But Why Tho? The Podcast

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

  Think about the first video you watched in science class, chances are it was the quirky scientist in a blue lab coat with a bow-tie: Bill Nye the Science Guy. It began as his television persona, but Bill has embraced it and has begun to use it to encourage people of all generations to learn, especially in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math). He's also used his popularity to speak out on social issues, using science to back his positions and bring a different take on things. In this episode we talk about his impact on popular culture and society from his 90's educational television, his friendship with Neil deGrasse Tyson, his activism, and his new Netflix Original. We also introduce our very own science guy, Matt, our new host and someone who can see Bill's topics, lectures, and rants from a viewpoint of someone who has taught science. 

  On this episode, Adrian brings us through the history of the Fast and the Furious (FF) franchise, the plots, the numbers, and its transition from ode to car culture to superhero action movies. Kate and Adrian also welcome special guest Jay Pidlaoan. With 20 years in the street racing and car club scene, Jay is able to show how the franchise has impacted the car culture more broadly. We explain Paul Walker's impact on the motor-sports scene, his charity. his death, and ultimately the display of affection from his fans who gather every year to commemorate his life and impact. Adrian also points out that although the blockbuster explosions and physics defying stunts set the action background, family is at the heart of everything the movies represent and ultimately what has kept the cast together over eight films. On the final but why tho, Kate talks about the way each man in the FF universe is not just biceps, but instead are vulnerable and are brought to do things based on their empathy for other characters.