The Front Row Network

Front Row Classics welcomes back film historian & Carole Lombard biographer, Olympia Kiriakou. Brandon and Olympia are discussing 1942's To Be or Not to Be. The film, still as relevant as ever, remains a hilarious and biting satire featuring landmark performances from Lombard and Jack Benny. Brandon and Olympia also celebrate the work of director Ernst Lubitsch. 

The Front Row Network welcomes professional wrestler Brandon Aarons. Brandon chats with Aarons about his beginnings in the business and the offbeat stories he has about training. Aarons also shares the highlights of his career and his views on storytelling. 

Front Row Classics welcomes Carey Peck. Carey is the son of the legendary Gregory Peck and discusses his Father's legacy with Brandon.  Topics include Peck's memorable roles, philosophies and commitment to social justice. The two also discuss Carey's careers in politics and education.

The Front Row Network welcomes professional wrestler Landon Hale. Known as 'The Good Doctor', Brandon and Landon chat about his life as both a wrestler and chiropractor. They also discuss his thoughts and perspectives on balancing life as a wrestler and family man.

It's a little bit of horror in December as we welcome back, friend of the podcast, Ryan Bijan from Cowtown Movie Classics. Brandon and Ryan are discussing the 1960 Hammer horror classic, Curse of Frankenstein.  You can find what Ryan is up to at https://linktr.ee/CowtownMovieClassics

Front Row Classics celebrates Noirvember with a suspenseful 1954 noir from Fritz Lang. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are chatting about Human Desire. The film features strong performances from Glenn Ford, Broderick Crawford and the incomparable Gloria Grahame. Brandon and Emmett also chat about the railroad imagery and strange subtext seen throughout the movie.

Front Row Classics welcomes three special guests to discuss all aspects of show business. Brandon is chatting with Adam Huss (Actor/Writer), Adam Bucci (Actor/Producer/Business Owner) and Lesley Aletter (Stuntwoman/Actor). We discuss their respective careers & inspirations from the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond. Huss discuss his latest project called "Truth Man", a comic book superhero that speaks to today's generation. Brandon and Lesley also go into detail about her stunt career and her legendary mother, Lee Meriwether.

Happy Thanksgiving from Front Row Classics. Brandon is joined author/journalist, Maureen Lee Lenker to celebrate the classic stars we're most thankful for in 2025. Brandon and Maureen rank their top 5 Golden Age actors who have given them the most joy this year. Let us know who you're most thankful for!

Brandon is sitting down and chatting with professional wrestler, Nic Nolan. The two discuss Nic's origins as a wrestler and his thoughts on being a heel. We also discuss his thoughts on mental health and staying relevant.

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back the Czar of Noir himself, Eddie Muller. Brandon and Eddie celebrate all things film noir, including the 75th anniversaries of Sunset Blvd and The Asphalt Jungle. Topics also include coming attractions on Noir Alley and recapping the TCM Cruise. 

Front Row Classics welcomes AEW writer & host RJ City. RJ is a former professional wrestler who has maneuvered his way to the creative side in recent years. We discuss his early career and how classic film and television has influenced his creative life. Brandon and RJ also discuss the art of interviewing and his role as one of the architects in the "Timeless" Toni Storm storyline. Storm has made several appearances with Turner Classic Movies in one of the most fun crossovers in recent memory.

Front Row Classics welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Matt Duffy from Reel Gold Rundown. Brandon and Matt are counting down their personal top 5 star entrances in movies. These moments represent some of Hollywood's greatest stars at their zenith. The choices ranges from the 30s through 80s and include some of the most iconic stars in film history. 

Front Row Classics welcomes award winning host, comedian and interviewer Scott Nevins. Brandon and Scott discuss his life in entertainment and many influences. The two chat about the hundreds of interviews and events he has hosted with the likes of Mitzi Gaynor, Liza Minnelli and Carol Channing. The conversation then turns to their mutual love of movie musicals and Scott's life in Palm Springs.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the Best Picture winner of 1984. Brandon is joined by Dominic Cellini to discuss Milos Forman's Amadeus. We chat about the legendary performances of Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham (in an Oscar-winning performance) as Mozart and Salieri. Brandon and Dominic also discuss the film's incredible fusion of genres which allows it be a cut above the typical biopic, 

Brandon welcomes professional wrestler, Nick Radford, to the Front Row Network. Brandon and Nick chat about Nick's origins as a  wrestler, poet and content creator. The two discuss Nick's experiences wrestling in the Pacific Northwest and his perspective on the wrestling world. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the release of "Wicked: For Good" this week. Brandon is joined by Oz historian, Victoria Calamito. Brandon and Tori discuss her origins as an Oz historian and the last impact of The Wizard of Oz on multiple generations. We also discuss her reactions to Oz at the Sphere in Las Vegas as well as her expectations to Wicked: Part 2. You can visit The Oz Vlog and see what Tori's up to here: https://linktr.ee/theozvlog

Front Row Classics is bringing you another top 5 list. Brandon and Tristan Tapscott and ranking their top 5 favorite plays that eventually made their way to the silver screen. Our picks range from the Golden Age all the way through the present day.

Front Row Classics is chatting with another set of film podcasters today. Brandon is sitting down with Trevor George and Jonathan Jagdeo and of the 'Reel Queer' Podcast. The three are discussing their origins as film lovers. Trevor and Jonathan also discuss their shared of love creating within the film business as well as film scene in their community of Austin, TX.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the first in James Dean's trilogy of starring roles. Brandon and Peter Martin are discussing 1955's East of Eden. We discuss Dean's relationship with director Elia Kazan and how it affected his unique performance. The wonderful supporting cast includes Julie Harris, Raymond Massey and Jo Van Fleet (in an Oscar winning performance). The conversation also turns to the differences between the movie and John Steinbeck's novel. 

Front Row Classics welcomes back author, historian and journalist Jim Colucci. Brandon and Jim are discussing Jim's journey through writing about and celebrating classic and current television. They discuss Jim's experiences interviewing television legends. The conversation, then, moves to his books dedicated to The Golden Girls, All in the Family & Will & Grace. Jim also previews his upcoming book that chronicles the history of The Love Boat.

Front Row Classics will celebrating the upcoming release of Wicked Part 2 throughout the month with a series of Oz experts and enthusiasts. Brandon recently chatted with Nugent Cantileno. Nugent has worn many hats in the film industry including writing, directing, producing and production managing. The two discuss his career as well as his enthusiasm for The Wizard of Oz and other Oz properties. We also discuss his thoughts on Oz at the Sphere in Las Vegas. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating Halloween a couple days late with 1968's Rosemary's Baby. Brandon welcomes back Larry Aubrey to discuss Roman Polanski's horror classic. The two discuss the political climate which informs several of the movies themes. They also chat about the perfect casting of Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes and Ruth Gordon in her Oscar winning performance.

Happy Halloween! Front Row Classics is celebrating a century of Universal Monster Movies. Brandon and Peter Martin are commemorating the 100th anniversary of 1925's The Phantom of the Opera. The two discuss the chills and scares that still works all of these decades later. We also pay tribute to the artistry of Lon Chaney.

Front Row Classics is providing recommendations for movie viewers who prefer a less horrific Halloween. Brandon and Jessica Pickens (Comet Over Hollywood) each recommend five films that will give you just the right amount of chills this spooky season.

Front Row Classics is providing recommendations for movie viewers who prefer a less horrific Halloween. Brandon and Jessica Pickens (Comet Over Hollywood) each recommend five films that will give you just the right amount of chills this spooky season.

Front Row Classics is providing recommendations for movie viewers who prefer a less horrific Halloween. Brandon and Jessica Pickens (Comet Over Hollywood) each recommend five films that will give you just the right amount of chills this spooky season.

Front Row Classics continues its Halloween celebration with one of the best gothic suspense films of the 1940s. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are chatting 1944's Gaslight. The film is a tense, atmospheric thriller directed by the incomparable George Cukor. Brandon and Emmett discuss the Oscar winning performance of Ingrid Bergman in one of the most complex performances from an actress during the forties. The two also discuss the performances of Charles Boyer, Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury in her film debut.

Front Row Classics is kicking off Halloween week with several spooky offering. Brandon welcome Brandon Brown to discuss 1974's It's Alive. This science fiction/horror film came from the mind of Larry Cohen. Brandon and Brandon discuss the film's highlights including makeup by Rick Baker and one of the final scores by Bernard Herrmann. We also discuss Brandon's involvement with the Bernard Herrmann Archive.

The Front Row Network welcomes professional wrestler, LDJ, to the podcast. Known as The Sigma Male, LDJ has been making a name for himself in the independent circuit over the last few years. Brandon and LDJ discuss his origins in wrestling and how his persona was created. We also discuss the highlights of his career as well as his future in the business.

We're thrilled to welcome author and film professor Marsha Gordon to Front Row Classics for a deep dive into one of the most daring and progressive films of the pre-Code era: 1930's The Divorcee. Join Brandon and Marsha as they explore this groundbreaking MGM production, directed by Robert Z. Leonard, which challenged societal norms and redefined female agency on screen. At the heart of the film is the luminous Norma Shearer, whose Oscar-winning performance remains a landmark in cinematic history. We'll also shine a light on the film's stellar supporting cast and the bold themes that made The Divorcee a trailblazer in Hollywood storytelling.

Front Row Classics welcome author John Malahy to take a trip back to the 1980s. John recently authored "Rewinding the 80s: Cinema Under the Influence of Music Videos, Action Stars and a Cold War". Brandon and John discuss the decade in which cinema was first heavily influenced by pop culture. Yet, the decade remains unsung in terms of its many cinematic achievements.  "Rewinding the 80s: Cinema Under the Influence of Music Videos, Action Stars and a Cold War" is available from Turner Classic Movies and Running Press wherever books are sold. John Malahy is a film lover, a veteran of Turner Classic Movies, and a product of the 1980s. He is the author of Summer Movies: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics and the editor of Sidney Poitier: The Great Speeches of an Icon Who Moved Us Forward.

Front Row Classics welcomes Tony Maietta for the first time. Tony is an author, actor, film historian and fellow podcaster. His podcast Going Hollywood is a fun deep dive into films and television series from the Golden Age and beyond. Brandon and Tony discuss their mutual love for Lucy, What's Up Doc and Bringing Up Baby among other topics. The conversation then turns to the 50th anniversary of the legendary documentary Grey Gardens. We discuss Tony's fascination with the film which led to him authoring the book, "The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens".  You can find information about all of Tony's projects at https://tony-maietta.com/.

Front Row Classics welcomes author Laurence Mason to celebrate the art of both Alfred Hitchcock and a great drink. Maslon recently wrote "Hitchcocktails: Lethal Libations inspired by the Master of Suspense". The books pairs Hitchcock's legendary films with a cocktail appropriate for the occasion. Larry mixes both film history and mixology in an attractive package for both films fans and drink enthusiasts alike. "Hitchcocktails: Lethal Libations inspired by the Master of Suspense" is available now from Weldon Owen wherever books are sold. Laurence Maslon is an arts professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, as well as associate chair of the Graduate Acting Program. His most recent book is an updated companion volume to the PBS series Broadway: The American Musical. He is also the host and producer of the weekly radio series, Broadway to Main Street (winner of the 2019 ASCAP Foundation/Deems Taylor Award for Radio Broadcast) on the NPR station WLIW-FM. He edited the two-volume set American Musicals (1927-1969) for Library of America, as well as their Kaufman & Co., Broadway comedies by George S. Kaufman. Other books include the companion book to Come From Away, Broadway to Main Street: How Show Music Enchanted America (Oxford), The Sound of Music Companion, and the South Pacific Companion. He is the writer and coproducer of the PBS American Masters documentary, Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me, and wrote American Masters documentary Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds. He served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards from 2007 to 2010. He has written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, Opera News, Stagebill, and American Theatre. Mr. Maslon, otherwise a nice guy, mixes a mean drink.  

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome Pretty City Express (CLAS and Devin Reno) to the show. Based in the southwest, CLAS and Reno are just as charismatic & entertaining out of the ring. Brandon dives into their journey into professional wrestling as well life outside the ring. The conversation also turns to the importance of finding your passion and maintaining your mental health.      

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most popular friends in Elvis Presley's catalog. Brandon is joined by Daveyanna Garcia to discuss 1964's Viva Las Vegas. The two discuss the incredible chemistry between Presley and Ann-Margret. We also pay tribute to director George Sidney whose experience in directing MGM musicals, keeps the film moving at a fun pace. 

The Front Row Network welcome Dante Pharaoh to the podcast this week. Dante is a talented performer who has been making his name known throughout our area. This weekend, he'll be challenging Mario Pardua for the Midwest Wrestling Coalition Heavyweight Championship in Brighton, IL. Brandon and Dante discuss his origins in wrestling as well and what his ultimate goals are. You can find more information for this weekend's free show at Midwest Wrestling Coalition's Facebook and Instagram pages.

Front Row Classics welcomes author and journalist, Jennifer O'Callaghan to discuss one of Alfred Hitchcock's seminal masterpieces. Jennifer recently penned a book called "Rear Window: The Making of a Hitchcock Masterpiece in the Hollywood Golden Age". The book chronicles the origins, production and legacy of a film that remains one of the most beloved in the Hitchcock canon.  "Rear Window: The Making of a Hitchcock Masterpiece in the Hollywood Golden Age" is available from Citadel wherever books are sold.  Jennifer O'Callaghan is a freelance writer and journalist. She has worked as a reporter for Metro News, The Sundance Channel, Shaw TV, and CKUA radio in news, entertainment, and lifestyle beats. She has also appeared as a red-carpet reporter for the web entertainment site MyBroadway.com, and as host on Paradetown USA on NYC-TV. She has interviewed celebrities including Will Ferrell, Meryl Streep, and Cameron Diaz, and appeared as a featured model on The Today Show and The View. She currently lives in Toronto and can be found online at JenniferOCallaghan.com.

Front Row Classics welcomes author Samuel Garza Bernstein to the show. Brandon and Samuel are discussing his newest book, "Cesar Romero: The Joker is Wild". This is the first biography ever written on the legendary performer.  "Cesar Romero: The Joker is Wild" is available from University Press of Kentucky wherever books are sold. Samuel Garza Bernstein is a bestselling author, a Stonewall Book Award winner, and an award-winning screenwriter and playwright whose work often reflects the wild intersections of modern life. He, his husband Ronald Shore, and their pack of incorrigible dachshunds split their time between Porto, Portugal, and Los Angeles, California.

After the success of Brandon and Peter's discussion of cigarettes on film, Front Row Classics is bring you movies that are defined by alcohol. Brandon is joined by Emmett Stanton to discuss their top five drinking films. The movies discussed span multiple eras and genres. Brandon and Emmett discuss how drinking can define a film's DNA through bubbly comedy or thought provoking drama. Let us know your thoughts. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most underrated films of Humphrey Bogart's career. Brandon is joined by author and film historian Christ Yogerst to chat about 1937's Black Legion. The film, directed by Archie Mayo, is a hardboiled socially relevant film that still shocks in 2025. Brandon and Chris also discuss the risk Warner Brothers took in brining it bringing it to the screen.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome independent professional wrestler, Matthew Ennis. Brandon sits down with Matt to discuss his journey through the world of wrestling. The two talk about Matt's military background, early days in the business and his journey to joining House of Champions in Orlando, FL. We also discus his process in preparing for matches and what the future may hold.

Front Row Classics welcomes Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara to the show. Steve and Nan have their own classic Hollywood podcast called, "From Beneath the Hollywood Sign" which covers wide-ranging topics from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The two join Brandon for a deep-dive discussion on the best of Warner Brothers.

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of Alfred Hitchcock's most underrated masterpieces. Brandon welcomes author Stephen Rebello to discuss his new book, "Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock's Dazzling Subversive Masterpiece, Strangers on a Train". The book is a witty and insightful look at a film filled with quirky and eccentric performances. Brandon and Stephen also discuss the political climate surrounding the film's production in the early 1950s. "Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock's Dazzling Subversive Masterpiece, Strangers on a Train" is available from Running Press wherever books are sold. Stephen Rebello is a screenwriter and bestselling author of Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho and Dolls! Dolls! Dolls!: Deep Inside Valley of the Dolls, the Most Beloved Bad Book and Movie of All Time. He has written screenplays for Disney, Paramount, Focus Features, and others. He has written for GQ, Playboy, Movieline, Hollywood Life, Statement, More, and Cosmopolitan. Born in southern New England, he is a longtime resident of southern California.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the use of cigarettes as props in film. Brandon and Peter Martin are counting down their top 5 moments involving smoking in classic film. Directors and performers during the Golden Age knew how to use a cigarette for storytelling and dramatic purposes. Both Brandon and Peter ended up having very different takes on the topic. Let us know what you think of our lists.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Scott Brogan to the show. Scott is an author and webmaster of The Judy Room online. He recently penned "Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM", which chronicles Garland's 15-year career at the studio that made her a star. Brandon and Scott discuss the highlights of her MGM life as well as some of the rich details included in the book. "Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM" is available from Lyons Press wherever books are sold. Scott Brogan is the webmaster and author of the world-famous The Judy Room website which includes the biggest and most detailed Garland discography ever compiled. He is also the author and webmaster of the Judy Garland News & Events blog which features the resource “On This Day” series that presents thousands of images and details about Garland's life and career for each day of the year. For four years, Brogan worked as a researcher and author for the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. His program essays are cataloged by the Library of Congress and translated into several languages. He recently co-produced and wrote the liner notes for the successful “Judy at 100 - 26 Classics In Stereo” CD release. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at an unsung musical from the 1940s. Brandon is joined by film historian & content creator Harry Marks to discuss 1944's Step Lively. The movie marked the first starring role for Frank Sinatra on film. The lighthearted musical also features a score by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn. Harry also has a personal connection to the movie which we discuss in the episode. You can find Harry's content here: https://linktr.ee/hcmarks?ref=lobbyintros.com

Front Row Classics is paying tribute to the late Gene Hackman who passed away earlier this year. Brandon is joined by, friend of the podcast, Lou Hare to chat about Hackman and highlight 1974's The Conversation. Brandon and Lou discuss Hackman's body of work and his ability to remain honest in every performance. 

Front Row Classics welcomes some friends of the podcast for another top 5 list. Brandon welcomes Mary-Catherine Pazzano and Dana Harrison to rank our personal top 5 MGM Musicals. Brandon, MC and Dana bonded at the TCM Film Festival in 2024 over the genre and are bringing their opinions to the forefront. Let us know if you agree with our picks.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the legacy of Gary Cooper. Brandon recently sat down with Cooper's daughter, Maria Cooper Janis for an insightful and warm conversation. Brandon and Maria discuss growing up in Hollywood, her Father's films and finding your own voice. We also touch upon Maria's passion for the visual arts. You can find out more about Maria here: https://www.mariacooperjanis.com/

Front Row Classics welcomes three beloved cast members of The Love Boat this week. Brandon chats with Ted Lange, Fred Grandy and Jill Whelan about a play the three are currently involved with. "Lady Patriot", written and directed by Lange, is currently running off-Broadway. Fred and Jill are among the talented cast of actors. The story is based on true Civil War events which is explained within the episode. We also spend time discuss an exciting new Love Boat podcast which all three are involved. "Lady Patriot" runs through September 20th. Ticket information can be found at https://bfany.org/theatre-row/shows/lady-patriot/.  

The Front Row Network welcomes two of WOW Women of Wrestling's most charismatic superheroes. Brandon is chatting with Animal Instinct (Goldie Collins and Katarina Jinx) about the premiere of Season 4 this weekend. The three discuss Goldie and Katarina's rise in WOW as well as their performance backgrounds. They also settle the age-old question if cats and dogs really can get along. You can find Goldie and Katarina on IG at : @goldiecollins_wow  @katarinajinx_wow   WOW - Women Of Wrestling is the premier all-female sports entertainment property, co-founded and co-owned by Jeanie Buss and David McLane. Led by the inspiring larger-than-life WOW Superheroes and their in-ring rivalries, WOW is an action-packed saga showcasing supreme athleticism and empowering stories centered around uplifting women and fans of all ages around the world.    WOW airs weekly in syndication across the U.S. and on VICE TV. All episodes from seasons one, two and three can be streamed on Pluto TV's dedicated WOW channel. Seasons two and three are currently available to stream on Tubi and season two is available on Paramount+. Paramount Global Content Distribution launched an all-wrestling FAST channel called Wrestling Central available now on The Roku Channel in the U.S. and Canada featuring new weekly matches from WOW.    Fans can check their local listings and learn more about WOW on wowe.com.