Danny Reyes and David Vox Mullen at Fan Expo 2024

FanExpo returns to Rosemont (Chicago) in one month. I will be "On the Beat" as always, covering the weekend of pop culture fun.

Last year, one of the special events was a preview of The Herro's Journey. I have written several pieces about this documentary about Wisconsin promoter David Herro. Today, I am focusing on the two main men who made it possible.

David Vox Mullen first told me about this project a couple years ago. Knowing Vox, I knew he was a great choice to produce it. He told me Danny Reyes was directing it. I didn't know Danny as well, but I knew he was massively talented. I knew that team had the knowledge and skills, along with their respect for wrestling to make this a great doc and they did. Actually, they exceeded my hopes.

I talked to both in my recent interview. They gave new insight into the project and David Herro.

I am happy to have covered this project from the start. I am ridiculously giddy my name is in the credits, cementing me in this film (in a small way). That was such a cool gesture for which I am very grateful. 

Go to David Vox Mullen & Danny Reyes Talk The Herro's Journey. For more info on FanExpo go to fanexpohq.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage.

Danny Reyes, David Vox Mullen and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

David Vox Mullen & Danny Reyes Talk "The Herro's Journey"

Yesterday I discussed the premiere of The Herro's Journey. Today, we're still on the subject, as I interview Producer David Vox Mullen and Director Danny Reyes.

Vox and Danny talked about all aspects of the film. They were open and honest about the challenges and their love of the project and subject. Likewise, the film is open about David's life. Also like the film, this is such a feelgood interview, not because we made it that way, but just because of who is involved.

For the full interview, go to David Vox Mullen & Danny Reyes Talk "The Herro's Journey" on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel (and subscribe to the channel if you would). 

The Herro's Journey Premiere

In late May, I attended the premiere of The Herro's Journey. It is the story of Wisconsin promoter David Herro. Wrestling is the backdrop, but the real heart of the story if the relationship between David and his son Kal. For my full recap, go to The Herro's Journey Premiere on the Wisconsin Patch.

I have the pleasure of knowing all involved in the movie. I've known David and his son for about 15 years, having met them at a Blizzard Brawl event David promotes. I've known Producer David Vox Mullen for years, having seen him in many projects. I guess Director Danny Reyes is the newest to my circle, but I have known him a few years, too. With these kind of folks, I knew the documentary would be great, but honestly, it surpassed my expectations.

The Herro's Journey is not available to the public yet, but when it is, I will share that news, and I highly encourage all to see it. Until the follow The Herro's Journey on Instagram.

Tony and me in West Bend, WI-May 2025.

Friend Encounters: David Herro and David Vox Mullen

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Both David Herro and David Vox Mullen are too humble to call themselves celebrities. Although I am a biased friend, I can definitely call both celebrities.

Herro is a wrestling promoter based in Wisconsin. Wrestling promoters often get a bad reputation (sometimes deserved), but I have never heard a bad work about Herro. As dedicated to his son as he is to wrestling, Herro has raised a great young man, while organizing some of the best wrestling events in the midwest or anywhere.

Vox has entertained fans in a much different, but equally successful, way. As a comedian, host, podcaster, producer or any of the other hats he wears, Vox always delivers.

Their most recent news is of a joint collaboration to create a documentary of Herro's life. Having seen a special screening at Fan Expo, I think it is going to be an amazing doc. I'd expect nothing less from these two.

Did I mention Herro has done all that despite battling losing several toes over the years? Often times, he has limped around, sometimes in a cast, but he never complains. Actually, he makes light of his situation. That's just him. 

I look forward to this doc. Check back here for my updates as they develop. 

 

David Herro and David Vox Mullen in Waukesha, WI-December 2023.

Friend Encounters: David Vox Mullen and Tony

Friend Encounters is a weekly series about friends meeting celebrities.

This is a funny one. My friend David Vox Mullen would humbly eschew the celebrity label. My friend Tony (aka The Fed) would grab the celebrity label.

Actually Vox is a celebrity. He lived the life of a rock musician for more than a decade and has been doing comedy even longer. He currently does solo shows, as well as Tag Team comedy with former wrestler Al Snow. Whether solo or teamed with someone, Vox is the real deal.

Originally introduced to Vox many years ago by our mutual friend Paul Myers, Vox has become a great friend of mine. Despite that potential bias, everyone I have brought into the Vox vortex has loved his shows.

Tony is also a great friend, even if he isn't a celebrity. Actually, he is quite unassuming and only jokes of his fame. Tony is one of several people who became fans after seeing Vox perform.

I recently interviewed Vox for my Talking Travel series on Global Traveler. You can watch that at Talking Travel with David Vox Mullen.

I haven't interviewed Tony, but he has helped me in several of my interviews and I appreciate him for that and his friendship. I also love that he is a Vox fan now. I love worlds colliding.

Tony and David Vox Mullen in Chicago, IL-Summer 2023.

Talking Travel with David Vox Mullen

I met comedian David Vox Mullen through Paul Myers while on our HeroTV show. Since then, I have seen him perform and interviewed him a few times. Our latest interview is up on Global Traveler.

Intending to be a rock star, Vox went to Nashville after high school. His band Slipstream had a decade or so of success, before he shifted to comedy. He's now conquering that field, too. Whether on his own, as a host or a tag team, Vox always delivers.

In our interview, Vox discusses his career, with a few thoughts on travel. As a former touring musician and current touring comedian, Vox has some interesting thoughts on traveling.

Look for the interview video and recap on Global Traveler at Talking Travel with David Vox Mullen. Also, look for Vox at a comedy club near you and all over social media. Lastly, please subscribe to the Global Traveler YouTube channel for all sorts of interesting travel content (and to help my job security LOL).

Friend Encounters: Al Snow and David Vox Mullen

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities. I love this picture. I became friends with both of these men independent of the other and it is cool to see them working together.

In the interview I did with them, they stated they had talked about a comedy tour for years, but they finally got it going about a year ago. Al tells stories from his life in and out of the ring, while Vox steers the conversation and supplies great quips. They have great chemistry and it shows. They are so in sync, yet it is clearly not strictly memorized. Knowing these two, I'd say they barely have a blue print and mostly just go on tangents. Whatever their routine, it works.

Lately, Al has been busy building Ohio Valley Wrestling and the Wrestlers show on Netflix. Vox has been equally busy with his own comedy. Still, they appear together when time and schedules permit.

I caught up with both guys at Great Lakes Championship's Blizzard Brawl. Of course, they were up to their usual shenanigans. They had me lauging just chatting casually.

Follow David Vox Mullen on Facebook for more info on all of his performances. Also, watch The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast Ep. 34: "Al Snow and David Vox Mullen" to get a sample of the fun these two are.

Al Snow and David Vox Mullen in Waukesha, WI-December 2023.

David Vox Mullen and Al Snow Comedy

I was first introduced to entertainer David Vox Mullen through our mutual friend Paul Myers (PL Myers). I have interviewed him several times and enjoyed his comedy at many different venues.

Ever busy, Vox is working on several projects. One of which is the Al Snow Comedy Tour. Vox and Al are teaming up and touring the country with Al telling stories and Vox guiding the ship. It's more conversational, than standup comedy. It isn't wrestling-focused, although some stores have wrestling as a backdrop. It is a wonderful night of humor.

The pair will be back in Chicago at Zanies April 29 and I will be there with several friends.  It'll be interesting to see how it has changed since I saw them several months ago.

For more info on the Al Snow Comedy Show at Zanies, go to Chicago.Zanies.com. Follow Al and Vox on social media to get their updates. For a glimpse into what to expect at the show, check The Johngy "OR ELSE" podcast Ep: 34: "Al Snow and David Vox Mullen."

David Vox Mullen, Tommy Else and me in IL-November 2022.

On the Beat With David Vox Mullen and Michele Traina

Michele Traina is bringing her Divorce Diaries to Westside Improv on New Year's Eve. This hilarious show is a great way to ring in the new year with loads of laughs.

Divorce Diaries is a light-hearted look at life after a divorce through the eyes of Michele. The Italian New Jersey native took her divorce and subsequent dating life and turned it into Divorce Diaries, her one-woman show. It's “healing through humor,” a clever slogan for the production, but more importantly, the way she lives her life.

Divorce Diaries is pure entertainment. This is Michele exposing her life and her reactions. Michele's act is refreshingly honest. Her goal isn't to hate on anyone, but rather to explore her emotions, healing herself and others in the process. She also isn't shy about poking at herself a bit, too.

A few weeks ago, I attended a Chicago performance of Divorce Diaries. Already a television show in development, that night was filmed for an Amazon Prime special. Comedian and show writer Alydar Skyy introduced the night. Comedian and show producer David Vox Mullen was the emcee and opener. All were extremely funny. Also on hand was another show writer, Emily Ramirez, who I recently interviewed. I also interviewed Michele about her career and Divorce Diaries.

Yesterday, I was back "On the Beat" with Divorce Diaries, as I interviewed Michele and David, about all of this and the upcoming show at Westside Improv on December 31. That interview is at On the Beat With David Vox Mullen & Michele Traina.

I wanted to interview the pair together to get opinions and answers from both sides and both sexes. I also wanted to highlight their interplay. As you can tell, this is a winning combination.

Both talked about adding a man to the Divorce Diaries team. Although focused on a woman, Divorce Diaries is entertainment for all. That was the goal of Michele (a goal she is achieving) and she added David for his abilities regardless of gender.

I have often compared Divorce Diaries to sitting in my Italian grandmother's kitchen and listening to my cousin's tell tales of their lives, much of which revolved around dating. After one of my articles ran, Michele mentioned that comparison. That was significant to me.

For Michele, it meant her humor was on target. For me, it meant I was getting it. All that is needed is a plate of cannoli, as we joke in the interview.

You can judge for yourself on New Year's Eve as Michele and the Divorce Diaries gang come to Westside Improv. Divorce Diaries is energetic, relevant, timely, but most of all, very, very funny!

For more info, go to DivorceDiariesShow.com. Check back here for my recurring coverage of Divorce Diaries developments and other entertainment bits.

On the Beat With Al Snow and David Vox Mullen

Al Snow made his wrestling debut in 1982. Since then, he has wrestled thousands of matches in hundreds of cities in several; companies, including the WWF/WWE.

Along the way, Al won multiple championships. In the WWE, he held the European title once, the Hardcore Championship six times and the Tag Team Championship once with friend Mick Foley (as Mankind). In 1999, he was ranked No. 52 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated PWI 500. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter named Al Most Underrated in 1996.

These days Al runs the daily operations at Ohio Valley Wrestling. Al turned OVW into a legitimate accredited trade school. OVW and Al are getting high praise and rave reviews.

Meanwhile, David Vox Mullen has created his own legacy in the world of entertainment. An actor, producer, singer, comedian and more, David is a force in the industry.

Al and David are teaming up to make a long-discussed idea into a reality. On Saturday, September 3 in Oregon, Illinois, An Evening With Al Snow, with Special Guest David Vox Mullen debuts. Tommy Else and I talked to Al and David to hear all about this new venture.

Five shows are already scheduled through November 11. After the Oregon show, they go to Washington, D.C., Braidwood, IL, Pittsburgh, PA and Memphis, Tennesssee. The Oregon show also features a special meet and greet, with the possibility of adding something similar to other shows.

Al and David talked all about their partnership, how this came to be and where it's going. Al is taking this new path very seriously. While humor comes very naturally to him, he is leaning on David to craft it into an enjoyable performance.

It will be more comedy than wrestling tales, but I am sure there will be enough wrestling topics, too. It is obvious they are working hard to make this great. It's also obvious they are having a lot of fun already.

Before we finished, Tommy asked Al about OVW, his training link to Al and Al's appearances on an old Chicago cable show. Al shed a lot of light on the show hosted by Lisa Aprati. Even though the shows were about 20 years ago, if you can find them on YouTube or elsewhere, they are worth a watch. Al was hilarious and the pair had great chemistry. Maybe that was a bit of test for Al, because I expect the same sort of hilarious chemistry between Al and David.

Tommy and I will be in attendance at the Braidwood show. I will have a full recap here. In the meantime, enjoy On the Beat With Al Snow and David Vox Mullen.

On the Beat With David Vox Mullen

On Monday, Tommy Else and I interviewed David Vox Mullen for The Johngy "Or Else" Podcast. That interview can be found at On the Beat With David Vox Mullen.

David is a multi-talented, versatile performer. A few years ago, Paul Myers and I interviewed David for Hero TV (which can be found at Hero TV David Vox Mullen). That interview was mostly about his comedy career.

On Saturday, May 21, David's Undiscovered is released. It is an album of his covers of some great songs, like Hotel California and Take Me Home. Tommy and I asked David all about the album's origins, concept, production and more. We also delved a bit into his comedy, podcasting and more.

Go to DavidVoxMullen.com for all the info and updates on the DVM Empire. Also, be sure to check out Undiscovered on May 21.

Thank you to David for his time and consideration. Also, thanks for his friendship and a lot of entertainment over the years.

David Vox Mullen at Wizard World Chicago 2017

As the pandemic still is causing issues, Wizard World has postponed all live conventions through July. The next scheduled con is August 21-24 in Chicago. While I look forward to Chicago, I am recalling some of the fun I have had over the years at Wizard World.

David Vox Mullen is a multi-talented friend. He is an actor, musician, producer, writer, director, podcaster and more. Basically, he is a top notch entertainer.

I had the pleasure of interviewing DVM for Hero TV. That interview can be found at HeroTV 2018 Episode 8: David Vox Mullen. My HeroTV co-host PL Myers and I talk to DVM for 30 minutes, getting his thoughts on comedy, his career, his future and more.

A big part of his future is the DVM Production Empire. Launched in 2009, the DVMPE has been bringing interesting and varied podcasts to audiences ever since. Topics include television comedy, music and just about everything else. The DVMPE s open to all sorts o content.

DVM is a great guy. I'm sure our paths crossed many times at Wizard World, without me even realizing it. Finally in 2017, we managed to actually meet there.

While physical cons are not happening, Wizard World has been doing some fun virtual cons. These cons have featured the casts of LA Law, The Vampire Diaries, Perfect Strangers and more. More are being announced regularly.Nothing can replace a physical Wizard World event, but these virtual cons area great way to fill that void.

For more info on the DVMPE, check out the DVMPE Facebook page. Also, check WizardWorld.com for updates on their virtual and live events.

David Vox Mullen and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

David Vox Mullen at C2E2 2017

I don't really remember exactly when I first met David Vox Mullen.  I know our paths crossed several times before I really started to know him at all.  How did a man of so many talents, especially a local guy, escape my radar?  Sometimes the biggest talent is right in front of your eyes.

Coming from a musical family, David has been entertaining professionally for most of his adult life.  He has written, produced and performed in several musicals.  He has toured with his band "The Slipstream" and he has done improv comedy on stage.  Some of his latest projects include the Windy City Rejects, a Chicago-based comedy web series, and the Comedy Shrine, where he is a resident actor/comedian.

In short, David is one busy and successful guy.  He is also one of the good guys.  He is always ready for funny banter or pictures with fans and friends (I am in both of those groups now).

You can get more info on David at DavidVoxMullen.com.  You can also follow David on twitter and check out some of his videos on YouTube.

David Vox Mullen and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.