendee trying to level up your strategy, this episode will help you walk away feeling like you actually did Comic-Con right. 📍 Follow & Support📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upyournerdcredpod https://www.instagram.com/amdiaz_art/ https://www.instagram.com/ciracdavis/ Want bonus content, behind-the-scenes access, and our upcoming drunk movie nights? | |||
| Cons and Pros: How Comic-Con Built Nerd Culture (Part 1) | UYNC S 2 Ep 13 | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:42:02 | |
This week we're time traveling from early sci-fi meetups and zines to the massive spectacle of modern Comic-Con culture. We’re talking about how fandom sustained itself before the internet, how conventions like San Diego Comic-Con became industry powerhouses, and why studios now treat cons as targeted marketing goldmines. From Hall H reveals to regional cons across the country, this episode dives into how community-driven spaces became global cultural events. And of course, not every con is a success. We’re looking at the logistical chaos behind DashCon and the infamous Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow, where expectations and reality could not have been further apart. Next week, AM Diaz is back to break down what con culture actually feels like from the inside—because there’s a difference between knowing the history and living the experience (especially if it involves a lot of blue paint). Listen & Follow:This show is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other major platforms. Follow the show: Follow CiCi: Follow AM Diaz: Join the Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, solo scripts, and exclusive extras: #comiccon, #sdcc, #nycc, #fandomculture, #nerdculture, #marvel, #dccomics, #hallh, #dashcon, #cosplaylife, #geekculture, #popculturepodcast, #podcastlife, #womeninnerdculture, #fanconventions, #scifi, #comicbooks | |||
| We’ve Been Here the Whole Time: Women in Nerd Culture | UYNC S2 Ep 12 | 30 Mar 2026 | 01:07:21 | |
Who built nerd culture? If you’ve ever been made to feel like women “entered” comics, fandom, or nerd spaces late, this episode is here to gently (and not-so-gently) correct the record. Because women didn’t just show up—we’ve been reading, writing, editing, organizing, and sustaining nerd culture from the beginning. This week, CiCi and AM Diaz dig into the history that gets overlooked, from the rise of romance comics in the 1940s and 50s, to the steady presence of readers who kept shops afloat, to the fandom spaces where women created the stories they weren’t being given. We’re talking about the editors, writers, and fans who helped shape the industry, even when they weren’t centered in it. We also highlight the impact of creators like Naoko Takeuchi, whose work expanded global fandom, and the legacy of Lucille Ball, whose support helped Star Trek become one of the most influential franchises in sci-fi history. And yes—we talk about the “Women in Refrigerators” trope, but more importantly, we look at how women in comics have always been more than just plot devices. This episode is less about “women entering nerd culture” and more about recognizing the people who were always here. Follow the HostsCiCi: @ciracdavis Instagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod Support the show on Patreon: #WomenInComics, #NerdCulture, #ComicsHistory, #WomenInFandom, #SailorMoon, #NaokoTakeuchi, #StarTrek, #LucilleBall, #ArchieComics, #ComicBooks, #GeekCulture, #Fandom, #WomenInGeekCulture, #PopCulturePodcast, #Marvel, #DCComics, #UYNC | |||
| Can a Good Person Be a Good Leader? | UYNC S2 Ep11 | 23 Mar 2026 | 01:04:25 | |
Can a good person actually be a good leader? Or does leadership force people to compromise what makes them “good” in the first place? This week on Up Your Nerd Cred, CiCi is joined by longtime friend Matthew to break down one of the most quietly complicated questions in nerd culture: are great leaders born… or made? From Jean-Luc Picard’s unwavering moral code, to Delenn’s impossible wartime choices, to Faith Lehane learning morality through circumstance—and even Lady Jessica’s role in shaping a destiny that spans generations—we’re asking: Is being “good” enough to make you a good leader? SHOW UPDATE: WE'RE MOVING TO MONDAY MORNING FROM FRIDAY MORNING RELEASES Listen & Follow We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more—just search Up Your Nerd Cred. 📸 Instagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod #NerdCulture, #Marvel, #DCComics, #StarTrek, #Dune, #BuffyTheVampireSlayer, #BlackPanther, #Leadership, #Philosophy, #Fandom, #Comics, #PopCulture, #JeanLucPicard, #LukeCage, #WonderWoman, #UpYourNerdCred | |||