When three high school students from modern-day Pennsylvania find themselves trapped in a world of wizards, elves, and feudal intrigue, they must learn to survive in their new surroundings, and undertake an epic quest to save the world from the encroaching forces of chaos. WARNING: This Audio Drama contains adult language, graphic descriptions of violence, and explicit discussions of sexuality. This is, of course, in the interest of historical realism. We hope you enjoy our story about wizards and elves.
Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
#Ask The Once And Future Nerd for Bk. 2, Ch. 9
Today’s bonus content is the #AskTOAFN listener Q&A for Book 2, Chapter 9. Christian, Dan, Anya and Greg answer a few questions related to the chapter…and then mostly rel
Jul 9 2023 1 h 16 min
A Handful Of Bodyguards, Pt. 5
In the conclusion of Book 2, Chapter 9, Billy does what Billy does best – be a huge pain in the ass – and reshapes the power balance of Pacific Ridge. And just in time fo
May 28 2023 32 min
A Handful Of Bodyguards, Pt. 4
Regan becomes increasingly entangled in the affairs of Pacific Ridge, while the Party puts their plan into motion. Yllodyk may have found an ally, but she has some explai
Apr 30 2023 28 min
A Handful Of Bodyguards, Pt. 3
Yllodyk reckons with the aftershock from her parents’ untimely deaths. Under the Black Mountains, Mag Uidhir and the Dragon make good on their bargain.
CREDITS FOR THIS
Mar 26 2023 36 min
A Handful Of Bodyguards, Pt. 2
Old rivalries flare in Pacific Ridge. Nelson finds a kindred spirit. Regan folds some new allies into the Party’s plan.
CREDITS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Directed by
CHRISTIAN
Feb 26 2023 24 min
A Handful Of Bodyguards, Pt. 1
Upon arriving in the West, the Party encounters challenges they never anticipated. But after learning more about their new locale, a plan takes shape.
CREDITS FOR THIS E
Jan 29 2023 27 min
Commentary for “The Worthiest Knight”
For today’s bonus content, Anya Gibian, Zach Glass, Ian Harkins, and Christian Kelley-Madera recorded a commentary track for Book 1 Chapter 5, “The Worthiest Knight,” ori
Dec 11 2022 1 h 19 min
#Ask The Once And Future Nerd for Bk. 2, Ch. 8
Today’s bonus content is the audio from our #AskTOAFN livestream from October 14. Zach and Christian discussed their favorite parts of the chapter and answered listener q
Oct 30 2022 53 min
Minisodes 007-008
Welcome back for another pair of TOAFN Minisodes!
Dear Uncle
Written by O. Carciente
Performed by Paul Notice as Antonin Mooncrest
Edited, mixed, and sound design by Tr
Oct 16 2022 14 min
A Change of Scenery, Pt. 4
Arlene, Gwen, Mildred, and Ben make shore at their new home. The worst possible people meet each other. Tragedy befalls the house of Ba’at lo-Yl and Wyyn lo-Dyk.
CREDITS
Sep 25 2022 24 min
A Change Of Scenery, Pt. 3
Billy’s attempts to support Nelson emotionally go about as well as you would expect. But, hey, he’s trying. Mag Uidhir brokers an accord. Two very different societies dec
Aug 28 2022 33 min
A Change Of Scenery, Pt. 2
Mag Uidhir begins parlay with an awesome and terrible bargaining partner. When the Party seeks shelter from a blizzard, Nelson tries making sense of his recent conversati
Jul 31 2022 24 min
A Change Of Scenery, Pt. 1
In the premiere of Book 2 Chapter 8, the newly divided Party begins its risky journey over the Black Mountains. Elsewhere, A servant is ailing. Maeve Bailey recounts the
Jun 26 2022 27 min
#Ask The Once And Future Nerd for Bk. 2, Ch. 7
Today’s bonus content is the audio from our #AskTOAFN livestream from May 7. Zach and Christian were joined by Garrett Armyn (Brennen) to discuss what happened in Book 2
May 29 2022 1 h 03 min
Feed Drop: DECOLONIZE & DISCOVER FESTIVAL
Got a quick feed drop today to tell you about the DECOLONIZE & DISCOVER FESTIVAL. You might remember friend of the show JourNee LaFond – Zach interviewed them and their s
May 22 2022 1 min
Minisodes 005-006
We’re back with some scripted minisodes today, for this between-chapters month.
“On The Origin Of A Song”
by Paul Notice and Christian T. Kelley-Madera
Performed by:
Pau
May 15 2022 17 min
What’s Close To You, Pt. 4
In the conclusion to Chapter 7, Nelson and Nia discuss dreams, Jen and Regan reconcile, and the party must make some goodbyes.
Chapter 8 will premiere on June 26, 2022.
Apr 24 2022 26 min
What’s Close To You, Pt. 3
In this episode, the team must make some decisions regarding their future plans. Regan must come to face the consequences of her actions. And Nia reconnects with her moth
Mar 27 2022 27 min
What’s Close To You, Pt. 2
Antonin Mooncrest, after taking over as rightful Regent of Guernatal, wins over his new subjects. Meanwhile, Ardel Redmoor, the recently-removed regent of the same…does t
Feb 27 2022 28 min
What’s Close To You, Pt. 1
After successfully pulling off a heist to save Nia’s family from Ry’y lo-Th’yyt, the party attempts to make their getaway. Complications arise, and loose ends are tied…bu
Jan 30 2022 24 min
Chart trend
Position in the Drama chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#96#191JunJulAugSep
#114
all-time peak
114
days in the top 200 since Nov 2024
Chart positions
Where The Once And Future Nerd ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 26, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
As someone who found himself discovering the potential of podcasts later in his early adult life, Once and Future Nerd was on of the first shows I followed. I’ve been along for the ride sing 2018 and couldn’t be happier. If you haven’t listened you’re missing out. It is a story for anyone who loves the fantasy genre. The world building is thoughtful, the social dialogue is intentional, and the love for story telling is palpable.
Perhaps most importantly this show is clearly a labor of love. A group of actors, creators, and collaborators who get together to bring the world of Iorden to us. It is a wonderful and thrilling story that asks us both the difficult and fun questions posed high fantasy setting. Please listen. You won’t regret it.
Temagami732 · Jan 2023
Binging this while working is what has been keeping me going for weeks. I’m super picky about what is pleasing to my ears. This is FANTASTIC! Also digging the Springsteen references. 😊♥️
Meggles315 · Sep 2022
...that should probably go unanswered, but they're questions. This is a weird and unhinged and HILARIOUS and dramatic story so far and I ADORE it. Thank you to one of the founders of the TOAFN discord for recommending it to me.
urinetown fanboy · Apr 2022
If you liked the Dungeons and Dragons cartoon, LOTR, GoT or even are just a rpg player you’ll love this. The writing is amazing and equally is the voice acting. I hope this goes on for years!
AMaskery · Oct 2021
The Good: It’s well-written and well-acted. The sound design is quite high. The narrator is quite good and and does a good job, even with the fight scenes.
The Bad: While the writing is good, the story is crap. The focus is on the characters to the detriment of the plot. the B-plot of the 1st Book is cringe-worthy (palace drama, verbal/emotional abuse, repression, and rape). But the main problem is in the A-plot: There are too many characters! In an isekai, the normal-worlders come to the strange land and find that they’re able to meaningfully interact with that world. 50 episodes in and that has yet to happen! The three normal, audience-analogs are just along for the ride as the Adventurers (fighter, ranger, cleric, and rogue) have their Campaign.
Verdict: While it does have good moments, I can’t recommend this to most people. If, however, you are a fan of Game of Thrones and the works of Marion Zimmer Bradley, you might like this series. I look forward to other series by this same group—and hope they have different writers.
shernacki · Jun 2020
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of The Once And Future Nerd, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
