This month the Star Trek series 40 years in the making, Starfleet Academy, introduces us to a new generation of Starfleet Cadets and the first new class in the 32nd century! Some familiar faces also return to the franchise. This week on Geek History Lesson we put our Starfleet uniforms back on (with the dust from The Red Shirt Diaries and Section 31), to boldly go where no podcast has gone before!
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Game of Thrones returns! This time it's about the Hedge Knight and his Squire during the time of the greatest piece Westeros has ever seen! What is Dunk short for? What does Egg mean? How do you pronounce "AKOTSK"? Let us guide you back into the world of Westeros as we prepare to watch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms!
Holiday Special MEGA EPISODE 2 (Doctor Strange Holiday Special + Tex Men Ep 1)
We're bringing it back! No one asked for it! Here's every Doctor Strange Holiday Special EVER + the premier episode of TEX MEN! Relive old characters you forgot about or probably should have forgotten! Discover how GHL guest stars Doctor Strange and Clea have taken over the podcast every year! Hear every shenanigan between Tex Willerman and Nightcrawler! Happy Holidays! Special guests incude: Omar Najam (how many times can one guest appear!?), Dani Fernandez, Sam Bashor, John Steven Rocha and more!
Wonder Woman MEGA Episode (Wonder Woman The Golden Age, Wonder Woman The Silver Age & Wonder Woman The Bronze Age)
Great Hera! Wonder Woman has an iconic solo series and DC Absolute Series on shelves right now! The toughest and kindest member of DC Comics' trinity is the character on everybody's lips. In celebration of the Goddess of War we present you these episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE:
GHL 164: Wonder Woman (The Golden Age) – Want to know where and how Diana Prince became Wonder Woman?!
GHL 350: Wonder Woman (The Silver Age) – Did you know Wonder Woman was a fashion editor?
GHL 526: Wonder Woman (The Bronze Age) – Discover the power George Perez wielded over Wondy
Welcome to Paradise Island! Or is it Themyscira? Join us for this epic celebration of the most powerful hero in the DC Comics Universe - Wonder Woman!
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Best Jurassic Park Cartoon with Steven Ray Morris
This week the fourth season of Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (formerly, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous), introduces a new generation of dinosaur enthusiasts to the extended universe of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park! This week on Geek History Lesson, Ashley is joined by podcaster extraordinaire and OG Murderino, Steven Ray Morris (host of See Jurassic Right), to dig up what exactly it takes to animate Jurassic Right!
Guilllermo Del Toro's Frankenstein
Out in cinemas and now streaming worldwide, the culmination of Guillermo Del Toro's creative work, Frankenstein introduces a new generation of moviegoers to Victor and The Creature. This week on Geek History Lesson, Ashley is joined by TikTok sensation Fallon Prinzivalli to give a full SPOILER FILLED review.
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Kenneth Branagh's Frankenstein (1994)
Following the success of 1992's Bram Stoker's Dracula Kenneth Branagh directed and starred in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein which introduced elements of The Bride of Frankenstein into the mainstream story of Victor and The Creature. This week on Geek History Lesson, Ashley is joined by returning guest Patrick McMillan to decide if this remake stands up to the original.
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Frankenstein vs Bride of Frankenstein
Frankenstein (1931), was a revolution pre-code Universal Monster Movie. In 1935, the Hays Code had been in place for a year and Universal released, The Bride of Frankenstein, which became arguably more iconic than its predecessor. This week on Geek History Lesson, Ashley is joined by Geek History Lesson Research Assistant and Talking Titans co-host Diego Anthony Nuñez to explore the cultural impact of both films. Which is better?
Frankenstein MEGA EPISODE (Frankenstein in Pop Culture, DC Comics' Frankenstein)
It's alive! It's alive! The podcast is a live! #GHLSpookySeason2025 is in full swing and this year we have set our sights on the release of Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein. From Doctor Victor Frankenstein's hubris, to Mary Shelley's genius, to Elizabeth's innocence, and whether he's called "The Creature" or "The Monster" we break down the many distinct facets of a character who has simply come to be known as "Frankenstein" in these Creature-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE:
GHL 512: Frankenstein in Pop Culture – Uncover all the different pieces of media that were sown together to create the "Frankenstein" you know and love today
GHL 513: DC Comics' Frankenstein – Study up on the big guy from The Creature Commandos
Fire, bad! Podcast, good! Join us for this creepy celebration of all things Frankenstein!
Doctor John Watson and Sherlock Holmes
There is a direct line between Doctor John Watson and Sherlock Holmes' partnership and the superhero/sidekick relationship of Batman and Robin! This week on Geek History Lesson, we’re diving into how Holmes and Watson cemented the "modern sidekick" and explore whether other characters in both franchises may be better sidekicks than we first thought. Alfred Pennyworth? Merry Morstan?
We’re also celebrating the upcoming premiere of WATSON on CBS & Paramount Plus, debuting today October 13, 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 story editor on the show! So, we’re joined by someone who has actually written Dr. Watson themselves to discuss what makes this character the paramount sidekick. Grab your magnifying glass, call your favorite sidekick, and join us for this deep dive into the power of partnerships in storytelling!
Best Fictional Schools
School may be out for the summer, but comic book always have havens for the strange and nerdy to find refuge in. On this week's episode we step into the hallowed halls of The Umbrella Academy, Kamar Taj, Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and Starfleet Academy to conclude which Universe offers the best education to a young superhero type. Did we miss your fave?
Myths & Legends Begging for a Modern Movie Adaptation
Every major Hollywood actor seems lined up to star in Batman director Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. The ultimate Hero's Journey. The archetype upon which so many great superhero stories have been told. We explore other classic myths, legends, stories, and pantheons that are begging for a Silver Screen Hollywood treatment! Plus, we tease an ongoing series leading up to the 2026 release of Nolan's Odyssey. Wondering if we'll reach outside of Ancient Greece? Listen to hear if we list your fave!
Zombies
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!
Discussion on ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ (2025) by The Fanbase Weekly Podcast
It's a special Geek History Lesson crossover episode about The Hunger Games with Fanbase Press! The Fanbase Weekly co-host Bryant Dillon is joined by special guests Jessica Maison (writer, Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters), Ashley V. Robinson (writer, Jupiter Jet, Aurora and the Eagle / podcast host – Geek History Lesson), and Rebecca Lear (Executive Producer – The Katniss Chronicles Audio Drama) to participate in a thorough discussion regarding Sunrise on the Reaping (2025) in light of the new Hunger Games novel’s recent release, with topics including reactions to this new chapter in the Hunger Games mythology, discussion of how the book changes the panelists’ view of Haymitch Abernathy and his appearance in previous Hunger Games novels, how the story explores themes like implicit submission, media literacy, and more. (Beware: SPOILERS for Sunrise on the Reaping abound in this panel discussion!)
What Makes The Hunger Games so Popular?
Survive the epic world of Panem, the setting of The Hunger Games, as Geek History Lesson unfolds the complex narrative history behind Suzanne Collins' YA dystopian franchise! In this arena of an episode episode, we dissect the classical structure shared in each Hunger Games Dune novel, explore Collins' Greco-Roman mythological inspiration, debate which characters deserve solo stories next, and discuss the socio-political themes that shaped a generation of Young Adult fiction. With Sunrise on the Reaping in stores now, delve with us into the saga's multi-media evolution, offering an exploration for seasoned fans and newcomers alike! You'll want to read all 5 Hunger Games books after listening to this one!
Does Comedy Work in Fantasy? - Toss a Coin to Your Witcher
We dive into the magical world of comedy in fantasy storytelling! From The Lord of the Rings to The Witcher, we examine how humor can elevate—or sometimes undercut—the epic stakes of swords, sorcery, and mythical worlds.To celebrate the release of The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, we ask the big questions: Does comedy belong in fantasy? Can it add depth to the story, or does it risk punching down at the genre’s gravitas? And how do you strike the balance between epic quests and laugh-out-loud moments? Plus, Jason takes on a fun challenge by writing a comedic fantasy scene live on the air!
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!
Star Trek MEGA EPISODE (First Contact, Top 5 TNG Episodes, Star Trek vs Star Wars, Lower Decks, and Wrath of Khan)
In this special Geek History Lesson MEGA EPISODE, we’re celebrating the enduring legacy of Star Trek in honor of the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 movie, hitting Paramount Plus on January 24, 2025. This jam-packed episode features some of our favorite Star Trek moments from the GHL archives, including:
Star Trek: First Contact LIVE!
Top 5 Star Trek: The Next Generation Episodes (GHL 294) with special guest John Champion from Mission Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast.
Star Wars vs. Star Trek (GHL 233), where Ken Napzok joins us to tackle one of the biggest nerd debates of all time.
Star Trek: Lower Decks (GHL 428), a hilarious and heartfelt dive into one of Star Trek’s most unique series.
Wrath of Khan (GHL 416), where we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan with behind-the-scenes stories, favorite moments, and plenty of KHAN TALK!
Plus, Jason shares his excitement about working on the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 movie, which follows Emperor Philippa Georgiou as she protects the Federation while grappling with the sins of her past. Hear more about his experience on Patreon at patreon.com/jawiin and in our Best & Worst Stories of Star Trek episode.
Star Trek's Best & Worst Episodes
Boldly go where no podcast has gone before! In this episode of Geek History Lesson, we’re diving into Star Trek’s best and worst episodes across the entire franchise. Whether you’re a lifelong Trekkie or brand new to the final frontier, we’ll help you find the perfect episode to start your journey. From the groundbreaking brilliance of The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine to the occasional missteps of The Original Series and beyond, we explore the highs and lows of Star Trek’s incredible legacy. This episode also celebrates the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 movie hits Paramount Plus on January 24, 2025 and did you know?... Jason worked on it! Set your phasers to fun and join us for this ultimate Trek-filled adventure!
Werewolves
Unleash the beast and join us as we howl into the fascinating world of werewolves in pop culture! From their ancient folklore origins to their terrifying transformations on the big screen, we’ll explore the myths, legends, and iconic portrayals of these shapeshifting creatures. Discover how werewolves have evolved over time, from classic horror films to modern TV shows and beyond. Whether you're a fan of The Wolf Man, Teen Wolf, or the werewolves of Twilight, this episode dives deep into the enduring appeal of these legendary creatures. Additional writing and research by Diego Anthony Nuñez