Goldy's Closet

The Real Rundown

In this engaging conversation, guitarist Danny Johnson shares his journey through the music industry, from the inception of his documentary to his experiences in the vibrant LA music scene. He reflects on his early inspirations, the significance of networking, and the importance of self-promotion in today's music landscape. Johnson also recounts memorable encounters with legendary musicians and offers insights into his current projects, including his new album. The discussion highlights the magic of music and the challenges artists face in a changing industry. In this engaging conversation, guitarist Danny Johnson shares his experiences in the rock and roll scene, discussing the complexities of fame, relationships, and the music industry. He reflects on the challenges of addiction, personal struggles, and the evolution of the recording industry, while also emphasizing the importance of resilience and staying true to oneself amidst the chaos of fame.

Golden Nuggets

• Danny Johnson's documentary was inspired by a friend's suggestion.

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of a Documentary

The Real Rundown

Goldy Locks interviews Shark Boy, reflecting on their past experiences in wrestling, the journey of becoming a wrestler, and the importance of relationships in the industry. Shark Boy shares his early influences, the challenges he faced, and the unique path he took to break into wrestling, emphasizing the significance of paying dues and making connections. In this engaging conversation, Goldy Locks and Shark Boy delve into the journey of Shark Boy in the wrestling industry, exploring the friendships that shaped his career, the evolution of his character, and the significant milestones he achieved. They discuss the challenges of wrestling contracts, the transition to TNA, and Shark Boy's current endeavors, providing insights into the wrestling world and the personal experiences that come with it.

Golden Nuggets

• Shark Boy reflects on his past and regrets about not being more present.

Sound bites

"I had no idea what was going on."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Channel Attitude

The Real Rundown

Before the hockey mask. Before the machete became an icon. Before Jason Voorhees became one of the most terrifying names in horror history, there was a young actor named Ari Lehman who helped launch a nightmare that would haunt generations!

In this episode of Goldy's Closet, Goldy sits down with the ORIGINAL Jason Voorhees himself, Ari Lehman, for a killer conversation about the birth of Friday the 13th, the gritty beginnings of one of Hollywood's most legendary horror franchises, and what it feels like to be forever connected to a character that changed horror history.

Ari takes us back to Crystal Lake, sharing memories of the film that started it all, how horror has transformed over the decades, and why the original slasher films still hold such a special place in fans' hearts. But there's a whole lot more to this story than blood, screams, and body counts!

From child actor to rock musician, Ari has carved out his own unique path through the entertainment industry. He talks about his music, exciting upcoming projects, including a new television series, and the incredible connection he shares with horror fans around the world. We also get into the wild world of horror conventions and why meeting the people who keep these films alive means so much to him.

Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and come hang out with the FIRST Jason Voorhees!

Subscribe to Goldy's Closet, leave us a comment telling us your favorite Friday the 13th memory, and share this episode with your favorite horror fanatic!

Golden Nuggets

• Ari Lehman is the first Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th.

Sound bites

"I had two buddies, Johnny and Bobby."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ari Lehman and Friday the 13th

What does it really take to build an awards show from the ground up and turn it into an international destination for independent artists?

Goldy Locks sits down with Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino, the mother-daughter force behind the Josie Music Awards, to talk about the vision, family, faith, and determination behind what they’ve built.

From the first awards at Dollywood to artists now traveling from around the world, Josie and Tinamarie share how the event grew, the massive work happening behind the scenes, and why genuine relationships, education, and networking remain so important.

They also dig into the realities of being an independent artist, where creative freedom often means becoming your own businessperson, promoter, marketer and advocate. They explain why the Josie Music Awards look beyond followers, popularity and sales to recognize an artist’s complete body of work, longevity and dedication.
From honoring legendary names to expanding television and media coverage, this is the story of a family that believed independent artists deserved their own place at the table, and decided to build it themselves.

IN THIS EPISODE
• How an idea became the Josie Music Awards
• The journey from Dollywood to increasingly larger venues
• What happens behind the scenes as thousands of submissions arrive
• Why relationships still matter in the entertainment industry
• Creating education and networking opportunities beyond the awards
• Independent artists versus the traditional major-label system
• Recognizing careers and bodies of work instead of popularity alone
• Faith, family and staying focused through criticism
• Honoring music legends alongside emerging independent talent
• Television, media expansion and what's coming next

SOUND BITES
"We look at the work, the dedication and the career behind the artist."
"Independent doesn't mean small. It means you're building it your way."
"You can't build something this big without relationships."
"This became so much more than handing somebody an award."

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Goldy Locks' Opening Remarks
00:30 Goldy Locks' Appreciation and Audience Engagement
01:24 Where the Idea for the Josie Music Awards Began
02:19 From Dollywood to a Growing Awards Show
03:37 Bigger Venues and a Bigger Vision
04:57 Managing Crowds and the Reality Behind the Production
06:44 Why Relationships and Networking Matter
08:50 Faith, Family and the Foundation Behind It All
10:23 Pushing Forward When People Say It Can't Be Done
12:39 Growing Beyond Awards Into Education and Connection
14:14 Thousands of Submissions and the Review Process
16:10 Juggling the Awards, Businesses and Multiple Projects
19:20 Taking the Josie Music Awards to Television and Media
20:57 What's Next for the Platform
22:24 Larry Namer and a Changing Entertainment Industry
23:20 The Freedom and Challenges of Being Independent
25:58 Celebrating Legends and Entire Careers
29:08 Building a Business With Family
31:47 Upcoming Events and Ways to Get Involved
33:56 Final Thoughts and Closing

The Real Rundown

When these three get together, the stories start flying! Goldy Locks reunites with wrestling professionals Kenny and Tom, exploring their long-standing friendship, the politics of the wrestling industry, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that fans often overlook. They discuss the evolution of their careers, the camaraderie within the wrestling community, and the visionary approach of Vince McMahon in transforming wrestling into a national phenomenon. In this conversation, Goldy Locks and guests discuss the evolution of wrestling, focusing on the shift from local syndication to a more centralized model under Vince McMahon. They explore the decline of larger-than-life superstars and the impact of social media on the mystique of wrestling. The discussion also highlights the importance of relationships in the wrestling business and the lessons learned from the industry's changing landscape.

Golden Nuggets

• Friendships in wrestling can last a lifetime despite long gaps.

Sound bites

"You pick up where you left off."

Chapters

00:00 Reunion of Old Friends

The Real Rundown

In this episode of Goldy’s Closet, Goldy sits down with Roben X for a deeply personal conversation about growing up different, finding his voice through music, and turning hardship into art.

Roben X opens up about meeting manager Ryan through a Nashville event at a time when he was thinking about quitting music. What started as a risky showcase turned into a major turning point, leading to new opportunities, a producer connection, and a stronger belief in his own artistry. He also shares how saying yes to opportunities, even when money was tight, helped change the direction of his career.

The conversation also explores Roben X’s childhood in Memphis, where he faced bullying, violence, and the challenges of being visibly different because of ocular albinism. Rather than letting that silence him, he turned to hip hop as a way to speak back, process pain, and build confidence. He talks about how music became his “superpower” and how artists like Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, DMX, and 36 Mafia shaped his voice.

Goldy and Roben X also dig into his roots, family history, and the emotional impact of growing up around gangs, prison culture, and survival. Roben X reflects on how those experiences gave him perspective and shaped his worldview. The discussion moves into Memphis pride, the power of storytelling, and the importance of staying connected to your city and your people.

Later, Roben X shares insight into his music, including “Illusion” and “Murals,” and what those songs mean to him. He also talks about collaborating with his video team in Nashville, his love of video games, his favorite Memphis foods and artists, and the message he wants to leave for anyone who feels trapped by where they came from: better days are coming.

Golden Nuggets:

• Taking risks when your career feels uncertain

Timestamps

About Roben X

Roben X is an artist, storyteller, and performer whose music is shaped by lived experience, resilience, and raw honesty. He blends hip hop influences with a personal narrative that speaks to pain, survival, and reinvention.

The Real Rundown

Goldy reunites with longtime friend and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Trevor Murdoch for an unforgettable conversation spanning more than two decades of wrestling history.

Trevor shares the emotional story behind receiving his opportunity with the National Wrestling Alliance after nearly stepping away from the business following Harley Race's passing. He explains how Billy Corgan and Nick Aldis gave him something many performers never receive, the freedom to simply be himself.

The conversation expands beyond wrestling into creativity, confidence, social media, performance psychology, and why audiences connect most with authenticity instead of perfection. Goldy also reflects on her own experiences in music, performing for difficult crowds, and learning how preparation creates opportunity.

Golden Nuggets

• Trevor Murdoch nearly retired before NWA reignited his career.

• Why authenticity beats manufactured characters.

• The creative freedom Billy Corgan gives NWA talent.

• Stories from the unpredictable early TNA Wrestling days.

• Why performers must always stay prepared.

• Cardio—not muscles—is Trevor's secret to longevity.

• Handling hostile crowds and winning audiences over.

• Confidence is often built in the middle of fear.

• Experience teaches performers how to trust themselves.

• Why criticism can become your greatest motivation.

• The similarities between live music and professional wrestling.

• Finding success by finally embracing who you really are.

Memorable Sound Bites

"Sometimes the greatest comeback starts when you stop pretending to be someone else."

"Preparation creates opportunity."

"Confidence isn't something you're born with. Sometimes you have to talk yourself into it."

"The audience only knows the story you tell."

"Everybody's a tough guy... until they meet one."

"Authenticity will always outlast perfection."

"When you're finally allowed to be yourself, that's when the magic happens."

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Reuniting after the early TNA days

05:10 – Why today's entertainment feels different

11:30 – Creativity vs. corporate control

17:40 – The call that changed Trevor Murdoch's career

26:05 – Billy Corgan, Nick Aldis and finding a home in NWA

34:15 – Wrestling, music and performing under pressure

42:20 – Winning over difficult crowds

49:45 – Turning criticism into fuel

55:15 – Why preparation creates opportunity

1:01:30 – Social media, merchandise and supporting independent wrestling

1:05:00 – Final thoughts and words of encouragement

The Real Rundown

In this special throwback episode of Goldy's Closet, Goldy Locks sits down with rising wrestling star Jackson Drake long before the championships and national spotlight. Jackson shares the remarkable journey that shaped him, from discovering professional wrestling at a young age and surviving a devastating car accident at just 15, to the unwavering support of his family, the guidance of mentor Bill Barrons, and the relentless work ethic that fueled his rise through the independent wrestling scene.

The conversation explores the sacrifices required to chase a dream, memorable encounters with legends like New Jack, hard-earned lessons from some of wrestling's toughest competitors, and the emotional story behind earning his first opportunity with WWE. Honest, inspiring, and surprisingly funny, this interview captures a future star before the rest of the wrestling world caught on.

Golden Nuggets

• Jackson Drake considers himself a prospect under Bill Barons' mentorship.

• He experienced a life-changing car accident that impacted his wrestling career.

• Jackson started training at 13 and had his first match at 13.

• His family has been a strong support system throughout his wrestling journey.

• He emphasizes the importance of work ethic and professionalism in wrestling.

• Jackson has had notable matches with experienced wrestlers like Colby Carino.

• He had a unique opportunity to perform on Monday Night Raw.

• Jackson's father played a crucial role in helping him secure wrestling opportunities.

• He believes in the importance of living a healthy lifestyle in wrestling.

• Jackson is excited about his future matches and aspirations in the wrestling industry.

Sound bites

"You're a really great worker."

"You're a blessed dude, but you know it."

"My dad always finds a way."

"I thought I was gonna be totally tweaked out."

"I chose the wrestling ring at all."

"I appreciate you being PC man."

"This is the future of wrestling."

"Keep living a healthy lifestyle."

Chapters

00:00 We Called It Before WWE Did

00:36 Bill Barrons Saw Something Special

02:20 Hit by a Car at 15

03:58 "When Can I Wrestle Again?"

05:20 Too Young...Or Running Out of Time?

07:40 The Work Ethic That Changed Everything

10:00 The Parents Behind the Dream

12:10 A Wendy's Drive-Thru Changed His Life

13:40 Wrestling His First Match at 13

17:00 The Reality of Chasing WWE

19:35 Getting His Teeth Knocked Out

21:15 The Match That Changed His Career Forever

22:10 Training With New Jack

24:25 The WWE Call That Almost Never Happened

27:05 His Dad Saved the Opportunity

28:10 Standing Inside a WWE Ring

29:35 Wrestling Ring or First Car?

31:45 The Future of Jackson Drake

33:10 Goldy's Final Advice