Storytelling for Advocacy: A Feature Profile on Amanda Liston

Editor’s Note: Originally published in 2015 as part of a feature series, this Q&A is republished as a portfolio piece highlighting human-interest storytelling, community outreach, and advocacy. It demonstrates end-to-end editorial execution, narrative structure, and long-form profiling.


In this profile, I sat down with Amanda Liston from Season 3 of TBS’s King of the Nerds. Known for her down-to-earth demeanor, love of literature, and passionate advocacy for community, Amanda offered a grounded perspective on reality TV dynamics, the power of music and books, and navigating life as an introvert...


When did you first embrace being a nerd, and how did that shape your high school experience?


In high school, being a nerd was my entire identity—I spent Friday nights in a marching band uniform complete with a plume, marching in sync to music. While I wasn't explicitly bullied, I was definitely an introvert and a bit of a loner. During recess, while other kids were on the playground, I was tucked away in the library. I was always much more comfortable surrounded by books than by crowds.


What advice would you give to anyone feeling isolated or facing bullying?


Find refuge wherever you can find safety. Whether that is the school library, a single trusted friend, a favorite teacher, or an administrator—the key is to avoid isolating yourself when you are hurting. Having even one safe harbor makes a world of difference.


Music and literature are two of your biggest passions. How have they influenced your life?


I started playing the flute in fourth grade and eventually played piccolo and bass flute through high school. Since I was never physically gifted at sports, music gave me a way to collaborate, practice toward excellence, and be part of a team without the feeling of dejection that came with losing a game.  When it comes to reading, I always keep one fiction and one non-fiction book going simultaneously—right now, that's George R.R. Martin’s A Clash of Kings and David Hume’s An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. My all-time favorite book is Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow. It's a profound science fiction novel that completely changed how I look at the world (and even inspired one of my tattoos).


What drew you to King of the Nerds, and what was the reality of being in Nerdvana?


I loved that the show was witty and funny without mocking its contestants. It celebrated intelligent people for their uniqueness rather than using them as punchlines—plus, the $100,000 grand prize didn't hurt!  Behind the scenes, it felt like a nerdy summer camp. We laughed constantly and stayed up all night talking. While viewers saw tactical moves like the "Secret Six" alliance, in reality, alliances were just voting tools—not personal exclusions. We all bonded deeply and quickly.


Who was your closest ally on the show, and what was your favorite memory?


Heather, without a doubt. We became instant best friends from the moment we met. My most poignant memory from the show was waking up the morning after she was eliminated and drinking coffee alone for the first time. She was my daily coffee partner, and realizing she was gone really hit home. She has remained an incredible friend in my real life ever since.


What is next for you and your family after the show?


I'm relocating to Los Angeles! My kids are little nerds themselves, so if I were to take home the grand prize, a chunk would certainly go toward their college funds—though let's be honest, a good portion would also go toward adding a few extra collectible Catwoman figures to our shelves!


Connect with Amanda:


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