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Send us a text What happens when a lifelong comic book fan decides to build the convention he always wanted to attend? You get TerrifiCon – Connecticut’s largest comic book convention and a love letter to creators and fans alike. In this episode, we sit down with Mitch Hallock, the visionary behind TerrifiCon, to explore his journey from discovering Marvel Team-Up #12 as a kid to producing one of the Northeast’s most beloved pop culture events at Mohegan Sun. Mitch shares the origin story every comic fan dreams about – how years of attending conventions up and down the East Coast sparked an idea: what if creators, not celebrities, were the real stars? We dive into the risks, the breakthroughs, and the relentless passion it took to make that vision a reality. You’ll hear about: ∙The Marvel comic that changed everything for young Mitch ∙Why he chose Mohegan Sun and how he keeps each year fresh ∙His philosophy of putting creators first and building community ∙Behind-the-scenes moments from running a major convention ∙Connecticut’s overlooked but rich comic book history ∙What the future holds for cons in the streaming age Whether you’re a convention regular, a comic book collector, or someone who just loves a great underdog story, this conversation celebrates what happens when fandom meets determination. Guest: Mitch Hallock – Producer of TerrifiCon, CTGAMERCON creator, podcaster, and Connecticut’s self-proclaimed “King of the Nerds” Grab your tickets now for March 14th - 16th https://www.ctgamercon.com/ TerrifiCon returns to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut August 7-9 2026. Visit  https://www.terrificon.com/ for the guest announcements and more!  Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/terrificons-power-cosmic-podcast-with-mitch-and-jerry/id1215501150 https://theindycast.com/ https://pintocomics.com/ Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@mitchedsexcellentadventure?si=5xN2eV6kKY9Fi-Ce Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  https://lantoine2.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text The most unbelievable three-act story in pop culture. Ron Fazio suited up for the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. Then he became the man inside the costume in The Toxic Avenger Part II and Part III. Today, he saves lives as a cardiothoracic surgery professional. In this episode, Ron shares: ∙Life in the NFL and the injury that ended his football career ∙Taking over the role of Toxie mid-production and the chaos of filming Parts II & III back-to-back for Troma ∙Wild behind-the-scenes stories from Japan, convention appearances, and Toxie’s enduring cult legacy ∙How a hospital stay sparked an unexpected calling that led him to medicine — and what it’s like when coworkers realize they’re working with The Toxic Avenger This is a story about reinvention, resilience, and redefining what it means to be a hero. 🎧 Listen Now Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  https://lantoine2.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Back to Pop is your destination for conversations with creators shaping pop culture today. Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text Join us for an in-depth conversation with talented comics artist Patrick Piazzalunga as he shares his journey from Bergamo, Italy to the international comics scene. Patrick opens up about his early days studying at the Scuola Internazionale di Comics in Florence, working as an inker on series like Dampyr, and developing his distinctive style that blends dynamic action, horror elements, and grindhouse aesthetics. We dive deep into his latest project, Gunpowder Prophets (Mad Cave Studios), a ‘70s-style horror series written by Justin Jordan. Patrick discusses his creative collaboration with Jordan, the visual references that shaped the book’s gritty atmosphere, and his workflow bringing characters Huck and Marley to life on the page. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a comics fan, or curious about the international comics industry, Patrick offers valuable insights on making the leap from smaller projects to major publishers, navigating language barriers in the creative process, and staying inspired in the demanding world of sequential art. Topics covered: ∙Early influences and Italian comics tradition ∙The transition from assistant work to leading artist roles ∙Creating the visual language of Gunpowder Prophets ∙Page production workflow and technical tools ∙Advice for non-native English speakers entering the industry ∙Staying creative and avoiding burnout Follow Patrick’s work and pick up Gunpowder Prophets from Mad Cave Studios. Follow Patrick Piazzalunga here  https://www.instagram.com/patrickpiazzalungacomics?igsh=MTEyamp6dXIwZTkyNg== Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  https://lantoine2.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text Every line in a comic tells a story. Some shout. Others whisper. Today on Back to Pop, we’re sitting down with Keith Williams — an inker who’s defined the look of Superman, The Phantom, and so many heroes we grew up with. This isn’t just a career retrospective. It’s a conversation about craft, rhythm, and what it means to tell stories one line at a time. From a childhood moment with Batman #184 to over a decade drawing The Phantom, from Marvel’s legendary bullpen under John Romita Sr. to redefining Superman alongside John Byrne, Keith takes us behind the ink to reveal what makes a line feel alive. We explore: ∙How a single comic from his grandmother changed everything ∙What it means to learn the trade in Marvel’s bullpen ∙The difference between tracing and storytelling with ink ∙The unique challenge of daily adventure strips ∙Why rhythm and restraint define great comic art ∙What this generation of artists left behind for the next This is what comic history looks like when it’s drawn by hand — one confident, intentional stroke at a time. New episodes of Back to Pop drop every Thursday at 6 AM Eastern. Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  https://lantoine2.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhza Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text What happens when a classically trained flutist who beatboxed with Parliament-Funkadelic picks up a pen and starts drawing worlds? You get Afua Richardson — musician, illustrator, mythmaker, and cultural architect whose work refuses to stay inside the lines. In this soul-stirring 60-minute conversation, we trace Afua’s journey from Carnegie Hall at eleven to the panels of Marvel’s Black Panther: World of Wakanda, where she wove Adinkra symbols and ancestral memory into every frame. We talk about her alter ego “Docta Foo,” the power of self-taught artistry in gatekept spaces, and why mermaids aren’t just fantasy — they’re spiritual revolution. This isn’t your typical artist interview. We’re going deep into the waters of feminine imagination, cultural reclamation, and what it means to create mirrors so people can see they already belong. Afua shares why her current project Aquarius: The Book of Merr demands a soundtrack, how anger became calm through alter egos (featuring the Bo Jackson story you’ve never heard), and what the ancestors whisper when you’re drawing love between Black women. We explore: ∙Music as first language, art as second sight ∙Building your own door when gatekeepers won’t open theirs ∙Translating feminine strength into visual mythology ∙Water as emotional weight, softness as revolutionary act ∙The difference between prayer, protest, and play in creative work For the young artist with a sketchbook who’s been told their stories are “too much,” for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re dancing between disciplines rather than choosing one, for souls who understand that myth isn’t escape but reimagining — this one’s for you. Connect with Afua: ∙Instagram: @afuarichardson ∙Website: www.afuarichardson.com ∙Support Aquarius: The Book of Merr This is rhythm in line form. This is ink with breath in it. Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text She was a five-time World Karate Champion before the world even knew her name. Then Hong Kong discovered her, and Hollywood spent the next three decades trying to keep up. From the high-octane streets of 1980s Hong Kong in Yes, Madam! to the cult-classic grit of China O’Brien and her latest powerhouse project Black Creek, Cynthia Rothrock didn’t just join the action genre—she redefined it. In this career-spanning deep dive, Cynthia joins Back to Pop to reveal how a 13-year-old girl from Pennsylvania became a global icon. Inside the Episode: • The Leap of Faith: Stepping onto a plane to Hong Kong in 1984 with no acting experience and zero Cantonese. • Golden Era Greatness: What it was really like filming with Michelle Yeoh and training with Jackie Chan’s legendary stunt team. • Survival of the Fittest: The physical toll of doing her own stunts in the world’s most dangerous film industry. • Building a Legacy: Transitioning from "The Queen of Video" to taking total creative control with Black Creek. • The Philosophy of the Kick: Why discipline on the mat translates to resilience in life. This isn’t just a celebration of fight choreography—it’s a masterclass in conviction, courage, and carving your own path when the door is locked. Connect with the Legend: 🎬 Stream: Black Creek (Available now) 🎧 Follow: Back to Pop for more deep dives into the icons of pop culture. Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text In December of 1993, a small team of artists was handed an impossible assignment: take a direct-to-video project, pivot to a theatrical film, and deliver it in just eight months. It should’ve been a disaster. Instead, it became the gold standard. This week on Back To Pop, we’re celebrating Batman: Mask of the Phantasm—a noir tragedy wrapped in a mystery, draped in Art Deco shadows that still haven’t faded. Decades later, fans don’t just call it a great animated film… many call it the most definitive Batman story ever put on screen. And today, we’re joined by the architects who built it: Alan Burnett (writer), Kevin Altieri (director), and Brad Rader (artist/storyboard). We go deep on: The theatrical pivot: shifting from DTV to widescreen filmmaking under insane deadlinesThe graveyard sequence: crafting grief and guilt before a single line is spokenAndrea Beaumont’s “Bacall energy”: elegance, danger, and timing that sells the heartbreakPhantasm vs. Joker: silent mythic terror colliding with chaotic noir violenceThe World’s Fair finale: spectacle, storyboarding collaboration, and that haunting final imageBy the end, we’re left with the question that still stings: did Batman win… or did Bruce lose everything? Merry Christmas, Gotham. Go back to the graveyard. Go back to the World’s Fair. And go rewatch the masterpiece. 🎧 Listen now and celebrate Mask of the Phantasm with us. Connect with Back to Pop: • Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com/ •   Composer Ron Wasserman  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Alex Ray - "Galaxy Kid"  custom background song Support the show If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1 Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text You’ve heard this voice a hundred times… but chances are, you’ve never heard him. Jason Paige is the voice of the original Pokémon anthem—a song that defined a global generation. But that’s just the cover. Peel it back, and you find a working artist with an astonishing body of work that you've probably never connected to his name. From singing background for Michael Jackson to creating the earworm responsible for curing your heartburn ("Nausea, heartburn, indigestion..."), Jason has been the invisible soundtrack to your life for decades. In this episode, we sit down to talk about the man behind the voice. We strip away the nostalgia to discuss the "invisible work" of a session singer, the pressure of carrying a cultural legacy, and what happens when your voice becomes more famous than your name. In this episode, we cover: • The Origin Story: How Jason realized his voice was a tool, not just a talent. • The Pokémon Phenomenon: The true story behind that 4-hour recording session and how he handles the weight of a billion childhood memories. • The Commercial King: How to approach a Pepto Bismol jingle with the same artistic integrity as a pop ballad. • The Legend: What it was really like to stand in the orbit of Michael Jackson. ⏳ Episode Chapters: • (02:00) The Seed: First notes and realizing the power of the voice. • (17:00) The Peel: The truth behind the Pokémon theme song session. • (35:00) The Juice: The invisible work (Pepto Bismol, Mountain Dew, and MJ). • (50:00) The Flesh: Who is Jason Paige today? Connect with Jason Paige: • Website: https://jasonpaige.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonpaige?igsh=ZGl1OGxzOW8wbm55 Connect with Back to Pop: • Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com/ •   Composer Ron Wasserman  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Alex Ray - "Galaxy Kid"  custom background song Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text Dive sword-first into the world of Savage Crucible, the indie toy line that is redefining collectible fantasy art! Join us as we welcome the visionary creator and founder of Harvinger Studios, William Post, for an exclusive, deep-dive interview. In this episode, you will hear: • The Shocking Collaboration: How William partnered with the Frank Frazetta Estate to transform the legendary fantasy artist's iconic paintings into stunning, highly-articulated action figures. • The Genesis of a Mythos: From a successful Kickstarter to becoming a specialty retailer favorite, William shares the origin story of Savage Crucible and why he chose to go indie in a market dominated by major players. • Translating Legends: The incredible design challenges of turning Frank Frazetta's raw, two-dimensional brushstrokes into three-dimensional, poseable figures while maintaining respect for the original masterpieces. • Building a Universe: Learn about the deep lore, factions (Lemurians, Jaeger, Nashorn), and storytelling that give the Savage Crucible original characters real depth. • What's Next? A sneak peek at the Lovecraftian Wave 3: Abyss Dreadnoughts and the future potential for even more legendary art collaborations! If you're a fan of fantasy, high-end collectibles, or the immortal art of Frank Frazetta, this episode is an essential listen. Get ready to lose your mind! https://www.instagram.com/savagecrucible?igsh=b2h1YXhrajA4cTJ5 https://savagecrucible.com/ Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text  The Architect of Childhood - Margaret Loesch on  Saturday Mornings , X-Men, Power Rangers, and the Fox Kids Revolution Margaret Loesch didn’t just give us shows. She gave us identity. Before the MCU, before the streaming wars, Margaret Loesch was the driving force behind the greatest Saturday Morning and syndicated children's programming of the 1980s and 1990s.  As the President of Marvel Productions (Dungeons & Dragons, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Jem) and under her leadership at Fox Kids came (X-Men: The Animated Series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), her non-negotiable vision was to give kids serialized, emotional, and complex stories. In this powerful, feature-length conversation, Margaret walks us through her entire career: • The Origin Story: Her early years at ABC/NBC and what she learned about the potential of children's programming. • The Dream Factory: Pushing for deeper narratives at Hanna-Barbera. • The Marvel Years: Why she believed kids were ready for the deeper stories and the tragedy of Optimus Prime’s death in The Transformers: The Movie. • Her Thoughts on Pryde Of The X-Men  • The Revolution: Building Fox Kids from the ground up, fighting for X-Men '92 (tackling prejudice, trauma, and identity), and the biggest gamble that paid off: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. • A Love Letter: What she wants the millions of adults who grew up on her worlds to know today. This is an essential history lesson, a vibrant homage, and a deeply moving thank you to the woman who shaped millions of imaginations. Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text HAPPY THANKSGIVING  Relive your childhood with the voice that defined a generation! In this unforgettable episode, host Marc Childs steps Back to Pop with the multi-talented Patricia Patts, the original voice of the iconic tomboy, Peppermint Patty, in beloved Peanuts classics like You’re the Greatest, Charlie Brown and She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown. But Patricia is much more than a famous voice.  She takes us on a journey through her captivating career—from her starring turn as Annie in the national touring production of the hit musical, to the intimate stories of recording with the legendary Charles M. Schulz. In this episode, you’ll discover: • The Spark: What drew a six-year-old Patricia to the bright lights of Broadway and the stage. • A Good Skate: Behind-the-scenes secrets from the recording booth and how she connected with Patty’s confident yet vulnerable spirit. • Beyond the Limelight: Patricia’s evolution from actress to songwriter, entrepreneur, and the inspiring reason she returned to the Peanuts world as the host of her own podcast, The Peanuts Gallery. This is a heartfelt, joyful conversation that proves sometimes, the voices we grew up with still speak the loudest years later. Press play and step back into the golden age of pop culture! Follow Patricia Patts: • Podcast:  The Peanuts Gallery Podcast  https://open.spotify.com/show/4tpuWv6tMDgD5hISkJMNGC?si=OAhLkUQtTI2AIgofZnde8Q • Socials:  Patricia’s Social Links https://www.instagram.com/patriciapeppermintpattypatts?igsh=MTdidzc1a2RuOGE2NQ== https://www.facebook.com/share/1AHHjyzrd7/?mibextid=wwXIfr Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Subscribe to Back to Pop for more trips down memory lane! Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text Join us for an extraordinary conversation with comic book legend Tom DeFalco, former Marvel Editor-in-Chief and co-creator of Spider-Girl. In this 60-minute deep dive, Tom takes us through his remarkable journey from clipping newspaper strips in Queens as the oldest of seven kids to becoming one of the most influential figures in comics history. We explore his early days breaking into the industry at Archie and DC Comics, his transition to Marvel where he launched Dazzler and wrote iconic runs on Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, and Fantastic Four, and his seven transformative years as Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief from 1987 to 1994. Tom opens up about his creative philosophy, his legendary collaborations with artists like Ron Frenz and Paul Ryan, and what it took to guide Marvel through a period of massive expansion. We discuss the challenges of balancing editorial leadership with creative vision, address the controversial Clone Saga, and celebrate the unexpected triumph of Spider-Girl and the MC2 universe. From the evolution of the comics industry across multiple decades to advice for aspiring creators today, this episode offers rare insights from a true architect of the Marvel Universe. Whether you’re a longtime comics fan or curious about the creative process behind beloved characters, Tom’s stories illuminate what it takes to craft lasting mythology in a collaborative medium. Topics covered: Early career at Archie & DC • Launching Dazzler • Writing Spider-Man & Thor • Marvel Editor-in-Chief tenure • The Clone Saga • Co-creating Spider-Girl • Writer-artist collaborations • Industry evolution • Creator advice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text **He voiced your childhood hero. He survived a war. Now he’s breaking barriers in Hollywood.** From the jungles of Cambodia to becoming one of the most versatile actors in modern entertainment, François Chau’s journey will leave you speechless. This is the story Hollywood didn’t want you to hear. ## The Man Behind Your Favorite Characters Remember Quick Kick from **G.I. Joe**? The Shredder from **Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II**? Dr. Pierre Chang’s mysterious Dharma videos in **Lost**? Jules-Pierre Mao’s chilling presence in **The Expanse**? **They’re all the same person.** And his real story is more incredible than any character he’s ever played. ## From Survival to Stardom In this explosive episode of **Back to Pop**, François Chau reveals what it took to escape Cambodia as a refugee, rebuild his life in America, and break into an industry that wasn’t ready for him. This isn’t just another Hollywood success story — it’s a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and refusing to be invisible. ### 🔥 What You’ll Discover: **The Untold Origin Story** - How a Cambodian refugee became one of pop culture’s most recognizable voices - The struggles and sacrifices that shaped his path to Hollywood - Why his journey matters more now than ever **Behind the Legends** - Never-before-heard stories from the G.I. Joe and TMNT sets - The truth about filming Lost’s iconic Dharma orientation tapes (yes, THOSE tapes) - What really happens behind the microphone in Ghost of Tsushima **Breaking Barriers** - The evolution of Asian representation in Hollywood — from the inside - Why versatility became his superpower across animation, film, TV, and gaming - His groundbreaking role as Feng Zhao in HBO’s The Penguin **The Future of Storytelling** - Where the industry is heading (and what needs to change) - His advice for the next generation of diverse storytellers - What’s next for this unstoppable force ## This Episode Is For You If: ✅ You grew up obsessing over G.I. Joe on Saturday mornings   ✅ You’re still trying to solve the mysteries of Lost   ✅ You care about representation and diversity in media   ✅ You love behind-the-scenes stories from legendary franchises   ✅ You believe in the power of resilience and reinvention ## Why This Matters Now At a time when authentic representation matters more than ever, François Chau’s story proves what’s possible when talent meets determination. This is the conversation the industry needs to hear. **This isn’t just an interview. It’s a legacy.** ----- ## 🎧 Listen Now **Available on:** Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | All Major Platforms 👉 **Visit BackToPopMedia.com** for exclusive content, upcoming guests, and behind-the-scenes access Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagra Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text Holy career arc, Batman! This week on Back to Pop, we’re joined by the legendary Loren Lester—the voice behind Robin and Nightwing in the iconic Batman: The Animated Series. And more!  What You’ll Hear: 🎭 The Broadway Debut – How Loren made it to the Kit Kat Club in Cabaret after five decades in the business 🦇 Behind the Bat-Family – Inside stories from recording, plus returning as Nightwing years later 📺 Screen to Stage Journey – From The Facts of Life and Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, Evil Speak,  to Gilmore Girls, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and beyond 🎮 Beyond Animation – Voice work in G.I. Joe, Halo 4, Batman: Arkham Knight, and dozens more 👨‍👩‍👧 A Creative Legacy – Raising Tony-nominated daughter Julia Lester (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Into the Woods) Plus: The “love at first sight” moment that started it all, advice for aspiring actors, and what excites him about the future of entertainment. Whether you know him as Dick Grayson, Fritz Hansel, or Roy from Peekskill—this is the conversation fans have been waiting for. http://www.lorenlester.com/ Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us a text She’s the mother who protected Elliott in E.T., the woman who fought a rabid Saint Bernard in Cujo, and the primal force behind The Howling. For over four decades, Dee Wallace has moved seamlessly between heartwarming classics and the darkest corners of horror, creating an unforgettable legacy on screen. In this episode of Back to Pop, host Marc Childs sits down with the legendary actress to explore her remarkable journey — from her Kansas roots and early teaching days to becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved Scream Queens. Dee opens up about working with Steven Spielberg on the set of E.T., the physical and emotional intensity of filming Cujo (a performance Stephen King himself said deserved an Oscar), and her return to authentic horror with her latest project, Southern Scares. But Dee Wallace is more than an actress. She’s a best-selling author, international speaker, and teacher of conscious creation who has dedicated her life to helping others manifest their deepest desires. We discuss her philosophy on self-creation, how she defied six specialists to create her daughter, and why she believes horror isn’t just about fear — it’s about healing it. This conversation is part nostalgia, part masterclass in fearless living. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of her iconic roles or discovering her wisdom for the first time, Dee’s warmth, authenticity, and light will leave you inspired. Topics Covered: •Working on E.T. , Cujo, and more •Behind the scenes of Southern Scares •The healing power of horror •Conscious creation and manifestation •Staying creative in an ageist industry •Asking for what you truly want Guest: Dee WallaceHost: Marc ChildsDuration: ~45 minutes Website: https://iamdeewallace.com/  Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman  Audio composed and edited by  Lauren M. Antoine  Website:  Composer Ron Wasserman  Back To Pop  Instagram/  https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ== Support the show Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you! https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==