Goldy's Closet

The Real Rundown Before the hockey mask. Before the machete became an icon. Before Jason Voorhees became one of the most terrifying names in horror history, there was a young actor named Ari Lehman who helped launch a nightmare that would haunt generations! In this episode of Goldy's Closet, Goldy sits down with the ORIGINAL Jason Voorhees himself, Ari Lehman, for a killer conversation about the birth of Friday the 13th, the gritty beginnings of one of Hollywood's most legendary horror franchises, and what it feels like to be forever connected to a character that changed horror history. Ari takes us back to Crystal Lake, sharing memories of the film that started it all, how horror has transformed over the decades, and why the original slasher films still hold such a special place in fans' hearts. But there's a whole lot more to this story than blood, screams, and body counts! From child actor to rock musician, Ari has carved out his own unique path through the entertainment industry. He talks about his music, exciting upcoming projects, including a new television series, and the incredible connection he shares with horror fans around the world. We also get into the wild world of horror conventions and why meeting the people who keep these films alive means so much to him. Whether you've been obsessed with Friday the 13th since 1980, grew up renting horror movies at the video store, or just love hearing the stories behind Hollywood's most unforgettable characters, this is one conversation you don't want to miss! Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and come hang out with the FIRST Jason Voorhees! Subscribe to Goldy's Closet, leave us a comment telling us your favorite Friday the 13th memory, and share this episode with your favorite horror fanatic! Golden Nuggets • Ari Lehman is the first Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th. • The original film aimed for a realistic portrayal of horror. • Ari's connection with Betsy Palmer, who played Mama Voorhees. • The first Friday the 13th film was a groundbreaking indie horror success. • Ari's journey in acting began at a young age. • He reflects on the trust parents had in children during the 70s and 80s. • Ari transitioned from acting to a successful music career. • He emphasizes the importance of fan interactions at conventions. • Ari's band incorporates horror themes into their music. • The legacy of Friday the 13th continues to thrive through fan engagement. Sound bites "I had two buddies, Johnny and Bobby." "I was just a green kid in CBGBs." "We're really stoked with that." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ari Lehman and Friday the 13th 02:54 The Impact of Friday the 13th on Horror Cinema 05:48 Behind the Scenes of Friday the 13th 09:08 Ari's Journey in Acting and Music 11:59 Reflections on Growing Up in the Entertainment Industry 14:50 The Evolution of Horror and Its Cultural Significance 17:41 Ari's Musical Career and Upcoming Projects 20:59 Conventions and Fan Interactions 23:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

What does it really take to build an awards show from the ground up and turn it into an international destination for independent artists?Goldy Locks sits down with Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino, the mother-daughter force behind the Josie Music Awards, to talk about the vision, family, faith, and determination behind what they’ve built.From the first awards at Dollywood to artists now traveling from around the world, Josie and Tinamarie share how the event grew, the massive work happening behind the scenes, and why genuine relationships, education, and networking remain so important.They also dig into the realities of being an independent artist, where creative freedom often means becoming your own businessperson, promoter, marketer and advocate. They explain why the Josie Music Awards look beyond followers, popularity and sales to recognize an artist’s complete body of work, longevity and dedication.From honoring legendary names to expanding television and media coverage, this is the story of a family that believed independent artists deserved their own place at the table, and decided to build it themselves.IN THIS EPISODE• How an idea became the Josie Music Awards• The journey from Dollywood to increasingly larger venues• What happens behind the scenes as thousands of submissions arrive• Why relationships still matter in the entertainment industry• Creating education and networking opportunities beyond the awards• Independent artists versus the traditional major-label system• Recognizing careers and bodies of work instead of popularity alone• Faith, family and staying focused through criticism• Honoring music legends alongside emerging independent talent• Television, media expansion and what's coming nextSOUND BITES"We look at the work, the dedication and the career behind the artist.""Independent doesn't mean small. It means you're building it your way.""You can't build something this big without relationships.""This became so much more than handing somebody an award."CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Goldy Locks' Opening Remarks00:30 Goldy Locks' Appreciation and Audience Engagement01:24 Where the Idea for the Josie Music Awards Began02:19 From Dollywood to a Growing Awards Show03:37 Bigger Venues and a Bigger Vision04:57 Managing Crowds and the Reality Behind the Production06:44 Why Relationships and Networking Matter08:50 Faith, Family and the Foundation Behind It All10:23 Pushing Forward When People Say It Can't Be Done12:39 Growing Beyond Awards Into Education and Connection14:14 Thousands of Submissions and the Review Process16:10 Juggling the Awards, Businesses and Multiple Projects19:20 Taking the Josie Music Awards to Television and Media20:57 What's Next for the Platform22:24 Larry Namer and a Changing Entertainment Industry23:20 The Freedom and Challenges of Being Independent25:58 Celebrating Legends and Entire Careers29:08 Building a Business With Family31:47 Upcoming Events and Ways to Get Involved33:56 Final Thoughts and Closing

The Real Rundown When these three get together, the stories start flying! Goldy Locks reunites with wrestling professionals Kenny and Tom, exploring their long-standing friendship, the politics of the wrestling industry, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that fans often overlook. They discuss the evolution of their careers, the camaraderie within the wrestling community, and the visionary approach of Vince McMahon in transforming wrestling into a national phenomenon. In this conversation, Goldy Locks and guests discuss the evolution of wrestling, focusing on the shift from local syndication to a more centralized model under Vince McMahon. They explore the decline of larger-than-life superstars and the impact of social media on the mystique of wrestling. The discussion also highlights the importance of relationships in the wrestling business and the lessons learned from the industry's changing landscape. Golden Nuggets • Friendships in wrestling can last a lifetime despite long gaps. • The wrestling business has a unique fraternity that fosters camaraderie. • Politics in wrestling can create tension and jealousy among performers. • The transition from indie wrestling to major promotions can be challenging. • Behind-the-scenes dynamics often go unnoticed by fans. • Wrestlers are human and have their own struggles and bad days. • Vince McMahon's vision changed the landscape of wrestling television. • The importance of storytelling in wrestling to engage fans. • Wrestling interviews often serve multiple marketing purposes. • The pressure of performance in wrestling can be overwhelming. Vince McMahon revolutionized wrestling syndication by buying airtime. • The focus shifted from individual superstars to event-based promotions. • The mystique of wrestling has diminished with the rise of social media. • Friendships formed in the wrestling business are invaluable. • The wrestling landscape has changed, making it harder for independent promotions to thrive. • Vince took significant risks that paid off, particularly with WrestleMania. • The psychology of wrestling has changed, losing its original charm. • Respect and relationships matter in the wrestling industry. • The best wrestling minds understand the business beyond just wrestling. • What goes around comes around; treat everyone with respect. Sound bites "You pick up where you left off." "We became such great friends instantly." "It's a different time in wrestling." "Everybody wants everybody to do well." "You can't control something that was labeled." "We are all human beings." "You pick up the phone and you called everybody." "He was a bit of a visionary." "He realized the revenues from advertising." "The psychology from the old days is just gone." "Vince was an incredible risk taker." "The table is always round." "Don't ever disrespect somebody on your way up." Chapters 00:00 Reunion of Old Friends 10:06 The Politics of Wrestling 19:47 Behind the Scenes in Wrestling 29:49 The Vision of Vince McMahon 35:02 The Evolution of Wrestling Syndication 39:18 The Shift from Superstars to Events 43:35 The Decline of Wrestling's Mystique 48:09 The Greatest Wrestling Minds 52:29 The Changing Landscape of Wrestling Promotions 01:00:34 Lessons from the Wrestling Business

The Real Rundown In this episode of Goldy’s Closet, Goldy sits down with Roben X for a deeply personal conversation about growing up different, finding his voice through music, and turning hardship into art. Roben X opens up about meeting manager Ryan through a Nashville event at a time when he was thinking about quitting music. What started as a risky showcase turned into a major turning point, leading to new opportunities, a producer connection, and a stronger belief in his own artistry. He also shares how saying yes to opportunities, even when money was tight, helped change the direction of his career. The conversation also explores Roben X’s childhood in Memphis, where he faced bullying, violence, and the challenges of being visibly different because of ocular albinism. Rather than letting that silence him, he turned to hip hop as a way to speak back, process pain, and build confidence. He talks about how music became his “superpower” and how artists like Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, DMX, and 36 Mafia shaped his voice. Goldy and Roben X also dig into his roots, family history, and the emotional impact of growing up around gangs, prison culture, and survival. Roben X reflects on how those experiences gave him perspective and shaped his worldview. The discussion moves into Memphis pride, the power of storytelling, and the importance of staying connected to your city and your people. Later, Roben X shares insight into his music, including “Illusion” and “Murals,” and what those songs mean to him. He also talks about collaborating with his video team in Nashville, his love of video games, his favorite Memphis foods and artists, and the message he wants to leave for anyone who feels trapped by where they came from: better days are coming. Golden Nuggets: • Taking risks when your career feels uncertain • Turning pain into creative fuel • Bullying, identity, and self-acceptance • Growing up around violence and learning from it • Memphis culture, pride, and perspective • The role of storytelling in music • The meaning behind “Illusion” and “Murals” • Creative partnerships and music video production • The importance of supporting artists in tangible ways • Notable quotes • “Whatever you have to say is important enough that you need to say it.” • “I could use my pain to heal pain.” • “Rain will eventually go away. The sun must shine.” Timestamps 0:00 — Welcome to the show 1:10 — Meeting Ryan through The Objective 2:08 — The paid showcase and taking a chance 4:01 — Why Roben X felt out of place at the event 5:58 — The creator tells him he must do it 7:20 — First meeting with Ryan 8:18 — Performance feedback and producer introduction 10:38 — Roben X’s look and growing up in Memphis 14:31 — Ocular albinism and bullying 17:15 — Discovering hip hop and rapping as an outlet 20:03 — Depression, pain, and finding purpose 24:24 — Why the name Roben X matters 27:30 — Memphis, the people, and city pride 31:39 — “Mobbing” and learning the city 32:36 — Talking about “Illusion” and “Murals” 34:28 — Music videos and creative collaboration 35:24 — Favorite Memphis food and artists 36:48 — Favorite superhero, pet peeves, and dream collabs 37:47 — Video games and why they matter 39:03 — What’s next for Roben X 39:49 — Final message of hope 40:46 — Goldy’s Closet sign-off About Roben X Roben X is an artist, storyteller, and performer whose music is shaped by lived experience, resilience, and raw honesty. He blends hip hop influences with a personal narrative that speaks to pain, survival, and reinvention.

The Real Rundown Goldy reunites with longtime friend and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Trevor Murdoch for an unforgettable conversation spanning more than two decades of wrestling history. Trevor shares the emotional story behind receiving his opportunity with the National Wrestling Alliance after nearly stepping away from the business following Harley Race's passing. He explains how Billy Corgan and Nick Aldis gave him something many performers never receive, the freedom to simply be himself. The conversation expands beyond wrestling into creativity, confidence, social media, performance psychology, and why audiences connect most with authenticity instead of perfection. Goldy also reflects on her own experiences in music, performing for difficult crowds, and learning how preparation creates opportunity.   Golden Nuggets • Trevor Murdoch nearly retired before NWA reignited his career. • Why authenticity beats manufactured characters. • The creative freedom Billy Corgan gives NWA talent. • Stories from the unpredictable early TNA Wrestling days. • Why performers must always stay prepared. • Cardio—not muscles—is Trevor's secret to longevity. • Handling hostile crowds and winning audiences over. • Confidence is often built in the middle of fear. • Experience teaches performers how to trust themselves. • Why criticism can become your greatest motivation. • The similarities between live music and professional wrestling. • Finding success by finally embracing who you really are.   Memorable Sound Bites "Sometimes the greatest comeback starts when you stop pretending to be someone else." "Preparation creates opportunity." "Confidence isn't something you're born with. Sometimes you have to talk yourself into it." "The audience only knows the story you tell." "Everybody's a tough guy... until they meet one." "Authenticity will always outlast perfection." "When you're finally allowed to be yourself, that's when the magic happens."   Episode Chapters 00:00 – Reuniting after the early TNA days 05:10 – Why today's entertainment feels different 11:30 – Creativity vs. corporate control 17:40 – The call that changed Trevor Murdoch's career 26:05 – Billy Corgan, Nick Aldis and finding a home in NWA 34:15 – Wrestling, music and performing under pressure 42:20 – Winning over difficult crowds 49:45 – Turning criticism into fuel 55:15 – Why preparation creates opportunity 1:01:30 – Social media, merchandise and supporting independent wrestling 1:05:00 – Final thoughts and words of encouragement