Monster Party (general)

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

MONSTER PARTY GETS FLOORED!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take on a topic that literally puts a "lift" in their spirits. Push the button for terror, as MONSTER PARTY asks the question, "Is it an... ELEVATOR OR HELLAVATOR?!!!"

The elevator is one of the most signifcant inventions of the modern age. But everytime you get on board a car, isn't there always a little voice in the back of your mind that says, "I don't trust this thing." Well, when it comes to a certain sub-genre of genre films, your fears are more than justified.

In this episode, we'll discuss the many flavors of horror that the elevator has provided us in film and tevelsion. From satanic scenarios in films like, DEVIL, THE OMEN II, and VAULT OF HORROR, classic moments from THE SHINING, DAWN OF THE DEAD, and BLADE RUNNER, to offbeat entries like WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE LIFT and DR. TERRIBLE'S HOUSE OF HORRIBLE, there seems to be no shortage of ominous "Otis" inspired thrills. 

We also take a look at real life elevator horror story with connections to the film DARK WATER and the urban legend/creepypasta inspired pastime called, THE ELEVATOR GAME. Uggh! It's enough to make you take the stairs. In fact, for God's sake... TAKE THE STAIRS!

 

 

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Elevator_or_Hellavator.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:44pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY WELCOMES BACK AN OLD PLASTIC FRIEND!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, revisit a favorite topic that is all topics! And if that were not enough, a vital element has returned to the show that was sorely missed. Brace yourself, listeners, for... TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL: THE SKULL IS BACK!!!

Long-time listeners will know that TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL is like getting a dozen shows in one go. Traditionally, it worked like this: The MONSTER PARTY gang and their guests write down various mini-topics on a slip of paper and place them in Larry's plastic skull with the light-up eyes. The skull is shaken up, each person randomly pulls out a topic, and said topic is briefly discussed. But, the last time we did TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL, something went horribly wrong!

Larry happened to be out of town, and had left the skull back in his palatial Van Nuys apartment. But MONSTER PARTY is not a podcast to let adversity stop a show, and with some slight alterations, we managed to do the episode... skull-less.

Now, the skull has been returned to Larry Strothe's rightful control, and we can finally do the TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL the way MONSTER PARTY intended. Complete with water-damaged paper topic slips from episodes gone by. Yes... THE MOLD IS BACK AS WELL!

Joining us for this potpourri of petrifying possibilities is a long-time friend of MONSTER PARTY, as well as an ultra-talented comedian, actor, writer, and cartoonist! He's the genius behind MATTA NAPKIN (the daily series of hilarious cartoons, all drawn on cocktail napkins), as well as co-writing two episodes of BEWARE THE BATMAN with some guy named MATT WEINHOLD. Please welcome back the man, the legend... JOHN MATTA! (THE EPIC TALES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, BE COOL SCOOBY DOO, GRAND MARQUEE, DUCK DODGERS, STEVE HARVEY'S BIG TIME CHALLENGE, THE MARTIN SHORT SHOW)

THE SKULL IS BACK! DEAL WITH IT!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Topic_Free-For-All_The_Skull_Returns_John_Matta.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:07pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GOES ON A TACTILE TIRADE!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, make their case for what is clearly the most reliable way to get, and keep, your favorite movies and TV shows! When it comes to media, MONSTER PARTY says... LET'S GET PHYSICAL!!!

In this episode, MONSTER PARTY salutes physical media in all its forms. We're look at the early days of 8mm, Super 8 films, and 16mm films, the Betamax vs. VHS war, the birthof bonus supplements with the introduction of the laserdisc, the incredibly brief run of the stylus based videodisc, the DVD and Blu-ray revolution, the selective appeal of home 3-D, and try to answer the question, "To 4K or not to 4K?" And if that were not enough white-hot format talk for you, we even sing the praises of the Viewmaster, and it's predecessors, the Stereoscope and Stereoopticon!

Joining us for this audio innoculation for "streamingitis" is not only an expert on the subject of phsical media, but a man who is nothing short of showbiz nobility. He's a comedy club trailblazer who owned and operated the legendary, Cobb's Comedy Club (featured in the award-winning documentary, The Comedy Club) and helped guide the careers of many of a comedy star. If that were not enough, he's also a quite talented voice artist, actor, and improviser, as well. Making his MONSTER PARTY debut, please welcome... TOM SAWYER!

IF YOU'RE LIKE US AND WANT TO BE BURIED IN VHS CLAMSHELL-SHAPED COFFIN, THIS IS AN EPISODE YOU CANNOT MISS!

 

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Lets_Get_Physical_Tom_Sawyer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:14pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY TAKES A TANTALIZING TOUR OF TOKUSATSU TREMENDOUSNESS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, join together to form a Voltron-esque robot of fun, as we storm the halls of THE BURBANK AIRPORT MARRIOT.  Accompany us on a Far East adventure in tropical stormy LA, as we bring you the...  JAPAN WORLD HEROES EXPO 2023!!!

While interviewing super-talented artist, toy painter, mega-collector, and convention mogul, SCOTT ZILNER at MONSTERPALOOZA 2023, he offered us a booth at his upcoming JAPAN WORLD HEROES EXPO. This event celebrates the things MONSTER PARTY loves: Ultraman, Kamen Rider, super sentai, kaiju, celebrities, toys, art, collectibles, and all thing Japan-cool! The show is held only once every two years, and needless to say, we immediately accepted Scott's gracious offer.

Cut to the convention: All our dreams are being realized! We're meeting fans and cosplayers, swimming in sea of rare/exclusive collectibles, hosting our own panel, and spending WAY too much money!

If that were not joy enough, we also got to hob-nob with such celebrities like KURT CARLEY (GODZILLA, UNDERWORLD), TOHORU MASAMUNE (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.), ALEXIS RHEE (BLADERUNNER, BLACK PANTHER), and MORE!

And of course, expect the usual delightful banter and personal attacks you've come to expect from the MONSTER PARTY gang!

ATTENTION: Definitely stick around after the end music for even more great inteviews, as well as an enlightening/infuriating discussion between Matt and James. It'll make you wanna yell... HENSHIN! And maybe some other things.

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Japan_World_Heroes_Expo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:07pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY SERVES UP A STREAMING PILE OF FUN!
 
JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, play catch up with some of Hollywood's latest offerings, as well as unearth a treasure from the past. It's time for another round of film criticism with a healthy dose of adolescent bickering, as we bring you.... WHAT WE'RE WATCHING VOL. 4!!!
 
First we address the elephant... well, more like alien whale in the room... AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER. With Matt finally seeing this box office-breaking blockbuster, the gang wages what can only be described as all-out movie bashing warfare.
 
Then, we move on to some divided and often volatile opinions on GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3, BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER, SECRET INVASION, THE FLASH, BEAU IS AFRAID, OPPENHEIMER, BARBIE, and ALIEN 3, not to mention some other surprises.
And finally, the boys discuss the1967 Korean kaiju classic... SPACE MONSTER WANGMAGWI. Thought to be a lost film, a print was recently located and is now available on Bluray by SRS CINEMA. Believe us folks, this film has to be seen to be believed!
 
Joining us for this scintillating session of cinematic skewering, is someone who is a true master of his field! He's an award-winning writer and artist, who has brought us such comic classics as BLACK TERROR, BATMAN: THRILLKILLER, SUPERMAN AND BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD’S FINEST, JLA: SEVEN CASKETS, as well as his own groundbreaking series, THE NOCTURNALS. He's also done some amazing album art for numerous bands including, TOTO, FIREBALL MINISTRY, GHOULTOWN, and ROB ZOMBIE’S HELLBILLY DELUXE. Please welcome back, friend of the show... DAN BRERETON!
 
WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS MANY SPOILERS, SO PLEASE WATCH EVERY FILM EVER MADE BEFORE LISTENING!
Direct download: Monster_Party_What_Were_Watching_Dan_Brereton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:52pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY RETURNS TO COMIC CON! YEAH, WE DO A LOT OF NICE THINGS.

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, brave the halls of the San Diego Convention Center once again, to bathe in a veritable sea of fellow nerds. Join us post con, as we dissect the peculiar set of circumstances that was... COMIC CON 2023!!!

I'm sure most of you know by now that Monster Party's origins can be traced back to the days of Comic Cons past. After the exhibit hall would shut down, we'd all go back to one of our hotel rooms for cocktails followed by impassioned nerd debates. It's been over a decade since those pre-Monster Party days, but some things never change.

Join us as we discuss some of the unique aspects about COMIC COMIC 2023, including the strike induced lack of studio presence, the various treasures to be found at this year's show, some beloved children's show celebrities, the awesome cosplay team of James and Larry, the usual griping about Star Trek, and oh so much more!

We also are graced by some special guests including game expert STEPHANIE BOURDO, MONSTER PARTY super-fan and paper artist extraordinaire JIMM JENKINS, and THE LEGAL GEEKS own JOSH GILLILAND!

COMIC CON MAY BE OVER, BUT THE STRIKES CONTINUE! STAY STRONG EVERYBODY!

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Comic_Con_2023.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:36pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY WHIPS IT GOOD!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, pay tribute to an iconic character whose adventures have spanned over 30 years. He's everyone's favorite whip-wielding archeologist, which kind of narrows it down. Cue exhilarating John Williams music as we present an episode that could only be titled... INDIANA JONES!!!

From that first screening of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK back in 1981, we all were unexpectedly awed by the epic heroism of Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. Sure, the following films and TV shows have been a mixed bag, but through better or worse, it's safe to say that Indy has always been a hero we've been rooting for. 

In this episode, we dissect the Indiana Jones phenomenon in detail. Is Raiders a truly perfect film? Is Temple of Doom too violent and just not Indy enough? Does Last Crusade have too many gags? Is Crystal Skull way too Shia LaBeoufy? Who was The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles actually intended for? Did Dial of Destiny redeem the series? What are the best Indiana Jones collectibles? And how do you explain to your in-laws why you have all those whips?

Charging at us like a giant rolling ball of talent, information, and charisma, is a return guest and long time MONSTER PARTY benefactor. He's a renowned artist, foam fabricator, creature creator, puppet builder, monster maker, SFX makeup wizard, and film industry professional, not to mention an all-around fantastic person. And hey, he even worked on an Indiana jones movie! Please welcome back, the great... TED HAINES! (INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL, I'M A VIRGO, THE AVATAR FILM SERIES, THE CAT IN THE HAT, THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, BLADE II, WISHMASTER, SCREAM, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, THE JUNGLE BOOK, PULP FICTION, THE TICK)

WARNING: THERE ARE A LOT OF SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE, SO PLEASE LISTEN RESPONSIBLY.

NOW HAVE A LISTEN! IT'S MORE FUN THAN HAVING YOUR FACE MELTED OFF!

 

 

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Indiana_Jones_Ted_Haines.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:46pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY CELEBRATES ANOTHER AUDACIOUS ANNIVERSARY!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, have defied the neysayers once again, and reached a monstrous milestone! Can your fragile minds fully comprehend the cataclysmic consequences of MONSTER PARTY finally reaching... THE 250TH EPISODE!!!?

When MONSTER PARTY dropped it's first episode back in 2013, little did we know that nearly ten years later, we'd still be bickering about science fiction, horror, fantasy, comic books, toy collecting, and all the other odd offshoots of genre entertainment. But here we are, 250 friggin' episodes in, and not only are we as monster kid obsessed as ever... but we're still talking to each other! Well, yelling.

In all seriousness, doing MONSTER PARTY has done much to enrich our lives. It's deepened our friendships, helped us weather a global pandemic, got us in both FANGORIA and  FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND magazines, got us all to JAPAN, introduced us to the world of Blu-ray commentary, nabbed us two RONDO AWARD HONORABLE MENTIONS, and provided us with an ever-growing family of beloved guests and fans. 

Speaking of fans, we could not have gotten this far without the kindness and support of our listeners, and we treasure you all like a vintage MIP MEGO figure with a bouquet of 70's air. We thank you, we love you, and we promise to make our next 250 episodes an even more epic adventure!

LONG LIVE MONSTER PARTY! AND DEFINITELY STICK AROUND AFTER THE END MUSIC FOR A SPECIAL "DOES JAMES HATE SCIENCE FICTION?" DEBATE, SORTA LIVE FROM MONSTERPALOOZA 2023! WITH SPECIAL GUEST, JIM MOORE, OF "MOORE MONSTERS."

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monster_Party_The_250th_Episode.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:12pm PDT

MORE MONSTER PARTY FUN FROM HORROR'S MOST UNCONVENTIONAL CONVENTION!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, stalk the halls of the Pasadena Convention Center, searching for more audio prey. Shine up your Phantasm orb and start sewing up your human centipede for this celebration of scares we appropriately call... MONSTERPALOOZA 2023 PT. 2!!!

In MONSTERPALOOZA 2023 PT. 1, the MONSTER PARTY gang manned their convention booth and interviewed a variety of fans, new friends, cosplayers, artists, and industry professionals who attended the show on Friday night. The evening went went so well that we decided to do it again on Saturday, resulting in yet another excitement packed episode! If you've never had the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to this epic event, here's a chance to experience it through us!

AND IF YOU WANT MORE, BECOME A MONSTER PARTY PATREON PATRON, AND EXPERIENCE MONSTERPALOOZA 2023 PT. 3!!!

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monsterpalooza_2023_PT_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:55pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY RETURNS TO THE REAL HALLS OF HORROR!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, once again fired up the hearse, and headed out to petrifying Pasadena, for the horror convention that reigns over all! Pay a virtual trip to the MONSTER PARTY booth, as we we present... MONSTERPALOOZA 2023: PT 1!!!

The action started as every MONSTERPALOOZA does. We spent all day Friday setting up our table and various accoutrements, just in time for when the doors opened to the public. And once that happened... it was pure magic! 

In case you were born under a rock (which is quite horrifying in and of itself), MONSTERPALOOZA is the bi-yearly convention that celebrates all aspects of horror entertainment. It's got actors, writers, directors, special FX makeup, masks, artwork, clothing, toys, cosplay, rare treasures, limited collectibles, museum pieces, friendly fans, plus a whole lot more!

And to make things extra special this year, Shawn Sheridan managed to take a break from employment, for a rare Friday night appearance! 

It was a pleasure to talk to all our old and new friends, industry professionals and the public alike.  And if you were not able to make it to this breathtaking event, consider this your V.I.P. tour.

 Stay tuned for PART 2! It's even more MONSTROUS!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monsterpalooza_2023_PT1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:50pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY TAKES ON THE DANGEROUS MISSION OF DEFUSING SOME BOMBS!

In this episode, JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, attempt to save the reputation of some of the genre's most maligned movies. It's a philosophical film challenge of monster kid proportions, that we've cleverly called... BAD MOVIE... OR IS IT?!!!

When we consider the ingredients that make a genre movie "bad," we think of things like poor scripts, laughable acting, and questionable special effects. But in certain instances, those elements can result in something quite entertaining. And even films with all the right ingredients can be misundertood and under-appreciated by both critics and audiences. It can simply be a matter of bad timing. We're talkin' to you, Zardoz!

Well luckily, the timing was right for booking the guest in this episode. She's a lifelong sci-fi fan and mega-talented writer, who has worked on such fan favorites as MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 and HANGIN' WITH DR. Z. Please welcome, for the first time on MONSTER PARTY... TAMMY GOLDEN!

NOW GO GIVE THAT TURKEY SOME LOVE! UNLESS THAT'S ILLEGAL IN YOUR STATE.

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Bad_Movie_Or_Is_It_Tammy_Golden.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:01pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GETS A FEW THINGS OFF THEIR TOY CHEST!

SHAWN SHERIDAN, JAMES GONIS, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, return to a topic that has shaped their lives, and maxed out their credit cards. So gather your Mego figures around your favorite podcast listening device, and brace yourselves for... THE MONSTER PARTY TOY TIRADE!!!

It's no secret that the hosts of MONSTER PARTY love toys! Old, new, mint, loose, or custom, collecting toys is a passion that can  border on obsession. And with current world-wide acceptance of nerd culture, this love of so-called childish things shows no signs of stopping.

In this frank and often bellicose discussion, MONSTER PARTY addresses the various complexities of having an ever-growing toy collection. How did this all start? How did/does it affect your love life? What are your toy pet peeves? What were the toys that got away? How do we keep up with all the great new stuff coming? And so much more, dear listeneners!

Joining us for this riotous rant, is a Rondo award-winning journalist, filmmaker, blogger, producer, magazine editor, and cherished member of the MONSTER PARTY family! Aside from bringing us the classic long-form 80's horror documentary trilogy, IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS, he is also a connesuir of classic toys and collectibles. Please welcome back, the man, the legend... DAVID WEINER! (ALIENS EXPANDED, IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS PT 1-3, IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW, FAMOUS MONSTER OF FILMLAND, IT CAME FROM... BLOG, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT)

So if you like to hear grown men pontificating about the various toylines of STAR WARS, DUNE, ALIEN, NECA, STAR TREK, GODZILLA, SECTAURS, FUNKO POPS, UNIVERSAL MONSTERS, SUPER 7, MEGO, G.I. JOE, PLANET OF THE APES, SIDESHOW, HOT TOYS, and more... you might want to get in on this!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monster_Party_Toy_Tirade_David_Weiner.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm PDT

ONCE AGAIN, MONSTER PARTY GOES TOPIC-LESS! WILL IT ALSO FINALLY GO PANTLESS?

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, revisit the topic that is no topic, yet all topics! It's a no holds barred onslaught of off-the-cuff chit-chat that for absolutely no reason, we are calling... ANYTHING GOES: THE OBLITERATION!!!

Welcome to a free range exploration of the peculiar mindscapes that occupy the MONSTER PARTY cast! We don't want to spoil anything, but if you like spicy banter about Star Wars, Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, gashapon, movie set archeology, future carpet tech, superhero streets, and sci-fi plumbling, this episode is definitely your jam!

Joining us for this conversational cataclysm is a return guest and MONSTER PARTY pal, who never ceases to amaze! He's an ingenious painter, sculptor, graphic artist, and makeup FX wizard, who has lent his talents to such companies as KNB EFX GROUP and DON POST STUDIOS! Please welcome back the incomparable... MARK TAVARES! (LAND OF THE DEAD, SPY KIDS, WISHMASTER, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, HONEY I BLEW UP THE KID, CHILD'S PLAY 3, BILL & TED'S BOGUS ADVENTURE, IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, DR. GIGGLES, BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5: THE DREAM CHILD, SUPER ADVENTURE TEAM (With MATT WEINHOLD!), and MANY MORE!

THIS TIME, ANYTHING GOES ON AND ON AND ON!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Anything_Goes_The_Obliteration__Mark_Tavares.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:37pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY WANTS TO HAVE A WORD WITH YOU!

This time, JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take a psychiatric approach to fun! No, it's not getting juiced up on meds and wrestling each other in a padded room. It's... THE MONSTER PARTY WORD ASSOCIATION GAME!!!

This game works just the way you think! The members of MONSTER PARTY take turns presenting a word to the others, and must immediately respond with the first horror, sci-fi, or fantasy thing that pops into their heads. It's just that simple... and disturbing!

This topic was first stress-tested in a special, PATREON ONLY episode, and was proven to be sound. It also proves that there's nothing better for body and mind than becoming a MONSTER PARTY PATRON! Well, there may be a few things better. Like some med-fueled padded room wrestling!

We think you'll enjoy this rare peek inside the collective subconscious of MONSTER PARTY, and hope you'll try this game out with your family and friends. If they can handle it!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monster_Party_Word_Association_Game.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:58pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY HAS A CULT FOLLOWING! AND WE CAN'T WAIT FOR IT TO CATCH US!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take another in-depth look at the films that fly below the mainstream, yet have managed to gain a loving and loyal audience. Can your viewing queue handle the stress as... THE KILLER CULT FILMS STRIKE BACK!

Like in our previous cult film episodes, we present a more than ample helping of mind-blowing, genre-bending cinema, gauranteed to spice up any midnight movie night. We've got imaginative foreign films, unhinged horror gems, sci-fi curios, outrageous comedies, rock-n' roll fantasies, cult film classics, fun failures, and more! So much more, we'll have to do another episode!

Joining us once again for this orgy of oddities, is our go-to guide to the off-beat. He's a celebrated film historian, author, journalist, reviewer, and host of the eternally-running cable TV show, MEDIA FUNHOUSE! Please welcome back, our MONSTER PARTY cult film curator... ED GRANT! (THE MOTION PICTURE GUIDE, TV GUIDE, MOVIES ON TV, FILMS IN REVIEW, PSYCHOTRONIC VIDEO, VIDEOSCOPE, THE VIDEO MOVIE GUIDE, GROOVY MOVIES)

THE KILLER CULT FILMS ARE BACK! AND IF YOU'RE LUCKY... YOU MAY BE THEIR VICTIM!

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_Killer_Cult_Films_Strike_Back_Ed_Grant.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:40pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY BRINGS YOU A PETRIFYING PROGRAM OF PECULIAR PAIRINGS! 

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, delve the depths of their film knowledge, to create the ultimate in imaginary movie mashups. Get your hot-oiled popcorn ready for... THE MONSTER PARTY MOVIE MARQUEE!!!

In a game that we're fairly confident you've all played, we come up with our own dream billings of horror, science fiction, and fantasy films. We're talkin' double features, triple features, and even "Go Ape" style movie marathons. We've linked the films by theme, but also by title, with the later primarily for comedic effect. Because we love comedic effects! But only if they're practical.

Joining us for all this marquee-noclastic merriment , is a film connoisseur, a valued friend, and a return guest! He's not only a renowned actor, TV host, filmmaker, and comedian (from The Tonight Show!!!), but a long time MONSTER PARTY supporter and fan! Please welcome back, the eternally entertaining... MARK PITTA! (THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, MAD ABOUT YOU, 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN, DR. KATZ: PROFESSIONAL THERAPIST, MORNINGS ON 2, TOTALLY HIDDEN VIDEO)

FOR THIS EPISODE, MONSTER PARTY IS BOOKING THE THEATER! BUT WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILTY FOR THE HOTDOGS!

 

 

 

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monster_Party_Movie_Marquee_Mark_Pitta.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:34pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GOES TO WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE FACE!

SHAWN SHERIDAN, JAMES GONIS, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, genuflect at the feet of the artform that has shaped them! Raises your glasses and man your bladder pumps, as MONSTER PARTY salutes... THE ART OF PRACTICAL EFFECTS!!!

MONSTER PARTY loves practical effects! Sure, CGI is now all the rage, but nothing puts a spring in our step like seeing an actor bring life to a foam rubber makeup appliance! Or an animatronic alien wreaking havoc!! Or latex skin bubbling! Or stop motion dinosaurs! Or live action dinosaurs! Or... Sorry.  Sometimes we get a bit carried away.

In this episode, we champion the genius of classic makeup legends like Lon Chaney, Jack Pierce, John Chambers, William Tuttle, and the Westmore family, as well as the groundbreaking work of trailblazers like Dick Smith, Rick Baker, Rob Bottin, and Stan Winston. And in the SFX category, we've always got some love for greats like Willis O' Brien, Ray Harryhausen, and Eiji Tsuburaya! 

Joining us for this parade of practical praise, is a guest who knows of what he speaks He's an Emmy Award-winning makeup FX artist, who has worked on such iconic  projects as JOHN CARPENTER'S THE THING, LEGEND, THE INCREDIBLE HULK TV MOVIES, CRITTERS, TREMORS, COMMUNION, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, MEN BLACK, CSI, and MORE! Please welcome our new mega-talented monster kid friend .. JOHN GOODWIN!

AND... IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE (HOW COULD YOU NOT?), PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL "PATREON ONLY" EPISODE WITH JOHN GOODWIN AT THE VALLEY RELICS MUSEUM! IT'S THE PRACTICAL THING TO DO.

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_Art_of_Practical_Effects_John_Goodwin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:28pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY WANTS TO BE YOUR VALENTINE! BUT... IT PROBABLY WON'T WORK OUT.

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, fully embrace the true VALENTINE'S DAY spirit, with an episode that explores the genre pitfalls of love. Get ready for Cupid's arrow to tear your heart out and show it to you, as MONSTER PARTY presents... DOOMED ROMANCES!!!

Let's face it, when it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship in horror, sci-fi, or fantasy films, the track record isn't good. Sure, at the end of some films, it my seem like the happy couples go off to live happily ever after... but what about after that? And what if you're in love with a monster? Or an alien? Or a murderer? Or all three at once? And don't get us started about dudes who don't tell you about their army of rats!

To help us understand the complexities of all these dubious hookups, we enlisted the best romance expert we could find, with the least amount of effort. She's an Emmy Award winning comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, and a dear friend of MONSTER PARTY, not to mention, the object of your doomed affections. Please welcome back, the always awesome... SUE MURPHY (THE SOUP, CHELSEA LATELY, WANDA AT LARGE, THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, THE JEFF FOXWORTHY SHOW, THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW, EWOKS)

MONSTER PARTY LOVES YOU! IT'S JUST THAT WE'RE NOT IN LOVE WITH YOU.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Doomed_Romances_Sue_Murphy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:59pm PDT

LOOK! UP IN THE SKY! IT'S A BIRD! IT'S A PLANE! IT'S... WE HAVE NO IDEA!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, unearth some of the strange, stupid, or forgotten superheroes of yesteryear. Get ready for a heapin' helping of hazy heroics, as MONSTER PARTY presents... SUPERHERO OBSCURA!!!

In this current golden age of superhero films, TV shows, video games, and of course, comic books, there has been no shortage of A-list meta-human material. And during this time, a few lesser known characters like The Guardians of the Galaxy have blasted their way to being household names. Does this mean that some other forgotten heroes may have a chance to re-surface and make it to the big time? In this podcast, we hope to make that happen!

We've got obscure superheroes from golden age funnybooks, defunct publishers, little known satirical sendups, short-lived cartoons, failed TV pilots, and more!

Joining us in "The Fortress of Monster-tude," is a long-time friend and supporter of our show. He's an acclaimed author, writer, actor, improvisor, and podcaster, who also has the fascinating job of coming up with names for the world's most memorable things! Um, Swiffer anyone? MONSTER PARTY is proud to welcome back the lovely and talented... MARC HERSHON! (SUCCOTASH: THE COMEDY SOUNDCAST SOUNDCAST, THE FUNSTER, I HATE PEOPLE!, THE CALIFORNIANS, WEDDING DAZE, MONSTER MAKERS, SANTA JR., DIRECTOR OF NAMING AND VERBAL IDENTITY AT LANDOR & FITCH)

MONSTER PARTY SAYS: "UNMEMORABLES ASSEMBLE!"

Direct download: Monster_Party_Superhero_Obscura_Marc_Hershon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:14pm PDT

ONCE AGAIN, MONSTER PARTY IS READY FOR A ROOM RUMBLE!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, return to the hypothertical "room" where your favorite genre characters get up in each other's grill. Get ready for another round of ferocious face offs, as we bring you... WHO WOULD WIN? VOL. 7: CARNAGEPALOOZA!!!

Long time listeners know how these episodes work, but for those of you just tuning in, here's the deal. It's just like the classic schoolyard game where you choose fictional characters from sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, put them in a room, and force them to do battle. Why? Because you can!

Joining us for this pugnacious podcast is a long-time friend of the show, who always knows a good fight when he sees one one. He's not only a successful actor, director, producer, and voice artist, but also the founder of the enormously popular, BIF! BANG POW! TOYS. And if that were not enough to make you swoon, he's currently the host of the YouTube sensation, PLASTIC SOUL: THE POP CULTURE SHOW BY ENTERTAINMENT EARTH! MONSTER PARTY is absolutely giddy to welcome back... JASON LENZI! (CANNONBALL, WIPEOUT, SUPERGROUP, BANDS REUNITED, BEAT THE GEEKS, LET'S BOWL)

MONSTER PARTY WANTS A PIECE OF YOU! SPECIFICALLY, THE PART THAT LISTENS TO OUR SHOW.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Who_Would_Win_Vol_7_Carnagepalooza_Jason_Lenzi.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:21pm PDT

THE TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL IS BACK, BUT A CERTAIN PROP HAD OTHER PLANS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, return to the topic that is all topics! But due to a slight hiccup, we don't have our beloved plastic skull full of exciting, and sometimes moldy talking points. Thus, we present... TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL: OUT OF OUR SKULL EDITION!!!

In past "TOPIC FREE-ALL" episodes, we'd usually pull strips of paper with random topics out a plastic skull, and discuss whatever was written on them. But at the last minute, we discovered the skull was inaccessible. Not giving in to defeat, we quickly retooled our topic choosing process, and the show was saved! But we're not going to lie... the skull was missed.

One thing that did go very right was our choice of a guest! He's an acclaimed comedian, writer, cartoonist, friend of the show, and no stranger to TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL! MONSTER PARTY is pleased to start the new year with the lovely and talented... JOHN MATTA! (MATTA NAPKIN, BEWARE THE BATMAN, THE EPIC TALES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, BE COOL, SCOOBY DOO!, DUCK DODGERS, THE MARTIN SHORT SHOW)

BONUS: IF ALL THIS IS NOT ENOUGH NEW YEAR MERRIMENT, WE'VE GOT A SPECIAL REVIEW OF THE NEW NETFLIX SERIES, "WEDNESDAY", BY OUR OWN KATHY STROTHE! IT'S TUBULAR!

SUCK ON THAT 2023!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Topic_Free-For-All_Out_Of_Our_Skull_Edition_John_Matta.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:56pm PDT

IT'S MONSTER PARTY'S END OF THE YEAR OFFICE PARTY, AND WE'VE SPIKED THE PUNCH WITH... PIZAZZ!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, celebrate this magical season with an event of modestly epic proportions. To make things extra exclusive, we winnowed the "A-List" down to the four of us, and... YOU! We invite you to  attend... THE MONSTER PARTY HOLIDAY BASH 2022!!!

Get your party groove on with a rambling, off the cuff, anything goes, conga line of nerd talk, aided by a hellish helping of demon booze! And hey, it's a party! You might get lucky!

Speaking of nerd talk, this raucous round robin includes delighful debates over Soylent Green, Andor, Avatar, Star Trek 5, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, Christmas movies, genre documentaries, Pluto TV, and soooo much more!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEAR MONSTER PARTIERS! NOW IF YOU'LL EXCUSE US, ASS CHEEKS DON'T PHOTOCOPY THEMSELVES!

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_Monster_Party_Holiday_Bash_2022.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:38pm PDT

IT'S TIME FOR MONSTER PARTY TO TELL YOU WHAT IT WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, once again share their ultimate wishlists for the gift-giving  season! Prepare to max out your credit cards and drain your bank accounts, as we present... THE MONSTER PARTY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2022!!!

Like many years past, the MONSTER PARTY gang helps you with that sometimes tricky task of finding the perfect present for that persnickety monster kid. It's the least we could do to stop you from ruining Christmas.

As this holiday tradition goes, we are yet again joined by a friend of the show, a past smooth young intern, and monster toy maker extraordinaire! We love him but we hate him because he always tells us about too many cool things. Please welcome back... KEVIN SMITH! (SEA DEMON VINYL, H.O.P. TOYS, SPIRAL TOY, OTAKUMERICA)

NOW GET SHOPPING PEOPLE!!!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Holiday_Gift_Guide_2022_Kevin_Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY PRESENTS A DINNER WITH FIENDS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, give thanks for all those genre characters with extremely questionable table manners. We hope you have the appetite for… DIABOLICAL DINNERS!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of you might be  dreading that family dinner with your unpleasant relatives. But if you thought your uncle was crazy, listening to this episode should put things into perspective. We’ve got a venomous variety of aliens, oddballs, zombies, murderers, animated a-holes, a whole lotta cannibals, and more! And by more, we mean more cannibals.

Helping us set the table for this gathering of ghastly gourmets, is a dear friend of the show, not to mention all of us. No stranger to good food, as a young TV pitchman, he introduced the world to McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, and the Shamrock Shake. He’s a mega-talented writer, actor, podcaster, and fellow monster kid, who is like a member of the MONSTER PARTY family. We are as pleased as poisoned punch to welcome back the great… 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!)

WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS! PLEASE WATCH EVERY MOVIE WITH A WEIRD DINNER SCENE BEFORE LISTENING.

MONSTER PARTY WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING! BUT IF YOU’RE HAVING GRAVY… LEAVE SOME FOR THE REST OF US!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Diabolical_Dinners_Ken_Daly.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:23pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY SUCCUMBS TO BATMANIA! AND WE DON'T WANT TO GET WELL!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, emerge from their own private BATCAVES, to present a one-stop history of everyone's favorite DARK KNIGHT. So slide into your preferably nipple-less crime fighting costume, and curl up next to the internet, for a cowl-eye view of... THE BATMAN LEGACY!!!

When people think of BATMAN, their minds usually go to the campy 60's TV show, or the grim cinematic depictions of today. But if that's all you think there is to Gotham City's own millionaire vigilantee, you must be as crazy as THE JOKER! Batman has a colorful backstory that continues to shape his legacy for each new generation of fans. And much like an English muffin, it's in the nooks and crannies where you'll often find the most satisfaction.

Joining us for this ultility belt of information is our own caped curator of all things BATMAN. Not only is he a past guest and friend of the show, but also an insanely talented author, artist, game designer, Disney Imagineer, and educator! MONSTER PARTY is proud to welcome back... SCOTT ROGERS! (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE GAME, MARVEL VILLAINOUS: WE ARE VENOM, RAYGUNS AND ROCKETSHIPS, PANTONE: THE GAME, ALIEN: FATE OF THE NOSTROMO, GOD OF WAR SAGA, WARHAMMER 40,000: KILL TEAM, MAXIMO & THE ARMY OF ZIN, PAC-MAN WORLD, DRAWN TO LIFE, DARKSIDERS, LEVEL UP, & SO MUCH MORE!)

ZOK!! OOOFF! VRONK! ZGRUPPP! SORRY MONSTER PARTIERS BUT THE CAT JUST WALKED ACROSS MY KEYBOARD.

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_Batman_Legacy_Scott_Rogers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:33am PDT

THIS HALLOWEEN, MONSTER PARTY IS PLAYING PUMPKINHEAD GAMES!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, celebrate their favorite holiday with a ghastly gala of gruesome glee! It's an earful of elated eeriness entitled... HALLOWEEN HULLABALOO!!!

The Halloween season is a magical time for MONSTER PARTY. It's when we adorn our homes is spooky decorations, dress up in costumes, watch our favorite horror films, and party like the monsters we are.  So basically, it's like every other part of the year, but with rest of the world joining us. 

For this Halloween, we've got a special guest who brings his own special spice to the holiday. Pumpkin spice, that is!

He's an acclaimed writer, filmmaker, film historian, and trading card guru, who is making his debut on MONSTER PARTY! He co-wrote the screenplay for the ultimate Halloween film, PUMPKINHEAD, as well as the cult horror/superhero classic... VAMPIRELLA!

And if that we're not enough, he basically worked on every genre trading card that ever gave your life meaning. We're talkin' series like CREATURE FEATURES, STAR WARS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, and WACKY PACKAGES! Yes, WACKY FREAKIN' PACKAGES! 

MONSTER PARTY is proud to welcome... GARY GERANI!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN MONSTER PARTIERS! AND STAY SAFE...OR PUMPKINHEAD WILL COME FOR YOU! 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Halloween_Hullabaloo_Gary_Gerani.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:56pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY IS WATCHING! DO YOU DARE WATCH BACK?!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, pull themselves away from their baccanale of binge-watching, to bring you another blast of audio-visual audaciousness! So get ready, get set, go download... WHAT WE'RE WATCHING VOL. 3!!!

With the seemingly endless procession of genre product coming out of our various screens, there's more for monster kids to watch than ever. But whether it's TV shows, independant films, or big ticket blockbuster releases, separating the good, the bad, and the god awful, can be quite the challenge. What the hell, we're gonna do our best!

Joining us for our most recent round of cinematic samplings is an award-winning journalist, producer, editor, sound designer, and film critic. She covers arts and culture around San Diego for KPBS News, and has gained an honored seat at the MONSTER PARTY table by editing "THE ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES" sequels. Please welcome our new monster kid friend... BETH ACCOMANDO!

SO WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING? HONESTLY, WE'D REALLY LIKE TO KNOW!

Direct download: Monster_Party_What_Were_Watching_Vol_3_Beth_Accomando.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:14pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GETS BARBARIC!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take a fresh claw swipe at a topic we did several years ago. But this time, we've got some new blood! If you want to know what goes into trodding the boards of a horror movie set, have a listen to this sinister seminar of sound we call... MONSTER ACTING VOL. 2!!!

In MONSTER ACTING VOL. 1, we got a look from inside the creature suit with monster acting (and every other kind of acting) legend... DOUG JONES. This time, we've booked a shining new talent who is the star of the smash hit horror film, BARBARIAN... MATTHEW PATRICK DAVIS!!!

Alhough BARBARIAN is Matthew's breakout film, he's no novice at monster acting, playing a hilarious zombie in a SPRINT commercial, James Corden's new Alien Xenomorph girlfriend on THE LATE LATE SHOW, and the "Geek" in the Broadway production of SIDE SHOW!

But Davis is more than just an amazing actor! He's an accomplished musician and composer who has written music for the DISNEY JR. shows, THE GHOST AND MOLLY McGEE and T.O.T.S., as well as parody mini-musicals of JURASSIC PARK, and THE SHINING!

SO STRAP YOURSELVES IN FOR "THE MOTHER" OF ALL  MONSTER PARTY PODCASTS!

NOTE: THIS EPISODE HAS QUITE A FEW "BARBARIAN" SPOILERS, SO WE SUGGEST WATCHING THE FILM BEFORE LISTENING. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monster_Acting_Vol_2_Matthew_Patrick_Davis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:32pm PDT

THE SMACKDOWN HAS RETURNED, AND APPARENTLY, IT'S NOT WEARING A LEASH!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, return once again to a MONSTER PARTY fan-favorite topic that is not only informative, but occasionally combative. Prepare to push your fragile psyche to the limit, as we present... THE MAD MOVIE SMACKDOWN UNLEASHED!!!

As you may already be aware, the rules are simple. We all take turns thumbing through our beloved collection of genre reference books (remember books?), randomly stopping on a page, and blindly pointing to a film entry. After that, we partake in a lively discussion about the movie, with a bit of character assassination sprinkled in.

Joining us for this reference book romp, is someone new to "The Smackdown," but a longtime MONSTER PARTY favorite. He's a multiple RONDO AWARD winning filmmaker, and Blu-ray audio commentary staple. Please welcome back... CONSTANTINE NASR! (A GOOD GAME: KARLOFF & LUGOSI AT UNIVERSAL, THE ANIMAGIC WORLD OF RANKIN/BASS, WHEN DARKNESS CAME: THE MAKING OF 'THE MIST', SHADOWS IN THE DARK: THE VAL LEWTON LEGACY, MEL BLANC: THE MAN OF A THOUSAND VOICES, VAL GUEST: 'QUATERMASS' AND THE HAMMER EXPERIENCE, WALKING THE MILE, AND SO MANY MORE!) 

THE SMACKDOWN IS BACK! BECAUSE THE WORLD NEEDS MORE THINGS THAT DON'T COMPLETELY SUCK.

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_Mad_Movie_Smackdown_Unleashed_Constantine_Nasr.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:23pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY SETS THE TABLE FOR THE WORLD'S SCARIEST POTLUCK!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, just recently unearthed a very special episode that we honestly thought might be lost forever. It's a multi-course menu of monstrous meats that should appeal to the putrid palates of the most ghoulish gourmets. Sink your fangs into this newly found delicacy that we've titled... MONSTERS WITH GOOD TASTE!!!

We all love the various monsters and creatures from our favorite sci-fi and horror films. But have you ever wondered how delicious these beasts would taste if prepared properly? No? Well then we'll take it from here!

In this episode, MONSTER PARTY writes the cookbook for easy to cook meals featuring supernatural starters, terrifying tapas, galactic gastronomy, kaiju cuisine, Krofft comfort food, spook smores, deadly desserts, and so much more!

We know this offering is a bit shorter than what you usually expect of MONSTER PARTY, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in succulent flavor! So bon appe-TERROR!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monsters_With_Good_Taste_A_Monster_Party_Lost_Episode.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:19pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GIVES YOU ANOTHER BLAST OF THE "MONSTER" OF ALL CONVENTIONS! 

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, return to the halls of the SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER, for another spandex-friendly super-celebration of pop-culture, comic books, cosplay, collectibles, and MORE! MONSTER PARTY presents a multiverse bending episode that we could only call... COMIC CON 2022 PART 2!!!

Just like in COMIC CON 2022 PART 1, once the on-site convention merriment dies down, THE MONSTER PARTY 4 race to their temporary "Fortress of Sound-itude," for cocktails, surprise guest interviews, and general nerd ranting. It's a boisterous gathering that actually incurred the gentle wrath of hotel security. We're so rock n' roll!

But if that wasn't enough to flutter your cape, we've also provided a post show wrap-up where we share many of our favorite COMIC CON 2022 moments. And there were many!

COMIC CON IS BACK, AND SO IS MONSTER PARTY! WE'RE THE ONE-TWO-PUNCH OF PERSONAL SPACE INVASION! 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Comic_Con_2022_Part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:54pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY WELCOMES THE OFFICIAL RETURN OF THE KING OF ALL NERDFESTS!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, once again prowl the halls of the SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER, indulging in an unbridled celebration of comic books, popculture, genre merchandise, questionable pizza, and MORE! MONSTER PARTY is ecstatic to present... COMIC CON 2022 PART 1!!!

Now, as exciting and fun as the official "Con" can be, you listeners know that the real action starts back at the hotel room. And we're certainly not going to enlist The Hulk to smash your expectations. This year, were back to our much loved format of welcoming surprise guests who just happen to randomly knock on our door. Just like they've been instructed to.

Although we said our guests would be a surprise, we can't help letting a couple cool cats out of the bag.

MONSTER PARTY is beyond proud to welcome to our mics, an actor who has starred in such genre classics as STARSHIP TROOPERS, SLEEPY HOLLOW, and new Popcornflix/Crackle TV sci-fi action series, SALVAGE MARINES. Yes, we've got... CASPER VAN DIEN!

Joining Casper is his SALVAGE MARINES co-star, accomplished actress and famed WONDER WOMAN cosplayer (She's been on JIMMY KIMMEL like a gazillion times)... JENNIFER WENGER! 

We've also got some old and new friends stopping by for a happy hour, that happily goes on for hours.

COMIC CON IS BACK! SO GET WORKING ON THAT CARDBOARD ARACHNID COSTUME FOR NEXT YEAR!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Comic_Con_2022_Pt1_Casper_Van_Dien_Jennifer_Wenger.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:07am PDT

MONSTER PARTY TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF YOUR FILM!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take part in another round of one of their favorite movie nerd games. Can you guess who said what to whom in what film, in this especially vocal episode called… HORROR & SCI-FI MOVIE QUOTES!!!

Because our HORROR MOVIE QUOTES and SCI-FI MOVIE QUOTES episodes were such smash hits, we decided to team these two genres up for a MONSTER PARTY mash-up of quotable proportions! But just to make things magical, we’ve thrown in some fantasy quotes as well! But don't expect any of that "my precious" malarky. 

The rules are the same as usual: Each of us recite a quote (or quotes) from a film, and the rest of the gang try to figure out which film it's from. It’s just that insanely simple! The tricky part is performing the quote, while attempting not to sound like James Mason.

Joining us for this quotation vacation is a return guest, a great friend, and a long time MONSTER PARTY fan. He’s an extremely talented actor, writer, filmmaker, TV host, and comedian, whose appearances on multiple incarnations of THE TONIGHT SHOW, have only made the world a better place. Please welcome back… MARK PITTA! (THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, MAD ABOUT YOU, 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN, DR. KATZ: PROFESSIONAL THERAPIST, MORNINGS ON 2, TOTALLY HIDDEN VIDEO)

MONSTER PARTY HOPES YOU ENJOY THIS GAME, AND URGES YOU TO PLAY IT AT HOME. BUT DON'T LET THE WORDS GET STUCK IN YOUR THROAT!

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Horror__Sci-Fi_Quotes_Mark_Pitta.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:20pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY TOONS OUT!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, ani-make-some-trouble with this in depth look at the dark side of a usually lighthearted subject. It’s an episode we indecently titled… CONTROVERSIAL CARTOONS!!!

Everyone loves a good cartoon, but since the birth of cel animation, this artform has occasionally been hit with the anvil of controversy. Many a cartoon has been labeled violent, obscene, sexist, pornographic, inappropriate, counterculture, anti-establishment, and of course, racist.

In this podcast, MONSTER PARTY examines these troublesome toons, in an attempt to objectively assess their pejorative labels. Do they deserve their negative publicity? Were they simply a product of their times? And in an age of canceling, is there a place for provocative animation?

Joining us for this merrie melody of mayhem, is an Emmy Award-winning writer/director/producer, actor, and quite the kick-ass stand up bass player! During the 90’s, he was the VP of Animation at MTV, and brought us such classics as BEAVIS & BUTT-HEAD, DARIA, AEON FLUX, THE MAXX, and THE HEAD. Please welcome… JOHN ANDREWS! (MTV, 6 POINT MEDIA, KLASKY CSUPO, DREAMEAST PICTURES, HOUSE OF COOL)

TH-TH-TH-THAT’S OFFENSIVE FOLKS!!!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Controversial_Cartoons_John_Andrews.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:28pm PDT

MONSTERPALOOZA 2022 CONTINUES! AND MONSTER PARTY LOVES EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN (Yes, he's back!), LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take on day 2 of their favorite convention with ghoulish gusto! MONSTER PARTY presents another chilling chapter in the ongoing auditory onslaught that is... MONSTERPALOOZA 2022 PART 2!!!

Once again, the MONSTER PARTY gang returns to pulse-pounding Pasadena, for another crypt-ful of MONSTERPALOOZA mayhem! We've got more past guests, artists, writers, filmmakers, collectors, vendors, awesome fans, and great fiends! Yes... FIENDS!

It was an honor and a pleasure to be back at MONSTERPALOOZA, and we're already planning for next year! Claws crossed!

ATTENTION: STAY TUNED AFTER THE END MUSIC FOR A TERRIFYING TASTE OF MONSTERPALOOZA 2022 PART 3! THE REST OF PART 3 WILL SOON BE RELEASED ON OUR PATREON PAGE, SO BECOME A MONSTER PARTY PATRON TODAY!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monsterpalooza_2022_Part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:16pm PDT

MONSTERPALOOZA IS BACK! AND MONSTER PARTY COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, welcome back the paramount event for any serious monster kid! MONSTER PARTY is delighted to accompany you on an ghastly tour of the audio adventure called... MONSTERPALOOZA 2022 PART 1!!!

In this episode, we travel to haunted Pasadena, to bring you the horrific highlights of the first day of MONSTERPALOOZA 2022! We've got past guests, amazing artists, talented writers, famous filmmakers, iconic collectors, awesome vendors, loyal fans, and a creepy cavalcade of old and new friends!

Thanks again to everyone at MONSTERPALOOZA for giving us what we really needed right now!

NOTE: DUE TO A PREVIOUS WORK COMMITMENT, SHAWN SHERIDAN WAS UNABLE TO PARTAKE IN THIS EPISODE. BUT FEAR NOT! HE'LL BE BACK WITH A VENGEANCE IN "PART 2"! WELL, TO BE HONEST, HE'S ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED BY VENGEANCE.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Monsterpalooza_2022_Part_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am PDT

MONSTER PARTY PRESENTS A LIBATION CELEBRATION!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, pay tribute to the unofficial fifth member of the team. It's time give a toast to the toast, with this conversation cocktail we simply call... BOOZE!!!

Over the years, MONSTER PARTY has cherished and chastised our ole friend, DEMON BOOZE. But for this episode, we're putting its genre film and television appearances in the spotlight! 

What HAMMER HORROR film would be complete without a snifter of spirits in a Victorian study, or a pint of beer at Baron Frankenstein's favorite pub? What fun would STAR TREK be without the deleterious effects of Romulan Ale, or an impromptu drinking contest with Scotty? And what better way to make life's troubles melt away, than with a nice bottle of TENAFLY VIPER? 

These a just a few examples of alcohol's many fine movie and TV performances that will be discussed on this podcast. Which begs the question, "Where's the BOOZE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD?!!!"

Inebri-aiding us with this episode is a very special guest, who is also a huge MONSTER PARTY fan! He's one of only twenty MASTER CICERONES (which is basically the beer equivalent of a MASTER SOMMELIER) in the world, and is the host of his own fangtastic horror podcast, HALLOWEEN IS FOREVER! Let's give a super sloshy, happy drunk welcome to... BRIAN REED!

NOTE: When it comes to booze, as with our podcast, please use responsibly! And yes, we're already planning for BOOZE VOL.2!!!

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

GET READY TO GROOVE TO THE HAPPENING SOUNDS OF MONSTER PARTY!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take a behind-the-scenes dive into a fascinating aspect of filmmaking that can often be taken for granted. It's an ear-enlightening audio adventure known to the professionals as... SOUND DESIGN!!! 

In this rare peek behind the sound studio veil, we explore the delicate artistry that goes into building the audio landscape of a film or TV show. You'll learn how sound design can act as narrative that punctuates the emotional impact of a piece, as well as the painstaking work that goes into this craft.

We'll also delve into the origins of the iconic sound effects from many of your favorite genre films. Whether were talkin' lightsabers, phasers, alligators, bar room brawls, or a little ditty  called The Wilhem Scream, this is an episode you do not want to miss!

Joining us for this soundtrack of excitement is an award-winning sound designer, sound mixer, sound editor, and composer. He's worked on numerous genre films, TV shows, and video games, as well as the MATT WEINHOLD classics, THE JOURNEYMAN PROJECT 3: LEGACY OF TIME and WHACKED. Please welcome... JAMEY SCOTT! (LOST OLLIE, AGENTS OF SHIELD, CRAWL, BLACK LIGHTNING, RAISED BY WOLVES, THE DARK TOWER, AND A GAZILLION MORE!)

EAR-DRUMROLL PLEASE..

Direct download: Monster_Party_Sound_Design_Jamey_Scott.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:46pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GOES UNDER THE KNIFE!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, don their scare scrubs, and enter their operating theater of thrills! You'll need an insanity innoculation before attending this Mardi Gras of malpractice that we call... SINISTER SURGERIES & MEDICAL MAYHEM!!!

In this thought-provoking, wince-inducing episode, the MONSTER PARTY gang puts the medical establishment to the test. Expect a whole bunch of hard-hitting and like super-scientific questions like: "Are two heads better than one, if one is racist?",  "Is my cat hitting on me... and why?", "How much does a human centipede need to hydrate?", and "Where do I find the best wine in an emergency room?" The answers will shock you!

Joining us for this triage of terror is a medical professional who is board certified in Internal Medicine, recieved a BA in Psychology and BS in Biological Sciences from STANFORD UNIVERSITY, got his MD from NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER. He now practices in Oahu, Hawaii, which is pretty frickin' sweet! Please welcome for the first time on MONSTER PARTY... DR. ALBERT LIN, MD! 

WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY OF THE PROCEDURES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE AT HOME. SPECIFICALLY, OUR HOMES.

Direct download: Monster_Party_Sinister_Surgeries__Medical_Mayhem_Dr_Albert_Lin_MD.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:59pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY IS STILL WATCHING!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, go media surfing once again, in hopes of finding new genre gold, or re-discovering an old favorite. Pour yourself a Red Bull and absinthe, and buckle up for... WHAT WE'RE WATCHING VOL. 2!!!

This time, we're sampling the current crop of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy shows from various networks, digging into our DVD/Blu-ray/download archives, and evaluating many of the recent films Hollywood has visited upon us. To cut to the chase, all of us have finally seen SPIDERMAN: NO WAY HOME, and we have a few things to say about it.  To save time, you should probably become outraged now.

Joining us for this screaming streaming party is an acclaimed writer, producer, and game designer, who worked with MATT WEINHOLD on the classic CD-ROM game: THE JOURNEYMAN PROJECT 2: BURIED IN TIME! Making his MONSTER PARTY debut, please welcome... ERIC DALLAIRE! (SHADES: THE GEHENNA DILEMMA, THE JOURNEYMAN PROJECT: PEGASUS PRIME, THE JOURNEYMAN PROJECT 3: LEGACY OF TIME, STAR TREK: AWAY TEAM, STAR TREK: HIDDEN EVIL, THE SIMPSONS GAME, GUNDAM 0079: THE WAR FOR EARTH)

WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS QUITE A FEW SPOILERS. BECAUSE WE CAN'T HELP SPOILING YOU!

Direct download: Monster_Party_What_Were_Watching_Vol_2_Eric_Dallaire.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:40pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GOES TOO FAR WITH THE FAR EAST!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take a tour of the continent that has provided us with a tsunami of fiercely original and delightfully twisted films. It's a yokai guided-tour through the celluloid nightmare known as... ASIA SHOCK CINEMA!!!

ASIA SHOCK covers wide array of films from various countries,  featuring dark and often bizarre plotlines, outrageous and over the top violence, and a heapin' helping of controversy.

Oh, and let's not forget all the revenge! We've got vengeful spirits, vengeful lovers, vengeful prisoners, vengeful fighters, vengeful monsters, vengeful gods, vengeful phones, and even a vengeful toilet. Hope you're not feeling flushed! Hahahaha! sigh

Joining us for the first time on MONSTER PARTY is the man who literally wrote the book about this fascinating sub-genre of movies. He's a celebrated Asian film expert, and author of the sold out book, ASIA SHOCK: HORROR AND DARK CINEMA FROM JAPAN, KOREA, HONG, AND THAILAND.  He's also Matt Weinhold's childhood friend, mentor, and partner in mayhem. Please welcome... PATRICK GALLOWAY! (STRAY DOGS & LONE WOLVES: THE SAMURAI FILM HANDBOOK, WARRING CLANS, FLASHING BLADES: A SAMURAI FILM COMPANION)

HAS THE WORLD GOT YOU DOWN? TRY SOME ASIA SHOCK TREATMENT! SEE, YOU'RE FEELING BETTER ALREADY.

 

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Asia_Shock_Cinema_Patrick_Galloway.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:22pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY REJOINS THE CULT THAT DEFIES DEPROGRAMMING!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, once again offer sacrifices to the god of offbeat, under-appreciated cinema. It's a return to the raucous, ribald ritual, reverently referred to as... REVENGE OF THE KILLER CULT FILMS!!!

This time, we've got another maniacal menagerie of foreign fantasies, rock' n' roll relics, animation artifacts, comedic cavorting, thoughtful thrillers, un-pc policing, spoofy spy-ploitation, trailblazing troikas, and MORE! Can you handle MORE?!!! We think so.

Joining us for this cinematic salvage operation is a return guest who graced our internet waves for ATTACK OF THE KILLER CULT FILMS. He's a passionate film historian/author/journalist/reviewer, and host of the long-running cable TV show, MEDIA FUNHOUSE! MONSTER PARTY is positively tickled to welcome back... ED GRANT! (THE MOTION PICTURE GUIDE, TV GUIDE, MOVIES ON TV, FILMS IN REVIEW, PSYCHOTRONIC VIDEO, VIDEOSCOPE, THE VIDEO MOVIE GUIDE, GROOVY MOVIES)

JOIN THE MONSTER PARTY CULT, AND EXPERIENCE ECSTASY AND ENLIGHTENMENT!

And don't worry, we wont ask you to give us all your material wealth like those other cults. I mean, unless we're talking vintage Mego figures!

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Revenge_Of_The_Killer_Cult_Films_Ed_Grant.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:18pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY HAS SEEN THE FUTURE... AND IT DOESN'T WORK!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, offer some quality control for the world of tomorrow. Tighten your skant for a fantastically FUBAR festival of fun called... FUTURE FAILS!!!

So what's a FUTURE FAIL? Well, it's either some sort of technology that the sci-fi genre promised us that we never got, or technology that is sooooo stupid, we should consider ourselves lucky we never got it. We'd love to give you more specifics, but then we'd be a future fail.

Joining us for this consumer cautionary tale, is a returning guest who is a MONSTER PARTY favorite! She's a gifted comedian, writer, producer, director, and E.T. provacateur, who always brings the party to our podcast. Please welcome back.... SUE MURPHY! (CHELSEA LATELY, WANDA AT LARGE, THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW, LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, EWOKS)

IF ALL THIS WERE NOT ENOUGH, WE'VE GOT A SPECIAL DROP IN FROM OUR OLE PAL DAVID WEINER, AND SOME FABULOUS MONSTER PARTY NEWS!

TAKE THAT THE FUTURE!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Future_Fails_Sue_Murphy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:11am PDT

YOU CAN DO IT, MONSTER PARTY!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, take a "fantastic journey" with a celebrity who's IMDB credits could circle the Earth. He was always a  welcome presence in our young lives, and it's an honor to have him on our show. Taking time out from his busy schedule up on Witch Mountain, please welcome, the one and only... IKE EISENMANN!!!

Ike has starred in such MONSTER PARTY favorites as ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN, RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN, THE AMAZING COSMIC AWARENESS OF DUFFY MOON, DEVIL DOG: THE HOUND OF HELL, STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (He's only SCOTTY'S NEPHEW!), and the short-lived but much-loved 70's sci-fi series, THE FANTASTIC JOURNEY! He's also guest starred in a multitude of classic TV shows that include GUNSMOKE, MANNIX, KUNG FU, EMERGENCY, WONDER WOMAN, FANTASY ISLAND, EIGHT IS ENOUGH, THE JEFFERSONS, T.J. HOOKER, and a ton more!

Aside from his on-screen projects, Ike has lent his vocal talents to such works as NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, GOBOTS, DINO-RIDERS, POM POKO, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME 2: THE SECRET OF THE BELL, and HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE. I know, it's like music to your ears!

And years after the release of first two WITCH MOUNTAIN films, Ike re-united with his co-star, KIM RICHARDS, in the reboot film, RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN. And all they found was a Rock.

Ike was gracious enough to give us a pretty big chunk of his day to discuss his amazing career, and regale us with some truly fascinating behind-the-scenes tales. I mean, this guy worked with the likes of DONALD PLEASENCE, CHRISTOPHER LEE, RODDY McDOWALL, RAY MILLAND, and BETTE FREAKIN' DAVIS!

Not bad for a kid armed only with talent, determination, and telekinetic powers. 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Ike_Eisenmann.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:23pm PDT

THE SKULL RETURNS! AND THIS TIME...IT'S PISSED!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, bring back another MONSTER PARTY tradition that's a virtual tribulation of trivia. Secure your nerves in their panic room, as we present... TOPIC FREE FOR ALL: THE ANNIHILATION!!!

For those of you who have never experienced a TOPIC FREE FOR ALL, the format goes like this: 1) We stuff pieces of paper with topic ideas into a plastic skull bucket. 2) We each pull one of the pieces of paper out of the skull 3) We read out loud the topic that has be chosen. 4) We discuss and debate. 5) Drink and repeat!

These topics would be better defined as "top-ettes"  Topics that may not be long enough for a full episode, but with enough meat on them for a short, fiery skull sesssion. So expect a catastrophic collection of categories, as we converse about films, TV shows, actors, monsters, animation, secret crushes, and more! 

Joining us once again for more MONSTER PARTY merriment, is an immensly talented author, screenwriter, director, actor, film journalist, and long time friend of the show. And talk about a skull full of information! Please welcome back... C. COURTNEY JOYNER! (NEMO RISING, SHOTGUN, DOCTOR MORDRID, THE LURKING FEAR, PUPPET MASTER III: TOULON'S REVENGE, CLASS OF 1999)

So we called this installment, THE ANNIHILATION, mainly because we wanted it to sound sexy, but also because we're annihilating your expectations! Didn't expect that, did you?

Direct download: Monster_Party_Topic_Free_For_All_The_Annihilation_C_Courtney_Joyner.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:45pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY IS ITCHIN' FOR A FIGHT! JUST NOT ONE INVOLVING US.

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, once again throw the hats of their favorite genre characters into the ring. Or to be more precise, room! Yep, it's the return of a time-honored playground game that this time, we've titled for no apparent reason... WHO WOULD WIN? VOL. 6: THE CONUNDRUM DOMINATION!!!

Most of you know the rules to this game but for any newcomers, here's how it goes: Two characters enter a room, one comes out. Oh, and there's some fighting inbetween. Now, we know you all played this game in your youth with your friends, but isn't it way more fun listening to group of supposedly full-grown men do it? Especially when one of them has OD'd on a box of See's Candy chocolate balls!

Helping us referee these maniacal mashups is a return guest who we consider MONSTER PARTY family! He's an extremely talented comedian, actor, writer, improviser, TV host, and filmmaker, who has dazzled us with his numerous appearances on various incarnations of THE TONIGHT SHOW. Please welcome back...  MARK PITTA! (HOUSESITTER: THE NIGHT THEY SAVED SIEGRIED'S BRAIN, THE COMEDY CLUB, THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JOHNNY CARSON, THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, MORNINGS ON 2, DR. KATZ, PROFESSIONAL THERAPIST, TOTALLY HIDDEN VIDEO)

WARNING: THIS PODCAST CONTAINS QUITE A FEW MOVIE SPOILERS, SO BEFORE LISTENING, YOU MIGHT WANT TO WATCH EVERY GENRE FILM EVER MADE. C'MON! YOU CAN CAN DO IT!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Who_Would_Win_Vol_6_The_Conundrum_Domination.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:54am PDT

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

MONSTER PARTY RINGS OUT THIS HORRIBLE YEAR WITH A VIRTUAL RAGER!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, are throwing their seasonal office party, and everyone is invited! Especially... DEMON BOOZE! So break out the girl drinks, eggnog, whiskey sours, and absinthe, because it's time for... THE MONSTER PARTY HOLIDAY BASH!!!

For this "anything goes" event, we've welcomed back a MONSTER PARTY favorite, and the life of any party. He's an acclaimed comedian, writer, actor, TV host, and filmmaker, who goes by the monstrous moniker of... MARK PITTA! (HOUSESITTER: THE NIGHT THEY SAVED SIEGFRIED'S BRAIN, MARK PITTA & FRIENDS: LIVE AT THE THROCKMORTON THEATER, MORNINGS ON 2, THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, DR. KATZ: PROFESSIONAL THERAPIST, TOTALLY HIDDEN VIDEO) 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS MONSTER PARTIERS! AND 2020... GO F**K YOURSELF!

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_Monster_Party_Holiday_Bash_Mark_Pitta.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:03pm PDT

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR... TO BUY STUFF!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, have a some very specific ideas on what Santa should fill his sleigh with. If you enjoyed last year's MONSTER PARTY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE, prepare to have your bells jingled right off, as we present... THE MONSTER PARTY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020!!!

This season, we've got a brand new selection of stupendous stocking stuffers, guaranteed to please the most persnickety monster kid. Whether you like toys, books, DVDs, art pieces, collectibles, or all the above, MONSTER PARTY has something for you!

When it comes to the perfect MONSTER PARTY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE guest, we feel that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So, we are proud to welcome back our ex-unpaid intern, who has gone on to start a monster empire of his own. He's a brilliant artist, and the founder of SEA DEMON VINYL... KEVIN SMITH! 

This has been a tough year, so let's make this year's presents extra awesome! SANTA... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Direct download: Monster_Party_The_Monster_Party_Holiday_Gift_Guide_2020_Kevin_Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:44pm PDT

SORRY FILM TURKEYS.. NO PARDON FOR YOU THIS YEAR!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, gather 'round the Thanksgiving table once again, to carve up the genre films with the worst reputation. Yes, you survived the TURKEY SHOOT. But can your candied yams handle... TURKEY SHOOT: THE GOBBLING!!!?

Just like last year, MONSTER PARTY presents a scenario: You've just finished polishing off your third helping of pumpkin pie, you've crawled into your favorite easy chair, and popped the top button off your pants. Now... what do you watch? All that tryptophan is coursing through your system, and has made you crave a film that's considered a real turkey. But does that rep mean it's actually a bad movie? Let's find out together!

Joining us once again is a dear friend of MONSTER PARTY, and creative force of nature! We are proud to welcome back acclaimed writer, director, novelist, actor, and film historian... C. COURTNEY JOYNER! (HAMMER FILMS: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION, NEMO RISING, SHOTGUN, DOCTOR MORDRID, TRANCERS III. PUPPET MASTER III: TOULON'S REVENGE, PRISON, LURKING FEAR, CLASS OF 1999, FROM A WHISPER TO A SCREAM)

BEHOLD... THE GOBBLING! WHATEVER THAT IS.

 

Direct download: Monster_Party_Turkey_Shoot_The_Gobbling_C_Courtney_Joyner.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

THE SKULL IS BACK! AND THE MOLD!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, return to the "Legion" of topics... for it is many! It's... WRATH OF TOPIC FREE FOR ALL!!!

Once again, Larry fetches the infamous plastic skull bucket from out of his garage, and fills it with topics. Some are new, but many are leftover from past shows. We shake the skull, pick out a topic, and discuss. It's all coming back now, isn't it?

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we can't physically pick the topics from the skull, so Larry will be doing the honors. Now, we know what you're thinking, "The whole thing is rigged!" Well, don't worry folks. Skull... we'll see you in court!

Joining us for another round of skulldiggery, is a longtime friend and benefactor of MONSTER PARTY. He's an actor, producer, voice artist, and the co-founder of BIF BANG POW! TOYS... JASON LENZI! (IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW, WIPEOUT, CANNONBALL, LIFE AFTER FLASH, BANDS REUNITED, BEAT THE GEEKS)

NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 5, 2020. JUST AN FYI!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Wrath_of_Topic_Free_For_All_Jason_Lenzi.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:32pm PDT

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

IT'S ABOUT TIME... THAT MONSTER PARTY DID ANOTHER EPISODE ABOUT TIME TRAVEL!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, once again break the barriers of the space/time continuum! How they do this, is with a provocatively paradoxical podcast episode called... TIME TRAVEL: TAKE 2!!!

Why is this a "Take 2"? Well, when we did our first TIME TRAVEL episode with JAKE JOHANNSEN, LARRY STROTHE was unable to attend, and SHAWN SHERIDAN had to arrive late. Luckily, MATT WEINHOLD'S WIFE, CARRIE, was able to fill in! And,  although this episode was extremely entertaining, the episode didn't always entirely focus on time travel. Thus... TIME TRAVEL: TAKE 2!

If you're going to attempt to create an alternate timeline episode about time travel, it helps to get the guest from the original timeline. So by traveling back in time, we managed to get celebrated comedian/writer/actor/friend of the show/time traveler... JAKE JOHANNSEN!!! ("JAKE THIS" PODCAST, THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JOHNNY CARSON, LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIAN, COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS, JAKE JOHANNSEN: I LOVE YOU)

We hope you enjoy this episode. But if you don't, travel back in time and fix it! It's the least you could do!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Time_Travel_Take_2_Jake_Johannsen_MUSIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:19pm PDT

THE BATTLE OF THE BADASSES IS BACK!

JAMES, GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, bring back a time honored MONSTER PARTY favorite! It's a classic school yard game, turned nerd podcast gold, and it's called... WHO WOULD WIN? VOL 5: A NEW BEGINNING!!!

In case you never listened to any of our past WHO WOULD WIN? episodes (and if you haven't...really?), the concept is pretty simple. Two fictional characters from the world of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, walk into a room...and only one leaves. Of course, if it's two giant monsters fighting each other, imagine an extremely large room.

To say that the guest we got for this episode was excited about the topic, would be the understatement of the century. He's a five-time EISNER AWARD NOMINATED comic book artist and writer, who has quite the knack for picking a fight. Please welcome, for the first time on MONSTER PARTY... DAN BRERETON! (NOCTURNALS, GIANTKILLER, THE PSYCHO, THE BLACK TERROR, BATMAN: THRILLKILLER, SUPERMAN & BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD'S FINEST, JLA: SEVEN CASKETS, ROB ZOMBIE: HELLBILLY DELUXE)

NOTE: In this episode, we had some occasional sound dropouts, but nothing too egregious. Please send all complaints to: The Elders Of The Internet.

Let the ass-kicking comence!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Who_Would_Win_Vol_5_A_New_Beginning_Dan_Brereton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:24pm PDT

MONSTER PARTY GOES OFF THE BEATEN KAIJU!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, know you've heard of GODZILLA and GAMERA. But what about some of the other creatures who never made the kaiju "A List" ? Well, we're all going on a social distancing safari, in search of some of the lesser known monsters to burst forth from Japan. It's a gargantuan gala we're calling... KAIJU OBSCURA!!! 

Join us as we explore some of the kaiju kraziness that may evaded even the most die hard tokusatsu fans. We're talkin irate idols, selfish cephalopods, super-sized serpents, ramen eating rascals... and MORE!

When hunting cult kaiju, you need a guide with an extensive knowledge of these fantastic creatures. Not to mention, an excellent collection of Japanese monster toys! This man was the host of the insanely popular pocast, KAIJUCAST, and has been a long time friend of MONSTER PARTY. Please let out an ear-deafening roar for... KYLE YOUNT! (THE MONSTER REPORT, HAIL TO THE KING: 60 YEARS OF DESTRUCTION, COLLECT ALL MONSTERS)

BREAK YOUR AUDIO QUARANTINE, AND TAKE TO VIRTUAL TRIP TO MONSTER ISLAND... WITH MONSTER PARTY!

Direct download: Monster_Party_Kaiju_Obscura_Kyle_Yount.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:21pm PDT