The Rabblecast (comedy)

Matthew Cappotelli(aged 38), was an American professional wrestler. After co-winning Tough Enough III with John Hennigan(aka John Morrison), he worked in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), the primary developmental territory for WWE. He ended his career due to a malignant brain tumor.

Steve Ditko(aged 90), was an American comics artist and writer best known as the artist and co-creator, with Stan Lee, of the Marvel Comics superheroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. Ditko largely declined to give interviews, saying he preferred to communicate through his work. 

We also continue to follow the story of the 21st Century Fox buyout by Disney. Comcast had previously challenged Disney's bid to acquire 21st Century Fox, but Disney out bid Comcast. Everything seemed like smooth sailing until a lawsuit was filed by a Fox shareholder, causing yet another road block in the acquisition of 21st Century Fox.

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_538.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 11:26pm EDT

Not long ago, when you wanted to find the latest movie releases for your home entertainment you had to leave the comfort of your home, get in your car, and take a trip to your local video store. Now we have streaming services and digital downloads that allow you to side step all of that. But what the adventure of going to a rental store? The oddball places and their staff? When was the last time you watched a movie based on the cover art of the VHS/DVD?

Leon Allen White(aged 63, aka Big Van Vader),  was an American professional wrestler and professional football player. He performed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) during the 1990s and 2000s. White, who gained legendary status in Japan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest super heavy-weight wrestlers ever.

Also on this episode, we have an update regarding the on-going story of the Fox and Disney deal that many are hoping will soon be resolved. After a $65 billion all cash bid from Comcast, Disney has responded with a larger bid. Originally, Disney put a bid out for $52.4 billion in stocks, but they have now upped their bid to $71.3 billion in cash and stocks. Is this it? We'll have to wait and see.

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_537.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 12:05am EDT

It's no secret that we love movies. Good movies, bad movies, weird movies, take your pick. Doug recently watched, Oasis of the Zombies and soon after regretted watch said movie. Hernandez watched, Yoga Hosers and was taken back to the 80's when monster movies were a thing(anyone remember the 1987 movie, Munchies?)

We also talk about the recent essay written by Chloe Dykstra(actress, cosplayer, and model) that was posted on Medium. The essay details a relationship in which she was the victim of emotional and sexual abuse. No one was named in the essay but it didn't take much to realize that the other person in the relationship was, Chris Hardwick(stand-up comedian, actor, television host, writer, producer, and podcaster). We talk about the essay and the reactions that followed soon after social media and news outlets picked up on the story.

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_536.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 6:18pm EDT

Anthony Bourdain(aged 61) was an American celebrity chef, author, travel documentarian, and television personality who starred in programs focusing on the exploration of international culture, cuisine, and the human condition. He was considered one of the most influential chefs in the world. His personality, his no nonsense style, and his storytelling will be sorely missed in and out of the culinary world.

In other news, someone has finally stopped Jason Vorhees, at least temporarily. The rights(currently held by co-creator, Sean Cunningham) to the Friday the 13th franchise are currently being disputed. Victor Miller, the original writer of the script to the first film in the series has exercised what he believes to be his rightful claim(or portion thereof).

While the entertainment lawyers duke it out, anything pertaining to Friday the 13th has been put on an indefinite hold. Fans of Friday the 13th The Game are being directly affected by this dispute. As a result, no future DLC(Down Loadable Content) can be created or released. The game is still playable and available to gaming fans. But until a decision can be rendered the future of the game is currently in limbo.

Also on this episode, we get another "Horrible Event In History"! Doug takes us to Lake Nyos and tells the story of the limnic eruption that led to a natural disaster for the population surrounding the area.

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_535.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 7:42pm EDT

Pro Wrestling Death Matches. You either love them or hate them. Steel chairs, tables, barbed wire, light tubes, and C4(optional) are just some of the many different implements used in this genre of match type. Nine times out of ten, there will be blood. In some cases the performers might be rushed to the locker room for medical attention or taken to the hospital. On this episode we talk about some of the matches we've seen either LIVE or on tape that stand out to us.

From there we jump into some talk about video games. Streaming video game feeds, speed runs on certain games, and some of our favorites. Mega Man X, Mike Tyson's Punch-Out, Track and Field, and Street Fighter are just some of the games that we spent many a late night playing. What are some of your favorites?

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_534.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 12:20am EDT

Roseanne Barr has become the most recent victim of social media outrage. The Comedian used Twitter to post some questionable racial remarks that quickly resulted in the cancelling of her recently revived show. Was it just an "innocent joke"? Was it free speech? We take a look at what transpired and weigh in a little bit.

The Walking Dead TV series will be saying, goodbye to one of it main characters. Andrew Lincoln has announced that he will be leaving the show in the upcoming season. Can the popular AMC TV show survive without its leading man? Who will fill the Rick Grimes shaped void? Somebody get Norman Reedus' manager on the phone.

And we also talk about some recent movie news. Blumhouse Productions is giving Todd McFarlane the opportunity to bring his very own comic book creation, Spawn to the big screen once again. This time, McFarlane himself will be sitting in the Director's chair. And it has just been announced that he will be Directing Academy Award Winner, Jamie Foxx as Spawn himself, Al Simmons. Are you looking forward to the return of Spawn to the big screen?

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_533.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 1:48am EDT

The Rabblecast turns 12! Who would've thought that a silly podcast about Wrestling and other whimsical nonsense would still be going after so long? We certainly didn't but we are happy to continue to entertain so many of you near and far.

It's a happy coincidence that during this, our anniversary show, we return to talk about the world of professional wrestling and some of the shenanigans that are reportedly going on over there. But let us not forget that it is the wonderful world of wrestling and wacky things do tend to happen there on a regular basis.

Doug fills us in on his recent trip to watch The Misfits at a recent show in Newark, NJ. Find out how special this show would've been to his younger self as opposed to "Adult Doug". All of this and much more on this special anniversary episode!

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_532.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 6:30pm EDT

It seemed like a complete long shot. But it's happening. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves are returning to the roles that made them break out stars from the early 90's. That's right ladies and gentlemen, Wyld Stallyns is doing a comeback tour in the upcoming film, Bill and Ted Face The Music.

The original writers, Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon are also returning along with Winter and Reeves. Can they pull off a hat trick almost thirty years after the release of the second film? Can we look forward to any returning characters from the previous two films? Let's discuss.

Also, we delve into other movie franchises that we may or may not want to see a return to. Movies from the 80's and 90's had a certain atmosphere to them that you rarely find today. What are some of your favorite picks?

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_531.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 12:02am EDT

Congratulations to Marvel Studios and Disney on an amazing accomplishments with their recent film release, Avengers: Infinity War. This film became a global event as it was released on April 27th and fans everywhere flocked to their theaters to take in the culmination of ten years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And we were no different. (Original recording date: 5/1/18.)

We sit and talk about the film and some of the major plot points. Warning: Spoilers abound on this episode if you have not seen the film yet. We also go over some of the different theories that have been going around regarding the ending of the film. How does it end? Why do we have to wait one year for the next one?

Also on this show, we talk about WWE's recent show, The Greatest Royal Rumble? Yes, apparently there is another Royal Rumble show and we talk about some of the details of the show and how it came to be. Will this be another annual show? Listen in and find out what we have to say about this and so much more.

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_530.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 8:43pm EDT

Once again we take a look at some of the recent passings of artists, actors, and performers. You may know some of them. You may not. This is our way of acknowledging their contributions during lifetime.

Avicii(aged 28 real name Tim Bergling), was a Swedish musician, DJ, remixer and record producer. He rose to prominence in 2011 with his breakthrough single "Levels". His debut studio album, True (2013), featured electronic music blended with elements of several music genres. The lead single "Wake Me Up", topped most music markets in Europe and reached number four in the US.

Verne Troyer(aged 49), was an American actor, stunt performer, and comedian best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers film series. He was notable for having been only 2 ft 8 in (81 cm) tall, the result of cartilage–hair hypoplasia; this made him one of the shortest men in the world.

Bruno Sammartino(aged 82), was an Italian-born American professional wrestler, best known for his work with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). There, he held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship for more than 11 years across two reigns, the first of which is the longest single reign in the promotion's history at 2,803 days.

And... we have a new entry into the "Horrible Events in History" file. The subject of this segment: Sam Sheppard. Learn how one man's life led him from being a neurosurgeon to eventually stepping into the "squared circle" of professional wrestling.

We are The Rabblecast!

Direct download: Rabblecast_Ep_529.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 9:15pm EDT