Best Dave Unchained Podcasts (2025)

1
THE LOST ALEX VAN HALEN INTERVIEW FROM THE ‘BALANCE’ ERA (1995) 2:31:59

25d ago2:31:59

2:31:59

EPISODE #115 - Back in 1995, Loud Dave did a one-on-one interview with VH drummer Alex Van Halen. He thought the tape was lost and even forgot that he had it. However, the interview has been recovered and remastered (to the best of his ability). Alex talks about all different subjects including an extensive analysis of David Lee Roth. Some fresh VH…

1
Episode 116: "Who's The Show? We The Show!" and Darren Goes To Two Shows! 1:18:37

6d ago1:18:37

1:18:37

The shoes have been thrown...out! The David Lee Roth tour is well underway and Darren reviews the two shows he saw, in Huntington, NY, and Atlantic City, NJ! Him and Steve discuss the positives, the negatives, and everything in between: the band is exceptional, Dave seems to be having a great time; the surprising setlist choices and songs we (and t…

1
IFH 815: Lessons in Filmmaking, Failure, and Persistence with Greg Travis 54:38

7d ago54:38

54:38

In this episode, veteran actor and director Greg Travis dives into his decades-long filmmaking journey, culminating in the release of his once-abandoned 1984 feature Dark Seduction. Shot on 16mm black-and-white film, the noir-vampire hybrid languished in post-production limbo for over 30 years before digital technology made its completion possible.…

1
IFH 814: Why Your Script Still Isn’t Getting Read; And What to Do About It with Whitney Davis 49:45

14d ago49:45

49:45

In this episode, Whitney Davis, a seasoned literary manager and script consultant, breaks down the real-deal process of getting noticed in Hollywood—from landing a manager to crafting query letters that don’t suck. Sharing her own unconventional path into the industry, Whitney offers raw, practical advice for screenwriters and indie filmmakers on h…

1
Episode 115: "No Octaves Here, Man!" 1:08:56

15d ago1:08:56

1:08:56

Darren and Steve debate, discuss and dive into the first few dates of David Lee Roth's tour, the good and not so good, from the vocals to the setlist to attendance and more. Plus, Darren's upcoming three DLR shows, will there be more dates after this first leg, and where? Also, more Van Halen bootlegs are showing up again, Happy Gilmore, and the wo…

1
IFH 813: Building Films from Scratch: Mastering Microbudget Movie-Making with Evan Kidd 1:02:36

21d ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Evan Kidd is a passionate indie filmmaker who believes great stories don’t need big budgets—just big heart. In this episode, he shares how he created his feature film Son of Clowns using the resources he already had: friends, favors, and faith in the process. With a deep respect for collaboration, Evan emphasizes the importance of building a reliab…

1
IFH 812: How Tremors turned into a Masterclass in Storytelling with S.S Wilson 38:07

28d ago38:07

38:07

In this episode, screenwriter and filmmaker S.S. Wilson shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating the cult classic Tremors, revealing how creative limitations, meticulous story structure, and a deep respect for character and sound design brought the film to life. From his writing process with partner Brent Maddock to the evolution of the Tre…

1
IFH 811: How Pixar’s Story Secrets Can Transform Your Filmmaking Process with Brit Cruise 52:47

1M ago52:47

52:47

Brit Cruise—educator, filmmaker, and producer of Pixar in a Box—takes us on a journey through the fusion of storytelling, science, and education. From his early days editing videos with dual VCRs to his innovative work at Khan Academy, Brit reveals how deep focus, analog creativity, and a love for explanation helped shape his approach to teaching c…

1
IFH 810: The No-Excuses Filmmaking Philosophy of Len Kabasinski 53:24

1M ago53:24

53:24

Len Kabasinski shares his journey from childhood dreams of monsters and martial arts to becoming a prolific force in the world of independent B-movie filmmaking. He recounts the origins of his first feature Swamp Zombies, revealing how a passion for horror and action films, coupled with sheer determination and minimal resources, propelled him into …

1
Episode 114: Some Good News: A Little Bit Goes A Long Way 1:27:50

2M ago1:27:50

1:27:50

Steve and Darren discuss some good news around David Lee Roth ahead of the tour starting July 22 as Dave and band have been in seemingly intense rehearsals the last two weeks, and it looks likely the same guys that rocked M3 is intact. Darren figures he'll see at least three shows on this leg of the tour(DLR Cast Meet-Up, anyone?), while Steve, ala…

1
IFH 809: No Budget, All Hustle: The Filmmaking Grind of Staci Layne Wilson 43:58

2M ago43:58

43:58

In this colorful and deeply personal episode, Staci Layne Wilson shares her remarkable journey from a childhood surrounded by Hollywood legends and horseback riding to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and bestselling author. Born and raised in Los Angeles to a famed musician father (Don Wilson of The Ventures) and a glamorous pin-up model mother…

1
GENE SIMMONS REFLECTS ON VH + INSIDE TOP JIMMY & THE RHYTHM PIGS WITH STEVE BERLIN 2:41:19

2M ago2:41:19

2:41:19

EPISODE #114 - The Demon from KISS, bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons opens up about his life and career, which includes discovering Van Halen. Los Lobos keyboardist/saxophone player Steve Berlin tells the tale of Top Jimmy & The Rhythm Pigs, the real life band he was in that inspired the VH song from “1984.” Healthy scoops of VH News and a new mailbag…

1
IFH 808: Behind the Screams: How Shae Smolik Brought The Hatred to Life! 24:12

2M ago24:12

24:12

Shae Smolik, a talented young actress from Iowa, shared her journey from local modeling to leading a feature film in Los Angeles. Starting with commercials and gradually advancing to TV and web series, Shae embraced each step with enthusiasm and resilience. Her audition technique—spontaneous and emotionally driven—reflects an innate gift for perfor…

1
IFH 807: Making Your Own Damn Movies: Inside Dave Campfield’s Troma-Fueled Filmmaking Path 57:52

2M ago57:52

57:52

When two Daves walk into a podcast, you don’t expect to stumble upon a meditation on art, failure, persistence, and horror-comedy. But that’s exactly what happened in this electric and delightfully unfiltered conversation with Dave Campfield, a filmmaker, actor, and host of the Troma Now Podcast, best known for his work in the cult Caesar and Otto …

1
IFH 806: Shooting Sharks in Your Living Room: The Art of DIY Filmmaking with Ron Bonk 58:41

2M ago58:41

58:41

In this episode, we dive into the wild, wonderful world of Ron Bonk, an indie filmmaker and founder of SRS Cinema known for the cult horror-comedy House Shark. Ron shares his journey from studying accounting and criminal justice to becoming a self-taught director, driven by a passion for storytelling and a deep love for genre cinema. With no Hollyw…

1
IFH 805: Why Your Film Isn’t Getting Made (And What to Do About It) with Ron Newcomb 1:15:39

3M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

When the moon is high and the muse is low, we often find ourselves in deep conversation with our own souls, asking, "Why do I do this?" And on today’s episode, we welcome the steadfast and visionary Ron Newcomb, a former Marine and police officer who has traded in his uniform for a camera, answering that very question not just with thought—but with…

1
DAVID LEE ROTH M3 BREAKDOWN MASH-UP WITH THE DLR CAST 4:12:55

3M ago4:12:55

4:12:55

EPISODE #113 - David Lee Roth has returned to the stage and has even announced a 21-date summer tour of the U.S. Loud Dave went to the M3 Festival in Maryland as did Darren Paltrowitz from the DLR Cast. Together with their partners Quiet Dave and Steve Roth, both who watched Diamond Dave’s performance via YouTube, all four guys hash it out during a…

1
Episode 113: A Bunch o' Daves: DLR, Dave & Dave Unchained and "The Big Question" 2:18:12

3M ago2:18:12

2:18:12

The DLR Cast is back and and there's a lot going on! At about 52 minutes in, it's the meet-up that just had to happen! Finally, Darren and Steve join forces with Dave and Dave from Dave & Dave Unchained: A Van Halen Podcast for a tag team episode, going all-out in covering and analyzing David Lee Roth's triumphant return to the stage at the M3 Fest…

1
IFH 804: How I Made a Cult Zombie Movie for $75 and Took On Hollywood with Marc V. Price 1:32:52

3M ago1:32:52

1:32:52

When a zombie filmmaker makes you laugh so hard you forget you're talking about death and destruction, you know you're in for something special. On today’s episode, we welcome Marc V. Price, a fiercely independent British filmmaker whose claim to fame is making a cult zombie feature called Colin for just £45. That alone should make you lean in. But…

1
IFH 803: From Wrestling Rings to Public Access Mayhem: The Wild Ride of Mad Man Pondo 56:35

3M ago56:35

56:35

The world is far more peculiar than most of us dare to admit. Somewhere between a demolition derby and a wrestling ring, between the crackle of VHS tapes and the shriek of late-night public access, lies a man who has turned mayhem into meaning. On today’s episode, we welcome the unparalleled and unfiltered Mad Man Pondo, a professional wrestler and…

1
IFH 802: Studios, Scores & Secrets: The Untold Story of Rotten Tomatoes with Patrick Lee 44:27

3M ago44:27

44:27

When the lights of the cinema dim and the hum of anticipation fills the air, something magical happens—stories come alive. And sometimes, the stories behind the storytellers are the most fascinating of all. On today's episode, we welcome Patrick Lee, a man whose quiet curiosity and geeky love for film statistics helped shape the very lens through w…

1
IFH 801: Breaking the Rules: Crafting Powerful Films Without Hollywood Money with Shawn Whitney 52:23

3M ago52:23

52:23

Sometimes, the fire of creativity is struck not by lightning but by the slow, smoldering ache of dissatisfaction. And in today's soul-stirring conversation, we welcome Shawn Whitney, a filmmaker who found cinema not in the corridors of academia, but in the quiet rebellion of self-taught screenwriting and micro-budget filmmaking. Shawn Whitney is a …

1
GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF VH’s “HOT FOR TEACHER” VIDEO WITH LORI TUCKER 3:20:49

4M ago3:20:49

3:20:49

EPISODE #112 - “Hot for Teacher” is universally known as one of MTV’s most popular and creative videos. Model/actress Lori Tucker, who portrayed detention teacher Wanda, talks all about her experience working with the band. An extended VH News is included where the Daves breakdown the new Sammy Hagar single, “Encore. Thank You. Goodnight.” as well …

1
IFH 800: Behind the Scenes of Sharknado: Turning Sci-Fi Madness into Storytelling Gold with Andrew Shaffer 27:37

4M ago27:37

27:37

The mind is a curious trickster, delighting in dreams where logic pirouettes in absurdity. In today's extraordinary episode, we welcome Andrew Shaffer, a humorist and New York Times bestselling author whose wit slices through the storms of reality with a twinkle in his eye and a chainsaw in hand. From the earliest pages of his life, Andrew Shaffer …

1
IFH 799: What Every Indie Filmmaker Can Learn from a $5K Zombie Movie with Bojan Dulabic 1:27:25

4M ago1:27:25

1:27:25

A spark of madness is often the first step toward creation. On today’s episode, we welcome Bojan Dulabic, a passionate Vancouver-based filmmaker who pulled off a small miracle—he made a full-length zombie movie for just $5,000. But this isn't just a story of budgeting brilliance; it's a tale of relentless passion, artistic vision, and the kind of s…

1
IFH 798: From Pills to Pictures: Cynthia Hill's Unlikely Path to Documentary Filmmaking 56:38

4M ago56:38

56:38

Cynthia Hill, a filmmaker from North Carolina, discussed her journey from pharmacy school to filmmaking, highlighting her documentaries "Tobacco Money," "Private Violence," and the upcoming eight-part series "Road to Race Day" on NASCAR. She emphasized the importance of storytelling and character development, sharing her experiences with funding th…

1
IFH 797: From Instagram Mysteries to Indie Horror: The Bold Experiments of Joe Kowalski 1:10:28

4M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

When the winds of curiosity rustle the mind and stir the soul, they often bring with them storytellers—those rare beings who don’t just recount events but breathe life into them. On today's episode, we welcome Joe Kowalski, a young filmmaker from Cleveland whose creative spirit dances between shadows and light, weaving stories through film, mystery…

1
Episode 112: M3, Mea Culpas, and More! 49:53

5M ago49:53

49:53

Darren returns from a trip to the west coast with some interesting, and quite possibly, very good news. First, a mea culpa: word is about that DLR is really putting in the effort - could "The Block" really be happening? Words like "committed" (in the good sense!) are thrown about. For more Darren be sure to check out The Paltrocast. And if you're n…

1
IFH 796: No Film School, No Problem: Gary King's Journey of Grit and Creativity 1:13:03

5M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

Gary King is a filmmaker who transitioned from a career in psychology and human resources to independent cinema, building a body of work that balances heart, hustle, and deeply human storytelling.In the spirit of Taoist unpredictability, Gary’s story unfolds not as a straight line, but as a rich weave of intuition, risk, and creative alignment. He …

1
INVESTIGATION OF THE ABORTED VH CHRONICLES + STEVE ROSEN IS BACK!  3:58:16

5M ago3:58:16

3:58:16

EPISODE #111 - Manna from heaven descended upon Van Halen fans when James Vega unleashed the fury in the form of vintage VH videos ranging from 1978-1984. The Daves breakdown the entire lot including an exclusive email interview with Mr. Vega who answers all their burning questions in a special edition of VH News. Rock journalist extraordinaire Ste…

1
Episode 111: All-in for Dave's U.S. Tour! 1:17:30

5M ago1:17:30

1:17:30

David Lee Roth's U.S. tour is now...two dates, with the addition of the recently announced September 12th date at Mountain Winery in California. Steve and Darren dig into that, and Darren's got a backstory and a theory. What will Dave's setlist be like? Who's in the band? And just how many corporate gigs has Dave been playing? Are they all Royal Ma…

1
IFH 795: Balancing Hollywood Productions and Indie Passion Projects with Jamie Buckner 1:11:42

5M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

Some stories unfold not with a bang, but with the echo of a bowling ball rolling down a waxed lane—steady, unpredictable, and brimming with hidden intention. On today’s episode, we welcome a filmmaker whose journey is stitched together with sweat-soaked call sheets, stubborn creative grit, and a romance with storytelling that stretches back to a Su…

1
IFH 794: The Art of Film Marketing: How to Make Your Movie Impossible to Ignore with Danielle Raiz 33:29

5M ago33:29

33:29

A blank canvas. A single frame. The quiet hum before a film breathes life into a screen. But what happens after the final cut? How does a filmmaker's vision transcend the void and reach the hearts and minds of an audience? Today, we unravel this mystery with Danielle Raiz, a passionate advocate for creatives, whose work at Wix has been dedicated to…

1
IFH 793: Comedy, Confidence, and the Art of Reinvention with Rhonda Shear 57:35

5M ago57:35

57:35

Some moments in life are stitched together like the seams of a well-loved garment, their fabric woven with laughter, reinvention, and a refusal to let the world dictate what is possible. On today's episode, we welcome Rhonda Shear, a woman who embodies this spirit of transformation with a playful wink and an unstoppable drive. Many remember her as …

1
IFH 792: The Power of the Cut: Storytelling Secrets from Michael Trent 42:59

6M ago42:59

42:59

A film editor’s job is much like the work of a sculptor. You take a massive block of material—raw footage—and with a series of delicate, precise cuts, you shape it into something cohesive, something meaningful. In today’s episode, we welcome Michael Trent, a master of cinematic storytelling who has spent his career assembling some of Hollywood’s mo…

1
Episode 110: Live, with a Lot o' News 1:32:18

6M ago1:32:18

1:32:18

Live on YouTube a couple of days ago, with a lot of DLR stuff happening! Darren and Steve try and digest the slew of rare Van Halen footage on the JamesTVega You Tube channel as well who he is and the possible source(s) of the videos, which include awesome outtakes from the "Panama" and "Hot for Teacher" music videos. Plus, odd M3 concert ticketing…

1
BACKSTAGE WITH FAN HALEN  2:54:34

6M ago2:54:34

2:54:34

EPISODE #110 - Fan Halen is the biggest Van Halen tribute band touring the United States today. Loud Dave caught up with the entire band backstage at their Long Island gig on the eve of Eddie Van Halen’s 70th birthday. He interviewed each member about their role in the band and the detail they put into their performance. A VH News segment and a ful…

1
IFH 791: Beyond the Script: Gordy Hoffman’s Guide to Emotional Storytelling 1:05:56

6M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Life, they say, is a story we tell ourselves—a script of experience, moments, and emotions woven into a narrative only we can claim as our own. On today’s episode, we welcome Gordy Hoffman, a screenwriter, director, and the mind behind the BlueCat Screenwriting Competition. His journey through the labyrinth of storytelling has been marked by profou…

1
IFH 790: From Short to Feature: The Filmmaker’s Journey with Michael G. Kehoe 1:15:50

6M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

On today’s episode, we welcome Michael G. Kehoe, a filmmaker who turned a whisper of an idea into the resounding voice of a feature film. From Brooklyn to Hollywood, from an eight-year-old boy watching his mother direct community theater to a director commanding his own set, Michael’s journey is one of persistence, heartbreak, and sheer creative wi…

1
IFH 789: The Indie Filmmaker’s Journey: Curt Wiser on Creativity, Persistence, and Making Cam Girl 1:34:37

6M ago1:34:37

1:34:37

On today's episode, we welcome Curt Wiser, a writer and director whose journey proves that the path to making movies doesn’t require a New York or Los Angeles zip code. From the sunny shores of Florida, Curt has forged his own cinematic destiny, creating the suspenseful and thought-provoking film Cam Girl—a story of isolation, control, and survival…

1
Episode 109: The Shoes Are Back On -- At The M3 Rock Festival! 56:17

6M ago56:17

56:17

Darren and Steve are psyched - there's new David Lee Roth News! First, Diamond Dave throws the shoes back in (iykyk), making his return to the live stage at the M3 Rock Festival on Saturday, May 3! "Couldn't of happened, but it did," who might be in the band, and will there be "double-trouble guitars" as Dave's announcement said? A Van Halen heavy …

1
IFH 788: The Unscripted Journey of Steven Bernstein: From Cinematographer to Storyteller 59:28

7M ago59:28

59:28

What if the greatest stories of our lives are the ones we never meant to write? On today’s episode, we welcome Steven Bernstein, a man whose journey through the world of cinema has been anything but predictable. A writer at heart, a cinematographer by accident, and a director by destiny, his career is a living testament to the art of surrendering t…

1
IFH 787: From Ultraviolent Wrestling to Transformative Filmmaking: The Story of Matthew T. Burns 1:21:52

7M ago1:21:52

1:21:52

On today's episode, we welcome Matthew T. Burns, an individual who embodies resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Known to wrestling fans as "Sick Nick Mondo," Matthew has transitioned from his legendary career in ultraviolent wrestling to become a filmmaker, storyteller, and advocate for the art of storytelling. His journey is nothing short of …

1
THE UNHEARD EDWARD VAN HALEN INTERVIEW FROM 1995 3:10:24

7M ago3:10:24

3:10:24

EPISODE #109 - Happy 70th Birthday Edward Van Halen and Happy 30th Anniversary “Balance.” The Daves collectively celebrate these two special occasions with an unheard 48-minute interview with EVH by a young David J. Criblez circa 1995. A VH News segment and a "lucky 13" mailbag complete this January 2025 episode. Download the podcast for free on Sp…

1
IFH 786: Crafting Authentic Stories from Lady Gaga to Sci-Fi Futures with Kim Ray 1:11:24

7M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

On today's episode, we welcome the multi-talented Kim Ray, a writer, producer, and director whose career spans reality TV, documentaries, and scripted projects. Best known for her work on the Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, Kim’s journey through the industry is an inspiring tale of creativity, resilience, and innovation.Our conversation be…

1
IFH 785: Unveiling the Art of Screenwriting: A Journey with Kristin Overn 56:00

7M ago56:00

56:00

There’s a certain magic in the way creativity stirs the soul, and on today’s episode, we welcome Kristin Overn, a seasoned producer and the visionary behind the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. With a career steeped in the art of storytelling, Kristin has spent years cultivating opportunities for writers to transform their ideas into script…

1
Episode 108: "Irving, Can You Hear Me?" 53:18

7M ago53:18

53:18

Happy New Year and Darren and Steve return, talking about new activity around David Lee Roth: the just-announced, forthcoming 5 CD/5 LP box set featuring the first five DLR solo releases (Crazy from the Heat, Eat 'Em and Smile, Skyscraper, A Little Ain't Enough and Your Filthy Little Mouth), new Dave's assorted "pot label" videos, and the recent Va…

1
IFH 784: Mastering the Art of Connection: Kristen Maldonado's Journey Through Pop Culture and Social Media 49:18

7M ago49:18

49:18

On today’s episode, we are graced with Kristen Maldonado, a vibrant storyteller whose passion for pop culture and digital strategy has led her to roles like Social Media Manager at MTV's "Total Request Live." Kristen’s journey from theater major to social media powerhouse is nothing short of inspiring, filled with twists, determination, and a lot o…

1
IFH 783: Phil Proctor: A Journey Through Comedy, Resilience, and the Art of Reality 55:59

8M ago55:59

55:59

The landscape of existence can sometimes feel like a cosmic play—actors shifting between roles, creating stories that ripple through time. On today's episode, we welcome Phil Proctor, an artist whose life weaves a tapestry of creativity, resilience, and humor. Known for his work with the legendary Firesign Theatre and an illustrious voice acting ca…

1
SAMMY SPOTLIGHT: “RED ON BLACK” AUTHOR SPEAKS ABOUT NEW HAGAR BOOK 3:49:59

8M ago3:49:59

3:49:59

EPISODE #108 - Sammy Hagar has had an illustrious career spanning from Montrose to a solo artist to Van Halen to Chickenfoot and back to being a solo artist. All of his 50 plus year journey is captured in author Tim Durling’s new book, “Red on Black: The Listener’s Guide to Sammy Hagar.” The Daves hold a deep-dive conversation with Durling about th…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Dave Unchained Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide