August Watchlist: What’s Worth Watching This Month

In this quick headlines episode, Frank reacts to the big news out of Critical Role. Campaign 4 is coming, and for the first time ever, Matt Mercer is stepping aside as Dungeon Master. Brennan Lee Mulligan, of Dimension 20 fame, is taking over the DM chair. Frank shares his excitement, weighs whether now is the right time to start watching Critical Role, and opens the conversation to fellow fans and newcomers alike. Plus, he teases how this impacts his own D&D campaign as a DM and how Brennan’s style has already influenced his game planning.Timestamps:00:00 Brennan Lee Mulligan announced as new Critical Role DM00:16 Matt Mercer steps down, future as player still unknown00:32 Marisha Ray calls Campaign 4 “fresh”00:46 Is this the best time to start watching Critical Role?01:00 How Brennan influences Frank’s own DM style01:10 Hoping more people get into actual play contentKey Takeaways:Brennan Lee Mulligan is confirmed as the Game Master for Campaign 4 of Critical RoleMatt Mercer is not DMing this time, and it’s unclear if he’ll return as a playerMarisha Ray described the upcoming campaign as “fresh stories, fresh characters, and fresh settings”This could be the perfect jumping-on point for new viewersFrank uses Brennan’s DM style as inspiration for his own D&D sessionsActual play content can improve your gameplay as both a player and a DMMemorable Quotes:“That is such a Mulligan name… Padmund Pondhop.”“If you guys want to learn how to play better, I suggest you watch this and this and this.”“I don’t want them to know I’m stealing some ideas… like that motorcycle chase from Fantasy High. I’m so using that on horseback.”Call to Action:Enjoyed this bite-sized breakdown? Be sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines, leave a review, and share the episode using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Let us know in the comments—should Frank start Critical Role from the beginning, or wait for Campaign 4?📡 Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for the latest geek news📱 Follow us:Instagram: @geekfreakspodcastTwitter: @geekfreakspodThreads: @geekfreakspodcastPatreon: Geek Freaks NetworkFacebook: Geek Freaks Podcast🎧 Have questions or feedback? DM us or email us—we’d love to hear from you!Apple Podcast Tags:Critical Role, Brennan Lee Mulligan, Matt Mercer, Campaign 4, Dimension 20, Actual Play, Dungeons and Dragons, TTRPG, Geek Culture, Geek Freaks Podcast

3 Elo 1min

Happy Spider-Man Day! In this special episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we break down everything we know about Spider-Man: Brand New Day. From the reveal of a new suit with raised webbing to the return of Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, this movie is shaping up to be a street-level epic. We discuss filming details, speculate on the plot, and dive into how the post-No Way Home setting might reshape Peter Parker’s relationships. Plus, we share a sweet Spider-Man story from a listener that reminds us why Spidey continues to inspire new generations.00:00 – Spider-Man Day intro and new suit reveal00:19 – Filming begins in Glasgow with practical effects00:37 – Casting updates: Hulk and Punisher confirmed00:52 – Street-level tone teased by Kevin Feige01:09 – Theory: Hulk on the run, Punisher hunts him, Spidey caught in the middle01:24 – Writers and director confirmed01:40 – Post-memory wipe world explained01:58 – Mr. Negative possibly teased on set02:08 – Celebrating the legacy and impact of Spider-Man02:27 – Listener story: passing Spidey love to the next generationThe new Spidey suit has raised webbing, paying homage to Tobey Maguire's design.Filming is underway in Glasgow, with practical effects prioritized.Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher will appear.Kevin Feige says this is a “street-level” story — no multiverse.The film picks up post-No Way Home, with the world forgetting Peter Parker.Mr. Negative is heavily rumored to be the villain.Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers return as writers; Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi) directs.Release date set for July 31, 2026.Spider-Man continues to inspire across generations."They shut down 60 roads for filming. I feel bad for Glasgow.""Spider-Man and evil Spider-Man — straight from a kid's imagination.""He’s a really good hero to love. He knows about responsibility."Love Spidey as much as we do? Help us keep the geek world spinning!📲 Subscribe, review, and share the episode using #GeekFreaksPodcast📰 For all the latest news, visit: GeekFreaksPodcast.comFacebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastInstagram: @geekfreakspodcastThreads: @geekfreakspodcastTwitter: @geekfreakspodPatreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastWe’d love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, predictions, or Spider-Man memories to be featured in future episodes.Spider-Man, Marvel, MCU, Tom Holland, Spider-Man 4, Hulk, Punisher, Mr. Negative, Geek Culture, Geek Freaks Podcast⏱️ Timestamps:🕷️ Key Takeaways:🗯️ Memorable Quotes:📣 Call to Action:📱 Follow Us:🤔 Have Questions or Theories?🧠 Apple Podcast Tags:

1 Elo 2min

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we cover a brewing controversy in the world of Pokémon TCG Pocket. Data miners uncovered that a new Immersive Ho-Oh EX card from the “Wisdom of Sea and Sky” expansion appeared to trace a 2021 fan art commission. We walk through the accusations, The Pokémon Company's response, and the legal gray area surrounding fan-created content. Plus, we discuss the wider implications for fan artists and how the game is handling the fallout—complete with placeholders in the live release and a promise of new art soon.00:00 Introduction to the controversy00:03 The leaked Ho-Oh card and its similarities to fan art00:16 Artist response and community reaction00:42 Pokémon’s legal policy on fan art01:16 Official apology and placeholder replacement01:46 Placeholder experience in-game02:01 Ongoing investigation and public reaction02:15 Legal and ethical discussion of fan art rights02:30 Call for community feedbackA Ho-Oh EX card from Pokémon TCG Pocket matched a 2021 fan commission down to specific details.The fan artist, lanjiujiu, handled the situation with grace and refrained from stirring up outrage.Pokémon’s legal terms allow them to use publicly posted fan art without credit or compensation.On July 30, the game launched with blank placeholders for the Ho-Oh and Lugia cards, accompanied by a “New Art Coming Soon” message.The Pokémon Company apologized and launched a quality control investigation but has yet to share replacement art."Really, they were a class act the way they handled this.""It just goes to black… I'm assuming there's gonna be a patch for that very soon.""Without fan art, sometimes some properties will never flourish."If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends using the hashtag #GeekFreaksPodcast. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the ethics of fan art—drop your comments wherever you’re listening!Visit our news hub at GeekFreaksPodcast.comRead Pokémon’s legal policy on fan art: pokemon.com/legal/informationInstagram: @geekfreakspodcastTwitter: @geekfreakspodThreads: @geekfreakspodcastFacebook: The Geek Freaks PodcastPatreon: Geek Freaks PodcastWhat do you think about companies using fan art without compensation? Should fan artists have more protection? Message us on social or email your thoughts—we may feature them in an upcoming episode.Pokémon, Pokémon TCG, fan art controversy, Ho-Oh EX, TCG Pocket, immersive cards, game news, Geek Freaks, Nintendo, legal issues in gaming⏱️ Timestamps and Topics:✅ Key Takeaways:💬 Memorable Quotes:📣 Call to Action:🔗 Links and Resources:📱 Follow Us:❓Listener Questions:🏷️ Apple Podcast Tags:

31 Heinä 2min

In this heartwarming episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, Frank dives into a powerful and emotional moment from Dropout's Game Changer. This week’s episode wasn’t just about laughs or clever improv—it was a gift. Built around longtime Dropout regular Jacob Wysocki, the show became a celebration of his resilience after a difficult year. From a surprise visit from his father to custom-made trivia questions, the episode was carefully crafted so Jacob couldn’t lose—and walked away with $100,000. Frank also shares Jacob’s earlier moment this season when he donated his winnings to a nonprofit close to his late mother’s heart. It’s a story of community, kindness, and a reminder that entertainment can do more than entertain—it can lift people up.Timestamps & Topics:00:00 – Introduction to Game Changer and this special episode00:15 – Who is Jacob Wysocki and why this episode matters00:30 – The show's design: tailored questions, familiar faces, surprise guests00:51 – Why this was more than a game: Jacob’s hard year01:18 – The message behind Dropout’s support for Jacob01:36 – Jacob’s earlier generosity in the season01:53 – His donation to Rainbow Services in honor of his mother02:09 – The community’s $8,000 follow-up donation02:24 – The LinkedIn sponsorship and fan trust02:41 – Final thoughts on kindness in the Dropout communityKey Takeaways:Game Changer flipped the format to create a love letter to Jacob WysockiThe episode functioned as both entertainment and genuine supportJacob’s hardships included personal loss and professional strugglesHe previously donated his own game winnings to a domestic violence nonprofitThe Dropout community crowdfunded an additional $8,000 for the causeDespite being ad-free, fans supported the decision to bring in a sponsor—LinkedIn—because they trusted the intentThe entire community rallied around a person who needed it, turning a game show into something deeply meaningfulMemorable Quotes:🗨️ "Jacob walked away with $100,000 and that's incredible. But it's so much more impactful when you think that this show was made for him to get that hundred thousand dollars. He could not lose this thing."🗨️ "He invested in Nvidia. It nearly tripled, and he donated it all to Rainbow Services—a nonprofit that helps survivors of domestic violence."🗨️ "This wasn’t just spectacle. It was support."📢 Call to Action:Love stories like this? Subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines on your favorite podcast app. Leave us a review, share this episode with your community, and use the hashtag #GeekFreaksHeadlines to let us know what you think.🔗 Links and Resources:All news discussed comes from GeekFreaksPodcast.com📲 Follow Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod🎧 Got thoughts or questions? Want to share your own story of community and kindness in geek culture? Send them in and we might feature them in a future episode!Apple Podcast Tags:Dropout, Game Changer, Jacob Wysocki, comedy game show, Rainbow Services, LinkedIn sponsorship, community support, improv show, Nerd culture, Geek Freaks Headlines

30 Heinä 3min

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we’re breaking down the big Avatar: The Last Airbender movie casting news straight from San Diego Comic-Con. The creators of the Avatar franchise revealed that Steven Yeun will voice the adult version of Fire Lord Zuko in the upcoming animated film The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender. We also go over the full Team Avatar cast and discuss whether recasting these iconic roles was the right move. Plus, we give a quick shoutout to other SDCC highlights including Fantastic Four updates and our interview with Cindy Mich.Timestamps and Topics:00:00 Intro and Comic-Con casting reveal00:12 Steven Yeun as adult Zuko00:20 Thoughts on replacing Dante Basco00:30 Full Team Avatar casting rundown00:45 Dave Bautista cast as the villain00:59 Opinions on voice actor recasting01:10 New episode highlights: Fantastic Four, Cindy Mich interviewKey Takeaways:Steven Yeun is officially voicing adult Zuko in the new Avatar movie.Original Zuko actor Dante Basco is not returning, despite his strong connection to the role.Team Avatar has been entirely recast with Eric Nam as Aang, Jessica Matten as Katara, Román Zaragoza as Sokka, Dionne Quan as Toph, and Dave Bautista playing the unnamed villain.The decision to recast iconic voices is controversial among fans.The Geek Freaks team remains excited about the project and eager to see the new creative direction.Memorable Quotes:"Dante is always going to be Zuko and Rufio. That’s just him.""They recast everybody in Team Avatar. I just think it’s weird. The voices in the show are so iconic.""They've got my ticket. Anything more out of Team Avatar? I'm there for it."Call to Action:If you’re as hyped or unsure about these casting changes as we are, let us know! Subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines, leave a review, and share this episode using #GeekFreaksPodcast.Links and Resources:For all the latest news discussed in this episode, head to GeekFreaksPodcast.comFollow Us:Instagram: @geekfreakspodcastThreads: @geekfreakspodcastTwitter: @geekfreakspodFacebook: Geek Freaks PodcastPatreon: Geek Freaks on PatreonListener Questions:Do you think recasting Zuko and Team Avatar was a smart move? Let us know your thoughts and future episode requests through our socials or email.Apple Podcast Tags:avatar the last airbender, steven yeun zuko, geek freaks headlines, team avatar recast, comic con 2025, avatar news, geek podcast, animated movies, fantastic four sdcc, cindy mich interview

29 Heinä 1min

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we break down the latest updates on the upcoming God of War live-action series for Prime Video. Based on a Collider report and recent SDCC coverage, we dive into what's confirmed so far, including the show's timeline, characters, production details, and what fans can expect in terms of tone and storytelling. The show will adapt the Norse era from the 2018 game and feature Kratos and Atreus. With Cory Barlog involved and a two-season order already in place, the series is shaping up to be one of Amazon’s biggest game-to-screen adaptations yet.Timestamps and Topics:00:00 Intro and quick headline00:05 Series will follow Norse era storyline (2018 game)00:10 Kratos and Atreus confirmed as leads00:15 Show’s tone will match the game’s balance of seriousness and spectacle00:22 Cory Barlog joins production team00:28 Two seasons already greenlit, Season 1 will be 10 episodes00:33 Series is coming to Prime Video00:37 Scripts in progress, filming starts early 202600:40 Host reflects on why Norse era is the right choice00:48 Importance of visuals in pulling it offKey Takeaways:The live-action God of War series will focus on the Norse mythology arc, not the original Greek-era games.Kratos and Atreus will be central to the story, staying true to the emotional tone of the 2018 reboot.The show aims to capture the mix of intimate storytelling and large-scale mythological action.Game director Cory Barlog is actively involved in production.Amazon has committed to two seasons, with Season 1 consisting of ten episodes.Scripts are being written now, and filming is scheduled for 2026.Memorable Quotes:“They want to emulate the tone of the game as much as possible... serious dialog, then suddenly big grandiose fights.”“This is the era I wanted them to do. Greek God of War, misplaced out of Greece into Norse mythology — learning the story of his fallen wife and this trickster son.”Call to Action:If you're as hyped for this God of War series as we are, make sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines wherever you listen to podcasts. Drop us a review, share this episode, and use the hashtag #GeekFreaksPod to join the conversation online.Links and Resources:All our news comes from GeekFreaksPodcast.comFollow Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspodPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastListener Questions:Got thoughts about the God of War series? Send us a message or voice memo, and we might feature you in an upcoming episode.Apple Podcast Tags:God of War, Prime Video, Kratos, Atreus, video game adaptations, Norse mythology, Amazon series, Geek Freaks, SDCC 2025, Cory Barlog, PlayStation Productions, game-to-TV adaptations, geek news, pop culture podcast, 2025 TV shows

28 Heinä 1min

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we break down the explosive Peacemaker Season 2 trailer fresh from San Diego Comic-Con. From alternate universes and returning characters to a new dance sequence and a villain who wants Eagly’s head, this season is stacking up to be bigger, bloodier, and even more unhinged than the first. Host Frank shares key details revealed by IGN and Culture Crave, including James Gunn’s multiverse twist, Michael Rooker’s wild new role, and how Season 2 ties into the new Superman movie. It’s everything you need to know to get hyped for Peacemaker’s return.Timestamps and Topics:00:00 Introduction and trailer source (IGN and Culture Crave)00:13 DCU's 100 universes and timeline post-Superman movie00:26 Season 2 tone and opening sequence commentary00:38 Michael Rooker joins as a villain targeting Eagly00:59 Synopsis and Season 2's emotional stakes01:13 Companion podcast tease and DCU vs. Marvel thoughtsKey Takeaways:Season 2 of Peacemaker picks up one month after the Superman film.The DCU now includes over 100 alternate universes.Peacemaker enters a world where he’s the hero he’s always wanted to be.Frank Grillo plays the main villain, hunting Peacemaker for his son’s death.Michael Rooker’s character is targeting Eagly, giving the bird his own nemesis.A new dance sequence opens the season, with cast reactions similar to Season 1.A new companion podcast is coming, hosted by James Gunn and the cast.Memorable Quote:“Eagly has his own villain now. I mean, it’s good to be the DCU right now.”Call to Action:If you’re as pumped as we are for Peacemaker’s return, be sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines, leave a review, and share the show with your friends using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Don’t miss out on all the latest DCU updates!👉 Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all the latest news📲 Follow us on social:Instagram: @geekfreakspodcastTwitter: @geekfreakspodThreads: @geekfreakspodcastFacebook: Geek Freaks Podcast🎧 Got questions or want your opinion featured in the next episode? Drop us a message on social or email us through the website.Apple Podcast Tags:Peacemaker, James Gunn, DCU, San Diego Comic-Con, Frank Grillo, Michael Rooker, HBO Max, Superman, Geek Culture, Multiverse

27 Heinä 1min

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we cover the news that Wolfenstein is getting a TV adaptation at Amazon. Following the success of Fallout, the same producing team is behind this new project, with Jonathan Nolan returning and Patrick Somerville stepping in as showrunner. We explore the game’s legacy, what this adaptation might look like, and how Amazon is cementing its place in the video game-to-TV space. Frank also shares his thoughts on the franchise and asks listeners which Wolfenstein game deserves the spotlight.Timestamps and Topics:00:00 Introduction to the Wolfenstein TV news00:08 Key creators involved and their past work00:18 Background on the Wolfenstein game series00:26 Amazon's growing roster of game adaptations00:34 Personal experience with Wolfenstein00:45 Call for community input on the best Wolfenstein gamesKey Takeaways:A Wolfenstein series is officially in development at Amazon.Jonathan Nolan, producer of Fallout, returns to produce.Patrick Somerville (Station Eleven, The Leftovers) will be showrunner.The Wolfenstein game series dates back to 1981 with 14 titles.Expect a mix of pulpy action and emotional storytelling.Amazon is leaning heavily into game adaptations including Mass Effect, God of War, and Warhammer 40K.Memorable Quote:“The tagline is ‘The story of killing Nazis is evergreen.’ That’s bold and very Wolfenstein.”Call to Action:Enjoying Geek Freaks Headlines? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with #GeekFreaksPod. We’d love to hear from you — let us know which Wolfenstein game you'd recommend or what you're most excited to see in the series.Links and Resources:All news from: GeekFreaksPodcast.comFollow Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspodPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastListener Questions:Which Wolfenstein game do you think should be adapted for the series? Message us on social or at contact@geekfreakspodcast.com.Apple Podcast Tags:Wolfenstein, Amazon Prime, Patrick Somerville, Jonathan Nolan, Fallout series, game adaptation, geek news, video games, TV shows, Bethesda, MachineGames, Mass Effect, God of War, Warhammer 40K, Geek Freaks

25 Heinä 59s