But Why Tho? The Podcast

This week we talk about the highest grossing media franchise ever, one of the longest running series, and a franchise that has been a card game, a manga, an anime, a video game, and a gateway to otaku status for kids in the US: Pokémon. Adrian brings us through one of his first fandoms and explains how it has been able to unite families and generations of fans, how it became a phenomena, and why it beats out Star Wars when it comes to money. Pokémon matters, but why tho?

Did Justice League save the DCEU? Can you really not save the world alone? Find out on our spoiler-filled review of Warner Brothers' Justice League. We take you through the movie with our thoughts on what appears to be a very divisive movie among comic book fans and movie-goers.  Music Used: Come Together by Gary Clark Jr.; Icky Thump by The White Stripes

This week we talk about why we need anti-heroes as we explore Frank Castle, The Punisher. We talk about his history, his trauma and why chaotic good is sometimes the only way to counter chaotic evil. We cover why he's important in the Marvel universe, in the world of anti-heroes, and why veterans and active duty military connect with Frank and use his symbol. We take through his trauma, so that you can understand the violence in his world. Sometimes we need a soldier, not a Superhero.  Music used: In time by Mark Collie and War Zone by Rob Zombie

With the Justice League movie coming out this weekend (Nov. 17th) we decided to revisit Bruce Timm's early 2000s animated series and it's sequel. Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited is loved by critics and fans alike and defined the League and it's heroes for a generation of comic book and superhero fans.  Music used: Justice League intro theme, Justice League: Unlimited intro theme

We saw Thor: Ragnarok opening night, but you still have to! This episode spoils everything about the movie. We go into our takes on the cast, the music, and the fresh new dynamic that the director, Taika Waititi brought to the MCU. So, where does the third installment of the Thor series rank for us? Does this blow other comic book movies out of the water this year? Do you come from the land of the ice and snow, from the midnight sun, where the hot springs flow? Find out now! Music used:  Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin; In the Face of Evil by Magic Sword

Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor! This week we channel the God of Thunder in order tell you why we think he matters in comics and beyond. Kate lead through his origin and how Marvel took a god and made him a hero all while using Norse mythology as a base. From his worthiness, family, and the use of his solo movies by Marvel for STEM initiatives, Thor matters...but why tho?   Music used: Mighty Thor opening song from 1966  

On Halloween night in 1978 there was a killing spree in Haddonfield, Illinois. Made on a small budget and grossing millions of dollars, John Carpenter's Halloween cemented the path of slashers and gave rise to one of the most iconic villains: Michael Myers and all those to follow. To celebrate the Kate's favorite holiday, she brings the guys through the history of Halloween and why it all matters, with help from returning guest Alex Paterno (host of What We Talk About When We Talk About and assignment editor at FRIGHTDAY.COM). So let's sit back, and hope their isn't a killer behind us in a Capt. Kirk mask.  Make susre to follow Alex @MostAlwaysAlex and five his podcast @WWTAcast a listen, a follow, and your undying love.

Happy Halloween month! 21 years, 26 games, and 6 live action movies later, the Resident Evil franchise is still holding it's spot in video game history. Resident horror buff, Kate brings us through one of her favorite video games. She walks the guys through the games, gives us a break down of the games, and maps out the franchise's convoluted production history. We talk about how the series put horror gaming on the map, scared the crap out of us, and evolved with time. As the largest of Capcom's franchise, the game was able to bridge out into animation, novels, comics, and live action summer blockbusters...But why tho?

22 years after her death, this Tejano legend is still revered, loved, and idolized, but why tho? This week Kate sat down with Justine and Brittney from the true crime podcast It's About Damn Crime to talk about La Reina, The Mexican Madonna, The Queen of Tejano, Selena Quintanilla Perez. Make sure to head over to www.itsaboutdamncrime.com, listen to their podcast, and follow them on twitter @IADCpodcast Music used: "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" and "Tu Solo Tu" by Selena Quintanilla Perez  Header Image Credit

In honor of Assassin's Creed Origins, we headed into the world of Ubisoft's 10 year old franchise: Assassin's Creed. Matt brings us trough the game's story, mythology, and how it became one of the most successful franchises. Matt also explains how the franchise went from one of his all-time favorites to one he skips.  Then we discuss the role history plays, the games' diversity, lightly touch on some time-travelling Fassbender, and then talk about what Origins has in store for the franchise. 

In part 2 of this week's conversation about the CWverse, we talk about how the DC TV shows have succeeded in casting and writing diverse characters, how relationships are at the heart of our heroes' stories, and how the CW was able to build worlds for each of the shows that feel distinct but fit together perfectly. We finish our conversation with Swara Salih by explaining how the CWverse fits in the pantheon of superhero television. Do you have a fan but why tho for this episode? Email us at info@butwhythopodcast.com or tweet/dm us @ButWhyThoPC  Follow Swara @swarasalih1

This week we welcome back Swara Salih from the Beltway Banthas podcast as we discuss the importance of the CWverse. The CW started a DC TV universe that has expanded across 4 shows: Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl, as well comics and animated web-series. We start the conversation by getting out our biases, talking about the series and characters that we love, the ones we hate, and the ones that fall in both categories. Adrian breaks down the shows into their IMDB synopses and then we get straight to the But Why Thos, starting with Women in the CWverse and how they're good, bad, and really bad - according to Kate. Part 1 of 2. Follow Swara @SwaraSalih1 and Beltway Banthas @BeltwayBanthas

This week, in honor of Star Trek: Discovery, we're talking about the most important debate topic in the Star Trek fandom: The Captains. We walk through what makes them tick, what makes them unique, and ultimately how their personalities have melded with our own. We don't go through the history of Trek but you can tune in to Episode 4 to check that out. Instead we keep focus and try to find a captain for Chris Pine lover and Trek newbie Matt. Let us know who your favorite captain is why they matter to you.  We want to know what Captains you think we are! Let us know on twitter @ButWhyThoPC or on our Facebook page. 

This week we discussed the charity SideQuest and what it does to help connect gamers with charities and raise money. This is the full interview with Executive Director Brian Truong.  Follow them at @SideQuestOrg And email Brian at Brian@sidequest.org

This week we had the pleasure of chatting with Brian Truong, Executive Director of SideQuest, a charitable organization that aims to connect gamers and use their passion for nerdy things to do good. For more information how you can get involved, check out the shownotes below. We talk about the power of community engagement, meet-ups, and explore how SideQuest connects gamers to charities like Stack-Up.org and Extra Life. The full interview will be released this weekend September 23rd, 2017.   Shownotes Follow SideQuest @SideQuestOrg on twitter Reach out directly to Brian Truong for more information: brian@sidequest.org  

This week we're back in the horror genre discussing the movie that defined 90's horror and started its own subgenre: Scream. We're joined by Alex Paterno, host of What We Talk About When We Talk About and assignment editor at Frightday.com. Kate takes us through the 1996 movie by Wes Craven and then explains how a movie so symbolic of the 90's has joined the classics. Iconic, funny, and a little bloody, Scream matters...but why tho? Follow Alex on Twitter: @MostAlwaysAlex Listen to his podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, etc. and drop them a follow @WWTACast and give Frightday.com a visit for all your horror needs.  music used this episode: Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

The night is dark and full of spoilers. This week we break down each episode of Game of Thrones season 7 with guest co-host Swara Salih from Beltway Banthas. We give our reactions to each episode, our favorites, our pet peeves, our predictions for season 8, and unanimously agree that we need to put Bran back in the tree. So join the conversation with us! You can find Swara at: @swarasalih1 and @BeltwayBanthas "Beltway Banthas is a Star Wars podcast about the intersection of fandom and the things that drive daily life. For hosts Stephen Kent & Swara Salih, one of those things is politics. Star Wars draws from our worlds politics just as much as it contributes to it by influencing policy makers, journalists and thought leaders. This podcast will seek to understand how Star Wars impacts the world we live in, while also covering the Star Wars news, gossip and hype of the day."

This week we talk the long awaited team-up between Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist. We talk about our hopes, our thoughts, and ultimately whether this mini-series redeemed or spoiled the characters we've met so far. Make sure to join the discussion on our Twitter and Facebook and let us know what you think! @ButWhyThoPC

*trigger warning, we discuss domestic violence and sexual assault in this episode* In part 2, we talk about the social issues and impact of the NFL and its players. Kate takes us through the charitable work of the league and the fines that happen when a player attempts to use there playtime as a platform. Matt brings us through the interesting history of how the league went from having Black and Native players in the beginning to moving to a league that that needed to was forced into integration by stadium owners. We then talk about the lack of discipline in the NFL and how a "base-line" six game suspension for domestic abusers is inconsistent and almost never has an impact on the field, only for the PR of the league. Then we have a passionate discussion about "paid patriotism" and how it influences the backlash Colin Kaepernick received and other player receive now for taking a knee during the National Anthem. 

In part 1 of 2, Matt brings us through the long history of the NFL, the teams, mergers, and how became and ultimately gave up the status of a non-profit organization. We also talk about the dynasties, how the same teams keep winning, and what it's like love a team that hasn't had good years since before you were born.