Today, in celebration of Ironheart's first season on Disney+ we tie the threads between Riri Williams' Wakandan origins and her status as MIT's greatest superhero with some of our favorite Wakanda-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE: GHL 198: Black Panther – Explore the science and the magic of the OG Black Panther king with Special Guest Jay Washington GHL 201: Shuri (Black Panther) – Study up on the genius kid sister of T'Challa who became Black Panther in her own right GHL...
Jul 08, 2025•4 hr 9 min
Every major Hollywood actor seems lined up to star in Batman director Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. The ultimate Hero's Journey. The archetype upon which so many great superhero stories have been told. We explore other classic myths, legends, stories, and pantheons that are begging for a Silver Screen Hollywood treatment! Plus, we tease an ongoing series leading up to the 2026 release of Nolan's Odyssey. Wondering if we'll reach outside of Ancient Greece? Listen to hear...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 1 min
28 Years Later from Danny Boyle follows up (23 years later!), on his zombie movie masterpiece - 28 Days Later! There are multiple Walking Dead shows on the air right now. The Last of Us in a beloved video game and streaming franchise starring the greatest daddy of all time. Zombies are back, baby! We explore why zombies, walkers, biters, or whatever you want to call them continue to hold us in their thrall from George Romero's shambling black-and-white Night of the Living Dead, through cultural ...
Jun 24, 2025•49 min
Today, in celebration of the comic book series Absolute Flash, which is jumping off shelves worldwide, we've entered the Speed Force to summon the assistance of The Flash Family from some of our favorite Flash-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE: GHL 228: The Flash (Barry Allen) with Stephen Schleicher – Explore the science fiction origins of investigator Barry Allen, who redefined the role of The Flash. GHL 462: Iris West (The Flash) – Study up on the smartest woman in Centr...
Jun 10, 2025•4 hr 1 min
This week, in celebration of the latest Mission Impossible and the recent news about the new James Bond franchise, we’ve commissioned a deadly collection of Super Spy-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE: GHL 220: Mission Impossible with Samm Levine & Rachel Cushing – Breaking down the Mission Impossible franchise movie by movie GHL 88: James Bond 007 – Uncover the literary history of England's greatest secret agent complete with Licence to Kill GHL 386: Is James Bond Stil...
Jun 03, 2025•3 hr 29 min
In the span of a few days Disney Studios release Thunderbolts and Andor on the world. In subsequent days the movie and streaming show have grasped their respective franchises by the reigns and breather new life into both through strong telling from a certain point of view. We explore why putting humanity at the forefront of both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Star Wars franchise has brought both critical and audience success. Thought we'd have nothing nice to say? It's time for you to lis...
May 27, 2025•42 min
From the Warner Bros. tower in Los Angeles, California Geek History Lesson brings together three superheroic writers - Ashley Victoria Robinson, Jason Inman, and DJ Wooldridge - to compete in a fantasy football-style draft in order to create the best Batman movie for Commissioner Diego Anthony Nuñez. We pick from live action categories like: Batman, Female Lead, Alfred, and Needle Drop to get to the bottom of: what a a great Batman movie really needs? At the end each drafter pitches their movie,...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Good morning, listeners. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to dive deep into the history, impact, and future of one of the most iconic action franchises of all time: Mission Impossible. As always, should you get lost in a sea of incredible stunts, complex plots, or Tom Cruise’s death-defying feats, we’ll be here to guide you through every twist and turn. Join us in welcoming Only Stupid Answer's DJ Wooldridge as a specialist in this operation. This podcast will self-destruct in 5 ...
May 13, 2025•53 min
From the dark places of the Marvel Comics Universe Geek History Lesson dares to shine a light on the super team - are they heroes? - The Thunderbolts. This team has made it to the big screen world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe led by Bucky Barnes, although on screen it does not appear to follow the comic book team in the slightest. We explore the similarities and differences in Thunderbolts media (Spoiler-free!), and ask the big question: should The Thunderbolts have debuted earlier in MCU hi...
May 06, 2025•59 min
This week, in celebration of the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, which might just be the new Avengers team, we’ve assembled some of our favorite New Avengers-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE: GHL 481: Photon – Explore the cosmic adventures of Monica Rambeau, her ties to Captain Marvel, and her electrifying role with the Avengers. GHL 474: Blade – Sink your teeth into the origins and undead exploits of Blade, the vampire-hunting Daywalker. GHL 468: War Machine – Discover the i...
Apr 29, 2025•5 hr 33 min
It's a special Geek History Lesson crossover episode about The Hunger Games with Fanbase Press! The Fanbase Weekly co-host Bryant Dillon is joined by special guests Jessica Maison (writer, Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters), Ashley V. Robinson (writer, Jupiter Jet, Aurora and the Eagle / podcast host – Geek History Lesson), and Rebecca Lear (Executive Producer – The Katniss Chronicles Audio Drama) to participate in a thorough discussion regarding Sunrise on the Reaping (2025) in light of the ne...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 56 min
Survive the epic world of Panem, the setting of The Hunger Games, as Geek History Lesson unfolds the complex narrative history behind Suzanne Collins' YA dystopian franchise! In this arena of an episode, we dissect the classical structure shared in each Hunger Games novel, explore Collins' Greco-Roman mythological inspiration, debate which characters deserve solo stories next, and discuss the socio-political themes that shaped a generation of Young Adult fiction. With Sunrise on the Reaping in s...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 11 min
From the shadows of Gotham City Geek History Lesson embarks on a gripping journey through Batman's Digital Age—spanning from 2000 to 2012. This era exploded the number of Batman Family members from introducing Terry McGinnis, to resurrecting Jason Todd, to the apparent birth of Damian Wayne. Amidst the rise of superhero movies and digital comics "Bruce Wayne: Murderer", "Identity Crisis", and "Final Crisis" made dark, controversial choices for the character we are still reading the ramifications...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 28 min
This week, to celebrate Daredevil’s return in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+, we’ve assembled some of our favorite Daredevil-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE: GHL 232: Best Daredevil Stories – Your ultimate guide to Daredevil’s most iconic and essential tales, from Frank Miller’s groundbreaking arcs to modern classics. GHL 59: Daredevil – A deep dive into Matt Murdock’s life as a lawyer by day and vigilante by night. Bonus: how he makes red spandex look this cool. GHL 58...
Mar 25, 2025•2 hr 41 min
This week, we’re suiting up for a Geek History Lesson MEGA EPISODE celebrating Earth’s Mightiest Heroes: The Avengers! We’ve curated some of our favorite Avengers-themed episodes from the archives for one epic journey through Marvel history.Here’s what’s on the lineup: GHL 279: Falcon – Follow Sam Wilson’s journey from sidekick to shield-bearer. (Spoiler: his wings are cooler than Tony Stark’s tech. Fight us.) GHL 352: Vision – Dive into the life of Marvel’s most emotional android, from WandaVis...
Mar 18, 2025•4 hr 25 min
What makes Batman and Spider-Man thrive in futuristic settings? This week on Geek History Lesson, we’re diving into the worlds of Batman Beyond and Spider-Man 2099 to uncover why these characters work so well in the future. Did Batman Beyond borrow ideas from Spider-Man 2099? And which other heroes could shine in a high-tech, dystopian future?Joining us for this sci-fi deep dive is writer and director DJ Wooldridge, who brings his expertise to the conversation and tells us all about his new futu...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 5 min
With Daredevil: Born Again swinging onto Disney Plus, it’s time to ask the big question: Why haven’t Daredevil and Spider-Man teamed up in the MCU yet?! This week on Geek History Lesson, we dive deep into why these two street-level heroes are perfect for a big-screen collaboration. Not only do we explore their comic book history and shared New York roots, but we also pitch our ideas for MCU Spider-Man 4 and 5, complete with Daredevil taking center stage! And joining us for this epic discussion i...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Wonder Woman’s history is so legendary, we had to break it into multiple episodes! This week on Geek History Lesson, we’re diving into the BRONZE AGE adventures of Wonder Woman -- a time when her stories bent the rules of this iconic timeline and introduced some of the most unique and imaginative tales in DC Comics history. We’ll explore her fantastical battles, bizarre foes, and how it redefined her character while still staying true to her Amazonian roots. Plus, we’ll praise the groundwork lai...
Feb 25, 2025•58 min
We’re cracking the case on why procedural TV shows have kept audiences hooked for decades. From the exciting debut of Watson to the legal drama of Suits LA, we break down what makes this storytelling format so addictive.We uncover the history of procedural television, including the fascinating discovery of the very first procedural TV show, and explore how the format has evolved over time. What makes these shows so binge-worthy? And what are the risks and rewards of telling self-contained storie...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min
We’re asking the big question: Does it matter who wears the mask? With the release of Captain America: Brave New World, where Sam Wilson takes up the iconic shield, we dive deep into the debate of whether it’s the character or the mantle that truly defines a hero.From Captain America to Zorro, we explore the fascinating history of legacy characters and how passing the torch has shaped some of the greatest franchises in pop culture. Does the symbol outweigh the individual? Or does the person behi...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 7 min
We dive into the magical world of comedy in fantasy storytelling! From The Lord of the Rings to The Witcher, we examine how humor can elevate—or sometimes undercut—the epic stakes of swords, sorcery, and mythical worlds.To celebrate the release of The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, we ask the big questions: Does comedy belong in fantasy? Can it add depth to the story, or does it risk punching down at the genre’s gravitas? And how do you strike the balance between epic quests and laugh-out-loud mom...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Should all comics be all-ages? We dive deep into the history of the medium, debate how the darker tones of the 1980s changed comics forever, and discuss whether the industry has become too niche for its own good. With special guest Diego Anthony Nunez ( https://x.com/Blackcrow521 ), we explore how comics can invite more readers into the fold, the importance of accessibility, and whether there’s still room for both gritty storytelling and family-friendly fun in today’s market. Whether you’re a fa...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Support the brave Los Angeles Firefighters & emergency personnel tackling the LA Wildfires here: https://supportlafd.org/ Sherlock Holmes may be the world’s greatest detective, but even he can’t do it alone. In this episode of Geek History Lesson, we’re diving into Why Sherlock Needs a Watson—or as we like to call it, Why We Need Sidekicks! From Dr. John Watson to Robin to Samwise Gamgee, we explore why the greatest heroes always have someone by their side and how these partnerships make sto...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In this special Geek History Lesson MEGA EPISODE, we’re celebrating the enduring legacy of Star Trek in honor of the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 movie, hitting Paramount Plus on January 24, 2025. This jam-packed episode features some of our favorite Star Trek moments from the GHL archives, including: Star Trek: First Contact LIVE! Top 5 Star Trek: The Next Generation Episodes (GHL 294) with special guest John Champion from Mission Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast. Star Wars vs. Star Trek ...
Jan 17, 2025•5 hr 55 min
Support the brave Los Angeles Firefighters and emergency personnel tackling the LA Wildfires here: https://supportlafd.org/ Boldly go where no podcast has gone before! In this episode of Geek History Lesson, we’re diving into Star Trek’s best and worst episodes across the entire franchise. Whether you’re a lifelong Trekkie or brand new to the final frontier, we’ll help you find the perfect episode to start your journey. From the groundbreaking brilliance of The Next Generation and Deep Space Nin...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Celebrate the legacy of Japanese icon, Godzilla, as Ashley Victoria Robinson joins the fine folks of the Fanbase Weekly podcast for a special episode of Fanbase Features! Together they discuss the power of Godzilla as a monster movie, perfecting the kaiju genre, the lessons that can be gleaned from it as modern day Western viewers, and try to crack the code on why American movie studios can't adapt this modern Eastern myth. Featuring: Bryant Dillon , Jack Phoenix , and Matthew Noe For exclusive ...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 57 min
After months of "technical difficulties", the second episode of TEX MEN is finally here! Tex Willerman and Kurt Wagner, the incredible NIGHTCRAWLER are back, and this time they’re joined by Tex’s old buddy, the mysterious and questionably real Redd Crimson. Together, they dive into the long-awaited first episode of X-Men '97, but don’t worry, it’s not all mutant drama. Tex also drops some fun facts, like how Google was founded, how planes stay in the air and why Sacramento, California is apparen...
Dec 24, 2024•47 min
Step into the world of Gotham City as we shine a spotlight on Cassandra Cain, one of the most iconic and fascinating Batgirls in DC Comics history! In this episode, we explore her origins as the daughter of assassins David Cain and Lady Shiva, her journey to becoming Batgirl, and her incredible evolution into one of the most skilled fighters in the DC Universe. From her days in the No Man’s Land storyline to her time as Orphan in the Rebirth era, we’ll dive deep into her character development, k...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Unleash the beast and join us as we howl into the fascinating world of werewolves in pop culture! From their ancient folklore origins to their terrifying transformations on the big screen, we’ll explore the myths, legends, and iconic portrayals of these shapeshifting creatures. Discover how werewolves have evolved over time, from classic horror films to modern TV shows and beyond. Whether you're a fan of The Wolf Man, Teen Wolf, or the werewolves of Twilight, this episode dives deep into the end...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr
Welcome to a super-sized celebration of the Superman Family as we mark the final season of Superman and Lois! In this MEGA EPISODE, we're soaring through the legacy of the Man of Steel and his extraordinary allies. Join us as we dive into the stories of Jon Kent (#356), Connor Kent (#336), and the ever-loyal Jimmy Olsen (#181). We'll also explore our meticulously crafted Superman Timeline (#328) and countdown the Top 5 Supergirl Stories (#215). But that's not all—special guests Cameron Cuffe fro...
Dec 03, 2024•5 hr 47 min
