The following is an interview with Lily Streiff and Chris Williams regarding their podcast, First Nerd Order. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Streiff and Williams about the inspiration behind the podcast, their creative team and the bond that they share, what they are most looking forward to discussing in geek news, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you tell us about your podcast, First Nerd Order?
Lily Streiff: First Nerd Order is a podcast for everything “nerd.” TV, movies, video games: You name it, we probably have someone who knows it. We all have different interests and work in different parts of the entertainment industry, so it’s never a dull time.
Chris Williams: The FNO is the love child of what a social club full of geeks and nerds who want to be themselves and have the desire to share themselves and their viewpoints on the wide range of pop culture-skewed nerdy themes like comics movies and games would be. Then, we record it and embarrass ourselves on YouTube in glorious fashion – all in the name of fun and being totally happy in one’s skin as a nerd.
BD: How did the podcast begin, and what can you tell us about the individuals who make up your creative team?
LS: We all were brought together from random places we met each other. Chris had an idea, and we all thought it was awesome, so we came on board.
CW: I came up with the idea of creating a social club of like-minded individuals where freedom of geeky expression was encouraged. The idea of making a podcast about these topics came as a means to see all of us able to express our creativity in media format. So, like a scene in the Magnificent Seven, I began recruiting nerds to join the club and build the show. Plus, it was a great excuse to get us those cool vests we wear. We have a diverse and talented cast of Doni Vega, Tim Lily, and me, as well as our behind-the scenes crew of Carisma (His name makes us all jelly.) and Will. We also have other “Loyalists” who have helped in various ways from time to time. We each bring not only our perspectives and unique talents to the table, but we bonded as family, as well.
BD: What do you feel makes First Nerd Order stand out in today’s sea of podcasts, and how would you describe a typical episode?
LS: What makes us a tad different is that we are all extremely close friends. We hang out just to spend time together, not just for the podcast. We have a certain chemistry that makes you feel like you are in a room with your friends, not just listening to a podcast. A typical episode is normally themed, so we tend to talk about the theme, but like any conversation among friends, we like to go down some silly rabbit holes.
CW: What makes us standout is that we’re not trying to be like other shows. We want you to feel like you’re at some cool place with friends having a chat. We encourage suggestions from our fans which we dubbed Loyalists and enjoy making the experience fun. It’s very fanbase driven…no pun intended. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. I mean we’re professionals, sure, but goofy ones at that. We like to theme each episode on a topic, usually suggested by Loyalists, and share our opinion while simultaneously slipping into tangents. Then, we end each episode with a trivia question suggested by the Loyalists. This season, whichever panelist has the most successful amount of answers at the end of the season will have the FNO donate to the charity of their choice.
BD: What do you hope that listeners will take away from the show?
LS: We hope they learn a little more about a specific fandom/game/franchise that we discuss or learn something completely new that might interest them.
CW: That it’s great being a nerd. Also just appreciating the art of nerd culture that’s out there. From the great comic writers and artists to filmmakers, cosplayers, game designers, etc. Just really channeling that passion we have for it, and respecting that art, and sharing it with the people so that the creators know that their art is loved by millions of fans worldwide. Just let that geek flag fly!
BD: Are there any upcoming movie, comic book, or other pop culture releases coming up that you are excited to discuss on First Nerd Order?
LS: We will have some of the members going to San Diego Comic-Con, and we are extremely excited about what they will bring back!
CW: Well, you name it, we’re going to try and chat about it. I know Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi is a huge one for me. I just got my fill of Spider-Man: Homecoming, and it was all my hopes and dreams. I’m really in deep with comics, and I don’t want to waste your time going down that rabbit hole. I could write a book on that! We’re always taking suggestions, too. Never hesitate to comment on our channel!
BD: Are there any other projects on which you are currently working that you are able to share with readers?
LS: Carlos and Tim Lily are in the midst of creating a comic book (although that is a while off), and we are all filming short skits that will be put up on YouTube written by Carlos, directed by Chris, and performed by all of us.
CW: Vega is our head writer, and he and I have some cool ideas cooking that we hope to share and film soon. The dude is hilarious, and I hope to share his ideas soon. We’re also finishing a kind of on-camera game and some other cool concepts, so you’ll hear about those soon enough, as well.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about First Nerd Order?
LS: We are just a bunch of nerds talking about nerd stuff. We want to ride the wave of “nerd is cool” and celebrate everything that people love. Today’s culture makes it “uncool” to be happy about anything, and we want to show that being excited about something is awesome and should be discussed!
CW: We make the show for the Loyalists. Please join the order by following us on our social media, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and contact us on our various platforms. Twitter, Facebook, the ‘Gram as the cool kids call it. We do our best to respond to everyone and always appreciate both feedback and are willing to share about events or appearances whatever we can, or just if you want to know my apple pie recipe! It’s basically the fourth best pie you’ll ever eat. In all seriousness, though, we want the show to be something you enjoy, so let us know. We love interacting with you. Most importantly, thank you.
