Talk Is Jericho

First he was hand-picked to be part of the Inner Circle, and now he’s been hand-picked to appear on TIJ! The Spanish Sex God, Sammy Guevara, talks about his journey to AEW, and what it’s like being part of Le Sex Gods, the hottest new tag team at the company. Sammy’s talking Pandas, vlogging, and meeting his heroes. He also recalls his WWE experience, getting booked on Lucha Underground, wrestling in Japan, and training at Booker T’s wrestling school. 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

Legendary songwriter Desmond Child has 70 Top 40 hits to his name, a GRAMMY, and a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction! He’s written huge tunes with Bon Jovi (“Livin’ On A Prayer”), Aerosmith (“Dude (Looks Like A Lady)”), Ricky Martin (“Cup Of Life”), KISS (“I Was Made For Lovin’ You”), Katy Perry (“Waking Up In Vegas”), Joan Jett (“I Hate Myself For Lovin’ You”), and Alice Cooper! And he’s sharing all the stories behind the songs, and explaining how Paul Stanley of KISS was instrumental in pivoting Desmond’s music career from that of bandmember to songwriter and producer. You’ll discover the songs he likes, the ones he’s not too fond of, and the few that find new life in new forms (can you say NFL Sunday Night Football theme?). Plus, Desmond talks about the time he met Michael Jackson, and why they never ended up writing together. 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

Lance Storm is closing the Storm Wrestling Academy this year after an amazing 15-year run! He’s talking about the timing of his decision, the new adventure he’s about to undertake with WWE, and what prompted him to open the wrestling school in the first place! He’s also talking about the hundreds of students who have come through his doors – his favorites, the ones who got away, and the ones who should have made it but didn’t for whatever reason. He’s sharing stories about some of the legends who’ve visited the school to offer advice and tips (like Bret Hart, Rey Mysterio, Edge, and Don Callis), and some of the second-generation wrestlers he’s instructed over the years (like Dominik Mysterio, Brian Pillman Jr., and Rachael Ellering). 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

It’s Le Champion’s favorite era of KISS – 80's KISS!  So much so that he wrote the forward to a new book called “Take It Off: KISS Truly Unmasked!” Greg Prato wrote the book which features interviews with Bruce Kulick (who was KISS’ lead guitarist for much of that time period), video director Paul Rachman (who did the “Unholy” and “Domino” videos), producer Ron Nevison (who helmed the “Crazy Nights” album), and TIJ alum and rock expert Eddie Trunk!  So today, Greg and Eddie Trunk join Chris to talk 80's KISStory, including a breakdown of the 12 non-makeup albums, the big tours, late, great drummer Eric Carr (who was a close personal friend of Eddie’s), Vinnie Vincent’s contribution to the band during his short tenure, Gene Simmons’ run of 80s films, and the role that MTV played in keeping the band alive. 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

NZO and CazXL (formerly Enzo and Big Cass) are back in a big way! They recount what’s happened since their respective firings from WWE, the personal fallout of their own friendship, and the scary seizure that Cass suffered at a House of Hardcore signing. Cass speaks candidly about his battle with alcohol, his unbelievable recovery, and how he and Enzo were able to fix their friendship. Plus, Enzo tells his hilarious Survivor Series story, talks about his music career, and explains what finally brought him back to the ring. 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

Hans Holzer was the first American ghost-hunter, who investigated thousands of paranormal hauntings. His books and case files inspired Dan Aykroyd to write the hit movie, “Ghostbusters!” And now some of Hans’ most intriguing cases are being examined and re-investigated on the new Travel Channel TV show, “The Holzer Files,” by two longtime friends of TIJ, investigator Dave Schrader (of Beyond The Darkness podcast fame), and researcher Gabe Roth (horror filmmaker Eli Roth’s brother). Dave and Gabe share a behind-the-scenes look at some of the spookier moments that occurred during filming along with some of the terrifying experiences that happened off camera! They talk about the infamous Rye House in New York, the ghost crew of the USS Constellation Warship, and the Whaley House. 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

Comedian Ryan “Cripple Threat” Niemiller came in 3rd on “America’s Got Talent,” but always dreamed of being a professional wrestler!  That’s how he ended up getting some great coaching and training from Le Champion during Ryan’s AGT finale appearance! Hear that story along with what it took to make AGT, why it’s harder than it might seem, and what the judges are really like when the cameras aren’t rolling. Plus, Ryan talks about his foray into professional wrestling before starting in standup, his friendship with the Young Bucks and Peter “The Librarian” Avalon, and how it was not his disability that prevented him from pursuing that dream but something else entirely! He also speaks to developing his standup act, why his self-deprecating jokes always seem to get the best response, and the one joke he’ll never be able to tell again. 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

Kia Stevens is Awesome Kong in AEW, The Welfare Queen on the Netflix series GLOW, and she was Karma at WWE. She also from suffers from coulrophobia (fancy word for legit fear of clowns, and she’s got the stories to back it up)! Kia got her wrestling start in Japan with All Japan Women, lived in the dojo for years, and speaks fluent Japanese. She spent some time in TNA and talks about her historic match against Gail Kim, and recounts her jump to WWE and the birth of Karma! Plus, Kia takes us behind the scenes of GLOW, and explains how she landed at AEW. 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

Donald Trump Jr. drops by in what’s sure to be the most controversial episode in TIJ history. Yes, he speaks about Russia, Jussie Smollett, and his father, the most polarizing President in American history. He addresses impeachment, the 2020 election, the “leftist media,” and his own political aspirations. Donald Jr. also remembers his father’s WWE run, the Battle of The Billionaires, the family friendship with the McMahons, and the moment that Stone Cold Steve Austin gave his father a stunner! 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

Wendy Dio, wife and manager of the late, great, legendary, Ronnie James Dio, is sharing stories from her life with Ronnie! She’s talking about how they met, why he left Black Sabbath to start his own band, what inspired the swords and dragon imagery of Dio’s early days, and about his stomach cancer diagnosis. She also explains why she was shocked by his passing, and how she’s keeping his memory and legacy alive through is music and philanthropy (the 5th Annual Bowl For Ronnie is tomorrow night, November 7th)!! Plus, Wendy’s taking us behind-the-scenes of last summer’s DIO hologram tour, and what it took to make that happen. 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

Halloween week concludes with paranormal stories about the King of Rock, Elvis Presley! Jeff Dougherty of the Christian Whistleblower YouTube channel spent time around Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. Jeff’s childhood friend, Charlie Hodge, was close to Elvis and actually lived at Graceland! Jeff shares stories about Elvis’ ghost haunting Graceland after his death, the real reason Elvis wanted to meet the Beatles, and what he warned John Lennon and Paul McCartney about. Jeff’s also talking about the secret international, multi-government organization that was exerting mind control over Elvis, and how Elvis’ Hollywood career and stint in the Army were all part of a bigger plan! 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

"We Need To Talk About Ghosts" podcast host Kevin Eustace lives in Liverpool and is an expert on all things paranormal Beatles! He’s collected and researched paranormal stories about the Fab Four for years, and now he’s sharing them with Chris and fellow Beatles fanatic, Charlie Benante of Anthrax. Kevin speaks to sightings of John Lennon’s ghost, weird experiences at the famous Cavern Club, and other well-known Beatles locations like Strawberry Field and Penny Lane (home of the Penny Lane Poltergeist). He also talks about the alleged Beatles curse, the ghost that haunted George Harrison’s home in the 1970s, and John Lennon’s UFO experience with May Pang during his infamous Lost Weekend! Plus, Kevin recounts the story of how Lennon sold his soul to the devil in exchange for fame and fortune! 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

Court Bauer is the founder of MLW: Major League Wrestling, and getting ready for his promotion’s big “Superfight” PPV event on November 2nd! Court shares what he learned as a WWE writer working directly under Stephanie and Vince McMahon for two years, and how that experience shaped his thoughts on promos and in-ring storytelling.  He talks about working with Edward Fatu (aka Ecky), and how he helped develop the Umaga gimmick. He remembers the Battle of the Billionaires between Vince and Donald Trump, and recalls some crazy stories about the now-President of the USA. And Court explains how all of that led to the creation of MLW, and his incredible roster of talent including the Von Erich boys, Jacob Fatu, MJF (who’s also part of AEW), and Salina de la Renta. 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

Shhhhhh! AEW’s resident librarian, Peter Avalon, makes his TIJ debut! He’s talking about how a career in books and reading lead him to the AEW ring, and who exactly offered him the roster spot. He’s also got stories about meeting The Young Bucks in wrestling school, working with and learning from the late, great Roddy Piper, what happened during his WWE tryout, how he and his tag partner Ray Rosas make a little extra cash during Bar Wrestling shows, and why he agreed to help David Arquette make his big return to wrestling! 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

Artimus Pyle played drums in Lynyrd Skynyrd with original frontman (and band founder) Ronnie Van Zant, and Artimus survived the tragic plane crash that took Ronnie’s life at the height of Skynyrd’s popularity almost 42-years ago to the day. Artimus relives that fateful October day in 1977, and details both the circumstances leading up to it, and the events that immediately followed. He remembers the bandmates and friends lost, and explains why no one should have survived that crash. He also recalls his first introduction to Ronnie, his own audition, and his first live gig with the Skynyrd. Artimus is talking songwriting, performing, the big Skynyrd reunion, the reasons he quick the reunion line-up of Skynyrd, and the importance of honoring Ronnie’s legacy and music. 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

Don Callis and Paul Lazenby return to help Chris pay tribute to their old friend and fellow Calgary wrestler, Rick Bognar, who passed away unexpectedly last month at the age of 49. They remember their training days together, Rick’s first success in Japan, his Big Titan gimmick, and his brief stint at ECW with Paul Heyman. They also talk about Rick’s WWE gimmick as the “Fake Razor Ramon,” his relationship with Bret Hart, and why Rick’s career didn’t prove to be as successful as it should have been. 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

Bryan Alvarez from the Wrestling Observer has written a new book, “100 Things WWE Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die,” and he’s sharing more details about some of the items on his comprehensive list!  He’s explaining how he narrowed down the events, superstars, and even the controversies featured in the book including the obvious stuff like Wrestlemania, the Monday Night Wars, Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan, the not-so-obvious stuff like the Intercontinental Championship and indie wrestling, and the eyebrow-raising items like Crown Jewel and Chris Benoit. Bryan’s also talking about the state of wrestling today, AEW’s debut, and why the chapter on Chris Jericho was one of the hardest for him to write! 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

It’s time to meet Kick Axe… one of Chris Jericho’s favorite heavy metal bands! Founding bassist Vic Langen along with drummer Brian Gillstrom and guitarist Ray Harvey talk about the band’s early days gigging in their hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, how they broke into the metal scene in the 80s, and why they all but disappeared just as their careers were taking off in the States. They share stories about being signed by Spencer Proffer of Pasha Records, recording in Hollywood, hanging out on the Sunset Strip in the 80s, opening for Judas Priest, the Scorpions, and Whitesnake, and touring with Quiet Riot. You’ll hear about the making of the “Vices” and “Welcome to the Club” albums, and what happened when they opened for Metallica. Plus, they recount what finally brought them together again, why singer George Criston didn’t join them again, and how they found new singer Daniel Nargang. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Le

Heavy Metal Rules!  So say Steel Panther! Singer Michael Starr and drummer Stix Zadinia talk a little sex, drugs, and rock and roll, and how ALL that played into their brand-new studio album, “Heavy Metal Rules!” In between bites of a delicious room service lunch (on Jericho’s dime of course), they discussed favorite frontmen (shout out to David Lee Roth), awesome rock singers (shout out to Sebastian Bach), first celebrity crushes (shout out to Charlize Theron), and rehab (shout out to Lexxi Foxx). There’s also some convo about licking toads, yoga pants, U2, giant bald eagles, and the grunge scene. 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

It’s episode 600, and there’s only one guest and event big enough to mark this momentous occasion – Kevin Smith and a “Pulp Fiction” watch-along! It’s the 25th anniversary of the Quentin Tarantino classic film so this watch-along starts right here and is jam-packed with plenty of trivia and behind-the-scenes info about the making of this movie, and why it was so groundbreaking in cinema when it was released in 1994. Kevin Smith was releasing “Clerks” at Miramax at the same time Quentin was releasing “Pulp Fiction,” so Kevin was front and center for “Pulp Fiction’s” surprise success at Cannes. He offers his insight to Quentin’s filmmaking and storytelling style, his masterful use of dialogue, and how Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” spurred Kevin’s own movie-making career!  So start the watch-along here, and then head to SmodCast right after to finish the movie with Kevin & Chris! And THANK YOU for listening to TIJ, supporting the sponsors, and allowing the show to continue for 600 episodes! Here’s to all you sexy