28 Years Later from Danny Boyle follows up (23 years later!), on his zombie movie masterpiece - 28 Days Later! There are multiple Walking Dead shows on the air right now. The Last of Us in a beloved video game and streaming franchise starring the greatest daddy of all time. Zombies are back, baby! We explore why zombies, walkers, biters, or whatever you want to call them continue to hold us in their thrall from George Romero's shambling black-and-white Night of the Living Dead, through cultural context, evolving into the bastion of modern horror. Scared yet? You will be because Your Geek History Lesson is now in session!
Flash Family MEGA EPISODE (Barry Alan, Iris West, Wally West, Bart Allen)
Today, in celebration of the comic book series Absolute Flash, which is jumping off shelves worldwide, we've entered the Speed Force to summon the assistance of The Flash Family from some of our favorite Flash-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE:
GHL 228: The Flash (Barry Allen) with Stephen Schleicher – Explore the science fiction origins of investigator Barry Allen, who redefined the role of The Flash.
GHL 462: Iris West (The Flash) – Study up on the smartest woman in Central City and discover what led to her romance with Barry Allen
GHL 146: Kid Flash (Wally West) – Discover the boy who grew up loving The Flash then perfected what it meant to be The Flash
GHL 365: Impulse (Bart Allen) – Follow the journey of the slack speedster who became The Flash and died to save the world
Batman Movie Draft with DJ Wooldridge & Diego Anthony Nuñez
From the Warner Bros. tower in Los Angeles, California Geek History Lesson brings together three superheroic writers - Ashley Victoria Robinson, Jason Inman, and DJ Wooldridge - to compete in a fantasy football-style draft in order to create the best Batman movie for Commissioner Diego Anthony Nuñez. We pick from live action categories like: Batman, Female Lead, Alfred, and Needle Drop to get to the bottom of: what a a great Batman movie really needs? At the end each drafter pitches their movie, title, and storyline. Play along at home and join us in the first ever Batman Movie Draft!
Batman The Digital Age 2000 - 2012
From the shadows of Gotham City Geek History Lesson embarks on a gripping journey through Batman's Digital Age—spanning from 2000 to 2012. This era exploded the number of Batman Family members from introducing Terry McGinnis, to resurrecting Jason Todd, to the apparent birth of Damian Wayne. Amidst the rise of superhero movies and digital comics "Bruce Wayne: Murderer", "Identity Crisis", and "Final Crisis" made dark, controversial choices for the character we are still reading the ramifications of today. This period saw Dick Grayson emerge from the shadow and step into the cowl under the auspices of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely and - hot take! - one of the co-hosts thinks we should have never gone back! Time to listen to Batman's Digital Age!
Listen to Batman The Golden Age here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/107-batman-the-golden-age--50775746
Listen to Batman the Silver Age here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/383-batman-the-silver-age--50775415
Listen to Batman the Bronze Age here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/446-batman-the-bronze-age-1970-1985--52438219
Listen to Batman the Dark Age here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/494-batman-the-dark-age-1985-2000--58894962
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
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.
Should All Comics be All-Ages?
Should all comics be all-ages? We dive deep into the history of the medium, debate how the darker tones of the 1980s changed comics forever, and discuss whether the industry has become too niche for its own good.With special guest Diego Anthony Nunez (https://www.threads.net/@blackcrow521,) we explore how comics can invite more readers into the fold, the importance of accessibility, and whether there’s still room for both gritty storytelling and family-friendly fun in today’s market.Whether you’re a fan of the grim and gritty or the bright and hopeful, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Tune in as we imagine a future where comics can truly be for everyone!
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!
Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)
Step into the world of Gotham City as we shine a spotlight on Cassandra Cain, one of the most iconic and fascinating Batgirls in DC Comics history! In this episode, we explore her origins as the daughter of assassins David Cain and Lady Shiva, her journey to becoming Batgirl, and her incredible evolution into one of the most skilled fighters in the DC Universe. From her days in the No Man’s Land storyline to her time as Orphan in the Rebirth era, we’ll dive deep into her character development, key story arcs, and why Cassandra Cain remains a fan-favorite Batgirl. Additional research by Meredith Harris.
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!
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
Batman Villains MEGA EPISODE (Penguin, Poison Ivy, Joker, Top 5 Batman Villains)
Batman has THE most iconic Rogues Gallery in all of comics and we're breaking it down in this week's Geek History Lesson episode. A MEGA EPISODE! Filled to the brim with baddies straight out of Arkham Asylum these are the worst of the worst DC Comics super villains, featuring The Penguin (#405), Poison Ivy with Patrick Schumacker (#374), The Joker (#274), and Top 5 Batman Villains with Comic Pop's Sal Crivelli. This extra-long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the most iconic comic book villain of all time, The Joker, ahead of the new movie Joker: Folie à Deux! Whether you are a deep cut comic book fan or excited for the new movie, this MEGA EPISODE is the evilest way for anyone to get in the show! Uncover what makes these DC Comics villains so bad!
Canon: Why It Does and Doesn't Matter
It's time to explore the biggest word in fandom this side of "continuity" on this week's Geek History Lesson as we dare to examine the thing that holds it all together - "CANON". What exactly does it mean? How can canon be applied to the things we love most? And, most important of all - does canon really matter? Jason and Ashley tackles canons with specific rules from DC Comics to Marvel Comics, canon that negate any kind of rules from Doctor Who to Sherlock Holmes, dive into their feelings on the canon of their own comic book properties, and reveal how much reverence they thing the concept of canon is due across multiple mediums: comic books, television, movies, and MOAR! It's time to talk canon!
Teen Titans (Silver Age 1964 - 1979)
Get groovy with the teeny bopper superteam of the DC Universe as Geek History Lesson embarks on a time warp through the Silver Age of the Teen Titans —spanning from their introduction in 1964 to the beginning of The New Teen Titans era of 1979. This era introduced the beloved legacy characters of Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Fash, Aqualad, and Speedy to a team intended to reach a new, younger generation of readers by using slang and pop culture references for the first time in DC Comics history. This period set the stage for one of the most beloved teams, team ups, and storytelling styles we see echoed today in tv, movies, and comics. Time to listen to the Teen Titans' Silver Age!
Teen Titans MEGA EPISODE (Teen Titans, Best Titans Team & Donna Troy)
When there's trouble you know who to pod - Geek History Lesson! We are bringing you a Teen Titans MEGA EPISODE! Fill up on superhero teen angst as we explore the interpersonal dynamics and superheroics of DC's best legacy characters, featuring Donna Troy (#308), Teen Titans (#125), Teen Titans Part 2 (#126), and Best Teen Titans Team Ever! (#219). This extra-long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the Amazonian icon Donna Troy (the OG Wonder Girl), and her legacy throughout Teen Titans from the page to the screen. Whether you're a Teen Titans GO! fan or have been reading since the 1960s, this MEGA EPISODE is the perfect companion for anyone gearing up to see their diverse shows on HBO Max! Discover why Titans Tower is the place to be and why the Teen Titans are the most profitable and BEST team DC Comics has to offer.
Chatting My Adventures with Superman with Josie Campbell
Josie Campbell, the amazing TV writer and producer behind My Adventures with Superman, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and comic book force behind Amazons Attack, Shazam!, and I Heart Skull-Crusher, pulls back the curtain on how her college thesis brought her to where she is now. Answers what a Josie Campbell cosplay would look like? Reveals how she went from writing about comic books to writing comic book television and more!
Follow Josie Campbell: https://www.instagram.com/cozyjamble_official/
Static (Milestone Comics)
There's a Static Shock as we explore the iconic Milestone Comic teenage superhero with the power of electricity - Static! Virgil Hawkins is the breakout star of this 90s comic book imprint who captured the imagination of people all over the world through the power of his animated series, Static Shock. We dive deep into the comics, the show, and make our return to the captivating world of Dakota City, where comic book tropes and real world events intertwine. Listen now to uncover the true genius behind Static - now a part of the DC Comics Universe. Additional research & Writing by Diego Anthony Nunez
Batman Family MEGA EPISODE (Gotham City, Damian Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth)
We are vengeance, we are the night - we are bringing you a Batman Family MEGA EPISODE! Dive into the shadows of Gotham City as we explore the intricate dynamics and heroics of the Bat-Family, featuring Gotham City (#472), Damian Wayne (#222), and Alfred Pennyworth (#109). This extra-long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the pivotal roles each of these characters plays in the world of Batman and DC Comics. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the Bat-Family, this MEGA EPISODE is the perfect companion for anyone gearing up to watch the latest DC movie or series on HBO Max! Discover why Gotham City is more than just a backdrop, how Damian Wayne brings a new edge to the Robin legacy, and the unwavering support Alfred Pennyworth provides as the backbone of the Bat-Family.
GHL 501: A Geek History Lesson Mailbag for Episode 501
It's episode 501, so that can only mean one thing! A Geek History Lesson Mailbag to keep celebrating 500 episodes of the show. Jason and Ashley answer listener submitted thoughts as well as some voicemails about their favorite moments from the last ten years of the pod. Plus, a certain Texas cowboy makes an appearance.
GHL 500: 10th Anniversary Show filled with Celebrities!
Jason and Ashley celebrate the 500th Episode and the 10th Anniversary of Geek History Lesson. Plus, celebrities, too many celebrities, stop by to help celebrate the show. Including a Star Trek Commander, a Hobbit, Two cool Dudes, a Podcast Genius, the assistant to the Queen of Podcasting and a Crow's Best Friend! Thanks for listening to GHL for all these years!
Pick up the Limited Edition GHL 500 Episode Poster here►https://www.jasoninman.com/store
And follow our special guests!
Scott Johnson & Brian Ibbot of The Morning Stream: https://twitter.com/morningstream
Stephen Schleicher: https://twitter.com/MajorSpoilers
Omar Najam: https://twitter.com/OmarNajam
Diego Anthony Nuñez: https://twitter.com/Blackcrow521