The Front Row Network

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome performer/singer, Charlie High. Charlie is a New York-based performer who has a true appreciation for golden age show business and the Great American Songbook. Brandon and Charlie discuss his origins as a performer, the love of entertainment and the best of Broadway. They also discuss his upcoming performance of "Charlie Sings Judy" a celebration of "Judy at Carnegie Hall". Charlie High is a New York City–based performer whose work has been seen Off-Broadway and in national tours, regional theatres, and concert halls throughout the United States. He is the creator and star of Charlie Sings Judy, a celebration of Judy Garland's landmark 1961 Carnegie Hall concert. He appeared in the national tours of The Producers and Lincoln Center Theater's acclaimed production of My Fair Lady, directed by Bartlett Sher. He has performed with symphony orchestras across the country, including the Utah Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, and North Carolina Symphony. @heycharliehigh 

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back Turner Classic Movies Host, Dave Karger. Dave has recently penned, "50 Movie Nights: Contemporary Stars on Their Favorite Classics Films". The book features insightful and warm conversations with 50 notable entertainment figures discussing their favorite classic films. Brandon and Dave chats about his experiences speaking with stars like Paul Rudd, Carol Burnett, Sarah Jessica Park, Anderson Cooper and Molly Shannon. The movies picked range from the entire history of film with titles like The Wizard of Oz, The Way We Were, Almost Famous and High Noon. "50 Movie Nights: Contemporary Stars on Their Favorite Classics Films" is available from TCM and Running Press wherever books are sold. 

Front Row Classics welcomes back our friend, Mayukh Sen and author, Charlotte Druckman. The two have penned a fascinating cultural analysis and celebration of the art of soap operas. "Love in the Afternoon, and Evening: Essay and Conversations on Soap Operas" is a love-letter to an often misunderstood genre. Brandon, Mayukh and Charlotte discuss how soaps helped to establish the current trend of serialized storytelling along with its classic film origins. Charlotte Druckman is an award-winning writer, author of Skirt Steak, and creator of the collection Women on Food. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and New York Magazine, among others. She lives in New York, where she was born and raised. Mayukh Sen is the author of Love, Queenie―a finalist for the 2025 National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography―and Taste Makers. He is a 2026 United States Artists Fellow and teaches film and television reporting and criticism at New York University. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the film career of James Mason. Brandon is joined by friend of the pod, James Duke Mason (grandson of James Mason), and author Madeline King Porter. Madeline has recently penned a wonderful examination of Mason's life and career. "James Mason: The Movie Star Hollywood Forgot" is now available from University Press of Mississippi. The book has been a decade in making, and provides illuminating insight on Mason from many who worked with him. Madeline King Porter is the best-selling coauthor of more than thirty mystery, historical, family saga, and modern romance novels and the first-ever winner of the Romance Writers of America's Award for Mainstream Historical Romance for The Day Beyond Destiny. Her travel stories have appeared in publications throughout Southern California, including the Los Angeles Times.

Front Row Classics is celebrating 500 episodes. We're taking it a little simpler. Brandon is solo for this episode. He'll be answering questions from listeners and regular contributors to Front Row Classics while also giving some thoughts about what the show has meant to him.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome the new WOW-Women of Wrestling champion, Santana Garrett. Brandon and Santana chat about her journey in professional wrestling that led to her to this particular moment. Santana also chats about the empowerment of being in a locker room full of women. She also sends a message for anyone wanting to challenge her for the championship. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most underrated romantic melodrama's of the 1930s. Brandon is joined, once again, by author and film professor Marsha Gordon. Brandon and Marsha are chatting about 1936's Next Time We Love. Based on Ursula Parrott's novel, the film features the wonderful Margaret Sullivan, Jimmy Stewart (in his first leading role) and Ray Milland. Brandon and Marsha discuss the origins, casting and highlights of their overlooked gem.

The Front Row Network welcomes professional wrestler, The 'Real Deal' Carl Steele. Brandon and Carl discuss his wrestling origins, career highlights and life philosophies that define in in-ring persona. 

The Front Row Network welcomes two-time OVW Women's Champion, Shaloncé Royal . Brandon and Shaloncé discuss her origins in wrestling as well as her other passion, music. The two also chat about her career highlights and the importance of storytelling in wrestling. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at a classic pre-code film from Warner Brothers. We're discussing Night Nurse from 1931. Brandon is joined once again by author Andre Darlington. Andre is the author of "Forbidden Cocktails", released in 2024 by TCM and Running Press. Brandon and Andre discuss the film which includes a tour-de-force from Barbara Stanwyck. The two also discuss the fine support from Joan Blondell and an early performance from Clark Gable. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome host and commentator Nigel Zane. Nigel is one of the charismatic commentators of WOW-Women of Wrestling. He is also the official host of the WOW podcast. Brandon and Nigel talk about his origins in broadcasting and his lifelong wrestling fandom. They also talk about the highlights of his time in WOW.  

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the life of Roddy McDowall Brandon is joined by Samuel Garza Bernstein to discuss his book, "Roddy McDowall: An Actor's Life -- From "How Green Was My Valley" to "Lassie" to "Planet of the Apes". The two chat about Roddy's remarkable acting career as well as his passion for movies and photography. They also discuss his ability to become best friends with almost every major Hollywood figure of the 20th century.

We're celebrating Labor Day weekend with Katharine Hepburn. Brandon is joined by Scott Gardner and Peter Martin to discuss 1955's Summertime. The three discuss the beautiful Venice locations and sensitive direction from David Lean. The discussion also focuses on the acting clinic provided by both Hepburn and Rossanno Brazzi.

We welcome back our friend Danny Divine to preview tonight's Anniversary Spectacular for Millennium Pro Wrestling. Brandon and Danny preview all of the A-list matches including his "decade-in-the-making" MPW championship match with Daniel Moon. 

The Front Row Network is excited to catch up with MPW's Daniel Moon. A couple weeks ago, Brandon and Daniel chatted before his big championship match with Diego Valens. Since then, Daniel has been on a championship run where he'll collide with friend, Danny Divine this evening at MPW's Anniversary Spectacular. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome back professional wrestler, Joey Silver. Brandon and Joey discuss his recent title win with House of Glory. They also discuss his participation tonight at Fall Out in Los Angeles this evening.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most harrowing and thought provoking films in history. We're discussing 1961's Judgement at Nuremberg, directed by Stanley Kramer. Brandon is ,once again, joined by author and film historian Chris Yogerst. Brandon and Chris discuss the origins and background of the film as well as the all-star cast including Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster and Maximilian Schell in his Oscar winning role.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Juliet Prowse, niece to the legendary entertainer Juliet Prowse. Juliet has penned a wonderful tribute to her aunt called "Juliet Prowse: Born to Dance: The Extraordinary Life Story of My Aunt". Brandon and Juliet chat about her aunt's upbringing in South Africa and what led her to the US. The two also discuss her love of the dancer's life as well as her relationships with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.   Juliet Prowse never intended on becoming an author, but when she spotted a little red suitcase in her parents' attic, full of articles about her famous aunt, the dancer/entertainer Juliet Prowse, she just wanted to tell this story. As a communications professional with a BSc and MBA, Juliet was used to writing, but to ensure the authenticity of her aunt's biography, Juliet researched extensively, reading 1000 letters/articles and interviewing many who worked with Juliet. Known as big Juliet and little Juliet in the Prowse household, little Juliet inherited her aunt's athleticism and became a South African runner. She lives in Cape Town where she is an avid theatregoer and sports lover. Juliet Prowse: Born to Dance was an Exclusive Books Recommends book in May 2025 and covered in South Africa: On radio: Cape Talk, Hot FM, Fine Music Radio - both Book Choice and Invitation to Dance, Radio Sonder Grense In print/online: Mail and Guardian, Financial Mail, Sarie, The Herald, Die Burger, IOL In the US, Juliet has featured on the podcasts: Forgotten Hollywood; Lights, Camera, Author!, The Author's Show with others forthcoming Juliet Prowse: Born to Dance is a love letter to her aunt.    

The Front Row Network welcomes independent wrestler, Sawdust. He and Brandon discuss his wrestling origins, career highlights and his latest move to the Northeast. 

The Front Row Network is happy to welcome back our friend LDJ. Brandon and LDJ catch up on his 2026 and discuss how he prepares for matches. The two also chat about his latest feuds. 

Front Row Classics welcomes television historian Thomas J. Watson. Tom is also a former publicist and production assistant who worked closely with Lucille Ball and has contributed a great deal to her television legacy. This great discussion is a celebration of the Lucy Legacy. Brandon and Tom chat about his origins as a TV fan which led him to New York City and ultimately Los Angeles. They, then his founding of the We Love Lucy fan club.

Front Row Classics welcomes producer, actress, singer & journalist, Katharine Kramer. Brandon and Katharine are discussing the legacy of her father, legendary film director Stanley Kramer. The two discuss how films such as Inherit the Wind, Judgment at Nuremberg and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner still have relevance in 2026. Katherine also discusses her passion for film as well as the inception of "Kat Kramer's Films that Change the World" Her website is found at https://katharinekramer.com/          

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome filmmaker Matt Provenzano. Brandon and Matt discuss his origins as a cinephile which led to his becoming part of the business.  They also discuss his current project, "I Dream of Pizza:. You can find out more at: https://linktr.ee/mattprovenzano5

Front Row Classics is taking a look at a true guilty pleasure this week. Brandon is joined by two friends of the podcast, Tony Maietta and Ben Burke to break down 1956's The Opposite Sex. This misguided remake of The Women has an impressive cast, yet unfortunately failed to capture the same magic of the 1939 film. Yet, there is still is fun to be had within the movie. Get ready for an irreverent and hilarious conversation about an MGM musical that doesn't quite measure up.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome WOW Superhero, Xena Phoenix. Brandon and Xena discuss both her artistic and athletic background which led her to WOW-Women of Wrestling. We also discuss her love of performing and the important of manifesting. 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 Fans can check their local listings and learn more about WOW on wowe.com.

Front Row Classics welcomes back actress and content creator Cassidy Krygger. Cassidy is joined by director Jonathan Zsofi to discuss the their collaboration on the romantic short film, Love in the Moonlight. This film takes inspiration from classic Hollywood films such as The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. They take Brandon through the production process and their hopes for the future of the project. They also talk about their mutual love of classic film.   You can view the proof of concept of the film along with ways to invest/contribute here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2dIUg5N-LA

Front Row Classics is celebrating the work of legendary producer Ross Hunter. Brandon is thrilled to welcome back Paul Walsh to discuss 1960's Portrait in Black. This melodramatic suspense thriller stars Lana Turner, Anthony Quinn, Sandra Dee John Gavin and Anna May Wong in her final film performance. Brandon and Paul discuss the memorable moments of this early neo-noir as well as the glossy/campy elements that make it a fun ride.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome back independent wrestler Dante Pharoah. Brandon and Dante chat about this evening's Riverbend Rumble for Midwest Wrestling Coalition and his future plans to shake things up throughout the wrestling scene.

The Front Row Network welcomes independent wrestler, Romeo Vice. Brandon and Romeo have a lively conversation about his wrestling origins as well as being a genuine ladies man in the ring.

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome two great friends of the podcast. Brandon welcomes James Duke Mason and Vanessa O'Neil to discuss a recent experience they shared on the Warner Brothers lot. They retraced the steps of their grandparents, James Mason and Judy Garland, during the production of A Star is Brown. The three also have a candid conversation about being a part of Hollywood families and keeping the legacies alive. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome Mr. Elegance. One of TNA's fastest rising stars, Mr. Elegance chats with Brandon all about his journey in professional wrestling and the excitement of being part of TNA.  The two also chat about TNA Lockdown on Sunday, August 23, at the Credit Union 1 Arena in downtown Chicago with tickets on sale. You can also catch Thursday night iMPACT! on AMC and AMC+ (USA), Sportsnet 360 (Canada) and TNA+ (worldwide).  

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome film historian Randy Haberkamp. Randy recently retired as the Executive Vice President of the Library, Archive and Sci-Tech for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences where he held various positions for 23 years.  Brandon and Randy discuss some of his best memories from the Academy as well as his work as founder of The Silent Society which preserves the legacy of silent film. The two also discuss Randy's love of dog movies. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome rising independent wrestler, Klay Cutler. Brandon and Klay chat about his background in both the arts and athletics which led him to currently being on the roster for Millennium Pro Wrestling. He and Brandon also chat about his current injury that has him sidelined and what he most looks forward to when returning. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at another great summer movie with 1963's Jason and the Argonauts. Brandon is joined by author Christopher McKittrick to discuss this pioneering triumph in fantasy storytelling and special effects. Much of the discussion is dedicated to the legendary Ray Harryhausen whose stop-motion animation and visual effects inspired filmmakers for generations. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome independent wrestler Ronin Lavoe. Brandon and Ronin had an in-depth conversation back in May about his origins in wrestling and his in-ring journey. They also chatted about his philosophies about the wrestling business.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome wrestler Steve "El Lycan" Vazquez. Brandon and Steve discuss his origins in wrestling, thoughts on being a good heel and thoughts on the best and worst in wrestling. 

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back Dr. Taylor Cole Miller. Taylor is an assistant professor of media studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Brandon and Taylor are celebrating the 1960s sitcom, Bewitched. A favorite of both, each gives a couple favorite episodes while celebrating the impact and laughter this magical show continues to bring. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome back Steven Fuerte. Brandon and Steven discuss the recent happenings in his wrestling career including his appearances with AEW.

The Front Row Network welcomes back Mathias. Brandon and Mathias catch up on his 2026 so far. They also preview his upcoming title shot against Maximillien for the UWN Heritage Championship.

Front Row Classics welcomes stage, screen and Broadway performer, Nicolas King. Brandon and Nicolas chat about growing up loving classic film &  music. They, then discuss Nicolas' life in show business including his run as Chip in Beauty & the Beast on Broadway. Nicolas also celebrates many of the show business legends who have personally impacted his life including Liza Minnelli, Carol Burnett and Linda Lavin. 

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome legendary actress Linda Gray. Brandon and Linda discuss her upbringing in Los Angeles which led to modeling jobs and a career in acting. We chat about her most famous role as Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas as well as her connection to the iconic poster of The Graduate. Linda also explains why her passion for acting continues all these years later. 

Front Row Classics welcomes back our friend Scott Nevins. Scott is an award winning host comedian and interviewer. Brandon and Scott chat about their mutual love of Broadway musicals, Judy Garland and Hollywood history.

Front Row Classics welcomes back our friend Jeremy Arnold for another Christmas in July. Brandon and Jeremy are highlighting the unsung noir heist thriller, Cash on Demand from 1961. Set during the Christmas season, this well-written British thriller stars Peter Cushing and André Morrell in to unforgettable performances. Produced by Hammer Films, this movie is small jewel that is a fun offbeat addition to holiday viewing.

Front Row Classics welcomes back our friend Jeremy Arnold for another Christmas in July. Brandon and Jeremy are highlighting the unsung noir heist thriller, Cash on Demand from 1961. Set during the Christmas season, this well-written British thriller stars Peter Cushing and André Morrell in to unforgettable performances. Produced by Hammer Films, this movie is small jewel that is a fun offbeat addition to holiday viewing.

Front Row Classics welcomes host, actor, and content creator Justin Root. As host of "The Justin Root Show", he provides viewers a glimpse into the history of Hollywood and Los Angeles history. Brandon and Justin discuss his love of pop culture and L.A. They also chat about his memorable encounters with legends such as Carol Burnett, Betty White and Faye Dunaway. You can find "The Justin Root Show" at https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustinRootShow and https://www.instagram.com/thejustinrootshow/

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Derek Lajeunesse of The Dream Factory podcast. Brandon and Derek are celebrating the storied Arthur Freed Unit from MGM. The two discuss how MGM musicals made an impact on their lives and highlight some of the most pivotal films of that era. You can find The Dream Factory wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at a genuine comedy classic. Brandon is joined by Scott Gardner to discuss 1948's Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. The film features flawless performances from Cary Grant, Myrna Loy and Melvyn Douglas. Brandon and Scott chat about the comedic highlights and how the movie represent post-war life in the U.S. They also chat about how surprisingly relevant it is today.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of most underrated romantic epics in film history. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are commemorating the 45th anniversary of Warren Beatty's Reds. The two discuss the epic scope and big ideas on Beatty's film which also includes performances from Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Edward Herrmann and Oscar winning role from Maureen Stapleton.  The mix of art and lift permeate the film's account of the 1919 October Revolution. Brandon and Emmett celebrate both the strengths and weaknesses of a film that is due for a reassessment. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look the women of Film Noir. Brandon welcomes authors/film historians Alain Silver and James Ursini to discuss their book, "Film Noir Fatal Women" which provides a visual narrative of many of the most pivotal women of the genre. The book utilizes over 400 photographs to tell the story of the contributions of women in the storytelling of noir. "Film Noir Fatal Women" is available from Silman-James Press wherever books are sold. 

Front Row Classics is continuing its summer viewing by taking a look at one of the most loved films of the 1980s. Brandon and Peter Martin are discussing 1981's On Golden Pond. Based on the celebrated play by Ernest Thompson, the movie still has the power to tickle your funny bone and touch your heart. The two hosts take a look at the two Oscar winning performances of Henry Fonda (in his last film role) and Katherine Hepburn, They also chat about how art imitated life with the on and off screen father/daughter relationship with Henry and Jane Fonda.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome professional wrestler, Rich Port Ayala. He and Brandon chat about his origins in the ring and his journey which led him wrestling abroad recently. The two also chat about Ayala's philosophies on the wrestling business.