Mad Props with Chris Schnabel

Schnabel Studios

Welcome to Mad Props with Chris Schnabel! We’re all about giving mad props to individuals in various industries while diving into their inspiring journeys. From the NBA to civil rights and beyond, we chat with people from diverse backgrounds. Produced by Chris Schnabel Music by Kyle Scott Edited by Chris Schnabel. Let’s celebrate success stories together!

  1. Author Kate Pentecost Talks Horror, Writing Novels & Building New Worlds

    6d ago

    Author Kate Pentecost Talks Horror, Writing Novels & Building New Worlds

    Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel welcomes author Kate Pentecost for the first installment of the Comicpalooza interview series, recorded at Comicpalooza. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Kate Pentecost is the author of Elysium Girls and That Dark Infinity, known for blending fantasy, horror, mythology, and unforgettable storytelling. During this live conversation from Comicpalooza, Kate discusses her journey into writing, the publishing industry, horror storytelling, creative inspiration, gaming concepts, music, and the future of interactive storytelling. The conversation explores: • Growing up with a passion for writing • Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing • Young adult fantasy and horror fiction • Video games as narrative experiences • Health, wellness, and personal growth Chris and Kate also discuss Ready Player One, horror films, abandoned locations, theater, music, storytelling across different mediums, and why creators should continue exploring new forms of artistic expression. Follow Kate Pentecost Website: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17712741.Kate_Pentecost IG: https://www.instagram.com/katepentecost/ Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel Epsiode shot by William Cornell Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro 01:42 – Ranking Fictional Musicians Tier List 18:22 – Kate Pentecost Joins the Show at Comicpalooza 19:28 – Kate's History with Comicpalooza 20:01 – From Rural Texas to Published Author 21:20 – Publishing During the 2020 Lockdown 22:31 – Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing 23:55 – Discovering a Passion for Writing 25:01 – Music's Influence on Creativity 26:14 – Alternate Reality Games & Interactive Storytelling 27:11 – Video Games as Modern Storytelling 28:25 – Geocaching, Real World Narratives & ARG Concepts 30:25 – Trying New Creative Mediums 32:48 – Music, Family & Artistic Exploration 34:07 – Theater, Live Performance & Audience Energy 35:24 – The Future of Movie Theaters and Shared Experiences 38:49 – Where Communities Gather in the Modern World 40:26 – Urban Exploration & Creative Inspiration 42:01 – Chris Shares the History of Mad Props 49:09 – Horror Fiction, Suspense & Favorite Horror Stories 54:25 – Health, Wellness & Personal Growth 59:21 – Kate's Upcoming Southern Gothic Horror Project 1:00:02 – Final Plugs

    1h 3m
  2. Catherine Cavadini Talks Powerpuff Girls and Voice Acting

    May 31

    Catherine Cavadini Talks Powerpuff Girls and Voice Acting

    Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel welcomes legendary voice actress Catherine Cavadini, best known as the voice of Blossom from The Powerpuff Girls, for a conversation about animation, voice acting, conventions, and the lasting legacy of one of Cartoon Network's most iconic series. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Catherine shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of Cartoon Network, working with creator Craig McCracken, recording alongside Tara Strong and E.G. Daily, and helping bring one of animation's most beloved superheroes to life. The conversation explores Catherine's journey into voice acting, how she accidentally discovered the industry, the evolution of animation and video games, convention experiences, fan interactions, performance capture technology, and the changing landscape of voiceover work. Topics include: • Becoming Blossom in The Powerpuff Girls • The golden era of Cartoon Network • Working with Craig McCracken and the original cast • Voice acting conventions and meeting fans • Recording animation in the 1990s vs. today • Home studios and remote voice acting • The evolution of voice acting careers • Advice for aspiring voice actors Whether you're a fan of The Powerpuff Girls, Cartoon Network, animation history, video games, voice acting, or behind-the-scenes stories from some of your favorite cartoons, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of the industry's most recognizable careers. Follow Catherine Cavadini Instagram: @catherinecavadini https://catherinecavadini.com/ Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Sketching Up! https://www.youtube.com/@sketchinguppodcast/ Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 01:42 – Sketching Up: Underrated Cartoon Network Shows 22:48 – Catherine Cavadini Joins the Show 25:56 – Fan Interactions, Autism Advocacy & Convention Culture 35:49 – Celebrity Casting vs. Professional Voice Actors 40:44 – How Catherine Accidentally Found Voice Acting 43:17 – Landing the Role of Blossom 46:38 – The Golden Era of Cartoon Network 49:31 – Discovering the Lasting Impact of The Powerpuff Girls 50:28 – Modern Voice Acting and Video Games 53:26 – Home Studios, COVID Changes & Remote Recording 54:55 – Performance Capture and Acting Beyond the Voice 57:50 – Teaching Voice Acting and Advice for New Talent

    1h 25m
  3. J.M. DeMatteis Talks Spider-Man, Comic Writing & Creative Purpose

    May 25

    J.M. DeMatteis Talks Spider-Man, Comic Writing & Creative Purpose

    What makes a great comic book story timeless? Welcome to Mad Props. Today, host Chris Schnabel sits down with legendary comic writer J. M. DeMatteis to talk about storytelling, creativity, spirituality, comics, and the emotional depth behind some of the most iconic comic book runs ever created. Known for legendary works like Kraven's Last Hunt, Moonshadow, and his unforgettable runs on Spider-Man, Batman, and the Justice League, DeMatteis dives deep into the philosophy behind writing emotionally grounded stories that connect with readers across generations. The conversation explores: The emotional core of Spider-Man storiesWriting Kraven’s Last Hunt and darker comic themesCreativity, spirituality, and artistic purposeThe evolution of comic books and fandom cultureStorytelling beyond superheroesHow personal experiences shape writingConvention experiences and meeting comic fansAdvice for aspiring writers and creators If you love Marvel, DC Comics, Spider-Man, comic book writing, storytelling, creativity, or behind-the-scenes conversations with legendary creators, this episode is packed with insight. Follow J.M. DeMatteis Website: https://www.jmdematteis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm.dematteis Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmdematteis.bsky.social Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel Episode produced by Joe Brown Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 02:14 – Comicpalooza, conventions & connecting with fans 05:37 – How J.M. first got into comic writing 09:12 – Early storytelling influences & creative inspiration 13:46 – Writing Spider-Man and iconic Marvel characters 18:03 – The emotional psychology behind superheroes 22:41 – Creating Kraven's Last Hunt 27:18 – Why darker comic stories resonate so deeply 31:52 – Storytelling as emotional therapy & self-discovery 36:07 – Spirituality, creativity & artistic purpose 40:26 – Writing outside of superheroes & personal storytelling 44:51 – The creative process and finding inspiration 49:08 – Character depth vs spectacle in modern storytelling 53:24 – Why Spider-Man connects across generations 57:33 – Fan interactions, conventions & comic culture 01:01:47 – Advice for aspiring writers & creators 01:06:18 – The future of comics and storytelling 01:10:42 – Final thoughts

    58 min
  4. Grey DeLisle on Voice Acting, Songwriting, Touring Europe & Social Media Culture

    May 18

    Grey DeLisle on Voice Acting, Songwriting, Touring Europe & Social Media Culture

    Come watch our panel at Comicpalooza: https://bit.ly/MadProps-Comicpalooza Grey DeLisle is one of the most iconic voice actresses in animation and ALSO a full-time touring musician and songwriter? We sit down with legendary voice actress and musician Grey DeLisle to talk about balancing voice acting, music, motherhood, touring Europe, social media, conventions, creativity, and the evolving entertainment industry. Grey opens up about: Voicing iconic characters like Daphne Blake, Azula, Vicky, and MandyTouring Europe while balancing family life and parentingRediscovering songwriting during the pandemic after a 20-year creative blockReleasing multiple albums and exploring different music genresHow social media changed fame, celebrity culture, and entertainment Grey also discusses her upcoming albums, including her collaborative record with Les Green, recording music at the Cash Cabin with Johnny Cash & June Carter’s son John Carter Cash, and working with legendary producer Andy Paley. Follow Grey DeLisle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greydelisle X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/greydelisle Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Comicpalooza announcement & social media rant 03:30 – Twitter/X paywalls and social media frustrations 06:00 – The changing meaning of verification online 08:30 – Grey returns home from Europe tour for family time 10:00 – Balancing motherhood, touring & career guilt 13:00 – Grey’s new albums and music releases 15:00 – Rediscovering songwriting during the pandemic 17:00 – Writing over 600 songs after a 20-year block 19:00 – How Grey got into voice acting and cartoon voices 22:30 – Voice acting vs music career beginnings 24:00 – Stage fright and losing creativity for years 28:00 – Songwriting inspiration & “song fairy” philosophy 30:00 – Meeting fans at conventions 33:00 – Why voice actors should do the voices for fans 36:00 – Influencer culture and internet fame 38:00 – How social media changed celebrity status 42:00 – Why creators now need social media followings 44:00 – The dangers of posting every thought online 48:00 – Upcoming Europe tour dates & new albums 50:00 – Working with legendary musicians & producers 54:00 – Country, soul, folk & Beach Boys influences 55:30 – Why fans resist artists changing styles 57:00 – Outro

    40 min
  5. Mad Props Mailbag: Talking YouTube Rabbit Holes, Guests, Sports Media & Comicpalooza

    May 11

    Mad Props Mailbag: Talking YouTube Rabbit Holes, Guests, Sports Media & Comicpalooza

    Welcome to Mad Props, host Chris Schnabel opens up the mailbag and answers listener-submitted questions about the podcast, his career, sports media, dream guests, behind-the-scenes stories, favorite interviews, and what it takes to keep Mad Props growing. Chris talks about the evolution of Mad Props, how the podcast got its name, the early days of interviewing guests, and the moments that helped shape the show into what it is today. He also shares stories about past guests like Rob Paulsen, Phil LaMarr, Carlos Alazraqui, Julius Thomas, Ava Bunn, Jordan Ta’amu, Momo Sanogo, and more. This episode also dives into: How Chris prepares for interviewsThe hardest parts of podcastingGuests he wants to bring backHis dream guestWorking in sports media and content creationGonzaga, Hartford Athletic, and career lessonsFavorite baseball memoriesYouTube rabbit holes, tornado videos, basketball, fitness, and personal stories Chris also previews his first-ever Comicpalooza panel, “The Art of Interview,” happening May 24 at 4:15 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. If you’re a fan of Mad Props, sports media, podcasting, interviews, animation guests, voice actors, content creation, or behind-the-scenes podcast stories, this episode gives you a deeper look at the host behind the show. Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Why Chris is doing more solo episodes 02:00 – Comicpalooza announcement 04:30 – How to submit mailbag questions 06:00 – When did podcasting feel like something real? 08:30 – The guest who changed Mad Props 11:00 – Keeping in touch with former guests 13:30 – Hardest interviews to prepare for 16:00 – Gonzaga and getting back into sports media 18:00 – How Chris got into filming sports 19:30 – Biggest interview lessons learned 22:00 – Guests canceling and podcast frustrations 23:30 – Favorite Hartford Athletic social media moment 24:30 – Dream Mad Props guest 26:00 – Does Chris get nervous before interviews? 31:00 – What people misunderstand about Mad Props 32:30 – How much planning goes into an episode 34:30 – How Mad Props got its name 38:00 – Advice for sports media and content creators 39:00 – Episodes Chris wishes more people discovered 42:00 – Hobbies outside podcasting 44:00 – YouTube rabbit holes and tornado obsession 46:30 – Swapping lives with a former guest 47:00 – Unfinished guest ideas and screenshots 51:00 – What makes someone fun to interview 52:00 – Biggest irrational fear 53:30 – Weird YouTube rabbit holes 56:30 – What people assume wrong about Chris 57:30 – Final Comicpalooza plug 59:00 – Outro

    1 hr
  6. From Rocko to Reno 911: Carlos Alazraqui Breaks Down Voice Acting

    May 4

    From Rocko to Reno 911: Carlos Alazraqui Breaks Down Voice Acting

    What does it take to create some of the most iconic voices in animation? In this episode of Mad Props, host Chris Schnabel sits down with legendary voice actor Carlos Alazraqui—known for bringing characters like Rocko, Denzel Crocker, and roles in Reno 911! to life. Carlos dives into: How he created voices for Rocko, Crocker, Lazlo, and moreThe improv and real-life inspirations behind iconic charactersWhat it’s like hearing your voice come out of characters fans loveWhy nostalgia hits so hard for fans (Rocco, Spyro, Fairly OddParents)They also talk about: The impact of conventions and meeting fans in personBehind-the-scenes stories from animation, gaming, and live eventsHis documentary project Mr. Big and bringing a 60-year-old film idea to life If you love cartoons, voice acting, animation, or behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite shows, this episode is packed with insight and nostalgia. Follow Carlos Alazraqui Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosalazraqui Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlosalazraqui See Carlos: https://bit.ly/4d14Oj1 Come to our Comicpalooza Panel 5/24 at 4:15 pm https://bit.ly/4teTENV Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Voice Acting Legend Carlos Alazraqui 04:30 – The impact of Rocco, Spyro & iconic roles 07:00 – Seeing your voice come to life for fans 10:00 – Why nostalgia hits so hard 12:00 – Creating the Crocker voice (Fairly OddParents) 15:00 – Improv and influences behind voice acting 18:00 – Building characters from real-life inspiration 21:00 – Practicing voices & developing range 24:00 – Sound-alikes vs original characters 27:00 – Playing roles on Family Guy & new shows 30:00 – Hearing yourself in new characters 32:00 – Ocean plunges, routines & mental reset 36:00 – Daily routines & staying energized for conventions 39:00 – Soccer, LAFC & passion outside acting 44:00 – Why live sports feel like “real-life comics” 48:00 – Fan culture, community & identity 52:00 – The “Mr. Big” documentary explained 56:00 – Film festivals & future distribution plans 59:00 – Social media, branding & fan engagement 01:02:00 – Con experiences & interacting with fans 01:05:00 – Reno 911 stories & cosplay moments 01:07:00 – Outro

    1h 11m
  7. NASA Engineer Turned Author, Zach Taylor

    Apr 27

    NASA Engineer Turned Author, Zach Taylor

    What’s it like to work at NASA… and then go write a novel about rockstars? In this episode of Mad Props, host Chris Schnabel sits down with NASA engineer and author Zach Taylor to dive into two completely different worlds—space exploration and storytelling. Zach shares: How he became a NASA engineer and what the job is really likeThe pressure behind working on missions that impact human spaceflightWhy space exploration still matters (and what’s holding it back)The reality of NASA funding, missions, and long-term goalsHis journey into writing and publishing his debut novel Rockstar Echoes The conversation then shifts into Zach’s book, exploring: The inspiration behind Rockstar EchoesFame vs. the grind of making it in the music industryBuilding complex characters and long-form storytellingThe realities of being an independent author 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, creators, engineers, and storytellers. Follow Zach Taylor Instagram & TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/@ZachTaylorBooks https://www.tiktok.com/@ZachTaylorBooks Buy Rockstars: Echoes: https://bit.ly/4czPn2D Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – Chris announces Comicpalooza appearance 03:30 – Meeting Zach through Reddit 04:00 – How Zach got into NASA 06:30 – Life as a NASA engineer & pressure of the job 08:30 – Managing teams, workload & mission stress 10:15 – Why Huntsville is “Rocket City” 12:15 – NASA launches & witnessing history 14:30 – Why space exploration still matters 16:45 – Funding challenges & political impact on NASA 19:00 – Why getting to the Moon is so difficult 21:00 – Conspiracies, perception & public understanding 24:00 – Why Zach started writing 26:00 – Inspiration behind Rockstar Echoes 28:00 – Writing process & publishing journey 30:00 – Independent publishing vs traditional publishing 32:45 – Fame vs grind: themes of the book 35:30 – Female perspective in rock music storytelling 38:00 – Music industry realities & gender dynamics 41:00 – Research process behind the story 42:30 – What Zach wants readers to take away 44:30 – Future books & series expansion 47:30 – New project idea: “Skinsuit” 50:30 – Where to find Zach & his book 52:30 – Outro

    56 min
  8. Life After Football, Momo Sanogo

    Apr 20

    Life After Football, Momo Sanogo

    What happens when the game ends? In this episode of Mad Props, host Chris Schnabel sits down with former Ole Miss standout and UFL champion Momo Sanogo to talk about the reality of life after football — from chasing NFL opportunities to making the difficult decision to step away from the game and build a new career. Momo opens up about: His journey through college football at Ole Miss and LouisvilleThe transition from XFL to UFL and winning a championshipThe emotional side of walking away from footballFinding purpose outside of sportsBreaking into medical device sales and building a new future The conversation goes beyond sports — diving into mindset, identity, discipline, and what it really takes to move on from something you’ve dedicated your entire life to. Plus, Chris and Momo get into everything from YouTube rabbit holes to streaming culture, content creation, and life experiences that shape who you become after athletics. If you’re an athlete, former athlete, or just someone navigating a big life transition — this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations with athletes, creators, and professionals. Follow Momo: IG: https://www.instagram.com/_momosanogo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@momosanogo7 Follow Mad Props Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – YouTube Music vs Spotify rant (and why it matters) 06:20 – Momo joins the show & UFL connection 12:00 – What Momo does now: Medical Device Sales 13:15 – Why he left finance for a more competitive career 14:00 – Football journey: Ole Miss → Louisville → UFL 15:00 – Inside UFL training camp & roster cuts 17:45 – The decision to walk away from football 19:00 – Trusting the process & finding signs 20:00 – Life after football: identity, purpose & family 21:30 – Why coaching wasn’t the right path 23:00 – Chris’ career journey & pivot into media 26:00 – Social media, content, and building visibility 28:00 – Why athletes NEED content in today’s world 30:00 – YouTube habits, streaming & rabbit holes 40:00 – Spotify vs YouTube Music debate 45:00 – Content creation struggles & engagement 50:00 – Viral strategies & intentional “wrong takes” 56:00 – Random stories: spiders, snakes & Texas life 58:00 – Final thoughts

    1h 15m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Mad Props with Chris Schnabel! We’re all about giving mad props to individuals in various industries while diving into their inspiring journeys. From the NBA to civil rights and beyond, we chat with people from diverse backgrounds. Produced by Chris Schnabel Music by Kyle Scott Edited by Chris Schnabel. Let’s celebrate success stories together!