GEEK LOVE: Interview with Sci-Fi Speed Dating host Ryan Glitch

GEEK LOVE is a show produced by the TLC channel about nerds trying to find a relationship at a speed dating event at the New York Comic Con. I heard about this event when I attended NYCC and I kept this in mind after speaking to an attendee of the sci-fi speed dating and hearing about her experiences. Footage of that event will be broadcast this Sunday, December 18, at 9PM (EST) on the TLC Channel.

At first, I was concerned that this would be just another bad reality show so I went ahead and previewed the first two episodes of this show. Without trying to spoil too much, I thought the show was fair its subjects. The show starts with establishing the nerd cred of four attendees, two women and two men, by looking into their lifestyle at home. The stories of each of the four are  videotaped as they continue to venture to NYCC at the Sci-Fi Speed Dating and see how they try to find a relationship with a fellow geek. There are parts of the show that are funny and sad and at times I find myself relating to their problems. I would recommend checking out this show. It’s a million times better than any reality show showing on MTV/VH1.

Intrigued about this show’s premise, I interviewed the host of Geek Love and the Sci-Fi Speed Dating, Ryan Glitch about how he became involved with the show as well as his opinions about relationships among us geeks.

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Thank you Ryan Glitch for the opportunity to interview you about Geek Love. I know that you are the founder of Sci-Fi Speed Dating. What else can you tell us about yourself? What was your world like before Sci-Fi Speed Dating?
Well, I am happy to tell you about myself. I am 25, I live in a small farm town, called Gorham.  I have a girlfriend of 15 months, Tracy.   I love comics, movies, recreational shooting, and I try to be easy going. I have 2 pet iguanas named Boga and Bosssk (from Star Wars.)

Do you identify yourself as a nerd and/or geek? What type of things are you into?
I am definitely a nerd / geek, whatever you want to call it.  I am a huge Star Wars, Ninja Turtle and Terminator fan.   I spend a lot on a rare comics, and I love to cosplay as Dengar, and Anakin from Star Wars.

How did you get involved in Geek Love?
I was approached by Kristin Peace of Trifecta Entertainment, she put us in touch with Matt Simms, and Michael Gara of Authentic Entertainment, and the rest is history.

In your own words, what is the show about?
The show is about my company Sci Fi Speed Dating, and a few extreme fans looking for love in the convention world, because when you’re such a huge fan of the comic con world, people who aren’t fans don’t make for good matches.

What has been some of the challenges you faced in Geek Love? What’s been the most memorable experience so far? What parts of Geek Love do you think viewers will find the most interesting?
So far I am quite pleased, my producer Michael has made it all easy.  No challenges.  A few haters out there on forums, but those people don’t matter…at all.

When I presented the trailer for Geek Love through social media, I received a lot of different responses. One response in particular said, “I see this [show] as an open invite for people to make fun of the Geek community!” In the geek and nerd community, there is a worry that a reality show will show the darker aspects of nerd culture. What would you say to those that are worried that Geek Love will be a show about bashing nerds?
One who judges before seeing, is a fool.  I am a part of this nerd world, I wouldn’t want to make it look bad.  Authentic, TLC, and I have been on the same page from day one: we aren’t here to mock, we are here to document, and encourage.

Do you feel that geeks and nerds have different challenges in finding relationships than most “muggles?”
Yes and no.   It all depends on how much a part of your life your chosen fandom is.

What would be your best advice for those that embrace their “geekdom,” but feel they are either too socially awkward or not sure how to find their Leia or Han Solo?
Be yourself, and be brave…you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.   If people want to judge you, they aren’t worth your time.

Right now, two episodes are planned for Geek Love. If more episodes are picked up, where do you see Geek Love headed to next?
I couldn’t say.   Regardless of what the tv show does, The Sci-Fi Speed Dating crew, and myself will keep going to conventions, and keep doing what we do.

Where can someone go if they want more information about Geek Love or Sci-Fi Speed Dating?
Search Facebook.com for Sci-Fi Speed Dating.

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Geek Love premieres tonight, December 18,  at 9PM (EST) on TLC.