WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.359 Okay, let's unpack this. Imagine a career that 00:00:03.359 --> 00:00:07.480 kicked off on the wild stages of MTV, then blossomed 00:00:07.480 --> 00:00:10.660 into this sprawling digital media empire, lent 00:00:10.660 --> 00:00:12.640 a distinctive voice to some of our most cherished 00:00:12.640 --> 00:00:16.920 animated characters, and ultimately saw its owner 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:19.660 hosting some of prime time television's most 00:00:19.660 --> 00:00:21.879 talked about after shows. It's quite a range. 00:00:21.960 --> 00:00:23.739 That's an incredible journey to trace, isn't 00:00:23.739 --> 00:00:26.750 it? Cool. We're diving deep into the multifaceted 00:00:26.750 --> 00:00:30.089 life and career of Chris Hardwick. Yep. An individual 00:00:30.089 --> 00:00:33.530 who has truly been a constant, evolving, and 00:00:33.530 --> 00:00:35.630 often surprising presence in pop culture for 00:00:35.630 --> 00:00:38.030 decades. What's truly fascinating here, and what 00:00:38.030 --> 00:00:40.369 our deep dive will hopefully illuminate, is how 00:00:40.369 --> 00:00:43.289 Christopher Ryan Hardwick has so expertly navigated 00:00:43.289 --> 00:00:46.310 such diverse and often rapidly changing mediums. 00:00:46.310 --> 00:00:48.670 Right. You know, from standup comedy stages to 00:00:48.670 --> 00:00:51.270 podcasting, from network television to film, 00:00:51.310 --> 00:00:53.710 and as a prolific writer and producer. or two 00:00:53.710 --> 00:00:56.869 since his career first began back in 91. Wow, 00:00:57.189 --> 00:01:00.270 91. Yeah. Our sources paint a rich picture of 00:01:00.270 --> 00:01:02.770 a truly prolific individual. And our mission 00:01:02.770 --> 00:01:05.230 today is really to extract the most important 00:01:05.230 --> 00:01:07.170 nuggets of knowledge and insight. Give you that 00:01:07.170 --> 00:01:09.750 shortcut. Exactly. Offering you a shortcut to 00:01:09.750 --> 00:01:12.609 understanding how he built that expansive career, 00:01:12.870 --> 00:01:16.530 the unique influences that shaped him, and, well, 00:01:16.790 --> 00:01:18.689 the significant challenges he encountered along 00:01:18.689 --> 00:01:20.890 the way. So what does this all mean for you, 00:01:20.969 --> 00:01:23.269 our listener, as you join us on this deep dive? 00:01:23.390 --> 00:01:26.489 Wow. We're going to meticulously trace his path, 00:01:27.069 --> 00:01:28.950 starting from his roots as a kid in Kentucky 00:01:28.950 --> 00:01:31.689 who became a junior high chess champion. Yeah, 00:01:31.849 --> 00:01:33.810 the chess champion thing. All the way to becoming 00:01:33.810 --> 00:01:36.329 the host of iconic shows like Talking Dead in 00:01:36.329 --> 00:01:39.430 the Wall, the visionary creator of Nerdist Industries, 00:01:40.150 --> 00:01:42.950 and an instantly recognizable voice actor. Absolutely. 00:01:43.239 --> 00:01:45.519 You'll get to explore how a passionate engagement 00:01:45.519 --> 00:01:48.180 with pop culture, combined with a sharp intellect 00:01:48.180 --> 00:01:51.060 and remarkable adaptability, can truly forge 00:01:51.060 --> 00:01:53.700 an expansive and incredibly durable career. And 00:01:53.700 --> 00:01:56.260 lead to some pretty unexpected turns and surprising 00:01:56.260 --> 00:01:59.079 longevity, especially in the fast -paced entertainment 00:01:59.079 --> 00:02:01.000 industry. Okay, let's start right at the very 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:03.239 beginning then. Let's set the stage for this 00:02:03.239 --> 00:02:06.319 truly remarkable journey. Sounds good. Christopher 00:02:06.319 --> 00:02:08.560 Ryan Hardwick was born in Louisville, Kentucky, 00:02:08.979 --> 00:02:14.009 November 23, 1971. And his family roots offer 00:02:14.009 --> 00:02:17.069 some intriguing insights into his formative years, 00:02:17.530 --> 00:02:19.710 maybe even hinting at his future trajectory. 00:02:19.969 --> 00:02:22.669 How so? Well, his father, Billy Hardwick, born 00:02:22.669 --> 00:02:26.210 in 41, passed away in 2013. He wasn't just any 00:02:26.210 --> 00:02:29.229 father. He was a highly respected professional 00:02:29.229 --> 00:02:32.810 10 -pin bowler. Wow, a pro bowler. That's cool. 00:02:32.909 --> 00:02:34.889 Think about the dedication, the precision needed 00:02:34.889 --> 00:02:37.449 for that. Exactly, and the competitive spirit. 00:02:37.930 --> 00:02:41.389 Then his mother, Sharon Hills, maiden name Facente, 00:02:41.759 --> 00:02:44.639 She was a real estate agent based in Pasadena, 00:02:44.800 --> 00:02:46.659 California. Pasadena, okay. Close to the industry. 00:02:46.860 --> 00:02:50.800 Right. And here's a truly charming, almost serendipitous 00:02:50.800 --> 00:02:54.039 connection. His maternal grandfather, who was 00:02:54.039 --> 00:02:56.599 Italian -American, actually owned and operated 00:02:56.599 --> 00:02:59.240 a bowling alley. No way. Yeah. And it was there, 00:02:59.379 --> 00:03:01.680 at that very bowling alley that his parents first 00:03:01.680 --> 00:03:04.770 met. That's amazing. It's like... destiny, kind 00:03:04.770 --> 00:03:07.050 of. It really feels like it, like his path was 00:03:07.050 --> 00:03:09.729 subtly linked to places of public gathering and 00:03:09.729 --> 00:03:11.689 competition right from the start. He was also 00:03:11.689 --> 00:03:13.469 raised in his mother's Roman Catholic faith. 00:03:13.710 --> 00:03:15.810 Right, so that provided a sort of cultural and 00:03:15.810 --> 00:03:18.780 moral framework during his upbringing. It's those 00:03:18.780 --> 00:03:21.979 kinds of foundational details that become so 00:03:21.979 --> 00:03:23.860 much more significant when you connect them to 00:03:23.860 --> 00:03:26.060 the broader picture of his life. Totally. These 00:03:26.060 --> 00:03:29.360 early experiences, particularly that competitive 00:03:29.360 --> 00:03:32.020 drive maybe from his father's profession and 00:03:32.020 --> 00:03:34.979 that almost storybook family history tied to 00:03:34.979 --> 00:03:37.919 a bowling alley. They really hint at a foundation 00:03:37.919 --> 00:03:40.340 for someone who would later sort of effortlessly 00:03:40.340 --> 00:03:44.030 blend. wit, strategic thinking, and a knack for 00:03:44.030 --> 00:03:46.689 communication. But here's something even more 00:03:46.689 --> 00:03:49.090 extraordinary from his childhood, a detail that 00:03:49.090 --> 00:03:52.849 feels almost pre -monitory. Our sources reveal 00:03:52.849 --> 00:03:56.069 that at the incredibly young age of four, Chris 00:03:56.069 --> 00:03:58.870 Hardwick met the legendary comedian Joan Rivers. 00:03:59.030 --> 00:04:02.189 At four? Yeah, and apparently they maintained 00:04:02.189 --> 00:04:05.110 a lifelong friendship. That's incredible. Imagine 00:04:05.110 --> 00:04:07.870 the early exposure to comedy, to that sharp wit. 00:04:08.090 --> 00:04:10.210 Exactly, from a legend like Rivers. That's an 00:04:10.210 --> 00:04:12.939 unexpected and frankly profoundly - significant 00:04:12.939 --> 00:04:15.680 connection. It undoubtedly shaped his comedic 00:04:15.680 --> 00:04:18.459 sensibilities and maybe his comfort with celebrity 00:04:18.459 --> 00:04:21.660 long before his own career took off. Wow. And 00:04:21.660 --> 00:04:23.699 adding to this early intellectual curiosity, 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:26.500 he grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where he wasn't 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:30.040 just a regular kid. He became the 1983 Memphis 00:04:30.040 --> 00:04:32.899 City Junior High chess champion. The chess champion. 00:04:32.939 --> 00:04:35.100 I love that detail. It's not just a fun fact, 00:04:35.240 --> 00:04:37.920 though. It showcases an early strategic mind, 00:04:38.000 --> 00:04:40.740 right? An ability to think several moves ahead, 00:04:41.100 --> 00:04:43.920 a discipline approach traits we definitely see 00:04:43.920 --> 00:04:46.339 later in his professional life. Absolutely. Those 00:04:46.339 --> 00:04:48.720 early details really do set an intriguing stage 00:04:48.720 --> 00:04:52.160 for the diverse path he'd eventually forge. Okay, 00:04:52.160 --> 00:04:54.420 moving on to his education and those critical 00:04:54.420 --> 00:04:57.420 formative years. Chris's schooling spanned across 00:04:57.420 --> 00:04:59.680 different states, which may be contributed to 00:04:59.680 --> 00:05:02.220 his adaptable nature. Could be. Attended St. 00:05:02.220 --> 00:05:05.040 Benedict at Auburndale in Tennessee, then Regis 00:05:05.040 --> 00:05:07.480 Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado. Okay. 00:05:07.680 --> 00:05:09.500 before completing his senior year at Loyola High 00:05:09.500 --> 00:05:11.560 School right here in Los Angeles. Back to California. 00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:14.959 Yep. His academic journey culminated at UCLA. 00:05:15.779 --> 00:05:18.060 He pursued and graduated with a degree in philosophy 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:20.860 in 1993. Philosophy, that actually makes a lot 00:05:20.860 --> 00:05:24.339 of sense. Doesn't it? With its emphasis on critical 00:05:24.339 --> 00:05:27.660 thinking, logic, rhetoric, understanding different 00:05:27.660 --> 00:05:31.560 perspectives, it feels incredibly pertinent to 00:05:31.560 --> 00:05:34.300 someone who'd later excel in analytical discussions, 00:05:34.899 --> 00:05:37.259 debate, nuanced humor. Yeah, you can totally 00:05:37.259 --> 00:05:39.019 see the through line there. He was also in a 00:05:39.019 --> 00:05:41.399 fraternity, Chi Phi, during his freshman year. 00:05:41.639 --> 00:05:43.620 Right. And for those of you who enjoy those, 00:05:43.620 --> 00:05:46.660 like, fun celebrity connections, it's worth noting 00:05:46.660 --> 00:05:48.779 he had a rather well -known roommate during his 00:05:48.779 --> 00:05:51.399 college days, Will Wheaton. No kidding, Will 00:05:51.399 --> 00:05:53.899 Wheaton. Yeah. They met, apparently, at a screening 00:05:53.899 --> 00:05:57.620 of the movie Arachnophobia in Burbank. Arachnophobia, 00:05:57.899 --> 00:06:00.060 okay. That meeting place feels like a perfectly 00:06:00.060 --> 00:06:02.120 nerdy genesis for that friendship, doesn't it? 00:06:02.180 --> 00:06:05.000 Totally. Between two guys who'd both become pretty 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:08.240 prominent figures in what we now call nerd culture. 00:06:08.339 --> 00:06:10.399 That's why. And then the exciting transition 00:06:10.399 --> 00:06:13.720 into the vibrant world of entertainment truly 00:06:13.720 --> 00:06:16.040 began for Chris. Okay, let's get into it. He 00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:17.860 kicked off his professional career in the mid 00:06:17.860 --> 00:06:21.579 -1990s as a DJ on the hugely popular Los Angeles 00:06:21.579 --> 00:06:26.379 radio station KROQ FM. KROQ, classic LA. a great 00:06:26.379 --> 00:06:28.759 place to hone that on air presence. Definitely. 00:06:29.360 --> 00:06:31.660 And from there, his early television hosting 00:06:31.660 --> 00:06:35.160 roles were. Well, they were quite distinct and 00:06:35.160 --> 00:06:36.980 quickly put him in front of a national audience. 00:06:37.360 --> 00:06:41.000 MTV days. Exactly. In 1993 he hosted the MTV 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:43.399 game show Trashed. Oh, I remember Trashed. That 00:06:43.399 --> 00:06:46.959 show was insane. Wasn't it? Contestants risked 00:06:46.959 --> 00:06:49.240 having their cherished belongings destroyed based 00:06:49.240 --> 00:06:53.019 on trivia answers. It was pure 90s MTV chaos. 00:06:53.639 --> 00:06:56.040 But his ability to navigate that, you know, that 00:06:56.040 --> 00:06:58.839 unpredictable environment, it showcased his quick 00:06:58.839 --> 00:07:03.230 wit. Totally. Then, from 95 to 98, he really 00:07:03.230 --> 00:07:05.410 became a household name for a whole generation 00:07:05.410 --> 00:07:08.370 of MTV viewers. Co -hosting the wildly popular 00:07:08.370 --> 00:07:10.529 dating game show Singled Out. With Jenny McCarthy, 00:07:10.610 --> 00:07:12.829 right? With Jenny McCarthy, yeah. For an impressive 00:07:12.829 --> 00:07:15.769 130 episodes, he guided contestants through that 00:07:15.769 --> 00:07:18.470 hilarious, often awkward world of dating, showed 00:07:18.470 --> 00:07:20.410 a real knack for charming audiences, keeping 00:07:20.410 --> 00:07:22.560 the energy high. He was good at that. He also 00:07:22.560 --> 00:07:24.819 ventured into acting around then. He did, starred 00:07:24.819 --> 00:07:27.980 in the UPN comedy Guys Like Us from 98 to 99. 00:07:28.540 --> 00:07:31.019 Didn't last long though, only 12 episodes. But 00:07:31.019 --> 00:07:33.680 despite that, he made numerous guest appearances 00:07:33.680 --> 00:07:36.819 on various well -known shows of the era, like 00:07:36.819 --> 00:07:40.199 CSI, Married, With Children, Boy Meets World. 00:07:40.339 --> 00:07:43.540 Popping up everywhere. Yeah. And showcasing an 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:46.019 early and rather eclectic mix of projects, he 00:07:46.019 --> 00:07:48.019 even appeared in some films. Like the Rob Zombie 00:07:48.019 --> 00:07:50.819 ones? Exactly. Rob Zombie's House of a Thousand 00:07:50.819 --> 00:07:55.160 Corpses in 2003 and Halloween II in 2009. Plus 00:07:55.160 --> 00:07:57.100 a smaller role in the blockbuster Terminator 00:07:57.100 --> 00:08:01.379 3, also in 2003. Wow. Horror, sci -fi, comedy, 00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:04.439 hosting. It really was a whirlwind of diverse 00:08:04.439 --> 00:08:06.899 experiences early on, laying that groundwork. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:08.879 Yeah. And here's where it gets really interesting. 00:08:09.079 --> 00:08:11.079 as we transition to what many might consider 00:08:11.079 --> 00:08:14.199 his most impactful and defining era, the genesis 00:08:14.199 --> 00:08:16.379 and rapid expansion of his self -proclaimed nerd 00:08:16.379 --> 00:08:19.319 media empire. Right, the Nerdist era. His contributions 00:08:19.319 --> 00:08:21.920 to Wired magazine starting in 2007 were a clear 00:08:21.920 --> 00:08:24.779 precursor to this, right? He was already identifying 00:08:24.779 --> 00:08:26.800 and articulating the passions of a particular 00:08:26.800 --> 00:08:29.839 audience. Setting the stage. But the true game 00:08:29.839 --> 00:08:31.459 changer, the moment that effectively launched 00:08:31.459 --> 00:08:34.240 this empire, was the debut of the Nerdist podcast 00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:37.559 in February 2010, hosted with Jonah Ray and Matt 00:08:37.559 --> 00:08:40.409 Mira. Yeah, that podcast was huge. It wasn't 00:08:40.409 --> 00:08:43.190 just another show in what was still a pretty 00:08:43.190 --> 00:08:46.710 new medium then. Not at all. It quickly got significant 00:08:46.710 --> 00:08:49.149 critical recognition. The AV Club called it one 00:08:49.149 --> 00:08:51.710 of 2010's best. Rolling Stone put it in their 00:08:51.710 --> 00:08:54.850 top 10 comedy podcasts. That's major validation 00:08:54.850 --> 00:08:57.710 early on. Totally. And what was so innovative 00:08:57.710 --> 00:09:00.350 about it, he essentially took his own deeply 00:09:00.350 --> 00:09:03.870 personal interests. His passion for what he defined 00:09:03.870 --> 00:09:06.889 as nerd culture, you know, comics, video games, 00:09:07.110 --> 00:09:09.230 sci -fi, tech, all of it. And built an entire 00:09:09.230 --> 00:09:11.889 brand around them. Exactly. It became this vibrant, 00:09:12.149 --> 00:09:14.370 welcoming space where like -minded people could 00:09:14.370 --> 00:09:17.370 just revel in their shared passions. Long before 00:09:17.370 --> 00:09:20.250 nerd became truly mainstream and marketable. 00:09:20.350 --> 00:09:22.429 He really tapped into something there. It wasn't 00:09:22.429 --> 00:09:25.389 just a podcast. It was, like you said, the foundational 00:09:25.389 --> 00:09:28.649 blueprint for a new kind of digital content creation. 00:09:29.159 --> 00:09:32.159 really redefined fan engagement, which really 00:09:32.159 --> 00:09:34.159 prompts an important question for us to consider, 00:09:34.259 --> 00:09:36.220 doesn't it? How did someone with a background, 00:09:36.700 --> 00:09:38.879 mostly in general entertainment, like MTV game 00:09:38.879 --> 00:09:42.320 shows, how did he manage to so astutely identify 00:09:42.320 --> 00:09:45.220 and successfully capitalize on this burgeoning 00:09:45.220 --> 00:09:47.779 nerd culture back when it was still pretty niche, 00:09:48.179 --> 00:09:51.500 before it exploded? It speaks to remarkable foresight. 00:09:51.610 --> 00:09:54.490 Totally. A keen understanding of audience and 00:09:54.490 --> 00:09:57.490 that innate ability to build genuine community. 00:09:58.049 --> 00:10:00.269 And Chris Hardwick himself, he wasn't shy about 00:10:00.269 --> 00:10:03.009 his vision, right? He called it a nerd media 00:10:03.009 --> 00:10:07.250 empire. He did. Very forward thinking. Ambitious. 00:10:07.549 --> 00:10:09.990 Definitely. He understood that passion, when 00:10:09.990 --> 00:10:12.250 properly channeled, could be a powerful engine 00:10:12.250 --> 00:10:14.809 for growth. And it wasn't just audio. He created 00:10:14.809 --> 00:10:17.730 tangible in -person spaces. The Nerdist Theatre. 00:10:18.419 --> 00:10:21.120 Exactly. At Meltdown Comics in LA, that became 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:23.840 this vital hub for stand -up, live podcasts, 00:10:24.019 --> 00:10:26.500 fan gatherings, really solidifying that community 00:10:26.500 --> 00:10:28.899 aspect. Yeah, that was smart. And he extended 00:10:28.899 --> 00:10:31.159 the brand into publishing, too. Right. The book. 00:10:31.440 --> 00:10:34.139 The Nerdist Way, How to Reach the Next Level 00:10:34.139 --> 00:10:36.940 in Real Life came out late 2011. Which wasn't 00:10:36.940 --> 00:10:39.000 just a vanity project, right? No. It offered 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:41.659 actual advice, a framework for embracing your 00:10:41.659 --> 00:10:44.220 inner nerd for personal growth, translating the 00:10:44.220 --> 00:10:47.220 brand's ethos into a new medium. Yeah. And then 00:10:47.220 --> 00:10:50.879 came the big strategic move, June 2011, the equity 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:52.799 partnership with Geek Chick Daily to officially 00:10:52.799 --> 00:10:56.610 form Nerdist Industries. Formalizing it. Accelerating 00:10:56.610 --> 00:10:58.769 the expansion. Exactly. It was becoming a real 00:10:58.769 --> 00:11:00.590 business. That's right. And the corporate evolution, 00:11:00.769 --> 00:11:03.110 the growth, it didn't stop there. It only sped 00:11:03.110 --> 00:11:06.629 up. February 2012, that partnership solidified 00:11:06.629 --> 00:11:09.750 further. Geek Tech Daily fully merged with Nerdist 00:11:09.750 --> 00:11:12.230 Industries. And rebranded as Nerdist News. Yep. 00:11:12.539 --> 00:11:15.059 which significantly expanded the brand's editorial 00:11:15.059 --> 00:11:18.200 and content reach. And Hardwick took on the crucial 00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:21.480 role of chief creative officer. CCO. So he's 00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:23.220 shaping the creative direction, the identity 00:11:23.220 --> 00:11:25.120 of this whole thing. Exactly. Not just a figurehead. 00:11:25.620 --> 00:11:29.179 Then came a truly massive milestone. July 10, 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:32.860 2012. Legendary entertainment. The movie studio. 00:11:33.059 --> 00:11:35.360 Dark Knight Godzilla. Legendary entertainment. 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:38.470 They acquired Nerdist Industries. Wow. That's 00:11:38.470 --> 00:11:40.669 huge validation. Totally. A massive validation 00:11:40.669 --> 00:11:42.590 of Hardwick's vision and the power of nerd culture. 00:11:42.909 --> 00:11:45.389 And it elevated his personal standing, too. Gave 00:11:45.389 --> 00:11:48.450 him the notable title of co -president of Legendary's 00:11:48.450 --> 00:11:50.909 digital business. Co -president. So he's now 00:11:50.909 --> 00:11:53.990 a key figure in digital media strategy at a major 00:11:53.990 --> 00:11:56.970 studio level. Right. Cemented his position. High 00:11:56.970 --> 00:11:59.529 -level institution. When things evolve. Always. 00:12:00.110 --> 00:12:03.389 And in February 2018, Hardwick announced a new 00:12:03.389 --> 00:12:07.250 chapter for his flagship audio project. The rebranding. 00:12:07.309 --> 00:12:10.830 of the Nerdist podcast to ID10T with Chris Hardwick. 00:12:11.250 --> 00:12:13.950 ID10T, why the change? Well, his contract with 00:12:13.950 --> 00:12:16.970 Legendary Entertainment had ended in 2017. So 00:12:16.970 --> 00:12:19.549 this was him taking back creative control, essentially. 00:12:19.669 --> 00:12:22.809 And the name ID10T, that's like tech slang, right? 00:12:22.909 --> 00:12:25.870 User error. Exactly. It's that playful nod to 00:12:25.870 --> 00:12:28.960 tech, the idiot error code. perfectly encapsulates 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:31.279 his self -deprecating humor and his continued 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:33.820 connection to that world, even post -legendary. 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:36.879 So it marked a significant pivot and the podcast 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:39.779 kept going strong. Amazingly strong. By December 00:12:39.779 --> 00:12:42.820 2019, it had broadcast an astonishing 1 ,000 00:12:42.820 --> 00:12:45.940 episodes under both names. A thousand episodes? 00:12:45.940 --> 00:12:48.120 That's incredible longevity. Isn't it? A testament 00:12:48.120 --> 00:12:50.360 to its connection with its audience. The appeal 00:12:50.360 --> 00:12:52.720 endured way beyond the corporate ownership. So 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:54.600 while he was meticulously building this whole 00:12:54.600 --> 00:12:59.159 digital empire, his presence on He was doing 00:12:59.159 --> 00:13:01.440 both simultaneously. It's pretty remarkable. 00:13:04.029 --> 00:13:07.070 During that initial MTV era, besides Trash and 00:13:07.070 --> 00:13:09.909 Singled Out, he also hosted the syndicated dating 00:13:09.909 --> 00:13:13.230 show Shipmates. Right, more hosting, cementing 00:13:13.230 --> 00:13:16.070 that charming witty guide persona. But his interests 00:13:16.070 --> 00:13:18.289 weren't just dating and games. Remember Wired 00:13:18.289 --> 00:13:21.429 Science? Oh yeah, on PBS, October to December 00:13:21.429 --> 00:13:24.490 2007. That lined perfectly with his writing for 00:13:24.490 --> 00:13:26.669 Wired magazine. Exactly. It showcased a more 00:13:26.669 --> 00:13:29.669 serious educational side. Delving into science 00:13:29.669 --> 00:13:32.070 with that approachable yet intelligent style, 00:13:32.289 --> 00:13:34.190 you can see the philosophy degree peeking through. 00:13:34.269 --> 00:13:37.409 Oh boy. Then, June 2009, he stepped into the 00:13:37.409 --> 00:13:40.509 satirical spotlight as the host of G4's Web Soup. 00:13:40.690 --> 00:13:42.669 A spinoff of the soup. That felt like a natural 00:13:42.669 --> 00:13:45.450 fit. He'd guest -hosted Talk Soup before. Right. 00:13:45.610 --> 00:13:48.129 He had that knack for sharp, comedic commentary 00:13:48.129 --> 00:13:51.129 on pop culture absurdity online videos. He was 00:13:51.129 --> 00:13:53.529 perfect for it. And then came the aftershows. 00:13:53.850 --> 00:13:56.669 A format that truly became like a defining and 00:13:56.669 --> 00:13:59.490 hugely successful part of his TV career. Arguably 00:13:59.490 --> 00:14:01.789 made him a pioneer in that space. Talking Dead. 00:14:02.250 --> 00:14:05.990 Exactly. Started in 2011. Live after show for 00:14:05.990 --> 00:14:09.210 AMC's The Walking Dead. Later expanded to fear 00:14:09.210 --> 00:14:11.950 The Walking Dead. And crucially, he wasn't just 00:14:11.950 --> 00:14:14.889 the host. He produced it too. Yep. Deeply involved 00:14:14.889 --> 00:14:17.730 in shaping its content, its tone. And the show 00:14:17.730 --> 00:14:20.590 was this unique, really engaging blend, wasn't 00:14:20.590 --> 00:14:23.820 it? Yeah. Celebrity fans, cast, crew. Audience 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:27.240 interaction, games, polls, exclusive clips. What 00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:29.539 made it work so well under him? I think it was 00:14:29.539 --> 00:14:31.860 his ability to bridge that gap between casual 00:14:31.860 --> 00:14:34.539 viewers and hardcore fans. Yeah, he created this 00:14:34.539 --> 00:14:37.100 communal space for genuine discussion, a passionate 00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:39.460 dissection of the show. His interviewing style 00:14:39.460 --> 00:14:41.740 was empathetic, but insightful. Got great behind 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:43.659 the scenes stuff, invited critical analysis. 00:14:43.940 --> 00:14:46.320 He was so good at it, so skilled at fostering 00:14:46.320 --> 00:14:48.379 that shared fandom. That he extended it right. 00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:50.960 Talking bad for breaking bad in 2013. And talking 00:14:50.960 --> 00:14:53.440 Saul for Better Call Saul in 2016. He became 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:55.860 the absolute go -to guy for those insightful, 00:14:56.340 --> 00:14:58.820 fan -centric, often deeply analytical discussions 00:14:58.820 --> 00:15:01.059 about beloved TV shows. He really did. And his 00:15:01.059 --> 00:15:03.080 hosting prowess clearly went beyond just fan 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:05.120 discussions. It crossed impressively into comedy 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:08.639 game shows, too. Right. In 2011, he hosted BBC 00:15:08.639 --> 00:15:11.679 America's Ministry of Laughs. that block of British 00:15:11.679 --> 00:15:14.700 comedy. But it was from 2013 to 2017 that he 00:15:14.700 --> 00:15:16.879 really cemented his comedy hosting credentials 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:19.559 with at midnight on Comedy Central. Oh, at midnight 00:15:19.559 --> 00:15:22.159 was brilliant. Wasn't it? Half hour comedic panel 00:15:22.159 --> 00:15:24.360 show. He didn't just host it with his signature 00:15:24.360 --> 00:15:27.100 wit. He created it, wrote it, executive produced 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:31.360 it. for 600 episodes. 600. And it was a critical 00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:34.220 and popular hit. Innovative format comedians 00:15:34.220 --> 00:15:37.559 competing on internet trends. Fast -paced, improvisational, 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:41.220 super smart, and it won Emmys. Two primetime 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:43.399 Emmys for outstanding creative achievement and 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:46.120 interactive media social TV experience. 2015 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:49.019 and 2016. That's huge for its blend of comedy 00:15:49.019 --> 00:15:51.179 and social media interaction. Yeah, and if that 00:15:51.179 --> 00:15:53.730 wasn't enough. Since 2016, he's also hosted The 00:15:53.730 --> 00:15:55.970 Wall. The Plinko -inspired game show on NBC. 00:15:56.070 --> 00:15:59.009 High stakes. He's an EP on that, too. This whole 00:15:59.009 --> 00:16:01.509 segment of his career just underscores that incredible 00:16:01.509 --> 00:16:03.909 ability to connect with audiences. Conversational, 00:16:04.169 --> 00:16:06.529 engaging, funny, whether he's talking zombies, 00:16:06.750 --> 00:16:08.889 moderating fast -paced comedy, or building tension 00:16:08.889 --> 00:16:11.230 on a game show. He truly became the host for 00:16:11.230 --> 00:16:13.830 shows that blend fandom and entertainment, navigating 00:16:13.830 --> 00:16:17.190 live TV, interactive media, all of it. Yeah. 00:16:17.509 --> 00:16:20.840 OK, moving on. What's truly remarkable about 00:16:20.840 --> 00:16:22.899 Chris Hardwick, and what we really want to unpack, 00:16:23.500 --> 00:16:25.919 is his incredible versatility across so many 00:16:25.919 --> 00:16:27.899 different mediums. Right. He's not just a host 00:16:27.899 --> 00:16:30.419 or a digital pioneer. No. He's also an accomplished 00:16:30.419 --> 00:16:33.179 actor, a prolific voice artist, and a seasoned 00:16:33.179 --> 00:16:34.840 stand -up comedian. Let's get into the acting 00:16:34.840 --> 00:16:37.879 first. Beyond those Rob Zombie films and Terminator 00:16:37.879 --> 00:16:40.580 3? Yeah, his live -action filmography includes 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:43.360 diverse appearances, like the Mother of Invention 00:16:43.360 --> 00:16:46.419 in 2009. And an interesting role as an estate 00:16:46.419 --> 00:16:49.320 sale organizer. Yeah. Extremely loud and incredibly 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:52.600 close in 2011. Oh, OK. A serious drama. Right. 00:16:52.840 --> 00:16:55.139 A small role, but it showcased a different, more 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:57.600 subdued side. Showed his range beyond comedy 00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:59.740 or genre stuff. And later he lent his voice to 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:02.360 animated films too. Yep. Let go. The Adventures 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:05.980 of Clutch Powers back in 2010. And notably, prominent 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:08.079 voice roles in the Lego Batman movie and the 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:11.440 Lego Ninjago movie, both in 2017. So live action 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:14.000 voice roles highlights his willingness to explore 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:16.519 different projects, adapt his style. Definitely. 00:17:16.779 --> 00:17:18.720 But what's truly fascinating here, and maybe 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:21.000 underappreciated by the casual listener, is the 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:23.740 sheer breadth and impact of his voice work. It's 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:26.660 huge. It really is. It speaks to this chameleon 00:17:26.660 --> 00:17:29.119 -like ability to inhabit vastly different roles 00:17:29.119 --> 00:17:32.150 just using his voice. For you, the listener, 00:17:32.410 --> 00:17:34.730 it reveals how someone can build this incredibly 00:17:34.730 --> 00:17:37.569 impressive career behind the scenes, becoming 00:17:37.569 --> 00:17:40.730 a familiar, if sometimes unrecognized voice across 00:17:40.730 --> 00:17:43.190 so many platforms. Give us some examples. Okay, 00:17:43.269 --> 00:17:46.250 consider this. He voiced Otis the Cow in the 00:17:46.250 --> 00:17:48.309 Barnyard series. Right, taking over from Kevin 00:17:48.309 --> 00:17:50.430 James in the movie. Which is significant. He 00:17:50.430 --> 00:17:52.569 had to maintain continuity but bring his own 00:17:52.569 --> 00:17:54.960 comedic timing to an established character. He 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:58.359 also voiced Glowface in the X's for 20 episodes, 00:17:58.700 --> 00:18:01.660 2005, 2007. Okay. And maybe more strikingly, 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:04.900 he voiced Green Arrow, Oliver Queen, in the Batman 00:18:04.900 --> 00:18:08.259 animated series, 2007, 2008, and later in Lager 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:11.119 Dimensions in 2016. Voicing an iconic superhero 00:18:11.119 --> 00:18:13.759 requires a certain gravitas. Totally. Which he 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:16.339 delivered. He also portrayed Sokka in The Legend 00:18:16.339 --> 00:18:19.299 of Korra in 2012. And the wonderfully eccentric 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:22.079 Craig the Snake on Sanjay and Craig from 2013 00:18:22.079 --> 00:18:25.680 to 2016 for 60 episodes. Craig the Snake. That 00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:27.960 shows his comedic versatility for sure. Absolutely. 00:18:28.380 --> 00:18:30.660 And his voice work extends deep into video games 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:34.019 too. testament to his nerd culture roots. Like 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:36.259 Vaughn in Tales from the Borderlands. Exactly. 00:18:36.460 --> 00:18:39.640 Telltale Games 2014. And he reprised the role 00:18:39.640 --> 00:18:42.140 enthusiastically in the Borderlands 2 DLC in 00:18:42.140 --> 00:18:45.759 2019 and Borderlands 3, also in 2019, shows his 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:47.960 commitment to those franchises, contributing 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:50.500 to interactive storytelling. He even did a Futurama 00:18:50.500 --> 00:18:53.269 voice. Yeah. Guest voice the villain Klaxon for 00:18:53.269 --> 00:18:55.750 a special episode released uniquely on the Nerdist 00:18:55.750 --> 00:18:59.049 podcast in 2017 Blurring the lines between his 00:18:59.049 --> 00:19:02.150 voice acting and podcasting Wow this deep dive 00:19:02.150 --> 00:19:04.730 into his voice work really Emphasizes how talent 00:19:04.730 --> 00:19:07.549 and adaptability can lead to this expansive varied 00:19:07.549 --> 00:19:10.529 career often where his face isn't seen But his 00:19:10.529 --> 00:19:13.130 voice is just integral It's absolutely incredible 00:19:13.130 --> 00:19:14.950 how many different characters and worlds he's 00:19:14.950 --> 00:19:17.529 brought to life just with his voice Okay, let's 00:19:17.529 --> 00:19:19.769 pivot now to his stand -up comedy and musical 00:19:19.769 --> 00:19:22.420 roots which are really fundamental to understanding 00:19:22.420 --> 00:19:25.059 his comedic persona. Hard and firm. Exactly. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:27.359 Performed extensively with Mike Furman in that 00:19:27.359 --> 00:19:30.579 musical comedy duo. Their unique blend of clever 00:19:30.579 --> 00:19:34.849 lyrics, musical skill, absurd humor. It got enough 00:19:34.849 --> 00:19:36.970 attention for their own half -hour special, Comedy 00:19:36.970 --> 00:19:40.250 Central Presents, Hard and Firm, premiered January 00:19:40.250 --> 00:19:42.549 2008. I remember that. They were really funny. 00:19:42.710 --> 00:19:44.450 And they did songs for Rob Zombie's animated 00:19:44.450 --> 00:19:46.690 movie, too. They did. The haunted world of El 00:19:46.690 --> 00:19:50.009 Super Bisto. Ah. Showcasing their versatile comedic 00:19:50.009 --> 00:19:52.390 and use of chops again. And his solo standup. 00:19:52.630 --> 00:19:54.650 Well, his material got early recognition when 00:19:54.650 --> 00:19:57.940 Comedy Central... used some of it for that animated 00:19:57.940 --> 00:20:00.619 series Shorty's Watchin' Shorties back in 2004, 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:04.099 a glimpse of his early comedic voice. Okay. And 00:20:04.099 --> 00:20:06.640 both his solo stuff and the duo act were featured 00:20:06.640 --> 00:20:10.180 on the comedy Death Ray compilation CD in 2007, 00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:12.220 showed his presence in the alt -comedy scene. 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:14.740 Right, he toured too. Yeah, gained valuable stage 00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:16.579 experience touring as a featured comedian for 00:20:16.579 --> 00:20:19.200 Joel McHale, made multiple appearances on John 00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:22.019 Oliver's New York stand -up show in 2010, and 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:24.259 The Benson Interruption same year. solidifying 00:20:24.259 --> 00:20:26.019 his standing. So he was really putting in the 00:20:26.019 --> 00:20:29.220 work. Definitely. Then came the specials. Filmed 00:20:29.220 --> 00:20:31.640 his first full one -hour stand -up special for 00:20:31.640 --> 00:20:34.960 Comedy Central, Mandroid, in New York, February 00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:38.079 2012. Mandroid. How was it received? Aired November 00:20:38.079 --> 00:20:41.579 2012 and was by all accounts well received. Marked 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:44.339 a big milestone in his solo career. Followed 00:20:44.339 --> 00:20:46.519 by another successful special, Fun Comfortable, 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:50.059 in 2016, showcasing his continued growth as a 00:20:50.059 --> 00:20:52.670 comic. So when you look at the evolution of his 00:20:52.670 --> 00:20:55.529 comedic voice, from that improvisational musical 00:20:55.529 --> 00:20:57.970 stuff of heart and firm to these deeply personal 00:20:57.970 --> 00:21:01.430 full -length specials, his style is incredibly 00:21:01.430 --> 00:21:04.009 versatile, isn't it? And personal. Totally. He 00:21:04.009 --> 00:21:06.750 masterfully blends observational humor with moments 00:21:06.750 --> 00:21:10.109 of blue comedy, sharp sarcasm, self -deprecation, 00:21:10.490 --> 00:21:13.109 incisive satire, using these tools to tackle 00:21:13.109 --> 00:21:15.329 a whole range of subjects. Like what? American 00:21:15.329 --> 00:21:17.829 culture, political absurdities, human behavior. 00:21:18.049 --> 00:21:20.440 Yeah. And of course, lovingly dissecting pop 00:21:20.440 --> 00:21:22.599 culture. And his influences really tell a story, 00:21:22.819 --> 00:21:25.900 too. They do. Hardwick himself cited this incredible 00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:28.700 range of icons. Seeing the list gives you a real 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:30.660 sense of the comedic traditions that shaped his 00:21:30.660 --> 00:21:33.279 own unique voice. Who did he mention? Legends. 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:35.740 Like Steve Martin, you can see his absurdist 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:39.339 humor. Theatricality, maybe. George Carlin, that 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:41.640 sharp social commentary, linguistic precision. 00:21:41.880 --> 00:21:43.980 OK, I see that. Richard Pryor and Sam Kinison, 00:21:44.119 --> 00:21:46.460 maybe they're raw energy. Fearlessness inspires 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:49.039 his occasional blue comedy. Rodney Dangerfield, 00:21:49.079 --> 00:21:51.980 master of self -deprecation. Bill Hicks, edgy 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:54.559 intellectual critiques. Emo Phillips, unique 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:57.900 delivery. Even Bill Cosby for storytelling and 00:21:57.900 --> 00:22:00.819 relatable observations. Wow, that's a real murderer's 00:22:00.819 --> 00:22:03.920 row of comedy. Isn't it? This rich tapestry of 00:22:03.920 --> 00:22:06.240 influences helps us understand how Hardwick crafted 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:08.940 a comedic voice that's intelligent, relatable, 00:22:09.559 --> 00:22:12.140 entertaining, capable of subtle wit and broad 00:22:12.140 --> 00:22:14.140 humor. Makes sense. Okay, now we shift gears 00:22:14.140 --> 00:22:16.819 a bit to discuss Chris Hardwick's personal journey. 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:20.259 which includes significant milestones and at 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:23.200 one point faced intense public scrutiny. On the 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:25.220 personal side, like many public figures, he's 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:27.319 navigated various relationships over the years, 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:30.279 was previously engaged to model actress Jacinda 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:33.220 Barrett, had a relationship with actress Andrea 00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:36.859 Savage, fellow comedian. In 2004, began a relationship 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:39.539 with actress comedian Janet Varney, well -known 00:22:39.539 --> 00:22:42.640 voice actress herself. That lasted seven years 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:45.500 till their separation in 2011. Following that, 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:48.400 he dated Chloe Dykstra from late 2011 to July 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:52.779 2014. Then, a new chapter, September 2015, he 00:22:52.779 --> 00:22:55.420 got engaged to model and actress Lydia Hurst. 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:57.940 From the Hurst family? Yeah. Prominent family, 00:22:58.160 --> 00:23:00.660 publishing ties, high society. They married August 00:23:00.660 --> 00:23:04.180 20, 2016 in Pasadena, blending their different 00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:06.740 worlds. And they have a child now. They do. August 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:08.940 2021 announced they were expecting their first 00:23:08.940 --> 00:23:12.920 child. And January 29, 2022 announced the arrival 00:23:12.920 --> 00:23:17.720 of their daughter, So personal milestones, building 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:20.900 a family life amidst that demanding career. Exactly. 00:23:21.460 --> 00:23:23.680 And a deeply personal, profoundly important part 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:25.920 of his journey when he's openly discussed is 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:28.319 his sobriety. Right, he's been very open about 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:30.500 that. Chris Hardwick is a recovering alcoholic, 00:23:31.019 --> 00:23:33.759 been steadfastly sober since October 2003. That's 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:36.509 a long time, a significant commitment. It really 00:23:36.509 --> 00:23:38.750 is. The defining aspect of his personal life, 00:23:39.089 --> 00:23:42.029 a turning point, testament to his resilience, 00:23:42.589 --> 00:23:46.309 determination. Interestingly, a former coworker, 00:23:46.450 --> 00:23:48.990 reflecting on this transformation, noted that 00:23:48.990 --> 00:23:51.950 he replaced his alcoholism with workaholism. 00:23:52.470 --> 00:23:55.269 Insightful. Suggested immense drive, that energy. 00:23:55.470 --> 00:23:58.089 previously channeled unhealthily, found this 00:23:58.089 --> 00:24:00.849 new incredibly productive outlet in his career. 00:24:01.009 --> 00:24:03.529 Yeah, highlights a complex aspect of his personality, 00:24:03.670 --> 00:24:07.750 that relentless dedication, intensity. Once redirected, 00:24:07.809 --> 00:24:09.990 it really fueled his ascent, made him the prolific 00:24:09.990 --> 00:24:11.990 person we've been discussing. Which brings us 00:24:11.990 --> 00:24:14.670 to a challenging, complex segment of his public 00:24:14.670 --> 00:24:17.569 life. Yeah. The abuse allegation and its immediate 00:24:17.569 --> 00:24:20.089 far -reaching aftermath. Right. In this particular 00:24:20.089 --> 00:24:22.009 event, it really raises important questions. 00:24:22.380 --> 00:24:24.559 about the complexities of public allegations 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:27.579 in the digital age, the rigorous processes organizations 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:29.839 use to evaluate them. It highlights the challenges 00:24:29.839 --> 00:24:32.099 of navigating deeply personal narratives in the 00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:34.359 public layer, and the impact on individuals' 00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:37.329 careers. Exactly. And it's important we reiterate 00:24:37.329 --> 00:24:40.009 here, as our mission states, we're simply conveying 00:24:40.009 --> 00:24:43.170 the ideas, events, public responses contained 00:24:43.170 --> 00:24:46.769 in the source material. No taking sides. No endorsing 00:24:46.769 --> 00:24:49.769 viewpoint. It's Icelandic. Our aim is just to 00:24:49.769 --> 00:24:52.910 provide you, the listener, with a clear, impartial, 00:24:53.049 --> 00:24:55.089 thorough understanding of the reported facts 00:24:55.089 --> 00:24:57.809 as presented in our sources. Okay. So the sequence 00:24:57.809 --> 00:25:01.849 of events began June 14th, 2018. Chris Hardwick's 00:25:01.849 --> 00:25:04.369 ex -girlfriend, Chloe Dykstra, published an essay 00:25:04.369 --> 00:25:07.480 on medium. Right. And in this widely -read essay, 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:10.400 she made serious allegations, claimed emotional 00:25:10.400 --> 00:25:12.920 and sexual abuse by an unnamed ex -boyfriend. 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:16.019 And also alleged career blacklisting, she said, 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:18.599 in retaliation for ending the relationship. Now, 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:20.799 while the essay didn't explicitly name Chris 00:25:20.799 --> 00:25:23.660 Hardwick... The timing, plus several specific 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:26.059 identifiable details in the narrative, led many 00:25:26.059 --> 00:25:27.799 readers and media outlets to conclude it was 00:25:27.799 --> 00:25:29.920 him she was referring to. Exactly. The essay 00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:32.599 quickly got widespread attention, sparked considerable 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:35.279 public discussion, and the initial industry response 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:38.900 to these serious allegations was swift and significant 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:42.160 for Hardwick. Very swift. Nerdist, the company 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:44.960 he founded, the brand he was synonymous with, 00:25:45.359 --> 00:25:47.599 reacted quickly by removing all mentions of him 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:50.160 from its website. Wow. Scrubbing his name from 00:25:50.160 --> 00:25:53.970 his own creation. Yeah. Concurrently, AMC, the 00:25:53.970 --> 00:25:56.410 network behind Talking Dead and his other shows, 00:25:57.009 --> 00:25:58.750 announced further episodes of Talking with Chris 00:25:58.750 --> 00:26:01.069 Hardwick would be pulled from the schedule indefinitely. 00:26:01.890 --> 00:26:03.910 And adding to that immediate fallout, Hardwick 00:26:03.910 --> 00:26:07.349 himself chose to step away from moderating all 00:26:07.349 --> 00:26:10.910 the AMC and BBC America panels scheduled for 00:26:10.910 --> 00:26:13.869 San Diego Comic -Con that year. A collective 00:26:13.869 --> 00:26:17.430 response from multiple major entities showed 00:26:17.430 --> 00:26:20.049 the immediate gravity, the intense pressure and 00:26:20.049 --> 00:26:22.410 scrutiny. Absolutely. Highlighted the immediate 00:26:22.410 --> 00:26:25.150 impact across his professional commitments. However, 00:26:25.650 --> 00:26:28.250 the situation then evolved significantly following 00:26:28.250 --> 00:26:30.880 a series of internal investigations. Right. On 00:26:30.880 --> 00:26:34.420 July 25, 2018, just over a month after the initial 00:26:34.420 --> 00:26:37.519 allegations, AMC issued a public statement, announced 00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:39.819 they'd conducted a comprehensive investigation 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:42.680 alongside law firm Loeb & Loeb. And their conclusion? 00:26:42.859 --> 00:26:45.359 As stated by AMC, their investigation had failed 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:47.920 to confirm Dykstra's allegations. Their statement 00:26:47.920 --> 00:27:02.369 clarified further, saying, step and Dykstra responded 00:27:02.369 --> 00:27:05.089 two days later Chloe Dykstra responded publicly 00:27:05.089 --> 00:27:08.130 on Twitter she stated I chose not to participate 00:27:08.130 --> 00:27:10.269 in the investigation of the person I spoke of 00:27:10.269 --> 00:27:13.809 I do not believe in an eye for an eye and she 00:27:13.809 --> 00:27:16.289 added she added that she originally wrote her 00:27:16.289 --> 00:27:17.930 essay so she could move on with her life and 00:27:17.930 --> 00:27:20.390 now she intends to do so okay and what about 00:27:20.390 --> 00:27:23.900 his other work NBC Nerdist Well, following its 00:27:23.900 --> 00:27:26.259 own separate review process, NBC announced on 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:29.660 July 31, 2018, that Hardwick would return as 00:27:29.660 --> 00:27:32.359 host of The Wall. Right. And finally, August 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:35.680 10, 2018, after their own internal investigation, 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:38.700 Hardwick's name and association were fully reinstated 00:27:38.700 --> 00:27:41.140 on Nerdist's website. So these events really 00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:44.279 underscore the complex, multi -layered nature 00:27:44.279 --> 00:27:47.380 of public allegations, the rigorous reviews companies 00:27:47.380 --> 00:27:50.559 undertake. and the very personal public responses 00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:53.019 from everyone involved illustrates the immense 00:27:53.019 --> 00:27:55.240 challenges of navigating this stuff in the public 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:57.519 eye. It really does. So as we bring our deep 00:27:57.519 --> 00:27:59.799 dive into Chris Hardwick's remarkable career 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:03.180 to a close, it's abundantly clear his journey 00:28:03.180 --> 00:28:06.339 is a powerful testament to adaptability, relentless 00:28:06.339 --> 00:28:09.539 passion, sheer professional drive. Absolutely. 00:28:09.839 --> 00:28:12.200 We've traced his path from those surprising roots, 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:14.660 child chess champion, lifelong friend of Joan 00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:17.019 Rivers through his insightful philosophy studies, 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:20.880 his early energetic MTV days, and that extensive 00:28:20.880 --> 00:28:23.359 chameleon -like career as a voice actor. It's 00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:26.059 been one of continuous evolution. Totally. seamlessly 00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:28.279 spanning traditional media like TV and film, 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:30.779 while simultaneously pioneering and dominating 00:28:30.779 --> 00:28:33.099 that digital content landscape with Nerdist. 00:28:33.380 --> 00:28:35.680 His unique ability to genuinely connect with 00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:38.000 audiences, whether through shared pop culture 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:40.559 obsessions, sharp comedy, or those in -depth 00:28:40.559 --> 00:28:43.039 analytical discussions, it's made him a singular, 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:46.700 enduring figure. Yeah. We've seen how he built 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:50.650 that sprawling nerd media empire from just a 00:28:50.650 --> 00:28:53.650 podcast, how he navigated the intense complex 00:28:53.650 --> 00:28:56.309 waters, the significant public scrutiny, and 00:28:56.309 --> 00:28:58.609 how he found personal stability and growth through 00:28:58.609 --> 00:29:00.849 sustained sobriety and family life. And if we 00:29:00.849 --> 00:29:03.529 connect this truly multifaceted career to the 00:29:03.529 --> 00:29:05.630 bigger picture, Chris Hardwick's professional 00:29:05.630 --> 00:29:08.029 trajectory, especially that incredibly prescient 00:29:08.029 --> 00:29:11.230 pivot into digital media with Nerdist and his 00:29:11.230 --> 00:29:14.569 extensive varied voice work, it provides a fascinating, 00:29:14.829 --> 00:29:17.609 incredibly rich case study. In what way? sustaining, 00:29:17.609 --> 00:29:20.970 and evolving a personal brand in the modern entertainment 00:29:20.970 --> 00:29:23.609 industry. His story powerfully illustrates how 00:29:23.609 --> 00:29:26.430 a deeply personal passion can indeed be cultivated, 00:29:26.809 --> 00:29:29.109 scaled into a professional empire. And how someone 00:29:29.109 --> 00:29:31.390 can adapt and thrive in the media landscape just 00:29:31.390 --> 00:29:33.869 rapidly shifts and redefines itself. Exactly. 00:29:34.109 --> 00:29:36.349 And for you, our listener, understanding such 00:29:36.349 --> 00:29:39.970 a diversified, resilient career, it can offer 00:29:39.970 --> 00:29:42.950 invaluable insights. into the enduring value 00:29:42.950 --> 00:29:45.710 of pursuing multiple passions, the strategic 00:29:45.710 --> 00:29:48.269 wisdom of cultivating niche interests into mainstream 00:29:48.269 --> 00:29:51.250 success, and the profound importance of resilience 00:29:51.250 --> 00:29:53.690 when facing both unprecedented opportunities 00:29:53.690 --> 00:29:56.490 and significant personal challenges. It really 00:29:56.490 --> 00:29:59.049 offers a kind of blueprint for navigating a career 00:29:59.049 --> 00:30:01.809 where traditional roles are constantly merging, 00:30:02.109 --> 00:30:05.039 evolving. demanding new skills. Well said. So 00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:07.119 what does this extraordinary deep dive into Chris 00:30:07.119 --> 00:30:10.039 Hardswick's life and career mean for you to ponder 00:30:10.039 --> 00:30:12.880 and reflect upon? Given the incredible, often 00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:16.220 wildly divergent range of his work. I mean, interviewing 00:30:16.220 --> 00:30:18.500 celebrities about zombie apocalypses, voicing 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:21.299 animated cows, building an entire digital culture 00:30:21.299 --> 00:30:23.599 around nerd interests, standing strong amidst 00:30:23.599 --> 00:30:26.680 intense personal scrutiny. What does his journey 00:30:26.680 --> 00:30:29.019 ultimately tell us? about the future of media 00:30:29.019 --> 00:30:31.400 personalities, and how personal brands are not 00:30:31.400 --> 00:30:33.720 just built, but also fiercely challenged, adapted, 00:30:33.920 --> 00:30:36.299 and sustained in our increasingly interconnected 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:37.859 and scrutinizing modern world.