Talk Is Jericho

Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer and former WCW announcer Mark Madden join for a tribute to the late Hulk Hogan. They share stories about Hogan’s incredible rise in the ‘80s, the Vince McMahon expansion era, his game-changing jump to WCW, and the infamous heel turn that created the nWo. They break down Starrcade ‘97, Hogan’s massive contract and creative control, and how he helped WCW explode – and then later implode. Chris shares personal memories from backstage beers and house shows to Hogan’s surprising praise after a Goldberg segment. They also discuss Hogan’s legacy, controversies, and why, despite it all, Hulk remains one of the most iconic figures in wrestling history.  Talk Is Jericho is now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/ChrisJerichoFozzy

Ozzy Osbourne left a massive mark on metal, and in this special tribute to the Prince Of Darkness, former Ozzy bassist Phil Soussan, Anthrax bassist Frank Bello, Warrant frontman Robert Mason (who also doubled Ozzy’s vocals live on the Ozzmosis Tour while hidden behind a tent onstage), and Metal Blade founder Brian Slagel share their favorite Ozzy stories and memories. Phil and Robert detail epic Ozzy tour stories and backstage ribs (like stink bombs, water cannons, and “old fart” birthday cards), and Frank talks about opening for Ozzy on tour and playing at Back To The Beginning. They all discuss the powerful influence of Shot In The Dark and Diary Of A Madman, Ozzy’s unmatched (and underrated) voice, his devotion to fans, the role Sharon Osbourne played in his success and survival, and the legacy he leaves behind. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/ChrisJerichoFozzy

Author Andrew Craneman spent 15+ years compiling over 70 years of music history into The Rock And Roll Almanac: A Day-By-Day Journey Through 70 Years of Legendary Music History, and he’s sharing how and why he did it! Andrew explains how a random discovery about the death of Snot’s frontman on December 11th, 2008 sparked the idea for the book, and how it evolved from a blank Word doc to a 2751-entry deep dive into rock & roll lore! He talks about growing up in Finland, falling in love with Blue Öyster Cult before he could speak English, and why Metallica’s Load was such a pivotal first CD. He shares stories about the research process, the fun and the grind of self-publishing, and how he decided what made the cut—including Keith Moon’s most outrageous moments, Temple Of The Dog’s surprising origins, and what didn’t make it in (but will in his follow-up Heavy Metal Almanac). Plus, Andrew and Jericho geek out on classic rock birthdays, band anniversaries, and what happened today in music history! Purchase TheRo

Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson join for a hilarious and revealing conversation about their new film The Naked Gun (in theaters THIS FRIDAY 8/1/25)! Liam opens up about stepping into the legendary role of Frank Drebin Jr., following in the footsteps of fellow Canadian Leslie Nielsen, and why now was the perfect time for some classic slapstick comedy. Pamela talks about her unexpected journey from Baywatch to Broadway to jazz-scat solos in The Naked Gun, and how this film represents a major career resurgence for her. They also dive into working with director Akiva Schaffer, what drew them to this zany script, and filming with a homicidal snowman! Plus, The Last Showgirl, Canadian humor, and why playing it serious is the secret to being funny. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/ChrisJerichoFozzy

Samoa Joe is Sweet Tooth, literally. The former AEW World Champion talks season 2 of Peacock’s hit action-comedy Twisted Metal, where he physically embodies the iconic ice-cream truck-driving killer clown, while Will Arnett provides the voice. Joe dives into how his pro wrestling background helped shape the body language, timing, and emotional expression needed to bring Sweet Tooth to life behind the mask, and how wrestling legends like Jushin Thunder Liger and Rey Mysterio inspired his physical performance. He talks about his wild audition tape, the adrenaline-fueled stunt work on set, and the unlikely chemistry between him and Arnett. Joe also reflects on his AEW run – from working with Hook, Shibata, and Will Hobbs, to his signature “walk away” moment that broke the internet. He discusses his departure from WWE, what went wrong (and right) during his two runs there, and why his match with Brock Lesnar remains one of his favorites. And of course, there’s talk of TNA, ROH, Kurt Angle, William Regal, and the

Carla Harvey and Charlie Benante make their first joint-appearance on TIJ to talk all about their new EP, The Violent Hour! Carla shares what it’s been like to rediscover her singing voice after years fronting Butcher Babies, and why this EP is both a personal and creative rebirth. Charlie explains how the project came together, how he ended up playing every instrument on the record, and why it reminds him of working with John Bush in Anthrax. They break down the stories behind songs like “Sick Ones,” “Hell or Hollywood,” and their Loretta Lynn cover “Portland Oregon,” working with John 5, and why Carla felt called to form an all-female live band. Plus, they share their incredible experience at Back To The Beginning – Ozzy Osbourne’s final show in Birmingham – where Charlie pulled double duty behind the kit, and Carla fan-girl’ed backstage with Steven Tyler and Ronnie Wood. You’ll also hear about their shared passion for art, and Guns N’ Roses, and Charlie gives a sneak-peak at the plans for Anthrax’s upcomin

Marc Raimondi, ESPN journalist and author of the explosive new book Say Hello To The Bad Guys and Wrestling Observer’s Garrett Gonzalez break down how the nWo didn’t just change pro wrestling, it changed pop culture, and America itself. From the night Hulk Hogan turned heel and aligned with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to Eric Bischoff’s bold vision for WCW Nitro, they detail the real-world impact of wrestling’s most iconic heel faction. Marc shares behind-the-scenes stories from his interviews with Kevin Nash, Eric Bischoff, and Scott Hall’s family, and explains why the nWo’s rise parallels the evolution of reality TV, hip hop culture, and even modern political theater. They talk about the build-up of Sting, the impact of Hogan’s full creative control, Sean Waltman’s “political” firing, Bret Hart, Goldberg, and why 1997 Starrcade was the beginning of the end of WCW. Get your copy of Say Hello To The Bad Guys: How Professional Wrestling’s New World Order Changed America: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/

Rudy Sarzo returns to relive one of the biggest honors of his career - performing at Back To The Beginning, the all-star tribute to Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham’s Villa Park. Rudy shares how Tom Morello recruited him for the show, what it was like playing nine songs alongside icons like Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler, Travis Barker, Chad Smith, Nuno Bettencourt, and Papa Emeritus IV from Ghost, and the emotion of seeing Ozzy perform live one final time. He also takes it back to his earliest days with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads - sharing the wild story of his audition, getting gifted stage clothes straight from Ozzy’s closet, and touring the world as part of one of the most powerful rock lineups of all time. He has tales of Roquefort cheese pranks on-the-road chaos, lessons learned directly from Sharon Osbourne, and of course details about the tragedy of losing Randy Rhoads that changed everything,   Talk Is Jericho is now available on YouTube! Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the

System Of A Down guitarist and songwriter Daron Malakian returns to talk about the new Scars On Broadway album Addicted To Violence, out July 18th (his birthday)! He deep dives into his songwriting process, including the wild origin of “Chop Suey,” why he prefers writing songs over shredding solos, and how Scars gives him the creative freedom and outlet SOAD no longer provides. Daron shares stories from System’s sold-out stadium tour of South America, his pride in the band’s Armenian heritage, and what it feels like to headline in front of 60,000 fans after two decades without new music. He also nerds out over pro wrestling, breaking down his love for AEW’s Timeless Toni Storm (watch the video) and Will Ospreay, plus WWE's Gunther and Chad Gable – and how wrestling directly influenced his own onstage persona. Plus, he has stories from Ozzfest, the Sunset Strip, and why he calls himself an “accidental guitar player.”  Purchase Scars on Broadway “Addicted To Violence”: https://lnk.to/ScarsOnBroadway

The new HBO documentary Pee-wee As Himself takes a revealing look at the life and legacy of Paul Reubens. Two of Paul’s closest friends, David Arquette and actor/professional wrestler RJ Skinner (aka AEW’s RJ City), join share their own personal memories and stories about Paul. From Paul’s obsession with lava lamps to his intense creative control over projects and his love of pro wrestling, David and RJ open up about the private world Paul kept tightly guarded. They talk about his frustrations with the documentary process, his final months battling illness, and his uncanny ability to turn everyday oddities into performance art. They have great stories involving David Bowie, Katy Perry, Donald Sutherland, Andy Warhol, and Paul Reubens’ infamous mugshot goatee! Talk Is Jericho is now available on YouTube! Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the

Saraya returns to share the raw, unfiltered truth behind her new memoir Hell In Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives. From surviving a rough-and-tumble childhood as part of a wrestling dynasty family to breaking barriers in WWE, and rediscovering happiness post-AEW, Saraya opens up about everything – fame, trauma, addiction, healing, and the power of telling your story. She talks candidly about ghostwriting mishaps, confronting dark moments from her past, and why she rewrote the entire book herself. You’ll hear tales about her two infamous WWE tryouts, her WWE debut where she defeated AJ Lee for the Divas Championship, getting advice from The Rock, and how a chance backstage moment at Wrestlemania ultimately changed her life. She also shares her future plans which include acting, a possible return to wrestling next year, and maybe even a second book! Purchase Hell In Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives: https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Boots-Clawing-Through-Lives/dp/1668027844 Watch Rulebreakers with S

It’s a July 4th celebration of American rock & roll with the Pod of Thunder crew - Andy, Nick, and Chris L.! They’re diving into their personal picks for the greatest American bands of all time, but this isn’t a countdown. It’s a passionate, no-rules discussion covering everyone from Van Halen, KISS, Aerosmith, and ZZ Top to the B-52s, the Beach Boys, Journey, Metallica, and the Ramones. They’re sharing personal stories, swapping favorite songs, trading trivia, and even giving props to under-the-radar icons like Black Flag, Faith No More, and the Commodores. Do you agree with their picks? Let us know in the comments (and please leave 5 stars while you’re there)! Listen to Pod Of Thunder wherever you get your podcasts! Talk Is Jericho is now available on YouTube! Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the

Author and pop culture historian Brad Gilmore returns just in time for the 40th anniversary of Back To The Future! He and Chris break down Brad’s new book, Why We Love Back To The Future, a deep dive into the making, legacy, and ongoing cultural impact of the iconic film trilogy. Brad shares behind-the-scenes stories from interviews with Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Bob Gale, Robert Zemeckis, Claudia Wells, and more. They talk casting controversies (Eric Stoltz vs. Michael J. Fox), the Broadway musical adaptation, lost scenes, Biff Tannen’s villainy, and why the original film is considered a perfect movie script by filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino. Plus, get the real story behind the lawsuit involving Crispin Glover, the DeLorean’s evolution, and the infamous “Space Zombies From Pluto” title pitch! Also, hear how Huey Lewis ended up in the film, what made the soundtrack so unforgettable, and whether a new Back To The Future project could ever happen with the blessing of the original creators.  

Downstait, known for creating some of the most iconic entrance music in pro wrestling, talks about their wild journey from Fort Wayne, Indiana to WrestleMania, AEW’s All In, and the Jericho Cruise. Zach Call, Justin Call, and Sean Arata share how they crafted Cody Rhodes’ “Kingdom,” The Miz’s “I Came to Play,” and Dr. Britt Baker DMD’s AEW theme. They reveal how a viral internet cover led to a WWE opportunity thanks to Matt Cardona. They discuss working with WWE music maestro Jim Johnston, navigating the music business as wrestling fans, and how a Dolph Ziggler Cricket Wireless ad became their biggest payday. Plus, they reflect on the surreal moment of playing Cody Rhodes to the ring in front of a sold-out AEW Revolution crowd. Talk Is Jericho is now available on YouTube! Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the

Chad Stahelski is the visionary stuntman-turned-director behind the John Wick franchise. Now, he’s pulling back the curtain on the incredible journey of making one of the most beloved action series of all time – alongside the documentary filmmakers who captured it all.  Chad along with Wick Is Pain director Jeffrey Doe and producers Josh Oreck and Gabe Roth talk about the epic new documentary that chronicles two decades of behind-the-scenes blood, sweat, and broken bones. They share never-before-heard stories about financing struggles, creative battles, and the raw physical and emotional toll of making John Wick. They discuss Keanu Reeves’ legendary work ethic, the near shutdown of the original film, how Eva Longoria helped save the first movie, and why John Wick 5 may already be in development!   Wick Is Pain is available to stream now!

It’s been 50 years since Jaws first hit theaters and changed Hollywood forever, and Ross Williams from The Daily Jaws is here to break down the legacy of the film that launched the summer blockbuster. Ross and Jericho deep dive into the making of Jaws, from the nightmare production schedule and malfunctioning mechanical shark to Steven Spielberg’s unshakable vision and John Williams’ unforgettable score. They discuss the impact of the film’s most iconic scenes and lines, the real-life inspiration behind Quint’s USS Indianapolis speech, the brilliant casting of Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw, and Roy Scheider, and how Jaws continues to influence pop culture, horror, and filmmaking to this day. Plus, Ross shares why The Daily Jaws has become the ultimate fan destination for Jaws lovers around the world. Check out The Daily Jaws:

Dr. Chris Nowinski returns with powerful updates on CTE research, nearly a decade after his last appearance. The former WWE Superstar turned neuroscientist details groundbreaking discoveries from Boston University’s brain bank, shocking data from over 400 NFL players, and how CTE has become the “punch drunk” disease of modern sports. He speaks candidly about the tragic case of Chris Benoit, violence linked to CTE, and the cultural shift in wrestling and football that’s finally addressing head trauma. Chris also reveals how WWE and AEW have embraced concussion protocols, why the NFL and NHL still resist, and what it will take to prevent, and eventually cure, this deadly, preventable brain disease. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisJerichoFozzy Thank you for supporting our sponsors! DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you text JERICHO to 64000 Rula: Go to https://rula.com/JERICHO now & connect with a license therapist who truly cares. Your mental health matters!   More from Talk

Kane Hodder is the legendary stuntman and actor who played Jason Voorhees in four Friday the 13th films – and he’s got the stories to prove it! He shares how and why he developed Jason’s signature breathing, his favorite kill scenes (including that iconic sleeping bag slam), and what it was like to stalk New York’s Times Square in full costume. Kane also details the near-fatal fire stunt early in his career that left him with burns over 50% of his body, and how he not only survived but came back stronger. Plus, he talks Jason X, Hatchet, and why he still feels a deep connection to horror’s most silent slasher.   Talk Is Jericho is now available on YouTube!

Ralph Macchio talks four decades of The Karate Kid legacy – from the original 1984 film to Cobra Kai and the brand-new Karate Kid: Legends movie (in theaters now!). Ralph shares behind-the-scenes stories about the very first pitch he heard for Cobra Kai, his initial reaction to the idea, and how the creators won him over with their love and respect for the franchise. He also reveals how Cobra Kai brought together multiple generations, became a pandemic-era hit, and turned Johnny Lawrence into one of the most compelling redemption arcs on TV. Plus, Ralph opens up about his time filming The Outsiders with Francis Ford Coppola, his emotional connection to Johnny Cade, and what it meant to perform some of the film’s most iconic scenes. Hear about his memorable role in My Cousin Vinny, his time on Dancing With The Stars, and what it's like carrying the Daniel LaRusso character into the next cinematic era.  Thank you for supporting our sponsors! DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you text JERICHO to 64

Legendary broadcaster Maury Povich shares incredible stories from his career including his early days in radio covering JFK’s assassination and the civil rights movement, breaking barriers with A Current Affair, and becoming a daytime talk titan with The Maury Povich Show. He discusses the origins of his iconic “You ARE the father!” moment, how he kept the show fresh for 31 seasons, and the surprising phobias, paternity tests, and viral moments that defined his legacy. He also talks about launching his new podcast On Par with Maury Povich, why podcasting reminds him of his early interview days, and what it’s like collaborating with his wife, fellow news icon Connie Chung (aka “The Chunger”). He has stories about Jerry Springer and Shaquille O’Neal, and fraternal twins with different dads! Plus, find out which interviews stand out most from his legendary career and how he stays so sharp at 86-years-young! Watch On Par with Maury Povich on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onparpod Full episodes of TIJ avail