The Ultimate “Nerds That Talk Good” Resource Roundup: Lessons & Tools from Every Guest (so far)

After a series of deep conversations with some of the sharpest minds in cybersecurity, storytelling, marketing, and technical communication, I’m reflecting on the biggest lessons from Nerds That Talk Good so far. Each guest has brought unique insights, tools, and recommended resources that help bridge the gap between technical expertise and compelling storytelling.

And, because I know a nerd loves extra credit, I decided to compile them into a list that I’ll keep updated as I have new conversations.

This list compiles the standout books, movies, frameworks, and must-know concepts that have come up in the show so far. Whether you’re looking to refine your technical messaging, break into developer marketing, or tell better stories, this is your go-to resource list.

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1. Must-Read Books on Storytelling, Copywriting, and Persuasion

These books came up again and again across multiple episodes as essential reads for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.

📖 The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human – Jonathan Gottchall (Cited by Joel Benge with George Kamide)

A great overview of how storytelling is ingrained into us as humans and how to use story to connect.

📖 The Hero with a Thousand Faces – Joseph Campbell (Cited by Joel Loukus, Adam DuVander)

This foundational work on mythology and storytelling breaks down the Hero’s Journey, a narrative framework that has influenced countless films, books, and marketing strategies.

📖 Save the Cat – Blake Snyder (Referenced by Joel Loukus)

A screenwriting must-read that simplifies storytelling into easily replicable beats, making it a great tool for structuring any kind of narrative, from brand messaging to technical storytelling.

📖 The Writer’s Journey – Christopher Vogler (Discussed by Joel Loukus)

A modern take on Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, this book adapts it specifically for filmmakers, writers, and content creators looking to tell compelling stories.

📖 A Theory of Fun for Game Design – Raph Koster (Recommended by Rachel Davis)

Explores how learning and play intersect to create engaging experiences, useful for game designers and anyone crafting interactive content.

A contrarian take on negotiation, this book challenges the traditional approach and encourages starting from a place of strong boundaries and control.

📖 Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen – Donald Miller (Referenced by Adam DuVander, Joel Loukus)

A marketing playbook that positions the customer as the hero and the brand as their guide—hugely influential in developer marketing and storytelling.

📖 Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World – Cal Newport (Adam DuVander‘s reading list)

A guide to cutting through digital clutter and focusing on what truly matters in communication.

📖 Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting – Syd Field (Recommended by Joel Loukus)

A fundamental book on three-act storytelling structure, frequently used in film, advertising, and presentations.

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2. Films, TV Shows, & Pop Culture References that Shaped Our Nerds

Great communicators borrow from movies, myths, and pop culture—here are some of the biggest storytelling influences mentioned in past episodes.

🎬 The Matrix – “There is no spoon” as a metaphor for developer marketing. (Adam DuVander, and Joel Benge)
🎬 Jurassic Park – Inspiration for creative storytelling. (Joel Loukus)
🎬 Star Wars – Mythology and visual storytelling. (Joel Loukus)
🎬 The Producers – Theatrical inspiration for engaging storytelling. (Rachel Davis)

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3. Marketing, Copywriting & Persuasion Frameworks

These tested strategies help technical professionals communicate clearly and persuasively.

📌 The Hero’s Journey – A foundational storytelling framework for marketing (Joel Loukus, Adam DuVander)
📌 The Bow-Tie Risk Model – Used in cybersecurity to assess vulnerabilities. (Chip Harris)
📌 The StoryBrand Framework – Positioning the audience as the hero. (Adam DuVander, Joel Loukus)
📌 The Developer Content Mind Trick – Teaching before selling earns trust. (Adam DuVander)

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4. Tools & Platforms Our Nerds Swear By

From cybersecurity to copywriting, these tools help experts work smarter.

🛠 Google Docs – “If you’re not getting feedback on GitHub, paste it into Google Docs and watch what happens.” (Adam DuVander)
🛠 Miro & SessionLab – Used for workshop facilitation. (Rachel Davis)
🛠 Butter.us – Virtual workshop platform. (Rachel Davis)
🛠 Otter.ai – Transcription tool. (Rachel Davis)
🛠 Mastodon & BlueSky – Developer-friendly social platforms. (Adam DuVander)

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So, What’s Next for Nerds That Talk Good?

Looking back at this first round of interviews, one thing stands out—great communication isn’t just about knowing your subject. It’s about making people care. Whether through storytelling, marketing, cybersecurity, or workshop facilitation, every guest had a unique take on how to bridge technical expertise with human connection.

Got a favorite episode? A guest I should interview next? Drop me a message—I’d love to hear from you!

And be sure to catch every new guest nerd on the show by subscribing!