Nerdery and Murdery
Do you have an obsession or something you do that just drives people crazy? Do you find True Crime to be morbidly fascinating? Then join us every week as Zig discusses everything people obsess or nerd out about while Geoffrey gets dark on True Crime stories. New episodes drop every Sunday.
Ep 274 - The Ray Bradbury Theater & Paul Apodaca
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This week on Nerdery and Murdery, Zig takes us into the wonderfully strange imagination of legendary science fiction author Ray Bradbury with The Ray Bradbury Theater. From unsettling mysteries to thought-provoking tales of humanity, fear, and the unexpected, we're exploring the television anthology that brought Bradbury's remarkable stories to life.
Then Geoffrey continues our A–Z Serial Killers Across America journey with a stop in New Mexico and the disturbing case of Paul Apodaca.
For more than three decades, the murders of Althea Oakeley, Stella Gonzales, and Kaitlyn Arquette ha...
Ep 273 - Battle for the Planet of the Apes and The Connecticut River Valley Killer
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This week on Nerdery and Murdery, Zig returns to the world of Caesar for the fifth and final film in the original Planet of the Apes series: Battle for the Planet of the Apes!
Years after humanity has devastated itself, Caesar is trying to build something new from the ruins: a society where apes and humans might actually coexist. But between the radioactive survivors of the old world and General Aldo's growing hunger for power, peace may prove harder to create than Caesar ever imagined.
Then Geoffrey...
Ep 272 - Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Carroll Edward Cole
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This week on Nerdery and Murdery, Zig travels to a galaxy far, far away for one of the most celebrated sequels in movie history: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back! From the frozen battlefields of Hoth to Yoda and Dagobah, Cloud City, Darth Vader, and one of the biggest revelations in cinematic history, Zig takes us back to the darkest chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy.
Then Geoffrey continues his A–Z Serial Killers Across America journey with Nevada and the disturbing story of Ca...
Ep 271 - The 15th Doctor and Anthony Garcia
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Episode 271 of Nerdery & Murdery is here!
On the Nerdery side, Zig is stepping inside the TARDIS for a look at Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor! From his unusual arrival through bi-generation to the adventures, companions, enemies, and personality that defined his time as the Doctor, Zig takes a look at Gatwa's incarnation of the legendary Time Lord and what he brought to more than sixty years of Doctor Who history.
Then on the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America journey reaches Nebraska...
Ep 270 - Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and David Meirhofer
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Episode 270 of Nerdery & Murdery is here!
On the Nerdery side, Zig returns to the final frontier with Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. Following the events of The Wrath of Khan, Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise discover that Spock's story may not be over after all. Zig takes a look at the third film in the original Star Trek movie series, the return of some familiar faces, and the lengths the Enterprise crew will go for one of their own.
Then on...
Ep 269 - Four Stage Plays that are also Movies and Maury Travis
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Episode 269 of Nerdery & Murdery is here!
On the Nerdery side, Zig explores four stage plays that made the leap to the big screen. Some became award-winning classics, others developed devoted cult followings, but each proves that a great story can thrive both on the stage and in the theater.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America journey reaches Missouri with the story of Maury Travis.
For years, women disappeared throughout the St. Louis area with fe...
Ep 268 - 10 More Indie Songs for Your Playlist and Samuel Little
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Episode 268 of Nerdery & Murdery is here!
On the Nerdery side, Zig returns with another edition of Indie Songs for Your Playlist, highlighting a collection of hidden gems, alternative favorites, and unforgettable tracks that deserve another listen. Whether you're looking to discover something new or revisit a few classics, there's plenty to add to your playlist this week.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America journey reaches Mississippi with the story of Samuel Little.
For decades, wo...
Ep 267 - 16 Bit Computers and Paul Michael Stephani
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Episode 267 of Nerdery & Murdery is live!
On the Nerdery side, Zig takes us back to the golden age of computing as he explores the rise of 16-bit computers. From groundbreaking home systems to the machines that helped shape modern personal computing, it's a nostalgic look at the technology that changed the way we worked, played, and created.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America journey arrives in Minnesota with the chilling case of Paul Michael Stephani, better kn...
Ep 266 - Schlocky Science Fiction Movies and John Norman Collins
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Episode 266 of Nerdery & Murdery is live.
On the Nerdery side, Zig dives into three delightfully schlocky science fiction films: Starcrash, Xtro, and Swamp Thing. Whether it's low-budget space adventures, bizarre alien horror, or comic book creatures emerging from the swamp, these films prove that sometimes the weirdest corners of science fiction can be the most memorable.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America journey continues with Michigan and the case of John Norman Collins.
During the late 1960s, a series of murders terrorized the communities of...
Ep 265 - Twilight Zone 1985 and Tony Costa
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Episode 265 of Nerdery & Murdery is live.
On the Nerdery side, Zig steps into the 1985 revival of The Twilight Zone, the ambitious return of one of television's most iconic anthology series. With a mix of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and thought-provoking storytelling, the series introduced a new generation to strange worlds, unexpected twists, and the idea that the impossible might be lurking just around the corner.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series continues with Massachusetts and the story of Tony Costa, the man newspapers would eventually du...
Ep 264 - Science Fiction Theatre and Hadden Clark
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Episode 264 of Nerdery & Murdery is live.
On the Nerdery side, Zig travels back to the early days of television to explore the classic 1950s anthology series Science Fiction Theatre. Long before The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits became household names, Science Fiction Theatre was bringing science-based speculative storytelling to television audiences, blending real-world scientific concepts with imaginative "what if?" scenarios and introducing viewers to the possibilities of the future.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series continues with Maryland and one of the strangest cases we...
Ep 263 - 10 More Songs that Defined College Radio and James Hicks
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Episode 263 of Nerdery & Murdery is live.
On the Nerdery side, Zig returns with another installment of songs that helped define the college radio experience. From alternative rock and post-punk to underground favorites and influential artists that helped shape the sound of a generation, we explore ten tracks that became staples of dorm rooms, campus stations, and late-night radio discoveries.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series continues as we head to Maine and the case of James Hicks.
What began as the disappearance of a...
Ep 262 - Night Gallery and Ronald Dominique
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Episode 262 of Nerdery & Murdery is live.
On the Nerdery side, Zig steps into the strange and unsettling world of Night Gallery, Rod Serling’s eerie follow-up to The Twilight Zone. From haunting paintings and supernatural tales to psychological horror and dark twists, we revisit one of classic television’s most atmospheric anthology series and the unique style that made it unforgettable.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series continues as we head to Louisiana and the case of Ronald Dominique.
For years, men disappeared across...
Ep 261 - Tales from the Darkside and Donald Harvey
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Episode 261 of Nerdery & Murdery is live.
On the Nerdery side, Zig steps into the eerie world of Tales from the Darkside, the horror anthology series that brought strange stories, unsettling twists, and late-night nightmare fuel to television throughout the 1980s. From creepy atmosphere to unforgettable episodes, we take a look back at one of horror television’s most memorable cult classics.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series continues as we head to Kentucky and the case of Donald Harvey.
For years, patients in hosp...
Ep 260 - Earth Final Conflict and Dennis Rader, BTK
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Episode 260 of Nerdery & Murdery is live.
On the Nerdery side, Zig takes a look at Earth: Final Conflict, the late 90s sci-fi series created from ideas by Gene Roddenberry. From mysterious alien benefactors to growing suspicion about their true intentions, we explore what made the show unique, how its themes evolved over time, and why it still holds a place in science fiction television history.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series continues as we head to Kansas and the case of Dennis Rader, better known as...
Ep 259 - Selectavision and Robert Ben Rhoades
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Episode 259 of Nerdery & Murdery is live.Â
On the Nerdery side, Zig dives into Selectavision, RCA’s ambitious attempt at home video that arrived during the early days of the format wars. From stylus-based playback to fragile discs and bold marketing, we look at what made Selectavision unique, why it struggled to compete, and how it became one of the most fascinating dead ends in home media history.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series continues as we head to Iowa and the case of Robert Ben Rhoad...
Ep 258 - Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, and The Murder of Rachel Burkheimer
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Episode 258 of Nerdery & Murdery is live.
On the Nerdery side, Zig continues his journey through the Planet of the Apes franchise, picking up where he left off in Episode 243 with Escape from the Planet of the Apes and Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. As the series shifts tone and leans deeper into social commentary, we explore how these films reshape the mythology and push the story toward a darker future.
On the Murdery side, we step away from our A–Z Across America series for a case th...
Ep 257 - Laserdiscs and Herb Baumeister
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Episode 257 of Nerdery & Murdery is live!
On the Nerdery side, Zig takes a look back at Laserdiscs, the format that bridged the gap between VHS and what would eventually become DVD. From massive discs to surprisingly high quality video for the time, we break down what made Laserdiscs special and why they still hold a place in the evolution of home media.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series takes us to Indiana and the case of Herb Baumeister.
...
Ep 256 - 10 Songs That Helped Define 80s College Radio and The Highway Killer
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Episode 256 of Nerdery & Murdery is live!
On the Nerdery side, Zig turns back to the music and breaks down 10 songs that helped define 80s college radio. From alternative beginnings to underground sounds that would later shape the mainstream, this is a look at the tracks and artists that built a movement before it had a spotlight.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series takes us to Illinois and the case of Larry Eyler, known as the Highway Killer.
Throughout the ea...
Ep 255 - The 14th Doctor: David Tennant (Again) and Paul Ezra Rhodes
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Episode 255 of Nerdery & Murdery is live!
On the Nerdery side, Zig continues his chronological journey through the Doctors of Doctor Who. This time he arrives at the 14th Doctor, played once again by David Tennant. Tennant’s unexpected return to the role brought a unique twist to the long running series and gave fans another chance to see one of the most beloved Doctors step back into the TARDIS.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series takes us to Idaho and the case...
Ep 254 - Star Wars: A New Hope and The Honolulu Strangler
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Episode 254 of Nerdery & Murdery is live!
On the Nerdery side, Zig returns to his ongoing journey through the Star Wars universe, this exploring the saga in chronological order based on the timeline inside the galaxy itself. From the rise of the Republic to the fall of the Jedi and the growing shadow of the Empire, we look at how the story unfolds when you follow the events as they actually happen in that universe.
On the Murdery side, our A–Z Across America series takes us to Hawaii and th...
Ep 253 - Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Wayne Williams
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Episode 253 of Nerdery & Murdery is live!
On the Nerdery side, Zig dives into one of the most beloved science fiction films ever made with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. From the legendary rivalry between Kirk and Khan to one of the most emotional moments in Star Trek history, we revisit the movie that helped define the franchise for generations.
On the Murdery side, we continue the A–Z Across America series with Georgia and the case of Wayne Williams and the Atlanta Child Murders.
Between 1979 an...
Special Mid-Week Episode - The Darkwind Paradox Interview
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🚨 SPECIAL MID-WEEK RELEASE 🚨
The latest episode of Nerdery and Murdery is now live!
This week Zig turns the tables and puts Geoffrey in the guest chair for a conversation about his newly released novel, The Darkwind Paradox.
We talk about the origins of Ominus, how the Prime Numbers saga grew from a tabletop RPG campaign into a novel series, the evolution of the characters, lessons learned during the writing process, and where the story may be headed next.
Whether you're a reader, writer, gamer, worldbuilder, or jus...
Ep 252 - The Five Year Anniversary of Nerdery and Murdery!!!
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Five years ago, we hit record on something that was supposed to be… well… a fun little experiment.
Two microphones.
Two friends.
And absolutely no idea what we were getting ourselves into.
Fast forward to today…
Episode 252.
Five years of the highs and the lows, the ups and the downs, the good and the bad… and the Nerd and the Murd.
Today, we’re doing something different. No normal format. No usual segments.
Today… we look back.
Just Zig and Geoffrey...
Ep 251 - 10 More Indie Songs for your Playlist and The Roadside Strangler
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Episode 251 of Nerdery & Murdery is live!
On the Nerdery side, Zig delivers 10 more indie songs for your playlist from The Pixies and The Violent Femmes to Djo and some newer artists you might not have on your radar yet. If your rotation needs a refresh, this one’s for you.
On the Murdery side, we continue the A–Z Across America series with Connecticut and the case of Michael Ross, the so-called Roadside Strangler.
Ross confessed to eight murders, was convicted of four capital murders, and...
Ep 250 - Genesis and Armenian Genocide
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Episode 250 of Nerdery & Murdery is live, and this week we flip the script with another Wife Swap episode.
On the Nerdery side, Geoffrey takes over and dives into Genesis, focusing on the band’s evolution after Peter Gabriel’s departure. From A Trick of the Tail to Duke, Invisible Touch, and We Can’t Dance, we explore how Genesis transformed from progressive rock pioneers into one of the biggest stadium acts in the world. Along the way, we talk about Phil Collins stepping into the spotlight, the shift from epic suites to cha...
Ep 249 - The Outer Limits and Shane Paul Wright
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Episode 249 of Nerdery & Murdery takes a different turn.
On the Nerdery side, we explore the classic sci-fi anthology series The Outer Limits — its eerie storytelling, moral dilemmas, and the way it challenged viewers to think beyond what they could see.
On the Murdery side, we step away from our A–Z Across America series for a case that does not fit the usual categories.
This is not a serial killer story.
There was no trial.
There was no contested narrative of guilt.
Instead, we e...
Ep 248 - The Twilight Zone and Gary Ray Bowles
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This week on Nerdery and Murdery…
On the Nerdery, Zig steps into The Twilight Zone, a series that redefined science fiction and psychological horror. A world where nothing is quite what it seems, where morality twists, and where the most unsettling truths often come from within.
Then the episode takes a darker turn.
For the Murdery, Geoffrey examines the case of Gary Ray Bowles, a serial killer whose crimes stretched across multiple states and left a trail of violence th...
Ep 247 - Advanced Dungeons and Dragons and Joseph Edward Duncan III
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Some of the most disturbing cases aren’t defined by mystery…they’re defined by warning.
This week on Nerdery & Murdery, Zig dives into Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, exploring the game that shaped modern tabletop roleplaying and inspired generations of players long before RPGs went mainstream.
Then in the Murdery, we continue our A–Z journey across America’s serial killers, arriving at Colorado; not as the site of a final crime, but as a critical point of failure.
This episode ex...
Ep 246 - Queen and The Grim Sleeper
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Some stories don’t demand attention.
 They wait for it.
This week on Nerdery & Murdery, Zig takes the Nerd seat with a deep dive into three iconic albums by Queen, exploring the evolution, ambition, and lasting impact of one of the most influential bands in music history.
Then we turn to the Murdery.
As our A–Z journey across America’s serial killers continues, we arrive in California with a case defined not by chaos, but by silence.
For decades...
Special Nerdery with Guestery - Zig
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Tonight, we’re doing something a little different.
Instead of our usual format, Geoffrey flips the script and puts Zig in the hot seat for a special Nerdery episode.
With the release of his book, Firesign: An Elvish War Chronicle, Zig walks us through the origins of the story, the world behind it, and what it took to bring it to life. From inspiration and worldbuilding to the highs and lows of actually finishing a book, this is a deeper look at the creative side of something that’s been...
Ep 245 - Stargate SG1 and Charles Ray Hatcher
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Some weeks are about discovery. Others are about reckoning.
In this episode of Nerdery & Murdery, Zig kicks things off in the Nerdery by stepping through the gate and into Stargate SG-1, exploring what made the series such a lasting cornerstone of science fiction television and why it still resonates with fans decades later.
Then, in the Murdery, we continue our A–Z journey across America’s serial killers with Arkansas.
This week’s case is Charles Ray Hatcher — a story no...
Ep 244 - The Man In The High Castle and Bryan Patrick Miller
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Not all stories unfold quickly. Some take decades to reveal themselves.
This week on Nerdery & Murdery, the Nerdery leads off as Zig explores The Man in the High Castle, diving into both the original novel by Philip K. Dick and the television adaptation. From alternate history to moral ambiguity, Zig breaks down what makes this story unsettling, thought-provoking, and still relevant.
On the Murdery side, we return to our A–Z journey across America’s serial killers with Arizona, focusing on the case of <...
Ep 243 - Planet of the Apes and Beneath the Planet of the Apes and Tamla Horsford and Shanquella Robinson
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Welcome to another week of the highs and the lows, the ups and the downs, the good and the bad, and the Nerd and the Murd.
This week on Nerdery & Murdery, the Nerdery leads off as Zig dives into the origins of one of science fiction’s most enduring franchises, covering Planet of the Apes and Beneath the Planet of the Apes. From Cold War anxieties to bold social commentary, Zig explores how these films reshaped sci-fi storytelling and left a legacy that still resonates to...
Ep 242 - Country AND Western Music Part 2 and The Time Capsule Case
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Welcome back to Nerdery and Murdery! This week, on the Nerdery side of the house, Zig saddles up for Part Two of his Country and Western deep dive, affectionately titled “We Got BOTH Kinds: Country AND Western.” Zig continues exploring the music, the culture, and the stories that shaped an American sound.
Then Geoffrey steps away from the A–Z of American Serial Killers for just one episode to bring you a dark and twisting case that defies expectations. What begins as a mysterious murder unfolds into something far more l...
Ep 241 - Country AND Western Music Part 1 and Joseph Paul Franklin
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Welcome to another week of the highs and the lows, the ups and the downs, the good and the bad, and the Nerd and the Murd.
This week on Nerdery & Murdery, the Nerdery comes first as Zig kicks off Part 1 of Country and Western music, perfectly summed up with the line:
“We got BOTH kinds: Country AND Western.”
From early roots to defining sounds, this is the start of a deep dive into the music that shaped generations.
On the Murdery side...
Ep 240 - Star Wars: Rogue One and The Alaskan Pipeline Murders
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Welcome back to Nerdery and Murdery! This week, on the Nerdery side of the house, Zig continues his chronological journey through the Star Wars universe with a deep dive into Rogue One.
He explores the rebellion, the sacrifice, the storytelling choices, and why this film stands as one of the most grounded and emotional entries in the entire saga.
Then Geoffrey takes us north - far north - to Alaska for the next installment in the Murdery side of the A–Z of American Serial Killers and Unsolved Cases.
Th...
Ep 239 - Four Buddy Cop Movies and Daniel Lee Siebert
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Welcome back to Nerdery and Murdery! This week, on the Nerdery side of the house, Zig fires up the squad car and takes us on a wild ride through four of the greatest Buddy Cop movies ever made. Explosions, banter, reluctant partnerships, and that perfect blend of chaos and camaraderie that defined an entire generation of action films.
These movies did not just entertain us. They helped shape modern action cinema, and Zig is here to break down why they still hit so hard.
Then Geoffrey kicks off a brand-new...
Ep 238 - Impressionism and Superior Universal Alignment
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This week on Nerdery & Murdery, we move between two worlds shaped by belief.
Zig opens the show with a deep dive into Impressionism, the art movement that shattered convention and changed how the world understands light, color, and emotion. These artists did not just paint what they saw. They painted what it felt like to be alive inside a moment.
Then Geoffrey brings the Murdery with one of the most disturbing cult cases in modern history. Superior Universal Alignment, the group behind the...
Ep 237 - Wes Anderson and The Murder of Gizzell Ford
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This week on Nerdery and Murdery, we explore storytelling through style, symmetry, and tragedy.
In the Nerdery segment, Zig dives into the unique cinematic world of Wes Anderson. From meticulously framed visuals to deadpan humor and emotionally layered characters, we discuss what defines his films and why his distinct style continues to resonate with audiences.
In the Murdery segment, Geoffrey covers The Murder of Gizzell Ford, a heartbreaking and disturbing case involving manipulation, exploitation, and devastating loss. It is a story...
