Stuart went back in the hospital this month for another surgery. But he's back home and ready to tell all his Stu Cru supporters about it on the third episode of Intermission. He gives more detail on his health, the complications that followed his initial surgery, and the major procedure he recently underwent to reclaim his life. It's a harrowing story but one with an uplifting end, and maybe even a xenomorph! Then Stuart, Arnie, Justin, and Jason hit pause on movie reviews to catch up on everything happening behind the scenes. Arnie talks about launching the new Now Playing website, what took so long, and what listeners can finally explore. The hosts welcome a longtime listener for a round of trivia covering I Spit on Your Grave, Star Wars, and a deep-cut Mortal Kombat question that actually stumps the room. Jason shares a new creative hobby that turns movies into ambient experiences, Justin talks hockey and the latest in Star Wars and superhero TV, and Arnie recounts a trip to Pittsburgh’s Monroeville Mall—including a surprisingly great horror museum filled with Dawn of the Dead history.

It’s a mix of fun, behind-the-scenes insight, and real-life perspective, and we hope you'll enjoy this Intermission between our movie reviews!

Show Links:

• The all-new Now Playing Podcast Website
• The Living Dead Horror Museum and Gift Shop in Monroeville, PA
• Photogallery of The Living Dead Horror Museum.
• Jason's Ambiance Videos on YouTube

Actor Thomas Dekker (The Sarah Connor Chronicles, A Nightmare on Elm Street 2010) joins Now Playing Podcast to revisit the Elm Street remake on its anniversary. He shares how he landed the role, what it was like filming in Chicago, and how the movie evolved from a darker original script into the final theatrical version. Dekker discusses reshoots, studio notes, changes to Freddy’s performance, and why he chose to play his character as genuinely afraid rather than heroic. He also reflects on fan reactions, working with Jackie Earle Haley, and what the experience taught him about big studio horror.

Three Mando and a Baby

Pedro Pascal and “Baby Yoda” (Grogu) search for a Jedi ally in The Mandalorian Season 2 on Disney+. But what does it mean to be The Mandalorian when Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan removes her helmet, and Temuera Morrison straps back on his Boba Fett armor to join the quest? Is it more fun watching a legacy Star Wars character fly in and take down Moff Gideon's Dark Troopers, or seeing returning players like Carl Weathers step behind the camera? The Force will be with you if you Listen Now!