This week YOU lead the Superman discussion! We answer your questions about everything Superman from stories we love, tropes we want to retire, characters we want to see more of, and moments we never want to hear referenced ever again. Did your question make it to air? Listen to the full episode & find out!
Superman is Better than Batman
Hollywood has unleashed the latest adaptation of The Man of Steel on the big screen. The Big Blue Boy Scout has been reinvented for a whole new generation of movie-goers. On this week's episode we reignite the eternal debate between Superman and his super friend - Batman: The Dark Knight. We explore their respective strengths, leadership styles, sidekicks, rogues galleries and more. Will be still believe this title by the end of the pod? Will you?! Listen to hear how we defend your fave!
Wakanda MEGA EPISODE (Black Panther, Shuri, Dora Milaje, Ironheart)
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 438: Dora Milaje (Back Panther Wakanda Forever) – Discover the elite female fighting force who hold up the Black Panther
GHL 437: Ironheart (Black Panther Wakanda Forever) – Follow the journey of Riri Williams who upgraded Iron Man's classic design with Wakandan flare
Suit up in red, black, and gold and time travel your way through the spirit plane of podcasting in this epic celebration of all things Wakanda! (Additional research and writing by Diego Anthony Nuñez)
Myths & Legends Begging for a Modern Movie Adaptation
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 if we list your fave!
Zombies
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 context, evolving into the bastion of modern horror. Scared yet? You will be because Your Geek History Lesson is now in session!
Flash Family MEGA EPISODE (Barry Alan, Iris West, Wally West, Bart Allen)
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 Central City and discover what led to her romance with Barry Allen
GHL 146: Kid Flash (Wally West) – Discover the boy who grew up loving The Flash then perfected what it meant to be The Flash
GHL 365: Impulse (Bart Allen) – Follow the journey of the slack speedster who became The Flash and died to save the world
Action Spies MEGA EPISODE (Mission Impossible, James Bond 007, Is James Bond Still Relevant)
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 Still Relevant with Danielle Price – Explore the tough question of tropes & stories from a very different time while asking how archetypes like James Bond can still resonates with modern audiences
Grab your tux, pack your mask, and join us for this super secret celebration of movie Action Spies!
Thunderbolts and Andor Revive Struggling Franchises
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 listen along and some crow, yourself!
Batman Movie Draft with DJ Wooldridge & Diego Anthony Nuñez
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, title, and storyline. Play along at home and join us in the first ever Batman Movie Draft!
Will Mission Impossible the Final Reckoning be the Final Installment? with DJ Wooldridge
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 seconds… Let’s begin.
Should Thunderbolts have been in MCU Phase 1?
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, athough on screen it does not appear to follow the comic book team in the slightest. We explore the similiarities and differences in Thunderbolts media (Spoiler-free!), and ask the big question: should The Thunderbolts have debuted earier in MCU history? One co-host thinks YES and one disagrees! Time to listen to discuss The Thunderbolts!
New Avengers MEGA EPISODE (Photon, Blade, War Machine, Cassie Lang, Ironheart)
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 ironclad legacy of James Rhodes, Tony Stark’s closest ally, and his heroic transformation in the Marvel Universe.
GHL 450: Cassie Lang – Follow the journey of Ant-Man’s daughter, from adorable child to teenage hero known as Stature and Stinger.
GHL 437: Ironheart - Riri Williams – Meet the genius teen whose armor rivals Tony Stark's, as she prepares for her own Disney+ adventure.
Discussion on ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ (2025) by The Fanbase Weekly Podcast
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 new Hunger Games novel’s recent release, with topics including reactions to this new chapter in the Hunger Games mythology, discussion of how the book changes the panelists’ view of Haymitch Abernathy and his appearance in previous Hunger Games novels, how the story explores themes like implicit submission, media literacy, and more. (Beware: SPOILERS for Sunrise on the Reaping abound in this panel discussion!)
What Makes The Hunger Games so Popular?
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 episode, we dissect the classical structure shared in each Hunger Games Dune 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 stores now, delve with us into the saga's multi-media evolution, offering an exploration for seasoned fans and newcomers alike! You'll want to read all 5 Hunger Games books after listening to this one!
Batman The Digital Age 2000 - 2012
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 of today. This period saw Dick Grayson emerge from the shadow and step into the cowl under the auspices of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely and - hot take! - one of the co-hosts thinks we should have never gone back! Time to listen to Batman's Digital Age!
Listen to Batman The Golden Age here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/107-batman-the-golden-age--50775746
Listen to Batman the Silver Age here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/383-batman-the-silver-age--50775415
Listen to Batman the Bronze Age here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/446-batman-the-bronze-age-1970-1985--52438219
Listen to Batman the Dark Age here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/494-batman-the-dark-age-1985-2000--58894962
Daredevil MEGA Episode (Best Daredevil Stories, Daredevil & The Man Without Fear Review)
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: Man Without Fear Review – A breakdown of Frank Miller and John Romita Jr.’s legendary origin story for Daredevil. Learn how Matt became the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen.
So grab your billy clubs, embrace the darkness, and join us for this epic celebration of Daredevil! Even if you can’t see what’s coming, trust us—Matt Murdock can.
Avengers MEGA Episode (Falcon, Vision, War Machine & Avengers Film 10th Anniversary Review)
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 WandaVision to questioning if robots can cry.
GHL 468: War Machine – Explore the ironclad legacy of James Rhodes, Tony Stark’s best friend and the Avenger who always has your back.
GHL 411: Avengers 10-Year Anniversary – Featuring special guest Brian Ibbott! We revisit the movie that changed superhero cinema forever.
Sit back, relax, and prepare to assemble for this star-studded journey through Avengers history. And don’t miss the post-credits debate: Who’s the best Avenger? (Spoiler: it’s not Hawkeye.)
Why Do Batman and Spider-Man Work So Well in the Future? with DJ Wooldridge
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 futuristic comic, DANGER BOI -- a thrilling new Kickstarter project you don’t want to miss! Check out DJ’s comic here: dangerboicomic.com
Why Daredevil & Spider-Man Need an MCU Team-Up Movie (Daredevil: Born Again) with Erik Barnes
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 is special guest Erik Barnes, improvisor, writer, and all-around Marvel expert. Follow Erik here: https://bsky.app/profile/erikwbarnes.bsky.social
Wonder Woman (The Bronze Age)
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 laid by creators like George Pérez, whose later work helped solidify Wonder Woman as one of the most important heroes in comics.