Nerd Alert Girls

The Nerd Alert Girls are celebrating 5 years and 124 episodes (and counting) of podcasting! Bridgette, Caroline, and Genn discuss our superhero origin stories as Marvel fans, how the podcast first came to be, and our favorite podcast episodes. We've always been a character-driven podcast, and we're leaning into that more than ever with our anniversary episode! We share who we would invite to our Marvel dinner party and give yearbook awards to our favorite characters - from best all-around, to cutest couple, to best hair. 

Timestamps:

0:00 - Our origin stories as fans and as a podcast

25:58 - What are our top podcast episodes?

33:55 - Who are our Marvel dinner party guests?

51:13 - Which actors do we want to show up next in Marvel?

1:03:04 - Our Marvel Yearbook Awards

1:44:40 - Final comments and the future of the podcast

We came, we saw, and we loved it. The Nerd Alert Girls finished watching Marvel’s Echo and have MUCH to discuss. This phenomenal show runs the gamut: healing from generational trauma, struggling with estranged family members, and coming into one’s own power. Listen as Bridgette, Genn, and Caroline applaud Alaqua Cox's performance as Maya Lopez, gripe about the Kingpin's roach-like ability to survive anything, and more.

Learn more about Echo:

Headlines are shouting that “The Marvels” was a box office bomb - but what’s going on under the surface? Are the latest Marvel movies and shows as bad as some YouTubers would have us believe? How are the casual Marvel fans looking at the time commitment of a TV show? The Nerd Alert Girls discuss how the pandemic, franchise fatigue, and over-saturation has changed the Marvel landscape since Avengers: Endgame dropped in 2019. We also talk more broadly about the future of Disney and film at large.

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Bridgette, Jenn, and Caroline put on their thinking caps for season 2 of Marvel’s What If…? We hypothesize about who the big bad is this time (Hela and Odin evil duo, anyone?) and discuss Captain Carter’s role as a multiversal protagonist. We also talk about the MCU’s introduction of the Native American character Kahhori.

We have a few ideas (some more lighthearted than others) for a season of What If…? What would yours be?

The Echo trailer has dropped and the Nerd Alert Girls have thoughts and feelings about this! Listen as Bridgette and Genn are joined by the Sorceress Supreme Caroline in theorizing what the premiere of Echo will mean for the MCU and what could possibly happen with BAMF Maya Lopez and the terrifying, unkillable Wilson Fisk. 

While the Nerd Alert Girls were less than impressed with season one of Loki, season two managed to turn things around in thrilling (and devastating) ways! Is a Loki always destined to lose? What is the true meaning of “glorious purpose”? What makes a person’s love selfish or selfless? As we review season two, we grapple with these questions, make many Marvel and other movie references, and gush a totally normal amount about O.B. and Mobius.

Read the behind-the-scenes content for Loki on Marvel’s blog:

Time to coo about Kamala Khan and bring out the soap box! Marvel marks a first with three female characters leading the film... and the lowest box office opening weekend yet. We discuss the nuances of theater-going in the real world before diving into The Marvels - a delightful film that almost seems afraid of how charming it could be. We’ll talk about the hilarious parts, the heartwarming parts, and the parts that left us scratching our heads. Basically, the MCU needs to commit to the bit... and let the Flerkens eat you.

Watch the final trailer for The Marvels that Bridgette rants about at the end: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwmDH12MAA4

Congrats to SAG-AFTRA for getting the win! Appreciate the folks who make the art you love!

In the midst of the devastating war in Gaza, we at Nerd Alert Girls hope you can take the time to check in with your Jewish and Palestinian friends and stand against both antisemitism and Islamaphobia.

Bridgette and Genn review Jason Reynolds’ sequel book “Miles Morales Suspended.” We discuss Reynolds’ experimentation with poetry and prose, Zeke Peña’s illustrations, and how termites become a potent commentary about book bans. Bridgette also shares about the time she met Reynolds and why he’s the perfect author for Spider-Man and for Miles Morales.

I am Groot, you are Groot, we are Groot. I Am Groot is a delightful Marvel series of shorts about Baby Groot’s childhood antics, and it is an absolute treat. Bridgette and Genn discuss and coo over the show, chuckle at its cleverness, and make some surprising connections that heal the battered souls still reeling from Ultron and Thanos. Groot is the Chosen One (as he should be), and this is a miniseries you can't miss!

If anything can lift our Marvel spirits after Secret Invasion, it’s The Marvels! Genn and Bridgette hypothesize about the villain, the tension between Carol and Maria, and whether Secret Invasion will play as much of a role in this film’s plot as we had originally thought. We also squee about how adorable Kamala is as always, and Bridgette doubly squees at the K-Drama crossover with South Korean actor Park Seo-joon on the cast.

Secret Invasion was the mystery meat of the MCU: you don't know what's in it or where it came from...all you know is that it's janky. Listen as Bridgette and the Sorceress Supreme Caroline break down why Secret Invasion flopped and how some characters were done so dirty. In addition to the slog of a plot, the villain was worse than a ficus, Nick Fury’s motivations were vague, and there were so many missed opportunities. Watch the show, if you dare...

Miles vs. Miguel; Spider-Man vs. The Spot; Fate vs. free will; Spider-people vs. tragedy; Miguel vs. chill... Across the Spider-Verse has all this and more. Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and Peter B. Parker are reunited in the all-new movie as they go head-to-head with Spider-Man 2099, who's convinced that his way is best and that Miles doesn't belong (which, how dare he!). Listen as Genn and Bridgette lose their minds and hearts over this movie and delve into what it could mean for Beyond the Spider-Verse.

Once again, the Guardians prove that a small-scale, deeply personal conflict can feel as high-stakes as a space battle. We’re concluding the trilogy with laughs, tears, and all the feels—but did we expect anything less? Bridgette and Genn discuss Rocket’s rise as a protagonist and leader, Peter getting closure about Gamora, and why the High Evolutionary is such an effective villain. 

From Black Widow to Wakanda Forever and from WandaVision to She-Hulk, Marvel's Phase 4 has been a wild ride. Between the lack of "evil ficus" villains to the darker themes to the excessive hate toward a certain female-led property, Genn and Caroline tackle Phase 4's impact, their surprise favorites, and what everything could mean for Phase 5.

If you need a refresher on Phase 4: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe:_Phase_Four

Before she was Captain Carter, her name was simply… Agent. From her first appearance on Captain America: The First Avenger, Peggy Carter been a fan favorite and a groundbreaking female character that breaks free of the “love interest” archetype. Today, Caroline and Bridgette revisit how the Agent Carter television series fleshed out her character alongside an eclectic, multifaceted cast and explored complex themes of war, grief, and what it means to be a woman in the past and present. Additionally, Bridgette shares her wild theory about how Bradley Whitford’s character Flynn could hint at What If? continuing the plot threads left behind by the Agent Carter season three that never came to be.

It's been a spell, but the Nerd Alert Girls are here to discuss Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania! With the gorgeous visuals, the cosmic cockroaches, and the sober Valkyrie, we have much to say about Scott Lang's quasi-retirement as an Avenger and journey into the Quantum Realm. And then there's Kang...

As usual, the Guardians of the Galaxy know how to give you a deep belly laugh and an emotional gut punch at the same time. Bridgette and Genn discuss this rousing spoof of Christmas and the legendary Kevin Bacon as well as family themes, Mantis’ burgeoning powers, and Yondu the Blue Grinch.

Outro Music: “Jingle Bells Rock - Energetic Positive Upbeat Happy Christmas Party” by SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras

Bridgette discusses local Native American history and land acknowledgments, followed by a review of Indigenous author Rebecca Roanhorse’s take on Maya “Echo” Lopez in her comic series Phoenix Song: Echo. We look forward to seeing more of Echo in her upcoming TV series!

Learning resources about the Gabrielino-Tongva and Kizh peoples:

Wakanda Forever reigns true, and so does the Nerd Alert Girls podcast! Listen as Bridgette and Genn talk about honoring Chadwick Boseman and T'Challa's legacy, Namor seeking an evil queen, and Shuri channeling her inner Inigo Montoya. We delve into how grief manifests for different characters (and for us as viewers) and what's next for Wakanda. Seriously, folks: this was one of Marvel's best (as long as you don't think too hard about that mid-credits scene...)

Get in the spooky spirit with Caroline for a mini episode about the history of monster movies and horror comics leading up to Marvel’s Werewolf by Night. Happy Halloween, fellow nerds!

Join Latina co-hosts Bridgette and Genn for a special edition of Nerd Alert Niñas in honor of Latinx Heritage Month! We break down some Latinx characters in the MCU (including the Netflix shows and Agents of SHIELD’s Slingshot miniseries). Bridgette also discusses how Frederick Luis Aldama’s book Latinx Superheroes in Mainstream Comics takes a scholarly look at Latinx representation, from the good to the bad to the stereotypes. Unfortunately, the MCU is lacking Latinx characters, so we urge them to do and be better, and for you, our dear listeners, to educate yourselves. Salud!

She-Hulk episode 1 was just full of delight and soapboxes worthy of being stood on. Yup, we Nerd Alert Girls approve! Listen as Bridgette, Genn (Not Walters), and Sorceress Supreme Caroline talk about how "A Normal Amount of Anger" was more than just a normal amount of fun! We got to talk about Steve (of course), what it means to be a woman, and what it means to be a hero. So far so good, Marvel.

Listen as Genn and Bridgette go over the Ms. Marvel finale and gush about how far Kamala Khan has come. The DoDC were a racist nuisance, but justice was promptly served through the power of community and friendship... although we're still wondering if this is really the last we'll hear of Deever - or Karam's mother Najma for that matter. And let's not forget about that mid-credits scene! Manifesting works, people!

Logic and emotional impact...where art thou? The question that Bridgette and Genn ask after watching Thor: Love and Thunder. Listen as we dissect the latest Thor movie - from the hilarious(?) hijinks to the meaning of love to Jane's stint as a superhero - and try to figure out why Ragnorak is still the superior Thor movie. Not that we didn't enjoy ourselves! It's just...the script needed just one more revision by a script doctor (Caroline, where you at?!). But, some excellent high points include Christian Bale being Christian Bale, the visual effects, the acting, and a Ted Lasso cameo that left Bridgette screaming in the theater.

Time for a double-episode review as Kamala’s family history is finally revealed! Bridgette and Genn discuss the intergenerational mother-daughter relationships and how the India-Pakistan Partition changed the Khan family forever. We also hypothesize about how a certain someone may be taking over Kamran’s subconscious, affectionally roll our eyes at a third(!) love interest, and try not to think too hard about time loops.

Hello fellow nerds, and welcome to another segment of Ms. Marvel! This episode had oodles of action, wedding fun, and Genn finally eating her Kamram Karrots and admitting he's not so bad - all of which Bridgette thoroughly enjoyed. Listen as we scratch our heads over the Djinn's sudden entrance to the story and their cultural significance (La Llorona, anyone?) and discuss the episode's theme of family.

The Nerd Alert Girls are reviewing "The Episode where No One Had Any Chill!" - also known as Ms. Marvel episode 2! Listen as Genn and Bridgette switch between capital F Feelings and logic and the immersion into Muslim and Pakistani culture as they discuss the newest episode! Kamala keeps charming the hell out of her audience, and we Nerdettes are impressed by the show's portrayal of Kamala Khan's heritage.

Also, be sure to check out these articles for more context on the episode:

Genn has been gushing for years about Kamala Khan in the comics, and now she finally gets to see her onscreen! Genn and Bridgette discuss the nuanced family dynamics, wholesome friendships, colorful whimsicality, and Pakistani heritage featured in the first episode of Ms. Marvel. We also spend time asking why this fictional AvengerCon only takes place at night and when the real AvengerCon is making its way to us. And, of course, we want to manifest Kamala and Peter Parker becoming besties!

Hello all! This is a special Nerd Alert Girls podcast! Listen as Bridgette, Caroline, and Genn discuss different aspects of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage in the MCU, from Shang-Chi, to Ned Leeds, to Doctor Strange. Learn some awesome facts about your favorite characters and be fearless and tackle the tough questions we have to offer. Enjoy!

Bridgette, Genn, and Caroline give their first reactions to She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. We address the criticisms about CGI and Bruce Banner while speculating about what Jennifer Walters’ character journey will look like and how superhuman law will play a role in the MCU. We also talk about bird metaphors, sitcom vibes, and whether fry guy is in it for the long haul.

Enter the madness with Genn and Sorceress Supreme Caroline! Listen as we gush about the 2nd Doctor Strange movie and delve into what it meant for the titular character and the MCU as a whole. We discuss America Chavez, the multiverse, ratings, and Wanda's characterization and how it all tied together to make a very stellar movie! Not to mention how we manifested Captain Carter in the flesh!

Bridgette says, "I'm SO happy." Genn says, "Shut UP, Harrow!" And so goes the Moon Knight season 1 finale. There was so much going on that shocked and delighted us. Bring on Season 2! We need more Steven Grant. We need the dynamic duo of Taweret and Layla. We need to know what the deal is between Jake and Khonshu. This show has stuck the landing to get the gold, and we want more!

Bridgette and Genn delve into the many meanings of “asylum” and how they manifest in the penultimate episode’s heartrending emotional journey. Meanwhile, we discuss the ramifications of a certain someone being dead (maybe), “Doctor” Harrow being suspiciously helpful, and one sarcophagus remaining unopened. Where does Moon Knight go from here? Let’s see if the show will stick the landing and get the gold!

tw: suicide attempt mention

Listen as Bridgette and Genn get totally squicked by blood and undead priests as well as tickled pink by the, ahem, unique love triangle that's definitely happening here. Our boys Marc and Steven are in a world of trouble (thanks A LOT Marc!), and we're boggled as to how they're going to get themselves out! Also, was that Jake banging around in that sarcophagus?

It's finally here, folks! Our first trailer for Thor: Love and Thunder! Listen as Caroline joins the talk on what this trailer means for Thor. Is this the end for Chris Hemsworth? Will Valkyrie find her queen? Will Peter Quill finally accept Thor? Will we fangirls finally get a buff Hayley Atwell? We have questions, Marvel! Do not leave us hanging!

Is Khonshu becoming sympathetic? Has Marc committed the ultimate betrayal against Layla? Should Layla run away with Steven? And what exactly went down between Harrow and Khonshu? As the physical and emotional stakes grow higher, Moon Knight continues to draw us into the story and Oscar Isaac’s incredibly versatile performance.

Moon Knight continues to surprise and impress us! Bridgette and Genn unravel revelations from certain characters’ pasts and explore philosophical debates about free will and the meaning of justice. And in true Nerd Alert Girls fashion, we infuse oodles of references to rom-coms, pop music, and Star Wars bounty hunters along the way.

Moon Knight has solid start to a hopefully solid series. Listen as we Nerd Alert Girls dissect "The Goldfish Problem" and discover that this show has a lot of promise, from the eerie villain to the unexpected laughs. We also learned a few valuable lessons here today: Helga-ing your Arnold rarely works; if your name is Steven, there's a good chance you're a sweet cinnamon roll that shall be protected; it's possible for someone to be the embodiment of a weak “Eh!” sound; and preemptive justice is no bueno.

I said oooooh we're blinded by the lights...and the new Ms. Marvel trailer that just dropped! Wow, and what a ride that was! Listen as Genn and Bridgette delve into what to expect from the new series premiering in June. Genn is feeling many feelings and screaming into her Ms. Marvel pillow while Bridgette figures out more ways to bring up Steve Rogers and the much-neglected Agents of SHIELD. It's a cosmic mix of emotions, folks.

Happy February, listeners! Your favorite Nerds have banded together to celebrate Black History Month! Begin with Genn as she spazzes out over Black Marvel characters Riri Williams (aka Ironheart) and Lunella Lafayette (aka Moon Girl) and their introduction into the MCU; continue with Caroline speaking her truth as she discusses the Oscars and the MCU, specifically Black Panther; and Bridgette praising VP of Production & Development at Marvel Studios Nate Moore.

Much like Moon Knight, the new mind-bending trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness plays with the distortion of dreams and reality while hinting at a darker direction for the MCU. Bridgette and Genn discuss the potential antagonists, gender politics between Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch, and how previous Marvel projects will inform this latest film.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” Spider-Man’s journey began with these words from Uncle Ben and poetically ends with these same words from Aunt May. No Way Home’s bittersweet conclusion to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy pulls in elements of Peter Parker that had been missing up until now - including the tragedy and the hope. From crossover character appearances (both expected and unexpected), to gushing about Spideychelle, to questions of the Multiverse, Bridgette and Genn have much to unpack.

Where's a place where you can find heartbreak, fatalistic Yelena, the Kingpin, Jack unwinding his own plot sweater thread, Mac n cheese, and far too much Christmas music? That's right: Hawkeye episode 5! Listen as Bridgette, Genn, and special guest star Caroline weave together the ugly Christmas plot sweater with all the new revelations the episode has provided. 'Tis the season for gushing, theorizing, and fight scenes as we eagerly wait for the finale!

Hawkeye finally picks up the pace with a stronger antagonist, thrilling action sequences, and a deepening and compelling bond between Kate and Clint. Sorceress Supreme Caroline returns to co-host with Bridgette and Jenn as they discuss everything from Maya Lopez and Laura Barton’s backstories, to how Christmas functions as a backdrop for the show, to how Clint can never, ever die. Ever.