Ryan Cadaver stops by the Phantom Zone to discuss the newest entry into whatever the heck Warner Bros. is doing with their DC Comics properties this week! We all know that Dave and Ryan look upon the DC Extended Universe a bit more favorably than most. While its had its ups and downs, overall it has still produced the most epic DC Comics movies of all time. While Wonder Woman was a course correction, Aquaman appeared to be a wild, swerving right-angle turn away from dark grittiness and into big,...
Dec 28, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 248
Part of an ongoing series – the Needless Things Irregulars gather in the Phantom Zone to provide their own unique commentary on classic genre films! In an almost Santa Claus-like manner, our friend Chad J. Shonk swooped in to save the holidays with some Star Wars magic in the form of Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure ! In 1984, George Lucas wanted some of that sweet, sweet television revenue but was still smarting from the hideous embarrassment of the Star Wars Holiday Special . So he took t...
Dec 21, 2018•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 247
On this weeks’ episode, Adam Pawlus of 16Bit.com and GalacticHunter.com talks to Dave about the past, present, and future of Star Wars toys! Known for his quick wit and intuitive knowledge of the hobby, Adam Pawlus has written for various publications including Star Wars Galaxy Collector as well as stints at Rebelscum and Yakface. He also has a day job in the toy business. His newsletter was an invaluable resource for many collectors during the POTF2 era. He now brings his expertise, as well as ...
Dec 14, 2018•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 246
Dave and Head of Research Ryan Schweck discuss Mezco’s One:12 Collective action figure line! 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” by LeSexoflex.com Interstitial music provided by The Mystery Men? You can follow Dave as Phantom Troublemaker on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram !...
Dec 10, 2018•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 245
Head of Research Ryan Schweck and Belligerent Monkey Jay Hornsby return to the Needless Things Podcast to spread Christmas cheer! Movies, music, decorations, food – there are all kinds of different ways to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you start the day after Thanksgiving or wait until it’s properly December, there are so many modern traditions involved with the holiday season and everyone has their favorites. Listen in as Dave, Ryan, and Jay share the top twelve things that are essentia...
Dec 07, 2018•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 244
Dave West, Ryan Cadaver, Nicole Gould, and Dan Kelly sat down in the Phantom Zone a few months ago to review Ghost's newest album, Prequelle . It wasn't a full episode, so welcome to the first-ever Needless Things Minicast! 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” by LeSexoflex.com Interstitial music provided by The Mystery Men? You can follow Dave as Phantom Troublemaker on Face...
Dec 03, 2018•35 min•Ep. 243
Recorded LIVE at Dragon Con 2018 for the American Sci-Fi Classics Track! Beth, Dave, Ryan Cadaver, Salena Balls, and Noel Wood select their favorite classic video game characters and a live audience determines who is the greatest of all time! Listen in and find out if Albert Thermostat Dracula truly is the greatest classic video game character ever! 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! “Proc...
Nov 30, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 242
Part of an ongoing series – the Needless Things Irregulars gather in the Phantom Zone to provide their own unique commentary on classic genre films! This time around the Needless Commentary Team takes on the future of law enforcement – RoboCop! Released in 1987 and depicting an unspecified dystopian future, RoboCop is a violent, funny, action-packed flick with a little something for everyone. Director Paul Verhoeven and writer Edward Nuemeier take a cynical look at America and all of the things ...
Nov 23, 2018•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 241
One of the world’s most well-known animated shorts, Steamboat Willie , premiered on November 18th, 1928. Since then it's star, Mickey Mouse, has become an almost unparalleled pop culture icon. To celebrate Mickey's 90th birthday Dave West, Sean Reid, Ryan Cadaver, Dan Wilson, and Derek Tatum shared their Mickey memories on this very special episode of the Needless Things Podcast. From toys to cartoons to theme parks, the crew discuss the history of one of the world's most beloved characters! Plu...
Nov 16, 2018•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 240
Recorded LIVE at Dragon Con 2018 for the American Sci-Fi Classics Track! Get your annual dose of nostalgia with Dave, Dana Swanson, Nicole Gould, Jon Carr, and Joe Crowe! When these things are recorded live in front of a Dragon Con audience, you know they can get a little crazy. Each panelist came to the table with a few of their favorite pop culture happenings from thirty years ago. From movies to toys to music, a wide range of weird stuff was covered and things got a little out of hand more th...
Nov 09, 2018•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 239
Ryan Cadaver stops by the Phantom Zone with a jar of Kelly's Death Pickles and a willingness to see just where the heck a conversation might go! Halloween is in the books, so Ryan and Dave hit a few highlights of the season before looking ahead to the rest of the year. From concerts to Thanksgiving to upcoming toy releases, plenty of topics come up. Plus, Ryan tries Pumking beer and Dave finally gets his hands on some Kelly's Death Pickles! Do we need more live taste tests on the Needless Things...
Nov 02, 2018•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 238
Join Dave, Beth, Rad Ranger, and Derek Tatum for a look at the past, present, and future of their Halloweens! What makes this time of year so special to the Needless Things crew and what do we do to celebrate? In this episode the Irregulars look back at their costumes through the years and determine when and if trick or treating was no longer appropriate. As we grow older, we have to find different ways to celebrate, and the Irregulars are going to share how to keep things spooky when you’re old...
Oct 26, 2018•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 237
Part of an ongoing series – the Needless Things Irregulars gather in the Phantom Zone to provide their own unique commentary on classic genre films! Cashing in on the Satanic Panic of late 80s America, Hack-O-Lantern brings cults, spooky old dudes, and small town weirdness bathed in a satisfying helping of 80s cheese. When Hy Pyke ( Dolemite , Blade Runner ) is the marquee name, you know the Irregulars are in for a good time! Listen in as our special guests school the Commentary team not just on...
Oct 19, 2018•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 236
Recorded LIVE at Dragon Con 2018 for the Horror Track! John Carpenter's Halloween changed horror cinema 40 years ago. Our pal Derek Tatum put together a roundtable of luminaries to discuss the original as well as the upcoming sequel. Our own Dave West moderated a fantastic panel consisting of author Mari Mancusi , author/illustrator Catherine M. Scully , author Valerie Hampton, and author Clay Gilbert . The group discusses the impact of the original film and the significance of its holiday setti...
Oct 12, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 235
The Halloween season has officially begun at Needless Things! It’s the season to focus on the creepy, spooky, and macabre, and Dave has got you covered with special guests Ryan Cadaver, Salena Balls, and RT Ewell discussing all of the things they do to get in a Halloweeny frame of mind! Movies, music, and of course hitting the stores for crazy costumes and spooky décor are all part of the season. Listen in as the Needless Scare Team fills you in on the most fun ways to get into the spooky this y...
Oct 05, 2018•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 234
Recorded LIVE at Dragon Con 2018! Needless Things’ own Dave West had the privilege of moderating several celebrity panels at Dragon Con this year. Each was an amazing experience in and of itself, but one of the most moving and emotional experiences came from an hour with professional wrestling legend Ric Flair. Listen in as the Nature Boy shares stories of life, business, and family on the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast! Buy your tickets for next year’s magical Dragon Con experien...
Sep 28, 2018•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 233
Ryan Cadaver shows up in the Phantom Zone to discuss the newest entry in the Predator movie franchise! Dave and Ryan are huge fans of the Predator movies, from the 1987 original to 2010's Predators . After hearing Ryan's enthusiasm for The Predator from a preview screening, Dave knew he had to see it as soon as possible. Afterward there were things that needed to be dissected and discussed, so an impromptu Phantom Zone meet was arranged and recorded for your enjoyment! Spoilers will ensue! Liste...
Sep 21, 2018•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 232
Part of an ongoing series – the Needless Things Irregulars gather in the Phantom Zone to provide their own unique commentary on classic genre films! Special guest KISStorians Evil Jim, Janie, and JR Frazier join the Irregulars for a 40th Anniversary viewing of NBC’s TV special, KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park ! This made-for-TV Hanna-Barbera production stars the legendary rock band KISS as super-powered super-sleuths that must crack the case of the evil amusement park! People are going missin...
Sep 14, 2018•2 hr 10 min•Ep. 231
Mike Gordon returns to the Needless Things Podcast for a post-Con report! From game shows and wrestlers to Tikis and comics, Dave and Mike had amazing experiences at Dragon Con 2018. In today's episode our exhausted but enthusiastic duo will recount tales of high adventure and exciting meetings at the greatest convention in the world! Listen in as Dave and Mike recap Nerdy Gras on the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast! Be sure to join the Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and ge...
Sep 07, 2018•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 230
Dragon Con 2018 coverage continues on Needless Things! On this week’s episode of the Needless Things Podcast, Dave talks to Puppetry Track Director Beau Brown! Puppetry is a massive part of pop culture that is present across the spectrum of genres. As such, the Puppetry Track is one of the most all-encompassing Tracks at Dragon Con. Plus, this is another year that the National Puppet Slam will be happening in Atlanta concurrent with Dragon Con, so Beau is pulling double duty all weekend long! Li...
Aug 27, 2018•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 229
Dragon Con 2018 coverage continues on Needless Things! On this week’s episode of the Needless Things Podcast, Dave talks to Urban Fantasy Track Director Carol Malcolm and Horror Track Director Derek Tatum. Horror and Urban Fantasy are two separate Tracks representing different aspects of what could be considered the “horror” genre. Find out what the differences are and how each Track determines its annual panel schedule. Plus, learn a little bit about Derek and Carol and why and how they do what...
Aug 23, 2018•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 228
Dragon Con 2018 coverage continues on Needless Things! On this week’s episode of the Needless Things Podcast, Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track Directors “Jumpin’” Joe Crowe and “Gregarious” Gary Mitchel return to the show to play another game of Classics Roll-A-Panel and discuss the ins and outs of running a Track for the ever-evolving entity of joy that is Dragon Con! Listen in as Phantom and Joe talk Gary down from the potential heartache of an ALF reboot! Be sure to join the Needless...
Aug 17, 2018•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 227
On today’s episode of the Needless Things Podcast Dave talks to writer, producer, director, and production designer Kirk Thatcher! Kirk Thatcher’s résumé reads like a pop culture wish list – from working as part of Jim Henson’s Creature Crew on Return of the Jedi to being a major part of star Trek IV to writing and directing the Muppets. He’s a man that has seemingly done it all in the entertainment business, yet who also seems like he’s just getting started. Listen in as Dave and Kirk discuss f...
Aug 10, 2018•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 226
Needless Things wasn’t in San Diego for Comic Con, but the Irregulars followed from afar and have plenty to discuss! In this episode Dave, Head of Research Ryan, and Jay run down the biggest and best toy announcements from San Diego. This year was full of surprises and exciting news for the toy industry, as well as a glimpse of what a post-Toys R Us industry may look like. PLUS!!!!! Mr. Beau Brown checks in for a special segment about – you guessed it – Masters of the Universe! Listen in for all...
Aug 03, 2018•2 hr 26 min•Ep. 225
Needless Things wasn’t in San Diego for Comic Con, but the Irregulars followed from afar and have plenty to discuss! In this episode Dave, Head of Research Ryan, and Jay, and Josh run down the biggest and best movie/TV/comic news from San Diego. DC Comics had a huge year and made the most of Marvel's absence, but their were plenty of other exciting happenings, too. From a new Buffy to an old Star Wars, the Irregulars cover it all! Listen in for all the SDCC entertainment news that’s worth knowin...
Jul 27, 2018•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 224
I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Toys R Us kid they got a million toys at Toys R us that I can play with I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Toys R Us kid they got the best for so much less, it'll really flip your lid From bikes to trains to video games it's the biggest toy store there is (gee whiz!) I don't wanna grow up, cause maybe if I did I couldn't be a Toys R Us kid more games, more toys, oh boy! I wanna be a Toys R Us kid On this special episode of the Needless Things Podcast Dave talks to Head of ...
Jul 20, 2018•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 223
Part of an ongoing series – the Needless Things Irregulars gather in the Phantom Zone to provide their own unique commentary on classic genre films! Mike Gordon joins the Irregulars for his first viewing of the summer classic, Weekend at Bernie’s ! 80s darlings Jonathan Silverman and Andrew McCarthy star in this surprise hit movie about two average schmucks that have to make an entire town believe their dead boss, Alpha Male Bernie Lomax, is still alive and partying! To the delight of everyone, ...
Jul 13, 2018•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 222
Jon Carr is a writer, performer, and most importantly a storyteller who plies his trade at the renowned Dad’s Garage Theatre Company in Atlanta. His play, Black Nerd debuts on July 13th and will run through August 4th. On this episode of the podcast Dave talks to Jon about the art of creating. From the root of his desire to create to the process itself, Jon shares the many different factors that led to his semi-autobiographical new play. Among the many topics covered are GI Joe, professional wre...
Jul 06, 2018•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 221
The dynamite team of Phantom Troublemaker, Beth V, Rad Ranger, and Chris DePetrillo reunite to look thirty years into the past! 1988 was another banner year of the eighties, presenting us with new TV shows and toy lines and an absolutely stellar slate of films from Hollywood! As part of an annual tradition, Dave gathered some of the Needless Things Irregulars to reflect on the pop culture that made us who we are today. From hip hop to dinosaurs to the worst song ever recorded, this week’s episod...
Jun 28, 2018•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 220
On this week’s episode Dave talks to two of the minds behind the seminal 90s X-Men animated series! The early 90’s X-Men cartoon (now typically with “The Animated Series” attached) was a landmark in not only comic book adaptations, but in animated storytelling. It presented the complex stories and themes of Marvel’s Mutants in a more palatable, streamlined form while preserving the edgy and mature nature of the source material, as well as the social consciousness that the comics were known for....
Jun 22, 2018•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 219
