In the early morning hours of May 9, 1980, a violent storm and a massive freighter collided with one of Florida’s most important highways—sending a large section of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge plummeting into Tampa Bay. In this gripping episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom takes you through the harrowing minutes before impact, the tragic loss of life, the survivors’ remarkable stories, and the profound engineering and policy changes that followed.

Long before 4D theaters and blockbuster marketing blitzes, there was William Castle—the flamboyant filmmaker who turned moviegoing into an event with joy buzzers, flying skeletons, insurance policies against fright, and some of the boldest promotional stunts Hollywood ever saw. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom takes you inside the wild, inventive world of the man who made audiences scream, laugh, and line up around the block.

Castle was more than just gimmicks—he was a savvy storyteller, a relentless self-promoter, and a pioneering independent filmmaker whose low-budget thrillers became cult classics. From House on Haunted Hill to The Tingler, Castle created unforgettable experiences that shaped horror cinema and influenced generations of directors.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How William Castle transformed movie theaters into interactive playgrounds

Whether you grew up on his films, admire his marketing genius, or just love great Hollywood stories, this episode shines a spotlight on one of cinema’s most entertaining trailblazers.

Subscribe for more deep dives into film, culture, history, true crime, oddities, and the unforgettable characters who shaped our world—only on The Tom Gulley Show.

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On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, we dive headfirst into the gloriously weird, wonderfully inventive world of Mystery Science Theater 3000—the show that turned cheesy movies into comedy gold and built one of the most devoted fanbases in television history.

From Joel Hodgson’s original DIY vision to Mike Nelson’s era, to Crow, Tom Servo, Gypsy, and the entire Satellite of Love crew, we explore how MST3K became a groundbreaking blend of satire, puppetry, low-budget charm, and out-of-this-world creativity. We’ll look at its cult legacy, fan-driven revivals, unforgettable episodes, and how its influence continues to shape riffing culture, online comedy, and modern media.

Whether you're a long-time MSTie or brand-new to the ‘bots, this deep-dive delivers the trivia, behind-the-scenes lore, and sharp commentary you’ve come to expect from Tom.

⭐ Topics Covered:

How MST3K revolutionized comedy and cult TV

Before loyalty cards, reward apps, and points programs ruled the world, America had S&H Green Stamps—the wildly popular trading stamp phenomenon that turned everyday grocery shopping into a nationwide collecting craze. On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the history, psychology, and cultural impact of those tiny green squares that once filled kitchens, glove compartments, and redemption centers across the country.

From their explosive rise in the 1950s and ’60s to the massive catalog empire they built, Tom explores how S&H Green Stamps shaped consumer behavior, rewarded brand loyalty, and left a nostalgic mark on American life. You’ll hear how families strategized for premium items, how supermarkets used stamps to crush competition, and why the program eventually faded as the retail landscape evolved.

Whether you saved them, licked them, redeemed them—or just wondered what the fuss was about—this deep dive brings the full story of S&H Green Stamps to life.

In this episode you’ll learn:

On this gripping episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom examines one of the most baffling and heartbreaking true-crime mysteries in American history: The Yuba County Five. Five friends disappeared in 1978 under circumstances that defy logic, only to leave behind clues that raised more questions than answers.

With Tom’s signature clarity and investigative storytelling, this episode explores:

This is a respectful, fact-driven deep dive for anyone fascinated by cold cases, unsolved mysteries, and stories with haunting, unresolved endings.

In this deliciously deep-dive episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom serves up the history, chemistry, and cultural lore of gravy—one of the greatest comfort-food creations ever ladled onto a plate. From silky Thanksgiving classics to diner-style brown gravy to the legendary Southern sawmill variety, this episode celebrates gravy in all its savory glory.

Join Tom as he explores:

Whether you’re a home cook, a foodie, or just someone who respects a great plate of biscuits and gravy, this episode is the ultimate guide to understanding what makes gravy magical.

On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives deep into one of the most analyzed, debated, and emotionally charged events in American history—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. From the verified, documented facts to the tangled web of theories, speculation, and unanswered questions, this episode separates what we know from what we think we know.

Tom also brings focused attention to the often overshadowed but critically important killing of Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit—an event that shaped the timeline, the investigation, and the public perception of Lee Harvey Oswald in the hours following the assassination.

Join Tom Gulley—broadcast veteran, writer, and former CBS NewsRadio anchor—as he dissects the evidence, explores the controversies, and provides clear, compelling insight into a case that still captivates the world more than 60 years later.

In This Episode:

Why Listen:

Michael Nesmith wasn’t just the guy in the green wool hat — he was the creative force who helped transform The Monkees from a TV pop act into a legitimate musical powerhouse. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, we dive deep into the incredible life, legacy, and innovation of Michael Nesmith — from his pioneering work in country rock and music video to his post-Monkees success as a songwriter, producer, and visionary.

Host Tom Gulley explores how Nesmith’s sharp wit, musical depth, and technological foresight shaped not only the sound of the 1960s but also the way we experience music today. Hear rare stories, surprising insights, and a heartfelt look at one of rock’s most underappreciated trailblazers.

📺 In This Episode:

🎧 Tune in for a fascinating, funny, and deeply insightful tribute to a true original — Michael Nesmith — only on The Tom Gulley Show.

She’s spooky, sexy, and hilariously self-aware—the one and only Elvira, Mistress of the Dark! In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Cassandra Peterson’s iconic horror hostess who turned late-night TV into a gothic comedy masterpiece.

Host Tom Gulley dives into Elvira’s rise from humble beginnings on local Los Angeles television to becoming a global pop culture legend. Discover how she blended B-movie horror, razor-sharp wit, and over-the-top glam into one unforgettable persona that defined camp for a generation.

🕸️ In This Episode:

🎙️ Join Tom Gulley for a fang-tastic deep dive into the horror hostess who made bad movies—and good jokes—immortal.

When the Jarvik-7 artificial heart first beat inside a human chest, the world watched in awe. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the groundbreaking story of the Jarvik artificial heart, its visionary creator Dr. Robert Jarvik, and the historic surgery that redefined modern medicine.

From the challenges of early heart replacement technology to the media frenzy surrounding Barney Clark, the first recipient, Tom explores the triumphs, controversies, and lasting impact of this medical marvel. Discover how the Jarvik heart paved the way for today’s life-saving cardiac innovations and what it revealed about science, ethics, and human endurance.

🎧 A fascinating look at one of medicine’s most revolutionary inventions — only on The Tom Gulley Show.