Talking A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story Family (00:00)
I'm the president of the Yano fan club. I'm his biggest fan. I have a tattoo of him. Right above your heart. Right above my heart. Yes. Only because they wouldn't do it on my heart. Right next to Scotty. He was a big dude leaning in for a kiss. Yeah, to the other guy. Oh, yes, it was just caught me off. Totally caught me off. Sure.

No, we're hunting mice, not elephants. You don't need the big gun. It's just like calm down. All right. Why you even have handcuffs? That's all unnecessary gear. I can just imagine that would be amazing. His tongue stuck and you're just pouring some more cocoa. I'd probably pull on it a few times and then be like, oh, let me, I better pour some more water on it. You told me not to let him go, bro. Sorry. A couple good yanks and then be like, oh, cocoa.

Welcome back to the major award edition of Talking a Christmas Story with the cast, where each episode is a joyous dive into the festive world that we cherish. I'm Yano and I, and today we are going to embark on a journey through the hearts of our favorite holiday classic. We pay homage to Bob Clark, the visionary director behind A Christmas Story, and unveil the layers surrounding a mysterious figure who has been part of our journey, yet remains a whisper among the cheers.

But today's show has more than just nostalgia. Have you ever seen a face so familiar yet so mysterious in the crowd of A Christmas Story events? Well, stick around because our mysterious guest today is someone who's been hiding in plain sight. Our digital mailbox overflowed this week with your festive contributions. Highlights included vivid stories and snapshots of the recent eclipse that captivated so many of us.

we also received enthusiastic feedback on Scott Schwartz's revealing interview. If you missed it, it's a must see. It's available on our last episode. Plus, we encountered a wonderfully creative email that painted a nostalgic picture of A Christmas Story through the eyes of a modern fan. It was a heartwarming narrative that reminds us why this movie resonates so deeply across generations. For those not yet on our list, visit AChristmasStoryFamily .com to join our newsletter and delve.

into more captivating content. In the heart of a snow -swept Indiana, woven into the fabric of chilly December nights and the warm glow of holiday lights lies a tale that transcends the boundaries of time and space. A tale that begins, perhaps, in a place not unlike your own childhood neighborhood. This story, under the masterful hand of Bob Clark, took the form of a Christmas story. A film that didn't just entertain, but became a ritual. A seasonal rite that beacons us all to the warmth of nostalgia, to the magic preserved when the frames

of a time that feels both lost and warmly familiar. Imagine, if you will, a world without this film. Picture the countless Christmases absent of the Parker family's antics, the absence of Ralphie's desperate quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, the silence where once the comedic outcry over a leg lamp echoed. It's almost like envisioning a winter without snow, isn't it? Bob Clark did more than direct a holiday movie. He captured the essence of childhood longing, a familial bonds.

of the poignets, often hilarious, misadventurous that shaped the holiday experiences of many, each scene meticulously crafted from the battle within the furnace to the triple dog dare at that school flagpole. It resonates with a truth universally acknowledged, but rarely so beautifully portrayed. Through his lens, Clark didn't just show us a story, he invited us into a world where every frame smelled of hot chocolate and felt like the softest red flannel against...

our chilled cheeks. He created a place where each viewing could feel like coming home, where every laugh shared and every line recited was a thread in the tapestry that connects us all. And yet, amidst the laughter and the light, there's a profound silence, a space filled with the unspoken understanding that we are a part of something greater, something timeless, not because of the film alone, but because of what the film evokes within us. It's the feeling of being young and on the cusp of magic.

It's the heartache of a cherished moment passed and the joyous anticipation of it returning once more as the film rolls each year. Bob Clark knew this. He crafted each moment with a delicate touch, embracing the raw, honest elements of the holiday spirit, often messy, sometimes broken, but always invariably real. This, dear listeners, is the gift Bob Clark gave us all. Not just a film, but a mirror to our past, a beacon to our present, and a legacy that will continue to light up screens and hearts.

for generations to come. As we gather here today, warmed by the glow of our shared memories, let us remember the man whose vision transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary, whose work reminds us that magic doesn't live in the grand gestures, but in the soft, glowing lights of a Christmas tree and the hope of what's waiting under it. Let's carry this magic forward as Bob did with each story we tell and every memory we share.

Shifting our gaze from the glow of the screen to the shadows of the auditorium, today's spotlight falls on someone you've likely seen but might not even know. Present in many a photo, yet not on the silver screen, his story is finally told. Today's spotlight falls on a man shrouded in as much mystery as the famed leg lamp was in glory. A figure who's been a silent guardian at our cherished events. You've seen him in photos always close to the action, yet his story has remained untold. Until now.

A veteran with a path decorated in the service of our country and private military contracts, he's the unsung hero who's ensured safety at countless high -profile celebrity gatherings. His life reads like an action -packed novel full of daring escapes and covert operations in the Middle East. And he holds a Rolodex of stories about the who's who of Hollywood. Today, he steps out from the background not just as a protector, but as a pivotal member of the Christmas Story family. With a background as diverse as it is, secretive,

From a high stakes military operations to a guardian A -list celebrities, he has more stories than a holiday season and snowflakes. With no further ado, let me introduce Scott Minniger.

So what's up, Big Scott? This is amazing, man. Thank you so much for joining us on Talking A Christmas Story, man. It's awesome to have you here now. So before we get started, there's a question that's been looming in the Facebook communities. Everybody's been asking, who is that? Who is this? Who is that? There's like this secret guy that's behind the guy. The power behind the phone. Yes. So tell us.

Who the hell are you, man? Well, longtime friends with almost I'd say lifelong friends with several cast members. I just, you know, do a lot of I have a background, you know, military background, security background. So, you know, it just kind of fell into doing some personal assistant work and some security work and for some.

big money guys, and then it parlayed into celebrities. And then when things slowed down a little bit, I had an opportunity to come to work for Pete. So it kind of fell in line. It worked out great, because I love it. That's great. Awesome. All right. Well, thank you for sharing that. So I've got some very intriguing questions. We would love to kind of dive a little bit deeper into who you are. And of course, this is going to be your parameter to discuss.

So first question, man, is all in your secretive travels, what's the strangest Christmas story related item that you have ever come across in someone's home or at an event somewhere? I already know it comes to mind. I was at a Christmas village. Europe, they do Christmas very big. I mean, the entire villages, I mean, it's just, you know.

people from all over the world. And I had stopped into a shop in Germany. And I was just, you know, wandering around looking for some just stuff that we needed from the store. And I saw a pair of Christmas story socks hanging hanging in the store in Germany. And I you know, I bought them I actually have them. And

But the first thing I did was like I snapped a picture and like sent it to Scott Schwartz. I was like, dude, you know. So yeah, I mean, I've seen it. I've seen Christmas story items in Moscow and Russia. I've seen it in St. Petersburg in Russia, in Germany. So.

You know, they're, they're out there in Europe. I mean, there's definitely merchandise out there. So, you know, there's gotta be fans, right? Yeah. Yeah, no doubt. So you mentioned that you took a picture of it and you sent that picture to Scott Schwartz. So I am assuming Scott Schwartz is one of those that you is a lifelong friend for you, right? Yeah. We've known each other since, you know, childhood. So me and Scott are like, I mean,

My house is his house. I wouldn't even say he's a friend. I'd say his family. So it's 100%. Yeah. Like your brother from, yeah, I mean, that's awesome. He's one of the guys he don't, he don't need to knock. He just comes to the house. You know, he's got stuff here. This is like, you know, you know, and you know, man, to have, to have those kinds of very special close relationships or people who live still 30, 40, 50.

Okay, maybe 40 years later. 40 years, sure. Yeah, that's awesome. Yeah, that shows a lot about how much you guys love each other and trust each other. So that's amazing. All right. So next question. If you had to choose one character from A Christmas Story to have your back in a tight situation, who would it be and why? In a tight situation? It would be a toss up between you and Zach. I'm leaning, you know.

Leaning more towards Zach because he's, you know, he's done roles in like Resident Evil and stuff where he's done the whole tactical kind of military thing. He looks like he would kind of, you know, you know, follow my lead and take the instruction, you know, but, you know, you definitely look like you can hold your own too. I would be in the background waiting to see if there's any necessary things that you may need to support your actions. But I concur. Yeah. But I mean, I think if it was something that was, you know, beyond my skill level, I would try to.

you know, include him in it to, uh, you know, even the odds. Yeah. You know, Zach, um, Zach is very, uh, he's like a gazelle. Like he's very, he's very athletic. You may not know, you may not see because you haven't seen that, but you know, from the training that he had from, um, uh, sure. Right. And then all the other training that he's had, he's had a lot of exposure to specific tactics.

I mean, I've been around it my entire life. I can recognize it in a second. Even, you know, even to help people say certain things you could, you know, you know, they have some kind of a military background or some kind of an insight background, just how they carried themselves. I mean, he, he's, he's great guy became very close with Zach. I mean, he's super cool guy, but like, in a situation like that, you know, I,

With you know, what only that to pull from I choose that I don't look back Agreed also. All right. So next question, man What's the most unexpected situation you've ever found yourself in at a celebrity event that could rival any scene from a Christmas story? Hmm a scene from a Christmas

I mean...

without, without mentioning, I mean, you know, people, but, uh, I mean, I've been, you know, in close proximity to someone that tried to actually, uh, lean in and, um, kiss the celebrity where I had to, which was kind of unexpected. Like, where did that come from? You know? And for me, you know, you know, my head's on a swivel, right. And for that to kind of catch me by surprise, I was like, that was an unexpected.

You know, at a celebrity event, you know, leaning in for a kiss. Yeah. And he was a big guy. He was a big dude leaning in for a kiss. Yeah. To the other guy. Oh, yes. It was just caught me off. Totally caught me off. Sure. Yeah. Interesting. All right. Cool. Next intriguing question for you. Have you ever had to use your tactical training to protect any of the film's memorabilia?

during an event, perhaps something as fragile as the leg lamp. You know, just create some distance between, you know, the celebrities, a couple of the cast members of Christmas story and fans, you know, people maybe don't understand anything, you know, they've been waiting in line to become irate. You know, you've got to kind of defuse for some cold water on them a little bit. Then, you know, at the same time, you know, kind of, you know, give them some

you know, some gimmies to kind of keep them a fan still, you know, like, wow, you know, you got to make it like so that it was their idea, you know, I was like, wow, you know, okay, I was a little out of hand, I get it. And hey, thanks for, you know, getting me that autograph, I mean, because I've been in line, you know, that kind of thing. So you got to kind of finesse it a little bit, you know, but I mean, I had just a couple of those nothing, you know, nothing.

as far as like the Christmas story people go that has, you know, gotten violent or anything. But I've definitely had to, you know, create some distance. Some people overreach, you know, they're a fan. You're there, they get caught up in the moment. Because maybe they, you know, chatted with you or met you at another event. They feel like you guys are old friends. It's some kind of, you know, psychological thing where they think like, Oh, yeah, I know him. I mean, you know who I am, you don't.

You know, so to, you know, so they overreach the boundaries sometimes, you know, and especially to guys like you. I mean, it's like you, you guys meet thousands and thousands and thousands of people. Right. So do you really remember somebody that you met in Wisconsin two years ago? You know what I'm saying? It's so, you know, in their mind, it's fresh because, you know, Yeah, there's one person. Yeah. You know, yeah. But, you know, to you, you're like, uh,

I'm gonna need some more information. You know, yeah, ring a bell. Yeah, there's so there's there are those that have that special memory that's been created and those that kind of are just going through the motions. You know what I mean? And but all of them are relevant to the fact that they have this this string that's tethered everybody together, which is a Christmas story. Sure. Well, intrigued by, you know, the cats in there.

The Christmas story touches on so many points. I mean, it hits people on so many levels. I mean, and one I keep, you know, you know, going back to because it almost seems like that was like the same, right? I lost my father recently. And then, you know, poor Zach, you know, he lost his father. And then I remember so many people coming up and saying, you know, that, you know, the second installment meant so much because.

You know, I just I lost my father and I just heard it so much and I was just like, you know, you know what I mean? So it really connects on. Unforgettable event levels, it's just not in passing where like you met him in Walmart or something, you know, so it's like, oh yeah, I forgot all about that. It happened, you know, at a certain, you know, precipice in time where something happened, you know, that kind of ties it all together. And that movie touch, I mean, they touch on so many points and you guys do it so well.

You know? Yeah. So I mean, I understand that. And that's part of doing what I do too. Right. So I can't come off a certain way to people. I have to, I have to understand what they're what the understand their emotion. I have to help them understand, you know, the situation, how it's kind of, you know, overreaching a little bit at the same time, not alienating them or, you know, keeping them a fan and not an enemy, you know, I mean,

So not only in social media, but some people more mentally fragile than others. So you don't want to turn it into that situation. I mean, it can escalate in all different directions. So I like to think that with my experience that I've learned how to diffuse things and keep everybody still in a jovial mood in the event. And it doesn't need to escalate. Like some people,

just go too far. They don't need to, and I don't mean fans, I mean even security just goes too far. It's like, it's like relax, you know, doesn't call for that. You know, we're hunting mice, not elephants. You don't need the big gun. It's just like calm down a little bit, right? Why you even have handcuffs is beyond me. That's all unnecessary gear, right? You know, some of these people it's like, hey, snap out of it. And it's like, oh, you know, that's all you need, you know, just, you know, so you got to finesse it a little bit, you know.

And I, you know, I, I, uh, I understand, you know, Pete, right down to how he likes his coffee and what kind of snacks he likes, what he drinks at the bar. Same thing with, uh, with Scott and, you know, other people that I have interaction. So I like to try to set things up for them, you know, as well. But, you know, you just, you know, you want to keep it light for everybody, you know? Yeah. Right on. All right, cool. So, um, now I've got some.

personal questions for you. So first one, reflecting on the challenges and the dangers that you faced in your life, what has been your greatest lesson learned about courage and then about fear? I think that my greatest, I mean, you really have to tap into your courage, right? You have to connect with it. You know, you have to realize your own boundaries, how far you're willing to go, you know, and not just how far you like to sink your willing to go. Like actually,

I've been there, so I know I'll go that far. But, and then as far as fear, I mean, you have to embrace fear. You have to, if you're not afraid, then you, when you become unafraid, then you need to get out of the game because you have to have that fear level. So I've kind of learned how to balance everything.

It was like years and years ago, you know, doing doing some training. Like I remember everything like certain instructors taught us. Look, you have to size everybody up. Like if something went down, I need to that guy and that guy are my biggest threat here. So once I get rid of them, you know, that's a sheep, that's a sheep. There's some women and kids, they'll go easily. You know what I mean? So you just learn to size people up. Never underestimate anybody. I've learned never never lose fear.

I mean, and then I think fear is also fuel for courage. So, you know, so I think that's what I've learned. I hope I didn't go off topic too much. But you know, you know what I mean? It's like, I think I've learned that it's the combination of them kind of, you know, is what's necessary. Yeah. Awesome. All right. Question number two, throughout your career,

in both military and security roles. What moments of vulnerability reshaped your perspective on strength? It was an incident happened. It was a violent incident that occurred. I had been asleep. And I was vulnerable because, you know, I, you know, I was asleep, you know, in my underwear, under a blanket I had on socks, which created a hazard.

because, you know, where we were, door pops open. I don't know what's going on. I'm immediately being hit with the machete. But I got a blanket. Now I'm being hit, but I'm not being cut. I mean, I was cut, like, you know, I got a, you know, but I'm being hit, but I'm not being cut because I got the blanket.

So I'm getting to my feet, but the room has tile floors. So I'm sliding around. I'm like, in socks, right? Risky business. I'm sliding across the floor, you know, and I'm, and I'm using my feet to get my socks off and I got a hold of the machete, you know, and I'm headbutting the guy and we ended up going to the floor and he's got my back. I'm face down. And it was one of the most vulnerable positions. And I just remember there were dogs.

There were guard dogs in the next room. And for some reason that door got closed. And I just remember yelling to open the door, open that door, because I couldn't go nowhere. I mean, the guy had me fish up to the mean there was other people in the rooms, you know, it was just some, some melee going on, but somebody broke someone. The other guys broke loose and opened the door and let the dogs, you know, the, uh, you know, the, uh,

dogs that we had out and they just like started to neutralize everything. So, you know, that was it. So I had a lot of hypervigilance after that, you know, where I just kind of, you know, you sleep a little, you're awake a little bit, you're asleep a little, you wake up. It took some time to kind of come down off that. But, you know, back to the whole thing is like, so what I learned is to, you know,

I mean, you don't want to go through life like that, but you still have to be careful. All right. We don't live in a place where you can leave windows unlocked and doors unlocked. And yeah, you just have to be careful all the time, you know, in everything you do. So. Right on. Hope that wasn't a downer for them. I mean, you know, you asked it. Yeah, no doubt. No doubt. You want that. Yeah. All right. So question number three, can you share a turning point in your life?

when you realized your purpose extended just beyond security into something more meaningful with the Christmas Story community? As I said, you know, we had a lull in the normal kind of things that I do. And, you know, I had an opportunity to come to work for Pete and to kind of be involved in the show. And I think, you know, watching you guys and seeing like even like being around like you guys as much as I...

I was, but you know, Pete and Scott, you know, we have closer relationships. So it's like, you know, just seeing these guys and like, you know.

You know, we have a bunch of stickers or, you know, this was one answer. We had some stickers that Rich had made and I had an idea sticking them on some of the little bullseye targets. And then Pete was like, Hey, I'm going to sign a bunch of them. And like, that was like a gimme for like special needs kids and stuff like that. So it was just like, I really looked at, I got to check. I mean, all of you guys, I mean, I've seen it in all of yous, but you know, being immersed, you know, with, you know, Peter.

and Scott so much, it was like to see that. And that's kind of made me think like, yeah, that's, I need to be around that kind of a thing, you know? You know, so that made me want to like, you know, work, you know, work with you guys. And in that, you know, in that vein more, you know, to do more good things to help more, you know, see, to see the people smile, you know, it's a total, you know, 180, right? From what you do, or what I did.

to what I started doing, you know, with you guys, I was like, this is where I need to be, where it's, you know, people are happy and nice. And, you know what I mean? And everybody's just getting along and doing and doing good things for each other. You know, so that was, that was a turning point for me. I said, like, this is where I'm at. Yeah, I mean, and you guys are all great like that. You know, so.

Thank you for sharing that because a lot of the times, you know, we kind of take that for granted or we don't see it, right? The things that happen behind the scenes that most people don't get to see is what is the true essence of our giving heart, our living heart for not only the fans, but for their experience, right? Because being able to do those things is what's elevating their experience in the moment.

And I believe we're all on the same page with doing that for our franchise. Because this movie, as you know, this movie, man, it's just it's more than just a movie. It's like it's it's impacted exactly, you know, life. So it's all that. Well, that goes back to more of like, you know, who's that guy in all the pictures? Right. Yes. I'm the guy that tries to make sure nobody's missed. And I try to do, you know.

what Pete likes to be done and what Scott likes to be done because you guys get busy and inundated and sometimes you miss somebody but I'm kind of like you know number two so I don't I make sure they're not missed like I you know the guy that got passed over I recognize that I make sure I give him one of the gimmies you know he got a signature he got a picture or something or call somebody back you know so that's that's part of what I what I what I try to do.

without overstepping anybody's boundaries. Yeah. You know. All right. Cool. So thank you. So number four, what strategies do you use to stay grounded and maintain integrity in environment environments surrounded by fame and potential chaos? You always have to be on time. You always have to make sure that, you know, you're doing what's best for the cast and whoever you're working with. And and.

you know, look your best because you know, you're an extension of them, you're representing them, right? And, you know, just make sure that...

you're aware of like their nuances, their needs, you know, like I said, how do you take the coffee? You know, it's like little things like that, you know, they're in a rush, they're gonna get somewhere, you know, if I can get the coffee, if I can get the other kind of stuff and make it comfortable for you guys, make things go a little more easier. And then at the same time, you know, like you have to, you know, to avoid, you know, issues again, you know, you gotta head on a swivel, you gotta watch the room, you know.

You know, you got to recognize I've seen that guy in the elevator too many times I've seen that you know, you know that kind of you know what I mean that bag looks a little heavy, you know, you know little kind of stuff like that, you know, he's you know, he's stepping a little too close I haven't seen him buy anything, you know, I haven't seen you know what I'm saying. So I do yeah, you got it, you know, so all of that together I mean you have to be like a you know consummate professional and And that's what I try to be I try to do the best I can

I don't want to embarrass anybody that I work for. I would never create a situation for anybody I work for. Yeah. Right on. All right. Last question before we get into a cool little fun game. Nice. Looking forward, what legacy do you want to leave behind both personally and in the context of a Christmas story? I don't know. I'd like people to kind of, you know, maybe if they.

If I came across their minds or something just say, you know, you know, he was a good guy. He was helpful, honest. You know, I guess that would be the legacy. I just want to be, you know, a good person. You know, you want to be remembered for the good things, right? So I think that would be the legacy. And I'd like to, I mean, as far as like the Christmas story, I'd like to be thought of fondly, I guess, by by all you guys that way, you know, as well. So.

I think that would be the connection. Well, I could tell you that you're doing it. I could tell you that you are spreading your legacy. The reason why I say that, bro, is because, you know, whenever whenever your name pops up or, you know, we think about that whole experience that we had in Cleveland and Indiana and, you know, the other shows, you know, what what pops up for me is, you know, I just barely met you. Right. And think about, you know, it's only been.

six months, seven months since we actually met each other. But yeah, you know, Scott and I've known Scotty for years. Like I feel like you feel like Scotty, like we're brothers, you know, if it was my house, there's the key. There's the code to get into it. You're fooled. Whatever you want. The showers right there. You just go in there. If you need clothes, there you go. You might have a different size shoe, but you know, hey, it's yours and which was.

Yeah, he's got his own closet here. That's awesome. So, you know, I want to tell you, man, that your energy, you who you are, your presence, for me personally, it has resonated with me as somebody that when I think of you, I'm like, I there's only one thing that I can say that resonates with us. I love that guy. And I love that guy because you're welcome, because you're you're balanced, meaning that, you know, you you.

You just have this innate nature to make the people feel comfortable and safe. And your, not only your humility, but your...

The way that you, your personality is your humor is on point. We all love your humor because of course, you know, life is about having fun, man. And when we can have fun no matter what we do, but yet also maintain what we're trying to do at the same time, that's the essence of life. So, you know, to answer your question, man, you are living your legacy and that's for me personally. Thank you. It means a lot. Yeah. You know, you got to laugh a little bit. Yeah, absolutely. No doubt.

All right, so we're going to switch gears and play a little game that we're calling rescue or not. I'll lay out some hilarious and tricky scenarios involving some celebrities and you decide whether to jump into action or let them figure it out on their own. All right. So remember these are all good and fun. So let's just go ahead and double jump into this. So we're going to flash forward and Ralphie's all grown up dusting off the old Red Ryder BB gun to show his son the ropes.

With a sharpshooter squint, he aims at a makeshift target, only to accidentally pepper a passing ice cream truck. Suddenly, it's a free -for -all as neighborhood kids scramble for spilled treats, just as the press cameras zoom in on the chaos originator. Do you swoop in to snatch the BB gun and spare Ralphie a sequel to his infamous Oh Fudge moment? Or do you sit back and chuckle at his son's giggles over dad proving that maybe, just maybe, he really is too old for all this?

I'd have to say I'd swoop in and snatch the gun and take the hit for him. Rescue. See the rest. For sure. Right there. For sure. Right on. That's awesome. All right. Question number two, it's deja vu all over again. And this frosty day as Flick forever the daredevil lands his tongue on a flat hole. Triple dog dared, of course.

With the fire department tied up and rescuing a cat and Tik Tokers live streaming, do you come to his rescue with a steaming cup of cocoa or grab your phone to direct a Christmas story? Part three, Flick Stripe Back featuring the most epic tongue stuck sequel ever. I got to rescue my boy. I can't leave Scott like that. No, I can't do it.

I could just imagine that would be amazing. His tongue stuck and you're just pouring some more cocoa. Well, I'd probably pull on it a few times and then be like, oh, let me, I better pour some more water. Your tongue's not letting go, bro. A couple good yanks and then be like, oh, cocoa. That's awesome. All right. OK, number three, 2024 brings a tech twist to a classic scene.

The Old Man wins a new -fangled, Ruben Fried original official leg lamp, setting in a glow in the front window. Disaster strikes when a rogue drone from next door makes a beeline for this luminous prize. As the lamp wobbles on the brink, do you leap to save the major award from becoming a pile of nostalgic shards, or do you watch the drama unfold ready to savior the Old Man's next legendary fragile rant?

I'm going to let that lamp go because I love that rant. I got to have the rant. That whole spoon scene, right? It was. That lamp's got to go. I got to hear it again. I got to have the rant. I agree because lamps can be replaced. Yeah, of course. You know, that's a one -off. Whatever rolls off his tongue, that's like in real time. I got to have that. Oh, that's awesome. All right. Last, actually, we got two more questions to go. So take your time.

at a Comic Con. Randy decides to recreate his snowsuit scene with a twist. He's wearing an inflatable sumo wrestler costume under his snowsuit. As he waddles around the booth, the inflator malfunctioned, turning him into a human blimp. Floating gently across the ceiling, surrounded by confused and amused fans, do you grab a prop, harpoon?

from a nearby Moby Dick booth to gently deflate him back to Earth or do you let him become the first ever human Zeppelin?

I'm going to have to come in and deflate him. Cause I'll tell you, I, Ian was my guy in, uh, in, uh, Cleveland. He was my wingman at the bar. Helped me out a little bit with t -shirt girl. So I owe him the, uh, I owe him the, I got to save them. That's awesome. Yeah. All right. One more question. So another at a Comic -Con.

Ralphie decides it's finally time to break out the pink bunny suit for a nostalgic cosplay. Just as he's hopping through the crowd, a famous YouTuber spots him and starts a livestream. Ralphie's suit catches on a booth unraveling as he walks. Do you jump in with a sewing kit to save his dignity or just let the internet immortalize Bunny Ralphie 2 .0? I gotta save him again. See, that's amazing, bro. I gotta save feet.

We all do no doubt in any given situation. I think that's that. Peter has my 100 % loyalty. Never has to worry about that in any situation. Yeah. And I think that that's something that is another thread that we all share. You know what I mean? And that for me is that loyalty and that respect and that trust and that love, it all kind of flows together. And that's something that for us is like the benchmark of what.

long -term relationship should be, you know what I mean? And friendships and life ships as well. So I mean, I mean, you're all like that. I mean, you could tell, you know, you guys are all like genuinely great people, right? You so, you know, you don't, you know, when you recognize that, I mean, that's a person that you have no problem giving your loyalty to. Right. Yeah. So, you know, it's not everybody to, I mean, you know,

I could say to people that know me would say to you, look, it's not easy to get Scott's loyalty. If you got it, if he's got your back, then you're good. You're in somehow. Whatever you did, you did. But it's not an easy road to get there. But if you're there, and all you guys are there, I had such a great time with you guys. And I just like...

It was almost like a depression after because I was like, man, that's like, when's the next when is there something else? You know, it's like, I just wanted to keep keeps, you know, around you guys and just keep, you know, what anything you guys did to be a part of it, because it was just uplifting, really, you know, no other mercenary motive or nothing. It was just just, you know, how it makes you feel it enlightens you, you know.

So you guys are doing great and I hope you do it a long time. Well, that's awesome, brother. Thank you, man. So much. We're taking the time to kind of dive deep into your life. I know that it was a very small piece of it because that's how your wheels turn in like, OK, how do I make this this work? So we appreciate you taking the time out. We really do. And if there's one thing that you can tell now, when I say fans, I mean, remember that we're we're literally talking to 40 million fans. Sure.

Of course. There is one, one, one thing that you could tell a fan that, you know, would resonate with them about the cast, about the movie or with your experience with the movie. What would you want to, you know, tell a fan? You know, that you guys are genuine, you guys are actually genuine. You know, this isn't like a character or some, you know, you always hear like, Oh, I wish I was. He was.

I was his biggest fan. I wish I'd never met him because it kind of ruined everything for me. You know, that's not the case with you guys. I mean, you guys are genuine. You guys are great. You guys are fun. You guys are, you know, I mean, I always say, look, I can't say enough good things. So it's like, you guys are generous with your fans. I would just say.

If they haven't gone to meet you guys at a show or been somewhere we guys are at, they should absolutely do it. And if not, then I would just tell them everything that they're probably thinking about you guys is a hundred percent true. You guys are great, great people. Right on. So, well, Scott, so if you could pronounce your full name, where you're from, born.

How young you are, like, let's get a little bit more granular about who you are, because I know that that's going to be a question that will probably come. So tell us. OK. Well, Scott Minniger, I'm from New Jersey. 56, 56 this year. Yeah, wow. And. Kids, no kids, grandkids. Yeah, I got, you know, three boys all doing great.

I'm the president of the Yano fan club. I'm his biggest fan. I have a tattoo of him. Right above your heart. Right above my heart. Yes. Only because they wouldn't do it on my heart. Right next to Scotty. Awesome. All right. Well, thanks, Scott, man. We all love you very much, man. And we appreciate you. You guys are great. All the guys. And, you know, anything I could ever do for you guys, please.

You are the man. Thank you.

After diving deep into those stories and scenarios, it is clear that Scott not only has a knack for navigating the unexpected, but also carries a wealth of experiences that resonates with the themes of courage, loyalty, and humor that are so beloved in a Christmas story. As we wind down today's episode, it has been an absolute pleasure to uncover the man behind the mystery, the hero in the shadows. Your stories remind us of the unexpected heroes.

in our own lives, those who support and protect, often without spotlight or recognition. As the soft glow of your screen fades, and you find yourself wrapped in the comforting silence that follows a good story, remember that the spirit of a Christmas story, it isn't just confined to the holiday seasons. It lives on in every act of kindness, every laugh shared in unexpected circumstances, in every person who stands guard over the cherished traditions of our community.

To our stars, crew and supporters of A Christmas Story, whether you shown in front of the camera, handled the crucial tasks behind the scenes, or a part of the essential support that kept everything running smoothly, this message is for you. Welcome. Welcome home to A Christmas Story family. Your contributions have made you a permanent part of this family. There is no need for an invitation. Your place here was sealed with your efforts and love for our shared classic.

We cherish every moment, every laugh, and every moment of magic that you helped create. Now we want to reconnect. Reach out to me or any member of my team and let's rekindle old friendships and spark new collaborations. We have many stories to tell, more memories to make, and more magic to share with the world. And to all of our listeners, thank you so much for joining us on this adventure through the heart and history of A Christmas Story.

Your engagement and enthusiasm fuel this show and keep the magic alive. Episode after episode. Don't forget to subscribe and join us next time for more behind the scenes tales, deep dives and unexpected revelations that remind us why this film and its community continue to capture our hearts year after year. Remember to visit A Christmas Story Family .com, sign up for our newsletter if you haven't already. Stay connected with us, stay curious and above all, keep the warmth.

of this family story burning bright in your hearts. Until next time, keep your lamp lights glowing and make your days be more merry, your evenings filled with laughter and your heart always open to the simple joys of the seasons. Good evening, good morning and good afternoon wherever you are in the world and everyone. Remember, every day can feel like Christmas morning if we carry this spirit within us. Welcome home.

Oh my god, I shot my eye out! You'll shoot your eye out, kid.