The Front Row Network

Front Row Classics is celebrating summer with 1948's Romance on the High Seas. The movie marked an auspicious film debut for the legendary Doris Day. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the movie showcases all of the best Warner Bros had to offer. Brandon is joined once again by Mary-Catherine Pazzano and Dana Harrison to discuss all of the fun and music from this fun, escapist musical. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome independent wrestler, Ripper Zbyszko. Brandon and Ripper chat about his growing up with a wrestling lineage and finding his way into the ring. We also chat about his different philosophies of wrestling and in-ring highlights so far. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome The Hollywood Dream, The D.R.E. Brandon and The D.R.E chat about his origins is acting and wrestling. We also chat about his in-ring highlights and ultimate goals. 

Front Row Classics is happy to welcome back our friend, Tony Maietta. Tony joins Brandon for his birthday week and the two chat all things classic film. The conversation covers everything from 1940s melodramas to 1970s sitcoms. Be sure to catch Tony's podcast , Going Hollywood, at https://www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com/.

The Front Row Network welcomes "Sweet Cheeks" Joey Silver. Brandon and Joey chat about his origins in wrestling and career highlights. They also chat about the fun side of wrestling and injecting humor into the action. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the legendary Ava Gardner. Brandon welcomes graphic designer, writer and Board Member of the Ava Gardner Museum Lora Stocker. Brandon and Lora discuss Ava's life & career and what the Ava Gardner Museum (located in North Carolina) has to offer. They also discuss Lora's background and fandom of classic film. 

Front Row Classics welcomes author Tony Lee Moral. Tony recently penned "A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, The Myths, The Legacy". He addressed a series of narratives regarding the Master of Suspense through new archival research and unpublished interviews.  Now available from The University Press of Kentucky wherever books are sold Tony Lee Moral is a mystery author and screenwriter with a deep passion for suspense, mystery, and the cinematic legacy of Alfred Hitchcock. Over the course of his career, he has become a leading voice in both the world of Hitchcock scholarship and contemporary crime fiction. With four critically acclaimed books dedicated to Alfred Hitchcock, including Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards (2024), The Young Alfred Hitchcock's Moviemaking Master Class (2022), The Making of Hitchcock's The Birds (2013), and Hitchcock and the Making of Marnie (2013), Tony's writing offers a unique insight into the art of filmmaking, the creative process, and the mind of one of cinema's most iconic directors. But Tony's talents don't end with nonfiction. He is also an accomplished novelist, weaving intricate plots filled with suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. His novels include The Two Masks of Vendetta and its thrilling sequel The Passion of the Cross (both released in 2024) and Ghost Maven: The Haunting of Alice May (2019). These novels blend elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, taking readers on unforgettable journeys that explore complex characters, twisted secrets, and the darkest corners of the human psyche. As a writer, Tony is dedicated to crafting stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His work in suspenseful thrillers, like The Two Masks of Vendetta, shows his knack for creating tension and atmosphere, while his paranormal novels, such as Ghost Maven, blend supernatural elements with heartfelt emotions, bringing a fresh approach to the genre. Drawing on his expertise in both film and fiction, Tony writes with an eye for cinematic detail, ensuring that each page feels like a scene from a gripping film. His deep understanding of Hitchcock's techniques — suspense, misdirection, and character-driven storytelling — shines through in every novel, making his books essential reading for fans of mystery, crime, and psychological thrillers.

The Front Row Network welcomes independent wrestler, Braydon Goss. Brandon and Braydon chat about his origins in wrestling along with his in-ring highlights. They also chat about his ultimate goals in the business. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the legendary Bette Davis by taking a look at some of her most underrated performances. Brandon is joined by Staff Editor of Entertainment Weekly, Rance Collins. Brandon and Rance are both unabashed Davis fans and have compiled their personal top 5 underrated performances of the legendary star. Let us know what your top 5 choices would be.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back our friend John Malahy. John, author of TCM and Running Press' wonderful "Summer Movies" book joins Brandon to chat about the popular series of "Beach Party" movies of the 1960s. The two cover Frankie, Annette and all of the fun/bizarre cameos. The films also provide snapshots of some of the 60s biggest musical acts including The Beach Boys and Stevie Wonder.

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of television's greatest shows. Brandon welcomes writer/producer Marc Scott Zicree to discuss his third edition of "The Twilight Zone Companion". Brandon and Marc chat about the show's origins and Rod Serling's impact on popular culture. They also discuss some of the most memorable episodes along with Marc's journey through researching the show. "The Twilight Zone Companion Third Edition" is available from Silman-James Press wherever books are sold. Marc Scott Zicree has written and produced hundreds of hours of TV for most of the major studios and networks. His credits include Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Babylon 5, Sliders, Friday the 13th: The Series, He-Man, The Real Ghostbusters, The Smurfs, and numerous other shows. Regarded as one of the country's top media experts, Zicree is a regular guest on late-night radio's Coast to Coast and has lectured at many colleges (including USC, UCLA, Stanford, and Ithaca College), professional conferences, and museums throughout the world. The Twilight Zone Companion has been credited with creating the modern genre of books on TV series and inspiring a generation of series creators and filmmakers. Zicree has also co-written (with Guillermo del Toro, Barbara Hambly, and others) four additional books. Along with his wife, Elaine, Marc is currently writing, directing, and producing Space Command, an epic science-fiction TV series.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at two films that were forerunners in dealing with LGBT themes in film. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to discuss Tea and Sympathy from 1956 and The Children's Hour from 1962. The two compare and contrast the effect of the Hays Code on both films and how the constrictions of the times watered down both films. Yet, both hosts praise the films for their stellar direction and performances.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of Greta Garbo's greatest screen performances. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are chatting about 1933's Queen Christina. Brandon and Emmett discuss the unusual nature of the film and the chemistry between Garbo and John Gilbert. They also discuss Rouben Mamoulian's expert direction which exposes all of MGM's resources at its best. The conversation also turns to the subversive performances and pre-code attributes that make the film feel fresh in 2026. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most gripping dramas from Warner Brothers in the 1950s. Brandon and Ben Burke are chatting about 1951's Young Man with a Horn. The movie features one of the earliest landmark performances from Kirk Douglas. Director Michael Curtiz also lands great performances from Doris Day, Hoagy Carmichael and Lauren Bacall (in one of her most subversive performances). Brandon and Ben also discuss the use of jazz and jazz culture in the film.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Oz enthusiast Sean Barrett. Brandon and Sean discuss the effect of The Wizard of Oz on his life and the time he spent at Artistic Director of The Land of Oz theme park. They also chat about its evolution and inspiration to multiple generations. Sean also has credits in film, television and live theater. 

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Isabel "Izzy" Custodio to the podcast. Izzy is the creator of the popular classic film YouTube channel, Be Kind Rewind. Brandon and Izzy discuss her origins as a classic film fan and the beginnings of her channel. They also chat about her favorite films and future goals.  You can find Be Kind Rewind at: https://www.youtube.com/@bkrewind

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Emmy-winning actor, Christian Le Blanc. Christian and Brandon chat about his background and acting influences which eventually led him to a multiple decade run on The Young and the Restless as Michael Baldwin. The two also discuss his experiences working with the likes of Julie Harris, Charles Nelson Reilly and Eileen Brennan.  A twelve-time Emmy nominee and three-time Outstanding Lead Actor Emmy winner, Christian Jules Le Blanc, stars as Michael Baldwin on CBS's number one rated daytime drama, The Young and the Restless. Christian joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in October 1991, departing in 1993. He returned to the series in April, 1997. A slick attorney, Michael has found happiness in his marriage to Lauren Fenmore (Tracey E. Bregman), despite the antics of his troubled brother, Kevin (Greg Rikaart) and his unpredictable mother, Gloria (Judith Chapman). In 2022, Christian made his New York theater debut in Ruth Stage Company's production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Christian's television appearances also include the role of Kirk McColl on As the World Turns, a starring role as a regular on In the Heat of the Night with Carol O'Connor and Howard Rollins, and many guest appearances including Perry Mason, Cheers and Gabriel's Fire. He produced and starred in his first short film, Puppy Love, with actress, Grace Zabriskie, which was honored as the Outstanding Short Film at the Los Angeles and New York International Short Film Festivals. Le Blanc's stage credits include Ladies In Retirement, in which he starred with the legendary actresses Julie Harris and Eileen Brennan. More recently, Le Blanc appeared in the Los Angeles Times Pick-of-the-Week, No Orchids for Miss Blandish. In 2008, he appeared in The Catonsville Nine, in 2009, Appearances to the Contrary and in 2011, The Tennessee Williams Literary Festival in New Orleans. He is currently a member of the Rogue Theater Company of Los Angeles. Christian also has taken on the role of host at many high-profile venues including: The 2012 Creative Arts Daytime Emmy Awards, The Annual Young and the Restless Charity Tea, Soap Cruise, and numerous charitable and daytime functions. Christian is also an award winning artist. His work has been shown in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., and New Orleans where they are currently on display at the Jean Bragg Gallery of Southern Art. He is currently working on a children's novel which he is illustrating. Christian, an army brat, was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but calls New Orleans, Louisiana, home. He is one of the eight children of Andre and Alice Le Blanc. His father is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Special Forces. Le Blanc lives in Los Angeles. His hobbies include genealogy and languages and sports including: water skiing, swimming, and racquetball. He has also worked as a substitute teacher in the Los Angeles school district. A world traveler, Le Blanc's journeys have taken him to Australia and the Middle East.

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcomes back author and professor Laurence Maslon. Brandon and Larry are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel. The two discuss the production's history and legacy.  Laurence Maslon is an arts professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, as well as associate chair of the Graduate Acting Program. His most recent book is an updated companion volume to the PBS series Broadway: The American Musical. He is also the host and producer of the weekly radio series, Broadway to Main Street (winner of the 2019 ASCAP Foundation/Deems Taylor Award for Radio Broadcast) on the NPR station WLIW-FM. He edited the two-volume set American Musicals (1927-1969) for Library of America, as well as their Kaufman & Co., Broadway comedies by George S. Kaufman. Other books include the companion book to Come From Away, Broadway to Main Street: How Show Music Enchanted America (Oxford), The Sound of Music Companion, and the South Pacific Companion. He is the writer and coproducer of the PBS American Masters documentary, Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me, and wrote American Masters documentary Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds. He served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards from 2007 to 2010. He has written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, Opera News, Stagebill, and American Theatre. 

Front Row Classics is pleased welcome Emmy-winning actor, Brian Rohan. Brandon and Brian chat about his appreciation for movies growing up which led him to a life in performing. The to two chat about their mutual classic film fandom. They, then, discuss his acclaimed interpretation of the legendary Jimmy Stewart in various artistic projects. Brian also portrays another icon, Norman Bates, on the Universal Studios Tour. You can find out more about Brian on his social media pages and https://brianrohan.com/

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome comedy writer & actor Bruce Vilanch. Brandon and Bruce discuss his life in show business from his early days a child actor to becoming one of the most sought after comedy writers in the business. Bruce has worked with some of the most beloved entertainers of the last 50 years, from Bette Midler to Robin Williams & Billy Crystal to Dolly Parton. We also chat about his time on Hollywood Squares and being the head writer for the Oscars. His book, "It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time: The Worst TV Shows in History and Other Things I Wrote" is currently available from Chicago Review Press wherever books are sold. 

Front Row Classics welcomes independent wrestler Marty Clay. Brandon and Marty chat about his origins as wrestler and his career highlights. Marty also chats about his philosophies on the business as well as a major match this evening against Nic Nemeth.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the greatest romances in film history. Brandon is joined by entertainment journalist & author to discuss Camille (1936). Tara recently introduced the film, alongside Diane Baker, at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. Brandon and Tara discuss the luminous performance of Greta Garbo and the impact of George Cukor on the film. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome wrestling legend Al Snow. Brandon and Al chat about his origins in wrestling and career highlights. Al also discusses what separates wrestling from other art forms. He also highlights his work with OVW and how is it shaping talent for the next generation. 

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome back professional wrestler Ashton Adonis. Brandon and Ashton chat about the most recent highlights of 2026 and the importance of keeping himself booked. We also chat about tonight's 1400th episode of OVW.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome actor and filmmaker, Tom Dwyer. Brandon and Tom chat about his origins as a movie fan which led him to a career through all things film. They discuss recent projects and the challenges of making both narrative films and documentaries. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of our most requested films since the inception of the podcast. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to chat about 1949's The Heiress. Based on Henry James' Washington Square, this period drama rings true close to 80 years later. Olivia de Havilland won her second Oscar for her transformative performance. Brandon and Peter discuss de Havilland as well as the complex performances of Montgomery Clift and Sir Ralph Richardson.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back All Elite Wrestling's RJ City.  RJ is a former professional wrestler who has maneuvered his way to the creative side in recent years. He and Brandon catch up and discuss even more of the world of classic film and obscure pop culture. 

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back George Feltenstein. George is the Warner Brothers Discovery Library Historian and chats with Brandon about some of the celebrated releases of the first portion of 2026. They also chat about the restoration process of several recent releases.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome professional wrestling Greek God Papadon. He and Brandon sit down to char about his 20 plus years in the business. The two discuss his origins, career highlights and in-ring style. 

We're continuing our celebration of Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday with a conversation with author/historian Elisa Jordan. Elisa has penned "Hello, Norma Jeane: The Marilyn Monroe You Didn't Know". Born and raised in Southern California, Elisa is a leading expert on Monroe's life and legacy. She and Brandon discuss the legacy as well as some of her most memorable performances.  

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe with several special guests over the next couple days. Brandon, firstly, welcomes Caroline Barris. Caroline is the daughter of legendary photographer, George Barris. Brandon and Caroline discuss her father's deep friendship with Marilyn and how his photographs were some of the most personal ever taken of the icon. They also discuss Marilyn's legacy a century after her birth. You can visit www.inhollywoodland.com to see the current work of the George Barris Estate. You can also find them on Instagram.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome Rob Cesternino. Rob is a legendary Survivor contestant who has created a thriving podcast communtiy called "Rob Has a Podcast". He recently penned "The Tribe and I Have Spoken: The Definitive (Unofficial) Lore and Legacy from the Game's Smartest Surviving Loser". The book chronicles both the story of Survivor and Rob's personal life & career trajectory. Brandon and Rob chat about Survivor's legacy and how the genesis of RHAP. They also touch on where Surivor goes after Season 50. The Tribe and I Have Spoken: The Definitive (Unofficial) Lore and Legacy from the Game's Smartest Surviving Loser" is available from Atria Books wherever books are sold. Rob Cesternino, the two-time Survivor player referred to by Jeff Probst as "the smartest player never to win Survivor," is the creator and host of Rob Has a Podcast. Since 2010, Rob has covered reality TV shows such as Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, and more. The show has won five People's Choice Podcast Awards. Rob is a proud husband, father of two, and friend to thousands in the RHAP community.  

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the most popular mother/daughter stories in film history. Brandon is joined by author, Mayukh Sen to discuss 1937's Stella Dallas. The two celebrate of the hallmark performances of Barbara Stanwyck's career. With sensitive direction from King Victor, this movie still packs an emotional punch nearly 90 years later. 

The Front Row Network is happy to welcome back 'The Prospector' Wes Barker. Brandon and Wes chat about what he's been up to since their last chat including the overhaul of his YouTube channel. They also go more into detail about his book, "The Ballad of the Prospector", available currently on Amazon

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome one of the most charismatic minds in independent wrestling. Dr Eric Christopher discusses his origins in the business and the art of both a great manager & heel. Eric and Brandon also discuss the highs & lows a performer goes through during their in-ring life. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the start of summer! We welcome back author John Malahy to count down the top 5 swimming pools in movie history. from the Golden Age to the 80s, Brandon and John discuss how pools have played important roles both aesthetically and dramatically.

The Front Row Network welcome independent wrestler Cody Prince. Brandon and Cody discuss his background in the arts & dance. They talk about his wrestling origins and career highlights so far. The two also chat about his ultimate in-ring goals.

The Front Row Network welcomes professional wrestling tag team, The Troublemakers. Canaan Kristopher and Glenn Spectre discuss the origins of their relationship and how the team was born. They discuss different championships held and how to work a crowd.

Front Row Classics welcomes author Matt Browning to discuss his newest book, "Gilmore Girls Pop Culture Reference Guide". He has chronicled the countless pop culture references made episode-by-episode in this exhaustive book. The two chat about many of the references made throughout the run, especially classic film refences. Brandon and Matt also discuss the meteoric rise of Gilmore Girls and its devoted fan following.  "Gilmore Girls Pop Culture Reference Guide" is available from Lyons Press wherever books are sold. Matt Browning is a lifelong television devotee and pop culture enthusiast who has watched Gilmore Girls more times than he can count. His previous book, The Definitive Golden Girls Cultural Reference Guide (Lyons Press), is a similarly veined pop culture encyclopedia of that enduringly popular series, and Gilmore Girls Pop Culture Reference Guide is a worthy sequel that gives the same treatment to a show that had even more cultural references than The Golden Girls. The Golden Girls book was an instant favorite, rising to the top of its category rank on Amazon sales and earning out its advance in its initial print run. Browning lives in Charleston, West Virginia.  

The Front Row Network is chatting with independent wrestler Ykies. Brandon and Ykies chat about his origins in wrestling and important moments of his in-ring career so far. 

Front Row Classics welcomes historian Jim Pauley to take a look at the history of Columbia Pictures. Jim recently penned "Columbia Pictures: A Century of Hollywood Motion Picture Magic". The book takes readers of the legendary studio during Hollywood's Golden Age. The book has hundreds of photos, including studio documents, vintage publicity stills, and candids, along with aerial views and maps. The majority of the photos have never been published before. "Columbia Pictures: A Century of Hollywood Motion Picture Magic" is available from Lyons Press wherever books are sold. Jim Pauley is a Hollywood historian with a special interest in the studio of Columbia Pictures and the famous comedy team The Three Stooges. In December 2012, his book titled The Three Stooges: Hollywood Filming Locations was published by Santa Monica Press. Pauley has given numerous presentations on The Three Stooges filming locations, which included Columbia Pictures. These presentations were given in Hollywood and other locations in California, as well in the Philadelphia area where he is from.    

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the greatest entries in Paul Newman's filmography. Brandon and Emmett Stanton take a look at 1963's Hud. The movie provided Paul Newman with one of his most complex character portrayals. Brandon and Emmett also tackle how the movie was one of the eulogies of the classic Westerns moviegoers has come to know. The performances of Patricia Neal, Melvyn Douglas and Brandon DeWilde are also praised. 

The Front Row Network welcomes 'The Authority' Eddie Taurus to the podcast. Brandon and Eddie chat about his years in professional wrestling and his journey to this point. The two discuss the art of being a heel and developing a persona. Eddie also talks about his love of cosplay and how it lends itself to in-ring performance. 

The Front Row Network welcomes independent wrestler Ryan Rembrandt. Brandon and Ryan discuss his journey to his in-ring career as well as emphasis on character and storytelling. They also discuss Ryan's ultimate in-ring goals. 

Front Row Classics welcomes entertainment journalist & podcaster, Jason Fraley. Brandon and Jason are both admirers of the work of George Stevens and are counting down their top 5 favorites. You can check out Jason's podcast "Beyond the Fame" at https://www.beyondthefamepodcast.com/ or wherever you listen to podcasts.   

Brandon is back from Hollywood and ready to discuss his time at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. He is joined, once again, by Matt Duffy who recounts his very first festival experience. The two discuss the screenings & events that made the 4 day experience a memorable one. 

Brandon is heading to the TCM Film Fest tomorrow morning. This year, friend of the pod, Matt Duffy  (Reel Gold Rundown) is coming as well. This will be Matt's first TCM Fest and the two are discussing what they are most excited for. It's guaranteed to be a fun few days!  

The Front Row Network welcomes back independent wrestler Brendan Divine. Brandon and Brendan discuss the latest happenings at Millenium Pro Wrestling. Brandon will be present for their show, "Mayhem" this coming Friday. The two also chat about the process of putting together a weekly wrestling tv show.

It's that time of year again. Brandon will soon be heading to LA for the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. Brandon is joined by TCM host, Dave Karger to preview many of the major events and screenings that will part of this year's festival. Dave highlights several of the events which he will be introducing. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating several of our favorite melodramatic and soapy movies in film history. Friend of the podcast, Jessica Pickens, joins Brandon to chat about their favorite guilty pleasure movies from the 50 and 60s.