Interviews 2011

It was a great year for Johngy's Beat.  We covered more events, got more interviews, met more celebrities and basically had more fun than ever.  We talked to athletes, actors, musicians, artists, authors, wrestlers and more.
I would like to take the time to thank Fran Gallagher and Global Traveler for giving me plenty of opportunities.  I want to thank all of the sports teams, especially the Houston Astros for being so hospitable.  I want to thank the many conventions (like the Motor City Comic Con, Wizard World, Days of the Dead, Horror Hound, Hollywood Celebrities Show, Flashback Weekend and all other shows.  I want to thank AU Sports and PCW Wrestling for granting me extra access for their signing events.
I also want to thank Matt, Scott, Jean and Sam Parker, Nancy and Dave Blais, Laura, Cuzz Gekas, Chuck Gekas, Scott Beatty and JayHawk Evans for helping me with the recording, coordination and production of interviews and for putting up with the delays and time-consumption.
I want to thank all of the many contributors (other bloggers, friends, family, strangers) who have sent stuff to me to make this a better site.  It is all greatly appreciated.
Finally, I want to thank the celebrities themselves.  Without them, I'd have no site.  Again, there are way too many to list, but I appreciate each and everyone who gave me even a few seconds of their time.  I know you didn't have to talk to Johngy's Beat, but you did and I appreciate that greatly!
To see a selection of every interview we did in 2011 (and actually all of our interviews from 2008-2011), scroll to the very bottom of this page.  You will see our interviews arranged by year.  You can also click the photo below to be taken to our 2011 interviews.
Thank you all and I wish a very happy and healthy new year to everyone.

Matt Parker and me in Houston, TX-August 2011.

Sgt. Peterson and Cosmic Cut an Old School Promo

A couple months ago, I attended the Clash at the Cove 13, a wrestling show put on by the IAW (Independent Association of Wrestling) at Covelski Stadium in South Bend (IN).  Former WWF wrestler Brian Costello is the main man behind this great event.
Despite weather problems and some health issues within the families of some of the wrestlers slated to appear, the show was a major success.  Costello and the rest of the group did an outstanding job of delivering great wrestling action and some WWE Hall of Famers for the fans.
While hanging around the autograph area, I ran into two IAW wrestlers, Sgt. Peterson and Cosmic (Stars and Stripes).  I told them I was covering the event for some websites and they agreed to do a quick promo.
They gave me more than I expected.  The promo below is like old-school WWF wrestling promos.  It was intense, funny and non-scripted.  It was everything you would want in a great promo.
I appreciate these guys for doing the video.  I appreciate their promo skills even more.  If anyone should happen to know these guys or Brian Costello, please have them contact me.

On the Beat with Rak

I have met Robert A. Kraus several times at various conventions.  Kraus is better known as RAK of RAK Graphics, a business he started over 25 years ago.
RAK does some really unique and fun stuff.  I especially like his line called Superfreeks, which depicts caricatures of everything from Aquaman to Chris Isaak to Rowdy Roddy Piper (just to name three of my favorites from this collection).  Seriously, I don't know how many creations he has (he might not even know exactly), but there is definitely something for everyone and usually you will walk away with many Superfreek cards...I know I always do.
RAK talks about the Superfreeks and shows some of his work in the video below.  After watching it, check out RAKGraphics.com to learn more about RAK and to see all of his creations.

On the Beat with Torrie Wilson

Usually our interviews are pretty informal.  We aren't exactly 60 Minutes (although many readers say we are more enjoyable).  The interview Matt did with Torrie Wilson at Wizard World was more of a conversation between two old friends than a real interview.  Still, we are very happy to have logged in the former wrestling diva.
Wilson was active on the wrestling scene for close to ten years.  She retired to pursue other interests (and partially because of back injuries suffered throughout her career).  She had a store called "Officially Jaded" in The Woodlands (TX).  The store closed a little while back, but Matt, who lived near there for a few years) talked to Torrie about the store.
Sharp eyes will notice TNA's Tara (Lisa Marie Varon) in the background posing with fans and showing off her newly won tag team championship belt).
There was more to the interview, but I'll take the blame here as I was not in a good position to capture enough to make it viable.  Sometimes, space and crowd noise cannot be overcome at these events.

On the Beat with Reed Johnson

On our annual baseball trip to Houston, we scored a bunch of interviews.  We had several goals in mind, plus anyone else when the opportunity presented itself.
One of Matt's goals was Cubs outfielder Reed Johnson.  In his ninth season, Johnson is on his second stint with the Cubs.  He has a bit of a cult following in Chicago and has even been nicknamed "Reed Mantle" by a group of his fans, including WSCR radio hosts.
Johnson just finished his pre-game drills and was heading to the dugout when Matt nailed the interview.  Watch the video below to hear Johnson's thoughts on his favorite city to visit and throwback jerseys.

On the Beat with Mike Quade

This one should be titled "In the Dugout with Mike Quade", but I am a stickler for consistency, so it will remain "On the Beat...".  Either way, it is still an interview (or part of one) with Mike Quade.  It differs from our usual efforts in that we were part of the media in the dugout for Quade's pre-game session at Minute Maid Park.
The video starts with a reporter asking about the previous night's game in which the Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves, despite striking out 18 times and making 4 errors.  I am not sure which reporter brought it up.
I do know the next question was asked by ESPN's Bruce Levine (the white haired man in the lower right of the video).  Levine stayed in that topic, but asked about the Cubs mood after playing so bad, yet still winning.
Matt Parker (Executive Producer, Sound Man Extraordinaire, Videographer and general all around great help to Johngy's Beat) did the actual reporting, while I filmed the event for posterity (aka right here on Johngy's Beat).  Mike Quade is obvious, but the man in the green shirt next to Matt is Levine.
It's always extra fun being in the dugout for these media sessions.  There usually isn't any real controversial stuff and everyone is pretty loose and jovial.

Matt Parker in Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX-August 2011.

On the Beat with Icarus

Last week, we featured our interview with Harry Smith from the Black Friday event of Resistance Pro Wrestling.  Today, we are featuring our interview with Icarus, also from Black Friday.
Icarus was originally trained (with childhood friend and RPW wrestler Hallowicked) by Mike Quackenbush and Reckless Youth of Chikara.  He made his wrestling debut in May of 2002, as part of the Chikara promotion's first event.
Icarus has wrestled in a few organizations and continues to gain recognition for his performance.  He was named #220 on PWI's top 500 wrestlers in 2010.  Icarus lost his bout at Black Friday, but I think he will rebound and start to leave his mark on RPW.
At the after party, we talked to Icarus in the side room.  The lighting was horrible, but the interview itself was enlightening.  Once again, Johngy's Beat contributor Scott Beatty (of AU Sports) handled the interview.  They talked about about the origins of Icarus, as well as his goals past and present.
I really appreciate Icarus giving us his time and consideration for the interview.  I also appreciate RPW for allowing us the access.  After you watch the video interview below, check out ResistancePro.com and the Resistance Pro Facebook page.  Also, to learn more about Icarus, check out Icarus on Twitter.

On the Beat with Terry Huddleston

I originally met artist Terry Huddleston at the Motor City Comic Con.  I have purchased several Aquaman pieces from him over the years.  When I saw him at Wizard World, I took the opportunity to do a quick interview with him about his work.
Huddleston is a pinup artist and self-described "class clown".  He's very talented and also a lot of fun...and he does some of the best illustrations of Aquaman out there.  He doesn't just do Aquaman or superheroes, but it is a main part of his work as you will see on his art site.
We covered his work, his views on Aquaman and other such fun things.  After you watch the video, check out Terry Huddleston's art page or his Facebook page.

On the Beat with Eliza Frye Again!

At Wizard World in Chicago, I met Eliza Frye for the first time.  I learned a lot about Eliza and her work, which includes the Regalia Project, a collection of nine short stories with illustrations.  Since then, I have been following the progress of the Regalia Project, have pledged a little and am looking forward to my signed copy!
Eliza is a talented young graphic novelist, illustrator and exhibiting artist.  Her short story, The Lady's Murder was nominated for an Eisner Award in 2009 in the category of Best Digital Comic.  Her passion is evident when she speaks of her work.
In Columbus, we caught up a bit with Eliza.  The Regalia Project is moving along and there is much excitement about it.  Eliza surprised us with her news that she will be moving to Paris.  I don't think the budget here at Johngy's Beat will allow us to take trips to Paris, but hopefully Eliza will stay in contact and give us some updates via email in the future.
I appreciate Eliza's time and am looking forward to her future work.  We wish her a lot of success and happiness in Paris.  We will be following her through ElizaFrye.com and we hope you check out her website, too.  Good luck Eliza and please stay in touch.

On the Beat with Scott Blair

One of the fun parts of Wizard World is roaming around the artists' tables and discovering unique creations.  While meandering around, I came across illustrator Scott Blair.
Scott has done the cover art for various wrestling dvd's, including the 2005 Hardcore Homecoming event (a reunion of the former ECW talent).  He has also done artwork for Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture.
When walking by Scott's table, I spotted a stunning illustration of wrestling personality Christy Hemme.  As we inspected further, we saw more illustrations featuring Velvet Sky, Angelina Love, Daffney and others.  The works were beautiful.  You can see some of his work behind him during the video.
We talked to Scott a bit and he gave us a quick recap on the work he does.  After you watch the video, please check out ScottBlairArt.com to see more of his beautiful work and to learn more about him.

On the Beat with Harry Smith

I almost met Harry Smith at the Wizard World con last August.  By the time I got to the Resistance Pro Wrestling booth, he was gone.  Fortunately, it was announced that he would be appearing at their debut event in Chicago.  That event was Black Friday, which took place last Friday.
Smith wrestled an exciting match which ended in a draw and set up a three-way for the title in January (at the next RPW show).
At the after-party, I approached Smith about an interview, which he very politely accepted.  Johngy's Beat contributor Scott Beatty (of AU Sports) conducted the interview.  In the background you can hear the party at Excalibur.
Obviously, we talked about his lineage and training.  He is the son of the late great Davey Boy Smith (the British Bulldog) and the grandson of Stu Hart (patriarch of the legendary Hart family) and he trained in the Hart dungeon.  We also discussed his career and Resistance Pro Wrestling.
Hart looks to be the real deal.  Smith looked to be in great shape.  He has size, athleticism and charisma.  He knows and respects the business.  I think Hart is going to make it huge one day.
Hart was extremely generous with his time and we greatly appreciate it.  We want to thank Hart and RPW for the interview and access.
We look for great things from him and from RPW and we will be there in January as he is crowned the first RPW champ!  After you watch the interview below, check out ResistancePro.com.  Also, you can go to Harry Smith's Facebook page to learn more about him and keep updated.

On the Beat with Richard Justice

Richard Justice is a columnist for the Houston Chronicle, a correspondent for ESPN and a fellow blogger (although he has just a few more readers).  He is a well-respected sports journalist and he was an unexpected interview onb our baseball trip to Houston.
To be honest, Matt gets the credit for this one.  Although I have heard of Justice, I would not have recognized him.  Matt's few year stay in Houston paid off for this one.
As we were hanging near the Astros dugout, Matt spied Justice and suggested I attempt to get a quick interview.  I usually listen to Matt's suggestions and this was my chance to rub elbows with a fellow journalist (although one much more accomplished than I am).
Justice gave us his thoughts on travel and Houston.  I appreciate Justice's time and willingness to speak to us.

On the Beat with Torrie Wilson

Sometimes interviews are scheduled and sometimes we just walk into one.  The latter was the case at the Chicago Wizard World last August when Matt walked into an interview with Torrie Wilson.
We had a full schedule of interviews already set, but when we walked up to Torrie's booth, Matt started talking to her about her store in the Woodlands (TX), very near to where Matt spent his high school years.  Matt and Torrie discussd some mutual friends.
Torrie talked about retiring from wrestling due to back injuries.  Fortunately, Torrie got out before the injuries really piled up.  In her relatively short career in wrestling, Torrie developed a large fan base and is still remembered fondly.
Unfortunately, Torrie closed the store when she moved to California.  While we are happy for Torrie, we are saddened that we won't have the opportunity to talk to her at the store (since we go back to Houston several times a year).

On the Beat with Bob Brenly

Matt is always prepared for interviews while on the field.  It was no different when Matt saw Bob Brenly and set his sights on nabbing the former catcher and current Cubs broadcaster.
Matt uncovered the scoop that Brenly keeps a little black book while traveling with the Cubs.  That book is filled with his favorite food places.  Matt was unable to get Brenly to reveal any of his prized locations, but he did get him to talk a bit about travel and pizza.

On the Beat with J.B. Shuck

On our recent trip to Houston, we spotted J.B. Shuck, one of the younger Astros, hanging around the dugout.  We approached him and got a couple questions answered before he had top take his turn in the batting cage.

Shuck was drafted in 2008 and has hit pretty well in the minor leagues.  He is part of the young crew, that management is hoping will blossom into the future for the team.

Shuck answered our question about his favorite city to visit.  This lead into a different direction and we learned a little about Shuck's interest outside of baseball.

On the Beat with Darwin Barney

On our trip to Houston, Matt and I decided to set some interview goals.  One of Matt's main targets was Darwin Barney, second baseman for the Chicago Cubs.  Barney had a surprisingly good season for the Cubs (finishing 7th in the NL Rookie of the Year vote) and quickly became a favorite among Cubs fans.

Matt took charge by stopping Barney as he jogged to the dugout.  Clearly Barney was not going to stop, but Matt worked it well.  Even better, Barney didn't just give pat answers.  You can see he is putting thought behind his words.

Kudos to Matt for hitting his target and even more for the way he handled it.

On the Beat with Blake DeWitt

I can't explain Blake DeWitt.  He seems like he should be a regular second baseman, but it isn't working out.  I'm not saying he would be an All-Star, but he seems like he is better than the utility player he has become with the Cubs.  In writing this, I just realized he is only 25.  Maybe if he can escape the quagmire that is the Cubs, he could find more playing time on another team.
Twice before, I just missed getting DeWitt for a quick question.  That changed on our last trip to Houston when we spotted him flipping a ball on the dugout steps.  While he could still decline, at least we knew he wasn't too busy.
DeWitt was gracious enough to answer our question, although he didn't give us a concrete answer.  Maybe he is just being politically correct in case he does land elsewhere in the future.  Whatever the case may be, I appreciate DeWitt talking to us for a moment.

On the Beat with Rain Pryor

As I wrote earlier this week, last Friday, I enjoyed an evening of comedy featuring Marc Price at Riddles Comedy Club.  Marc wasn't the only comedian that night.  Rain Pryor also performed.  It was my first time seeing Rain in person and I walked away very impressed.
I could write pages on Rain's life and career, but you can find that info elsewhere, like on RainPryor.com.  She has such an impressive resume (actor, vocalist, author, comedian, producer and more).  She has had her battles in life, but has overcome them and is now a happy mother and wife.
While most of that is well known, I am here to tell you that she is one of the sweetest, coolest people I have met.  When I contacted Rain about talking to her at the show, she replied with "but of course I will".  It was a great start, but the best was actually seeing her perform and talking to her later.
She was hilarious, as she covered topics like motherhood.  She totally floored the crowd with her fantastically accurate and humorous impressions of her father (the late great Richard Pryor).
I introduced myself to Rain after the show and we went back into the show room to talk for a few minutes.  That chat is below.  She is so natural and funny.
After the interview, we talked for a few moments and I walked away feeling so good about the experience.  Rain just is so sweet and genuinely personable.  I left thinking she is truly beautiful in every sense of the word.
I interview a lot of people, most of whom I am already a fan.  I usually am happy about meeting and talking to my interview subjects.  With Rain, I felt all of that and I simply felt good about life.
If you get the chance, go see Rain perform.  You will absolutely love her and her show.  Until then, please go to RainPryor.com to learn all about this amazing woman.  Also, I just bought her book, Jokes My Father Never Taught Me: Life, Love and Loss with Richard Pryor.  I am looking forward to learning even more about Rain and I will let you know all about the book right here on a future day.

On the Beat with Marc Price Again!

When we last talked to Marc Price, he was appearing at the Days of the Dead convention in Indianapolis.  Marc invited us to his comedy show that night, but we couldn't make it.  He also mentioned he would be appearing at Riddles in Chicago (home base area for Johngy's Beat).  I have kept a watchful eye on the Riddles site and when I saw Marc's appearance set, I marked the date.
I had seen Marc do comedy in Las Vegas a few years ago and he was very funny, but last Friday he was hilarious.  The entire audience roared as Marc joked his way through family, dating and his career.  I don't remember one joke bombing.  He was simply in the zone...on fire...lights out.
After his set, we hooked up with Marc for an update from our last interview with him.  The video below covers a bit of his career along with his current projects, including co-Producing the Green Collar Comedy Show for Showtime..  He answered our questions and provided a few more laughs.
If you get a chance, check out Marc's Facebook page for info and updates on his scheduled appearances.  Check out Showtime's schedule for the Green Collar Comedy Show, too.  I am sure you will enjoy his work as much as I do.
It was great watching his act and then catching up with Marc.  What a great evening.  What a great guy.

On the Beat with Beck Seashols

Beck Seashols describes herself as a "doodler, story teller and dork".  That screamed out to me and I had to meet her at the recent Wizard World event in Columbus (OH).  Beck was gracious enough to give us a few minutes of her time.
Beck has done cool drawings of subjects including female superheros (like Batgirl, my favorite), cute children, Star Wars characters and a lot of other topics.  Beck's website is self-billed as "the cutest place on the internet" and I have to agree with that claim!  Her work is precious without being sappy.  My sister Nancy (who doubled as my videographer) was so impressed that she bought one of Beck's books.  Beck is always ready to do commissioned art work, too!
We talked about her drawing, the convention and more.  It was such a pleasure meeting Beck and seeing her work firsthand.  Hopefully, we will see Beck at a convention in the future and get more updates from her!
Until then, but after you watch the video below, check out Beckadoodles.com and Beck's Facebook page to learn more about Beck Seashols and to see all of her fantastic creations.