But Why Tho? The Podcast

This week we talked all about 2018. We talk about the highs, the lows, the premieres, the surprises, and everything else we could think of. From fun facts and memes, to underrate content and disappointments, join as we look back on the past year in pop culture and our podcast.

We saw the latest in the DCEU film franchise: Aquaman.  Directed by James Wan and starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, and Patrick Wilson, we head under the sea to review the adventure-superhero-kaiju movie. We talk about the film's Polynesian influences, Momoa's joy for playing the character, and how Wan brought his horror background to the forefront for the visual film. Did we love it? Did we hate it? Can Aquaman help Wonder Woman save the DCEU? Find out now! 

This week we tackle the icon: John Williams. Having been credited with bridging the gap between motion picture soundtracks and true classical music, Williams has had a hand in some of the largest franchises in pop culture. Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Indiana Jones to name a few. We talk about his long history of composing and get into why we love his music.

This week we honor the late and great Stephen Hillenburg, by looking at why Spongebob Squarepants matters to pop culture, our childhoods, and beyond. We talk about how Hillenburg's marine biology background influenced his path towards creating our favorite sponge. From his origins as an educational comic book to the movie screen, why does Spongebob Squarepants matter? Tune in now to find out.

This week we remember and celebrate Stan "The Man" Lee. From a writer with dreams of writing a well-known screenplay to leading the Marvel Revolution and establishing the company we know today, Stan is irreplaceable. We talk a little about his history but more about the ways he changed the comics industry, fought for inclusion and diversity in the space, and took on the Comics Code Authority and won. We cover the reasons that we think Stan Lee matters all with help from the site's editor, Lizzy Garcia. 

This week we cover the humble bounty hunters aboard the Bebop. After 20 years, Cowboy Bebop remains one of the iconic anime of all time. Music, themes, animation, and characters came together over the course of 26 episodes and one movie to solidify what sci-fi looks like in anime for 90s kids. We even cover the philosophy of the characters and how the series director knew the ending before it happened.  Shownotes Neysha So Here's What Happened | Did You Have To? Follow her @la_ney_sha @SHWH_pod | @DYHT_pod

This week we cover the Wolverine! Brought to you by Charles' Patreon support, we talk about James Howlett's, Logan's, Weapon X's history, psychology, and of course Hugh Jackman. We debate whether or not Wolverine is a hero, anti-hero, or someone in between and whether or not Hugh Jackman should be the only man to step into the angry Canadian's boots. Now that he is the most well-known X-Men and the title character of one of the best comic book movies of all time, why does he matter and how did he get from a Hulk cameo to a fan-favorite?

Credited as the first superhero, this week we cover the Man of Steel, Superman. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and came into the world as we know him today in 1938, we cover the long history of his creation, the real world influences on his stories, and ultimately what he stands for in comic books and to fans. We're joined by Jared host of Podcast 2187 and Project T.A.H.I.T.I. to talk about truth, justice, and the American way. We even cover how Superman breaks the mold by pretty much having a happy home life - for comics anyway - in a world of comics filled with darkness and family issues.

This week Kate and Adrian had the opportunity to speak with Juan Vaca, Elaine Gomez, and Judy Jetset about the IDGA  group, Latinx in Gaming and just being Latinx in games. In this roundtable of sorts, we discuss issues of representation in the medium, what being Latinx means, and being in the gaming industry is like when you're Latinx.  Shownotes  Latinx in Gaming Discord | @Latinosingaming on Twitter | Facebook Group Juan Vaca | @juancow Judy Jetset | @jetset_  Elaine Gomez | @chulatastic

After meeting at OP Live Dallas, Adrian sits down with Justin Loar, Alumnus of SMU Guildhall and Level Designer at Gearbox Studios to talk about what SMU Guildhall offers to young developers. This two-year accelerated graduate degree program is the #1 program for game design and is aimed to get students into the game industry at AAA companies as quickly as possible. They also jump into how YOU can break into the Games Industry.   

A few years ago, a group of friends got together to play Dungeons & Dragons. Now, the group dominates Thursday nights on Twitch, have billboards in the middle of Los Angeles, and have breathed a new life into Dungeons & Dragons. This week, we talk about the power of Critical Role and how it launched a wave of RPG table tops streams, how it gives back to the communities around them through charitable work, and how it's broken down stereotypes and gates that have kept so many away from role-playing games. Find out why Critical Role matters.

It's Halloween season and we're ready for everything spooky! This week we had the honor of interviewing the star of the thriller Terror in the Woods (2018), debuting on Lifetime October 14th. We talk to the young star about how she got into the character for the grim events inspired by the Slender Man Stabbing which happened in 2014.

This week, we have a very special episode of the podcast! We were honored to talk with Eric M. Esquivel and Ramon Villalobos, the co-creators of Border Town, from DC Vertigo. We talk about Latinx representation in comic books and how Border Town came to be the story taking comic fans by storm. This series is driven by Mexican and Mesoamerican folklore, we also talk about how the stories our relatives told us about La Llorona and the cucuy still sit with us today. 

In this episode, we revisit the topic of episode number one: Tomb Raider. More specifically we talk all about Lara Croft's reboot in 2013 and what that meant to her legacy, story, and how we see it moving in the future. We welcome special guest Lizzy Garcia to this adventure of an episode. We talk about the new movie, her new look, and what she means to a generation that loved her in the 90s, love her today, and new fans joining the fandom.   

This week we tackle one of the newest pop culture topics: Bojack Horseman. The only Netflix show to go into syndication on cable television and a series that has been lauded as one of the most accurate representations of depression, we cover it all. This isn't always a happy conversation so get ready to get sad and miserable with us and Bojack! Follow Jason @flatter_you

The toy that has been around since the 1940s makes everything awesome. From education and scientific research to licensed toy sets and master builders, Lego is everywhere. This week we track the company and the brick's innovations, history, and why it's the most recognizable brand in the world. 

Episode 73 is a first for us! This week our Patreon patron Brad chose the topic with his sub to our top tier on the platform: The Beatles. With over half a century since they blasted into the music scene and started the British Invasion here in the states, there is a lot to cover! Join us as we talk their establishment of the "boy band," their civil rights activism, their hops from one music genre to another, and so much more. So, let us hold your hand. 

This week we revisit an old episode. That game world beyond what we could fit into an hour and with the new expansion, Battle for Azeroth, coming out we wanted to step back into the World of Warcraft and take a deep dive into the lore. We're joined by WoW fan and program director for Stack Up, Elvis Walden. So get ready to choose a side. Are you for the Alliance? Or the Horde? 

This week, we jump on the trolley and take a trip to the Neighborhood of Make Beleive as we talk about why Fred Rogers matters years after his show finished and his death. In today's world, we seem to need his kindness, advocacy, and attention to emotions more than ever. Did you watch him growing up? Find out about the man behind the show and how he truly lived the values he taught the children in the television station. Whether it was testifying before Congress or breaking down barriers, Mr. Rogers means a lot to many people, stay until the end to hear the most fan but why thos (why he matters) that we've ever received. 

Matt and Kate got to see the sixth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise early. Did the action film live up to Matt's excitement from episode 70? Tune in for their take on Mission: Impossible -- Fallout. Find out where they rank it with this year's movies and whether or not they recommend it.