The Tom Gulley Show

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.

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout Michael Nesmith - The Genius Behind The Monkees

Michael Nesmith wasn’t just the guy in the green wool hat — he was the creative force who helped transform The Monkees from a TV pop act into a legitimate musical powerhouse. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, we dive deep into the incredible life, legacy, and innovation of Michael Nesmith — from his pioneering work in country rock and music video to his post-Monkees success as a songwriter, producer, and visionary.

Host Tom Gulley explores how Nesmith’s sharp wit, musical depth, and technological foresight shaped not only the sound of the 1960s but also the way we experience music today. Hear rare stories, surprising insights, and a heartfelt look at one of rock’s most underappreciated trailblazers.

📺 In This Episode:
The real story behind The Monkees and Nesmith’s creative control battles
How Nesmith helped invent MTV before MTV existed
His country-rock innovations and solo hits with The First National Band
Why Nesmith’s legacy still resonates in modern music and media

🎧 Tune in for a fascinating, funny, and deeply insightful tribute to a true original — Michael Nesmith — only on The Tom Gulley Show.

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark - Queen Of Camp

She’s spooky, sexy, and hilariously self-aware—the one and only Elvira, Mistress of the Dark! In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Cassandra Peterson’s iconic horror hostess who turned late-night TV into a gothic comedy masterpiece.

Host Tom Gulley dives into Elvira’s rise from humble beginnings on local Los Angeles television to becoming a global pop culture legend. Discover how she blended B-movie horror, razor-sharp wit, and over-the-top glam into one unforgettable persona that defined camp for a generation.

🕸️ In This Episode:
How Cassandra Peterson created the Elvira phenomenon
Behind-the-scenes stories from Movie Macabre
The impact of Elvira: Mistress of the Dark and Haunted Hills
How Elvira became a Halloween icon and feminist trailblazer

🎙️ Join Tom Gulley for a fang-tastic deep dive into the horror hostess who made bad movies—and good jokes—immortal.

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout The Jarvik Heart - How It Changed Medicine Forever

When the Jarvik-7 artificial heart first beat inside a human chest, the world watched in awe. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the groundbreaking story of the Jarvik artificial heart, its visionary creator Dr. Robert Jarvik, and the historic surgery that redefined modern medicine.

From the challenges of early heart replacement technology to the media frenzy surrounding Barney Clark, the first recipient, Tom explores the triumphs, controversies, and lasting impact of this medical marvel. Discover how the Jarvik heart paved the way for today’s life-saving cardiac innovations and what it revealed about science, ethics, and human endurance.

🎧 A fascinating look at one of medicine’s most revolutionary inventions — only on The Tom Gulley Show.

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout Top 10 Letterman Moments

From the iconic Late Night antics to the unforgettable Late Show bits, Tom Gulley counts down his Top 10 David Letterman Moments — the sharpest wit, the wildest guests, and the TV magic that made Dave a comedy legend. As the first-ever recipient of the David Letterman Scholarship, Tom brings a unique, insider perspective to Letterman’s groundbreaking humor, innovative interviews, and unforgettable segments that shaped modern late-night television.

Join The Tom Gulley Show as we relive Letterman’s greatest hits — from monkey cams to Stupid Pet Tricks — and explore why no one has ever done late night quite like Dave.

🎙️ Watch, laugh, and reminisce with a true Letterman fan who was there from the start.

Lemme Tell Ya ’Bout Self Checkout - Convenience or Chaos?

Self-checkout lanes promised to make shopping faster and easier—but have they actually done that? In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives deep into the world of self-checkout technology, exploring how it’s changed retail, frustrated shoppers, and sparked debates about jobs, theft, and the future of automation.

From the first experimental kiosks to today’s AI-powered scanners, we’ll look at how we got here, who really benefits, and why so many customers either love or loathe self-checkout. Plus, Tom shares funny (and frustrating) real-life experiences that every shopper can relate to.

👉 Tune in for smart talk, sharp wit, and the kind of perspective only The Tom Gulley Show delivers.

📺 Watch now to find out:
Why retailers pushed self-checkout so hard
How it affects store jobs and customer service
The psychology behind why people hate those machines
What the next generation of checkout tech could look like