Personal Branding & Media Strategy: A Q&A with Todd Landree

Editor’s Note: Originally published in 2015 as part of a feature series, this Q&A is republished as a portfolio piece highlighting end-to-end interviewing, narrative positioning, and long-form editorial execution.


Todd the Bod holding championship gold, from Season 3 of King of the Nerds on TBS

After profiling several fellow cast members, I sat down with Todd Landree ("Todd the Bod") from Season 3 of TBS's King of the Nerds. Known for his larger-than-life personality and quick wit, Todd brought a unique blend of competitive drive, comedic flair, and authentic self-expression to Nerdvana...


When did you first identify as a nerd?


In high school, my hometown got its first-ever comic book shop. I rushed over with a friend, picked up some graphic novels, and fell in love. The Alex Ross classic Kingdom Come hooked me forever. While that shop eventually closed, my passion came rushing back years later with DC's New 52 relaunch, which gave me the perfect entry point to dive into the comic universe completely.


What drew you to King of the Nerds, and what was the casting process like?


Working at GameStop, Season 1 promos ran constantly on our store monitors, and I kept thinking about how much I wanted to try out. I loved that the show truly embraced nerd culture rather than treating it mockingly.  When casting opened for Season 3, I emailed them immediately. Within two hours, they asked for a video. I shot a hilarious audition—only to realize I had filmed it vertically! They told me, "Todd, you're amazing, but please reshoot this horizontally so we can send it to TBS." Fueled by a 64-ounce Red Bull, I filmed a second version that convinced them they didn't just want me on the show—they needed me.


Why did you want to bring the "Todd the Bod" persona to national television?

I have a larger-than-life personality to match a larger-than-life frame. I wanted to prove my worth and show the world that someone of a plus-size build belonged on national TV just as much as anyone else. People often try to put larger individuals down; I wanted to fight back, stand out, and inspire confidence.


What were your favorite moments and relationships from your time in Nerdvana?


Introducing the Clockwork King to Team S.M.A.S.H. and seeing their shocked reactions was unforgettable, as was meeting guest judges like Tara Strong and Billy Boyd. Behind the scenes, my costume actually came undone during the cosplay judging, which was a memorable moment in its own right!  On House Hooloovoo, I clicked naturally with Raychelle, and Kaitlin was a blast to work with—she even taught me how to use a power drill. Post-show, our cast became a genuine family. Heather and I went from competitors to best friends who talk multiple times daily. Those relationships were the most valuable outcome of the entire experience.


Where does your signature confidence come from, and who inspired you along the way?


In high school, I decided I was done being shy and blending into the background. I was big, loud, and unapologetic about who I was, regardless of whether it upset the status quo. My mother was always immensely supportive of my uniqueness and remains my rock and primary role model. Figures like Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, and comic writer Geoff Johns also shaped my perspective growing up.


What is something surprising about your background that viewers might not know?


I competed at the state level in Culinary Arts during school! On a more dramatic note, at age 17, I almost died while playing Uno with a 12-year-old Amish girl named Esther. Right as I called "Uno," a blood clot in my leg broke loose and caused a severe pulmonary embolism that required an emergency hospital transfer. I haven’t played Uno since!


You studied Event Management and hail from Pennsylvania. How did that shape you?


I attended Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, studying Sports, Entertainment & Event Management. I'm originally from Warren, Pennsylvania—a small town near the New York border that manufactured much of the structural steel for St. Louis's Gateway Arch and sourced the timber for Louisville Slugger baseball bats.


Your promo featured a custom championship belt. What are your core passions in wrestling and gaming?


I was huge into wrestling growing up—I even traveled to Toronto for WrestleMania X-Seven to see The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan. Iconic performers like Mick Foley, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Kurt Angle, along with classic TLC matches, defined my fandom.  Having worked at GameStop for seven years off and on, I consider myself a "hardcore casual" gamer. I lean heavily toward major AAA titles over indie games. Borderlands 2 is one of my favorite multiplayer games of all time, alongside titles like Batman: Arkham City, City of Heroes, and Super Smash Bros.


How did you get into comic books, and where did the "Todd the Bod" nickname originate?


My dad bought me a variant 3D Silver Surfer comic as a kid, which I didn't care for—but picking up a Flash/Green Lantern crossover the next day hooked me completely. I fell in love with DC's storytelling, especially Geoff Johns' run on Aquaman and Steve Orlando's work on Midnighter.  The nickname originated in 7th grade while walking home with friends and brainstorming wrestling names. In 9th grade, as a 6'3", 300-pound freshman, a senior confronted me in the cafeteria and demanded, "Who the hell do you think you are?!" I looked back, yelled, "I am TODD THE BOD!" and struck a Goldust pose. It stuck instantly and has been my brand ever since.


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