MONSTER PARTY HAS A KAIJU QUERY?

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD pose a question that speaks to monster kids of every generation! We just gotta know… ARE YOU GODZILLA-CURIOUS?

Since he first stomped onto the screen in 1954, Godzilla has had a lasting presence in pop culture. Over the decades, he has been portrayed in many different incarnations: embodiment of nuclear devastation, charismatic anti-hero, superhero to children, multi-form menace, and finally… Oscar winner!! And although Godzilla may not be everyone's cup of sake, there are those chosen elite who see those distinctive back fins and hear that iconic roar, and think, "What makes that kaiju tick?"

In this episode, we'll discuss Godzilla's unique appeal, the effectiveness of his colorful enemies and allies (Varan, who may not want to listen to this part), and the constantly-changing stylistic choices that delight and enrage his fans. By breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of the various entries in Godzilla's long filmography, we'll attempt to shed light on why Godzilla has managed to maintain his worldwide grip on audiences.

Take your pick: from the grim symbolism of Gojira, the swinging '60s space vibe of Invasion of the Astro Monster, the "Afterschool Special" lessons of All Monsters Attack, the mind-blowing weirdness of Godzilla vs. Hedorah, the "everything but the kitchen sink "splendor of Godzilla Vs. Biollante, the big-budget mainstreaming of the Legendary Godzilla series, the Dr. Strangelove satire of Shin Godzilla, or the grounded historical drama of Godzilla Minus One. Whatever your taste, Godzilla's got you covered.

Joining us for this audio visit to Monster Island are two very special guests making their MONSTER PARTY debut!

First up, we've got a celebrated Rotten Tomatoes-Approved film critic, a member of the Hollywood Creative Alliance and the African American Film Critics Association, and a super hardcore Godzilla fan! His work has been featured in VARIETY, WE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, WHY SO BLU, FIRSTSHOWING.NET, BATTLESHIP PRETENSION, SCREEN RANT, THE CODE IS ZEEK, and the podcast, OUT NOW WITH AARON AND ABE.

We also have an award-winning filmmaker, who is another Rotten Tomatoes-Approved film critic, a member of the Hollywood Critics Association and the African American Film Critics Association, and the owner of LeNoirAuteur.net! And would you believe, he's very Godzilla-curious?

And fitting to the theme of this episode, our two guests happen to be the hosts of the always entertaining and informative podcast, TWO BLACK GUYS TALK GODZILLA! Please give an atomic breath-warmed welcome to… AARON NEUWIRTH and TERENCE JOHNSON!

DESTROY ALL ILL-CONCEIVED NOTIONS ABOUT GODZILLA! AND GO EASY ON VARAN.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO LISTEN TO MONSTER PARTY!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD revel in the legacy of a shark named "Bruce." Get a bucket of chum, and find yourself a bigger boat, as MONSTER PARTY presents… JAWS: 50 YEARS OF FRIGHTS AND BITES!!!

In 1975, STEVEN SPIELBERG unleashed a breathtaking thriller that would go on to be one of the highest-grossing motion pictures of all time, ushering in the era of the "blockbuster." Based on the best-selling book by PETER BENCHLEY, JAWS' journey from novel to screen was a difficult one. Faced with a malfunctioning shark, precarious ocean conditions, bickering actors, and skyrocketing production costs, Spielberg would rise above these obstacles, turning adversity into ingenuity. And let's not forget the contribution of JOHN WILLIAMS' legendary score. To this day, can anyone resist humming "Dun Dun Dun Dun" when they hit the pool?

After JAWS' initial worldwide success, the film was followed up by several lackluster sequels and copycats. But no matter how hard (or how little) other filmmakers tried, no one was able to capture the magic that made JAWS be considered by many to be one of the few perfect films. And who would have thought that 50 years later, the film they almost pulled the plug on would be the pop culture icon that it is today?

Joining us for this monumental maw fest is an accomplished actor, author, journalist, and publicist who is a beloved staple of the monster kid community. He has appeared in such diverse movies and TV shows as IN THE SHADOWS, THE PREY: KARNOCTUS, LAVALANTULA, CHASTITY BITES, BLOOD AND GUTS WITH SCOTT IAN, TIM AND ERIC AWESOME SHOW, GREAT JOB, THE FLINTSTONES, BEETHOVEN'S 2ND, and STAR TREK: VOYAGER. He's been a long-time contributor for FANGORIA, STARLOG, FILM REVIEW, and DREAD CENTRAL, and is the author of the books THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO COMPANION, BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY: A TV COMPANION, YOU WOULDN'T LIKE ME WHEN I'M ANGRY: A HULK COMPANION, and the must-have tome for any respectable JAWS fan, JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE: A JAWS COMPANION. Please welcome… PAT JANKIEWICZ!

MONSTER PARTY SALUTES THE PHENOMENON OF JAWS! AND THIS TIME… IT'S PERSONAL.

MONSTER PARTY BRINGS YOU THE ONLY KRYPTO YOU CAN TRUST!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, salute what is arguably the most famous superhero of all time. Join us as we pry open the doors of The Fortress of Solitude to examine the meta-human miracle that is... THE LEGACY OF SUPERMAN!

Created in 1933 as a villain by the ill-fated team of writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Superman made his heroic debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938. Since then, the orphan from the planet Krypton has been the subject of numerous pop culture interpretations, including serials, cartoons, live-action TV series, and major motion pictures. Although these vehicles have been hit and miss, the release of the most recent 2025 film, SUPERMAN, written and directed by JAMES GUNN, sees Superman come full circle back to the tone of his earlier comic book roots.

In this episode, MONSTER PARTY dissects what has made Superman retain his universal appeal. Concentrating primarily on his depictions in films and television, we tackle some of the pros and cons of this pop culture icon. How did the Superman radio show lead to the early Kirk Alyn Superman serials of the 40's? What has animation contributed to the Superman mythology? Was the 1950's TV show starring George Reeves an effective portrayal of Supes? What are some of the problems that have plagued various feature film productions? Does the new Superman film stand up to the praise and criticism? And is it possible to make a truly decent superhero interesting?

Joining us for this yellow sun-powered yap fest is a man who has had the honor of creating Superman stories for D.C. Comics. He's a friend of the show and a celebrated artist and writer who has lent his talents to such projects as BLACK TERROR, BATMAN: THRILLKILLER, SUPERMAN AND BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD'S FINEST, THE PSYCHO, GIANTKILLER, JLA: SEVEN CASKETS, and his own groundbreaking series, THE NOCTURNALS. Please welcome back, Krypton's favorite son... DAN BRERETON!

LOOK! UP IN THE SKY! IS IT A BIRD? IS IT A PLANE? IS IT AN INCREDIBLY HIGH JUMPING LEPUS? NO... IT'S MONSTER PARTY!

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT WE COULD DO IT? WE DID!!!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD celebrate an astounding anniversary of earth-shattering importance! Behold, the triumphant tricentennial that's anything but a trifle… MONSTER PARTY: THE 300TH EPISODE!!! WORST MONSTERS STRIKES BACK!

From the days of our early (and sweaty) YouTube episodes, to our ongoing podcast series. MONSTER PARTY has happily provided monster kids with the kind of quality entertainment and life coaching they deserve. For over 13 years, we've featured a diverse range of guests, including industry professionals, celebrities, stand-up comedians, genre historians, a psychotherapist, and even an emergency room physician! It's been an exciting ride, but it's only the beginning. Okay, maybe more like the middle.

For the 300th episode, we present a look back at some of the things that have made this podcast special! Aside from allowing us to yak about horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, this show has provided unique opportunities to meet our heroes, gain new knowledge from experts, laugh, and make a whole lot of new friends. And speaking of friendship, this landmark episode also gives us a special opportunity to celebrate the genuine love we hosts have for each other. Awwww!

Of course, what would a MONSTER PARTY anniversary be without yet another dose of our very first topic... WORST MONSTERS? And we've got some doozies! Listen in as we take down alien amateurs, action figure elitists, a crummy Crumb, a dumb Dracula, Gamera goons, Klingon canines, kooky comic creatures, Korean kaiju, moronic muppets, silly Psychos, and more!

WE WANT TO THANK ALL THE FRIENDS OF MONSTER PARTY FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. YOU ARE THE DILITHIUM CRYSTALS THAT FUEL THIS STARSHIP. OH, AND CAN SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN THAT REFERENCE TO JAMES?

MONSTER PARTY INVADES THE V.I.P. SECTION!

A beloved past guest returns to help us rub virtual elbows with some of showbiz's best and brightest! Lay down the red carpet and brace yourselves as MONSTER PARTY presents… JOHN STANLEY'S CELEBRITY ONSLAUGHT!!!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, have not made a secret of their love for JOHN STANLEY! From 1979 to 1984, John was the host of the San Francisco Bay Area TV series, CREATURE FEATURES, taking over from legendary first host, BOB WILKINS. Since that time, he has gone on to author many books, including several editions of THE CREATURE FEATURES MOVIE GUIDE, THE GANG THAT SHOT UP HOLLYWOOD, THE NOVELS "WORLD WAR III (AKA NAPALM SUNDAY)" AND "BOGART 48," THE AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL "I WAS A TV HORROR HOST," and the recent follow-up to that classic tome, "THE CAREER THAT DRIPPED WITH HORROR." When it comes to films, John directed the love letter to the horror genre, "NIGHTMARE IN BLOOD," as well as producing many other movies, documentaries, music videos, and shorts.

During his time as the host of CREATURE FEATURES and his 33-year stint as an entertainment writer for the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, John Stanley had the dream job of interviewing countless (unless you count them) actors, filmmakers, writers, and other celebrities. We're talkin' folks like THE CAST OF STAR WARS, IRWIN ALLEN, RIDLEY SCOTT, LEONARD NIMOY, HARLAN ELLISON, FRANK GORSHIN, ADAM WEST, STEPHEN KING, JAMES STEWART, CHUCK NORRIS, MAX VON SYDOW, RAY HARRYHAUSEN, NICHOLAS MEYER, ROBERT BLOCH, ROGER CORMAN, CLINT EASTWOOD, CHRISTOPHER LEE, RAY BRADBURY, RODDY MCDOWALL, CHRISTOPHER REEEVE, BRUCE LEE, and MANY more! And needless to say (but hell, we're gonna say it), John has a treasure trove of up-close and personal anecdotes to share.

If you'd like a fantastic sample of some of John Stanley's classic CREATURE FEATURES interviews, please check out his YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@CreatureFeatures80

LONG LIVE JOHN STANLEY AND CREATURE FEATURES!

PASADENA WAS SO PETRIFYING... WE CAME BACK FOR MORE!!!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, present more frightful fun from the Pasadena Convention Center! Don't look behind you because you may discover you are being stalked by... MONSTERPALOOZA 2025: PART 2!!!

As our most beloved convention comes to a close, MONSTER PARTY is there to guide you through all the "slay-by-slay" action! Sample another steaming cauldron of fans/friends, horror aficionados, cosplayers, artists, and drop-in celebrity industry professionals like JOE COLWELL (CARNOSAUR, THE SHINING, THE FIRST OMEN), MARK McCRACKEN (PUMPKINHEAD II: BLOOD WINGS, THE OUTER LIMITS, MATINEE), PAUL SCARLATA (KING OF THE HILL, FAMILY GUY, REGULAR SHOW), TOM & MIRANDA FRANCK (JUMBO TITAN X AND THE GREAT ROBOT ARMS RACE!, A DINOSAUR CHRISTMAS, GARADA K7 OWNER), and ALLEN ALVARADO (FLIGHT 29 DOWN, COLD CASE, BLAST FROM THE PAST: THE STORE)! And LOTS more!

We also include such MONSTERPALOOZA staples as infuriating movie reviews/attacks, off-topic food banter, heated toy collecting debates, badly acted "surprise" guest intros, premature interview windups, and other delightful nonsense you've come to expect from MONSTER PARTY!

Let us remind you that MONSTERPALOOZA is not just a MONSTER PARTY audio event. You really need to be there! So make plans now to attend MONSTERPALOOZA 2026, and come by our booth. We promise you the thrill of your life! That is, if you happen to have a relatively thrill-less life!

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES... TO PASADENA!!!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, return to the hallowed halls of the Pasadena Convention Center for another 3-day round of monstrous merriment! Better schedule your back surgery now because your spine is about to be shattered by... MONSTERPALOOZA 2025: PART 1!!!

Our favorite convention strikes back with a vengeance, and MONSTER PARTY is there to talk you through the first two days of it! Once again, we speak to a seemingly endless parade of fans/friends, horror aficionados, cosplayers, artists, and drop-in celebrity industry professionals like BOBBY SLAYTON (ED WOOD, THE RAT PACK), DAVID WEINER (FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS), and TED HAINES (AVATAR, THE HUNGER GAMES)! And More!

Of course, what would a MONSTERPALOOZA be without the usual petty arguments, "free" gifts, lunch critiques, every joke taken seriously, purchase bragging, seemingly endless Creature From The Black Lagoon references, and other high-octane monster-kid banter? Well... it certainly wouldn't be one with MONSTER PARTY!

We know you'll love the first chapter of our Friday/Saturday MONSTERPALOOZA 2025 experience, and have no fear that PART 2 is on its way! You might even say... IT FOLLOWS!!! And if 2014 calls, tell it it's not getting its reference back.

THE SKULL IS BACK! AND WITH LESS MOLD THAN EVER!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD bring back the topic, which is all topics! Can your ill-equipped nerves handle the raw intensity and bone-chilling randomness that is... TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL: SKULL-POCALYPSE!!!

For the uninitiated, let us explain: Like in past TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL episodes, we all write several concepts for brief nerdy conversations on strips of paper, and place them within the confines of Larry's vintage plastic skull-shaped Halloween candy bucket. Then, we each take turns blindly choosing one of the strips and reading the topic. What follows is a lively and informative discussion, peppered with opportunities for trivia, merriment, and personal potshots.

Some of these topics come from unchosen strips from past episodes that suffered water damage from a leak in Larry's garage. Yes, they are literally moldy oldies. But a little mold can't dampen the unbridled excitement these personally crafted argument starters bring. So rain? Go suck on it!

Joining us for this cavalcade of categories are not one, but TWO return guests!

First up is an acclaimed comedian, writer, producer, and cartoonist who, for years, has been creating celebrated daily cartoons on cocktail napkins for MATTANAPKIN.COM. He's also been the featured guest on many a TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL. Please welcome back, charisma incarnate... JOHN MATTA! (THE MARTIN SHORT SHOW, DUCK DODGERS, THE EPIC TALES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, BEWARE THE BATMAN)

And we're sure you remember our other guest from the now legendary HORROR & SCI-FI CASTING episode, and his drop-in appearances at MONSTERAPLOOZA! He's a casting director powerhouse who teaches the must-attend G. CHARLES WRIGHT STUDIO AUDITION WORKSHOP, and if you'd like more information about that, go to GCHARLESWRIGHT.COM. Please welcome once again, the delightful and delicious... G. CHARLES WRIGHT! (THAT 70'S SHOW, THE MIDDLE, ANGER MANAGEMENT, LOPEZ VS. LOPEZ, STAN AGAINST EVIL)

WILL YOU SURVIVE THE SKULL-POCALYPSE?! AND SHOULD YOU?!

IT'S OUR PARTY AND WE'LL QUOTE IF WE WANT TO!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, choose their words carefully for one of Monster Party's most beloved games. We're taking the stage for another round of genre film dialogue karaoke that we're calling... QUOTE JAM 2025!!!

Once again, the rules are simple: We each take turns reciting a quote from a horror, science fiction, or fantasy film, and the rest of us must guess the movie in question. But trust us, it can be a lot harder than it sounds.

Ideally, when we play this game, we do our best to deliver the most dramatic reading our humble acting skills can provide. This can often result in a series of shaky actor impersonations that would make Rich Little cringe. Well, cringe no more Monster Partiers, because in this episode, we have a talent who puts the "impress" in impression.

Not only is our guest a gifted improviser and voice actor, but he is also the founder of the historic San Francisco landmark, COBB'S COMEDY CLUB! Please welcome back, the man of a thousand voices... TOM SAWYER!

WITH APOLOGIES TO THE MC5... KICK OUT THE QUOTE JAM!

MONSTER PARTY TOASTS A MODERN MASTER OF THE MACABRE!

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD sit at the knee of a literary juggernaut to learn the delicate art of spine-tingling storytelling! Join us as we take a creepy crash course in... WRITING HORROR WITH RICHARD CHRISTIAN MATHESON.

R.C. MATHESON started his career in television, working on such legendary shows as THREE'S COMPANY, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, KNIGHT RIDER, THE A-TEAM, QUINCY, M.E., AMAZING STORIES, TALES FROM THE CRYPT, MASTERS OF HORROR, and the Emmy award-winning NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES: FROM THE STORIES OF STEPHEN KING. As a screenwriter and film producer, his credits include the GENE HACKMAN/DAN AYKROYD comedy LOOSE CANNONS, the horror film IT WAITS, STEPHEN KING'S BIG DRIVER, the werewolf thriller FULL ECLIPSE, and the upcoming French production of the classic RICHARD MATHESON story "The Shrinking Man," L 'HOMME QUI RETRECIT.

In his literary career, R.C. Matheson has authored over 100 short psychological horror stories, which have been featured in numerous anthologies and compiled in the collections SCARS AND OTHER DISTINGUISHING MARKS, DYSTOPIA, and the upcoming ZOOPRAXIS. His other works include the suspense novel CREATED BY, and the Hollywood horror novella, THE RITUAL OF ILLUSION.

Not only is RICHARD CHRISTIAN MATHESON a brilliant, award-winning writer, but as you might have guessed, he also happens to be the son of legendary genre scribe, RICHARD MATHESON (THE TWILIGHT ZONE, I AM LEGEND, HELL HOUSE). RC shared a unique bond with his father, which may lead you to muse, "Why couldn't he have been my dad?"

We know you will enjoy Mr. Matheson's many insights on the creative process, writing for television, finessing screenplays, the art of comedy, utilizing music, navigating the perils of the entertainment industry, and so much more!

SO GET TO LISTENING! THE TALENT OF R.C. MATHESON COMPELS YOU!