Mega Ran in... Random Encounters

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"

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/

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/

“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/

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! 

***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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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. 

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/

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

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!

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.

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

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

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*

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Mega Ran tells the story of moving from Philly to Arizona and attending his first San Diego Comic Con.

Mega Ran talks about some of the worst show experiences ever.