Monster Party

FOR THIS EPISODE, MONSTER PARTY WANTS YOU TO DIG DEEP!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, dish the dirt on one of the most claustrophobic categories of fantastic films. It's a cavalcade of cavernous calamities we've correctly called... CAVES!!!

Yep, we're talkin' about anything that involves a cave! From Bronson to Bat, and everything in between. And by everything, we mean angry ancestors, battling brains, cannibalistic crawlers, dangerous dopplegangers, sinister Sumerians, terrifying time travel, and MORE! To say it plainly, this episode... ROCKS! (sound of crickets)

We decided to break ground on this shiny New Year with episode featuring just the MONSTER PARTY gang. And of course, that means trouble! Prepare to be pummeled by a rockslide of opinions, as we discuss what the difference is between a cave and a tunnel, debate whether Darth Vader was an Imagineer, and discover yet another deep dark secret that James has been hiding from us. No, it's not Star Trek releated

So join us you spelunk-heads, for an experience that's much like being buried alive. But in a good way!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Caves.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:35pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY WANTS YOU TO BREAK THE ICE!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, bundle up in their winter shrouds, and brace themselves for this frigid festival of fright  If you basked in the heat from MONSTER PARTY'S SUMMER SLAY-CATION, you'll get a case of the chills when you experience... MONSTER PARTY'S WINTER SLEIGH-CATION!!!

As you've probably already deduced, this episode revolves around any horror movie or TV show that involves winter, ice, or cold related themes. We've got alarming lodges, repellant research stations, naughty Nazicles, seasonal slashers, abominable abominations, and an avalanche of more icy awesomeness! Oops, better wrap this up! We're running out of cold synoymns.

Joining us for this temperature-challenged tirade, is a long-time friend of the show, and our resident Winter Warlock. He's an acclaimed journalist, magazine editor, blogger, and filmmaker, who's like a hot cup of cocoa for your frozen heart. Please welcome back... DAVID WEINER! (IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS, IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS II, IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW, FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, IT CAME FROM..., ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! FINGERS CROSSED!

NOTE: IF WHEN YOU FIRST DOWNLOADED THIS EPISODE, YOU EXPERIENCED SOME OVERLAPPING AUDIO DURING THE FIRST FEW MINUTES, THAT PROBLEM HAS NOW BEEN FIXED. SORRY FOR THIS INCONVENIENCE. LOVE, THE MANAGEMENT.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monster_Party_Winter_Sleigh-cation_David_Weiner.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:08pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY HAS AN EPISODE THAT'S RIGHT UP YOUR CHIMNEY! 

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, celebrate what's REALLY important about the holidays... GETTING STUFF! Yes, at heart, we're all still five years old, and can't wait to rip open those presents under the tree. But to avoid getting stuff like a pair of socks, or a savings bond, MONSTER PARTY is providing you holiday shoppers with another slew of gift suggestions for that favorite nerd. Deck the halls with lots of geeky loot, 'cause it time for... THE MONSTER PARTY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021!!!

Get ready to make a list and check it twice, as we recommend some choice items, fit to fill Krampus' sleigh. We're talkin' books, blurays, model kits, clothes, comics, action figures (of course), art pieces, DIY gifts, and more! Trust us, with gifts like these, you won't need mistletoe.

Returning to his rightful throne as Santa of THE MONSTER PARTY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE, is a guest that we consider family. He's an insanely talented artist, sofubi creator, and retired MONSTER PARTY intern, who sculpted his way into our hearts. Please welcome back, our dear friend... KEVIN SMITH! (SEA DEMON VINYL, AND OTHER SUPER COOL STUFF THAT WE CAN'T TALK ABOUT.)

MONSTER PARTY WISHES ALL OF YOU THE MERRIEST OF HOLIDAY SEASONS! STAY SAFE, AND AGAIN... NO SOCKS!!!

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_Monster_Party_Holiday_Gift_Guide_2021_Kevin_Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:31pm PDT

THIS THANKSGIVING, TRADE IN THAT TURKEY FOR A TINGLER, AND CANDY THOSE YAMS WITH LSD! MONSTER PARTY PRESENTS A FRIGHTFUL FEAST THAT IS SURE TO SCARE YOUR PANTS OFF!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, present an episode that is more fun than throwing pumpkin pies at floating inflatable skeleton! MONSTER PARTY is proud to pay tribute to a maverick director/producer/writer/actor, whose filmography includes such genre classics as THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, THE TINGLER, 13 GHOSTS, HOMICIDAL, and ROSEMARY'S BABY. We're talking about the one and only "Master of Gimmicks"... WILLIAM CASTLE!!!

To us up and coming monster kids, William Castle served as our delighfully scary favorite uncle. Sporting a large cigar and armed with playful sense of gallows humor, Castle came off like a more accessible Alfred Hitchcock.  He often introduced his pictures, and thrilled movie-goers with a vast array of inventive and sometimes silly gimmicks. To make things even more tantalizing, Castle liked to brand these gimmicks with catchy names like, EMERGO, PERCEPTO, and ILLUSION-O, just to name a few. I suppose if he had made an Italian western, it would have been filmed in SPAGHETTI-O! Hahahahaha... sigh.

Joining us for this creepy cavalcade of Castle comaraderie, is an EMMY AWARD winning director/producer/editor, who makes his MONSTER PARTY debut! He's the man who gave us the critically acclaimed documentary, SPINE TINGLER: THE WILLIAM CASTLE STORY, for which we'll forever be in his debt. Please welcome... JEFFREY SCHWARZ! (WRANGLER: ANATOMY OF AN ICON, VITO, I AM DIVINE, TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL, THE FABULOUS ALLEN CARR, BOULEVARD! A HOLLYWOOD STORY, GODDESS: THE FALL AND RISE OF SHOWGIRLS)

LISTEN... IF YOU DARE! OR TAKE THAT LONG WALK TO "COWARD'S CORNER."  BUT IS THAT ANY PLACE TO SPEND THANKSGIVING?

Direct download: Monster_Party_William_Castle_Jeffrey_Schwarz.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:21pm PDT

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

MONSTER PARTY GETS CARNO-STUDIOUS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, get a crash course in the entertainment industry from the maestro who brought us many a beloved genre  classic. MONSTER PARTY is proud to present an audio master class, Ann Margretly titled... CARNOSAUR KNOWLEDGE: A GUIDE TO FILMMAKING WITH ADAM SIMON!!!

Adam Simon is fascinating filmmaker, with a wealth of experience in negotiating the Hollwood system. And he's got the mental scars to prove it! He's the creative force behind such fantastic films as BRAIN DEAD, BONES, BOOKS OF BLOOD, THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT, and a beloved MONSTER PARTY favorite... CARNOSAUR! Yes, THAT freakin' CARNOSAUR!

In addition to co-creating, writing, and executive producing on the show, SALEM, Adam directed the documentary, THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, featuring such horror legends as JOHN CARPENTER, WES CRAVEN, DAVID CRONENBERG, TOBE HOOPER, JOHN LANDIS, and GEORGE ROMERO. Basically, everything he does is a love letter to us!

Adam Simon is natural storyteller, who effortlessly brings his behind the scenes adventures to life. So start listening, and get yourself some showbiz streetsmarts!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EUNICE CORPORATION!


MONSTER PARTY SPEAKS! AND LISTENS! AND READS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, embark on a nostolgiac quest to revisit the source materials that shaped them. For these monster kids, it all started with... BOOKS & RECORDS!!!

In those days before everything was instantly available on the internet, young genre fans had to rely on physical media. We'd save our hard earned allowances to buy frightening photo-packed reference books, sci-fi technical manuals, book and record sets, novelty albums, and a multitude of other vinyl and paper treasures. Years later, these antiquated portals to the worlds of the fantastic still manage to delight.

Joining us for this archival adventure is an award-winning artist, writer, and as you'll discover, quite the calendar enthusiast! MONSTER PARTY is proud to welcome back... DAN BRERETON! (THE NOCTURNALS, BATMAN: THRILLKILLER, SUPERMAN & BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD'S FINEST, JLA: SEVEN CASKETS, LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, ROB ZOMBIE: HELLBILLY DELUXE, DAN BRERETON: THE GODDESS & THE MONSTER)

NOTE: IF YOU DON'T WANT TO FIND EVERY BOOK AND RECORD THAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE, PLEASE TEAR UP YOUR MONSTER KID MEMBERSHIP CARD.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Books_And_Records_Dan_Brereton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:09pm PDT

QUOTE MONSTER PARTY... EVERMORE!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, unleash their brand new game on an unsuspecting public! Your horror movie knowledge will be put to the test, when we play a game modestly titled... HORROR MOVIE QUOTES!!!

If you played along with any of our TAGLINES episodes, the gameplay is pretty much identical. Each of us offers up a anonymous quote (or several) from a horror film, and the rest of us try to guess which film it is from. Simple, yes? Were we good at it? Ummm...

To do this topic justice, we wanted a guest who knows horror films as well as we do, not to mention someone we really liked! And we got just that! Joining us for this game of Terror-ivial Pursuit, is a celebrated actor, writer, producer, artist, and horror whisperer, with a literal lifetime resume of excellent work. Please welcome back a longtime friend of MONSTER PARTY... KEN DALY! (THE KARATE KID, QUINCY M.E., THE USUAL SUSPECTS, SUPER ADVENTURE TEAM, MR. SHOW WITH BOB AND DAVID, DUCK DODGERS, BE COOL SCOOBY DOO, STAN AGAINST EVIL, NERD POKER... AND HE'S THE GUY WHO INTRODUCED US TO THE "SHAMROCK SHAKE"!)

WARNING: AFTER THE END MUSIC, THERE IS YET ANOTHER ROUND OF BICKERING OVER THE FILM, "GODZILLA VS. KONG." MAYBE KONG CAN LET THINGS GO, BUT APPARENTLY WE CAN'T.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Horror_Movie_Quotes_Ken_Daly.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY SAYS, "HEY! YOU'VE GOT YOUR WESTERN IN MY SCI-FI!"

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, discuss what happens when a science fiction film or TV show is cross-pollenated with a non-genre concept. It all goes down in an episode with a slightly long-winded title called... SCI-FI MASHUPS: THE MANDALORIAN AND BEYOND!!!

Some of the most popular sci-fi franchises borrow heavily from other genres, especially westerns and samurai films. The STAR WARS franchise is probably the most high profile example, with THE MANDALORIAN being the current standard bearer. Of course, there are a slew of other shows and films, that not only follow this same approach, but attempt to blend even more diverse non-science fiction genres. And we're gonna hit them all! Well, most of them. Okay, some of them. Look, the shows can't all be over three hours!

In the tradition of our topic, we decided to mash this episode up with an excellent guest! He's a brilliant writer, blogger, attorney, long-time champion of MONSTER PARTY, and host of his own ridiculously popular podcast: THE LEGAL GEEKS. Let's give a Grogu greeting to... JOSH GILLILAND! (BOW TIE LAW, UNLOCKED STORIES: TEN STORIES, ONE PHONE, SAN DIEGO COMIC CON, WONDERCON, SAN DIEGO COMIC FEST, SAN FRANCISCO COMIC CON, GEEKIE AWARDS NOMINATION 2015: BEST PODCAST)

WARNING: AFTER THE END MUSIC, THERE IS EVEN MORE BICKERING OVER GODZILLA VS. KONG. IT'S A MASHUP OF FILM CRITICISM AND PERSONAL ATTACKS!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Sci-Fi_Mashups_The_Mandalorian_and_Beyond_Josh_Gilliland.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:57pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY IS THROWING A WATCH PARTY!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, fire up their widescreen TVS, and give you snapshot of a typical MONSTER PARTY viewing week. You'll need a stiff drink when you get a gander at... WHAT WE'RE WATCHING!!!

Whether it's wading through the sea of streaming genre shows, sampling the treasures and turkeys on Netflix and Amazon Prime, or choosing a classic from our massive Blu-ray and DVD collections, MONSTER PARTY always has something to has something to binge!

WARNING: This episode contains a frank and combative discussion about the film, GODZILLA VS. KONG. You may want to listen to it in sign language.

MONSTER PARTY WANTS YOU TO "WATCH IT!"

Direct download: Monster_Party_What_Were_Watching.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57am PDT

MONSTER PARTY WANTS TO SHOW YOU THE EFFECTS JAPAN HAS ON US!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, celebrate a subject that is near and dear to their cyborg enhanced hearts. Prepare to take a journey through blue-tinted space, to discover the secrets of... TOKUSATSU: THE ART OF JAPANESE SPECIAL EFFECTS!!!

TOKUSATSU is a broad term that basically covers any Japanese film or TV show that relies heavily on special effects. Which pretty much means everything in our DVD libraries! But don't expect just another podcast about the GODZILLA, GAMERA, and ULTRAMAN. This time, we dig deep into the history of TOKUSATSU, and honor the pioneers who helped make it the beloved sub-genre that it is.

Not only do we go behind the scenes of such long-running shows as ULTRAMAN and KAMEN RIDER we also shine our Beta Capsules on many of the more obscure offerings from Japan! We're talkin' secret agents, super ninjas, black and white space heroes, crazy kaiju, kids who like to hang out with Satan, a fly with TV sets for eyes, and sooooooooooo much more!

To do justice to such a gargantuan topic, we tracked down someone who is definitely a superhero in our eyes. He's a celebrated author, journalist, blogger, commentator, event promoter, and a TOKUSATSU historian who has been an inspiration to us for many years. MONSTER PARTY is Ultra-proud to welcome... AUGUST RAGONE! (EIJI TSUBURAYA: MASTER OF MONSTERS; THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND GODZILLA; FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND; SHOUT FACTORY; CREATURE FEATURES)

NOTE: YOU MAY NOTICE THAT IS KAIJU-SIZED EPISODE OCCASIONALLY SUFFERS FROM SOME MINOR SOUND DISTORTION. WE OFFER OUR APOLOGIES, BUT BLAME IT ON TV FLY!

 

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Tokusatsu_August_Ragone.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:17pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY WANTS YOU TO LISTEN TO OUR LATEST EPISODE! OR DO YA WANT SOME TROUBLE?

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, are those podcasters your parents warned you about. They want to introduce you a sub genre of rebellious outcasts that society has labeled... DELINQUENTS, PUNKS, AND HOOLIGANS!!!

If you want to hang out with the wrong crowd, you've come to the right place. We've got high school bullies, teenage kingpins, go-go dancing hellcats, Japanese nihilists, punk rock gangs, French New Wave hoodlums, and oh so much more!

Joining this dangerous gang of MONSTER PARTY ne're-do-wells, is a dangerous character with a switchblade wit. He's a celebrated comedian, actor, writer, improviser, podcaster, and "The Smartest Man In The World." Please welcome back, the great... GREG PROOPS! (THE SMARTEST MAN IN THE WORLD PODCAST, WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY?, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, STAR WARS RESISTANCE, BOB THE BUILDER, STAR WARS: EPISODE 1-THE PHANTOM MENACE)

When you're a MONSTER PARTIER, you're a MONSTER PARTIER all the way! 

ATTENTION: STICK AROUND AFTER THE CLOSING MUSIC FOR EVEN MORE SCRAPPY CHAT ABOUT FILMS WITH DELINQUENTS, PUNKS, AND HOOLIGANS! CAN YOU DIG IT?!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Delinquents_Punks_And_Hooligans_Greg_Proops.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:19am PDT

MONSTER PARTY WANTS YOU TO STARE THROUGH A TOILET PAPER ROLL AND SING: DANGALANG DANG, DANG DANG DANG DANGALANG DANG, DANG DANG DANG DANGALANG DANG, DANG DANG DANG DANGALANG DANG, DANG DANG DOO DANG DOO....DANG DOO DANG!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, dust off their best tuxedos, polish up their cocktail shakers, and renew their licences to kill. Why? Well, it's all part of a not-so-secret mission to celebrate the world's most famous fictional spy... JAMES BOND!!!

Created by novelist Ian Fleming, the character of James Bond has been entertaining audiences from the 1950s to the present day.  Whether in books, TV, movies, comic strips, or video games, Bond opens up a glamorous world of action, espionage, sex, and humor. Oh, let's not forget all those glorious gadgets!  

For an episode like this, MONSTER PARTY needed it's own version of "M"... and we got it! He's an award-winning novelist, journalist, film historian, director, composer, and SPECTRE envied Bond expert. Please a give a big MI6 welcome to... RAYMOND BENSON! (THE JAMES BOND BEDSIDE COMPANION, HOTEL DESTINY: A GHOST NOIR, BLUES IN THE DARK, IN THE HUSH OF THE NIGHT, THE BLACK STILETTO SERIES, TOM CLANCEY'S SPLINTER CELL)

MONSTER PARTY presents a podcast "for your ears only." So pour yourself a martini and enjoy an episode that's shaken, but maybe a bit slurred.

Direct download: Monster_Party_James_Bond_Raymond_Benson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:29am PDT

MONSTER PARTY JOLTS THE SMACKDOWN BACK TO LIFE!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, thought it couldn't be done. That they couldn't do the MAD MOVIE SMACKDOWN virtually through the ZOOM machine. But with a sip of a girl drink and a chaser of ingenuity, the boys shouted down their own naysaying and are pleased to annouce... MAD MOVIE SMACKDOWN LIVES AGAIN!!!

Hopefully, you all know the drill: We open a genre film reference book, quickly flip through it, stop on a page, blindly point to a movie entry, and discuss. Fun, right? Oh, and expect of bit of arguing and character assassination. This is MONSTER PARTY of course.

Joining us for this raucous reanimation of a beloved topic is an incredibly talented comedian, writer, producer, and artist. He's a long time friend of the show, but we like to think of him as a  human ray of sunshine! Please welcome back... JOHN MATTA! (MATTA NAPKIN, THE EPIC TALES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS IN SPACE, BEWARE THE BATMAN, BE COOL, SCOOBY-DOO!, GRAND MARQUEE, DUCK DODGERS, THE MARTIN SHORT SHOW)

THE MAD MOVIE SMACKDOWN IS ALIVE! IT'S ALIVE! IT'S ALIVE, IT'S ALIVE, IT'S ALIVE!!!! Sorry, we'll stop yelling now.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Mad_Movie_Smackdown_Lives_Again_John_Matta.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:23pm PDT

DON'T FREAK OUT, BUT MONSTER PARTY SEES RIGHT THROUGH YOU!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take a look at a subject that can't be seen. So break out your creepiest pair of sunglasses, and wrap up your head with guaze, because this time the topic is... INVISIBILITY!!!

But if you think this podcast is only about the classic Universal "Invisible Man" film series, you may be going mad from the effects of invisibility serum. The MONSTER PARTY gang also take aim at invisibility cloaks, alien camoflauge, hypnotic persuasion, insect-size assassins, transparent families, smoking jackets, nude stamina, and soooo much more!

Joining us for the topic that wasn't there, is an acclaimed author, journalist, blogger, and promoter of all good horror, past and present. He's also the genius behind KITLEY'S KRYPT, one of the longest running horror websites on the internet! It's his first time on MONSTER PARTY, so let's all welcome... JON KITLEY!

GET READY FOR AN EPISODE THAT'S OUTTA SIGHT! Okay, that's the last lame invisibilty joke. Are we clear?

Direct download: Monster_Party_Invisibility_Jon_Kitley.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:25pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY WANTS YOU TO GET "REEL"!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, get a peek at the diary of one of most sought-after film projectionists in Hollywood. Pour yourself a stiff drink and crack open a box of MIKE AND IKE, as we present... CONFESSIONS OF A FILM PROJECTIONIST!!!

Brace yourself for apocalyptic tales of projection booth catastrophes, theater politics, unruly audiences, special-ed splatter, zombie rationalizations (yes, again!), A-List security guards, seedy movie palaces, and celebrities who make you want to... well... let's save that for epsiode. Wink!

This episode's confessing projectionist also happens to be a talented comedian, podcaster, film programmer, and has a pretty amazing movie poster collection. She's worked at such celebrated theaters as THE ARCLIGHT, NEW BEVERLY CINEMA, THE CINEFAMILY AT THE SILENT MOVIE THEATER, GRAUMAN'S CHINESE THEATER, and MANY more! MONSTER PARTY welcomes... GARIANA ABEYTA! (OUT OF PRINT, POPCORN MAFIA, THE SET-UP, THE ROTTEN TOMATOES SHOW)

Is that flickering light coming from the back of the theater a glowing symbol of dreams brought to life? Or did a nitrate film just catch fire? Listen, and find out!

NOTE: THE CINERAMA FILM GARIANA TALKS ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE IS, "HOW THE WEST WAS WON." YOUR WELCOME.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Confessions_Of_A_Film_Projectionist_Gariana_Abeyta.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:18am PDT

MONSTER PARTY WANTS YOU TO "TUNE IN, TURN ON, AND NERD OUT!"

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, invite you to drop a tab of audio acid! It's a consciousness expanding journey into those genre films that feature mind altering substances. MONSTER PARTY and MR. COCAINE present... DRUGS!!!

Whether it's milk that helps you fight, a spice that helps you steer a spaceship, or a type of LSD that turns you into a homicidal maniac ten years after you take it, drugs have a way taking a plot and making it... well... trippy.

Joining us for this psychedelically psychoactive cinematic soiree, is a friend of the show who alters minds with his work.  He's a talented comedian, writer, producer, and actor, not to mention OUR drug... FRED BELFORD! (PINKY MALINKY, NOT EXACTLY NEWS, SECRET MOUNTAIN FORT AWESOME, COW AND CHICKEN, BRAND X WITH RUSSELL BRAND, MEGALODON)

NOTE: MONSTER PARTY DOES NOT ENDORSE THE USE OF ANY MIND ALTERING SUBSTANCES. EXCEPT MAYBE A BIT OF MOLOKO PLUS!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Drugs_Fred_Belford.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:05am PDT

MONSTER PARTY BEGINS THE NEW YEAR WITH "THE END!"

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, celebrate the arrival of 2021 by unravelling the sometimes mysterious, and shocking finales of their favorite genre films! It's a third act thriller we call... WTF ENDINGS!!!

Rather than have a guest for the episode, this time, we offer an intimate investigation featuring the core members of the MONSTER PARTY team. The guys tackle questions like, "Is it possible to accidentally wander into Hell?", "Can a fetus travel through space?", "Is the Statue of Liberty on a Forbidden Zone beach, really a surprise?" and "M. Night Shayamalan... why?"

WELCOME TO 2021 EVERYBODY! SEE, THINGS ARE ALREADY GETTING BETTER!

Direct download: Monster_Party_WTF_Endings.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:38pm PDT

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