The Pop Culture Retrospective Podcast

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 to miss this nostalgic trip back to the '80s and '90s! 

You can learn more about McGruff and the NCPC here: 

https://www.ncpc.org/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/McGruffatNCPC

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/mcgruffatncpc/

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/McGruffatNCPC

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@McGrufftheCrimeDogNCPC

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-crime-prevention-council

Wikipedia:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McGruff_the_Crime_Dog

Email address:  info@ncpc.org

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

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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/nm0956785/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/zimmermanstan
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/zimmermanstan/?hl=en
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/stan.zimmerman.5/
Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@zimmermanstan

Buy his book here:  https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Golden-Gilmore-Stan-Zimmerman/dp/1954676603/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KG5TH40L5YEV&keywords=the+girls+from+golden+to+gilmore&qid=1706106502&sprefix=the+girls+from+go%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1

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

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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 heard her music while traveling in a (not very fast) car with my mom.  You will learn about her early days growing up in a tough part of Cleveland, Ohio from her discovery as a young college student, to her ongoing impact as a professional musician for decades. 

I mentioned that I have done an episode covering "In Living Color."  You can find that here:  https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/70-in-living-color/

You can find the Pop Culture Retrospective YouTube channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@PopCultureRetrospectivePodcast

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

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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 Twitter.

Find Chris on Instagram.

Check out his latest book and his other works on Amazon.   You can preorder '99 Episodes That Defined the '90s: Television Milestones from Arsenio to Homer to Yada Yada Yada' now!

Chris's work has appeared in several places, including this article about the music featured in 'Pete and Pete. ' You can read that article here.

Chris is also a passionate sports fan and he writes for the website Yardbarker.  You can find his contributions to the website here.

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

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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 table! 

Here are several spots where you can find Jason:

https://twitter.com/JasonRLady

https://www.instagram.com/jasonrladyauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/JasonRLadyAuthor

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jason-R.-Lady/author/B07YN3QFKR?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popcultureretrospective/

Follow me on Twitter!: https://twitter.com/PopCultureRetro

Review the show! https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/reviews/new/

Pop Culture Retrospective Merch!: https://pop-culture-retrospective-pod.myspreadshop.com/all

Email me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

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

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

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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-culture-retrospective-episode-5-the-history-of-nintendo-a-home-video-game-system-with-origins-in-japan-in-the-1800s-also-a-brief-discussion-of-the-1980s-classic-film-the-wizard/

Furbies & Beanie Babies:  https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/pop-culture-retrospective-podcast-54-bizarre-toys-collectibles-of-the-1980s-1990s/

I hope you have a wonderful holiday and we'll see you again in 2024!

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

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Email me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

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 name just a few!  It was so much fun doing this episode with Jason, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did putting it together!

Here are several spots where you can find Jason:

https://twitter.com/JasonRLady

https://www.instagram.com/jasonrladyauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/JasonRLadyAuthor

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jason-R.-Lady/author/B07YN3QFKR?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

On the podcast, I mentioned that Michael Jackson and Ray Charles appeared as clay animation figures in a California Raisins music video at one point.  You can view that music video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDqMmIqA_Ak

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

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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, fashions, and more!  I LOVED the book and it was so easy to talk with Brieanna about her inspiration for the book as well as to reminisce about our childhoods growing up in the 80s and 90s. 

Here are several spots where you can find Brieanna:

https://twitter.com/BrieannaWilkoff
https://www.instagram.com/brieanna_wilkoff/
https://www.facebook.com/BrieannaWilkoffAuthor
https://www.tiktok.com/@brieannawilkoff

You can purchase her book here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCD7C24V/

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

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Email me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

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 to the internet so it seems only fitting to do a show all about it!

Thank you to everyone who reminisced with me about your old AOL screen names! 

Please tell your family and friends about the show!  You can send them to my podcast website:   https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/

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

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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 Jason in all of our 80's glory!

Check out Jason's website here: 
https://www.jasonrlady.com/

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

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Email me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

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 Jason:

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/JasonRLady

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

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/JasonRLadyAuthor

And, you can find his books here:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jason-R.-Lady/author/B07YN3QFKR?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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

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Follow me on Twitter!: https://twitter.com/PopCultureRetro

Review the show! https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/reviews/new/

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Email me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

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 to everyone for contributing information about your first cars, it was so much fun to put this episode together! 

Please rate the show on Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pop-culture-retrospective-podcast/id1515040156

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

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Email me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

Thank you so much for tuning in!  On today's episode, I am joined by the one and only Amy Fagan from the Grounded in Maine Podcast!  I had the pleasure of chatting and quizzing her on all-things 90s Pop Culture.  It was awesome to finally connect "on air."

You can find Amy's podcast here:  https://www.groundedinmaine.com/

You can find Amy's Jam business here:  https://amysgardenjam.com/

The Play Break Games Etsy store can be found here:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlayBreakGames?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1166219025

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

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Thank you for tuning in!  On today's show, we will be taking a look back at some of the most well-known and beloved school supply brands from the 80s and 90s including Mead, Lisa Frank, Five Star, Trapper Keeper, and JanSport.  You will learn about the early days of the companies, what they are known for, and where they stand in the current school supply market.  It was a really fascinating trip down memory lane and I think you will love it as much as I did! 

At the end of this episode, I mentioned the kind folks behind the New_England_Podcasts Instagram account, you can find them here:  https://www.instagram.com/new_england_podcasts/

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

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Review the show! https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/reviews/new/

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Thank you for tuning in! On today's show, I am joined by an extremely talented musician, Mr. Asher Laub! Asher started playing violin when he was just 2 years old and his passion and gift for music has led to an impressive career playing the electric violin! On this episode we discuss his career in music, pursuing your passions, pop culture and parenthood.  It was so nice to have him on the show and it was so easy to chat with him! 
You can learn more about Asher here at his main website:
http://www.asherlaub.com

Other places to find Asher:

https://found.asherlaub.com/home
https://twitter.com/asherlaub
https://www.facebook.com/asherlaubmusic
https://www.instagram.com/asherlaub/
https://www.tiktok.com/@asherlaub
https://www.youtube.com/c/Asherofficialmusic

Also, I mentioned that I was recently a guest on the Serious and Silliness Podcast with host John.  You can find that episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amy-lewis-genx-games-we-played-memory-lane-pop-culture/id1550228919?i=1000625848928

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

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Email me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

Thank you for tuning in!  I am so happy to share this episode with the wonderful listeners of the show!  On this episode, I welcome author, professor, and media expert Saul Austerlitz!  Saul is the author of several excellent titles including:  Another Fine Mess: A History of American Film Comedy, Sitcom: A History in 24 Episodes from I Love Lucy to Community, and Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a Television Era.  His work has also appeared in well-known publications such as the Boston Globe, the New York Times, New York Magazine, and Rollingstone to name just a few. 

Coming out on August 22nd, 2023 is Saul's latest book:  Kind of a Big Deal - How Anchorman stayed classy and became the most iconic comedy of the twenty-first century.  I was fortunate enough to be given a copy of the book so that I could read it prior to our interview and I absolutely loved it!  Saul's writing is so easy to digest and absorb.  I learned so much about the creation of the film, what went on behind-the-scenes, and so much more!  It's a must read for any comedy lover!  You can learn more about his latest book and Saul's career on his website:  https://www.saulausterlitz.com/

A huge thanks to Saul Austerlitz and Hannah Poole for making this happen! 

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

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Thank you for tuning in!

On today's episode, we are going to take a look at the history of department store and shopping mall photography studios!  We will be talking about Olan Mills, CPI Corp, and Glamour Shots!  If you grew up during the 70s or 80s, and even the 90s, there is a very good chance you experienced taking family photos here. 

On today's show, I mentioned my recent guest appearance on the Generation S Podcast!  You can find that fantastic show, and that episode here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/generation-s/id1636598300

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

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Thank you for tuning in!

I am joined by Dan from the Generation S Podcast on today's show, a fabulous show that revisits the 90s and early 2000s!  If you love my show, you will love his show as well! 

In today's episode, we deeply dive into the fantastic games and sports shows from Nickelodeon's golden age, including  Double Dare, Wild and Crazy Kids, Nick Arcade, and Legends of the Hidden Temple. 

You can find Dan's podcast here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/generation-s/id1636598300

You can find Dan's YouTube channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@GenerationSPodcast

Don't forget, if you are using Stitcher to listen to this podcast and your other favorites, Stitcher is going dark in August!  Save your lists and check out a new platform as soon as you can!

I referenced an excellent mini-documentary on Nick Arcade on this episode, you can check that out here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ST-4I7EYVA

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

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Email me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

Thank you so much for tuning in!  On today's show, I get the chance to chat with John Livia from the Serious and Silliness Podcast!  He is a Gen X'er who was kind enough to join me for a lengthy discussion about our favorite movies from the 80s and 90s and memories from having an analog childhood and digital adulthood.  John was so much fun to reminisce with.  I hope you enjoy the show!

**Please note that today's episode has a lot of adult material that is suitable for a more mature audience.**

Here are some places you can find John:

His Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/serious-and-silliness/id1550228919

His YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@seriousandsilliness4489

A big thanks to John for sticking around for so long, we covered a lot of ground in the show! 

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popcultureretrospective/

Follow me on Twitter!: https://twitter.com/PopCultureRetro

Review the show! https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/reviews/new/

Pop Culture Retrospective Merch!: https://pop-culture-retrospective-pod.myspreadshop.com/all

Email me anytime: amy@popcultureretrospective.com