From Radio to Retro: How VHS Deathmatch Brings Nostalgia to Life

Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam sits down with Atlanta creative and VHS Deathmatch co-host Kristopher Bolz to talk radio days, living-room comedy shows, and why “so-bad-it’s-good” movies are the perfect glue for community. Together, they dive into Kris's path from Chicago to Las Vegas to Atlanta, how boredom can spark bold ideas, and the origins of a live show that mashes up cult films, stand-up energy, and audience participation—complete with QR-code voting and over-the-top VHS “death” scenes. Expect nostalgia and a refreshing case for authenticity over perfection.Kris shares stories about turning 21 in Vegas, penny slots and “lost wages,” packing a house with strangers for DIY shows, and moving those parties into East Atlanta venues. Kris and Adam trace Kris's journey from Eight-Bit Comedy Night at Joystick Gamebar to VHS Deathmatch—editing full films down to tight clip blocks, riffing live with a co-host, and letting the crowd crown “the best of the worst.” Along the way Adam and Kris discuss: Spoon-throwing at The Plaza Theater watching The Room, wig disasters in Samurai Cop, the unkillable charm of Miami Connection, and why Atlanta’s food + arts scene keeps creative people circling back.Listeners will gain insights into building a niche live event, balancing a full-time sales job with night-and-weekend creativity, and using mistakes as fuel instead of proof you should quit. Adam and Kris unpack practical event craft, promotion that doesn’t feel gross, and the psychology behind nostalgia—why VHS era movies, horror, and cult action flicks hit our brains like comfort food. They also get real about confidence, rejection tolerance, and how being yourself on-mic (and on stage) is high-risk, high-reward—and absolutely worth it.Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, life lessons, or bold ideas, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions.Connect with Kris on Instagram: @vhsdeathmatchatlOther ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast:Learn more at: https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcastFollow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcastCredits:Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauceMusic: Matt Hobbs @‌matthobbs & Puppy Songs @‌puppysongs