Wise_N_Nerdy rolls in hot with Charles McFall and Joe Ard doing what they do best: turning convention chaos into a living-room hangout with dice, segments, and just enough friendly roasting to keep everybody honest. Guest Bob McGough (author, game designer, and professional chaos gremlin) drops in to talk vending numbers with ruthless transparency—what it cost to be there, what it takes to break even, and the oddly satisfying moment when the “I’m $50 short” math flips into “everything from here is profit.” Along the way, bad dad jokes hit the floor, ramen gets romanticized as “fancy broke,” and we get a peek behind the curtain of con life that’s equal parts hustle and heart.

Then the episode swerves into the stuff that sneaks up on you: parenting teenagers and trying to stay connected while they morph into whole new humans in real time. It’s real talk—movie nights, anime bonding, board games, sending cosplay pics from the con floor—plus one unexpectedly touching origin story about why Bob writes “redneck meth wizard” books (and how giving broken people a happy ending can be its own kind of magic). It’s funny, a little unhinged, and surprisingly heartfelt… like most of the best conversations are.

• Break even on purpose: If you vend at cons, track your costs (table + hotel + parking + travel) and set a clear “break-even target” before you ever show up—everything after that becomes intentional profit, not a mystery.

• Make connection a habit, not a special event: With teens, don’t wait for the “perfect moment.” Build recurring touchpoints (movie night, board games, shared shows) so connection is normal, not awkward.

• Meet them where they are (even if it’s not your thing): Sometimes the win is simply sitting with them in their fandom (anime, games, cosplay), because what they’ll remember is the attention, not the content.

• Use micro-moments to show you’re thinking of them: A quick text of “I saw this cosplay and thought of you” can land harder than a whole lecture about family time.

• If you’re building a vendor hall or con experience: Prioritize variety and “true creatives” where possible—audiences feel it when the hall is diverse instead of duplicated (even if that hot take hurts somebody’s Funko feelings).

“You can beat addiction. You can’t beat redneck.” — Bob McGough

This episode of Wise_N_Nerdy with Charles and Joe is a heartfelt, humorous, and very on-brand celebration of family, fandom, and the traditions that bring us together—especially during the holiday season. As always, the show blends thoughtful parenting conversations with nerdy joy, proving once again why listeners are encouraged to Find your FAMdom.

The episode kicks off with the Question of the Week: “What is your favorite family tradition?” Charles and Joe reminisce about the rituals that make the holidays feel magical. From visiting an idyllic Christmas tree farm that feels like it was lifted straight out of a Hallmark movie, to making annual trips to Stone Mountain Park, to sipping eggnog while decorating the Christmas tree, the discussion is filled with warmth, nostalgia, and relatable family moments that resonate with parents everywhere.

With the roll of the dice, the show jumps into the “How Do I…?” segment, where Charles and Joe break down the pros and cons of white elephant gift exchanges. They explore how, with the right group of people and expectations, these exchanges can be hilariously fun—or painfully awkward. Their practical advice and lived experience help listeners decide whether a white elephant exchange will spark joy or chaos at their next gathering.

Next up is the “Daddy, Tell Me A Story” segment, which leans hard into the spirit of giving. Charles and Joe share stories about generosity, including meaningful traditions like angel trees and secretly doing the 12 Days of Christmas for a family in need. These stories highlight the power of quiet kindness and the lasting impact of teaching children the joy of giving rather than receiving.

The dice then lead into “What Are You Nerding Out About?”, where Joe talks about the time-loop holiday movie Pete’s Christmas, praising its heartfelt message about appreciating family and friends before it’s too late. Charles follows up with an eclectic mix of nerdy passions—discussing Cult of the Lamb and confidently declaring how naturally gifted he is as a cult leader, before shifting gears to gush about his love for the Alien franchise and how much he enjoyed Alien Earth.

Of course, no episode would be complete without bad dad jokes, and this batch is strong enough to earn even a reluctant chuckle from Charles—high praise by Wise_N_Nerdy standards.

The episode wraps up with a spirited “Parliament of Papas” discussion tackling a classic holiday debate: Is Scrooge actually a villain? Charles firmly plants his flag on the villain side, while Joe pushes back, questioning whether Scrooge is truly evil or simply a deeply flawed man capable of growth. It’s a thoughtful, funny conversation that invites listeners to reconsider a familiar story through a dad-lens.

From family traditions and holiday generosity to nerdy obsessions and philosophical debates, this episode perfectly captures what Wise_N_Nerdy does best—bringing humor, heart, and fandom together for parents who love both.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom

Links -
Devo creating the WNN gavel: https://youtu.be/VFKqTSmtoAQ

Devo's cupid shuffle: https://youtube.com/shorts/Z8SmRJlLJLo?feature=share

In this week’s episode of Wise_N_Nerdy, Charles and Joe kick things off with the Question of the Week: “Which fictional character would make the best podcast guest — and why?” Joe goes with a timeless classic—Space Ghost—and Devocite immediately backs him up. Charles shoots for the brilliantly unhinged and selects Rick Sanchez, because what could possibly go wrong inviting Rick onto a podcast?

With the ceremonial roll of the dice, the chaos begins as the hosts dive into a mountain of bad dad jokes. Devocite delivers his signature groan-worthy punches, Bob jumps in with his own comedic ammunition, Joe brings the heat, and even Charles drops a rare joke of his own. If you love puns that hurt so good, this round is pure gold.

The dice then pull the show into the Parliament of Papas, where Charles and Joe unpack one of adulthood’s hardest lessons: knowing when to say no. From friends to coworkers to the people you really want to help but maybe shouldn’t, they discuss personal boundaries, burnout, expectations, and how to balance compassion with self-preservation.

Next comes Daddy, Tell Me A Story, where Joe takes listeners on a whirlwind chapter of his life—graduating college, landing a new job, and moving in with his in-laws all in the same week. It’s heartfelt, funny, and relatable for anyone who’s ever had life come at them fast.

Then it’s time for What Are You Nerding Out About? Joe gushes over a new wholesome romantasy anime, Pass The Monster Meat, Milady, a delightful blend of magical creatures, charming relationships, and cozy fantasy vibes. Charles isn’t nerding out this week, but he opens up in an honest moment about taking steps to improve his mental health through therapy—reminding listeners that growth takes many forms.

Finally, the show wraps with How Do I…?, as the dads tackle burnout and lack of motivation. They share strategies for rebuilding momentum, protecting your energy, and reconnecting with the things that make life meaningful. It’s encouraging, practical, and a great reminder to Find your FAMdom—the communities and passions that lift you up.

Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom