Who knew anti-heroes could teach us about healing?

This week, Mandy sits down with Justin Jaeger—True Story film board favorite, book reviewer, and passionate MCU buff—to break down Thunderbolts. If you’re expecting a by-the-numbers action flick, think again. This Marvel installment has trauma, therapy metaphors, moral ambiguity, and exactly zero romantic subplots (finally). They talk about how the film blends superhero spectacle with emotional weight, highlighting characters who wrestle with their past instead of simply punching through it. Justin brings his deep knowledge of the MCU to explain how Thunderbolts fits into the Marvel mythos, while Mandy brings the perfect blend of fresh perspective and wide-eyed honesty. They also touch on representation, logic holes (hello, Red Guardian’s limousine), and the rare joy of female characters who are badass without being objectified.

You’ll hear what makes Florence Pugh a comedic ninja, why David Harbour may need to dial it down, and how Marvel is sneaking profound mental health commentary into popcorn cinema. And in a moment of genuine vulnerability, Mandy confesses her deepest nerd shame: she didn’t stay through all the end credits.

Links & Notes

• Justin Jaeger’s book review channel: Jagye’s Pages on YouTube
• Listen to Justin on The Film Board from The Next Reel
• Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens
• Join the nerdy inner circle: makemeanerd.com/join

Support The Show!

Love this episode? There’s more! Join us at makemeanerd.com to become a member and unlock bonus content—like Misty giving a behind-the-scenes look at producing Go Help Yourself, what it’s like reviewing 325+ self-help books, and how to navigate the chaotic sea of personal development content with humor and heart. Members enjoy early episodes, ad-free listening, and the bonus segment!

---
Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Hey! We're taking a short break to regroup, recharge, and do a little of the summer stuff that we're told grown-up nerds do. So you should do the same! We'll catch you in about a month... stay tuned!

What happens when a self-help comedy podcaster and a self-proclaimed mainstream mom dive headfirst into the high-stakes world of dragon-based erotica? Fire. Literally.

That’s right, this week Mandy welcomes Misty Stinnett to Make Me a Nerd for a full-on nerd-out over Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, the romantasy sensation that has TikTok, book clubs, and reluctant fantasy readers in a collective swoon. Misty—who’s spent the last 15 years producing content for Netflix, MasterClass, political campaigns, and more—is best known as the creator and host of Go Help Yourself, a podcast that makes self-help accessible, skeptical, and laugh-out-loud funny. But today, she trades the wellness aisle for war colleges, dragons, and extremely hot enemies-to-lovers situations.

Together, Mandy and Misty break down everything from the book’s death-defying obstacles and magical bonding rules to the overuse of the word “smirk” and the ethical dilemma of mental telepathy during sexy times. There are spoilers (fair warning), major laughs, and even a sidebar about cheese. It’s a lovefest, a critique, and a very funny ode to the joys of falling into a good fantasy book—even if it involves dragon lust.

🐲 Links & References:

• 🎙️ Go Help Yourself Podcast
• 📖 Bloomsbury Books – support Mandy’s favorite local shop
• 🖥️ Misty Stinnett on IMDb

🎉 Bonus Content Reminder!

Love this episode? There’s more! Join us at makemeanerd.com to become a member and unlock bonus content—like Misty giving a behind-the-scenes look at producing Go Help Yourself, what it’s like reviewing 325+ self-help books, and how to navigate the chaotic sea of personal development content with humor and heart. Members enjoy early episodes, ad-free listening, and the bonus segment!

---
Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.