Talk Is Jericho

Reigning Ring of Honor World Champion, Jonathan Gresham, is defending the title at his own show this Sunday, January 16th! His brand new promotion, Terminus, is hosting their first-ever live event at the Kroc Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Jonathan explains how he and Baron Black came to start their own promotion, the meaning behind the Terminus name, what he’s liking and not liking about being a promoter, and the inspiration behind their company’s first card (which features Jay Lethal, Daniel Garcia, Lee Moriarty, Moose, Bandido, Alex Coughlin, Impact Digital Champion Jordynne Grace, and so many more)! Jonathan also speaks to Ring of Honors final show, the circumstances that led to him winning the championship, and what he thinks the future has in store for ROH. He also shares thoughts on today’s in-ring psychology, his definition of modern grappling, and the importance of rules in wrestling. Plus, he recounts his early days coming up in the biz, working in Japan, flirting with WWE, and the really nice thing th

There’s a new biography out about the life and career of the late, great Eddie Van Halen. It’s called “Unchained: The Edward Van Halen Story,” and was written by journalist and former editor of Kerrang! magazine, Paul Brannigan. Paul spent 7 years researching and writing the book about the legendary guitarist, and interviewed countless people to help him tell the story including Sammy Hagar, Ozzy Osbourne, and KISS. Paul reveals tidbits from his research and interviews, and even recounts his own sit-down with Eddie at 5150 around the time of “Van Halen III’s” release. He also shares some of the things that surprised him most, a few of his favorite moments, and offers his own thoughts on why this prolific musician didn’t really release anything new during the last 20 years of his life. “Unchained: The Edward Van Halen Story” is available now at Amazon, VanHalenStore.com, and wherever you buy books! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Keith Mitchell is one of the true behind-the-scenes pioneers in wrestling! Keith is a longtime TV producer who helped launch video packages and ring music entrances for wrestlers. Keith got his start in World Class Wrestling with the Von Erichs in the 80s before moving on to WCW followed by TNA and ultimately landing at AEW in 2019. And after 40 years in the biz, Keith retired last week after AEW Dynamite’s New Year’s Smash. Keith tells his wrestling story from his early days in TV sports production to his first introduction to the Von Erichs and the friendship with Kerry and David that followed to his days at WCW and the night that Vince and Shane McMahon took control of the company to meeting Tony Khan and helping AEW launch on TNT. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stryper killed it onstage at the Chris Jericho Rock & Wrestling Rager At Sea Triple Whammy last October, and again during their live Talk Is Jericho podcast appearance on the ship! Brothers Robert and Michael Sweet tell stories from their early days including hanging out on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, changing the band’s name from Rock’s Regime to Stryper, what inspired the Stryper name, who influenced their song lyrics, and how they were able to tour with mainstream metal and rock bands during the 80s! They talk about the difference between Christian Rock and being Christians IN a rock band, how they had to constantly fight against being pigeonholed, and what MTV did their for their popularity and sales in the era of DialMTV. They also have some great tales about stealing road signs to hang in the studio, throwing bibles to fans at live shows, and being mobbed and arrested in Australia! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn

Chris Jericho wrestled Kenny Omega in an epic match at the Tokyo Dome in January 2018, and unknowingly created what was soon to become The Painmaker! Chris tells the story about how that trip to Japan gave rise to The Painmaker’s signature spiked jacket, and black makeup look. He explains what inspired the clothes, the wrestling style, and the backstory of this titular character that’s now become an animated, multiple-chapter, collectible NFT! He breaks down The Painmaker’s wrestling style, favorite matches, greatest battles, and biggest foes! You’ll also discover how The Painmaker evolved into an NFT, what may happen to this intergalactic serial killer in an upcoming graphic novel, and whether the incredible story may hit a movie screen near you in the not-so-distant future! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s a great new movie available on Amazon Prime called “Electric Jesus.” It’s the story about a bunch of teenagers trying to make it big with their Christian metal band! It’s set in the summer of 1986 and has a very cool cast including Judd Nelson who plays the Pastor trying to help the band, and Brian Baumgartner (of “The Office” fame) as the band’s manager. The music is incredible too! Writer/director Chris White was inspired by his own teenage years and his love of the band Stryper, and spent a lot of time and a lot of movie’s small budget making sure the music and the casting were spot-on! He did a tremendous job with this story that’s really more a coming-of-age tale than anything else. He talks about the making of the film, how he found his band, how he cast the other actors around them, the details he put into setting the scene in 1986, and Stryper’s feedback about the movie. He also speaks to the festivals and awards the film has won, and how he was able to secure distribution.  To learn more a

Cary Silkin was a Ring of Honor fan from day one, and became a silent investor when the promotion was struggling to get off the ground, long before he became its owner and operator! And then when he sold ROH in 2011 to Sinclair, he transitioned into ROH’s Brand Ambassador. Cary tells the ROH story, including behind-the-scenes details of the circumstances that led to ROH’s recent shuttering. He talks about their last show, “Final Battle,” what 2022 may hold for ROH, and whether he’ll still be involved. Cary also talks about ROH’s early days, how DVD sales kept them afloat, their first TV deal with HDNet (which later became AXS), the peak of ROH’s popularity, having talent poached by WWE, some of his favorite shows and matches, and all of the amazing talent that’s graced the ROH ring including Bryan Danielson, Samoa Joe, Colt Cobana, Kevin Owens, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Adam Cole, Jay Lethal, and so many more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audac

James Michael Guffey’s (or Jimmy Rave as the wrestling world knew him) passion for pro wrestling was undeniable, and in one of the last long-form interviews he did before his untimely passing on December 12th at the age of 39, that love for the business is palpable. Jimmy spoke at length about his battle with MRSA, his struggles with addiction, adjusting to life as a triple amputee, his work as a mental health advocate and peer support drug counselor, and keeping a positive attitude through life’s adversities. He also shared many great moments and stories from his memorable wrestling career including learning from Dusty Rhodes and Ricky Steamboat, working for TNA, New Japan, and Ring of Honor, wrestling Samoa Joe with a broken jaw, tag teaming with Lance Rock (aka Lance Archer) as the Rock’n Rave Infection, and his cage match with CM Punk. Jimmy Rave is survived by his daughter Kailah, son James II, parents Jim and Toni Guffey, and fiancee Gabby Gilbert. Please help his friends and family honor James and cele

“The History of Horror and Metal” is a new documentary from director Mike Shiff, who also coincidentally worked on Fozzy’s video for “Sandpaper.” Mike is a horror and heavy metal music fan, and was inspired to do this documentary to explore the deep connection between metal and horror movies! He did over 60 interviews for the doc and spoke to a who’s who from the metal and horror scenes including Gunnar Hansen (“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”), Kane Hodder (“Friday The 13th”), director John Carpenter, Bela Lugosi’s son, Kirk Hammett from Metallica, Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Corey Taylor, Scott Ian from Anthrax, and Chris Jericho! Mike’s sharing behind-the-scenes stories from filming, who he wanted to speak with but wasn’t able to get, and some of his favs in metal and horror. He also explains why it took over 7 years to make, what the festival circuit has been like, and when the doc will be available to the public! For more information, go to metalhorror.com or follow them on Instagram @themetalhorror. To le

Jay Lethal recounts the single zoom call at Ring of Honor that effectively changed his life, and led directly to him signing with AEW. He explains why Ring Of Honor temporarily closing its doors was such a shock to the roster, his first reaction after hearing the news, and what originally kept him there when the Young Bucks, Hangman Adam Page, and Cody Rhodes all left to start AEW. He also shares stories from his time at Impact Wrestling including his angle with Ric Flair, the origins of Black Machismo, the time he sorta met Macho Man Randy Savage, and the fantastic story about how and when he was fired. Plus, Lethal talks Tommy Dreamer, WWE, his AEW debut, his first meeting with Tony Khan, his dream opponent, and why his dad has always been his biggest fan. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Fab 3 (Jericho, drummer Mike Portnoy, and Anthrax’s Charlie Benante) return to celebrate the release of Peter Jackson’s 8-hour documentary series, “Get Back,” on their favorite band, The Beatles! Peter Jackson sifted through, and restored, the original footage captured for Michael Lindsay Hogg’s 1970 documentary about the making of the “Let It Be” album, and The Fab 3 share their thoughts about what’s included. They marvel at the camaraderie and comedy between John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, along with the incredible musicianship and performance of the band’s famed 1969 rooftop concert at their Apple Corps headquarters. They share favorite scenes and moments, what surprised them most about the footage and the relationships, and the myth the documentary dispels about the picture painted of the 4 Beatles in the original “Let It Be” doc. Thanks to our sponsors! Steven Singer Jewelers: One place! Once price! www.IHateStevenSinger.com Skylight Frame: go to www.skylightframe.

Criminologist Laura Brand is the executive producer of “The Toolbox Killer” documentary currently streaming on Peacock. It’s the horrific, true crime story of two sadistic serial killers, Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris, who terrorized and killed teenage girls in Southern California over a 5-month period in 1979. The pair often used tools found in a typical toolbox to torture and maim their victims before murdering them. Laura Brand built up a relationship with Lawrence Bittaker before he died on San Quentin’s Death Row in 2019, and managed to get him to open up about the crimes as well as share the possible location of two of their victims whose remains have never been recovered. Laura explains who and why she got involved in the case, some of the details of Bittaker and Norris’ heinous crimes, how and when they were finally caught, and how Laura managed to get Bittaker to confide so much in her. Thanks to our sponsors: Nord VPN – go to NordVPN.com/TIJ to get up to 73% off a Nord VPN plan, plus a bonus gif

In 1994, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York brought a criminal case against Vince McMahon accusing the then-chairman of the World Wrestling Federation of supplying illegal anabolic steroids to his professional wrestlers. After deliberating for 16 hours, the jury eventually found Vince McMahon not guilty. Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and Wade Keller, editor of the ProWrestling Torch newsletter, both covered the trial in-person at the time, and Wade even stayed in the courtroom when the verdict was read. Dave and Wade share the story surrounding the case including the reasons for the government’s pursuit of Vince McMahon, the role that Dr. George Zahorian’s conviction played in it, how the McMahons found out about the indictment, what they did in preparation for trial and possible conviction, why Hulk Hogan was a witness for the prosecution, the defense strategy employed by WWF lawyer Jerry McDevitt, and Vince McMahon’s reaction to the not guilty verdict

The Beatles made the Cavern Club in Liverpool a household name, and wait till you hear some of the other artists and bands that didn’t play there because it was The Beatles house! Clark Gilmour who works at the Cavern Club and Neil Brannon, Manager of the Magical Mystery Tour in Liverpool, share a wealth of trivia and stories from the Fab Four’s early days in Liverpool playing the famous basement club! You’ll hear how their lunchtime shows inspired songs like “Lovely Rita” and “Polythene Pam,” the role that the Cavern Club played in The Beatles meeting manager Brian Epstein, what happened during The Beatles last-ever show at the Cavern, and what brought both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr back to the Club long after The Beatles break up. You’’ll also hear the incredibly history of the Cavern Club, and some of the other legendary acts that played there. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit http

Kurt Angle celebrates the fans on the Chris Jericho Rock & Wrestling Rager At Sea Triple Whammy with great stories from his entire career. He explains how winning the Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympics turned into a job with WWE, which led to incredible matches and moments with Stone Cold Steve Austin, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and Shane McMahon. He tells the Brock Lesnar takedown story in full detail, and reveals why John Cena was not Kurt’s retirement match as he’d hoped. He recounts leaving WWE for TNA and the amazing run he had there including his epic matches with Samoa Joe and AJ Styles. Kurt also talks about his return to WWE, why he decided to go back, and what really prompted him to retire altogether from wrestling. Thanks to our sponsors: NordVPN – go to www.NordVPN.com/TIJ to get up to 73% off plus a bonus gift Magic Spoon – go to www.MagicSpoon.com/Jericho to save $5 off your order Steven Singer Jewelers and www,IHateStevenSinger.com Geico – go to www,geico.com to see how much you

The Beast of Gevaudan a real-life, cryptid being described as a giant dog-like wolf, terrorized the former province of Gevaudan in the Margeride Mountains of south-central France between 1764 and 1767. It attacked and killed hundreds of mostly women and children for sport, and was nearly impossible to kill! Scott and Forrest from the “Astonishing Legends” podcast (https://www.astonishinglegends.com/ ) share the story of the beast from its first known attack to the King Of Fance’s involvement in hunting it down to the mysterious silver bullet that’s believed to have finally killed it. Scott and Forrest recount witness and survivor stories and descriptions, tales from the many who hunted and tried to kill the beast, and some of the theories surrounding what the beast may have really been. Thank you to our sponsors! Fareway Meat Market - www.farewaymeatmarket.com and use promo code JERICHO for $100 off and free shipping! Helix - go to www.helixsleep.com/Jericho for up to $200 off plus 2 free pillows! To learn

So what happened on the Chris Jericho Rock & Wrestling Rager at Sea Triple Whammy?? A LOT! Chris shares some of his favorite cruise stories and activities including getting onstage with Fozzy, Stryper, Kuarantine, and Rubix Cube, tag teaming with Orange Cassidy, and hanging in the Will Ospreay conga line! You’ll hear about the one-of-a-kind matches on the ship featuring everything from tequila shots with Danhausen to Sonny Kiss’ in-ring dance contest! Discover who played Family Feud, who kicks ass at Mad Libs, who hosted the Drunken Spelling Bee, and who called numbers at Bingo!! You’ll also get a sneak peak at what’s coming on the Chris Jericho Rock & Wrestling Rager At Sea Four Leaf Clover setting sail March 14, 2022 (www.chrisjerichocruise.com)  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lio Rush is one of the newest additions to the AEW roster! You’ll hear the story of how he came to sign with AEW, his first meeting with Tony Khan, and the injury he suffered during his debut as The Joker in the Casino Battle Royale at Double or Nothing. The 26-year old talks about his already incredible wrestling career which included stops at Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and signing with WWE at the age of 22. He reveals why he was released from WWE earlier this year, what his relationship with Vince McMahon and Triple H was really like, why he announced his retirement from pro wrestling last Juen, and what ultimately brought him back. He speaks to his Lio Rush name and gimmick, his great run with Bobby Lashley at WWE, and being inspired by the great Rey Mysterio. Plus, Lio talks about using his downtime from WWE to record and release his first hip-hop album, “Ever After,” and his aspirations to make more music and perform for fans.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices v

Luis Navia spent 25 years working as a cocaine trafficker for the deadliest Columbian and Mexican cartels, including Pablo Escobar’s Medellin Cartel, before his arrest in Venezuela in 2000. And now Luis Navia, with some help from journalist Jesse Fink, has written a book, “Pure Narco,” about his incredible story. Luis and Jesse recount some of the tales from Luis’ 25 years in the drug business from how this rich kid, Georgetown University graduate ever got involved in the drug trade to being with to how he grew his trafficking empire until his arrest. Luis talks about meeting Pablo Escobar, being kidnapped by the cartel, sharing Easter dinner with a cartel assassin, keeping his identity relatively secret, and how law enforcement finally caught him. Luis also details his thoughts about seeing his real-life friends’ stories in the Netflix series, “Narcos,” and what it’s been like for him to adapt to regular, civilian life.  “Pure Narco” is available now (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1538155516) wherever yo

What is going on at the massive Denver Airport and its multi-story underground tunnel system? Illuminati? Lizard people? Free Masons? Brady Roberts and Mike Howorun did a deep dive into the many conspiracy theories revolving around the infamous airport and share some of what they discovered along the way, including stories about the apocalyptical artwork and statues on the grounds, the gargoyles, the strange occurrences, the sightings, its close proximity to NORAD, and the ties to Area 51. They share how they then used their research to create their audio drama podcast, “Escaping Denver” (which is available for FREE wherever you listen to podcasts).  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices