‘AAPI Toy Heroes’ with Kuya P

Shelf Conscious is back! This time, Keith is joined by fellow NOC and creator of The NRW, Kuya P a.k.a Patrick Michael Strange, as he launches his own action figure podcast called AAPI Toy Heroes.

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‘Action Figure Show & Tell’ with Dan Wu

On the latest episode of Shelf Conscious, Keith is once again joined by multi-hyphenate extraordinaire (activist, restaurateur, podcaster, celebrity chef, and candidate for Lexington, KY council at large), Dan Wu!

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Kaci Wallfall on Being ‘Naomi’ and More

I was lucky to be afforded the opportunity to talk with the star of The CW’s upcoming show, Naomi, during a fun roundtable event with other media outlets. Kaci Wallfall is such a sweet and talented young actress. We talked about moments from the pilot, her favorite superhero characters, and so much more!

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‘Art of the Toy Hunt’ with Art G

Celebrate the Holidays with Shelf Conscious! In this brand new episode, Keith is joined by YouTuber and diorama artist, Art G!

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Comic Book Writer and Social Media Icon Stephanie Williams Talks ‘Nubia & the Amazons’

The Nerds of Color recently caught up with dear friend and comic book writer Stephanie Williams to talk about the work that went into bringing Nubia & the Amazons to life. Williams, a former guest to The NOC, spoke about the journey she’s been on and the importance of finally seeing Nubia fully realized as her own heroine.

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‘Merchandise Spotlight’ with Griffin Newman

Shelf Conscious returns just in time for the second half of Masters of the Universe: Revelation on Netflix! This time, Keith is joined by Orko himself, Griffin Newman!

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Did Veronica and Archie Make the Right Decision on This Week’s ‘Riverdale’ Episode?

It’s been very obvious what Veronica (played by Camila Mendes) and Archie’s (KJ Apa) relationship arch has been since Riverdale’s seven year time jump started. Last week, it seemed to finally reach the point that both characters deserved and had wanted, but this week the show does a complete reverse and it’s not the first time. Was Varchie’s decision the right call? Let’s break it down and discuss. Warning: for the remainder of this article, we will be getting into heavy spoilers; so only continue reading if you’ve seen episode 5×18.

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Veronica Lodge’s Divorce Storyline on ‘Riverdale’ Was All About Regaining Her Power

For so many seasons, I have felt beyond frustrated with Veronica Lodge’s treatment as well as the storylines she’s given on Riverdale. Yet, I was very pleasantly surprised with the execution of her season 5 divorce storyline. In all honestly, I think its the best storyline the writers could’ve done with her character for a few reasons.

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‘Shang-Chi’ Is Not NOT Like ‘Black Panther’

As Bruce Lee might say, we must start with dispelling what is not useful and replace it with what is useful. I won’t rehash any arguments comparing Shang-Chi to Black Panther which are based in speculation, impulse-tweeted, or otherwise made in bad faith. The phrase “Asian American Black Panther” has been tossed around (including by me), in various contexts, since Black Panther came out in 2018.

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Let’s Talk About Toni Topaz on The CW’s ‘Riverdale’

Fans found themselves instantly falling in love with and wanting more from Vanessa Morgan’s portrayal of Toni Topaz as soon as she came onto our screens on Riverdale. Toni was first introduced in season 2, episode 3 “Chapter Sixteen: The Watcher in the Woods,” and became a series regular in season 3. Her portrayal provides representation as one of the only Black series regulars currently on Riverdale as well as her character being openly bisexual. So let’s take a look back at her journey and what we hope to see for the character going forward.

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‘By the Power of Fandom’ with Tiffany Smith

Shelf Conscious returns with a special episode! With Masters of the Universe: Revelation just around the corner, Keith is joined by an Eternian Royal Guard — and literal fandom princessTiffany Smith!

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The BTS x McDonald’s Collab is the Most Genius Idea Ever: How Brands are Utilizing BTS’ Global Power

With the release of BTS’ new hit song Butter, it makes sense for McDonald’s to jump at the chance of a collaboration since we know McDonald’s isn’t the healthiest option for our cholesterol. But, to have one of the biggest global phenomenons team up with a global food brand is genius marketing for McDonald’s.

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Hard NOC Life 213: One World, One Dovich (with Desmond Chiam)

Dominic, Jamal, Keith, and Britney analyze the penultimate episode of Disney+’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier with an actual Flagsmasher! Desmond Chiam, who plays Dovich on the series, sits in with the crew to talk about rebellion, revolution, and representation. He also talks about Cap’s shield, an irrational fear of water, and also nerding out on JRPG video games!

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Hard NOC Life 212: Mandy Gonzalez is ‘Fearless’

In the first of two episodes of Hard NOC Life releasing this week, Keith sits down with Broadway superstar and now, children’s book author, Mandy Gonzalez to talk about her new middle grade novel, Fearless. They also talk about her career — from originating the role of Nina for In the Heights to replacing Renee Elise Goldsberry as Angelica in Hamilton — and why being fearless has helped her cope while Broadway is shut down.

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Hard NOC Life 211: Captain Act a Fool Up in Here

Dominic, Keith, Britney remember the life of DMX before breaking down the latest episode of Disney+’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and getting hyped for Snake Eyes which is now coming out in July.

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NOC Interview: Holland Roden Discusses All Things ‘Mayans M.C.’ on FX

Holland Roden just joined the Mayans M.C. world as Erin Thomas, which airs new episodes on Tuesday nights at 10p ET/PT on FX. The actress is best known for her role in Teen Wolf and recently starred in the thrilling film, No Escape. Each new episode of Mayans M.C. is available to stream the next day through FX on Hulu.

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Hard NOC Life 210: Godzilla v Kong: Dawn of Box Office

Dominic, Jamal, KeithBritney are back to share their thoughts on the latest episode of Disney+’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, commiserate over Warner’s decision to cancel Ava DuVernay’s New Gods, and marvel over the boffo box office of Godzilla vs. Kong.

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Veronica Lodge on The CW’s ‘Riverdale’ Deserves Better

Everyone has that one character they relate to or see themselves in; everyone searches to find someone who looks like them on screen. For me, that character is Veronica Lodge on The CW’s Riverdale, which is based on the Archie Comics characters. Despite the fact that she has had one of the most important evolutions on the show and has been there since the pilot, she is often overlooked and over hated, for no real reason besides Archie continuing to choose her.

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Hard NOC Life 209: Rated-R Super Starro

Dominic and Keith are back to continue talking about HBO Max’s Snyder Cut (now that Dom has finished it) and the just released Suicide Squad sequel trailer. They also break down the latest episode of Disney+’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, as well as Marvel’s decision to split from Diamond and San Diego Comic-Con’s in-person return. What’s nerd poppin’: Amazon’s Invincible animated series and Chloe Zhao’s Oscar-nominated film, Nomadland. Finally, the NOC’s newest contributor, Sophia Soto, speaks to Robert Rovner and Jessica Queller, the executive producers of The CW’s Supergirl, about the show’s final season.

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Hard NOC Life 208: The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and The Justice League and The Washington Post’s David Betancourt

Dominic and Jamal return to join Keith and Britney to break down the Good, the Bad, and the WTF (with apologies to Jeff and Phil) of Disney+’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and HBO Max’s Snyder Cut. Later, The Washington Post’s David Betancourt joins Keith to talk about his profile of Zack Snyder as well as his thoughts on Justice League. The crew also addresses the tragedy in Atlanta and the need to end white supremacy.

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