He pays the subject of the podcast. A total red line for ethical journalism. I was into it, but so disappointed when I heard it was pay to play.

An entertaining and enlightening case study on narcissism. The host, David Weinberg, does an incredible job giving Ben Fodor the opportunity to paint himself in a favorable light, but you can’t change a person’s nature. Fodor’s unrelenting self-centered personality paired with his complete lack of self-awareness take center stage on his constant failures. Weinberg’s investigation, interviews, and presentation left me wanting nothing. What’s next?

This is an awesomely compelling podcast full of colorful 3 dimensional real life charecters. It is put together with a great sense of comedy and tragedy that keeps the listener’s attention. It would be hard to fall asleep to this! The questions of how much good real superheroes do? And is this bravery, stupidity, or mental illness are thoroughly explored, and ultimately left up to the listener. Finally, the music is ABSOLUTLY PERFECT, evoking the right balance of gritty rebellion, and campy adventure.

Haven’t liked a long form doc podcast this much since S Town. Incredible, fascinating, hilarious, super thought provoking!

I wrote a pretty long review and accidentally deleted it. I had only vaguely remembered these guys while listening until I googled them and saw a picture, and it was like a memory was plucked from my brain and I was brought right back in to this nostalgic time when I first heard of them as a young cosplayer and I really felt like, oh my god this could be a really thing… what if this happens everywhere.. and I was SO enamored with them and filled with so much hope.. I really felt like oh my god these guys are actually doing it.. and I was really stoked to hear about what became of these guys, but then it was only a couple episodes In before that enamored young memory was completely crushed hearing phoenix talk..the way he speaks is just vile and beyond that his obvious lies and justification for literally everything is nauseating.. but then a few more episodes in hearing the stories of the other heroes, their origins, their reasons for being heroes, their compassion, their reasons for leaving, or staying, and everything else really renewed my faith in all of it. Phoenix though does sound potentially dangerous. It seems like his sense of grandiose is so out of control it could put others at risk. I actually have some suspicions after listening to him talk and I really wonder if certain things were fully looked in to when it came to him.. especially in regards to him setting up “crime” to fight. Like how it worked, did he pay people to make a scene or do things and then he would chase after/ turn in a local druggy to blame for it or something? I wonder if those set ups ever went wrong and people got hurt or worse and how much was actually looked in to. Also: I don’t believe the part about his kid at all, they give those badges to literally all kids just from saying hi to cops. My kids have a few of them through the years.

I can’t believe y’all people up there in Seattle didn’t beat that crap out of this narcissistic man child years ago. What a hypocritical lying jerk, I about died laughing when I listened to the last episode and he told the story about his son taking down a criminal. I did enjoy this podcast though, very well done.

I knew about him when he 1st hit the internet glad to hear how it all played out…..he is a Uncle Tom

Phoenix is such a pile, great podcast

This podcast saved my life. I was just getting ready to hit the streets of NYC as a super hero. Trampolines set up all over the city ready to jump on some villains. Then I heard this podcast and I was like nah. The real heroes are the podcasters like Davis Weinberg and he’s been trampoline free since ‘93.

This podcast is really well done but good lord is Phoenix Jones unlikable. Edit: I’m unable to finish this show. Phoenix Jones is such a pathetic loser. Brutal to listen to.

I wish I could get in touch with the producer. I live in Seattle and I’ve had some personal experiences with Ben that I want to share!

Holy true crime sensation Batman! What a crazy show this is! Best superhero podcast I’ve ever heard. And I’ve heard them all!

Such great storytelling!