Systematic Geekology

The animated series *Batman Beyond* explores a pivotal question: what transpires when the iconic figure of Batman is compelled to retire? This inquiry lays the groundwork for a fascinating discussion among the hosts of Systematic Geekology—Christian Ashley, Elizabeth Pangalangan Clyde (Liz or Pang), and Evan Garcia—as they delve into the narrative intricacies of this groundbreaking show. Set in a...

I will teach you real Kung Fu. Welcome to my dojo, this is Kung Fu Pizza Party. Today, we make our final stop on our journey to Karate Kid Legends with a review of the 2010 Karate Kid film starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. Returning to the dojo today is Joshua Noel of Systematic Geekology and Be Living Water. In this episode, we break down the tournament scene in the film, the lack of a centra...

This episode delves into the complexities surrounding the rise and fall of empires, as epitomized in Chris Kempshall's formidable book, "Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire." Our esteemed hosts, Will Rose, Evan Garcia, and TJ Blackwell, engage in a profound discourse with Mark Flower from Grub & Grace, examining the intricate political and social themes prevalent within both th...

The Righteous Gemstones serves as a compelling critique of contemporary megachurch culture, encapsulating the often absurd realities of faith and family dynamics within a wealthy, religious dynasty. We delve into our individual histories with the Church, juxtaposing our experiences against the satirical narrative crafted by Danny McBride in this HBO Max series. As we navigate the complexities of t...

It is not stupid to respect all living things. Welcome to my dojo, this is Kung Fu Pizza Party. Today, we continue our journey to Karate Kid Legends with our review of the 1994 film The Next Karate Kid starring Pat Morita and Hilary Swank. Christian Ashley of the Anazao Ministries Podcast Network joins me to debate if this is actually a good edition in the Karate Kid franchise or not. Spoiler, I t...

Our discourse today interrogates a most intriguing hypothetical: what if Leia Organa, rather than Luke Skywalker, assumed the mantle of training her son, Ben Solo, in the ways of the Force? This pivotal alteration in the narrative arc invites us to contemplate the ramifications on Ben's character development and his eventual alignment with the dark side. Would he still succumb to the seductive all...

The prevailing theme of polarization within fandoms is vividly illustrated in our discourse on the perennial conflict between elves and dwarves. As I engage with esteemed Tolkien scholar and former host of our show, Nick Polk, we delve into the intricate nuances of this rivalry, which transcends mere animosity and reveals deeper societal reflections. Throughout our exploration, we uncover the hist...

Cobra Kai never dies! Welcome to my dojo, this is Kung Fu Pizza Party. Today, we continue our journey to Karate Kid Legends with our review of The Karate Kid part 3 starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. Joining me for the review is TJ Blackwell of Systematic Geekology. In this episode, we talk about the issue that exist in the final edition to the original Karate Kid trilogy, and how reordering t...

The intriguing premise of this episode centers on the hypothetical scenario: "What if John the Baptist was never beheaded?" We delve into this thought-provoking inquiry with esteemed guests James McGrath, a distinguished author and scholar, and Tripp Fuller, the founder of Theology Beer Camp and host of the Homebrewed Christianity podcast. Together, we explore the profound implications that John's...

The current episode of Systematic Geekology delves into the latest developments within our beloved fandoms, with a particular emphasis on the highly anticipated second season of "Andor" and the recently released Marvel Cinematic Universe film, "Thunderbolts." As we navigate through the intricate narrative arcs of "Andor," we engage in a thoughtful discussion about its portrayal of resistance again...

The character of Rassilon, the esteemed founder of Time Lord society on the planet Gallifrey and its inaugural Lord High President, serves as the focal point of our discussion. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of Rassilon's character, exploring the complex power dynamics that define Time Lord society. We unravel the mythos surrounding Rassilon, from his revered status as a sage-like...

The primary focus of this episode is the insightful dialogue between Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell as they engage with Andy Walsh, the Chief Science Officer at Health Monitoring Systems. Our discussion delves into the intersection of faith and science, examining whether significant theological topics discussed within seminaries and churches bear relevance to Andy's daily professional experiences. T...

This homily, delivered by Pastor Will Rose on May 4th, 2025, aptly intertwines the profound hope embodied in Jesus Christ with the existential struggles depicted within the expansive narratives of the Star Wars franchise. Pastor Will elucidates how the thematic elements of great and terrifying empires resonate with the contemporary human experience, particularly in the face of adversity and doubt....

In this discourse, we delve into the intricacies of the Meta Liberation Army arc and the Endeavor Agency arc from the illustrious series, My Hero Academia. Our examination reveals the profound moral dilemmas faced by both heroes and villains, particularly emphasizing the motivations and transformations of characters such as Shigaraki and Endeavor. We engage in a critical analysis of how both arcs...

This episode's primary focus is a profound exploration of the esteemed 1994 animated series, "Spider-Man: The Animated Series." We engage in a comprehensive dialogue that examines the narrative intricacies, character development, and cultural impact of this iconic show, which served as a pivotal introduction to the Spider-Man mythos for many viewers. Joined by our esteemed guest, Joe Dea, a former...

In this installment of Systematic Geekology, we delve into the latest developments within our cherished fandoms through a distinctly Christian lens. Our discussion is anchored by an exploration of the much-anticipated series, Daredevil: Born Again, where we analyze its narrative and thematic elements. We further turn our attention to the film "Sinners," which has garnered significant attention for...

Today, we commemorate Arbor Day with a profound exploration of the Erdtree, the monumental symbol from the acclaimed video game, Elden Ring. In our discussion, we delve into the multifaceted significance of this iconic tree, examining its role as a central narrative element that intertwines with the themes of life, death, and rebirth within the game’s intricate lore. Moreover, we reflect upon the...

The discourse surrounding the cinematic contributions of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan serves as an emblematic representation of the broader theme of polarization in our fandoms. In this episode of Systematic Geekology, we delve into the often contentious debate regarding whose martial arts films reign supreme. With the esteemed Brandon Knight, a former host and founder of our podcast, rejoining our e...

The focal point of this podcast episode is the celebration of Earth Day through the lens of animated cinema, specifically by identifying and discussing our top three environmentally conscious animated films. In this enlightening conversation, I, Joshua Noel, along with my esteemed co-hosts, Laura Wittman and Herbie Ramsey, delve into our personal selections, articulating the profound messages embe...

In this special Easter Day bonus episode of Systematic Geekology, we delve into the theme of "returns," a concept that resonates deeply within various fandoms. The conversation is initiated with a reflection on the profound significance of resurrection, framed within the context of Easter, as we celebrate the return of Jesus Christ from the dead. As we engage in this discourse, we each share our f...

This podcast episode represents the culmination of an enlightening journey into the notion of "amipotence," as articulated by Dr. Thomas J. Oord. On this Good Friday, we engage in a profound discourse regarding Dr. Oord's revolutionary ideas, which challenge the conventional understanding of divine omnipotence, positing instead that God embodies uncontrolling love. Our esteemed guests, Dr. Oord an...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the intricate relationship between love and control, as exemplified by the character of Zebediah Killgrave, known as Mr. Purple, from the "Alias" comics and the "Jessica Jones" television series. We delve into the complexities of Killgrave's character, whose powers allow him to control others, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of...

In this episode of Primarily Political, we delve into the profound inquiry of what it means to be a person, particularly in the context of the Netflix exclusive film, The Electric State. The film raises compelling questions regarding the nature of personhood, especially as it pertains to the distinction between humans and robots, prompting us to consider the implications of sentience, consciousnes...

The latest surprise bonus episode of Systematic Geekology features an in-depth discussion of HBO's acclaimed series, The White Lotus. Hosts Kevin Schaeffer and Elizabeth Pangalangan Clyde, affectionately known as Liz or Pang, delve into the intricacies of this captivating narrative that satirizes the lives of the affluent through a lens of dark humor and suspenseful storytelling. The duo examines...

The culmination of our springtime bonus series, 'Flix Friday,' finds us delving into the enigmatic and captivating world of "Stranger Things." As we traverse the intricacies of this beloved Netflix original, we, your hosts Pastor Will Rose, Rev. Laura Wittman, and Kevin Schaeffer, are tasked with encapsulating the essence of four enthralling seasons within a succinct thirty-minute discourse. "Stra...