Latest Episodes
Wrestling's portrayal in popular media is always a dicey subject, but when WCW took matters into its own hands, the results were more disastrous than anyone could have expected... except perhaps those who know anything about WCW in the year 2000. In this first episode of Smarten Up At The Movies, we dive deep into a 107-minute advertisement that pushed away more fans than it brought in and led directly to arguably the most infamous moment in WCW history.
A wrestler's entrance music announces his or her presence to the world, providing valuable information about character and priming the audience for what its about to see. But there are downsides to entrance music as well as upsides, and while some wrestlers thrive with their personal soundtrack, others are hindered or even crippled by the tune that plays as they make their way to the ring. Join us as we explore the world of entrance music, from its inception in the Golden Age of Wrestling to its evolution through the 1980s and 1990s to its spread across the American cultural landscape.
In this episode: Drew waits for Stefan's hot tag.
The tag team is a tried-and-true wrestling tool for adding attractions to a card and allowing wrestlers to build on their strengths, hide their weaknesses, and engage with the audience in a different context. But the art of storytelling in a tag team context is radically different than in a one-on-one match, and success or failure depends on a number of factrs beyond the capabilities of any individual performer. Great tag teams elevate both members to heights that they may not have been able to reach individually, and have served as both critical components of wrestling's variety shows and incubators of stars that have yet to reach their full potential.
Lovingly Handcrafting Podcasts Since 2013
Here at Stoutbot Industries, we're focused on bringing you deeply insightful commentary on media and culture, and certainly not interested at all in just messing around with friends and talking about things we love. We are sober-minded professionals, not the sort of people who would spend hours on bantering about the meaningless and banal aspects of popular culture. We're certainly above that! Don't believe us? Well, have a listen to one of our fine artisanal podcasts and decide for yourself!
Cinema Excelsior
Smarten Up
Investors Needed
Cinema Excelsior is a chronological exploration of films based on Marvel Comics. From the heady days of Howard the Duck to today's premiere blockbuster franchises, our roundtable dives deep into the history and significance of the House of Ideas's cinematic output.
Smarten Up is a conversation about the tropes, traditions, and history of professional wrestling. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or a new fan, our conversation will help you learn more about one of the world's most influential and misunderstood entertainment genres.
Hi. Trying to get rich? Searching for ways to try to stick it to The Man and make a buck too? Wondering if you left your wallet in the oven and if you left the oven on? Then check out Investors Needed, your guide to greasing the wheels of progress. Consider this our proposal to you. Hi.
Your Favorite Hosts
Nick Bestor (@Bestorb) is PhD candidate in film at the University of Texas. Hosts Cinema Excelsior.
Derek Long (@DerekLong08) is a PhD candidate in film at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hosts Cinema Excelsior.
Daniel Watson-Jones (@movebywillalone) is a seeker of truth. He currently aspires to become a Yoda. Hosts Cinema Excelsior.
Stefan Claypool (@StefanClaypool) is a product Manager and aspiring novelist currently residing in Berkeley, CA. Hosts several shows.
Patrick Regan (@underwoodfive) is a screenwriter currently based out of Los Angeles. He was also a featured extra in Jonah Hex. Hosts Cinema Excelsior.
Drew Zolides (@dzolides) is an Assistant Professor of Digital Media at Xavier University. Co-hosts Smarten Up
Lillian DeRitter (@lillianlemoning) is a writer, director, geek, gamer, comics and Shakespeare hipster, and, every now and then, a girl. Occasional host on Cinema Excelsior.
Nick Smith (@WhoIsNickSmith) is a stand-up comic currently based in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a man of at least three hats. Hosts Investors Needed.
All right, gang. This was a tough one. Starring Billy Barty as himself.