Needless Things

Phantom Troublemaker talks to Gary Schaeffer, a Wall Street player who is now steering the ship – the spaceship – of one of the most interesting toy lines of all time, the Outer Space Men! The Outer Space Men toy line launched in 1968, one year before man landed on the moon! It was full of iconic and colorful creatures that were designed to complement Mattel’s wildly successful Major Matt Mason toy line. In today’s episode, learn how the line came to be and then suffered an early death, as well as the story of its rebirth at the hands of the Four Horsemen. Plus, find out what is next for these amazing beings from the outer reaches of the galaxy! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com Interstitial music provided by TheMystery Men? Amazing Outer Space Men Bonus Art by Captain Lovehandles!:

Phantom Troublemaker is joined by Sean Reid, Noel from Dork Droppings, and Marc from Unshaven Comics for a discussion about one of WWE’s signature events, the Royal Rumble! Since 1988 the Royal Rumble has been one of wrestling’s most exciting events. Originally a television special on the USA network centered around a 20-man battle royal, the Rumble has evolved into one of the focal points of WWE’s schedule, with thirty men (or once forty!) competing to determine who will Main Event the biggest show of the year, WrestleMania! Listen in as Phantom and the guys discuss the history of the Royal Rumble and the possibilities for this year’s edition! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Phantom Troublemaker talks to director Jason C. Wilson about his new documentary on the Atlanta punk scene and one of its most notorious bands – Stopper: The Rise and Fall of the Bastard Squad! Jason Wilson was a big part of Atlanta’s 90s punk movement. Playing in bands like Round Ear Spock and Stopper, he contributed not just to the sounds, but to the experience. For the past four years he has been pouring his soul into a documentary film about that scene and specifically about the band Stopper and their troubled frontman, David Shumaker. Phantom talks to Jason about the tumultuous life of the band and being surrounded by drugs, attitudes, and violence; as well as the good times and almost family-like vibe of the Atlanta scene. There were good times and bad and the Stopper documentary covers them all. Listen in as Phantom and Jason discuss how the film came together and the massive effect that the events had on the lives of those involved. Check out the Facebook event page for the January 30t

Phantom Troublemaker and Mr. Beau Brown cover the final year of Mattycollector.com’s Masters of the Universe Classics line! It’s been a long and sometimes frustrating road, but the Masters of the Universe Classics line has finally come to an end. 2015 was the final year of the line, and it was a huge one full of important characters, new design choices, and massive change. From January to December (and a bit beyond), Phantom and Beau cover every release of this last year of the ultimate nostalgia toy line. Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! Interstitial music provided by The Mystery Men? “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Live from Galactic Quest! Phantom Troublemaker talks to Ricky Zero and Bambi Lynn from the rock band Radio Cult! Kyle from Galactic Quest welcomed Phantom, Ricky, and Bambi into one of the store’s expansive gaming rooms to talk about music, being entertainers, and the history of Radio Cult. From their influences to their style of music and how they became the band that they are today, this conversation covers ten years of Radio Cult history and beyond! Jamie from (her podcast) also stops in to plug the show and talk comics! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! In loving memory of the late, great Lemmy Kilminster, “Ace of Spades” by Radio Cult “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Live from the Phantom Zone! Phantom Troublemaker sits down with Jason Frazier, Noel from DorkDroppings.com, Sean Reid, Arian, Chad J. Shonk, and Gary Mitchel from the Revcast to discuss the newest entry in the Star Wars Saga! Let’s not pretend this is something it isn’t – seven dorks, one epic movie. Let’s do this. Seven on Episode VII on episode 87. Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “My TIE” by Grand Moff Tarkin “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Live from the Phantom Zone! Phantom Troublemaker sits down with Jason Frazier, Noel from DorkDroppings.com, Sean Reid, and Mike Gordon from the ESO Network to talk about their favorite Christmas movies! Since the earliest days of silent films Hollywood has been producing movies about the Yuletide season. Some are about specific aspects of Christmas like Santa Claus or family gatherings. Some simply use the season as a backdrop to punctuate the themes of the narrative. Whatever the case, the movie studios recognize Christmas and all of its trappings as a draw. Listen in as Phantom and the gang get together to discuss the Christmas films that have stuck with them through the years and become part of their annual traditions! Be sure to join the Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “Procrastibate” and “She Cold” by LeSexoflex.com

Phantom Troublemaker and the ESO Network's Mike Gordon share their thoughts about one of the greatest adventure film franchises of all time! Indiana Jones is one of the most beloved pop culture icons to have come out of the 1980s. His adventures have been detailed in books, comics, video games, television shows, and of course movies. This episode barely scratches the surface of the multimedia franchise, but the guys share many fond memories of the movies we all know and love. Listen in as Phantom and Mike debate the quality of the various stories and mediums and discuss their personal experiences with this great film franchise! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “Live Forever” by Adam WarRock “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Phantom Troublemaker talks Chad J. Shonk (writer of Dakota Sky and the novel Proxy) and Beth V. about the history of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and the Kickstarter campaign that is currently underway to revive the much-beloved series. Mystery Science Theater 3000 is one of those lightning in a bottle type ideas that hit at just the right time and struck a chord with a geek community that at that point was still very much a part of the pop culture underground. It has a style and humor that was unlike anything else available and the show left its mark on a whole generation of like-minded individuals. Now the creator – Joel Hodgson – has started a Kickstarter campaign in order to shoot anywhere from three to twelve all-new episodes of MST3K. The project involves new faces and undoubtedly a new outlet, so there’s a lot to discuss. Listen in as Phantom, Beth, and Chad debate the involvement of celebrities, the integrity of the product, and the overall relevance of the show to a modern audience. Be s

Phantom Troublemaker and Needless Things' Head of Research Ryan Schweck talk about the build-up to Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens! From books to comics to video games to toys – of course toys – there has been plenty of Star Wars merchandise in the ten years since the last theatrical release. The guys talk about Marvel's new comics, Hasbro's various toy lines, and Star Wars: Battlefront. Listen in as Phantom does his best to deal with a horrific space virus and Ryan deals with the pain of the elusive Captain Phasma, while both of the guys deal with the mysterious pronunciations of the new trilogy characters! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “Black Friday” by Faith No More “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Phantom Troublemaker talks to Bryan Katzel, one of the masterminds behind retro toy makers Warpo Toys! After making a huge splash with the incredible Legends of Cthulu line of action figures, Warpo has returned to Kickstarter with an exciting, all-new project – Don’t Cuddle the Krampus! Inspired by the gross-out toys of the 80s, specifically My Pet Monster, this plush Krampus is designed to be both a wacky pal for kids and a clever novelty item for adults. Listen in as Phantom and Bryan talk retro toys, the process of developing and launching a toy line, and recruiting industry legends like Jim Groman to work on their products! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “The Devil You Know” by The Mystery Men? “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Phantom Troublemaker talks to mysterious synth artist and musician VHS Glitch about the revival and nostalgic value of synthesizer-based music, digital marketing, the modern cult of personality surrounding music, and much more! VHS Glitch is a music composer for games and visual media and independent Synthwave artist. Little is known about the enigmatic and talented creator other than this brief bio: Finally, the wait is over, I have arrived. I was created to save humanity from the mind-controlling grasp of modern technology, technology which seeks to make you all forget the past. Stored on a special VHS cassette tape and placed in a VCR programmed to activate at this specific time, I am here to keep the spirit of the 80s alive with rad tunes and totally bitchin' graphics! Listen in as Phantom conducts one of the most unique interviews Needless Things has produced! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us

Phantom Troublemaker talks to Daniel Griffith of Ballyhoo Motion Pictures about his newest project, a documentary on Empire Pictures, the revolutionary movie studio that produced such genre classics as Re-Animator, Ghoulies, TerrorVision, Zone Troopers, and many more! On October 14th, Daniel launched a monstrous Kickstarter Campaign to complete the official feature documentary about the rise and fall of Empire Pictures. This exciting production, entitled Celluloid Wizards in the Video Wasteland: The Saga of Empire Pictures, follows the life of producer Charles Band (The Puppet Master series) leading up to the creation of the most ambitious B-movie studio of the 1980's. While other independent film companies were targeting the growing home video market, Band was releasing low-budget horror and fantasy features to drive-ins and multiplexes around the world.   The thrilling saga of Empire Pictures will be told through the eyes of the innovative team of filmmakers and film professionals who worked toget

Phantom Troublemaker, Beth V, Richard Davis, and Arian talk about the greatest horror franchise of all time – The Evil Dead! In the newest 31 Days of Halloween edition of the Needless Things Podcast the crew talks about Sam Raimi’s greatest gift to the world – Ashley J. Williams and the ongoing Evil Dead franchise. From the original 1981 ultimate experience in grueling terror to the camp of Army of Darkness to the divisive 2013 remake to the all-new Ash vs. The Evil Dead series debuting on STARZ tomorrow night, almost every facet of the legendary horror series is covered. Listen in as Beth, Arian, Richard, and Phantom read from Necronomicon Ex-Mortis and make the demon flesh! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “Evil Dead” by Zeke “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

The Casket Creatures return to talk to Phantom Troublemaker about horror movies and the Halloween season! In the newest 31 Days of Halloween edition of the Needless Things Podcast Phantom sits down with Ryan Cadaver and Derek Obscura from horror punk band The Casket Creatures. The trio talk about their favorite horror movies and how often they're revisited, classic slasher franchises, and remakes. Ryan also puts over his favorite haunted attractions of 2015. Listen in as Derek Obscura, Ryan Cadaver, and Phantom tear your souls apart! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “Graveyard Girl” by The Casket Creatures “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Phantom Troublemaker, Sean Reid, and the one and only Johnny DANGAAAAAA discuss the biggest and spookiest gimmicks from the colorful history of the greatest sport of them all – professional wrestling! In the newest 31 Days of Halloween edition of the Needless Things Podcast the crew talks about the great horror-infused characters of the squared circle. From Vampiro to Luna Vachon to Kevin Sullivan and the Dungeon of Doom, they cover the biggest names that have delivered a chill to your spine and a Mongolian Chop to your face! And of course special tribute had to be paid to the greatest of them all – the Deadman, the Phenom, the Undetaker! Plus, Phantom once again calls upon Johnny Danger for his famed Hulk Hogan impersonation, but not in a way you would ever expect. Listen in as Johnny, Sean, and Phantom come through hellfire and brimstone to deliver the Podcast from Hell! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let u

Phantom Troublemaker and Mike Gordon talk about the horror-infused history of the Dark Knight Detective in the newest Needless Things Podcast! From the villainy of The Monk in Detective Comics #31 to Doug Moench and Kelley Jones’ landmark Red Rain to the unlikely popularity of the fan film Batman: Dead End (that inspired a line of licensed Predator figures from NECA!), elements of the supernatural and macabre have always been right at home in Gotham City and the world that the Caped Crusader inhabits. Listen in as Mike and Phantom visit the darker corners of the Bat-verse! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think! “Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Phantom Troublemaker and the Needless Things Irregulars talk about the career and impact of Master of Horror Wes Craven in the newest Needless Things Podcast! This week Phantom is joined by Beth V, R.T. Ewell, and Devlin in the very first all-contributor episode of the show. Wes Craven passed away on August 30th, 2015, but over the course of his life he accomplished something few do – he created a legacy that will be remembered for decades, if not centuries. It would be difficult to overstate the impact that Craven had on modern horror. He innovated at every turn and created two of the most noteworthy and successful franchises the genre has ever seen – A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream. Each Craven production had an originality and wit that marked it as his, and yet he played with varied tones and styles with ease. Not every film was a success, but they all bear a common theme – Wes Craven pushing himself to always evolve and do new things. Even if those new things meant taking a wry look at the old.

Phantom Troublemaker met the fine fellows of Unshaven Comics at Dragon Con this year and liked 'em so much he had to have them on the Needless Things Podcast! This week Phantom is joined by Marc – artist, writer, and co-owner of Unshaven Comics and co-creator of the flagship title, The Samurnauts. Unshaven Comics was forged in a mighty fire of lifelong friendship. What started out as pipe dreams discussed over the junior high school lunch table, has become that which the boys never thought would be; Unshaven Comics has become a legitimate independent publisher of original comic books. Late in 2006, Marc Alan Fishman, Matt Wright, and Kyle Gnepper were commissioned to create an original graphic novel. Knowing that three unknown names would do nothing for the populace in general, the boys decided a unified company name and swanky logo would unite people behind this odd amalgamation of talent. In May of 2008, Unshaven Comics brought it’s first book, The March: Crossing Bridges in America to the world (a

2015 Dragon Con coverage continues on the Needless Things Podcast as we look back at the events! In this week’s episode, Phantom takes part in the SCHWARZA-PANEL! The RevCast’s Gary Mitchel moderates a conversation about the science fiction films of Arnold Schwarzenegger! Featured on the panel are Phantom Troublemaker, William Stout, The White Rocket Podcast’s Van Allen Plexico, the ESO Network’s Mike Faber, and Jessa Phillips. The former governor of California has been an absolute powerhouse at everything he’s done – bodybuilding, acting, politicking – and this panel recorded LIVE at Dragon Con 2015 covers all aspects of his career. But of course, since it was part of the American Sci-Fi Classics Track, the focus is on the more fantastical aspects of his movie career – Total Recall, The Ruining Man, Predator, and more! Listen in as the gang discuss one of the most iconic superstars of our time! Be sure to join the new Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for