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The Super Awesome Pinball Show Holiday Special 2022

The Super Awesome Pinball Show·podcast_episode·45m 9s·analyzed·Dec 10, 2022
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claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · $0.031

TL;DR

Holiday special with hosts, guests, and comedic Santa sleigh skits visiting pinball industry figures.

Summary

A comedy holiday special episode of The Super Awesome Pinball Show featuring hosts Christopher Franchi, Kristen Lein, and Jeff Parsons, mixing personal Christmas memories with comedic skits visiting industry figures (Gary Stern, Joe Kaminkow, Eric Meunier, George Gomez, John Borg) in a Santa's sleigh format. The episode blends nostalgia about childhood pinball machines with lighthearted banter about holiday gift-giving and personal anecdotes, concluding with brief holiday messages from industry personalities.

Key Claims

  • Jeff Parsons received a Pinball Champ (Coleco/Fonz version) as a Christmas gift in 1977 when he was seven years old and played it extensively.

    high confidence · Jeff Parsons, personal recollection of Christmas 1977

  • Christopher Franchi father created elaborate candy creations as birthday gifts, including a functional pinball machine made with springs, hot balls, rubber band bumpers, and hidden candy compartments.

    high confidence · Christopher Franchi, personal childhood memory

  • Kristen Lein does not own a pinball machine but plays frequently at Maine venues and with friends' machines, citing $13,000+ pricing as a barrier to entry for new collectors.

    high confidence · Kristen Lein, explanation of not owning a machine

  • Stern Pinball released miniature topper ornaments priced at $1,000 and wood carved ornaments revealed on the Stern website during the holiday season.

    high confidence · Christopher Franchi, discussing Christmas gift wants

  • John Borg is working on his next pinball game design.

    medium confidence · John Borg, in comedic skit segment of podcast

  • Eric Meunier expressed desire to see family and friends in person again during 2020 COVID-era recording, citing cancelled pinball shows.

    high confidence · Eric Meunier, holiday message segment

  • George Gomez previously worked on toy design before transitioning to pinball machine design.

    high confidence · George Gomez, in comedic skit acknowledging his background

  • Gary Stern was scripted to deliver humorous dismissive responses as a comedic bit and was collaborative with the hosts in this portrayal.

    high confidence · Hosts' clarification that Gary 'took part in that being a good sport' and they 'fed him those lines'

Notable Quotes

  • “It was Pinball Champ, a version of the Fonz Pinball by Coleco... I played the crap out of that thing because I loved it so much.”

    Jeff Parsons @ ~12:00 — Personal origin story explaining lifelong passion for pinball; nostalgia hook for episode theme

  • “I don't have, I've said this before, I don't need to buy a pinball machine because Maine has so many places I can play it, a lot for free, and friends that have them, it's like, I'm perfectly pinball happy.”

    Kristen Lein @ ~25:30 — Commentary on affordability barriers and alternative participation models in pinball collecting market

  • “These fucking moon boots suck, though... It's cold out here. Whose idea was this?”

    Christopher Franchi @ ~38:00 — Transition into comedic Santa sleigh segment; establishes tone for visit skits

  • “What I want most of all this year is a Trilogy of Pterodile with the chain still in place.”

    John Borg @ ~42:15 — Possible reference to classic game (Pterodactyl or similar); nostalgia preference for vintage machines

  • “I want you to get the hell out of my elevator and get out of here.”

    Gary Stern @ ~45:30 — Comedic scripted response; intentional 'Scrooge' character portrayal for entertainment

  • “I won an Aston Martin DB5 with all the James Bond spy gear.”

    Joe Kaminkow @ ~50:00 — Humorous/fictional holiday wish in comedic skit segment

  • “All I really want is for those super awesome dopes to quit hounding me for interviews. Just kidding, Frangie.”

    Eric Meunier @ ~54:15 — Self-aware humor about podcast access and industry relationships

  • “What I really want to say to everybody your listeners, the whole pinball community, is happy ho...”

    George Gomez @ ~62:00 — Final message from industry figure; transcript cuts off but reflects community sentiment

Entities

Christopher FranchipersonKristen LeinpersonJeff ParsonspersonGary SternpersonJoe KaminkowpersonEric MeunierpersonJohn Borgperson

Signals

  • ?

    content_signal: Holiday special rerun of The Super Awesome Pinball Show (described as 'version 1.5', third annual run) with added fresh content to maintain relevance while preserving classic segments

    high · Hosts explicitly state: 'this is the third time we've run this' and 'we're going to tack a little stuff onto it to make it somewhat relevant, and then we're going to rehash the old stuff'

  • ?

    community_signal: Close relationships between podcast hosts and industry figures (designers, executives); willingness of senior industry figures to participate in comedic content and provide holiday messages

    high · Multiple industry personalities participated in scripted skits; hosts acknowledged Gary Stern 'took part in that being a good sport' and they 'fed him those lines'

  • $

    market_signal: New pinball machines priced at $13,000+ in-box, creating significant barriers to entry for potential home collectors; alternative participation models (location play, friend access) becoming more attractive

    high · Kristen Lein: 'especially these days, you know, with new in-box machines going for $13,000, I feel like so many people are priced out of the market now'

  • ?

    product_concern: Stern Pinball holiday ornaments positioned as premium lifestyle products with significant markup; miniature topper ornament priced at $1,000

    high · Christopher Franchi: 'stern pinball ornaments... They're ridiculously expensive as most Stern items are because they're a lifestyle brand and that comes with a significant markup. It's a miniature topper ornament for $1,000'

  • ?

    historical_signal: Hosts share formative pinball experiences from 1970s-1980s, establishing personal connections to classic toy and early arcade machines; reflects broader pinball community nostalgia culture

Transcript

groq_whisper · $0.135

0:00
This podcast features three grown men. One of them severely immature and likes to make dick and fart jokes, and the other two who like to ignore his childish behavior. However, all three talk about adult themes and like to swear a lot. So get the kids the hell out of the room, or I'll flick boogers on them. Guess which one's the immature one.
0:22
The following special presentation is brought to you by the fine folks at Cointaker. Quality arcade amusements for your home. Welcome to the Super Awesome Pinball Show Holiday Special with your hosts, Christopher Franchi, Kristen Lein, and Jeff Parsons. Also starring Gary Stern, Joe Kamenko, Eric Minier, George Gomez, and John Borg as the Beaver.
0:53
Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No! Oh, no! We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Finn Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kay. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney night, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse. You're goofy. Don't piss me off, Art. Clark, I think it's best if everyone just goes home before things get worse. Worse? How can they get any worse? ho ho ho merry fucking christmas i'm so tired of shopping but anyway welcome to everybody's favorite podcast rerun the super awesome pinball show holiday special we'll just call it 1.5 how about that i think it's i think this is the third time we've run this and uh listen it's good every year i listen to it every year next year we may have to just kind of redo it and do a 2.0 but But for this year, we're going to tack a little stuff onto it to make it somewhat relevant, and then we're going to rehash the old stuff. You watch A Christmas Story every year. This is basically Pinball's Christmas Story. There you go. Yeah, I'd like to suggest, as a matter of fact, that the day before Christmas Eve, you run this podcast over and over all day long. This sucks a bag of dicks. Oh, I'm sure.
George Gomez
person
The Super Awesome Pinball Showorganization
Stern Pinballcompany
Colecocompany
Cointakercompany
Pinball Champgame
Lord of the Ringsgame
Junkyard Pinballgame

high · Jeff Parsons received Pinball Champ in 1977; Christopher Franchi received custom pinball creation from father; Kristen Lein had Junkyard Pinball; multiple references to childhood arcade and restaurant play

  • ?

    industry_signal: 2020 COVID-era disruption to pinball tournament circuit and social gathering; cancelled pinball shows preventing industry networking and family/friend connections

    high · Eric Meunier: '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'

  • ?

    design_philosophy: George Gomez explicitly mentioned toy design background prior to pinball career, reflecting broader industry pattern of designers with diverse engineering and creative backgrounds

    high · George Gomez in skit: 'Didn't you guys know I used to make toys before I made pinball machines? I can pretty much make anything I want'

  • ?

    licensing_signal: Reference to Lord of the Rings vault edition pinball license in comedic context; George Gomez responds skeptically ('You're going to need a bigger stocking'), suggesting licensing complexity or prior discussion of limited availability

    medium · Hosts joke: 'After Led Zeppelin, I'm kind of hoping for a Lord of the Rings vault in my stocking... This is a Joss license rumor joke. He already shot you down the last time he was on the show'

  • ?

    personnel_signal: Multiple senior industry figures (John Borg, Gary Stern, Joe Kamenko, Eric Meunier, George Gomez) actively engaged with podcast community through guest appearances and holiday messages

    high · All five industry figures appeared in episode skits and provided holiday greetings to listeners; demonstrates active community participation from leadership

  • ?

    product_strategy: Stern Pinball expanding beyond machines into premium lifestyle merchandise (ornaments at $1,000+ price points); positioning as lifestyle brand with associated markup strategy

    high · Christopher Franchi discussing Stern ornaments as part of Christmas gift list, noting premium pricing reflects lifestyle brand positioning

    • 2:10
    And by the way, fellas, I just want you to know I was thinking of you this holiday season, and I'd like you both to know that I've enrolled you both in the Jelly of the Month Club. Oh, it's a gift that keeps on giving, Franchi. No Christmas bonus this year, Franchi? What the heck? This isn't the biggest bag over the head punch in the face I ever got. God damn it!
    2:29
    No, I know it's Christmas every year because every time I drive down my driveway after I get home from work, I see a tower of Amazon boxes on my doorstep. And I know that my wife, and listen, I'm equally to blame for it, but we're online and we're shopping like crazy and it's wretched excess as it always is. I have one of those plastic square with the pyramid top and a little ball on top. You know, I don't know what that thing is. Yeah, yeah. But it looks like that. And it's made out of like a stone colored plastic. And you put packages in it so people don't porch pirate your shit.
    3:04
    The past couple of days, I can hear them remove the lid from my office. So I go around, you know, by the time I get out there, it looks like one of those hamburgers with like 47 patties on it. And the lid is way up in the air, and there's just boxes stacked. It's like they don't want to just fill it up, put the lid on, and then put the rest around it. They want to make sure that there was an attempt made. So it's like this giant tower of boxes. It's hilarious. That's awesome, man. I feel like the Amazon guys, and specifically the UPS and the FedEx truck drivers, hate us with a burning passion because they're always here. This is not a holiday thing for me. It's year-round. I'm always getting shit.
    3:46
    So speaking of all the shit that you're getting, what is on your pinball Christmas list, Franchie? I know you have everything that you really want, but is there anything pinball related that you're hoping to get this year? We always joke a lot on this show, but I'll say something from the heart as far as what I want for Christmas. I'm going to get all emotional. Got you, buddy. Quick editor's note here. I broke down like a bitch and started crying because I thought my dog had died the day before we recorded. and I decided to edit it out because it sounded awful. Some people sound all right when they cry. I sound like a big idiot, so I had to edit it out. Sorry, but that's what you missed. On with the regular scheduled podcast. I know pinball is obviously a huge part of your life, Jeff. So is there anything pinball related that you are looking forward to getting for Christmas? Not this Christmas, not in the future, but can I tell you what? I did get pinball related in 1977. Hell yeah. Take us into the Wayback Machine. it was uh christmas of 1977 i woke up went down you know like i was six six years old no seven years old i just turned seven and went downstairs and there was something that was kind of we had a christmas tree and had all the presents but there was something like a big partition or something that was hiding something behind it and it said do not look which is you might as well just tell me you know open this up that's right i didn't do it history of kids listening to that. I held off. And then when my parents woke up, they said, go ahead and open. It was the last thing I could open, even though we couldn't really open this. After all the other presents were open, I pulled cardboard or something was in front of it, pulled it away, and behind it was a pinball machine. Not like a Gottlieb or anything of that era. It was Pinball Champ, a version of the Fonz Pinball by Coleco. If you YouTube it, if you search for Pinball Champ by Coleco on YouTube, you'll find the commercial for it and you'll see what it looks like. Be a pinball champ, boy. This is Pinball Champ, not a toy. It's a big new game. Stands right on the floor with 15 different ways to score. Bells ring. Lights flash. Pinball Champ. It's a smash. Balls fly through the action track. Hit those flippers. Send it back. Bonus bumper keeps it moving. Keep it up. You're really grooving. Bells ring. Lights flash. Pinball Champ. It's a gas. It's got the guts. It's really built. It's real pinball. It'll even tilt. And there's really not much to it. It's all manual activated. You have to push a button to put the ball into the shooter lane and launch it. But it's got pop bumpers. It's got rollovers. I don't think it's got a spinner. It didn't have a spinner. And it had a scoring reel that actually was just a dial that turned around tick by tick every time you hit something. But I played the crap out of that thing because I loved it so much. And it was just it's really because I've been playing for a long time, a long time as seven years old, but played a lot. I think I mentioned it before. Minnie's place where my mother would go and sit down with this woman that owned this restaurant and talk with her. I'd go play the pinball machine and I'd been doing it ever since the EMS. And now this is the worst part is because we would eat free at this place because my mom had been friends with her for so long. And the next day we went in to have dinner and I was all excited. And I told her because she had a pinball machine there. So I don't need to come anymore because I've got my own pinball machine. Oh, that's nice. And my mother's like, shh, don't say that. God, what a dick.
    7:20
    But no, that is I've got so many great memories of that, that stupid little pinball machine that I just remember it so vividly to this day. Usually when adults who are nostalgic like that get the chance, they look back to see if there's any way they can buy one of these things to have it now. Have you done that? I have, and they're out there, but it'll be fun for a day.
    7:42
    Do you guys see what's way up there? Oh, Junkyard Pinball. I had that, too. That was my... I asked for a pinball machine. I got that. So there's my nostalgia. That was fun, too. Somewhere there's a picture of me playing that with my brother sitting on the landing of the stairs. Both of us dressed alike, even though we were two years apart. My mother just for some reason thought, well, let's just get two of everything at Sears.
    8:06
    My mom and dad. Oh, God, we're two years apart. But seriously, Mom, just we don't have to have the same plaid pants.
    8:13
    I never I never had a toy pinball machine. But my dad for my birthday every year, he would do this thing that was really unique. you would ask him for something and he was very, he wasn't an engineer, he was a physician, but he had a real engineering streak. Like he could, you could put anything together that you wanted. So he used to do these things called candy creations where he would take cardboard, he'd wrap it in tissue paper basically, and create this 3d structure of whatever you want. And then all over it. And then in little secret hidden compartments around it, there was hidden candy. So when I was really young for my birthday every year, he would stay up like, you know, way too late at night creating these things. And one year I asked him for a pinball machine. So he had a spring that he had loaded up and the pinballs were hot balls. And then he had bumpers that I think he had rigged with rubber bands. So when it would hit it, it would bounce off. They were all stretched around something. And then there were little holes that, you know, we could drop into on the play field and then go down. It was really, really impressive. I wish I had more pictures of it, but I think I have one somewhere that I'll try and find for you guys. But you still cried. oh sure i was so happy i mean quick editor's note sure christian would like us to think he was the ideal son but this footage provided by his parents tells a different story he made he made me like an adams family house he made me a car once you know they're big but they were really cool and the pinball machine i think was my favorite yeah nice i have a story If anybody ever wonders what it's like to have an asshole brother, you're going to find out. Here comes an uplifting. Nice, warm, cozy Christmas story. Gather around the fire. Oh, boy. And grab a blanket and some hot chocolate. And let me tell you, my parents screwed up so much at Christmas that my brother and I had resorted to cutting pictures out of the catalogs, the toy catalogs of what we wanted. because if we just wrote it down we'd get some goofy version of it like it was never the one we wanted yep the sizzle when you wanted the home pin or the you know yeah you know just like you know whatever i want batman action figure i get this like parachuting plastic non-movable batman thing that costs two bucks i'm like no that's not god damn it so we would just cut pictures out of the catalog and then stick them down and one year i cut now to a big wheel i wanted a big wheel every kid in the neighborhood had a big wheel you know and i just wanted to do those power slides you get that little handlebar on the side hit the brakes and do wow hell yeah big wheels are rolling listen to them turn the big wheel sound of power with speed enough to burn winning spinning breaking so i'm on a big wheel and my brother's laughing at me like big wheel stupid i'm like whatever. So, due to my parents' form, they fucked up Christmas again, and they accidentally put the big wheel on my brother's side, because before my sister was born, they would divide the living room in half and my stuff would be on one side and my brother would be on the other First of all we got the preview with the flashlights Always go to bed with a flashlight on Christmas Eve because then you don have to go all the way through the house and risk making a creak and getting caught You just look through with the flashlight. Anyway, obviously my brother's side because everything he wanted and a big wheel. I didn't know my parents were buying this shit, you know? Just like, so when my parents got up, I'm like, Santa screwed up and I was supposed to get the big wheel. what does my brother do oh i asked for it you fucking dick this is the source of franchise trauma parsons it all stemmed from a video he picked on me mercilessly for asking for a big wheel like it was a child's toy or something and then when it shows up on his side guess what he wanted it all along fucking dick i never let him forget that he's been married three times now but he had a normal wedding the first two times and i was the best man both times and i told everybody that fucking story got up to toast him i'm like let me tell you about my brother oh am i gonna talk about him meeting his wife and all that no i'm gonna talk about how he fucked me over with my big wheel fucking dick now i'm all pissed off again that's a sweet story if i was your brother i'd just get you a big wheel for christmas every single year even as an adult like you would be getting a freaking big wheel they need to make adult they do they do and it's like four thousand dollars and i told my parents i'm like hey uh you fucked up you owe me that four thousand dollar the big wall i've not gotten it yet what are you guys hoping to snag from santa this year for pinball stuff it's not you know not an extensive list i want to get some um doesn't have to be pinball oh anything i'm not asking for anything pinball well i'm going to give you my pinball list i'd love some pin stadiums from my cactus canyon when i get it there are some stern pinball ornaments that look pretty freaking cool that they just revealed yesterday on the Stern website. They're ridiculously expensive as most Stern items are because they're a lifestyle brand and that comes with a significant markup. It's a miniature topper ornament for $1,000. That's right. That's right. No, but there are three pretty cool wood carved ornaments. It would be fun to get. Then some more frames for my Franchi art that I acquired at the pinball tailgate party. I'm going to try and get some of those and hang those down in the basement. nice ah so you do have art that's not been framed but you took your better than ezra crap and threw it in a frame uh that went up right away buddy right away no all of your stuff is mostly framed but i do have the stuff from the tailgate party that's still on a tube gotta throw that up there we're gonna have some new stuff coming not for christmas oh yeah in the new year there will be some new stuff jeff hey christian why don't we both chip in and buy this fucker a pinball machine finally you can't be on a podcast about pinball I mean, on one. Do you still have Dale? I still have NASCAR. It's not mine, but it's still his. I still play it at least once a week. He has a pinball machine in his house, but it's not his. Not mine. No, no. I don't have, I've said this before, I don't need to buy a pinball machine because Maine has so many places I can play it, a lot for free, and friends that have them, it's like, I'm perfectly pinball happy. I think that's perfectly reasonable. I mean, especially these days, you know, with new in-box machines going for $13,000, I feel like so many people are priced out of the market now. If I had bought pinball machines back when I got into this, it'd be a completely different thing. But, I mean, the economy and my income kind of just went along the way together. You know, one never really got better than the other. So, you know, instead, I'd rather pave my driveway, build a deck, and, you know, do some stuff for the house. You're smart, man. Shane. You are smart. The only thing I'm asking for for Christmas is how terrible I am. I really don't care. I don't worry too much about getting gifts for Christmas, but I really want a very nice pair of heated gloves. Hell yeah. To go out with my snowblower to blow the driveway. My hands aren't freezing by the time I'm done. Do you have a heated vest? No. They make heated vests too? Yes. My daughter got me a vest because I never wear a real thick winter coat, so she just got me the vest to wear underneath my regular coat so it wasn't too bulky but uh yeah it is divine it's got these little coils that go through and you hit the little button you charge it up and then you just hit the little button and you get all toasty warm it's so funny i just i just bought both of my daughters and my wife one of those for christmas and i know sarah doesn't listen to this so she won't hear this but uh but yeah no they're really cool we use them a lot in the operating room because they're always kept super super cold just for a surge in comfort and everyone you know walks around with those and they're awesome yeah nobody ever gets me anything like my family like you know never anything good so i just buy myself gifts so we talked about what we uh what we hopefully will get for christmas but i i did not all right frangie so what do you want for christmas what i want for christmas is red rider bb gun with the compass in the stock and this thing which tells time i think bb guns are a very good christmas gift i don't think football is a good christmas kid you'll shoot your eye out oh the classic podcast partner bb gun block you guys see the sequel to that movie that just came out i have not i haven't seen it yet i want to check it out i have i'm not pinball christmas movie guy but my wife and daughters are so i'm trying to compile a list of movies that like i would happily sit through like home alone and that sort of thing so that's on there it's a christmas story christmas story but i it's too classic to make a sequel out but maybe i'll look at it i don't know yeah i'll let you know how it is before i get into what i want for christmas now that you bring that up mr jack danger talked about what christmas specials or quick christmas movies would make a good pinball machine so after that off the back of his clever question maybe we can have a little discussion about that yeah absolutely let's do what i want what i want for christmas uh i i'll tell you what i don't want for christmas is another big jar of fucking pork rinds.
    17:14
    These things taste like deep fried dirty socks. And why is the thing three quarters empty? Because somebody told me that if you want to lose weight, that is a good snack to have. But the word that I question is good.
    17:27
    It might be a snack to have when you're dieting because there's very little bad stuff in it. But the first thing is when you open up the can, it smells like old seafood. Like Red Lobster's dumpster. Let me interject and tell you, there's nothing healthy about pork rinds. And they're a horrible diet food. So do not eat any more of those. I was just trying to find something. Like, you know, what do you do in between meals where you just want to grab something and somebody told me pork rinds. Yeah. And plus, like eating them, I feel like fucking Ed Gein chewing on a hunk of skin, you know? Oh, my God, dude. Every time I put it in my mouth, I'm like.
    18:04
    Okay. So pretzels are a good choice. They're not super high calorie and they're somewhat filling. Dr. Pinn's Holiday Snack Advice. Yeah.
    18:15
    Drop that Twinkie. Put down that Hot Pocket. It's time for Dr. Pinn's Holiday Snack Advice. Definitely lay off the pork rinds. Dried fruit, like bananas, if you like bananas. Banana chips are really good for you. Try hard. How about cucumber slices, bro? No.
    18:38
    Come on, celery. because celery is a peanut butter. Come on. It's not pork rinds, but it's something, and it's low-calorie. That's what you want. You had me with pretzels, but then you're doing cucumbers and celery. I'm trying to go too healthy. You're right. Raw beets. Just try them. They're delicious.
    18:56
    How about rice cakes? How about rice cakes, Frenchy? You can eat a shitload of those. Or popcorn. Popcorn. Okay, I will go with popcorn. Unbuttered, unsalted, though. I never have butter or salt on my popcorn. Fun, fun. All right. Your holiday snack list has depressed me. I'm trying to. We're moving on. Yeah, man.
    19:16
    The Super Awesome Pinball Show. The one, the only, the greatest show on Earth. Brought to you by Cointaker in lovely Sunbury, Pennsylvania.
    19:34
    This show is sponsored by Cointaker, distributor of brand new, full-size, authentic Stern Pinball. Chicago Gaming, Raw Thrills Arcade Games, and much more. Also, a full line of dramatic pinball mods, LED flipper kits, speaker lights, custom laser LED toppers, playfield protectors, Bally Williams parts, pinball apparel, and much more. Get the latest releases and glam out your game room with Cointaker. Everything at your fingertips at Cointaker.com. Get your game on. And now, American Pinball and Jersey Jack Pinball, also available.
    20:04
    Hey, this is Butch Patrick. That's right, Edward Wolf King Munster. and you know what you're listening to. Well, you should, because it's a super awesome pitball show.
    20:15
    Now, back to our program. All right, Franchi, you ready to get going? I'm as ready as I'll ever be. These fucking moon boots suck, though.
    20:25
    All right, 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.
    21:01
    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.
    21:27
    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 Doom.
    21:50
    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!
    22:09
    That's the house right there! Mush! Mush! They're a reindeer, man. This isn't a dog sled. Ooh, the roof is stumping. Lord is 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 I never realized how filthy chimneys are keep moving liberace hey there he is what up john 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 uh 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. Ah, 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 Borgie you rock sorry about the snow on your carpet man no sweat guys don't worry about the water I'll just take care of those puddles with a leaf blower I blew up a leaf blower up in Wisconsin this year see ya you can leave the way you came in Porg is so damn cool. Yep, he's the man.
    23:56
    Oh, sorry. Oh my god, I'm gonna barf. Just get up there, Mick. Get up there. I said sorry. My god, man. What did you eat? The McRib is back. You are so disgusting. Hey, look, a wombat.
    24:10
    Okay, next stop, Gary Stern. All right, I'm going to put the coordinates in for Mr. Gary Stern. Meanwhile, a few moments later...
    24:35
    Hey, man, our second stop for the night is straight ahead. And that's Gary's place right down there. Dome up!
    24:45
    And down we go! Hey, you think Gary's fireplace uses sternal cans? See what I did there? Solid dad joke, Franchino. Get down that chimney.
    25:18
    I hate to be cool. 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 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.
    26:00
    Next on the list, the Sultan of the Silver Ball, Mr. Joe Kamenko. Okay, let's go. Whew! That was a narrow escape. See what happens when you watch Scrooge? Actually, 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.
    26:43
    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!
    26:59
    Heading down. Pretty swag, Joey! 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.
    27:23
    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 won 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'm kind of tied up and sort of busy. Do you think she'd 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 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.
    28:56
    Next up, Eric Menier. Boy, after being in Joe's house, this sleigh looks kind of shabby, doesn't it? Let's get some snow glow on this sleigh.
    29:19
    Nice. Meanwhile, a few moments later... Oh, hey, that's Eric's house. Shame on you. You're straight ahead.
    29:35
    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.
    29:56
    I'll go first. Hey, check this out. The last can of moolah. That's actually pretty decent. Okay, I'll hang in the chimney. Just go to your den. Happy holidays, Eric Manoir! Oh, yeah. 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.
    30:36
    Just kidding, Frangie. 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. All right. Rock on, Eric. See ya. Bye, guys. Stay safe out there.
    31:30
    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. Ugh.
    31:41
    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.
    32:08
    Meanwhile, a few moments later... Up next, George Gomez, and that's his roof right over there. Put her down, Captain. Aye, aye.
    32:27
    Watch it. You almost hit those power lines back there. Quit being a backslid driver, Branchy. All right, here we are, Chateau de Gomez.
    32:58
    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.
    33:41
    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 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 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. All right, one last climb up. When you get your ass up there.
    34:34
    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.
    35:06
    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 do with you. You are full of it. Yeah, if I had a red brush, maybe I'd get more shit.
    35:40
    Merry Christmas. okay so jack danger had brought up a question on his facebook page that i think requires a bit of a discussion or at least some opinions he asked what holiday movie or special would make for a good pinball machine this is i think it's a great question and i had to you know i lean towards what see now my favorite christmas i have two favorites why three damn it uh the grinch is my all-time favorite and a very close second is christmas story but whenever i think christmas movies and i think pinball even though i do enjoy this movie it's not super high up there a christmas vacation i can't help but think a great bash toy would be to have that turkey and when you hit it three times it breaks open and there's that like those spider webs and crap that are in there like this looks so gross and then of course clark comes on and says just a little dry it's fine oh my god you could have a moose cup in there you could have the rv you could have a bash toy christmas tree with the the cat in it or no a squirrel right squirrels in it the cat got fried under the chair that's right i think the call outs would make that game because we we say christmas vacation lines all year ball goes into a gobble hole and then you hear Shitter's Fool Merry Christmas no that's definitely on my list Chris I think that would be amazing I think we've seen what Mark and City did with Nightmare Before Christmas even though that's not like one of my all time favorite movies I think that would really lend itself well to pinball we've seen Elf made into a pinball machine and that was another really good homebrew game and that's a super well loved game I think my personal wish list would be Home Alone because that movie is so amazing. I freaking love it. I watch it every year. Really? They had a bash toy about Cody Culkin and I'd play it. Hit him in the damn face with a ball. Tell us how you really feel, Franchie. I don't like that movie and the whole hands on the face. I know. Listen, I looked at the list online and no one said Home Alone. So I think I'm one of the only people who think this, but that's part of that movie was when the wet bandits were trying to break into the house, right? And there was all of those little booby traps set up throughout the house. So that would lend itself super well to different modes and really cool mechs trying to fight the wet bandits. You've got two movies to choose from. You've got Marv and Harry trying to break in. You've got the Toy Story in New York City for the second movie. I don't know. I did like their characters very much. I just think it's funny that I ask you your opinion and then I shit all over it. You're not allowed to. That's what happened when we talked about our dream themes. I gave you three good themes. It was like episode two and you were like, those are all stupid.
    38:34
    Your ideas are dumb. Sorry it's not killer clowns from outer space, Franchi. You're suspended from the next episode. I'm not doing you any favors. I'm 100% that it is Christmas Vacation. There's just too much material there and everything you needed. I would liken that very similar to Big Lebowski. They're kind of similar in tone anyway and not in theme. But I mean, the jokes and that sort of stuff, I think would be perfect. Yeah, I agree with you. I think that would be the best seller. I think it's got to be. But, you know, Christmas story. See, again, the Grinch is my favorite. However, I don't know how that would translate into a pinball machine. I would love to see it, but I just, yeah, I can't. All right, so Christmas vacation. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Winner, winner. Hey. Let's do it. There we go. I heard Christmas shit was full. It was full.
    39:24
    So what do you guys have to say to the listeners around Christmas time? Merry Christmas. Be nice to each other. and don't complain when you don't get what you want because I did and that got me in trouble.
    39:36
    Just saying. Socks? You got me socks, mom? Yeah. I love pretty much everything about Christmas. Some of my best memories are during the holidays and time with you guys included. So Merry Christmas to all of our listeners. I hope you guys all get incredible gifts. I hope you get to play and enjoy all things pinball during your time off. But most importantly, I hope you get to spend time relaxing and being with your family and friends because that's what it is all about. So happy holidays, everybody. Look at you.
    40:07
    God bless us, everyone. Tiny Tim. I went full Tiny Tim on that. And now for me. I hate people. No, no, no, no, no, no. It's that time of year. I love this time of year. There's just something about driving down a dark street and seeing Christmas lights and you just get that tingle, you know? It's Christmas time. Even if there's no snow. And, you know, it's funny that the sun, are you seeing the sun? Yeah, it's right in your eyes. Like, I'm talking about my little holiday message and the sun just breaks through the clouds. Now God looks at Franchi as he discusses what he wants for Christmas. Yeah, I want to hear what you have to say and if it ain't any good, you're not getting shit.
    40:50
    I can't see, it's blinding. Jeez. I love this time of year and it just, it makes me reflect on the past year. First and foremost, I am glad that my family is healthy. My daughter is healthy. My parents are healthy. My dog is healthy. Secondly, I thank you guys for taking part in this show all year and being my podcast pals and putting up with some maybe poor editing choices that I've made or editorial choices, I should say. I love you, buddy. uh yeah that was an actual dog fart i found on youtube sorry christian you know i can't help my eight-year-old sense of humor but i do appreciate you guys being part of this thing we call the super awesome pinball show and to all of our listeners that we have so many and i appreciate you guys taking out time from your busy day to listen to the show and to make it as successful as it is. I can tell you this much. I just realized what I want for Christmas. And your listeners have the power.
    41:57
    Here we go. Give us the twippy this year. We almost made it. You don't want to shatter an old man's heart.
    42:12
    That was so sweet it was so sentimental and then you went full groveling chris really does put in a ton of time and effort into this show he edits like a fiend jeff doesn't i refuse to edit for you seriously day one day one he says want to come on yeah you gotta edit what no not doing it i didn't i said that as a joke yeah i know i know but you do have it the easiest i will give you that i will totally give you that no this is what's going to happen 2023 we're putting jeff to work we're gonna find something that you've got to do i don't know what it's gonna be but he's a pretty face of the podcast oh he's gonna have to write a poem for every episode of it pinball poems right parsons pinball poetry corner i like it yeah so anyway uh yeah thanks everybody for listening I hope everyone has an awesome holiday. I hope you all get what you want. And especially, don't forget your pets. Make sure you get something for your pets because it's Christmas for the whole family. And pets know when they get something special. So make them feel special. And that's it. We will see you guys next year. Have a safe new year. Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. Love you guys. Merry Christmas. Happy holidays. Jeff Parsons and Christopher Franchi and everyone else who's listening. Thanks again for supporting us throughout the year, and we'll see you guys in 2023. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. And whatever else you happen to celebrate this time of year. Good night, everybody.
    43:44
    See you later. Oh, I got one. And happy Gilmore, everybody. Nice. All right, thanks. Thanks everybody for listening to episode number 41 of the Super Awesome Pinball Show. And a special thank you goes out to our sponsor, Cointaker. A better sponsor a podcast could not ask for. Thank you Chris and Melissa for everything you do. And thank you listeners for listening all year. It's been a blast and we're looking forward to 2023. If you want to pick up any Super Awesome Pinball Show swag, you can do so by going to silverballswag.com and searching Super Awesome Pinball Show. Also, if you want to send us an email or ask us any questions, you can do so at superawesomepinball at gmail.com. All original contents of this podcast are copyright Asshat Radio Productions. Happy holidays and Happy New Year, everybody. and he he himself the grinch carved the roast beast