Nerd Initiative Mission & Values
Nerd Initiative is run by a collective of journalists, editors, and creators with decades of combined experience in entertainment and pop culture.
We are a safe space to discuss, debate, and talk about comics, movies, streaming, TV and more.
With so much toxicity online today, we are a place to create without fear, and with a “Good Vibes Only” culture. We actively encourage constructive discussions, ideas, all voices and points of view.
Nerd Initiative is positive, inclusive, relevant, and thought-provoking. These values are at the core of true fandom.
Ken Maney
Editor In Chief of the Nerd Initiative Bullpen
Also known as the Executive Producer & Host of the ODPH Podcast, Ken is also a freelance blogger covering sports, movies, TV, comics, and pro-wrestling. You can find him hosting Turn A Page every Tuesday at 8 pm EST and Wrestling Night Live every Thursday at 8 pm EST on our Youtube channel. Ken is the head of our comic book bullpen division where each week the team reviews comics from every publisher in the game to prepare you for New Comic Book Day!
Michael Rothman
Founder, Content Creator: SuperheroTok
Better known as “SuperheroTok” on TikTok, Michael is an Emmy Award winning entertainment reporter spending over a decade at ABC News & Good Morning America, hosting shows like Inside Marvel! Michael brings his unique vision and passion to TikTok, where he also hosts “Shortboxed Presents,” a series focused on everything fans need to know about buying and selling comics in the grading age.
Matthew Roth
Editor of the Nerd Initiative Entertainment Section
Also known as the most basic 6 foot 4 man to have walked the earth, Matt enjoys PSLs and B-rated horror films and may be the biggest fan of The Fast and Furious franchise. Matt is one half of the duo from Hops Geek News, which is a weekly podcast where he discusses TV, Movies, and Comic Books while showcasing a beer of the week. When not in a movie theater he can probably be found crying over the Green Bay Packers or nomadically traveling the country!
Derek Hoskins
Editor in Chief – Nerd Initiative Video
Better known as “Paperweight Entertainment” online, Derek runs all of video on Nerd Initiative, including for podcasts, YouTube videos and so much more.
He also leverages his years of experience to writing for the site, including comic books and RPG gaming.
Megan Spangler
Head of Audience Development
Megan is the owner of the Vigilante Vibes podcast and the Nerd Haven on Facebook.
She’s a massive Marvel fan, a huge comic fan, and superhero obsessed all around. Her goal is to make a positive impact in the fandoms with her nontoxic vibes and push for more inclusivity in the fandoms!
“We should all be able to enjoy the nerdy life and our favorite superhero’s no matter who we are!”
Nerd Initiative 2025