Ep 5. Tribute to Toys & Games

The Nerdist is a talk show that explores the world of geek culture. In Episode 5 of Season 1, entitled "Tribute to Toys & Games," the host Chris Hardwick sits down with a panel of guests to discuss the impact of toys and games on nerd culture.

The show begins with a monologue from Hardwick, in which he discusses his own childhood obsession with action figures and board games. He then introduces his guests for the episode, including comedian and toy collector Mike Phirman, video game journalist Blair Herter, and toy designer Joe Allard.

The first segment of the show focuses on the history of board games. The panel discusses classic titles like Monopoly and Clue, and talks about how these games have evolved over the years. They also touch on newer games like Settlers of Catan and Cards Against Humanity, and explore the ways in which these games have gained cult followings.

Next, the panel moves on to action figures. Phirman talks about his own massive collection of figures, and explains how he got into the hobby. Allard discusses his work as a designer for companies like Hasbro, and talks about the process of bringing new action figure lines to market. Herter discusses the growing popularity of collectible figures, and talks about his own experiences with buying and selling rare toys.

The third segment of the show focuses on video games. Herter shares his thoughts on the current state of the gaming industry, and talks about some of his favorite games from the past few years. The panel also discusses the rise of mobile gaming, and explores the reasons why so many people have turned to games on their phones and tablets.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a roundtable discussion of the panelists' favorite toys and games. The group talks about everything from vintage action figures to obscure board games, and shares stories about the memories these items have brought them over the years.

Overall, "Tribute to Toys & Games" is a fun and nostalgic look at some of the most beloved aspects of geek culture. It's a great episode for fans of board games, action figures, and video games, and features insightful commentary from a panel of experts in these fields.