Geek Freaks Headlines

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we break down TikTok’s bold move to create a new U.S.-only app ahead of a possible sale. With a September 5th launch date and a March 26th shutdown of the current version, U.S. users are being asked to make a major transition. We talk about the reasons behind the change, what it means for your algorithm, and how competitors like YouTube Shorts are stepping up to the plate. Whether you're a creator or a casual scroller, here's everything you need to prepare for the migration. Timestamps and Topics: 00:00 – TikTok’s new U.S. app launching September 5 00:15 – ByteDance pressured by U.S. government to sell 00:35 – How this impacts your algorithm and For You Page 00:58 – Timeline exhaustion and the relief of clarity 01:15 – YouTube Shorts gaining ground as a TikTok alternative Key Takeaways: * TikTok will launch a new app for U.S. users on September 5 * The current app will be shut down on March 26 * This move is in response to the U.S. government’s pressure on ByteDance to sell * Users will likely need to retrain their TikTok algorithm * YouTube Shorts has now surpassed TikTok in daily U.S. users and offers longer video lengths Memorable Quotes: 🗣 “You might have to basically rebuild your algorithm from scratch.” 🗣 “One of our favorite apps is here to stay… for now.” 🗣 “YouTube Shorts actually just surpassed TikTok in daily users.” Call to Action: If you enjoyed this update, be sure to follow Geek Freaks Headlines for your daily rundown of what’s happening in geek culture and tech. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and share this episode using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Links and Resources: 📰 All news from this episode can be found at GeekFreaksPodcast.com [https://geekfreakspodcast.com] Follow Us: 📱Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/] 🐦Twitter: @geekfreakspod [https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod] 📘Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast [https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast] 🧵Threads: @geekfreakspodcast 💬 Patreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Listener Questions: Got questions or thoughts on TikTok’s app shift? Want us to dig deeper into tech and media news? Send them our way and you might be featured in a future episode! Apple Podcast Tags: TikTok, ByteDance, YouTube Shorts, social media trends, tech news, algorithm tips, TikTok shutdown, digital migration, U.S. tech policy, Geek Freaks Headlines

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we break down the big shift in leadership behind HBO’s The Last of Us. Co-creator Neil Druckmann is stepping away from the series ahead of Season 3 to focus on Naughty Dog’s next big game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. With Craig Mazin now the sole showrunner, what does this mean for the show’s future? We share thoughts on how this could affect the storytelling, audience reception, and Season 3’s uphill battle without Pedro Pascal and with Abby taking center stage. Timestamps and Topics: * 00:00 Introduction and headline * 00:03 Neil Druckmann steps down from The Last of Us * 00:10 Craig Mazin becomes sole showrunner * 00:18 Druckmann’s continued role as executive producer * 00:25 Concerns over creative direction and Season 3 tone * 00:35 Audience challenges: No Pedro Pascal and Abby’s role * 00:45 What to watch for as production begins Key Takeaways: * Neil Druckmann is stepping away from The Last of Us series before Season 3 production. * Druckmann will remain on paper as executive producer and co-creator but won’t contribute creatively. * Craig Mazin will take over as the sole showrunner moving forward. * Druckmann is refocusing his efforts on developing Naughty Dog’s upcoming title Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. * Season 3 may be harder to market with Pedro Pascal likely not returning and Abby taking a lead role. * The tone and direction of the show could shift significantly without Druckmann’s involvement. Quotes: “Season one was outstanding. Season two, a bit of a mixed bag.” “The highlights from season two were really pulled from the game.” “Season three will be difficult to advertise to people—no Pedro Pascal and Abby’s a big focus.” Call to Action: Love what you hear? Subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines, leave us a review, and share the episode using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Stay tuned for weekly updates on all things geek! Links and Resources: Stay informed with our latest news at GeekFreaksPodcast.com [https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com] Follow Us: * Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast [https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast] * Instagram: instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast] * Threads: threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast * Patreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast * Twitter: twitter.com/geekfreakspod [https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod] Listener Questions: Got thoughts on Druckmann leaving or predictions for Season 3? Send your comments and questions our way, and we might feature them in the next episode! Apple Podcast Tags: The Last of Us, Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin, Naughty Dog, HBO, video game adaptation, Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet, Pedro Pascal, Abby, Geek Freaks Headlines

In this Geek Freaks Headlines episode, we break down the sweeping layoffs hitting Microsoft’s gaming division. Host Frank Lourence dives into the cancellation of major titles like Everwild and the Perfect Dark reboot, the studios impacted (including Bethesda’s London office), and why King and Blizzard are taking heavy hits. We also take a moment to reflect on how repeated layoffs are reshaping the industry, with 9,100 employees affected in this latest round. All info sourced from Polygon, IGN, and internal memos. Timestamps and Topics: * 00:00 Microsoft lays off 9,100 employees, 4% of its workforce * 00:10 King reportedly hit hardest by the cuts * 00:18 Statement from Phil Spencer and industry-wide challenges * 00:23 Rare cancels Everwild, Perfect Dark reboot scrapped * 00:30 Bethesda London and Blizzard impacted * 00:36 Warcraft Rumble deprioritized * 00:41 A pattern of layoffs: January 2024, September 2024, May 2025 * 00:51 Closing thoughts and what's next Key Takeaways: * Microsoft has laid off 9,100 employees, with many from Xbox Game Studios. * King, Rare, Blizzard, and Bethesda were among the hardest hit. * Everwild and the Perfect Dark reboot have been cancelled. * Warcraft Rumble is being shelved. * This is one of several large rounds of layoffs Microsoft has done since early 2024. * The gaming industry is in a precarious state, with restructuring happening across major publishers. Quotes: * “Rare had to cancel their upcoming Everwild game. The Perfect Dark reboot is scrapped. That whole studio gone now.” * “Blizzard... they’re going to be putting Warcraft Rumble on the backburner.” * “We’re seeing these layoffs, and it’s hard times hitting across the entire gaming sector.” Call to Action: If you want to stay updated on major gaming industry changes like this one, make sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines. Leave us a review, share the episode, and join the conversation using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Links and Resources: News Source: https://geekfreakspodcast.com [https://geekfreakspodcast.com] Follow Us: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast [https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast] 📌 Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/] 📌 Threads: @geekfreakspodcast 📌 Patreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast 📌 Twitter: twitter.com/geekfreakspod [https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod] Listener Questions: We want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on these cuts? How do you think this will impact the future of Xbox and its studios? Send us your questions and we might feature them in our next episode. Apple Podcast Tags: Xbox, Microsoft layoffs, Perfect Dark, Everwild, Blizzard, Warcraft Rumble, gaming news, game development, tech layoffs, Geek Freaks Headlines, video game industry, Bethesda, King Studios, Phil Spencer, Rare Games, canceled games, 2025 gaming news, Xbox Game Studios, podcast

Episode Summary In this quick-hit episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, Frank breaks down the top TV shows arriving in July 2025. From long-awaited finales to nostalgic comebacks, this month is packed. We cover The Sandman’s two-part final season, the return of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the buzz around Foundation season 3, the beloved Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the comeback of South Park, and Frank's second shot at Twisted Metal. Whether you're a sci-fi fan, animation junkie, or comedy nerd, there's something here for you. * 00:00 July’s TV preview kickoff * 00:03 The Sandman (Netflix) final season starts July 3 * 00:15 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia returns July 9 (FX and Hulu) * 00:25 Foundation season 3 premieres July 11 (Apple TV Plus) * 00:34 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns July 17 (Paramount Plus) * 00:52 South Park comes back July 23 (Comedy Central) * 01:04 Twisted Metal season 2 premieres July 31 (Peacock) * 01:18 Final thoughts and open call for any shows we missed * The Sandman is back with a two-part final season—first drop hits July 3 * It’s Always Sunny continues to be a must-watch after all these years * Foundation season 3 is gaining buzz even among newcomers * Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a perfect entry point for Trek newcomers * South Park returns after a long gap for many viewers * Twisted Metal gets another shot with Anthony Mackie leading the way * Frank is open to more recommendations and will be covering movie releases next “Neil Gaiman really put a bad taste in our mouth, but I gotta finish the story.” “If you’re new to Star Trek... Strange New Worlds is beautiful. Good story. Great cast.” “Not a huge fan of [Twisted Metal], but I played the hell out of that as a kid... I gotta get back in.” Love what you're hearing? Don’t forget to subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review to help other geeks find the show, and share the episode with your friends using #GeekFreaksPod. 📰 All our geek news comes from: https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com [https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com] 📱 Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/] 🐦 Twitter: @geekfreakspod [https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod] 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast [https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast] 💬 Threads: threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast 🎧 Patreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Think we missed a July release? Let us know! Message us on social or email your picks and we might include them in the next update. Apple Podcast Tags: TV shows, streaming July 2025, Sandman Netflix, Star Trek Strange New Worlds, South Park new season, Twisted Metal Peacock, Foundation Apple TV, Always Sunny FXX, Geek Freaks Podcast, geek culture news, summer shows 2025, what to watch Timestamps and TopicsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesCall to ActionLinks and ResourcesFollow UsListener Questions

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, Frank taps into millennial nostalgia with news that the original 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is returning to theaters for a special 35th anniversary screening. Scheduled for August 17 and 20 via Fathom Events, this re-release will also include a brand-new featurette titled Turtles Unmasked—featuring never-before-seen archival footage, deleted scenes, and commentary from director Steve Barron. Frank reflects on what this movie meant growing up and floats the idea of making retro re-releases a regular thing. Timestamps and Topics: * 00:00 Nostalgia alert: TMNT '90 returns to theaters * 00:10 Anniversary screening dates and special featurette * 00:20 Frank compares TMNT to other ’90s classics like Hook * 00:30 Should retro movie re-releases be a monthly tradition? Key Takeaways: * Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) will hit theaters again on August 17 and 20. * The screening includes a featurette called Turtles Unmasked with new archival content and director commentary. * Frank sees this as part of a broader trend—and potential opportunity—for bringing ’90s movies back to theaters for modern audiences. * Movies like Hook could be strong contenders for future re-releases. Memorable Quote: “Millennials. We got some sweet nostalgia coming our way.” Call to Action: Enjoying these quick-hit geek news updates? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode using the hashtag #GeekFreaksPodcast. Your support helps us keep bringing the news you care about. Links and Resources: News source: GeekFreaksPodcast.com [https://geekfreakspodcast.com] Follow Us: Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast] Threads: @geekfreakspodcast Twitter: @geekfreakspod [https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod] Facebook: Geek Freaks Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast] Patreon: Support Us Have thoughts on retro movie re-releases? DM us or drop your picks on our socials—we want to hear from you! Apple Podcast Tags: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TMNT 1990, 90s Movies, Movie Re-release, Steve Barron, Fathom Events, Geek News, Movie Nostalgia, TMNT Anniversary, Geek Freaks Headlines