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Live from Rancho Cordova Gaming Expo: Fan Service, Prize Wheels, and the Future of Adult Animation!

Geek Freaks

Release Date: 04/09/2025

Ironheart Breakdown, Top 100 Movie Hits and Misses, and much more! show art Ironheart Breakdown, Top 100 Movie Hits and Misses, and much more!

Geek Freaks

Episode Summary: This week on Geek Freaks, Frank, Thomas, and Jonathan unpack Marvel’s Ironheart—what works, what doesn’t, and why it feels like a throwback to the Chapek-era MCU. We also dig into the next James Bond casting rumors and the newly announced director Denis Villeneuve, reflect on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 35th anniversary return to theaters, and break down the New York Times Top 100 Movies list. What deserved to be included? What definitely didn’t? Let’s talk about it. Episode Highlights: Honest thoughts on Ironheart episodes 1–3 Why Project Hail Mary could...

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Marvel vs DC Gaming Showdown, Pixar’s Elio Review, Next James Bond Director, Star Trek's Future, and Jon Bernthal in Spider-Man show art Marvel vs DC Gaming Showdown, Pixar’s Elio Review, Next James Bond Director, Star Trek's Future, and Jon Bernthal in Spider-Man

Geek Freaks

Frank, Jonathan, and Squeaks explore why Marvel continues to dominate over DC in the video game industry and discuss potential strategies for DC’s gaming revival. Frank gives an insightful review of Pixar’s Elio, highlighting its originality and emotional storytelling. The hosts also debate the ideal director for the next James Bond film, speculate on the future of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and analyze Jon Bernthal’s return as Punisher in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Plus, catch some entertaining moments, including Squeaks' memorable appearance in a Donkey Kong onesie! Timestamps and...

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Indie Game Renaissance in Sacramento - Capital Creative Showcase 2025 Recap show art Indie Game Renaissance in Sacramento - Capital Creative Showcase 2025 Recap

Geek Freaks

In this special episode of Geek Freaks, Frank and Tyler from the Who's Got Next Podcast take you inside Sacramento's Capital Creative Showcase 2025. They explore the vibrant local indie video game scene, highlighting standout titles, engaging directly with developers, and sharing firsthand experiences from an event filled with creativity and innovation. From battle card games with food trucks to rhythm-driven platformers, the indie developers of Sacramento show impressive talent and polish. Timestamps and Topics: 00:00 - Welcome & Event Introduction 01:05 - Highlight: Ala Card Game...

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Switch 2 is HERE, 007 Game First Look, Clockwork Revolution Buzz, Resident Evil Requiem’s New Scares, Frost Comic Breakdown, IGN Live Reveals! show art Switch 2 is HERE, 007 Game First Look, Clockwork Revolution Buzz, Resident Evil Requiem’s New Scares, Frost Comic Breakdown, IGN Live Reveals!

Geek Freaks

Is the new 007 game shaping up to be a hit or a miss? What’s changing in Resident Evil: Requiem? We’ve got fresh hands-on impressions, an IGN Live insider report, and a deep-dive interview with comic writer Scott Wilk about his John Wick-inspired Frost one-shot. Plus, Squeaks gives his review of the Switch 2, we break down the biggest Xbox Showcase reveals, and the Stranger Things final season is sparking big fan debates. Stick around for D&D updates and the latest Geek Freaks recommendations! Timestamps and Topics: 00:00:00 Welcome and episode intro 00:00:43 007 game reactions: Will...

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King of the Hill Is Back, EA Cancels Black Panther, Switch 2 Prep, and Comic Teacher Mark Daumier Joins Us show art King of the Hill Is Back, EA Cancels Black Panther, Switch 2 Prep, and Comic Teacher Mark Daumier Joins Us

Geek Freaks

Here's the properly reformatted version, following your preferred timestamp style and spacing: In this episode of Geek Freaks, Frank and Squeaks sit down with middle school teacher Mark Daumier, who’s using comic books to revolutionize how kids engage with reading. Mark shares how he turned his love of comics into a classroom staple, building a library of over 14,000 comics and using them to teach visual literacy, historical events, and critical thinking. Plus, the Geek Freaks crew breaks down everything from the new King of the Hill revival and Vision series casting to the cancellation of...

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Galactus Leaks, Elden Ring Movie, Barry Lyga Interview, and More show art Galactus Leaks, Elden Ring Movie, Barry Lyga Interview, and More

Geek Freaks

This packed Geek Freaks Headlines episode covers the biggest pop-culture stories of the week and features a candid interview with bestselling author Barry Lyga. Frank, Squeaks, and Jon trade thoughts on Marvel’s shifting release calendar, a photo-confirmed Galactus design, the surprise Elden Ring film from Alex Garland and A24, fresh casting for Street Fighter, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and Netflix’s Avatar seasons two and three. Squeaks reports from the brand-new Nintendo San Francisco store, and Barry Lyga reveals how Free Comic Book Day began, why writing Thanos kept...

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Andor’s Legacy, Superman Returns, Ironheart Arrives and AI Vader Chaos | with Author Richard Sparks show art Andor’s Legacy, Superman Returns, Ironheart Arrives and AI Vader Chaos | with Author Richard Sparks

Geek Freaks

Frank and Jonathan rate Andor’s Season-2 finale a near-perfect 9/10, debate the brand-new Superman trailer, and break down Marvel’s first Ironheart footage. They also react to Fortnite’s glitchy AI Darth Vader and sit down with fantasy author Richard Sparks to explore his MMO-inspired series New Rock, New Role. If you crave deep-dive Star Wars analysis, fresh trailer reactions, and book recommendations, this episode is your ultimate geek catch-up. Timestamps & Topics Time Topic 00:00 Intro & episode roadmap 00:00:30 Richard Sparks teaser – New Rock, New Role ...

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Star Wars' Toxic Fans, Peacemaker's Back, Clayface Rewrites, and GTA Delayed Again show art Star Wars' Toxic Fans, Peacemaker's Back, Clayface Rewrites, and GTA Delayed Again

Geek Freaks

In this episode of Geek Freaks, Frank, Thomas, and Jonathan are back from the Mother's Day break with a packed discussion! They break down the new Peacemaker Season 2 trailer, explore the casting shake-up for the upcoming Clayface movie, and share thoughts on whether Star Wars fans are becoming too hard to please. Plus, hear which character deaths hit them hardest growing up, and catch updates on the booming Fallout series, Thunderbolts comic rebrand, and GTA 6’s delay. It’s a wild ride through geek culture, nostalgia, and fan expectations. Timestamps and Topics: 00:00 Introduction and...

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Aubrey Sitterson Breaks Down Free Planet and the Fight for Real Freedom show art Aubrey Sitterson Breaks Down Free Planet and the Fight for Real Freedom

Geek Freaks

In this special bonus episode of Geek Freaks, Frank is joined by acclaimed comic book writer Aubrey Sitterson to explore the radical, sci-fi world of Free Planet, his new series from Image Comics. Known for his bold storytelling and politically rich narratives, Aubrey takes us deep into the philosophical core of Free Planet, unpacking its themes of revolution, freedom, and the cost of building a better world. With deep dives into the creative process, the influence of history and anthropology, and the collaboration with artist Jed Dougherty, this episode is packed with insight and fire....

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Thunderbolts Rebranded, Mental Health in the MCU, and Producing Magic with Caitlin Delaney show art Thunderbolts Rebranded, Mental Health in the MCU, and Producing Magic with Caitlin Delaney

Geek Freaks

Frank and Jonathan break down Marvel’s surprise decision to market Thunderbolts as The New Avengers and share a spoiler‑free then spoiler‑filled review of the film. They explore its focus on mental health, standout character arcs, and smaller‑scale storytelling that still packs emotional weight. The episode also features an in‑depth interview with producer Caitlin Delaney, who explains what a service producer really does, how to launch movies on tight budgets, and why mentorship shortens every filmmaker’s learning curve. The hosts wrap with the latest entertainment headlines...

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More Episodes

Frank and Jon take the Geek Freaks Podcast on the road to the Rancho Cordova Gaming Expo! In this lively, unscripted episode, they bring the energy of the con straight to your speakers. From running the prize wheel and chatting with fans to deep dives on fan service and the rise of adult animation, this episode is packed with fun, insight, and plenty of con-floor chaos. Plus, they highlight unforgettable moments in fan service history, including a touching tribute to Technoblade in the Minecraft Movie. Expect laughs, great conversations, and an authentic expo experience!


⏱️ Timestamps and Topics

00:00 - Expo Kickoff: Frank and Jon set the scene at Rancho Cordova
00:22 - Prize Wheel Madness: Trivia, giveaways, and Geek Box questions
01:00 - Cosplay, Game Developers, and Mario Kart Tournaments
04:00 - April’s Must-Watch Shows: Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror, Hacks, The Last of Us, Andor
07:43 - Booth Highlights: Skateboards gone, comics given, and fan engagement
08:28 - Fan Trivia Fun: Spaceships, action figures, and fantasy recipes
10:08 - Adult Animation Explosion: Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, and why this trend is booming
14:52 - Should Frank Start an Adult Animation Podcast?
16:07 - Collectibles Worth Lining Up For at Cons
17:12 - Fan Service Deep Dive: What works and what flops
20:22 - The Pitfalls of Fan Service: Rise of Skywalker and Multiverse of Madness
23:06 - Balancing Fan Service and Storytelling
25:40 - Honoring Technoblade in Minecraft Movie: Fan Service at its best
30:49 - Final Thoughts from the Con Floor


🧩 Key Takeaways

  • Fan Service Wins: Earned moments like Endgame’s Mjolnir scene and No Way Home’s Spider-Men highlight how fan service can uplift a story.

  • Adult Animation Is Thriving: Long-standing hits like Bob’s Burgers and American Dad are leading a renaissance in adult animation.

  • Convention Magic: Giving away comics at expos is an awesome way to bring new fans into the fold.

  • Creators Matter: Involving original comic creators ensures adaptations stay true to the heart of the source material.

  • Technoblade Tribute: Minecraft Movie's heartfelt Easter egg shows the emotional power of honoring beloved community members.

  • Con Energy Rules: Capturing the raw excitement of live events makes for an unforgettable podcast experience.


🗣️ Memorable Quotes

“I joke that this world doesn’t need any more podcasts—as I’m literally talking into a mic right now at a convention advertising a podcast!” — Frank

“Fan service works when it feels earned, not when it’s a cash grab.” — Jon

“American Dad has changed—it's wild, it's fun, and honestly, it’s better for it.” — Frank

“Technoblade’s tribute in the Minecraft movie? Best fan service I’ve ever seen.” — Jon


📢 Call to Action

If you enjoyed this wild ride from the convention floor, make sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks Podcast on your favorite platform, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with your friends! Use #GeekFreaksPodcast when you post so we can shout you out!


🔗 Links and Resources


🎙️ Listener Questions

We’d love to hear from you!
What’s your favorite example of fan service done right? Got a dream question for the Geek Box at our next expo? Drop us a message and we’ll feature your suggestions in future episodes!


🎧 Apple Podcast Tags

Gaming podcast, fan service in movies, Minecraft movie Technoblade, adult animation trends, pop culture podcast, convention podcast, geek culture, Rancho Cordova Gaming Expo, Spider-Man No Way Home, Marvel fan service