Star Trek MEGA EPISODE (First Contact, Top 5 TNG Episodes, Star Trek vs Star Wars, Lower Decks, and Wrath of Khan)

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 (GHL 233), where Ken Napzok joins us to tackle one of the biggest nerd debates of all time.

• Star Trek: Lower Decks (GHL 428), a hilarious and heartfelt dive into one of Star Trek’s most unique series.

• Wrath of Khan (GHL 416), where we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan with behind-the-scenes stories, favorite moments, and plenty of KHAN TALK!

Plus, Jason shares his excitement about working on the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 movie, which follows Emperor Philippa Georgiou as she protects the Federation while grappling with the sins of her past. Hear more about his experience on Patreon at patreon.com/jawiin and in our Best & Worst Stories of Star Trek episode.

Star Trek's Best & Worst Episodes

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 Nine to the occasional missteps of The Original Series and beyond, we explore the highs and lows of Star Trek’s incredible legacy. This episode also celebrates the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 movie hits Paramount Plus on January 24, 2025 and did you know?... Jason worked on it! Set your phasers to fun and join us for this ultimate Trek-filled adventure!

Godzilla 70th Anniversary Retrospective (Fanbase Feature Crossover)

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

TEX MEN Ep 2 - X-Men 97 Episode 1 & Holiday Special

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 apparently the greatest city in the United States (we’re as confused as you are).It’s a Geek History Lesson holiday special packed with geeky goodness, questionable tangents, and enough chaos to make Wolverine lose his cool.

Featuring: Omar Najam

Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)

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, key story arcs, and why Cassandra Cain remains a fan-favorite Batgirl. Additional research by Meredith Harris.

Werewolves

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 enduring appeal of these legendary creatures. Additional writing and research by Diego Anthony Nuñez

Superman Family MEGA EPISODE (Jon Kent, Superboy Conner Kent, Jimmy Olsen, Our Superman Timeline & Top Supergirl Stories)

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 from Krypton and Sterling Gates, writer for Supergirl and The Flash, join us to share their insights and love for the Superman universe.

Batman Villains MEGA EPISODE 2 (Mask of the Phantasm, Riddler, Talia Al Ghul, Clayface & Ra's Al Ghul)

Prepare for a Bat-tastic journey into the shadows with our Geek History Lesson MEGA EPISODE on Batman's Villains Part 2! (A perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving Day and Travels!)

This extra-long episode delves into the dark and twisted minds of Gotham's most notorious foes, featuring in-depth explorations of Mask of the Phantasm, the Riddler, Talia al Ghul, Clayface, and Ra’s al Ghul. Join us as we welcome an incredible lineup of special guests, including The Arkham Sessions Podcast crew, Mask of the Phantasm co-director Eric Radomski, acclaimed Batman writer Tom King, and Batgirl writer Brenden Fletcher. Discover the secrets, motivations, and legacies of these iconic villains in an episode that no Batman fan can afford to miss!

The Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum)

Celebrate the launch of Wicked by diving into the fascinating life of L. Frank Baum, the mastermind author behind The Wizard of Oz. Join us as we explore Baum's theatrical past, his surprising love for South Dakota, and even his unexpected venture into the chicken business! Uncover the unique experiences that shaped the creator of one of the most beloved fantasy worlds in literature.

Gladiator with Mark Ellis

Re-enter the arena with a nice BONUS Recast Ep before the premiere of Gladiator 2! --

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the 2000 film Gladiator, we're joined by comedian Mark Ellis (https://twitter.com/markellislive). Journey with us to ancient Rome to discover if this Ridley Scott film starring Russell Crowe as a Spaniard can withstand the test of time!

Star Trek: Generations with John Orquiola

Boldly go where no podcast has gone before as Geek History Lesson celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Star Trek Generations (1994)! Join us for a special episode featuring Captain Picard and Captain Kirk in their epic cinematic team-up. We're thrilled to have special guest John Orquiola, Head of Star Trek coverage at Screen Rant, share his expert insights and passion for the Star Trek universe. Together, we'll explore the film's legacy, its impact on the Star Trek franchise, and why it remains a beloved classic among fans. Beam aboard for an engaging discussion that honors this iconic crossover event! Follow John on Threads - https://www.threads.net/@backofthehead

Horror Movie MEGA EPISODE (Top 5 Horror Movies, Best Movie to Watch on Hallowe'en, The Addams Family)

#GHLSpookySeason2024 is in full swing! This week is Hallowe'en! In celebration this episode of Geek History Lesson dives back through out dark past featuring Top 5 Horror Movie Villains (#230), with Matt Kelly, Best Horror Movie to Watch on Hallowe'en (GHL EXTRA), with Matt Kelly, and The Addams Family (#275). This extra-long 2.5 hour episode is a perfect primer for deep-cut horror fans or brave souls planning their first ever scary movie marathon this autumn! Cover your eyes, open your ears, and prepare to sleep with the lights on after listening to this episode!

Green Lanterns MEGA EPISODE (Alan Scott, Guy Gardner, John Stewart)

Casting announcements for HBO's upcoming LANTERNS have been the talk of the internet for weeks! This week's Geek History Lesson is a MEGA EPISODE blasts through the comic book history of some of the most iconic Green Lanterns - many of whom will be appearing on the show! Featuring Alan Scott (#483), with Tim Sheridan, Guy Gardner (#299), and John Stewart (#293), with Jay Washington. This extra-long 3.5 hour long collection combines previous episodes primes the pump for upcoming series, embraces the power of WILL, and shows how unique characters DC Comics has put through brightest day and darkest night!

Spider-Man Villains MEGA EPISODE (Kraven, Doctor Octopus, Mysterio & Vulture)

It's nearly time for Venom: The Last Dance and movie studios love nothing more than cameos and crossover. This week's Geek History Lesson is a MEGA EPISODE delving into the Spider-Man Rogue's Gallery to uncover who may be joining Tom Hardy's Venom on screen featuring Kraven (#479), Doctor Octopus (#393), Mysterio (#260), The Vulture (#167), and Best Spider-Man Villains (#424). This extra-long 4.5 hour long collection combines previous episodes to highlight why Spidey's villains are so memorable and have had so much staying power in the Marvel Comics Universe both on and off screen. Whether you've read the comics or not this is a perfect primer to get to know Venom's friends and rivals.

Frankenstein (DC Comics)

You know Frankenstein, now meet DC's Frankie! This week, we're looking to the comic book side of the Frankenstein equation and exploring Frankie's journey through Batman Comics, The Creature Commandos, Seven Soldiers of Victory, and as an Agent of S.H.A.D.E.! We examine whether or not literary and mythological figures should exist alongside superheroes and are startled to learn Mary Shelley, herself, exists in the DC Universe. Need more monsters? We've got you covered! Whether you had read the Grant Morrison version of Frankie or are looking forward to seeing him in the upcoming animated Creature Commandos we've lit the torch and are ready to let you into the fray!

Additional research by Diego Anthony Nunez

Frankenstein in Pop Culture

Fire! Bad! Podcast! Good! This week, we enter #GHLSpookySeason2024 tackling all things Frankenstein. Starting with Mary Shelley's groundbreaking novel that invented the science fiction genre through the Universal Monsters Movies to the campy sitcom, The Munsters. We discuss Victor Frankenstein's lack of coping skills, whether or not he's called "The Monster" or "The Creature", and if the green skin is iconic or a mistake. Everyone knows who Frankenstein is - but how deep does your knowledge run? Whether you've been scared of the Creature your entire life or are a long time fan this episode is filled with jump scare, lightning, and Phil Hartman jokes!

The Lord of the Rings MEGA EPISODE

The Lord of the Rings has shaped fantasy for generations. From the original books to the Lord of the Rings movies to The Hobbit movies to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and The Rings of Power wrapping up its second season on streaming right now. This week's Geek History Lesson is a MEGA EPISODE delving into the lore of hobbits, wizards, and elves featuring The Fellowship of the Ring (#395), The Two Towers with Diego Anthony Nuñez (#422), and The Return of the King (#485). This extra-long almost 5 hour long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the mystical world of Middle-Earth and the creatures that inhabit it! New to The Rings of Power? An obsessive fan who has read The Silmarillion more than once? Step in alongside Jason, Ashley, Frodo, and Gandalf.

Batman Villains MEGA EPISODE (Penguin, Poison Ivy, Joker, Top 5 Batman Villains)

Batman has THE most iconic Rogues Gallery in all of comics and we're breaking it down in this week's Geek History Lesson episode. A MEGA EPISODE! Filled to the brim with baddies straight out of Arkham Asylum these are the worst of the worst DC Comics super villains, featuring The Penguin (#405), Poison Ivy with Patrick Schumacker (#374), The Joker (#274), and Top 5 Batman Villains with Comic Pop's Sal Crivelli. This extra-long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the most iconic comic book villain of all time, The Joker, ahead of the new movie Joker: Folie à Deux! Whether you are a deep cut comic book fan or excited for the new movie, this MEGA EPISODE is the evilest way for anyone to get in the show! Uncover what makes these DC Comics villains so bad!

Canon: Why It Does and Doesn't Matter

It's time to explore the biggest word in fandom this side of "continuity" on this week's Geek History Lesson as we dare to examine the thing that holds it all together - "CANON". What exactly does it mean? How can canon be applied to the things we love most? And, most important of all - does canon really matter? Jason and Ashley tackles canons with specific rules from DC Comics to Marvel Comics, canon that negate any kind of rules from Doctor Who to Sherlock Holmes, dive into their feelings on the canon of their own comic book properties, and reveal how much reverence they thing the concept of canon is due across multiple mediums: comic books, television, movies, and MOAR! It's time to talk canon!

Teen Titans (Silver Age 1964 - 1979)

Get groovy with the teeny bopper superteam of the DC Universe as Geek History Lesson embarks on a time warp through the Silver Age of the Teen Titans —spanning from their introduction in 1964 to the beginning of The New Teen Titans era of 1979. This era introduced the beloved legacy characters of Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Fash, Aqualad, and Speedy to a team intended to reach a new, younger generation of readers by using slang and pop culture references for the first time in DC Comics history. This period set the stage for one of the most beloved teams, team ups, and storytelling styles we see echoed today in tv, movies, and comics. Time to listen to the Teen Titans' Silver Age!