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What happens when you randomly draft a baseball team using cartoon characters, superheroes, anime legends, and video game icons? On this episode of Mad Props, host Chris Schnabel takes on a completely different kind of baseball challenge: building a full starting lineup using randomly generated fictional characters. From Nintendo favorites like Kirby and Luigi to Marvel superheroes like Spider-Man and Captain America, every pick presents a new challenge. Chris has to decide which character fits each baseball position, balancing speed, strength, athleticism, fielding ability, and even supernatural powers. And not every character is exactly an All-Star... It's fantasy baseball meets Super Smash Bros., Marvel, anime, and classic cartoons in a ridiculous experiment that asks one very important question: could this team actually win a baseball game? Whether you're a fan of Mario Baseball, Nintendo, Marvel, Dragon Ball, The Simpsons, cartoons, or baseball, this episode brings all those worlds together for a different kind of Mad Props challenge. Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadPropsPod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters 00:00 – The Cartoon Baseball Challenge 01:14 – Chris Explains the Game and Draft Rules 04:01 – Drafting the First Fictional Baseball Players 07:01 – Finding the Right Positions for Superheroes 10:00 – Captain America, Kirby & Building the Infield 13:10 – The Roster Gets More Complicated 16:28 – Building a Better Team with New Characters 20:21 – Reviewing the Completed Baseball Roster 21:24 – Creating the Perfect Batting Order 25:10 – ChatGPT Evaluates the Lineup 27:49 – Rethinking Player Positions & Team Strategy 29:41 – Final Roster

The 2026 MLB Postseason is here, and Chris Schnabel is breaking down his entire playoff bracket on Mad Props — from the Wild Card round through the ALCS, NLCS and World Series. Which teams are actually built for October? Which contenders could fall apart early? And who will emerge as the unexpected postseason hero nobody sees coming? Chris goes through every Wild Card matchup before laying out his path through the American and National League brackets. In the AL, he explains why he believes the Yankees' dominant starting pitching could overcome questions surrounding their lineup and eventually set up an ALCS matchup with the Cleveland Guardians. Over in the National League, Chris makes the case for Atlanta making a deep postseason run despite entering October as an under-the-radar team. He also breaks down Milwaukee, the Dodgers and why pitching could ultimately decide which teams survive October. That leads to the World Series prediction: New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves. Chris explains why the Yankees' rotation could be their biggest advantage, why Atlanta's combination of pitching and hot bats makes them dangerous, and what could determine a potential six or seven-game World Series. Finally, it's time for the annual Chris Taylor Award — Mad Props' prediction for the unlikely player who suddenly becomes an October hero. Chris makes one selection from each of his World Series teams: Austin Wells for the Yankees and Mauricio Dubón for the Braves. Plus: World Series MVP predictions, the biggest potential postseason upset and the one prediction Chris thinks he may seriously regret. It's October. Let's talk baseball. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod YouTube: @MadPropsPod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel?themeRefresh=1 Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters 00:00 – 2026 MLB Postseason Preview 01:28 – American League Wild Card Predictions 05:14 – National League Wild Card Predictions 09:30 – Predicting the AL Playoff Bracket 12:10 – Predicting the NL Playoff Bracket 15:16 – ALCS & NLCS Predictions 16:39 – World Series Prediction 19:12 – The Chris Taylor Award 21:20 – Final MLB Postseason Predictions 22:32 – Final Thoughts

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel throws it back to March 3, 2021, when civil rights activist Jim Obergefell joined the show to share the deeply personal story behind Obergefell v. Hodges and his unexpected path into civil rights advocacy. Jim takes Chris back to 2013, when his longtime partner, John Arthur, was dying from ALS. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act, Jim spontaneously proposed to John after nearly 21 years together. Because they lived in Ohio, where their marriage would not be legally recognized, the couple chartered a medical jet to Maryland and were married aboard the plane on the tarmac at Baltimore-Washington International Airport. They simply wanted to spend John's remaining days as husband and husband. Days later, civil rights attorney Al Gerhardstein explained that Ohio would still list John as unmarried on his death certificate and would not recognize Jim as his surviving spouse. Jim and John decided to fight back. What began as an effort to have their marriage recognized eventually reached the United States Supreme Court as Obergefell v. Hodges. Jim walks Chris through that journey, John's death, the emotions surrounding the Supreme Court case, and how a couple who never considered themselves political became part of a landmark moment in American civil-rights history. The conversation also explores what happened to Jim's life afterward, his transition into activism, his work with Family Equality, Equality Vines, and why he came to view equality as something that cannot apply to only one community. Jim also discusses the power of personal stories to change minds, why his and John's story resonated with people who held very different political and religious beliefs, discrimination in America, and the lessons he learned after unexpectedly becoming an activist. The episode closes with Jim's advice for anyone who finds themselves facing an injustice they never expected to fight: don't automatically shy away from the moment simply because you never imagined yourself becoming an advocate. Originally aired March 3, 2021. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod YouTube: @MadPropsPod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome & The Story Behind This Throwback 02:22 – Jim Obergefell Joins Mad Props 02:49 – The Love Story Behind Obergefell v. Hodges 05:33 – Taking the Fight to the Supreme Court 10:10 – Becoming an Unexpected Activist 13:43 – Looking Back on the Historic Decision 17:05 – How Jim's Life Changed After the Case 20:20 – Family Equality, Equality Vines & Advocacy 21:27 – Fighting for Equality Beyond One Community 26:19 – Why Discrimination Still Exists 33:22 – Jim's Advice for Future Advocates 35:41 – Final Thoughts & Mad Props Outro

Welcome to Mad Props. Today, we are joined by author and filmmaker E. L. DuBois at Comicpalooza in Houston for a wide-ranging conversation about writing, Hollywood, filmmaking, the Ransom series, and using entertainment to tell stories that actually mean something. E. L. opens up about how her own experiences with trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, homelessness and survival eventually pushed her toward storytelling. Rather than presenting recovery as a simple happily-ever-after, she wanted to create stories that reflected the complicated reality of surviving trauma and rebuilding a life afterward. That journey eventually led from her memoir into fiction. E. L. explains the inspiration behind Ransom, her paranormal series set against the isolation of West Texas, and how her love of Batman, horror, thrillers, action movies and dark humor influenced the universe she created. She also discusses her writing process, building playlists for her books, creating antiheroes and why she has little patience for filler in the stories she consumes or creates. Chris and E. L. also dive into the realities of being an independent author, the importance of social media, maintaining creative control when Hollywood becomes interested in your work and why she has been unwilling to simply hand over the rights to her stories. This interview is also the final installment of Mad Props' Comicpalooza interview series. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadPropsPod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props & E. L. DuBois 02:17 – Comicpalooza, Hollywood & Celebrity Stories 09:24 – Social Media & Life as an Independent Author 13:56 – Turning Real-Life Experiences Into Stories 17:31 – Creating Ransom & the West Texas Horror Universe 22:09 – Survival, Advocacy & Life After Trauma 25:02 – Hollywood Stories & Meeting Celebrities 29:21 – Maintaining Creative Control in Hollywood 33:26 – Writing, Comfort Shows & Creative Inspiration 38:19 – Audiobooks, Movies & the Stories That Shaped Her 47:57 – Journey & Using Film to Tell Difficult Stories 50:09 – The Power of Impactful Storytelling 53:13 – Final Thoughts & Mad Props Outro

No guest this week — Chris Schnabel is opening up the Mad Props mailbag and answering your questions about the podcast, sports, Marvel, Nintendo, favorite guests, behind-the-scenes stories and more. Chris kicks things off with his thoughts on Spider-Man: Brand New Day and why taking Spider-Man back to a more street-level story is exactly what he wanted to see from Tom Holland's version of the character. From there, the mailbag goes everywhere. Chris looks back at more than five years of Mad Props, including the interviews he immediately knew were special, guests who surprised him, embarrassing production mistakes, episodes that never made it to air, the interviews that required the most preparation and the guests he still keeps in touch with today. Want your question featured in a future Mad Props mailbag? Send it to [email protected] or reach out @MadPropsPod on social media. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadPropsPod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to the Mad Props Mailbag 02:29 – Spider-Man: Brand New Day 04:48 – Favorite Interviews & Mad Props Stories 06:26 – Can the Yankees Win the World Series? 08:23 – Production Mistakes & Surprising Guests 12:03 – Building the Perfect Yankees Team 13:46 – Underrated Mad Props Episodes & Podcast Growth 15:24 – Interview Preparation & Behind the Scenes 19:35 – Guests Chris Still Keeps in Touch With 22:13 – Sports, Yankees & Orlando Magic 25:37 – When Mad Props Became a Legitimate Show 28:01 – The Mad Props Episodes That Never Aired 28:53 – Nintendo NEEDS a New Mario Baseball 30:19 – Chris' Personality & Growth as an Interviewer 32:46 – What Happens With Guests Before Recording 33:32 – Interviewing Childhood Icons 34:50 – Dream Guests & "How Did I Book Them?" 36:53 – Outro

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel throws it back to June 22, 2022, when legendary comic book artist Scott Koblish joined the show to talk Deadpool, Marvel, comic book movies, his career as an artist, and a lifetime spent in the comic book industry. Chris originally met Scott at Lilac City Comic Con in Spokane, Washington, where Scott drew Chris and Mary as Deadpool. A few weeks later, Scott joined Mad Props for what became Episode 40 of the podcast. Scott dives into his years working on Deadpool and why the character gives artists and writers a level of creative freedom that characters like Superman and Spider-Man simply can't. He discusses the challenge of making comedy work in comics, his work on The Secret History of the War on Weed, and creating new characters without the restrictions that come with decades of established continuity. The conversation expands into The Boys, Umbrella Academy, X-Men, Justice League, Marvel and DC as Scott and Chris discuss how superhero storytelling has evolved beyond traditional comic books. Scott shares his perspective on comic book movies, adaptations that improve upon their source material, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and the incredible transformation of superhero entertainment from older television adaptations to the modern era. Later, Scott reflects on the late George Pérez and the enormous influence Pérez had on him both personally and professionally. He shares memories of their relationship, Pérez's impact on generations of comic creators, and what it meant to spend time with one of his heroes near the end of Pérez's life. Originally recorded June 22, 2022. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Scott Koblish Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottkoblish/?hl=en Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome & The Story Behind This Throwback 03:00 – Scott Koblish Joins Mad Props 04:53 – Traveling the World Through Comic Conventions 13:17 – Drawing Deadpool & Why the Character Is Unbreakable 15:28 – The Secret History of the War on Weed 17:09 – The Boys, X-Men & Breaking Superhero Rules 24:10 – Comic Book TV, Movies & Adaptations 28:23 – How Superhero Movies Changed Comic Book Culture 31:04 – Comics, Mythology & Why Superheroes Endure 38:47 – How Scott Koblish Became a Comic Book Artist 47:36 – Remembering the Legendary George Pérez 56:53 – Scott's Current Projects & What's Next 59:26 – Outro

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel sits down with legendary voice actress and musician Debi Derryberry for a conversation about Jimmy Neutron, Monster High, voice acting, music, conventions, and a career that has spanned decades of animation and entertainment. Known around the world as the voice of Jimmy Neutron, Debi takes Chris behind the scenes of landing one of Nickelodeon's most recognizable roles, from auditioning for the original project to seeing Jimmy Neutron grow into a movie, television series, and character that fans still love decades later. But voice acting is only part of Debi's story. She shares how her career began with a love of singing and playing guitar, moving to Nashville to pursue country music, working as a session singer, and eventually finding her way into voiceover. Debi continues to make music today through her country band Honey Pig and her children's music, including the Debi Derryberry Kids YouTube channel. They discuss children's music and YouTube, performing songs in character, conventions, interacting with fans, collectibles, Funko Pops, the unusual vocal techniques voice actors need to master, and why the voice acting community has remained so close. Whether you grew up with Jimmy Neutron, Monster High, Nickelodeon, animation, or simply want to know what life behind the microphone is really like, this episode offers a look inside the career of one of animation's most recognizable voices. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Debi Derryberry Website: https://debiderryberry.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debiderryberry YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebiDerryberryKIDS Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C3JTRR3?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props & Introducing Debi Derryberry 07:01 – Auditions, Home Studios & the Modern Voice Actor 11:48 – Debi's Music Career & Moving to Nashville 18:02 – Building Debi Derryberry Kids on YouTube 25:06 – Singing as a Voice Actor 26:19 – How Debi Found Voice Acting 32:53 – Conventions, Fans & Iconic Character Voices 38:06 – How Debi Became Jimmy Neutron 41:09 – Final Thoughts

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel sits down with writer Robert Saucedo at Comicpalooza in Houston to talk about Where Wolf, Curse of the Werewolf, horror-comedy, independent comics, monster movies, Texas storytelling, and the process of bringing a graphic novel to life. Robert explains the wild premise behind Curse of the Werewolf: a reporter goes undercover at a furry convention to stop a werewolf from eating everyone. Yes, you read that correctly. Robert shares how his love of monsters, horror, comics and animation helped shape a series he describes as Rick and Morty meets Scooby-Doo. He and Chris dive into the lasting influence of Scooby-Doo, the possibility of bringing Where Wolf into animation, and how Robert went from a lifelong fan to writing and publishing his own nearly 300-page graphic novel. They also get into the realities of independent comics, including finding the right artist, maintaining creative control, promoting your own work, selling at conventions, learning what actually gets people to stop at a booth, and using Comicpalooza to connect directly with readers. The conversation eventually goes well beyond comics as Robert and Chris discuss Houston, Texas, monster movies, killer whales, hurricanes, tornadoes, concerts, music, film festivals, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the random interests that can eventually become inspiration for a creative project. Whether you're into horror comics, graphic novels, werewolves, Scooby-Doo, independent publishing, Comicpalooza, monster movies or the creative process behind making your own comic, this episode is a look at what happens when you take a weird idea seriously enough to turn it into something real. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Robert Saucedo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robsauce2500/ Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome Robert Saucedo 01:51 – Where Wolf, Scooby-Doo & Comicpalooza 05:09 – Conventions, Artist Alley & Connecting With Fans 09:00 – How Robert Became a Comic Book Writer 11:40 – Creating & Selling an Independent Graphic Novel 15:52 – Comic Books, Horror & Creative Influences 19:19 – Expanding the Werewolf Universe 23:21 – Killer Whales, Texas & Unexpected Inspiration 27:50 – Music, Movies & Pop Culture 32:13 – Film Festivals, Recognition & What's Next 34:21 – Outro

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel welcomes sports broadcaster Perri Kitei for a conversation about her journey into play-by-play, working with the Portland Sea Dogs, breaking into sports media, and the viral foul ball moments that put her in front of millions of baseball fans. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Perri went viral after being hit by a foul ball while calling a Portland Sea Dogs game — and somehow, it wasn't even the first time it happened. The clips spread across MLB, ESPN, CBS Sports and social media, but there's much more to her broadcasting career than one viral moment. Perri takes Chris through her path from college broadcasting and the Cape Cod Baseball League to calling professional baseball, hosting pregame and postgame coverage, producing broadcasts, preparing game notes, coordinating player interviews and handling the countless responsibilities that come with working in Minor League Baseball. Chris and Perri also compare their own broadcasting backgrounds, including their early experiences in college radio and play-by-play, and discuss why constantly getting reps is one of the most important parts of improving behind a microphone. Follow Perri Kitei Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perrikiteisports/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perrikitei Website: perrikitei.com Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props & Introducing Perri Kitei 01:23 – Perri Kitei Joins the Show 01:30 – Getting Hit by a Foul Ball While Broadcasting 03:21 – Going Viral Across MLB, ESPN & CBS Sports 06:43 – How Perri Got Her Start in Broadcasting 13:23 – Doing Everything Yourself Behind a Sports Broadcast 15:22 – Learning From Your Old Broadcasts & Improving 17:20 – Perri Reveals She Was Hit by a Foul Ball Twice 20:08 – Growing Up a Cubs & Bengals Fan 25:21 – Women in Minor League Baseball Broadcasting 26:38 – The Dodgers, MLB Spending & Competitive Balance 32:49 – Perri's Future in Basketball & Multi-Sport Broadcasting 38:45 – Final Thoughts

https://sfdfoundation.org/ https://www.khq.com/fires/how-to-help-those-affected-by-the-spokane-area-fires/article_330d25f9-930b-4e5a-ad4f-e33d01861768.html Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel welcomes YouTuber History Helms for a conversation about the art of making history entertaining, building a successful YouTube channel, and turning historical events into engaging stories that millions of people want to watch. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb History Helms discusses how his YouTube channel came to life, why he chooses the topics he covers, and how he balances historical accuracy with entertaining storytelling. Chris and History Helms also dive into college football, movies, music, Kanye West, YouTube algorithms, consistency, and what it takes to build an audience online. Whether you're passionate about history, YouTube, filmmaking, storytelling, documentaries, or creating educational content, this episode offers an inside look at one of YouTube's rising history creators. Follow History Helms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HistoryHelms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyhelms/ Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props 00:21 – A Message About the Spokane Wildfires 03:57 – Why Spokane Changed Chris' Life 06:12 – Introducing History Helms 07:04 – How the History Helms YouTube Channel Began 09:07 – Growing a Channel & Understanding the YouTube Algorithm 13:06 – College Football, Sports & YouTube Recommendations 16:18 – Researching History Videos 19:34 – Movies, Books & Great Storytelling 23:11 – Picking Historical Topics That Connect 27:42 – Balancing Accuracy With Entertainment 31:16 – Favorite History Subjects & Historical Figures 36:04 – Music, Kanye West & Creative Inspiration 40:11 – Advice for New YouTube Creators 45:08 – The Future of History Helms 49:36 – Final Thoughts & Where to Follow History Helms 52:48 – Supporting Spokane & Episode Outro

Welcome to Mad Props! Host Chris Schnabel sits down with actress, filmmaker, model, stunt performer, and comic creator Gia Skova for one of the most fascinating conversations the show has ever had. From creating comic books and starring in action films to discussing quantum physics, time travel, creativity, discipline, and the future of technology, Gia brings an incredibly unique perspective shaped by both art and science. The conversation explores everything from filmmaking and storytelling to personal growth, health, daily routines, and how she approaches building ambitious creative projects. Topics include: • Creating her comic book universe • Bringing comics to life on screen • Acting and filmmaking • Performing her own stunts • Quantum physics and time travel • Artificial intelligence and the future • Creativity and artistic inspiration • Discipline, routines and productivity • Exercise and maintaining balance • Reading, learning and lifelong curiosity • Advice for aspiring creators • What's next for Gia Skova Whether you're a comic book fan, filmmaker, science enthusiast, or someone looking for motivation to pursue ambitious goals, this episode offers an incredible mix of creativity and inspiration. Join the Discord https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Gia Skova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giaskova/ Website: https://giaskova.com/ Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production. Chapters: 00:00 – Introducing Gia Skova 01:36 – Gia's Journey Into Acting & Comics 03:56 – Creating Her Comic Book Universe 06:52 – Quantum Physics & Time Travel 10:18 – Science, Curiosity & Big Ideas 13:04 – Building Stories That Matter 16:05 – Comic Books, Fans & Conventions 20:29 – Creativity Outside of Work 23:31 – Reading, Learning & Personal Growth 27:40 – Advice for Aspiring Creators 31:11 – Health, Fitness & Daily Discipline 35:02 – Building Confidence & Staying Motivated 40:09 – Filmmaking, Action Movies & Doing Her Own Stunts 44:10 – Future Projects & What's Next 48:38 – Final Thoughts

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel revisits one of the most important interviews of his career—a throwback conversation with Rev Run of Run-DMC. Originally recorded in 2012 during Chris' college radio days at WNHU 88.7, this interview marked one of the very first major celebrity interviews that helped launch his career as a broadcaster and interviewer. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Rev Run sits down to discuss leadership, family, work ethic, faith, hip-hop, and the lessons he's learned throughout his legendary career as a founding member of Run-DMC, television personality from Run's House, author, entrepreneur, and father. Following the interview, Chris reflects on what it was like conducting one of his earliest interviews, how his interviewing style has evolved over the past decade, and the behind-the-scenes story of how this opportunity helped shape the future of Mad Props. In this episode: • How Rev Run defines true leadership • The importance of humility and listening • Why family comes before career • Becoming a reverend • Building a strong work ethic • Raising respectful children • Advice for young people chasing success • Thoughts on Drake, Eminem, Jay-Z and modern hip-hop • Chris reflects on his first major interview • How this interview helped launch his podcasting career Whether you're a fan of Run-DMC, hip-hop history, leadership, or behind-the-scenes stories about broadcasting and interviewing, this episode offers a fascinating look back at where it all began. Follow Rev Run Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revwon Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props & Throwback Introduction 02:19 – Throwback to Rev Run on WNHU 02:45 – What Makes a Great Leader? 03:26 – Family, Fatherhood & Communication 04:08 – Becoming a Reverend 04:29 – Developing a Strong Work Ethic 04:51 – Raising Respectful Children 05:17 – Advice for the Next Generation 05:35 – The Future of Hip-Hop 05:58 – Drake, Jay-Z, Kanye & Eminem 06:47 – Chris Reflects on His First Major Interview 08:10 – Landing the Rev Run Interview 10:03 – Looking Back at the Questions 11:37 – How Interviewing Has Changed 13:18 – Other Early Celebrity Interviews 15:03 – Why This Interview Still Matters 16:27 – Outro

Welcome to Mad Props. Chris Schnabel is joined by new co-host Chandler Williams for a completely different kind of episode: defending the indefensible. Join the Discord https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Chris and Chandler are given random hot takes with no preparation and must defend them as if they genuinely believe every word they say. Nintendo should sue more people? Ads should come back to Netflix? Spoilers make movies better? Microtransactions are healthy for gaming? No matter how terrible the opinion is, they have to find a way to defend it. The conversation goes completely off the rails as Chris and Chandler debate: • Why Nintendo should sue even more people • Bringing ads back to Netflix • Why spoilers actually make movies better • Disney's obsession with live-action remakes • Microtransactions in video games • Posting entire concerts on Instagram Stories • Why movie theater popcorn is worth $20 • Ending the four-day work week • Clapping when airplanes land • Retaking your driver's test every 10 years • Reboots versus original ideas • Charging airline passengers by weight • Self-checkout versus cashiers • Why every company needs a mascot • Tipping culture • Influencers becoming modern celebrities Who won each debate? Let us know in the comments. Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props 02:57 – Nintendo Should Sue More People 05:17 – Ads Should Come Back to Netflix 08:51 – Spoilers Don't Ruin Movies 11:36 – Live-Action Remakes Are Good 16:01 – Microtransactions Are Healthy for Gaming 20:20 – Posting an Entire Concert on Instagram Is Great 23:24 – Movie Theater Popcorn Is Worth $20 28:05 – Four-Day Work Weeks Shouldn't Exist 30:01 – People Should Clap When Planes Land 33:16 – Everyone Should Retake Their Driver's Test 35:37 – Reboots Are Better Than Original Ideas 38:03 – Airlines Should Charge by Passenger Weight 40:14 – Self-Checkout Is Worse Than Cashiers 40:54 – The Random Amar'e Stoudemire Story 44:58 – Every Company Should Have a Mascot 47:18 – Tipping Culture Is the Best 50:37 – Influencers Are the Best Type of Celebrity 55:17 – Final Thoughts Keywords Mad Props Podcast, Chris Schnabel, Chandler Williams, defend the indefensible, hot takes podcast, funny podcast, comedy podcast, unpopular opinions, controversial opinions, Nintendo lawsuits, Nintendo hot takes, Netflix ads, movie spoilers, live action Disney remakes, microtransactions gaming, NBA 2K microtransactions, Instagram concert stories, movie theater popcorn, four day work week, clapping when planes land, driver's test every 10 years, movie reboots, airline passenger weight, self checkout, company mascots, tipping culture, influencer celebrities, funny debates, comedy debate podcast, podcast hot takes, ridiculous opinions, social media clips, viral podcast moments

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel sits down with comic creator Beserat Debebe, founder of Ethan Comics, to discuss creating original superheroes inspired by Ethiopian mythology, publishing independent comics, preserving African history through storytelling, and bringing new voices into the comic book industry. Before the main interview, Chris is joined by Josh Allen, founder of Montana Dog Food Co., to discuss premium freeze-dried dog food, canine nutrition, and why healthier ingredients can make a difference for your pets. Beserat shares the story behind Ethan Comics, how a personal challenge inspired him to begin creating comics, and why he believes African mythology deserves a larger place alongside Marvel, DC, manga, and other global storytelling traditions. The conversation explores: • Building Ethan Comics from the ground up • Creating Jember, an Ethiopian superhero • Ethiopian mythology and African folklore • Independent comic book publishing • The importance of diverse storytelling • Marvel, DC Comics and independent comics • Comic conventions and connecting with readers Join the Discord https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Beserat Debebe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/besrattt/ Website: https://etancomics.com/black-history-ethiopia-a-bond-of-resilience/?srsltid=AfmBOopqXqa-mJhYDlAiWpimliCbGH0RbntbRDBKT_Xop85Rqs0ZWfOX Follow Montana Dog Food Co. https://montanadogfoodco.com/ Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel Videography by William Cornell Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Mad Props 00:23 Josh Allen joins the show 00:55 The story behind Montana Dog Food Co. 16:14 Why pet owners can trust Montana Dog Food Co. 17:19 Beserat Debebe joins Mad Props 18:00 Creating Ethiopian superheroes 20:00 The origins of Jember 22:00 Jember's powers and superhero philosophy 23:30 Building an African comic universe 26:58 Growing Ethan Comics 30:30 Marvel, DC & independent comics 34:28 Comic conventions and connecting with readers 43:06 Where to find Ethan Comics 44:52 Final thoughts

Welcome to Mad Props! Host Chris Schnabel sits down with legendary voice actor Billy West for an unforgettable conversation about one of the greatest careers in animation history. Known as the voices behind Philip J. Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg, Stimpy, Doug Funnie, Red M&M, Buzz the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee, Bugs Bunny, Woody Woodpecker, Elmer Fudd, and countless other iconic characters, Billy shares the incredible stories behind his legendary career. Topics include: • The origins of Futurama and creating Fry • Doug, Ren & Stimpy, and Nickelodeon history • How Professor Farnsworth and Dr. Zoidberg were created • Becoming the Red M&M and Honey Nut Cheerios Bee • Radio, Howard Stern, and the early days of broadcasting • Classic animation and growing up on Popeye and Looney Tunes • The future of voice acting and animation • Childhood trauma, neurodivergence, and finding creativity through adversity Whether you're a fan of Futurama, Ren & Stimpy, Doug, Space Jam, Looney Tunes, classic animation, or simply love hearing the stories behind iconic careers, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Join the Discord https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Billy WestVoice a Versa: https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/voice-a-versa_9781419780899/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billywestpodcast X: https://x.com/TheBillyWest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billy.west.423171 Follow Mad PropsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris SchnabelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel Follow Crosstown NineYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrosstownNinePodcast Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Crosstown Nine sports hot takes 23:19 - Billy West joins the podcast 23:53 - From Boston radio to voice acting 26:08 - Landing Doug and Ren & Stimpy 29:34 - Becoming the Red M&M and Honey Nut Cheerios Bee 30:57 - Creating Fry and joining Futurama 34:04 - The origins of Professor Farnsworth and Dr. Zoidberg 36:10 - Futurama’s cancellations, revival, and working with Matt Groening 38:33 - Classic cartoons, conventions, and meeting fans 49:20 - The future of voice acting, Vice Versa, and Billy’s life story