Coolest Alive
The Coolest Alive Podcast, hosted by Jesse Blaze Snider, is a weekly show that celebrates different forms of entertainment across the week. Every Tuesday features a must-listen album, Wednesday highlights a standout comic book or graphic novel, and Thursday spotlights a stellar film or TV show. Friday covers everything else—books, documentaries, stage shows, video games, and more—all with a fun, appreciative tone rather than stuffy reviews. Tune in for fresh picks and reasons to dive into each recommendation.
Episodes
Coolest Alive - Uwe Boll; "Worst Filmmaker" / Best Fighter...?
Oh. My. God! The Coolest Geek Alive has finally been properly introduced to infamous writer/director Uwe Boll, and it was NOT pretty! Starting with an unexpected viewing of "In the Name of the King," host Jesse Blaze Snider took a hysterical trip down the Uwe Boll rabbit hole, and he is here to tell us all about it! But FIRST...a ton of current news and updates in the realm of
Horror Show: A Haunted House/Scary Movie Franchises!
On this special "Horror Show," the Coolest Geek Alive, Jesse Blaze Snider, embraces the spirit of the season and celebrates a ton of great FILMS, COMIC BOOKS, and the famous "horror walk" known as "WOODS of TERROR" in North Carolina! New this year is Dee Snider's Strangeland haunt, which Jesse dives deep into. Plus, the Waynes Bros. horror parody film franchises, A Haunted Hou
Supergirl BOMBS on STREAMING (& RANKING the FILMS of Edgar Wright!)
First, Supergirl bombs in THEATERS; now it bombs on streaming. Is it really the LEAST successful film based on a DC Comic of the modern era? Plus, Edgar Wright is the SHIT! One of the Coolest Geek Alive's favorite directors EVER! We rank his greatest achievements from Shaun of the Dead to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and everything in between! Baby Driver! Ant-man! Spaced! The
Marilyn Manson: The Most Misunderstood Artist of His Generation?
On this episode of Coolest Alive, Jesse Blaze Snider’s “All Your Favorite Bands Suck” segment takes over the show for a deep dive into the complete music catalog of one of Jesse’s favorite artists of all time: Marilyn Manson. From the shocking industrial assault of Portrait of an American Family and the cultural explosion of Antichrist Superstar to Mech
Ted Lasso, White Privilege, Lanterns & the Culture War!
On this episode of Coolest Alive.... We said it all already: Ted Lasso! White Privilege!! Lanterns!!! The Culture War RAGES ON!! LOL. If you ain't watching LASSO, you're missing out on "WOKE" done RIGHT! We've always said it's possible to make "woke entertainment" WITHOUT pissing everyone off! PROOF!
New Format! (Reacher, Spider-Man, Lanterns, MORE! TV, Film, Comics & ET TALK!)
On this episode of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider says "PHA-QUE!" And this episode reveals the "new Format" the show will be taking. Thanks for listening. Please like and subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts.
THE COMICSGATE WAR: What Happened to Comic Book Fandom?
On episode #384 of Coolest Alive: What the hell happened to comic books? For years, the comics industry has been caught in a growing cultural war known as ComicsGate, splitting creators, fans, publishers, and the fandom itself straight down the middle. On this episode of COOLEST ALIVE, Jesse Blaze Snider takes a hard look at the controversy, the personalities, the politics, an
Rage Against the Machine: The Most Important Band of Their Generation?
On this episode of Coolest Alive, Jesse Blaze Snider's "All Your Favorite Bands Suck" featuring Rage Against The Machine. From their explosive debut to their uncompromising fusion of rock, hip-hop, punk, and political fury, Jesse Blaze Snider takes a deep dive into one of the most influential and unforgettable bands in modern rock: Rage Against the Machine. In this episode of
From Writer to Publisher: Disney, The Muppets & Evil Ernie | My Origin Story (Part 4)
The final chapter of my Jesse Blaze Snider origin story! After years of working as a writer in comics and entertainment, I decided it was time to try something completely different: becoming an independent publisher. I went after licenses from Disney and The Muppets, built projects of my own, but I was reinventing Evil Ernie for Dynamite, the character created by my personal f
How I Made It at Marvel, DC, Disney & More | My Origin Story (Part 3)
On this episode of Coolest Alive, the story continues. In Part 3 of my origin series, I take you behind the scenes of my career as a professional writer, working with Marvel, DC, Disney, Pixar, The Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and just about every major publisher under the sun. I share how these opportunities came together, fell apart, and what it was really like work
How I Became a Comic Book Writer | My Origin Story (Part 2)
On this episode of Coolest Alive, the story continues! In Part 2 of my origin series, I dive into how I discovered my passion for writing, the high school class that gave me the confidence to pursue it, and the winding road that led me into the comic book industry. From writing for Marvel’s Deadpool and Hulk to DC, creating Dead Romeo, penning a Batman inventory story, a
The Untold Origin of Jesse Blaze Snider
Today’s episode is a special one. Years ago, when Coolest Alive was just getting started, I recorded the first chapter of my origin story, but almost nobody heard it. After a dentist appointment left my voice sounding a little off, I figured this was the perfect time to dust it off, revisit it, and finally give it the audience it deserves. In Part 1, I take you back to t
The Offspring: The Most Underrated Great Band in Punk Rock?
From Smash to Supercharged, Jesse Blaze Snider takes a deep dive into one of the most consistently great bands in rock: The Offspring. In this episode of Coolest Alive, Jesse shares his personal journey with the band, revisits every studio album, highlights the biggest hits and hidden gems, and explores what makes Dexter Holland and company so special. From their unmistakable
101 Comic Books Every New Reader Should Start With (The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide!)
Want to get into comic books but have no idea where to start? This episode of Coolest Alive is your complete roadmap. Host Jesse Blaze Snider shares more than 101 hand-picked recommendations covering Marvel, DC, Image, independent comics, graphic novels, and the greatest jumping-on points for legendary characters like Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, the X-Men, the Avengers, and
WHO INVENTED THE MULTIVERSE? (The Untold Story of Infinite Realities)
Most people think the Multiverse began with Marvel movies, Spider-Verse, or modern science fiction, but the truth is far stranger. This week on Coolest Alive, Jesse Blaze Snider takes a deep dive into the real history of alternate realities, parallel worlds, and infinite universes. From DC Comics’ landmark “Flash of Two Worlds” and classic stories like The Ma
Growing Up Twisted w/ Dee Snider: A Son Breaks Down the BEST of the Legend’s Music
On episode #375 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider takes you deep into the extraordinary musical journey of his father, the legendary Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER! From the anthems that defined a generation with TS to the heavier, darker edge of Widowmaker and even the unexpected corners of his songwriting career, including writing for artists like Celine Dion, this epi
Masters of the Universe Franchise Retrospective & Review! (No Spoilers!)
On episode #374 of Coolest Alive, Finally, the MOTU has RETURNED...to the BIG SCREEN! And it is MOSTLY GLORIOUS! Host Jesse Blaze Snider brings you a franchise retrospective on the "Coolest Franchise Alive" as he calls it, highlighting the various HIGHS & LOWS of one of his earliest geek loves! From the Filmation Cartoon & the original toy line that started it all, to
52 Geek Films That Built the Culture (Witness the Creation of Modern Fandom!)
On episode #373 of COOLEST ALIVE, Jesse Blaze Snider recounts the 52 most important geek culture films ever made, the legendary classics that didn’t just entertain audiences… they created fandom itself. From sci-fi epics and fantasy adventures to cult horror, anime, comic book milestones, and genre-defining blockbusters, these are the movies that built conventions
Rotten Tomatoes...is BULL$#!+ (What "Certified Fresh" Actually Means!)
Rotten Tomatoes...is BULL$#!+ (What "Certified Fresh" Actually Means!) Oh, boy! We got a great one for you today! Episode 372 is a conversation that NEEDS TO BE HAD EVERYWHERE by EVERYONE who truly LOVES entertainment, because NO ONE should be using Rotten Tomatoes as a metric to determine whether or not something is worth watching, and the Coolest Geek Alive, Jesse Blaze Snid
We RANKED ALL 13 STAR TREK FILMS… AND MY #1 PICK WILL START A WAR
On this episode of COOLEST ALIVE, host Jesse Blaze Snider is going warp speed through ALL 13 Star Trek films and ranks them from worst to greatest, with some VERY controversial choices along the way. From the operatic ambition of The Motion Picture…to the naval warfare brilliance of Wrath of Khan…to the emotional perfection of The Undiscovered Country…to t
Greatest Music Artist of the Past DECADE?! ("Grandson" - Best. Newish. Artist. Period.)
On this episode of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider's absolute favorite new recording artist: "grandson" (stylized lowercase, all impact). Jordan Benjamin (grandson) fuses blistering hard rock guitars, trap-influenced beats, EDM production, rap-rock energy, and politically charged lyrics that hit like a sledgehammer. From his breakthrough anthems like “Blood // Wat
Disney’s Greatest Animation Part 3: Top 15 Masterpieces That Define Everything
This is it! The final countdown. In Part 3 of Coolest Alive’s definitive ranking of Disney’s greatest animated films, Jesse Blaze Snider reveals the Top 15 absolute masterpieces that didn’t just succeed, but reshaped animation forever. These are the films that built the Disney legacy, launched revolutions, and set the gold standard for storytelling, music, an
Disney’s Greatest Animation Part 2: The Princess Era & Emotional Heavy Hitters (#30–16)
Episode #368 of Coolest Alive - Part 2 of the greatest Disney animated films ever made moves into the heart of the list, where iconic princess stories, emotional powerhouses, and era-defining classics collide. From the magic of hand-drawn royalty to the rise of Pixar’s most emotionally devastating storytelling, Jesse Blaze Snider breaks down ranks 30 through 16 with insi
All-Time Best Disney Animation: 52 of the GREATEST Feature-Length Cartoons EVER MADE!
In episode #367 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider brings you his ranked list of the most brilliant and important feature-length Disney Animated films, including Pixar, Marvel Studios, and other minor sister studio releases, as well as feature-length live-action/animated hybrid films that incorporate a significant amount of animation, like Mary Poppins and Who Framed Ro
Coolest Alive EP 366 - Beyond Disney: The 52 Greatest Animated Films Ever Made
In episode #366 of The Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider ranks the 52 greatest non-Disney animated films of all time, celebrating the studios, creators, and bold storytellers who pushed animation beyond the House of Mouse. From cult classics and anime masterpieces to stop-motion wonders and modern animated hits, we explore the films that shaped generations, challenge
DOC: Comedy, Ego, and Chevy Chase (A Fabulous Character Study on Fame & Power!)
On this episode of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider reviews I’m Chevy Chase… and You’re Not. This documentary takes a candid look at the complicated legacy of comedy legend Chevy Chase, tracing his meteoric rise on Saturday Night Live, his dominance in 1980s comedy, and the controversies and career struggles that followed. This episode explores Ch
LIVE-ACTION: Coolest Alive Recommends “Predator: Badlands”
In episode #364 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider recommends the live-action flick, Predator: Badlands, which continues the evolution of the Predator franchise by pushing the iconic hunter into a new setting and tone, building on the reinvention started by Prey and exploring how the deadly extraterrestrial warrior adapts to modern cinematic storytelling. In this episod
COMICS: G.I. Joe - GIANT KILLER ROBOT TRANSFORMERS?! (YES!!)
In this episode of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider gushes about G.I. Joe - GIANT KILLER ROBOT TRANSFORMERS. - Duke: Knowing Is Half the Battle launches the G.I. Joe side of the Energon Universe with a grounded military thriller that blends conspiracy, alien robots, and government cover-ups into a tense origin story for one of the franchise’s most iconic soldi
ANIMATED: Crown Jewel of the Disney Renaissance - Beauty and the Beast!
Today, Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider celebrates Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which changed animation forever, becoming the first animated film nominated for Best Picture and proving that animated storytelling could carry emotional, musical, and cinematic weight equal to live-action films. In this episode, we explore the film’s groundbreaking animati
ALBUM: RAGE Against the Machine's DEBUT is PURE FIRE!!
In episode #361 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider recommends the debut album of one of his favorite bands of all time, Rage Against the Machine, the band unfortunately responsible for the Nu-Metal craze, but that sounds NOTHING like ANY of those bands. Join Jesse Blaze Snider, award-winning songwriter and performer as he gushes about one of the greats! Today, Jesse rec
26 (or 66) of the Greatest MUSICALS of ALL-TIME!
In episode #360 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider is still recovering from illness; long story short, he's a real stickler when it comes to musicals, I guess, as an award-winning songwriter himself. So, like, he seems to hate most musicals, but still on today's show, despite all that, he's gonna recommend a shit ton of great musicals, including a lot of unsung choices.
DOC: "Pee Wee as Himself" Pulls Back the Curtain on a Lifetime of Performance Art!
In episode #359 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider is sick this week and begging for this to be enough: Jesse Blaze Snider has a great WILDCARD CHOICE: "DOC" to recommend to you, and it's written in the title. Enjoy this week's episode of COOLEST ALIVE! 'Til next week, I'm out sick.
LIVE-ACTION: Creepy UNICORN Creature Feature?!
In episode #358 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider is sick this week and begging for this to be enough: Jesse Blaze Snider has a great LIVE-ACTION film to recommend to you, and it's written in the title. Enjoy this week's episode of COOLEST ALIVE! 'Til next week, I'm out sick.
COMIC: Absolute Batman Volume 1 BRINGS THE FIRE!
In Episode #357 of Coolest Alive, Jesse Blaze Snider is sick this week and begging for this to be enough: Jesse Blaze Snider has a great GRAPHIC NOVEL to recommend to you, and it's written in the title. Enjoy this week's episode of COOLEST ALIVE! 'Til next week, I'm out sick.
ANIMATED: You haven't seen "ALADIN"?!
In episode #356 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider is sick this week and begging for this to be enough: Jesse Blaze Snider has a great ANIMATED FILM to recommend to you, and it's written in the title. Enjoy this week's episode of COOLEST ALIVE! 'Til next week, I'm out sick.
ALBUM: 2000's Metal Meets TECHNO?! (The Spawn Soundtrack is an Amazing Surprise!)
In episode #355 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider is sick this week and begging for this to be enough: Jesse Blaze Snider has a great ALBUM to recommend to you, and it's written in the title. Enjoy this week's episode of COOLEST ALIVE! 'Til next week, I'm out sick.
R.I.P. Celebrating the LIFE & Incredible Work of Sam Keith
In episode #354 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider celebrates the life, art, and career of Sam Kieth, one of the most unique and visionary creators in comic book history, whose groundbreaking work on The Maxx and numerous other projects helped redefine creator-owned storytelling and emotional visual expression in comics. We explore his career from Marvel and DC to Image
Let "Brian Scott" Abridge All of the Great Esoteric Philosophers for the Modern World!
On episode #353 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider celebrates the work of Brian Scott and his YouTube channel dedicated to esoteric philosophy, metaphysical teachings, and guided readings from some of the most influential spiritual thinkers of the modern era. We explore his role in bringing classic spiritual and philosophical texts to a new audience, the power of spoken
LIVE-ACTION: Best BIG FOOT Movie EVER?! "Harry and the Hendersons"
In episode #352 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider celebrates the beloved 1987 family fantasy film Harry and the Hendersons, a heartfelt and humorous Bigfoot story that blends comedy, emotional storytelling, and groundbreaking creature effects into a timeless piece of 80s cinema. We explore the performances, the legendary Rick Baker's makeup work, the themes of family a
COMICS: How Can Transformers Vol. 2 be 10x BETTER than Vol. 1?!
In episode #351 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider celebrates the Skybound Energon Universe Transformers series, written by Daniel Warren Johnson under Robert Kirkman’s creative direction, a powerful modern reinvention of the legendary franchise that brings emotional weight, cinematic action, and character-driven storytelling to the world of Autobots and Deceptico
ANIMATED: "Chainsaw Man" WILL Get You Into ANIME!
In episode #350 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider celebrates the explosive arrival of Chainsaw Man Season 1, a groundbreaking anime adaptation that blends horror, action, dark comedy, and emotional storytelling into one of the most talked-about animated series of the modern era. We dive into the world of Denji, the cinematic production by MAPPA, the unforgettable chara
Thrash God's ANTHRAX Change It Up w/ "Sound of White Noise"!
In episode #349 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider celebrates Sound of White Noise, the bold and transformative 1993 album that reinvented Anthrax with the arrival of Armored Saint's John Bush and a darker, more mature sound that pushed the band beyond thrash into groove-driven heavy metal. We explore the creative risks behind the record, the songwriting, the production
Coolest Alive #348 - Dissecting Oscar's Best Picture Winner!
The Coolest Geek Alive CALLED IT LAST YEAR, that next year's "Best Picture" Oscar was going to go to a truly bizarre choice, "One Battle After Another", and sure enough, award it they DID! Multiple times over! Because this film is EXACTLY what the academy is often looking for, and Jesse Blaze Snider is here to break it down. And just for fun, BONUS, at the end of the episode,
YouTube: Meet "THAT SURPRISE WITNESS" and PROTECT HER at ALL COSTS!
In episode #347 of Coolest Alive, it's a Wildcard Friday! Host, Jesse Blaze Snider is exploring the YouTube channel: THAT SURPRISE WITNESS, a channel dedicated to uncovering shocking testimonies & documents STRANGER than FICTION. From "Free Britney" to enlightening Bam Margera to the reality of his legal situation, BJ uses her good heart and moral compass to investigate th
LIVE-ACTION: "Phoenician Scheme"! Benicio Del Toro was BORN to LEAD.
In episode #346 of The Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider talks about the stylish and mysterious The Phoenician Scheme, a globe-trotting espionage comedy-drama packed with the signature visual flair and eccentric storytelling style fans have come to expect from its director. Featuring an incredible ensemble cast and a story centered around power, wealth, and secrets, the f
COMICS: Zombie ANIMALS...?! ("Other Dead" Redefines the Genre & Turns It UP to 11!)
In episode #345 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider spotlights The Other Dead, one of the strangest and most entertaining twists on the zombie genre. Instead of humans rising from the grave, it’s the animals of Earth who suddenly come back undead...and AGGRESSIVE. Set during Obama's tenure as President of the United States, he actually STARS in the BOOK as one of i
ANIMATED: ONE PUNCH? Won't that make it BORING...? NOOOO!! It makes it HYSTERICAL!
In episode #344 of the Coolest Alive, we celebrate one of the most explosive and hilarious anime seasons ever made: One-Punch Man Season 1. We explore how a webcomic about a bored superhero who defeats every enemy with a single punch turned into a global phenomenon thanks to incredible animation, brilliant satire of superhero tropes, and unforgettable characters. From Sai
Music: Dee Snider's STRANGELAND & the ULTIMATE CLASSIC & NU-METAL MIXTAPE!
This week on Coolest Alive, we dive into the savage late-90s metal time capsule that is the Strangeland Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Packed with some of the heaviest bands of the era, the record captures the exact moment when thrash, industrial, and the exploding nu-metal scene collided. We break down the story behind the album, the wild mix of legendary acts and rising
Celebrating the DARKEST & BEST Police Drama of All-Time: "The Shield"!
On episode #342 of Coolest Alive, Host Jesse Blaze Snider is celebrating one of the rawest, most explosive crime dramas ever made: The Shield. Premiering in 2002 and redefining what television could get away with, the series followed corrupt but terrifyingly effective detective Vic Mackey, played by Michael Chiklis, and his Strike Team as they blurred every possible line betwe
YouTube: “The Mind Unveiled”
On episode #341 of Coolest Alive, Wildcard Friday! Host Jesse Blaze Snider heads deep down the rabbit hole with the YouTube research channel The Mind Unveiled, a fascinating corner of the internet exploring hidden history, lost civilizations, and the strange stories that don’t always make it into the textbooks, with a cool just-the-facts rationality, which helps anyone t
LIVE-ACTION: Jim Carrey at his absolute ZANIEST in “When Nature Calls”!
On episode #340 of the COOLEST ALIVE, Jesse Blaze Snider revisits the outrageous comedy classic Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, starring the unstoppable Jim Carrey at the absolute height of his rubber-faced comedic powers. Whether he’s emerging from a mechanical rhino, solving the mystery of a sacred missing animal, or unleashing one of his legendary rapid-fire impressio
COMICS: I Don’t Even LIKE Transformers, but I LOVED the EU!
On episode #339 of COOLEST ALIVE, Jesse Blaze Snider spotlights Transformers Volume 1 from Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics, written and illustrated by powerhouse creator Daniel Warren Johnson. Relaunching the robots-in-disguise mythology with cinematic action and emotional storytelling, this series crashes Autobots and Decepticons onto Earth in spectacular fashion and
ANIMATED: “DAVID” SLAYS the WHOLE FAMILY!
On episode #338 of COOLEST ALIVE, Jesse Blaze Snider highlights the sweeping animated epic David from Angel Studios, a powerful retelling of the legendary biblical hero who rose from shepherd boy to giant-slayer and king. With sweeping animation, musical storytelling, and an emotional focus on faith, courage, and destiny, the film brings the ancient story of David and Goliath
MUSIC: No Soundtrack Has More VIBE! (Rockin' Out to the Mariachi of DESPERADO!)
On episode #337 of COOLEST ALIVE, host Jesse Blaze Snider spins the iconic soundtrack to Desperado and celebrates one of the '90s coolest movie music compilations. Packed with blazing Latin rock, gritty guitar instrumentals, and swaggering outlaw energy, the album features unforgettable performances from Los Lobos, Carlos Santana, and Tito & Tarantula, along with the legen
Calling B.S. on Penn & Teller's B.S.?! (Why You Should STILL Watch It ANYWAY!)
Hosted by Jesse Blaze Snider, the Coolest Geek Alive, this Saturday Mother Show takes a deep dive into the provocative Showtime series Penn & Teller: Bullshit! from legendary illusionists Penn Jillette and Teller. While celebrating the show’s fearless spirit and its willingness to challenge conventional thinking, Jesse also flips the lens and calls out moments where
STAND-UP: George Carlin's MOST Classic Special?! “George Carlin Again"
In episode #335 of Coolest Alive, Host Jesse Blaze Snider, the Coolest Geek Alive, celebrates the razor-sharp genius of George Carlin and his 1978 HBO special George Carlin Again. Carlin had already reinvented stand-up more than once by this point, but here he proves why he remained the most fearless voice in comedy, skewering politics, culture, language, and the absurdity of
FILM: There’s Only ONE “Best Fight on a Bus”! “The Transporter”
This episode spotlights The Transporter, the sleek action thriller that helped turn Jason Statham into a global action icon. Jesse celebrates the film’s stripped-down premise, rules, discipline, and consequences, and how its practical stunt work and fight choreography elevated early-2000s action cinema. The conversation digs into how style, precision, and physical storyt
COMICS: Start a LOOONG-ASS Love Affair w/ Spider-Man!
In episode #333 of the Coolest Alive, Jesse revisits The Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Vol. 1, the bold relaunch era of Spider-Man that re-energized the character for a new generation. He explores how the creative team reintroduced Peter Parker as a scrappier, single hero dealing with grounded problems again, restoring classic energy while setting up modern storytelling m
ANIMATED: What’s the “BEST” Pixar Movie…? “Monsters, Inc.”
In episode #332 of Coolest Alive, Jesse shines a spotlight on Monsters, Inc., the Pixar classic that turned childhood fear into emotional storytelling gold. Coolest Alive breaks down how the film balanced groundbreaking animation with heart, humor, and an unexpectedly moving message about empathy and connection. From world-building to voice performances to its iconic door-vaul
Music: Celebrating Skid Row & Sebastian Bach’s Heaviest Metal, “Slave to the Grind”!
This episode of Coolest Alive celebrates Slave to the Grind by Skid Row, a landmark heavy metal record that proved grit, speed, and streetwise attitude could debut at No. 1 without selling out. Jesse Blaze Snider dives into the album’s uncompromising intensity, from its thrash-leaning title track to its arena-ready hooks, exploring how it captured a pre-grunge moment whe
A NEW Muppet Show?! And it's GOOD...?!?!
It's episode #330 of Coolest Alive! Yea! And, there is a NEW Muppet Show?! And it's GOOD...?!?! (Sabrina Carpenter, Seth Rogan & Maya Rudolph Guest Star!) It's back! The Muppet Show, with their special guest star, Sabrina Carpenter, in a glorious "Force Awakens" like return to so-called "force". Clever musical numbers, cute sketches, and a cast of characters including Kerm
People Huntin': LAUGH, CRY, DIE w/ "Ready or Not"! (Honeymoon Blues...& REDS!)
It's PEOPLE HUNTIN' WEEK on Coolest Alive! Bringing you 5 Days of Humans Hunting Humans, concluding with "Ready or Not"! Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, a bride, played by Samara Weaving, discovers that her new in-laws’ wedding tradition is a lethal game of hide-and-seek. If she survives until dawn, she lives. What begins as a darkly comic survival h
People Huntin': And You'll Wanna KILL John Leguizamo TOO! ("The Pest")
It's PEOPLE HUNTIN' WEEK on Coolest Alive! Bringing you 5 Days of Humans Hunting Humans, continuing with the chaotic cult comedy "The Pest"! John Leguizamo plays a fast-talking con man who agrees to be hunted for $50,000 by a deranged German aristocrat, portrayed by the late Jeffrey Jones. Released by TriStar Pictures, it turns the deadly-hunt premise into manic cartoon absurd
People Huntin': Island Battle Royale w/ "Stone Cold"?! (WWE's "The Condemned")
It's PEOPLE HUNTIN' WEEK on Coolest Alive! Bringing you 5 Days of Humans Hunting Humans, continuing with episode #327, a WWE-produced film, starring Stone Cold Steve Austin, "The Condemned", which takes the concept of people huntin' global: death row inmates are dropped onto a remote island and forced to fight to the death while the world watches online. Directed by Scott Wipe
People Huntin': Iced-T vs. Gary Busey & Rutger Hauer?! (1994's "Surviving the Game")
It's PEOPLE HUNTIN' WEEK on Coolest Alive! Bringing you 5 Days of Humans Hunting Humans, continuing with "Surviving the Game", which drops Ice-T into the wilderness as a homeless man lured into what he thinks is a survival retreat, only to learn he’s prey for a group of rich businessmen led by Rutger Hauer and Gary Busey. Directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, the film blends
People Huntin': JCVD vs. Lance Hendrickson & the MUMMY?! (John Woo's "Hard Target")
It's PEOPLE HUNTIN' WEEK on Coolest Alive! Bringing you 5 Days of Humans Hunting Humans, starting with John Woo's work of cinematic art, "Hard Target". Jean-Claude Van Damme plays a drifter who discovers that wealthy thrill-seekers in New Orleans are paying to hunt homeless men for sport. When a woman searching for her missing father uncovers the deadly game, Van Damme’s
TOY FAIR 2026 w/ Digger Mesch (Sculptor, Filmmaker & Creator of Art Asylum!)
On episode #324 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider brings one of his best friends & BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS, the incredible "Digger Mesch" onto the show to compare & contrast the Toy Industry of the Early 90s w/ the Modern Toy Industry! As well as share stories of Art School, pursuing work with Marvel through ToyBiz, building his own company Art Asylum & now "D
RPGs: Wanna Pretend to be a Mutant-Animal?! TMNT RPG & “After the Bomb”
On episode #323 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider says, "If you want to pretend to be a mutant-animal, then you gotta play the TMNT RPG & 'After the Bomb' from Palladium Books!" The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness RPG, released in 1985, was a groundbreaking tabletop game that captured the gritty, underground feel of the original TMNT comics by
Live-Action: THIS is Why People Love Paul Newman! “Cool Hand Luke”
On this episode of The Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider shares one of the Greatest Characters Ever Filmed. Cool Hand Luke (1967) is a defining film of the 1960s, starring Paul Newman as the rebellious and charismatic Luke Jackson, a man sent to a Florida chain gang for a minor offense. Luke’s indomitable spirit and refusal to submit to authority make him a hero to
Comics: Hysterical Religious Satire in Comic Books?! “Preacher: Gone to Texas”
On this episode of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider explains why “Preacher: Gone to Texas” is the best gift for all Absurdist Atheists in your life! Preacher: Vol. 1 – Gone to Texas (1996) introduces readers to Jesse Custer, a small-town preacher who becomes the unlikely protagonist in a dark, violent, and often satirical journey. Written by Garth Ennis
Animated: Steve Carroll as Hilarious Wild-eyed Squirrel?! “Over the Hedge”
On episode #320 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider is gushing about "Over the Hedge" (2006), a comedic animated film from DreamWorks Animation, an instant classic you probably MISSED! The movie follows a group of forest animals as they navigate the perils of suburban life. Led by the savvy raccoon RJ (voiced by Bruce Willis), the gang must adapt to the human-made enviro
Music: Greatest 80’s Metal Album EVER?! Twisted Sister’s “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll”
On this episode of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider is having Musid day with the Greatest 80’s Metal Album EVER?! (Twisted Sister’s “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll” brings Personal Empowerment!) Released in 1983, You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll is the second studio album by the heavy metal band Twisted Sister, a land
DC's LOBO Celebration! (From Alan Grant & Simon Bisley to Supergirl fighting Jason Momoa!)
In episode #318 of COOLEST ALIVE, host Jesse Blaze Snider, in anticipation of Lobo’s big-screen debut in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, is celebrating the Main Man himself, the galaxy’s loudest, nastiest, most indestructible bounty hunter. From his brutal first appearance in Omega Men to his unhinged ‘90s glory days in Lobo, and his scene-stealing turns in Sup
BOOK: "Is it SAFE?!" Torture-Horror in the 70's from a Multiple Oscar Winning Writer?
In this episode of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider talks about Marathon Man (1974) by William Goldman, a gripping conspiracy thriller that follows grad student and runner Tom “Babe” Levy as he’s pulled into a deadly plot involving Nazi war criminals, stolen diamonds, and a sadistic ex-dentist. Haunted by his father’s suicide, Babe faces betrayal,
WENDIGO Creature Feature w/ HORNS! ("Antlers" Disturbs on DEEEEP Levels!)
On this episode of the Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider talks about Antlers (2021), produced by Guillermo del Toro and directed by Scott Cooper, which is a chilling folk-horror tale set in a decaying Oregon town. Teacher Julia Meadows (Keri Russell) and her sheriff brother Paul (Jesse Plemons) investigate a troubled student tied to a tragic, wendigo-like creature born fr
COMICS: BEST COMEBACK in COMICS?!
On this episode of Coolest Alive, Jesse Blaze Snider talks about Green Lantern: Rebirth (2004–2005), which is Geoff Johns’ 6-issue miniseries that brought Hal Jordan back from exile, retconned Parallax as a fear entity, and relaunched the Green Lantern Corps. Drawn by Ethan Van Sciver, it reintroduces the Guardians, Kilowog, Sinestro, and the seeds of the Emotional
ANIMATION: BEST HULK MOVIES are an ANIMATED DOUBLE FEATURE!
On this episode of Coolest Alive, Jesse Blaze Snider explores the brutal power of Hulk Vs. (2009), a double-feature animated anthology pitting the unstoppable Hulk against Wolverine and Thor. In one story, Logan hunts the Hulk through the Canadian wilderness in a savage, Weapon X-tinged clash. In the other, Thor battles the green giant amid Loki’s schemes on Asgard. With
Um, BEST SOUNDTRACK EVER?! (The Blues Bros WE’RE on a Mission from the God of Rhythm & Blues!)
On episode #313 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider dives into the soulful, high-energy world of The Blues Brothers Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1980): the explosive album that turned a Saturday Night Live sketch into a cultural phenomenon and revived classic blues and R&B for a whole new generation. Join us as we break down this iconic double-platinum (and be
TMNT Celebration! (Cartoons, Live- Action, Toys & MORE LOVE for the Ninja Turtles!)
Cowabunga, dudes! Coolest Alive is going full shell-shocked celebration mode for the greatest heroes in a half-shell: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Join me as I geek out over EVERY epic moment, character, cartoon, movie, comic, and pizza-fueled adventure that’s ever rocked my world. From the original gritty Mirage comics to the radical ‘80s/‘90s cartoon c
Video Anthology: Alice Cooper & Bobcat Goldthwait w/ Twisted Sister?!
In episode #311 of the Coolest Alive, Jesse's wildcard pick, Twisted Sister’s Come Out and Play Music Video Collection, capturing the band’s over-the-top 1980s glam-metal energy through iconic videos tied to their album era, featuring Dee Snider’s larger-than-life presence in comedic setups like scrapyard advice sessions and schoolyard rebellion, all set to a
Recommended
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Busted Open
Deadline: White House
Crickets Corner
History of the Earthquake and Fire in San Francisco
Fox news
K-Drama Obsessed Mamas | Beyond “Just One More Episode!”
True Crime Classics
The Healer Revolution
Becoming: HER with Nikki Spoelstra
