Pro wrestler Gianni Michael Emricko joins Sorg, Rizz and Mad Mike for an episode packed with WWE SummerSlam reactions, Pittsburgh independent wrestling news and a spoiler-heavy trip through Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The crew opens by asking a surprising question: Was SummerSlam more enjoyable than WrestleMania? They examine a second night filled with fan-service moments, major returns and championship developments. Topics include Chelsea Green’s victory, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns seemingly closing another chapter of their shared history, CM Punk versus Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens returning to the championship picture, Nick Aldis stepping back into the ring, Dominik Mysterio’s success in AAA and WWE’s evolving relationship with lucha libre. Gianni also receives some major news live on the show. His scheduled match at Prospect Pro Wrestling has changed, and he and Gorgeous Gregory will now challenge The Troublemakers for the NWA JCP Tag Team Championship. Gianni responds with an impromptu message for the champions and explains why the Italian Strongman plans to bring NWA gold home. The conversation then turns toward Gianni’s recent match with EFFY at 880 Wrestling, his growing list of appearances throughout the region and the practical lessons he has learned while building his wrestling career. His advice is simple: get in the car, attend shows, help with the ring and production, introduce yourself and become someone promoters and wrestlers enjoy having in the locker room. Sorg also reveals new details for Sorgstock, including a surprising battle between Psychedelic Dreams members Sammy Suntheimer and Billy the Alien, plus wrestling-theme music from Sykes. After an official spoiler warning, the crew dives deeply into Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Gianni gives the film a 9.6 and calls it one of the most authentically Spider-Man stories yet. The discussion covers Peter Parker’s stripped-down life, the introduction of Jean Grey, Punisher’s role, mutant technology, the Hulk battle, Ned’s potentially significant handshake, Miles Morales speculation and possible connections to Secret Wars and the wider multiverse. The episode closes with the viral video of Beastman and Sam Adonis helping break up a festival fight, followed by “What We Learned,” where Mad Mike argues that WWE is misunderstanding the basic appeal of Joe Hendry. News Stories and Topics Discussed The original Mayhem crew reunites: Sorg welcomes Rizz and Mad Mike, with early conversation covering Mad Mike’s LEGO Soundwave set, teaching and the increasingly responsible lives of the show’s longtime hosts. SummerSlam versus WrestleMania: The panel considers whether SummerSlam delivered a more consistently entertaining weekend than WrestleMania. WWE production mistakes: A misspelled commercial-break graphic launches a discussion about live production errors, unrealistic expectations and why even major companies make visible mistakes. SummerSlam’s fan-service-heavy second night: Chelsea Green’s title victory, Baron Corbin’s return and Kevin Owens reentering the championship picture make Sorg wonder whether someone secretly used his fantasy booking. Chelsea Green’s championship moment: The crew celebrates Green’s victory, the reaction from her fellow wrestlers and how her success contrasts with comments discussed from WWE: Unreal. Hell in a Cell: The match’s violence, ring destruction and feud-ending atmosphere are praised as an effective use of the stipulation. Seth Rollins versus Roman Reigns: The match is viewed as a possible closing chapter for The Shield, with particular interest in what comes next for Seth and a more independent Roman Reigns. Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar: Gianni offers a wrestler’s perspective on the decision not to perform a dangerous spot directly onto exposed wood. Roman Reigns and AAA: Roman’s interaction with Rey Mysterio creates fantasy-booking possibilities involving TripleMania, Worlds Collide, Penta, Jacob Fatu and The Lucha Brothers. Solo Sikoa’s changing audience reaction: The hosts discuss how the SummerSlam build helped Solo emerge as an entertaining and increasingly sympathetic figure. Dominik Mysterio’s popularity: The panel argues that Dominik feels like a major star in AAA and deserves a larger, more consistent role on WWE programming. Nick Aldis versus Gunther: Aldis’ return to the ring impresses the crew and sparks speculation about a longer in-ring run or a future match with Adam Pearce. CM Punk versus Cody Rhodes: The match receives a more measured defense than some online reactions, while Kevin Owens’ return sets up a potentially excellent microphone-driven rivalry with Punk. Nikki Bella’s heel turn: A possible injury to Brie Bella leads to fantasy booking involving Paige, AJ Lee and a potential legends-focused WarGames match. Liv Morgan versus IYO SKY: The opening match and its finishing sequence are highlighted as one of the weekend’s strongest performances. SummerSlam attendance and location: The crew discusses tarped seating, the lack of a public attendance announcement and whether Minneapolis was an ideal destination for a major summer wrestling event. Sorgstock announcement: Sammy Suntheimer will face his Psychedelic Dreams partner Billy the Alien, raising questions about tension inside the team. Gianni’s championship opportunity: Gianni and Gorgeous Gregory will challenge The Troublemakers for the NWA JCP Tag Team Championship at Prospect Pro Wrestling. Gianni’s live promo: The Italian Strongman immediately delivers a message promising that the NWA championship will not remain on Glenn Spectre’s shoulder. Wrestling EFFY at 880 Wrestling: Gianni explains how the crowd quickly sided with EFFY, forcing him to adjust and embrace being the heel during the match. Breaking into new wrestling promotions: Gianni recommends traveling, introducing yourself, helping with setup and stepping outside your normal comfort zone. Locker-room reputation: Being positive, safe and helpful can be as important as social-media numbers when promoters decide whom they want to book again. Avoiding unhealthy environments: Gianni explains that a negative locker room—or a place where he does not feel safe in the ring—is unlikely to receive a return visit. Spider-Man spoiler discussion: The crew praises the film’s grounded version of Peter Parker, swinging sequences, action choreography and emotional tone. Jean Grey and the mutants: The movie’s mutant storyline leads to discussion of Jean Grey, Phoenix references, inhibitor technology and the future of the MCU’s X-Men. Punisher’s role: The panel examines Punisher’s hospital scenes, his public identity and how he fits into a world where Spider-Man has regained public support. Ned and Peter’s handshake: The hosts debate whether Ned consciously remembers Peter or simply feels a lingering connection that he cannot explain. Miles Morales and the multiverse: Potential clues are connected to Beyond the Spider-Verse, Doomsday, Secret Wars and the possibility of Miles eventually entering live action. Marvel physical media: Mad Mike displays elaborate Marvel and Harry Potter box sets, prompting nostalgia for collector editions filled with props, files and hidden compartments. Additional movie discussion: The crew briefly reviews Backrooms, Obsession, Eternals, New Mutants, the Fox X-Men films and the Spider-Man video games. Beastman goes viral again: Video from Tacos and Tequila shows Beastman and Sam Adonis helping break up a real fight, inspiring the suggestion that venues should hire Beastman as security. What We Learned Sorg: Never start a fight when Beastman is nearby. After watching the viral festival video, Sorg’s larger conclusion is that Beastman may be the most effective security option available. Gianni Michael Emricko: Gianni learns the full details of his changed Prospect Pro Wrestling match during the episode. He and Gorgeous Gregory are receiving an NWA JCP Tag Team Championship opportunity, and Gianni confidently predicts that Glenn Spectre will not leave with his championship. Mad Mike: From Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Mike learns that it is okay to be sad. From wrestling, he learns that WWE appears confused about Joe Hendry. He argues that Hendry’s entire presentation is built around “say his name and he appears,” yet WWE repeatedly brings him out without anyone saying his name, cuts away from his entrance and presents his musical segments more like Elias. Mike believes this removes the elements audiences are already excited to see. Rizz: Rizz does not give a separate standalone lesson in the closing segment, but contributes to the discussion about WWE failing to preserve the established logic and audience appeal of Joe Hendry’s character.

What happens when a PC gamer turns downloadable Steam games into physical cartridges? Sorg, Katie Dudas and Dave Podnar explore that inventive project alongside an AI-generated reality show starring romantic fruits, Xbox’s possible plan for preserving physical game collections, Fitbit’s long-awaited Apple Health support and a 9,000-pound rocket stage headed for the Moon. The crew also discusses a travel app that automatically tells stories based on your location, the staggering first imagery from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Kevin Mitnick’s legacy in cybersecurity and several troubling decisions from the video game industry. Stories, Gadgets and Topics Discussed Katie’s Brother P-touch label maker: Katie shows how she is using built-in symbols—including cameras, computers and warning icons—to organize and identify equipment, drives and other technology. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory reveals an enormous view of the universe: Dave follows up on the observatory’s 3.2-gigapixel LSST camera and an image containing approximately 650,000 galaxies. The hosts discuss the astonishing detail available when zooming into tiny sections of the image, the observatory’s planned decade of data collection and how AI could help scientists examine datasets too large for humans to process manually. See the Vera C. Rubin Observatory imagery Wrinkles turns city exploration into a location-aware audio tour: Katie introduces Wrinkles, a travel app that automatically shares historical facts, local stories and hidden details as users walk through supported cities. The app uses AI-generated voices, but its information is drawn from curated sources such as historians, museums and local organizations. Creators and tourism groups may also be able to build their own tours and experiences. Explore the Wrinkles travel app A PC gamer creates physical Steam cartridges: Sorg examines a DIY project that stores individual Steam games on inexpensive 128GB, 2.5-inch SSDs. A script detects the drive when it is inserted, connects the game to the owner’s Steam library and launches the title—creating something close to a modern PC game cartridge. The discussion considers storage costs, portability and whether physical presentation can make digital collections feel more permanent. See the DIY Steam cartridge project Kevin Mitnick and National Social Engineering Day: Dave looks back at famed hacker-turned-security-consultant Kevin Mitnick, whose birthday on August 6 inspired National Social Engineering Day. The hosts explain how attackers can bypass strong technology by manipulating employees, customer-service representatives and other people into revealing passwords, resetting accounts or granting access. Learn about National Social Engineering Day Read Kevin Mitnick’s congressional testimony ChachiSays Video Game Minute—“Doubling Down on Dumb Decisions”: Sony acknowledges the backlash surrounding its move away from physical PlayStation discs but plans to continue moving in that direction. Read the Sony physical-media story Electronic Arts reportedly rewarded its CEO with a major compensation increase following the success of Battlefield 6 while developers responsible for the game faced layoffs. Read about the EA compensation and layoffs August Interactive is working with NASA on Moonbase Y, a game designed to encourage children to plan, collaborate and invent solutions for a future lunar colony. Learn about Moonbase Y Xbox considers converting physical games into digital licenses: A reported Xbox disc-to-digital program could allow owners of original Xbox and Xbox 360 discs to access compatible digital copies on newer hardware or PC. The hosts discuss game preservation, license transfer, resale and whether Microsoft’s approach inspires more confidence in the long-term future of an Xbox library. Read about Xbox’s reported disc-to-digital plan Fitbit data can finally sync with Apple Health: Fitbit users can now consolidate more of their fitness information inside Apple Health. The hosts discuss the convenience of keeping activity, blood-pressure readings and medical information in one location, while noting that some measurements—including heart-rate variability—may not transfer yet. Learn how to sync Fitbit with Apple Health A SpaceX rocket stage is headed for the Moon: A roughly 9,000-pound piece of space hardware is expected to strike the lunar surface. Although the collision is accidental and likely will not be visible to the naked eye, lunar orbiters may be able to document the crater and debris, turning the impact into an unexpected scientific experiment. Read about the lunar impact Fruit Love Island and the strange appeal of AI reality television: Sorg introduces an AI-generated dating show starring anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables. The hosts examine its bizarre character designs, inconsistent AI visuals, audience voting, reality-show storytelling and surprisingly organized production workflow. They also debate whether projects like this are disposable “AI slop” or useful experiments in storyboarding, character consistency and accessible video production. Watch Hasan Minhaj react to Fruit Love Island Visit Fruit Love Island Watch the Fruit Love Island video Support AwesomeCast and receive the ad-free edition at Patreon.com/AwesomeCast. AwesomeCast is supported by Slice on Broadway, serving Pittsburgh podcasting with the perfect pepperoni pizza for more than a decade. Visit SliceOnBroadway.com.

In Fishing Without Bait 526, we continue our conversation with Vic Costik of the New Rust Pittsburgh Podcast. In Part 2, Vic joins Jim Ellermeyer for a thoughtful discussion about identity, community, safety, recovery and the daily work of becoming a more compassionate person. Vic explains why they try to approach ignorance through “neutral inquiry,” beginning with questions rather than immediate confrontation. The conversation examines the experiences of transgender people navigating public spaces, the importance of listening to people when they tell us who they are and the need to create communities in which people feel welcomed rather than merely tolerated. Vic also discusses their commitment to Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ community and the fear that has caused some transgender people to leave their homes in search of safer places. That concern helped inspire Vic’s community involvement and ultimately contributed to the creation of New Rust Pittsburgh. Jim and Vic connect these ideas to the principles of 12-step recovery, including acceptance, accountability, making amends and changing both thoughts and actions. They consider the pain of perfectionism and the healing that can begin when we acknowledge our flaws, accept responsibility and reconstruct ourselves through what we have learned. The conversation then turns toward the overlooked side of Pittsburgh. Vic describes the artists, entrepreneurs, makers, small businesses and unusual creative communities that exist throughout the city. From strangers playing music together before the Fourth of July fireworks to the Andy Warhol Museum, neighborhood restaurants, local shops and nighttime bike rides across the Smithfield Street Bridge, Vic shares the memories that have made Pittsburgh feel like home. The episode closes with a discussion about authenticity, privilege, personal boundaries and relationships. Vic reflects on overcoming people-pleasing, cultivating relationships with people who provide encouragement and stepping away from relationships that repeatedly cause harm. Ultimately, New Rust Pittsburgh is more than a guide to interesting places. It is Vic’s effort to create a love letter to Pittsburgh—one that embraces the city’s people, creativity, weirdness and potential to become a more welcoming home for everyone. Explore the New Rust Pittsburgh Podcast at NewRustPodcast.com. Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait through your favorite podcast player so you never miss an episode. Listen without advertisements and help support the show through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait Continue your mindfulness journey with our book, “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book”: https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

What happens when drones go somewhere they’re not supposed to go? In this AwesomeChat, Sorg talks with Logan Harris, CEO of Spotter Global, about the technology being developed to detect drones, track their operators, protect critical infrastructure, and give security teams a better picture of what is happening across large areas. Spotter Global began by shrinking ground-surveillance radar technology that once required large equipment, significant power, and multiple operators into compact systems designed to provide situational awareness in the field. Today, that technology has expanded into critical infrastructure, public safety, drone detection, and some surprisingly unexpected applications. Logan demonstrates how radar, cameras, GPS tracking information, video analytics, and Remote ID can work together to help operators identify what is actually moving instead of simply generating another security-camera alert. The conversation also explores a rapidly changing drone landscape: public-event incursions, Remote ID regulations, DJI’s changes to its geofencing system, DIY aircraft, fiber-optic drones that cannot be detected or jammed through conventional radio-frequency methods, and the growing challenge of defending against inexpensive drones without using dramatically more expensive countermeasures. Learn more about Logan Harris and Spotter Global at www.spotterglobal.com. Topics, News Stories & Technology Discussed How Spotter Global started with military radar technology Logan explains how the company grew out of a need for much smaller ground-surveillance radar systems. Instead of the roughly 100-pound systems that traditionally required several operators, Spotter Global developed compact radar technology for providing situational awareness to small teams operating in remote areas. A compact radar covering a surprisingly large area Logan demonstrates a radar unit with roughly a 600-meter range that uses about eight watts of power and can monitor approximately 40 acres. Radar provides the wide-area detection layer while cameras and additional analytics help determine what the radar actually found. SnapTrack brings live targets directly onto the map Spotter Global’s SnapTrack feature combines target location information with live camera imagery. Rather than forcing an operator to monitor a wall of camera feeds, a target can appear on a map with picture-in-picture video once a camera acquires it. Radar + cameras + video AI to reduce false alarms Sorg compares the technology to conventional security cameras that send an alert without making it clear whether the movement came from a person, vehicle, animal, or even a tree branch. Spotter combines radar tracking, GPS coordinates, metadata, cameras, and video analytics to add multiple levels of verification. Critical infrastructure and the Metcalf substation attack Logan discusses how the 2013 attack on the Metcalf electrical substation in California highlighted vulnerabilities around major infrastructure. That helped drive demand for security systems capable of monitoring activity well beyond a facility’s fence line. Drones over a Fourth of July event Logan describes assisting local law enforcement around a fireworks event where four drones flew around or over a stadium containing approximately 50,000 people. Police were able to intercept two of the operators. Remote ID: a “license plate” for drones Remote ID is compared to ADS-B on traditional aircraft. Compatible drones broadcast information including an identifier and location data, allowing detection systems to track the aircraft and, in some cases, identify the location of its operator. Spotter Global’s Remote ID sensor Logan demonstrates a compact sensor capable of monitoring a large surrounding area for Remote ID broadcasts and plotting drone tracks and operator locations on a map. The 250-gram threshold and smaller drones The conversation looks at how weight affects Remote ID requirements and why some very small consumer drones operate differently from larger aircraft. DIY drones, RC aircraft, and external Remote ID beacons Sorg connects the discussion to SAE Aero Design competitions and student-built aircraft. Logan demonstrates a small Remote ID transmitter that can be attached to a DIY aircraft that needs to comply with Remote ID requirements. DJI and the change from geofencing to warnings Logan discusses DJI’s change from firmware-enforced no-fly restrictions to warnings that alert operators when they are entering certain restricted areas without necessarily preventing the aircraft from flying there. Drone activity around major sporting events The conversation touches on drone pilots entering restricted areas around stadium events despite warnings, illustrating why detection and enforcement remain necessary even when consumer drones notify pilots of restrictions. Fiber-optic “FOG” drones Logan identifies fiber-optically guided drones as an important emerging challenge. Instead of communicating with an operator using radio signals, these drones remain physically connected by an extremely thin fiber-optic cable. Why fiber-optic drones are difficult to stop Because control and video travel through fiber rather than a wireless RF link, conventional RF detection and jamming techniques may not work. That increases the importance of radar and other methods of physically detecting the aircraft. Long-range attack drones and the economics of defense Logan contrasts smaller fiber-optic drones with much larger long-range fixed-wing attack drones and discusses the challenge of using extremely expensive defensive weapons against comparatively inexpensive aircraft. Fish farms need radar too One unexpected commercial application is protecting fish farms where millions of dollars of stock could be vulnerable to theft or sabotage. Radar can alert operators to someone approaching a restricted area. Avalanches, rockfalls, and polar bears Spotter’s radar technology has moved far beyond its original security mission. Logan mentions applications involving avalanche monitoring, rockfall monitoring, and even tracking polar bears. Entrepreneurship: do it for more than money Logan says entrepreneurship involves too much work and stress for money alone to be the motivation. The Three Rs: Record, Remind, Report Logan’s productivity philosophy centers on doing small things consistently: record what needs to happen, establish reminders, and make sure progress gets reported. His lesson is that accomplishing large goals depends on consistently handling the little things.

Sorg welcomes guest co-hosts Tina Keys and TruePrinceofPro (T-Pop) for a packed Wrestling Mayhem Show! The crew breaks down AEW Redemption, Kenny Omega and Kevin Knight, Will Ospreay and the Death Riders, Kyle Fletcher vs. Bandido, Maya World, Tommaso Ciampa and the continuing evolution of Ring of Honor. Then it’s on to SummerSlam, including the two-night lineup, Punk and Cody, Roman and Seth, Penta vs. Chad Gable, the women’s ladder match and one extremely strange Joe Hendry/Danhausen segment. Plus: WWE Radio and SiriusXM, changing wrestling streaming options, Rebel’s ALS benefit efforts, T-Pop’s complete AAA update, Dominik Mysterio joining forces with Omos, Penta’s AAA return, Sorgstock announcements, Pittsburgh indie wrestling and our weekly What We Learned! Hosted by Sorg with Tina Keys and TruePrinceofPro. More Wrestling Mayhem Show: www.wrestlingmayhemshow.com

Can AI make you better at Photoshop instead of replacing Photoshop? Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar explore that question on AwesomeCast 789 as Sorg shares a workflow for turning AI-generated concepts into editable graphics while keeping control of the final design. The crew also gets into Pittsburgh technology history with plans to preserve Westinghouse’s Atom Smasher, the impressive Commercial Street Bridge replacement, and the accessibility origins of the modern audiobook. Then the geekery kicks into high gear: Xbox expands its classic-game preservation efforts to PC, Hasbro combines Transformers with Jem and the Holograms, LEGO brings Smart Play to Star Trek, Robosen releases an Optimus Prime robot designed to reopen childhood wounds, and Universal plans movies based on ten Atari properties. Plus, Chachi has gaming headlines involving Hasbro, Steam Deck and Atari, and the crew discusses the backlash surrounding a $58,000 humanoid robot proposed for use in a New York school district. It’s Pittsburgh technology, AI creativity, retro gaming, accessibility, robots and pop-culture nostalgia on AwesomeCast 789.

In Episode 525 of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Vic Costik for Part 1 of a conversation about community, authenticity, connection, and finding the courage to become more fully yourself. Vic is a designer, community advocate, and the creator of New Rust, a podcast exploring Pittsburgh’s transformation through the individual stories of people doing interesting things throughout the city. Growing up surrounded by the enormous crowds of New York City, Vic expected proximity to people to create connection. Instead, it was moving to Pittsburgh that showed him what community could truly feel like. Vic talks with Jim about discovering Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ community, building a found family, participating in the city’s creative and wonderfully unusual spaces, and realizing how helping others can create a support network in return. From jam nights and local zines to simply meeting people doing something they care about, Vic explains why Pittsburgh’s smaller communities became so important to him. The conversation also explores judgment, curiosity, and what can happen when we approach unfamiliar experiences with a willingness to listen instead of immediately forming conclusions. Vic shares stories of talking with coworkers who had little or no previous experience with transgender people and choosing conversation as an opportunity to create understanding. Vic also reflects candidly on his own journey toward authenticity. He discusses growing up without the language to understand what he was experiencing, repressing parts of himself, getting married to his high school sweetheart, and eventually recognizing that the life he was living did not feel like his own. As Vic puts it, transitioning allowed him to “meet myself for the 1st time.” What followed was more than a change in identity. Vic discovered a version of himself who loves being around people, participating in his community, sharing ideas, and embracing the wonderfully weird interests that make each person unique. This is Part 1 of our conversation with Vic Costik. The conversation continues in the next episode of Fishing Without Bait. Learn more about Vic’s New Rust podcast at NewRustPodcast.com. Continue Your Fishing Without Bait Journey Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player so you never miss an episode. Support the show on Patreon and receive ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait Pick up “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book”: https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk the finale they forgot to talk about on Love Island USA, Phaedra’s cemetery adventures on Real Housewives of Atlanta; the intricacies of podcasting on Real Housewives of Orange County; and a heated and egg-citing nominations ceremony on Big Brother. 4:34 - Love Island USA: Season 08: Finale 26:38 - Real Housewives of Atlanta: Season 17: Episode 15 47:02 - Real Housewives of Orange County: Season 20: Episodes 02 & 03 1:22:43 - Big Brother: Season 28: Episodes 07-09 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource: 👉 Nationwide Bail Funds and Immigration Support from So Informed. This is a direct action guide that helps connect people to immigration bail funds, mutual aid efforts, and legal support across the country. Let us be crystal clear: A Gay & His Enby stands for immigrant rights. Period. We stand against the racism, xenophobia, and violent white supremacy driving Trump, his administration, and the illegal ICE raids terrorizing immigrant communities. This isn’t just politics—it’s about people. Families being torn apart. Communities being surveilled and silenced. And the same systems that criminalize immigrants also criminalize Black people, trans people, queer people, disabled people—anyone who doesn’t fit white supremacist standards of “belonging.” We believe: 🖤 No human being is illegal. 🖤 Borders are violent. 🖤 Solidarity means action, not just vibes. If you’ve ever wondered how to help, this guide is a great place to start. Share it. Donate if you can. Speak out even when it’s uncomfortable. None of us are free until all of us are free. In recent years, states have pushed forward a record number of bills that attack LGBTQ rights, especially transgender youth. The current obession with Drag Queens is no exception. This is a thinly veiled attempt to outlaw gender expressions that do not fall within the cisheteronormative guidelines. Please consider donating to one of the following charities to help make the US a safer place for Queer folks to live in peace. American Civil Liberties Union Trevor Project PFLAG True Colors United OutRight International Lambda Legal GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders Human Rights Campaign It Gets Better Project

The negotiations are open once again as the Wrestling Mayhem Show presents Brianna & Bradley Summit 2, hosted by Sorg with Patreon Manager Bradley and pro wrestler Brianna Bandz. Bradley has apparently purchased the Wrestling Mayhem Show for the afternoon and transformed it into “Bradley Radio,” which means there is only one order of business: finally settling his complicated relationship with Brianna. There’s just one problem—Brianna insists she already moved on. Brianna talks about the personal and professional changes she has experienced since the last Summit, including taking time for herself after the loss of her grandmother, losing a longtime job and navigating a difficult stretch outside of wrestling. She explains why she feels ready to get back to a more regular schedule and how music from Madison Beer inspired both a change in outlook and the angel wings that have become part of her wrestling presentation. The conversation also gets serious as Brianna reflects on her Fight for Pride match with Nikki Winters. Long before stepping into a real wrestling ring together, the two friends were creating themselves in wrestling video games and imagining the careers they wanted. Years later, they found themselves across the ring from one another for an emotional match celebrating representation—and realizing the impact their journeys could have on people watching. Brianna also discusses growing her career beyond her home area, working across multiple states and Canada, and the role social media has played in creating opportunities. One infamous interaction involving Bradley has now reached approximately six million views. Then it’s time for Bradley’s Declarations. He confirms that he really does have a job, celebrates winning $105 at Beastman’s Birthday Bash, explains his problem with WWE’s Green Shirt Guy, gets deep into some wrestling grievances and finally looks back at his own participation in the Wrestling Mayhem Show’s 20th anniversary event. That anniversary experience leads to an unexpectedly insightful discussion about performance anxiety, preparation, improvisation and why getting into a wrestling ring—even just to talk—is much harder than fans may realize. But the biggest declaration comes last. After years of insults, social-media fights and Brianna repeatedly attacking Bradley’s shins, real-life struggles gave the two a different perspective on one another. Bradley admits that somewhere along the way, the feud turned into an actual friendship. Brianna agrees. Mostly. And after the Summit, watch Brianna Bandz and the rest of the action from MV Young’s Big Ass BBQ 5: https://www.indywrestling.network/videos/880-wrestling-mv-young-s-big-ass-bbq-5-1

Pro wrestler Dani Mo returns to the Wrestling Mayhem Show studio with Sorg and Mad Mike for a conversation about stepping away from wrestling, returning with a renewed perspective and embracing every strange opportunity the business provides. Dani takes the crew aboard her cross-country family adventure by train, traveling from Pittsburgh through Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and beyond. She talks about first-class Amtrak accommodations, observation cars, full meals, sightseeing, hiking through Yosemite, camping on the way to Las Vegas and seeing No Doubt at the Sphere. More importantly, Dani explains why disconnecting from wrestling—even briefly—helped her decompress and appreciate the experiences waiting outside the ring. Back in wrestling, Dani discusses her acclaimed match with a visiting STARDOM competitor at Enjoy Wrestling, her desire to wrestle in Japan and the opportunities she has received to work with international talent. She also breaks down her unpredictable run in Juggalo Championship Wrestling, where she is expanding her character work, delivering longer promos, destroying cars, confronting Barnabas and navigating one of wrestling’s wildest fictional family dramas as a two-time JCW Women’s Champion. Mad Mike reports from Madison Square Garden, including the energy surrounding CM Punk, the New York Knicks-themed celebration and a WWE show that sometimes felt like a televised house show built specifically for the local audience. The crew also discusses SummerSlam possibilities, Sami Zayn’s direction, Nick Aldis returning to the ring and the unseen wrestlers whose scheduled matches disappear whenever an authority figure creates a new main event. The episode also features the first match announcement for Sorgstock, memories from Beastman’s Big Ass Birthday Bash, thoughts on WWE Unreal, questions about the value of Club WWE, AEW and STARDOM crossover, the G1 Climax and a spirited debate about roller coasters, wrestling-ring pools and the value of letting wrestling be fun. News Stories and Topics Discussed Mad Mike’s Madison Square Garden experience: Mad Mike compares the reactions for CM Punk and the New York Knicks celebration while describing the unusual atmosphere of a WWE television show created heavily around its host city. CM Punk’s latest major moment: The crew discusses Punk’s return, championship victory and the difference between hearing a massive wrestling reaction on television and experiencing it inside the arena. New York Knicks crossover: The hosts examine the Knicks references, celebrity involvement and why parts of the show were especially rewarding for local basketball fans. WWE women’s tag-team speculation: The group considers whether the current champions are temporary and whether WWE could be building toward a SummerSlam program involving the Bella Twins. What happens next for Sami Zayn: Mad Mike questions Sami’s current direction and whether he could be added to another major match rather than being left without a clear SummerSlam story. Nick Aldis returning to competition: The hosts discuss Aldis moving from an authority role back into the ring, his extensive pre-WWE career and the importance of presenting him as a legitimate wrestler rather than merely an on-screen general manager. “Card Subject to Change”: A joke about wrestlers being removed from suddenly rearranged television cards evolves into a pitch for a comedy series focused on the performers who thought they had a match before the main event was rewritten. Mad Mike conquers the Royal Rumble arcade game: The crew revisits the game’s classic roster and attempts to guess which wrestler Mad Mike used to win. The answer leads to an enthusiastic appreciation of D’Lo Brown. Dani Mo’s cross-country train adventure: Dani describes traveling with her family in first-class Amtrak accommodations, sleeping in compact rooms, visiting the observation car and experiencing freshly prepared meals during the journey. Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco: The trip includes the Bean, Seattle’s Space Needle and gum wall, the redwoods, Alcatraz, Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge and several of Dani’s signature travel handstands. Disconnecting from wrestling: Dani explains how the trip allowed her to stop checking messages, ignore most wrestling responsibilities and return feeling more relaxed—even when several planned bookings were unexpectedly canceled. Yosemite and dispersed camping: After leaving her family in San Francisco, Dani continues the adventure with a friend, tackles the difficult Mist Trail, earns a fire permit and camps while traveling toward Las Vegas. No Doubt at the Sphere: Dani talks about seeing Gwen Stefani up close, buying an impressive amount of merchandise and finally reaching the concert that served as the trip’s destination. Why travel matters: The group reflects on how seeing different regions, cultures and lifestyles can change a person’s perspective, even without leaving the United States. Enjoy Wrestling and international competition: Dani looks back on her standout match with a visiting STARDOM wrestler and explains why she believes her recent performances against Japanese talent show that she is ready for an opportunity in Japan. Dani Mo’s JCW evolution: Dani discusses developing a more aggressive and three-dimensional character, improving her extended promo work and becoming comfortable performing inside JCW’s deliberately chaotic environment. The Barnabas family saga: Dani explains the “daddy issues” driving her JCW storyline, including Barnabas, an adopted rival, implied drug jokes, a damaged car and increasingly personal confrontations. Two-time JCW Women’s Champion: Dani discusses working as champion while balancing recognizable babyface qualities with increasingly diabolical actions. Learning through promos: Because much of Dani’s recent JCW work has involved storytelling rather than traditional matches, she is gaining experience in an area she considers challenging but necessary for reaching a larger stage. Sorgstock’s first match announcement: Sorg officially announces Beastman vs. Gory in “The Big Bite-Off” for the No Limits Championship, reviving a match that could not happen during the previous special event. The Sorgstock atmosphere: The crew previews an unconventional party-style wrestling event featuring strange concepts, visual gags, music and an intentionally loose approach to wrestling canon. Beastman’s Big Ass Birthday Bash: Dani and Sorg revisit the themed decorations, fan activities, family involvement, weapons, cake and overall madness surrounding Beastman’s 40th birthday celebration. Wrestling shows built around individuals: Beastman’s birthday event, Jack Pollock’s benefit and other personality-driven cards inspire a discussion about shows that celebrate a specific wrestler’s identity and creative vision. Alternate versions of wrestling cards: Dani reveals that several wrestlers arrived at Beastman’s show expecting completely different stipulations, including a possible pillow fight and a thumbtack-and-door match. Inflatable wrestling-ring products: An online advertisement for a wrestling-themed pool sends the hosts into a search for inflatable rings and possible future Sorgstock accessories. Kennywood and roller-coaster bravery: Dani responds to allegations that she bullied Derek Dillinger into riding Phantom’s Revenge, leading to comparisons of Kennywood attractions and other intense coasters around the country. AEW and STARDOM crossover: The hosts discuss Triangle of Madness, STARDOM championships and the potential for more interaction between AEW’s women’s division and Japanese wrestling. G1 Climax viewing: Sorg shares his early enthusiasm for the tournament and Konosuke Takeshita while the crew repeatedly finds new ways to make the tournament’s name sound inappropriate. WWE Unreal: Mad Mike discusses the behind-the-scenes series, including CM Punk quietly telling John Cena that he would miss him and Cena explaining the creative logic behind his deliberately frustrating WrestleMania performance. John Cena and AJ Styles: The crew examines their tribute-filled match, the decision to use other wrestlers’ signature moves and backstage footage of Seth Rollins jokingly confronting them after they produced a difficult act to follow. A crowded wrestling calendar: The group discusses competing events in Chicago, WWE’s plans surrounding WrestleMania week, possible New York events and how promotions may fill the space created by WrestleMania taking place outside the United States. Club WWE: Sorg attempts to understand the subscription’s value, including exclusive merchandise, ticket access, workout content, personality-driven programs and John Cena’s “Unseen 17” concept. Wrestling and major-league merchandise: The hosts consider how WWE’s relationship with Fanatics may make city-specific sports collaborations easier than similar partnerships for other wrestling companies. “What We Learned” Segment Breakdown Mad Mike Mad Mike’s lesson comes from watching WWE Unreal. During CM Punk’s “Doctor of Punkanomics” segment with John Cena, Punk quietly told Cena, “I’m gonna miss you.” It was an emotional detail that was easy to miss during the original broadcast. That revelation leads to a broader discussion about Cena’s creative intentions during his final run. Mad Mike notes that Cena’s explanation of the WrestleMania match closely matched the show’s earlier interpretation: the slow, frustrating and intentionally boring presentation was designed to make the audience reject that version of Cena. Dani Mo Dani says the week reestablished how fun and incredible wrestling can be. Wrestling creates opportunities to travel, meet unusual people and share memorable experiences with friends, family and people who may have only met that day. Her central lesson is that performers can become so serious about wrestling that they fail to appreciate the moment. Beastman’s birthday show may not have been the largest event she has worked, but dancing with her family, watching her niece become involved and enjoying the atmosphere made it one of the most fun. Sorg Sorg initially learns that he still does not fully understand what Club WWE is offering subscribers. His more meaningful lesson comes from Beastman’s birthday show and other wrestler-centered events. Sorg appreciates cards that allow one person’s personality, community and creative definition of wrestling to shape the entire presentation. The conclusion: wrestling needs more “non-canon” shows—events where promotions and performers can temporarily escape normal story structures, celebrate people and try concepts that would not fit on a traditional card. Chat Room and Additional Takeaways The chat highlights the increasingly crowded wrestling calendar and the unusual “battle lines” created when several promotions schedule destination events in the same city or on the same weekend. The closing conversation reinforces that the wrestling world is large enough to contain serious competition, personal celebrations, bizarre comedy, international crossover and experiences that exist simply because they are fun.