Podcast
MONSTER PARTY
Hosted by James Gonis, Shawn Sheridan, Larry Strothe, and Matt Weinhold · EN
What happens when four Comic Con hardened sci-fi/horror fans sit around some microphones, slam down cocktails, and argue about all things monstrous? It's a podcast called Monster Party! You have been warned.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
WHAT'S SO FUNNY ABOUT HORROR, SCI-FI AND FANTASY?!!! With TAMMY GOLDEN!
2w ago02:06:23Tap to summarize*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:c66233dc-3409-4ddc-a397-3190fa301cb8-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:c66233dc-3409-4ddc-a397-3190fa301cb8-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> IS MONSTER PARTY HAVIN' A LAUGH? JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD ponder the age-old question of whether humor and genre topics can live and laugh comfortably together. So, as Elvis Costello might ask… WHAT'S SO FUNNY ABOUT HORROR, SCI-FI, AND FANTASY? Let's face it, making a truly funny horror, sci-fi, or fantasy film or television show can be tricky business. There's a fine line between a loving send-up and an uninformed attack. And even with the best intentions, that doesn't guarantee you'll be watching a knee-slapper. In this side-splitting study of genre jocularity, MONSTER PARTY puts all their funny favorites (and not-so-favorites) to the test. How did films like ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN manage to find the sweet spot between over-the-top comedy and a loving homage to Universal horror films? Is SPACEBALLS a better film than we remember, or should we just push that reassessment aside and watch GALAXY QUEST instead? How do genre TV shows like RED DWARF and WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS generate laughs while presenting often thought-provoking horror and sci-fi concepts? Where do cult classics like DR. STRANGELOVE, REPO MAN, MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, and THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI fit in? And are superhero vehicles like THE BOYS, PEACEMAKER, and the DEADPOOL film series the best comedies coming out of Hollywood today? Helping us answer these important questions while tickling our ribs in her own right is a return guest who is no stranger to the world of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy humor. She is a mega-talented writer who has worked on such beloved genre comedy projects as MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 and HANGING WITH DR. Z. Please welcome back… TAMMY GOLDEN! OH, AND YES, WE DID JUST WIN THE 2026 RONDO AWARD FOR BEST PODCAST! OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL THE MONSTER PARTIERS OUT THERE WHO HELPED MAKE THIS HAPPEN! NOW, LET'S START CANVASSING FOR 2027!
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LEGAL GEEKING!!! With JOSH GILLILAND!
4w ago02:07:21Tap to summarizeMONSTER PARTY TAKES THE STAND! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD submit this new episode into evidence as to why you need to listen to this podcast! Consider yourself amicus curiae as we partake in a bit of… LEGAL GEEKING!!! The world of horror, science fiction, and fantasy is a wondrous realm where the incredible and impossible come to life. But how does the law apply to all these fantastic shenanigans? What responsibility does the Weyland-Yutani Corporation have when it comes to the events portrayed in the classic 1982 film Alien? Do robots, androids, and other artificial lifeforms have access to civil rights? How is Willy Wonka still in business? And who do you sue when giant rabbits lay waste to your property? Helping us find the answers to these important legal questions is a longtime friend of the show—and, get this, an actual lawyer! Yeah, and one of the scrupulous kind! He's also the co-founder and host of the shockingly appropriate-titled blog and podcast, THE LEGAL GEEKS! Please welcome back Monster Party's answer to Matt Murdock… JOSH GILLILAND! IF YOU THINK THIS EPISODE IS OUT OF ORDER, YOU'RE OUT OF ORDER!
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FIRST CONTACTS!!! With SUE MURPHY!
Apr 2201:59:44Tap to summarizeMONSTER PARTY GETS OFF TO A "ROCKY" START! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD put out the welcome mat for our potential friends and enemies from amongst the stars. Join us for a cinematic close encounter of the audio kind as we celebrate… FIRST CONTACTS!!! With the box office success of PROJECT HAIL MARY, the world has once again embraced the feel-good concept of first contact with a benevolent alien race. But have these initial interactions with extraterrestrials always been as satisfying for movie and TV viewing audiences? In this episode, we'll examine the near-universal love of PROJECT HAIL MARY and provide a counterview from some of MONSTER PARTY's best-loved curmudgeons. We'll also examine other first contacts portrayed in films and TV shows, and see how their effectiveness holds up under scrutiny. We'll look at film classics like THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, and 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY; the quite unpleasant first contacts that occur in movies like ALIEN, THE THING, and INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS; modern first contact films like THE ARRIVAL, NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU, and ANNIHILATION; and soooo much more! Leading us as Earth's ambassador for this epic event is a longtime friend of MONSTER PARTY who always has a refreshing take on the sci-fi genre. She's an immensely talented comedian, actor, producer, and director who has worked on such iconic programs as THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW, CHELSEA LATELY, and WANDA AT LARGE. Please welcome back the always outstanding… SUE MURPHY! WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS NUMEROUS SPOILERS! LISTEN AT YOUR OWN SENSE OF WONDER PERIL!
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MONSTER PARTY'S BONE PICKERS!!! With MONSTER PARTY!
Apr 802:21:19Tap to summarizeMONSTER PARTY HAS A LIST OF GRIEVANCES. NOW THERE'S A SHOCK!!! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD have a Jason Voorhees-sized axe to grind with a whole series of genre-related annoyances. We're so ticked off that we decided to have a beastly bitch-fest that we're calling… MONSTER PARTY'S BONE PICKERS!!! The cast of MONSTER PARTY has never been shy when it comes to "bones to pick" about certain aspects of their individual monster kid experience. Whether it's Comic-Con exclusive hoarders, film logic flaws, or the age-old slow zombie versus fast zombie debate, we'll call it like we see it. But despite our occasional impromptu rants, sometimes it's not enough. So, for us to maintain our overall childlike wonder during these difficult times, what we needed was an episode that was all about venting! Join us for a hosts-only edition of MONSTER PARTY, where we take aim at a number of hot-button issues, including movie theater vs. home theater, ridiculously expensive autographs, Bava film tampering, scantily clad Leia canceling, Disney gouging, James Cameron cat hate, wondrous website bios, and soooo much more! MONSTER PARTY HAS A BEEF! IF ONLY IT WAS GERRIT GRAHAM FROM THE PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE. LOOK IT UP, PEOPLE!
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TWISTED BLU-RAY GEMS!!! With ETHAN HULL!
Mar 2502:04:49Tap to summarizeMONSTER PARTY IS GOING TO DRIVE YOUR BLU-RAY PLAYER MAD!!! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD plunge into the depths of delightful depravity as they seek to dig up the world's most unusual cinematic treasures. Whether it's a birthday, Valentine's Day, or an anniversary, give your loved ones some… TWISTED BLU-RAY GEMS! In these days of video streaming, many have prematurely predicted the fall of physical media. While mainstream sales of CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays have declined, several niche companies are thriving by offering hard-to-find and sometimes virtually unknown horror, sci-fi, fantasy, martial arts, and exploitation films. This kind of entertainment may not be for everyone, but if, like us, you like your entertainment on the wild side, have we got some movies for you! In this episode, the gang will be celebrating a selection of films ranging from works by cult film masters to Z-list auteurs, and everything in between. It's a subgenre where the restrictions of taste, budget, and production actually led to the creation of some truly unique artistic visions. We'll also get a first-person account of the loving care that goes into preserving these often overlooked celluloid classics. And what classics they are! We've got folk horror frights, kung fu-capable combatants, a forty-year-old child, a voting-age infant, a zoom lens with no shame, a sasquatch who smashes a crotch, and so much more! Joining us for this bacchanal of Blu-rays is a first-time guest and a man perfectly suited for this topic. Aside from being a member of the DJ collective RENDEZVOUS! and founder of the record label EMPIRE OF TOMBS, he is content manager and representative for the company that will fulfill all your twisted Blu-ray dreams, SEVERIN FILMS! MONSTER PARTY is very proud to welcome… ETHAN HULL! AND A WARNING: IF YOU'RE EVER IN BIGFOOT COUNTRY… HOLD IT!
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ARE YOU A BIGGER NERD NOW?!!! With JIMMY PARDO!
Mar 1101:46:35Tap to summarizeMONSTER PARTY MAKES A PARDO PROGNOSIS! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD make a virtual housecall to check on the status of a past guest's geek standing. It's an episode that begs the question… ARE YOU A BIGGER NERD NOW?!!! Approximately ten years ago, the hosts of MONSTER PARTY made a very special visit to a friend and fellow podcaster's recording studio. The main reason was that this podcaster, who had been a guest on our show, was severely allergic to the cats that roamed the carpets of our own studio. But since this was still in the relatively early days of MONSTER PARTY, this situation also provided us a glimpse at the setup of an A-LIST podcast. The topic of the episode we recorded was, "WHY AREN'T YOU A BIGGER NERD?" and the guest was the seismically hilarious comedian and host of the groundbreaking/award-winning podcast NEVER NOT FUNNY, JIMMY PARDO! It was a fantastic experience—Mr. Pardo was nothing short of delightful—and we feel we made significant headway in his journey toward healthy nerdism. But after the episode was posted, we lost track of Jimmy's progress. That is, until now! In this singular life-affirming event, Jimmy Pardo returns to catch us up on how much his world of genre entertainment has opened up since he last appeared on our show. And what he has to say might surprise you. We really don't want to give away any spoilers, but if you struggle with middle-aged action figure impulse buys, prefer practical apes to CGI ones, and enjoy the happening sounds of Chicago, Journey, and REO Speedwagon, this episode is the audio intervention you've been clamoring for. WHAT ARE THE ODDS THAT JIMMY PARDO IS A BIGGER NERD NOW? WE'D GUESS IT'S 25 OR 6 TO 4.
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MONSTER PARTY'S GENRE COMFORT FOOD!!!
Feb 2502:03:26Tap to summarizeMONSTER PARTY WANTS YOU TO LAY BACK AND CUDDLE WITH A GOOD FILM. AND YES, WE MEAN THAT LITERALLY. JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD, share a banquet of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films that always give them a case of the warm and fuzzies. Get ready to dig in as we present… MONSTER PARTY'S GENRE COMFORT FOOD!!! The film and TV tastes of the various hosts of MONSTER PARTY are as wide-ranging as the colors of the stars in Starcrash! Between the four of us, we go from high brow to low brow, mainstream to B movie, practical effects to CGI (within reason), and any other cool monster kid viewing we can lay our claws on. But there is a very unique class of cinematic serotonin that, during a stressful time or a lazy afternoon, can unfurrow our brows like a wet compress soaked in Romulan Ale. In this intimate and revelatory episode of MONSTER PARTY, the guys reveal what special films have the ability to calm their nerves like a dog anxiety vest. But don't expect just the usual easy-on-the-system classics like Forbidden Planet or Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. Because for some, comfort can come from killer robots, murderous "children," or even some hills that have eyes. And speaking of which, what's the mystery meat in your comfort food? Joining us for this poo-poo platter of pleasing pictures is a guest making his MONSTER PARTY debut. And it's long overdue! He's not only a knowledgeable genre expert, but also the owner of one of the most amazing collectible stores in the country, BLAST FROM THE PAST! Please welcome… LARRY ROSS! Larry is a wonderful guy, and his shop is located at 3117 West Magnolia Blvd in historic Burbank, California. BLAST FROM THE PAST offers a stunning collection of new and vintage toys, comics, statues, movie posters, artwork, books, cosplay items, clothing, cards, and so much more. The store is also known for hosting a regular stand-up comedy show, as well as a challenging horror trivia night that always packs the house! Oh, and the staff is pretty outstanding as well! LISTEN TO MONSTER PARTY'S GENRE COMFORT FOOD! AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE, GO BACK FOR ANOTHER HELPING!
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ANYTHING GOES: THE QUEST FOR PEACE!!! With SCOTT ROGERS!
Feb 1102:23:51Tap to summarizeMONSTER PARTY GOES FOR IT! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD return to a show format that could quite possibly end all wars! Well, at least the one with your inner monster kid. It's a cavalcade of clever conversation, we're calling... ANYTHING GOES: THE QUEST FOR PEACE!!! As you long-term listeners may recall, our "Anything Goes" episodes are exactly what they sound like—a freewheeling, spontaneous gab-fest where practically any subject is allowed. Sure, we'd prefer they be genre-related, but a good egg salad recipe would definitely not be off limits. Well... We don't want to give too many episode details away, but if you're into customizing action figures, Gorilla Suit Day, superhero-themed half bathrooms, bucket list cosplay planning, theme park gripes, and a bit of Disney bashing, you might want to give this baby a listen! Joining us for this challenging charcuterie of chat (or chatcuterie) is a return guest and loyal MONSTER PARTY supporter! However, if that is not enough for you, he's also an acclaimed game designer, author, teacher, lecturer, former Disney Imagineer, and a huge Batman fan! Please welcome back our old chum... SCOTT ROGERS! (LEVEL UP! THE GUIDE TO GREAT VIDEO GAME DESIGN, SWIPE THIS! THE GUIDE TO TOUCHSCREEN GAME DESIGN, RAYGUNS AND ROCKETSHIPS, PANTONE THE GAME, ALIEN: FATE OF THE NOSTROMO, I DO MY OWN STUNTS, GAMEMASTER) GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. AND IF YOU CAN'T DO THAT, HOW ABOUT A NICE EGG SALAD? LARRY?
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ROBOTS REBOOTED!!! With NGAIO BEALUM!
Jan 2801:52:05Tap to summarizeMONSTER PARTY POWERS UP AN OLD TOPIC! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD revisit one of their earliest talking points! It's a celebration of mechanics, synthetics, and cybernetics, certified to scramble your circuitry called… ROBOTS REBOOTED!!! During the first year of MONSTER PARTY, when the show was recorded on a stone slab with a live pterodactyl beak, we did an episode simply titled… ROBOTS!!! The show was quite a bit shorter than our current entries, but displayed a primitive charm that would soon morph into what can only be described as a juggernaut of charisma. But now, with over a decade of experience under our belts, and robots and A.I. on the verge of making the world of TERMINATOR a reality, we knew this was the right time hit this subject again. Aside from discussing some of the most beloved robots from film and TV history, like Robby from Forbidden Planet, B-9 from Lost In Space, Gort from The Day The Earth Stood Still, and C-3PO and R2-D2 from Star Wars, we'll also focus on the world of androids and cyborgs. We're talking Data from Star Trek: Next Generation, the replicants of Blade Runner, The Daleks from Doctor Who, Bender from Futurama, Robocop, The Terminator, and more! And by more, we mean toys, of course. Joining us for this robotic rager is a guest making his MONSTER PARTY debut! He's an amazingly talented comedian, writer, actor, columnist, and activist, who also happens to be an award-winning hip-hop artist and juggler. Please welcome to the show… NGAIO BEALUM! (THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM, STAB!, COMICS UNLEASHED, CANNABIS PLANET) IF YOUR SAFE WORDS ARE "GORT VARINGA," THIS EPISODE WILL DEFINITELY COMPUTE!
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EYES!!! With MARC HERSHON!
Jan 1402:21:44Tap to summarizeALL EYES ARE ON MONSTER PARTY! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD put on their protective goggles for an episode of true vision. Join us for this pulse-pounding podcast praising petrifying and provocative peepers that we're proudly promoting as … EYES!!! A few months back, we had a blast doing an episode called MONSTER TEETH, where we examined every example of chilling chompers that genre films could provide. In fact, this podcast was so much fun, we decided to tackle James Gonis' worst nightmare. Since the eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body (sorry, testicles. We'll get to you some day.), they are the perfect soft target in a horror movie. And what would the reputation of sci-fi and fantasy films be without the occasional bug-eyed monster or rampaging cyclops? Get ready for an ophthalmic onslaught of awesome orbs, including the slow but inevitable agony featured in Lucio Fulci's Zombie, the creepy inventiveness of THE CRAWLING EYE, the cybernetic spider from JOHNNY QUEST, and the incandescent absurdity of kid-friendly kaiju, and MUCH, MUCH MORE! Joining us for this cornea-crushing conversation is a loyal friend and supporter of MONSTER PARTY. He is an absurdly talented writer, actor, improviser, voice artist, journalist, podcaster, and has helped provide names for the world's best-loved products. You will also know him as the screenwriter for the genre classics, SANTA JR. and MONSTER MAKERS. Please welcome back the man whose eyes we keep getting lost in… MARC HERSHON! IN YOUR EYE, JAMES GONIS!
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