07.01.2026 MONSTERPALOOZA 2026 PART 2!!!
After a scarily successful Friday night, JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD return to the Pasadena Convention Center for another day of horror-themed hijinks! If it’s Saturday, it’s... MONSTERPALOOZA 2026 PART 2!!!
The second day of this epic show provided us with another diabolical dollop of vendors, artists, celebrities, panels, cosplayers, SFX makeup demonstrations, and more! And by more, we mean a dazzling array of on-the-spot interviews at the MONSTER PARTY booth!
Joining us that afternoon were a tsunami of exciting guests, including SPOOKYWORLD theme park founder DAVID BERTOLINO, writer/director/producer DANNY WOLF, sci-fi film director GARO SETIAN (SPACE WARS: QUEST FOR THE DEEPSTAR, AUTOMATION), trailer director HUNTER SETIAN, actor and film soundtrack journalist DANIEL SCHWEIGER (PHANTASM: RAVAGER, JOHN DIES AT THE END), magazine editor/journalist/film director DAVID WEINER (IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS), HORROR NERDS COMEDY PODCAST hosts SAMANTHA HALE and BONNIE MARIE WILLIAMS, 2 BLACK GUYS TALK GODZILLA PODCAST host AARON NEUWIRTH, author/comedian/Jumbo Machinder collector TOM FRANCK (JUMBO TITAN X), fantasy illustrator MIRANDA FRANCK, and legendary horror host MR. LOBO (CINEMA INSOMNIA, OSI). Whew!
Of course, what would a day of MONSTERPALOOZA be without visits from fans, friends, and family, including a visit from Larry's niece, who gave us all a schooling on PROJECT HAIL MARY. Did she make some good points? Yes. Did she change any minds? What do you think?
LISTEN NOW TO WHAT YOU MISSED THIS LAST MAY, AND START MAKING PLANS TO ATTEND MONSTERPALOOZA IN 2027. MONSTER PARTY WILL BE WAITING TO GREEEEET YOU!
Key Topics Discussed
Behind the Scenes of Spooky World: David Bertolino stops by the booth to discuss his book, Behind the Screams at Spooky World, detailing the history and famous visitors of America's first horror theme park.
Disneyland Theme Park Trivia: Guests from Disneyland share behind-the-scenes stories about the Haunted Mansion, including the legendary spider web glass and early animatronic toy issues.
Independent Filmmaking and Movie Trailers: Feature filmmaker and trailer editor Gato Setian visits to talk about his sci-fi and monster films, creating trailers, and upcoming projects.
Fan Cosplay and Special Projects: Con-goers drop by the booth to showcase custom-made horror props and discuss their love for monster movies and cosplay.
Horror Host History and Legacy: Mr. Lobo visits the booth to discuss the tradition and community of horror hosting, inspired by Bob Wilkins.
Timestamps
00:00:18 - Introduction to the special Monsterpalooza Day 2 episode featuring hosts Matt Weinhold, Shawn Sheridan, Larry Strothe, and James Gonis.
00:02:06 - David Bertolino discusses his book Behind the Screams at Spooky World and the Spooktacular documentary.
00:11:29 - Disneyland cast members share behind-the-scenes trivia and secrets about the Haunted Mansion.
00:18:41 - Independent filmmaker and veteran trailer editor Gato Setian stops by to talk about sci-fi, monster movies, and his company Hungry Monster Entertainment.
00:27:19 - Cosplayer Andy shows off a custom-built, highly detailed creature prop inspired by the Smile movies.
00:31:34 - Hillel from the School of Dentistry drops by to gift the hosts a group ticket package to the Magic Castle.
00:34:15 - Fans John and Tricia chat with the hosts about growing up as monster kids in Utah.
00:41:30 - Aaron Neuwirth from Two Black Guys Talk Godzilla stops by to discuss their recent trip to Japan and the Godzilla theme park on Awaji Island.
00:50:31 - Soundtracks guest and actor Daniel Schwager discusses his upcoming indie film roles and breaking down film scores for 4K and Blu-ray releases.
00:56:25 - Family members Everly and her mother stop by the booth to debate the merits and flaws of the sci-fi film Project Hail Mary.
00:5:22 - Tom and Miranda Frank drop by to discuss independent toy design, custom action figures, and attending DesignerCon.
00:13:11 - Director and producer David Weiner (In Search of Darkness, In Search of Tomorrow) visits to talk about pre-orders for the upcoming 1970s horror documentary.
00:39:12 - Bonnie and Samantha from the Horror Nerds Podcast talk about blending stand-up comedy, horror fandom, and voice acting.
00:47:33 - Independent broadcasting icon Mr. Lobo drops by to discuss the history of horror hosting, inspired by Bob Wilkins, and his network OSI 74.
02:25:22 - Con-goers dressed as the Devil and the Grim Reaper stop by for a quick chat before the hosts wrap up Day 2.
Resources/Links Mentioned
Films
Mystic River – Mentioned as David Bertolino recalls celebrities like Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn, and others visiting Spooky World while shooting this movie.
Smile 2 – Discussed by cosplayer Andi, who modeled a custom creature prop after the entity from this sequel, noting it is a personal favorite.
Automation – Mentioned by filmmaker Gato Setian as his killer robot feature film about automated workplaces.
Space Wars: Quest for the Deep Star – Mentioned by Gato Setian as his sci-fi adventure film featuring action, spaceships, and giant monsters.
King Kong – Referenced multiple times, including the 1933 classic discussed in the context of Max Steiner's musical scoring and the classic creature lineage.
Son of Kong – Mentioned by Gato Setian as part of his childhood holiday viewing traditions on Thanksgiving.
Mighty Joe Young – Mentioned alongside Son of Kong as part of Setian's traditional Thanksgiving movie viewing routine.
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah – Discussed by Aaron Neuwirth as his co-host Terrence's ranked number-one film from the Heisei era, and referenced by Tom Frank regarding the 1991 mechanical design.
Destroy All Monsters – Mentioned when James Gonis and Aaron Neuwirth discuss the S.Y.3 spaceship from the film.
State of Grace – Mentioned by Daniel Schwager in the context of his work providing audio commentary for its 4K release and discussing Ennio Morricone's score.
Unlawful Entry – Mentioned twice by Daniel Schwager regarding his work discussing its music for a Noir 4K set, alongside a comedic joke about an adult film sharing the same title.
Emanuelle – Mentioned by Daniel Schwager, discussing his music commentary piece included in the Severin box set release.
Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde – Discussed by Daniel Schwager as one of his two favorite Hammer horror films, featuring a score by Christopher Gunning.
Hands of the Ripper – Mentioned by Daniel Schwager alongside Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde as his other favorite Hammer double-feature film.
Project Hail Mary – Heavily debated by the hosts and young family members Everly and her mother regarding its plot, musical scoring, and themes of loneliness.
E.T. – Mentioned during the Project Hail Mary debate as a comparison for buddy-flick alien tropes.
The Human Centipede – Referenced jokingly by Matt Weinhold during the movie debate.
King Kong Escapes – Mentioned by Tom Frank and others regarding an elaborate Mechani-Kong cosplay at the convention, a screening at the Gardena Cinema, and Frank's autographed two-sheet movie poster.
Suspiria – Mentioned while praising Jessica Harper's legendary acting career spanning across both horror and musical genres.
The Howling – Discussed as a film watched by Tom and his daughter Miranda, noting its numerous cameos by industry figures like Roger Corman and Forrest J. Ackerman.
The Green Slime – Mentioned as a classic film that Tom previously introduced Miranda to in a theater.
Phantom of the Paradise – Referenced several times through custom fan art, screenings, and Paul Williams' involvement, including its cast members like Jessica Harper.
Bugsy Malone – Mentioned in the context of Paul Williams' iconic musical and film contributions.
Shock Treatment – Mentioned alongside Suspiria and Phantom of the Paradise as part of Jessica Harper's impressive filmography.
Slaughterhouse-Five – Referenced metaphorically via the literary concept of Billy Pilgrim being "unstuck in time" to describe modern media consumption.
Let's Scare Jessica to Death – Cited by David Weiner and the hosts as a prime example of the unique, gritty, and downbeat storytelling found in 1970s horror cinema.
Blue Sunshine – Mentioned jokingly by David Weiner during a banter exchange about watching long documentary runtimes.
The Exorcist – Discussed at length by the hosts and guests regarding viewing it at a young age, its iconic status in 1970s horror, and Bob Wilkins' legendary promotional ticket contest.
The Innocents – Mentioned as a classic black-and-white 1960s ghost film featuring Deborah Carr and Peter Wingard.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein – Mentioned by a guest as a foundational and beloved classic choice of horror-comedy.
Ghost and Mr. Chicken – Discussed as a comedy-horror favorite featuring Don Knotts.
Zardoz – Mentioned by the hosts when discussing custom Tiki mugs made by Jim Moore and their appreciation for the film.
It Came From Outer Space – Mentioned by Mr. Lobo when recalling early live shows promoting magazine features with Bob Wilkins.
Lost Horizon – Referenced in passing dialogue.
Virginia Creepers – Mentioned by Mr. Lobo as a documentary he hosted detailing the history of 50 horror hosts from the Old Dominion.
American Scary – Mentioned as a documentary about horror hosts that accidentally omitted Virginia hosts, inspiring the creation of Virginia Creepers.
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes – Mentioned as an example of a film whose documentary might find a home on the OSI 74 streaming channel.
Get Crazy – Discussed by Mr. Lobo and the hosts as a beloved, obscure cult comedy featuring Malcolm McDowell as Sydney Wanker, watched traditionally every New Year's.
Rock 'n' Roll High School – Mentioned as another film directed by Alan Arkish, sharing a similar creative passion to Get Crazy.
Yellowbeard – Mentioned alongside Get Crazy and Halloween III as part of the hosts' preferred comedic and cult film tastes.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch – Mentioned during discussions of Stacey Nelken and revival screenings championed by the hosts.
Alien – Mentioned briefly by a con-goer dressed as the Grim Reaper as his personal favorite horror movie.
Television
Dean Martin Show – Mentioned as Danny Wolfe pops out from behind a door, prompting a joke about a classic variety entrance.
Big Brother – Mentioned by David Bertolino and Danny Wolfe as one of the reality shows they worked on together.
Ultraman – Mentioned as a classic Japanese superhero and monster series watched in childhood.
Iron King – Mentioned alongside Ultraman as a classic Japanese tokusatsu television series.
Red Baron (Super Robot Red Baron) – Mentioned as a classic Japanese live-action robot show.
Kamen Rider (Masked Rider) – Mentioned as a classic tokusatsu television series.
Johnny Socko and His Flying Robot (Giant Robot) – Discussed as a childhood television series featuring a flying robot.
The Space Giants – Mentioned when discussing childhood giant robot shows.
Star Trek – Referenced as a classic sci-fi television touchstone.
The Twilight Zone – Mentioned in reference to its classic television episodes, specifically "It's a Good Life".
Batman – Mentioned as a television series/character when a guest recalls wearing a Batman shirt as a kid.
It's Garry Shandling's Show – Mentioned while discussing television appearances and comedic timing.
Stranger Things – Mentioned as a modern television series phenomenon that revives older songs.
Gilligan's Island – Referenced humorously during a joke about fake TV Guide listings.
Lost in Space – Mentioned as part of the classic television rerun lineup featured during early live events.
Speed Racer – Mentioned alongside Lost in Space as part of the classic television lineup.
Cinema Insomnia – Discussed as Mr. Lobo's long-running horror-hosting television program.
Monster Channel – Discussed as an underground television channel platform broadcasting horror hosts and retro programming.
Sleazy Pictures After Dark – Mentioned as an exploitation movie hosting television show.
Ministry of Slack – Mentioned as video content created for television/network streaming.
Books, Comics and Magazines
Behind the Screams at Spooky World – A book written by David Bertolino detailing the behind-the-scenes stories and history of America's first horror theme park.
Famous Monsters Magazine – A classic monster fan magazine mentioned multiple times throughout the episode in relation to its history, its famous founder Forry Ackerman, and its feature spotlight on the podcast.
Mad Magazine – Mentioned as a massive stylistic influence known for its horror spoofs and artwork by Jack Davis.
Godzilla (Marvel Comic) – Mentioned by Tom Frank in reference to the character Red Ronin from Marvel's comic book series.
Planet X – A magazine mentioned by Mr. Lobo when recalling how he first met Bob Wilkins, who was being featured in its pages.
The Complete Bob Wilkins Creature Features DVD – A companion book ordered that came with a personalized message and autograph from Bob Wilkins.
