Advertise on podcast: Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich

Episode #74 is part Q&A, part Watch-along, part road story session, and part season 3 wrap up. It’s relaxed, funny, personal, and full of the kind of stories that make Dangerous Conversations what it is: two legends talking wrestling, life, ribs, road trips, bad decisions, good memories, and everything in between. The show ends on a “cliffhanger” as Tommy disappears off screen in the last two minutes! Was he shot like J.R. Ewing back in the day?? Or did Tommy just push a wrong button on his phone?? Tune in next season to find out!! Season Three has been a blast, but the Memphis Mafia promises that the best is yet to come in Season 4!! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On Episode #73 of Dangerous Conversations, Gene Jackson is back with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich for the show’s second video edition, and after the strong response to last week’s debut on camera, the guys are keeping the video format rolling. This week starts with Tommy reporting in from Myrtle Beach, Doug giving a positive review of Gene’s comedy show in Jackson last Saturday, and Gene checking in on the fallout from Tommy’s recent cage match with Atilla Khan. From there, the show dives into listener questions, and this one touches on a little bit of everything: territories they wish they had worked, why Memphis wrestling struggled to create new stars after a certain period, how spot show promoters worked with the main office, memories of Kennett, Missouri, the idea of a Memphis Mafia memorial show, and much, much more! This episode is a good mix of wrestling history, road stories, modern reflection, and the kind of casual back-and-forth that makes Dangerous Conversations work. Doug and Tommy talk about how the business used to operate, how towns were run, how stars were made, and why some things worked back then that are missing from wrestling today. The show also teases some exciting plans for future video/live editions, including match watchalongs, untold stories, and special live shows where the stories may get a little too dangerous for the regular podcast feed. If you love Memphis wrestling, Continental, the Memphis Mafia, old territory business, and hearing Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich tell it like it was and it, Episode #73 is another fun and informative ride. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode #72 of Dangerous Conversations with Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich marks a big first for the show, after 71 audio episodes, Doug, Tommy, and Gene Jackson finally bring Dangerous Conversations to video. (See link Below) Whether that’s a great idea or proof that some shows should stay audio-only… we’ll let the viewers decide. The fan Q&A covers a lot of ground and this episode is a perfect example of what makes Dangerous Conversations different: one minute you’re getting serious insight into the grind of territory wrestling, the next minute Doug is flipping over Buddy Wayne’s popcorn table, Tommy is talking cage matches, and Terry Funk is somehow screaming at the promoter without realizing he’s screaming at the promoter. Funny, honest, unpredictable, and now you can watch it on video! Episode #72 is another trip through wrestling history with two guys who lived it, survived it, and still remember the stories nobody else can tell quite like they can.  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode #71 of Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich is another fan-driven Q&A episode. This week, Doug and Tommy preview several upcoming events, including Tommy stepping into a cage match in Shawneetown, Illinois on June 6th, Doug’s upcoming appearances, the Memphis Mafia hitting the road, and even some talk about future live/video versions of the podcast. The guys also dig into listener questions covering: Tommy being featured on so many wrestling magazine covers in the 1980sWhat wrestling angles Eddie Gilbert would have appreciated todayEddie’s influence on the famous “This Is Your Life” style angleDoug’s favorite memories of Brian ChristopherWho was tough — or impossible — to travel withWhy telling a story still matters in wrestlingThe drawing power of Handsome Jimmy / Boogie Woogie ManWhy Memphis and Georgia TV made certain wrestlers unforgettableThere’s also plenty of classic Doug and Tommy banter, including talk about live watchalong shows, future video episodes, possible live fan Q&As, old Memphis footage, Japan matches, cage matches, comedy shows, horror conventions, and a lot of other great things on the horizon for the Memphis Mafia and Dangerous Conversations! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode #70 of Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich is a special tribute episode remembering the life and career of Phil Hickerson, who passed away this week at the age of 79 in Jackson, Tennessee. Phil wasn’t just another guy on the card. He was tough, believable, versatile, and the kind of wrestler who could make anybody look better just by being in the ring with them. Tommy shares memories of wrestling Phil in his very first match in Tupelo, while Doug talks about Phil being part of his first angle in Tennessee and the lessons he learned from working with him. This episode is part career retrospective, part locker room tribute, and part celebration of a man who left a much bigger mark on wrestling than he often gets credit for. If you only remember Phil Hickerson from one run, one gimmick, or one era, this episode gives you a much deeper look at just how respected he was by the people who worked with him, rode with him, learned from him, and loved him. Rest in peace, Phil Hickerson. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week, Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich answer fan questions that go EVERYWHERE: Roddy Piper nearly driving Tommy off a mountainEddie being in the old WCW Nintendo game in 1990Wrestling psychology, Japan stories & fighting backBuzz Sawyer suplexing somebody in a parking lot!Why championship belts meant more back “in the day”Plus: Harley Race, Stand Up Comedy, Buddy Landel, Jackie Fargo & so much more!Funny, chaotic, honest, and completely unpredictable with stories you’ll only hear on Dangerous Conversations! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Episode #68 of Dangerous Conversations, Gene Jackson sits down with Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich for a special Mother’s Day episode packed with classic Memphis wrestling stories, rare TV moments, and unforgettable memories. Doug & Gene open the show discussing Doug’s time in Puerto Rico and then Tommy joins the show to take a deep dive into the legendary Memphis TV appearances of Peggy Rich and Peggy Gilbert including Tommy Rich’s emotional 1980 studio segment and the infamous Power Pro Wrestling “box” angle involving Tommy Rich, Peggy Gilbert, and Randy Hales. Classic Memphis storytelling, laughs, chaos, and family memories exactly the kind of Dangerous Conversations you’ve come to expect.  Play this one for your Mother on Mother's Day, she'll love it! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On Episode #67 of Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich answer fan questions and break down the real side of the wrestling business.   What it’s REALLY like being a booker (and why it’s a 24/7 job)  How wrestlers actually get over (hint: it’s not always winning)  The art of connecting with the audience  Babyface vs. heel - which did each enjoy more? Big arenas vs. Small town venuesReal stories and real insight on how the business actually worked. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The episode kicks off with Tommy getting ready for WrestleCon in Las Vegas, breaking down what fans can expect, who’s going to be there, and why it’s become one of the biggest wrestling gatherings in the world. From there, the conversation turns into exactly what this show does best:Doug brings in some fan researched stats and questions, leading to a fun (and sometimes hilarious) look at:  The championships Tommy held and which ones meant the most  How titles were treated differently in the territory days vs. today  The importance of regional titles like the Georgia Heavyweight Championship  And why having too many belts today can take away from their meaningThey also dive into some of the more random (but fun) topics fans bring up:  Ring music choices and how sometimes it wasn't well thought out Old tag team runs, forgotten promotions, and obscure titles  And how certain small details stick with fans for decades This is one of those episodes that feels like you're just riding in the car to the next town with the Memphis Mafia: stories, laughs, memories, and a whole lot of “you can’t make this stuff up!” ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich open the floor to the fans and you know that means NOTHING is off limits! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich kick things off a bit differently rather than going into one longform topic, they kick off with a wide ranging, free flowing conversation that perfectly captures what makes this podcast special. We get: A full rundown of upcoming appearances, fan fests, and where you can catch The Memphis Mafia back together againStories from the road, including airport chaos, travel headaches, and how things have changed for wrestlers on the moveBehind the scenes insight into upcoming conventions featuring some of the biggest names in wrestling historyBut where this episode really shines is when the guys start digging into the past… Doug and Tommy break down: A classic 1970s Louisville Gardens card, including a wild six-man featuring Lawler, Dundee, Tojo, and moreThe art of building angles back in the territory days and how one feud could stretch for weeks with different stipulationsWhy gimmick matches actually meant something back then—and how they drew moneyAll that and much, much more on another can't episode of "Dangerous Conversations"! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The episode opens with some updates as Tommy discusses his impressive weight loss journey and how much better he’s feeling physically thanks to it.  The guys take some time at the beginning of the show to pay their respects to Dennis Condrey who recently passed away. They share personal memories of Condrey’s toughness, smooth in-ring style, and professionalism, while also discussing how aging and loss have become increasingly common realities within the pro wrestling community.  A major talking point centers on Sid Vicious (Eudy) being announced this week for the WWE Hall of Fame. Doug and Tommy both agree the honor is well deserved, recalling Sid’s freakish athleticism, imposing presence, and the unique ability to remain a top attraction in multiple major promotions. They also address how rumors and misunderstandings often shaped public perception of wrestlers’ reputations, especially in the pre-internet era when false advertising or missed bookings could easily damage a performer’s image without them ever knowing they were advertised for a show.  Fan questions drive much of the episode’s second half. Highlights include:  A humorous exchange about Doug’s legendary use of electrical tape throughout his career.  Memories of working with enhancement talent and how many future stars began their careers “putting guys over” on television before getting their break in another territory.  A serious discussion about wrestler safety prompted by a recent OVW incident involving a referee suffering a seizure mid match. Reflections on the funniest personalities in wrestling, with Brad Armstrong and Roddy Piper earning special mentions for their humor behind the scenes.Blending heartfelt tributes, territory storytelling, industry insight, and the trademark humor that defines the show, Episode #63 delivers another entertaining hour of old school wrestling conversation that longtime fans will appreciate. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Dangerous Conversations, a listener sent Gene Jackson a list of the Top 20 Memphis Tag Teams of All Time from a recent poll, so “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and “Wildfire” Tommy Rich sit down and go through the list sharing memories and opinions on all the teams listed. You may be surprised at whose on the list and where they ranked. You may be even more surprised by who DIDN'T make the list.  Expect: Behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heardHonest (sometimes brutal) opinionsMemphis locker room historyAnd at least one pick that will absolutely shock fansIf you think you know Memphis tag team wrestling….give the show a listen and share your thoughts with us! We may do a show in the future based on the feedback. You can post your lists in the comments or email them to [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert is flying solo (Tommy Rich is battling a bad cell signal while traveling), and the stories get WILD. Doug shares firsthand stories about: • Near riots in Memphis & Nashville• Having to escape buildings in trunks of cars• A parking lot incident involving a butcher knife• Puerto Rico crowds where you weren’t sure you’d make it out alive This isn’t “internet heat.”This was territory heat (in person....REAL) We also dive deep into: Eddie Gilbert’s original plans for the Dynamic Dudes — and how a heel turn could’ve changed everythingWhy today’s wrestlers miss the psychology that made Tommy Rich, Terry Funk & Jerry Lawler legendsThe lost art of selling, sympathy & drawing real moneyThe greatest masked wrestlers of all time (Masked Superstar? Mr. Olympia? The Bullet?)Bam Bam Bigelow, Barry Windham, Austin Idol & moreWho doesn’t get the respect they deserve in wrestling? Plus hilarious road stories about Buddy Landel, Brad Armstrong, and what REALLY made the territory days different from today’s business. If you love Memphis wrestling, old-school psychology, and unfiltered territory stories — this episode is for you. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On Episode #60 of Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert & “Wildfire” Tommy Rich, the guys take you on a wild ride from Tennessee to Tokyo and everywhere in between! Before diving into the stories, Doug and Tommy talk about their upcoming appearances, including Tommy’s Menifee Street Fight in Kentucky and upcoming stops in Jackson, Henderson, Jonesboro, St. Louis, and beyond. Wildfire’s back in shape at 240 pounds and ready for anything, no holds barred.Then things shift overseas.This week’s main topic? Japan. Doug and Tommy break down: - The culture shock of first arriving in Japan- Life on the tour buses and tiny hotel rooms- Learning how to order food (and how to say “restroom”) in Japanese- The brutal physical style and the “young boy” training system- Bruiser Brody & Stan Hansen clearing crowds like the Red Sea The guys also talk about Brian Christopher in Japan, Memphis hardcore inspiring Onita to create FMW in Japan, and the differences between American and Japanese crowds. This episode is packed with travel stories, cultural differences, inside the business perspective, and laugh out loud moments that only Doug & Tommy can deliver each and every week on Dangerous Conversations! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★