Podcasts about Challenge Accepted

In this solo Thanksgiving episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank breaks down The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, the Coen Brothers' Netflix Western anthology that has quietly become one of his holiday staples. Story by story, he digs into how each vignette wrestles with death, chance, and human nature, from Tim Blake Nelson's singing gunslinger to Tom Waits' stubborn prospector and that iconic "First time?" hanging meme. Along the way, Frank talks about why the film feels so cozy despite its bleak themes, how the Coens use digital cinematography to shape tone, and what these stories say about nihilism, love, and our place in nature. He also shares a life update about Thomas, explains why Bob's Burgers Thanksgiving episodes are next on the docket, and invites listeners into a holiday mood filled with gratitude, movies, and a little existential dread. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs - … Timestamps And Topics 00:00 – Thanksgiving vibes and a Western anthology about death Setting the stage for a cozy Thanksgiving viewing tradition with The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, its Old West setting, and its obsession with mortality. 00:30 – Solo episode, schedule shuffle, and Thomas' big life update Why this is a solo show, Jonathan stepping in for a bit, and celebrating the arrival of "little Thomas" as a new geek in the world. 01:48 – Story 1: Buster Scruggs and our love of violent antiheroes Tim Blake Nelson's singing cowboy, the bright musical tone hiding casual brutality, and how the film forces us to realize we have been rooting for a monster. 03:49 – Myth-making, digital cameras, and the Coens revisiting a 20-year-old story How the segment plays like a live action cartoon, the use of bright digital cinematography, and what it means to film a story they wrote when they were young and fearless. 07:17 – Story 2: Near Algodones and the "First time?" meme James Franco's unlucky outlaw, Stephen Root in full chaos mode, armored pots and pans, botched hangings, and how that viral "First time?" moment taps into nihilism. 12:11 – Chaos, chance, and the pretty girl in the blue dress Reading the ending as both "enjoy the moment" and "life has no grand design," where you might meet someone perfect at the exact moment you cannot do anything about it. 13:24 – Story 3: Meal Ticket and brutal exploitation Harry Melling's limbless orator, Liam Neeson as a cold manager, freak show roots, the math-doing chicken, and the quiet horror of being treated as a "meal ticket." 17:57 – The cliff, the stone, and the unseen choice Why the rock in the river says everything without dialogue, and how the story captures helplessness when your fate is decided by someone else's bottom line. 19:24 – Story 4: All Gold Canyon, Tom Waits, and living with nature Tom Waits' prospector, "Mother Mercury," working with the land instead of stripping it, Mr. Pocket, and a rare Coen story where the character actually survives. 21:35 – Eggs, owls, and taking only what you need Reading the owl nest scene as a lesson in balance: taking one egg instead of all, and how the valley reclaims itself when humanity eventually moves on. 26:10 – Story 5: The Girl Who Got Rattled and the unfairness of the frontier Alice's journey on the wagon train, dependence on men in the Old West, Billy Knapp's gentle cowboy charm, Mr. Arthur's grit, and a fragile romance on the trail. 29:15 – President Pierce, the war party, and a tragic misread The dog as foreshadowing, the tense ambush, Arthur's desperate instructions, and Alice following her assignment a moment too soon. 32:33 – Story 6: The Mortal Remains and a stagecoach to the afterlife Five strangers in a stagecoach, bounty hunters as philosophical guides, competing views of humanity, and the slow realization that everyone on board is already dead. 35:05 – Looking into their eyes as they "try to make sense of it" The slider's chilling explanation of his job and how it mirrors us watching story after story, trying to understand death and never quite managing it. 37:42 – Why Buster Scruggs might be the ultimate Coen Brothers sampler Connections to Raising Arizona, Fargo, and Hudsucker Proxy, experimenting with digital, and why Frank considers this film a masterclass in filmmaking. 38:57 – Bob's Burgers Thanksgiving tournament and holiday plans Kicking off the Bob's Burgers Thanksgiving episode bracket on social media and inviting listeners to vote and share their favorites. 39:37 – Challenge Accepted contact info and gratitude for listeners How to email the show, where to find Challenge Accepted online, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone spending their Thanksgiving season with the podcast. Key Takeaways The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a surprisingly cozy Thanksgiving watch that pairs warm, nostalgic vibes with stark meditations on death and human nature. The opening Buster Scruggs segment lures you in with music and comedy, then forces you to confront how easily we celebrate violent "heroes" until the cost is made personal. Near Algodones turns a simple bank robbery into a darkly funny loop of bad luck and hanging attempts, with the "First time?" moment becoming a perfect meme for quiet resignation. Meal Ticket is one of the bleakest Coen stories, laying bare how talent and passion can be discarded the second a more profitable novelty appears. All Gold Canyon offers a rare bit of hope, showing a prospector who survives and a valley that proves nature will outlast any one human. The Girl Who Got Rattled underlines how dangerous and unfair the frontier was for women, building a gentle love story only to let chaos tear it apart. The Mortal Remains recontextualizes the entire film, framing the bounty hunters as observers of human confusion about death and the afterlife, much like the audience. Altogether, the anthology works as a meditation on luck, mortality, and acceptance, urging us to live, observe, and appreciate moments even when the ending is inevitable. Memorable Quotes "We are rooting for him as well. He tortures this man before finally killing him, but again, we are rooting for him. Then the Man in Black arrives." "You meet the girl that likes you back when there is nothing you can do about it, and life is that way. It is chaotic and it is fruitless sometimes." "No matter how hard you try, sometimes life will just give you nothing, and an outside source may make that decision for you." "We take what we need, not necessarily what we want, and nature can continue growing as those birds will now hatch." "You just got to roll those dice. You just got to play the cards you get and move forward." Call To Action If you enjoyed this deep dive into The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and how it fits into your Thanksgiving movie rotation, make sure you follow Challenge Accepted on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave us a rating and review to help more movie fans find the show, and share this episode with a friend who loves the Coen Brothers. When you post about the episode, tag us and use #ChallengeAcceptedPod so we can see your thoughts and segment rankings. Links And Resources Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all the geek news we talk about across the Geek Freaks network and to stay up to date on our latest episodes and projects. Stream The Ballad of Buster Scruggs on Netflix to follow along with the stories discussed in this episode. Follow Us Stay connected with Challenge Accepted: Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive For more shows and news from the network, visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com and follow Geek Freaks on social media. Listener Questions We would love to hear from you. Send us your questions, challenges, and movie picks: Which Ballad of Buster Scruggs segment hit you the hardest and why Your go to Thanksgiving movies or episodes Coen Brothers films you want us to cover next Challenge Accepted, Geek Freaks Podcast, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Coen Brothers, Netflix Western anthology, Thanksgiving movies, Movie review podcast, Film analysis, Tim Blake Nelson, James Franco, Liam Neeson, Tom Waits, Anthology movies, Geek culture podcast, Challenge Accepted Live

If your tween or teen feels stuck, scared of failure, or glued to their screen, this episode will change everything. Education innovator Chris Balme reveals why adolescence is the second great brain-growth window — and why kids today desperately need more real-world challenges, not more protection. A powerful, hopeful conversation about autonomy, resilience, and helping young people feel big, brave, and capable again. KEY POINTS Why ages 11–16 are a critical “second toddlerhood” of brain growth How autonomy builds confidence (and why modern kids get too little) The danger of overprotection and structured everything What a good challenge looks like vs. a stress-inducing one How to help risk-averse teens stretch themselves — without forcing Why peers, not parents, are the secret to motivation Real examples of challenges that transformed kids QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “When we don’t trust our adolescents, they stop trusting us.” — Chris Balme RESOURCES MENTIONED Challenge Accepted by Chris Balme Argonaut: Online advisory program for middle schoolers Millennium School + Hakuba International School ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Fuel autonomy: Let your tween choose a meaningful challenge this week. Enlist peers: Hook them in through a friend, not parental pressure. Normalise failure: Remind them adolescence is the best time to mess up safely. Reduce overprotection: Give back small freedoms — walking, biking, exploring. Model vulnerability: Share your own unfinished, imperfect self. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I am joined by content creator, podcaster, and comedian Chris Tos. He tells use about getting into YouTube EARLY (like 13 years old in the early 00's), blowing up on Vine, being early to "content" before "influencer" was a job, and always looking for the next challenge.GREAT EX Drinking Buddy stories this week: Chris Tos talks about starting to go to parties in 8th grade, frat life in college, an epic Halloween that ended with the cops, and more.Apologies for the shorter episode, but the transit system of New York City strikes again.Follow Chris Tos on INSTAGRAM and YOUTUBE and check out his podcast "Close the Door Behind You"Find everything for me through the LINKTREE

It's Tea Time & The Fan Girls are ready to dish & spill the tea on their latest "Not My Cup of Tea" Challenge! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#343: Nur Rentner und Arbeitslose haben Zeit? Challenge accepted.____0:19 Liebe das Leben, für das du gemeint bist.3:52 Freiheit und Seelenimpulse.7:24 Ressourcen und Energie.9:53 Surrender und Vertrauen.13:02 Alltag und Magie.14:24 Herausforderungen und Entscheidungen.19:48 Energetische Wirbelsäulenaufrichtung.26:37 Wachstum und gelebte Erfahrung.28:53 Erlebe dich und erhebe dich.____⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠14.11. Grace Integrity Aktionstag - Empfange das Grace Integrity Soul Embodiment by Patricia St. Clair an diesem tag für 100€ statt 369€ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠hier für Erwachsene⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠für Kinder⁠⁠⁠⁠Manchmal reicht eine kleine Frequenzverschiebung – und plötzlich verändert sich alles. In meiner Human Flow Begleitung tauchen wir tief ein in dein System, klären Blockaden und öffnen Räume für Klarheit, Freiheit und Leichtigkeit. Magst du herausfinden, wie sich das für dich anfühlt? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hier erfährst du mehr.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hier geht's zu den Infos und Buchung des 48h Grace Integrity Clearings am ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sa., / So., 15./ 16.11.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠zu den Themen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Seelenimpulse wahrnehmen und umsetzen - ohne Angst, ohne Schleier, ohne Verzögerung⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Die Grace Integrity® Planetenübertragungen bei Patricia St. Clair sind hochfrequente Energieschlüssel, die kosmische Prinzipien in dir aktivieren und verschiedenen Lebensbereiche deines SEINs berühren – und dich in diesen in die Klarheit, Präsenz & innere Freiheit führen. Erfahre hier gerne mehr allgemein zu den Planeten-Übertragungen (https://stephanie-korn.com/grace-integrity-planeten-codes) und speziell den Grace Integrity®️ Saturn Code by Patricia St. Clair⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠___Danke für deine Unterstützung und Freude am Human Flow AIRleben!DeineStephanie

Sorry for any delays - we had a bit of a data breach and are trying to recover a few shows we recorded last month. In the mean time - Mike and Chris teamed up to see if together they could compete with a Beer Temple employee on a bling tasting challenge!Email Eletters to: Insiders@craftbeertemple.comMailing address: The Beer Temple 3173 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60618Intro/Outro Music: Gorilla Meat by Jogger UYD4L!

On this episode of Challenge Accepted, Thomas welcomes critic and lifelong Ranger fan Becca Peterson (The Critic Buffet) for a fast-paced, fun deep dive into the 1995 feature film. We cover why this movie still hits for '90s kids, the charm of Ivan Ooze, the switch to ninja powers and new Zords, and how the film fits into the broader multiverse of Power Rangers stories. Becca brings great trivia, from casting changes to Sentai influences, and shares why the movie's core message still lands. Timestamps & Topics 00:00 – 01:10 | Cold open, show intro, and guest welcome; Becca's superhero-critic tagline 01:10 – 03:00 | Why revisit the Power Rangers movie and early theater memories 04:19 – 06:23 | "Challenge accepted" and Becca's two-minute plot sprint 05:27 – 06:05 | Ivan Ooze arrives, new henchmen, and the Command Center attack 06:44 – 09:03 | Skydiving charity opener, Bulk & Skull logic checks, Angel Grove mayhem 10:11 – 11:20 | Movie as an alternate timeline, multiverse vibes, Shattered Grid nods 14:35 – 15:12 | From movie rats to TV crows, why Tenga Warriors replaced the original monsters 16:22 – 18:21 | To Phaedos and Dulcea, the casting switch you might've missed 19:51 – 21:22 | Why the show handled Ninja powers differently from the film 26:44 – 27:24 | New Zords, shiny suits, and the unmistakable mid-'90s CGI 28:17 – 29:14 | Frog pride, why Adam's Zord is cooler than you remember 29:39 – 30:23 | Individual Zords actually doing things before the big combine 34:54 – 35:37 | Real stakes, amped-up action, and "too violent for kids?" memories 36:00 – 37:02 | The '90s ninja craze context 40:20 – 41:48 | McDonald's toys, promo tours, and peak Ranger mania 45:18 – 46:01 | Theme check, "You don't need power to be special" Key Takeaways The movie plays like a joyful two-parter: Angel Grove chaos, mythic quest on Phaedos, ninja powers, new Zords, Megazord finish. It sits in a separate timeline from the TV series, echoing the franchise's multiverse storytelling across comics and crossovers. The practical-to-CGI shift hasn't aged perfectly, but it lets each Zord shine solo before combining. Dulcea's role came with behind-the-scenes casting drama many fans never heard about. The film leans into corny puns and earnest heroism, which is part of the franchise's escape-hatch appeal. Core message still lands: bravery and community matter more than powers. Memorable Quotes "I'm your superhero critic, and I'll stay super as long as you stay awesome." "Challenge? Accept it." "He looks like a giant purple booger." "Some would say more phenomenal." "You don't need power to be special." "Welcome to my nightmare." Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe in your favorite app, leave a quick rating and review, and share it with a Ranger-loving friend using #ChallengeAcceptedPod and #GeekFreaks. Links & Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com — the home base and source for all news discussed on our podcast Becca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peanuttheranter69/ Becca on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSuperheroCritic Follow Us Twitter / Instagram / Threads: @GeekFreaksPodcast YouTube & TikTok: Geek Freaks Podcast Newsletter & Contact: GeekFreaksPodcast.com Listener Questions Got a question, hot take, or a topic you want us to tackle? Send us a DM on social or drop a note at GeekFreaksPodcast.com/contact. We'll feature listener questions in future episodes. Apple Podcasts Tags: Power Rangers, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Movie, Ivan Ooze, 90s movies, nostalgia, superhero films, tokusatsu, multiverse, Dulcea, Tenga Warriors, Zords, Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted podcast, Becca Peterson, Critic Buffet, podcast show notes, film discussion, childhood favorites

My guest today is education leader and author Chris Balme, here to talk about his brand-new book Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome. In it, Chris gives middle schoolers themselves the tools to turn the ups and downs of adolescence into an adventure filled with meaning, growth, and connection. In our conversation, Chris shares why adventure and healthy risk-taking are so powerful during the middle school years, how parents can support their kids' self-efficacy and independence, and what this can look like for neurodivergent learners. We also talk about the parallel journeys parents and kids go through during this stage, and how leaning into growth together can make middle school not just manageable, but truly awesome.   About Chris Balme Chris Balme is an education leader, writer, and speaker. He's endlessly curious about how we can raise wise, loving, and capable adolescents. Chris has co-founded and led two innovative schools, written a best-selling book called Finding the Magic in Middle School, and regularly speaks to and trains teachers and parents around the world. His new book, Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome, gives the keys to middle schoolers themselves, to turn the wild ride of adolescence into an adventure full of meaning and connection. Chris currently serves as Co-Principal of Hakuba International School, and as director of Argonaut, an online advisory program for middle schoolers from around the world. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. Things you'll learn from this episode   How middle schoolers are far more capable than they're often given credit for Why choice, authorship, and experiential learning are critical for building self-efficacy in adolescents How shifting from being the “boss” to being a guide helps parents support their child's growth Why healthy risks and self-directed challenges are especially important for neurodivergent kids How parents can act as mirrors for their children's experiences while growing themselves in the process Why creating supportive environments and offering practical adventures, like those in Challenge Accepted, helps middle schoolers thrive Resources mentioned Chris Balme's website Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome by Chris Balme Finding the Magic in Middle School: Tapping Into the Power and Potential of the Middle School Years by Chris Balme Chris's Substack Chris on Instagram The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank and Thomas unpack the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, from John Cena's performance to the big-picture DCU setup. They dig into Salvation Run and Checkmate, how the metahumans vs. government angle points toward Superman, and why this episode feels more like a bridge to Season 3. Along the way, they talk Vigilante's MVP moments, Harcourt's arc, Lex Luthor's influence on Rick Flag, and whether multiverse storytelling still works. Timestamps & Topics 00:00 — Welcome back and life update from Thomas; setting the table for the finale chat 00:55 — James Gunn's podcast, fathers and sons, and why that matters to Chris and Adebayo 02:21 — First impressions: great performances, odd placement for a “finale” episode 04:34 — Will there be a Season 3 and where this could continue in the DCU slate 05:16 — The Superman tie-in: metahumans vs. government, framing the next phase 06:06 — Salvation Run explained, Checkmate connections, and deep-cut DC lore 08:31 — Quantum doors and the “QC” device; quick tour of the multiverse worlds 10:13 — Why the multiverse still works here and how Gunn is trusting the audience 11:12 — That black-hole world and callbacks to the new DCU's prison ideas 12:01 — Rick Flag's heel turn and the debate over Lex's manipulation 14:10 — Government vs. metahumans as a DCU driver; room for Batman later 16:02 — Waller, Task Force X, and where Checkmate fits in public vs. shadow ops 18:00 — Vigilante praise, Fleury chemistry, and why the side cast still matters 20:06 — Chris and Adebayo's “you made me feel loved” scene; mixed reactions 21:30 — Harcourt's arc, the boat, and the kiss that did not shock the internet 24:02 — Expectation traps, Earth X sleuthing, and fan predictions vs. payoff 28:06 — Is Nicholas Hoult scary enough as Lex yet 31:04 — Judo Master, Langston Fleury, and Checkmate as a home for “good but messy” heroes 32:18 — Final thoughts: Season 1 vs. Season 2, and what is next for DC on TV Key Takeaways The finale plays like a handoff, setting up Superman and a broader DCU conflict rather than closing Season 2 cleanly. Salvation Run and Checkmate point to deeper DC lore and a clear government vs. metahuman story. John Cena carries the heart and humor; Vigilante continues to be a stealth MVP. Lex's off-screen sway over Rick Flag divides opinion but supports a long game for the character. The multiverse beats land because they are visual, simple, and high-stakes without heavy exposition. Quotes “John Cena is so lovable. I want to hug him and watch him wreck shop.” “Episode 7 felt like the true finale. This one felt like a plus-one.” “Salvation is basically a planet of villains trying to rule each other.” “Government vs. metahumans sets the stage for Superman and maybe even Batman.” “Vigilante's joy is so raw and kid-like that it weirdly grounds the show.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow the show and leave a quick rating and review. Share the episode with a friend who is catching up on Peacemaker and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedPod. Links and Resources All news discussed on our shows comes from GeekFreaksPodcast.com Challenge Accepted on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challengeacceptedlive/ Challenge Accepted on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@challengeacceptedlive?lang=en Challenge Accepted on Twitter: https://x.com/CAPodcastLive Follow Us Stay current with episode drops, clips, and polls on our socials above. For feedback or challenges, email: ChallengeAcceptedGFX@gmail.com. Listener Questions What did you think of the finale's placement and the Salvation Run setup Send your thoughts or questions for the next episode. We may feature your take on the show. Apple Podcast Tags Peacemaker, DCU, James Gunn, John Cena, Salvation Run, Checkmate, Lex Luthor, Rick Flag, Vigilante, Harcourt, Superman, TV review, Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted, Podcast

Scott Yager answers your questions, talks Dawsons Reunion, One Battle After Another, turning 40, Detroit and MORE! www.ChallengeManiacs.comwww.ChallengeMania.Livewww.ChallengeMania.Shop

It's expensive just to walk out your front door in Nashville these days, but we wanted to put our bargain hunting skills to the test. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, producer of sponsored content Anthony Luciani, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek challenged themselves to plan the perfect day in our city while spending $50 or less. Who will win? Who will forget how comedy clubs work? And who will earn the ultimate title of Cheapy McCheaperson? Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Frank is joined by Phil to break down Peacock's Twisted Metal, from its surprisingly heartfelt character work to the tournament arc and deep cuts that longtime players will recognize. We talk John Doe's search for identity, the show's “happy sociopath” version of Sweet Tooth, how Season 2 levels up the stunts and car combat, and why adding new lore can actually respect the games. If you skipped this one because “cars with guns,” we make the case for why it's worth your time. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Introductions and why Twisted Metal was the pick for this episode. 00:36 What the show adapts from the games and where it departs, especially with John Doe. 02:11 The core premise: post apocalyptic courier job, a shot at life behind the walls, and the road to San Francisco. 03:29 Game lore 101: Calypso, wishes with a twist, and character specific endings. 07:00 Sweet Tooth as chaos engine, why the Joker style wildcard works on TV. 09:05 Samoa Joe in the suit, Will Arnett on the mic, and why the voice swap lands. 10:58 Axel and other fan favorites enter, with connected backstories that actually pay off. 13:42 Game venues reimagined with in world logic, HUDs and objectives that make sense. 18:48 Car combat talk: practical vs CG, why Season 2's action feels better. 21:07 “Silly” weapons that get smart uses and Chekhov's missile moments. 23:03 Budget glow up from Season 1 to Season 2 and early success on Peacock. 24:04 John and Quiet's chemistry, then the Season 2 relationship reset. 28:05 The sister storyline, tough choices, and consequences after the wish. 30:40 Minion reworked, identity twists, and a setup that begs for Season 3. 33:40 Adaptation philosophy: build new stories that feel like the game. 41:31 What other game adaptations can learn from Twisted Metal. 45:06 Fun facts: ratings, production notes, and stunt work. Key Takeaways Twisted Metal balances weekly mayhem with character arcs, making the world feel lived in instead of gimmicky. Sweet Tooth is written as a charmingly off kilter sociopath, and the Samoa Joe and Will Arnett combo sells the menace and the laughs. Season 2 embraces the tournament and deepens game lore while explaining gamey elements inside the story. Practical stunts plus targeted CG keep the car combat crunchy and readable. Smart departures from canon create stronger relationships without losing the game's tone. Quotes “It's a show about a character trying to find his worth in a post apocalyptic world.” “Sweet Tooth is a happy sociopath. It's off putting and I love him for it.” “They nailed the cross between practical and CG. The car combat was better than I expected.” “Give me new stories that live in the game's world, not a beat for beat retelling.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow and rate the show. Drop a review on Apple Podcasts, share the episode with a friend who loved the games, and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedPod so we can shout you out next week. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com is our home base and the source of all news discussed on our shows Watch Twisted Metal on Peacock Follow Us Geek Freaks: Facebook, Threads, Twitter, Instagram Challenge Accepted: Instagram, TikTok, Twitter Listener Questions What did the show get right compared to your favorite Twisted Metal entries? Send your thoughts and questions for the next episode, and we will feature a few on air. Apple Podcasts Tags Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted, Twisted Metal, Peacock, TV review, video game adaptations, Anthony Mackie, Sweet Tooth, car combat, post apocalyptic TV

Frank checks in with a quick status update, then dives into five big topics from the week. You'll hear first impressions of Marvel's Wolverine for PS5, thoughts on Marvin Jones III joining Spider-Man: Brand New Day as Tombstone, reactions to the first full Mandalorian and Grogu trailer, a review of Alien Earth's season one finale, and an early read on Gen V season two. We wrap with a Geek Freaks Network roundup and what's coming next after L.A. Comic Con. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Welcome and quick update on the solo episode and injury progress 00:13 L.A. Comic Con plans and Crocker Con audio hiccup 01:05 Marvel's Wolverine preview Insomniac's tone and combat vibe Omega Red, Mystique, Sentinel prototype Locations: Canadian wilderness, Tokyo, Madripoor Fall 2026 window 07:14 Spider-Man: Brand New Day casting Marvin Jones III as Tombstone Why Tombstone fits a grounded street-level story July 31, 2026 release window mention 10:11 The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer reactions Old-school adventure tone, IMAX tease Jabba's son, Razor Crest, Zeb, big set pieces May 22, 2026 theatrical date 13:30 Alien Earth season one finale review Atmosphere, performances, pacing issues Strong build but an ending that feels incomplete 22:08 Gen V season two premiere thoughts Handling of Chance Perdomo's character, new Dean Cipher Social media propaganda thread, Starlight cameo Character beats for Marie, Emma, Kate, Jordan, Sam 30:23 Network roundup Challenge Accepted, Fandom Portals, Distance Nerding, Anime Plus, Disney Moms Gone Wrong, Outlast Podcast 32:38 Closing and what's next Key Takeaways Marvel's Wolverine aims for a tight, visceral action experience with God of War-style pacing and a clear M rating. Expect meaningful counters to Logan's healing and a global thriller feel. Tombstone casting locks in Marvin Jones III, a performer with the presence to anchor Spider-Man's street-level stakes without tipping into pure fan service. Mandalorian and Grogu looks like a pulpy, planet-hopping romp built for IMAX with classic imagery and bigger set pieces. Alien Earth nails mood and performances but ends the season too abruptly, landing closer to incomplete than cliffhanger. Gen V season two returns with sharp ideas about image and control, a compelling new dean, and messy human beats that set the table for a stronger mid-season run. Quotes “You're going to feel like you're playing a God of War-ish game.” “There are definitely things that can slow him down, and they're setting this game up to make every decision feel impactful.” “This looks like old adventure energy, the kind of poster that sparks your imagination.” “There's a difference between cliffhanger and incomplete. This felt incomplete.” “It's a bold but messy return for Gen V.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, rate us 5 stars, and leave a short review to help more geeks find us. Share your thoughts on the topics using #GeekFreaksPod and tag us with your takes on Wolverine, Tombstone, Mando and Grogu, Alien Earth, and Gen V. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com — Source for all news discussed on our podcast, plus weekly reviews and network updates. Follow Us Website: GeekFreaksPodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Listener Questions What did you think of the Mandalorian and Grogu trailer? Are you in on Marvel's Wolverine day one? And did the Alien Earth finale work for you or feel unfinished? Send questions or voice notes for next week's mailbag using #GeekFreaksPod or via GeekFreaksPodcast.com/contact. Apple Podcast Tags Geek Freaks, Marvel's Wolverine, Insomniac Games, PS5, Spider-Man Brand New Day, Tombstone, Marvin Jones III, Star Wars, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Alien Earth, Gen V, The Boys, L.A. Comic Con, Crocker Con, Geek Freaks Network, Podcast Review

Frank breaks down Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 6, “Ignorance Is Chris,” and why the “better world” finally shows its cracks. From the diner photo that warps, to Harcourt and Chris opening up in an interrogation room, to Vigilante meeting his Earth X counterpart, this episode clicks into place. We also hit Rick Flag Sr.'s prison visit with Lex Luthor, the Sons of Liberty twist, and the hallway tells that confirm where we are. It is a tense, funny, uneasy chapter that sets up a high-stakes sprint to the finale. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Intro and episode plan 00:23 Housekeeping, L.A. Comic Con updates, why last week skipped 00:44 Frank's knee update and getting back on mic 01:01 The big swing lands: “Hello, Earth X, mind the flags” 01:19 Diner scene breakdown and the melting-faces photo 02:01 The inevitability of the reveal and why the vibe felt off 02:28 At Adrian's place: mom cameo, “secret room,” evidence stash 03:33 The Beanie Baby closet and recreating the portal 04:06 Back in the portal room: the neighbor-alien and why it matters 04:44 Sneaking the Smith mansion and the rising tension 05:20 Harcourt's snow globe stall, the car ride with Keith 06:10 Music clues in this world, no rap, the whitewashed timeline 06:33 Eagly raid in the kitchen, the mess to clean up 06:55 Vigilante meets Vigilante, animal “facts,” and the glasses tell 08:12 Sons of Liberty inversion and why Alt Adrian hates Peacemaker 09:39 Rick Flag Sr. visits Lex Luthor at Belle Reve 10:38 The deal for portal tech and the DCU bridge it hints at 11:19 Harcourt and Chris finally say the quiet part out loud 12:40 Adebayo's walk, “one got out,” and the street chase 13:59 Auggie ambushes Economos at the mansion 14:47 Alt Harcourt flips the switch at A.R.G.U.S. 15:08 The flag with a swastika and the words that land like a punch 15:47 Wrap up, what 6 through 8 now promise, social plugs and sign-off Key Takeaways The episode earns its dread by letting small details stack until the Earth X truth can no longer be ignored. Vigilante meeting himself is both the funniest stretch and honest character work that reframes his bravado. The Harcourt and Chris scene gives the alt-world twist emotional weight and nudges their relationship into something healthier. Rick Flag Sr. and Lex Luthor open the door to wider DCU stakes without hijacking the episode. Adebayo's street sequence and the desk flag reveal are the gut checks that make the cut to black land. Quotes “Hello, Earth X, mind the flags.” “One got out! It's a black.” “This is your perfect world.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow the show, leave a rating, and share the episode with a friend who is watching along. Use #ChallengeAcceptedLive so we can find your takes. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com for our hub and the source of all news discussed during our podcast Follow our con coverage and reviews all week Follow Us Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive Listener Questions What was the exact moment you realized we were on Earth X? Where do you land on Adrian vs. Adrian after this episode? Send thoughts and questions to ChallengeAcceptedGFX@gmail.com or DM us on socials and we will read a few next episode. Apple Podcast Tags: Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, Peacemaker S2E6, Ignorance Is Chris, Earth X, Vigilante, James Gunn, John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Rick Flag Sr., Lex Luthor, DCU, Review, Podcast Show Notes, Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted

One of the major perks of homeschooling is that the middle-school years can be about adventure instead of awkwardness. In this episode, Melissa chats with author Chris Balme about his book Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome. Balme's book invites young readers to discover how trust, agency, and meaningful challenges transform “awkward years” into growth years. Join us for a conversation about kid-driven adventures—stealth art, teaching what you know, citizen science, apprenticeships, and building from scratch—plus practical ways to close the gap between social perception and interpretation, repair friendships, and use side-by-side activities to spark conversation. We also share why modeling a beginner's mind (learning an instrument, sketching, coding) invites kids to try, fail, and try again.Listen to the full episode to gather specific challenge ideas you can use this week and to reframe these years as the great adventure they are.Resources:Learn more at Chris Balme's website: www.chrisbalme.comChris's Substack: Growing WiserFollow Chris Balme on Instagram: @chrisbalme Find CHALLENGE ACCEPTED: 50 ADVENTURES TO MAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL AWESOME in the Brave Writer BookshopFall class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingJoin us at the Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook:

Thomas and Frank kick off a running series to assemble a living “Hall of Fame” of 100 movies covered on Challenge Accepted. In this first pass, they lock in the opening 20 picks across adventure, animation, sci-fi, horror, and sports drama. Along the way they talk performance standouts, scenes that shaped their taste, and how future rewatches and listener votes could bump titles up or off the board. Timestamps and Topics 00:03:52 Big Fish and why it still wrecks us in different seasons of life 00:05:07 Hook as 90s Goonies energy and a Robin Williams showcase 00:06:49 Tombstone and the definitive Doc Holliday performance 00:08:13 Raiders of the Lost Ark and the problem of recasting Indy 00:12:52 The Prestige and discovering a top tier Nolan on rewatch 00:14:48 Interstellar nomination and why it grew with repeat viewings 00:17:12 The Shining as prestige horror and a genre pivot point 00:18:23 In Time gets discussed but does not make the cut for now 00:20:00 Across the Spider Verse moves in after a better audio experience 00:22:47 Planes, Trains and Automobiles lands as a comedy essential 00:24:43 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) and its surprising emotional weight 00:28:38 Studio Ghibli slot: Spirited Away talk and the case for Kiki's Delivery Service 00:30:24 Dune: Part Two enters as modern epic sci-fi 00:34:38 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and how the evolving list could reshuffle later 00:36:55 The Empire Strikes Back as the Star Wars representative 00:39:11 Jurassic Park and the marriage of practical and digital effects 00:41:02 The Iron Claw and a note on wrestling stories we will cover next 00:42:52 Superman (1978) closes the 20 with an all time origin story 00:48:27 Wrap up, what is coming next, and how listeners can influence the rankings The First 20 (Working List) Big Fish Hook Tombstone Raiders of the Lost Ark The Prestige Interstellar The Shining Spider Man: Across the Spider Verse Planes, Trains and Automobiles Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) Spirited Away or Kiki's Delivery Service (Ghibli slot) Dune: Part Two Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 The Empire Strikes Back Jurassic Park The Iron Claw Superman (1978) Plus a few near misses and future candidates Key Takeaways This is a living list. Titles can move as we review more films and as listeners weigh in. Emotional resonance matters as much as craft, from TMNT's farmhouse sequence to Big Fish's generational pull. Genre representatives help keep variety, like Empire for Star Wars and a Ghibli pick for animation. Craft notes: Jurassic Park's blend of practical and digital still sets the bar, and Vol. 3 sparks a James Gunn redemption chat. Community plan: we will combine Frank's rankings, Thomas's rankings, and a listener ballot to shape the master list. Quotes “The little things are the big things.” “He smashed it, dropped the mic, and went to DC.” “If you see a puddle shake, you're waiting for the T-Rex.” Call to Action Enjoying the Hall of Fame project? Follow, rate, and review the show. Share this episode with a friend who loves movies and tell us what should make the next batch using #ChallengeAcceptedHall. Links and Resources All news and episode links are available on our website. That is the source for all news discussed on our podcasts. Follow Us Find Challenge Accepted and the Geek Freaks Network on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Twitter, and Patreon. Hosts: Frank and Thomas. Listener Questions What movie should anchor the next five spots, and which of these 20 would you swap out after a rewatch? Send us a voice note or message and we will feature selections in an upcoming Hall of Fame update. Apple Podcasts Tags: movies, film discussion, movie rankings, sci fi, animation, comedy, horror, action, Geek Freaks Network, Challenge Accepted, Hall of Fame, podcast review, classic films, modern hits

Join us on this episode of the Angular Plus Show as we sit down with Thomas Laforge, creator of Angular Challenges, the open‑source resource pushing Angular, Nx, RxJS, NgRx, and TypeScript learners past tutorials and into real‑world code.Thomas walks us through why he built Angular Challenges, how it's structured (60+ challenges tackling everything from state management to signals & reactive forms), and how solving them can sharpen your skills — whether you're prepping for interviews, contributing to OSS, or simply wanting to code better.https://angular-challenges.vercel.app/https://x.com/laforge_tomahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-laforge-2b05a945/https://bsky.app/profile/tomalaforge.bsky.socialhttps://github.com/tomalaforgeFollow us on X: The Angular Plus ShowBluesky: @theangularplusshow.bsky.social  The Angular Plus Show is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchEdited by Patrick HayesStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

YouTube’s daredevil Michelle Khare is here to help you push through your fears. In her award-winning YouTube channel, Challenge Accepted, Michelle has put her body and mind through a wide range of challenges, from being tased during police academy to pirouetting with professional ballerinas and everything in between. However, her biggest challenge is learning how to push through her fears. Today, we discuss how she sets goals, measures success, overcomes fear, and inspires us to raise the bar on our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank and Jen break down Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 4, from the wild Michael Rooker cameo to that portable-dimension device that might not be what it seems. They dig into the alternate Earth, what it reveals about Chris, Keith, and Auggie, and why Adebayo might be the real center of the 11th Street Kids. The conversation hits possible DCU ties like Creature Commandos, Mr. Terrific, Blue Beetle, and whether the “boom tube” theory holds water. Plus, a thoughtful look at Harcourt's arc, Argus pressure, and how the show balances crude humor with real character growth. CA Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Welcome and coffee-fueled kickoff 00:24 First impressions of Episode 4 and the “family affair” watch 04:27 The portable dimension and how Auggie really got his tech 05:21 Series shift: Argus pressure, new location, and a relentless hunter 05:55 Michael Rooker goes all-in as an eagle tracker 08:14 “X-rated corner of the DCU” and the opening flashback read 09:49 Keith's role as heart vs. Auggie's shadow 13:16 Is the portal a boom tube or something new 16:29 Creature Commandos, Corto Maltese nods, and DCU connective tissue 19:38 Cameo watch: Mr. Terrific, Frankenstein, the Bride, or Weasel 24:26 Waller's name-drops and why she might show up 26:27 The coded “perfect world” that's not perfect at all 29:18 Adebayo as the team's glue and Chris's reality check 34:20 Harcourt and Rick Flag Sr. show a different side of both 35:58 Age, casting, and why Flag Sr. reads more “father-in-law” than “dad” 39:20 Why peacemaker is the easy scapegoat for a grieving Flag Sr. 40:07 Where this could go: reluctant father figure and hard choices 41:11 Enchantress, Rick romance, and what that means for Harcourt and Chris 42:15 Final cameo predictions and the Blue Beetle/Ted Kord angle 44:44 What if Dave Bautista played Peacemaker 47:44 James Gunn, Michael Rooker, and that dance 48:43 Guest plugs: Distance Nerding shows and Lego giveaway Key Takeaways Episode 4 plants a big flag for the back half of the season by moving the fight to a controllable space and tightening the Argus noose. The portal tech reframes Auggie's “genius” and hints at a broader toolkit that could connect to other DC corners. The alternate Earth isn't aspirational. It puts Chris's growth in focus and undercuts his nostalgia for a world he's better off without. Adebayo is the emotional center and likely leader in practice. She's the person everyone calls, and the one who grounds Chris. Harcourt's conversation with Rick Flag Sr. shows who she was before the walls went up, and why Argus keeps pulling her back. Expect a meaningful cameo tied to portals or Argus operations. Mr. Terrific, Waller, or a Creature Commandos face are all in play. The show keeps mixing crude laughs with character work that lands, which is why the heavier scenes hit. Quotes “Peacemaker is the X-rated corner of the DCU.” — Jen “This episode felt like a gear shift. Argus is coming, and the portal changes the board.” — Frank “Adebayo is the glue. She keeps everyone honest and points them back to reality.” — Frank “They didn't show that flashback for nothing. One choice can change a universe.” — Jen “Rooker only does that scene because Gunn is the one on the other end of the phone.” — Frank Call to Action If you dug this breakdown, subscribe and drop a quick review. Share the episode with a friend who is catching up on Peacemaker and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedLive. Links and Resources Our network hub and source for all news discussed: GeekFreaksPodcast.com Follow Us Challenge Accepted: Instagram @challengeacceptedlive, TikTok @challengeacceptedlive, Twitter @CAPodcastLive Geek Freaks Network: Facebook Geek Freaks Podcast, Threads @geekfreakspodcast, Patreon Geek Freaks Podcast, Instagram @geekfreakspodcast, Twitter @geekfreakspod Listener Questions Send questions, hot takes, or challenges for future episodes to challengeacceptedgfx@gmail.com. We might feature your note on the show. Apple Podcast Tags: Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, James Gunn, John Cena, Michael Rooker, DCU, Vigilante, Adebayo, Harcourt, Rick Flag, Creature Commandos, Boom Tube, Multiverse, Challenge Accepted, Geek Freaks Podcast

Wellll. It's no longer Labor Day week, but we're still on a break. So today, we're bringing you something special: a replay episode of Wil's favorite author! Challenge Accepted! When Wil asked Ashley to book an interview with his favorite author, it at first seemed like an impossible task. But, within a few hours, Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter responded!Sherwood G. Lingenfelter retired as provost of Fuller Seminary on June 30, 2011, but continues to serve on Fuller's faculty as senior professor of anthropology. He joined Fuller in 1999 as professor and dean of the School of Intercultural Studies (then the School of World Mission) and served as acting provost in 2001 before being appointed provost in 2002.Before his appointment at Fuller, he served as professor of intercultural studies and provost and senior vice president at Biola University, La Mirada, California from 1983 to 1999 and professor of anthropology at SUNY College at Brockport from 1966 to 1983. He holds a BA from Wheaton College and a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh.Dr. Lingenfelter's field research includes three years in the Yap Islands of Micronesia and short-term research projects with the SIL International in Brazil, Cameroon, and Suriname. He has served as research and training consultant to SIL over the last three decades in Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Philippines, Africa, and Latin America. He also contributes regularly to mission conferences and to missionary candidate training for other evangelical mission organizations. His publications include Teamwork Cross-Culturally: Christ-Centered Solutions for Leading Multinational Teams (coauthored with Julie A. Green, 2022), Leadership in the Way of the Cross: Forging Ministry from the Crucible of Crisis (2018), Ministering Cross-Culturally: A Model for Effective Personal Relationships (coauthored with Marvin K. Mayers, 2016), Transforming Culture: A Challenge for Christian Mission (1998), Agents of Transformation: A Guide for Effective Cross-Cultural Ministry (1996), and Leading Cross-Culturally: Covenant Relationships for Effective Christian Leadership (2008). He also served as coauthor with his wife, Dr. Judith Lingenfelter, for Teaching Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Learning and Teaching (2003), and with Dr. Paul R. Gupta for Breaking Tradition to Accomplish Vision: Training Leaders for a Church Planting Movement (2006).More from Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter:https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/response-judith-sherwood-lingenfelter/Amazon: Buy Ministering Cross-CulturallyMusic by: Irene & the SleepersLogo by: Jill EllisWebsite: menomissions.orgContact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Frank and Jonathan kick off with the Question of the Week about who Alan Ritchson should play in the DCU, then break down A24 developing an Elden Ring movie with Alex Garland. They unpack the Avengers Doomsday “on-set feud” rumor and why it fell apart on closer reporting, talk through Kumail Nanjiani's Eternals comments and what they reveal about Marvel's planning, and close with a spoiler-lite review of Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 1, focusing on themes, character beats, and where the season might be headed. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Welcome and rundown of today's topics 00:27 Question of the Week Alan Ritchson's DCU role ideas from the community 01:58 Aquaman trivia and fan casting talk Green Arrow, Bane, Killer Croc, Deathstroke, Absolute Batman 04:10 A24 is developing an Elden Ring movie with Alex Garland why this pairing fits dark fantasy 07:11 What makes game adaptations work today fan respect over algorithms 09:24 Quality over hype The Last of Us effect and what general audiences respond to 13:22 Avengers Doomsday feud rumor gets debunked how shaky sources spread 16:15 The scooper economy pros, cons, and why credibility matters 21:00 Eternals postmortem Kumail Nanjiani's six-project deal and the mental health fallout 25:29 What Marvel planned for Eternals and why the execution stumbled 29:03 Three takeaways Marvel seems to have learned after Eternals 32:17 Peacemaker S2E1 review themes, character arcs, and that multiverse doorway 38:13 Standout scenes Justice Gang mic hot, Guy Gardner moment, team chemistry 41:59 Network updates Challenge Accepted, Outlast, This Is Starting, Fandom Portals 45:58 Weekly recommendations King of the Hill's new season and Kpop Demon Hunter 49:46 Wrap up and listener call to action Key Takeaways Alan Ritchson is not Batman, but he did meet with James Gunn. Fan casting ranged from Aquaman to Bane and Absolute Batman, with smart cases made for each. A24 plus Alex Garland on Elden Ring is a strong match. Expect scale, mood, and respect for the lore over jump scares. The Doomsday “feud” rumor fizzled once credible on-set sourcing surfaced. Hype without receipts is noise. Kumail Nanjiani's comments show how big Marvel's Eternals plans were and how hard a miss can hit the people involved. Likely Marvel lessons after Eternals Infrastructure is not inevitability Keep the door open but the funnel narrow Prestige plus scale is not a strategy without story Peacemaker S2E1 centers on loneliness, found family, and a doorway that tempts Chris with a perfect life. The team still clicks when they are together, and the Justice Gang scene lands. Quotes “Infrastructure is not inevitability.” “I think we might be in an era where people are hungry for well made stuff again.” “The misfit toys work well together.” “Listen to different sources, but check your sources.” Call to Action Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, tap the bell, and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share the episode with a friend and tag us using #GeekFreaksPod. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com is the source for all news discussed on our shows and where you can find reviews, links, and more Follow Us Website: https://geekfreakspodcast.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Listener Questions Send your questions and hot takes for next week's Question of the Week. Drop them on Twitter or Threads, or email us via the site. Apple Podcast Tags Geek Freaks, movies, TV, pop culture, Marvel, DC, James Gunn, Avengers Doomsday, Eternals, Kumail Nanjiani, A24, Elden Ring, Alex Garland, Peacemaker Season 2, John Cena, Guy Gardner, video game adaptations, fandom, reviews, podcast

Send us a textWe were challenged to watch a few movies, and we lived to talk about 'em. (Of course, we cover recent pop culture news, too.) "Did You Hear About This?" breaks down unusual pop culture topics and news stories that might be new to you. Enjoy learning useless stuff? Welcome home. Please subscribe, like, and review us — we always need support to grow in this algorithmic world. If you don't, we'll find you.Do you know someone who would like our show? Please share. It's the only way a show like ours grows. We aren't afraid to beg. Visit us at didyouhearaboutthis.show

Send us a textWelcome to the latest Series of Supportive Care Matters, a podcast hosted by Medical Oncologist and International Cancer Survivorship Expert, Professor Bogda Koczwara AM."If it were a pill, we would all want it." This powerful opening statement captures the essence of ground-breaking research that's transforming our understanding of cancer survivorship care. The CHALLENGE Study has delivered what many considered impossible: definitive evidence that structured exercise significantly extends the lives of colorectal cancer survivors.The results are nothing short of remarkable. Colorectal cancer patients who participated in a structured exercise program for three years after completing surgery and chemotherapy showed an 80% disease-free survival rate at five years, compared to 74% in those who received only health education materials. The results showed that structured exercise provides a significantly longer disease-free survival. Even more impressive, overall survival improved from 83% to 90% - a 37% decrease in risk. To put this in perspective, for every 14 patients who followed the exercise program, one additional life was saved.What makes this intervention unique is its sophisticated approach to behaviour change. Participants received individualised exercise prescriptions targeting 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, combined with regular supervision and motivational support. Exercise physiologists conducted environmental scans to identify accessible opportunities, established accountability through regular check-ins and helped participants overcome barriers to physical activity. This wasn't simply about telling people to exercise - it was about teaching them how to make sustainable lifestyle changes.The implications for clinical practice are profound. To discuss this ground-breaking paper in detail, Professor Bogda Koczwara is joined by the Australian Principal Investigators - Professor Haryana Dhillon and Professor Janette Vardy.Visit www.oncologynews.com.au for show notes and more information about Supportive Care Matters.This conversation is proudly produced by the Podcast Team at The Oncology Podcast, part of the Oncology Media Group Australia.

Frank sits down with James from Distance Nerding to unpack Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 2. They get into the portal arc and what it means for Chris as a character, why Eagly quietly steals the episode, and how James Gunn uses running gags like bird blindness to build heart under the humor. The conversation hits Economos wrestling with anxiety and loyalty, Harcourt's guard-up spiral, Maxwell Lord setup notes, and a few big swing predictions for where the last three episodes could go. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Welcome and intro to James from Distance Nerding 00:41 First reactions and the tone of a bridge episode 01:20 Tim Meadows as Flurry and the bird blindness gag that keeps paying off 02:55 Eagly reminder and the home defense sequence 03:34 Who hunts Eagly and why that matters for stakes 03:54 The portal arc and the pull of a “better life” versus the 11th Street Boys 05:36 Frank's theory that the other world celebrates the wrong heroes 07:16 Economos anxiety, Argus pressure, and found family 08:20 Wanting solitude yet craving connection 09:25 The quiet role Economos plays as a buffer between Argus and Peacemaker 10:49 Harcourt's arc and the “is it nepotism if they are perfect for the part” debate 12:10 Maxwell Lord read and why this version fits the DCU tone 13:08 Little prop clues and what they say about each universe 14:59 Pacing notes and how small scenes plant story markers 16:50 Expecting a tonal pivot in the final three and how it could bridge into the DCU 18:14 Why mature side stories like this hit different than the big icons 19:13 The portal as a what if and a metaphor for avoiding the real work 21:02 A simple I love you that hints at hope in a darker world 22:05 Will Chris ever find peace or accept where he is 24:13 Amelia in the other world and why a perfect version may not be what he wants 25:01 Kintsugi idea and why the cracks are what make Chris care 25:57 Screener cutoff at five episodes and cameo speculation 27:06 Adebayo and Kia under strain and what career first says about her path 27:46 Will Economos choose Argus before choosing his people 28:47 Twilight Zone vibes and a pocket world that looks bright but is not 29:07 Hot take prediction that a certain Rick Flag could show up in a key way 30:12 Senior's revenge focus and Chris facing what he did 31:13 Guilt in the Maxwell Lord interview and the line that haunts him 32:31 Final thoughts plus a quick Alien Earth shout 32:53 Distance Nerding con schedule and Geek Freaks collabs 35:01 Sign off Key Takeaways Peacemaker is sitting in the tension between a tempting escape and the messy work of growth. Running jokes like bird blindness are doing character work, not just easy laughs. Eagly is more than a mascot. Giving him an active threat raises the emotional stakes at home. Economos is the quiet hinge of the team. His anxiety and Argus ties set up a hard choice. Harcourt is pushing people away to avoid being seen. That makes her mirror Chris more than ever. The other universe may celebrate ugly values under a hero banner. That could snap Chris back to who he is now, not who he was. Expect a big tone shift in the last three episodes with room for a surprise cameo that ties personal guilt to resolution. Memorable Quotes “Those callback jokes you think are throwaways keep coming back. It is gold.” “Eagly steals the show. We kind of forgot he is a badass.” “He can see the life he wants through the portal, but he has not dealt with his stuff.” “You cannot hide the body. Your problems keep rolling back out.” “I think the other world might be cheering for the wrong kind of hero.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Drop a rating and review to help more fans find the show. Share this episode with a friend and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedPod. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all our news coverage and updates Distance Nerding on YouTube for live shows and con coverage Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challengeacceptedlive/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@challengeacceptedlive?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/CAPodcastLive Geek Freaks site for news: https://geekfreakspodcast.com/ Listener Questions What is your read on the portal world. Do you think Chris should stay and chase the old dream or come back and face the mess with his found family. Send your take and a prediction for Episode 3. We will read a few on the next show. Apple Podcast Tags Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, Peacemaker S2E2, DCU, James Gunn, John Cena, Vigilante, Eagly, Maxwell Lord, Economos, Harcourt, TV review, superhero TV, DC Studios, Challenge Accepted, Geek Freaks, podcast recap, character analysis, portal story, found family

On this episode of Next Level: Good Vibes Only, Jessica and Darren Salquist explore one of the most powerful mindset shifts we can make—seeing obstacles not as threats, but as opportunities to grow and evolve. Drawing from Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is the Way, they unpack how reframing challenges is the first step to unlocking your infinite potential.What if every roadblock in your life was actually the path forward? By embracing the principles of anti-fragility, you'll learn how to thrive under pressure, build emotional stamina, and lean into discomfort with purpose. Jessica and Darren share their own practices for staying grounded—through sleep, movement, mindfulness, and intentional routines—especially when life gets messy.The obstacle isn't in your way. It is the way. Let's walk it together.For more information on what we love doing, workshops, public speaking, and coaching, follow us and inquire here.Contact Darren Salquist at ⁠⁠nextleveltcoaching@gmail.com⁠⁠ for more information on the CoreFit Wellness Academy. Follow Darren Salquist, Life Changer, Self-Mastery + Heroic Performance Coach, PTA, and Personal TrainerIG: @salquid ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/salquid/⁠⁠Linkedin ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-salquist-3836b770/⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/darren.salquist?mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠⁠Follow Jessica Salquist, Life Changer, Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist, Heroic Performance Coach, and Executive LeaderIG: @reflexologyjedi ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reflexologyjedi/⁠⁠Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-salquist-46b07772/⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/salquistjessica?mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠⁠Find us both on IG @nextlevelreflexologycoaching ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nextlevelreflexologycoaching⁠⁠Wellness + Coaching — Next Level Coaching and ReflexologyWebsite: ⁠⁠www.nextleveltransformationalcoaching.com⁠⁠ Check out Heroic.us to enroll in a coaching program and be part of an amazing community.Buy the book Arete here: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/ctXhK7A⁠⁠ (on Amazon)

Frank is joined by Kyle and Scott for a packed roundtable on Gamescom highlights, World of Warcraft Midnight reveals, and a friendly debate on brand events versus trade shows. The crew breaks down Hollow Knight Silksong hype, Fallout Season 2's New Vegas vibe, a surprise standout in Lego Batman, and how Blizzard's housing and three raids at launch could reshape the way we play. They wrap with network updates and weekly recommendations. Timestamps and Topics 00:00: Introduction and panel lineup 00:30: Question of the week — fictional foods from pop culture 03:01: News of the week — Gamescom overview 03:37: Hollow Knight Silksong release window and gameplay hopes 06:02: Warhammer 40K love plus Dawn of War memories 08:16: Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 concerns, design shift, and dev changes 15:56: Resident Evil 9 trailer reactions and expectations 16:57: Fallout Season 2 trailer — New Vegas sights and more of The Ghoul 18:24: Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight looks like a true Arkham style entry 20:34: World of Warcraft Midnight cinematic first reactions — Silvermoon, Lor'themar, Zalatath 26:31: Who were the light aligned warriors and how that reveal could have landed 30:15: Midnight features — three raids at launch, eight dungeons, delves, prey system, outdoor play 31:45: Why multiple smaller raids can help modern raiders 34:19: Where each host plans to spend time — raiding, delving, housing 35:30: Player housing deep dive — free placement, neighborhoods, profession recipes in old zones 41:49: Professions and transmog updates make old content matter again 42:49: Demon Hunter Devourer spec talk and leveling plans 46:23: Built in raid tools and quality of life changes 46:41: Brand events versus trade shows — BlizzCon immersion or Gamescom reach 55:14: How activations bridge both worlds and keep hype alive 58:02: What Blizzard could do next and a brainstorm on venue layout 01:04:18: Network news — Challenge Accepted updates and more from the Geek Freaks crew 01:06:07: Weekly recommendations — Hollow Knight, Dawn of War, Cowboys doc 01:13:47: Sign off Key Takeaways Hollow Knight Silksong finally feels real with fresh footage and a near term release window that has fans buzzing. Fallout Season 2 leans into New Vegas energy and looks ready to give Walton Goggins even more to chew on. Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight plays like a full Arkham style experience in a lighter package. World of Warcraft Midnight lands with a striking Silvermoon set piece and a clear villain in Zalatath while sparking questions about the light aligned reinforcements. Midnight launches with three raids, eight dungeons, delves, and a prey system that targets you in the open world for dynamic encounters. Housing is fully free form with place anywhere decoration, neighborhood vibes, and recipes scattered across old zones and dungeons, which brings back legacy professions and exploration. Built in raid tools and UI polish aim to raise the floor for everyone, not just add on users. Brand owned shows like BlizzCon deliver clarity, atmosphere, and community rituals. Trade shows give reach and variety but can dilute focus. Memorable Quotes “Hollow Knight Silksong got a release date. I am beyond excited.” “Lego Batman is straight up a new Arkham game. Who knew that would be the most complete Batman experience.” “Lor'themar finally got his moment to be the badass I always wanted him to be.” “Three raids at launch is a return to a cadence that actually fits how people play now.” “Housing should pull you back into old Azeroth and make those zones feel alive again.” Call to Action Enjoyed the episode? Follow and subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend using #GeekFreaksPod. Your reviews help more fans find us. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com is the source for all news discussed on our podcast and the home for episode notes, articles, and more. Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Website: https://geekfreakspodcast.com Listener Questions Tell us the fictional food you would bring into real life, your Gamescom favorite, or your take on brand events versus trade shows. Drop your questions and hot takes and we may feature them next episode. Apple Podcast Tags Gamescom, Hollow Knight Silksong, Fallout Season 2, Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight, World of Warcraft Midnight, Silvermoon, Zalatath, WoW housing, raiding, delves, Warhammer 40K, Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines 2, Resident Evil 9, BlizzCon, brand events, trade shows, Geek Freaks, gaming news, podcast

Episode Summary Frank breaks down the Season 2 premiere of Peacemaker with a clear eye on tone, pacing, and character arcs. He digs into how the show turns a once unlikable lead into someone worth rooting for, why the loneliness under the jokes hits harder this year, and how the new multiverse twist sets up real emotional stakes. You will hear thoughts on the Justice Gang cameo, the revamped intro, and the visual style of the folding door chamber. There is praise for John Cena's performance, predictions for where the 11th Street Kids are headed, and a quick show update while Thomas focuses on family. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Welcome and show update for Challenge Accepted 00:52 What to expect while Thomas is on dad duty and how the show will roll 01:29 Spoiler alert and the review plan for this episode 02:06 Tone and pacing compared to Season 1 02:59 Why Peacemaker is now easy to root for 03:44 Loneliness balanced with humor and how the show pulls it off 04:34 Justice Gang interview gag with Maxwell Lord, Hawkgirl, and Guy Gardner 06:16 Harcourt at the bar and what that fight says about her headspace 07:04 Faster cross cutting and more time with the full crew 07:49 The 99 doors concept and Chris seeing Keith again 10:24 Reading the alt world and the darker subtext behind it 11:29 John Cena's quiet beats and why they land 12:06 Adebayo with Chris and Economos watching for Rick Flag Sr 13:33 Vigilante and Economos calls and why they still click 14:17 New intro song and dance and why it works 15:11 Folding chamber visuals and how the world multiplies 15:50 Justice Gang line up and a clean DCU reset inside the recap 18:13 Big moments to watch and a look ahead at the multiverse thread 19:27 Final thoughts and excitement for the season Key Takeaways Peacemaker's path from jerk to vulnerable lead keeps paying off because the show lets humor sit on top of real hurt. Season 2 spreads focus across the team which helps flesh out Harcourt, Adebayo, Economos, and Vigilante. The 99 doors device is more than a visual trick. It puts Chris face to face with the life he wished he had and tests his growth. Harcourt's bar scene shows a trained fighter chasing pain to feel anything at all. The Justice Gang cameo quietly resets the DCU context without getting lost in lore. John Cena's small moments carry as much weight as the big jokes. Expect a reckoning with Rick Flag Sr and a deeper look at guilt, forgiveness, and chosen family. Quotes “It is amazing how DC took a character like Peacemaker and now I am rooting for him in every way.” “These outsiders are going to reunite again.” “There are 99 doors in this folding chamber and each one asks who Chris wants to be.” “Sometimes we do not need to make it complicated. The reset is right there in front of us.” “John Cena is a fantastic actor and the quiet beats prove it.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, tap subscribe, and leave a rating and review. Share the episode with a friend and post your take with the hashtag #ChallengeAccepted. Follow Us Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive Email: ChallengeAcceptedGFX@gmail.com Listener Questions Send your questions, hot takes, or challenges to ChallengeAcceptedGFX@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram or TikTok. Tell us your favorite moment from Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 1 and we may feature it in the next episode. Apple Podcast Tags Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, Peacemaker review, DCU, James Gunn, John Cena, Vigilante, Harcourt, Adebayo, Rick Flag, Challenge Accepted podcast, TV review, superhero TV, Geek Freaks Network

3pm: Happy National Radio Day! // I Was Thinking: John’s powerful monologue on thinking for yourself… that was ENTIRELY written by AI! // Today in History // 1920 - Early football leagues consolidate into precursor of the NFL // 9 Beers and 9 Hot Dogs in 9 Innings? Challenge Accepted. 

6pm: Video Guest – Jim Walsh – State Rep and Chairman of The WA State Republican party // Walsh reacts to Gov. Ferguson’s press conference // Today in History // 1920 - Early football leagues consolidate into precursor of the NFL // 9 Beers and 9 Hot Dogs in 9 Innings? Challenge Accepted. 

Send us a textAdolescence is often seen as something to endure — awkward years full of turbulence and struggle. But what if these years could be a time of discovery, adventure, and growth?In this episode, Jesper and Cecilie Conrad talk with Chris Balme on the launch day of his new book, Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome. We were introduced to Chris by our friend and former guest, Blake Boles, and quickly said yes to the conversation.Chris shares why adolescence is one of the most powerful stages of development — with a brain growing faster than at any other time, and social awareness reaching new heights — yet why conventional schooling so often gets in the way. Drawing on twelve years of research with adolescents worldwide, he shows how adventures like starting a business, creating guerrilla art, or camping solo can help young people step into their capabilities and keep their curiosity alive.Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn, praises the book:“Buy this book for every middle schooler, or about-to-be middle schooler you know. It just might provide the spark that turns what can be difficult years into years of awesome adventure and growth.”We also explore Chris's own path from unhappy student to educational innovator — founding a lab school and creating an apprenticeship program that connected more than 17,000 young people with real-world mentors (including one who learned to fly a plane at twelve!).

Called to Change One Life at a Time!

Episode Summary Thomas and Frank revisit Star Trek Strange New Worlds Season 1 Episode 1 and explain why it works for both new and longtime fans. We cover Pike's headspace after Discovery, Spock and TPring's engagement, how Order One becomes the Prime Directive, and how a single battle accidentally kickstarts a warp arms race on another world. We also dig into the show's look, the crew dynamic, canon ties from Eugenics Wars to Wrath of Khan, and how modern Trek balances optimism with real world echoes. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Welcome to Challenge Accepted and why this episode is a great Trek starting point 01:04 What the Prime Directive means and why it matters 02:37 Pike in Montana and the call to rescue Number One 03:14 Kidnapped Number One and strange warp tech on Kylie 279 03:58 How Enterprise and Discovery footage led to a warp bomb and a broken Prime Directive 04:18 Pike's big stick moment that ends a civil conflict 05:19 Why warp cores are powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands 06:26 Canon notes on Eugenics Wars and World War Three 08:07 Pike's leadership style and visions of his fate 10:02 The rescue team and Rebecca Romijn's Number One 14:22 Spock across eras and why Ethan Peck works 15:13 Spock as a lens for humanity and Wrath of Khan ties 22:23 Representation and the franchise's long history of inclusion 31:28 Production value and the volume driven look 39:17 La An Noonien Singh and the weight of canon on character arcs Key Takeaways Strange New Worlds S1E1 is a clean entry point that reintroduces core Trek ideals while setting up Pike's personal stakes. The Prime Directive is framed through cause and effect when an earlier battle leads an emerging world to build a warp bomb. Pike leads with empathy and accountability, inviting his crew to think instead of dictating answers. The episode blends canon history like Eugenics Wars and Wrath of Khan with a fresh, episodic tone. Visuals carry real weight, with cinematic ship shots and a polished stage volume look. Trek's tradition of inclusion is present through character and story, not lectures. Memorable Quotes “This is such a great entry point for new Trek fans and returning Trek fans.” “Okay. What is the Prime Directive. Let's just get that out.” “We actually broke Order One so now we have to intervene.” “Pike is that cool cowboy and he still admits his flaws.” “The ships and sets look incredible and it makes the story easy to buy.” Call to Action Enjoyed the episode. Follow and rate Challenge Accepted, leave a quick review, and share the show with a friend using the hashtag #ChallengeAccepted. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast dot com is our news source across the Geek Freaks Network https://geekfreakspodcast.com Follow Us Instagram https://www.instagram.com/challengeacceptedlive/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@challengeacceptedlive Twitter https://x.com/CAPodcastLive Listener Questions Challenge us with a movie or show, or send reactions to this episode. Email ChallengeAcceptedgfx at gmail dot com or message us on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter at Challenge Accepted Live. Apple Podcast Tags Star Trek Strange New Worlds, Captain Pike, Spock, Prime Directive, Paramount Plus, Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Rebecca Romijn, science fiction TV, episodic storytelling, Challenge Accepted podcast, Geek Freaks Network

Scott Yager is back with an ALL Q&A Podcast to talk about what the UFC / Paramount deal means for UFC, why The Challenge doesn't go on Paramount+ the next day, and much more!Want to submit questions!? Join the Pod Squad at www.ChallengeManiacs.comwww.ChallengeMania.Livewww.ChallengeMania.Shop

As parents, we often think of middle school as a gauntlet—something our kids just need to survive. But my guest today, education leader, author, and school founder Chris Balme, sees it differently. To him, middle school is an extraordinary time of growth and self-discovery—a period where young people's brains are changing at their fastest pace since early childhood, making it the perfect time to nurture creativity, agency, and resilience.Chris joins me to share ideas from his new book, Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome—a guide for kids themselves to turn these years into something remarkable. With challenges ranging from stealth artistry to healing broken friendships, Chris shows us how experiences can inspire, connect, and grow the skills kids truly need for life. Along the way, we talk about adolescent brain development, the power of awe, peer-led conflict resolution, and why middle schoolers deserve more agency than they usually get.If you've got a tween about to make the leap—or you're already in the thick of it—this conversation will help you see these years not as a trial to endure, but as a hero's journey worth embracing. Episode Highlights:[0:00] – Kicking off with a quick update on The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child: The Workbook [1:37] – Introducing Chris Balme and his passion for transforming the middle school experience [4:19] – Why middle schoolers are the “ultimate underdogs” and how reframing these years changes everything [7:25] – Building a curriculum of experiences—how “Challenge Accepted” was born [10:19] – Science-backed challenges for the TikTok generation that build connection, creativity, and agency [13:04] – The “Stealth Artist” challenge and the value of positive rule-breaking [23:54] – “Propose a Better Rule” and empowering students to create real change [29:01] – The brain science and benefits behind “Find Awe in Nature” [35:06] – “Heal a Broken Bond”—tools and mindsets for repairing friendships [46:27] – Why middle schoolers are heroes in their own epic adventure Links & Resources:·         Chris's Website https://www.chrisbalme.com/about ·         Harry Chapin: Flowers Are Red https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cVpkzZpDBA   ·         Mike Nicholson - educator https://www.learninspired.org/about   If this episode has helped you, remember to rate, follow, and share the Self-Driven Child Podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and create more content that makes a difference. If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

Frank and Thomas take on James Gunn's The Suicide Squad and dig into why this 2021 reboot stands out as one of DC's strongest entries. They break down the movie's balance of chaos and heart, the bold creative risks Gunn took, and how it set the stage for Peacemaker and the DCU's future. From standout performances to behind-the-scenes choices, they explore how this film redefined what a comic book movie could be. Timestamps & Topics: 00:00 Show open and intro to this week's challenge 00:17 James Gunn's career crossroads and DC opportunity 01:14 How Gunn handled David Ayer's original film with respect 02:04 Recurring collaborators, casting choices, and Gunn's style 04:02 Redemption, trust, and working with familiar talent 04:25 Scene-by-scene breakdown – the shocking beach opening 07:25 Watching Peacemaker before this film changes everything 08:27 Gunn's recurring parent/child themes in his work 09:43 Team intros at Belle Reve and Bloodsport vs. Peacemaker 12:20 Non-linear storytelling and bold early kills 14:46 Starro's comic book history and why Gunn always wanted him 17:29 Ratcatcher 2's emotional core and spin-off potential 19:10 Building connections – Ratcatcher 2 and Bloodsport parallels 21:10 Peacemaker/Bloodsport rivalry and payoffs 22:50 Polka-Dot Man's surprising depth 25:55 Harley Quinn's growth and breakout scene 31:53 “Fan art moments” and DC embracing color 36:40 King Shark as tragic comic relief 40:05 Gunn's comic panel approach to action 43:23 Final battle with Starro and visual payoffs 46:51 Government cover-ups and moral gray areas 49:13 Creature Commandos connection to this film 50:28 Critical reception, HBO Max impact, and pandemic release 53:47 Fun facts and production details 1:02:27 Why Peacemaker worked and the helmet that shouldn't 1:03:16 Ranking this film in the DCU and top 100 consideration 1:05:57 Planning the “Top 100” list for the show 1:06:22 Next challenge: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1E1 Key Takeaways: Gunn's creative freedom led to bold choices and deep character work. Emotional themes around family and redemption anchor the chaos. Ratcatcher 2 is the heart of the movie; Polka-Dot Man and King Shark surprise. Harley Quinn remains perfectly cast with Margot Robbie. The film's style embraces comic book colors and memorable “fan art moments.” This movie directly influenced Gunn's DCU leadership role. Quotes: “James Gunn works with people he trusts—and when he bets his career, he brings them along.” – Frank “Nothing in this movie is wasted. Every joke, every prop, every scene comes back in a meaningful way.” – Thomas “Harley Quinn isn't just chaos; she has lines she won't cross, and Gunn shows that without hitting you over the head with it.” – Frank “It's violent, it's heartfelt, and it's one of the most James Gunn movies ever made.” – Thomas Call to Action: Enjoyed this breakdown? Follow Challenge Accepted, leave us a review, and share this episode with the hashtag #ChallengeAcceptedPod. Links & Resources: GeekFreaksPodcast.com – Source for all news discussed during the episode. Follow Challenge Accepted: Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive Listener Questions: Where does The Suicide Squad rank for you in the DCU? Send us your thoughts and we might feature them in a future episode. Apple Podcast Tags: The Suicide Squad, James Gunn, DCU, Peacemaker, Ratcatcher 2, Harley Quinn, Polka-Dot Man, King Shark, Starro, DC Comics, DC Studios, Movie Review Podcast, Challenge Accepted, Frank Lourence, Thomas Craig, Comic Book Movies, HBO Max, Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman

Frank is joined by Aaron from Fandom Portals to revisit 2021's Mortal Kombat reboot and dig into everything from fight choreography to character arcs and deeper themes. They discuss how the film hit differently as a post-lockdown release, the smart (and messy) choices around Cole Young, and what to expect from Mortal Kombat 2. Plus, they highlight standout performances, favorite fights, and how the film balances brutal action with just the right amount of absurdity. Timestamps and Topics: 00:00 Introduction and guest spotlight: Aaron from Fandom Portals 02:00 What Fandom Portals is all about and their most interesting guests 04:59 Why Mortal Kombat was the pick for this episode 07:13 Two-minute rundown of the 2021 film 09:38 Remembering Mortal Kombat's unique place during the pandemic 13:04 The planned trilogy and where the story is headed 14:00 Our first memories playing Mortal Kombat 16:00 Favorite characters and button-mashing nostalgia 18:00 Comedy and fatalities: Finding the right tone 20:03 Breaking down Arcana and how it enhances the story 25:12 Character depth: Cole, Raiden, and Sub-Zero's arcs 30:00 Legacy, trauma, and family themes in Mortal Kombat 32:00 Highlight performances: Jessica McNamee and Josh Lawson 38:11 Martial arts authenticity and cultural details 41:15 The final fight: Scorpion and Cole vs Sub-Zero 43:00 Sonya vs Kano: Underdogs, traps, and laser chaos 46:00 Talking stereotypes and what modern adaptations can improve 48:00 The score: Hits, misses, and video game influence Key Takeaways: Mortal Kombat landed during the pandemic as a fun, communal theater experience. The new Arcana system brought purpose and emotional weight to the characters' powers. Kano's over-the-top personality worked thanks to Josh Lawson's fully committed performance. Scorpion and Sub-Zero's rivalry represents generational trauma, vengeance, and redemption. The fights were creative and often layered with emotional or thematic stakes. The film's costume and stunt work add more depth than it gets credit for. The score was ambitious but sometimes pulled focus away from the action. Quotes: “You don't need a perfect movie to have a meaningful one—and this gave us something to rally around.” “Sub-Zero was cool. Literally. He was the kid-you-didn't-let-your-brothers-pick fighter.” “Kano's the guy you roll your eyes at and still want to grab a beer with.” “The deeper themes are there if you want them—generational pain, redemption, and honoring legacy.” Call to Action: Like what you heard? Subscribe to Challenge Accepted, leave us a review, and share the episode with a friend using the tag #ChallengeAcceptedPod. Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for more episodes and pop culture news. Follow Us: Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive Have a favorite Mortal Kombat fatality? Hit us up—we want to hear from you! Apple Podcast Tags: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat movie, Mortal Kombat review, movie podcast, Challenge Accepted, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Josh Lawson, martial arts movies, video game movies, film breakdown

On this episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank and Thomas dive deep into Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel's latest take on its original superhero team. They unpack what makes this version click—from the emotional dynamics between the characters to the classic comic book roots baked into the plot. They also debate Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, celebrate Vanessa Kirby's commanding performance as Sue, and break down what that end credits Doom reveal means for the future of the MCU. This one's packed with takes, comic knowledge, and that signature CA banter. Timestamps and Topics: 00:00 Intro and first reactions 00:34 Emotional tone and visual impact 01:17 The family dynamic and what Marvel nailed 02:06 Comparing Fantastic Four and Superman's reboots 03:13 Marvel's tonal shift and 60s sci-fi inspirations 04:07 Spoiler alert and space travel discussions 05:24 Comic nods: Galactus, Mole Man, Red Ghost 07:00 The return of recurring villains in the MCU 10:06 Deep character breakdown: Sue, Reed, Johnny, Ben 13:40 Ben and Reed's friendship complexity 18:09 Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards—does it work? 24:02 Franklin Richards and the film's emotional core 27:10 Comic comparisons and MCU differences 30:32 CGI highs and lows 35:00 Galactus' design and introduction 37:00 Final battle and team synergy 41:04 Stretching powers and future potential 46:49 Mid and post-credit scene breakdowns 51:00 Multiverse theories and TVA links 55:02 Final thoughts and sequel hopes Key Takeaways: Vanessa Kirby shines as Sue Storm, grounding the film with emotion and authority. This Fantastic Four reboot captures the sci-fi spirit of the comics while carving out a fresh MCU tone. Johnny Storm is finally more than comic relief—he's passionate, intelligent, and layered. Pedro Pascal delivers a solid performance, but debate remains whether he feels like Reed. Galactus and Silver Surfer bring scope and threat, with visual set pieces built for IMAX. The mid-credits Doom reveal got the loudest cheer in the theater—for good reason. Memorable Quotes: “This is the first time in a long time I walked out of a Marvel movie wanting a sequel—not the next MCU thing. Just more of this.” “Sue Storm runs this team. Period.” “I don't think Pedro was Reed. I think Pedro played someone like Reed.” “They didn't just adapt a comic—they brought 60s sci-fi to life.” “Galactus wasn't just big. He was felt—especially in IMAX.” Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow, leave a review, and share it with your Marvel-loving crew. Tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedPod and tell us your rating for Fantastic Four: First Steps. Links and Resources: For all the latest news we reference, visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com Follow Us: Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Listener Questions: What's your take on Pedro Pascal's Mr. Fantastic? Are you ready for Doctor Doom to shake up the MCU? Let us know and we might read your responses on a future episode. Apple Podcast Tags: Fantastic Four, Marvel Review, MCU Phase 6, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Galactus, Silver Surfer, Sue Storm, Reed Richards, Marvel Reboot, Doctor Doom, Marvel End Credits, Comic Book Movies, Challenge Accepted, Marvel 2025

This week on Challenge Accepted, Frank and Thomas unearth The Mummy (1999) and debate whether this fan-favorite adventure deserves a spot in the official Challenge Accepted Top 100 list. Originally challenged by Australian podcast pal Aaron Brasher from Fandom Portals, the duo dives into everything from the film's wild plot and iconic action to its CGI, practical effects, and Brendan Fraser's action star moment. They unpack what holds up, what doesn't, and why this movie might be the perfect time capsule of late '90s popcorn cinema. Timestamps & Topics: 00:00 Introduction & who challenged this movie 02:00 First impressions: childhood memories and DVD nostalgia 04:00 Two-minute plot rundown (with chaotic energy) 06:00 Brendan Fraser: action hero or accidental legend? 09:00 Can this franchise come back—and should Fraser lead it? 11:00 Comparing Rick O'Connell to Indiana Jones 13:00 Evelyn's character: damsel, badass, or both? 18:00 Imhotep's motivations and why he's low-key sympathetic 22:00 Side characters, comic relief, and iconic moments 24:00 Filming in Morocco and creating believable heat 25:30 The good, the bad, and the beetles of CGI 30:00 Why Brendan Fraser's fight choreography still holds up 33:00 That Egyptian score and the power of a strong soundtrack 35:00 Mid-budget movie magic: why we need more like this 38:00 Behind-the-scenes fun facts: near-death moments and more 44:00 Historical accuracy vs cinematic fun 46:00 Cast reunion and the movie's lasting cult status 47:30 Top 100 decision time—does it make the cut? Key Takeaways: Brendan Fraser choreographed much of his own action—legend. The Mummy walks the line between camp and craft, with charm to spare. This is a film that thrives on practical effects, strong chemistry, and a sense of fun. While some moments feel dated, the core still entertains in 2025. It's a solid contender for the Challenge Accepted Top 100, but is that enough? Quotes Worth Repeating: “Rick O'Connell is 90% action hero, 10% lucky idiot—and that's why we love him.” “Imhotep didn't ask to be cursed. They turned him into the villain.” “This movie feels hotter than Dune—and everyone's actually sweating.” “It's not just nostalgia, this thing's still fun start to finish.” Call to Action: Think The Mummy deserves a Top 100 spot? Let us know on social or by emailing us at challengeacceptedgfx@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the show. Share the episode and join the conversation with #ChallengeAcceptedPod! Links and Socials:

Links from the show: Connect with Gigi Rodgers on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginagigirodgers/ Nicola Gwillym's LinkedIn post about posting 500 pieces of content in 30 days (which inspired this episode!): Nicola Gwillym Donavan Barrett's YouTube video: I'm posting 500 pieces of content in 30 days (steal my system): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeBVGdXFSnU  Kobe Bryant's approach to improving faster than anyone else: Kobe Bryant - Start Earlier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqEAlRk-SY  Alex Hormozi on resetting the minimum standard for volume of content on social media: https://x.com/AlexHormozi/status/1677681793531793408?lang=en  Where to find me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathandcollier/ Website: https://www.colliermarketing.com/ Join the community! Skool: https://www.skool.com/the-content-marketing-lounge-8374

No Sight, No Sound, No Surrender: The Aaron Hale Story This week's Team Never Quit episode features the incredible Aaron Hale—a man who has stared down adversity, twice over, and answered with resilience, grit, and chocolate. A 14-year military veteran of both the Navy and Army, Aaron was serving his second deployment in Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team Leader when an IED explosion took his sight and altered the course of his life. But Aaron didn't stop moving forward—he started climbing. Aaron shares how he turned tragedy into testimony, going from the battlefield to building a life filled with purpose. From teaching at the EOD school post-injury to completing the Boston Marathon and climbing mountains, Aaron's journey is one of extreme perseverance. In 2015, another blow—bacterial meningitis—left him completely deaf, but with cochlear implants, the support of his incredible wife McKayla, and a “Challenge Accepted” mindset, Aaron continues to thrive. We also dive into Aaron and McKayla's passion project turned thriving business—Extra Ordinary Delights, an artisan chocolate and fudge company born out of love, grit, and a relentless pursuit of joy.  Aaron Hale doesn't just inspire—he challenges all of us to rise, to reinvent, and to find joy even in the most unexpected places. From bombs to bonbons, his life is a powerful reminder that adversity is not the end of the story—it's the beginning of a better one. In This Episode You Will Hear: •  I became one of the personal chefs for the 3-star Admiral, commander to the 6th fleet (1:10) •  I wanted to be in a tight knit brotherhood. I wanted a technically challenging career field.  (14:40) •  Being that evidence collector guy that I wanted to be, I made my approach with a metal detector. 20 yards or so from the primary device was a secondary device that hadn't been found yet. It vaulted me into the air. I reached up to fix my helmet and it was gone. And I thought “Oh, no - this is bad”. At Walter Reed, I was told I'd be blind for the rest of my life. (28:05)  •  Total blindness comes with a bonus gift of sleep disorder. You can't rest you circadian rhythm. (30:50) •  I had those demons in my head asking the What if's; the Why me's. (31:37) •  I don't have a monopoly on pain. (33:36) •  I don't have any good answers, any good reasons to quit (33:43) •   Instead of “Why me? or “I can't” I just try to figure out how I can. (34:00) •  For about 6 months, I learned how to be blind. (36:03) •  I'm having an awesome time. (38:59) •  I contracted Bacterial Meningitis. That came closer to killing me than the bomb had. (39:20) •  That's when I felt bad - when I was just thinking about myself (42:37) •  I might as well keep working hard to do hard things. (46:08) •  For ten years I've been running marathons and ultra marathons (46:30) •  Everything in my life is a team sport (49:49) •  You can look at it as “I have to” or “I get to” (50:16) •  Maybe one day, the story of your struggle might be the blueprint for someone else's survival (52:35) Support Aaron   - https://pointofimpactpod.com/ - Link tree: https://linktr.ee/aaronhalepointofimpact  Fb:  https://www.facebook.com/aclayhale IG: https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/ Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ   - partnersinbuilding.com - Navyfederal.org        -    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s    -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

Our trials, temptations, and tension shape us—and they have a way of revealing who or what we're truly depending on.

Our trials, temptations, and tension shape us—and they have a way of revealing who or what we're truly depending on.

During trials, our tendency is to ask God to change what's going on around us. But God is more interested in transforming what's going on in us.

Scott discusses the recent debate over Jordan's comments regarding not being able to do other shows like Traitors, shares his thoughts on Survivor 50, drops news about Challenge Mania Boston and Detroit and takes YOUR QUESTIONS!www.ChallengeManiacs.comBOSTON PRE-SALE 6/10DETROIT PRE-SALE 6/16www.ChallengeMania.Livewww.ChallengeMania.Shop

The easy path is tempting, but God often does his greatest work on the hard road—where faith, obedience, and courage grow.

Scott takes YOUR QUESTIONS about RR30, Los Angeles, Challenge Ratings and more!www.ChallengeManiacs.comwww.ChallengeMania.Livewww.ChallengeMania.ShopSTL - 6/7PIT - 6/28ATL - 7/13RR30 LA - 7/27CHI - 8/31PHX - 9/7