The Front Row Network

The Front Row Network welcomes independent wrestler, Max St Giovanni. Brandon and Max discuss his origins in acting before making his way to the squared circle. The two discuss the importance of storytelling & character in wrestling as well as Max's love of cinema. 

Brandon welcomes professional wrestler Erik Surge to the Front Row Network. The two discuss Erik's inspiration in getting into the business. They also chat about the highlights of his career and goals for the future.  

Brandon chats with independendant professional wrestler Bryce Cannon. Bryce chats about his origins, and the creation of the Frat Daddy character. He also discusses his approach to being a heel and working a crowd. 

The Front Row Network welcomes independent professional wrestler, Bam Bam Malone. Brandon and Bam Bam chat about his early days in wrestling and several career highlights. They also chat about his goals and philosophies on the business. 

Front Row Classics welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Holley Snaith to celebrate 1937's Shall We Dance. Brandon and Holley chat about the ongoing legacy of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The two also discuss how the music of George and Ira Gershwin contribute to the charm of one of Astaire & Rogers' most unusual films in terms of plot. Standards such as "They All Laughed", "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me" remain one of the lasting makrs this film has made on popular culture. 

The Front Row Network welcomes 'The Now', Vik Dalishus and Hale Collins. Brandon recently sat down with both Vik and Hale seperately to chat about their careers in wrestling. Both talk about the origins of their tag team partnership as well as the day-to-day running of Awesome Championship Wrestling.

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back Kate Luckinbill. Brandon and Kate are discussing the newly expanded edition of her grandfather, Desi Arnaz's, memoir. "A Book: The Outspoken Memoirs of the Man Who "Loved Lucy"―and Revolutionized Television" gives invlauable insight into the humor and heart of one of the true pioneers in the entertainment industry. Brandon and Kate discuss the trauma Desi experienced as child and his immigration to the U.S. They also chat about his zest for life and love of storytelling. "A Book: The Outspoken Memoirs of the Man Who "Loved Lucy"―and Revolutionized Television" with exclusive new material and commentary from Lucie Arnaz is available from Running Press wherever books are sold.  Kate Luckinbill has spent her life surrounded by show business and that guided her initial foray into acting. She graduated from the University of Miami Theatre Conservatory with a BFA and went on to write and perform her own one-woman show, Love, or Lack Thereof. After retiring from the stage at 25, Kate took another path, into the corporate world as a creative recruiter for the Fortune 50 and working with Snapchat, Amazon, Minecraft, and more. She has since found the balance of both worlds, working with her mother, Lucie, to maintain the Arnaz/Ball/Luckinbill legacies and estates, while also creating media such as a live audio production of an episode of The Twilight Zone. She has one beautiful son, Jeffrey Dodge.

The Front Row Network welcomes three competitiors in tomorrow night's Return of the Champions show for Midwest Wrestling Coaliton at ALTON WOOD RIVER SPORTSMAN CLUB in Godfrey, Illinois. Brandon chats with "The Ballistic" Brent Meyers, 'The Rocket' Luke Anthony and "The Hobo" Bugs Moran. All three give Brandon their backgrounds in wrestling, career highlights and preview tomorrow night's show.   Doors open tomorrow evening at 4pm with bell time at 5pm. You can check out tickets at https://midwestwrestlingcoalition.com/tickets.

The Front Row welcomes the new OVW Media Champion, Ashton Adonis. Brandon and Ashton discuss his journey to this point as well as his plans for his championship reign.

The Front Row Network welcomes professional wrestler Colossal Mile Law. Brandon and Mike chat about his origins in wrestling and character development. Mike also speaks on the importance of mental health while being out with injury. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most clever whodunnits of the 1970's. Author ,Morgan Matson, joins Brandon to take a look at 1973's The Last of Sheila. With a screenplay by Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim, this offbeat film boasts a cast including James Coburn, Raquel Welch, Richard Benjamin, Dyan Cannon and James Mason. Brandon and Morgan discuss the plot twists and clever machinations that have definitely come to inspire films like Knives Out.

Brandon welcomes 'Mr Marvelous' James Runyan to The Front Row. Brandon and James chat about his wrestling origins, career highlights and teaching the next generation of wrestlers. The two also discuss the art of podcasting as James discusses the origins of his new podcast, "Cast as Cast Can"

The Front Row Network welcomes 'The Prospector' Wes Barker. Brandon and Wes discuss his origins in wrestling, character development and the art of storytelling. Wes also discusses the inspiration for his character which can also be found in his published book, "The Ballad of the Prospector"  

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome professional wrestler Brendan Divine. Brandon and Brendan chat about his origins and beginnings in the business. They also chat about the art of tagging, storytelling and keeping all aspects of performance fresh for an audience.

The Front Row Network welcomes professional wrestler Cha Cha Charlie. He and Brandon discuss his origins in wrestling and how his cultural heritage shaped his in-ring persona. They also discuss career highlights and future plans. 

Front Row Classics welcomes back actor & filmmaker Raji Ahsan for this Valentine's Day. Brandon and Raji are celebrating the 75th anniversay of their favorite show, I Love Lucy. Instead of celebrating the greatest epsiodes, the two are deciding to highlight some of the shows they feel are most underrated. The discussion sparks a lot of fun and a couple disagreements. We hope you enjoy and let us know your thoughts!

The Front Row Network welcomes Draco: The Last Dragon. Brandon and Draco his discuss his origins in wrestling, character development and career highlight. They also go into his personal journey and learning from past mistakes.

Brandon welcomes, independent wrestler/promoter, Danny Divine to the Front Row Network. Brandon and Danny chat about his origins in professional wrestling, the art of being a tag team and career highlights. We also discuss the challenge of assembling and producing a weekly wrestling show for Millennium Pro Wrestling in southern California. 

Front Row Classics is happy to welcome back author, Chris Yogerst, to chat about one of the seminal westerns in Hollywood history. Chris recenlty penned a book for UNM Press' "Reel West" series on 1962's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Brandon and Chris discuss the impact of John Ford's eulogy to the Old West. The two break down the performances of Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles and Lee Marvin as well as the themes of fact & fiction.  "The Man Who Shot Libert Valance (Reel West)" is available from UNM Press wherever books are sold. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most singular films of the 1940s. Brandon and Peter Martin are discussing Dance, Girl, Dance from 1940. The film, directed by Dorothy Arzner, features oustanding performances from Maureen O'Hara and a scene-stealing Lucille Ball. Brandon and Peter discuss the production and themes which remain relevant in 2026

Professional wrestler Movie Myk stops by the Front Row Network. Brandon and Myk chat about his origins as a film student and his tranistion into wrestling. The two chat about his career highlights and the importance of character work in the ring.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome wrestler Tyler Copeland. Brandon and Tyler chat about his wrestling origins, career highlights and upcoming shows. Tyler also mentions his plans for once his in-ring career comes to a close.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 70th anniversary of High Society. Brandon is joined by Emmett Stanton and Ben Burke to chat about this classic musical remake of The Philadelphia Story. The three discuss the differences between the two films as well as the memorable score by Cole Porter. They also discuss the memorable performances of Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Celeste Holm and Grace Kelly (in her final film role)

The Front Row Network welcomes Mr. Crummels and Sonny DeFarge. Brandon sits down to discuss the art of professional wrestling and storytelling with both men. They also discuss the secret to a successful tag team and the origins of their characters, 

The Front Row Network welcomes Big Time Rod to the podcast. Brandon and Rod chat all about his origins in professional wrestling and the highlights of career to this point. They also discuss his major plans for the future. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the legacy of Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Brandon is joined by writer and comedian Mark Malkoff to discuss his book: "Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan's Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend". Mark has amassed Carson stories from more than four hundred individuals in one of the most comprehensive looks at this American icon. The book sets the record straight on many myths and provides one of most complete looks at Carson, the man.. "Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan's Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend" is available from Dutton wherever books are sold. Mark Malkoff is a comedian, writer, and podcast host. He has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, CNN, NPR's Weekend Edition, and for eight years hosted the popular podcast The Carson Podcast. His website can be found at www.markmalkoff.com.

The Front Row Network welcomes Mike Leavy! Mike is a producer, director and actor who has been making waves from an early age. Brandon and Mike chat about his origins as a film fan, especially horror. This background led him to forging his own career as a filmmaker and becoming a founding partner of Fuzz on the Lens Productions. You can find more information at https://fuzzonthelens.com/

Professional Wrestler Brett BuffShay joins Brandon in The Front Row. Brandon and Brett chat about his origins and the highlights of his career. Brett also discusses the best and worst aspect of wrestling. 

The Front Row Network welcomes professional wrestler APEX. Brandon and APEX chat about his origins in professional fighting and transition to wrestling. They also discuss the art of character and storytelling. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at several of the greatest scenes on trains throughout movie history. Brandon is joined, once again, by author John Malahy to rank their top 5 favorite scenes on trains in films. The two approached their lists in different ways. Brandon's focuses on Hollywood's Golden Age. John decided to take a look at scenes from films of the 1980s to coincide with his recent book, "Rewinding the 80s" from TCM and Running Press. Let us know what your picks would be. 

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back Fred Grandy, Ted Lange and Jill Whelan. Brandon and his three guests discuss their new podcast all about their time on The Love Boat. They share memories of the memorable guest stars, locations and episodes that became part of pop culture history. You can find all of the information on The Love Boat Podcast at https://www.loveboatpodcast.com/

Brandon is chatting with independent professional wrestler Thad Maximus. Brandon and Thad chat about his origins in wrestling and the creation of his frat boy character. They also chat about his goals for the future and the important of story and character. 

The Front Row Network welcomes Marshe Rockett. Brandon and Marshe discuss his journey as a professional wrestler. Topics include his origins, mentorship, being part of a tag team and career highlights. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at 1978's The Wiz on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Based off the 1975 Broadway musical, the movie features incredible performances from the likes of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor. Brandon is joined by the producer of the film, Rob Cohen to reminisce about the origins and productions of the film. Dr. Alfred Martin also returns to discuss his thoughts on the musical's themes of community, empowerment and liberation. 

The Front Row Network welcomes back professional wrestler Vinny Pacifico. Brandon and Vinny chat about his latest life & career updates. The two discuss what's coming up for him in both the wrestling and acting worlds.

The Front Row Network welcomes professional wrestler Jamie Stanley. Jamie and Brandon discuss his origins as a wrestler and highlights of his career. The two also discuss the creation of House of Champions.

The Front Row welcomes back 'The Jet' Benjamin Trust. Ben recently celebrated his in-ring return last month after nearly being out for a year with injury. Brandon and Ben discuss what his return was like and his outlook for 2026. 

Brandon is once again joined by, friend of the podcast, Robert Bellisimo to chat about 1945's The Lost Weekend. The film, directed by Billy Wilder, is one of the most honest indictments of alcoholism from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Brandon and Robert discuss the Oscar-winning performance from Ray Milland and many of the impactful moments that still resonate. You can find all of Robert's content at https://linktr.ee/Robertbellissimoatthemovies

Second-generation wrestler, Jake Redondo, joins the Front Row Network. Brandon and Jake discuss growing up around the wrestling business and forging his own way. The two also discuss the highlights of time in the ring so far. 

Front Row Classics welcomes authors Kim Luperi and Danny Reid to chat about the films essential to an understanding of the Pre-Code era of film. Kim and Danny recently penned "Pre-Code Essentials: Must-See Cinema from Hollywood's Untamed Era, 1930-1934" The book chronicles the history and context of the Hollywood production along with a selection of films that best represent the era.  "Pre-Code Essentials: Must-See Cinema from Hollywood's Untamed Era, 1930-1934" is available now from TCM and Running Press wherever books are sold.    Kim Luperi wrote her undergraduate thesis on the censorship battle of Baby Face (1933) and never looked back. Currently, she curates the @precodedotcom Instagram account and is a freelance writer for TCM. She's written for AFI Fest, the American Cinematheque, and MovieMaker Magazine and covers classic film screenings at ISeeADarkTheater.com. Kim lives with her partner in sunny Los Angeles.   Danny Reid is a librarian who has been writing about pre-Code Hollywood for over a decade at pre-Code.com. His published writing includes Murder on Celluloid: A Companion to the Hildegarde Withers Film Series and acting as editor for the essay collection Thoughts on the Thin Man. Danny has introduced pre-Code film screenings around the world and appeared on podcasts to discuss the era. He currently lives in Germany with his wife, two kids, and three very silly dogs.  

Brandon is thrilled to welcome "One in a Million" Maximilien to the Front Row. Maximilein is a true storyteller who is one of the fatest-rising stars on the indy wrestling scence. The two chat about his origins as a fan while also finding a career in screenwriting and acting. Maximilein also discusses his passion for character and storytelling within professional wrestling. Brandon and Maximilien also have a shared love of classic film and chat about everything from westerns to essential Hitchock. 

We're celebrating the birthday of Elvis Presley today with one of his best movies. Brandon is joined by Julia Ricci to discuss 1958's King Creole. The film shows a young, raw Elvis at the peak of his performances powers. The movie also gives us a glimpse into his untapped acting talents. Elvis is surrounded by a capabale cast including Carolyn Jones, Walter Matthau and Dean Jagger.   Julia Ricci is a classic film aficionado whose work celebrates the artistry and influence of Hollywood's Golden Age. With a background in festival programming, she has contributed research to FilmStruck, guested on various film podcasts, and appeared on Turner Classic Movies as a guest fan programmer. She launched an annual Noirvember series at the Kan-Kan Cinema in Indianapolis in 2023. 

Brandon welcomes professional wrestler, Mathias, to the Front Row. Brandon and Mathias chat about his fandom of wrestling growing up and how it led him to being one of the fatest-rising wrestlers on the independent scene. The two also talk about the important of character development in wrestling and his goals for the future. 

Brandon chats with indy wrestler Casey Jax. Brandon and Casey discuss his origins in wrestling and his evolution over the last few years. We also chat about thoughts/philosophies on character development and in-ring style. 

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Eric Braeden to the podcast. Braeden is most known for his portrayal of Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless since 1980. Brandon and Eric discuss his storied career in film, television and theater. We discuss his experiences with actors such as Marlon Brando, Burt Reynolds, Fernando Lamas and Raquel Welch. Eric also takes Brandon through the experience of working in daytime for 45 years. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at an underrated gothic suspense classic from 20th Century Fox. Brandon is joined by film historian Daniel Marino to chat about 1945's Hangover Square. The two celebrate the artful direction of John Brahm and the towering performance of Laird Cregar. We discuss the production history as well as the careers of co-stars Linda Darnell and George Sanders.

Happy New Year! Front Row Classics is ringing in 2026 with our friend Emmett Stanton. Brandon and Emmett are chatting about 1981's The Four Seasons. The film, written and directed by Alan Alda, is an honest and humorous look at the lives of a group of friends as they vacation together over the course of one year. We discuss the stand out performances from Alda, Carol Burnett, Sandy Dennis and Rita Moreno among the other cast members. We also discuss the recent Netflix remake series from Tina Fey.

Happy New Year's Eve from Front Row Classics. Brandon welcomes back Scott Gardner to ring in 2026 with Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. The two are taking a look at 1957's Desk Set. The film is unique to the series of Tracy/Hepburn films. It's a lighthearted romantic comedy that provides from zany holiday fun.

Brandon sits down with The Master Emir to chat about the art of wrestling. Brandon and Amir discuss his origins as a wrestling fan and various careers in writing and show business. We also talk about the development of The Master character and the need for quality storytelling and character development in wrestling. 

Front Row Classics is finishing up our holiday week with one of the most heartwarming films for this time of year. Brandon and Morgan Matson are discussing 1940's Remember the Night. The two discuss the chemistry between Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray. They also praise the script by Preston Sturges and direction by Mitchell Leisen. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most heart warming films of the 1940s. Brandon and Peter Martin are chatting about 1945's The Bells of St Mary's. Bing Crosby reprises his role as Father O'Malley from Going My Way. This time, he's joined by the incandescent Ingrid Bergman. The movie is a story of faIth and hope that rings true 80 years later. It's a perfect film to add to your holiday week viewing.