MZNOW with Michael Zavala

Mac is in town from Houston and joins Michael and Bri to talk all things nerd culture. Mac breaks down what Otaku Odyssey is, why small cons hit different, and what really goes down at convention after parties. She also shares how she made the leap from cosplay enthusiast to amateur pro wrestler — and why the overlap between comic book fans and wrestling fans makes total sense. Plus, the crew plays a blind ranking game where Mac has to choose her ultimate wrestling tag team partner from six superheroes. Get more show at MZNOW

Chester Rushing, best known as Tommy H from Netflix’s Stranger Things sit down with Michael Zavala alongside Crunchyroll voice actor Dustin Parsons, GM Jared Garcia, Chris Sapphire from Netflix’s The Circle, and Miiu Maux to talk all things Dungeons and Dragons ahead of their live D&D event in Dallas. They get into how D&D saved Chester’s mental health during lockdown, how tabletop roleplaying games are being used to help kids with autism and anxiety, and why Dungeons and Dragons is now selling out arenas across the country. Don’t miss their live Dungeons and Dragons event at Nexus Game Lounge in the Golden Triangle Mall in Denton, Texas on May 2nd. Get tickets at nexusgamelounge.com Get more show at MZNOW

Clark suits up in a knockoff Stranger Things Vecna costume (the biggest size they had) to audition for Netflix House — and things go exactly as you’d expect. Michael, Eric, and Bri coach him through characters including Vecna, Jeffrey Dahmer, Diddy, a Bridgerton long-lost brother, and a Too Hot to Handle contestant. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at how the crew actually makes their videos, and spoiler: it’s exactly this chaotic. Get more show at MZNOW

Nikki is a redheaded Dallas model by night and autism therapist by day — and she’s already figured out what’s wrong with Clark. Plus, the dark lady of science and why you’ve been using behavior therapy on people without knowing it. Follow Nikki Sabolboro at @ModelNikkiSab Get more show at MZNOW

Can you “Survive the Town?” A game inspired by the creepy sci-fi thriller FROM — and nobody is making good decisions. Would you open the window for a mysterious night visitor? Follow a stranger who claims to know a way out? And what do you even say to a creature in the forest to keep it from eating you? Plus, Season 4 of FROM drops April 19th — is five seasons the right call, or will they pull a Lost and leave everyone with more questions than answers? Get more show at MZNOW

Michael and the crew finally get the mics working before diving into a hilarious TMZ clip of 99-year-old William Daniels (Mr. Feeny!) rushing through a street interview. Then, the haunted third floor gets its first reveal: an abandoned IBM mainframe office frozen in 1982, and Michael’s already got big ideas for what to do with it. Plus, a quick take on DTF St. Louis. Get more show at MZNOW

Meet Levi — a college professor turned AI developer who spent years building his own real-life Knight Rider replica, and then made KITT actually talk back. His system, AlphaTech AI, uses cameras, facial recognition, GPS, and voice AI to create a fully conversational in-car experience inspired by the show we all grew up watching. The best part? It's available right now for any Knight Rider replica builder who wants to bring KITT to life in their own car. This episode covers how he built the car, how the software works, what it costs, and where he's taking it next. Check out AlphaTech AI at http://www.alphatechaisystems.com Get more show at MZNOWWatch the full episode on YouTube:YouTube.com/@michaelzavalaFollow the Guys:Michael Zavala @michaelzavalaEric Star @mrericstarClark @justsimplyclarkFollow the Show:Instagram: @mznowtvwww.MZNOW.tvProduced at mzStudiosmzStudiosDallas.com

Cecilia from Fort Worth joins the crew for the first time — Bri may have gone on a date with a vampire, which sends everyone down a full vampire lore rabbit hole. Plus, Cecilia talks about the podcast she’s launching (Say It, Cec), why she’d rather get a phone call than a text, her love of Southern California, and the debate over what the egg cleansing ritual in Mexican culture is actually called. RIP Chuck Norris and his iconic hairy chest. Get more show at MZNOW

Michael, Eric, Clark and the crew play a new game called “Rate the Rage,” where they rank how mad different Dallas situations make them — from downtown parking and Deep Ellum nightlife to student driver stickers and people who say they live in Dallas but actually live 45 minutes away. Plus, Michael tells a wild story about a dinner in LA where the bill showed up and things got very awkward. Get more show at MZNOW

It’s Friday! Clark might have a warrant, Bri might have gone on a date with a vampire, and Michael questions whether working out actually makes you die sooner after the news about Chuck Norris. Plus, the Afroman court case, autonomous cars taking over Dallas and Austin, and why Waymo might be better than human drivers. Get more show at MZNOW

Waymo finally hits Dallas, and Michael risks his life walking through the “valley of the shadow of death” just to test a self-driving car ride to In-N-Out. Plus, Clark considers becoming a middle-aged streamer and Bri talks about moving from Portland to Dallas after a psychic prediction. Then the crew plans to bring a psychic on the show and immediately regrets the idea. Get more show at MZNOW

Hot takes are flying and nobody’s holding back! The show sounds off on everything from overpriced chicken strips to whether that’s really Jim Carrey — and the internet is split 50/50. Get more show at MZNOW

Michael debates a risky new plan to cover the 60th anniversary Star Trek convention in Las Vegas after discovering single-day tickets might not exist—forcing the crew to consider everything. Later, the show dives into the internet conspiracy surrounding Jim Carrey’s recent appearance, with the crew debating whether it’s just Botox, a publicity stunt, or something stranger. Plus, the crew talks about a possible trip to the Short Circuit 40th anniversary event in Astoria, Oregon, Michael pitches a wild idea involving William Shatner, and the conversation spirals into the most ridiculous question of the episode: what’s the best way to die? Get more show at MZNOW

Bri Collette joins the show and talks about her new job working inside Netflix House, where she plays characters in live experiences based on Squid Game and Stranger Things. Meanwhile, Clark reveals some unexpected life changes—including losing his penthouse and moving back home—while Google’s AI somehow knows way too much about his financial struggles. Plus, Michael shares the worst celebrity meet-and-greet experience ever, the guys debate pickle pizza, and Clark pitches a dangerous new prank idea involving a duck costume and possibly a gun. Get more show at MZNOW

It’s Weird News Wednesday and the guys bring the strangest headlines they could find. One story involves a hospital evacuation, another sparks a lawsuit over a restaurant smell, and the last one might be the weirdest sport in the world. Get more show at MZNOW

Restaurant scenario: your favorite celebrity is sitting 10 feet away. Do you go up to them… or leave them alone? There are rules to this. Get more show at MZNOW

Michael spends $250 on a custom plush duck… and the prototype comes back looking like a yellow reindeer without antlers. Then the show dives into Fallout Season 2 — what went wrong, why the writing feels off, and whether Walton Goggins is carrying the entire show. Plus, Vince Gilligan’s new series gets a mixed reaction, Star Trek Academy sparks a heated debate, and Macaulay Culkin catches some unexpected criticism. Get more show at MZNOW

Are you watching the Winter Olympics, or just trying to figure out where they’re streaming? From Peacock confusion to a 90s TV nostalgia spiral, this one jumps from Fresh Prince and Varsity Blues to Lindsey Vonn, aging athletes, and the heavier reality of ALS. Fast, reflective, and a little all over the place, just how it should be. New episodes drop Tuesdays and Fridays. Get more show at MZNOW

Eric Star brings a brand new game to the show! Can you tell the difference between a rage-quitting gamer and a fed-up worker just done with it all? Listen along and see how many you can guess right!”   Get more show at MZNOW

After 10 years, Stranger Things has come to an end. Ambiguous endings, Netflix’s influence on the final season, those continuity theories that went viral on TikTok, and comparisons to other major series finales like Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad. The emotional weight of certain scenes, what could have been done differently, and whether the show maintained its magic. How did you like the Stranger Things finale? Let us know in the comments! Get more show at MZNOW

After years of disappointment, something unexpected happened with The Muppet Show’s return to Disney+. Two lifelong Muppet fans—one who runs the largest Muppet collection page on Facebook, the other who owns a Terry Angus Kermit puppet—sit down to discuss why this latest attempt might actually be different. From Matt Vogel’s performance to Bill Barretta’s influence, they break down what worked, what didn’t, and whether Disney has finally figured out what made Jim Henson’s creations special in the first place. Plus: the surprising story of how a $1,200 Facebook transaction brought these two collectors together. Follow Lucas and the Muppet Collection Page: Facebook: The Muppet Collection Page (Running for 10 years showcasing Muppet memorabilia, collectibles, and everything from vintage toys to rare merchandise) Get more show at MZNOW

Back from the holiday break and Clark’s financial situation is becoming a real problem. Between mysteriously losing (and finding) Apple TVs, paying too much for downtown Dallas living, and making questionable money decisions, it’s clear someone needs to call in the TikTok finance guy for an intervention. The crew debates whether Clark should reach out to Caleb Hammer, Suze Orman, or just move into his car for a bit. MZ also hands out awards for his favorite things of 2025. Best restaurant, best podcast, best creators, and best TV show all get recognized. Plus Universal Studios Fanfest gets scrutinized for their Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters lineup. Is it even worth the trip? Welcome to 2026! Shorter episodes, more often. New format starts now. Get more show at MZNOW

Kevin Costner calls the show (2020). Then, Clark meets “the most famous person in the world” (2021). A woman fell into a dumpster taking out her trash (2024). Plus, Michael tries to make a dinner reservation (2022). Get more show at MZNOW

Kevin Costner calls the show (2020). Then, Clark meets “the most famous person in the world” (2021). A woman fell into a dumpster taking out her trash (2024). Plus, Michael tries to make a dinner reservation (2022). Get more show at MZNOW

The show sends UFO Joe to the Ancient Alien Convention (2019). Kimberly Estrada calls the show to talk about her guest appearance on the hit TV show, LOST (2006). Plus, Eric steals Bobby’s idea to make a game called Have You Heard It? (2016). Get more show at MZNOW

Michael has Christel Khalil record his outgoing voicemail (2006). Jaime the Tattoo Guy has his first ever, Jamie’s World (2019). Plus, the show plays, Where in the World is Sara Alban? (2017) Get more show at MZNOW

Chris Sapphire asks people what secrets they’ve hidden from their dad for Father’s Day. Then later, Michael has a weird handshake experience and Bobby confronts his haters. Plus, Stranger Thing’s Gaten Matarazzo is on the show! Get more show at MZNOW

Chester Rushing (Stranger Things, Logan, DC’s Superman) returns to the show and catches up with the guys! He talks about his journey from Tommy H on this hit Netflix show, Stranger Things to voicing Superman, his first day on set with Clint Eastwood, and what it was like working alongside Hugh Jackman. Plus, Chester reveals his thoughts on the future of voice acting, AI, and his unexpected role in Cookie Run Kingdom. And could Tommy H make a comeback in Stranger Things 5? Chester gives us his wildest theory yet. Get more show at MZNOW

It’s the An MZ Family Christmas! Things take a strange turn when Michael buys Christmas presents for everyone… and they mysteriously go missing. Plus, Special Guest Krazy from the 504 Boys joins the show to talk music, movies, and legendary stories from his career. By the end of the night, the gang learns that Christmas might not be about gifts after all — or at least that’s what they tell themselves. Get more show at MZNOW

Clark celebrates 35 years of the Christmas classic Home Alone. From Kevin’s booby traps to the unforgettable one liners, this movie has become a holiday tradition for generations. For most of the show, it is hands down their favorite Christmas movie of all time. Is Home Alone at the top of your holiday watch list too? Let us know in the comments. Get more show at MZNOW

Think you really know Stranger Things? Put your knowledge to the test as we run a full Stranger Things trivia challenge, covering iconic moments, deep-cut facts, and questions only true fans will catch. Play along at home and see how many you can get right before the final question. As the trivia unfolds, we also dive into reactions, fan theories, and thoughts on the final season, including who might not make it out and what clues you may have missed along the way. Whether you are a casual viewer or a full-on superfan, this episode is built to challenge what you think you know. Get more show at MZNOW

Eric Star and Michael Zavala review Part One of the final season of Stranger Things on Netflix. Get more show at MZNOW

It’s Friday! The show breaks down the real biggest movie of 2025 along with the top TV, music, and game rankings of the year. What was your favorite movie, game, or show of 2025? Get more show at MZNOW

DJ Tiffany Noire joins the show to talk about her jump from the corporate world to full-time DJing, the mindset that keeps her booked, and the realities of working Dallas nightlife. Plus, Tiffany reveals her favorite places to play, how she preps for gigs, and the one thing every DJ should avoid. Get more show at MZNOW

We’re diving straight into Derry for a creepy and hilarious IT inspired Would You Rather challenge. Think you could survive the strange choices and unsettling scenarios from the world of Welcome to Derry? If you love IT, Stephen King’s universe, horror challenges, creepy Would You Rather games, or Welcome to Derry, this one is for you. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and see if YOU can handle what’s coming. Get more show at MZNOW

It’s Friendsgiving 2025 and the studio is packed! Paris Stars returns to the show fresh off her win as America’s Bearded Queen and talks about the journey from first alternate to the crown — and how couch cushions once helped shape her drag. Then later, Chris Sapphire’s brother, Marcos Soto, joins the party and discusses his campaign for judge, the importance of empathy in politics, and what inspired him to run. Get more show at MZNOW

It’s the annual MZNOW Thanksgiving show! Michael hosts a special “Thanksgiving Price Is Right: Inflation Edition” where the crew tries to guess how much your holiday favorites cost in 2025… and let’s just say, they’re way off. Plus, Shawn shares what she’s thankful for, Michael finally gets his Knight Rider car back, and the gang breaks down why Dallas lines up for every overhyped coffee shop that opens. Get more show at MZNOW

This week on MZNOW, local content creator Jenny Smith joins the show to talk about her rising social media journey, the Dallas food scene, and why some spots are way too overhyped. Jenny also reveals one of the best hidden gems in the city and shares how she balances a full-time career with building a growing online presence. Plus, the show breaks down Dallas restaurants, top TV picks, and more. Follow Jenny @je.n.py Get more show at MZNOW

Meet Elsbeth, the creator behind the viral Dallas dating interviews on the Katy Trail. She shares how the espresso cup mic idea started, what she has learned about modern dating in Dallas, and where the best first dates actually happen in the city. Follow Elsbeth @_elsbeats_ Get more show at MZNOW

A spooktacular guest, Mr. Halloween, call the show for the first time (2015). Then, Eric has some family drama at Thanksgiving (2018). And finally, the show plays Red State, Blue State, Thanksgiving Side Plate (2020). Get more show at MZNOW

Michael Zavala recounts his wild ride in Las Vegas with an Uber driver who lets the Tesla handle the trip while he kicks back. Meanwhile, Shawn takes her first Waymo in Austin, AI Clark is back and sassier than ever, and Shawn shares Halloween facts you probably didn’t know. Plus, why Michael might be banned from Prince Street Pizza, the great caramel empanada conspiracy, and the overpriced world of cat dentistry. 00:00 – Why Prince Street Pizza Might Ban Michael05:46 – AI Clark Is Back and More Savage Than Ever09:13 – Shawn Rides in a Self-Driving Car for the First Time 11:18 – My Uber Driver Let Tesla Do All the Driving18:48 – Taco Bell’s Caramel Apple Empanada Conspiracy23:21 – Why the Texas State Fair Was a Total Letdown28:48 – Jim Carrey as George Jetson?! Here’s What We Know34:26 – Halloween Fun Facts You’ve Probably Never Heard Get more show at MZNOW

The show plays a round of Ice Cream Roulette. One cup of ice cream contains Blue Bell which MAY contain listeria. Who will win this “game” of death. Then later, Michael and Crissy prank a follow shop. Plus, find out which celebrity made it to number one of the most awkward interview in show history…so far. Get more show at MZNOW

Is Taco Bell’s Caramel Apple Empanada really back? Plus, Michael shares how surprisingly difficult it was to bring the Knight Rider car to the Dallas Fan Festival — and what happened when he met the legendary William Daniels (aka the voice of KITT himself). Then later, Big Tex stops by to spill the deep-fried tea on what’s really happening at the State Fair of Texas. Get more show at MZNOW

The show plays another round of ‘Does This Make You Feel Old?’ from 2016. Then later, the show plays a prank on Nadia the Intern (2006). Plus celebrity pastor, Joel Osteen, calls the show to talk about his Houston recovery efforts (2016). Get more show at MZNOW

Should you tip a delivery robot? Clark shares his experience getting pizza from an autonomous vehicle—and sparks a full-blown AI uprising conspiracy theory. The show prepares for the Dallas Fan Festival, where the Knight Rider car is making its big debut—with cosplayers, giveaways, and a booth that keeps getting bigger. But will the electronics survive the weekend? Plus, Michael shares the open letter he wrote to save Star Trek. Get more show at MZNOW

Rapper, B-Hamp is in studio talking about his single, Fooly (2010). Plus, Spider & Eric try to guess movie quotes (2019). Then later, Eric & Michael talk about their trip to LA (2016). Get more show at MZNOW

The show is back after a 3 week break! Eric Star returns from LA with stories from Universal Horror Nights, while Shawn rants about haunted hotels, angry Uber drivers, and why New Orleans might be the biggest scam in America. Michael reveals huge news about the Knight Rider car’s appearance at Dallas Fan Fest and unveils a surprise birthday gift for Eric. Plus, Dexter: Resurrection gets the hype it deserves, a mysterious alien object is speeding toward Mars, and Clark asks the internet: Would you pay $1,000 to play GTA6 right now? Spoiler: Some of y’all would. Get more show at MZNOW

Star Trek’s Marina Sirtis calls the show! (2016) Plus, Michael gets a enormous phone (2015) and finds a lost Beagle (2006). Get more show at MZNOW

Jamie “interviews” comedian, Jerry Lewis (2020). Michael interviews Christel Khalil and it all goes wrong (2006). Jamie the Tattoo Guy tries to remember the names of the characters on the The Walking Dead (2016). Get more show at MZNOW

What happens when the greatest rapper of his era loses the one thing he needs most, his voice? In this rare and unfiltered conversation, The DOC takes us back to West Dallas, the accident that nearly silenced him forever, and the writing that shaped legends like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem. From the rise of N.W.A. to the streets of Oak Cliff, he reflects on addiction, resilience, and the rebirth that turned tragedy into purpose. This is more than a story about hip hop. It is about survival, brotherhood, and the fight to create a legacy that goes beyond music. Original Air Date: May 17, 2022 Watch the full episode on YouTube: Follow the Guys:Michael Zavala @michaelzavalaEric Star @mrericstarClark @justsimplyclark Follow the Show:Instagram: @mznowtvwww.MZNOW.tv Produced at mzStudiosmzStudiosDallas.com Get more show at MZNOW