Nostalgia on Zonk Media

Zonk's 80's Movie Trivia Livestream - Join Us for 80's Movies Trivia

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I decided to put my 80’s movie knowledge to the test—and invite everyone in my livestream chat to do the same! We hosted an epic 80’s Movie Trivia Livestream where viewers could compete against each other in real-time by typing their answers into the chat. What made this really fun was our custom trivia software that automatically captured everyone’s responses and awarded points to whoever answered correctly first. It was like having a game show right there in the livestream, and I loved seeing the chat light up with competitive energy as people battled it out over classic 80’s film questions.

I Built a Trivia Game You Play From the Live Chat

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the days when I ran a bulletin board system out of my bedroom back in 1992. That was a wild time—multiple phone lines, modems, subscribers dialing in from all over—and one night when I installed a trivia game called Farwest Trivia, something just clicked. It became this incredible community hub where people would log in not just to play, but to be part of something together.

My Dad Banned Video Games. Then He Bought Us Zork.

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Growing up in the 1980s, my family had pretty strict rules about what I could do on our Atari 800XL computer. Video games were basically off-limits unless I could prove I was being productive and actually using the machine to learn something worthwhile. But there was one glorious exception to that rule: Zork. My dad actually bought us Zork, and it completely changed how I thought about gaming and interactive storytelling. It wasn’t just a game—it was a gateway into understanding what computers could really do.

The 80s Movie I Avoided as a Kid - I Finally Watched Labyrinth

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I finally sat down and watched Labyrinth last night, and I have to admit—I’m kicking myself for avoiding it all these years. Back when it came out in 1986, the whole thing just didn’t appeal to me. Goblins, puppets, all that mystical fantasy stuff? Not my jam as a kid. But watching it now, 40 years later, I found myself completely captivated. There’s something about David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly’s performances, combined with the practical effects and earnest 80s filmmaking, that just works. I get into why I think I needed to wait until now to appreciate what Jim Henson created, and honestly, it’s made me rethink some of the other movies I dismissed back then.

The Crank Call My Brother and I Recorded in Fifth Grade

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I recently stumbled upon a cassette tape from fifth grade—a crank call that my brother and I recorded together. Listening to it again after all these years hit me differently than I expected. It wasn’t just funny hearing our younger voices trying to pull off this prank; it was a window into a time when we were just kids goofing around, completely unaware that we were creating a memory we’d treasure decades later. The tape became this unexpected time capsule of our relationship, capturing not just the call itself, but the ease and joy we shared before life got complicated.

Recreating Mann 6 Theatre Magic with AI #shorts

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I’ve been thinking a lot about Mann 6 Theatre in Simi Valley lately. It’s one of those places from my past that holds so many memories—those nights catching a movie, the smell of popcorn, the magic of the big screen. So when I realized the theatre is gone, I decided to do something I’ve been wanting to try: I used AI to bring it back to life. By combining old photos I had of the theatre with movie stills and some creative prompting, I was able to generate realistic video footage showing Mann 6 Theatre in its prime. It’s wild how technology can resurrect these pieces of our past, even if just digitally.

Last Night at 11pm I Realized Something Had Changed

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Last night, as I sat down to choose between two YouTube videos at 11pm, I realized something had changed. It started with a VCR and a Knight Rider episode, taking me back to my childhood days with my dad. But as I crunched the numbers in my head to make that simple decision, I realized this whole vlogging thing has become something more. It’s not just about posting videos anymore. It’s about the Circle of Goodness - the community of people who show up because they genuinely care, not just because the content is there. This video is for all of you, the ones who make this journey so meaningful. As I filmed, I ended up somewhere I didn’t expect, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Perusing the Simi Valley Town Center Mall and Dreaming About Our Own Business

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Today, my wife Rachel and I took a stroll through the Simi Valley Town Center Mall, a place that holds a lot of memories for us. When this mall first opened back in 2005, it was a bustling hub of activity - we were even there for the grand opening celebration! But over the years, we’ve watched the mall struggle to maintain its popularity and foot traffic. Many of the once-thriving stores have closed up shop, leaving vacant storefronts in their wake. As we wandered through the empty common areas and passed by the abandoned anchor stores, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia and disappointment. This mall used to be the center of our community, a place where families would come to shop, dine, and be entertained. Now, it’s a shadow of its former self. But I’m hopeful that with the news of a new owner taking over, there might be a chance to breathe new life into this place. My wife and I have been tossing around ideas for opening our own business here, something that could appeal to the younger generation and bring more energy to the mall. We think there’s an opportunity to create a space that caters to the interests and needs of today’s teenagers, who are often overlooked when it comes to entertainment options in our town. It’s an exciting prospect, and we’re eager to explore the possibilities further.

Star Wars Explorer: Is Original Trilogy Nostalgia Still King? #shorts

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I’ve always been drawn to the original trilogy. There’s just something special about those classic films that continues to capture my heart. In my latest video, I dive deep into my passion for the original Star Wars movies and explore why the nostalgia surrounding them is still so strong. In the video, I share my personal journey as a fan, from first discovering the original trilogy as a kid to rewatching them countless times over the years. I talk about the timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and groundbreaking special effects that make these films so iconic. And I discuss how, even as newer Star Wars content continues to be released, the original trilogy remains the gold standard that every installment is measured against. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just someone who appreciates great filmmaking, I think you’ll find my take on the enduring legacy of the original trilogy really insightful and engaging. So hop on board the Millennium Falcon and join me as I explore the reasons why the nostalgia for these beloved movies is still king.

Everything, Everywhere All At Once Filming Locations and the Simi Valley Town Center Mall

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I headed to the Simi Valley Town Center to show you around, with a call to action for fellow vloggers: if you started vlogging because of someone like Adam, get invested in your city and show people where you live. This mall is a real point of frustration for me. It’s a beautiful property and a frequent filming location, and much of Everything Everywhere All at Once, one of my favorite movies, was shot in Simi Valley and in and around the mall. The Japanese restaurant scene was filmed where Cork and Batter is now, and a nearby building, now an Amazon building, was the IRS building, made to look much taller with a matte painting. It also appeared in Sneakers, and I believe the parking lot showed up in Men in Black.

There's No Such Thing as ONE Star Wars Fandom - Introducing the Gen X Star Wars Fandom

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

There’s a common narrative that the Star Wars fandom is toxic or divided, but I think it’s more accurate to say it’s diversified. Star Wars has been around for close to 50 years, so there are multiple generations with different perspectives, and YouTube shows this perfectly. I take a tour of a few channels I follow. Star Wars Explained, run by Alex and Molly, is my favorite: the “all of it” crowd who cover canon, legends, comics, shows and films with mostly positive energy and measured critique. Star Wars Theory is the biggest channel in the space and gives voice to fans who feel something was lost in the Disney era. Star Wars Meg is the news desk, covering what’s happening right now.

Finding My Way Again at the Park and Exploring Classic Movie & TV Locations

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Last time I came to Corriganville Park, I took one wrong turn, went up the wrong hills and ended up near the Hopetown neighborhood without finding any of the landmarks I love. It was really embarrassing, since there are only a couple of places to go. This time I brought Rachel, who’s been here a few thousand times, to guide me, and we found all the cool spots. We also got a rare green and wet park after some rain. It’s usually dry brown hills, and there was even running water carving paths into the trails. Rachel spotted something purple on the hill, which turned out to be just dead brush.

Monsters Inc. Ride Mike & Sulley To The Rescue 2026 - The Final Year

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

We took one more ride on Mike & Sulley to the Rescue at Disney California Adventure, and I recorded it because this is the final year for it. The queue and ride took us through Monstropolis, with the news reports about a human child on the loose, the scare floor, and the race to find the door. It’s a fun ride, and I wanted to capture it before it’s gone.

Ditching School and Work for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure in 2026

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

We took a day off from work and school and headed to Disneyland, leaving early enough to be in Anaheim by about 6:20 for breakfast at Denny’s, which used to be fast and cheap and is now fast and expensive. We still missed rope drop, and the park was already packed. February used to be the quiet time of year, but not anymore. The reservation system seems to create this artificial demand, so it’s just always busy now.

KROQ Fired Kevin Ryder, Allie McKay and Jensen Karp #kroq #kevinandbean #kleinallyshow

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Not even two months after they finally settled on their new name, they fired everybody on the show. Kevin, Ally, Jensen and a handful of other people were just gone, and I couldn’t believe it.

Key Points

It was only about two months after they settled on the new show name that everyone was let go.
Kevin got to say one more thing on the air, and he ripped K-Rock before security escorted him out.
I was shocked and upset, and a lot of other people were too.
There was a lot of discussion online about it.

This post was automatically generated from my YouTube video. Watch above or view directly on YouTube.

Ralph Garman on KROQ Was a Phenomenal Talent #kroq #kevinandbean #ralphgarman

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I think Ralph Garman joined the show around 1999 or 2000, and he was great. He was funny, his timing was spot on, and I loved his passion for entertainment, his style and his delivery. If you remember when he started, you might be a K-Rock historian.

Key Points

Ralph Garman joined the show around 1999 or 2000.
He started out doing Hollywood news, which later became his Showbiz Beat.
His comedy, timing and impressions were spot on.
Kevin and Bean embraced him and didn’t hold him back.

This post was automatically generated from my YouTube video. Watch above or view directly on YouTube.

KROQ Historian - History of 106.7 Kevin and Bean, Jimmy Kimmel, Ralph Garman to Klein & Ally

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

My kids got me thinking that I might qualify as a K-Rock historian. I’ve listened since the late ’80s and with dedication since about 1990. My 16-year-old son asked why he’d want to listen to my “boomer music,” and when we went to the Klein Ally show meetup, my daughter looked at the line and said she didn’t think she fit the demographic. I get it. The music I hear on K-Rock is the oldies to them, just like my parents’ hits from the ’50s and ’60s were to me. I’m bad at song titles and lyrics while Rachel knows all of them. We share a love of K-Rock, though for her the morning show is Klein Ally and for me it’s Kevin and Bean.