Pop Culture Retrospective

Send us Fan Mail

Hello and thank you for tuning in to the show!  In this episode, we will take a deep dive into another edition of your favorite school supply brands, from Elmer's Glue to Eastpak, and more!  This is a continuation of an episode I released in 2023 on the same topic, but with a brand-new list! 

Other items discussed in this episode, with links:

Friend and frequent guest of the show, Jason Lady, and I discussed commercial jingles during one of his appearances.  This episode was referenced in t...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, I am joined by 3rd-time guest, author and pop culture expert, Mr. Chris Morgan.  In this episode, we discuss our top 5 "hot takes" on 90s pop culture. We did not share our lists until we recorded the episode, and I think you will find our perspectives interesting, unexpected, and hilarious! 

Here are a few places where you can find Chris:

Instagram

Books

Yardbarker

Letterboxd

Chris has been on the show on two other occ...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Dan Loosen, the co-founder of the Midwest Gaming Classic.  The MGC is an annual event where tens of thousands of passionate game and gaming lovers join together for a meaningful trade show of sorts focused on video games and gaming, both from decades past and games we may see in the future.  It was a very meaningful and fun conversation to say the least! 

You can find out more about the Midwestern Gaming Classic here. 

You...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, we are discussing an infamous comic strip character who had a profound impact on my life, and that would be Dennis the Menace!  Join me as we look back to his first appearance in newspapers in 1951, and all of the incarnations we've experienced over the last 75 years.  

In this episode, I mentioned my appearance on another fellow Pop Culture Podcast show, Retromade.  You can find this awesome show here. 

I was a guest a year or two ago, where we discussed the 1...

Send us Fan Mail

Hello, and thank you for tuning in!

On today's episode, I am bringing you with me to my conversation with Chad & Cristina of the His and Hers Gen X podcast. We chatted about Calvin & Hobbes, discussing the popularity of the comic, the unique artist and writer behind it, and so much more!  

Here are some places where you can find the podcast and the super kind co-hosts!

Here is a link to their show on Apple Podcasts. 

Here is a link to their IG account.

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's show, we are taking a look back at some questionable toys, primarily from the 1980s and 1990s, with a special addition from the 1950s.  All of them have one bizarre characteristic in common - they all wet themselves.  I was equal parts fascinated and horrified to learn and re-learn about some of these toys, including, but not limited to, Betsy Wetsey, Puppy Surprise, and more! 

Here are a few websites that I referenced in today's show:

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in! In today's episode, I am joined by John Abendshein, author of "Home But Alone No More: A Memoir From the Owner of the House That Made Movie History." John lived in the famous "Home Alone" house before, during, and after the filming of the holiday classic. In his book, he shares how this came about, the aftermath following the film's release, and why this movie continues to resonate with viewers more than three decades after its initial release.  In this episode, I get to interview John and ask h...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, I am joined once again by Jason Lady, a talented author, certified Gen X'er, and nostalgia nerd much like myself!  In this episode, we take a look at our top 10 favorite tv commercial jingles, which we remember fondly from our childhoods, growing up in the '80s and '90s.  

I created a playlist on YouTube of our favorite jingles, you can check that out here.

Support the show

Visit:  https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/ for all things Pop Culture Retr...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, we are taking a look back at some infamous music videos from the 1980s and 1990s that feature warehouses and scaffolding as the setting.  I realize this episode is a bit niche, but I think you will appreciate the focus on some memorable music videos.  

This episode is marked as explicit because I quote a few lyrics from Queen Latifah's song UNITY which has some adult language in it.

I mentioned my recent guest appearance on an awesome podcast called "Pop Cul...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  Welcome back!  After a summer hiatus due to my crazy schedule, we are back! 

On today's show, we will be talking about Shel Silverstein, the beloved author, songwriter, playwright, and frequent visitor to the Playboy Mansion (I'm not kidding!).  You will learn how Silverstein persevered through a tough childhood and became a revered children's author and musician.  We will also talk about his notable works and his legacy following his death in 1999.  

Toward the end of the episode, I mentioned Genevieve Wallace and how she is...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's show we are taking a look back at 5 YEARS of pop culture memories.  I launched this podcast on May 24, 2020 and I cannot believe that 5 years has just flown by!

We will take a look back at funny moments from the show, popular episodes, listener comments, and more!  Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, we're just getting started! :) 

Note - this episode is marked as explicit as I refer to a few articles from the Onion that have explicit lang...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in! On today's show, I am joined by author Zachary Downing, whose new book, "Manhattan to Montauk," is available now! In this latest work, Zach tells the story of a young man who has just graduated from college and is trying to navigate his early adult life, experiencing several life-changing interactions and relationships along the way. Set in 1995 New York, the book transports readers back to this beloved era. 

During our conversation, we discuss not only his book but also share many memories from the '90s a...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode I am joined by Jason Lady, a professional in the field of Human Resources, a published author, a lover of all things '80s, and a frequent guest on the podcast!  In this episode, we are talking about the drastic hair changes that many celebrities have made over the years and also celebrities who are known for their hair, whether that be what is (or is not) on top of their head, as well as facial hair. From John Oates, to Yanni, to Michael Bolton an...

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for tuning in! In today's episode, we are taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of Retro Technology, specifically examining the overhead projector, microfiche, and word processor!  You will learn how these technologies came out, what they were used for, and why they ultimately have found a spot in your local landfill (unfortunately).  

I found a ton of great resources about these relics, take a look:

Overheads

Microfiche & more Microfiche (BU Article)

Word Processors

Support the show

Visit:  https://www...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in! On today's show, I am joined by with John Kinsner, the founder of Black Ink Presents, an intriguing company that creates unforgettable experiences for its clients. His latest project involves reviving a cult classic movie. "Labyrinth," which was released in 1986, is being given new life nearly 40 years later. John has successfully brought his dream to fruition by organizing a screening of the film accompanied by a live band.

Here are a few spots where you can find John and "Labryinth in Concert."

Black Ink...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's show I am joined by Rachel Bailit and John Lacy, both experienced actors and teachers in the field of entertainment.  In this episode we take a look at the dark side of being a child actor and how the challenges faced by young Hollywood inspired a new independent film written and directed by John Lacy. The movie is entitled "Everyone Asked About You" and stars Lacy, and Rachel Bailit as a former child actor who tries to make it as an adult actor, but faces a lo...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, Chris Morgan joins us once again to take a another deep dive into television shows of the 1990s, but this time our approach is completely different!  I had the chance to pick Chris's brain for a bit about 90s TV shows by asking him a multitude of different questions ranging from- "which 90s TV show had the worst theme song?" to "which kid's game show of the '90s could compete with 'Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?"  Chris is not only passionate about '90...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, I am joined by Journalist, Author, and Market Analyst, Ross Benes!  Ross has written extensively on the subjects of sex, culture, and the entertainment industry.  In this episode, we take a look at the year 1999 and the "Trash Culture" that was so dominant during the last year of the century.  We discuss topics like talk shows (Jerry Spring, Ricky Lake), the theatrics of professional wrestling, Limp Bizkit and so much more!  

You can find Ross here:  https://www.rossbenes.com/

You can pu...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's show, we are taking a deep dive into Disneyland Records (now Walt Disney Records) and two of their classic children's albums, Disco Mickey Mouse and Totally Minnie.  My sister and I LOVED both of these albums and listened to them constantly as children.  You will learn more than you probably ever wanted to know about these two records as well as a TV special that did not do one of the albums justice!

If you want to watch the "Totally Minnie" TV special, here is...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in! On today's show we are taking a deep dive into some relics of the past, in particular the 80s toys, electronics, and more that Jason Lady and I would love to have! Join us as we discuss our top 10 wish list items from the 1980s!

You can find Jason, here:  https://www.jasonrlady.com/

Check out old Sears & JC Penney Catalogs, here:  https://christmas.musetechnical.com/

Listen to the '80s and '90s Uncensored' podcast!  Yours truly has been on several epi...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On this episode we are taking a look back at some of the most popular novelty items and gifts from the 90s and early 2000s.  From Big Mouth Billy Bass to Anne Geddes, there is so much to cover on episode #100.  Enjoy!

Links mentioned on this episode:

80s and 90s Uncensored Podcast:  https://the80sand90s.com/podcast
Podchums:  https://www.podchums.com/
(Very detailed) Article on Magic Eye:  https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/the-hidden-history-of-magic-eye-the-optical-illusion-that-briefly-took-over-the-world/

Support the show

Visit:  https...

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for tuning in!  It's been a minute since I released an episode, but I am so excited to be back!  It's crazy how much I missed talking about nostalgia and my sister :)

In this episode, we are taking a look back on the life and career of none other than Tina Turner, one of the most iconic and successful performers in a generation. 

If you love this show, then you'll also love the 80s and 90s Uncensored Podcast.  You can find the show and a ton of other grea...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On this episode, I am joined by Dr.  Adrienne Trier-Bieniek, who is a professor, author, and pop culture podcast host!  She has thoroughly researched and studied the impact of pop culture on society.  We talked a lot about singer-songwriter Tori Amos and her influence on her fans, especially those who have dealt with trauma.  We also talked about the power of artists like Beyonce and Taylor Swift.  Finally, she joined me for some nostalgia rapid-fire questions!

You can visit Adrienne's website here:  https://www.adriennetrier-bieniek.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On this episode, I am joined once again by Brieanna Wilkoff and Jason Lady as the two authors face off in a friendly game of '80s and '90s Trivia!  Both of them have been so encouraging and supportive of the show.  Enjoy!

At the end of this episode, I mentioned a few podcasts that I was recently a guest on:

Binge Movies Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/teen-adaptations-ranked/id1448206267?i=1000657748579

No Shame on U:  https...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, I am joined by Holly Swinyard, an expert on all things Fans and Fandom! Who knew that fandom and fan clubs/conventions date back hundreds of years?  Who knew it was because of dedicated fans that Sherlock Holmes got more books and Star Trek remained on TV?  We talk about all of that and more on this special episode!  Here are a few spots where you can find Holly:

Their website:
https://www.hollyswinyard.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's show, I am once again joined by honorary co-host, Jason Lady!  In this episode we take a deep dive into the one-hit wonders of the '80s and as always we had a fun, yet informative conversation.  

I mentioned that one of the songs on my list was parodied on Saturday Night Live.  You can view this hilarious skit here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzjm2b3Bh5I

Here's where you can find Jason:

https://twitter.com/JasonRLady
<...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  In this episode, we are taking an inside look at this year's '90s Con held at the Hartford Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut.  Last year I attended this event for the first time so I was excited to go back this year with some experience under my belt.  You will feel like you are at the event with me as we explore all that the conference has to offer including vendors, activities, celebrities, panels, and more!  I took a lot of notes and recorded a ton of audi...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On this episode I am joined by the one, the only, McGruff the Crime Dog!  That's right, children of the '80s and '90s, rejoice!  McGruff is joined by Paul DelPonte who is the Executive Direction of the National Crime Prevention Council otherwise known as the NCPC.  We take a look back over some of the organization's classic PSAs which have taught generations how to "take a bite out of crime!" We also talk about what the NCPC is up to in the modern era.  You won't want...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in! 

On today's show, I am joined by the incredibly talented Stan Zimmerman!  He has written for many beloved television shows including "The Golden Girls," "Roseanne," and "Gilmore Girls."  He has also written for some hilarious movies including both "Brady Bunch" films. 

During our interview, we talked about Stan's childhood and how that lead him to his fascinating career.  It was so nice to speak with him about his journey.  Enjoy!  Here's where you can find Stan:

IMBD Profile:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0...

Send us Fan Mail

Please note a correction: Tracy Chapman's debut album was released in 1988, not 1987.  Also, the track list for this album may have been edited in when I referenced the Crossroad's album.  Late-night editing is not without consequences!    I fixed these issues and re-uploaded the episode but you may have caught these errors in my first round. -Amy

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, we are taking a look back at the life and career of Tracy Chapman.  I have loved Tracy Chapman since I was a little kid,  I first...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, I am joined by pop-culture author, Chris Morgan!  Chris has written quite extensively on the subject of pop culture in magazines, and several of his books! He has written about Mystery Science Theatre, Nickelodeon and in his latest book entitled "99 Episodes That Defined the '90s: Television Milestones from Arsenio to Homer to Yada Yada Yada," he takes a deep dive into the fascinating television shows of the 1990s.

Here are a few places you can find Chris:

Find Chris on Tw...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On this episode, I am joined once again by author, '80s lover, and my friend, Jason Lady!  We decided to discuss a very niche topic - faux wood, which was popular in households, cars, and electronics in the '70s and '80s.  You will learn some of the backstory behind why faux wood became so popular as well as hear our memories of growing up surrounded by said "wood."  From TV trays to station wagons, to vans, to credenzas, no faux wood topic is off the tabl...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode we will be taking a look back at the history of the camcorder.  From the early days of film reels to Betamax cameras to VHS camcorders, we will touch on the technology that made home video recording not only possible, but popular!  

On this episode I mentioned the first noted "home video" captured in 1888.  You can see that video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc-L9_4jGc4

Support the show

Visit:  https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/ for all things Pop Cu...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's show, we are taking a trip back to the 1990s where we will be looking at all of the top-selling holiday toys for each year from 1990-1999!  It's a fascinating look back at a time when people would do WHATEVER it took to get a popular toy!

I mentioned a few other relevant episodes I've done over the years, you can check them out here:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:  https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/pop-culture-retrospective-podcast-50-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles/

Nintendo:  https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/pop...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you so much for tuning in!  On today's show, I am joined once again by Jason Lady, a talented and creative author as well as an 80's Pop Culture lover, just like me!  On this episode, we are taking a deep dive into one of Jason's favorite aspects of retro pop culture - the infamous food & beverage mascots! You will learn all about the backstory behind some of your favorite food and beverage mascots from yesteryear including (but not limited to):  Mr. Peanut, Fred the Baker, Cool Spot, and the Kool-Aid Man to...

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for tuning in!

On today's episode, I get the chance to sit down with author Brieanna Wilkoff, whose debut novel is entitled "I'll Be There for You."  It is a beautiful book that follows the journey of a young woman who is facing a significant loss in her life and is also trying to figure out how best to cope with that loss and feel a sense of belonging when she feels so disconnected.  The story also incorporates a lot of 80's pop culture into it, including references to music, fa...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode we are taking a trip back to the 80s/90s to learn about the history of America Online (later AOL).  America Online was the brainchild of Steve Case, a man who knew that this internet "stuff" was going to get big and he wanted to build community via the internet.  You'll learn about what led up to America Online's development, the company's surge to the top of the technology field, and it's ultimate crash and burn.  AOL was the first exposure my sister and I had...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!

On today's episode, I am joined by author and certified Gen X'er, Jason R. Lady!  We got a chance to share our favorite soundtracks from 80's movies with each other, which includes a top 10 list and some honorable mentions.  This was such a fun episode to record!  We also share the backstory behind these soundtracks and you will come away knowing more than you did before about some of the best 80's soundtracks (and movies!). 

In the cover art, you can see me and Jaso...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you so much for tuning in to the show!  On today's episode I am joined by an incredibly talented author and  a Gen X'er who loves the 1980s as much as I do, Jason R. Lady!  Jason has written several books set during the character's middle school years, all under the "Magic Pen" series including:  Monster Problems, Time Problems, and Super Problems.  Jason was so much fun to chat with and is an all-around nice guy so I know you'll love this episode! 

Here are a few places you can find J...

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode we are taking a look back at our first cars, specifically my listener and follower's cars.  A few weeks ago I asked my followers on both Twitter and Instagram to share what their first car was.  I got a ton of responses so I wanted to compile that list, do some research, and put together an episode so here it is! We will be taking a look back at vehicles such as the 2001 Toyota Rav 4, the 1990 Jeep Cherokee, the 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and more!  Thank you...