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In the June 2026 episode of Party in the Back, host Jon Cudo sits down with longtime San Antonio Spurs performer, author, and experience-architect Rob Wicall to explore what he calls the "Wicall Experience". This is the idea that game presentation is not primarily about entertainment, but about creating community, connection, and transformation. Wicall explains that fans don't attend games simply to watch a score unfold. They come to feel part of something larger than themselves. Whether the home team wins or loses, the real goal is for fans to leave feeling connected, energized, and glad they were there.A major theme of the conversation is the power of contrast. They discuss how some teams unintentionally numb their audiences by delivering nonstop noise, promotions, and stimulation. Instead, Rob relates a solution using a "three-ring circus" model that focuses fan attention on one meaningful moment at a time. By strategically using silence, anticipation, and gradual build-ups, teams can create bigger emotional payoffs and more authentic crowd reactions. Cudo and Wicall point to common timeout structures that start at maximum intensity and quickly run out of runway, arguing that the strongest experiences often build slowly before reaching their emotional peak.The discussion also examines how organizations can better prepare for playoff environments. They look at how fan psychology changes dramatically when the postseason arrives. The focus shifts from fun and entertainment to passion, intensity, and belonging. Teams that wait until the playoffs to create community-focused content are often improvising when the stakes are highest. Cudo and Wicall note the importance of testing inspirational videos, emotional storytelling, and crowd-unity moments throughout the regular season so they have a proven playbook ready when playoff pressure arrives.The episode concludes with a look at some of the most powerful traditions in sports, many of which were never planned by a marketing department like the recent "Tarps Off"craze and the accidental success of the "Awkward Dad Dance Cam" Wicall argues that the best traditions emerge naturally from the community itself. The job of game presentation professionals is not to manufacture every moment, but to recognize authentic fan behavior, embrace it, and help it grow into something that strengthens the bond between fans, teams, and each other.
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TSN and Got Yer Back Podcast's Ryan Rishaug (05/22/26) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Annmarie and Katie are back — and they have a lot to catch you up on.In this honest and heartfelt episode, the girls reflect on the last 18 months of building two thriving therapy practices, the invisible work behind the scenes, and the sacrifices that come with being ambitious women, mothers and business partners.They open up about mom guilt, money mindset, burnout, and why they refuse to carry shame around success. They also dive into their newly completed diploma in couples therapy — Ireland's first of its kind — exploring why two people can experience the same moment in completely different ways, and why that's not always a problem.Plus, they share details of their powerful new training programme for neurodiverse adolescents and their parents — and why nervous system regulation is at the heart of everything they do.This one is raw, real and deeply relatable. Whether you're a therapist, a parent, a business owner or simply someone trying to find their way — this episode is for you.Proudly sponsored by Inner Therapy, Naas & Portlaoise. Visit innertherapy.ie for more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk about the Oilers parting ways with Kris Knoblauch and Mark Stuart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jacob Thomson is a professional marathon runner for Under Armour. He recently raced Boston in a time of 2 hours 9 minutes 51 seconds. He co-hosts the Out and Back Podcast with Rory Linkletter. We discuss elite training, innovative shoe tech, the role of high in race carb fueling, doping influence on professional sports, and how to navigate the world of influence and sponsorship in running's modern era. Jacob: thomsontraining.run | IG: @jtcougars8 | YT: @jacobthomson4360 Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The May 2026 Party in the Back podcast features a conversation between Jon and Erik Mertens, the Director of Fan Experience for the Tri-City Dust Devils and known as "Erik the Peanut Guy." Jon and Erik explore the fundamental differences between pacing and storytelling across sports, noting how the structure of each game shapes the show. In hockey, the speed limits opportunities, forcing hosts to be sharp, efficient, and intentional with every moment. Baseball, on the other hand, provides more breathing room to build narratives, layer in humor, and connect larger story arcs throughout the game. They also touch on the fine line of comedy in live entertainment, emphasizing that the goal is to engage without crossing into territory that could alienate the audience. The conversation then shifts to tone-setting and adaptability, with Erik highlighting how every game has its own personality. From high-energy Friday nights to more laid-back Sunday afternoons, the best hosts “read the room” and adjust accordingly to stay authentic and credible. Establishing a positive tone early matters, as does framing the experience in a way that elevates the moment rather than diminishing it. They reinforce the importance of genuine interaction, pointing to examples like Andrew Grover, whose heartfelt engagement with fans creates lasting impact. At its core, the discussion centers on connection and community. Erik shares practical ways to build that bond, from greeting fans at the gate to recognizing individuals during the game, while Jon underscores how meaningful those moments are, especially for fans attending their one game a year. The conversation expands into branding, creativity, and purpose, with examples like the Dust Devils' character-driven promotions and spontaneous in-game moments that resonate. It all builds to a bigger idea: sports aren't just games, they're shared experiences that create belonging, and the people behind the mic have a real opportunity (and responsibility) to make those moments count.
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk Oilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“I tangoed way too much in the first half and didn't have enough left to do it again when it counted. The marathoner who dances smart wins. I danced too early.”My guest for today's episode is Rory Linkletter: a Canadian Olympian, co-host of the Out and Back Podcast, and one of the most analytically sharp pro voices in the sport right now. At the 2026 Boston Marathon, he ran 2:06:04 for 14th place overall and the second-fastest marathon in Canadian history. He came in with the best build of his career — two sub-60-minute halves, workouts that never said no — and went out with the lead pack convinced that anything was possible. Then the bill came due.In this conversation, Rory walks us through the moment the race turned, the internal negotiation of the final nine miles, the hamstring that seized on Boylston, and what he took from watching Clayton Young and Ryan Ford fly past him on Commonwealth Avenue. But we also get Rory in full pundit mode: how to actually read the Boston results in the context of 2028, why he thinks Zouhair Talbi was operating on a different level than everyone around him, his declaration that John Korir is the best in the world right now, his take on the Scott Fauble super shoe debate, the Emma Bates sponsorship controversy, and why he thinks the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials will be the craziest in modern history.He also previews Ottawa in five weeks, where he goes in with a simple mandate: run less with the heart, more with the head.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavezGuest: Rory Linkletter | @rory_linkletterProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSXENDURANCE: When you finish a hard workout, the work isn't actually done. That's when recovery starts. Xendurance Protein is designed specifically to help your body recover, rebuild, and get stronger after training. It combines four different types of protein, so your body gets both fast absorbing protein for immediate recovery and slower release protein to support muscle repair over time. Check it out at Xendurance.com and use code CITIUS for 25% off your first order.WAHOO: With the Wahoo KICKR RUN, you can simulate the exact Boston or London Marathon course right in your own home. You can also use the run free mode, which uses sensors to automatically match the belt speed to your stride. No buttons, no interruptions, no breaking your flow. When you use code CITIUS at checkout, you'll also get a free KICKR Headwind Smart Fan. Check it out today at wahoofitness.com.OLIPOP: Olipop's Tropical Punch tastes like a vacation in a can. It has the perfect balance of pineapple, passionfruit, mandarin, and apple. Every can contains their Olismart blend, which includes ingredients designed to support digestive health and help feed your gut microbiome. If you haven't had tried Olipop yet, grab a can and see what the hype is all about! Head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.
Ryan Rishaug joins Bob to talk the Oilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins Bob to talk the Oilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The April Party in the Back podcast dives into a deceptively simple idea that sits at the core of great game presentation: not everything can be “big.” The conversation opens with a sharp critique of overproduction, summed up in the phrase “you're doing too much.” When every timeout is loud, every segment is hyped, and every moment is treated like the main event, the result is the opposite of what teams want.: Energy flattens. Nothing feels special. The best shows, as discussed, operate more like a circus, with a clear ebb and flow that guides attention and builds anticipation toward moments that actually matter.That philosophy carries into one of the episode's most practical takeaways: “90 minutes for 90 seconds.” It's not about the exact ratio, but the mindset. If a skit is going to hit, every variable needs to be controlled. Wicall and Cudo share examples where preparation, or lack of it, directly determined success. A failed fire hoop stunt that led to league-wide consequences is a reminder that execution isn't luck. It's planning. Even more telling is the emphasis on contingency. Knowing when not to run a bit, like avoiding a referee skit after a controversial call, is just as important as the idea itself. Great performers don't just plan the show. They read the room.Plus a look at the Atlanta Hawks' Black History Month activation honoring Lonnie Johnson, the NASA engineer and inventor of the Super Soaker. Instead of a traditional, static in-game recognition, the team turned the moment into a story. The mascot joined Johnson in a playful, on-brand skit that brought the invention to life and pulled a 'fan' into the experience. It's a clear shift from “moment of silence” to “moment of celebration,” and it reinforces a bigger point: if you want fans to remember something, make them feel it.The conversation is a reminder that great game presentation isn't about doing more. It's about doing the right things, at the right time, with intention.
This week we're checking out a podcast hosted by body positive feminist (read: fat) Lindy West. Lindy and her cohost giggle about things that can't possibly be funny. They hate straight white men because obviously, those are the worst people ever! Duh! Tab Birt joins the show to discuss how terrible it is that a slight majority of baseball players lean right. The Golden Hour analyze their live show in Austin (poorly) and we find out Chris D'Elia and Brendan Schaub want nothing to do with Erik Griffin. Maddox dropped a new episode of Sol Ringers where he subtlety admits his friends are losers in high school. His cohost, Chad Kultgen, has a podcast that berates his parents for voting for Donald Trump. Stuttering John calls Keanu ugly and then mocks the court as if he isn't the person who brought a frivolous lawsuit against Shuli and me. We watch an amazing trailer for StutJo starring in the Bachelor. Then we finish up with Internet News and your voicemails. Support us, get bonus episodes, and watch live every Saturday and Wednesday: http://bit.ly/watp-patreon https://watp.supercast.tech/ Come to Hackamania! April 10-12 in Las Vegas, use promo code WATP for 10% off – https://hackamania.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Matt Waldman discusses the state of the running back position heading into the 2026 NFL Draft and shares profile points on a majority of the 54 RB prospects he studied. https://youtu.be/awhuSch5sDM Topics Advice for rookie drafts: How to leverage the idea this is a weak RB class. Profiling notable strengths, weaknesses, and questions of over 40 RB prospects in alphabetical order. Now entering its 21st season, learn more about Matt Waldman's RSP — the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill position players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE). Or if you already know the deal, go ahead and pre-order (you know you want to) at at discount for a limited time through 12.22.25 for $19.95. Matt's 2026 RSP Dynasty Rankings and Projections Package (begins in June) is available for $24.95 If you're a fantasy GM interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2024 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that's included at no additional charge. Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat the sexual abuse of children.
Ryan Rishaug from TSN & Got Yer' Back Podcast (3/31/26) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers 4-0 loss at the hands of the Florida Panthers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk Oilers and the Connor Ingram hit from Nathan MacKinnon with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk Oilers following the trade deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jonathan Bravo brings a fresh, creative voice to Minor League Baseball as the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Fresno Grizzlies. A Fresno State graduate with a business administration degree focused on sports marketing, Bravo joined the organization in 2020 and quickly grew into a leadership role shaping the club's brand and fan-experience strategy. Today he leads the development of the Grizzlies' promotional calendar, oversees digital content and media storytelling, and helps align in-game entertainment with community and sponsor initiatives across Chukchansi Park. Known for blending smart marketing with authentic fan connection, Bravo represents the next generation of game-presentation leaders, making him a perfect guest for Party in the Back Podcast.Listeners can expect a wide-ranging, behind-the-scenes look at how Minor League Baseball marketing really works as Jonathan Bravo pulls back the curtain on his role with the Fresno Grizzlies. The conversation explores the unique leadership challenges of MiLB — from juggling multiple departments like communications, digital, and game presentation to embracing the creative freedom that comes with smaller staffs and bigger responsibilities. Jonathan shares how the Grizzlies begin promo planning as early as July, involving the entire front office in brainstorming sessions to build a calendar of 30+ unique theme nights designed to resonate locally while still grabbing national attention.The episode dives deep into the art and strategy of promotional storytelling, highlighting how Fresno leverages its 80-game home schedule to experiment with fan-driven ideas and community-focused events. From the breakout success of Emo Night to inventive concepts like Adult Homecoming, Dino Nugget Night, and friendship-bracelet activations, Jonathan explains how passion, fan feedback, and cultural trends fuel the team's creativity. He also discusses the importance of eliminating “dead innings,” making fans the stars of the show, and ensuring every theme night is immersive enough that fans clearly feel and remember the story of the night.Beyond ideation, the pod explores the evolving tactics behind promoting promotions — including the power of visual storytelling, social media recaps, and even AI tools to amplify buzz before and after events. Jonathan and Jon also riff on meme culture (yes, the 6-7 phenomenon makes an appearance), personal branding, and the role of community history in shaping meaningful promotions. The result is a fun, idea-packed conversation filled with practical insights, creative inspiration, and plenty of Minor League charm — perfect for anyone looking to elevate their own promo calendar or simply appreciate the craft behind unforgettable fan experiences.
TSN/Got Yer Back Podcast's Ryan Rishaug for Gameday Men's health (2/20/26) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins from Italy to talk Canada hockey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode dives into one of the hottest evolving trends in sports entertainment, fan-driven traditions sparked by Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs' new post-game drum celebration that keeps fans in their seats long after the final buzzer. Jon and Rob break down how these organic, European-style supporter traditions are gaining traction in North American sports and why mascots play a critical role in amplifying the energy without stealing the spotlight. The conversation also jumps into creative promotion strategies that help teams build deeper community connections. From the Toledo Walleye's perfectly on-brand fishing jersey concepts to the Edmonton Oilers' wildly successful World of Warcraft crossover night, the guys explore how teams can tap into local identity, fan passions, and pop culture partnerships to create unforgettable experiences. Plus, they dig into idea-sharing inside the mascot and game presentation world and why “borrowing brilliance” isn't copying… it's building better fan moments. If you're looking for inspiration on how traditions start, promotions succeed, and mascots elevate both, this episode delivers a playbook full of practical and creative takeaways.
Ryan Rishaug joins Bob to talk Oilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers with Bryn following the team's 1-0 loss at the hands of the New York Islanders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk Oilers with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Stupid History of AOL Start-Up CD'sGuest Host: Jon Cudo from The Party in the Back PodcastCheck out his podcast here: https://gameops.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-stupid-history-minute--4965707/support.
This episode traces the full arc of Robin “Rolo” Lopez's legendary relationship with mascots, from its childhood roots to its impact on modern game presentation. Rolo recounts how he and his brother Brook first began needling mascots as kids, a dynamic that hardened into a true “villain origin story” after a 1997–98 encounter with Warriors' mascot Thunder, who mocked his speech impediment — a moment that stuck with him and later spilled into the public eye when he inherited a feud with Detroit's Hooper during his NBA career. As the bit evolved, especially during his time in Portland, the mascot feud became part of Rolo's on-court identity and a team-wide ritual that broke up the monotony of the season, with teammates fully buying in and players like Giannis Antetokounmpo embracing the chaos. The conversation also dives into Rolo's creative collaborations with game operations teams, including semi-scripted skits in Atlanta, a “buddy movie” arc with Orlando's Stuff, and a now-infamous Phoenix Suns Gorilla setup that secretly involved "Benny the Bull" — a twist Rolo didn't know was coming, producing a genuine, unforgettable reaction. Throughout the episode, Rolo underscores that sports are ultimately an entertainment business, arguing that while teams can't control the outcome of games, they can control these theatrical moments, creating spontaneous-feeling, joyful experiences that cut through a rigid, cookie-cutter presentation and give fans something memorable beyond the final score.
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk Oilers with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TSN Edmonton Insider and "Got Yer Back" Podcast Host Ryan Rishaug Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers recent trades with Bryn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers with Bryn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jon Cudo is joined by two beloved voices in the world of Minor League Baseball entertainment: Erik “The Peanut Guy” Mertens and MiLB storyteller Benjamin Hill. Erik kicks things off with his “Let's Get Nutz” Award, celebrating the game ops moments that unite fans through spontaneity, humor, and pure joy. From Rick Rizzs' magical Ichiro Night sing-along in Seattle to Lake County's delightfully absurd toilet-themed contest and Tacoma's rooftop “Sax Gorilla,” Erik highlights the wonderfully unexpected moments that make ballparks feel alive—and ultimately names Seattle and Stillwater as his top nods.Ben Hill follows with his trademark blend of insight and curiosity, exploring his favorite promotions from across MiLB in 2025. From the Syracuse Mets' “Search for Jim Morrison” and Buffalo's Goo Goo Dolls Giveaway to full-scale identity switches like the Erie Moon Mammoths and Cleveland Pierogies, Ben showcases the creativity and weirdness that define the minors. He reminds us that comparing promotions is an apples-to-oranges endeavor, and that the true winners are always the fans who benefit from teams' willingness to innovate, experiment, and embrace the wonderfully strange. Together, Erik and Ben offer a joyful tour through the heart of MiLB entertainment—where community, creativity, and a touch of chaos reign supreme.
In this episode, Jon Cudo welcomes three industry standouts—Amanda Greco, Rob Wicall, and Cameron Hughes—to help reimagine recognition in the first-ever Cudos to You Awards. Amanda Greco breaks down the art of “Excellence in Execution,” showing how research, rehearsal, and calibration turn ambitious ideas into unforgettable fan experiences. She highlights standout examples like the Denver Broncos' South Stands card stunt and the Cleveland Cavaliers' show-stopping “Cavalanche,” revealing the intentional craft behind moments that feel both effortless and electric to fans.Rob Wicall brings his “Impact Award” to the table, sharing a heartfelt look at how mascots can shape culture, community, and emotion—spotlighting the massive influence of Blue and Gritty as models of modern character performance. Cameron Hughes closes the conversation with a powerful reminder of the human side of game entertainment, celebrating teams that use the “Power of Cheer” to lift spirits, unite communities, and create memories that matter more than any scoreboard. Together, these three voices offer a joyful, insightful tour through the creativity and connection that make great game presentation truly remarkable.
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers struggles with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lair of the White Worm (1988) is picked by Dave this week, and it's one of those wonderfully unhinged British horror films that could only have come out of the'80s. Written and directed by Ken Russell, the movie was loosely based on Bram Stoker's 1911 novel of the same name - though in true Russell fashion, it quickly veered far from the source material and into surreal, erotic, and darkly comic territory. Produced by Vestron Pictures, the same studio behind Dirty Dancing and Return of the Living Dead, the film was made on a modest budget of around $2 million. Despite its low cost, Russell filled it with his signature visual flamboyance, blending Gothic horror, mythological imagery, and satirical British eccentricity into something uniquely chaotic.Filming took place in Derbyshire, England, using local countryside locations to give the film its haunting yet distinctly English atmosphere. The cast included a mix of rising and established talent - notably a young Hugh Grant, years before his rom-com fame, and Peter Capaldi, long before becoming Doctor Who. The movie was shot in just six weeks, with Russell working fast and loose, improvising many of the more bizarre scenes on set. Upon release, it divided critics: some praised its camp energy and gleeful weirdness, while others dismissed it as absurd. Over the years, though, Lair of the White Worm has achieved cult status - celebrated for its blend of folk horror, sensuality, and sheer outrageousness that only Ken Russell could deliver.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter here.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:NordVPNNordPassTrailer Guy Plot SummaryIn the quiet English countryside, something ancient… something hungry… has awakened.When a strange discovery uncovers a dark legend, a group of unsuspecting locals is pulled into a world of hypnotic seduction, slithering evil, and serpentine terror. As ancient forces rise and modern reason crumbles, the line between myth and nightmare disappears - and no one is safe from the creature that has waited centuries to strike.Lair of the White Worm — brace yourself… this is one bite you won't walk away from.Fun FactsLair of the White Worm was one of Vestron Pictures' final horror productions before the company collapsed in the late 1980s.The film is very loosely based on Bram Stoker's novel of the same name — many critics note that only names and the central “worm” concept survive Ken Russell's adaptation.Amanda Donohoe, who plays the seductive Lady Sylvia Marsh, won the role after Russell saw her on stage in London and loved her bold, fearless screen presence.The movie contains several surreal hallucination sequences inspired by Ken Russell's own Catholic school upbringing, which he frequently mocked in his work.Hugh Grant has said that working with Russell early in his career taught him to embrace creative risks, even when the material was utterly bizarre.The white worm effects were achieved using hand-built animatronics and puppetry, combined with old-school editing tricks to hide limited movement.Costume designer Vicki Carroll created Lady Sylvia's iconic snake-themed outfits, including her famous white body paint and fanged headpiece.The film's soundtrack includes original music composed by Stanley Myers, who is also known for scoring The Deer Hunter.The movie was released unrated in the United States because the producers felt an MPAA rating would be impossible without severe cuts.thevhsstrikesback@gmail.comhttps://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Men at Work (1990) was chosen by co-host Chris, and it's a perfect fit for his love of oddball comedies from the VHS era. Written and directed by Emilio Estevez, the film was a true family affair — with Estevez not only helming the project but also starring alongside his real-life brother, Charlie Sheen. Coming off the back of their late-'80s fame from Young Guns and Wall Street, the pair teamed up for a buddy comedy that blended slapstick humor, blue-collar chaos, and a dash of political satire. Produced by Epic Productions and distributed by Triumph Releasing (a Columbia Pictures subsidiary), Men at Work was Estevez's second outing as a writer-director, following his 1986 drama Wisdom. The project gave him the freedom to craft a film that played directly to the chemistry he shared with his brother — the same mix of bravado and goofiness that made it a cult favorite among fans of early-'90s video store comedies.Filmed primarily around Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, California, Men at Work embraced the laid-back coastal vibe of Southern California. The shoot was relatively quick and low-budget by Hollywood standards, with much of the film's tone shaped through improvisation between Estevez and Sheen. The movie's soundtrack captured the spirit of the late '80s and early '90s, featuring a mix of surf rock, funk, and classic rock tracks. While it didn't make waves critically, Men at Work found a second life on VHS and cable television, where its offbeat humor and brotherly banter turned it into a nostalgic favorite. Today, it stands as a snapshot of a more carefree era in comedy filmmaking — a time when movies about two guys, a truck, and a ridiculous situation could carry an entire Friday night rental.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter here.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:NordVPNNordPassTrailer Guy Plot SummaryThey're brothers. They're garbage men. And they've just picked up more than they bargained for.Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez star in the ultimate blue-collar buddy comedy — where trash day turns into doomsday. Between the laughs, the chases, and the chaos, these two underdogs are about to clean up the streets… one bad guy at a time.Men at Work — crime, comedy, and complete rubbish.Fun FactsMen at Work was originally written as a dark political thriller, but Emilio Estevez reworked it into a comedy after deciding it would work better as a light-hearted buddy film.Estevez reportedly wrote the first draft of the script in the mid-1980s, years before the film was made, while he was still working on The Breakfast Club (1985).The movie's tagline — "Garbage men by day. Detectives by night." — was coined late in production as a tongue-in-cheek nod to 1980s action clichés.Estevez cast real-life surfer and character actor Keith David as Louis Fedders, the paranoid war veteran, after seeing his intense performance in John Carpenter's They Live (1988).The garbage truck used in the movie became something of a collector's item among fans and was later used in several low-budget TV shows filmed in California.Charlie Sheen's character's surfboard was custom-made by a local Hermosa Beach surf shop, and Estevez let Sheen keep it after filming.The film's theme song, “I'm Gonna Use What I Got,” was performed by The Rude Boys, adding to the film's distinctive late-'80s funk-rock vibe.Estevez and Sheen performed many of their own stunts, including the beach chase sequences, to save on the production budget.thevhsstrikesback@gmail.comhttps://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
The Party in the Back Podcast holds a Roundtable Discussion regarding the Best of 2019 Awards on Gameops.com. Host Jon Cudo is joined by three industry giants who take the party to the next level. The Guest List includes:Game Operations Maven and former Director for the LA Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers and veteran of the Olympics and NCAA Tournament Amanda Greco.MILB's best writer and the Boss at Ben's Biz, Benjamin Hill.The President of 3 Point Productions Pat WalkerThis crew talks about the winners and best of the rest from 2019 in seven categories.Hear what they had to say about The Crazy Hot Dog Vendor, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Flyers, Lake Elsinore Storm, Hartford Yard Goats, Cameron Hughes, The Firecrackers, Florida Men, the Tampa Bay Lightning and more.
Ryan Rishaug joins Bryn to talk Oilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Party in the Back Podcast, host Jon Cudo announces an exciting new chapter for the long-running GameOps.com Best of Awards. After years of recognizing excellence through a competitive ranking system, the awards are evolving into a more celebratory and inclusive format — the “Cudos To You” Awards. This refreshed approach shifts the focus from competition to appreciation, shining a fun and positive spotlight on the people, promotions, and ideas that make the sports entertainment industry so creative and memorable. Joining Jon to discuss the change is Ben Hill, the beloved chronicler of minor league baseball's quirkiest and most heartwarming traditions. Known for his long-running “Ben's Biz” coverage and deep love for the culture of the minors, Ben brings his trademark enthusiasm and storytelling flair to the conversation. Together, they unveil Ben's new role in the “Cudos” program, where he'll lead a category celebrating the Best Promos in Minor League Baseball — recognizing the imaginative fan experiences that make the minors so special. Ben also shares stories from his travels, revisiting some of the unforgettable characters who have brought color and charm to ballparks across America — from Reading's Crazy Hot Dog Vendor and Buffalo's Conehead beer man to Spartanburg's roller-skating Jay Sparkle and San Jose's legendary Churros Man. The conversation reminds listeners why these one-of-a-kind personalities matter: they turn games into experiences, foster community identity, and keep fans coming back for more.
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk the Oilers struggles with Bob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ryan Rishaug joins the show to talk Oilers with Bryn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Former Oiler and Co-Host of Got Yer Back Podcasts Jason Strudwick joins the show to talk the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Erica and Milah link up with their Black Effect Network cousins, AJ and TamBam from We Talk Back Podcast, for a conversation about dating YNs, ghost sex stories, living with your partner, and how to stop settling for bullshit. ------------ Watch This episode & more on YouTube! Submit your advice questions, anonymous secrets or vent about motherhood anonymously! Submit your questions Catch up with us over at Patreon and get all our Full visual episodes, bonus content & early episode releases. Join our private Facebook group! ------------------------ Connect With Us: @GoodMoms_BadChoices @TheGoodVibeRetreat @Good.GoodMedia @WatchErica @Milah_Mapp ------------------------ Jamaica, Ganja Goddess Retreat - April 17th- April 22nd Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a sexy fun time, the Ganja Goddess Retreat promises an unforgettable experience of empowerment and sisterhood. Join us as we celebrate femininity, wellness, and the magic of Jamaica's natural splendor at the Ganja Goddess Retreat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we sit down with Keb Pound, creator of The Stupid History Minute, to explore how short-form comedy storytelling can supercharge sports entertainment. Keb's 60-second history lessons prove that brevity doesn't mean sacrificing impact — it can sharpen it. By “flipping” common narratives, zeroing in on quirky details, and applying stand-up timing, Keb creates memorable, shareable content that resonates with listeners. His disciplined content structure and consistent branding have built a loyal audience of thousands, showing how tight formatting and clear voice can make big waves in a crowded media space. Rob Wicall, industry veteran, mascot expert and author of Furlosphy joins Cudo to connect these storytelling techniques to real-world fan engagement. From the viral Yo-Yo Cam at Arizona State to Slugger's “Trash Trash Baby” skit in Portland, Rob and Cudo highlights how creativity and planning turn fans and mascots into the stars of the show. Whether through scoreboard features that reward fan participation or comedic skits that deliver messages without preaching, these moments transform spectators into active participants. Rounding out the conversation, we discuss MascotLink tools which streamline mascot appearances and unlock new revenue streams by taking care of the logistical heavy lifting. Together, these conversations show how precision storytelling, humor, and smart strategy can elevate both podcasts and in-venue sports entertainment, proving that 60 seconds, a camera, or a well-timed joke can be all it takes to create unforgettable fan experiences.
Bran and Pat react to Week 4 of the NFL season and get you ready for Week 5
We're so excited to have the incredible hosts of Text Me Back and real life best friends, Lindy West & Meagan Hatcher-Mays, on the pod with us this week. We wade in a whole new territory with a vampire story. And then a classic disembodied voice mystery! Plus, we have a listener story from Lindsey about a visit from some benevolent ancestors. Please send us your own true paranormal experiences in either a voice memo or e-mail to funnyfeelingpod@gmail.com. SpectreVision Radio is a bespoke podcast network at the intersection between the arts and the uncanny, featuring a tapestry of shows exploring creativity, the esoteric, and the unknown. We're a community for creators and fans vibrating around common curiosities, shared interests and persistent passions. spectrevisionradio.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices