And this week… one epic, extra-long, 90-minute dive into the voices that built the Pacific Northwest.
Frank Culbertson & a very congested but tough-as-nails MikeRodgers crack open the envelope marked “Excitement in the Air — Volume 1.”
What follows is a journey into three decades of Mike’s interviews with the wrestlers who defined the territory.
These are the conversations that shaped Ring Around theNorthwest, preserved history long before podcasts existed, and connected Mike directly with the legends themselves — from world champions to outlaws, technicians to territorial gods.
📖 Bull Ramos – The Breakout Heel Who Broke Arms and Box Offices
The three-day drive from Houston to a territory he “didn’t even know existed.”
Fritz Von Erich sending him north because “Portland needs akiller heel.”
Breaking Lonnie Mayne’s arm on night one… and instantlybecoming a main-event sensation.
The hilarious story of Dutch Savage’s stinky-finger prankinvolving salmon eggs.
Bull loved the territory, loved the crowds, and made history— even if he thought coming here “was a mistake.”
😡 Dutch Savage – The Most Salty, Explosive Interview Mike Ever Did
Dutch comes in hot, and never cools down:
The rib that almost ended Mike’s interview before it began.
Tales from Dutch’s days in Hawaii, wrestling bears, and working with Ed Francis and Lord Blears.
A nuclear-level blow-up with Don Owen involving a napkin, a buyout, and insults that scorched the table.
Why Dutch thought Bull Ramos was one of the greatest heelshe ever faced — maybe the greatest.
This is Dutch at full volume: blunt, fiery, hilarious, and utterly unforgettable.
🏆 Lou Thesz – The World Champion in Full “Hooker Philosopher” Mode
Why he hated tag team wrestling but respected Dory Funk Sr.
His deep admiration for Don Leo Jonathan, and why hebelieved DLJ could’ve been unbeatable with two years of pure hooking training.
A spontaneous Portland match in 1981 against Gene Kiniskiafter Don Owen asked, “Do you have your gear?”
His old-school approach to finishes: “If there’s a disagreement, we take it to the ring and see what happens.”
Classic Lou — direct, sharp, and living history.
💥 Killer (Bad News) Brooks – Wheelbarrows, Snakes & Portland’s Only Babyface Run
The legendary wheelbarrow promo with Piper, Rose, andWiskowski — one of Portland’s most iconic segments.
Why turning babyface in Portland was the strangest twist ofhis career.
The rib from Race Bannon involving a snake in Piper’s car that nearly sent them both off the highway.
💪 Scott Norton – Green as Grass, Strong as an Ox
His disastrous first match
The infamous Al Madril clothesline incident that almost ended in a fight.
Don Owen wanting to fire him on day one…
…and then later begging him to stay.
The classic Don payoff speeches: “I had to put tiles in thebathroom… the electric bill went up $3…”
🎲 K-Fabe Curveballs – Christmas Edition
Charlie Brown mac & cheese math
Bird-counting nightmares from “The 12 Days of Christmas”
A big Joe Turner jam leading into earthquake trivia
And yes — Mike finally gets one right.
Chaos, confusion, Christmas cheer… classic Curveballs.
💼 Red Bastien, Ricky Hunter, Don Leo Jonathan & More
Red Bastien, one of wrestling’s kindest souls and a connector of generations
Ricky Hunter, who instantly won the respect of the Northwest
Kurt Von Steiger, Nick Kozak, and the lost art of enforcing tag ropes
Don Leo Jonathan, including the night Andre the Giant accidentally fell on him and changed his life
And a rare, perfectly kayfabed interview with Stan Stasiak, who gave Mike exactly nothing about winning the WWWF title
History. Humor. Heart. All in one episode.
Grab a warm drink (Mike certainly needed one), settle in, and enjoy this 90-minute tribute to the interviews that kept the Northwest alive.
Hit play and feel the excitement in the air.