
Rex Linn on Unsolved Mysteries, Westerns, Stallone, Cusack & His Dream Role In this funny, loose, and unexpectedly heartfelt episode of Reza Rifts, Keith Reza sits down with legendary character actor Rex Linn for a conversation packed with old-school Hollywood stories, career turning points, and the kind of behind-the-scenes chaos that only comes from decades in the business. Rex opens up about his earliest acting job recreating a real-life bank robber for Unsolved Mysteries, the surreal audition journey that landed him Cliffhanger with Sylvester Stallone, and why that movie changed his life in more ways than one. The episode also dives into Rex's love of Westerns, his admiration for The Jack Bull, his memories of John Cusack, Mark Rolston, Kurt Russell, John Lithgow, Adam West, and Bob Dylan, plus hilarious stories from Rush Hour, Zodiac, Wyatt Earp, Lethal Weapon, and the gloriously absurd Zombeavers. Along the way, Rex reflects on heartbreak, emotional recall, friendship in the film business, and his lifelong dream of somehow, some way, getting to play the Wolfman. Guest Info Rex Linn is an American film and television actor best known for a long-running career filled with standout supporting and character roles. He is widely recognized for projects including CSI: Miami, Cliffhanger, Rush Hour, Better Call Saul, and more recently Happy's Place. In this episode, he shares stories from across his career, from his first screen work and breakthrough film roles to the actors, directors, and friendships that shaped his path. Guest Social Links Instagram: @rexlinn13 … https://www.instagram.com/rexlinn13/?hl=en Chapters 00:00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:00:55 Keith Introduces Rex Linn 00:04:24 Rex's First Gig: Unsolved Mysteries 00:11:53 The Wild $50-a-Day Bank Robbery Story 00:17:11 From Banking to Acting 00:17:51 Auditioning for Cliffhanger 00:21:28 Meeting Sylvester Stallone 00:29:32 Behind the Scenes of The Jack Bull 00:33:28 Meeting Bob Dylan on Set 00:38:34 Memories from Rush Hour 00:43:18 Why Rex Loves Westerns 00:47:58 Tombstone vs. Wyatt Earp 00:50:18 How Zombeavers Happened 00:54:51 John Mayer, Bill Burr & Random Cameos 00:57:33 Meeting Childhood Hero Adam West 01:05:36 Transforming for Lethal Weapon 01:10:20 Recommending Melissa Peterman 01:11:50 Rex's Dream Role: The Wolfman Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode of Reza Rifts, make sure to: Subscribe Rate and review Share this episode with fans of Cliffhanger, Rush Hour, CSI: Miami, Westerns, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories Follow Rex Linn and Keith Reza for more interviews, clips, and updates Host Links Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! #RezaRifts #KeithReza #RexLinn #Cliffhanger #RushHour #TheJackBull #WyattEarp #Zombeavers #BetterCallSaul #CSIMiami #HappyPlace #SylvesterStallone #JohnCusack #KurtRussell #HollywoodStories #ActorInterview #MoviePodcast #BehindTheScenes #Westerns #CharacterActor
Jul 21
1 hr 15 min

Geoffrey Blake on Young Guns, Cast Away & the Brutal Truth About Acting In this funny, loose, and unexpectedly insightful episode of Reza Rifts, Keith Reza welcomes actor Geoffrey Blake back for a third conversation. The two talk about the SAG strike, life on the road, quitting Twitter, social-media weirdness, and the unpredictable reality of surviving in show business. Geoffrey is candid, sharp, and full of stories that feel like old-school Hollywood war tales told by someone who actually lived them. The episode really shines when Geoffrey starts unpacking his career: chaotic Critters 3 practical effects, spotting Leonardo DiCaprio's star power early, having most of his Cast Away material cut, and sharing memories from Young Guns, Forrest Gump, Brink!, and more. The biggest takeaway is simple and brutally honest: if he could talk to his younger self, he'd say, "save your money." Guest Info Geoffrey Blake is an American film and television actor born in Baltimore in 1962. He's best known to many fans as Wesley in Forrest Gump, and his film career also includes Young Guns, Contact, Cast Away, Apollo 13, Critters 3, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, and Midway. On television, he's appeared in projects including Renegade, Homefront, Any Day Now, House, Criminal Minds, The Man in the High Castle, Bridge and Tunnel, and Hotel Cocaine. On this episode, Geoffrey comes across as exactly the kind of guest podcast audiences love: generous, self-aware, connected, and full of behind-the-scenes stories about actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Jack Palance, Terrence Stamp, Ed Burns, and Dermot Mulroney. Guest Social Links Instagram: @geoffrey_blake … https://www.instagram.com/geoffrey_blake/ IMDb: Geoffrey Blake … https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0086553/ During the episode, Geoffrey says he had left Twitter/X and dissolved his Facebook account, while still directing listeners to Instagram. Chapters 01:33 Geoffrey Blake returns and talks SAG strike life 05:22 Why Geoffrey quit Twitter and stepped back from social media 09:12 Comic-con stories, voice-over surprises, and fandom weirdness 10:47 The insane Critters 3 death scene story 13:50 Geoffrey on young Leonardo DiCaprio and predicting stardom 17:59 TV guest roles that almost turned into long-term runs 24:48 Dream co-stars, John Cusack obsession, and favorite actors 30:57 Brink!, Disney nostalgia, and unexpected cult followings 33:16 Cast Away, deleted scenes, and surprising residual money 36:31 Young Guns, reunions, and missing cast memories 39:00 Jack Palance, Terrence Stamp, and classic Hollywood stories 44:14 Geoffrey live-texts Dermot Mulroney during the interview 49:24 What Geoffrey would tell his younger self: save your money 52:34 Where to follow Geoffrey and final wrap-up Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode of Reza Rifts: Subscribe Rate and review Share this episode with fans of Forrest Gump, Young Guns, Contact, and old-school Hollywood stories Follow Geoffrey Blake and Keith Reza for more clips and interviews Host Links: Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! YouTube:Reza Rifts Channel … https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpyRbdbee3pBlDrtMDd6Pww Apple Podcasts: Reza Rifts … https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reza-rifts/id955329738 #RezaRifts #KeithReza #GeoffreyBlake #ForrestGump #YoungGuns #ContactMovie #CastAway #Critters3 #HollywoodStories #ActorInterview #BehindTheScenes #ActingAdvice #PodcastClips #SAGStrike #MoviePodcast
Jul 15
1 hr 14 min

Patrika Darbo on Step by Step, Speed 2, Roseanne & Surviving Hollywood In this hilarious and insightful episode of Reza Rifts, Keith Reza sits down with Emmy-winning actress Patrika Darbo for a wide-ranging conversation about old-school Hollywood, self-tape auditions, sitcom life, soap operas, and surviving the chaos of the entertainment business. Patrika brings sharp honesty and big personality as she reflects on how acting has changed from the era of in-room casting sessions to today's remote audition grind, while also opening up about union frustrations, career longevity, and why actors should start creating their own work now. The episode also dives into Patrika's memorable work across projects like Step by Step, In the Line of Fire, Ghost Dad, Babe, Speed 2, Roseanne, and Days of Our Lives. Along the way she shares behind-the-scenes stories about Clint Eastwood, Sandra Bullock, Sidney Poitier, voice acting for animated animals, audition disasters, soap opera pacing, and the one piece of advice she'd give her younger self: don't listen to outside voices listen to your heart. Guest Info Patrika Darbo is a Primetime Emmy-winning actress and four-time nominee with a career spanning more than 35 years in film and television. The Television Academy highlights her work on Days of Our Lives, Step By Step, The Bold and the Beautiful, Babe, Rango, Speed 2, In the Line of Fire, Roseanne, Seinfeld, and more, and notes that she has served as a Governor at the Television Academy. Guest Social Links Instagram: @darbopatrika … https://www.instagram.com/darbopatrika/?hl=en Facebook: Patrika Darbo … https://www.facebook.com/PatrikaDarbo/ Chapters 00:00 Intro / Subscribe, rate, review 00:44 Patrika's hacked computer and social media chaos 02:33 How acting changed from in-room auditions to self-tapes 05:38 TV, movies, and the changing entertainment business 06:49 SAG frustrations, insurance, and union realities 08:34 Early career memories and knowing she was really an actor 09:23 Step by Step and the break that led to more doors opening 10:40 In the Line of Fire and working around Clint Eastwood's world 11:36 Ghost Dad, Sidney Poitier, and separating experience from scandal 13:42 Babe, ADR work, and the weird irony of movie marketing 15:18 Speed 2 stories, Sandra Bullock, and a wild audition moment 19:30 Days of Our Lives, Bold and the Beautiful, and soap-opera speed 22:37 Improv, memorization, and staying sharp as an actor 24:46 Playing Roseanne without turning it into a caricature 26:45 Audition regrets, actor insecurity, and trusting the director 27:52 The advice she'd give her younger self 28:05 Where to follow Patrika online 29:41 Wrap-up and farewell Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode of Reza Rifts, make sure to: Subscribe Rate and review Share this episode with a fan of classic TV, soap operas, or behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories Follow Patrika Darbo and Keith Reza for more interviews, clips, and updates Host Links Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpyRbdbee3pBlDrtMDd6Pww Reza Rifts on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/reza-rifts/id955329738 Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! #RezaRifts #KeithReza #PatrikaDarbo #DaysOfOurLives #StepByStep #BabeMovie #Speed2 #Roseanne #ActorInterview #HollywoodStories #ActingAdvice #SoapOpera #BehindTheScenes #EntertainmentPodcast #PodcastClips
Jul 6
30 min

She booked Scary Movie at JURY DUTY?! How do you book a breakout comedy role while sitting at jury duty? Actress Savannah Lee Nassif joins Keith Reza on Reza Rifts to tell the wild story of landing Tuesday in Scary Movie, stepping into a major comedy franchise, and using improv to help shape one of her biggest career moments yet. The conversation covers auditions, chemistry reads, comedy timing, Hollywood pressure, and why this role hit at exactly the right time. Keith and Savannah also riff on Texas roots, Whataburger vs. In-N-Out, A Cowgirl's Song, dream roles like Rapunzel, Comic-Cons, autographs, time travel, and even how the pyramids were built. It's funny, weird, honest, and full of behind-the-scenes stories that movie fans, aspiring actors, and comedy lovers will eat up. Guest Info Savannah Lee Nassif is an actress from Houston, Texas, known for Scary Movie (2026), Julie and the Phantoms, Knight Squad, and A Cowgirl's Song. In this episode, she talks about her theater and dance background, her love of comedy, and how her performance instincts helped her stand out in a huge ensemble comedy. Guest Social Links Follow Savannah Lee Nassif here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savannahleenassif/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@savannahleenassif X / Twitter: https://x.com/savannahlnassif?lang=en IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6676263/ Chapters 01:37 Texas roots and the Whataburger debate 04:23 Scary Movie and why audiences are loving it 06:17 The audition process for Tuesday 10:59 Chemistry reads, Zoom auditions, and improv 16:42 Theater training and comedy timing 19:42 Improvising on set and getting lines into the script 23:20 A Cowgirl's Song, singing, and country roots 26:47 Handling pressure as a young lead 28:02 Is Scary Movie 7 happening? 29:36 Dream role: Rapunzel 31:21 If Savannah were a Ben & Jerry's flavor 33:15 Pyramids, time travel, and chaotic theories 35:34 Advice to her younger self 37:15 Comic-Cons, autographs, and fan-favorite lines 39:24 Where to follow Savannah 40:39 Outro Call to action If you enjoyed this episode of Reza Rifts, make sure to like, comment, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more interviews with actors, comedians, filmmakers, and entertainment guests. Drop a comment with your favorite moment from Savannah Lee Nassif: was it the jury duty booking story, the Scary Movie audition process, the Rapunzel dream role, or the Whataburger conversation? Share this episode with a friend who loves movies, comedy, acting, horror-comedy, and Hollywood behind-the-scenes stories. Host Links Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reza-rifts/id955329738 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4O83TYaUVPEWRxcP9ANPSm #RezaRifts #KeithReza #SavannahLeeNassif #ScaryMovie #ScaryMovie6 #Tuesday #ActressInterview #MoviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #HollywoodPodcast #JulieAndThePhantoms #KnightSquad #ACowgirlsSong #Improv #Acting
Jun 29
40 min

Mark Benson on Isaac in the Sky, Planet Nine, Trauma & the Search for Life What if a space adventure could also be a story about grief, healing, and finding yourself? In this episode of Reza Rifts with Keith Reza, author Mark Benson joins Keith for a fascinating conversation about his novel Isaac in the Sky, the real mystery of Planet Nine, and the emotional themes of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery that power the story. Mark breaks down how science, fiction, and personal truth intersect in his writing, while also diving into big-picture questions about space exploration, hidden worlds, and whether life may exist far beyond Earth. From the haunting emotional core of Isaac's journey to the wonder of places like Enceladus, this episode blends heart, imagination, and real cosmic curiosity. If you love space, astronomy, sci-fi storytelling, Planet Nine theories, emotional coming-of-age stories, and deep creative conversations, this is an episode you'll want to watch all the way through. Guest Info Mark Benson is an author whose novel Isaac in the Sky blends space fiction, emotional healing, trauma, and self-discovery into a powerful coming-of-age journey. In this conversation with Keith Reza, Mark shares the inspiration behind the book, how real astronomy influenced the story, and why science fiction can be such a powerful vehicle for exploring pain, identity, and hope. Guest Social Links Follow Mark Benson: Website: https://www.markbenson.com Book: https://www.markbenson.com/isaac-in-the-sky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayside_writer Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Benson and His Book 07:00 The Story of Isaac in the Sky 13:52 Themes of Trauma and Healing 19:59 The Writing Process and Inspiration 22:56 The Reality of Planet Nine 23:20 Exploring the Depths of Sadness 30:25 The Mysteries of Space and Life 35:50 Personal Connections to Astronomy 41:01 The Journey of Writing and Creativity Call to Action If you enjoy conversations about space exploration, science fiction, astronomy, writing, trauma, healing, and creativity, make sure to: Like this video Comment with your favorite moment or your thoughts on Planet Nine Subscribe to Reza Rifts with Keith Reza Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode Share this episode with a sci-fi fan, writer, or space lover Host Links Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! #RezaRifts #KeithReza #MarkBenson #IsaacInTheSky #PlanetNine #SpaceExploration #Astronomy #SciFiAuthor #AuthorInterview #Scie
Jun 22
38 min

Jodi Miller on Comedy, Mentorship, and Filming a Special During the Pandemic Comedian Jodi Miller joins Keith Reza on Reza Rifts for a funny, insightful, and honest conversation about building a career in stand-up comedy, filming a comedy special during the pandemic, and why humor can be one of the most powerful tools for healing. In this episode, Jodi talks about the realities of working in the comedy industry, the importance of mentorship, and how comedians adapt when the world changes overnight. She shares her perspective on performing in clubs versus theaters, the value of staying authentic on stage, and how comics can grow through community, patience, and real-life experience. The conversation also dives into women in comedy, social media, comedy books, running rooms, personal loss, and the therapeutic role humor can play in difficult times. If you're an aspiring comedian, comedy fan, or someone who believes laughter helps us survive, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective, and great stories. Guest Info Jodi Miller is a stand-up comedian, writer, and performer known for her sharp comedy, honest storytelling, and thoughtful perspective on life, the business, and the evolving comedy world. In this conversation with Keith Reza, she opens up about the long game of stand-up, learning from mentors, filming during uncertain times, and why comics should never rush the process. Guest Social Links Follow Jodi Miller: Website: https://www.jodimillercomedy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodimillercomic/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JodiMillerComic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodiMillerComic/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Comedy Scene Connections 04:01 Filming Comedy Specials Post-Pandemic 09:53 Navigating the Pandemic as a Comic 14:01 The Rise of OnlyFans and Comedy 18:06 Writing and Publishing Comedy Books 25:51 The Journey into Comedy and Mentorship 28:35 The Journey of a Comedian 30:00 Learning from the Road 35:55 The Impact of Social Media on Comedy 40:00 Running Comedy Rooms 44:53 The Therapeutic Power of Comedy 49:08 Dealing with Loss through Humor 56:48 The Evolution of Women in Comedy 59:47 Advice to My Younger Self Call to Action If you enjoy conversations about stand-up comedy, the comedy industry, filmmaking specials, mentorship, and the healing power of humor, make sure to: Like this video Comment with your favorite moment Subscribe to Reza Rifts with Keith Reza Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode Share this episode with a comic, comedy fan, or anyone who could use a laugh Host Links Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! #RezaRifts #KeithReza #JodiMiller #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #WomenInComedy #ComedySpecial #ComedyIndustry #Mentorship #HumorHealing #ComedyClubs #PandemicComedy #ComedianInterview #FunnyPodcast #EntertainmentPodcast
Jun 15
57 min

Lukas Haas Gets Real About Hollywood, Child Fame & Spider-Noir What's it really like to grow up in Hollywood, become a star as a kid, and still keep evolving as an artist decades later? In this episode of Reza Rifts, Keith Reza sits down with Lukas Haas for a candid, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about his upcoming role in Spider-Noir, the pressure of self-tape auditions, playing darker characters, and what it takes to survive a lifetime in the entertainment industry. Lukas opens up about landing Spider-Noir, stepping into a stylized noir comic-book world, and why filming in both black-and-white and color gave the project such a unique feel. He also talks about the freedom of playing a villain, the art of instinctive acting, and how costumes, tone, and physicality all help shape a memorable performance. But this episode goes far beyond one role. Keith and Lukas also dive into Lukas's early rise as a child actor, learning lines before he fully knew how to read, working through the highs and lows of a long Hollywood career, and the reality of constantly reinventing yourself as you grow older in the industry. They also talk about Mars Attacks!, creative burnout, rewriting dialogue, difficult personalities in Hollywood, and Lukas's passion for music including his upcoming release of "Ramblin' Man." If you love Hollywood stories, acting insights, behind-the-scenes film talk, child star journeys, and honest conversations with real artists, this is one of the most revealing Reza Rifts episodes yet. Guest Bio Lukas Haas is an actor and musician whose career began in childhood and has spanned decades across film and television. In this conversation, Keith references credits including Witness, Lady in White, The Wizard of Loneliness, Mars Attacks!, and Inception. Lukas also discusses his role in the upcoming series Spider-Noir, where he plays the right-hand man to Brendan Gleeson's character, as well as his passion for writing and recording music. Follow Lukas Haas: Instagram: @lukashaas… https://www.instagram.com/lukashaas/ Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lukas Haas 01:50 Spider-Noir and landing the role through self-tape 06:20 Building a noir gangster character 08:30 Filming Spider-Noir in black and white and color 14:20 Playing villains and leaning into physicality 16:10 Costumes, style, and character choices 19:50 Lukas Haas and music as a second creative life 22:00 Recording "Ramblin' Man" and covering Hank Williams 24:10 Writing music vs. acting in film 27:20 Performance anxiety, creativity, and artistic process 30:20 Starting as a child actor and becoming obsessed with acting 34:10 Learning scripts before knowing how to read 39:10 The Ryan White Story and emotional early-career experiences 44:00 Mars Attacks! and working with Tim Burton 50:10 Meth Head and performances Lukas is proud of 52:50 Growing up in Hollywood and adapting as an actor 64:10 What Lukas would tell his younger self Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! #LukasHaas #SpiderNoir #RezaRifts #KeithReza #Hollywood #ChildStar #Acting #ActorInterview #Podcast #MoviePodcast #EntertainmentPodcast #MarsAttacks #Inception #Witness #SelfTape #Filmmaking #BehindTheScenes #HollywoodStories #ComicBookSeries #Music #ArtistLife #Noir #TVSeries #CreativeProcess #ChildActor
Jun 8
45 min

Sam J. Jones on Flash Gordon, Fear, Fame, and Life Beyond Hollywood In this episode of Reza Rifts, Keith Reza sits down with actor Sam J. Jones for a funny, candid, and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about Flash Gordon, staying grounded in Hollywood, working security outside the movie business, fan conventions, and the mindset it takes to survive a long career in entertainment. Sam reflects on the pressure of carrying a cult classic, why Flash Gordon still connects with audiences decades later, and how discipline, humility, and preparation shaped both his acting career and his life off-screen. The conversation also dives into Sam's work on The Spirit, Under the Gun, and Life After Flash, along with behind-the-scenes stories about conventions, celebrity encounters, comic timing, and one unforgettable Harley-Davidson wrap-party moment. It's a warm, honest episode packed with old-school Hollywood perspective and practical life wisdom. Guest Bio: Sam J. Jones Sam J. Jones is an American actor best known for playing the title role in Flash Gordon (1980). Over the years, he has also appeared in projects including The Spirit, Under the Gun, and the documentary Life After Flash, which explores the legacy of Flash Gordon and his life beyond the film. Follow Sam J. Jones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealsamjjones/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamJJonesOfficial/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0429207/ Featured Titles and References Flash Gordon (1980)...https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080745/ The Spirit (1987)...https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094017/ Under the Gun...https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098558/ Life After Flash...https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4917554/ Life After Flash official page: https://www.lifeaftermovies.com/lifeafterflash Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and opening banter 04:58 The legacy of Flash Gordon 06:28 Fear, pressure, and leading a cult classic 09:54 Why Flash Gordon still resonates with audiences 14:36 Sam's security work and how it parallels filmmaking 21:56 The wild story of being recognized while on a protection job 29:37 Life After Flash and the idea for a future documentary 31:10 Working with Richard O'Brien and the joy of fan conventions 37:29 Under the Gun, Vanessa Williams, and the Harley wrap-party story 41:08 Playing The Spirit and Will Eisner's endorsement 44:20 Early Hollywood memories, Robin Williams, and Paul Mooney 47:20 Where to follow Sam J. Jones online Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode of Reza Rifts, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show, and share this episode with a fellow movie fan, comic-con regular, or anyone who still believes in the power of a great cult classic. Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! #RezaRifts #KeithReza #SamJJones #FlashGordon #TheSpirit #UnderTheGun #LifeAfterFlash #MoviePodcast #HollywoodStories #ComicCon #CultClassic #ActorInterview #EntertainmentPodcast
Jun 1
49 min

From Pro Tennis to Hollywood: Jake Jensen's Unique Journey In this episode of Reza Rifts, host Keith Reza sits down with actor, producer, and former high-level tennis pro Jake Jensen for a conversation about pressure, reinvention, and what it takes to perform when everything is on the line. Jake shares his unique journey from the world of competitive tennis into acting and filmmaking, opening up about how the mental toughness required in sports prepared him for the entertainment industry. He talks about high-stakes moments on the court, the psychological traps performers fall into, and why reframing fear can completely change the way you show up in life and work. The episode also explores Jake's experience working on Challengers, collaborating in a high-pressure production environment, and navigating the realities of Hollywood as both an actor and producer. From sports psychology to storytelling, this conversation is packed with practical insight for athletes, actors, creatives, and anyone learning how to handle stress with more confidence and clarity. If you've ever struggled with performance anxiety, career transition, or self-doubt under pressure, this episode delivers real perspective from someone who's lived it in multiple arenas. Guest Info: Jake Jensen Jake Jensen is an actor, producer, and professor of sport psychology based in the greater Los Angeles area. According to his IMDb biography, his credits include King Richard, Challengers, and the fantasy romantic dramedy Believe. In addition to his entertainment work, he is also a tennis player, pianist, and fluent French speaker. Guest Social Links Instagram: @jakejensenmedia … https://www.instagram.com/jakejensenmedia/ IMDb: Jake Jensen IMDb … https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6628028/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Jake Jensen's Background 02:20 From Tennis to Acting: The Transition 08:01 Experience on the Set of Challengers 15:03 Working with Zendaya and the Challenges of Film Production 19:59 The Role of Sports Psychology in Acting and Performance 28:00 The Plot of Believe and Personal Insights 35:09 Industry Challenges: Representation and Exploitation 40:01 Jake Jensen's Social Media and Future Projects Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! #RezaRifts #KeithReza #JakeJensen #Challengers #SportsPsychology #Acting #Hollywood #Filmmaking #MentalHealth #PerformanceAnxiety #CareerTransition #ActorInterview #Podcast #EntertainmentPodcast #Tennis
May 25
43 min

Hobart Reveals the Insane Story Behind I Am Ryan and Hollywood's Weirdest Fame, Game, Musician, actor, and creative wild card. Hobart sits down with Keith Reza for a funny, strange, and genuinely fascinating conversation about breaking into film, building a movie around an outrageous premise, and finding comedy in the absurdity of modern Hollywood. His official site describes a career spanning over 1,000 concerts, Warped Tour, acting, and live hosting — and this episode feels like all of that energy crashing together at once. The conversation dives into I Am Ryan, a comedy about a Ryan Reynolds doppelganger navigating Hollywood chaos, plus the role of improvisation, the power of sound design, the weirdness of celebrity culture, and the kind of big questions that turn a normal interview into something way more memorable. Guest Info: Hobart According to his official site, Hobart is a performer with a background that spans music, live entertainment, and screen work. His website describes him as having played over 1,000 concerts, being a Warped Tour veteran, a film, TV, and streaming actor, and the host of Live Play Bingo. His film I Am Ryan is listed on IMDb as a comedy about a Ryan Reynolds doppelganger and his manager causing chaos in Hollywood while navigating celebrity events and red carpets. IMDb lists the release date as May 22, 2026. Follow Hobart Official Website: https://bigsushivampire.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/bigsushivampire Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/bigsushivampire YouTube: https://youtube.com/hobart Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Movie Promotion 02:26 Hobart's Musical Journey and Career 07:24 The Making of I Am Ryan 12:27 Casting and Improvisation in Film 17:25 Future Plans and Look-Alike Stunts 18:39 The Buddy Film Experience 20:09 The Importance of Comedy in Today's Society 21:51 Creative Process and Filmmaking 24:04 The Role of Sound in Film 27:33 Personal Insights and Fears 32:41 Theories on Ancient Civilizations 36:26 Final Thoughts and Future Projects Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! #RezaRifts #KeithReza #Hobart #IAmRyan #ComedyPodcast #FilmmakingPodcast #Hollywood #Acting #Screenwriting #SoundDesign #IndependentFilm #MoviePodcast
May 18
40 min
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