The Nerdologues

Meredith discovered the world of Jane Austen's novels in college and has since reread them many times over in addition to listening to them as audiobooks and rewatching the film/TV adaptations (at least the ones she likes).

The only way the season could end! Guests JB Anderton, Dean Neilly, and Rachel Pitt join Lauren and Eric to discuss a wide swath of holiday traditions and their media representation against the backdrop of one of the most infamous entries in the He-Man/She-Ra canon. Skeletor has his Grinch moment, Horde helicopters take dubious shapes (we’ll talk about it!), and Prince Adam denies the War on Christmas. This was a nice time. Recorded live at the Cards Against Humanity Theater, and we also had punch & pie, so it’s a little looser than normal. Be warned.

Finally, Bill and Spencer hosted a Starting Strength seminar at their gym, Kratos Strength Training in Evanston, Illinois. First, Matt Reynolds comes by to plug the Starting Strength online coaching model. And then the founder of Starting Strength himself, Mark Rippetoe, swings by to talk all things strength.

Bill and Bryan and joined by their better halves, Maggie and Shelly, to discuss their experiences training as couples as well as strength training for women.

Lauren finally gets to meet one of She-Ra’s colorful friends as we travel to Frosta’s Kingdom of Snows for a brewing conflict with the Selkies over some Horde trickery. Russia’s on the table, and so is the hilarious incompetence of Multi-Bot. With special guest Sean Kelley from Improvised Star Trek!

Powerlifter Pete Radlowski joins Bill and Bryan to talk about losing weight but still gaining strength. Plus, Starting Strength Coach Niki Sims joins to discuss plateauing and “The Boyfriend Problem.”

This week, we’re finally talking about an issue that is (mostly) bipartisan – animal rights! We’ve got special guest zoo professional Jon Meisenbach to share his thoughts on the Horde’s attempted conquering of Unicorn Island, and Lauren and Eric gush about their dogs a lot.

The Whispering Woods is broken and so is the way we think about caring for people. This week, Dr. Adam Del Conte joins Lauren and Eric to talk about access to healthcare, how environmentalism relates to well-being, and meeting the real She-Ra (almost definitely).

Powerlifter, coach, and Bill’s little brother Steve joins Bill, Spencer, and Bryan to talk about weigh gain, weight loss, and whether anyone can truly out train a bad diet.

This week, the Rebels find a friend in an unlikely place, and Lauren and Eric discuss the potentials and limits of finding real-life allies from across the aisle. Is John McCain an actual General Sundar? Eh, maybe! Roy Moore definitely isn’t.