Car Talk: Balance of Powered
April 11, 2019
How can a society that includes both the superpowered and the powerless uphold the rights of all? Another car talk episode!
Matthew Fox has been passionate about deep conversations about genre media since childhood, when watching the original Star Trek series with their mother often led to discussions about the ethical questions it raised.
Beyond podcasting, Matthew helps run a small nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers to computer science education for youth and also provides consulting services for nonprofits and small businesses.
Over time, their podcasting interests have expanded, launching a Star Wars-focused podcast in 2019 and frequently appearing as a guest or co-host on PandaVision and other shows. While ethical questions are not always the primary focus of their work, Matthew has a knack for finding them in nearly everything they watch.
They are the host and founder of both Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics on TruStory FM.
How can a society that includes both the superpowered and the powerless uphold the rights of all? Another car talk episode!
What set the Netflix MCU apart from the myriad other methods of superhero storytelling? Which thought-provoking questions emerged from Daredevil Season 3 and Iron Fist Season 2? Plus, find out what transpires when Jacob and Matthew are explicitly tasked with discussing the Netflix MCU, rather than veering into it during tangents as usual.
Is anger a righteous attribute in a hero, or is it a perilous one? Who is granted the privilege to express anger, and how do race and gender factor into that equation? Where does one draw the line between anger and hatred, and what is the relationship between anger and power? Jacob and Matthew explore these questions and more in this thought-provoking episode.
Are the Sith merely mustache-twirling villains, or is there a method to their madness? Where did the Jedi go astray? Should emotions be restrained or fully embraced by a space wizard, and how did the Jedi and Sith codes shape one another? Jacob and Matthew dive into these questions with the assistance of friend and Star Wars Nerd Extraordinaire, Jonah Kellman.
Jacob and Matthew examine “Mad Idolatry,” the season finale of The Orville Season 1, and delve into the broader questions it raises.
Order or chaos—or is that a false dichotomy? We tackle these questions and more as we examine the Vorlons and the Shadows from Babylon 5.
2018 was one heck of a year, and Jacob and Matthew delve into their favorite characters, ethical questions, and moments from the year that was. They revisit old topics, discuss their learnings, and share their enthusiasm for what’s coming in 2019.
The Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. Why do we spin so many tales about these two? Jessica Plummer joins Jacob and Matthew!
Jacob and Matthew express their gratitude for the latest season of Luke Cage in this episode, diving into the reasons they enjoyed the show and the questions it raised. We delve into themes of revenge, historical context, father-son and mother-daughter dynamics, and ponder whether Harlem needs a hero or a king.
Is Superman a product of nature or nurture? We delve into the Red Son storyline, an alternate reality where Kal-El lands in the USSR.