But Why Tho? The Podcast

This week Adrian brings us to the world of Azeroth. We talk about World of Warcraft, it's history, it's changes, and it's wide-reaching impact on pop culture consciousness and what it means to be a Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG). We hear Matt's "back in my day" stories, and Kate asks a lot of questions. Who does she live her life by? The one and only Leroy Jenkins. 

We have to cut some great conversations from the episode for time, but we wanted to make sure you heard our thoughts on the well-done villains of the Marvel Netflix Universe.

SPOILERS! This week we talk Marvel! But not the MCU, no, this week we talk about how the Marvel Netflix Universe matters to fans, critics, and the image of Marvel superheroes. Up until the Netflix originals, Marvel wasn't known for gritty and violent drama, leaving much of the dark, broody, and bloody stories to the side. In this episode we take you through why each series matters (chronologically, DD, JJ, LC, IF, if you need to skip some spoilers) and what they mean to us.  With Daredevil, Marvel solidified itself as strong storytellers in a very real and not hyper-color world. With Jessica Jones, Marvel and Netflix show that by choosing show-runners reflective of their story, they could explore complex issues such as interpersonal violence, trauma, and recovery. Using the same reflective style, by tapping African American voices to tell Luke Cages story, they create a political superhero series that is very much attached to the real life issues faced by communities of color today. And with Iron Fist, well,

This week we talk about a hobby, career, competition, that has come out of fan convention obscurity to mainstream reality shows, how-to videos, and even casual wear influenced by the are of: COSPLAY! We welcome Alley from the Rick & Alley Twitch stream. We talk about it's fluid history and beginnings. Switching to the But Why Thos: we discuss how it's come to create inclusive communities, inspire children, become the ultimate form of representation, and has become the base for fans to do good in the world. Shownotes A very special thanks to Alley! thank you for sharing your expertise with us! Make sure you drop her a follow and a like at the links below! Rick and Alley -- www.twitch.tv/rickandalley -- facebook.com/rickandalley

This week, we drink, and we know things. In this episode we talk about the pop culture phenomena: Game of Thrones. Adrian takes us through one of his favorite fandoms by lining the books up with the show and giving a brief history and financial success of the franchise. Then we get into the but why thos, talking about how the show has been able to craft characters and seasons that build a world in a fantastical and real way. 

This week the BWT crew did their second episode in the Missions that Matter series, where they interview and highlight a charitable and/or a community organization that uses the love of pop culture to do good in the world. On today's episode, they highlight Kate and Matt's interview with the co-founders of 1Up On Cancer, Chris and Christina Haslage, at RTX 2017. Through the interview we learn about why they chose to be one of the only cancer organization focused on helping adults with cancer and how they decided to be one of the only charities to offer direct assistance through medical bill payment.  We also learn why the gaming community is so important to them and we hear a call to action: get involved in the gaming community instead of just being in it. Thank you so much Chris and Christina for giving us the opportunity to learn more about your organization and share it with our listeners. You are amazing people, doing amazing work and we hope to see you at the next convention soon! Go to www.1uponcancer.o

In our second Crossover Event, Kate sits down with Lanie Lopez, host of the True Crime Fan Club Podcast, to talk about the Hulu Original show: Harlots. Set in the 18th century, the show provides a commentary on feminism, femininity, agency, and motherhood all through the eyes of the harlots of Great Britain. Written and directed by women, Harlots serves as a look into the lives of women often forgotten or pushed aside and tells their story through their perspective and how they find their power and identity in a world that would strip them of them. They recap the season, give our predictions for season 2, and applaud the show-runners for paying attention to race when many other period-dramas ignore it. Sit back, drop 20 quid in the bowl, and listen to their takes on this phenomenal show.  Where to find Lanie twitter: @tcfcpod | facebook: /tcfcpodcast| instagram: @tcfcpodcast truecrimefanclub.com For an individual recap of each episode, check out Kate's reviews here. (the remaining episode reviews will be post

In it's 29th year, Shark Week has become a pop culture institution. this week, Matt leads the crew through the history of the longest television programming event in history. From it's roots as a way to raise awareness about shark conservation and teach the Jaws generations the facts about sharks,  to Andy Samberg, docufictions, and the road back to teaching viewers about science and the large under water world of sharks. We welcome shark-lover Kelley from the Murder Dictionary podcast as our special guest. Since this is about Shark Week, Matt drops some shark fun facts throughout the show and showcases how we became a culture that fears shark, when really, we should be protecting them. You know you should live every week like it's Shark Week, but why tho? Shownotes A special thanks to Kelley from Make sure you check out the Murder Dictionary Podcast Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website | Patreon | iTunes

After 2 Spider-Man film franchises, Marvel finally has the screen rights to bring their flagship character, into their cinematic universe. The BWT crew talks about the good, the great, and the amazing acting skills of Tom Holland and Michael Keaton. Kate and Matt mention the differences between the web-head they love and the Ultimates version brought to life. Adrian breaks down the importance of a younger Spider-Man but they all agree that Tom Holland was born to be your friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. 

**We talk about murder & sexual assault this episode, it is not a detailed recounting of crime, but we thought you should know the topics involved -- The BWT? Crew** True Crime is everywhere. Netflix has been producing original documentaries, podcasts are debuted daily, and Zac Efron is about to bring Ted Bundy to life in a new movie. This week, we tackle a genre that makes some uncomfortable and empowers others: True Crime. Kate brings us through the fact that we have always been obsessed with true crime and why, with help from Brianna from the Murder Dictionary Podcast. We talk about the community that has been built around it, the influence of real life serial killers on our pop culture horror creations, it's majority female audience, and how learning about heinous crimes helps listeners and readers of the genre cope with their anxieties.  Shownotes A special thanks to Brianna! Make sure you check out the Murder Dictionary PodcastFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website | Patreon | iTunes Think we mis

Kate and Matt went to their first Rooster Teeth Expo in Austin July 7-9th. They got to experience the fandom around Rooster Teeth hits like RWBY and Red VS Blue and the communities that have formed around Achievement Hunter, FunHaus, Kinda Funny and more! They take you through the cosplay, the charities, the community, the exclusive RTX 2017 content, and the massive line that ate RTX day 1. If you went to RTX Austin 2017, let us know what you thought about the convention! Shownotes For images of the event, including cosplay, check it out on our events page! CosplayImpact PropsWebsite | YouTube | Facebook The 405th Infantry Division Website Prop Makers CoalitionShinka Studios Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr CuteMonster Props Twitter | Etsy Hyperhylian Props Facebook | Etsy NipahDUBS Facebook | Twitter | Store | Website *Prop-makers and cosplayers who were at the booth with available cards on day 2* Charities1Up On CancerWebsite | Twitch | Facebook |TwitterHow to get involved — Newsletter | Start a Ch

This week talk about the face of Marvel Comics and the most internationally lucrative heroes: Spider-Man. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Peter Parker's alter ego first appeared in 1962 and has been spinning webs and saving New York ever since. From comic book, video game, big screen, and public service campaigns, Spidey has been every where and chances are you know at least a little of his story. We track the success of the character in history and ultimately talk about the literal universe that has been created around him, with characters like Spider-Gwen, Miles Morales, and Silk keeping the legacy going. As we work through the But Why Thos, we realize quickly that what makes Spidey, well super, is Peter Parker, and his success is deeply rooted in the ability of audiences to easily relate to the character.  Think we missed something? Send us an email, a tweet, or a Facebook comment! Matt will makes sure to cover it on The Other Side of the Wormhole! The side-show that talks about all the things we want

  This week, Adrian brings us through the 30 year history of Transformers. It all started a Japanese-American joint venture for a line of Hasbro toys and transformed into one of the most beloved and marketable franchises of the last quarter-century. As a Marvel/Disney property, the crew dives into the possibilities for crossovers and talk about how the Transformers-verse merging with Disney's other properties have spawned some awesome comic-book cameos and lines of action figures. Adrian also brings us through how Transformers aren't just robots in disguise but are really among the first sentient robots, with their own stories to tell. And last but not least, we talk about how in spite of bad critic reviews, Micheal Bay's film adaptations have smashed the box-office and become a touch-stone for a new generation of fans. 

This week we talk about the fast growing teams, competitions, prize pools, and communities involved in eSports. From college scholarships, spots on the Big 10 Network, and holding tournaments in Madison Square Garden, eSports has become a franchise that is gaining ground on the physical leagues like the NBA or NFL. We talk about why these things matter and how they've grown. We also deal with some of the same issues that are involved in physical competition, like mental health, PEDs, and the trouble with contracts. We're joined by special guest Terrence Miller, professional Hearthstone player for Gale Force eSports. He brings his experience in the Hearthstone circuit to answer some our questions and give his take on why the global phenomena of eSports matters.  Shownotes Where you can find Terrence MillerTwitter | Twitch  Gale Force eSports Website | Twitter | Twitch

If you haven't seen Patty Jenkin's 2017 film, Wonder Woman, staring Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, turn back now! We spoil everything in the movie and talk about why we think worked, where it fits in the new DCEU canon, and some of the things that didn't work for us. We also rate in the pantheon of Superhero movies. Hera give us strength! And let us know what you thought about the movie.  *Adrian was sick for this recording and we recorded live on twitch.tv/ButWhyThoPC, so there are some audio issues.*

76 years of comic books, television shows, and a movie, Wonder Woman is a hero for multiple generations and the iconic Amazon from Themyscira has a place in history. We discuss her origin and how it's contributed to her status a feminist icon in the 40s, 70s, today, and everything in-between. Diana, Princess of Themyscira is known for her strength, honor, and the fact she had single-handedly taken down the Green Lantern, Batman, and Superman. We ask our mom's about how the 1975 television show with Lynda Carter affected their lives and how Carter influenced the current embodiment of Wonder Woman. We debate her status as a pacifist icon, the importance of Greg Rucka's confirmation of her bisexuality, and we end with the importance of the 2017 Patty Jenkin's film with Gal Gadot. We don't review or spoil anything! We talk about her box-office success, the all-female screenings at Alamo Drafthouse, and the weight placed on the movie by critics, DCEU failures, and need for a positive representation in film. 

In this episode, we bring on special guest Tim to help us go through why the NBA matters to people and how it has served as a microcosm of society. Adrian brings us through a brief history of the professional basketball starting at it's roots in a time of segregation, into what Matt calls the best financial deal of all time in which professional basketball became the NBA. We address issues of racism that have been ever present in the sport, the NBA's willingness to reflect the culture of the city they are based in with Latin nights (Los Spurs anyone?) and the celebration of cultural events like Chinese New Year. We also talk about the globalization of the NBA and the fact that the NBA has some great foreign talent. We end on charity work and the MJ baseball conspiracy. BUT we also have the conversation: Who is the GOAT? A special thanks to Tim for joining us on this episode. If this is your first time tuning and want some more TIm in your life you can hear him in our Professional Wrestling episode here and m

It's been a month, we hope all of you have seen it now! Check out our spoiler-filled recap of James Gunn's Guardian's of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and find out where we rate in the pantheon of super-hero movies. We also talk about parent-issues driving all of our movies and whether or not the MCU recycled some strong Civil War moments with Peter Quill. Also, Adrian really wants to know, "WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME!?"

This week we start our monthly series highlighting the ways in which pop culture and those who love it, can use their passion to do real good in the world. In today's episode, we had the honor of sitting down with Stephen Machuga, the founder and CEO of the military gaming charity: Stack-Up.Org. We learn more about the important the work this charity is doing for vets and active duty servicemen and women through the power and as Steve says in the interview, "the common language," of video games. We learn how a game can help vets cope with mental health issues, give them an escape when on a tour of duty, and help them engage with the community around them. Stephen also brings us through his personal journey in starting the organization and why video games really do matter. We also find out more about we can get involved, from fundraising to being a part of a community some of these vets really need. Check the show-notes to find out how you can get involved. Show-Notes Stephen Machuga on Twitter | @shanghai_six

This week we tackle the anime favorite of 90s kids everywhere: SailorMoon! We talk about the sometimes convoluted story line and how the characters shined through time traveling, past lives, and everything in between. Kate brings us through her gate-way anime and teaches Matt and Adrian about creator, Naoko Takeuchi's long road to fame in a male dominated industry, the Sailor Scouts' genre defining story lines, and it's ability to succeed on Toonami. We also talk about how  the show as able to teach viewers through its "Sailor Says" PSA's, it's strong message of girl power, friendship, and the path it opened for LGBT+ representation in animation (especially in the States). With it's brand new revamping in Sailor Moon Crystal, more than 20 years out from its debut, the Sailor Moon series still holds a valuable place in fans' hearts. But why tho? Shownotes Sailor Say's video Sailor Moon IRL *Answer to why Mercury's powers are water based: Roman mythology. Each of the Sailor Scouts' powers are not only tied to