This profile interview highlights my experience in Talent Coordination and Media Relations. By identifying a high-engagement subject and navigating professional publicist channels, I successfully secured and produced a long-form interview that resonated with a niche audience. This piece demonstrates my early foundational skills in subject research, relationship management, and narrative-driven content production.

I started watching TBS's King of the Nerds back in the first season. I'm generally not a fan of reality shows, but this one was different. It was entertaining, and you could somewhat relate to the characters. Season 3 caught my attention because I thought TBS did a great job picking out the cast members. Over time, I started tweeting and interacting with the cast members. Amidst the competitive landscape of TBS's King of the Nerds, Amanda Liston emerged as a standout figure for her authenticity and down-to-earth perspective. This conversation explores the intersection of nerd culture, personal resilience, and the behind-the-scenes reality of competitive entertainment. I reached out to her Publicist via email and set up an interview with her. I hope you enjoy learning more about Amanda through this interview.

From Marching Band to the Library

When did you first identify with being a nerd? How did that impact you during high school?

"I was a nerd in high school in the most obvious possible way: I spent my Friday nights in a marching band uniform, complete with a plume, doing a synchronized march with other nerds to music. So, to say it impacted me would be an understatement, being a nerd WAS me!"

Can you tell me of a time you were bullied in school and what came out of it?

"I wasn't necessarily "bullied" very much, but I was a bit of a loner. I've always been introverted, and in school, that manifested itself as being the girl who spent recess in the library instead of on the playground. I was much more comfortable among books than among other kids. " 

Do you have any advice for anyone who has been picked on or bullied in their life?

"What I will tell my children when they are bullied is to find refuge in whatever safety they can find. Perhaps it's a library, like mine, or a friend you have at school, or a teacher or administrator. Don't make yourself alone when you're hurting."

What are your favorite books? What are you reading right now?

"My favorite book of all time is The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell; it's the book from which I have a tattoo. It's a beautiful science fiction novel that completely changed my life and how I look at the world. I'm reading A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin right now as well as An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume because I like to be reading one non-fiction and one fiction book at the same time."

How did you get into playing the flute? How has music impacted your life?

"It was the instrument I picked in fourth grade, and I never looked back and only looked forward. I took lessons all through elementary, junior high, and high school, and have also played the piccolo as well as the bass flute. My mom made sure to make us take piano lessons starting very young, so music is something I was exposed to at a very young age. It was a way for someone who is not at all physically gifted like me to still be a part of a team and practice towards excellence. I had always tried at sports and failed (swimming, basketball, you name it), and didn't like the feeling of dejection after every game. I never felt that way after band concerts and competitions!"

The Strategy of Reality TV

What interested you about King of the Nerds? Why did you want to be on the show?

"I wanted to be on the show because it was a show that was witty and funny without being witty and funny at the expense of its contestants. I loved how intelligent people were being rewarded for their uniqueness and not made fun of; that was something I could get behind. And, plus, $100,000!"

What is your favorite moment on the show so far?

"How the show made it clear how much I missed Heather after she was eliminated. Waking up the morning after and drinking coffee by myself for the first time (she was my only fellow coffee addict in the house) was much harder than I anticipated. If the audience was oblivious to the force of nature that was our friendship, I would have been very disappointed."

Tell me a little about what goes on behind the scenes of the show.

"SO MUCH! Mostly hilarity. I was lucky enough to be a part of one of the most incredible casts in reality TV history, and I watch a lot of reality television. We laughed constantly. We stayed up all night talking; it was like a nerdy summer camp. That's why some of the hate for The Secret Six alliance is a little frustrating; it was purely a voting tool and not used to exclude someone personally in any way. Trust me, we all bonded very quickly and deeply!"

Who is your favorite person to work with on the show and why?

"Heather. We became best friends the moment we met and have never looked back. Since going back to real life, she's only proven that she is the best friend anyone could ever ask for." 

Beyond the Show: Los Angeles and Life After

What are your plans after the show? If you win this season of King of the Nerds, how would it change your life?

"I'm moving to Los Angeles! Pretty big life changes have happened and are happening. The money would be wonderful because I've got kids who are little nerds themselves, so I'd be lying if I said it would all go to their college. Some of it would, sure, but let's be honest. These nerds love collecting, and I have a feeling we'd end up with a few extra Catwoman figures on our shelf!"

Links:

Twitter: @amanduhduh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandalistonkotn

Blog: http://appraisingpages.com/

Email: amanda@appraisingpages.com

Thanks for your time, Amanda, and I wish you the best of luck in the future! I hope to stay in touch with you.