Dispatch Ajax! Podcast

Remember when conspiracy theories were just harmless fun? A time when speculating about JFK, aliens, or secret societies was a quirky hobby rather than dangerous political ideology? Those days are sadly behind us, as we now live in a world where fringe beliefs drive policy and shape our institutions.

In this episode, we explore one of the strangest conspiracy theories that bridges Victorian literature and modern politics: the Baron Trump novels. Written in the 1890s by lawyer-turned-author Ingersoll Lockwood, these forgotten children's books feature a wealthy young German aristocrat named Baron Trump who lives in "Castle Trump" and embarks on fantastical adventures guided by a mentor named "Don." The coincidental similarities to our current reality don't stop there—Lockwood also wrote a novel called "The Last President" featuring riots on Fifth Avenue and a character named Pence.

We dive deep into the fascinating history of Marvel-DC crossovers, from the 1976 Superman/Spider-Man meeting to the ambitious Amalgam Universe of the mid-90s. Looking back at these collaborations reveals how they've historically revitalized the industry during challenging periods—much like what we're witnessing today.

Our spotlight on the overlooked 1999 Superman/Fantastic Four crossover (where Galactus destroyed Krypton and Superman briefly became his herald) showcases the creative potential when these universes collide. With both franchises heading to theaters in 2025, this crossover represents not just exciting storytelling possibilities but genuine hope for the industry's future.

As we approach the 5th anniversary of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we look back at how culture viewed such events and their impact. Our fascination with pandemic narratives in cinema didn't begin with COVID—it spans decades of filmmaking that eerily predicted our current reality. From star-studded 70s disaster films to modern psychological thrillers, we track how Hollywood's vision of global disease evolved alongside our deepest fears.


Ready to see these familiar stories through new eyes? Listen now, then tell us which pandemic film predicted our reality best. Share your thoughts and favorite viral cinema moments—we're all in this contamination zone together.

Fictional disease outbreaks have haunted our screens for nearly a century, revealing far more about our society than any microscopic villain. From class warfare aboard a cholera-stricken ship in 1939's "Pacific Liner" to the eerily prescient "Contagion" that rocketed to popularity during COVID-19, pandemic narratives capture our deepest fears and societal fault lines.

What makes these stories uniquely terrifying is the invisible nature of the threat. Unlike floods or fires that can be seen and avoided, disease spreads silently through our communities, creating a special kind of paranoia. Our fight-or-flight responses falter against enemies we cannot see, and pandemic films brilliantly exploit this universal vulnerability.

I have things to say about NüTrek and Star Trek in general, obviously. So, in this special supplemental episode I address some of the things we didn't get to in our previous installments. 

As we navigate Star Trek through the cosmos, there's no shying away from the franchise's struggles with maintaining its canon and meeting fan expectations. From the portrayal of Starfleet officers to the ongoing saga of Section 31, we candidly express mixed feelings about the new era of Star Trek. 

Is Star Trek Discovery in canon? What exactly is NüTrek? Just how bad was Section 31: The Movie? 

In this episode we lay down the ground work and history that lead to today's Star Trek, for better or worse. Join us for part one where we show you just how we got here.

 Join us as we embark on a wild ride through the cult classic "Freejack," featuring dual rockstars Mick Jagger and David Johansen. We unravel the film's weak plot of time travel and body snatching, buoyed only slightly by Jagger's acting choices. 

Join us as we recount the strange and captivating story of Antônio Vias Boas. His strange case predated many of the iconic abduction narratives we know today, including the well-known experiences of Betty and Barney Hill and Travis Walton. But it's Boas's bewildering rendezvous with an egg-shaped craft and enigmatic beings that truly sets his tale apart, yet also sets the stage for UFO encounters for decades to come.

Could time travelers be among us, influencing the course of history with cryptic binary codes? Join us as we embark on part two of our journey through the mysterious Rendlesham Forest incident and beyond. This time we explore the bizarre tales of strange lights, radiation, and the ever-evolving accounts of key witnesses like Jim Penniston and John Burroughs.