Systematic Geekology

Who inspired Jim Hawkins to explore Treasure Planet? That's the burning question on the table as John Erdely, Christian Ashley, and TJ Blackwell dive deep into the cinematic treasure trove that is Disney's animated classic. The trio riffs on the film's vibrant characters, especially focusing on the rebellious spirit of Jim Hawkins, who is not just a teen lost in space but a symbol of adventure and...

Christian Ashley and Joe Dea dive deep into the rich tapestry of "Tales of the Jedi" in this episode of Systematic Geekology, unraveling the intriguing lore of the Old Republic and its epic conflicts. They explore the intricacies of the Sith and Jedi dynamics, showcasing how this comic series painted a vivid picture of the Star Wars universe long before the prequels came into play. With clever ban...

Joshua Noel and Christian Ashley dive deep into Disney's "Fun and Fancy Free," the third film from the package film era, and they’re ready to unpack its whimsical layers. Kicking things off, they chat about how this film blends two distinct stories—Bongo the bear’s quest for freedom and Mickey's escapades with the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk—while also touching on the broader themes of pover...

Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell dive deep into the transformative impact of Thors' legacy on characters Thorfinn, Thorkell, and Askeladd in the manga "Vinland Saga." Kicking off their discussion, they reflect on how Thors' principles of peace and honor ripple through the lives of these Vikings, illustrating the dichotomy between violence and non-violence. They unpack the significance of Thors' on-scr...

Kevin Schaefer, Jill Elizabeth, Christian Ashley, and Andy Walsh dive headfirst into the latest “What’s New(s)” episode of Systematic Geekology, zooming in on the hot-off-the-press HBO series "Lanterns" and the buzz surrounding the MCU's X-Men casting announcements. Right off the bat, Kevin sets the stage by highlighting the excitement around the pilot of "Lanterns," which heralds a unique blend o...

Andy and Evan dive into the rich tapestry of Process Theology as it intersects with the themes of the new flick, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." Right off the bat, they highlight how the film explores the importance of relationships and community, illustrating that our identities are shaped by our connections with others. As they unpack the film, they delve into Spider-Man's journey of navigating iso...

Joshua Noel and Christian Ashley dive deep into the often-overlooked mobile games of the Kingdom Hearts series in this episode, all in the lead-up to the franchise's big 25th anniversary next year. They kick things off by exploring the narrative significance of titles like Coded and Union X, revealing how these games fill in crucial lore gaps while also poking fun at their often convoluted storyte...

Kevin Schaefer, Justin Coleman, Evan Garcia, and Joshua Noel dive into the latest Spider-Man flick, "Brand New Day!" and it's clear they're all about that Spidey life. Right off the bat, they tackle how this film shifts the narrative, focusing less on traditional villains and more on the inner struggles of Peter Parker and his journey toward empathy. They chat about the film’s pacing, emotional we...

Kevin Schaefer, Evan Garcia, Andy Walsh, Justin Coleman, and Joshua Noel dive headfirst into the latest buzz from San Diego Comic Con 2026, and boy, do they have some spicy updates for fans! Kicking things off, they tackle the electrifying news about a new Ghost Rider movie, featuring none other than Ryan Gosling in a role that's been long speculated. But hold onto your capes, because they also sp...

Buckle up, folks, because part two of "A MOUSE enTRAPment in Paris" is a wild ride! In this episode, our eclectic crew—comprised of Merida from "Brave," Beorn from "The Hobbit," Blastoise from Pokémon, the kaiju Mothra, and Nehemiah from the Hebrew Scriptures—teams up with Basil from "The Great Mouse Detective" to clear Remy of the murder rap he’s been framed for. As they navigate the bustling str...

The latest episode of Geeks on a Roll dives headfirst into a tabletop adventure where Nehemiah from the Hebrew Scriptures takes center stage alongside a quirky crew: Blastoise the Pokemon, Beorn from "The Hobbit", Merida from Pixar's "Brave", and the ever-magnificent kaiju Mothra. They’re not just hanging out—these characters are gearing up for a wild quest to clear a rat named Remy of murder char...

Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell dive deep into the chaotic and vibrant world of Borderlands, focusing on the enigmatic character of Lilith. They explore how Lilith, the iconic Siren, not only shapes her own narrative but also influences those around her, including the likes of Roland and Ava. The duo banters about the complexities of her character, touching on her rebellious spirit and leadership sty...

Kevin Schaefer, Evan Garcia, and Jill Elizabeth dive headfirst into the latest pop culture buzz in this laid-back episode of Systematic Geekology. Right off the bat, they tackle the hotly anticipated film, "The Odyssey" (2026), questioning whether it's the final chapter in the “Let’s Get Matt Damon Home” cinematic universe. The trio doesn’t stop there; they also dissect the newly dropped trailer f...

Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell dive into the adventurous world of "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom", marking the grand finale of Systematic Geekology's Summer Drive-In miniseries. In this episode, they explore everything from the movie’s iconic heart-pulling scene to its place among the beloved Indiana Jones saga. Their banter flows as effortlessly as Indy dodges traps, reflecting on how the fi...

Are the Kingdom Hearts video games more like a scattered dream or a far-off memory? That's the burning question on the minds of Joshua and Christian as they kick off their miniseries leading up to the 25th anniversary of this beloved franchise. In a laid-back and witty exchange, they dive into their personal histories with the games, recounting everything from nostalgic first encounters to the con...

Kevin Schaefer, Evan Garcia, and Christian Ashley dive deep into the latest happenings in geek culture, focusing on the much-anticipated X-Men '97 Season 2 and the new Supergirl film. Kicking things off, they share their thoughts on Supergirl, examining its successes and shortcomings, particularly in how it diverges from the source material. The trio engages in a spirited discussion about the evol...

Christian Ashley and Alex Matthews dive into the whimsical world of "Lion King 1 1/2," delivering a fresh perspective on this often overlooked Disney gem. Right off the bat, they tackle the pressing question: what happens when you look beyond the surface of a beloved classic? With Christian reminiscing about his mixed feelings after a rewatch and Alex unabashedly declaring it one of their faves, t...

Jill Elizabeth and Kevin Schaefer dive into the cinematic treasure chest of Steven Spielberg, each revealing their top five favorite films from the legendary director. From making audiences fear the water to eliciting tears over an extraterrestrial friendship, Spielberg's films resonate on so many levels that narrowing it down is no easy feat. Kevin kicks off the discussion with some underrated ge...

Andy Walsh and Leah Robinson dive into the politics swirling around World Cup football / soccer fandom, shedding light on the intersection of sports, politics, and faith. They kick things off by spotlighting some notorious political actors, notably the dynamic duo of Trump and FIFA's Infantino, whose antics have stirred the pot during the tournament. As they navigate through the raucous atmosphere...

Jill Elizabeth and Kevin Schaefer dive into the whimsical world of "Wonka," the 2023 prequel that serves up a fresh take on everyone's favorite chocolatier. They kick things off by musing over the film's central question: would you risk everything for the best chocolate in the world? Both hosts glow with excitement as they share their thoughts on the movie's vibrant colors, catchy tunes, and delig...

The adventure continues as the crew dives deeper into the chaotic world of "Corrupted Fantasy." Christian Ashley, our fearless DM, leads John Erdely and Nick Polk as they grapple with the complexities of their eclectic party, which features the likes of Spyro the Dragon, Kumar, Freakazoid, Samwise Gamgee, and Guan Yin. Picking up where they left off, the group faces the eerie remnants of a devasta...

What happens when beloved fictional realms get a little too wild? Christian Ashley, the DM extraordinaire, invites co-host John Erdely and guest Nick Polk into the chaotic world of "Corrupted Fantasy," part of the Geeks on a Roll series. Their eclectic party includes fan-favorites like Spyro the Dragon, Kumar from the Harold & Kumar flicks, and even the whimsical Freakazoid, alongside characte...

Before there were Avengers, multiverses, and all that post-credit homework, there was a scrawny Brooklyn kid with a major glow-up and a whole lot of heart. Jill Elizabeth and TJ Blackwell dive into "Captain America: The First Avenger," the film that lays the groundwork for not just a superhero, but an entire ethos. They kick off their discussion by exploring how this origin story captures the esse...

Joshua Noel, TJ Blackwell, and Liz Clyde dive into the mind-bending Egghead Island arc of One Piece, where the gang grapples with the wild concept of dividing one's mind while still holding onto their essence. It’s a thought-provoking ride that kicks off with the crew’s unexpected arrival on this high-tech island, where they meet the genius Vegapunk—who, spoiler alert, is way more complex than jus...

Welcome to my dojo, this is Kung Fu Pizza Party. In today's episode, we are headed back to the arcade, this time with a dive into the Ninja Gaiden franchise. Joining me for this talk, by request, is TJ Blackwell of Systematic Geekology; a long time fan of the Ninja Gaiden series. We discuss the game's legacy of being extremely difficult, how Ninja Gaiden connects to the Dead or Alive franchise, an...