Best Nerd Council Podcasts (2025)

1
Season 7: Episode #008 - The League Of Mentally Disturbed Heroes* 1:30:09

9d ago1:30:09

1:30:09

We’re diving into Marvel’s latest release: Thunderbolts*...Sorry, The New Avengers! With a line-up of former villains, antiheroes, and fan-favourites like Bucky, Yelena, and Red Guardian, we’re asking: is this Marvel’s answer to the Suicide Squad — or something entirely different? Does this film hold up to the rest of Phase 5? What does the formati…

1
NEWS: Wheel of Time, Black Panther, and Elden Ring Nightreign 18:42

3d ago18:42

18:42

This week in PREVIOUSLY ON! Jason and Joelle react to Amazon’s decision to cancel the Wheel of Time after season 3, Electronic Arts cancelling the Black Panther game, and Chris Hemsworth’s mysterious “Tribute to Thor” video. Plus, George RR Martin blog updates and reactions to Elden Ring Nightreign and its final trailer featuring Evanescence. Follo…

1
Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Reactions 1:16:58

4d ago1:16:58

1:16:58

We need to talk about Ethan Hunt, one last time. Jason and Rosie are suiting up in their high tech dive suits and diving so deep (like Sevastopol levels of deep) with their reactions to Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning. Were the set pieces enough? Do we care about Gabriel as a villain? Was it worth it for Jason to see this movie in 4DX? Plus…

1
The GOP war on direct democracy 55:13

2d ago55:13

55:13

Republicans have been trying to make it harder for ordinary citizens to effect change at the ballot box for many years, and their latest effort has now washed ashore in the Sunshine State. This week on The Downballot podcast, Amy Keith, the executive director of Common Cause Florida, joins us to explain how a new GOP bill would impose wild new rest…

1
The Council of Jackson Hole: The Last of Us s2 Roundtable! Pt. 2 53:29

5d ago53:29

53:29

Hey! You can watch this episode on YouTube! Jason and Rosie are inviting the council of Jackson Hole (Producers: Aaron and Joelle) to discuss the finale episodes of The Last of Us season 2. Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy …

1
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7 40:56

8d ago40:56

40:56

Jason and Rosie make their way to the aquarium to recap the powerful and frustrating finale of The Last of Us season two! They discuss where the show might go in future seasons, and how it will handle adapting the rest of the game. Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discor…

1
News: Jurassic Park Trailer Reactions, Marvel Schedule Changes, and George R. R. Martin Reaches Elite Level of Procrastination 13:15

9d ago13:15

13:15

Rosie and Jason saw the mutated dinosaurs and are ready for more Jurassic Park. George R. R. Martin found yet another project that deserves more attention than The Winds of Winter. To be fair, a "reimagining of the... 12 labors of Hercules, transports the mythic tale to 1920s Mississippi, where Hercules is re-envisioned as a former sharecropper fig…

1
Sinners and Final Destination - Popcorn Popout 48:24

11d ago48:24

48:24

Jason and Rosie are finally sinking their teeth into the movie of the year, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners! Plus, Jason's omnibus takes us even deeper into the history of the Choctaw–Irish bond from famine to Sinners. Then, Rosie sits down with the directors of Final Destination: Bloodlines, Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, to dissect some of the best horror …

1
How MA AG Andrea Campbell is fighting Trump 42:18

9d ago42:18

42:18

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has an extraordinary story to tell, and she's sharing it with us on this week's edition of The Downballot podcast. Despite an early life dominated by tragedy, including the death of her twin brother while incarcerated, Campbell rose to become the state's top law enforcement official. She explains how s…

1
Mission: Impossible Franchise Speed Recap 26:08

12d ago26:08

26:08

Your mission, should you choose to accept, is to join us for Jason’s high speed recap of the Mission: Impossible franchise as we prepare for Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. This podcast will self destruct in 5 seconds… Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord …

1
Vitalerium Unveiled: World-Building, Adaptation, and the Journey from Page to Panel 1:52:11

10d ago1:52:11

1:52:11

Vitalerium Unveiled: World-Building, Adaptation, and the Journey from Page to Panel | Podcast Interview Join us for an in-depth conversation exploring the making of Vitalerium: Descent Into the Void, a sci-fi epic that bridges the gap between prose and sequential storytelling. In this episode, we dive into the origins of the Vitalerium universe, th…

1
The Empire Strikes Back and Revenge of the Sith: A Star Wars Anniversary Round Table 43:39

14d ago43:39

43:39

Never tell me the odds. Jason and Rosie are joined by Joelle as the gang breaks out the lightsabers and carbonite to celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back and the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith. Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See om…

1
The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 6 39:35

15d ago39:35

39:35

It’s a bottle episode! Joel is back! Backstory time! Jason and Rosie recap episode 6 of season 2 of The Last of Us, and we finally learn just how far you can push the bounds of a patient-therapist relationship, and still not be fired by your therapist. Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join th…

1
NEWS: Superman, Ironheart, and Murderbot 45:23

17d ago45:23

45:23

This week in PREVIOUSLY ON! Jason and Rosie break down the trailers for Superman and Ironheart, Krysten Ritter's return to the role of Jessica Jones, and Rosie interviews the showrunners and cast of Apple TV's Murderbot! Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnys…

1
Andor Season 2 (Episodes 10-12) Roundtable (w/ Escape Hatch pod) 1:12:35

18d ago1:12:35

1:12:35

Hey! You can watch this episode on YouTube! Jason and Rosie welcome the Jedi Council (Plus Haitch from Escape Hatch pod!) to discuss the finale episodes of Andor season 2, as well as the entire series. And for the final showdown, producer Aaron joins to share his thoughts. Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision…

1
Another huge Dem flip 49:18

17d ago49:18

49:18

After bursting onto the scene as the newest swing state just a few years ago, Georgia will be a top battleground in next year's midterms up and down the ballot. Joining us on this week's episode of The Downballot podcast is Charlie Bailey, the new chair of the Georgia Democratic Party, to share his insights on 2026. Bailey tells us about the most c…

1
Andor Season 2 (Episodes 10-12) Recap 1:04:11

20d ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Jason and Rosie recap the stunning conclusion of Andor season two and share their theories on the truth behind one hidden character. Jason’s Movie List: Andor Season 2 Syllabus, or How to Resist an Empire Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnystudio.com…

1
The Council of Jackson Hole: The Last of Us s2 Roundtable! Pt. 1 59:13

21d ago59:13

59:13

Hey! You can watch this episode on YouTube! Jason and Rosie gather the Council of Jackson Hole (Producers: Aaron, Carmen, and Joelle) to discuss the first 5 episodes of The Last of Us season 2. We’re starting out with the big questions, would you have survived to Jackson? Or become infected right away? And asking the hard questions, is 7 episodes e…

1
The Last of Us Episode 5, “Feel Her Love” 43:40

22d ago43:40

43:40

Ellie and Dina are out and about in Seattle, looking for trouble! Meanwhile the W.L.F and Seraphites duke it out and the hospital is on top of a giant mushroom breeding ground!! Why is no one talking about this!? Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnystudio.co…

1
NEWS: Marvel movie casting rumors, new trailers for GTA VI and The Long Walk! 14:31

24d ago14:31

14:31

This week in PREVIOUSLY ON! Jason and Rosie are hitting the latest trailers for GTA VI and the newest Stephen King adaptation “The Long Walk”, then we’re talking Marvel casting rumors babyyyy, new director for a new X-Men, new cast rumors, and a legend is confirmed to join the latest Tom Holland Spidey movie. Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie…

1
Ben Lacy Talks Samson #2 – Indie Comic, Revenge, & Kickstarter Reveal! 1:01:36

25d ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In this episode of the United States Department of Nerds (USDN), we sit down with indie comic creator Ben Lacy to dive into his latest Kickstarter project — Samson #2. This isn’t your typical superhero tale. Samson is a gritty blend of revenge, war, and horror set in an alternate-history world that challenges the boundaries of comic storytelling. 🎙…

1
Andor Season 2 (Episodes 7-9) Roundtable 1:20:56

25d ago1:20:56

1:20:56

Jason and Rosie are joined once again by the Jedi Council to dive deeper into the third batch of episodes in Andor season two. And Emperor Aaron joins again for a face-off against the Council. Jason’s Movie List: Andor Season 2 Syllabus, or How to Resist an Empire Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision o…

1
Democracy prevails in North Carolina 50:53

24d ago50:53

50:53

At long, long, long last, Republicans have abandoned their effort to overturn the election for North Carolina's Supreme Court—which took place all the way back in November. We've closely followed every twist and turn, so naturally we're exploring what it all means, both for Democrats and democracy, on this week's episode of The Downballot podcast. …

1
Andor Season 2 (Episodes 7-9) Recap 1:02:31

27d ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Jason and Rosie take center stage at the Galactic Senate to recap the third batch of episodes in Andor season two. Jason’s Movie List: Andor Season 2 Syllabus, or How to Resist an Empire Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…

1
The Last of Us Episode 4, “Day One” 33:18

28d ago33:18

33:18

Things are getting very video gamey over on The Last of Us season 2, Jason and Rosie are recapping the episode and discussing their feelings. Is the show doing more than the games? Do we prefer action-heavy episodes that feel like a game or emotion-driven episodes that help us connect with the characters? Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Ro…

1
Thunderbolts*: Who's This Old Santa? 45:12

29d ago45:12

45:12

So we all just punch and shoot? Jason and Rosie are here to review Marvel's newest movie, Thunderbolts*! Their reactions to the action set pieces, the cast of characters (at least the ones that stick around), and the most intriguing Marvel post credits scene in quite some time. And Bob. Then, they bring in Aaron and Abu who continue their streak of…

1
NEWS: Chris Claremont Reveals Cast Line-Up for Doomsday Before Grand Theft Auto VI Dropped 18:25

1M ago18:25

18:25

Grand Theft Auto VI finally gets a release date, opening the way for an interesting game of the year run. The release of Thunderbolts* won't stop the Titanic (the great movie, not the oceanic tragedy) run at the box office. Comics creator Chris Claremont reveals a lot of behind the scenes casting rumors around Doomsday. Follow Jason: twitter.com/ne…

1
Andor Season 2 (Episodes 4-6) Roundtable 1:05:18

1M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

Jason and Rosie are joined once again by the Jedi Council to dive deeper into the second batch of episodes in Andor season two. And this time, notable Rogue One hater Aaron joins for a face-off against the Council. Jason’s Movie List: Andor Season 2 Syllabus, or How to Resist an Empire Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd…

1
GOP implosion in Virginia 53:18

1M ago53:18

53:18

The Virginia GOP is in the midst of a meltdown after the state's governor demanded a fellow Republican running for lieutenant governor quit the race—even though he's the only candidate running. We're examining the mess on this week's episode of The Downballot podcast, as well as another big story out of the Old Dominion: longtime Democratic Rep. Ge…

1
Who Are The Thunderbolts*? 42:18

1M ago42:18

42:18

Whether you joined us for this months book club or not, Jason and Rosie are going to make sure you’re prepared going in to your screening of Thunderbolts* this weekend! Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Andor Season 2 (Episodes 4-6) Recap 1:05:34

1M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Podcasting is not for the sane! Jason and Rosie go undercover on Ghormam to recap the second batch of episodes in Andor season two. Jason’s Movie List: Andor Season 2 Syllabus, or How to Resist an Empire Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnystudio.com/…

1
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3: "The Path" 53:40

1M ago53:40

53:40

Jason and Rosie continue with their coverage of The Last of Us season 2, Ellie sets out on her own with Dina in episode 3, “The Path”. How are we feeling now that Joel is gone? Our hosts discuss all that, and more. Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omny…

1
NEWS: Predator is BACK, Sinners' big box office part 2, Protect the Dolls from that heinous loser AND George RR Martin's life curse? 18:33

1M ago18:33

18:33

Jason and Rosie are talking about the return of the Predator franchise and possible crossover with Alien, Ryan Coogler owns Sinners in 25 years, Pedro Pascal calls it like he sees it: “Heinous loser behaviour” from the wicked witch of the UK and George RR Martin reminds us that he’s still working on his book “Winds of Winter”, despite it being his …

1
Andor Season 2 (Episodes 1-3) Roundtable 1:10:54

1M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Jason and Rosie are joined by Joelle and Abu to dive even deeper into the first three episodes of Andor season two. Jason’s Movie List: Andor Season 2 Syllabus, or How to Resist an Empire Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

1
Our must-have new data set is here! 42:22

1M ago42:22

42:22

The Downballot is thrilled to announce the publication of the newest edition of our most widely used—and beloved—set of data: our calculations of the 2024 presidential election results for all 435 congressional districts. Naturally, we're talking all about it on this week's edition of our podcast, including why it's such a herculean undertaking and…

1
Thunderbolts #1 - Background and Book Club 19:26

1M ago19:26

19:26

With the Avengers gone, the world needs new heroes to protect it. Enter…the Thunderbolts! Jason and Rosie dive into the comics debut of the Thunderbolts, 1997’s “Justice…Like Lighting!” Whether you haven’t read the issue and want to know what you’re missing, or you already read it and want to dive deeper into how the comic might influence the upcom…

1
Andor Season 2 (Episodes 1-3) Recap 51:36

1M ago51:36

51:36

Welcome to this Chandrilan wedding, where Jason and Rosie will be giving a toast about the first three episodes of Andor season two! They break down the plight of Cassian and his rebel friends and admire the splendor of a traditional Chandrilan wedding. Sure does look like the most expensive Star Wars production! Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk F…

1
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2: “Through the Valley” 44:55

1M ago44:55

44:55

Everybody ring the bell, because we’re diving into the heartbreaking second episode of the Last of Us Season 2. Jason and Rosie recap the big Jackson Hole set piece, our emotional whiplash with Abby, and compare how the show and game treated this episode’s big plot point. So strap on a flamethrower and let’s get ready to feel all the complicated fe…

1
Season 7: Episode #007 - "THINK, MARK!" 1:30:36

1M ago1:30:36

1:30:36

This week on The Nerd Council, we’re diving into all three seasons of Invincible, breaking down the most jaw-dropping moments, standout character arcs, and the show's evolving themes. From the iconic train scene and Omni-Man’s brutal betrayal to the chaos of the Mark War and the blood-soaked battle with Conquest, we explore how Mark Grayson has gro…

1
NEWS: Gosling Joins Star Wars Celebration, Marvel Trailer Reactions, Mario Kart Direct, and Sinners Spoiler-Free Review 26:22

1M ago26:22

26:22

There's an avalanche of trailers right before we kick off the IP-Appocalypse. Jason and Rosie react to Thunderbolts, Fantastic 4, and 28 Years Later's most recent trailer drops. Plus, what did we learn in Nintendo's Mario Kart Direct and the first day of Star Wars Celebration? Finally, Joelle and Rosie react to Ryan Coogler's masterpiece, Sinners. …

1
Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 Finale 58:15

2M ago58:15

58:15

Wilson Fisk makes his big move, Matt reunites with old allies, and New York’s secrets come to light. Jason and Rosie are here to share their thoughts on the finale of Daredevil: Born Again’s first season! The Fisks are certified freaks, Matt’s listening to heartbeats, and most of the side characters kind of…stay on the side. Then Joelle and Aaron j…

1
WaPo's Philip Bump nerds out on data 47:12

2M ago47:12

47:12

Philip Bump, for many years an important voice at the Washington Post, joins us on this week's episode of The Downballot podcast to share our mutual love of nerding out on numbers. Philip explains how he translates abstract data for a broad audience, going into detail on some surprising findings regarding turnout and special elections. He also expl…

1
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 53:16

2M ago53:16

53:16

Jason and Rosie recap the first episode of The Last of Us season two, breaking down how utterly dysfunctional Jackson, Wyoming is, Joel’s parenting struggles, and how the show diverges from the game. Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnystudio.com/list…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Nerd Council Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen