One Year Later….
The “Under the Mask” Blog is an online outlet for the “Dont Go Out There” podcast hosts to further add creative content into the horror community.
by: Mike Settle
One Year Later
A little over a year ago, a few friends began joking around on social media about who was “better” between Michael Myers and Jason Vorhees. That conversation lead to the running joke about doing a podcast about horror movies. For starters, a horror movie podcast? The idea alone sounds a little like a bad “Texas Chainsaw” sequel, at the best, very niche, and at the worst, entirely unnecessary.
But, the more that idea was kicked around, the more interesting it became. Fast forward to the present, as I write this, the same podcast averages around 400-500 unique listens an episode, and has interviewed countless legends that we could have only dream of interviewing. The year 2020 hasn’t been anyone’s favorite, but the co-hosts of this show has had so many “pinch me, I’m dreaming” moments that we’ve lost count.
We have interviewed actors that have played Michael Myers and Jason Vorhees. We interviewed THE Robert Englund and THE Heather Langenkamp (Freddy Kreuger and Nancy Thompson). The list goes on and on. A few times a week we get to sit down and review some of our favorite (and least favorite horror) movies, then all of you wonderful people tune in and actually care about what we say. It’s not something we ever saw happening, but certainly hoped it would. Hell, we’ve even picked up a sponsorship along the way (Manscaped.com, use the code “DONTGO” for 20% off your order and free shipping).
The show has certainly evolved in the last 365 days. We began with Drew Howell as a fourth co-host, life happens sometimes, and things change. The year started at at Drew’s house visiting the “Days of the Dead” convention, which seems like an eternity ago when you could actually be close to other people in public. We all love Drew like a brother, and we know he wishes the show nothing but the best.
We added Dustin along the way, and he’s been an absolute superstar addition. He brings a certain energy that no one else could. He also created the name “Don’t Go Out There”, and our original logo. So in a way, he was always part of this. His mix of expert analysis with humor made him a perfect co-host.
What Nicoh does is something I certainly don’t pretend that I could do. His breakdown of the scenes is a lot of work, and helps the listener put themselves in the movie without having to watch it. It’s invaluable what the lead man does for this show. Hot takes and all, the show doesn’t work without Mr. Chen.
Then there’s Bryan, who learned how to produce and edit podcasts on the fly, has made every graphic for every episode, booked every interview, booked every show intro, got us a sponsorship, and does so many other little things that I could go on for days. To say he’s our MVP would be an understatement, and I’m sure our other co-hosts agree. He also REALLY knows his stuff. That almost goes under the radar he does so many other things.
Then there’s me. A schmuck who’s just glad my friends let me participate. I never would’ve thought I’d have a shirt with my face on it, but here we are.
We couldn’t have done it without the support of every single one of you. The fan support and growth has been truly outstanding, and sometimes unbelievable. We’re not even close to being done. We have movies to review out the freaking wazoo, interviews lined up that you’ll all love, and fun bonus shows that we are excited to bring you.
I’m so thankful for this show and the brotherhood that’s come out of it, along with our friends we’ve made in the horror community along the way. We hope the show is a special to you as it is to us. We love you.