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.

Why Procedural TV Shows Keep Us Hooked (Watson & Suits LA)

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 stories in a serialized world?Whether it’s solving crimes, winning court cases, or unraveling mysteries, procedural TV shows continue to dominate our screens and we’re here to explain why.

Does it Matter Who Wears the Mask Captain America

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 behind the mask bring the meaning to life?

And that’s not all—joining us for this discussion is special guest Jonathan London, director and writer of Paul London: Hero of the Prophecy, a brand-new comic hitting Kickstarter on February 4th! Don’t miss your chance to support it here: https://herooftheprophecy.com.

Does Comedy Work in Fantasy? - Toss a Coin to Your Witcher

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 moments? Plus, Jason takes on a fun challenge by writing a comedic fantasy scene live on the air!

Why Sherlock Needs a Watson a.k.a. Why We Need Sidekicks

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 stories stronger.

We’re also celebrating the upcoming premiere of WATSON on CBS & Paramount Plus, debuting January 26, 2025! Starring Morris Chestnut as Dr. John Watson, this new take on the iconic character is one you won’t want to miss. And here’s the best part: our very own Jason was a staff writer on the show! So, we’re joined by someone who has actually written Dr. Watson themselves to discuss what makes this character so timeless and important. Grab your magnifying glass, call your favorite sidekick, and join us for this deep dive into the power of partnerships in storytelling!

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

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

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

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.