Superhero Ethics

Latest Episodes:

Ep 111 - Fandom with a Critical Lens Nov 05, 2020

Show notes

What does it mean to be a fan with a critical eye? How do we relate to the stories we loved as kids, as we come to see some of their problematic aspects? How do we balance our values with the desire to be entertained in an imperfect world? Logan Grendel returns to the podcast as we talk about these questions and more.
Logan Grendel is a Dog guru, photographer, activist, urban gardener, magick practitioner, artist, musician, and Nonbinary Black leftist rabblerouser, who discuses all that and more on the Focused on Infinity podcast and Twitch stream. A lifelong fan of comics, fantasy, and dystopian tales of all kinds, Logan’s own photo/graphic novel creation Harlequin’s Song was completed in 2006, and has never seemed more timely. Click here for the many places Logan's work can be found online. https://linktr.ee/FoILG
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/superheroethics/) or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter (https://twitter.com/SuperheroEthics) account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 110 - The Un-Tropes of Queen's Gambit Oct 29, 2020

Show notes

Paul and I talk about tropes in our favorite movies and shows, using the Netflix show The Queen’s Gambit as our launch point. What makes a trope annoying or problematic, and where can they be helpful to a story, especially a superhero one? How does Queen’s Gambit both embrace and subvert tropes in ways that make it such an engaging story? And is Chess a superpower?
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook
Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/superheroethics/) or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter (https://twitter.com/SuperheroEthics) account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 109 - The Boys - Ethics of S2 Oct 22, 2020

Show notes

Season 2 of The Boys has wrapped up, and we’re diving in to some of the ethical questions it raised. When superheroes are the product, who holds the real power? How did this season hold up a mirror to questions in our own world? And what will AOC... I mean Congresswoman Neuman be an anti-hero, or the new big bad in season 3?
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/superheroethics/) or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter (https://twitter.com/SuperheroEthics) account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Comics History Pt 2 - Comics Code Censorship Oct 01, 2020

Show notes

In part two of our history of comic book superheroes, we round out the golden age with a discussion of the Comics Code Association, which tried to rescue America’s youth from the “10 cent plague!”
Jessica Plummer lives in New York and loves Superman very very much. You can listen to just how much on her Superman podcast, Flights and Tights (http://flightsandtights.libsyn.com/). She also writes about comics and books in general at BookRiot.com (https://bookriot.com/author/jessica-plummer/). Find her on Twitter @jess_plummer.
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/superheroethics/) or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter (https://twitter.com/SuperheroEthics) account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 108 - Finn and the Charecter that Could Have Been Sep 24, 2020

Show notes

‘Do not market a black character as important and then push them aside.’ - John Boyega, GQ Magazine https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/john-boyega-interview-2020
In a recent interview, John Boyega, the actor who played Finn expressed his frustration and anger at how the character was treated in the Star Wars postquels. Jared Sylva and Matthew Westfox use that interview as a jumping off point to discuss all the potential this character had and how they weren’t realized. Could we have had two jedi? What stories could you tell my digging deep into the mindset of a stormtrooper who goes rogue, and how does he inspire others? What happens when a soldier raised by the army from birth, has to shoot at his formers compatriots who are also former child soldiers?
Jared Sylva is a life-long Star Wars fan and a professional geek as the Organized Play department manager for Star City Games. who loves sharing the movies and shows he loves with his two young children. You can reach out to Jared on Twitter @JaredSylva.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 107 - Rob & Matthew's Excellent Time Travel Adventure Sep 17, 2020

Show notes

Rob & Matthew’s excellent time travel episode!
After months of ranting about the logical and ethical problems with time travel, Matthew invited OG Time Lord Rob McKenzie to explain it all. We look at different theories of time travel, and which movies and tv shows make the most sense. We look at moral questions such as human agency vs. a predetermined time line, who gets to decide what the timeline ‘should’ be, what is the responsibility of someone who can go back in time to make things ‘right,’ and will Matthew ever find a time travel story that doesn’t drive him up the damn wall.
Particular focus on Star Trek: City on the Edge of Forever, Umbrella Academy, and Bill & Ted.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

EP 106 - Mercy, Honor & Karate in Cobra Kai Sep 10, 2020

Show notes

Mercy. Honor. Heroes. Bullies. Teen love triangles. 80’s music. Karate.
Paul and Matthew dive into the Karate Kid ‘verse with hit TV show Cobra Kai. What does it mean to be a bully, or a hero, and how do we lock ourselves, and others, into those boxes? What happens when the victim gains enough power to become a bully themselves? Is physical violence an ethical response to verbal bullying?
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/superheroethics/) or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter (https://twitter.com/SuperheroEthics) account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 105- Villains vs. Systems Sep 03, 2020

Show notes

You’ve killed the evil queen - but what happens to the kingdom? Does the evil gang/company/movement just go away when you kill their leader? And if your goal is to kill that leader- is it your responsibility to come up with a plan for what happens next?
Paul joins Matthew to dive into these questions and more. We use Avatar: Legend of Korra, as a jumping off point, and look at how the questions are addressed in a number of ‘verses.
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/superheroethics/) or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter (https://twitter.com/SuperheroEthics) account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Ep 104 - Black Widow Aug 27, 2020

Show notes

We don’t know when the movie is coming out, but we’re talking Black Widow! My cousin (to be) Ellie joins me to dive into questions like why this character is so important, to the team and to us fans, her death and how it was handled, our thoughts on the upcoming movie.
Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ellie McCreary is a senior at Creighton University studying psychology and philosophy. She likes listening to true crime podcasts, contemplating the meaning of life, and baking.
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/superheroethics/) or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter (https://twitter.com/SuperheroEthics) account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

Comics History - The Golden Age Part 1- WWII Aug 21, 2020

Show notes

Comics History - The Golden Age, Part 1- WWII
When talking about superheroes, and the choices they make or how they do what they do, a favorite topic is to wonder where they started, and how they've evolved from writer to writer, and from page to screen and back again. Today we kick off a special series in which Matthew will be joined by superhero history whiz Jess Plummer, as we trace the history and development of these caped characters. Look for new episodes about once a month.
Today in our inaugural episode we’re going back to the beginning, and looking at the start of the golden age, from Superman’s first appearance, to the end of World War II. We’re talking about the Jewish origins of Superman, the gender theories of the creator of Wonder Woman, what is the nature of a hero, and why do so many of these characters have so much fun punching Nazis/
Jessica Plummer lives in New York and loves Superman very very much. You can listen to just how much on her Superman podcast, Flights and Tights (http://flightsandtights.libsyn.com/). She also writes about comics and books in general at BookRiot.com (https://bookriot.com/author/jessica-plummer/). Find her on Twitter @jess_plummer.
Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!
You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Superhero Ethics Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/superheroethics/) or talk to us on the podcast’s Twitter (https://twitter.com/SuperheroEthics) account, or email us at superheroethics@gmail.com.
Support this podcast through our Patreon page! Patreon is a great way to support creators like us through donations, and get great rewards for your help. You can even pick a topic for an upcoming episode! https://www.patreon.com/superheroethics
Want to show your love for Superhero Ethics with a t-shirt, hoodie, cell phone case, mouse pad, or other swag? We now have a store where you can buy any of those things and more! https://www.teepublic.com/user/superheroethics
This podcast is proud to be a member of the Stranded Panda Podcast Network. Check it out to find a number of other great geek properties, including others co-hosted by Matthew.
With Matthew
The Orville Universe Podcast
Superhero Ethics Podcast
Bingers Assemble
And some of the other great Stranded Panda podcasts include:
Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast
DC on Screen
Star Trek Universe Podcast
Who Watched the Watchmen
Lastly, you probably heard some great music at the start and the end of our podcast. That music comes from the deeply talented Jack Hesse.. You can follow him on Twitter at Jack_608, https://twitter.com/jack_608

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