Monster Party

MONSTER PARTY CELEBRATES AN ALL CHANNELS ALL HALLOW'S EVE!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, ring in their favorite holiday by examining how it is celebrated on non-genre TV shows! It's a petrifying podcast potpourri of prime time panic, simply called... HALLOWEEN TV!

This year, forget get about horror friendly TV staples like Night Gallery, The Night Stalker, The X Files, and Supernatural. Prepare yourself for pulse pounding Halloween episodes from such terrifying shows as Happy Days, The Office, The Odd Couple, Starsky And Hutch, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Little House On The Prairie (yeah, you heard us!), M.A.S.H., Mission Impossible, and many, many more!

Returning to MONSTER PARTY is a long-time friend of the show, and the man who brought us the epic 4 hour 80's horror documentary, IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS! Please welcome back award-winning writer/producer/filmmaker/magazine editor/blogger... DAVID WEINER! (FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, IT CAME FROM..., IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS PART I & II, IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN MONSTER PARTIERS! If this one doesn't scare you...then you obviously don't live in a little house on the prairie!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Halloween_TV_David_Weiner.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:36pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY IS "GRRRRRRREAT!!!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, chronicle the captivating creativity of corporate cohorts! In a word... MASCOTS!!!

Over the years, mascots have been used to promote everything from fast food, breakfast cereal, and electricity; to tires, medicine, and bug spray. And that's only a small list of the items shilled by these often colorful and cartoonish characters. And yes, we know these characters are being to used to manipulate us. But frankly, we don't care!

Because of the heartfelt affection we have for mascots, MONSTER PARTY decided to make this a virtual in-house/non-guest affair. So pour yourself a libation, grab a bowl of cereal, and listen to a podcast that stays crunchy... even in vodka.

Silly rabbit, MONSTER PARTY is for MONSTER KIDS!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Mascots.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:04pm PDT

THESE DAYS... "MONSTER PARTY IS THE WARMEST PLACE TO HIDE!"

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, put on their splash zone ponchos, and brace themselves for the return of an insanely popular topic. It's that one where one of brings up a movie tagline, and the rest of us try to guess what film it's from. But this time, it's a... TAGLINE TIDAL WAVE!!!

In the past, we did HORROR TAGLINES, and we did SCI-FI TAGLINES. Now, we widen the net to include every possible genre film to offer a brash, boisterous blurb! HORROR, SCI-FI, EXPLOITATION, FANTASY... you're more than welcome to this party!

When something isn't broke, you don't fix it. That's why we're welcoming back a beloved comedian, actor, and podcaster, who made our previous TAGLINE episodes such a success! Let's give out a MONSTER PARTY shriek for... MIKE SCHMIDT! (THE 40 YEAR OLD BOY, NEVER NOT FUNNY, ASYLUM, CHEAP SEATS: WITHOUT RON PARKER, MALCOM IN THE MIDDLE)

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS, "TAGLINE TIDAL WAVE"! ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME WE ALL HAD A POSITIVE DISASTER?

Direct download: Monster_Party_Tagline_Tidal_Wave_Mike_Schmidt.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:13pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GOES TRICK OR TREATING RIDICULOUSLY EARLY!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, get a headless start on their favorite holiday. But if we're going to do this special day justice, we need the proper tools. That's why we've packed this episode with what could only be defined as the... HALLOWEEN ESSENTIALS!!!

Like every MONSTER PARTY Halloween episode, there'll be talk of costumes, candy, decorations, and unusual personal annecdotes. But when it comes to movies, boy, do we have a treat for you!

Joining us for this All Hallows MEGA Eve, is an acclaimed author, horror historian, and a Halloween essential in and of himself. MONSTER PARTY is proud to welcome, for the first time on the show... DAVID J. SKAL! (FRIGHT FAVORITES: 31 MOVIES TO HAUNT YOUR HALLOWEEN AND BEYOND, THE MONSTER SHOW: A CULTURAL HISTORY OF HORROR, DRACULA: A NORTON CRITICAL EDITION, HOLLYWOOD GOTHIC: THE TANGLED WEB OF DRACULA FROM NOVEL TO STAGE TO SCREEN, DEATH MAKES A HOLIDAY: A CULTURAL HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN,  A TON OF UNIVERSAL FILM DOCUMENTARIES/COMMENTARIES....AND MORE!!!)

IT'S HALLOWEEN IN SEPTEMBER! WHY? BECAUSE WE NEED ONE!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Halloween_Essentials_David_J_Skal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:34pm PDT

IN THIS EPISODE, MONSTER PARTY SUMMONS THE ELDER GODS! AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE GUYS LIKE TO CALL THEMSELVES.

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, gather under a gibbous moon, to explore the dark universe of one of literature's most famous, and controversial writers. So pour yourself a stiff brandy, and try to ignore the rats in the walls, as we bring you an episode we simply call... LOVECRAFT!!!

The terrifying tales of HOWARD PHILLIPS LOVECRAFT, have  frightened readers for decades. He created a vast pantheon of inter-dimensional creatures, whose names we are warned not to say. Probably because many of them are unpronounceble.  But although monstrosities like Cthulhu, Yog-Sothoth, Azathoth, and Nyarlathotep are tongue-twisters, they are household names to the lovers of weird fiction. But what about H.P. Lovecraft... the man?

In this episode, we will explore the various factors that shaped Lovecraft and his work. We'll discuss his influences, his inner circle of collegues, and the lasting legacy of his writings. But, we'll also shine a light on the more unpleasant aspects of Lovecraft's life. His sheltered upbringing, poor health, troubled relationships, extreme xenophobia, and his racist and anti-semetic views. Maybe you should pour yourself another brandy. 

Joining us for this excursion into Lovecraftian horror, is an award-winning producer, director, writer, podcaster, and amatuer necromancer. He's a friend of the show, and gave us the definitive H.P. Lovecraft documentary, LOVECRAFT: FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. Please welcome, direct from Miskatonic University... FRANK H. WOODWARD! (FILM SENSE, MEN IN SUITS, DAMN DIRTY GEEKS, WRONG TURN 6: LAST RESORT, BLACK FOREST, FIREQUAKE, BALLOON, PINATA, QUINT IN '58)

SO GIVE US A LISTEN! WE'RE SUPER POPULAR IN INNSMOUTH!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Lovecraft_Frank_H_Woodward.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:35pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GOES CHANNEL SURFING IN DANGEROUS WATERS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, hypnotically regress to a time when television networks bent over backwards to frighten, shock, and amaze you!  Feel free to adjust the rabbit ears of your brain, as we present you with.... TV MOVIE FLASHBACKS!!!

The 1970s, 80s, and occasionally the 90s, were a golden age when it came to groundbreaking genre and exploitation "made for TV" movies. At a time when monster kids needed it the most, network television provided a steady diet of ghosts, monsters, murder, witchcraft, dystopian futures, delinquency, substance abuse, and people living behind your walls! Oh, what fun we had!

Joining us for this cathode ray reminisce is an acclaimed comedian, musician, and podcaster, who hosts the mega popular show, TV GUIDANCE COUNSELOR! Please welcome our special new friend... KEN REID! (TWICE NOMINATED BOSTON PHOENIX'S "BEST COMEDIAN IN BOSTON", SECRET MENU, EUGENE MIRMAN COMEDY FESTIVAL, THE BRIDGETOWN COMEDY FESTIVAL, THE RIOT LA COMEDY FESTIVAL, THE MEMBER'S LOUNGE, 30 SECONDS OVER TOKYO)

Let's celebrate the days when the "The Movie Of The Week", was not for the weak!

Direct download: Monster_Party_TV_Movie_Flashbacks_Ken_Reid.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:58pm PDT

ANOTHER ITEM ON THE MONSTER PARTY BUCKET LIST HAS BEEN FULFILLED!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, get up close and ZOOM personal with a legendary icon of show business! Crack open a bottle of Tranya and please welcome, the one and only... CLINT HOWARD!!!

Coming from a distinguished family of actors, CLINT HOWARD has been trodding the boards from the time he was a toddler. Since then, he's appeared in a slew of classic films and TV shows that have brought a smile to MONSTER PARTIERS everywhere!

Clint charmed us as the alien sommalier BALOK, in the original STAR TREK series; taught us how to succeed as EAGLEBAUER in ROCK N' ROLL HIGH SCHOOL; and provided satanic tech support as STANLEY COOPERSMITH in EVILSPEAK.  In addition to these beloved roles, Clint has lent his talents to THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, GENTLE BEN, NIGHT GALLERY, THREE FROM HELL, SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE, STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, MY NAME IS EARL, COMEDY CENTRAL ROAST OF WILLIAM SHATNER, THE CLINT HOWARD VARIETY SHOW, ICE CREAM MAN, CARNOSAUR, TICKS, and an infinity loop MORE!

We hope you relish this episode as much as MONSTER PARTY!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Clint_Howard.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:49am PDT

"ANYTHING GOES" KEEPS GOING!!!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, revisit a beloved topic, that's not really a topic. Or is it all topics?!! Once you gather up the bits of your blown mind, settle in for an episode we've decided to call... ANYTHING GOES: THE RECKONING!!!

Why "THE RECKONING"? Because we reckoned we needed to have a favorite guest back on the show. She's a hilarious comedian and writer, a talented actor, an accomplished director-producer, and practically MONSTER PARTY family! We are all proud and humbled to welcome back THE GREAT... SUE MURPHY! (CHELSEA LATELY, WANDA AT LARGE, THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW, LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, EWOKS)

Get ready for a discussion that includes curious cocktails, must see movies, over-sexed optical printers, STAR TREK trivialities, Larry's lubricant, a Vasquez van trip, and MORE!

STAY SAFE MONSTER PARTIERS!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Anything_Goes_The_Reckoning_Sue_Murphy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:19pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY HANGS OUT WITH MR. DEATH'S BEST FRIEND!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take a journey into fear with a legendary entertainment powerhouse! Brace your shattered nerves for... LARAINE NEWMAN'S HOUSE OF HORROR!!!

LARAINE NEWMAN has a resume that seems almost infinite. She's one of the founding members of THE GROUNDLINGS comedy troupe, an original cast member of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, and a versatile voice artist who's worked on such projects as AMERICAN DAD, TALKING TOM AND FRIENDS, DOC MCSTUFFINS, DOROTHY AND THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE EPIC TALES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, DAWN OF THE CROODS, and literally HUNDREDS more!

Laraine has also appeared in number of MONSTER PARTY'S favorite films and TV shows, including TUNNEL VISION, INVADERS FROM MARS, CONEHEADS, PERVERSIONS OF SCIENCE, AMAZING STORIES, and ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS!

And in addition to this massive amount of work that comes close to breaking IMBD, LARAINE NEWMAN is a longtime "monster kid"! She loves UNIVERSAL HORROR, FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, DAVID CRONENBERG, CHRISTOPHER LEE, FANGORIA, THE "ALIEN" SERIES, and one of her favorite films is CALTIKI: THE IMMORTAL MONSTER! We think we're in love!

If you don't listen to this episode, your mama eats kitty litter!

DEDICATED TO THE LOVING MEMORY OF GARY WEINHOLD 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Laraine_Newmans_House_of_Horror.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:16pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY LEGALIZES TANNA LEAVES!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, unwrap a topic they've been threatening to do since the time of Imhotep. These four doomed adventurers have incurred the curse of Karnak, to unseal an episode that you've probably figured out by now is called... MUMMIES!!!

Whether a star-crossed stalker, an extra-toxic extraterrestrial, or a cartoon Kharis, mummies have been capturing our imaginations for as long as we've waited for them to catch up with us.

Helping us decipher the hidden mysteries in this "Podcast of Thoth," is a long time friend of MONSTER PARTY! He's famed  actor, comedian, writer, and mummitologist... DAVE HIGGINS! (THE HIGGINS BOYS & GRUBER, ELLEN, MALCOM IN THE MIDDLE, AMERICAN HORROR STORY, MIKE & MOLLY, STAN AGAINST EVIL, INTERNATIONAL GHOST INVESTIGATORS)

DO NOT MISS THIS EPISODE! IT'S A SARCOPHA-GAS!!!!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Mummies_Dave_Higgins.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:51pm PDT