After hosting the popular fandom podcast The 602 Club for nearly a decade, Matt Rushing has learned a thing or two about the entertainment industry. Matt and his co-host Bespin Belle have picked apart all things Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and Star Trek across a span of 300 episodes and have a unique personal and professional take on the streaming industry, podcasting, and the cinematic universe content delivery structure that has taken over Hollywood.
We sit down with Matt Rushing, founder of The 602 Club, for more about why he decided on podcasting as a medium, the future of the comic-book movie genre, and more.
A passion for mythic stories
Why did you decide to create The 602 Club?
“I was not always a lover of stories like I am now. As a child, I read almost exclusively non-fiction. It was only when I encountered C.S. Lewis’ The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe that I became a convert to fiction. I fell in love with mythic stories, which, in time, led me to movies like Star Wars, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, and Superman, books like The Lord of the Rings, shows like Star Trek, and even comics.
“In 2011, because of my love for these genre stories, I began searching a new medium that had become popular, podcasts, for shows dedicated to the things I liked. I stumbled on Trek.fm, one of the biggest networks devoted to the Star Trek universe.
“I was immediately hooked on the show, The Ready Room, which would walk through different episodes each week from all five Star Trek series. I ended up applying to be the book reviewer for the site since I already read Star Trek books and had decided that I also wanted to get my foot in the door in the world of podcasting.
“Eventually, the creator of the network, Christopher Jones, asked me if I would like to start a new podcast for the network with him, which would be devoted to the books and comics of Star Trek. I enthusiastically accepted, and in November of 2012, Literary Treks was born, as was my life in podcasting.”
Podcasting as a medium
What do you enjoy most about podcasting the 602 Club?
“I love podcasting as a medium because it has allowed me to talk about stories in a deeper, richer way. To look deeply at stories, what they are trying to say, what we might learn along the way by analyzing content in a constructively critical way, not tearing things apart but trying to see what works or doesn’t. Podcasting has helped me learn the skill of active listening, which is a lost art. It has also led to great friendships between myself and other hosts and listeners. Today, some of my best friends have come about because podcasting introduced us!”
The cinematic universe(s)
Where do you see the “cinematic universe” content delivery structure in 10 years?
“This is a tough question. As of this writing, the MCU alone is planning content through 2026. I don’t know how sustainable it will be. There is a point in every comic book universe where things become so complicated that creators feel the only way forward is to reboot it, (and) that is going to happen to the MCU at some point.
“There is also the problem of so much content for people to keep up with, especially now that Disney+ shows are a part of the Marvel phases. On top of that, the actual numbers for the streaming shows could have been better. What Kevin Feige has created is impressive, but I can’t see it lasting another ten years as is.”
What impact do you think the superhero genre has had (and will have) on the entertainment industry in the long term?
“Homogenization. The success of the MCU has led every other studio to try to replicate its success. Sadly this has not been a good thing for the industry or the fans. With other studios trying to do the same thing, it has led them to abandon the very thing that made them worth watching in the first place. Yes, I am referencing the terrible mismanagement of DCComics under the previous regimes at Warner Brothers. Fans have more choice than ever; but I hope studios realize that real choice is not giving us complete similitude but variety (they say it is the spice of life).”
Which superhero would you like to see on the big screen, and who should direct it?
“Green Lantern. I would love to see John David Washington play John Stewart with someone like Joseph Kosinski directing. Interesting that as I write this, the HBOMax series is being rewritten with John Stewart as the main character.
Which MCU/DC title would you love to see your podcast pop up in?
It would have to be the next Superman movie with Henry Cavill. He is my all-time favorite hero and actor to play them!
Advice for podcasters from the 602 Club
After 300 episodes and 8 years on the air with the 602 Club, what advice would you give others in the podcasting industry?
“It will be worth all the frustration, behind-the-scenes drama, and pain because you’ll make some of your best friends along the way.”
Are there any changes you’d recommend or practices that could improve the industry?
“I do wish it was easier to monetize. I also wish it was easier to get people to follow us on Twitter @The602Club and leave us reviews on Apple Podcasts (602 Club)!”
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Matt and Bespin on The 602 Club, but sure to do it today on Trek.fm or Apple Podcasts. Thank you for your time Matt!
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