Gwatney Unplugged: Recent Episodes
Scott Romine
Scott Romine speaks with Kat DeLorean, daughter of famed automotive executive John DeLorean. Kat has announced the launch of a new car company called DeLorean Next Generation Motors (DNG Motors)!
Everyone on the planet is familar with Spongebob Squarepants. The show has been on the air for 24 years and is the fifth longest running cartoon series in America. It has been the subject of three feature length films. Since it;s inception the voice of Squidward has been performend by Rodger Bumpass from Little Rock, Arkansas.
One of America's first "theme parks" was Willow Springs Water Park in Central Arkansas. It opened in 1928 and ran continuously until 2013. It is privately owned by David and Lou Ann Ratliff since 2003. Many generations of Arkansans grew up enjoying the park - and memories flood in from past customers on the Willow Springs Facebook page. The girl infected by the brain-eating amoeba is grown with a girl of her own. The Ratliff's share memories of days gone by at Willow Springs - and discuss the condition that it is in today.
Want to get certified on all types of heavy equipment including bulldozers, excavators and more? You can do it in Bee Branch Arkansas at the Heavy Equipment Operating Academy!
Corey Eubanks promoting an upcoming LIVE show in Tennessee - in this interview we talk more about the true ins and outs of the Hollywood Movie Business.
Jeff Allen grew up in Russellville Arkansas ended up becoming one of the state's most beloved radio DJs. Hear him 94.1FM The Point weekdays from 10am - 3pm.
Action Stars of the 80s all had their signature knives - and Jack Cobo is blessed to own some of the actual screen-used knives and is quite knowledgeable about others. Jack discusses Jack Crain, Gil Hibben, Jimmy Lile and thier contributions to the movie knife world.
Everyone remembers Lee Majors at the wheel of the Fall Guy GMC Sierra on the popular early 80s TV show - but ever wonder what happened to the truck? Obviously there was more than one - but one of the survivors is now owned by Kevin Webb in Tennessee. Kevin talks about the TV Series and all the details that make a Fall Guy truck a Fall Guy truck.
Remington Arms is America's Oldest Gun Maker - and the ammunition plant is still going strong in Arkansas since 1969. Joel Hodgdon of Remington Arms explains the company's ups and downs over the years and both the modernized and traditional manufacturing methods still in operation at the plant today.
Parents and Grandparents would enjoy reading this to the kids - a book about a Crop Duster Pilot that was actually written by a real ife Crop Duster Pilot in Arkansas.
This most iconic home in America is Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion. Jason Qualls has recreated Graceland in great detail on his own six acre lot. Called the "Just Pretend Mansion" - guests can hold parties, weddings and more at this incredible venue.
Hearts of our Heroes is an Arkansas 501c3 dedicated to honoring fallen service members by keeping the promise to our nation's heroes...never forgetting the Families left behind. Hearts of our Heroes is an inclusive nonprofit organization regardless of your loved one's military branch, duty status, or manner of death.
If you love COMMANDO, PREDATOR and TERMINATOR 2 - you need to hear this interview! This is part three of the Joel Kramer interview we did for Gwatney Unplugged.
If you grew up on 80s Action Films - you don't want to miss Joel Kramer talk about doubling Arnold Schwarzenegger on PREDATOR, RED HEAT, COMMANDO and more!
Do you love COMMANDO, PREDATOR, TOTAL RECALL, RED HEAT, TERMINATOR 2 and TRUE LIES? Then you are going to love our interview with Joel Kramer - who doubled Arnold Schwarzenegger is all of those movies PLUS worked on HEAT and and long list of other action films.
Chief Pat Thessing of the North Little Rock Police Department speaks about all aspects of the NLRPD. From Recruiting to the Police Athletic League - Chief Pat Thessing discusses all angles of policing in today's society.
George Michael was one of the biggest pop stars of the 80s as a member of WHAM - before launching a hugely successful solo career that sent him to super star level. James Gavin has written a book about the life of George Michael - and discusses all the research that went into it.
Marty Milner is the construction foreman behind the film "Jaws" by Steven Speilburg. He worked on both Orca 1 and Orca 2, the famous Amity Billboard with the graffiti painted on it and the shark itself! Hear his behind the scenes stories on this episode of Gwatney Unplugged!
GEORGE MICHAEL REBORN - The incredible George Michael WHAM! tribute to the late, great legend! This show is a must see! With his live vocals (NO LIP-SYNCING here), Robert Bartko exudes the energy and passion of George in the 80’s and 90’s… getting the crowd on the dance floor for “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and prompting standing ovations for his performance of “Careless Whisper.” He even gets the fans involved! Robert is a spot-on George Michael lookalike, with the vocal range, dance moves, crowd interaction, and charisma that will leave you cheering for an encore. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re listening to the real deal, not a George Michael impersonator!
Look out for your relatives - by having your final wishes secured by a trust/will. Your beneficiaries can avoid Probate Court by having this important step handled ahead of time.
This show was recorded at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama with Jeff Ray - the Executive Director! Just outside of Birmingham, Alabama is the world's largest collection of motorcycles - housed at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum! Jeff talks about how the collection was acquired, celebrities that have visited and the restoration process. Amazingly every vintage motorcycle on the display floor (numbering 1000) could be started and running within an hour. The museum also has a race track on the grounds and hosts events such as AMA races and Porsche Driving Experiences.
National Audio Company produced their first cassette around 1977 or 1977 and had been making them continuously since. With a lot of ups and downs in the industry - the returning popularity of the Sony Walkman and movies like "Guardians of the Galaxy" have totally revived their popularity.
Kayla Rundle is an online car enthusiast that has worked with numerous companies including Gwatney Performance Innovation and Holley. Follow her at kaylarundle.com
From customized 1911s to upgraded Berettas - Wilson Combat is a leader in the firearms world and is located in Berryville, Arkansas. Arkansan Scott Romine interviews Bill Wilson who was born in Eureka Springs, started out as a jeweler before eventually fine tuning handguns and creating Wilson Combat.
Monster Mart a family-run store located on Highway 71, just 15 miles southeast of Texarkana. Monster Mart is dedicated to preserving the history of the Fouke Monster, a local creature made famous by the movie, The Legend of Boggy Creek. The store features a display of historic Fouke Monster items, along with an assortment of Fouke Monster and Boggy Creek t-shirts, gifts, and books.
Bill Davis is author of the "Brutally Huge" books series. "Brutally Huge" "When Huge is Not Enough" "The Bodyparts" and the "The Best of the Rest of Brutally Huge" are among his works.
Ben Jones who played "Cooter" on "The Dukes of Hazzard" speaks about his three museums based on the TV series - plus dives into the controversy of the 2005 Dukes Movie with Jessica Simpson - and the mistreating of the original television show due to the Political Correctness of modern society.
She's not just a rough and tough comedian with her own farm - she is also a talented musician! Crafting a distinctive musical identity, complementing Country music with her riveting and engaging musical narrations, rising artist Kristen Tuff Scott is driven for growth and success. Up-and-coming singer and songwriter Kristen Tuff Scott is an authentic force in the dynamic world of Country music, rooted within enriching real-life narratives and experiences. A talented and empowering singer, Kristen Tuff Scott is also a comedian who rose to fame with her breakthrough performance on CMT’s RedneckIsland, stunning audiences with her humor. Hailing from Piggott, Arkansas, the budding singer is known for her characteristic usage of stories and personal experiences to infuse her songwriting with a unique individuality and character. Using music as a channel to voice her issues, highlight her life stories and inspire creativity, the rising artist isa true storyteller. Kristen boasts a stirring discography which has more than100 original songs, emphasizing and underscoring her unending passion for music. Kristen Tuff Scott’s music is set apart from other Country artists, due to the rich and captivating lyricism it embodies, immersing listeners in the depths of a whole different ambient setting. The growing artist has continued to rise, amassing millions of fans over her musical voyage, by simply producing music, which is rich, raw and unfiltered. A complete package, Kristen continues to inspire optimism, spur laughter, and touch hearts and souls with her inimitable music. The phenomenal singer’s music journey pays homage to her roots, coming from a lineage of farmers, and working her way up to the top through sweat, blood and tears. Apart from her songwriting prowess, Kristen also enthralls with her instrumental genius, playing guitar, and with her rousing vocals. Her refreshing breakthrough single “Grandpa” rose to rank at 10 on the coveted iTunes Charts, a remarkable feat which she achieved right after getting into music. “Grandpa” reflected a nostalgic and wistful recollection, written in the 24 hours after he passed away. Kristen Tuff Scott is currently doing music and comedy gigs. You never know where she may pop up!
Burgess Meredith appeared in a metric ton of films including Grumpy Old Men, Clash of the Titans, Rocky - but is perhaps best known as the Penquin from the 1966 Batman TV Series. Annie Mae is his granddaughter and she talks about growing up around her famous granddad.
The Melody Boys Quartet was a Southern gospel music group based in Little Rock (Pulaski County). The Melody Boys Quartet officially disbanded on December 31, 2012, at the end of the group’s “Exit 63” tour, celebrating sixty-three years together. In 1949, Foshee died from a heart attack and was replaced by the sixteen-year-old Gerald Williams, who was also the bass singer for the quartet. The group also ceased to be associated with Stamps-Baxter at this time. Joe Roper took over the group, and they renamed themselves Smilin’ Joe Roper and the Melody Boys. The quartet began to gain popularity throughout the 1950s. In addition to performing every weeknight as well as at different churches and music conventions every weekend, they began doing a radio broadcast program on the Little Rock station KARK-AM (now KARN) three times a day. The program consistently opened with the group’s most popular song, “Give the World a Smile.” The Melody Boys later became the first Southern gospel music group from Arkansas to have a television program; they began performing live on KARK TV in 1954. The Melody Boys also performed at the first National Quartet Convention in 1957 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Anyone that knows college basketball knows the Arkansas Razorbacks - and star player Devo Davis talks with Scott Romine about growing up in Jacksonville and making it to the team.
Hock Hochheim is the author of westerns, thrillers, true-crime, police action adventures and combatives books. He’s an award-winning fiction, non-fiction, military, police and martial arts veteran. He is published by the great Wolfpack Publishing, Lauric Press and GMBH Germany. Hock tours internationally doing book events and teaching hand, stick, knife and gun defensive tactics to military, police and civilians in 11 allied countries annually. Hock’s books are based extensively on his deep research, extensive knowledge and experience with crime, criminal minds and real-life experience. He’s served in military law enforcement as a patrolman and investigator in the 70’s, then settled down to fight crime as a detective in North Texas for a total of 26 years. Later, Hock even served as a private investigator and bodyguard. In 1998, Hock launched, and was editor-in-chief of, Close Quarter Combat Magazine, a publication sold in 26 countries for 5 years, and a publication that became the bedrock of many self-defense, “martialist,” and combatives organizations that are still growing and flourishing today. Throughout his career he’s been a prolific writer, storyteller and educator. He has an uncanny ability to teach, entertain and enlighten both in person and in his books. The characters in his fiction are composites of situations and personalities he’s actually been-and-done, known of or researched extensively. These stories play themselves out with great detail and accuracy. Hock’s sold more than 46,000 books in some 27 countries from 1985 to date, with both My Gun is my Passport, Be Bad Now and KiIl or be Killed appearing in the top 100 Amazon book list in their categories versus millions of titles.
A fan favorite attack helicopter is of course the AH-64 Apache helicopter operated by the US Army. John Townsend talks about what it takes to fly one of these bad boys of the sky.
Every 80s kids dream was to grow up and work on Star Wars. Well, Jake Lunt Davies found a way to do it! Jake worked as a concept artist on the last batch of Star Wars movies.
The book "Tales from the Trails of a Rock N Roll Bus Driver"chronicles the amazing journeys of Jerry Fitzpatrick who has driven buses for everyone from Eddie Murphy, Aerosmith, Milli Vanilli, Barney, U2 and more!
Hear the amazing behind-the-scenes Star Wars stories of Kim Simmons - the photographer that captured the iconic photographs of Star Wars toys for the 1980s Kenner packages.
Silo owner GT HIll talks about Titan Ranch - his restored former missle silo in Vilonia, Arkansas. Titan Ranch is can be used for unique corporate meetings or get aways! Find them at www.titanranch.com or on AirBnB!
Rocky Gray played drums for the band Evanescence and participated in world tours - he talks about that experience and also his love of watching and making Horror Films.
Rickey Dale Crain was our first World Champion Powerlifter on Gwatney Unplugged. Learn more about Rickey at www.crain.ws
Fans that love Elvis Presley need to follow the Spa Guy on YouTube! Billy talks about the new Dojo Museum and his success at locating the actual ambulance used to take Elvis to the hospital the day he died.
Mr.America John Heart talks bodybuilding, steroids and Gold's Gym in this episode of Gwatney Unplugged!
Who wouldn't want to live in the Munsters House? Well there is an exact replica in Texas that offers tours! Sandra McKee was a delight discussing her incredible one-of-a-kind home!
One of the coolest airplanes in the Air Force inventory is the swing-wing B-1B Bomber - and host Scott Romine's cousing flew one! Bryan Lee has been flying since a teenager and talks about what it takes to be at the tip of the spear in the United States Air Force.
Ben Daughtry of Dynasty Marine overseas the operations of supplying sharks and fish to aquariums around the world!
Host Scott Romine knows Jaws pretty well (and has a Jaws bathroom) but he has nothing on Jim Beller - owner of the most comprehensive Jaws collection in the country!
Host Scott Romine did this episode for his sister and all the other 80s girls out there! Muriel Fahrion created the popular Strawberry Shortcakea and Care Bear toylines that continue to this day!
Host Scott Romine talks with fellow movie lover and reviewer Kevin Carr - host of "Fat Guys at the Movies" - a nationally syndicated radio segment reviewing the new releases of the week. Scott and Kevin have a lot in common and a lot of the same favorite movies!
"Back in the Water" is an upcoming documentary about the making of Jaws 2 in Navarre Beach, Florida in the late 70s. Savana Morie is a producer on the documentary and she speaks about the locals they have been able to track down that took part in the filming.
From Rambo Knives to Commando style LS1 replicas - Greg Wall of Wall Custom Knives can make about anything to order. Jim is actually a distant relative of Jim Bowie - the knife make that started it all.
Host Scott Romine grew up with the 3 3/4 inch G.I. Joe figures and the cartoon. Carson Mataxis of 3DJoes.com goes into the history of the Hasbro Joe Brand and his experiences with the designers that actually brought the figures to life.
Dorothy Best is an actor and producer and appeared in an episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard". She is the wife of the late James Best who portrayed Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane! She talks about being on the set of Dukes of Hazzard starting on the earliest episodes filmed in Georgia.
Hasbro's G.I.Joe toyline exploded in the 80s with a popular cartoon show and Designer Mark Pennington worked on over 75 of the original 3 3/4 inch toyline! If you love G.I.Joe this is a must listen!
Heath Padgett grew up around Monster Trucks and was able to work with Bob Chandler the creator for the original BIGFOOT. Heath has built his own Monster Truck in the image of the heavier, slower original trucks that first hit the scene in the 80s.
Host Scott Romine had the pleasure of working with actress Jennifer Lyons on the film "Return of the Killer Shrews" in California. Jennifer shares stories of working on everything from "Married with Children" to "Spiderman".
Everyone remembers Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane's bumbling deputies Enos and Cletus! Rick Hurst played Cletus Hogg on televisions "The Dukes of Hazzard" and shares memories of working with James Best, Sorrell Booke, John Schneider, Tom Wopat and Catherine Bach!
One of our first location recorded shows - broadcast from inside Michael Hawes personal Star Wars museum outside of San Antonio, Texas. Michael tells the story of actually sneaking on to the Lucasfilm property in California at a young age - hoping to begin working for George Lucas! Follow him online @star.killer77 or his YouTube channel Collection Wars!
At 6 years old Tim Donaldson was a student at an elementary school in Death Valley, California. George Lucas came into the school and chose him and a few friends to spend a couple of days playing Jawas in the desert for some Star Wars pick-up shots. He remembers the Bantas, R2D2s head falling off and all kinds of antics on what his teachers would believe would be a major flop of a movie.
Host Scott Romine was about 16 years old with the release of Tom Petty's Full Moon Fever album. Every American boy at the time had a crush on the skateboarding teen in the popular Free Falling music video. Scott gets a chance to talk with her in this episode of Gwatney Unplugged.
Host Scott Romine is a lifetime motorcycle addict and spend years as a motorcycle cop. There will always be a soft spot in his heart for the iconic sports bikes of the late 80s and early 90s. One of the most knowledgeable people in America on the topic is Adam Tromp founder of Iconic Motorbikes - which resides in Harrison Ford's former hanger at the Santa Monica Airport.
The Air Jordan 1 is possibly the most iconic basketball sneaker ever designed. Launch in April of 1985 - they are still the go-to shoe for sneaker collectors around the world.
Bill Kimberlin worked for Lucasfilm and was an editor on the 1983 Star Wars film Return of the Jedi. In this interview he speaks of working directly with George Lucas and the facilities of ILM in those days. Originally aired on 12-11-21 on 102.9FM KARN.
Catherine Mary Stewart talks about her days on movie sets like "The Last Starfighter" with Lance Guest and Knight Rider with David Hasselhoff. She was also featured in Nighthawks with Sylvester Stallone and Rutger Hauer. This show originally aired on 102.9FM KARN on January 9th, 2021.
Rambo is an American Icon - featured in books, movies and cartoons throughout the 80s and beyond. The same "Rambo" actually comes from a type of Apple the writer was eating while working on the original book. David Morrell was on the set of the Sylvester Stallone films and talks about his experiences as the creator of "First Blood". Originally aired on Halloween 2021 on 102.9FM KARN.
Scott Romine was honored to interview character actor William Sanderson who famously played "Larry" on the Newhart Show and "JF Sebastian" on Ridley Scott's Blade Runner. But did you know he also met Elvis? William talks about his incredible career on this episode of Gwatney Unplugged. This episode was originally broadcast on 102.9FM KARN out of LIttle Rock, Arkansas on July 4th, 2020.
Tom Sarmento was basically the "real" Cooter on "The Dukes of Hazzard". As the set mechanic he kept of fleet of General Lees, Rosco Police Cars and more running on the set of the Dukes of Hazzard. Originally aired July 9th, 2022 on 102.9FM KARN radio.
Tegan Hammond drove the Ferrari on the set of the new Magunum PI reboot - and drove for Ferrari on a new model launch video. Her family hold several world speed records set on the Salt Flats in California. Originally aired May 21st, 2022 on 102.9FM KARN out of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Host Scott Romine grew up with the 1989 Batman film. It was an honor to interview Carl Newman who was MIchael Keatons stunt double in the film and appears in many prominent scenes. This episode originally aired on April 30th, 2022 on 102.9FM KARN out of LIttle Rock, Arkansas.
Joe Alves was assigned to JAWS before Steven Speilburg and went on to direct Jaws 3. He also worked on Close Encounters of the Third Kind. His contributions to Jaws is sigficant as he was also the second unit director on Jaws 2 and filmed the helicopter attack scene. He also worked with Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger and an endless list of big name celebrities over the years.
Arnold Schwarzenegger first landed in the USA in the late 60s and Barbara Baker was his first longtime girlfriend of six years. She was with him throughout his Olympia wins and has a book titled "Living in the Shadow of the Austrian Oak". Originally aired October 17th, 2020 on 102.9FM KARN out of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Probably the most famous wrestler of all time is Hulk Hogan. He was the face of 80s wrestling and climbed to the very top of the entertainment world. Like many before - he had several scandals that caused an inevitable fall. In later years Hulk Hogan has redeemed himself in many ways. Shawn Maves and host Scott Romine discuss one of their childhood heroes - Hulk Hogan.
Afternoon talk show host Brad Schmidt of 102.9FM KARN talks about his past life as a Pastor, a Truck Driver and what led to his career in Little Rock radio!
Presented by Gwatney Automotive - Gwatney Unplugged with Scott Romine is a virtual "man cave" for your ears.