But Why Tho? The Podcast

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. 

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.