Systematic Geekology

"Is it better to honor death or create new life?" That’s the burning question that kicks off this episode of Systematic Geekology as Joshua Noel and returning guest Ryan Does dive deep into Guillermo del Toro's latest cinematic masterpiece, Frankenstein. The duo explores the rich themes of creation, loss, and what it truly means to be human, all wrapped up in del Toro's signature style. They chat...

Will Rose and Kevin Schaeffer just got back from a thrilling trip to the drive-in, and they’re buzzing to dive into the holiday classic, "Christmas with the Joker" from "Batman: The Animated Series." Right off the bat, they agree that this episode is a must-watch during the festive season, capturing the essence of what makes the series so iconic. They chat about how the dynamic between Batman, Rob...

Joshua Noel and Christian Ashley dive into a fierce competition to build the ultimate team of sidekick characters in this special episode of Systematic Geekology. Each of them drafts a diverse lineup, picking characters from beloved franchises like Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, Hellboy, Marvel, and more. To up the stakes, they’ve got a secret mission from fellow hosts Will Rose and TJ Blackwel...

The final episode of "Finding the Good..." dives deep into the epic showdown between Assassins and Templars from the Assassin's Creed franchise, where the stakes are all about freedom versus control. Christian Ashley, TJ Blackwell, and John Erdely break down the core conflict of the series, discussing how the Assassins champion individual liberty while the Templars advocate for order and authority...

Joshua Noel and Christian Ashley kick off the 2025 Christmas Drive-In series with a deep dive into the holiday-themed episode of "Supernatural", titled "A Very Supernatural Christmas." They explore the episode's unique take on Christmas, likening it to an anti-Christmas experience that cleverly deconstructs traditional holiday tropes while reconstructing what makes Christmas special in the first p...

What if Peter Parker decided to trade in his web-slinging for a mayoral seat in New York City? In this laid-back chat, Kevin Schaeffer and Alex Matthews dive into the intriguing possibilities of Peter Parker stepping into the political arena. They explore how Spider-Man’s moral compass and personal growth could reshape the city's landscape, especially after the loss of Aunt May. With the ever-cont...

Joshua Noel and Christian Ashley dive into the realms of time and space as they rank their top five Doctor Who companions in this engaging episode of Systematic Geekology. Kicking things off, they tackle the age-old debate of who truly deserves the title of the best companion, sparking a lively discussion filled with witty banter and insightful commentary. As they reminisce about iconic characters...

Joshua Noel, TJ Blackwell, and Will Rose dive into the delightful chaos of "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas", attempting to view it through the lens of Thanksgiving in this quirky holiday special of Systematic Geekology. Right off the bat, they ponder what it would be like to view the film through the lens of gratitude and thanksgiving, playfully acknowledging that, while Joshua has tr...

Kevin Schaeffer and Andy Walsh dive into the latest happenings in pop culture with their signature blend of geekiness and faith in this "What's News" episode. They kick things off by exploring some exciting new shows and films, including Vince Gilligan's latest sci-fi venture, which offers a unique take on humanity's struggles in a post-apocalyptic landscape. The duo also chats about the fresh ada...

Christian Ashley and Liz Clyde dive deep into the captivating world of "Inuyasha," exploring the show's iconic love triangle and its rich blend of action and drama. They kick things off by pondering a thought-provoking question: if given the chance, what would they wish for using the elusive Shikon Jewel? Throughout their laid-back banter, they reveal their personal connections to the series, with...

This episode dives deep into the fascinating world of the Inklings, featuring the dynamic duo of Dr. David C. Downing and Dr. Crystal Downing, who take listeners on a vibrant journey through the lives and works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The conversation unfolds from a live lecture at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chapel Hill, NC, where they discuss the essence of the Inklings—an eclectic...

The conflict between the Federation and Zeon in Gundam is a hot topic, and Christian Ashley and TJ Blackwell dive right into the thick of it, asking the burning question: whose side are we really on? They explore the Universal Century timeline, unraveling the web of motivations, ideals, and the often murky morality that defines this iconic series. Christian lays out the historical backdrop, highli...

Alien Earth takes center stage in this Whats News episode of Systematic Geekology, where the hosts Will Rose, Evan Garcia, and Leah Robinson, along with guests Ryan Does and Jill Elizabeth, dive deep into what it really means to be human in a world filled with extraterrestrial intrigue. They tackle the age-old question of humanity, exploring how this new series fits into the broader Alien canon an...

Moana takes center stage as Joshua Noel and Liz Clyde dive into the vibrant world of Walt Disney Animation in this episode of Systematic Geekology. Right off the bat, they highlight the film's cultural significance, celebrating its representation of Polynesian heritage and the refreshing portrayal of a strong female lead. The duo chats about Moana's journey of self-discovery, her connection to the...

Renowned theologian Dr. Thomas Jay Oord joins the dynamic trio of Andy Walsh, Kevin Schaeffer, and TJ Blackwell on a philosophical rollercoaster ride through the murky waters of destiny and free will, all sparked by the mind-bending narrative of *The Minority Report*. The conversation kicks off with a bold assertion that we don't get to pick our beliefs; they pick us instead, setting the stage for...

Rethinking Comics kicks off with a deep dive into the emotional rollercoaster of Ice Cream Man issue #5, aptly titled "Ballad of a Falling Man." Right off the bat, the hosts, Josh and Joshua, explore the heavy themes of suicide, existentialism, and the complexity of human relationships, all wrapped in the chilling narrative of a man plummeting from a corporate skyscraper. As they dissect the juxta...

Christian Ashley and Dr. Leah Robinson dive into the epic showdown of horror icons in this Halloween special, tackling the 2003 flick "Freddy vs. Jason." Right off the bat, they tackle the burning question: do we really lose if either Freddy or Jason comes out on top? As they kick back in their spooky drive-in seats, the duo reflects on the film's unique blend of slasher lore and the sheer absurdi...

Joshua Noel, Justin Coleman, and Alex Matthews dive into the multiverse of storytelling this week as they dissect the epic narratives of Loki Season 2 and the Doctor Who episode, "The Story in the Engine." Right from the get-go, they ponder whether our narratives are preordained or if we wield the quill to write our own tales, with Loki's chaotic charm and the Doctor's whimsical wisdom leading the...

The latest episode of Systematic Geekology dives into the exciting world of Peacemaker Season 2, where Christian Ashley, Kevin Schaeffer, and Evan Garcia unravel the layers of this wild ride filled with heart and humor. Right off the bat, they give a heads-up that they’re diving deep into spoiler territory, so if you haven’t caught up yet, consider this your friendly warning. They explore how the...

The latest installment in the Halloween Drive-In series takes a deep dive into the colossal clash between two beloved titans: Godzilla and King Kong. Christian Ashley and TJ Blackwell kick things off by reminiscing about the rich history of monster mashups in cinema, setting the stage for their review of the 2021 blockbuster, 'Godzilla Vs Kong'. With a dynamic interplay of wit and humor, they diss...

Christian Ashley and Kevin Schaeffer dive deep into the animated classic, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, in this special episode recorded live on Batman Day 2025. Right off the bat, they highlight the film's emotional depth and its masterful storytelling, showcasing how it explores Batman's origin while intertwining it with his romantic past. The duo shares their love for the characters, particular...

Andy Walsh and TJ Blackwell dive deep into the chilling world of Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" in this episode of the "All Reading Counts" series. They kick things off by highlighting how this novella is not just a classic vampire tale but a profound exploration of isolation and humanity's resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. With a relaxed vibe, they banter about their reading experien...

Joshua Noel and Ryan Does are back at it again, ready to dive deep into the monster mash-up madness with a special double feature of "The House of Dracula" and "The House of Frankenstein." These two flicks are the epitome of classic horror, where iconic monsters clash, and what better way to celebrate than at this year's Halloween Drive-In? They kick things off by discussing how the drive-in neede...

The epic showdown between vampires and werewolves takes center stage as Joshua Noel, Will Rose, and Christian Ashley dive into one of pop culture's fiercest feuds. They each take a side in this legendary rivalry but not without a twist: their challenge is to uncover the silver linings lurking in the shadows of their opposing factions. Expect a lively discourse as they explore the lore behind these...

Kevin Schaeffer and Andy Walsh dive into the latest geeky goodness in this “What’s News” episode, kicking things off with a discussion about the gripping films "The Lost Bus" and "One Battle After Another." These flicks tackle intense themes, with "The Lost Bus" following a bus driver navigating a wildfire evacuation and "One Battle After Another" exploring the complexities of revolution and perso...