Weird Connections

Weird Connections – Everyone’s Linked… They Just Don’t Know It Yet Every episode of Weird Connections starts with a mystery: two guests who think they have nothing in common. By the end, we uncover how their lives are strangely — and sometimes beautifully — intertwined. Hosted by Ryan Weir and co-host Eddie Booze, this show brings together real people for unscripted, unforgettable conversations that reveal how small the world really is. From overlapping pasts to unexpected shared moments, these connections are weird, wild, and 100% real. No prep. No scripts. Just two humans, one table, and one weird connection waiting to be found. New episodes weekly Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Episodes

  1. Live fire to 90-ft falls | Stuntman Brandon Johnson on fear & comebacks | Weird Connections

    09/25/2025

    Live fire to 90-ft falls | Stuntman Brandon Johnson on fear & comebacks | Weird Connections

    What do live-fire stunts, 90-foot falls, and a Gwen Stefani mix-up have in common? Join host Ryan Weir as he explores how seemingly unrelated lives intersect in fascinating ways. In this episode, Ryan talks to stuntman Brandon Johnson (Iron Man, The Patriot, Gilmore Girls) and cohost/musician Eddy Booze, uncovering the craft behind Hollywood stunts, the mindset that tames fear, and the comeback that reignites a career. Packed with humor, unexpected insights, and captivating storytelling, this episode is ideal for anyone fascinated by life’s unpredictable twists and turns. 🎧 What you'll discover: — Live fire on stage at the World Stunt Awards—and how pros layer protection, timing, and trust — The 90-ft “decelerator” fall on Gilmore Girls and why camera angles sell fight hits — Universal Studios’ WaterWorld as a stunt training ground (and why choreography is king) — Highfalls into boxes vs. airbags, cannon-roll car flips, and driving choreography 101 — Managing fear with rehearsal and breathing so creativity replaces nerves — A health comeback: from 290 to 212 lbs, lifestyle resets, and returning to stunt shape — Constantine on set: the Gwen Stefani story, doubles, and on-camera fight pacing 👥 Who will love this episode: — Fans of behind-the-scenes action and practical stunts — Curious minds into mindset, fear management, and performance under pressure — Movie lovers of ’90s–’00s action classics and TV stunt work — Anyone who digs comeback stories with grit, humor, and heart 🎬 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro, Instapot mishap, and today’s stunt theme 07:10 – Health reset & comeback: training, diet, discipline 12:30 – Live fire stunt prep, safety layers, execution 16:40 – Highfalls 101: airbags vs. boxes; 90-ft decelerator 21:55 – Fight scenes, camera cheats, and when hits get too real 35:15 – Car work & Mr. & Mrs. Smith chase beats 48:45 – Constantine set story: Gwen Stefani moment 55:30 – Fear management, breathing, and using nerves as fuel 1:15:20 – Star Trek: Nemesis stair-fall breakdown 1:26:10 – Closing thoughts & credits 🔔 Stay Connected: — Like this video if you enjoyed discovering the unexpected! — Comment your favorite weird connection below. — Subscribe & hit the bell to keep uncovering more Weird Connections. Welcome to Weird Connections—because everyone's connected, whether you like it or not. 📚 Resources Mentioned: — World Stunt Awards (2004) — Universal Studios WaterWorld stunt show — Gilmore Girls: “Mary Fisticuffs” (wire/decelerator fall) — The Patriot; Master and Commander; National Treasure — Mr. & Mrs. Smith; Poseidon; Star Trek: Nemesis; Iron Man (opening scene) — Constantine (Gavin Rossdale/Balthazar) — Medieval Times & Knott’s Berry Farm Wild West stunt shows — Eddy Booze — album “Through Rosecolored Glasses” (“Right on Time”) 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 9 #WeirdConnections #StuntLife #ActionMovies

    1h 23m
  2. Buffalo in Camp & Paniolo Origins | Jim on Spurs, Rodeo Myths, Energy Vampires | Weird Connections

    09/18/2025

    Buffalo in Camp & Paniolo Origins | Jim on Spurs, Rodeo Myths, Energy Vampires | Weird Connections

    What do a Catalina buffalo, Hawaiian paniolo cowboys, and rodeo myth-busting have in common? Join host Ryan Weir as he explores how seemingly unrelated lives intersect in fascinating ways. In this episode, Ryan talks to horseman/entrepreneur Jim Cunningham and musician-cohost Eddy Boos, uncovering hidden stories that bridge surf culture, cowboy life, and timeless wisdom. Packed with humor, unexpected insights, and captivating storytelling, this episode is ideal for anyone fascinated by life’s unpredictable twists and turns. What you'll discover: The "buffalo in camp" survival moment—and why following quiet experts saves your hideSpurs, soft hands, and the counterintuitive horse cues most riders get wrongMule master Jerry Tindell and legends like Rusty Richards of Sons of the PioneersThe real origin of Hawaiian paniolo (Parker Ranch, Kamehameha, Captain Vancouver) and their rodeo upsetRodeo reality: flank strap vs. myth, and how bull/rider scoring really works (50/50)Spotting energy vampires, choosing mentors, and living the cowboy code: kindness, integrity, second chances Who will love this episode: Fans of storytelling and intriguing real-life talesCurious minds interested in discovering hidden connectionsPeople who enjoy humor, surprises, and thought-provoking discussionsAnyone who loves unraveling life’s mysteries Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro and guest Jim Cunningham00:03:35 - Riding smarter: spurs, soft hands and getting off to reset00:10:58 - Legends: Rusty Richards, Bobby Adair and gentleman horsemanship00:16:20 - Jerry Tindell's mule wisdom + "buffalo in camp" lesson00:19:06 - Two Harbors tale: riding a horse into the bar (Catalina)00:26:45 - Paniolo origins: Parker Ranch, Kamehameha and Captain Vancouver00:31:45 - Cheyenne Frontier Days: Hawaiians "clean up" the rodeo00:56:50 - Rodeo myth-busting: flank straps, scoring, and "million-dollar bulls"01:03:45 - The big wreck: 8 ribs, collarbone—humility and recovery01:16:20 - Cowboy code: integrity, mentors and "trust, then verify" Stay Connected: Like this video if you enjoyed discovering the unexpected!Comment your favorite weird connection below.Subscribe and hit the bell to keep uncovering more Weird Connections. Welcome to Weird Connections - because everyone's connected, whether you like it or not.Resources Mentioned: Jerry Tindell (mules and horsemanship)Rusty Richards and Sons of the PioneersParker Ranch / paniolo historyWill Rogers; Ronald Reagan "Trust, then verify" Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 8 #WeirdConnections #CowboyWisdom #Paniolo

    1h 27m
  3. Deathbots, AI & Ridiculous Stories | Ryan Weir x Dr. G on Tech, Life & Chaos | Weird Connections

    09/04/2025

    Deathbots, AI & Ridiculous Stories | Ryan Weir x Dr. G on Tech, Life & Chaos | Weird Connections

    Could AI preserve your voice and personality long after you’re gone? What happens when deathbots, voice cloning, and Shark Tank pitches collide with wild life stories? In this episode of Weird Connections, host Ryan Weir and guest Dr. G (retired veterinarian, serial entrepreneur, podcaster) dive into a wild mix of ChatGPT experiments, voice cloning, scams, proctology humor, and college chaos to show how weirdly connected life can be. 🎧 What you'll discover: – Why Dr. G thinks ChatGPT has “invisible blocks” and prompt tricks – The real risks and possibilities of voice cloning and deathbots – A near-scam over a DIY trademark filing and how to spot it – Ryan’s third-story balcony jump and “superhuman strength” moment – How partying, proctologists, and parenting collide in surprising ways – Why WeirWins + Pacific Lens Studios are building legacy content Who will love this episode: – Fans of outrageous, real-life storytelling – Curious minds into AI, voice cloning, and deathbots – Listeners who like tech insights mixed with hilarious chaos – Entrepreneurs and podcasters vibing with Pacific Lens Studios energy Timestamps: 00:00 – Explosive intro: Ryan hosts solo with Dr. G 08:30 – From ChatGPT’s hidden prompts to “deathbot” concepts 17:00 – Voice cloning experiments, safety words, and AI scams 25:30 – Proctologist stories, Dr. Rad, and awkward life lessons 34:00 – Shark Tank pitch: launching “deathbot” as a legacy tool 42:30 – Ryan’s balcony jump gone wrong and “superhuman strength” 51:00 – Business scams, trademarks, and almost getting hustled 59:30 – Discipline, family balance, and lessons from entrepreneurship 1:08:00 – D1 athletics, partying hard, and the “Hershey Gersh” story 1:16:30 – Wrapping with Pacific Lens Studios, Eddie Booze, and what’s next Stay Connected: – Like this video if you enjoyed discovering the unexpected! – Comment your favorite weird connection below. – Subscribe & hit the bell to keep uncovering more Weird Connections. Welcome to Weird Connections—because everyone’s connected, whether you like it or not. Resources Mentioned: – EverVox project / WeirWins@gmail.com – Pacific Lens Studios Availability & Socials: – 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. – 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios – 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 7 #AI #Deathbots #WeirdConnections

    1h 28m
  4. Tom Telesco: From Draft Room to Life Lessons | NFL Secrets & Outworking Talent | Weird Connections

    09/02/2025

    Tom Telesco: From Draft Room to Life Lessons | NFL Secrets & Outworking Talent | Weird Connections

    What does it really take to run an NFL team and still find balance off the field? Join host Ryan Weir as he sits down with Tom Telesco, former general manager of the Chargers and Raiders, to unpack the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons from life inside professional football. From getting fired three times to building winning rosters, Tom shares how preparation beats talent, how to handle pressure, and why the right coach–quarterback pairing changes everything. Packed with insider stories, honest reflections, and practical advice, this episode is perfect for sports fans, aspiring professionals, and anyone chasing success against the odds. WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER: Tom’s journey from small-town beginnings to NFL front officesHow “alignment, assignment, technique” can beat raw talentThe reality of getting fired — and coming back strongerStadium politics, the Chargers move, and public vs. private fundingManaging anxiety and blocking out the noise in high-pressure rolesHow internships and volunteering can open doors in pro sportsWhy the head coach–quarterback duo is the foundation of any franchise WHO WILL LOVE THIS EPISODE: Sports fans curious about the business side of the NFLStudents and early-career professionals looking for insider adviceLeaders seeking lessons in resilience and decision-making under pressureAnyone fascinated by the connection between sports, mindset, and success TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro with Ryan Weir & Tom Telesco 02:42 – From Buffalo to the NFL: first steps into pro sports 06:15 – Outworking talent: the preparation mindset 12:38 – Getting fired three times and lessons learned 18:54 – Chargers move to LA: stadium politics and public funding realities 24:18 – Managing anxiety and ignoring outside noise 30:56 – Alignment, assignment, technique: the underdog advantage 37:02 – How to break into sports: internships, volunteering, networking 44:08 – Draft Day vs. real NFL draft rooms 50:22 – Hardest roster decisions and saying goodbye to players 1:02:14 – Closing thoughts and key takeaways STAY CONNECTED: Like this episode if you enjoyed the inside-NFL storiesComment your favorite takeaway from Tom’s adviceSubscribe for more Weird Connections Welcome to Weird Connections — because everyone’s connected, whether you like it or not. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 6 #TomTelesco #NFL #WeirdConnections

    1h 17m
  5. Rivalry, Respect & Water Polo Grit | Bobby “Buckets” Unexpected Connection | Weird Connections

    09/02/2025

    Rivalry, Respect & Water Polo Grit | Bobby “Buckets” Unexpected Connection | Weird Connections

    What happens when your old high school rival turns out to be your biggest mirror? Can sports shape not just your skills, but your character? In this episode of Weird Connections, hosts Ryan Weir and Eddie Booze sit down with Bobby Stephenson, a.k.a. Bobby Buckets, a former water polo standout from Corona Del Mar School. What begins as a look back on shared athletic experiences quickly turns into a deeper conversation about perspective, personal growth, and how surprising life’s connections can be. Through honesty, humor, and hometown history, Bobby reflects on rivalry, resilience, and what it means to grow up on the other side of the pool. IN THIS EPISODE: Bobby’s memories of playing water polo at Newport HarborThe tension and pride in the CDM vs. NHHS rivalryReflecting on mindset, ego, and the high school grindRealizing how little you really know about peopleBobby and Ryan uncover unexpected overlapsThe pressure of being “that guy” in a sports cultureHumor, honesty, and a few humbling momentsLearning how to look back with gratitudeWHO WILL LOVE THIS EPISODE: Fans of Southern California high school sports cultureListeners from the CDM vs. Newport Harbor communityAthletes reflecting on identity and transformationAnyone who’s grown beyond their high school labelPeople who value surprising, real reconnectionsTIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 2: Bobby Stephenson 01:35 – CDM vs. Newport Harbor: water polo and identity 05:22 – Bobby’s mindset during high school athletics 09:13 – Ryan and Bobby trade perceptions of the past 13:44 – Ego, roles, and who you thought each other were 18:02 – The pressure of being “the man” at a young age 23:31 – Growth, perspective, and who we become 28:19 – Reframing old narratives 33:10 – Shared moments they didn’t realize they had 39:00 – What maturity teaches about competition 45:07 – Final reflections & the connection revealed STAY CONNECTED: Like this episode? Hit that thumbs up.Comment your favorite moment or weirdest connection.Subscribe and ring the bell to uncover more unlikely links. Welcome to Weird Connections — it’s a smaller world than you think.Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 5 #WeirdConnections #BobbyStephenson #NewportHarbor #CDMvsNHHS #WaterPoloStories #HighSchoolRivalries #RealConversations #RyanWeir #EddieBooze #OCSportsCulture #weirdconnections #PacificLensStudios

    56 min

About

Weird Connections – Everyone’s Linked… They Just Don’t Know It Yet Every episode of Weird Connections starts with a mystery: two guests who think they have nothing in common. By the end, we uncover how their lives are strangely — and sometimes beautifully — intertwined. Hosted by Ryan Weir and co-host Eddie Booze, this show brings together real people for unscripted, unforgettable conversations that reveal how small the world really is. From overlapping pasts to unexpected shared moments, these connections are weird, wild, and 100% real. No prep. No scripts. Just two humans, one table, and one weird connection waiting to be found. New episodes weekly Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

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