Send us a text Grab your fedora and whip, because in this first half of our two-part episode, we’re venturing into the thrilling world of Indiana Jones. From Raiders of the Lost Ark’s iconic boulder chase to the pulpy, darker tones of Temple of Doom, and the father-son banter in The Last Crusade, we explore how these first three films defined a generation of adventure cinema. We’ll unpack the historical inspirations, the behind-the-scenes chaos, and the way Harrison Ford’s portrayal tu...

Send us a text Grab your fedora and whip, because in this first half of our two-part episode, we’re venturing into the thrilling world of Indiana Jones. From Raiders of the Lost Ark’s iconic boulder chase to the pulpy, darker tones of Temple of Doom, and the father-son banter in The Last Crusade, we explore how these first three films defined a generation of adventure cinema. We’ll unpack the historical inspirations, the behind-the-scenes chaos, and the way Harrison Ford’s portrayal tu...

Send us a text In this episode, we honor the legendary career of Steven Spielberg, the visionary director who reshaped movies as we know them. From Jaws's heart-pounding suspense to E.T.'s emotional wonder, we explore how Spielberg mastered the art of storytelling, elevated the blockbuster genre, and built a legacy that continues to influence filmmakers today. We discuss his early struggles, his collaborations with industry giants like John Williams and George Lucas, and his evo...

Send us a text In this episode, we give our takes on Amazon's The Wheel of Time TV series and how it stacks up against Robert Jordan’s iconic fantasy book series. From casting choices and character arcs to major plot shifts and visual world-building, we break down what the show does well and where it veers off the path. We also take a step back to explore how the source material’s vast, intricate mythology poses unique challenges for any screen adaptation. Whether you're a longtime fa...

Send us a text In this episode, we look into the ever-shifting landscapes of the DC Universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With James Gunn now steering the DCU ship, we unpack what his vision means for iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League. Is this finally the fresh start DC fans have been waiting for? On the Marvel side, we explore the current state of the MCU post-Endgame, including franchise fatigue, multiverse confusion, and the hits and misses ...

Send us a text In this spirited episode, we have invited our good friend Jon back to go headfirst into the ultimate battleground of fandom: geek debates. From the galaxy-shaking classic of "Who shot first: Han or Greedo?" to lesser-known but equally passionate arguments like whether Batman or Iron Man is the better billionaire vigilante. We’re not afraid to stir the pot, no fandom is safe, and no hill is too obscure to die on—whether it’s about the best Sci-fi universe, or debating whether Ma...

Send us a text In this episode, we look into the ever-shifting landscapes of the DC Universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With James Gunn now steering the DCU ship, we unpack what his vision means for iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League. Is this finally the fresh start DC fans have been waiting for? On the Marvel side, we explore the current state of the MCU post-Endgame, including franchise fatigue, multiverse confusion, and the hits and misses o...

Send us a text In this special two-part series, we step behind the screen and into the mind of a Dungeon Master. We’re joined by veteran DM Nathan Glunt, who brings years of tabletop experience, storytelling finesse, and creative insight to the mic. We dig into what it truly means to run a Dungeons & Dragons game from the DM’s chair — from world-building and improvisation to player dynamics and campaign pacing. Nathan shares personal anecdotes, go-to techniques, and the philosophies that...

Send us a text In this special two-part series, we step behind the screen and into the mind of a Dungeon Master. We’re joined by veteran DM Nathan Glunt, who brings years of tabletop experience, storytelling finesse, and creative insight to the mic. We dig into what it truly means to run a Dungeons & Dragons game from the DM’s chair — from world-building and improvisation to player dynamics and campaign pacing. Nathan shares personal anecdotes, go-to techniques, and the philosophies that...

Send us a text Gather ye 'round, oh listeners bold, Of iron sinew and legends old. For in this tale of might and flame, We sing the songs of Conan’s name. In this most thunderous episode, we lift the veil of time and step into the age of high adventure — where steel is strong, but courage stronger still. We recount the cinematic sagas of Conan the Barbarian, from the primal roars of Arnold the Austrian in 1982's stone-hewn classic, to the reimagined fury of Jason Momoa in th...

Send us a text What happens when elves get jobs, vampires pay rent, and wizards have to deal with parking tickets? You get urban fantasy, the genre where magic meets metro passes and ancient evil hides behind artisanal coffee shops. In this episode, we leave the enchanted forests of classic fantasy behind and head straight into the city, where the only thing more dangerous than a necromancer is the rush hour traffic. We compare urban fantasy to its more medieval cousin — you know, the one wit...

Send us a text Middle-earth calls once more! In this episode of The Tree of Geek, we saddle up and ride deep into the heart of Rohan as we discuss the brand-new animated film The War of the Rohirrim. Set nearly two centuries before the events of The Lord of the Rings, this epic tale brings to life the legendary Helm Hammerhand and the origins of Helm’s Deep like never before. Join us as we break down the story, animation style, lore connections, and what this means for the future of Tolkien ...

Send us a text Grab your swords and prepare for immortality! In this episode of The Tree of Geek, we look at the cult classic, Highlander (1986). From its amazing Queen soundtrack to the epic battles of Connor MacLeod, we explore what makes this film a timeless (and sometimes delightfully over-the-top) gem in geek culture. Join us as we break down the film’s unique mix of fantasy, historical drama, and ‘80s action, discuss the performances of Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, and Clancy Brow...

Send us a text Welcome back to The Tree of Geek Podcast! This week, we're digging into the arcane arts to settle an age-old debate: Who is the best magic user in all of fantasy? Not the most powerful, not the most overpowered, but simply the best. From the cunning sorcery of Gandalf to the meticulous spellwork of Harry Dresden, the raw arcane mastery of Raistlin Majere, and even the rule-breaking chaos of Doctor Strange, we’re putting our favorite magic users to the test. What makes a magic w...

Send us a text In this episode, we take a look into the 1982 cult classic The Beastmaster! From its sword-and-sorcery action to its unexpected emotional depth (and, of course, those unforgettable ferrets), we break down what makes this fantasy adventure stand the test of time. We discuss its impact on pop culture, its place among the great '80s fantasy films, and why it still has a devoted fanbase today. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories, our favorite moments, and whether or not this movie hold...

Send us a text In this episode of The Tree of Geek, Michael and Josh explore the magical world of fantasy and what sets it apart from other genres like science fiction, horror, and more. What defines a story as fantasy? Is it dragons and wizards? The presence of magic? Or something deeper? We’ll unpack the core elements of fantasy storytelling, from the importance of world-building to the role of myth and folklore. Along the way, we’ll compare and contrast it with science fiction, discussing ...

Send us a text A New Year means a New Season! In this episode, we look ahead into the cinematic and TV landscape for the upcoming year, spotlighting the most anticipated releases across genres. From blockbuster films and binge-worthy series to indie gems and unexpected surprises, this episode is your ultimate guide to entertainment in the months ahead. Support the show

Send us a text As the year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the best of 2024! In this special episode, we host the 2nd Annual Treefort Awards, recognizing excellence across a variety of categories. From the most captivating sci-fi books and groundbreaking fantasy movies to thought-provoking documentaries, we highlight the stories that defined the year. Join us as we reflect on the year’s most creative works, honor the winners, and share some fun, geeky moments along the way. Whether y...

Send us a text In this episode of Tree of Geek, we’re taking a look into the heart of sci-fi fandom as we compare and debate our Top 5 Sci-Fi Franchises of all time. From iconic space operas to dystopian futures, we’ll explore the universes that have shaped the genre and captured our imaginations. Joining us for this epic discussion is our recurring special guest Jon, a fellow sci-fi aficionado and long-time fan of the podcast. Together, we’ll share our picks, debate what makes each franchis...

Send us a text In this episode of Tree of Geek, we take a look into the thrilling world of movies and TV shows where Artificial Intelligence steps out of line and takes control. From iconic blockbusters like The Terminator and The Matrix to mind-bending TV series like Westworld and Battlestar Galactica, we explore how storytellers have imagined the rise and rebellion of intelligent machines. What makes rogue AI so compelling in sci-fi? Why do these tales continue to captivate us? And what do ...