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Pinch of Nerd

Pinch of Nerd

By Aaron Bell

What happens when three nerds (one a professional chef, one who eats like a 10-year old, and one somewhere in between) get together to discuss nerdy pop-culture goodness, cooking and eating habits? You get Pinch of Nerd, a new podcast combining nerd stuff with food stuff.
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I Want My Nickleback episode 87 / Lightly Toasted White Bread

Pinch of NerdApr 01, 2024

00:00
49:11
I Want My Nickleback episode 87 / Lightly Toasted White Bread

I Want My Nickleback episode 87 / Lightly Toasted White Bread

Hey all you Nickleheads, we are back to discuss the next song in our song-by-song review of Nickleback's entire catalog. For this episode J. Allen, Mark, and Chef Aaron talk about Feed The Machine's "The Betrayal Act III".

And Chef Aaron offers up an Nickleback inspired recipe for lightly toasted white bread!

Apr 01, 202449:11
Harry Potter / Jello Sugar Cookies

Harry Potter / Jello Sugar Cookies

Podcastio! Chef Aaron and J. Allen hit the road (without Mark!) and visit some family and Harry Potter experts to talk about Harry Potter! Chef and J.'s sister, Tiffany, and mom, M. J., sit in this week to talk about magic, eating barf flavored jelly beans, the "M" word, and kidnapping roommates for ill-fated Vegas trips. Oh... and Mark does drop in at the end to reminisce about Los Angeles.


Chef Aaron offers up a delicious "Harry Potter" inspired recipe for some Jello Sugar Cookies.


You can find the recipe here https://pinchofnerd.com/jello-sugar-cookies/


And you can order M.J. Bell's books here http://mj-bell.com/


Jul 26, 202343:53
Zelda / Feijoada Sauce

Zelda / Feijoada Sauce

This episode is all about Zelda and to help J, Chef Aaron, and Mark talk all about Zelda we have special guest Vicenzo Naves! As they (well, at least a couple of them) get ready for the new Zelda videogame, the gang reminisces about the many (many!) Zelda games released over the years and along the way there are digressions about Chicago, woodworking, playing videogames with wood, offsides, Brazilian food, fighting aliens as a dolphin, and cold soup.


The recipe for this episode can be found at https://pinchofnerd.com


And check out (and buy!) Vicenzo's amazing woodcraft at https://www.etsy.com/shop/vinchwoodwork

May 17, 202301:04:47
I Want My Nickleback episode 42 / Cottage Cheese

I Want My Nickleback episode 42 / Cottage Cheese

Hey Nickelheads, it's time for the installment of I Want My Nickelback, our song-by-song review of Nickelback's wonderful catalog. This is the 42nd episode and we dive deep in to Nickelback's 42nd song "Throw Yourself Away". We reminisce about the first time we heard this song. We also go through some listener mail, discuss our dream Nickelback collaborations, and serving the members of Nickelback delicious dishes. Chef Aaron offers up a Nickelback inspired recipe of some very white, very non-threatening, cottage cheese.
Apr 01, 202352:22
Captain America / 'Merica Mixer

Captain America / 'Merica Mixer

O Captain! Our Captain! For this episode of Pinch of Nerd, the hosts are talking about Captain America. Along the way they break a record for the most amount of segments in a podcast episode and talk about Captain America flavored ice, huge pecs, rocky mountain oysters, punching nazis, and waking up after a 70 year sleep. the trio also demonstrates a collectively poor grasp of history.  In a twist, Mark offers up a recipe (instead of Chef Aaron) for what Mark calls the 'Merica Mixer. 


Mar 08, 202301:04:37
Sports (again) / Super Bowl Super Cheese Ball

Sports (again) / Super Bowl Super Cheese Ball

Are you ready for some sports ball, again? The Pinch of Nerders are back after a short break with a new episode about sports. For this sports episode the hosts discuss playing sports while maintaining your nerdhood. The Brothers Bell tell stories about playing flag-football, softball, and hockey in very nerdy ways. Mark talks about running and the best (and worst) places to get chafed. Along the way there are also discussions about esports, the best food to eat after sporting, and the best cracker.

Chef Aaron also offers up his recipe for his Super Bowl Super Cheese Ball. You can get that recipe at https://pinchofnerd.com/super-bowl-super-cheese-ball/


Feb 06, 202301:04:55
Pee-wee Herman / Ice Cream French Toast

Pee-wee Herman / Ice Cream French Toast

Come on in, and pull yourself up a chair (like Chairry!). Let the fun begin, it's time to let down your hair! And it's time for a Pinch of Nerd podcast episode dedicated to Pee-wee Herman! The hosts discuss the movies, the playhouse, and the impact Pee-wee had on them growing up. The hosts also question if the... thingy in the popcorn ever really happened, which piece of furniture from the Playhouse they'd want to take home, and what other celebrity should have been caught in an adult movie theater.

Chef Aaron offers up his recipe for the Pee-wee inspired Ice Cream French Toast. Get the recipe here: https://pinchofnerd.com/ice-cream-french-toast/

Nov 09, 202201:00:47
Comic Conventions / Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies

Comic Conventions / Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies

The hosts are on the road for this episode! Recording from a hotel room in Seattle the day before heading to Emerald City Comic Con to host a Pinch of Nerd panel. And since they are in the con mood, this episode is all about comic cons. Chef Aaron and J. Allen have lots (lots!) of con stories that they share with Mark including mystery blobs, performing sketch comedy at a comic con to disastrous end, the good ol' days of San Diego Comic Con, not talking to celebrities, and mocking one of J. Allen's heroes (unknowingly ) behind his back. And Chef Aaron made some delicious peanut butter pretzel and caramel cookies!


The recipe for Chef Aaron's Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies can be found at https://pinchofnerd.com/peanut-butter-pretzel-cookies/


Sep 29, 202201:10:35
Shrek / Swamp Juice

Shrek / Swamp Juice

We've been joking about it for awhile now but we finally dedicate a full episode to Shrek! For this episode the hosts welcome some special guests - Lourdes Bell and Brandy Bell. We talk about interspecies romance, how many glasses of wine is needed to enjoy a Shrek film, Shrek memes, torturing cookies, bad Bloodhound Gang concerts, and Shrek porn. Oh, and everyone but J. Allen is drunk on Chef Aaron's Swamp Juice during the recording. It's drunk Pinch of Nerd!

Chef Aaron's recipe for Swamp Juice is available at https://pinchofnerd.com/swamp-juice/

Aug 24, 202245:36
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World / Seven Chili Mole

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World / Seven Chili Mole

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World ranks as one of the Pinch of Nerd gang's favorite films (and comics) of all time. J. Allen, Mark, and Chef Aaron talk about their love for this truly unique film (and comic) and discuss some of their own exes - both the person kind and the food kind. Chef Aaron and J. Allen also talk about their planned but never made Big Book of Snakes. This episodes recipe is an amazing seven chili mole that is just so darn good it will make you want to break up with all other food.

The recipe for Chef Aaron's Seven Chili Mole can be found at https://pinchofnerd.com/seven-chili-mole/

Jul 23, 202254:28
The Simpsons / Chorizo and Potato Taquitos

The Simpsons / Chorizo and Potato Taquitos

It's the Pinch of Nerd podcast and it's all about The Simpsons. Also food. It's also about food. Food and The Simpsons. You know we had to get to it sooner or later and it must be later because The PONers finally talk about this corner stone of culture. The tasting trio has one of the most amazing, life changing discussions about The Simpsons with revelation after revelation. Too bad you'll never hear it though because J. Allen forgot to hit record. Instead, you'll be treated to a quick, meandering discussion which occasionally touches on The Simpsons but mostly features stories of drunken escapades. Chef Aaron presents his delicious recipe for chorizo and potato taquitos which will actually change your life because they are very tasty and easy to make!


The recipe for Chef Aaron's Chorizo and Potato Taquitos can be found at pinchofnerd.com - https://pinchofnerd.com/chorizo-and-potato-taquitos/


Jun 22, 202240:00
Savage Steve Holland / Chili Dog

Savage Steve Holland / Chili Dog

Kumbaya! It's an episode all about Savage Steve Holland and specifically Better Off Dead, One Crazy Summer, and Eek! The Cat. Mark, J. Allen, and Chef Aaron talk about their love of the films and the cartoon while pondering their personal montages, who they would most want to make laugh, and what's the stupidest segment. Chef Aaron makes some delicious One Crazy Summer inspired chili dogs.

Recipe for Chef Aaron's Chili Dogs can be found at https://pinchofnerd.com/chili-dog/

May 18, 202201:06:59
Star Trek / Pineapple Coconut Cookies

Star Trek / Pineapple Coconut Cookies

Set Phasers to "Yum" for this Star Trek themed episode of the Pinch of Nerd podcast. Special Guest Tim Nelson joins Mark, J. Allen, and Chef Aaron to discuss Star Trek. Over the course of the episode the gang debates phaser technology, who they would take to the Holodeck, and space bitches. There is also a fair amount of reminiscing about watching Star Trek the Next Generation, Las Vegas, and Data's poem about his cat. Chef Aaron offers a delicious, Star Trek inspired recipe for Pineapple Coconut Cookies. 

Apr 13, 202201:07:41
Nickelback / Plain White Cake

Nickelback / Plain White Cake

It's the first episode of the refocused Pinch of Nerd podcast as J. Allen, Mark, and Chef Aaron talk about their shared passion for the music of Nickelback. The hosts take a look at the first song from the first Nickelback album and reminisce about the first time they heard it. Chef Aaron offers up his recipe for a Nickelback inspired treat - a plain white cake.
Apr 01, 202201:03:41
Kevin Smith / Asian Caramel Tofu Rice Bowl

Kevin Smith / Asian Caramel Tofu Rice Bowl

Snootchie Bootchies! This episode of Pinch of Nerd is all about filmmaker and entertainment emporium maker Kevin Smith! The hosts discuss their favorites from Kevin's career, meeting your heroes, and whether or not if they would eat a cupcake made by Jay. The Brothers Bell also tell Mark about how they technically worked for Kevin Smith. And in honor of Kevin's new vegan lifestyle, Chef Aaron offers up a delicious recipe for an Asian Caramel Tofu Rice Bowl.   


Recipe for homemade Asian Caramel Tofu Rice Bowls can be found at https://pinchofnerd.com/asian-caramel-tofu-rice-bowl/

Mar 16, 202201:09:32
The Kids in the Hall / Apple Horseradish Sausage

The Kids in the Hall / Apple Horseradish Sausage

It's time to pinch some nerds, pinch some food, and crush some heads! Join Mark and the Brothers Bell (J. Allen and Chef Aaron) as they chat about The Kids in the Hall. They reminisce about their favorite Kids in the Hall sketches and discuss whether or not they'd eat an omelette that was made by and from The Chicken Lady. Chef Aaron then offers up his recipe for homemade apple horseradish sausage. 


Recipe for homemade apple horseradish sausage can be found at https://pinchofnerd.com/apple-horseradish-sausage/

Mar 02, 202201:01:19
Sports / Super Bowl Party Wing Sauces, Dip, and Drink

Sports / Super Bowl Party Wing Sauces, Dip, and Drink

Are you ready for some football? With the Super Bowl coming up, Mark, J. Allen, and Chef Aaron talk about sports. Chef Aaron and J. Allen regale Mark with stories of being in the Arizona High School Football Hall of Fame, being on Sports Center, confusing hockey fans with the Cheechoo song, and breaking lots of bones. Chef Aaron also offers up some delicious recipes perfect for Super Bowl parties including a couple wing sauces, a veggie dip, and a orangy-blueberryish drink. 

Recipe for Sweet Horseradish Chicken Wing Sauce can be found at http://pinchofnerd.com/sweet-horseradish-chicken-wings/

Recipe for Orange Cilantro Chicken Wing Sauce can be found at  http://pinchofnerd.com/orange-cilantro-chicken-wings/

Recipe for Veggie Dip can be found at http://pinchofnerd.com/veggie-dip/

Recipe for Purple Drank can be found at http://pinchofnerd.com/purple-drank/

Feb 09, 202201:00:14
Muppets / Korean Pork Bahn Mi Sandwich

Muppets / Korean Pork Bahn Mi Sandwich

It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the hosts of the Pinch of Nerd Podcast as they talk about the Muppet Show tonight! Join Chef Aaron, Mark, and J. Allen as they talk about all things Muppets and a great number of things that aren't Muppets like bad dates, non-Muppet puppets, and the Haunted Mansion. They also talk about Muppets holes, Muppets murdering Muppets, and speculate about Gonzo's love life. Chef Aaron offers a recipe for a delicious Korean Pork Bahn Mi sandwich. 

Check out the recipe for the delicious Korean Pork Bahn Mi Sandwich here: http://pinchofnerd.com/korean-pork-bahn-mi-sandwich/

Jan 26, 202254:20
Special Bonus D&D Episode: Spices of Hope and the Chicken Crusade - Part 4

Special Bonus D&D Episode: Spices of Hope and the Chicken Crusade - Part 4

In the finale of our special D&D fast-food themed adventure episode, WinDeez Nuts (played by J. Allen), Robble Robble (Played by Chef Aaron), and Big Caesar (played by Mark) are on a collision course with the armies of both PopeEyes and Fillet of Chic as the three groups race to the hidden city of Sandars. Will our beloved heroes be able overcome the trials to gain entry to the fabled city? Will they all survive?
Jan 13, 202201:05:25
Special Bonus D&D Episode: Spices of Hope and the Chicken Crusade - Part 3

Special Bonus D&D Episode: Spices of Hope and the Chicken Crusade - Part 3

In part 3 of our special D&D fast-food themed adventure episode, WinDeez Nuts (played by J. Allen), Robble Robble (Played by Chef Aaron), and Big Caesar (played by Mark) have discovered the location of the mysterious hermit who holds the key to ending the chicken sandwich war. The fast food friends must make their way into a Fillet of Chic encampment and perform a daring rescue. Will they succeed? Does anyone care?
Jan 13, 202201:09:24
Special Bonus D&D Episode: Spices of Hope and the Chicken Crusade - Part 2

Special Bonus D&D Episode: Spices of Hope and the Chicken Crusade - Part 2

In part 2 of our special D&D fast-food themed adventure episode, WinDeez Nuts (played by J. Allen), Robble Robble (Played by Chef Aaron), and Big Caesar (played by Mark) begin their mission to help stop the war between PoePies and Filet of Chic armies. The tasty trio leave BurgerDeep headed for the Hoagie Mountains, looking for Hermit living in the Quiznos Canyon who has a secret recipe that will end the war.

Dec 15, 202153:32
Special Bonus D&D Episode: Spices of Hope and the Chicken Crusade - Part 1

Special Bonus D&D Episode: Spices of Hope and the Chicken Crusade - Part 1

In this, the first part of our special bonus D&D adventure episode J. Allen, Chef Aaron, and Mark play some fast-food inspired D&D! J. Allen dons the character of WinDeez Nuts (a Frosty Wizard), Chef Aaron becomes Robble Robble (a Ham Burgling Rogue), and Mark slips into the character of Big Caesar (a Flat-Bread Flat-Bread Barbarian). The tasty trio is asked to go on a special mission for the city of BurgerDeep but will they accept that quest? Can they even be trusted to take on a special mission? 

Dec 15, 202143:31
Dungeons and Dragons / Mountain Dew Churros

Dungeons and Dragons / Mountain Dew Churros

You find yourself in a dark and damp dungeon and on the walls, scribbled in blood, is "Welcome to another episode of the Pinch of Nerd podcast!" For this episode about Dungeons and Dragons (or D&D if you prefer) the gang is joined by friend and indie videogame developer Ryan Flett. In addition to discussing and reminiscing about D&D the group ponders what kind of dungeon Chris Pratt would be, what goodberries taste like, and J. Allen constantly getting his and his friend's characters almost killed. Chef Aaron also serves up a delicious Churro recipe made with Mountain Dew. Yes, that's right, Mountain Dew Churros!   

Check out the recipe for the delicious Mountain Dew Churros here http://pinchofnerd.com/mountain-dew-churros/ 

And check out Ryan's game, Bloodtype, here on Steam here https://store.steampowered.com/app/1589720/BloodType/

Dec 01, 202101:05:47
Nightmare Before Christmas / Carmel Apple Cookies

Nightmare Before Christmas / Carmel Apple Cookies

What's this? What's this? It's a new episode of the Pinch of Nerd podcast all about The Nightmare Before Christmas! J. Allen, Mark, and Chef Aaron discuss the holiday classic and along the way contemplate who, other than Danny Elfman, could have written the music for the film and which holiday door they would open. Oh, and Mark says he eats cat food. Chef Aaron offers up a recipe for some delicious caramel apple cookies.

Nov 17, 202101:05:32
Super Mario Bros. / Peach and Dijon Mustard Pizza
Nov 03, 202157:38
Futurama / Jerk Sauce
Oct 20, 202101:00:22
Adventure Time / Cherry and Habanero Fruit Leather
Oct 06, 202156:27
X-Men / Thai-males
Sep 22, 202101:03:04
The Tick / Blueberry Cookies
Sep 10, 202101:05:59
Star Wars / Spamakopita
Sep 04, 202156:14