Casting The Spotlight Podcast

For Episode #227, we had the pleasure of welcoming Matt Moore on for his podcast debut. He dove deep into his life as of late, his journey in the past several years, what lead to him becoming a collegiate women’s basketball coach, & much more. We also discuss favoritism, Rob Zombie as a film director, going on trips, the George Lucas Star Wars era, and movies concluding on down note. Tune in for Matt’s first episode on CTS!

For our third annual DraftDay podcast, Justyn & Ricky return to deliver another great guest appearance as we prepare for the upcoming NFL season. We also discuss Roman Reigns leaving WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion, the MLB pitch challenge system, live concerts, the beach, emotional elements in kid’s movies, & SO MUCH MORE!

For our annual WrestleMania Special, we are joined by longtime guests Chainsaw Cody, Ricky Pikul, & Big Dick Nick to cover the entire match card for WM42. We rehash how the feuds have played out going into the show, bring forth hot takes, bold predictions, & SO MUCH MORE!

This episode we draw the category of wrestlers on “This or That,” as well as do our Movie Swap reviews over Cowboys & Aliens and Planet of the Apes (1968), respectively. We also discuss the plethora of multi Men’s and Women’s matches on the WrestleMania match card, custom license plates, cake art, & SO MUCH MORE!

Welcoming back our good friend Jake Noble for his 3rd solo appearance on the pod, we catch up on current life events and reminisce on various past tales of debauchery. We also discuss the importance of Gretchen & Elliot Schwartz in Breaking Bad, spring league football, Chris Jericho returning to AEW, Josh Allen in the playoffs, Teddy Long, & SO MUCH MORE!

Our final episode in the month of March, for the first time we draw Music Artists as a category on “This or That.” We finally do our long-awaited film reviews over “The Fugitive” & “The Fly,” as well as swap more films. We also discuss celebrity impersonators, the build to WM42 so far, expectations for 2nd and 3rd generation superstars, & SO MUCH MORE!

For our St. Patrick’s Day Special, our good friend Arron Beaver returns as our special guest for his third solo episode. We catch up and discuss bar hopping on the holiday, public intoxication, AI and innovation, the concept of luck, McDonald’s Big Arch, & SO MUCH MORE!

Returning in solo episodic format, we bring another “This or That” category to the table in the form of Sodas, as well swap more films to review next time around. We also discuss Cody Rhodes Main Eventing WrestleMania four years in a row, Maxx Crosby’s value to an NFL team, Daniel Jones’ 100 million dollar contract, & SO MUCH MORE!

Right in the thick of a busy moment in time, we bring forth another solo as our opening episode of March, which was host to another Movie Characters category on “This or That.” We also later review the films The Monuments Men and Catch Me If You Can, discuss cover bands, working in a cubicle, & SO MUCH MORE!

Our longtime good friend Brendan returns to the podcast after a 5 year hiatus for his first solo episode. We catch up and discuss life as of late, backyard wrestling memories, Team USA winning a gold medal in hockey, John Cena’s retirement, the St. Louis Cardinals’ hopes and future outlook, the Conjuring universe, barbecue ribs, & SO MUCH MORE!

We return with another solo back to back, this time featuring the category of Actors for this week’s “This or That” segment. Later on, we dive in deep as we review the films Malcom X (1992) and Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window. We also discuss Jade Cargill’s reign thus far as WWE Women’s Champion, quoting movies in conversation, car air fresheners, & SO MUCH MORE!

For this week’s “This or That,” we drew the category of Pro Wrestling Match Concepts, pitting various stipulations against one another. Later on, we review our previous films for the Movie Swap segment, Hustle & 3:10 to Yuma as we break down our opinions and takeaways, respectively. We also discuss the WWE Hall of Fame and its integrity, Chelsea Green, easing into your mornings before work, & SO MUCH MORE!

As Tyler Dearing joins us for his first ever solo guest episode, we dive into discussion over the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys ‘90s dynasty, and Sam Darnold. We also talk and reflect on the late ‘90s/early 2000’s technology and events, the Winter Olympics, AI customer service representatives, & SO MUCH MORE!

In our good friend Randall’s return to the pod for his 2nd solo episode, we break open the discussion surrounding the way the NFL playoffs have played out, Drake Maye, and Mike MacDonald as a coach. We also talk the hype around the Mandolorian & Grogu film, Kathleen Kennedy stepping down as President of Lucasfilm, Roman Reigns second Royal Rumble win, AJ Styles retirement, & SO MUCH MORE!

As January moves along, for the first time we bring back past reviewed Movie Swap Films along with newer ones repackaged for this week’s “This or That” segment. We also talk about the impact a movie poster has, bagged popcorn, narrow walkways at sport stadiums, & SO MUCH MORE!

For this episode, we had two longtime special guests return, our friends Ricky Pikul and Brendan Tobey as we discussed the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs and beyond, Drew Brees career/legacy, buying merch for your favorite teams, Sam Darnold, Cody Rhodes dropping his title, the Avatar film series, & SO MUCH MORE!

🎆🎙️CTS 2026 Season Opener 🎧🎆For our lead off episode of 2026, we hit ‘em hard with a sensational edition of “This or That,” capturing a rare moment in time having compared contending playoff teams against one another. We also introduce our first films of the year for our Movie Review segment, discuss fasting, having vegetables for dinner, Bronson Reed, seeing movies in 3D, & SO MUCH MORE!

🎇 CTS 2025 Season Finale 🎇For our final episode of the year, Sam Spangler makes her return to the cast for her 3rd solo appearance following starting the year off as our first guest. We rehash the events that unfolded throughout 2025, talk sports gambling, making special requests at restaurants, working on New Years’ Day, & SO MUCH MORE!

For the 209th edition of our pod saga, we deliver one of the most memorable episodes of our history ~ as this round celebrates the Christmas holiday, as well as our 100th solo all in one. We focus on the category of Christmas films in this week’s “This or That” segment, along with our movie reviews over Miracle On 34th Street (1994) and Christmas Evil later on. We also discuss the deeper meaning of the season, Billy Bob Thorton, red velvet cake, & SO MUCH MORE!

In Episode #208, we are re-joined by our friend Rob Gaither in his second solo ~ this time to reflect, commemorate, and pay homage to the legendary John Cena soon retiring. We also discuss past matches, feuds, iconic moments, as well as talk on his final match at SNME, the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles, and the Denver Broncos’ legitimacy. Later on we hear from some of our friends to pinpoint what Cena’s career and legacy mean to them, & SO MUCH MORE!

Our first episodic release in the month of December, we begin to dabble deeper into the seasonal vibes with Christmas songs in this week’s “This or That,” later we review the films Sling Blade & Religulous during our Movie Swap segment. We also discuss the importance of sports franchise logos, losing in your retirement match in pro wrestling, sitcom TV laugh tracks, & SO MUCH MORE!

For our last episode of November, our friend Ryan Fromm returns to the podcast for his 3rd solo guest appearance to catch up and talk all of the seasonal happenings. We discuss the widespread array of Thanksgiving dishes, current NFL news and matchups as of late, trades in Fantasy Football, WW2, & SO MUCH MORE!

In our final solo episode of the month, we draw the Chips category in this weeks’ “This or That” segment ranking various kinds, as well as review the films Leatherheads and Million Dollar Baby. We also discuss vendors at ballgames, Baker Mayfield, seeing movies early in the day at the theater, & SO MUCH MORE!

As November rolls on, this episode sees the long-awaited return of our friend Ian Lalk, this time joined by Bri Oliver making her podcast debut. We discuss mentorship in the workplace, old memories, the GOATS of sports, all NHL playoff series being a Best of 7, dating apps, & SO MUCH MORE!

Our first episode back post-horror season and Cape Con 2025, we return and bring forward another hard-hitting edition of “This or That,” this time comparing some of the all time great cereals to one another, as well as another exchange of swapping of films. We also discuss Daniel Jones’ NFL season thus far, penalties for taunting, microfiber towels, alternative medicinal solutions, & SO MUCH MORE!

🎃 CTS 2025 Halloween Special 🎃For the first time in nearly 2 years, our good friend Gene made his return to the pod in solo episode fashion to celebrate and cover all things horror/holiday in our final episode of October. We do a special guest edition of “This or That,” this time drawing the category of Horror Characters. We also discuss Halloween TV specials, signature weapons, in-store pickup, & SO MUCH MORE!

In the final Daylight in the Dark of October, we return with Part VIII of our solo episodic horror series as the hour grows late within the season. We draw the category of Standalone Horror Films in “This or That,” do our Movie Swap segment reviews on Villains and Oculus, discuss the Dallas Cowboys 2025 season thus far, Sheri Moon Zombie, & SO MUCH MORE!

🎉🎃MAJOR MILESTONE EPISODE 200🎃🎉For our epic & unprecedented 200th episode of Casting The Spotlight, we are rejoined by our fellow horror fanatics, Cody Robbins and Jason Bailey for The Slasher Sessions: Part IV. We dig into all things horror ~ from historical classic films and franchises to modern day releases. We also discuss horror parody films, kill count, films needing to take more chances, Tobe Hooper, Tom Brady’s commentary, rookie quarterback expectations, & SO MUCH MORE! Join us for our monumental milestone!

As we embark on another edition of our horror-film driven guest series, The Slasher Sessions: Act III we have our friend Alex returning to fill the guest role of the last episode of our 100’s. Alex joins us for an exciting, seasonal-inspired version of “This or That,” this time drawing the category of Horror Movie Remakes as we compare and contrast films. We also discuss John Cena’s retirement tour, loyalty to certain brands/products, Cam Ward’s 2025 NFL season so far, & SO MUCH MORE!

Picking back up where we left off with our prominent October episodic solo horror series, “The Daylight in the Dark: Part VII, we emerge with a special edition of “This or That,” this time drawing the category of Horror Movie Sequels, pitting only 2nd films in their respective franchises against one another. We also review our films from the prior week, When Evil Lurks and Wrong Turn (2021), swap films for next solo, as well as discuss NFL regular season games ending in a tie, callbacks to previous movies/shows, Best Buy, Jolly Ranchers, & SO MUCH MORE!

As we are swiftly approaching our next big milestone, we return to solo format to deliver another exciting edition of “This or That,” this time drawing the category once more of Star Wars characters to rank against one another. We also dabble into discussion over WWE Wrestlepalooza, Bath & Body Works, beef jerky chew, & prematurely flipping songs. We also give the introduction of new films for our Movie Swap Segment and the reviews of Fall and Heretic, plus SO MUCH MORE!

For Episode #196, we see the debut of our friend Zack Brown, as well as the returning Alex Langley for his second appearance. We discuss recent cultural events and changes, tech and innovation, the importance of college, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Bloody Mary’s, & SO MUCH MORE!

On the same date, 24 years removed from the events of September 11th, 2001 we reflect on what transpired that day and remember all of the lives that were tragically lost. We also draw the category of Condiments in this week’s edition of “This or That,” review the films Nefarious and Bubba Ho-Tep in our Movie Swap Segment, discuss Josh Allen’s performance on SNF, flavored coffee, & SO MUCH MORE!

We return to solo episodic format, drawing the category of Walking Dead Characters coinciding with Daryl Dixon Season 3, as well as do our movie reviews of The Wrestler & Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. We also talk the NFL and starting the season in another country, the Detroit Lions 2025 season hopes, Michael Shannon, Robert Patrick, & SO MUCH MORE!

For this special episode of Casting The Spotlight, we catch up with Tyler and Brendan and discuss NFL moves during the offseason. We also make our bold predictions on how the standings will look by the end of the season broken down in each division, including takes on who the Wild Card winners will be, & SO MUCH MORE!

As we return to solo episodic format for Episode #191, we do our first review back since our revival of our Movie Swap segment, having chosen “Snatch” and “Dream Scenario” on our previous reintroduction of it. We also rank and discuss the category of Sports Films in this week’s edition of This or That, talk comedian Jim Gaffigan, tuna being underrated, sports card collecting, & SO MUCH MORE!

For our 190th epic milestone episode, the well-traveled Andy Alton returns for his 5th appearance. We discuss his overseas adventures since his last time on, how technology has evolved over various eras, AI, the childhood nostalgia of Blockbuster, running, wrestlers using face paint, & SO MUCH MORE!

☀️ SUMMERSLAM ‘25 SPECIAL ☀️For this WWE SummerSlam special edition of the podcast and historic 100th CTS Guest Episode ever, we are joined by our good friends and returning guest in Cody Robbins, Ricky Pikul, Alex Nicoloff, & Randall Johnson. We cover, dissect, state hot takes, make bold predictions on how this year’s event will play out based on the stories leading in, & SO MUCH MORE!

Due to the recently unfortunate passings of both Ozzy Osbourne & Hulk Hogan, in this episode we cover, reflect, & commemorate the careers and legacy of two legendary performers. For the first time in so many moons, we also revive our long lost Movie Swap segment with the films “Snatch” and “Dream Scenario,” dive into another Wrestlers edition of “This or That,” talk garage/yard sales, the ability of drivers in NASCAR, salisbury steak, & SO MUCH MORE!

As we return to a solo episode for #187, we continue with another edition of “This or That,” this time drawing the category of Rock Songs and placing them against 10 competitors. We also discuss miscellaneous topics in the ever-classic segment The Good, The Bad, & The Shits and talk Jellyroll having a match at SummerSlam, the dill pickle flavor craze, framing posters/pictures, referring to judges as “Your Honor,” & SO MUCH MORE!

Have you or someone you know recently developed SUUUPPPPEERRRR POWERRRRSSS? For Episode #186 of CTS our great friend Nick made his return to the solo guest scene of CTS. It was a first for us as a guest finally joined us on our segment, “This or That,” this time incorporating everyone from superheroes to antiheroes and villains in one category. We also discuss the DC franchise reboot and its lead off film centering over the Man of Steel, Christopher Reeve as Superman, John Cena as an actor, magic, Jack in the Box tacos, & SO MUCH MORE!

For our 185th episode, we return to solo format as we draw the category of TV Show Characters in our segment “This or That” for the 2nd time. We also dig into discussion over amusement parks and the Superman ride at Six Flags, smiling after eye contact with strangers, fresh teams in sports winning championships with few repeats, the Toyota Prius, & SO MUCH MORE!

Returning to the podcast for his second solo episode, founder and showrunner of STL Comedy Studio and stand-up comedian himself, Tyler Tha Comic. A good friend of ours and big CTS supporter, he takes us through his journey since his last appearance, we talk about what it is like getting up in front of a live audience, comedians having podcasts, local town fairs, & SO MUCH MORE!

Directly following our EPIC 6 Year Anniversary Episode, we follow up with a classic, solo-style format edition of the cast in which we bring back the category of Comedy Movies on our segment “This or That,” putting The Hangover and Dogma against a plethora of worthy competition. We also discuss Jey Uso being unseated so quickly after his loss to Gunther as World Heavyweight Champion, the effectiveness of power naps, the birthday cake flavor, is lime cucumber Gatorade fantastic or downright awful? & SO MUCH MORE!

👑🎧 CTS 6 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EPISODE 🎧👑For our epic and monumental anniversary episode, we celebrate with our longtime friend and one of our greatest podcast guests ~ Justyn “Fry” Cheatham. We dig deep into past childhood memories in the backyard, talk about current films and the aura of seeing them for the first time in theater, the Star Wars Saga, revisiting old school video games in today’s age, Superman, Plo Koon, Nicola Jokić, beer battered food, & SO MUCH MORE!

For our 181st edition of the cast, in our “This our That” segment, we draw the category of Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit characters from the Middle Earth trilogies, with some of the great characters ranked against one another. We also discuss R-Truth, Billy Madison, The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2, Hershel Rhee, & SO MUCH MORE!

Returning to solo format for a major milestone episode, we draw the category of Breaking Bad characters as we pit some of the best in the show’s history up against one another. We also discuss disgruntlements behind the wheel and the ignorance of other drivers, WM being held in the same city consecutively, Toaster Strudels, & SO MUCH MORE!

For this epic 4-man podcast, our good friends Rob & Randall join us for the first time as a duo as we discuss heavy pro wrestling content as of recent, dig into Cena’s heel turn, Goldberg’s last match, Pat McAfee on commentary, and Will Ospreay. We also keep the chatter lively with speculation around the 2025-2026 NFL season, the tush push play, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Jack Link’s beef jerky, & SO MUCH MORE!

The long awaited return of our great friend and brother Austin Weber is showcased in Episode #178, as the man who has appeared in many different eras of the podcast’s lifespan catches up with us for the first time in this one. We discuss a numerous variety of great topics like life as of late, work, owning a home, coach’s influence on youth sports, class reunions, Cinco de Mayo, being health conscious, & SO MUCH MORE!