Talkin' Troma with Zack Beins

Producer Chaz Kangas and the Talkin' Troma team present a tribute to fallen hero John F. Heffernan, known affectionately as Johnny Heff. Best known as the guitarist and lyricist of the NYC underground punk band The Bullys, Heff was also a New York City firefighter. The Bullys song "Gimme Gimme Gimme" appeared on the compilation album "AMP Records Has A Hard-On For Tromaville.com", released in early 2001, and the track can be heard on numerous Troma features created around that time. 

On September 11, 2001, Johnny Heff was assigned to FDNY Engine 28 and Ladder 11, "Los Bomberos Primero", at 222 East 2nd Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. He was not scheduled to work that day but he went in to get in some overtime. Heff, along with all of the firefighters of Ladder 11, never came home. When the company was last seen, they were helping evacuate the Marriott Hotel across the street from the South Tower. Heff's body was recovered on October 2, 2001. 

Today, we've assembled friends, punk rock peers, journalists and fans of the legendary Johnny Heff to share their memories.

We welcome writer Matt Bors back to the show to get the radioactive scoop on The Toxic Avenger vs. The Noxious Offender, the next chapter in AHOY Comics’ increasingly wild corner of Tromaville, which is available for pre-order now from your local comic shop and all fine retailers. Matt teases how Toxie and Noxie’s showdown gets surprisingly personal, with parenthood, bad influences, alternate life paths, and family baggage bubbling underneath the usual generous helping of mutants, gore, exploding body parts, and toxic insanity.

Along the way, we talk about reinventing the Toxic Crusaders, drawing from his own experiences as a dad, finding artists who excel at “gore and goop,” and the strange afterlife of his decade-old “Mr. Gotcha” meme. There are also tantalizing hints about more Toxie projects lurking in the radioactive shadows, plus an exclusive reveal involving the newest Toxic Avenger movie.

Toxie vs. Noxie #1 lands in stores on October 7, 2026 but you should order yours by September 7! Not only does it secure your copy, but it helps comic shops determine how many copies to order for others.

Mentioned in this episode:Find your local comic shopAHOY ComicsThat One Matt Bors ComicJustice Warriors

Hosted by Zack Beins. Produced by Chris Lanphear for Loudspeaker Studios. Talkin' Troma Theme Music by J57 and Bald Halfwit. Special thanks to Matt Bors and AHOY Comics.

Connect with Zack:https://www.instagram.com/legolarry/

Connect with Talkin' Troma:https://www.talkintroma.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/talkintroma/https://twitter.com/talkintromahttps://www.youtube.com/@talkintroma

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Talkin' Troma is a listener-supported production of Loudspeaker Studios. Hear more great shows and commercial-free independent public radio at https://www.loudspeaker.org.

The one and only Debbie Rochon (TROMEO & JULIET, TERROR FIRMER, CITIZEN TOXIE and many more) sits down with host Zack Beins to catch up and chat about the 30th anniversary of TROMEO, critical reevaluation of TERROR FIRMER, and a preview of the upcoming film from Lloyd Kaufman, THE POWER OF POSITIVE MURDER. Later, our dynamic duo watch and provide a live commentary for the sole release from Troma's Family Fun label: DOGGIE TAILS VOL. 1: LUCKY'S FIRST SLEEP-OVER!

Featured Music:"Clubhouse Alive 91" by Chaz Kangas (feat. Debbie Rochon, John Brennan & Nur-D)

Available now: https://fourfingerdistro.bandcamp.com/album/the-troma-project-50-years-of-reel-fan-toxic-hip-hop

Chaz Kangas is a multi-hyphenate hip hop artist, journalist, radio personality and Troma scholar. His latest album The Troma Project: 50 Years of Reel Fan-Toxic Hip-Hop, out now on Four Finger Distro, is a love letter to Troma and its rich filmic history, comprised entirely of samples from films from its library. On this episode, host Zack Beins chats with Chaz about how the project came to be, the genius of Debbie Rochon, AI and its place in art, and much, much more!Mentioned in this episode:The Troma Project: 50 Years of Reel Fan-Toxic Hip-Hop by Chaz Kangas, J57 and Bald HalfwitStream The Troma ProjectChaz Kangas on InstagramHosted by Zack Beins. Produced by Chris Lanphear for Loudspeaker Studios. Talkin' Troma Theme Music by J57 and Bald Halfwit. Special thanks to Chaz Kangas and Four Finger Distro.Featured Music:"Girls School Screamers" by Chaz Kangas, J57 and Bald Halfwit (feat. Desdamona, RhymeStyle Troop & Anna Diorio)"Radiation April" by Chaz Kangas, J57 and Bald HalfwitConnect with Zack:https://twitter.com/legolarryhttps://www.instagram.com/legolarry/Connect with Talkin' Troma:https://www.talkintroma.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/talkintroma/https://twitter.com/talkintromahttps://www.youtube.com/@talkintromaConnect with Loudspeaker:https://twitter.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.facebook.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.instagram.com/heyloudspeakerTalkin' Troma is a listener-supported production of Loudspeaker Studios. Hear more great shows and commercial-free independent public radio at https://www.loudspeaker.org.

Throughout history, we've seen some truly iconic team-ups: peanut butter and jelly, Ren and Stimpy, Batman and Robin. But one partnership you might not immediately think of—yet one that's just as important—is the bond between Troma and comic books.Troma co-founder and Toxie's cinematic dad, Lloyd Kaufman, was close friends with Marvel's legendary Stan Lee—the father of Spider-Man himself. So it only made sense that in the 1990s, Marvel Comics brought Tromaville into the four-color world, publishing eleven issues of The Toxic Avenger and eight issues of The Toxic Crusaders. Both titles were canceled around the same time as the Toxic Crusaders animated series was not picked up for a second season.Which brings us to today's special guest: Matt Bors. Matt is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, the founder of the comics site The Nib, and an award-winning writer and cartoonist known for his sharp wit and social commentary. Now, he's turned his talents toward Tromaville, writing The Toxic Avenger and Toxic Crusaders for AHOY Comics, which are both out now in comic shops and bookstores everywhere.Enjoy our exclusive interview with Matt Bors, recorded live at San Diego Comic-Con!Mentioned in this episode:Get The Toxic Avenger Trade PaperbackGet Toxic Crusaders #1Matt BorsAHOY ComicsHosted by Zack Beins. Produced by Chris Lanphear for Loudspeaker Studios. Talkin' Troma Theme Music by J57 and Bald Halfwit. Special thanks to Matt Bors and AHOY Comics.Featured Music:"Marching Crusaders" by Dennis C. Brown and Larry Brown, from Toxic Crusaders: Original Television SoundtrackConnect with Zack:https://twitter.com/legolarryhttps://www.instagram.com/legolarry/Connect with Talkin' Troma:https://www.talkintroma.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/talkintroma/https://twitter.com/talkintromahttps://www.youtube.com/@talkintromaConnect with Loudspeaker:https://twitter.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.facebook.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.instagram.com/heyloudspeakerTalkin' Troma is a listener-supported production of Loudspeaker Studios. Hear more great shows and commercial-free independent public radio at https://www.loudspeaker.org.

Macon Blair is a multi-hyphenate entertainer. You've seen him as an actor in films like Blue Ruin, Green Room, and a little small micro-budget film called Oppenheimer. His 2017 directorial debut, I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore, won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, and he wrote and directed the film we are here to talk about today, 2025's The Toxic Avenger, which is finally in theaters now around the world. On this very special episode of Talkin' Troma with Zack Beins, we have Macon Blair himself to guide us through his wild and wonderful new reinterpretation of Toxie. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of casting, working with Peter Dinklage and Elijah Wood, tales of shooting in Bulgaria, special FX shots, Lloyd Kaufman, and so much more! There are spoilers ahead, so make sure you see the film first!Mentioned in this episode:Get tickets for The Toxic AvengerTHE TOXIC AVENGER To Mop Up Medical Debt With Non-Profit PartnershipHosted by Zack Beins. Produced by Chris Lanphear for Loudspeaker Studios. Talkin' Troma Theme Music by J57 and Bald Halfwit. Special thanks to Macon Blair, Cineverse, Legendary, and Katrina Wan PR.Featured Music:"Nothing At All" by The Giraffes, originally written and performed by Marc Hoffman and Dean Simmons from The Toxic Avenger"The Look of Love (Part 1)" by ABC from The Toxic AvengerConnect with Zack:https://twitter.com/legolarryhttps://www.instagram.com/legolarry/Connect with Talkin' Troma:https://www.talkintroma.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/talkintroma/https://twitter.com/talkintromahttps://www.youtube.com/@talkintromaConnect with Loudspeaker:https://twitter.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.facebook.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.instagram.com/heyloudspeakerTalkin' Troma is a listener-supported production of Loudspeaker Studios. Hear more great shows and commercial-free independent public radio at https://www.loudspeaker.org.

Zack and Chris return from San Diego Comic-Con with a full breakdown of Troma's biggest showing yet! From the long-awaited reimagining of The Toxic Avenger premiering with Peter Dinklage, Elijah Wood, Taylour Paige, and Jacob Tremblay, to an electrifying Hall H panel, exclusive screenings, and Troma's jam-packed booth, it was a landmark year for Lloyd Kaufman and the Troma family.

The guys dive into convention exclusives, collectibles, and comics, including the Toxic Crusaders series, new action figures, and even the long-rumored "Mr. Melvin" cut of Toxic Avenger II & III. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from celebrity encounters, afterparties, and the surreal moment when Troma officially arrived on the Comic-Con main stage. Afterward, stay tuned for the entire Toxic Avenger panel live from Hall H with writer-director Macon Blair, Lloyd Kaufman, and the cast.

If you couldn't make it to San Diego, this is your all-access pass to the chaos, creativity, and toxic love that defined Comic-Con 2025.

Mentioned in this episode:Get tickets for The Toxic AvengerYesterdays SDCC Exclusive Toxie PinMother's Day VHS and Toxic Avenger VHS by Nerds Nest CollectiblesToxie 2025 Mask by Trick or Treat StudiosSgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. 4K Ultra HDThe Toxic Avenger: Kickstarter Deluxe EditionMr. Melvin

Hosted by Zack Beins. Produced by Chris Lanphear for Loudspeaker Studios. Talkin' Troma Theme Music by J57 and Bald Halfwit. Special thanks to Cineverse, Legendary, and Katrina Wan PR.

Featured Music:"Nothing At All" by The Giraffes, originally written and performed by Marc Hoffman and Dean SimmonsConnect with Zack:https://twitter.com/legolarryhttps://www.instagram.com/legolarry/Connect with Talkin' Troma:https://www.talkintroma.comhttps://twitter.com/talkintromahttps://www.youtube.com/@talkintromaConnect with Loudspeaker:https://twitter.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.facebook.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.instagram.com/heyloudspeaker

Talkin' Troma is a listener-supported production of Loudspeaker Studios. Hear more great shows and commercial-free independent public radio at https://www.loudspeaker.org.

Tiffany Shepis is one of the most iconic scream queens. Known for her fearless performances and magnetic presence, Tiffany first splashed onto the horror scene with Troma. From her breakout role as Peter in Tromeo and Juliet to her hosting duties as Super Tromette Bulimia in Troma's Edge TV, Shepis quickly became a fan favorite in the underground film world. Outside of the silver screen, Tiffany is an outspoken advocate for gun safety with firsthand experience to back it up. Join us as we explore her career, her impact on cult horror, and how her time with Troma helped launch a genre-spanning journey that's still going strong. Recorded live at the Colorado Festival of Horror.Hosted by Zack Beins. Produced by Chris Lanphear for Loudspeaker Studios. Talkin' Troma Theme Music by J57 and Bald Halfwit. Special thanks to Tiffany Shepis, Dan Crosier, and Bret Smith from the Colorado Festival of Horror.Featured Music:"Radetzky March" by Johann StraussConnect with Tiffany:https://trauma-triumph.org/https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyshepis/https://x.com/tiffanyshepisConnect with Zack:https://twitter.com/legolarryhttps://www.instagram.com/legolarry/Connect with Talkin' Troma:https://www.talkintroma.comhttps://twitter.com/talkintromahttps://www.youtube.com/@talkintromaConnect with Loudspeaker:https://twitter.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.facebook.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.instagram.com/heyloudspeakerTalkin' Troma is a listener-supported production of Loudspeaker Studios. Hear more great shows and commercial-free independent public radio at https://www.loudspeaker.org.

Zack sits down with writer Mathew Klickstein as they discuss his new book, Lloyd Kaufman: Interviews, available now from University Press of Mississippi. Mathew culled through nearly 50 years of interviews with the Troma president/co-founder to deliver a detailed, sometimes academic, sometimes silly portrait of the man who, along with partner Michael Herz, has kept Troma in business for the last half century.Mathew Klickstein is a longtime multiplatform storyteller. His publications include SLIMED! An Oral History of Nickelodeon's Golden Age; Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for "The Simpsons"; and See You at San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture.Mentioned in this episode:Mathew KlicksteinLloyd Kaufman: Interviews on AmazonMother's Day - Mathew's favorite Troma filmApril 2025: Total Troma Takeover at Lyric Cinema CafeHosted by Zack Beins. Produced by Chris Lanphear for Loudspeaker Studios. Talkin' Troma Theme Music by J57 and Bald Halfwit.Connect with Zack:https://twitter.com/legolarryhttps://www.instagram.com/legolarry/Connect with Talkin' Troma:https://www.talkintroma.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/talkintroma.bsky.socialhttps://twitter.com/talkintromahttps://www.youtube.com/@talkintromaConnect with Loudspeaker:https://twitter.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.facebook.com/heyloudspeakerhttps://www.instagram.com/heyloudspeakerTalkin' Troma is a listener-supported production of Loudspeaker Studios. Hear more great shows and commercial-free independent public radio at https://www.loudspeaker.org.