HeroTV 2019 Episode 2: Paul Erickson Nerd Parodist

The newest episode of HeroTV 2019 is airing on Comcast. You can also watch it at HeroTV 2019 Episode 2: Paul Erickson Nerd Parodist. PL Myers and I welcome my old friend Paul Erickson into the Comcast studios for a half hour of fun we call an interview.

I have known Paul for many years, having met him on the comic con circuit. I believe Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker actually first noticed Paul and asked for an interview. To be honest, noticing Paul at a comic con isn't hard. He is usually dressed as a hobbit. Fortunately for all involved, Paul was casually dressed for the HeroTV interview, but I digress.

At that first meeting, I learned that Paul was a Tolkien parodist, hence the hobbit garb. Paul was promoting The Wobbit A Parody (Of The Hobbit), his parody book obviously based on LOTR. Going the extra mile, Paul manned his booth (shared with fellow author James Finn Garner, the subject of a future HeroTV interview) dressed as a hobbit, engaging all who meandered down the aisle. He certainly engaged us.

That was the start of a friendship which has seen us both grow. No longer "just" a Tolkien parodist, Paul is now the "world's foremost nerd parodist" as he has expanded his parodying to include Star Wars.

I have had the pleasure of interviewing him several times since the first encounter. I am always happy to spread the word on his latest projects. He in turn has included me in a few of his famous panels at comic cons. They truly have been some of the most fun I have had at the cons.

Fast forward to present day and I suggested Paul (and James) to PL for our HeroTV show. Impressed by his body of work, PL immediately agreed. Paul brought his "A" game as he talked to us about how he started writing parodies, comic cons, his influences, dressing as a hobbit, future projects and more.

I am always extra proud when a HeroTV interview is someone I brought to the table. I was happy to give Paul some extra exposure and to add him to our growing list of fascinating interview subjects.

The best interviews always seem like a fun conversation. If you know Paul and have ever talked to him, all conversations are fun and this was no exception.

Watch the interview at the link above. Also, check out Paul's work at NerdParodist.com. If you get the chance, by all means, see him at a comic con, where he is in action at his best!

Thanks to my HeroTV co-host for inviting me to join the legendary show. Thanks to Paul for his time and consideration. Also thanks to Paul for a lot of entertainment, but I am still waiting for that meatball sandwich (inside joke).

PL Myers, Paul Erickson and me in Elmhurst, IL-February 2019.