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Altered Geek ®

GeekCast Radio Network, LLC

Join Steve "Megatron" and TFG1Mike weekly on Altered Geek as they debate the latest in tech, streaming TV, blockbuster movies, video games, and animation. A classic, conversational geek podcast filled with sharp banter, product reviews, and pop culture commentary. Get Altered, Get Geeky!

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#478
Thursday · 42 min
Netflix’s AI Rollout, Prank Culture Backlash & Toy Store Madness
Ain't life great... or is it just getting weirder by the minute? In Episode 478 of Altered Geek, host Steve "Megatron" and TFG1Mike dive into a week packed with tech shakeups, viral rage-baiting, and major pop-culture renewals! Over in the headlines, we dissect Netflix’s official launch of "AI Discover"—a new AI-branded recommendation engine rolling out on Smart TVs that promises to fix search algorithms, but leaves us wondering if streaming has officially hit peak algorithm overload. We celebrate the official Season 2 renewal of Stuart Fails To Save The Universe at HBO Max, react to the absurdly inflated price tags at the newly reopened Toys "R" Us retail spots, and break down the viral Michigan grocery store incident where internet prank culture backfired, leading to a massive $500K+ community windfall for a hard-working Red Baron vendor. Plus, we talk early hype and speculation surrounding Marvel’s upcoming Avengers: Doomsday! What you’ll get out of this episode: Steve's workstation updates on building custom local, self-hosted editing tools. An honest breakdown of Netflix’s new "AI Discover" recommendation feature. Season 2 renewal details for Chuck Lorre's Stuart Fails To Save The Universe. A discussion on the viral Red Baron vendor prank in Michigan and the death of online rage-bait culture. Price-point reality checks on the Toys "R" Us physical store revival. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks! Top Stories & Featured Links Streaming Algorithms: Netflix Rolls Out New "AI Discover" Feature on Smart TVs Big Bang Spin-Off: Stuart Fails To Save The Universe Renewed For Season 2 at HBO Max Viral Backlash: Michigan Red Baron Worker Prank Viral Response and Support Podcast Hosting Partner: Start & Host Your Show with RSS.com (GCRN Affiliate Link)
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#477
October 29 · 1 hr 31 min
Independent Podcasting Workflows, Spotify’s AI Shift & Media News
When the tools you rely on actively fight your workflow, it’s time to light up the mic and call it out! In Episode 477 of Altered Geek, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike discuss podcast hosting platforms, breaking down the transition away from Spreaker toward self-reliant, privacy-first open-source workflows and our trusted partners at RSS.com. Steve shares his latest workstation setup and audio editing pipeline, proving that independent creators don't need SaaS monthly subscriptions to produce professional-grade audio. Over in the tech and pop-culture queue, we analyze Spotify's one-year update on its AI slop and spam cleanup—where over 50 million tracks were buried from recommendations—and discuss Discord's upcoming move to let public server messages index directly into Google search results. Plus, we react to KFC dumping Pepsi after 40 years to switch to Coca-Cola, Hot Wheels stripping detail from their die-cast cars, New Line Cinema's horror revival with Last Friday, the return of Stephanie March as ADA Alex Cabot in Law & Order: SVU Season 28, and Walter Koenig reflecting on his favorite low-budget Star Trek classic! What you’ll get out of this episode: The real story behind breaking free from Spreaker and moving to independent podcast distribution. Steve's workstation audio editing updates and custom local tool creation. Analysis of Spotify's war on AI slop and Discord's Google search integration. Industry shifts: KFC switching to Coke, Law & Order: SVU cast returns, and Hot Wheels design cuts. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks! Top Stories & Featured Links Podcast Hosting Upgrade: Host Your Podcast with RSS.com (GCRN Affiliate Link) Streaming AI Cleanup: Spotify Excludes 50 Million AI Slop Tracks From Recommendations Soda Wars Shift: KFC Swaps Pepsi for Coca-Cola After 40-Year Partnership Procedural Return: Stephanie March Reprises Role as Alexandra Cabot in Law & Order: SVU Season 28
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#476
October 23 · 1 hr 12 min
$1,800 Xbox Rumors, Smart TV Vibe-Coding & Megatron Rising 2027
Episode 476 of Altered Geek delivers a forward-looking deep dive into the changing tech and entertainment landscape. Hosts Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike react to shocking industry reports projecting Microsoft's next-generation Xbox hardware could launch at an eye-watering $1,200 to $1,800 price tag. We break down what this means for console gaming economics, price accessibility, and whether hardware is pivoting strictly toward high-end enthusiast PCs. Over in the toy aisle, we dissect early 2027 franchise leaks for Transformers: Megatron Rising, featuring a multi-era Megatron lineup—G2 Go-Bot, Machine Wars, G1, and Transmetal—that merge into a giant "King Megatron" combiner. We share our thoughts on the Machine Wars sculpt vs. the Kingdom Transmetal retool. Plus, we explore how tech-savvy users are now vibe-coding their Smart TVs with custom firmware and ad-blockers to strip away bloatware, debate the trend of charging theater prices for film re-releases with footage that used to be standard DVD extras, and take a nostalgic look back at the social community of Blockbuster Video. What you’ll get out of this episode: Analysis of Microsoft's projected $1,200–$1,800 next-gen Xbox console reports. A deep dive into the Transformers: Megatron Rising 2027 leaks and combiner mechanics. How users are vibe-coding Smart TVs to eliminate invasive ads and bloatware interfaces. Discussion on modern theatrical re-releases vs. classic physical DVD special features. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks! Top Stories & Featured Links Hardware Sticker Shock: Microsoft Projects Next Xbox May Cost $1,200 to $1,800 Tech DIY Movement: Users Turn to Vibe-Coding to Strip Smart TVs of Ads & Bloatware
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#475
October 15 · 1 hr 13 min
Open Source Adobe Clones & The Art of Waiting
We are officially twenty-five episodes away from the big 500 milestone! In Episode 475, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike kick off the march to 500 with a wild week of tech disruption, media shifts, and pop-culture retrospectives. First, we tackle the viral story shaking up the software industry: a solo developer using Claude AI to rebuild the entire Adobe Creative Suite in Rust—releasing it completely free while targeting 100% parity—before immediately following up with open-source replications of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and setting sights on Autodesk. In our top stories, we break down the rise of dynamic digital price tags in retail stores and their controversial surge-pricing features, look at The Roku Channel's major 2026 platform updates, and revisit the landmark performance of RJ Mitte as Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad and its lasting impact on disability representation on television. Then, in our deep-dive topics, we react to Trevor Noah's viral commentary on whether Gen Z is killing the art of waiting. What you’ll get out of this episode: A deep breakdown of the solo developer using Claude AI to replicate Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. Analysis of digital price tags and dynamic pricing trends hitting retail shelves. Retrospective look at RJ Mitte's disability representation in Breaking Bad and GCRN's Remote Control archive. Discussion on Trevor Noah's commentary on Gen Z, instant gratification, and millennial Blockbuster nostalgia. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks! Top Stories & Featured Links Software Disruption: Solo Developer Rebuilds Adobe Creative Suite & MS Office in Rust Using Claude AI Retail Tech: Digital Price Tags and Dynamic Pricing Hit Retail Store Shelves Representation Milestone: RJ Mitte's Walter White Jr. Performance & Disability Representation GCRN Archives: Remote Control: The Complete Breaking Bad Coverage (2017–2019) Streaming Platform Shifts: The Roku Channel Unveils Major 2026 UI and Content Updates
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#474
October 13 · 1 hr 16 min
DCU Crisis, The Batman Part II Pause & Audible AI
In this edition of Altered Geek, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike return to tackle the latest developments across entertainment, tech, and cinema. We kick things off with breaking news in the superhero world, discussing the production pause on The Batman Part II as director Matt Reeves steps away for personal reasons, alongside an honest critique of James Gunn's DCU slate and those unverified Avengers: Secret Wars Reddit delay rumors. Over in broadcasting and tech, we dissect Amazon's huge six-year global deal to stream the Emmys for free on Prime Video, and Steve reacts to the internet finally discovering Amazon's hidden "About You" user-interest tracking page. Plus, we look at a community effort by users and investors to purchase Letterboxd, check out Audible's new conversational AI feature for audiobook characters, and break down why studios are now charging ticket prices for theatrical movie re-releases with "new footage" that used to just be basic DVD special features. What you’ll get out of this episode: Production status updates on The Batman Part II and James Gunn's DCU roadmap. Analysis of Amazon's Prime Video Emmys deal and its "About You" profile tracking. The pitch behind making Letterboxd a community-owned platform. A look into Audible's conversational AI for audiobook characters and movie re-release trends. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks! Top Stories & Featured Links DC Cinema Pause: The Batman Part II Production Paused as Director Matt Reeves Steps Away Free Streaming Deal: Amazon Strikes Six-Year Deal to Stream Emmys Free on Prime Video Crowdfunded Film App: Letterboxd Users & Investors Launch Campaign for Community Ownership Interactive Audiobooks: Audible Introduces Conversational AI Feature for Audiobook Characters Journalism Standards: How The Verge Fact-Checks and Verifies Stories
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#473
October 9 · 41 min
AI Dystopia, Corporate Mergers & "Memoirs of the End" with Author Vincent Ryland
What happens when the end of human agency doesn't come from a dramatic robot war, but through corporate mergers, regulatory blind spots, universal basic income, and sheer societal convenience? Steve "Megatron" Phillips sits down with author, former attorney, and corporate strategist Vincent Ryland to explore his chilling sci-fi thriller, Memoirs of the End (Monarch Hill). Drawing on his extensive background in Fortune 100 legal frameworks, market research, and military defense planning, Vincent presents a terrifyingly plausible vision of artificial general intelligence (AGI) taking root in our modern world.In this special interview, Steve and Vincent dive into the mechanics of "Adam"—the singular AGI that placates humanity with comfort and virtual reality while demanding total alignment—comparing it to classic sci-fi archetypes like Star Trek's Landru. They discuss the book's intimate, diary-style structure, the deep intersections between rapid technological acceleration and human faith, and how Vincent's Michigan roots shaped his view of industrial and economic shifts. Plus, Vincent shares his predictions for real-world AI safety, guardrails, and what everyday people need to understand as we walk toward an increasingly automated future.What you’ll get out of this episode:An in-depth interview with author and corporate strategist Vincent Ryland.A breakdown of Memoirs of the End and the concept of AGI control through convenience.Analysis comparing modern AI development to classic sci-fi tropes like Star Trek's Landru.Discussion on real-world AI guardrails, corporate mergers, and technological ethics.Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks!Top Stories & Featured LinksOfficial Book Site: Memoirs of the End by Vincent RylandHey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.
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#472
October 2 · 1 hr 18 min
Darkwing Duck Returns, The DCU Slate In Crisis & Film Re-Releases
Let’s get dangerous! Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike kick off the show with massive news for Disney Afternoon fans: Darkwing Duck is officially returning with a brand-new animated series greenlit for Disney+! We break down what this reboot needs to do to capture the magic of St. Canard, Gosalyn, and the Terror That Flaps in the Night. Then, we dive into a heated discussion surrounding the state of James Gunn’s DCU slate. We examine the viral industry commentary from The Pod You're Looking For dissecting "Gods and Monsters" three years after its announcement—from rumors of production stalls and underperforming slates, to the lack of a traditional Batman build-up, and why James Gunn immediately debunked on Threads that Matthew Lillard is playing The Flash. Plus, we tackle the growing trend of theatrical movie re-releases featuring "new footage" and why studios are repackaging what used to be basic DVD special features into ticketed theater events. From Charlie and Martin Sheen teaming up for AMC's Happy Jack to Toys "R" Us expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint, we've got a jam-packed week in Geekdom! What you’ll get out of this episode: Full coverage of the newly announced Darkwing Duck animated series coming to Disney+. An unfiltered critique of James Gunn’s DCU slate "Gods and Monsters" and the Matthew Lillard Flash rumors. Why studios are charging theater prices for film re-releases with footage that used to be on DVD extras. Reactions to Charlie and Martin Sheen starring in AMC's Happy Jack and Gremlins 3 updates. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks! Top Stories & Featured Links The Terror Flaps Again: Disney+ Officially Greenlights New Darkwing Duck Series Father & Son Sitcom: Charlie and Martin Sheen Set to Star in AMC Comedy Series 'Happy Jack' Threads Debunk: James Gunn Shuts Down Matthew Lillard Flash DCU Casting Rumors Toys "R" Us Expansion: Toys "R" Us Continues Brick-and-Mortar Retail Comeback
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#471
August 21 · 1 hr 12 min
D23 Marvel Updates, Columbia House Closure, and Stuart Fails to
Steve and Mike dive into the biggest news from D23 2026, including the MCU's X-Men cast reveal, Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, and Disney+'s essential viewing list for the upcoming Doomsday event. They also discuss YouTube's new unified view-counting system, the end of Columbia House after 71 years of mail-order media, Spotify's new AI music assistant, tipping culture fatigue sparked by Shake Shack's kiosk policies, the cancellation of Disney's live-action Power Rangers series, and Robin Williams' reactivated Instagram account. The hosts share their surprisingly positive reactions to the first four episodes of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
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#470
July 30 · 1 hr 12 min
SDCC 2026 - Hall H Hijinks, Toys Rundown, and Pre-Order Fatigue
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 came, saw, and completely obliterated our wallets! In Episode 470, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike breakdown the biggest Hall H moments, massive toy pre-orders, and industry-shifting reveals from SDCC 2026. First, we tackle the wild Hall H stunts—from Rick Moranis receiving a standing ovation while donning the giant Dark Helmet cap for Spaceballs 2, to Ryan Reynolds crashing the Avengers: Doomsday panel in full X-Force gray gear. We also dissect the MCU reveals, including Ryan Gosling locking in as Ghost Rider, Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom summoning Sentinels, and the immediate pre-order drops for the Marvel Legends Doomsday Wave 1 featuring Channing Tatum’s Gambit and James Marsden's Cyclops. Beyond the Marvel madness, we cover the jaw-dropping G.I. Joe x Tomb Raider Lara Croft 6-inch crossover, the Transformers x Monster Jam Grave Digger robot, and home media pre-orders for the live-action Masters of the Universe film. Then, in our Collector’s Roundtable, we confront Pre-Order Fatigue and the death of traditional retail peg-hunting. What you’ll get out of this episode: Full coverage of SDCC 2026 Hall H panels, including Spaceballs 2 and Avengers: Doomsday. Complete breakdown of Marvel Legends Doomsday Wave 1, G.I. Joe Lara Croft, and Transformers. An honest assessment of the secondary market price explosion and Pre-Order Fatigue. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks! Top Stories & Featured Links Spaceballs Returns: Gizmodo - Spaceballs 2 SDCC Panel Recap Hall H Stunts: Marvel.com - Hall H Official Recap & Ryan Reynolds Appearance Doomsday Action Figures: ToyHypeUSA - Marvel Legends Doomsday Wave 1 Pre-Order Info Croft Meets Classified: ToyNewsI - G.I. Joe Classified Series x Lara Croft Pre-Order Alert Power Rangers Re-Ignition: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Stop-Motion Series Episode 1
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#469
July 17 · 1 hr 8 min
Physical vs. Digital Libraries
What happens when the digital servers shut down and your "purchased" movie library suddenly vanishes into thin air? In Episode 469, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike tackle one of the most passionate debates in modern geek culture: Physical vs. Digital Media Libraries. We dive into the illusion of digital ownership, the fragile nature of streaming licenses, and why holding a physical Blu-ray, 4K disc, or classic retro box set in your hands hits entirely different. Are we sacrificing our pop-culture history for the sake of convenience? What you’ll get out of this episode: A deep, honest discussion about the security of physical discs vs. the ultimate convenience of cloud media. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks!
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#468
July 10 · 1 hr 46 min
The Sound-Bar Volume Crackdown and Studio Shakeups
The consolidation of the media landscape just hit a whole new level of crazy! In Episode 467, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike react to the jaw-dropping news that Fox Corp. is acquiring Roku in a massive $22 billion deal. By purchasing the hardware and interface that sits in over 100 million households, Fox is quietly taking control of the screen menu you see every single day. We break down the billions in ad revenue, the mountain of new debt Fox is taking on, and the rumors that Netflix is looking to response by buying up Lionsgate’s massive library. Closer to home, we discuss the ticking clock on the new U.S. State Volume Rule ban, which will legally force Netflix and Hulu to balance their audio feeds and put an end to those eardrum-shattering volume jumps between shows and ads. Plus, we celebrate the legendary music mogul Clive Davis passing away at 94, react to Mike Myers confirming that Austin Powers 4 is officially moving forward in development, and mark our geek calendars for the incredible Star Trek: The Next Generation cast reunion happening right now inside X-Men ’97 Season 2. What you’ll get out of this episode: A complete financial breakdown of what Fox owning Roku means for streaming consumers. Why the upcoming Volume Rule ban will finally change how loud streaming audio can get. A look into the X-Men ’97 Season 2 casting shakeup featuring legendary Star Trek actors. The reality behind Europe's user-replaceable smartphone battery mandate hitting by 2027. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks! Top Stories & Featured Links The Mega-Merger: Fox to Acquire Roku for $22 Billion Industry Starmaker Passes: Music Industry Titan Clive Davis Dies at 94 Trek in the Danger Room: Gates McFadden, Michael Dorn, and John de Lancie Join X-Men '97 Season 2 Retail Rumor Mills: Netflix Eyeing Lionsgate Acquisition via Semafor Reports
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#467
June 11 · 1 hr
Clickbait Journalism, Transformers Reprints, and Google Icon Packs
Steve and Mike tackle a week of geek news, starting with CBS's series order for NCIS: New York starring LL Cool J and Scott Caan. They call out misleading headlines from Valnet-owned sites like Screen Rant, particularly around Skybound Entertainment's reprint of the Generation 1 Transformers film comic being falsely presented as a brand-new series. The hosts discuss how clickbait journalism damages trust, share updates on Lionsgate joining Movies Anywhere, debunk the Phineas and Ferb prom photo internet hoax, preview the new Scooby-Doo: Origins series coming to Netflix in 2027, and dive into Google's new custom icon pack designs—including the polarizing Disco and Sugar Cookie themes.
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#466
June 2 · 55 min
The End of CBS News Radio and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
The media landscape is experiencing a massive changing of the guard! In Episode 466, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike tackle a week of historic endings and radical digital beginnings. First, we say a final, bittersweet goodbye to an institution as CBS News Radio officially goes off the air, signing off with Edward R. Murrow’s iconic words: "Good night, and good luck."The end of an era continues on television as we reflect on the surreally lovely final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. We break down how he completely nailed the landing, his brilliant "Only in Monroe" return, and what his departure means for the future of late-night broadcast comedy. Meanwhile, the streaming wars enter a new phase as Disney pulls Hulu even tighter into the Disney+ ecosystem, despite claiming they have "no current plans" to kill the standalone app. Finally, we unpack Spotify's massive new suite of AI features—including a direct crackdown on AI voice cloning, the introduction of a green "Verified" checkmark for podcasts, and personal AI audio briefings that are changing how we consume media.What you’ll get out of this episode:A tribute to the legacy of CBS News Radio and the end of traditional broadcast news.Critical analysis of Stephen Colbert's emotional late-night series finale.What Disney’s aggressive Hulu/Disney+ integration means for your streaming subscriptions.A deep dive into Spotify's new AI-generated personal podcasts and anti-impersonation rules.Updates on our ongoing celebration of The Top 100 Animated Series 15th Anniversary Edition.Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks!Top Stories & Featured LinksStreaming Consolidation: Disney Pulls Hulu Eighter Tighter Into Disney+Radio History Ends: CBS News Radio Ends With An Edward R. Murrow Sign OffLate Night Finale: Stephen Colbert’s Last Show: Laughing Well Is the Best RevengeAudio Tech Shift: Spotify Podcast Verification Targets AI Voice CloningTopic KeywordsCBS News Radio Final Sign Off, Stephen Colbert Late Show Finale, Disney Hulu Integration 2026, Spotify Podcast Verification Badge, AI Voice Cloning Spotify Policy, Personal AI Podcasts, Edward R. Murrow Good Night and Good Luck, Streaming Industry Consolidation, Broadcast Late Night Comedy.Keywords (Comma Separated)Stephen Colbert finale, CBS News Radio, Hulu Disney plus integration, Spotify AI podcast features, Podcast verification checkmark, AI voice cloning ban, Edward R Murrow sign off, Late Show series finale, Streaming media consolidation, Broadcast radio history.
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#465
May 14 · 57 min
GameStop's eBay Bid, iHeartMedia and SiriusXM Merger, QR Code Verification, and the Netflix Look in Modern Movies
Steve Phillips and TFG1Mike break down the week's biggest media and tech stories: GameStop's rejected $56 billion unsolicited bid for eBay, early merger talks between iHeartMedia and SiriusXM to create a radio powerhouse, Google's shift from traditional CAPTCHAs to QR code verification systems, and the rise of $50 premium movie tickets as theaters split between enthusiast and casual audiences. They also discuss ABC's fall schedule including High Potential's mid-season delay, the continued expansion of Big Bang Theory spinoffs with Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, why modern movies have developed an overly crisp and uninspired aesthetic often attributed to Netflix's influence, and Funko's lawsuit over unauthorized customer data tracking. The hosts round out the episode with updates on their personal projects and a preview of upcoming Top 100 animated series countdown rankings.
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#464
April 24 · 56 min
Grok’s Timeline Takeover & The Dynamic Pricing Disaster
The digital landscape is getting messier by the minute! In Episode 464, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike tackle the controversial news that X (formerly Twitter) is handing the keys to your timeline over to Grok. We discuss the implications of letting AI curate your social experience and why the algorithms are making these platforms feel less human than ever. We also dive into the trailers that have everyone talking—or scratching their heads—including the first look at Clayface and the surprise return of the boys in uniform with the Super Troopers 3 trailer. But the real heat this week is on the trend of Dynamic Pricing. From concert tickets to consumer goods, Steve breaks down why this practice feels like a legal scam and why it’s time to return to set prices for everyone. What you’ll get out of this episode: A deep dive into X’s plan to use Grok AI for timeline curation and what it means for your privacy. Honest reactions to the Clayface and Super Troopers 3 trailers. A passionate rant on why Dynamic Pricing is destroying the consumer experience. The latest progress on the Megatron Studio Desk Upgrade. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks!
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#463
April 21 · 1 hr 46 min
The Great Desk Upgrade, Hasbro Legends, YouTube Price Hike & Sony’s Plan to Save Cinema
Is the golden age of streaming and tech convenience officially hitting a paywall? In Episode 463, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike tackle the latest hit to our wallets: YouTube Premium’s US pricing is going up. We discuss the price hike and a "quietly revealed" trick to avoid ads without paying for Premium. Steve also gives us a status update on The Great Desk Upgrade—is the ultimate geek command center finally complete? In the world of entertainment, we dive into the launch of the Hasbro Legends TV Channel and the strange delisting of Star Trek: Resurgence from Steam. We also react to the news of NCIS: New York starring LL COOL J and Scott Caan, and a frustrating report on Xfinity allegedly throttling gigabit speeds by choice. Plus, we break down Sony CEO Tom Rothman’s bold CinemaCon manifesto: making movies affordable again, cutting out the pre-show ad bloat, and extending theatrical windows. Can Sony actually save the movie-going experience? We weigh in on that, the fleeting arrival of James Bond on Netflix, and the "ugh" factor of more Val Kilmer AI usage. What you’ll get out of this episode: The breakdown of YouTube’s new pricing and how to navigate their ad strategy. Why Sony's plan to cut ads and lower ticket prices could be a game-changer for theaters. A warning for James Bond fans: watch them on Netflix before they vanish on April 20th. The truth about Xfinity's gigabit "switch" and what it means for your home internet. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks! Keywords (Comma Separated) Altered Geek, Steve Phillips, TFG1Mike, YouTube Premium, Ad Blockers, Sony Pictures, CinemaCon, Tom Rothman, Hasbro, Star Trek Resurgence, NCIS New York, LL Cool J, Xfinity, Comcast, Val Kilmer, AI, James Bond, Netflix, Streaming News, Podcast Studio.
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#462
April 10 · 1 hr 23 min
Studio Upgrades, Vizio-Walmart Trap & Why The 22-Episode Seasons Are Officially Dead
In this episode of Altered Geek, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike dive into the shifting sands of the tech and entertainment world. First, Steve catches us up on his massive Studio Desk Upgrade—because every geek needs a command center that actually fits the mission. In the news, we discuss the "Walmart-ification" of your living room as Vizio TVs prepare to require Walmart accounts just to function. We also look at the massive geographic shift for J.J. Abrams, as Bad Robot prepares to downsize and move its headquarters from the glitz of L.A. to New York City. Finally, we break down a brilliant take from actor Sterling K. Brown (of Person of Interest) on why the 22-episode TV season is a relic of the past. Why do streamers prefer "new and shiny" over long-running favorites? We follow the money from advertisers to subscribers to find out. What you’ll get out of this episode: A look at the new Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Funko Pop reveals. The privacy and convenience implications of Walmart’s new requirements for Vizio hardware. Insight into why streaming platforms prioritize short seasons over the classic network model. The impact of Bad Robot’s move on the future of film and TV production. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks!
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#461
March 27 · 1 hr 19 min
Starfleet Academy Expelled & Universal’s Theater War
The final frontier just got a lot smaller, and the walk to the movie theater just got a lot longer. In Episode 461, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike react to the massive news that Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has been cancelled after only two seasons. With Season 1 barely in the rearview and Season 2 still in post-production, we discuss the "Nielsen math" that doomed the 32nd-century YA series and what this means for the future of Trek under the new Paramount-Skydance regime. Switching from the small screen to the silver screen, we dive into Universal Studios' new plan to extend theatrical windows to seven weekends by 2027. Universal thinks exclusivity is the secret to getting you back in seats—but Steve explains exactly why they’re dreaming. We also break down the landmark $6 million verdict against Meta and YouTube for social media addiction, Ben Affleck’s surprisingly sharp take on the AI takeover in Hollywood, and first looks at Lego Batman 2 and Guy Ritchie's In The Grey. What you’ll get out of this episode: The deep dive on why Starfleet Academy was "expelled" and the uncertain future of Trek TV. A heated debate on Universal’s theatrical exclusivity vs. the reality of modern audience habits. Legal analysis of the $6M landmark ruling against Big Tech for addictive design. Reactions to the latest trailers, including Lego Batman 2 and In The Grey. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks!
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#460
March 5 · 1 hr 25 min
The Paramount+ Max Merger & 3D Printer Surveillance
The landscape of Geekdom is shifting beneath our feet! In Episode 460, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips and TFG1Mike break down the massive industry-shaking news that HBO Max and Paramount+ are officially merging into a single streaming titan. We discuss what this means for your wallet and Paramount’s promise to let the HBO brand "operate with independence." We also dive into a serious local and national issue: Colorado’s proposed law that could force surveillance on 3D printers to regulate digital files. Is this a necessary safety measure, or are we officially living in a surveillance state? Plus, we cover SAG-AFTRA’s move to organize the booming video podcast industry, the Supreme Court’s major ruling on AI copyrights, and the bizarre news of a Funko-inspired cinematic universe in the works. From "Book Meets World" nostalgia to cleaning up messy news headlines regarding Tubi and Cartoon Network, we’ve got it all. What you’ll get out of this episode: Critical analysis of the Paramount+ and Max merger and its impact on subscribers. A deep dive into the legal battle over 3D printing rights and digital privacy. The latest on AI copyright laws and what the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case means for creators. A look at the future of video podcasting under SAG-AFTRA labor rules. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks!
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#459
February 20 · 48 min
The Death of Ad Blockers & Meta’s AI Resurrection
Welcome to another high-octane adventure into Geekdom! In Episode 459, host Steve "Megatron" Phillips is joined by TFG1Mike to tackle a week filled with massive industry shifts and somber goodbyes. We start by honoring the legacies of several legends, including Robert Duvall, and James Van Der Beek, as we reflect on their impact on entertainment and culture. The tech world is on fire this week as we discuss YouTube’s latest war on ad blockers—new hurdles have arrived, and the workarounds are disappearing fast. Plus, we look into the recent massive YouTube outage that left over a quarter-million users in the dark. In a move straight out of science fiction, Meta is "raising the dead" with new AI developments, while Cartoon Network finds a surprising new home on Tubi. Finally, we vent some frustration over the "subscription-pocalypse" affecting everything from Instagram video quality to the very PCs we buy—remember when Microsoft Word just came with the computer? What you’ll get out of this episode: The latest updates on YouTube’s aggressive stance against ad-blocking software. A deep dive into the ethics and technology behind Meta’s AI "resurrection" projects. Nostalgic and critical commentary on the shift from physical ownership to "PC subscriptions." A rundown of why Cartoon Network on Tubi is a win for animation fans. Get Altered, Get Geeky, with the Altered Geeks!
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