

X-Ray Vision
iHeartPodcasts
Nerd-culture podcast X-Ray Vision takes listeners on a journey through the zeitgeist-iest (patent pending) films, TV shows, and comics. Join award-winning hosts Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight for one-of-a-kin analysis, the latest news and show lore, and access to the writers, producers, directors, and stars who make your favorite pop culture shows, movies, and more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 25, 2023 • 54min
HBO's The Last of Us Ep 2
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight sight-see at a museum! In the Airlock (1:08), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeep) into episode 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us, recapping the episode and discussing bread, Tess, and creature design. Then in Nerd Out (45:20) Jason and Rosie discuss a very relevant theory about mutants in the MCU.Tune in every Wednesday & Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it? If you’re sending a theory, feel free to send only a summary of your theory (no audio needed) for Jason and Rosie to react to on air.Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, website, & LetterboxdJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 20, 2023 • 54min
Star Wars: The Bad Batch S2 Eps 1-4
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight join the Bad Batch! First in the Previously On (2:51) they discuss the possibility of a VFX union and why it matters plus continue their ongoing discussion on AI-generated art in light of a class action suit against AI companies. In the Airlock (25:12), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeep) into the first four episodes of The Bad Batch season 2, recapping episode 3 as the dramatic highlight so far and discussing theories, Crosshair, Cody and more. Then in Nerd Out (46:12) Jason and Rosie discuss their first listener theory from Rodney on a possible skrull in Marvel’s upcoming Secret Invasion series.Tune in every Wednesday & Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it? If you’re sending a theory, feel free to send only a summary of your theory (no audio needed) for Jason and Rosie to react to on air.Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, website, & LetterboxdJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaThe Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!The Verge & Polygon articles with more info on AI Art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 18, 2023 • 1h 25min
HBO's The Last of Us Premiere
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight flee some cordyceps! First in the Previously On (1:11) they discuss the latest Mandalorian season 3 trailer, including the baby and the vibes. Then in the Airlock (5:10), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeep) into the premiere of HBO’s The Last of Us, recapping and discussing game differences, cast, hard choices, and small choices. Tune in every Wednesday & Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it? If you’re sending a theory please keep your recording to 2 minutes or less. Then just tell us your theory, what it relates to, etc. Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, website, & LetterboxdJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaThe Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!Sin City (2005) – based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel of the same name; directed by Miller and Robert Rodriguez.The Girl with All the Gifts (2014) – written by M.R. Carey.Clementine (2022) – written and illustrated by Tillie Walden, set in Robert Kirkman’s Walking Dead universe. From Image Comics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 13, 2023 • 1h 30min
The Last of Us Video Game, Part 1
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight revisit The Last of Us! First in the Previously On (2:28) they discuss the latest Antman and The Wasp: Quantumania trailer, discussing Kang, the microverse versus the Quantum Realm, and more. Then in the Airlock (15:36), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeep) into 2013’s The Last of Us, recapping some of the first parts of the iconic game as well as discussing character, story, and playability. Tune in every Wednesday & Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it?Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, website, & LetterboxdJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaThe Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!Incredible Hulk Vol. 1 #156 (1972) – written by Archie Goodwin, pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Sal Trapani, letters by Artie Simek, edited by Roy Thomas.Avengers vol. 1 #88 (1971) – written by Harlan Ellison and Roy Thomas, pencils by Sal Buscema, inks by Jim Mooney, colorist uncredited, letters by Shelly Leferman, edited by Stan Lee.The Road (2006) – written by Cormac McCarthy, winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize.The Girl with All the Gifts (2014) – written by M.R. Carey.True-ish Grit (2013) – Grantland article written by Tom Bissell on The Last of Us.Can “The Last of Us” Break the Curse of Bad Video-Game Adaptations? (2022) – written by New Yorker editor Alex Barasch on the making of the HBO show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 11, 2023 • 1h 32min
Mailbag - Marvel, HOTD, and more!
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight start 2023 in the least surprising way – talking about X-Men! First in the Airlock (1:08), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeep) into the mailbag, answering your questions about the MCU, Marvel comics, House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, and more, including questions on Doctor Doom, Kang, mutants, and lots more. Plus Cody Ziglar drops in to answer a question about Miles Morales (thank you Zig!). Then in a return of the Nerd Out (1:26:47) listener Swati pitches us on the Netflix reboot of She-Ra.Tune in every Wednesday & Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it?Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, website, & LetterboxdJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaThe Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!See Wakanda and Die (2008) – Written by Jason Aaron, art by Jefte Palo, colors by Lee Loughridge, letters by Cory Petit, cover art by Jason Pearson. [x]3-D ManThe tweet Zig references in his answer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 23, 2022 • 1h 24min
L.A. Comic Con Live! Marvel Phase 4 and the Future of the MCU with Joelle Monique and Cody Ziglar
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight are LIVE at LA Comic Con! First they are joined by Cody Ziglar to discuss his work this past year, including the rocking Spider-Punk and breaking ground on Miles Morales. Then in the Airlock (0:51), Jason, Rosie, and iHeartRadio Executive Producer, host and MCU super fan Joelle Monique dive deep (deeep) into the recently wrapped phase 4, explain the “mess era” of the MCU, make predictions about what’s to come in future phases, and of course tie it all back to the X-Men. Then (54:39) they take audience questions about the MCU, including the Beyonder, young T’Challa, and more. Finally, Jason, Rosie, and Joelle share a Station 11 style piece of media from 2022 that has stayed with them through the year.Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, Letterboxd, IGN author page, Nerdist author pageJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 16, 2022 • 1h 31min
Avatar: The Way of Water
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight swim with the tulkun! First in the Previously On (3:19) Jason recaps his recent time at Game of Thrones Con before he and Rosie dissect the Across the Spider-Verse teaser and discuss the rise, risks, and redflags of AI generated art. Then in the Airlock (42:15), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeep) into the waters of Pandora for James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, recapping the film and analyzing its purposeful apoliticism, which character they hate the most and why, and theorize where the future of the franchise is headed. Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, Letterboxd, IGN author page, Nerdist author pageJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaThe Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!Some helpful Instagram posts (courtesy of Rosie) with more info on AI art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 9, 2022 • 1h 10min
Willow (1988) & Willow Disney+ Series
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight go on a quest! First in the Previously On (6:36) they discuss recent trailers for the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise and the upcoming HBO series The Last of US. Then in the Airlock (20:43), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeep) into the first three episodes of the Disney+ series Willow as well as revisiting the original 1988 movie. Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, Letterboxd, IGN author page, Nerdist author pageJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 2, 2022 • 2h 3min
Andor Finale with Adam Serwer
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight brick a stormtrooper! First in the Airlock (3:55), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeep) into the season one finale of Andor, recapping as well as exploring motivation and theorizing where we might find these characters in season two as well as revisiting Rogue One. In the Hive Mind (1:15:58), X-Ray Vision is thrilled to welcome Atlantic Staff Writer, journalist, and author Adam Serwer to discuss his recent piece “Star Wars Gets Political,” his love for Star Wars, secular fascism in the Empire, the politics of Andor, and more. Then in Nerd Out (1:53:12), friend of the show Liz theorizes on the possible force sensitivities of an Andor character. (Stay tuned for more Nerd Outs in 2023, including the many we didn’t get a chance to feature this year.)Please consider donating to Brian’s GoFundMe here: http://HelpBrian.netThe X-Ray Vision community sends its love to Brian and his family.Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, Letterboxd, IGN author page, Nerdist author pageJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaThe Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!Nemik’s Manifesto in full.The Atlantic’s Great Game newsletter written by Adam & other folks and a recent contribution to the newsletter from Adam on why soccer is the sport of short kings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 18, 2022 • 1h 33min
Andor Eps 10 & 11
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight start a prison riot! In the Previously On (3:17), they commemorate Kevin Conroy – the voice of Batman – and mourn his passing before unpacking Black Panther: Wakanda Forever after its opening week, discussing box office numbers, marvel fatigue and more. Then in the Airlock (25:09), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeep) into Andor episodes 10 and 11, recapping both as well as exploring performance, non-democracy in the Republic era, and the ways in which rebellions and protest movements come together on and off screen. In the Hive Mind (1:15:06), X-Ray Vision is thrilled to welcome Andor creator and Oscar-nominated writer and director Tony Gilroy to discuss his past work, building characters, and the mammoth task of showrunning a Star Wars project.Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Rosie: IG, Letterboxd, IGN author page, Nerdist author pageJoin the X-Ray Vision DiscordFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaThe Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!Check out Tickets for X-Ray Vision’s appearance at LA Comic Con here. We’ll be there December 3rd, hosting a panel from 11:30-1:00 PT in Panel Room 402A.Kevin Conroy’s “Finding Batman” from this year’s DC Pride issue is available online to read for free. Check it out here.Cerebro Cast, hosted by Connor Goldsmith, about Marvel’s Mutants.Opposing Power by Elvin OngStar Wars: Lost Stars (2015) by Claudia GraySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.