Episode 27: Scott Schwartz

Horror movie conventions can be an adventure. Celebrity guests, panels of people involved in making certain films, artists trying to make a name for themselves selling merchandise, cosplay,and so much more. It all can seem overwhelming if you walk in as a first, but what is it like behind the scenes if you're a member trying to set things up and promote? Barb has been involved with Scarefest Weekend for a handful of years now and we'll get into her responsibilities as well as how much work goes into making a convention like it successful. We'll also get into how she became a fan of horror movies, her love of the Scream franchise, as well as the ups and downs of being a YouTuber while currently being the host of the Fear the Talking Heads channel. I've known Barb for a while now, but there was a lot more that I learned about her here.

It's been said before, but deathmatch wrestlers from the Deep South are a different breed and The Hardcore Hillbilly is no different. With a mindset of doing whatever is needed to get the crowd on their feet in shock and awe, his body has the scars to prove it (even at such a young age).From IWA Deep South and the relaunch of XPW to Nathan Mowery's Blood and Honey federation, The Hardcore Hillbilly's short career has grown in both demands and popularity. Join us as we discuss said growth and popularity. We also discuss plenty of other things: his relationship with The Necrobutcher, using dry ice and firecrackers in his matches, his involvement in slap-fighting competitions, Jasmin St. Claire, Lane Bloodie, and what it's like to try to heat up gas station tacos while on acid. You may think you've heard it all...until you've heard some stories from that daggum Hardcore Hillbilly.

As a child, Scott Schwartz started making movies with big names right off the bat. Starring in The Toy, he was acting with greats like Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason while being directed by Richard Donnor. A few years later, he started in what is now a piece of Americana in A Christmas Story.Join us as we discuss those situations as well as many more things in Scott's life. What happened that caused him to break down on his first day filming The Toy? What advice did Richard Pryor give him to push through it and how close of friends were he and Richard after filming ended? How was it working for Bob Clark on A Christmas Story and what was it like having to audition for the same part of Flick nearly 40 years later for its sequel? All that plus some stories of how he worked for WWF/WWE behind the scenes while still in high school that were amazing to hear.

If you are from my generation, you may have grown up watching this episode's guest in some way, shape or form. Michael Ray Bower played Eddie "Donkeylips" Gelfin on the Nickeloden television show "Salute Your Shorts" for two seasons and quickly became one of its most popular and memorable characters.But there's more to Michael than just Donkeylips. From Tales from the Crypt and The Wonder Years to Dude, Where's my Car? and Evolution, Michael has worked with and been directed by some of the best talent out there. How was it meeting Richard Donnor at such a young age? Did he feel pressure being one of the most popular characters in Slaute Your Shorts? What was Kirk Bailey and Danny Cooksey like off camera? And why was working on Evolution such a negative experience?Michael has also been very honest about his struggles (both personally and professionally) on his very honest YouTube channel. How has his channel affected him by being so honest? We'll discuss that, how he got kicked off the set of The X-files (even though he was working on that episode), and more.

Deathmatch wrestling in the South can be few and far in-between for federations and depending on what you find, it might not be for everyone. Nathan Mowery wants to change that with his company known as Blood and Honey. Join me as I talk to Nathan and find out what Blood and Honey brings to the table. What does it have that is lacking in some other deathmatch federations and what are the plans for the future?We also get into his work behind the camera with WWE Hall of Fame member "Diamond" Dallas Page. What was it like helping with the documentary "The Resurrection of Jake the Snake" and the limited series "Change or Die?" There's also some discussion on his use of fire in the ring, what family members think of his profession, and being chosen as the "final" opponent of Insane Lane. All that and more in this fun interview with "The Killbilly."

In professional wrestling, the referee is just as important as the wrestlers involved in the match and at times, that is overlooked. Today we're going to shine a spotlight on just how true that can be. Gina Monti has been a professional wrestling referee since 2018 and we get into quite a bit concerning what a referee does and also has to be aware of: the timing involved, the finish, and the safety of the wrestlers involved. We discuss this and more. Why did she decide to become a referee instead of a wrestler? How was it adjusting from refereeing traditional matches and then transitioning into deathmatches? Where does she see herself concerning the sport in the future? However after all that, we get into the real reason we got together, which is our shared love for The Simpsons. Favorite characters, episodes, and even Treehouse of Horror segments are brought up. You'll be saying "Boo-urns" when it's all over.

When it comes to professional wrestling, the ring announcer can be the unsung hero. They need to let the crowd know just how important the matches are when doing their introductions and there really isn't anyone better on the independent scene than Larry Legend. Larry sits down to discuss his history with Combat Zone Wrestling, now in its 27th year. How did Ruckus help him get his foot in the door with that company? He mentions what it was like being inducted into their Hall of Fame and also goes into great detail when Nick Gage technically died at one of the Tournaments of Death. There's also some horror movie talk. When did the love of the genre start for him? What movie does he consider underrated? And through an elimination game, who is his ultimate Final Girl? Join us because as Larry himself would say, "IT'S ABOUT TO GO DOWN!!!!!"

In September of 2023, I conducted my first interview and it was with professional wrestler Gavin Alexander. In December of 2024, Gavin passed away from a form of brain cancer. His legacy still lives on through his son Waylon, who is just beginning his life as a pro wrestler. Join me as I interview Waylon Alexander and we discuss many topics. From memories of his father and traveling the road with him at the age of two, to getting into pro wrestling and having his dad be one of his trainers. There will be some stories on Tracy Smothers and Mickie Knuckles, as well as a very memorable meeting with WWE Superstar Seth Rollins (when he was still wrestling as Tyler Black). We even get into the importance of mental health and the importance of family during times of struggle. It's a time for remembering a fallen wrestler and father but also a time to celebrate the future of the Alexander name between the ropes.

It's been over two years since I first interviewed Mad Man Pondo. Way back in Episode 4 we talked about his career as a deathmatch wrestler, his autobiography, Marilyn Manson, and just a little bit of his love of horror movies (including being in 2001 Maniacs).Now Pondo's back with a brand new book about to be released. We'll get into that and then discuss what we sadly didn't have a lot of time to talk about before: horror movies. When did he become a fan? What are his favorites and some of the worst ones hes ever seen? What was it like actually seeing Godzilla in theaters over in Japan? All this plus some rankings and whatever else we can think of in this more chilled talk with the Mad Man.

Marty has been a Youtuber for nearly 10 years and there are certain things that come to mind when thinking of him and The Trashed Picture Show: science fiction, dinosaurs, and a funny yet unfiltered opinion on a variety of subjects.Join me as I take the interview over to Ireland and discuss many things with him and even find out some things that I never knew about my friend of so many years. Where did his love of science fiction movies start? What is it about the Predator and Alien franchises that he loves so much and is he optimistic with the sudden resurgence of both properties? Also, what are some of the hardships of being on Youtube and why does he keep going?From Greek mythology and stop motion animation to Jim Varney and Carnosaur, there are so many fun tangents brought up here, including one of the most interesting final meal decisions ever.