Systematic Geekology

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...

Evan Garcia and Kevin Schaeffer dive into the delightful chaos of the 1948 classic, "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein," where monster mayhem meets comedic genius. Right off the bat, they explore how this film uniquely mashes up iconic horror figures like Dracula and Frankenstein with the hilarity of the legendary duo. As they unravel the antics of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, they reflect on...

What if Crowley had survived until the end of "Supernatural"? Joshua Noel and Christian Ashley dive deep into this tantalizing alternate reality, exploring the ripple effects of the King of Hell's continued presence in the series. They kick things off by reminiscing about the show's ups and downs, all while keeping it chill and full of banter. The duo examines how Crowley's survival could have alt...

Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell dive into the captivating world of appendices and epilogues, right off the bat highlighting how these often-overlooked sections can completely transform a reader's experience. They discuss the most expansive and interesting examples found in literature, from the rich details of Tolkien's appendices to the insightful reflections of various epilogues. The duo shares thei...

Will Rose kicks off the annual Halloween Drive-In Bonus series with a bang, diving headfirst into the chaotic and thrilling world of monster fight movies. Joined by the dynamic duo of Ryan Does and Leah Robinson, they dissect the 2004 gem "Alien vs. Predator," a flick that blends action, horror, and a dash of questionable decision-making. Right from the get-go, Leah’s witty quip about wanting her...

Christian Ashley and TJ Blackwell dive deep into the wild and whimsical world of Dressrosa in this episode of Systematic Geekology. They kick things off by tackling the arc's sprawling narrative and its labyrinthine plot twists, all while keeping it chill and engaging. With over 100 chapters and 118 anime episodes, the Dressrosa arc is not just a marathon; it's an emotional rollercoaster that show...

Christian Ashley and Kevin Schaeffer dive into the latest happenings in pop culture with a focus on the newest movie trailers, the much-anticipated Peacemaker Season 2, and the surprising return of Jimmy Kimmel. They kick things off by dissecting the freshly unveiled teaser for the Mandalorian and Grogu movie, stirring up a mix of excitement and skepticism about its narrative direction. As they ho...

Joshua Noel and Christian Ashley kicked off this episode of "What's News" on Systematic Geekology by diving straight into the latest buzz from our beloved fandoms, starting with the highly anticipated "Dexter: Resurrection". The dynamic duo couldn't resist the temptation to chat about the thrilling twists and turns of Dexter's return, and they even pondered the existential question of why some cha...

I. Was. Right. Welcome to my dojo, this is Kung Fu Pizza Party. In today's Coming Soon edition of the show, I give an update on the release of Mortal Kombat 2, and how it may be playing into the bigger discussion of the Streaming Wars. What is going on between Paramount Skydance, Warner Brothers Discover, and Netflix? Is MK2 getting postponed a good sign for fans? Are any other video games getting...

Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell dive into the epic showdown of "Marvel vs Godzilla" and "Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong," dissecting which universe brings the heat when it comes to giant monsters. They kick things off by comparing the 2023 DC crossover, which features a chaotic clash between the Justice League and Godzilla, to the 2025 Marvel series, where Godzilla stomps through classic superher...

Today’s conversation dives into the age-old debate: Was Magneto right? Our hosts, Will Rose and Andy Walsh, are joined by return guest, Jill Elizabeth, for an extremely special and fun episode! With a relaxed vibe and a sprinkle of witty banter, the crew tackles the complexities of Magneto and Professor X, exploring their contrasting philosophies on mutant rights and human coexistence. They delve...