Best Brian K Reese Podcasts (2025)

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Collected Edition: Episode 117: Catwoman: Selina’s Big Score 1:20:35

4M ago1:20:35

1:20:35

“A gritty…but not grim…street-level aspect to the character.” Today on the program Selina’s Big Score a Catwoman comic (sort of). It is a noir crime drama, a gumshoe detective story, a heist caper, but mostly it’s Darwyn Cooke just being Darwyn Cooke. Great art, great story, great characters. Pretty much it’s just great. In addition, we discuss the…

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Collected Edition: Episode 116: The Night the Mob Stole Christmas 47:11

5M ago47:11

47:11

“It’s about as goofy as it gets written at a time when comics were not afraid just to be silly.” Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year! Today on the program we discuss what can best be described as a “completely bonkers” comic…The Brave and the Bold #148: The Night the Mob Stole Christmas written by Bob Haney and drawn by Joe Staton…

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Collected Edition: Episode 115: The Scarlet Witch 1:22:04

5M ago1:22:04

1:22:04

“It sometimes feels that to escape the Past it would take some kind of superhuman effort of some kind of magic” On this episode, we discuss The Scarlet Witch by James Robinson. This is a beautiful book with a rotating roster of artists that takes Wanda Maximoff on a world tour to redo/retcon/reimagine her origin story and find redemption. She also …

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Collected Edition: Episode 114: X-Men The Dark Phoenix Saga 1:34:47

5M ago1:34:47

1:34:47

“Consider, if you will, the Phoenix, how it shines.” On this episode, we discuss the epic that is The Dark Phoenix Saga. There are certain works that we call “seminal” “iconic” or “classic” but none truly live up to those monikers like this story. Written by Chris Claremont and drawn by John Byrne, this is the big one, the story that dwarfs all oth…

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Collected Edition: Episode 113: Afterlife with Archie 1:06:09

6M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

“Happy Halloween!” On this episode we talk about we talk about a horror crossover that launched and entire sub-genre: Afterlife with Archie by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla. The Archie gang meets zombies. It is an unlikely horror comic that is genuinely horrific and genuinely moving. In addition we talk about Agatha All Along (ag…

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Collected Edition: Episode 112: Suicide Squad 1:24:09

7M ago1:24:09

1:24:09

“Heroes? Villians? Or something more complex?” On this episode we discuss The Suicide Squad: Trial By Fire by John Ostrander and Luke McDonnell – the seminal run that pretty much defined the Suicide Squad right up till this very day. Lots of moral ambiguity and pragmatic decisions. In addition we talk about Marvel and DC losing the trademark for Su…

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Collected Edition: Episode 111: The Smurfs 1:27:40

8M ago1:27:40

1:27:40

“…a much richer texture than the typical comic aimed at children.” On this episode we talk about The Smurfs. Yes, the Smurfs. The original comics from the 196s written and drawn by the Belgian author Peyo. Specifically we will be discussing four stories: Purple Smurfs, The Smurfette, King Smurf, and Smurf vs Smurf. This was meant to be a frivolous …

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Collected Edition: Episode 110: Alpha Flight 1:19:45

8M ago1:19:45

1:19:45

“Oh Canada!” On this episode we talk about the one and only Canadian super team Alpha Flight written and drawn by John Byrne. This is a very 1980s comic – that can be a good thing and a bad thing. In this case more good than bad. Lots of new situations, new heroes, a new country, and a very daring choice for a particular character’s lifestyle. John…

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Collected Edition: Episode 109: The Crow 1:19:55

9M ago1:19:55

1:19:55

“Pain…so much pain.” On this episode we talk about The Crow written and drawn by James O’Barr. First off…content warning. This comic deals with extreme violence, self harm, and sexual assault. This might not be for everyone. The Crow is of course the Goth classic (?) that has spawned multiple movies and a TV show, and pretty much epitomized the Got…

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Collected Edition: Episode 108: Howard the Duck 1:33:49

9M ago1:33:49

1:33:49

“And We’re Back…for Real!” After a long hiatus we are in fact back baby! And to kick it off its a good one, Howard the Duck by the legendary Steve Gerber and the equally legendary Gene Colan. And not just any old story either, but the time Howard ran for President in 1976! It was a tumultuous time in America’s history with extreme partisan politics…

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Collected Edition – New Episodes Coming Soon 4:53

11M ago4:53

4:53

And we’re back…almost. After a long, unplanned hiatus The Collected Edition will be back with brand new episodes starting in July 2024. This is just a brief announcement episode to explain where we’ve been and what will be coming. Thanks, everyone for your patience while we’ve been gone and I hope you will join us again for new and exciting convers…

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S3 Ep4: Graduation Season; Changemaker Cady Ching, Summit Public Schools; Best In Class Series feat. Lighthouse Community Public Schools 43:41

11M ago43:41

43:41

Season 3 Episode 4 - Graduation Season It’s Graduation time in California! The CharterNation Podcast celebrates with a new segment called Best in Class which highlights exceptional charter schools in the Golden State. Our first series of interviews focuses on 10 exceptional charter high schools that are sending a significant number of historically …

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S3 Ep3: Film Club Edition - A School Grows In Watts (Watts Learning Center); La Lucha: Getting Schooled in America (Learn4Life) 31:10

1y ago31:10

31:10

Season 3 Episode 3: Film Club Edition We shine a spotlight on two documentaries about two charter public schools that are working to educate some of the most vulnerable student populations in California. First, Watts Learning Center (WLC) is the focus of A School Grows In Watts which offers an intimate and powerful portrayal of how WLC is changing …

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S3 Ep2: Women's History Month Special - Changemaker Myrna Castrejón; Female Leadership feat. Larchmont Charter's Amy Held; CalPac's Katelyn West is Skating to Success 47:04

1y ago47:04

47:04

Season 3 Episode 2 - Women’s History Month Special: March is Women’s History Month and in this episode, you hear from some amazing women in California’s charter school movement who are standing tall. Changemakers Interview Series: The tables are turned on CCSA’s fearless leader Myrna Castrejón. Instead of hosting our Changemakers segment, she’s our…

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S3 Ep1: Black History Month Special - Changemaker Maya Woods-Cadiz; An Affirming School Culture at Learning By Design; The Living Legacy of Julia Lee 42:30

1y ago42:30

42:30

CCSA's CharterNation Podcast is back with Season 3 in 2024! In February, we bring you a special Black History Month episode featuring perspectives of dynamic Black charter school leaders in California. Changemakers: CCSA President and CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Maya Woods-Cadiz, Superintendent of AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District in Oakla…

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Collected Edition: Episode 107: Spider-Man Xmas 1:02:37

1+ y ago1:02:37

1:02:37

“One of my favorites among the multitude of Xmas stories!” It’s that festive time of the year and what’s a better way to celebrate than with a rolicking adventure from the legendary Darwyn Cooke? It’s got everything: The Fantastic Four, Inhumans, mind control, lost children, shopping a Macy’s, and a tender J. Jonah Jamison. Oh, and Spider-Man saves…

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Collected Edition: Episode 106: Tank Girl 1:14:20

1+ y ago1:14:20

1:14:20

“Tank Girl simply is.” Today on the program we discuss the anarchic insanity that is Tank Girl. A punk rock fever dream created by artist Jamie Hewlett and writer Alan Martin in 1988, it was a frenetic cacophony of a comic book that didn’t so much cross the line of decency and good taste, as it erased that line completely and said, “Line? What line…

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S2 Ep10: Changemakers feat. Marcos Aguilar, Anawakalmekak; Spreading the Joy of Tiny Houses; Learn4Life's Skip Hansen on Personalized Learning 24:35

1+ y ago24:35

24:35

Episode 10: Changemakers: To cap CCSA's observance of Native American Heritage Month, we’re bringing back a special Changemakers interview from Season 1 in which CCSA’s President and CEO Myrna Castrejon sits down with Marcos Aguilar, Head of School at Anawakalmekak International University Preparatory of North America. Anawakalmekak is a charter pu…

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Collected Edition: Episode 105: Ambush Bug 1:23:55

1+ y ago1:23:55

1:23:55

“…a noble piece of work in the ongoing evaluation of the comics medium.” Today on the program we discuss the radical parody/satire that is Ambush Bug! The 1985 crazy meta masterpiece (?) from the legendary Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming. It’s only 4 issues…but man is it something. In addition, we talk about the second season of Loki and lowe…

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Collected Edition: Episode 104: The Rocketeer 1:05:42

1+ y ago1:05:42

1:05:42

“Nostalgia writ large” Today on the program we discuss the retro adventure-chic masterpiece that is The Rocketeer by Dave Stevens. It’s cool, it’s beautiful, it ended too soon. In addition, we talk about the passing of Keith Giffen, a true legend in comics. As always, thanks for listening. WE STILL WANT YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS! SEND ‘EM HERE: REQUEST …

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S2 Ep9: Changemakers feat. Brian Bauer, Granada Hills Charter; Charter School Facilities; Hispanic Heritage Month Student Profile 36:10

1+ y ago36:10

36:10

Episode 9: Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Brian Bauer, CEO and Superintendent of Granada Hills Charter, a TK-12th grade charter public school that gained its independence 20 years ago and grew to be an academic and athletic powerhouse. Gain insight as he reflects on how his school broke away from district control to…

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Collected Edition: Episode 103: Green Lantern Green Arrow 1:19:38

1+ y ago1:19:38

1:19:38

“Conflict in narrative is fun!” The premise of the show is to talk about the famous and infamous runs in comics, and this comic falls perfectly into both categories. Probably one of the most acclaimed and controversial runs in comics, Neal Adams and Denny O’Neil‘s Green Lantern Green Arrow arguably changed comics forever. But is it any good? Does i…

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Collected Edition: Episode 102: Doctor Who Classics 1:07:18

1+ y ago1:07:18

1:07:18

“…it prioritizes intelligence and romanticism over violence and cynicism.” Today on the program we talk about the greatest thing in the history of the world…Doctor Who! In particular, the stories The Star Beast and the City of the Damned, both classic comics featuring the 4th Doctor Tom Baker. These comics were originally published in the late 70s …

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Collected Edition: Episode 101: TMNT The Last Ronin 1:02:08

2y ago1:02:08

1:02:08

“…dynamic and fast-paced action rendered with cyber-punk aesthetics mixed with epic Kurosawa-esc samurai visuals.” Listener Request! Neither Brian nor I are TMNT fans – or at least we were not familiar with the franchise to claim to be one. But listener Emily requested The Last Ronin for us to read and we did so with a little trepidation…but man, w…

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Collected Edition: Episode 100: JSA All-Star Comics 1:12:42

2y ago1:12:42

1:12:42

“Much of this is highly entertaining, goofy four-color fun.” Episode 100! Woo Hoo! And for this momentous occasion, we delve deep into the history of comics and discuss the very first (?) superhero team – the Justice Society of America! Full of Golden Age wackiness and wartime propaganda, All-Star Comics is an interesting and fascinating look into …

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S2 Ep8: Best of CharterNation Podcast feat. Antonio Villaraigosa, Nina Rees & Dr. Cristina de Jesus 31:17

2y ago31:17

31:17

The 2022-23 academic year has officially come to a close in California. We reflect on the past year by bringing back three of the most popular Changemaker interviews on the CharterNation Podcast featuring: Dr. Cristina de Jesus, president and CEO of Green Dot Public Schools CA. Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles and charter school al…

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Collected Edition: Episode 99: Creature Commandos 1:29:19

2y ago1:29:19

1:29:19

“And it can be a lot of fun for the sheer goofiness of its premise and the audacity for even attempting it.” Today on the program we discuss a weird one – the Creature Commandos! It’s about soldiers during WW2 who get transformed into movie monsters in order to scare the enemy. Seriously. The premise is bonkers and the tone is all over the place. A…

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S2 Ep7 Changemakers feat. Dr. Ana Ponce, GPSN; The Face of Charter School Teachers Report; Dr. Steve Olmos, Visions In Education 37:05

2y ago37:05

37:05

Episode 7: Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Ana Ponce, Executive Director of GPSN, a nonprofit intermediary organization working to improve the public school system in Los Angeles. She discusses the importance of measuring the effectiveness of programs in LAUSD, engaging students outside the school day, and how famili…

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S2 Ep6: What is Personalized Learning? Changemakers feat. Cameron Curry, The Classical Academies 29:04

2y ago29:04

29:04

What is Personalized Learning? It can mean different things to different people within the charter public school movement. In this episode, we get a better understanding of personalized learning through the perspectives of three people at three different kind of personalized learning schools: Cameron Curry, CEO, The Classical Academies (San Diego) …

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Collected Edition: Episode 98: Hellblazer Original Sins 1:34:25

2y ago1:34:25

1:34:25

“A great intro to the laughing magician, and a harrowing series of events. Strewth!” One of the longest-running Vertigo titles and one of the best. Along its run, Hellblazer featured a long list of some of the more talented and acclaimed creators in comics. On this episode, we discuss where it all began (sort of) with Jamie Delano and John Ridgway’…

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S2 Ep5: SPECIAL EPISODE Changemakers feat. former CA Governor Jerry Brown 22:09

2y ago22:09

22:09

Episode 4: Special Episode featuring exclusive Changemakers Interview with former California Governor Jerry Brown. Changemakers: Former CA Governor Jerry Brown brings his no-nonsense philosophy on education policy and politics as a guest on the CharterNation Podcast this month. Brown, who also served as the Mayor of the City of Oakland, sits down w…

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Collected Edition: Episode 97: Avenger Forever 1:14:16

2y ago1:14:16

1:14:16

“…just strap in and let yourself take the ride and you will not be disappointed.” Are you interested in a comic that covers the entire history of Marvel comics from its beginnings through the 70s and 80s and into a hypothetical future? Well, this is the comic for you! Today on the program we will be discussing Avengers Forever, the comic that attem…

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S2 Ep4: SPECIAL EPISODE Changemakers Interview feat. CA Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber 30:51

2y ago30:51

30:51

Episode 4: Special Episode featuring exclusive Changemakers Interview Changemakers: We’re capping Women’s History Month by bringing you an exclusive interview with one of California’s most fearless female political leaders and education equity champions: Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber. Dr. Weber is California’s first Black Secretary of Sta…

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Collected Edition: Episode 96: The Shadow 1:14:22

2y ago1:14:22

1:14:22

“I don’t know if this is a “good” comic, but it is a hugely entertaining one.” Today on the program…it’s a weird one! It’s the super violent and super bizarre The Shadow by Andy Helfer with art by Kyle Baker and Bill Sienkiewicz. This is some bat-shit crazy stuff people! A comic that manages to satirize and parody all the excesses of the 80s while …

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S2 Ep3: Changemakers feat. Cristina de Jesus, Green Dot Public Schools CA; GALS L.A. Empowers Charter School Girls; 2020 Bragato Winner Jose Aguirre 32:38

2y ago32:38

32:38

Episode 3: Women's History Month Special Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Cristina de Jesus, President & CEO of Green Dot Public Schools California. De Jesus is one of the most influential female leaders of charter schools in the Golden State. She talks about the evolution of Green Dot in CA, lessons learned, and how …

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Collected Edition: Episode 95: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 1:21:53

2y ago1:21:53

1:21:53

“It is a veritable ‘Where’s Waldo’ of gothic and Victorian novels.” Today on the program we will be discussing The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, a troubled classic by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill. This is a creative tour de force, an overflowing toy chest full of rich ideas, mixing multiple copyright-free characters in a story full to the brim…

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S2 Ep2: Changemakers feat. Dr. Helen V. Griffith, The Preuss School UCSD; HBCUs Recruit AIMS H.S. Students; How to Honor Black History Month 23:49

2y ago23:49

23:49

Episode 2: Black History Month Special Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Dr. Helen V. Griffith, Executive Director of The Preuss School UC San Diego, about this school's unique partnership with UCSD and the need to grow more UC-charter public schools in California. Charter Spotlight: We venture to AIMS High School in O…

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S2 Ep1: Changemakers feat. Mike Madrid; Describing Charters As Public Schools; Sac-based Charter School Teaches Punjabi 26:04

2+ y ago26:04

26:04

Episode 1 Rundown: Charter School News: CCSA's Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Miller provides analysis regarding CA Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal and what it means for charters. Changemakers: CCSA's President & CEO Myrna Castrejón interviews Mike Madrid, a CA political analyst who explains the power of the Latino voting…

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Collected Edition: Episode 94: Longshot 1:16:17

2+ y ago1:16:17

1:16:17

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.” Today on the program…you just got lucky! We will be discussing Longshot – the 80s comic Ann Nocenti and illustrated by a young Art Adams. And this is as 80s as 80s get. Interdimensional amneasia, mullets, and pouches! Nocenti does some spectacular writing at its purplest, and Adams creates art tha…

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Collected Edition: Episode 93: Superman’s Christmas Adventure 1:07:02

2+ y ago1:07:02

1:07:02

“The point is just to have fun, to embrace the joy and wackiness of the season.” Today on the program we discuss Superman’s Christmas Adventure from 1940. Written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Jack Burnley this is a 16-page dose of Golden Age goodness. This is a madcap story; a romp with loads of silliness wrapped up in colorful paper and tied with …

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Collected Edition: Episode 92: Fables 1:07:44

2+ y ago1:07:44

1:07:44

“What is history but a fable agreed upon?” Today on the program we discuss Fables, the Bill Willingham written and Mark Buckingham illustrated classic in the comic book pantheon. Does it hold up? Does it deserve its place in the history of great comics? Is it political (spoiler: yes)? Listen and find out! In addition, we discuss the legacy of Kevin…

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Collected Edition: Episode 91: Rachel Rising 1:23:31

2+ y ago1:23:31

1:23:31

“…his panels don’t so much seek to terrify, but rather they haunt you. It is disturbing and beautiful.” Today on the program we discuss the horror comic Rachel Rising by Terry Moore. This is a stark, scary, disturbing, and strangely funny comic. If you’ve never read Terry Moore’s work…you should. He is a singular creator, one whose voice and vision…

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Collected Edition: Episode 90: Sensational She-Hulk 1:31:07

2+ y ago1:31:07

1:31:07

“This series broke with convention, it broke with tradition, and it broke the fourth wall.” Today on the program we discuss the Sensational She-Hulk, the classic, genre-defying series by John Byrne. The series poked fun at the tropes and clichés of comic books, the publishers, the creators, and the fandom. It was a satire, a parody, a deconstructio…

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Collected Edition: Episode 89: Aztek: The Ultimate Man 1:04:03

2+ y ago1:04:03

1:04:03

“Not everything in life is golden or satisfying.” Today on the program we take a look at Aztek: The Ultimate Man written by Grant Morrison & Mark Millar with art by Stephen Harris. It is a 90s extravaganza fill with excess, grittiness, and questionable costume choices. It’s the book that caused a rift between Morrison and Millar that, let’s face it…

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Collected Edition: Episode 88: The Flintstones 1:28:22

2+ y ago1:28:22

1:28:22

Flintstones, read the Flintstones. You’ll have a gay old time. Today on the program we talk about the 2016 12-issue mini-series The Flintstones written by Mark Russell and art by Steve Pugh. This reimagining was more realistic – in that, the character designs were less stylized and given more human proportions – and its situations and attitudes ref…

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Collected Edition: Episode 87: Bone 1:17:32

3y ago1:17:32

1:17:32

“Maybe even better than eating quiche.” Today on the program we talk about the classic, brilliant, iconic, beautiful, glorious, and wonderful comic BONE. We like this one, can you tell? This is a comic that is a vaudevillian comedy, a Disneyesque cartoon, and an epic fantasy all at once. Jeff Smith created something special here. Also, Brian gets w…

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Collected Edition: Episode 86: The Spectre: Crimes & Judgements 1:09:24

3y ago1:09:24

1:09:24

“This being the 90s Crimes and Judgments falls into the excesses that decade could bring.” In this episode, we discuss The Spectre: Crimes and Judgments by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake from 1992. This is a gritty, noir, horror thriller with 90s excess…we have opinions. This is a story full of contradictions, missed opportunities, and confused me…

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#ChartersAt30 Part 3: Change Makers feat. Nina Rees, NAPCS President/CEO; St. HOPE's PS7 Elementary; The Multicultural Learning Center 26:57

3y ago26:57

26:57

In #ChartersAt30 Part 3, we bring you a special Change Makers interview featuring Nina Rees, the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. For the past nine years, Nina has deepened bipartisan relationships in Washington D.C. to secure political support for charters across the country. CCSA's Myrna Castrejón sits down w…

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Collected Edition: Episode 85: JLA Avengers 1:06:31

3y ago1:06:31

1:06:31

“It’s fan service above and beyond the call of duty.” Today on the program we discuss the absolute gloriousness that is the Marvel/DC crossover epic JLA Avengers written by Kurt Busiek, and art by the mighty George Pérez. It is a bonanza of comic book wonder, a masterclass by Pérez, and a pretty good story overall. You want easter eggs? This comic …

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#ChartersAt30 Part 2: Change Makers feat. Jed Wallace; CCSA's Portrait of the Movement Report; Face of Charter School Success Series 21:45

3y ago21:45

21:45

In #ChartersAt30 Part 2, we bring you a special Change Makers interview featuring Jed Wallace, the longest serving president and CEO of the CCSA. Jed was instrumental in building the charter school movement in California. Also, you’ll hear key takeaways from this year’s Portrait of the Movement Report, the annual study produced by CCSA. This year t…

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