The Nerdist

At the start of each episode, stand up comedian Chris Hardwick welcomes listeners to The Nerdist podcast, a prolific interview show "about what it really means to be a nerd." Week after week, he and fellow fanboy comedians Jonah Ray and Matt Mira indulge in their passion for all things pop culture by conversing with a luminary of music, television, film, literature, stand-up comedy, or video gaming. Whatever your nerd obsession, The Nerdist has got you covered with more than 200 episodes to date!

Though this trio sometimes can't help but geek out over their good fortune to speak with such icons as Shaun of the Dead's Simon Pegg or The Sandman novelist Neil Gaiman, the conversation sparked is generally casual but insightful, allowing the guest to unfold anecdotes and lessons learned about their particular craft. As many episodes clock in around an hour, the show's format enables each guest to really get comfortable, giving fans a startling level of intimate access to their idols. Thankfully, as stand-ups, Hardwick, Ray, and Mira are especially gifted at keeping things from falling into the stodgy grandeur of interview shows like Inside the Actors Studio.

With so many great episodes to choose from, it's difficult to pick one as a favorite, especially since more than most podcasts, personal preference here depends so much on each listener's niche obsessions. To that end, the episode with Firefly's Nathan Fillion is by far my favorite. Fillion speaks with great affection for not only the cult classic show but also the fans who still adore it. Beyond that, he talks about his early days in Los Angeles, and how being starved for work has made him keenly grateful about the opportunities he's granted now. This episode also includes his personal preference on how browncoats (Firefly fans) should greet him.

But as The Nerdist offers nerdvana for a wide range of fanboys and fangirls, the best introduction episode is really dependent on your own compulsions. Are you in love with B-movie horror? Check out the James Gunn episode. Doctor Who devotees should dive in with their David Tennant interview. Into alternative music? There's an ep for that, featuring the groundbreaking group They Might Be Giants. And comedy nerds are spoiled for choice, as Hardwick and company have spoken with everyone from Aisha Tyler, and David Cross to Stephen Merchant, Conan O'Brien and Tina Fey.  Basically, just let your freak flag-flying heart guide you.

You can subscribe to The Nerdist podcast on iTunes, and check out their ever-expanding network of media at TheNerdist.com