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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/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more Want bonus content, behind-the-scenes access, and our upcoming drunk movie nights? Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod

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: Instagram: @upyournerdcredpod Follow CiCi: @ciracdavis Follow AM Diaz: @amdiazart Support the Pod:Join the Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, solo scripts, and exclusive extras: https://www.patreon.com/UpYourNerdCredPod Hashtags:#comiccon, #sdcc, #nycc, #fandomculture, #nerdculture, #marvel, #dccomics, #hallh, #dashcon, #cosplaylife, #geekculture, #popculturepodcast, #podcastlife, #womeninnerdculture, #fanconventions, #scifi, #comicbooks

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 AM Diaz: @amdiaz Follow the ShowInstagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod #WomenInComics, #NerdCulture, #ComicsHistory, #WomenInFandom, #SailorMoon, #NaokoTakeuchi, #StarTrek, #LucilleBall, #ArchieComics, #ComicBooks, #GeekCulture, #Fandom, #WomenInGeekCulture, #PopCulturePodcast, #Marvel, #DCComics, #UYNC

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? Or does power always demand something more… or something worse? 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 🎙️ CiCi: @ciracdavis 🎨 AM Diaz: @amdiazart #NerdCulture, #Marvel, #DCComics, #StarTrek, #Dune, #BuffyTheVampireSlayer, #BlackPanther, #Leadership, #Philosophy, #Fandom, #Comics, #PopCulture, #JeanLucPicard, #LukeCage, #WonderWoman, #UpYourNerdCred

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 AM Diaz: @amdiaz Follow the ShowInstagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod #UpYourNerdCred, #NerdCulture, #GeekCulture, #PodcastClips, #NerdPodcast, #Disneyland, #DisneyAdults, #DisneyParks, #ThemeParkFans, #FandomCulture, #GeekCommunity, #PopCulturePodcast, #DisneyFans, #NerdCommunity

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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UpYourNerdCredPod Follow CiCi: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciracdavis 💥 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

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 Patreon: patreon.com/upyournerdcredpod Cici: @ciracdavis A.M. Diaz: @AMDiazArt #BlackSuperheroes, #BlackHistoryMonth, #MarvelComics, #DCComics, #ComicBookPodcast, #GreenLantern, #JohnStewart, #SojournerMullein, #WarMachine, #IsaiahBradley, #MonetStCroix, #Vixen, #Nubia, #RepresentationMatters, #DiversityInComics, #ComicBookCulture, #BAFTAs, #BBCControversy, #RyanCoogler, #JonathanMajors

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: Prison trauma and Black masculinity in Luke CageStorm’s depowerment and trauma responseShuri’s grief and ancestral disconnectionRiri Williams, adultification, and intellectualized copingSam Wilson, imposter syndrome, and therapy as heroismReferenced episode: X-Men ’97 — Season 1, Episode 6: “Lifedeath – Part 2” (Storm’s depowerment arc and trauma response storyline) Guest: Dr. Mercedes Samudio Licensed Clinical Social Worker Instagram: @dr.mercedessamudio Pod Socials: @UpYourNerdCredPod Hosts: @ciracdavis, @AMDiazArt 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

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: The scarcity mindset of representationBeing assigned a character because you were the only Black girlFeeling guilty for not liking “your” characterThe difference between Black-led shows and token inclusionWhy intersectionality matters in media and real lifeWe 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 AM Diaz: @amdiazart Want solo scripts, behind-the-scenes footage, and bonus content? Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/UpYourNerdCredPod #UpYourNerdCred, #BlackRepresentation, #TokenCharacter, #Intersectionality, #KimberleCrenshaw, #90sTV, #PowerRangers, #SavedByTheBell, #Clueless, #Daria, #Glee, #BlackWomenInMedia, #NostalgiaTV, #MediaAnalysis, #PopCulturePodcast, #BlackGirlNerd, #FandomCulture, #MarvelFans, #DCFans, #NerdCulture, #BlackVoices, #RepresentationMatters, #TVHistory, #CulturalCritique

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 Shawney — @shawneyhavok Ryan — @ryeorio Solving for X — @solvingforx.xmen.tas Follow the PodInstagram: @upyournerdcredpod Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Watch on YouTube. Host: @ciracdavis Co-host: @amdiazart Support the show / bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/UpYourNerdCredPod Hashtags#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

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... 👀 GuestsKevin: https://www.instagram.com/kjeezy87/Shawney: https://www.instagram.com/shawneyhavok/Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/ryeorio/Solving for X Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforx.xmen.tas/HostsUp Your Nerd Cred Pod: https://www.instagram.com/upyournerdcredpod/CiCi: https://www.instagram.com/ciracdavis/AM Diaz: https://www.instagram.com/amdiazart/Support the ShowJoin the Patreon for bonus content, solo scripts, and behind-the-scenes access: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod 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

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: How Saturday morning cartoon blocks were structured across ABC, CBS, Fox Kids, Kids’ WB, and cableWhy opportunity cost mattered when you could only watch one network at a timeHow deregulation helped turn cartoons into toy-driven storytelling machinesThe difference between Disney’s family-friendly blocks, Fox Kids’ action-heavy lineup, and Kids’ WB’s Looney-Tunes-coded chaosWhy shows like X-Men, Batman: The Animated Series, Animaniacs, and Power Rangers hit differently depending on where you watched themHow reruns, VCRs, and eventually the internet reshaped how kids consumed mediaWe also talk about: Hanna-Barbera’s massive cultural influence—and why it eventually fadedWhy cartoon morals were sometimes subtle… and sometimes aggressively obviousHow shows like G.I. Joe, He-Man, She-Ra, and Care Bears shaped how entire generations think about justice, power, and protecting othersWhy nostalgia for these cartoons still hits so hard—and why it keeps getting rebootedIf 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 🎙️ CiCi: @ciracdavis 🎨 AM Diaz: @AMDiazArt Support the pod💖 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

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. Find Us OnlineInstagram: @upyournerdcredpodCici: @ciracdavisAnscia Terrelle :@ansciaterelleSources & Further ReadingThe following sources informed the research and discussion in this episode: Lundy, Jonathan (2021). Toying with Identity: Adult Toy Collectors, Material Fandom, and Generational Media Audiences. Drexel University Dissertation https://researchdiscovery.drexel.edu/esploro/outputs/doctoral/Toying-with-Identity/991016053429804721/filesAndLinks?index=0Hastings Communications & Entertainment Law Journal — Children, Advertising, and Regulation https://repository.uclawsf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1450&context=hastings_comm_ent_law_journalAmerican Psychological Association — Advertising to Children https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/advertising-children.pdfHistory.com — How 1980s Deregulation Turned Cartoons into Toy Ads https://www.history.com/articles/80s-cartoons-toy-ads-deregulationCornell Food & Brand Lab (2014) — Eye Contact, Trust, and Cereal Mascots https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2419182 #UpYourNerdCred, #MarketingPsychology, #Toyetic, #MediaStudies, #NostalgiaMarketing, #80sCartoons, #90sKids, #MillennialCulture, #GenX, #PopCultureAnalysis, #AdvertisingHistory, #FandomCulture, #MediaLiteracy, #RepresentationMatters, #MarketingNerds

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

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 CoverBarry Allen’s return and why it destabilizes the DC timeline (again)Flashpoint and the catastrophic butterfly effectWhy the New 52 erased legacy heroes — and why that failedWally West being written out of existenceTrauma, memory, and identity in DC RebirthThe Speed Force as connection, not just powerSanctuary and why Heroes in Crisis remains controversialWally West’s return — and why it works emotionallyBart Allen, Young Justice, and generational restorationAce West and what it means to inherit a stabilized Flash legacy Up Your Nerd Cred is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Instagram: @UpYourNerdCredPod CiCi: @ciracdavis AM: @AMDiazArt Support the pod on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/UpYourNerdCredPod #UpYourNerdCred, #TheFlash, #DCComics, #Flashpoint, #DCRebirth, #New52, #WallyWest, #BarryAllen, #JayGarrick, #BartAllen, #AceWest, #SpeedForce, #ComicsPodcast, #NerdPodcast, #ComicBookLore, #SuperheroLegacy, #Multiverse, #TimelineChaos, #DCMultiverse