The Walter Paisley Movie House (The Walter Paisley Movie House)

Gregory Scott Cummins is a self-described blue collar actor who has been working in movies and television since the late 1980's. In today's episode we talk about his parent's careers with media mogul Howard Hughes, his youth in Orinda, CA, his sports career, and much more. Greg tells me about his experiences on the sets of the cult classics, Hack-O-Lantern, Dead End City, and Action USA. I finally find out what Hy Pyke was like as a person, and I was not disappointed. Greg also tells me about working with William Smith, Cameron Mitchell, and the legendary Robert Z'Dar.

Find out more about Greg here:

Official Website

IMDB

Beverly Washburn started acting in 1950 at the age of 6, and has not slowed down since. In part one, we talk about her youth, the challenges of being a child actor, and getting her start with the help of fabled stuntman and actor, Jock Mahoney. She tells me about Superman and the Mole-Men, working with the likes of Cecille B. DeMille, George Stevens, and Frank Capra, and her long friendship with the great Jack Benny. And, of course, we talk about Spider Baby, or the Maddest Story Ever Told, and about working with the legendary Lon Chaney, Jr.

Find out more about Beverly here:

Beverly Washburn

And buy her memoir, Reel Tears: The Beverly Washburn Story, at a local book store. Support local. Don't have a local shop? Then use my favorite, Irvington Books and Vinyl. Elysia will take good care of you.

Today I get to talk to one of my favorite artists and pop culture\sleaze encyclopedia, Mitch O'Connell. From a very early age, Mitch knew he wanted to be an artist, and his love of watching The Ghoul and Svenghoulie became his muse. From the utterly hilarious to the outright bizarre, if it's kitschy or cult, Mitch is likely going to draw it.

He tells me about being a teenager travelling alone to NYC to schlep his portfolio to comic book publishers, magazines, and anywhere else he thought might need art, all while taking time out to avoid the rats in the movie theaters of Time's Square. He tells me about dropping out of art school, because he had begun working professionally, which was way better. We talk Tor Johnson, John Waters, and the spritual joy and comfort we both find in the cheapest of B-movies. He also tells me about his wonderfully infamous Time's Square billboard mocking the then Presidential candidate Trump.

Find out more about Mitch here:

Mitch O'Connell

Etsy

Threadless

Instagram

You can also hit up my friend Elysia at Irvington Vinyl and Books. She can get you a copy of any of Mitch's books, and you'll be supporting one of the last independent book stores in Indiana.

Prolific director and cult movie idol, Fred Olen Ray joins us to talk about... well, everything. Sharing stories about some of the most iconic names in the industry, Fred proves himself to be quite the raconteur. Find out about Lee Van Cleef's hat collection, why Cameron Mitchell kept working, John Carradine's wake, the chivalry of Peter Cushing, house parties with David Carradine, and a rare story of Roger Corman spending money. And those are just a sampling of the many tales he shares with us.

You can find Fred on Facebook and at his company, Retromedia Entertainment.

Yes, that is one of the screen-used flying saucers from Plan 9 from Outer Space in the thumbnail. Dana Gould is one of the funniest and most innovative stand up comedians working today. He's also a prolific writer and actor who has appeared in dozens of television shows and feature films. His love of cult film and low-budget film knows no bounds, and he is an encyclopedia of old sci-fi and horror. He joins us to talk Ed Wood, Jr., Maila Nurmi, and his new season of his homage to talk shows of the 70's, Hanging with Dr. Z, which premieres today, February 14th, on YouTube.

You kind find more of Dana here:

DanaGould.com

The Cinemorph

My conversation with independent director, Mark Pirro continues. We talk about his new movie, The Deceased Won't Desist, censorship, streaming media vs. physical media, and why Blockbuster sucked. Mark also discusses why it pays to be nice, and why he has chosen to stay in the trenches of independence. Also, Submissive Jesus!

You can find Mark and his movies, including his latest release, The Deceased Won't Desist, at Pirromount Pictures.

Continuing my conversation with Stairway to Stardom archivist and public access tv enthusiast, Mitch Friedman. Mitch tells me about the audition process for the iconic NYC public access talent show, the status of some of the performers today, and why he loves a good bad lounge singer. We also talk about his work as an editor, writer, and musician. Bonus: He tells me about meeting members of one of his favorite bands, California's legendary and anonymous troubadours, The Residents.

Find more about Stairway to Stardom here:

YouTube

I am back after a bit of an unplanned hiatus! (Sorry, gang. I started a new job and it has been an adjustment for me.) Today, Steve Stoliar and I continue our conversation picking up with him telling me how he got the job with Groucho. He tells me about his time in the house, his struggles with Erin Flemming, and his joys at meeting legends of old Hollywood. He also tells me about his life after Groucho, his freindships with Dick Cavett and Woody Allen, and his work as a writer and voiceover artist.

Find out more about Steve, and even order an autographed copy of his books here.

If you would prefer to support one of the last truly independent bookstores in Indiana, you can order directly from Irvington Vinyl and Books, or from Bookshop.org which will support the store, as well.

Chris and I continue our conversation about life in early 90's NYC. He talks about his time hanging with the Manhattan weirdo elite, working with Tatum O'Neil, and the importance of music. Plus, life in the brig, why craft services matter, and why you can't wade through a marsh along the New Jersey Transit Line with a camera anymore.

Find Chris here:

Ghost Limb Films on Vimeo

Ghost Limb Films on Facebook

Stairway to Stardom is a vital piece of media that made the rounds on the underground VHS scene in the late 80s and early 90s, and it would have been lost to the ages without today's guest. Mitch Friedman, along with his friend Doug Miller, tracked down the creator and host of the NYC public access oddity, Frank Masi. Masi gave them complete access to the handful of shows he still had, having lost many earlier episodes by taping over them with new ones to save money. Mitch digitized the lot and made them available on YouTube. Since that time, what was an underground cult favorite has found new life on the web.

Today, Mitch and I talk about the quest to find these tapes and the many, many characters that could only have come from NYC who appeared on this completely unique talent show.

Find more about Stairway to Stardom here:

YouTube

My conversation with Sky Elobar continues. We talk about living in NYC and LA, how public masturbation (No, not him.) led to him meeting his wife, convention life, and, of course, The Greasy Strangler. Also, the highs and lows of the jobbing actor, Michael St. Michael being banned from Australia, and his favorite restaurants in Indianapolis.

Find Sky here:

IMDB

Twitter

Instagram (Follow Sky here to see him, and his adorable puppers.)

Today I talk to two of the most prolific and busiest independent filmmakers working. Between them, Michael and Sophia have over 70 credits ranging from writing, directing, cinematography, acting, editing, and scoring. We are also joined by professional makeup artist, Julie Powers. We talk about how the pandemic affected the business and the things they did to continue working despite being locked down. We also talk about their influences, how they learned as they created, and why it's sometimes just best to make a movie about your dog being a vampire. We also discuss the cheesy joy of The Prisoner, making music, and why gore is always more fun that dialogue.

Find out more about all of my guests here:

Sophia:

IMDB

Facebook

Launch Over Productions

Michael:

IMDB

Facebook

Launch Over Productions

Julie:

IMDB

Instagram

At the age of six, Jackey made her feature film debut in what has been widely considered the worst film ever made, Manos, the Hands of Fate. Long thought to bw lost media until it was unearthed by the crew at Mystery Science Theater 3000, the movie has now become part of pop culture history. There are stage adaptations, including the brilliant puppet version, Manos, the Hands of Felt, references in various television shows, a video game, and RiffTrax did an updated riff on it in 2012. Jackey tells me some of her memories of making the film, and we talk about her life and current projects.

Find out more about Jackey and Manos here:

Facebook

Jackey's Etsy

AV Club

The Famous Cracked Article

Part two of my chat with the great Michael J Weldon continues as it left off, with me acting like a complete fanboy, because I totally am! Michael tells me about founding the magazine and running a record store in prime era NYC. He tells me about what types of movies are even too tasteless for him, how watching everything being sent to him eventually became wearing, and the joys of Devo. Getting to finally spend time with him was a true delight.

If you don't have the Psychotronic Video Guide, what are you waiting for? Hit up my friend Elysia at Irvington Vinyl and Books and see if she can scrounge up a used copy for you. Support one of the last independent book stores in Indiana.

Find out more about what Michael is up to, check out his store in Augusta, GA here:

Psychotronic Augusta

It's part two of our discussion with Bill Rebane. Today we talk giant spider invasions, violence in films, Tiny Tim, and Alan Hale's Lobster Barrel! Plus, famous German generals, laughing at Spielberg, and Ronald Reagan was almost in Monster-A-Go-Go. 

You can find out more about Bill at The Giant Spider Invasion and get all of his films on the recently released box set, Weird Wisconsin from Arrow Video.

It's part two of Greg MacDougall, F/X guru and all around awesome person. (Sorry it's late. I finally got Covid, after artfully dodging it for two years, and it knocked me out for a few days.) In this episode we talk about the eternal struggle of creative control vs. financial stability, the joys of craft services, blowing things up, the creep factor of the Smiley mask, the almost no-The Creep factor in Creepshow 3, and ass squirrels. Greg also tells me about the surreal nature of eating under the watchful eye of a prosthetic, crucified Jim Caviezel, and the the even more surreal qualities of working on a giant Hasslehoff.

If you'd like to see the fabled ass squirrel which Greg gifted to me, check out our FB page here.

Find out more about Greg here:

Greg MacDougall IMDB

Instagram

It's part one of our talk with the man behind The Giant Spider Invasion, Monster-A-Go-Go (Kind of.), Blood Harvest, and many other low-budget cult classics. We explore his 84 years going all the way back to his youth where he and his family were uprooted by World War II and follow his journey to Chicago, and eventually, Wisconsin. From Nudie Cuties, to dance craze movies, to meeting Samuel Z. Arkoff. He's led a fascinating, and sometimes harrowing life.

You can find out more about Bill at The Giant Spider Invasion and get all of his films on the recently released box set, Weird Wisconsin from Arrow Video.

Today, special F/X guru, Joe Castro drops into the Movie House to talk bloodying up legends of the industry. We talk about his youth in San Antonio, TX, the importance of having a good mentor, and the life-changing properties of Godzill vs. The Smog Monster. We completely geek out over Yor: The Hunter From the Future, and Herschell Gordon Lewis. Joe also tells me about the support he got from his father, and about 12 year old Joe making a cold call to Tom Savini.

Find more about Joe here:

Joe Castro F/X

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Facebook

Instagram

It's a special two-episode release day! That's right, we love you so much that we are giving you two great interviews on the same day and it has absolutely nothing to do with keeping us on our release schedule.

Scream Queen and Cult Duchess Debbie Rochon joins us for a discussion about being a teen in 1980s NYC, Dan Hagerty being a mensch, and the art of playing a Cocaloony bird. We also talk about her studying with Uta Hagen and Penny Allen, cult movies, we clarify that Doggie Tales, Vol1: Lucky's First Sleepover is NOT a porn, and we wax nostalgic about 1-900 numbers.

You can find Debbie at, www.debbierochon.com, on Instagram, @officialdebbierochon, in her upcoming memoir, From the Underbelly to the Underground, and be sure to check out her fantastic podcast, Obscurities.

Rich Brown has been making his mark on pop culture since the mid-80's. Be it in his NYC-centric stage show, Beyond Vaudeville, to the award winning cable access version of that show which ran from 1985 to 1995, to the third iteration of it, which is known as Oddville MTV. Today we talk about his interest in the unusual, how Beyond Vaudeville began and how it grew to the underground cult status it still holds today. Rich tells us about how they booked their guests, the frustrations of the barely managed chaos of the show, and the unpredictability of his irascible co-host, David Greene. And, of course, we talk about Suzanne Muldowney (If you know, you know.).

Find more about Rich and Beyond Vaudeville here:

Facebook

YouTube

IMDB

Jack Hill is one the most iconic names in the world of cult film. In this episode, he and I discuss his origins, his work with Roger Corman, his thoughts on Jack Nicholson, Lon Chaney, Jr., and Boris Karloff, and his friendship with Sid Haig. He also talks about driving a cab at night in 1950s Hollywood, the frustrating parts low-budget filmmaking, and how an orange slowed the filming of Spider Baby.

You can find Jack here.

It's Halloween, but today we are talking Christmas with return guest Fred Olen Ray. His new book, Writing the Perfect Christmas TV Movie, draws on his years of experience making the Christmas for networks like Lifetime and the Hallmark Channel. We talk about why he wanted to write the book, the surprise he had at it being a top seller on Amazon, and some of the secrets to writing these films. It's a great little read for anyone interested in the world of the journeyman movie maker, and anyone with an interested in breaking into the world of TV movies.

Find Writing the Perfect Christmas TV Movie at any of these places:

RetroMedia Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

If you prefer to support local, I highly recommend my favorite fully independent bookstore:

Irvington Vinyl and Books (Elysia will happily send the book to you, wherever you are, and you are helping a wonderful small business. It's a Christmasween miracle!)

Fred may be found here:

Facebook

Retromedia Entertainment.

My conversation with Greg continues with more talk of being a jobbing actor, auditioning, and the pros and cons of typecasting. We also talk Brian Bostworth's choke holds, John Lithgow's prowess at playing bad guys, and hanging out in the mountains with Stallone. Of course, we get into It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia but more importantly, we talk Hunter. 

Find out more about Greg here:

Official Website

IMDB

Sky Elobar is one of the most unique character actors working today. He's shown up in supporting roles on television and in film, as well as the leading role in one of our favorite movies, 2016's singular The Greasy Strangler. But wait, there's more! He's also a musician, having recorded albums with his '90s funk-rock band, Seventh House, a wine connoisseur, and just an all around great guy. We discuss his early days growing up in Pittsburg, his time at the prestigious Berkley School of Music, and playing gigs at places like LA's Troubadour and NYC's legendary CBGB. Also, we get a visit from his awesome pup, Coco.

Find Sky here:

IMDB

Twitter

Instagram (Follow Sky here to see him, and his adorable puppers.)

Cult legend, Lloyd Kaufman joins us for a conversation about everything from Oliver Stone's politics to a golden encounter with Lawrence Tierney (After it takes us an embarrassingly long time to come up with his name. Thanks, Producer Jason!) There are also tales of Candy Darling, Auteur Theory, and mentions of melon-heavy breasts. It's exactly the conversation you didn't know you needed to hear!

Find more of Lloyd at http://watch.troma.com/ and be sure to follow him on Instagram @unclelloydkaufman.

We pick up where we left off, talking about the legendary Bill Weeden. We then get into the joys and headaches of distribution, what makes a film a cult movie, and also mention Indiana film folks like my old friend Scott Schirmer (Forbidden Films) and Josh Hull (Glorious). We also talk Hammer movies, convention culture, merkins, and dicks on screen.

Thank you to our partner sponsor, Scarlet Lane Brewery. With five Indianapolis locations, you can always find a place to enjoy the Official Beer of Horror.

Find out more about all of my guests here:

Sophia:

IMDB

Facebook

Launch Over Productions

Michael:

IMDB

Facebook

Launch Over Productions

Julie:

IMDB

Instagram

Today, I continue my conversation with makeup F/X guru, Joe Castro. He picks up where we left off, telling me about using Herschell Gordon Lewis' blood recipe. We also talk about his first time at the Acker Mansion as a teen where he met Forrest J. and Brinke Stevens, who became a lifelong friend. Joe tells me about meeting and working with Karen Black, and being professional. He also teases some upcoming projects, including the long awaited sequel to Mutilator 2. This episode is easily one of my favorites, so far. Joe is an inspiring example of the importance of appreciating every moment.

Find more about Joe here:

Joe Castro F/X

IMDB

Facebook

Instagram

Eddie and I pick up where we left off, talking about the late, great Dick Miller. We also discuss Eddie being an honorary Walter Paisley, himself. Eddie tells me who his favorite directors to work with are, stories of all the great character actors he's gotten to share the screen with, and why he loves voice work so much. We also talk Christmas movies, Shemp Howard's gift for memorization, and Ed Wood. Bonus: Kissing Morgan Fairchild!

Brought to you in partnership with Scarlet Lane Brewing, the Official Beer of Horror!

Find out more about Eddie here:

IMDB

Facebook

Eddie Deezen has appeared or done voicework in almost 100 movies and tv shows, and he has worked with some of the most legendary actors of all time. He joins me to talk about his youth in Maryland, growing up watching TV, his first trip to NYC, and being fresh-faced, naive young lad in LA. He tells me about seeing Monkey Business on the big screen, how made Steven Spielberg laugh, and how a dollar changed the course of his life. And, of course, we talk about The Beatles.

Brought to you in partnership with Scarlet Lane Brewing, the Official Beer of Horror!

Find out more about Eddie here:

IMDB

Facebook

Dana Gould, Fred Olen Ray, and Bob Blackburn join me to talk about one of the most misunderstood and unfairly maligned filmmakers of all time, Edward D. Wood, Jr. in celebration of what would have been Ed's 100th birthday. I could not have gotten a better group of people to talk to about this topic as Bob has compiled books of Ed's essays and short stories and has just released a book about his friendship with Kathy Wood, Ed's widow. Dana Gould has produced Ed's unproduced scripts and has staged readings of Plan 9 From Outer Space every year for some time now. A very young Fred Olen Ray commissioned an original screenplay from Ed when he first came to Hollywood.

Together, we talk about the movies, the writings, and the man, though we occasionally stray a little off topic. Listeners are bound to come away from this one with a completely different view of a man most people only know through the Tim Burton biopic. This episode was a complete joy for me and I think you will all feel the same.

Bob Blackburn runs the Ed Wood, Jr. Facebook group which can be found here. He also just released his memoir, Kathy Wood and I which you can order from one of the best bookstores around, Irvington Vinyl and Books.

Fred Olen Ray's new book, Hellbent for Hollywood: A Director's Journey, can be found here, and he also runs the incredibly deep catalogue of Retromedia.

Dana Gould can be found here where you can not only find merch, but also his fantastic podcast, The Dana Gould Hour. Also, be sure to check out Hangin' with Dr. Z.

In this Very Special Episode I was asked to join the fun at the Days of the Dead Indianapolis Film Fest. Sadly, I was not able to get in as many interviews with filmmakers as I had hoped, because of computer issues (Which is also why this episode is getting out so late.), but I did get to talk to a couple of great folks. William Boothman is a Texas based filmmaker who has been hard at work on the episodic paranormal parody, Ghost Trippers. He and I talk about his Texas roots and how he got started. I also spent a good amount of time with Sean Haitz, writer and director of the new festival hit, Cannibal Comedian. He tells me about his early days of making movies with his friends all the way to where he is now. We also comisserate on the horrors of open mics, the joys of actors who give their all, and his upcoming projects.

Big thanks to the Days of the Dead Convention for inviting me in. I look forward to next year.

Find more about William and Sean here:

Ghost Trippers

Facebook

Instagram

Cannibal Comedian

Facebook

Instagram

Beverly tells us more about the movies of Jack Hill, in part two of our interview, then we jump back to her earlier career. From Old Yeller to The Loretta Young Show, we talk about all of the people she has worked with, and when she started to realize how really significant many of them are. She tells us about her the many animal charities she supports, as well as what she's up to today.

Plus: Troy Donahue remembers her, Loretta Young gives sage advice, and Ted V. Mikels' mustache.

Find out more about Beverly here:

Beverly Washburn

And buy her memoir, Reel Tears: The Beverly Washburn Story, at a local book store. Support local. Don't have a local shop? Then use my favorite, Irvington Books and Vinyl. Elysia will take good care of you.

Jack Sholder edited and directed some of the most revered and influential cult movies of the 80s and 90s. He joins me to talk about the perfect cheese steak, musicianship, his year abroad in Edinburgh, discovering film, the art of cutting a trailer, and the trick to building suspense. We also discuss his many influences and the importance of allowing the audience to interpret the scene, and we geek out a little about old movies.

Find out more about Jack here:

IMDB

Facebook

Hyapatia Lee is a legend of the adult industry, but in our talk with her, we find out that she is so much more. We discussed her youth in community theater, as well as her love of dance, music, and singing. We also talk about her adult film magnum opus, The Ribald Tales of Canterbury. Plus, why the golden age of adult films were so unique and why she left the business behind.

You can find Hyapatia on her YouTube channel, where she is quite prolific here, Hyapatia Lee Native Strength Network.

Michael Francis Dailey is a young filmmaker who recently won the Audience Choice Award for his short movie, How Was Your Summer? at the Phantoscope High School Film Festival. He joins me to talk about his influences, his process, and his plans for the future. (It's not often that I get to talk Kurosawa with an 18 year old, so this was an especially satisfying conversation for me.) Check out Michael's photography and movies here. You can also follow him and his filmmaking progress on Instagram.

Our conversation with Debbie continues. We talk about her directorial debut, Model Hunger, why Lynn Lowry is awesome, and the importance of always giving your all in a performance. Also, baguettes on the beach and filthy hot tubs at Cannes! And so, so much more.

You can find Debbie at, www.debbierochon.com, on Instagram, @officialdebbierochon, in her upcoming memoir, From the Underbelly to the Underground, and be sure to check out her fantastic podcast, Obscurities.

Part 2 with Rich Brown continues with Suzanne Muldowney brandishing a sword. We talk more about Beyond Vaudeville, and the eccentric guests who appeared. Rich tells me about the wonderful Betty Aberlin, the weird Brother Theodore, the very funny Al Lewis, and the enigmatic Sammy Petrillo. He tells me about the guests who walked, and the ones who were enthusiastic about being there. We also talk the joy of Sunday afternoon movies as a kid, the Wayne's World-esque transition to MTV, outsider musicians, and hand farting.

Find more about Rich and Beyond Vaudeville here:

Facebook

YouTube

IMDB

Josh Arnold grew up in St. Louis, and was introduced to horror movies the way most of us were, TV. We talk about our favorite horror movies, the moments that traumatized us when we were kids, and the nauseating appeal of The Human Centipede. We also talk Tobe Hooper, William Castle, the ups and downs of fan conventions, and why it's tough to see Gregory Peck lose.

Find out more about Josh here:

Josh Arnold

Instagram

The Bob and Tom Show

James Lorinz earned all the cult movie cred he would ever need right out of the gate with his first film roll as the scene stealing Doorman in the underground classic, Street Trash. He has since gone on to appear in movies by everyone from Frank Henenlotter to Abel Ferrara to Martin Scorsese. In this episode we talk about his youth in New York, film school, the joys of watching old movies, and the communal experience of sitting in a movie theater. Also, the dangers of Super Crack, the downside of knowing BHTS stories, and throwing rocks at Art Carney.

It's the one and only Brue Vilanch! One of the most prolific and versatile comedy writers of his or any generation joins me to talk about his incredible career that began over five decades ago and is still going strong today. Bruce talks about his youth in Patterson, NJ, the joy of seeing his first Broadway show, writing for some of the most iconic voices of the times, and being the go to person when a joke needs to be punched up. He tells me about meeting Bette Midler, which led to their decades long working relationship and personal friendship. And of course, we talk about The Paul Lynde Halloween Special and the notorious, yet legendary, Star Wars Holiday Special. It was a true treat to get to talk to him and I am thrilled to finally share it with all of you!

Find more about Bruce here:

Bruce!: My Adventures in the Skin Trade and Other Essays

If you would prefer to support one of the last truly independent bookstores in Indiana, you can order directly from Irvington Vinyl and Books, or from Bookshop.org which will support the store, as well.

You can also follow Bruce on Facebook.

Amelia and I continue our conversation getting into more detail about her work with animals and wildlife protection. We also talk more Night of the Demons, of course. Amelia tells me about the surreality of seeing her face tattooed on people, the nurturing nature of horror fandom, and what her character, Angela, has come to represent over the years.

Find out more about Amelia's tireless work in helping to curb poaching in Africa here, Amelia's Ark Angel Society.

It's part 2 of my conversation with actor, writer, director, and all around raconteur, James Lorinz. We talk about training for acting in front of the camera, the Marx Brothers, and kids watching Frankenhooker. We also talk about restarting his career after over a decade away, working with Scorsese and Pacino, and if we will ever see a feature length version of Swirlee. Big thanks again to Gregory Garaizar for helping to make this one happen.

Today is part two of my interview with Something Weird Video's, Lisa Petrucci. We talk more about her late husband, Mike Vraney, the sad, and too soon loss of him, holding the business together, and the future of Something Weird Video. We also talk about the resurgence of Physical media, and the disposable nature of streaming media. Oh yeah, Bat Pussy comes up, too.

I also fuck up the name of our music's composer. It's actually Jonathon Harmon, in case you were wondering.

Find more about Lisa here:

Something Weird Video

The Art of Lisa Petrucci

Frank is back for part 2! We talk about the first time he met Gilbert Gottfried, and about how Gilbert met Frank for the first time, every time. Frank talks about how their podcast came to be and why, and why he was such a research hound for each guest. He tells me about some of his favorite moments from the show, a few of his favorite guests, the surreal moment that is noshing in Barbara Feldon's apartment, and why he and Gilbert's dynamic worked so well. We also get into some of our favorite celebrity rumors, and I defend Skidoo.

Find more of Frank here:

Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

Comedywise

Part two of my talk with adult film legend, Hyapatia Lee. We talk about her life after exiting adult movies, and her struggles to understand her own physiology. We also get deep into mental health and the effects that perception has on the reality of health struggles. On top of it all, we reminisce a bit more about the people we have in common in our lives. It ends up being a very interesting, moving discussion about how we see people vs. how things really are.

You can find Hyapatia on her YouTube channel, where she is quite prolific here, Hyapatia Lee Native Strength Network.

Today, we move slightly away from our usual conversation with a cult movie superstar to talk to a cult movie semi-star, comedy writer, podcaster, and all around encyclopedia of character actors and obscure Hollywood trivia, Frank Santopadre. In part one, we talk about growing up in Queens, the joys of digging through comic book bins, Ralph Manza's recognizable mug, opening for Brother Theodore, and writing for Larry Bud Melman. We also talk about being a submissive wolfman, the cringe factor of looking back at early works, and the Zen riddle of which classic Hollywood comedian had the biggest porn collection.

Find more of Frank here:

Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

Comedywise

Through the late 80s-early 90s, Chris Frieri made micro-budget movies using his friends and local bands to star. Two of them, The Orbitrons  and I Was a Teenage Mummy, made the rounds in the world of bootlegs, eventually earning mentions in the cult movie bible, Psychotronic Magazine. He's now working on restoring the films, as well as others he's made, and making them available digitally. We talk about his early influences, late night horror movies on TV, and the process of learning to make movies by just making them. We also talk about the importance of "throwing your life away on something."

Find Chris here:

Ghost Limb Films on Vimeo

Ghost Limb Films on Facebook

Psychotronic Magazine founder and all around cool guy, Michael J. Weldon has long been a wishlist guest for me and I finally got him! Michael joins me to talk about seeing The Cramps at a house party in 1978, watching b-horror movies as a kid, opening Psychotronic Video, and being one of the first vendors outside of Seattle to carry movies from Something Weird Video. (Now led by previous podcast guest, Lisa Petrucci.) We talk about the joys of nudie cuties, music, and I learn of the existence of an Orgy of the Dead paperback book. Michael is an encyclopedia of all the things we love and he's happy to share it with us all.

If you don't have the Psychotronic Video Guide, what are you waiting for? Hit up my friend Elysia at Irvington Vinyl and Books and see if she can scrounge up a used copy for you. Support one of the last independent book stores in Indiana.

Find out more about what Michael is up to, check out his store in Augusta, GA here:

Psychotronic Augusta

In this episode, we pick up where we left off with Jack. We talk a little about Nightmare 2, and the intimidation of not only taking on a sequel to a blockbuster, but doing so on a very tight deadline. Jack reminds us of the importance of who the camera is on, and why watching someone react is better than watching someone talk. He also tells us about the mentorship of Martin Landau, trying to direct Jack Palance, and the brilliance of Erland van Lidth.

Find out more about Jack here:

IMDB

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John D. Hancock has directed everything from critically acclaimed theatrical productions, to award winning films, to made-for-TV movies, to producing his own movies in LaPorte, IN. His Academy Award nominated movies, Sticky My Fingers... Fleet My Feet and Bang the Drum Slowly both showcased his ability to ground the action in the reality of the film while humanizing even the vilest of characters. His 1971 cult classic horror pic, Let's Scare Jessica to Death continues to pull in new fans from all over the globe.

John talks to me about his life, his work in Off Broadway theaters in NYC, his stint in Hollywood, and why he came back to Indiana. We talk about how music and directing relate to one another. He tells me stories about Charles Durning, Tyne Daly, and Michael Moriarty. We talk about him being fired from Jaws 2 only to be brought in to take over on final production of Wolfen. We commiserate on the many pitfalls of widowhood and how directing his late wife, Dorothy Tristan, in her last, deeply autobiographical film, which she also wrote, The Looking Glass, helped them both come to terms with the inevitable.

Find out more about John and his Indiana-based production company here:

Filmacres

A Ben Evans Film is a short movie that my son and I worked on back in 2019. We met and became friends with many of the movie's crew and talent, including one of the directors, James Henry Hall, and the star, Sky Elobar. Tody, James and Sky join me to tell me about their work in trying to make a feture length version of the movie happen.

Based on a story by Josh Malerman (Birdbox), A Ben Evans Film follows an obsessed amateur filmmaker determined to fulfill his cinematic vision, even though his two main stars, his own parents, are now dead. Both horrifying and funny, the short movie brings viewers into the world of Ben's madness.

To contribute, reach out to Anthony DiMaria at, anthony@odd-galaxy.com

See the short:

Vimeo

YouTube

Find out more about James here.

Find out more about Sky here.

Steve Stoliar is a man of many talents. He's a gifted mimic, voiceover artist, writer, and pop culture historian. At the age of 19, he was hired on as an assistant to the legendary Groucho Marx. Soon, he was working as the comedian's principal archivist and friend, spending evenings with the likes of Mae West, S.J. Perlman, and Zeppo. His book, Raised Eyebrows, My Years Inside Groucho's House, details his time with Groucho and is a compelling read.

In this episode, we tlak about Steve's youth in St. Louis, moving to Los Angeles at a young age, being terrified by The Shaggy Dog, and all things Marx Brothers. We also talk about the joys of discovering old things like movies and books.

Find out more about Steve, and even order an autographed copy of his books here.

If you would prefer to support one of the last truly independent bookstores in Indiana, you can order directly from Irvington Vinyl and Books, or from Bookshop.org which will support the store, as well.

In part one of my interview with Amelia Kinkade, we talk about growing up a misfit in rural Texas and leaving to chase her dreams as a dancer. She tells me about her rise in stature after being featured in a Stray Cats video, hanging out with her aunt, Rue McClanahan, and how she was cast as Angela in the iconic Night of the Demons trilogy. She tells me how much of a role perseverance has played in her success. We also talk about, of course, Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo.

You can meet Amelia on March 3rd at Horror Realm in Pittsburgh, PA.

Find out more about Amelia's tireless work in helping to curb poaching in Africa here, Amelia's Ark Angel Society.

In our first Very Special Episode we visit Days of the Dead Indianapolis 2021. I chat with some of the independent artists and filmmakers who were vendors there, I sit down with our pal, Sky "Big Brayden" Elobar from The Greasy Strangler, and I realize that I say the word "fantastic" way too much. (Okay, so I realized that last part when I was editing, but, man, do I say that word a lot.)

Be sure to check out the vendors we talked to:

RockBottom Video

Byron Winton Art

Burning Bulb Productions

Dirty Candy Productions

Plug Uglie Art

CinemApocalypseArt

Larry and I continue our conversation where we left off with his attendance at Lenny Bruce's last performance. We then get into what it's like for an actor in the trenches constantly hustling for work. He tells me about freaking out Jerry Paris, learning from James Garner, and working on Escape From Alcatraz. Bonus: Clint Eastwood recites limericks, Edie McClurg's comedic chops, and the surreal atmosphere of interviewing people at an orgy.

His new memoir, The Guy: A Cautionary Memoir, is available now and I can not recommend it enough. Find out more about Larry here:

IMDB

Patreon

The Guy: A Cautionary Memoir  (If you don't want to support big companies like Amazon, check out Irvington Vinyl & Books. Elysia will happily get you a copy and send it your way, and you are supporting the last independent book store in Indianapolis, IN.)

Butch Patrick is most famous for playing Eddie Munster, the kid we all wanted to be; however, he has done so much more. In this episode, we just scratch the surface of his amazing life. From what it was like being a kid having lunch in the same place as Charlton Heston, to his film work, to his life today as a recovering addict and car fanatic. It's the perfect episode to kick off Halloween week!

Find more about Butch Patrick here: Munsters.com.

It's another Very Special Episode, and this time we are talking ventriloquist dummies! I am joined by the curator of the Vent Haven Museum in Fort Mitchell, KY, which is dedicated to preserving the art of ventriloquism. She's an incredibly insightful and intelligent person, so we wander off-topic more than once, but always managed to find our way back to films. We talk The Great Gabbo, Dummy, Magic, and many others. All that, plus cannibalism and toddler punting!

Today is part one of my conversation with F/X artist, Greg MacDougall. He's worked on everything from the cult classic, August Underground to The Spongebob Squarepants Movie. We talk about growing up on late night horror movies, latex body parts, and why traumatizing movies are so intriguing. He tells me about the life of a freelance F/X artists, big budget vs. small budget, and why it's fun to buy armloads of KY Jelly. Also, watching Tom Savini F/X with Tom Savini.

Find out more about Greg here:

Greg MacDougall IMDB

Instagram

My talk with the great Jack Hill continues. He talks about Sid Haig and Pam Grier being his Tracy and Hepburn. He also tells the story of his spiritual journey which is a path he is still walking today, why he has been away from the film industry, and what Sorceress had to do with that. He teaches us how to infuriate Roger Corman, and tells us what he's up to today.

You can find Jack here.

It's part two of our conversation with the Tromatic Lloyd Kaufman. We talk about how Troma came to be, former New York Film Commissioner, Pat Kaufman drops in, Producer Jason crawls up from between my legs to say hello, and Lloyd pontificates on VHS marketing, Making Your Own Damn Movie, and how fast food causes property damage.

Find more of Lloyd at http://watch.troma.com/ and be sure to follow him on Instagram @unclelloydkaufman.

Today's guest, Lisa Petrucci, was a young artist with eclectic taste is movies and pop culture. She eventually found her soulmate in Mike Vraney, the founder of Something Weird Video. She has since taken the role of CEO of the company, following Mike's untimely death. We talk about her youth in Massachusetts, the joys of being traumatized at the drive-in, hanging out at Hasbro as a kid, the origins of her art, the fatherly wisdom of Dave Friedman, and Mike Vraney's hand in founding Alternative Tentacles, and Something Weird Video. We also get into the nitty gritty of Nudie Cuties. She's long been one of my dream guests, and she doesn't disappoint.

Find more about Lisa here:

Something Weird Video

The Art of Lisa Petrucci

It's part two of our talk with the legendary Fred Olen Ray. Today he tells us, among other things, about Gunnar Hansen's sensitive side, the comparison between filmmaking and plumbing, and his days as a wrestler. He also shares something that he's never talked about publicly before, and after you hear it, you will be even more amazed at how prolific he is. He's a fascinating person and it was an honor to have been able to spend so much time with him.

You can find Fred on Facebook and at his company, Retromedia Entertainment.

Mark Pirro knew at an early age that he wanted to make movies. Starting with his dad's Super 8 camera and a cadre of recruited high school friends, he started making vampire movies and James Bond homages. After moving our west, he continued making Super 8 films, eventually selling A Polish Vampire in Burbank to the USA Network, making it one of the highest grossing independent movies of all time. He has had one of the longest running careers as an independent filmmaker and we talk about how he managed to do that, among many other things. This is just part one, and we barely scratch the surface of his early life and fascinating career.

You can find Mark and his movies, including his latest release, The Deceased Won't Desist, at Pirromount Pictures.

Larry Hankin has appeared in over 200 movies, television shows, and short films. He's an accomplished writer, Academy Award nominated filmmaker, founding member of the famed improv troupe The Committee, and all around raconteur. He joins me to talk about his life as a journeyman actor and artist, and what a great conversation it is. In this episode we talk his youth in Far Rockaway, Queens, his begrudging college career, and his time as a standup in Greenwich Village where he rubbed elbows with every cool person who came out of that scene in the 60's. He tells me about working with Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson, opening for The Loving Spoonful, and hanging out with the legendary Lenny Bruce.

His new memoir, The Guy: A Cautionary Memoir, is available now and I can not recommend it enough. Find out more about Larry here:

IMDB

Patreon

The Guy: A Cautionary Memoir  (If you don't want to support big companies like Amazon, check out Irvington Vinyl & Books. Elysia will happily get you a copy and send it your way, and you are supporting the last independent book store in Indianapolis, IN.)