Mad Props with Chris Schnabel

Schnabel Studios

5.0 (4)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED WEEKLY

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! RSSVERIFY

FEB 13

Quarterback, Jordan Ta'amu

Mad Props host Chris Schnabel sits down with Jordan Ta’amu — quarterback for the DC Defenders and former NFL QB — for a fun, competitive, and behind-the-scenes conversation that blends football, friendship, and everything in-between. From Hawaii to Ole Miss (SEC) to the pros, Jordan breaks down his journey, his mindset, and what it’s like navigating pro opportunities across leagues — plus stories from the road, gaming battles, and the real competitive edge that fueled a championship run. Jordan Ta’amu: Jordan Ta’amu is a quarterback from O‘ahu, Hawaii, who rose from junior college (New Mexico Military Institute) to Ole Miss, where he became a productive SEC starter and set program marks. He later earned NFL opportunities (including time with the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs) and became a standout in spring football, leading the DC Defenders and building a reputation as a dynamic playmaker and leader. Subscribe for weekly interviews with athletes, creators, entertainers, and industry leaders. Follow Jordan Ta’amuInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan_taamu10 Mad Props PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropod Chris SchnabelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabelTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel Episode Produced by Chris SchnabelEpisode Edited by Chris SchnabelMad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters00:00 – Intro: Jordan Ta’amu joins Mad Props + “we compete over EVERYTHING”02:11 – Friendship + DC Defenders season connection03:09 – Super Smash Brothers rivalry (and the bus battles)06:28 – “Olympic day” competitions: hoops, bowling, air hockey, more07:34 – From Hawaii to Ole Miss: the recruiting journey09:14 – Junior college at New Mexico Military Institute (military rules + full ride)11:13 – Committing to Ole Miss + stepping in after injury13:56 – NCAA eligibility frustrations + rule changes16:47 – Draft process: combine medicals + torn ACL discovery20:07 – Texans → XFL opportunity + COVID shutting everything down23:54 – Sports during COVID + getting the call to the Chiefs25:27 – NFL COVID era + unexpected attention and pressure31:28 – Favorite games: Mortal Kombat + arcade competitiveness36:14 – Video Game Museum + Dallas spots to compete38:15 – Baseball background + how it shaped his QB game44:51 – Basketball rematch challenge + competitive mentality48:21 – Offseason life in Nashville: training athletes + teaching classes50:26 – Building QB camps + turning experience into a program55:48 – The “Smash before the championship” story + title run57:28 – Outro + where to follow Jordan and Mad Props

59 min
FEB 3

Voice Actor, Phil LaMarr

Phil LaMarr joins Mad Props with Chris Schnabel for a wide-ranging conversation on voice acting, animation, and building one of the most versatile careers in entertainment. Phil is best known for his iconic roles as Hermes Conrad (Futurama), Samurai Jack, Green Lantern (Justice League), and his on-screen role in Pulp Fiction, but his career spans decades across animation, television, film, video games, and live action. In this episode, Phil breaks down how he got into voice acting, the discipline behind sustaining a long-term career in Hollywood, and what separates good voice actors from great ones. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from major animated series, lessons learned from working across genres, and advice for creatives trying to find longevity in a competitive industry. Whether you grew up watching Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, or DC Animation, or you’re interested in the craft of voice acting itself, this episode delivers insight, nostalgia, and real talk from one of the most respected voices in the business. Phil LaMarr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillamarr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phillamarr Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/phillamarr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilLaMarrOfficial Mad Props Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropod Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel Episode Produced by Joe Brown Episode Edited by Chris Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters: 0:00 – Intro: Phil LaMarr Joins Mad Props2:30 – Breaking Into Acting & Early Career Lessons7:45 – Transitioning into Voice Acting13:10 – Becoming Hermes on Futurama20:30 – Creating Samurai Jack & Finding Emotional Range28:00 – Voice Acting vs On-Camera Acting35:40 – Longevity in Animation & Hollywood44:10 – Working Across TV, Film, and Video Games52:30 – Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors1:00:00 – Legacy Roles & Fan Impact1:08:00 – Final Thoughts & Rapid Fire

41 min
JAN 23

Voice Actor, Rob Paulsen

Legendary voice actor Rob Paulsen joins Mad Props with Chris Schnabel for a deep-dive conversation covering Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT), Jimmy Neutron, A Goofy Movie, and more. Rob shares stories from 40+ years in voice acting, plus his love for sports, hockey, the Detroit Red Wings, fandom culture, and the real impact of animation on generations of fans. This episode blends voice actor interview, animation history, 90s cartoons nostalgia, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros animation, Disney, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories — plus Rob’s perspective on creativity, kindness, and longevity in entertainment. FOLLOW ROB PAULSEN Instagram: @rob_paulsen TikTok: @robpaulson311 Facebook: Rob Paulsen (Voice Actor) FOLLOW MAD PROPS/CHRIS SCHNABEL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel Try Audible today:https://www.audibletrial.com/madpropspodStart your 30-day free trial and get reading 📖 CHAPTERS (00:00) Intro – Rob Paulsen Joins Mad Props (02:55) Meeting Rob at Dallas Fan Expo(05:46) Sports, Hockey & Growing Up in Michigan(10:12) Breaking Into Voice Acting & Animation(18:29) Gordie Howe, Fame & Fan Perspective(30:00) Starstruck Moments & Hollywood Legends(39:55) TMNT vs A Goofy Movie Pizza Debate(47:57) Family, Gratitude & Career Perspective(49:37) Space, Tech & Creative Curiosity(58:56) Music, Performing Live & Creativity(01:06:00) Billy Joel, Art & Longevity(01:22:02) Dream Roles & Favorite Shows(01:26:01) Looking Back on Iconic Voices(01:31:27) Voice Lessons Book & Final Thoughts Produced by Joe Brown A Schnabel Studios Production

1h 35m
12/03/2025

Mascot Trailblazer, Dave Raymond

Welcome to Mad Props! Chris is joined by Mascot Trailblazer and original Phillie Phanatic Dave Raymond! Learn stories from the Phanatic, how he changed what a mascot is, and the power of happiness! #phillies #sports #podcast #philadelphia #mascot #baseballTry Audible today, head to https://www.audibletrial.com/madpropspod to start your 30-day free trial and get reading 📖Subscribe and follow for more captivating stories!Making Magic by Pat Williams:https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Making-Magic-How-Orlando-Team/dp/0941263118About Dave Raymond:Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, is a trailblazer in sports entertainment and one of the creators of the modern mascot industry. For 15 years he brought the Phanatic to life, transforming fan engagement across MLB. Today, Dave leads Raymond Entertainment Group, designing mascots for pro teams and brands, speaking worldwide on leadership and joy, and sharing his signature philosophy from his book The Power of Fun.https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveraymondspeaks/https://daveraymondspeaks.com/https://raymondeg.com/https://www.instagram.com/dave.raymond.speaks/Follow Mad Props on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/madpropspodTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspodX- https://www.x.com/madpropspodFacebook- https://www.facebook.com/madpropspodYou can find Chris on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabelTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabelYouTube - @Chris.Schnabel Episode Produced by Chris SchnabelMad Props is a Schnabel Studios ProductionChapters0:00 - Intro & Welcome0:14 - Chris Introduces Dave Raymond1:05 - How Dave First Got Into Mascots1:40 - Growing Up Around Baseball2:22 - First Exposure to Mascot Culture3:10 - Interning With the Phillies4:32 - Becoming the Phillie Phanatic5:45 - First Time in the Costume6:20 - Learning Mascot Performance on the Fly7:52 - Early Mistakes and Adjusting to the Role9:10 - Creating the Phanatic’s Personality10:15 - Comedy, Improvisation & Fan Reactions11:58 - Understanding Emotional Intelligence in a Suit13:10 - Best Early Fan Moments14:20 - Kids’ Reactions and Family Interactions15:50 - On-Field Antics and Player Stories17:25 - Hidden Challenges Behind the Costume18:40 - Travel Stories and Road Appearances20:15 - Strangest or Funniest Mascot Moments22:05 - What Made the Phanatic Stand Out23:40 - What He Learned About People From Mascot Work25:10 - Leaving the Phanatic After 15 Years26:40 - Identity Shift After Stepping Away28:00 - Starting a New Chapter in Life30:05 - Launching Raymond Entertainment Group31:30 - Designing Mascots for Other Teams33:00 - What Makes a Mascot Truly Great34:25 - Teams That “Get It” vs. Teams That Don’t35:45 - Favorite Mascot Projects38:49 - Creating the Power of Fun Philosophy40:10 - How Joy Translates to Leadership42:00 - What Companies Get Wrong About Fun44:15 - Bringing Mascot Principles Into Business45:05 - Evolution of Mascots Over the Decades46:30 - The Impact of Social Media on Mascots48:20 - Modern Mascots Dave Admires49:45 - Thoughts on the Phanatic’s Legacy Today50:05 - Dave’s Personal Legacy and Reflections51:00 - Advice for Young Creatives & Performers51:35 - Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off

52 min
07/10/2025

Story Time.

Welcome to Mad Props! Chris discusses his latest shoots with Aaron Judge and Chet Holmgren, as well as his assisted shoot with Dak Prescott. 🎙 Follow Mad Props:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspodX: https://www.x.com/madpropspodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod🧼 This episode is brought to you by Neakasa. Clean your space today at neakasa.com using code MadPropsPod.📚 Try Audible free: https://www.audibletrial.com/SchnabelStudios📺 Produced by Chris Schnabel & Hannah Robertson🎬 A Schnabel Studios ProductionChapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Updates 03:45 - Behind the Scenes of Recent Shoots 05:53 - Shooting with Chet Holmgren 09:17 - Traveling Challenges and Spirit Airlines Experience 13:34 - Arriving in New York and Fordham Camp 20:31 - Working with Aaron Judge and Camp Highlights 22:28 - Dak Prescott Shoot and Conclusion

28 min
06/28/2025

Champion.

Welcome to Mad Props! Chris discusses the end of his time with the United Football League and his role as part of the championship-winning team. 🎙 Follow Mad Props:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspodX: https://www.x.com/madpropspodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspod🧼 This episode is brought to you by Neakasa. Clean your space today at neakasa.com using code MadPropsPod.📚 Try Audible free: https://www.audibletrial.com/SchnabelStudios📺 Produced by Chris Schnabel & Hannah Robertson🎬 A Schnabel Studios ProductionChapters:

29 min
06/12/2025

Theater Kids and How Embarrassing Chris Is

Welcome to Mad Props! Hannah and Chris discuss the Tony Awards, the aggressiveness of people from different states, and whether they suffer from embarrassment. 🎙 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 🧼 This episode is brought to you by Neakasa. Clean your space today at neakasa.com using code MadPropsPod. 📚 Try Audible free: https://www.audibletrial.com/SchnabelStudios 📺 Produced by Chris Schnabel & Hannah Robertson 🎬 A Schnabel Studios Production Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Celebrations 02:30 - Weather Woes and Storm Stories 09:58 - Back to the Future Panel Experience 16:56 - Musical Moments and the Tonys 25:02 - Communication Challenges and Email Overload 29:40 - Navigating Communication Overload 32:02 - Theater Dreams and Musical Aspirations 34:28 - Travel Aspirations and Cultural Experiences 35:49 - Musical Instruments and Family Connections 38:58 - Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety 42:01 - Embracing Embarrassment and Personal Growth 46:01 - Confronting Social Norms and Assertiveness 48:53 - Talking to Oneself and Self-Reflection

55 min
06/04/2025

Chris's Birthday Episode

Chris turns 32 in this special birthday episode of Mad Props! 📱 Follow Mary:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mutti_moves/ 🎙 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 🧼 This episode is brought to you by Neakasa. Clean your space today at neakasa.com using code MadPropsPod. 📚 Try Audible free: https://www.audibletrial.com/SchnabelStudios 📺 Produced by Chris Schnabel & Hannah Robertson 🎬 A Schnabel Studios Production Chapters: 00:00 - Celebrating a Birthday and Podcast Milestones 02:59 - Special Guests and Birthday Surprises 05:15 - Reflections on Birthdays and Celebrations 10:12 - Experiences at Comic Con and Back to the Future 17:00 - Panel Insights and Nostalgia 22:00 - Meeting Icons and Celebrity Encounters 23:50 - The Introvert's Dream: Conventions and Connections 26:01 - Confidence vs. Cockiness: Navigating Social Norms 28:30 - Driving in Texas: A Cultural Shock 29:59 - Tornado Warnings: A Personal Perspective 31:56 - Comic Con Chronicles: A Birthday Tradition 36:02 - Memorable Encounters: Celebrities and Conventions 42:40 - Reflections on Last Year's Event 45:59 - Personal Growth and Future Goals 48:56 - Celebrating Birthdays and Favorite Foods 51:58 - Nostalgic Birthday Memories 54:01 - Concert Experiences and Celebrity Losses 57:59 - Looking Ahead: Aspirations and Podcast Growth

1h 2m

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

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! RSSVERIFY

Creator

Schnabel Studios
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

108
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Schnabel Studios
Show Website

Mad Props with Chris Schnabel