Mega Ran in... Random Encounters
By Mega Ran
Mega Ran in... Random EncountersMar 17, 2020
X-Pod 97 - Episode 1: To You, Your X-Pod
Mega Ran and Marcos and BACK with a new pod to step to. it's 1997 all over again and the X-Men have returned with an incredible new series that picks up where the classic left off. Ran and Marcos are breaking down each episode of "X-Men 97," starting with episode one: "To Me My X-Men"
Episode Fourty: AJJ The Band
AJJ is an American folk punk band from Phoenix, Arizona, originally formed in 2004 as Andrew Jackson Jihad. Their lyrics handle themes of shyness, poverty and more. The band has undergone many changes but the constant is Sean, who we speak to today. Hear about the band's journey through the Phoenix punk scene and how he's managed to stay afloat in times of uncertainty. They also make my new favorite song, "Body Terror Song." So I play that at the end.
AJJ is on tour this fall! Go get tickets at https://www.ajjtheband.com/
Episode Thirty-Nine: Mike Wright of The Fantasy Footballers
Sometimes you find out you're best friends with folks who you just never met yet. I got to talk sports, music, video games and so much more with a guy that I had more in common with than I ever would have thought. Mike "The Hitman" Wright of The Fantasy Footballers wanted me to call him "Mr. Wright, but I couldn't do that-- though he's often right.
The Fantasy Footballers are legends of the fantasy football universe and winners of iHeart Media's 2019 “Best Sports Podcast” award — who else gives you top notch fantasy football advice, hot takes, and dad jokes?
The gang will hit the road this summer, with a live show happening in Phoenix on August 28, come through and if you see me, say what's up.
Information: https://ballerslive.com
Get episodes and more at https://www.thefantasyfootballers.com/
Episode Thirty Eight: Felicia Temple
“I’ve always lived a double life,” said Felicia Temple, BSN, RN, CAPA, an international recording artist who, after cutting her world tour short, went to work as a nurse in a COVID-19 ICU, while being monitored for metastatic neuroendocrine cancer.
The talented singer/songwriter knows all about balance and success, and has been able to maintain a highly successful music career while giving back and bouncing back. She's fresh off opening for The Roots at a Brooklyn benefit show, and now she's here to share some stories!
Her album "Bedroom Chronicles 2" is out now.
Get more Felicia Temple at http://feliciatemple.com/
Castle Grayskull Radio Episode 6: The Music (w/Bear McCreary)
Conan + Heavy Metal + Metallica. with these inspirations it's not hard to tell that the new MOTU series music slaps.
Bear McCreary has composed soundtracks for some legendary pieces of pop culture, from Battlestar Gallactica to The Walking Dead to the new God of War game, but MOTU was the first animated series job. 10 months of work led to epic 16-song soundtrack to the new Netflix series. Find out Bear's history with Masters, the pressure to live up to nostalgic expectations and most importantly, his hilarious interactions with Kevin Smith in the creation process. It's a packed episode!
Check out Bear's Masters of the Universe: Revelation soundtrack on streaming services, or now on CD!
Castle Grayskull Radio Episode 5: I HAVE THE POWER
***SPOILER ALERT**** watch the show before you get here.
That cliffhanger tho. But let's talk about it.. are you Team Adam or Team Teela? Time to choose a side. We are at the final episode and we have questions, and the show gives us answers that we aren't ready for. What a ride! Thanks for hanging with us!
Follow us on twitter or instagram: @megaran and @thesunsetlkid56
Our music is by GameVillain and David Renda
Voiceover by Will Strouse
Art by Evan Johnston
Got a question? Tweet us with the hashtag #CastleGrayskullPod
And now, You Have The Power.
Castle Grayskull Radio Episode 4: Oracle
Orko finally gets his moment! Mega Ran and Marcos get into it. Now, no one is safe from our commentary and thoughts on episode 4. We talk about the new destination for our heroes, are we also talking about who do we side with this episode and some small spoilers are abound. Mega Ran theorizes on what may happen to some characters.
Follow us on twitter or instagram: @megaran and @thesunsetlkid56
Our music is by GameVillain and David Renda
Voiceover by Will Strouse
Art by Evan Johnston
Got a question? Tweet us with the hashtag #CastleGrayskullPod
And now, You Have The Power.
Castle Grayskull Radio Episode 3: To Be The Man-At-Arms
Ran and Marcos break down arguably the best episode of the series, with talks about if Man At Arms is the GOAT (spoiler, he is), Evil Lyn just being Lyn, if Orko's days are numbered, and the journey to H-E double hockey sticks. Ran impersonates the old Mer-Man voice and it's silly.
Follow us on twitter or instagram: @megaran and @thesunsetlkid56
Our music is by GameVillain and David Renda
Voiceover by Will Strouse
Art by Evan Johnston
Got a question? Tweet us with the hashtag #CastleGrayskullPod
And now, You Have The Power.
Castle Grayskull Radio Episode 2: The Holy Sprocket
Mega Ran and Marcos return to chat about the 2nd episode of Masters of the Universe: Revelation. We talk cults, representation in MOTU, what is in store for our favorite character and so much more.
Wanna discuss the show with us? join us online with the hashtag #GreyskullPod
Castle Grayskull Radio: Episode 1
Random Encounters presents CASTLE GRAYSKULL RADIO: a limited-run Masters of the Universe Series Podcast, digging into the new Netflix Series!
In the center of the universe, on the planet Eternia, is castle grayskull, ancient fortress of mystery, its power sought by the dark forces of Snake Mountain, sanctuary of sin and sorrow, ruled by Skeletor.
Two men, Mega Ran and Marcos, have created a secret bunker deep within the dungeon of Castle Grayskull and through a secret broadcast link between worlds, have discovered a way to bring you updates from this distant universe.
This is Castle Grayskull Radio, a Masters of the Universe Series Podcast! You have the power!
Follow us for more updates:
twitter.com/megaran
twitter.com/thesunsetkid56
Episode Thirty-Seven: Jim Louvau
Episode Thirty-Six: Rustage
Meet Daniel Rustage. He might be the most successful indie rapper that you've never heard of. As the latest anime themed nerdcore rapper to cross one million subscribers on YouTube, Rustage writes, produces and mixes high level rap songs weekly for his legions of supporters. Rustage plays by his own rules and makes some sick tracks in the process. Enjoy our chat and get more insight on his process, lessons learned, thoughts on cypher tracks and even some sage advice.
The song selection is Rustage's Gojo Rap: "Running In Blind." Enjoy! Follow Rustage on YouTube!
Episode Thirty-Five: Neil Jones (Aerial Knight)
Detroit born Neil Jones created "Aerial Knight's Never Yield" because he hadn't seen it before; a 3D side-scrolling endless runner, or “narrative runner,” as Jones passionately calls it, where the player must jump, dash, slide, and race to complete each level. As a product of hip-hop culture, the game reaches an aesthetic I've not seen before. Neil gave us some time where we talk about the challenges of creating a game like this, as well as his influences as we celebrate it's success.
"Aerial Knight's Never Yield" is out now, play it now, you won't be sorry.
https://www.aerialknight.com/
Episode Thirty-Three: Touré Masters
Touré Masters in an artist who wants to use his art to help others be more comfortable with self-expression and does so through heartfelt songs and lyrics. The Phoenix, AZ born and bred rapper sits down with Ran to talk about wrestling, hip-hop and much more. Winning Wars Everyday isn’t just an album title, it’s a way of life for marginalized people everywhere.
The album Is out now, download it here! https://smarturl.it/toureWWE
Mega Ran and Touré will be in Tampa for Mania Week, with a packed schedule!
Catch us at:
-For the Culture: Thurs April 8 at 11:59PM (Ran will be special guest ring announcer)
-Generation Championship Wrestling: We Run This Town @ 5:00pm
-Effy’s Big Gay Brunch, Saturday April 10 @ 11am.
Tickets and info at https://megaran.com/shows
Bonus Episode: Teek Hall
THIS A SPOTIFY-EXCLUSIVE EPISODE due to the sound quality - my apologies, something wacky happened. Bear with me, cause it's a great episode.
Teek is a two-time Phoenix New Times Rapper of the Year who still isn't sure if he should call himself a Phoenix MC. The Detroit born rapper, wrestling fan and podcast host talks about his beginnings in the scene as a part of a buzzing group to making the most of a forced solo path amongst personal tragedy and triumph.
Get Teek Hall's new album "36" with G1ToTheRescue now: https://teekhall.bandcamp.com/
Hear Teek every week on the Mat Mania Podcast: https://twitter.com/matmaniapodcast
Episode Thirty-Two: Chris Bey
Chris Bey moved from the east coast out west to pursue a career goal that many said he could never achieve. he's now IMPACT Wrestling's newest star, wowing fans every week on the live TV show. Find out how he managed to overcome obstacles, the feeling of wrestling on WWE's 205 Live, and even his love for music, as well as hear a song from Bey, "Lonely."
Give him a follow on social media:
twitter.com/dashingchrisbey
instagram.com/dashingchrisbey
Episode Thirty-One: Thoughts On Writing a Book
BACK TO THE SOLO CHATS!
Mega Ran talks candidly about the process of conceptualizing, writing and then releasing his memoir "Dream Master."
What's it like, what were the challenges and....why a memoir? Enjoy, and make sure you pick up the book:
https://dreammasterbook.com
ALSO! Mega Ran's just announced a show! "The Songs That Made The Book" live stream event is going on February 10.
Tickets: https://megaranmusic.com/merch/dream-master-the-songs-that-made-the-book
Episode Thirty: Daniel Hill (Danji's Designs)
Finally at 30! Been a while, eh… Where have I been?? Well, I’ve been writing a book. That’s right, your boy is a published AUTHOR!
You can get a copy of “Dream Master” right now!
If the book’s cover art looks familiar, it’s from Daniel Hill, the Liverpool-based designer behind Danji’s Designs. He’s been drawing covers and tour posters for me since 2014, so today we get to talk about his beginnings, motivations and what the most peculiar clients ask for. Don’t be a font snob like me.
Get connected with Dan at DanjisDesigns.com and tell him Random Encounters sent ya!
Today’s song choice is “My Getaway” by Mega Ran featuring Storyville, which appears on the album “Language Arts, Volume 3.”
It’s a free download this month:
https://random.bandcamp.com/track/my-getaway-feat-storyville-bonus
Episode Twenty-Nine: Monteasy
I first met Monteasy in 2016 at WrestleCon, and since then I have followed his career evolution, from Theme Song King to Titan, to media personality. Monteasy sits down with me to talk about the rap and wrestling connection, the writing process, mentors, as well as some fun comparisons between hip hop and wrestling legends. Monteasy's new album “Erica’s Son,” is out now. Catch Monteasy weekly with Isiah “Swerve” Scott on the “Swerve City Podcast” on the WWE Network. Indulge!
The song played on the show is
Monteasy: "Greatest Ever" feat. Skyzoo, Mega Ran and Josiah Williams.
Episode Twenty Eight: 20XX to 30XX with Chris King (Batterystaple Games)
Chris King and crew started Batterystaple in 2013 as a two man outfit to work on 20XX, the critically acclaimed action-adventure roguelite that looks and feels very familiar if you’re a Mega Man fan like myself. In fact, it was the first game I played on Steam way back then. We talk about the upcoming title 30XX, what’s new and different, the difference between rogueLITE and rogueLIKE, and if he fears any legal consequences from Capcom. You can download the pre-alpha version of 30XX on Steam now, and get more info on releases at batterystaplegames.com.
episode edited by Ty of the Mega Ran Discord. Join now!
Episode Twenty Seven: The Answer Is (with Josh Hill)
Josh Hill, a network engineer in North Little Rock, became famous after taking home $163,721 over a seven-game winning streak in May of 2020 on Jeopardy. He's also a nerd to the core. He's a convention going furry who plays piano and spits bars about his tech exploits. Additionally, he's a great guy. Hear Josh's story and how he made the unthinkable possible. Watch Josh's Jeopardy! episodes on Netflix, streaming right now.
Episode Twenty Six: 43 (RIP Chadwick Boseman)
Mega Ran reflects on the sudden passing of actor Chadwick Boseman and how both his legacy and work ethic continue to inspire.
Artwork by Nikkolas Smith: https://www.instagram.com/nikkolas_smith/
Episode Twenty-Five: Austin Creed aka Xavier Woods
Austin is currently at home recovering from an injury, but this has given him lots of time to perfect other skills. As a do-it-all kinda guy, and member of a legendary WWE tag team that wasn’t exactly expected to be successful, Austin is used to beating the odds. We get to talk to him about life in quarantine, injury recovery, fighting for your dreams and speaking things into existence.. it’s what he does. He also manages to break stereotypes and continue to show the world that we are so many different things. Shout out to Creed for the great interview.
As a bonus, enjoy Mega Ran’s track “Sunset Flip” with Austin Creed.
Catch Austin on his award winning YouTube show Up Up Down Down!
Episode Twenty Four - Cesaro aka Claudio Castagnoli
Be a little bit better than yesterday. The “Swiss Superman” Cesaro of the WWE and AEW lives by that motto, and along the way finds time to be one of the most physically gifted athletes in the business, yet maintains he love for dad jokes. We exchange a few groan-worthy jokes and then get down to business. Cesaro aka Claudio Castagnoli even manages to ask me a few questions. As a man with one of the most impressive skillsets in wrestling, what else could he possibly want out of life? Find out! We talk music, movies, games, and of course a little wrestling…. and a whole lot more.
Catch Claudio every week on Twitch, twitch.tv/ClaudiosCafe
Episode Twenty Three - Kenny Omega part 2
In part 2 of our chat, 1/2 of the AEW Tag Team Champions Kenny Omega talks about what growing up in Winnipeg did to inspire his career, how his unorthodox training (or lack thereof) made him better, then we begin a gamer-heavy episode as we learn what great system Kenny has never played, what he’s platinum, so hopefully a mini version is coming soon, his controversial thoughts on Grand Theft Auto. Find out what game’s final boss he spent 5+ hours trying to beat, and why he can’t seem to get a grasp on Tekken. Make sure to catch Mega Ran’s song “Fighters” on AEW’s Fyter Fest this week on TNT!
Stream the song here: https://open.spotify.com/track/5vlhjQSrFRL7zrandilTHw?si=I6lGbN9uTCekk1YyDpd4nA
Episode Twenty Two: Kenny Omega, Part 1
Current AEW Tag Team Champion Kenny Omega has done it all, yet finds new ways to stay motivated. Find out how he's been living since the quarantine, what he feels about empty-arena shows, pleasing audiences in Japan vs the USA, what he'd be doing if not for wrestling today, training young wrestlers, and why pro wrestling is the most mentally and physically grueling vocation in the world.
Get ready for Part 2 next week!
As a bonus companion, check out Mega Ran's Kenny Omega tribute track "Clean You Up:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf801m4Q5ac
Catch Kenny every week on Being The Elite on YouTube and every Wednesday on AEW Dynamite on TNT.
Episode Twenty One: K-Murdock Part 2
In part two of our chat, K-Murdock and Mega Ran pinpoint the songs that made the album the most special to them, including “Dream Master” and “2K10.” We also talk about the song we would add to the album, Whosampled.com's effect on the genre, and reflect on the creation of what many people call a classic a decade later.
Thank you for listening!
Episode Twenty: At the R-Kade (K-Murdock Part 1)
Mega Ran and K-Murdock released their landmark album "Forever Famicom" ten years ago this month. To celebrate, the two reminisce about the process of the album's creation and the journeys that the album's success made possible for them. Part one of a two-part conversation. Edited and sound designed by K-Murdock.
Get information on the special Forever Famicom re-release and check out our new Anniversary jackets and more at
Episode Nineteen: Lio Rush
Lio Rush has seen the highest highs of Wrestlemania and the lowest of lows in a state of depression, and through it all he maintains a positive outlook. As one of hundreds of WWE personnel released on April 15 dubbed “Black Friday,” Lio has quickly adjusted to life after WWE through music and family. Hear from Lio on his musical output and influences, what life in the WWE meant to him, and if he still maintains that he’ll never wrestle again. It’s a great chat with “The Man Of The Hour.” Get Lio Rush’s new project “Ever After” on streaming services today and follow him at @itsLioRush on all social sites.
Episode Eighteen: Tyler Breeze
WWE Superstar Tyler Breeze holds the distinction of being the only superstar to wrestle the legendary Jyushin Thunder Liger in a WWE ring….and managed to kick him in the nuts during that match. From sledding to school in a small Canadian town to hockey player to wrestling star who’s won championships all over, Breeze keeps himself occupied while staying entertaining. Breeze talks about the response to “Fashion Files,” as well as the strangest difference between NXT and Raw/SmackDown events, favorite video games, his obsession with the supernatural and being the “good cop” while running a wrestling school. Thanks to Tyler for a great chat.
Get more Tyler Breeze:
Twitter: @mmmgorgeous
Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/TheSweetzLive
Flatbacks Wrestling School: flatbackswrestlingschool.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSweetzPlus/
Get tickets to this week’s RANDOM HOUSE STUDIOS featuring Bryan Zane and Fat Tony here:
http://tinyurl.com/RandomHouseLive
And watch Mega Ran get his hair cut by his wife this week on Twitch:
Episode Seventeen: Rocky Romero
As a multiple time champion, and current manager to New Japan tag team Roppongi 3K, Rocky Romero has wrestled all over the world, and we talk about his journey, wrestling post-COVID-19 and what’s left to accomplish in such a long career. He’s also doing podcasts, music and amazing TikTok content, so stay up with all things Rocky Romero on twitter: twitter.com/azucaroc
Episode Sixteen: Erin Ashley Simon
Just Create. Those words from eSports rep/freelancer/journalist Erin Ashley Simon pushed her to astounding heights while recognizing her worth and claiming her greatness. From collegiate athlete to content creator, Erin’s journey has been extremely inspirational, so we talk about what the pandemic has done to her creative process, the mainstream media’s view on eSports and the respect level it’s received and what’s next for both Erin and eSports, and where she would send a friend in NYC for the best food in town. She also gives some great advice for creatives in our chat. Stay in touch with Erin at @erinasimon on most social media sites, or on twitch at twitch.tv/erinasimon
Episode Fifteen: Mickey Factz
If Mickey Factz hadn’t been bitten by the radioactive rap bug, during a stint at NYU Law, he would probably be a lawyer or accountant. As it stands though, Mickey is one of the world’s best freestyle MCs. He’s also a new father. How has the pandemic affected his workflow? Ran and Mickey talk about strategies on navigating the new world post-COVID-19, and some thoughts on Jay Electronica’s release and strategies, his favorite go-to meal and how MySpace made him famous. Also, we play Factz’ newest collaboration on the new SaxKixAve project called “Optimism.”
Get more Mickey Factz:
Episode Fourteen: GrandPOOBear
How does life change for a professional gaming speed runner in the midst of a worldwide pandemic? More than you’d think.
Redbull-sponsored speed runner GrandPooBear is a former snowboarder who turned near-tragedy into triumph when he decided to “get good” at gaming and eventually make it his profession.
Get more GrandPOOBear at https://www.twitch.tv/grandpoobear
Mega Ran’s next live stream show is TUESDAY April 14, get tickets here:
Episode Thirteen: Cheeseburger
How does a 135-pound man make it in one of the most physically demanding sports ever? Hard work, that’s how. Cheeseburger talks about his start, what it takes to get into the business, and of course, the best Cheeseburgers in the world. Follow Cheeseburger on twitter at @CheeseburgerROH
If you’re interested, ‘Burger runs a wrestling school in PA, The Worldwide Wrestling Dojo. Look them up online at @WorldwideDojo
For training inquiries contact: WorldwideWrestlingDojo@gmail.com
Episode Twelve: Fear vs. Faith With DJ Q*Bert
DMC world champion DJ Q*Bert explains how he’d probably be doing bad things if he had not found the turntables. He's lost far more battles than he’s won, and learned a lesson from each one. He also explains that money is karma, and the importance of maintaining a hustler’s spirit, and how he only allows himself to play video games for 20 minutes. He also explains how COVID-19 has made this the best time to be a creative, and the story gets interesting when we talk about what happens at the end of your life.
We also get to play a sneak peek of “Doom Box,” from Q*Berts upcoming release “WAVE TWISTERS ZERO: THE ORIGINS.”
get more at Thudrumble.com.
*things get a little explicit*
Episode Eleven: Myq Kaplan, Part 2
Ran and Myq talk about the beginnings, college, and what brought them down this path of entertainment. Also, A caller tells us about Nashville coming together in the midst of crisis.
Get more Myq Kaplan at http://myqkaplan.com/
Episode Ten: Myq Kaplan, Part 1
While on the JoCo Cruise, Mega Ran sat down with comedian Myq Kaplan to talk about the highs, the lows and some general tips for living in these times. Music by DJ DN3. Get bonus footage from this episode at https://patreon.com/megaran.
Follow Myq Kaplan at @MyqKaplan on all socials. His podcast "Broccoli and Ice Cream" is also available wherever you get podcasts.
Episode Nine: 24/8.
Mega Ran shares thoughts on the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant.
Thanks to Chris H. for the kind words.
Join the convo on Mega Ran's Patreon page: http://patreon.com/megaran
Upcoming Shows:
Feb 27-March 1 - PAX East
Thursday, March 26, 2020 Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
Friday, March 27, 2020 New York, NY Cmon Everybody (LPR Presents)
Saturday, March 28, 2020 Burlington, VT Monkey House
Sunday, March 29, 2020Boston, MA Middle East
Episode Eight: Never Read The Comments.
Mega Ran shares a story of accepting criticism and self-doubt....It happens to the best of us.
Thank you for listening. Beats by The Alumni.
Special Shout out to Patreon supporter Rodney W.
Become a Patron at patreon.com/megaran
Upcoming Show Dates:
1/24/20 - Valley Bar, Phoenix, AZ 8 PM
1/25/20 - The Game Preserve NASA, Houston, TX 4-7 PM
Episode Seven: Kanye West Won't Do Kickstarter
Mega Ran gives the story on how his first Kickstarter success and what he’s learned since then.
Follow these tips for GUARANTEED crowdfunding success!*
Music by DJ DN3, Yon.Li and Rifti Beats
Ran is back on Kickstarter funding BLACK MATERIA: THE REMAKE: check that out and support here:
http://bit.ly/BlackMateriaRemake
*nothing is guaranteed.
Episode Six: QUITTING IS GOOD
Mega Ran recently announced he was stepping down from the Mat Mania Podcast (hear that on Episode 152). In quitting, he reflects on how quitting is good, and talks about the lessons learned from stepping down from a few previous jobs, including the heartbreaking story of how teaching ended for Mega Ran. Thank you for listening!
Upcoming Mega Ran show dates:
Oct 12 @ EXP Con, St. Augustine FL
Oct 19 @ Cal Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Nov 1 @ Youmacon, Detroit, MI
Episode Five: Checking The Boxes
Ran tells the story of a trip to Washington DC reshaping his young mind, and how a girl broke his heart in 6th grade.
Background music by Crunk Witch.
Episode Four: Dealing With Death
Mega Ran tells the story of losing loved ones, through stories about Michael Jackson, Nipsey Hussle, Trap House and Dave New York. Rest in Peace.
Upcoming tour dates:
Aug 23 @ Dante's Portland OR
Aug 24 @ West Seattle Beer and Music Fest, Seattle, WA
Sept 10 @ Illegal Pete's, Tucson, AZ
Sept 11 @ Last Exit Live, Phoenix, AZ
Sept 12 @ Toxic Toast Theatre, Long Beach, CA
Sept 13-15 @ MAGWest, San Jose, CA
Sept 16 @ Bottom Of The Hill, San Francisco, CA
Episode Three: Don't Try This At Home
Mega Ran tells the story of how 1988 was a crucial year of his upbringing, from drugs to Pro-Wrestling to Nintendo. Thanks for listening!
Upcoming Tour dates:
Sept 10 @ Illega Petes, Tucson, AZ
Sept 11 @ Last Exit Live, Phoenix, AZ
Sept 12 @ Toxic Toast Theatre, Long Beach, CA
Sept 13-15 @ MAGWest, San Jose, CA
Sept 16 @ Bottom Of The Hill, San Francisco, CA
Tickets at megaran.com/shows
Episode Two: Ran's First Comic Con
Mega Ran tells the story of moving from Philly to Arizona and attending his first San Diego Comic Con.
Episode One: Losses vs Lessons
Mega Ran talks about some of the worst show experiences ever.