# The Super Awesome Pinball Show Classic Holiday Special

**Source:** The Super Awesome Pinball Show  
**Type:** podcast_episode  
**Published:** 2024-12-18  
**Duration:** 18m 40s  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://superawesomepinballshow.libsyn.com/the-super-awesome-pinball-show-classic-holiday-special

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## Analysis

A comedic holiday special featuring Christopher Franchi and Dr. Pin (Christian Line) visiting pinball industry figures via Santa's sleigh to deliver Christmas greetings and wishes. The skit-style episode includes visits to John Borg, Gary Stern, Joe Kamenko, Eric Menier, and George Gomez, with humorous exchanges and personal holiday messages from each. The content is light-hearted and primarily entertainment-focused rather than industry news.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] George Gomez designed the snow dome technology featured on the sleigh — _Franchi references 'Yeah, Gomez designed it. It's the latest in modern sleigh riding tech. Snow dome.'_
- [HIGH] Eric Menier expressed difficulty with lack of in-person gatherings and family contact during 2020 pandemic — _Eric's direct quote about 2020 being difficult and inability to see family or attend pinball shows_
- [HIGH] George Gomez previously worked in toy design before pinball — _George states: 'Didn't you guys know I used to make toys before I made pinball machines?'_

### Notable Quotes

> "I may not be the best pinball artist, but I'm certainly the most handsome."
> — **Christopher Franchi**, Opening
> _Franchi's self-deprecating introduction characteristic of his comedic personality_

> "These fucking moon boots suck though."
> — **Christopher Franchi**, Early in skit
> _Establishes the comedic, irreverent tone of the special_

> "I want a trilogy of pterodile with the chain still in place."
> — **John Borg**, Borg's house visit
> _References a classic pinball machine, shows Borg's interest in vintage titles_

> "Happy holidays. That was quick."
> — **Christopher Franchi (about Gary Stern)**, Gary Stern visit
> _Comedic exaggeration of Gary Stern's brevity, with disclaimer that it was good-natured_

> "2020 has sucked. Not having pinball shows, not getting to drink beer with a bunch of the people that are listening here."
> — **Eric Menier**, Eric's house visit
> _Genuine sentiment about pandemic impact on pinball community_

> "After Led Zeppelin, I'm kind of hoping for a Lord of the Rings vault in my stocking."
> — **Christopher Franchi**, George Gomez visit
> _References Stern's Led Zeppelin game and LOTR licensing speculation_

> "You're going to need a bigger stocking. This is a Joss License rumor joke."
> — **George Gomez**, George Gomez visit
> _References previous LOTR licensing discussion and suggests difficulty in securing it_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Christopher Franchi | person | Spooky Pinball artist/designer, co-host of the episode, self-described 'handsome' personality |
| Christian Line | person | Dr. Pin, co-host of the episode, co-host of Mrs. Pin's Pinball Podcast (referenced as former co-host) |
| John Borg | person | Pinball designer, first celebrity visited, desires vintage pterodile machine with chain intact |
| Gary Stern | person | Owner of Stern Pinball, portrayed as 'Scrooge' character, participates as good sport |
| Joe Kamenko | person | Wealthy pinball personality, referred to as 'Sultan of the Silver Ball', wants Aston Martin DB5 |
| Eric Menier | person | Pinball game designer/manufacturer, expressed pandemic concerns, values family and community |
| George Gomez | person | Legendary Stern pinball designer, former toy designer, designed snow dome technology |
| Spooky Pinball | company | Pinball manufacturer, employer of Christopher Franchi as artist/designer |
| Stern Pinball | company | Major pinball manufacturer, owner Gary Stern featured in episode |
| The Super Awesome Pinball Show | organization | Podcast featuring Franchi and Line, hosts holiday special episode |
| Cointaker | company | Sponsor of the episode, pinball sales and parts retailer |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Holiday entertainment and community, Pinball celebrity personalities, Pinball industry figures and their interests
- **Secondary:** Pandemic impact on pinball community (2020 context), Vintage pinball machines
- **Mentioned:** IP licensing in pinball (Lord of the Rings reference)

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.85) — Light-hearted, comedic special with affectionate ribbing of industry figures. Genuine warmth and appreciation expressed. Eric Menier's pandemic reflection adds momentary melancholy but overall tone remains celebratory and optimistic about pinball community.

### Signals

- **[community_signal]** Christopher Franchi actively producing comedy content featuring pinball celebrities for community entertainment (confidence: high) — Holiday special format with multiple industry figure appearances designed for listener enjoyment
- **[design_philosophy]** George Gomez's background includes toy design before pinball, informing his engineering/design approach (confidence: high) — Gomez states: 'Didn't you guys know I used to make toys before I made pinball machines?'
- **[market_signal]** Lord of the Rings licensing for Stern remains a persistent industry rumor with licensing challenges (confidence: high) — Gomez's response to LOTR vault request: 'You're going to need a bigger stocking' with explicit reference to previous licensing discussion
- **[community_signal]** Christopher Franchi confirmed as artist/designer at Spooky Pinball (transition from previous Stern role) (confidence: high) — Franchi introduces himself as 'Christopher Franchi from Spooky Pinball' in opening

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## Transcript

 The following is a special holiday selection of the best of the Super Awesome Pinball Show. This presentation is brought to you by Cointaker. Go to Cointaker.com for pinball sales, parts, and much more. Cointaker.com Hello, everybody. I may not be the best pinball artist, but I'm certainly the most handsome. It's me, Christopher Franchi from Spooky Pinball. And it's that time of year again when we get hit up for requests to replay our special Christmas episode featuring all your favorite pinball superstars. So without further ado, here it is, my former co-host Christian Line and myself, and numerous other pinball stars, coming together to wish you a very happy holiday season. Alright Franchi, you ready to get going? I'm as ready as I'll ever be. These fucking moon boots suck though. Alright man, you ready to go? Let's do this And now we follow Franchi and Dr. Pin As they travel by Santa's sleigh Bundled toe to chin Visiting pinball friends both far and near To see what they want from Santa this year God damn! It's cold out here. Whose idea was this? This is going to be great. Just throw on an extra sweater, bro. Are you sure you know how to drive this thing? Yeah, not so much. But how hard can it be? It's a sleigh. All right, first step, let's get this thing off the ground. On saucer, on flipper, on bumper, on spinner. On kickback, on bonus, on drainer, on nudger. Those don't rhyme. I can't yell like this all night and it's fucking cold. Hit that button that says snow dome. This big red one? Whoa, this is fantastic. Yeah, Gomez designed it. It's the latest in modern sleigh riding tech. Snow dome. Meanwhile, a few moments later... Hey, we're coming up on our first house. Mr. John Borg. I hope he's not up at his cabin ice fishing. Nah, it's Christmas Eve. He should be home, shouldn't he? Well, we're about to find out. Doom up! That's the house right there! Mush! Mush! They're the reindeer, man. This isn't a dog sled. Ooh, the roof is thumping. Morgan's kicking out the jams. Yeah, that dude knows how to rock. I've seen his Facebook guitar videos. Alright, down the chimney. You go first. Ugh. I never realized just how filthy chimneys are. Keep moving, Liberace. Hey. Hey, there he is. What's up, John? Borgie! Borgie! Hey, guys. Hey, what are you working on, brother? Just working on my next game. What the heck are you doing in my fireplace? Yeah, sorry if we spook you. We're just doing this thing for our podcast. Ha! We're making the rounds, wishing pinheads happy holidays and seeing what they want for Christmas. You guys are nuts. Yeah, and maybe send out a holiday message to our listeners. Here, have a warm cookie. I just took them out of the 3D printer. Mmm, I think I'll save mine for later. Nah, turtle ninja bread, man. Thanks. I guess what I want most of all this year is a trilogy of pterodile with the chain still in place. And to all of your listeners, have a great Christmas, have a happy new year, and long live the super awesome pinball show. Thanks, Porgy. You rock. And sorry about the snow on your carpet, man. No sweat guys Don worry about the water I just take care of those puddles with a leaf blower or something I blew up a leaf blower up in Wisconsin this year Yeah See ya You can leave the way you came in Borg is so damn cool. Yep, he's the man. Oh, sorry. Oh my god. I'm gonna barf. Just get up there, man. Get up there. I said sorry. My god, man. Why did you eat? The McRib is back. You are so disappointed. Hey, look, a wombat. Okay, next stop, Gary Stern. Alright, I'm going to put the coordinates in for Mr. Gary Stern. Meanwhile, a few moments later... Hey man, our second stop for the night is straight ahead. And that's Gary's place right down there. Dome up! And down we go! Hey, do you think Gary's fireplace uses sternal cans? See what I did there? Solid dad joke, Franchino. Get down that chimney! I hate people. Hey, Gary, happy holidays. Hey, what are you two idiots doing in my fireplace? Yeah, sorry, sir. We just wanted to see if you could maybe give our listeners a quick holiday greeting. Sure. Happy holidays. That was quick. Shut up, man. And, uh, could you maybe tell us what you want for Christmas this year? I want you to get the hell out of my elevator and get out of here. Go! Go, go, go! Didn't he say elevator? I think that was a vodka talking. Keep moving. Next on the list, the Sultan of the Silver Ball, Mr. Joe Kamenko. Okay, let's go. that was a narrow escape see what happens when you watch scrooge actually uh we have to say that we kind of painted gary in a bad light there but it was all in good fun and he took part in that being a good sport so thanks very much mr stern for being our scrooge of the year Thank you, Gary. We fed him those lines, and he pulled them off perfectly. Yeah, so it's all in good fun. Meanwhile, a few moments later... Oh, and look, our next house is showing up on the radar. Let's do it. All right, that's Joe's place right down there. Dome up! Heading down. Pretty swag joint! Well, he's a successful dude. Okay, make sure you don't get any snow on his hardwood floors. No doubt. And make sure you don't get any soot on his car collection. Alright, down the chimney. Happy holidays, Mr. Kamiko. And happy Hanukkah. And Kwanzaa as well. Hey, guys. Do you mind explaining why you're in my fireplace? Yeah, we're doing this podcast. At this moment, Franchi and Dr. Pin notice Madonna performing live in Joe's living room. Is that Madonna? Yes. We're having her over for a dinner party and, well, you know, I need to get back to it. What can I do for you boys? We were just wondering what was number one on your wish list this year and maybe you could send out a holiday message to our listeners. I want an Aston Martin DB5 with all the James Bond spy gear. And to your listeners happy Hanukkah happy Kwanzaa Merry Christmas and any other holiday that I may have missed Now I really need to get back to my party guys I kind of tied up and sort of busy Do you think she sign my shoe or something You're an idiot, man. Yeah, you're an idiot. But, you know, seriously, I love you guys, but really, I got things to do. Thanks, Joe. We really appreciate it. No sweat, guys. See ya. See ya. See ya later. Ciao. Joe's got a pretty sweet pad. A few more years of making that sweet podcast cash and we might be able to compete. Yeah, probably not. Next up, Eric Meunier. Menoi. Menoi. Boy, after being in Joe's house, this slate looks kind of shabby, doesn't it? Let's get some snow glow on this sleigh. Nice. Meanwhile, a few moments later... Oh, hey, that's Eric's house. Shame in you. Straight ahead. Allez, reindeer! This is a tricky one. Hang on. Hey, why don't you throw on your Santa suit and see if you can fool Eric into thinking you're the real big guy. Yeah, I'm going to sweat my ass off, but all right. I'll go first. Hey, check this out. The last camouflage. That's actually pretty decent. Okay, I'll hang in the chimney. Just go to your thing. Happy holidays! Ho, ho, ho. Happy holidays, Eric Manois. Whoa, it's Santa. It's actually pronounced Minyard. Uh-huh. You put out a damn fine pinball this year, Eric. What would you like for Christmas, seeing as you've been a good boy? All I really want is for those super awesome dopes to quit hounding me for interviews. Uh... Just kidding, Christopher Franchi. I knew it was you. You can come out of my chimney, Christian. Oh, how's it going, man? We were just making the rounds to see what you wanted for the holidays, and if you had a holiday greeting for our listeners. So I guess what I really want for Christmas this year is to be able to see all my friends and family in person again. 2020 has sucked. Not having pinball shows, not getting to drink beer with a bunch of the people that are listening here, and also not being able to see any of my family all year long. The one gift I'd love to give my kids for Christmas is to be able to hug their grandparents, but we can't let do that. So, hope everyone out there in pinball land has a safe, happy, and socially distanced holiday celebration. Let's get through this together so we can all hang out again next year. Perfection. Thanks, Eric, and happy holidays to you and your family. And all was right with the world. Alright, rock on, Eric. See ya. Bye, guys. Stay safe out there. All this climbing up and down chimneys is making me hungry. Yeah, I get why the real Santa eats a few trillion cookies on Christmas Eve. I think we can swing this sleigh through a drive-thru. Tough it out, bud. Only a house or two left. Taco Bell. Ding, ding, ding. Taco Bell. Soon it will be taco time. Nice. Meanwhile, a few moments later... Up next, George Gomez, and that's his roof right over there. Put her down, Captain! Aye aye. Watch it, you almost hit those power lines back there! Quit being a backslid driver, Franchi! Alright, here we are, Chateau de Gomes. Dude your elbow Get your foot out of my butt Happy holidays George Hey you guys know I have a front door right Yeah, uh, sorry about that. Listen, we're checking in our pinball fam to see what they want for the holidays this year. Didn't you guys know I used to make toys before I made pinball machines? I can pretty much make anything I want. Yeah, you designed that sweet snow dome on our sled outside. It comes in really handy. Thanks. You know what, George? I've actually got a holiday request for you. Sure. What is it? After Led Zeppelin, I'm kind of hoping for a Lord of the Rings vault in my stocking. Can you make that happen? Yeah, good luck with that. You're going to need a bigger stocking. This is a Joss License rumor joke. He already shot you down the last time he was on the show. Hey, George, before we get out of your hair, your fireplace, do you have any holiday messages you'd like to pass on to our listeners? You know, what I really want to say to everybody, your listeners, the whole pinball community, is happy holidays. And thank you so much for the incredible support throughout this crazy time. I hope that we've been able to bring a little joy into your lives. But the reality is that, you know, I feel very blessed that you guys have been so supportive and that the company has managed to get through this. I think things are only going to get better. And happy holidays, everybody. All right, now you guys really do have to get out of my fireplace. See you later. See you, George. See you, George. All right, one last climb up. When you get your ass up there... Hey, that was my face. Sorry, bro. Well, that was awesome. We got to hang out with our pinball friends, spread some holiday cheer. Yeah, happy holidays, buddy. Now, let's head back. I'm cold, my butt is sore from this wooden bench, and my moon boots are soaked. Yeah, I've got to tuck in the pin kids, man. Let's head back. Hey, here's some hot chocolate. And, you know, you should really try these boots I'm wearing next year. Steel toe, waterproof, really awesome. Nice. Where did you get those? Oh, a listener sent them to me as a Christmas gift. Well, you know, god damn it. You get everything. I get jack shit. This is such bullshit. Happy holidays, everybody. Yeah, you just act like Mr. Nice Guy, and then all the stuff just keeps coming, and I get shit. I don't know what you're talking about. I even ask for shit, and I don't get shit. I have nothing to give you. I'm full of it. Yeah, if I had a red brush, maybe I'd get more shit. Merry Christmas. Well, there you have it, the classic Super Awesome Pinball Show holiday special. It ages like a fine wine, don't you agree? It just gets better and better every year. Anyway, all of us at the Super Awesome Pinball Show hope that you and yours have a safe and wonderful holiday season this year, and here's to a wonderful 2025 for pinball. See you later, everybody. Ho ho ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! Hey! Hey! Get over here, you fat asshole! You owe me presents! I get screwed every fucking year! Cough up the gifts, fat man! Oh, you must be talking about some other Santa! No, no, I'm talking about you! And don't think I didn't forget about that big wheel either, you dick! I gotta go now! Get over here! Merry Christmas! I'll get you next year, you fat fucker. You owe me gifts. And you're gonna pay up. The End

_(Acquisition: groq_whisper, Enrichment: v3)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 928dd863-24cf-426f-98c8-42243392e79f*