Monster Party

MONSTER PARTY WANTS TO BE THE HOLY GRAIL OF YOUR PODCAST COLLECTION!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take a deep dive into an unrelenting but often rewarding obsession. With the precision of a surgeon, MONSTER PARTY wields its nerd scalpel to examine the... ANATOMY OF A COLLECTOR!!!

One thing all the members of MONSTER PARTY have in common is their love of collecting genre-related items. Whether it be toys, books, records, artwork, or other assorted treasures, acquiring these often elusive items has been an almost endless source of pleasure throughout our lives.

But what makes a collector tick? Why do we collect? Is it a fun financial investment? Is it to provide us with a sense of self-worth? Is it okay to just collect what we like, or is it crucial that our collection is "better" than someone else's? And what is better? Does what we collect say something about us as people? Should our collections be on display? Or is keeping them in a safe deposit box WAY more fun?

In this episode, MONSTER PARTY will attempt to answer ALL these questions, and many more!

Joining us for this artifact acquiring analysis is a brilliant artist, writer, and comedian, who brings his extensive knowledge of art history and literature (yes, you will hear Balzac mentioned) to this topic. He possesses what has been said to be the largest collection of JUMBO MACHINDER toys (offered in this country as the SHOGUN WARRIORS) outside of Japan, and even owns the ultra-rare GARADA K7, a figure whose existence was at one time considered a myth.  Please welcome to his first official MP episode... TOM FRANCK! (JUMBO TITAN X AND THE GREAT ROBOT ARMS RACE, COMICS AND COMICS, A DINOSAUR CHRISTMAS, BOY-BOT AND BOY, GREEN LANTERN)

NOW GET TO LISTENING, BEFORE YOU SUFFER THE PLASTIC FINGER MISSILE WRATH OF "THE GREAT MAZINGA!"

Direct download: Monster_Party_Anatomy_of_a_Collector_Tom_Franck.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GOES FASHION FORWARD AND BEYOND!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take a time-travel trip down the runway of tomorrow, to celebrate the most incredible outfits from science fiction. It's a guided tour through the garments of the galaxy, as we present... FUTURE FASHION!

Whether it's fashion week on Tattoine, Triskelion, or Terra, sci-fi has always provided us with a tantalizing array of would-be wardrobes. This episode playfully takes aim at some of the most amazing, outrageous, and awful creations in genre films and TV throughout the years. With a Tim Gunn-esque eye for detail, we explore the pulp-inspired creations in THINGS TO COME, the hits and misses of STAR TREK, the 70s chic of SPACE:1999 and LOGAN'S RUN, the dressed down/samurai sizzle of STAR WARS, the cyber-punk noir gear of BLADE RUNNER, and much more!

But for a podcast of this magnitude, we needed a guest with the one-two punch excitement of Dolce & Gabbana! He's a friend of the show, as well as a talented author, screenwriter, actor, improviser, cartoonist, podcaster, and brand namer. And when he's not doing all that, he's MONSTER PARTY'S go-to armchair science fiction fashion critic. Please welcome back, the always in style... MARC HERSHON! (SUCCOTASH: THE COMEDY SOUNDCAST SOUNDCAST, THE CALIFORNIANS, THE FUNSTER, MONSTER MAKERS, SANTA JR., WEDDING DAZE, I HATE PEOPLE: KICK LOOSE FROM THE OVERBEARING AND UNDERHANDED JERKS AT WORK AND GET WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF YOUR JOB, THE HUFFINGTON POST)

AND SPEAKING OF FASHION, WE STILL HAVE T-SHIRTS AND CAPS FOR SALE. SO WHEN THEY ASK YOU WHO YOU'RE WEARING, TELL THEM... MONSTER PARTY!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Future_Fashion_Marc_Hershon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:03pm PDT

WOKE UP THIS MORNING, GOT OURSELVES SOME MICS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, proudly welcome a very special guest who is also our topic! Get your crew together as we celebrate the many works of the world's most beloved goomba... STEVE SCHIRRIPA!!!

Arguably best known for his role as BOBBY "BACALA" BACCALIERI on the legendary HBO series, THE SOPRANOS, Steve Schirripa has an amazing story. Starting out as the entertainment director for The Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (where he was very kind to a young, up and coming comedian named Matt Weinhold), Steve went on to carve out an extremely successful career as an actor, voice artist, host, producer, writer, and podcaster.

Aside from starring in multiple seasons of THE SOPRANOS, Steve Schirripa has appeared in such varied films and TV shows as CASINO, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER, WONDER WHEEL, JERSEY BOYS, FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, UGLY BETTY, HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, NICKY DEUCE, LAW AND ORDER, GEORGE LOPEZ, KARMA'S A B*TCH, NOTHING PERSONAL, TIM & ERIC AMAZING SHOW, GREAT JOB, and many, many more! Always keeping busy, Steve continues to dazzle viewers as Detective Anthony Abetemarco on the long running CBS series, BLUE BLOODS.

But what would an awesome MONSTER PARTY guest be without some super cool genre credits? Steve guest-starred in fan favorites like BLACK SCORPION, ANGEL, STARGATE ATLANTIS, and the two-part STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE story, "Storm Front."

He's also lent his voice to many animated projects including, JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED, THE REPLACEMENTS, AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE, AMERICAN DAD, and the OPEN SEASON film series.

If that were not enough, Mr. Schirripa definitely hit a MONSTER PARTY sweet spot by appearing in the very last episode of COLUMBO! Frickin' COLUMBO people!!!

THIS VALENTINE'S DAY, DON'T CELEBRATE IT WITH A MASSACRE, BUT WITH A HEART-SHAPED BOX OF STEVE SCHIRRIPA. AND TRADE IN THE "BLING" FOR SOME "BADA-BING"!
 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Steve_Schirripa.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:57am PDT

A DOLL! A DOLL! MONSTER PARTY WANTS A DOLL!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, gather virtually together to get weirded out over some very creepy toys. They’re way more than just innocent playthings, they're... DEADLY DOLLS!

Surprisingly, we've never actually devoted an entire episode on dolls until now, but what we came up with is sure to make you cry, "Mommy!" Aside from covering the bigger names in the doll horror genre like Chucky, Annabelle, the Zuni Fetish Doll, and Talkie Tina, we also explore the various villainous ventriloquist dolls from films like The Great Gabbo, Dead of Night, Devil Doll, Magic, and TV shows like The Twilight Zone, Batman The Animated Series, and Goosebumps.

If that were not enough, MONSTER PARTY salutes the lesser-known scary doll films like Dolly Dearest, Black Devil Doll from Hell, Asylum, Pin, Deep Red, and many more! We also explore the horror that accompanied the some of the more bizarre real toy dolls that were marketed to children. And if you think we left out voodoo dolls, stick a pin in yourself to save us the trouble.

THIS EPISODE FEATURES JUST THE MONSTER PARTY GANG AND IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE OF WHITE-KNUCKLE EXCITEMENT YOU GET WHEN FOUR NERDS TALK ABOUT DOLLIES!

 

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Deadly_Dolls.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:59pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY STARTS THE YEAR OFF WITH A "B"!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, start the year off right with a loving salute to those little movies that could. They may have had low budgets and questionable special effects, but to monster kids of every age, they're classics. MONSTER PARTY proudly invites you to explore... THE B MOVIE LEGACY!!!

The original definition of a "B movie" was a film that was the second feature of double bill. These films usually had substantially lower budgets than the "A" movies," but what they lacked in funding, they often made up for with creativity, outrageousness, and style.  These days, the term "B movie" is used to describe any small production that is considered by snooty critics to be schlocky or lowbrow. But any non-jaded lover of genre cinema will tell you that whether it's UNKNOWN ISLAND, ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS, or the much maligned, THE GIANT CLAW, there's way more to these movies than you might expect.

Joining us for this B movie bash are two new guests to MONSTER PARTY who are definitely kindred spirits. One is a legendary writer, actor, artist, and filmmaker, who gave us such beloved horror/sci-fi comedies as THE LOST SKELETON OF CADAVRA  FILM SERIES, and TRAIL OF THE SCREAMING FOREHEAD. Please give a big welcome to... LARRY BLAMIRE!

Our other guest is an acclaimed screenwriter, playwright, and director, who wrote the play and screenplay for the 2001 Peter Bogdanovich film, THE CAT'S MEOW, as well as directing the film FOOTPRINTS (2009) and co-writing and directing THE UNDYING (2009). Let's have another big welcome for... STEVEN PEROS!

Mr. Blamire and Mr. Peros have recently worked together on the 2023 book, GIANT BEAST CINEMA: A MONSTROUS MOVIE GUIDE (A follow-up to 2023 Rondo Award nominated, GIANT BUG CINEMA: A MONSTER KID'S GUIDE. They like big bugs and they cannot lie!). This book features film reviews from Larry and Steven, and well contributions from JUSTIN HUMPHREYS, TRACY MERCER, MIKE PEROS, and BRIAN R. SOLOMON. Available from BEARMANOR MEDIA!

SO, THERE YOU HAVE IT MONSTER PARTIERS! NOW GO GIVE THOSE B MOVIES AN "A"!

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_B_Movie_Legacy_Larry_Blamire_Steven_Peros.output.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:46am PDT

MONSTER PARTY ENDS THE YEAR WITH THE KING OF ALL MONSTERS!

It's been a banner year for our favorite daikaiju, and we here at MONSTER PARTY couldn't be happier! So, let's take a trip to Monsterland and visit the subject of this epic episode, as we invite you to attend... THE MONSTER PARTY GODZILLA STOMPIN' NEW YEARS BASH!!!

For decades, Godzilla has proven to be an unstoppable pop culture force. And with the well-deserved success of GODZILLA MINUS ONE, visionary filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki has shown us that you don't need a bloated budget or a barrage of CGI clutter to give audiences an action-packed giant monster film with intelligence and heart. 

So let's pop the champagne corks and give a toast to all things Godzilla, as we ring in 2024 with this city-smashing celebration?!

Joining us for this raucous reptilian rager is an atomic breath of fresh air! He's a return guest, and a two-time Rondo award-winning writer, researcher, producer, editor, lecturer, event promoter, and Japanese film expert! And if you're any kind of self-respecting tokusatsu fan at all, you obviously know him as the author of the must-have-book, EIJI TSUBURAYA: MASTER OF MONSTERS!  MONSTER PARTY is proud to give an earth-shattering roar of welcome to... AUGUST RAGONE! (JAPANESE FANTASY FILM JOURNAL, FILMFAX, VIDEO WATCHDOG, ASIAN CULT CINEMA, SUPER 7, OTAKU USA, FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, MARKALITE, HENSHIN! ONLINE, THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND GODZILLA)

MONSTER PARTY WISHES YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR! DESTROY ALL 2023 CALENDARS!


MONSTER PARTY GOES WALKING IN A WORDPLAY WONDERLAND!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take the words right out of our favorite genre character's mouths. It's another celebration of sensational sentences that this time we're calling.... QUOTE PARTY 2023!!!

What better way to launch yourselves into the holidays than with a fun-filled fan-favorite game?! MONSTER PARTY presents a brand-new batch of quotes from various horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films.... and it's up to YOU to guess which ones they're from! Sounds fun, right? But a word of warning: It may be a bit harder than you might think!

Joining us for this melee of monstrous monologues is an award-winning writer and filmmaker, whose quote quotient is high. Making his MONSTER PARTY debut, please welcome.... JAMES COLE! (THE LAST RUNG ON THE LADDER, THE NIGHT BEFORE, HOPE AND MIRACLES: TWO SCREENPLAYS BY FRANK DARABONT, THE CAPE COD CHRONICLE)

MONSTER PARTY IS GONNA MAKE THIS THE BEST HOLIDAY SEASON EVER!!! BUT DON'T QUOTE US ON THAT.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Quote_Party_Jim_Cole.output.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm PDT

'TIS THE SEASON FOR MONSTER KID SHOPPING!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, once again offer hideously helpful hints when it comes to finding the perfect present for that hard-to-shop-for genre enthusiast! Get the gift they won't re-gift by consulting... THE MONSTER PARTY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023!!!

Shopping for your favorite hardcore geek can tough! You often wind up buying something they don't want, or already have. And it's not like you can walk into Nordstrom's and go to the "Stuff From A Movie No One Has Heard Of" department. That's where we can help! In this episode, we'll guide you to the gifts that will make any monster kid put down their garage kit and make merry! Whether it's books, DVDs, cosplay gear, one of a kind art pieces, or limited edition toys, MONSTER PARTY has you covered!

Speaking of a one-of-a-kind work of art, our guest is just that! Not only is he a cherished friend and past unpaid MONSTER PARTY intern, but he's also the glue that holds our yearly holiday shopping guide episodes together.  You've been dazzled by his work as an artist and toy sculpter for such entities as SEA DEMON VINYL, H.O.P. TOYS, PLANET TOY, and many Japanese companies. And who could blame you?! Please welcome back our smooth pal... KEVIN SMITH!

MONSTER PARTY WANTS TO WISH YOU THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASONS! WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE ALL THE GREAT STUFF YOU'RE GETTING US!

 

 

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monster_Party_Holiday_Gift_Guide_2023_Kevin_Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:36pm PDT

FEAR! IT'S WHAT'S FOR DINNER!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, prepare for the THANKSGIVING holiday by compiling the gruesome ingredients they'll need for history's most monstrous meal. Come shopping with us, won't you, as we load up on... FEARSOME FOOD!!!

Last year, MONSTER PARTY presented you with the topic, DIABOLICAL DINNERS!!!: A celebration of the most uncomfortable and inappropriate gastronomic gatherings ever put on film. But what goes into those sinister soirees? What are the evil ingredients that are sure to send a Top Chef contestant packing their knives for protection?

In this episode, expect dastardly dining that includes yucky yogurt, petrifying pies, nauseating number twos, raw rodent, mobile meat, cannibal crackers, Starfleet snacks, fiendish fungus, a carrot kook, and  more!

And since it's Thanksgiving, there's also a lot of arguing. 

Joining us for this creepy culinary confab is a dear friend of ours, and perennial guest. He's a terrifyingly talented actor, writer, artist, podcaster, and was the man who introduced us all to Chicken McNuggets and Shamrock Shakes! And for that, we our forever in his debt. Please welcome back our long-time monster kid pal... KEN DALY! (NERD POKER, STAN AGAINST EVIL, SUPER ADVENTURE TEAM, MR. SHOW WITH BOB AND DAVID, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, THE KARATE KID, QUINCY M.E., DUCK DODGERS, AND SO MUCH MORE!)

BON APPE-TERROR!!!

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Fearsome_Food_Ken_Daly.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY TRICKS YOU INTO TREATING YOURSELF!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, don their audio costumes and virtually visit your homes to inflict excitement, consternation, and mayhem! It's the time of year for our favorite holiday, and that's why we're throwing... THE MONSTER PARTY HALLOWEEN HOOTENANNY!

Join for this shivering shindig, as we sort through the mixed bag of elements that contribute to a truly memorable ALL HALLOW'S EVE. That includes crappy vintage costumes (Ben Cooper, what you were thinking?), great and not so great candy, alternative "treats," dangerous interactive mazes (tasers anyone?), essential Halloween films, scary decorations (do we really need to decorate the outside of our homes?), and more! Of course, all of this is served with the usual dollop of MONSTER PARTY bickering.

Making the scene for this fiesty festival of frights, is a return guest who is no stranger to Halloween hyjinks. He's an acclaimed filmmaker who has lent his talents to such chilling classics as THE GRAVEDANCERS, BIG ASS SPIDER, TALES OF HALLOWEEN, and the upcoming, SATANIC HISPANICS! Please welcome back our good friend and fellow monster kid... MIKE MENDEZ!

TRICK OR TREAT, SMELL OUR FEET, GIVE US SOMETHING GOOD TO EAT! Or, we'll keep our shoes on and you can send us a gift card.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Halloween_Hootenanny_Mike_Mendez.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:10pm PDT