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Richie McGinniss has stood in the middle of American flashpoints — Kenosha, Portland, the Capitol steps on January 6 — not behind a Zoom lens, but with his boots on the ground and his camera rolling.

He’s been a witness, a documentarian, and at times…a character in the very stories he’s trying to tell.

He’s also the author of RIOT DIET, a raw, unfiltered journal of his time spent embedded in the American unrest of 2020 and beyond.

https://richiemcginniss.com/

Edited By: Gabe Fletcher 

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Join us this week as we sit down with animation legend Frank Paur, the visionary director who helped bring Disney's "Gargoyles" to life. Frank takes us behind the scenes of this groundbreaking series that defied expectations with its mature storytelling and cinematic approach.

In this episode, Frank reveals the origin story of Angela, Goliath's daughter who became a fan-favorite character during the iconic Avalon World Tour. Discover the creative decisions that shaped her design, personality, and the powerful father-daughter relationship that added new emotional depth to the series.

Frank shares never-before-heard stories from the production, including the challenges of creating the show's distinctive dark visual style, memorable voice recording sessions, and how the team pushed the boundaries of what was possible in animated television during the 1990s.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Gargoyles, you won't want to miss this intimate conversation with one of the creative forces who turned stone statues into unforgettable characters.

Listen now and discover why, decades later, these warriors of the night continue to captivate audiences worldwide.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Episode Description

Join us for an extraordinary deep dive into the world of voice acting with Zach Hoffman, the talented artist who brings the notorious master of disguise, Zartan, to life. In this exclusive interview, Hoffman pulls back the curtain on his fascinating journey into voice acting and shares the intricate process of creating one of animation's most complex villains.

Throughout our conversation, Hoffman reveals:

- The unexpected path that led him to become the voice of Zartan

- His unique approach to voicing a shapeshifter who maintains a distinct personality

- Behind-the-scenes insights into the recording process

- Memorable moments from his time in the recording booth

- The challenges and joys of being part of an iconic franchise

Whether you're a long-time fan of the series, an aspiring voice actor, or simply curious about the art of voice acting, this episode offers a masterclass in bringing animated characters to life. Hoffman's candid stories and professional insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of voice acting and the dedication required to maintain such a distinctive character.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear how one of animation's most notorious villains found his voice!

#gijoe #VoiceActing #Animation #BehindTheScenes #Zartan #ZachHoffman #VoiceActor #Animation #CharacterVoice #VoiceoverArtist

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 Drawing Through Decades - Animation Legend Keith Tucker

Get ready for an animation masterclass! This week on Back to Pop, we're diving deep into the art of animation with industry legend Keith Tucker, whose incredible talent has shaped some of the most iconic animated series of our time!

From the dark seas of Pirates of Dark Water to the mutant-filled world of X-Men, from the medieval mysteries of Gargoyles to the sci-fi battles of Exo-Squad, Keith Tucker's pencil has brought countless adventures to life. But that's just scratching the surface – this animation veteran also lent his talents to Animaniacs, Inhumanoids, He-Man, and so many more of your favorite classics!

In this can't-miss episode, Keith shares:
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the X-Men animated series and Jim Lee's influence
- The challenges of creating Pirates of Dark Water's unique world and effects
- How he approached Gargoyles' distinctive gothic atmosphere
- The intricate process of designing Exo-Squad's complex mecha battles
- Tales from the wild world of Animaniacs
- Secrets from the early days of He-Man and G.I. Joe
- The transition from traditional cel to digital animation

Plus, Keith takes on our rapid-fire question round that'll have animation fans reaching for their pencils! Whether you're an aspiring animator or just love these classic shows, this episode is packed with incredible insights from one of animation's true masters!

From Saturday mornings to weekday afternoons, these are the stories behind the cartoons that defined an era! 🎨✏️

#BackToPop #Animation #XMen #Gargoyles #PiratesOfDarkWater #ExoSquad #Animaniacs #HeMan #GIJoe #90sCartoons #80sCartoons

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# From Panel to Studio: The Michael Watkins Story

Step into the vibrant world of comic book artistry with Michael Watkins, a veteran illustrator whose pencil strokes have shaped some of the most iconic characters in the industry. In this captivating episode, we explore the journey of an artist who's left his mark on everything from the lightning-fast world of Sonic the Hedgehog to the metallic majesty of the Transformers universe.

Michael pulls back the curtain on his evolution from aspiring artist to studio founder, sharing candid insights about his time at both DC and Marvel. He discusses the unique challenges of bringing video game characters to the comic page, the delicate balance of making robots emotionally expressive, and the creative freedom found in licensed properties.

The conversation delves deep into the transforming landscape of comic book creation, from traditional pencil-and-paper to the digital revolution. Michael offers a master class in comic storytelling, discussing his philosophy on page layouts, character design, and the sacred art of visual narrative.

But perhaps most compelling is Michael's bold leap from freelance artist to studio owner. He shares the trials and triumphs of building his own creative space in an industry dominated by publishing giants, offering invaluable insights for aspiring creators.

Whether you're a comic book enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or simply curious about the creative process, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a versatile artist who's helped shape modern comic book storytelling.

Join us for an hour of artistic wisdom, industry insights, and the kind of stories that could only come from someone who's drawn everything from speedster hedgehogs to transforming robots – and lived to tell the tale.

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🎙️ Join us on Back to Pop as we dive into the hilarious, heartfelt, and iconic legacy of “Revenge of the Nerds” with none other than Robert Carradine! Known to fans worldwide as the quintessential nerd, Lewis Skolnick, Robert brings us behind the scenes of the 80s comedy that changed the way we see nerd culture forever. We explore what’s made Revenge of the Nerds endure across generations, from its themes of acceptance and resilience to its unforgettable party scenes and memorable pranks.

From the journey of stepping into Lewis’s iconic shoes to the on-set laughs and challenges, Robert shares it all—along with his thoughts on the changing landscape of comedy, the film’s cultural legacy, and the impact it’s had on fans who found the courage to embrace their inner “nerd.”

 Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the film, this episode is a heartfelt, hilarious throwback you won’t want to miss. Nerd out with us and rediscover why being a nerd is something to be proud of!

Duration: 20:00 minutes 

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🦇 THE DARK KNIGHT'S HIDDEN CREATOR: A Conversation with Athena Finger

In this compelling episode, we pull back the curtain on one of comic book history's most fascinating untold stories. Join us as we welcome Athena Finger, granddaughter of Bill Finger – the long-uncredited co-creator of Batman.

For decades, the true origin story of Batman's creation remained in the shadows. Now, Athena shares intimate insights into her grandfather's genius and his pivotal role in crafting the Dark Knight's world. From designing Batman's iconic costume to creating unforgettable villains like the Joker, Bill Finger's contributions shaped the superhero we know today.

Listen as Athena reveals:
• The untold story of Batman's real origins
• Her personal journey to secure her grandfather's legacy
• Behind-the-scenes tales from the early days of comic book creation
• The dramatic fight for creator recognition in the comics industry
• Never-before-heard anecdotes about Bill Finger's creative process

Whether you're a die-hard Batman fan, a comics history buff, or simply love stories of justice prevailing, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the human story behind one of pop culture's most enduring icons.

Episode Length: 30 minutes
Genre: Entertainment History / Comics / Biography
Content Warning: explicit language 

#ComicBooks #Batman #CreatorRights #ComicHistory #DCComics

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*Get dangerous with this exclusive deep dive into one of Disney's most beloved animated series!*

In this special episode, we pull back the purple cape on the creation of everyone's favorite ego-driven superhero, Darkwing Duck., Our guest Tad Stones the shows creator takes us through the fascinating journey of bringing Drake Mallard and his colorful world to life.

Discover the creative sparks that ignited this unique blend of superhero action and comedy, including:
- The original pitch that convinced Disney to take a chance on a crime-fighting duck
- How Darkwing's iconic costume and catchphrases evolved
- Secret stories behind fan-favorite characters like Gosalyn and Launchpad
- Never-before-heard tales from the production room floor
- Episodes and storylines that didn't make it past the cutting room
- The show's unexpected path to becoming a beloved classic

Whether you're a long-time fan who grew up singing "When there's trouble you call DW" or new to the terror that flaps in the night, this episode offers unprecedented insight into the creative process behind this groundbreaking animated series.

*Let's get dangerous* and explore how a caped crusader with an oversized ego became one of animation's most enduring characters.

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The X-Men '92 

Calling all mutants and 90s animation fans! Get ready for a nostalgic journey as "Back To Pop" brings you an unprecedented reunion of the creative minds behind the iconic X-Men animated series.

In this electrifying episode, we're assembling an all-star team of X-Men '92 creators:

- Eric Lewald (Writer)
- Larry F. Houston (Director)
- Rick Hoberg (Character Designer/Storyboarder)
- Will Meugniot (Producer/Director)

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Marvel's merry mutants and uncover the secrets behind this cultural phenomenon that shaped a generation of superhero fans.

### What to Expect:

- The evolution from the 1989 "Pryde of the X-Men" pilot to the beloved 1992 series
- Inside scoop on crafting that unforgettable opening sequence
- Challenges of adapting complex storylines like the Phoenix Saga
- Balancing mature themes in a show aimed at younger audiences
- Never-before-heard stories about bringing your favorite characters to life
- The lasting impact of X-Men '92 on superhero animation

Plus, our guests will share their favorite X-Men to work on, reveal the most challenging episodes they produced, and speculate on which mutant they'd add to the team today!

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the X-Men universe, this episode promises a thrilling mix of nostalgia, insider knowledge, and fascinating stories that no true X-Men enthusiast should miss.

Suit up and join us for this mutant-powered reunion!

#XMen92Reunion #BackToPop #MarvelAnimation #90sNostalgia #XMenEvolution

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Join us as we sit down with legendary composer Ron Wasserman, the musical genius behind the iconic themes of "X-Men '92" and "Power Rangers." In this episode, we delve into Ron's fascinating journey through the world of television music composition.

Whether you're a fan of 90s cartoons, aspiring composer, or music enthusiast, this episode offers a unique look into the world of TV music composition. Tune in to hear how Ron Wasserman's work has shaped the soundscape of beloved franchises and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Follow Ron here 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/RzzGnHSbZhpXWRsr/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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