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!

Aug 10

Perri Kitei Got Hit by a Foul Ball While Broadcasting… TWICE

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel welcomes sports broadcaster Perri Kitei for a conversation about her journey into play-by-play, working with the Portland Sea Dogs, breaking into sports media, and the viral foul ball moments that put her in front of millions of baseball fans. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Perri went viral after being hit by a foul ball while calling a Portland Sea Dogs game — and somehow, it wasn't even the first time it happened. The clips spread across MLB, ESPN, CBS Sports and social media, but there's much more to her broadcasting career than one viral moment. Perri takes Chris through her path from college broadcasting and the Cape Cod Baseball League to calling professional baseball, hosting pregame and postgame coverage, producing broadcasts, preparing game notes, coordinating player interviews and handling the countless responsibilities that come with working in Minor League Baseball. Chris and Perri also compare their own broadcasting backgrounds, including their early experiences in college radio and play-by-play, and discuss why constantly getting reps is one of the most important parts of improving behind a microphone. Follow Perri Kitei Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perrikiteisports/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perrikitei Website: perrikitei.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 Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props & Introducing Perri Kitei 01:23 – Perri Kitei Joins the Show 01:30 – Getting Hit by a Foul Ball While Broadcasting 03:21 – Going Viral Across MLB, ESPN & CBS Sports 06:43 – How Perri Got Her Start in Broadcasting 13:23 – Doing Everything Yourself Behind a Sports Broadcast 15:22 – Learning From Your Old Broadcasts & Improving 17:20 – Perri Reveals She Was Hit by a Foul Ball Twice 20:08 – Growing Up a Cubs & Bengals Fan 25:21 – Women in Minor League Baseball Broadcasting 26:38 – The Dodgers, MLB Spending & Competitive Balance 32:49 – Perri's Future in Basketball & Multi-Sport Broadcasting 38:45 – Final Thoughts
Aug 3

History Helms on YouTube Success, History, Music & Creative Storytelling

https://sfdfoundation.org/ https://www.khq.com/fires/how-to-help-those-affected-by-the-spokane-area-fires/article_330d25f9-930b-4e5a-ad4f-e33d01861768.html Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel welcomes YouTuber History Helms for a conversation about the art of making history entertaining, building a successful YouTube channel, and turning historical events into engaging stories that millions of people want to watch. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb History Helms discusses how his YouTube channel came to life, why he chooses the topics he covers, and how he balances historical accuracy with entertaining storytelling. Chris and History Helms also dive into college football, movies, music, Kanye West, YouTube algorithms, consistency, and what it takes to build an audience online. Whether you're passionate about history, YouTube, filmmaking, storytelling, documentaries, or creating educational content, this episode offers an inside look at one of YouTube's rising history creators. Follow History Helms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HistoryHelms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyhelms/ 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: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props 00:21 – A Message About the Spokane Wildfires 03:57 – Why Spokane Changed Chris' Life 06:12 – Introducing History Helms 07:04 – How the History Helms YouTube Channel Began 09:07 – Growing a Channel & Understanding the YouTube Algorithm 13:06 – College Football, Sports & YouTube Recommendations 16:18 – Researching History Videos 19:34 – Movies, Books & Great Storytelling 23:11 – Picking Historical Topics That Connect 27:42 – Balancing Accuracy With Entertainment 31:16 – Favorite History Subjects & Historical Figures 36:04 – Music, Kanye West & Creative Inspiration 40:11 – Advice for New YouTube Creators 45:08 – The Future of History Helms 49:36 – Final Thoughts & Where to Follow History Helms 52:48 – Supporting Spokane & Episode Outro
Jul 27

Gia Skova on Comics, Quantum Physics & Hollywood

Welcome to Mad Props! Host Chris Schnabel sits down with actress, filmmaker, model, stunt performer, and comic creator Gia Skova for one of the most fascinating conversations the show has ever had. From creating comic books and starring in action films to discussing quantum physics, time travel, creativity, discipline, and the future of technology, Gia brings an incredibly unique perspective shaped by both art and science. The conversation explores everything from filmmaking and storytelling to personal growth, health, daily routines, and how she approaches building ambitious creative projects. Topics include: • Creating her comic book universe • Bringing comics to life on screen • Acting and filmmaking • Performing her own stunts • Quantum physics and time travel • Artificial intelligence and the future • Creativity and artistic inspiration • Discipline, routines and productivity • Exercise and maintaining balance • Reading, learning and lifelong curiosity • Advice for aspiring creators • What's next for Gia Skova Whether you're a comic book fan, filmmaker, science enthusiast, or someone looking for motivation to pursue ambitious goals, this episode offers an incredible mix of creativity and inspiration. Join the Discord https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Gia Skova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giaskova/ Website: https://giaskova.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 Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production. Chapters: 00:00 – Introducing Gia Skova 01:36 – Gia's Journey Into Acting & Comics 03:56 – Creating Her Comic Book Universe 06:52 – Quantum Physics & Time Travel 10:18 – Science, Curiosity & Big Ideas 13:04 – Building Stories That Matter 16:05 – Comic Books, Fans & Conventions 20:29 – Creativity Outside of Work 23:31 – Reading, Learning & Personal Growth 27:40 – Advice for Aspiring Creators 31:11 – Health, Fitness & Daily Discipline 35:02 – Building Confidence & Staying Motivated 40:09 – Filmmaking, Action Movies & Doing Her Own Stunts 44:10 – Future Projects & What's Next 48:38 – Final Thoughts
Jul 20

My First Major Celebrity Interview: Rev Run (Run-DMC)

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel revisits one of the most important interviews of his career—a throwback conversation with Rev Run of Run-DMC. Originally recorded in 2012 during Chris' college radio days at WNHU 88.7, this interview marked one of the very first major celebrity interviews that helped launch his career as a broadcaster and interviewer. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Rev Run sits down to discuss leadership, family, work ethic, faith, hip-hop, and the lessons he's learned throughout his legendary career as a founding member of Run-DMC, television personality from Run's House, author, entrepreneur, and father. Following the interview, Chris reflects on what it was like conducting one of his earliest interviews, how his interviewing style has evolved over the past decade, and the behind-the-scenes story of how this opportunity helped shape the future of Mad Props. In this episode: • How Rev Run defines true leadership • The importance of humility and listening • Why family comes before career • Becoming a reverend • Building a strong work ethic • Raising respectful children • Advice for young people chasing success • Thoughts on Drake, Eminem, Jay-Z and modern hip-hop • Chris reflects on his first major interview • How this interview helped launch his podcasting career Whether you're a fan of Run-DMC, hip-hop history, leadership, or behind-the-scenes stories about broadcasting and interviewing, this episode offers a fascinating look back at where it all began. Follow Rev Run Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revwon 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: https://www.youtube.com/@Chris.Schnabel Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props & Throwback Introduction 02:19 – Throwback to Rev Run on WNHU 02:45 – What Makes a Great Leader? 03:26 – Family, Fatherhood & Communication 04:08 – Becoming a Reverend 04:29 – Developing a Strong Work Ethic 04:51 – Raising Respectful Children 05:17 – Advice for the Next Generation 05:35 – The Future of Hip-Hop 05:58 – Drake, Jay-Z, Kanye & Eminem 06:47 – Chris Reflects on His First Major Interview 08:10 – Landing the Rev Run Interview 10:03 – Looking Back at the Questions 11:37 – How Interviewing Has Changed 13:18 – Other Early Celebrity Interviews 15:03 – Why This Interview Still Matters 16:27 – Outro
Jul 13

Defending the WORST Hot Takes on the Internet

Welcome to Mad Props. Chris Schnabel is joined by new co-host Chandler Williams for a completely different kind of episode: defending the indefensible. Join the Discord https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Chris and Chandler are given random hot takes with no preparation and must defend them as if they genuinely believe every word they say. Nintendo should sue more people? Ads should come back to Netflix? Spoilers make movies better? Microtransactions are healthy for gaming? No matter how terrible the opinion is, they have to find a way to defend it. The conversation goes completely off the rails as Chris and Chandler debate: • Why Nintendo should sue even more people • Bringing ads back to Netflix • Why spoilers actually make movies better • Disney's obsession with live-action remakes • Microtransactions in video games • Posting entire concerts on Instagram Stories • Why movie theater popcorn is worth $20 • Ending the four-day work week • Clapping when airplanes land • Retaking your driver's test every 10 years • Reboots versus original ideas • Charging airline passengers by weight • Self-checkout versus cashiers • Why every company needs a mascot • Tipping culture • Influencers becoming modern celebrities Who won each debate? Let us know in the comments. 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 Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Mad Props 02:57 – Nintendo Should Sue More People 05:17 – Ads Should Come Back to Netflix 08:51 – Spoilers Don't Ruin Movies 11:36 – Live-Action Remakes Are Good 16:01 – Microtransactions Are Healthy for Gaming 20:20 – Posting an Entire Concert on Instagram Is Great 23:24 – Movie Theater Popcorn Is Worth $20 28:05 – Four-Day Work Weeks Shouldn't Exist 30:01 – People Should Clap When Planes Land 33:16 – Everyone Should Retake Their Driver's Test 35:37 – Reboots Are Better Than Original Ideas 38:03 – Airlines Should Charge by Passenger Weight 40:14 – Self-Checkout Is Worse Than Cashiers 40:54 – The Random Amar'e Stoudemire Story 44:58 – Every Company Should Have a Mascot 47:18 – Tipping Culture Is the Best 50:37 – Influencers Are the Best Type of Celebrity 55:17 – Final Thoughts Keywords Mad Props Podcast, Chris Schnabel, Chandler Williams, defend the indefensible, hot takes podcast, funny podcast, comedy podcast, unpopular opinions, controversial opinions, Nintendo lawsuits, Nintendo hot takes, Netflix ads, movie spoilers, live action Disney remakes, microtransactions gaming, NBA 2K microtransactions, Instagram concert stories, movie theater popcorn, four day work week, clapping when planes land, driver's test every 10 years, movie reboots, airline passenger weight, self checkout, company mascots, tipping culture, influencer celebrities, funny debates, comedy debate podcast, podcast hot takes, ridiculous opinions, social media clips, viral podcast moments
Jul 6

Beserat Debebe on Ethiopian Mythology, Comics & Storytelling

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel sits down with comic creator Beserat Debebe, founder of Ethan Comics, to discuss creating original superheroes inspired by Ethiopian mythology, publishing independent comics, preserving African history through storytelling, and bringing new voices into the comic book industry. Before the main interview, Chris is joined by Josh Allen, founder of Montana Dog Food Co., to discuss premium freeze-dried dog food, canine nutrition, and why healthier ingredients can make a difference for your pets. Beserat shares the story behind Ethan Comics, how a personal challenge inspired him to begin creating comics, and why he believes African mythology deserves a larger place alongside Marvel, DC, manga, and other global storytelling traditions. The conversation explores: • Building Ethan Comics from the ground up • Creating Jember, an Ethiopian superhero • Ethiopian mythology and African folklore • Independent comic book publishing • The importance of diverse storytelling • Marvel, DC Comics and independent comics • Comic conventions and connecting with readers Join the Discord https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Beserat Debebe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/besrattt/ Website: https://etancomics.com/black-history-ethiopia-a-bond-of-resilience/?srsltid=AfmBOopqXqa-mJhYDlAiWpimliCbGH0RbntbRDBKT_Xop85Rqs0ZWfOX Follow Montana Dog Food Co. https://montanadogfoodco.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 Follow Chris Schnabel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel Videography by William Cornell Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Mad Props 00:23 Josh Allen joins the show 00:55 The story behind Montana Dog Food Co. 16:14 Why pet owners can trust Montana Dog Food Co. 17:19 Beserat Debebe joins Mad Props 18:00 Creating Ethiopian superheroes 20:00 The origins of Jember 22:00 Jember's powers and superhero philosophy 23:30 Building an African comic universe 26:58 Growing Ethan Comics 30:30 Marvel, DC & independent comics 34:28 Comic conventions and connecting with readers 43:06 Where to find Ethan Comics 44:52 Final thoughts
Jun 29

Billy West on Futurama, Voice Acting, Comic Cons & His New Memoir

Welcome to Mad Props! Host Chris Schnabel sits down with legendary voice actor Billy West for an unforgettable conversation about one of the greatest careers in animation history. Known as the voices behind Philip J. Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg, Stimpy, Doug Funnie, Red M&M, Buzz the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee, Bugs Bunny, Woody Woodpecker, Elmer Fudd, and countless other iconic characters, Billy shares the incredible stories behind his legendary career. Topics include: • The origins of Futurama and creating Fry • Doug, Ren & Stimpy, and Nickelodeon history • How Professor Farnsworth and Dr. Zoidberg were created • Becoming the Red M&M and Honey Nut Cheerios Bee • Radio, Howard Stern, and the early days of broadcasting • Classic animation and growing up on Popeye and Looney Tunes • The future of voice acting and animation • Childhood trauma, neurodivergence, and finding creativity through adversity Whether you're a fan of Futurama, Ren & Stimpy, Doug, Space Jam, Looney Tunes, classic animation, or simply love hearing the stories behind iconic careers, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Join the Discord https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Follow Billy WestVoice a Versa: https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/voice-a-versa_9781419780899/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billywestpodcast X: https://x.com/TheBillyWest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billy.west.423171 Follow Mad PropsInstagram: 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 SchnabelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel Follow Crosstown NineYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrosstownNinePodcast Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Crosstown Nine sports hot takes 23:19 - Billy West joins the podcast 23:53 - From Boston radio to voice acting 26:08 - Landing Doug and Ren & Stimpy 29:34 - Becoming the Red M&M and Honey Nut Cheerios Bee 30:57 - Creating Fry and joining Futurama 34:04 - The origins of Professor Farnsworth and Dr. Zoidberg 36:10 - Futurama’s cancellations, revival, and working with Matt Groening 38:33 - Classic cartoons, conventions, and meeting fans 49:20 - The future of voice acting, Vice Versa, and Billy’s life story
Jun 22

Live from Comicpalooza!

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel takes the stage at Comicpalooza for his first-ever live panel, The Art of the Interview. Join the Discord - https://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANb Recorded live at Comicpalooza in Houston, Texas, Chris pulls back the curtain on how Mad Props grew from a small podcast recorded over Zoom during the pandemic into a show with over 16,000 YouTube subscribers and conversations with legendary voice actors, creators, musicians, athletes, and entertainers. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the philosophy that built Mad Props: moving beyond traditional question-and-answer interviews and creating genuine conversations by discovering what guests are passionate about outside of what they are known for. The conversation explores: • The origins of Mad Props and the transition from Offstage • Why traditional interviews often miss the most interesting stories • Avoiding being starstruck during interviews • Podcast equipment and starting with what you have • The importance of consistency and long-term growth • Stories behind guests like Rob Paulsen, Carlos Alazraqui, and H. Jon Benjamin • Dream guests and never being afraid to hear "no" 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 Video shot by Will Cornell Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production Chapters 00:17 – Welcome to The Art of the Interview Panel & The Story Behind Mad Props 02:04 – How a Spider-Man Conversation with Julius Thomas Changed the Podcast 04:01 – Why Mad Props Focuses on Conversations Instead of Q&A 05:39 – How Chris Researches Guests & Finds Unique Stories 07:10 – How to Get Celebrity Guests & The Biggest Mistakes Creators Make 09:14 – Finding Contact Information & Convention Etiquette 11:04 – Interviewing Guests You Know Nothing About 13:02 – Starting Mad Props During COVID & The Importance of Consistency 15:12 – Audience Q&A: Podcast Equipment & Starting Without Perfection 17:43 – Audience Q&A: How to Avoid Being Starstruck During Interviews 20:08 – Dream Guests, Upcoming Episodes & Final Thoughts

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!

Creator

Schnabel Studios
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

129
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Schnabel Studios
Show Website

Mad Props with Chris Schnabel