Monster Party

MAY THE QUOTE BE WITH YOU!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, dive deep into their massive film libraries, to mine some the strangest sayings ever to be uttered in speculative fiction. Following in the frightful footsteps of our HORROR MOVIE QUOTES episode, MONSTER PARTY brings you a galaxy- spanning glossary that we've scientifically titled... SCI-FI MOVIE QUOTES!!!

If you remember HORROR MOVIE QUOTES (with the lovely and charming KEN DALY), you know the drill. We all present quotes from well known (at least to us) science fiction films, and the rest of us try to guess what that film is. And if you think this was easy, think again. You'd be surprised at how a line taken out of context can confound even the most hardcore movie brainiac. Or maybe not! Maybe you're one of those special genre mutants, able to identify a sci-fi quote with your Cerebro-esque noodle.  If so, we hope you use your powers for good.

For this episode, we needed a guest with a vast knowledge of fantastic films that matched our own...well almost. He's a celebrated actor, producer, podcaster, voice artist, and friend of the show, who just happens to be the founder of BIF BANG POW! TOYS. Yep, we got our PATREON sugar daddy! Please welcome back... JASON LENZI! (POD STALLIONS, LIFE AFTER FLASH, IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW, CANNONBALL, WIPEOUT, AND ONE MORE TIME... BIF BANG POW! TOYS!!!)

ONCE AGAIN, MONSTER PARTY PRESENTS A GAME THAT YOU CAN PLAY ALONG WITH AT HOME! AND AS USUAL, CLOTHING IS OPTIONAL.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Sci-Fi_Movie_Quotes_Jason_Lenzi.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:15pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY SEDUCES THE INNOCENT!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, celebrate HALLOWEEN with a salute to those funny books that weren't always so funny. We're talking about the petrifying pulp periodicals, better known as... HORROR COMICS!!!

In this episode, we provide an abbreviated history of horror comics, including the intense persecution they suffered. With E.C.  books like TALES FROM THE CRYPT, THE HAUNT OF FEAR, and VAULT OF HORROR, horror comics went from being bestsellers, to the targets of moral crusaders. They were blamed for almost every societal woe imaginable. Sex! Drugs! Juvenile delinquency! Let's face it, Archie Andrews had it easy.

Eventually, things lightened up for horror comics, and they slowly shed the tarnish of controversy. WARREN PUBLISHING bucked the restrictive Comics Code, with magazines like CREEPY, EERIE, and VAMPIRELLA. And with mainstream comics that included TOMB OF DRACULA, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, SWAMP THING, and WEIRD WAR TALES, horror characters soon managed to straddle the line between monster and superhero. Although we're all still waiting for that Spider-man/Renfield team-up. 

Joining us for this cauldron of comic creepiness is an award-winning author, commentator, screenwriter, comic book writer, and friend of the show. MONSTER PARTY is tickled blood red to welcome back... DAVID J. SCHOW! (THE CROW, LEATHERFACE: THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE III, THE OUTER LIMITS COMPANION, THE OUTER LIMITS AT 50, CREEPSHOW, JOHN CARPENTER'S TALES FOR A HALLOWEEN NIGHT, JOHN CARPENTER'S TALES OF SCIENCE FICTION: THE STANDOFF, AND SOOOO MUCH MORE!)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! AND LISTEN TO THIS TERRIFYING EPISODE, BEFORE YOUR MOTHER BURNS IT!

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Horror_Comics_David_J_Schow.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:26pm PDT

ONCE AGAIN, MONSTER PARTY EXPLORES THE NOOKS AND CRANNIES OF TERROR!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, dig deep into the film reference library that is their brains, to come up with another selection of infrequently found fright films! Grab yourself a pen and paper, or one of those new-fangled computin' machines, and prepare to make yet another "must watch" list, as we present... HORROR OBSCURA VOL. 3!!! 

For this episode, the MONSTER PARTY gang decided to make this a strictly in-house affair. But, that doesn't mean you won't be getting the same avalanche of obscure titles you've come to expect from past episodes. We've got spine-tingling chicken horror, pervy haunted bath houses, monster and son pep talks, infernal fish dinners, and something that'll finally make you get off your damn phone! 

IF THIS ONE DOESN'T BREAK YOUTUBE, TRY USING A HAMMER!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Horror_Obscura_Vol_3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY PRESENTS: A HORROR HOST, WITH THE HORROR MOST!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, are no strangers to celebrating the almost endless varieties of the late night horror movie host. From the 50's to the present, these ghoulish guardians, have shaped the lives of monster kids from every walk of life. But there's one host in particular who has made a special impact, that continues to reverberate in our dark souls. MONSTER PARTY is proud and humbled to present... JOHN STANLEY & THE LEGACY OF CREATURE FEATURES!!!

In 1971, Oakland based televison station, KTVU, premiered a spooky, Saturday night movie show, featuring a very different kind of horror host. Passing on the traditional monster garb for a leisure suit and thick-rimmed glasses, Bob Wilkins sat in a yellow rocking chair, and aimed his dry, deadpan wit at the dreadful B-grade fare he was enlisted to show. But this mix of humor, genre flicks (some good ones too), guests, amatuer films, and assorted non-conventional merriment, proved to be a fan and ratings success.

In 1978, Wilkins decided to leave the show, leaving Bob and KTVU to find a replacement. The man they found had been a recurring guest of Creature Features over the years, and had a far greater interest in horror and science fiction films than Bob. That man was San Francisco Chronicle reporter, JOHN STANLEY, and it was lightning in a bottle! For a second time!

John managed to take the basic format of Creatures Features, and expand it into something that was fresh, fun, informative, and all his own. John interviewed numerous celebrities, ranging from actors like Christopher Lee and Leonard Nimoy, to writers like Ray Bradbury and Robert Bloch. He also produced and starred in a series of satirical films called "Mini-Movies," that parodied various film genres, as well as a few time-honored cinematic classics. Casablanca anyone?

Before the Mini-Movies, John Stanley produced, directed, and co-wrote the film, NIGHTMARE IN BLOOD: a thought provoking vampire film that is love letter to all horror movie fans. He's also written and collaborated on several books, including THE GREAT COMICS GAME (Stanley is an avid comic book fan), WORLD WAR III, THE MONSTER MOVIE GAME, THE DARK SIDE, BOGART '48, six editions of THE CREATURE FEATURES MOVIE GUIDE, and the autobiographical... I WAS A TV HORROR HOST!

We once again want to thank JOHN STANLEY, for being gracious enough to share his personal insights, behind the scenes experiences, and undeniable charm. It was an absolute delight!

WATCH HORROR FILMS! KEEP AMERICA STRONG!

Direct download: Monster_Party_John_Stanley_and_The_Legacy_of_Creature_Features.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:14pm PDT

DRACULA RETURNS! AND HE'S BROUGHT QUITE A FEW OF HIS FRIENDS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, bare their necks once again, and get bitten by blood-red, undead EXCITEMENT! It's been years since we did our last VAMPIRES episode with DANA GOULD, so we figured it was time to climb out of our creative coffins and revisit the topic, in an episode we call... VAMPIRES VOL. 2: THE VAMPIRE STRIKES BACK!!!

This time, our bounty of beastly bloodsuckers come to us from across the ages, and from all walks of life. Vampires in a house, and vampires that are your spouse! Vampires who are jokers, and vampires from Bram Stoker. Vampires from Sweden, and vampires from Joss Whedon. Okay, we'll stop now.

Invited in for this hemoglobin hootenanny is an actress, model, TV host, archeologist, and May 1990's Playboy Playmate of the Month! Please welcome for the first time on MONSTER PARTY...TINA BOCKRATH! (TALES FROM THE CRYPT, PLAYBOY MIDNIGHT'S SUMMER DREAM, TOTALLY EXPOSED, HOWARD STERN)

Now where were we? Oh yes! Vampires on plane, and vampires from Maine. Vampires produced indie, and vampires played by Christopher Lee! Hey Monster Kids! You can play this game at home!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Vampires_Vol_2_The_Vampire_Strikes_Back_Tina_Bockrath.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:15pm PDT

NORMAN BATES BEST FRIEND WAS HIS MOTHER." BUT YOUR BEST FRIEND IS... MONSTER PARTY!!!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, celebrate a brilliant and charismatic filmmaker, whose work literally shaped the modern thriller genre. Get ready for a pulse-pounding podcast that's more fun than riding a train into a tunnel with Eva Marie Saint. Well, almost. Enjoy... ALFRED HITCHCOCK: MASTER OF SUSPENSE!!!

Alfred Hitchcock's massive flimography includes such classic movies as STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, SHADOW OF A DOUBT, REAR WINDOW, VERTIGO, NORTH BY NORTHWEST, and PSYCHO, just to name a few.  Hitchcock's style proved to be profoundly influential, and has led many a modern thriller to be given the title, "Hitchcockian." But accept no imitations. There's only one HITCHCOCK!

Joining us is a "man who knows too much" about this topic! He's a celebrated author, screenwriter, journalist, clinical therapist, and Alfred Hitchcock expert, who brings a wealth of knowledge to our humble show. MONSTER PARTY is honored to welcome... STEPHEN REBELLO! (ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND THE MAKING OF PSYCHO, REEL ART: GREAT POSTERS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE SILVER SCREEN, HITCHCOCK, BAD MOVIES WE LOVE, DOLLS! DOLLS! DOLLS!: DEEP INSIDE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS-THE MOST BELOVED BAD BOOK AND MOVIE OF ALL TIME)

MONSTER PARTY GOES A LITTLE MAD SOMETIMES. COME JOIN US, WON'T YOU?

Direct download: Monster_Party_Alfred_Hitchcock_Master_of_Suspense_Stephen_Rebello.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:18pm PDT

WHAT HAS ALMOST AS MANY EPISODES AS "LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE"? MONSTER PARTY!!!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, hoist their skull mugs to toast a monstrously magnificent milestone! Please join us for a trip down MONSTER PARTY memory lane, as we salaciously celebrate... THE 200TH EPISODE!!!

In this epsiode, we lovingly look back at some of the most cherished, and at times, challenging moments (Sex...and Horror!) in MONSTER PARTY history. The guests! The fans! The events! The topics! The puns! The clowns! And, the glue that holds the whole ball of audio-outlandishness together... cocktail-fueled bickering!

But what would a MONSTER PARTY anniversary episode be, without another round of the topic that launched us... WORST MONSTERS!!! Awww! You never forget your first.

MONSTER PARTY would once again like to thank all the friends of our show who have kept this ragtag band of monster kids together! We love you! But not in a clingy way.

Now, let's toast to 200 more! Hmmm, I think you all may need a refill.

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_200th_Episode.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:12pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY INVITES YOU INTO THEIR FORTRESS OF ATTITUDE!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, board their MONSTER PARTY hella-carrier, on a mission to thwart the forces of podcast mediocrity! Not even HYDRA can stop this meta-humorous episode entitled... SUPERHEROES VOL. 3: MARVEL, D.C., AND BEYOND!!!

Face front, true believers, as we once again celebrate those modern mythological characters who have taken the pop culture zeitgeist by storm! It doesn't matter whether you impatiently await the next season of LOKI, swoon at the mere mention of HARLEY QUINN, hope for greatness from BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER, or give your armchair Emmy vote to THE BOYS. If you get any reference that was previously mentioned, this episode is for you!

Joining us for this multiverse of mayhem is a long time friend of the show, and a superhuman specialist!  She's an acclaimed comedian, actor, and podcaster, who always manages to put a spring in our capes... JACKIE KASHIAN! (THE DORK FOREST, THE JACKIE AND LAURIE SHOW, CONAN, BOB'S BURGERS, LADY DYNAMITE, COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS, 2 DOPE QUEENS, MARVEL LET'S PLAY)

MAKE MINE MONSTER PARTY!!!

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Superheroes_Vol_3_Marvel_DC_and_Beyond_Jackie_Kashian.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:35am PDT

MONSTER PARTY WANTS YOU TO HAVE BITCHIN' AND BEWITCHIN' SUMMER!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, usher in the summer with an audio vacation package, guaranteed to make you soil your speedo. Can your Pina Colada soaked nerves handle the sun-drenched dread that is... MONSTER PARTY'S SUMMER SLAY-CATION!!!

As much as the MONSTER PARTY gang loves a cold and clammy tomb, or a fog-laden castle, we realize that horror can often turn up in most pleasant locations. The movies have shown us that just because you happen to be relaxing in a cabin in the woods, or lying on the beach in an island paradise, doesn't mean something hideous isn't about to happen.  

Laying his BLOOD BEACH towel next to ours, is a long-time friend of the show, and one of our most ardent supporters. He's an absurdly talented writer, columnist, improvisor, cartoonist, and podcaster, who is always welcome at our timeshare of terror. MONSTER PARTY is eerily ecstastic to welcome back... MARC HERSHON! (SUCCOTASH: THE COMEDY SOUNDCAST SOUNDCAST, THE HUFFINGTON POST, THE FUNSTER, I HATE PEOPLE, MONSTER MAKERS, SANTA JR.)

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST FEATURING FOUR DUDES WHO OWN A LOT OF ACTIONS FIGURES...

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monster_Partys_Summer_Slay-cation_Marc_Hershon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:18pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GOES OFF THE RAILSBACK!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, are maniacally proud to present an incredible topic, that is also our guest! Prepare yourselves for an intimate audience with one of the most talented and unconventional actors of our time... STEVE RAILSBACK!!!

Having STEVE RAILSBACK on MONSTER PARTY, borders on the surreal. His career spans decades, and he's tackled some of the most challenging and controversial roles an actor could hope for. He made his film debut starring in the Vietnam related drama, THE VISITORS, directed by legendary director Elia Kazan, and gained nationwide attention for his chilling portrayal of Charles Manson in the 1976 television film, HELTER SKELTER. 

Steve went on to act with Peter O'Toole and Barbara Hershey in the critically acclaimed and Oscar nominated, THE STUNTMAN, and made everyone on this podcast jealous by starring opposite  Mathilda May in Tobe Hooper's sci-fi classic, LIFEFORCE.  Man, acting sure is a great job!

And for MONSTER PARTY fans, Mr. Railsback has appeared in a slew of other memorable genre films and TV shows that include TURKEY SHOOT, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, BLUE MONKEY, SCISSORS, ALLIGATOR II: THE MUTATION, THE X-FILES (GO DUANE BARRY!), BARB WIRE, ED GEIN, PLAGUERS, and many more!

Although still recovering from an on-the-set injury, Steve was gracious enough to make to time to talk to us about his career, his insights on the craft of acting, and his incredible personal relationships with such greats as Lee Strasberg, Elia Kazan, Peter O' Toole, and Patrick Stewart. Now this is a guy who keeps great company!

THANKS AGAIN STEVE RAILSBACK! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH THIS MEANT TO US!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Steve_Railsback.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:22pm PDT