The Tom Gulley Show

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout The Sydney Funnel Web Spider - Deadly Facts, Myths & Survival Stories

On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, we plunge into the shadowy world of one of Earth’s most feared creatures—the Sydney funnel-web spider. Known for its lightning-fast strikes, potent venom, and a reputation that borders on myth, this remarkable arachnid is far more complex than the headlines suggest.

Join Tom as he explores:
• The real science behind the funnel-web’s infamous venom
• Why Sydney’s geography helps these spiders thrive
• The myths, exaggerations, and urban legends that continue to spread
• How antivenom changed survival rates—and the incredible story behind its discovery
• The spider’s behavior, habitat, mating rituals, and what actually makes them aggressive
• Famous encounters and unbelievable near-misses
• How everyday Australians coexist with a creature considered one of the world’s most dangerous

This deep-dive episode combines biology, history, and storytelling the way only The Tom Gulley Show can—informative, compelling, and full of surprises.

Follow & Listen:
The Tom Gulley Show streams on YouTube and is available wherever you get your podcasts. Tune in for more deep dives into the strange, the historic, and the unforgettable.

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Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout Lee Marvin - The Reluctant Tough Guy Who Redefined American Cool

In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives deep into the life, career, and unforgettable legacy of Lee Marvin—the gravel-voiced icon who reshaped Hollywood’s understanding of toughness. From his decorated WWII service in the Pacific to his scene-stealing performances in The Dirty Dozen, Point Blank, and Cat Ballou, Marvin forged a screen persona rooted in authenticity, discipline, and raw charisma.

Tom explores how Marvin’s military experience informed his acting, why directors valued his unpretentious intensity, and how he became a reluctant yet undeniable symbol of postwar American masculinity. You’ll also hear stories about his improbable rise from bit player to Oscar winner, his underappreciated comedic chops, and the personal battles that shaped the man behind the roles.

Whether you're a classic film enthusiast, a fan of Hollywood history, or someone who loves a great behind-the-scenes story, this episode delivers a richly detailed, highly entertaining portrait of one of cinema’s most compelling figures.

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Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout The Lauren Spierer Disappearance - The Clues & The Unanswered Questions

In June 2011, 20-year-old Indiana University student Lauren Spierer vanished after a night out in Bloomington—launching one of the most widely followed and perplexing missing persons cases in America. On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom examines the timeline, the key locations, the people involved, and the troubling gaps that have kept this mystery unsolved for more than a decade.

With clear, fact-driven analysis and respect for Lauren and her family, Tom walks through the hours leading up to her disappearance, the surveillance footage, the witness statements, and the ongoing theories that continue to circulate. This is not sensationalism—this is an informed, level-headed look at a case filled with lingering questions and heartbreaking uncertainty.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Lauren Spierer’s final confirmed movements and the critical timeline
• What investigators discovered—and what remains unexplained
• The role of witnesses, friends, and conflicting accounts
• How early decisions and missed opportunities shaped the investigation
• Theories surrounding the case and why none have led to resolution
• Why the disappearance continues to resonate nationwide

If you follow true crime, missing persons cases, or the complex realities of investigations, this deep dive brings context, clarity, and sober reflection to a mystery that still haunts the community of Bloomington.

Subscribe for more fact-focused explorations of history, crime, culture, mysteries, and the human stories that shape our world—only on The Tom Gulley Show.

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Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout The Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse - Disaster & Survival In Florida

In the early morning hours of May 9, 1980, a violent storm and a massive freighter collided with one of Florida’s most important highways—sending a large section of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge plummeting into Tampa Bay. In this gripping episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom takes you through the harrowing minutes before impact, the tragic loss of life, the survivors’ remarkable stories, and the profound engineering and policy changes that followed.

This wasn’t just a bridge collapse—it was a catastrophic chain of events involving weather, visibility, maritime navigation, and structural vulnerability. Tom breaks down the full story with clear-eyed detail and deep respect for everyone affected.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What led the freighter Summit Venture to strike the bridge
• How extreme weather and blinding rain created a perfect storm
• Firsthand accounts from rescuers, survivors, and witnesses
• The engineering weaknesses exposed by the collapse
• How the disaster transformed bridge-building standards nationwide
• Why the new Sunshine Skyway became a model of modern design and safety

Whether you’re interested in engineering, maritime disasters, or the real human stories behind historic events, this deep dive brings clarity and context to one of America’s most devastating infrastructure failures.

Subscribe for more in-depth explorations of history, culture, mysteries, disasters, and the moments that shaped our world—only on The Tom Gulley Show.

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Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout William Castle - The King of B-Movie Showmanship

Long before 4D theaters and blockbuster marketing blitzes, there was William Castle—the flamboyant filmmaker who turned moviegoing into an event with joy buzzers, flying skeletons, insurance policies against fright, and some of the boldest promotional stunts Hollywood ever saw. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom takes you inside the wild, inventive world of the man who made audiences scream, laugh, and line up around the block.

Castle was more than just gimmicks—he was a savvy storyteller, a relentless self-promoter, and a pioneering independent filmmaker whose low-budget thrillers became cult classics. From House on Haunted Hill to The Tingler, Castle created unforgettable experiences that shaped horror cinema and influenced generations of directors.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How William Castle transformed movie theaters into interactive playgrounds
• The legendary gimmicks—Emergo, Percepto, Illusion-O, and more
• Castle’s rise from studio system journeyman to B-movie icon
• The production secrets behind his most famous films
• How his bold style influenced filmmakers like John Waters and Joe Dante
• Why Castle remains a beloved figure in horror and cult film history

Whether you grew up on his films, admire his marketing genius, or just love great Hollywood stories, this episode shines a spotlight on one of cinema’s most entertaining trailblazers.

Subscribe for more deep dives into film, culture, history, true crime, oddities, and the unforgettable characters who shaped our world—only on The Tom Gulley Show.

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Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout Mystery Science Theater 3000 - The Pioneers of Pop-Culture Riffing

On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, we dive headfirst into the gloriously weird, wonderfully inventive world of Mystery Science Theater 3000—the show that turned cheesy movies into comedy gold and built one of the most devoted fanbases in television history.

From Joel Hodgson’s original DIY vision to Mike Nelson’s era, to Crow, Tom Servo, Gypsy, and the entire Satellite of Love crew, we explore how MST3K became a groundbreaking blend of satire, puppetry, low-budget charm, and out-of-this-world creativity. We’ll look at its cult legacy, fan-driven revivals, unforgettable episodes, and how its influence continues to shape riffing culture, online comedy, and modern media.

Whether you're a long-time MSTie or brand-new to the ‘bots, this deep-dive delivers the trivia, behind-the-scenes lore, and sharp commentary you’ve come to expect from Tom.

⭐ Topics Covered:

How MST3K revolutionized comedy and cult TV
Joel vs. Mike vs. Jonah: The eras and their stylistic differences
The art of riffing and why it works
Best episodes, moments, and running jokes
The fans, the revival, and the show’s lasting impact
How MST3K changed the way we watch “bad” movies

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout S&H Green Stamps - The Booklet That Built Loyalty

Before loyalty cards, reward apps, and points programs ruled the world, America had S&H Green Stamps—the wildly popular trading stamp phenomenon that turned everyday grocery shopping into a nationwide collecting craze. On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the history, psychology, and cultural impact of those tiny green squares that once filled kitchens, glove compartments, and redemption centers across the country.

From their explosive rise in the 1950s and ’60s to the massive catalog empire they built, Tom explores how S&H Green Stamps shaped consumer behavior, rewarded brand loyalty, and left a nostalgic mark on American life. You’ll hear how families strategized for premium items, how supermarkets used stamps to crush competition, and why the program eventually faded as the retail landscape evolved.

Whether you saved them, licked them, redeemed them—or just wondered what the fuss was about—this deep dive brings the full story of S&H Green Stamps to life.

In this episode you’ll learn:
• The origins of S&H Green Stamps and how they revolutionized retail
• Why the program became one of America’s earliest mass-scale loyalty systems
• How redemption centers and catalogs built a massive cottage industry
• The psychology behind trading stamps and repeat customers
• What ultimately led to the program’s decline

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout The Yuba County Five - Vanished, Found, and Still Unexplained

On this gripping episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom examines one of the most baffling and heartbreaking true-crime mysteries in American history: The Yuba County Five. Five friends disappeared in 1978 under circumstances that defy logic, only to leave behind clues that raised more questions than answers.

With Tom’s signature clarity and investigative storytelling, this episode explores:
Who the five men were—and why their disappearance was so unusual
The strange route their car took into the mountains
The eerie discoveries in and around the abandoned trailer
Theories involving foul play, misadventure, panic, and purposeful evasion
What investigators have confirmed—and what remains speculation
How the case continues to puzzle law enforcement and true-crime experts nearly 50 years later

This is a respectful, fact-driven deep dive for anyone fascinated by cold cases, unsolved mysteries, and stories with haunting, unresolved endings.

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout Gravy - The Glorious History, Secrets, & the Truth Behind a Saucy Icon

In this deliciously deep-dive episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom serves up the history, chemistry, and cultural lore of gravy—one of the greatest comfort-food creations ever ladled onto a plate. From silky Thanksgiving classics to diner-style brown gravy to the legendary Southern sawmill variety, this episode celebrates gravy in all its savory glory.

Join Tom as he explores:
Where gravy actually came from (the surprising origins!)
The essential difference between pan gravy, roux-based gravy, and jus
Why some gravies break—and how the pros fix them
The regional gravy styles that define American cooking
The science behind thickening, browning, and building deep flavor
Gravy myths, mistakes, and secret tricks from kitchens everywhere

Whether you’re a home cook, a foodie, or just someone who respects a great plate of biscuits and gravy, this episode is the ultimate guide to understanding what makes gravy magical.

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout November 22, 1963 - Facts, Mysteries & the Killing of Officer J.D. Tippit

On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives deep into one of the most analyzed, debated, and emotionally charged events in American history—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. From the verified, documented facts to the tangled web of theories, speculation, and unanswered questions, this episode separates what we know from what we think we know.

Tom also brings focused attention to the often overshadowed but critically important killing of Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit—an event that shaped the timeline, the investigation, and the public perception of Lee Harvey Oswald in the hours following the assassination.

Join Tom Gulley—broadcast veteran, writer, and former CBS NewsRadio anchor—as he dissects the evidence, explores the controversies, and provides clear, compelling insight into a case that still captivates the world more than 60 years later.

In This Episode:
• The established facts of the JFK assassination
• The key uncertainties and areas of pure conjecture
• The timeline and significance of Officer J.D. Tippit’s murder
• The continuing debate: lone gunman or something more?

Why Listen:
Whether you're a JFK researcher, a history buff, or someone who simply wants a clear-eyed look at the most pivotal moments of November 22, 1963, this episode delivers levelheaded analysis without sensationalism.