Podcast
Tall Boy Radio
Hosted by Tall Boy Radio · EN
Tall Boy Radio is your weekly escape from the ordinary. Join us as we crack open a cold one and dive into fascinating conversations with a diverse range of guests. From world-renowned experts to everyday heroes, we're here to explore everything from the serious to the silly. So grab a beer, kick back, and let's chat!
33episodes
Episodes
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#TBR340 - Steampunk Stories
1w ago01:06:51Tap to summarizeGrab a cold beverage and settle in! This week on Tall Boy Radio, Beans and Gaz are firing up the microphones for an absolutely packed, literary-fueled conversation. The boys are joined by the incredibly prolific independent author Victoria L. Szulc to dissect an astonishing milestone: writing and publishing over 30 books.Victoria is a true genre-hopper, spanning everything from dark, atmospheric vampire lore to gears-and-goggles steampunk adventures, with a fascinating detour into the gritty world of true crime. In this deep-dive interview, the trio uncovers exactly what drives a writer to produce such a massive body of work, the mechanics of a relentless writing schedule, and a masterclass on the subgenres capturing readers' imaginations today.For the uninitiated, the term "Steampunk" can feel a bit elusive. Beans kicks off the conversation by asking Victoria to lay down the definitive framework for the genre. Victoria breaks it down beautifully, explaining that it is essentially a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retro-futuristic technology and aesthetics based on 19th-century steam-powered machinery. Think the Victorian era meets advanced, alternate-history technology—where cybernetics run on brass gears, airships dominate the skies, and corsets meet ray guns.Gaz dives into the creative well, asking Victoria how she keeps the wellspring of ideas from running dry after 30+ titles. Victoria shares her deep love for history, classic gothic horror, and the aesthetic of bygone eras. Whether she is world-building a sprawling steampunk empire or crafting centuries-old vampire hierarchies, her inspiration often sparks from real-world historical anomalies, architecture, and the dark corners of folklore.You don't hit a 30-book bibliography by waiting around for inspiration to strike. Victoria pulls back the curtain on her daily routine, giving Beans, Gaz, and the listeners a realistic look at her writing schedule. She discusses:The discipline of daily word-count goals.How she manages to balance plotting complex, multi-book series while keeping her standalone projects fresh.The reality of being an indie author, where writing is only half the battle alongside editing, formatting, and marketing.Beans and Gaz are always curious about workflow, prompting a great segment on what helps Victoria maintain intense focus. From curated ambient playlists that match the mood of her gothic or Victorian settings, to the exact environment she needs to block out the noise of the modern world, Victoria shares her personal "focus hacks" that keep her fingers flying across the keyboard.Shifting gears from fiction to reality, the guys ask Victoria about her dabbling in the true crime genre. She explains the profound differences between inventing a fictional vampire antagonist and researching real-world crime. It’s a fascinating look at how a fiction writer adapts to the rigid, fact-heavy boundaries of non-fiction.Find Victoria online :Home | thecountessvictorialszulcauthortallboyradio.com
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#TBR339 - The Texas Invasion
2w ago01:17:50Tap to summarizeGrab a cold one and settle in, because this week the Tall Boy studio is absolutely packed to the rafters. Hosts Beans, Gaz, and Andy are back together, but they’ve brought some serious southern hospitality along for the ride. Joining the crew all the way from the Lone Star State are Beans’ cousin Beau and his legendary pals Kevin and Ron.The boys are fresh off an epic, whirlwind road trip that saw Beans playing tour guide to three Texans on a historic, beer-soaked journey starting in the heart of London and winding all the way up to the historic streets of Edinburgh.The episode kicks off with the guys landing in London and immediately hitting the bricks. Beau, Kevin, and Ron give their unfiltered first impressions of the UK, before Beans recounts leading them into the dark history of the East End on a chilling Jack the Ripper tour. From there, things took a more musical turn with a mandatory pilgrimage to the iconic Abbey Road crossing (yes, shoes stayed on).But you can't have a Tall Boy road trip without proper pubs, and London delivered. The guys break down their favorite historic watering holes:Finding the hidden gem that is Ye Olde Mitre.Sipping pints at The George, walking the exact same floorboards where Charles Dickens used to drink.Paying respects at The Dolphin, a pub that literally survived being bombed in World War I.Indulging in some candlelit atmosphere and plenty of wine at Gordon’s Wine Bar.Next, the crew heads out of the capital. In Windsor, they skipped the usual royal fanfare to hunt down excellent craft beer, hitting up the local independent scene including the fantastic Indie Rabble brewery.Moving on to Oxford, the boys drank in the historic shadows of the university at the legendary Lamb & Flag and tucked themselves away in the hidden courtyard of the Turf Tavern.Then... things got weird in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Expecting a quaint, peaceful afternoon exploring Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the boys instead walked straight into what looked like an action movie. Beans and the Texans recount the absolute chaos of witnessing a full-on gang fight and a literal car fire right in the middle of town. Luckily, they found sanctuary in the historic Old Thatched Inn and The Garrick Inn, before settling their nerves with what they collectively agree were world-class, mind-blowing steaks at Loxley's.The road trip officially hits maximum capacity in York, where resident co-host Andy links up with the traveling circus. Andy takes the lead to talk about walking the spectacular medieval York City Walls and marveling at the towering York Minster.Of course, the history lessons quickly returned to true crime and rebellion. The guys share a pint at the very pub where Guy Fawkes was born, before heading over to The Blue Boar Inn to drink a beer right next to the spot where the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin’s body lay after his execution. To balance out the history, they also made time for a liquid tribute to indie royalty at the local Stone Roses Bar.The epic journey wraps up across the border in Scotland's capital. The boys tackle the steep cobblestones of the Royal Mile and experience the spooky, theatrical vibes of Frankenstein's monster-themed pub.Beau, Kevin, and Ron give their official, brutally honest verdicts on trying haggis for the very first time at the historic Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar, before the group stops for a dramatic pint at the infamous World's End pub. Finally, to cleanse the palate after weeks of traditional ales, the trip concludes on a modern high note: puckering up for some incredible, fruit-forward sour beers at Vault City’s cozy taproom, the Wee Vault.It’s an episode full of historical deep dives, culture shocks, near-death experiences, and a truly staggering amount of beer.tallboyradio.com
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#TBR338 - A Tall Boy of Terror
3w ago01:12:39Tap to summarizeGrab your popcorn and lock your doors, because this week Beans and Gaz are turning the lights down low. The boys are joined in the studio by horror aficionados Chris and Jake Montejunas—the masterminds behind the Supernatural Collaborations Media podcast and Iron Rose Customs LLC.As it turns out, all four grew up watching gore, ghosts, and ghouls from a criminally young age, and it’s time to put that childhood trauma to good use. The crew dives headfirst into the ultimate horror debate: When it comes to the holy trinity of slashers, who reigns supreme? Is it the silent, calculated evil of Michael Myers, the relentless brute force of Jason Voorhees, or the quip-heavy nightmare fuel of Freddy Krueger?The conversation gets bloody as they dissect the evolution of the genre, pitting the golden age of practical special effects against the glossy, modern world of CGI. Plus, they tackle the age-old question: Do horror remakes ever actually match up to the original masterpieces?Wait, did we actually forget Clive Barker? The guys address the Cenobite in the room and debate whether they intentionally left out Hellraiser and Nightbreed, or if they just got distracted by things that go bump in the night.Intermingled with the cinematic debates is a treasure trove of odd trivia—including the terrifying true story that loosely inspired Wes Craven to create A Nightmare on Elm Street. Finally, the crew veers way off the beaten horror path to discuss the "regular" mainstream movies that somehow managed to scare the absolute bejesus out of them.It’s a hilarious, nostalgic, and occasionally spine-chilling episode you don't want to miss!The Big Three: Breaking down Michael vs. Jason vs. Freddy.Practical vs. Pixels: Why 80s special effects still hold a special place in our hearts over modern CGI.The Remake Curse: Can a reboot ever capture the lightning in a bottle of the original?Horror Lore: The real-life medical mystery behind Freddy Krueger's origin.Unexpected Terror: Non-horror movies that left us scarred for life.Follow our guests:InstagramInstagramtallboyradio.com
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#TBR337 - The Civil War Chronicles
4w ago01:05:43Tap to summarizeGrab a cold one and settle in! In this episode of Tall Boy Radio, host Beans sits down with a man who lives a fascinating double life. By week, he’s navigating modern British life; by weekend, he’s stepping into the wool uniform of a Union soldier, stepping through a portal straight into the 1860s.Beans is joined by Darren Rawlings, host of the American Civil War and British History Podcast, to explore the vibrant, meticulous, and surprisingly robust world of American Civil War re-enactment right here in the UK. If you’ve ever wondered why someone would spend their weekends sleeping in canvas tents, cooking over open campfires, and trading the British drizzle for the smoke of black powder battles, this is the episode for you.From the UK to the Union Army:How does a British history enthusiast find themselves fighting the Confederacy on weekends? Darren shares his personal journey into the hobby, breaking down the UK re-enactment scene and explaining exactly how curious newcomers can get involved, find a regiment, and get started.The Arsenal (The Weapons & Gear):Darren takes us through the heavy-duty gear and authentic weaponry used to recreate these historic clashes. From the weight of the Springfield rifle to the logistics of handling black powder safely, we get a fascinating look at the kit that makes the experience so visceral.A Weekend in the Life of a Reenactor:It’s not just about the battles. Darren paints a vivid picture of a typical re-enactment weekend. He takes Beans behind the scenes of the living history camps, detailing the strict adherence to authenticity, the camaraderie around the campfire, the morning drills, and the sheer adrenaline of the public battle displays.Lessons from the Past:Beyond the smoke and uniforms, what does living history actually teach you? Darren reflects on what this immersive hobby has taught him about human nature, the harsh realities of the 19th-century soldier, and how stepping backward in time has changed his perspective on the present.Darren Rawlings is a podcaster, historian, and dedicated living history reenactor. As the voice behind the American Civil War and British History Podcast, Darren specializes in bridging the gap between transatlantic histories, exploring the deep and often overlooked connections between Great Britain and the American Civil War. On the weekends, he can be found on battlefields across the UK, keeping history alive in full Union blue.Listener Note: Whether you are a hardcore history buff, a casual fan of unique hobbies, or just love a great chat between two passionate guys, this episode offers a funny, insightful, and deeply appreciative look at a subculture you won't want to miss.Hit play, subscribe to Tall Boy Radio, and let’s march!Find Darren's website hereHome | American Civil War & UK Historyand his youtube(137) American Civil War & UK History - YouTubePlease also check out the Southern Skirmish AssociationHome - Soskantallboyradio.com
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#TBR336 - To Protect and to Serve
Jul 301:30:22Tap to summarizeIn this compelling episode of the Tall Boy Radio podcast, host Beans sits down for an intimate, high-stakes conversation with Niles Gooding, a former DEA Special Agent and the voice behind the Reasons We Serve podcast.This isn't just a recap of "war stories"; it’s a deep dive into the psychological and emotional landscape of a life spent on the front lines of the war on drugs.Niles opens up about his personal path to the DEA, detailing the drive that leads a person to pursue one of the most dangerous federal law enforcement roles in the world. He and Beans discuss:The Transition: The mental shift required to go from civilian life to the rigorous world of federal investigations.The Weight of the Badge: What it feels like to finally step into the field with the authority—and the target—that comes with being a DEA agent.One of the highlights of the episode is Niles’s candid reflection on the "grey areas" of the job. He provides a fascinating look at:The Informant Dynamic: The delicate, often transactional, and sometimes volatile relationships between agents and the sources they rely on to dismantle cartels.Undercover Realities: The toll of maintaining a dual identity. Niles shares what it’s like to operate in environments where one slip-up can be fatal, and the psychological "mask" agents must wear to survive.The conversation takes a poignant turn as Niles and Beans explore the "crux" of why he served. They move beyond the adrenaline of the bust to discuss:The Toll on the Beat: How years of service affect the average officer or agent, from the "compassion fatigue" to the physical and mental wear and tear.Universal Themes: Niles discusses his own podcast, Reasons We Serve, and the common threads he has discovered among his guests. Whether they are military veterans or first responders, the themes of sacrifice, identity loss, and the search for purpose after the uniform are universal.The Journey: From Aspirant to AgentLife in the Shadows: Informants and Undercover WorkThe Human Cost: The "Crux" of ServiceThis episode of Tall Boy Radio is a must-listen for anyone interested in the true reality of law enforcement, the intricacies of undercover work, and the enduring human spirit that drives people to serve despite the cost.Find The Reasons We Serve on YouTube(111) Reasons We Serve - YouTubeFind Reasons We Serve on SpotifyReasons We Serve: Police Careers & Experience | Podcast on SpotifyEpisode 100 of Reasons we serveMedal of Honor Nominee Navy SEAL RJ Thomas | Vietnam War Hero & Navy Cross Recipient | Ep. 100 - Reasons We Serve: Police Careers & Experience | Podcast on Spotifytallboyradio,com
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#TBR335 - Whisker Wisdom with Evan
Jun 2600:56:27Tap to summarizeGrab your combs and settle in. This week on Tall Boy Radio, Beans is joined by a man who knows exactly how to frame a face—whether it’s through a high-end Leica lens or a set of 301 lashes. Evan Fowler joins the show to bridge the gap between rugged masculinity and high-glam maintenance.We’re diving deep into the art and science of facial hair care. For some, it’s a hobby; for others, like Evan, it’s a canvas. From the corporate stubble to the "wizard-tier" beard, we break down how to keep your face looking intentional rather than accidental.Tools of the Trade: We cut through the marketing noise to find out what you actually need. The Product Gauntlet: Oil, balm, or wax? We discuss the chemistry of grooming. Learn why "high-street" scents can sometimes do more harm than good and why hydration starts at the skin level, not just the hair.A Style for Every Face: Not every jawline is built for a Van Dyke. We discuss how to identify your face shape and choose a style that complements your features.The "Different" Tax: Despite living in 2026, prejudice against unconventional facial hair—and the people who wear it—still lingers. Evan shares his personal experiences navigating the professional photography world and the drag scene, discussing the courage it takes to defy the "standard" look.The episode wraps up with a masterclass in perspective. Drawing from his years behind the camera, Evan shares his golden rule for grooming (and life): Don't sweat the small stuff. > We obsess over symmetry. But in the real world? Nobody is looking at your beard with a magnifying glass. If one side is a millimeter shorter than the other, breathe. Support Tall Boy Radio: If you enjoyed the episode, leave us a five-star review and tell a friend. Stay scruffy, stay smooth, and most importantly, stay you.tallboyradio.com
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#TBR334 - The Street Crime Detective
Jun 1901:01:51Tap to summarizeIn this gripping second installment, the Tall Boy Radio studio welcomes back a true titan of law enforcement history: Retired Lt. Cmdr. Vernon Geberth. Hosts Beans and Gaz dive deep into the formative years of the man who literally wrote the book on homicide investigation.This episode takes us back to the gritty streets of Queens, where a young Geberth found himself at a professional crossroads. Despite a record that spoke for itself, Vernon opens up about the sting of being passed over for promotion to Sergeant by a biased superior—a setback that only served to fuel his relentless drive to tackle the borough’s most dangerous elements.The Misfire Miracle: In perhaps the most chilling moment of the interview, Vernon recounts a face-to-face encounter with a perpetrator that should have been his last. With a gun pressed against him and the trigger pulled, he discusses how a mechanical failure—a faulty firing pin—reinforced his unwavering faith in God and kept him in the fight.The Urban War: Geberth provides a raw, boots-on-the-ground perspective of the 1970s conflict with the Black Liberation Army, describing an era of policing that felt less like a job and more like a domestic insurgency.Taking Down Giants: From high-speed car chases through the narrow corridors of New York to the physical reality of subduing 6'8" villains, Vernon shares the adrenaline-fueled reality of street crime enforcement.Mafiosi and Murderers: We hear the stories of arresting made men and navigating the complex social hierarchies of the Queens underworld, where the stakes were always life and death.This isn't just a collection of "cop stories." It’s a masterclass in resilience, faith, and integrity. Vernon Geberth discusses how he maintained his moral compass while operating in a world of extreme violence and systemic bias. Whether you are a true crime aficionado, a student of history, or someone looking for a story about overcoming professional adversity, this conversation delivers."I wasn't just fighting the guys on the street; sometimes I was fighting the guys behind the desks. But I knew my purpose." — Lt. Cmdr. Vernon GeberthGrab a cold one, settle in, and listen to a legend recount the wars he won before he ever became the 'Master of Homicide.'You can buy Vernon's book hereTHE GODFATHER OF HOMICIDE SECOND EDITION: VERNON J. GEBERTH A COP'S COP: Amazon.co.uk: CARDILLO, VINCE, LAWLESS, LINNY, PIRRO, JEANINE: 9798343415780: Bookstallboyradio.com
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#TBR333 - The Fool's Journey
Jun 1201:03:51Tap to summarizeSynchronicity is a funny thing. When the "on-air" light flickered to life for Episode 333, none of us realized the clock had struck exactly 3:33 PM EST. Was it a fluke, or was the universe leaning into the microphone?In this landmark episode, Beans and Gaz are joined by the insightful Evan Gray for a deep dive into the cosmic connective tissue that binds us all. We start at the beginning—literally—by deconstructing the Tarot’s "Fool’s Journey." We explore how every one of us is currently walking that path, tumbling through the Arcana as we navigate the leap of faith into the unknown.The Ego vs. The Infinite: We get honest about what spirituality actually means in the modern world. The trio discusses the constant battle to keep the ego from "backseat driving" our spiritual growth, whether you're practicing Christianity, occultism, or anything in between.The Shared Human Experience: From personal revelations to the moments that shattered our old worldviews, we share the experiences that shaped our individual faiths. It turns out, no matter the label, the core search for meaning is universal.From Dust to Stars: We pivot from the internal to the external, looking at humanity’s place in the cosmos. We discuss the implications of man in space and look back at the Ancient Egyptians—the original masters of aligning the earthly with the divine.A Pilgrimage to the Pillars: Beans and Gaz reflect on their separate journeys to Stonehenge. They share the raw, unfiltered feeling of standing amongst the megaliths and what that ancient site whispered to them about time, heritage, and the energy of the land."Spirituality isn't about being 'right'—it's about being open. The moment the ego decides it has all the answers, the journey of the Fool stops."Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just someone looking for a bit of signal in the noise, this episode is a reminder that we are all wandering, all learning, and all tied together by a thread that started long before the pyramids were built.Grab your headphones and join us for the journey.Find Evan onlineThe Fools Reading – Evan Gray Tarot and Psychic Readingstallboyradio.com
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#TBR332 - Escape from Ohio
Jun 501:04:10Tap to summarizeGrab a cold one and mind the lock—this week, Beans and Gaz are joined by a woman who spends her days (and nights) watching people struggle, celebrate, and occasionally panic in the name of fun. We are diving deep into the world of immersive entertainment with Cheryl Boggs, the mastermind behind Ohio’s premier puzzle destination, The Sweet Escape Rooms.Cheryl pulls back the curtain on the "God View," sharing the unique thrill of being the person behind the monitor. From the pure dopamine hit of a group solving a "near-impossible" puzzle to the hilarious (and often baffling) logic players use when the clock is ticking down, Cheryl explains why she never gets tired of watching the chaos unfold.What separates a world-class room from a dusty basement with a few padlocks? Cheryl walks us through her professional philosophy, covering:The Inception: Where do the themes come from? Cheryl shares her process for dreaming up narratives that feel like living movies.The Build: The grit behind the glamour. We discuss the engineering, the tech, and the physical labor required to turn a blank room into a fully realized environment.The "Secret Sauce": Why atmosphere and storytelling are just as important as the puzzles themselves.Whether you’re a "prop-destroyer" or a "silent-sleuth," Cheryl has seen your type before. She breaks down:Success Strategies: How to actually beat the clock (Hint: Communication is king).The Evolution of the Industry: From basic locks to high-end automation and "Gen 3" rooms.Funny Business: Cheryl shares a few of her favorite "What were they thinking?" stories that have happened inside her walls.Find the sweet escape rooms online The Sweet Escape Room & Axe Throwing Harrison Ohand on facebook(1) Facebooktallboyradio.com
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#TBR331 - Gone Geocachin' with Logan Poleon
May 2901:03:34Tap to summarizeIn this high-energy episode of Tall Boy Radio, Beans sits down with a guest who knows a thing or two about precision, endurance, and the thrill of the hunt. Joining us is Logan Poleon, better known to the community as the Geocaching Ninja.While Logan is a fierce competitor in the Ninja Warrior leagues—mastering salmon ladders and warped walls—he spends his "downtime" navigating the world’s largest treasure hunt. Today, he’s trading the obstacle course for the GPS coordinates to give us the ultimate deep dive into the world of Geocaching.Beyond the Blue Dot: Logan explains how to truly master the Geocaching app. If you’re just using it to find the nearest container, you’re missing out. Learn about filters, offline maps, and the hidden features that turn a casual stroll into an elite expedition.The Art of the Hide: Thinking of placing your own cache? It’s not as simple as dropping a Tupperware box in the woods. Logan breaks down the ethics, maintenance, and creative considerations you need to master before, during, and after you hit "publish."The Power of Community: From local meetups to the massive scale of Mega Events, discover why the social side of geocaching is just as rewarding as the finds themselves.Gamifying the Hunt: Drawing from his Ninja Warrior background, Logan discusses how to bring a competitive edge to the hobby—tracking stats, chasing milestones, and pushing your physical limits to reach those "Difficulty 5" terrain caches.The Ninja’s Gear Bag: Don't get caught unprepared! Logan shares his essential kit list—from "Tools of the Trade" (TOTT) to the safety gear every serious cacher should carry.Logan Poleon is a multi-discipline athlete and geocaching advocate. Whether he’s competing in Ninja Warrior or trekking miles into the wilderness to find a micro-cache, Logan brings a unique blend of athleticism and analytical thinking to everything he touches.Check out Logan on InstagramInstagramtallboyradio.com
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