It's Halloween season! Matt and the crew go back out West to visit Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, Hollywood, to prepare for part II of the horror conversation from earlier this season. Adam Marcus and his producing partner (and real life partner) Debra Sullivan join the show to dicuss all things horror. Marcus is best known for directing "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday," and co-writing/producing with Sullivan various projects like "Texas Chainsaw" (2013), "Secret Santa" and "Conspiracy" (Val Kilmer). Matt has some tricks and some treats up his sleeve, bringing Halloween into the mix, to discuss nostalgia, real life horrors with set divas, biggest fears and more. They break the stigmas behind horror fans and the desire to create these frightening stories, and illustrate the soft, kindness and heart that is often overlooked.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than 2 weeks out from the 2026 Midterm elections, front and center are attack ads from Republican candidates and PACs, making bogus claims like Dems forcing underage transgender surgeries, attempting to make the LGBTQ+ community the Boogey Man. Zach Joseph, a US Navy veteran and current Director of the Ohio Pride PAC, sits down at the table to discuss the culture war, political tokenism and his hopes for the future. Ohio Pride grades every bill and sitting politician for the state on their work towards or against true equality. While most Americans are worried about the cost of groceries, gas and healthcare, we're seeing weaponization of homophobia and transphobia, creating fears of people in bathrooms and men in women's sports. In Ohio, they're trying to push through a ban on Drag performances, and have never enshrined the right to gay marriage. Meanwhile, the cost of living is through the roof, unemployment is up, and few people see a solid path towards retirement. What's the "gay agenda" they're always touting? It's simply equality...and maybe a rainbow sidewalk on the way to a Drag brunch...but they'll settle for basic equality.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if joy isn't the reward for learning, but the lesson itself?
In this episode, Matt sits down with Allie Rivera Quiñonez, better known to millions of families as Ms. Appleberry from CoComelon's "The Melon Patch," alongside her sister, Nicole Rivera, Moonbug Media's Senior Creative Executive, for a conversation about children's media, creativity, family, and the big responsibility of helping shape little minds.

Together, they explore how children learn through music, movement, play, imagination, and occasionally making adults sing songs they swore they'd never have memorized. As The Melon Patch continues to reach families through YouTube Kids, Netflix, and Disney +, Allie & Nicole share the intentional approach behind creating content that teaches confidence, connection, curiosity, and emotional growth. Their shared vision has helped bring meaningful educational experiences to children around the world.

Of course, Matt couldn't pass up the opportunity to discuss one of his favorite topics: puppets. From beloved childhood characters to today's educational storytellers, they explore why felt, foam, and a little imagination can sometimes teach lessons that stick with us for a lifetime.

Whether you're a parent, educator, creator, or someone who still gets excited when a puppet enters the scene, this conversation is a reminder that the most meaningful learning often starts with wonder. Join us as we go there.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerrad Christian, a software engineer and Navy veteran, is back on the campaign trail, after losing his freshman congressional race in 2024, now running a grassroots campaign to unseat U.S. House of Representatives Troy Balderson, a Republican for Ohio's 12th District, and recipient of corporate PAC money and billionaire donors. Jerrad’s here to make change and give the power back to the people of the state. He doesn’t pull any punches. He tells it like he’s sees it. Even his merchandise proudly boasts, he doesn't "give a F*** about Billionaires." His "HOT" takes are only matched by some hot sauces in this discussion, as Matt and Jerrad partake in some spicy sauces over some delicious pierogies; an Ohio staple.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Maeshiro joins the podcast to share his experience as a former pastor recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. He is a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, best known for his class, “Discerning of Spirits.” He now teaches on emotional health and redemptive deconstruction as a consultant and coach for gay men recovering from evangelicalism. As a social media influencer, he highlights the issues he sees from his perspective and our cultural problems with homophobia, transphobia and Christian hate. Matt and Mike read through some of his messages and DMs from those unwilling to accept Mike as a gay man who preaches love and acceptance. In Mike's own words, “Humans matter more than theology."

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does "Community" look like to you? Is it your neighborhood, favorite sports fans, or fellow churchgoers? Whoever your tribe is and whatever your common interests and values, community is vital to our well-being. Matt brings some of his fellow Cleveland organizers and content creators to share their ideas and experiences with building community. John Skrtic of the Cleveland Public Library has spent 20 years profiling Clevelanders and their stories. Brian Lachman is the force behind The People's Flag of Cleveland, along with his new Foodbank fundraising organization, Homegrown Help. And Kristin Mulcahy, aka KristininCleveland, creates content and organizes events for people of all ages, including KidsinCleveland Yoga. We rarely see more than the polished event photos and videos, or testimonials from the successes along the way. But building true community is messy. It's hard. It's sometimes grueling. And not every villager helps create the village. The more we find ourselves divided by geography, politics, or social media, the harder it becomes to find the courage to allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to enter into some of these spaces and relationships. For humans, though, we need fellowship, engagement and belonging. It's not about surviving, it's about thriving.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt's Season 3 Birthday Episode is all about his favorite comicbook hero of all time: Superman. Matt talks about why he loves the character so much and how it has represented hope throughout his life. Several people from the 2025 Superman film join the episode to share their experiences working on the film. Mike Wendt from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission talks about Cleveland being the inspiration for Metropolis and selling DC/Warner on its production values. Actress Ashleigh Morghan, who played the LuthorCorp Scientist in the film, discusses her process and craft, as well as her love for the comics and characters. And Megan-Kate Hoover, Animal wrangler and trainer, shares stories from the set, providing support and expertise with dogs, squirrels, turtles and cats for the big screen. Plus Siegel and Shuster Society's former President, Mike Olszewski, gives some history on Superman, his creators, and all the ties to the city of Cleveland. With co-producer Kayleigh leading the charge, friends of Matt pop in to roast and toast him for his big day, back on December 28th, 2025.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than 1 week before the Ohio Primary election of 2026, Bryan Hambley, a leukemia doctor and candidate for Secretary of State, sits at the Going There table to share his personal, professional and social viewpoints. The focus of his campaign and political aspirations rests on the idea of fair elections and dismantling the gerrymandered maps. What can a doctor bring to the table? Tune in to learn more about this political candidate who stands alone at the line of refusing any corporate PAC money. Although he would argue he isn't lonely because his values, morals and integrity are on his side.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.