Shows
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast87: The Golden Age of Musical Theatre; Or, You Gotta Have Hart - and Rodgers (Classic)This past week, on August 23rd, the world (A.K.A. musical theater nerds) recognized the anniversary of the passing of Oscar Hammerstein II, one of Broadway's most renowned contributors. So to honor Mr. Hammerstein in our own, special ThWAT way, here's Rob's episode all about the age in which Hammerstein ruled supreme: the Golden Age of Musical Theater. Enjoy!~~~Long before the barricades of Les Mis arose, before Adele Dazeem defied gravity, and before Mr. Alexander Hamilton took his shot, musical theatre in America had already emerged from one of the most formative and...
2024-08-2755 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast105: Our Gang (The Little Rascals); Or, The Cowlick Is Strong With This OneSome child actors seem like they’re just born to be stars (we’ve all watched that one kid’s audition video for E.T., and if you haven’t, put that in the queue for the weekend). But way back before we got movies like The Goonies, producer Hal Roach had already revolutionized cinema’s approach to incorporating kids in the motion pictures. Instead of just having them be set dressing, or using them as plot devices, why not just make movies in which kids … act like kids?Ray teaches Rob about the Our Gang films and the child s...
2023-09-281h 22This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast102: How Conan Lost ‘The Tonight Show’; Or, When Life Gives You Leno…If you’re like most people, you’ll want to find a job you’re pretty good at, you enjoy, doesn’t require a huge amount of work, and also makes you a decent living. And it’s a nice bonus if other people think we’re decent at it, too. As it happens, a tall red-haired comedy writer and performer found that perfect niche for himself: hosting late night TV. But when behind-the-scenes tensions rose and contractual drama ensued, this much-loved, beautifully pompadoured man suddenly found himself on the outs at the very network he’d been loyally hosting for de...
2023-08-151h 23This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast88: The Monkees; Or, Daydream BelieversWhen Beatlemania swept the nation in the 1960s, the only logical and properly capitalistic response was to ask: “How can we steal this idea and turn it into a good ol’ American money grab?” And thus was born the idea for a show featuring four talented, eccentric bandmates who just want to make some noise, shake a timbourine, and go on some wild adventures. But when these fictional band buddies decided to break the fourth wall of their TV show by taking control of the music production itself, things went, well, a little bananas…Ray teaches Rob about th...
2023-05-101h 04This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast87: The Golden Age of Musical Theatre; Or, You Gotta Have Hart (and Rodgers)Long before the barricades of Les Mis arose, before Adele Dazeem defied gravity, and before Mr. Alexander Hamilton took his shot, musical theatre in America had already emerged from one of the most formative and productive periods in theatre history. It only lasted 21 years, but those years gave the public such an expansive slate of shows and groundbreaking performances that it would take a professional historian to summarize in a single podcast episode. Lucky for you, one of our hosts has a career teaching and lecturing about the history of musical theatre!Penn State's very own Assistant...
2023-05-0255 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast85: Baby Jessica; Or, One Well of a StoryIn today’s hyper-connected world, it’s almost impossible to avoid the constant flood of news, whether it’s coming from our TVs, phones, or computers. So give your brain a break and cast your mind back to a time when news was just another segment on TV, and the idea of a 24-hour news cycle was almost unheard of – that is, until one small toddler in Midland, Texas, took an unexpected fall in her backyard…Rob teaches Ray about the harrowing tale of Baby Jessica McClure, and how the broadcast of her rescue glued audiences to their scre...
2023-04-1856 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast84: The Death Of George Reeves; Or, In A Justice League Of His OwnUnless you’ve been holed up in a Fortress of Solitude for the past hundred years, there’s no escaping the cultural impact of Superman. After starting life on the pages of comic books, a number of actors have donned the yellow “S” on TV and in movies. But for one man in particular, the cape of Krypton became more of a burden than a blessing. And when his death lead to murder accusations, George Reeves’s personal life became as much of a public fascination as his bespectacled and muscled alter ego… Ray teaches Rob about how the “Uber...
2023-04-111h 05This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast83: "The Rachel" Haircut; Or, The One With Sun-Kissed LayersJoin us for a jaunt down memory lane – a.k.a., Central Park West – as we take a trip to see the nicest apartments ever to be rented by supposedly down-and-out New Yorkers. That’s right, we’re visiting Monica, Joey, Chandler, Ross, Phoebe, and, of course, Rachel. And if there’s one thing that endeared viewers to Jennifer Aniston’s waitress-turned-fashion executive, on top of her sarcasm and “will-they-won’t-they-okay-yes-they-will” dynamic with Ross, it’s her season one hairstyle that took every salon in the country by storm.Rob teaches Ray about the iconic “Rachel” haircut, including the designers...
2023-04-0444 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast82: Bronies; Or, Won’t You Be My Neigh-Bro?If you saw that title and you're chomping at the bit to get listening, and can hardly rein in your excitement, then you're in the right place. So hop on a rainbow, make sure you've packed your bag full with friendship, loyalty, trust, and honesty, and join us on an express journey to Equestria!Ray teaches Rob about the history of fandoms, and the specific origins of the Brony subculture within the My Little Pony-verse; how the Internet and anonymous image boards were instrumental in its rise; what Star Wars the Black Series and Twilight Sparkle have i...
2023-03-281h 08This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast81: Edith Head; Or, Dressed To ImpressSince it's almost spring, it's the perfect time to throw out those ratty rags from last year and add some fresh looks to your wardrobe. So, to inspire your inner fashionistas, we’re taking a look back at the work of an unsung hero behind the outfits of Hollywood's early movie stars: costume designer Edith Head.Ray teaches Rob about how Edith went from substitute teacher to Mae West’s costumer and confidante in only a few short years; Rob’s new Dorothy Lamour-inspired sarong; Pixar's homage to Head’s superhuman capabilities; and the hundreds of films through...
2023-03-2145 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast80: “The Year of the Bimbo"; Or, Let's Hear It For the GirlsIn addition to being the birthyear of one Mr. Raymond Michael Hebel, 1987 was arguably defined by the stories of four women who came under intense public scrutiny for choices and actions which led the press to label them as "bimbos". And despite the fact that a collection of awful men with whom these women associated either harmed, betrayed, or even assaulted them, it wasn't those men who ultimately paid the highest price - it was the women themselves.Rob teaches Ray about these four women - Jessica Hahn, Fawn Hall, Donna Rice, and Vanna White - each...
2023-03-1450 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast79: The 1989 Oscars; Or, Carrnage at the CinemaRoll out the red carpet and grab a tub of Redenbacher's, because it's time to go to the movies. The Academy Awards are one of the most anticipated cinema celebrations in the world, so naturally, when the show seemed like it was losing its pizzazz, the producers need to find a way to spice things up again. And what better way to do that than to add in lavish production numbers, incongruous sketches, and appearances from some of the greatest stars of yesterday and tomorrow? Rob teaches Ray about the infamous 1989 Oscars, and its impact on the f...
2023-03-071h 06This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast78: Claus Von Bülow; Or, Trials and ErrorsThis one's got it all: true crime, big reveals, legal drama, Uta Hagen. So if any of those things spark your interest, then this one's for you, dear listener. Because even though this real-life case of a wealthy heiress’s mysterious coma initially seemed cut-and-dry, nothing was as simple as it seemed. Was Sunny von Bülow's coma the result of foul play? What was in that strange black bag her children discovered in their stepfather’s closet? And did my lady really take insulin?Rob teaches Ray about the case of Claus von Bülow, who was ac...
2023-02-2851 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast77: Planet Hollywood; Or, Die Hard Rocky CafeIf there's one thing America's great at, it's franchising literally anything. Self-help book series, TV show spinoffs, Subways - we love a good franchise. And when it comes to America's global influence, the movie industry continues to be one of the biggest cultural exports from the USA to other countries. So, given that American films and movie stars have so much cultural cachet, and that quintessential love of franchises, it would be brilliant to build a restaurant chain all around worshiping movie celebrities, right? It's a fool-proof, can't-fail concept? Right? Ray teaches Rob how two venture capitalists t...
2023-02-2144 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast76: Men Are From Mars; Or, Fifty Shades of John GrayHappy Valentine's Day, listeners! Or, if you prefer not to recognize this particular holiday, Happy Tuesday! Given that today's episode happens to fall on this uniquely American holiday all about capitalism-fueled love, we wanted to give you all something that fits the occasion. And what better way to celebrate a holiday of romance and rampant commercialism than an episode all about a book that sits squarely at the center of both of those things?Rob teaches Ray (and Emalee!) about the history of therapy and couple's counseling; John Gray’s rise to prominence the field of relationship ad...
2023-02-141h 02This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast75: Napster; Or, Enter Shawn-ManAh, to be 19 again. It's a time of possibilities, insecurities, of worrying about what adulthood is really going to be like. On the other hand, if you're Shawn Fanning or Sean Parker, your worries at 19 were a little bigger. As in, "multimillion-dollar legal battles with the entire music industry" bigger. And all because of a piece of software that let you listen to and download music from all across the internet...without paying the artists. What could go wrong?Ray teaches Rob about how a crazy idea on an Internet chat forum grew into the software start-up...
2023-02-0752 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast74: We Are The World; Or, Now That's What I Call Music (Celebrity Edition)You may remember This Was A Thing's deep dive last season into "The Super Bowl Shuffle," where the Chicago Bears showed everyone how a sports team song can become cultural phenomenon. Well, the "Shuffle" was great for sports fans, and even helped out Chicago communities that were in need. But in 1985, the same year that the "Shuffle" was recorded, another hit single was released that took the "celebrity fundraising song" concept all the way to 11. That's when Lionel Ritchie, and Michael Jackson, with production help from Quincy Jones, teamed up to write an anthem that would rally the world a...
2023-01-3153 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast72: Ernest P. Worrell; Or, Seriously, What Did He Actually Mean?Tony the Tiger, Jake from State Farm, the GEICO Gecko – so many ads are inseparable from their spokespeople. And maybe one of the most versatile and quirky of those characters, Mr. Ernest P. Worrell, would sell you anything from buttermilk to loans with his signature enthusiasm, stylish denim vest, and unforgettable catchphrase…Ray teaches Rob about how Jim Varney, a.k.a. Ernest, and John Cherry created one of the most iconic characters in commercials; why Ernest’s success in local broadcasting actually worked against him when it came to national ads; how Cherry and Varney parlayed Ernest...
2023-01-1740 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast71: The Thomas Eagleton Affair; Or, PPP: Politics, Privacy, and Presidential BackstabbingHere at This Was A Thing, we love a good political scandal. And even though they pop up like weeds nowadays, back in 1972, right before a story broke about a certain hotel and a certain series of tapes by a certain president who shall not be Nixoned, uh, named, the hot goss around Washington was all about one figure in particular. Especially because he could have been next in line to be the leader of the free world. Rob teaches Ray about George McGovern's presidential campaign, and his choice of Thomas Eagleton as his V.P. nominee; ho...
2023-01-1050 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast70: The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition; Or, Ferris Wheeler's Day OffIn a world before Zoom conferences, virtual meet-ups, and social media, getting together and connecting with other people took a lot of time, and traveling to other countries was pretty much a non-starter for any normal person. And when countries wanted to show off their shiny new inventions and of course make other countries jealous, how were they supposed to do that? Well, what if there was one, single, blowout event that brought together people from across the globe? That could be a good start - and 130 years ago, a certain windy city was the perfect place to do...
2023-01-0357 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast69: Y2K; Or, Panic Like It's 1999In honor of the New Year, This Was A Thing is making some serious resolutions:1. We're going to find even more ways to work Bea Arthur into future episodes. 2. Ray and Rob are going to start a new Patreon perk - "Fight Club with Fred Silverman."3. We will not program any computers in any way that could even possibly cause an infrastructure catastrophe.If that last resolution sounds oddly specific and familiar, then you're probably remembering 1999 - when the entire country (and world) was asking itself: will we make it to t...
2022-12-2745 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro PodcastBonus: Ho, Ho, Holiday Giftz 4 U!Happy Holidays to our favorite listeners! As a gift for your incredible support, we’re giving you TWO Patreon exclusive “Old Lucy” Level episodes that have a Christmas theme to them! Maybe this can replace the Christmas Songs that you have paired with the Yule Log you found on YouTube!First up, Ray decided to take on the role of Mark Schroeder and become game coordinator for this VERY special episode. Rob gets quizzed on the origins of some of the world’s favorite Christmas songs. Go grab some eggnog, because this tree is about to get LIT!...
2022-12-251h 10
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast68: Tickle Me Elmo; Or, The Furry Red ScareDo you need a sunny day to sweep those winter clouds away? Join us for a little stroll down the memory lane of merchandising, because there's nothing more sure to lift you out of your blues than a certain Muppet with a nose like an orange, a song in his heart, and a vibrating motor installed inside his belly.Ray teaches Rob about the origins for this best-selling behemoth, including how a chimpanzee news anchor served as part of the original inspiration for its creation; the spinoffs that this red original spawned; why toy stores in the...
2022-12-2042 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast67: Cruising; Or, Poppers with PacinoAfter The French Connection and The Exorcist, William Friedkin needed something big. Something bold. Something daring. And when someone brought him the novel Cruising he found a property that more than fit the bill. Unfortuantely, it also ended up being a quagmire of political controversy and ambiguous plot lines that modern audiences are still trying to figure out.Rob teachers Ray about the origins of the movie Cruising, including the original novel; what made William Friedkin decide to set his adaptaion within the world of 1980s BDSM gay clubs; how Friedkin's commitment to authenticity resulted in such graphi...
2022-12-1356 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast66: Palimony; Or, I'll Be Suing YouIt was love at first sight: you watched them enter the room, heard their adorable laugh, chatted with them all night, and thought to yourself: "Someday, I'm going to leave this person and want to split their assets 50-50…" Rob teaches Ray about "palimony" and talks through two landmark cases that catapulted the term into the zeitgeist; the history of common law marriage; why Ray has now named himself Marvin M. McMarvin Jr.; palimony's influence in and importance to the gay community; and how this niche legal concept developed into a lasting judicial philosophy for unmarried partners.
2022-12-0647 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast65: Crazy Eddie; Or, This Tax Fraud Is Insane!Are you looking for a story that is 100% guaranteed to blow your mind? A true crime tale that'll leave you wondering how crooks got away with it for so long in the first place? Well, hold on to your girdle, because this one's a doozy. It's got everything: insurance scams, fake passports, an undercover sting operation, Israeli really bank accounts, and huge sales on some of the best TVs and VCRs around (sales tax not included). Best of all, you can listen to this story for the low, low price of FREE! Now that price is insane! R...
2022-11-2954 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast65: Crazy Eddie; Or, This Tax Fraud Is Insane!Are you looking for a story that is 100% guaranteed to blow your mind? A true crime tale that'll leave you wondering how crooks got away with it for so long in the first place? Well, hold on to your girdle, because this one's a doozy. It's got everything: insurance scams, fake passports, an undercover sting operation, Israeli really bank accounts, and huge sales on some of the best TVs and VCRs around (sales tax not included). Best of all, you can listen to this story for the low, low price of FREE! Now that price is insane! R...
2022-11-2954 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast64: Skip E. Lowe; Or, Looking At a Hollywood LegendLate-night TV celebrity interviews are fun diversions, but when Hollywood needs real, gritty, hard-hitting journalism, there's only one man for the job. And if it takes mispronouncing every single name in the business, then honey, he's way ahead of you.Rob teaches Ray about Sammy LaBella, a.k.a. Skip E. Lowe, whose dreams of stardom led him to befriend, interview, and/or bed more Hollywood personalities than most people probably know exist; how public access TV is the gift that keeps on giving; call-in show mishaps; early hot takes on the Donald; and why no star...
2022-11-2250 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast63: King Tut's Tomb; Or, Curses and CryptsHankering to travel somewhere warm? Somewhere with exciting sightseeing? Somewhere you can be cursed by the spirit of a vengeful Egyptian monarch? Then have we got a place for you!Ray teaches Rob about the archeologists responsible for the discovery of the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamen, the Egyptian ruler who is now best known as King Tut; the misfortunes and maladies that befell many of those who uncovered the tomb; how Tut got so funky; and how all this mummy curse business got started in the first place, along with the many efforts to debunk those...
2022-11-1553 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast62: Murphy Brown vs Dan Quayle; Or, This Guy Was No Jack KennedyIf you turn back the clocks to the early 90s, it would be impossible to avoid all the late night jokes about Vice President Dan Quayle. Likewise, if you followed the 90s TV scene, you couldn't miss the fact that Candice Bergen was raking in the Emmys for her role as the titular Murphy Brown on CBS. So when two media behemoths like that unexpectedly went head-to-head, it was bound to be a battle for the ages...Rob teaches Ray about Dan Quayle's life and career, and his sudden rise to prominence as the running mate of...
2022-11-0850 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast61: The Satanic Panic; Or, Not Today, Satan!Parents of the United States! Listen to this podcast warning before it's too late! Have you noticed your children spending lots of time around funeral homes and coffins? Are they, per chance, drawing pentacles in their school notebooks? Do the toys they play with have any subliminally devilish aspects to them, such as (heaven forbid) flapping wings? If so, they may be under a Satanic spell that only extreme legislation and questionable tell-all books can help fix...or could all of this possibly be a bit of an overreaction?Ray teaches Rob about the origins of the...
2022-11-0156 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast60: The Dungeon Master; Or, True Crime In The Upside DownOn top of giving us the truly epic Dustin, Steve, and Eddie bromance and boosting Kate Bush's album sales, Stranger Things also deserves the bulk of the credit for bringing Dungeons and Dragons back into the zeitgeist. So, given that newfound popularity, it's hard to imagine how the very same game was once decried by a large - and largely conservative - contingent of the U.S., who condemned it for being not only a distraction from life’s realities, but an actual breeding ground for Satanic beliefs and practices. On what grounds, you might ask? Well, as you're about to...
2022-10-2549 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast59: Hair Club for Men; Or, Whip Your Weave Back and ForthWigs, plugs, toupés - so many solutions to hair loss, but all with their own issues and drawbacks. Was there any hope for real change? Was baldness an unavoidable condition? Would someone ever come along and provide a solution that truly brought satisfaction to those wanting to return to their days of luscious locks? Enter Sy Sperling: a man with a flat yet dulcet voice, a bald patch, and a dream.Rob teaches Ray a brief history of baldness in several cultures across the globe; how one man’s backup ad eventually became one of the mos...
2022-10-1846 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast58: Bat Out of Hell; Or, Meat and Jim's Excellent AdventureWe've covered our fair share of musicians and music-adjacent topics on This Was a Thing, and we'll probably cover plenty more in the future. But when it comes to the Venn Diagram of musical theatre, rock-and-roll, and cover art that includes apocalyptic motorcycles, there's only one album that should come to mind. That's because there was only one Meatloaf, only one Jim Steinman, and only one Bat Out of Hell. (Well, three, technically, but who's counting.)Ray teaches Rob about the genesis of this epic, 7-track, 46-minute rock-and-roll experience; how Jim's and Meatloaf's musical theatre roots brought th...
2022-10-1156 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast57: Dr. Feelgood; Or, Walter White Goes to WashingtonHaving a tough day? Life got you down? Does your body feel like it’s suffering from a severe lack of goat’s blood, steroids, and placenta? Oh, and also meth? Then we know just what the doctor should order, and which doctor should order it!Rob teaches Ray about the infamous Max "Dr. Feelgood" Jacobson, and his wide ranging celebrity clientele; his unsavory and unsanitary business practices; how his miracle vitamin shots played a key role in Cold War diplomacy; and the contemporary figures whose similarly flexible medical morals have earned them Mr. Jacobson’s unofficial title...
2022-10-0444 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast56: TGIF; Or, Do the Urkel, Bea!Just imagine: it's the end of the week, and all you want to do is crash on the couch, switch on the TV, and chillax. Luckily for you, it's also the early 90s, which means there's no black hole of streaming services to get lost in, so no need to stress about making that choice we all struggle with nowadays: "What should I watch?" Instead, you can just pop something into your Easy Bake oven, grab a bottle of Pepsi Blue, then flip to that channel with the cartoon mice and enjoy!Rob teaches Ray about how...
2022-09-2749 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast55: Weekly World News; Or, Bigfoot, Bat Boy, and the BizarreExtra, Extra, read all about it! Extra-terrestrial stock brokers discovered on Wall Street running a pump-and-dump scheme to boost stock prices for personal space tech investments. If you want to learn more, drop that Times or Journal - this exclusive story can only be found in a very special publication.Ray teaches Rob about the wacky and wild history of Weekly World News; its origins as a last-ditch effort to revive a moribund black-and-white printing press; Hilary Clinton's absolutely real relationship with an alien; and whether this type of "fake news" can survive in this moment when...
2022-09-2044 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast54: Shen Yun; Or, Where Are These Posters Coming From??Have you ever been on a New York subway? How about the Munich U-Bahn? Let's make it easier: have you walked down any sidewalk and/or generic walkway in any major and/or minor city in any of the six major global continents? Great! Then you've almost definitely seen a colorful poster featuring one to several dancers, all inviting you to put "China Before Communism" and see a show that could very well change your life...or at least, give you a night you'll never forget.Ray teaches Rob about Shen Yun and its foundation in the...
2022-09-1349 minThis Was A Thing: The Retro PodcastSeason 2! Or, The Second ComingOh yes, you read that right. So gird your loins and clear your Tuesdays, because we're launching next week with a the first of a whole season of new episodes that are bigger, badder, and thing-ier than ever. But you'll have to tune in to hear it! And hey, why not tell a friend while you're at it? You can both share the joy of hearing Rob tell Ray about the zaniness that was the 1989 Oscars, and listen to Ray's dulcet tones as he teaches Rob and all of us about the Napster sensation that swept this great nation...
2022-09-0603 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast53: The Jerry Lewis Telethon; Or, The Good, The Bad, and the NuttyAmerica just celebrated Labor Day, and we all know the two things that day has historically signified: it’s the last chance to wear white shoes (thank you, Elle Woods), and, until 2014, it was also the only chance to tune in to the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual fundraiser - better known to most people as the Jerry Lewis Telethon.Rob teaches Ray about Good Jerry, Bad Jerry, and all the Jerrys in between; the early days, break up, and reunion of Martin and Lewis; how Lainie Kazan earned her Actor’s Studio stripes while singing Barry Manilow...
2022-09-0655 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast52: Showgirls; Or, Jessie Spano Goes to VegasDoes your Venn Diagram of interests include Dale Cooper, Saved by the Bell, and Robocop? Also, are you 17 or older? Then you're in luck! Because in 1995, after achieving cinematic fame with Basic Instinct, Paul Verhoeven and Joe Eszterhaz teamed up for another film, this time set in the world of Las Vegas exotic dancers and show business, and the results were...controversial.Rob teaches Ray about Verhoeven's original vision for "Showgirls" as a satirical commentary on the American Dream, and how that vision went awry; the communities that sprang up to champion the movie after it bombed at the...
2022-08-3041 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast52: 1 (900) Numbers; Or, Call Me MaybeIn the ancient, pre-Google days, if someone wanted to get sports scores, or chat with a “naughty friend”, or obsess over your favorite celebrity, you couldn’t just type into a browser - the world wide web was a long ways off. But never fear! Just call this number, pay a incidental (read: exorbitant) fee per minute, and you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for.Ray teaches Rob about the meteoric rise of early 1-900 number entrepreneurs; why cats should stay away from phones; Santa’s (w)rapping skillz; and how seedy scammers gave a bad name t...
2022-08-2344 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast50: Is Elvis Alive? Or, A Little Less SpeculationOn August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley passed away and the world lost a rock and roll icon - or did it? Well, according to Gail Brewer-Giorgio and a cast of colorful conspiracy theorists, the King may not have left the building when everyone thinks he did… Ray teaches Rob about five key pieces of evidence that Gail and her gang use to support their “faked death” theory; the sketchy details behind Elvis’s partnership with the FBI to take down a notorious con-men cartel; why you should always have recording equipment handy in your garage; and how even the most far...
2022-08-1646 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast49: Carrie the Musical; Or, A Hog-Wild ShowGather 'round, listeners, and attend the tale that still leaves Broadway producers shaking in their Greek sandals. Yes, it's the truly terrifying story of Carrie: The Musical.Rob teaches Ray about the opera performance that inspired the writers of this grisly adaptation; how homophones lead to togas; the fan-base that sprang up to support (and bootleg) this flailing production; and why Carrie encapsulates the ephemeral nature of theatre in a rare way.If you like what we are doing, please support us on Patreon.TEAMRay...
2022-08-0953 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast48: MySpace; Or, Facebook Who?Friendster, SixDegrees, Makeoutclub - if you're a 90s kid, then you probably remember at least some of those websites (and may they all rest in peace). But there could only be one top dog, and MySpace was it. Hillary Duff, Harry Styles, Kim Kardashian - everyone had a MySpace page, and you better pray your friends put you in their Top 8. So with all the hype, how did the site go from being a 12-billion-dollar gorilla to an Internet has-been?Rob teaches Ray about how this small, music-centric social site evolved into a global behemoth; why "the...
2022-08-0251 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast47: The Chevy Chase Show; Or, A Late Night NightmareYou love Caddyshack, right? How about “Weekend Update” on SNL, or all the National Lampoon Vacation movies? Classic! Then you're bound to love a talk show hosted by the one and only Chevy Chase, right? Right?? Ray teaches Rob about the late night TV wars that followed Johnny Carson’s retirement; the perils of shooting hoops during your very first entrance as a talk show host; the air biscuit that tainted Whoopie Goldberg’s short-lived experience as a late night host; and why Fox probably wishes it did a test episode of The Chevy Chase Show… If you like wh...
2022-07-2644 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast46: Rich Little; Or, Heeere’s Johnny! (and Richie, Jimmy, and Ronnie)When you think of impressionists, you might picture the impresarios on SNL, or the wide array of Elvises with a Vegas residency. But have you ever wondered about who laid the groundwork for those performers to make their living lampooning celebrities? If you have, then you’re in luck - because if a couple of guys made a podcast about one of the very first nationally celebrated impressionists, it would probably sound a little something like this…Rob teaches Ray about Rich Little’s long career, from his humble beginnings as a kid with a love for doing...
2022-07-1948 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast45: Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure; Or, May the Merch Be With YouMerchandising cash grabs are nothing new to the Star Wars franchise. Who didn’t beg their parents for a lightsaber, or a Darth Vader helmet, or a Porg plushy? And one of the most blatant of these marketing ploys was the appearance of the fierce and fuzzy Ewoks who stole the show in Return of the Jedi. So what better way to celebrate their popularity, mine even more profit for George Lucas, and hopefully recover from the disaster that was the Star Wars Holiday Special than to make a TV movie featuring these enigmatic fur balls?Ray te...
2022-07-1237 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast44: SNL ‘80; Or, Jean Jean the Dancing Machine“Lorne Michaels” and “SNL” are essentially synonymous in this day and age, and his successful run as the show’s producer has been legendary. But if we turn the clocks back to 1980, the view from the top of the Rock at NBC wasn’t so rosy. Why, you might ask? Great question, you listener reading these notes!Rob teaches Ray about the falling out between Lorne and Fred Silverman that led to Lorne’s departure from the very sketch show he had created; the short-lived tenure of his wildly unpopular replacement, Jean Doumanian; why Eddie Murphy is an MVP; and ho...
2022-07-0548 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast43: “The Asylum” Films; Or, Mockbuster VideoEver stopped your Netflix scrolling to click on that new Marvel movie you’ve been dying to watch, only to realize that the dude playing “Almighty Thor” has absolutely no resemblance to Chris Hemsworth, and his hammer looks more like a dog bone stuck onto a baseball bat? (Obviously this is a purely hypothetical situation with no basis in reality.) Well then, friend, you have been duped by the marketing savvy of the infamous film production company, “The Asylum.”Ray teaches Rob about how seriously The Asylum takes its mission of producing crappy movies; the dangers of mixing sha...
2022-06-2837 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast42: Maude’s Dilemma (Abortion); Or, Bea Arthur Is a GoddessOn January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled on the landmark case, Roe V. Wade. Only two months earlier, TV’s cynical and spectacular Maude Findlay found herself in a position where she was forced to reckon with the exact choice upheld by the courts. And in 2022, the Supreme Court is again poised to take up the issue of abortion and a woman’s right to choose, making this a topic that is still scarily relevant. Rob teaches Ray about Norman Lear and his signature approach to television; Bea Arthur's comedic genius; the controversy that arose when “Maude’s Dilemma”...
2022-06-211h 00
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast41: The Macarena, Or - Wait, This Song’s About That??The Macarena. You know it, you’ve heard it, you’ve probably danced it with your parents, your cousins, your middle school BFFs, and/or your local rabbi. But - have you ever listened closely to the lyrics?Rob teaches Ray about the singing duo who brought this catchy tune to the world; the questionable origin of the song’s title; why Al Gore’s got the moves; and the many remixes and parodies that have kept this ear worm alive for decades.If you like what we are doing, please support us on Patreon.TEAM...
2022-06-1439 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast40: The Marlboro Man, Or, Save a Horse, Buy a Cowboy’s CigaretteFilter, flavor, pack or box - Marlboros have everything cigarette-lovers could want. But how could the company broaden their consumer base from primarily women, and prove that their cigarettes were just as manly as any ol’ Winston or Chesterfield? Well, hop on yer saddle, throw on a ten-gallon, and let’s head on down into advertising history, ‘cause that there question is exactly what Ray and Rob are gabbin’ about in this here episode.Ray teaches Rob about the history of the Marlboro Man campaign; the many men who donned that iconic cowboy garb; a Flintstone-endorsed cigarette brand; a...
2022-06-0741 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast39: Can't Stop The Music; Or, Village People Put On A Movie!Listeners! There’s no need to feel down! I said, Listeners! Pick yourself off the ground… and get ready for the story of when Village People made a movie!“Can’t Stop The Music” was released in the summer of 1980 at the tail end of the Disco Craze. Producer Allan Carr, fresh off his success with the film “Grease”, was ready for his next smash hit. He paired a fresh-faced Steve Guttenberg with Village People and a movie was made… It’s a Disco, Musical, Fever Dream… But it certainly qualifies as a film, nonetheless.This week...
2022-05-3141 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast38: St. Elsewhere Finale; Or, How a Snow Globe Erased M*A*S*HWhat’s the perfect reward for loyal viewers of a beloved TV show? How about a finale that not only obliterates the preceding 136 episodes, but puts in jeopardy more than 400 other series, including “I Love Lucy” and “Cheers?” In 1988, NBC did just that when it aired the final episode of "St. Elsewhere," a medical drama whose legacy is best described as “what the hell did they just do?”Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of the best and worst television series finales; Bobbi Wygant’s interview techniques; the far-reaching impacts of crossover episodes; and how the Mother of Dr...
2022-05-2458 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast37: From Justin to Kelly; Or, 2003 - A Review on Fashion“American Idol” season one was an entertainment behemoth in the 2002. It introduced us to sassy judges and gave the world the multi-hyphened legend, Ryan Seacrest. But besides that, it also introduced the world to Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, the heroes of this episode.After season one was done, the next logical step was taken – LETS MAKE A MOVIE! And a movie, they made… “From Justin to Kelly” was a musical/rom-com/beach flick released in the summer of 2003. Considering how popular “American Idol” was, the film HAD to be a success, right?...This week Ray...
2022-05-1751 min
Fifty Key Stage Musicals: The PodcastLA CAGE AUX FOLLESLA CAGE AUX FOLLESCOMPOSER: Jerry HermanLYRICIST: Jerry HermanBOOK: Harvey FiersteinSOURCE: Jean Poriot’s play La Cage Aux Folles (1973)DIRECTOR: Arthur LaurentsCHOREOGRAPHER: Scott SalmonPRINCIPLE CAST: Gene Barry (Georges), George Hearn (Albin), John Weiner (Jean-Michel)OPENING DATE: Aug 21, 1983CLOSING DATE: Nov 15, 1987PERFORMANCES: 1,761SYNOPSIS: La Cage Aux Folles is a drag club owned by George and Albin, two men who have been together for twenty ye...
2022-05-1350 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast36: Flossie Harding; Or, The First Lady Becomes The First SuspectShe was the First Lady for only three years but she did more in those three chauvinistic years than most women were allowed to do in their lifetime.....perhaps even killing her husband.This week Rob teaches Ray about Florence "Flossie" Harding who was one of the most influential first ladies most people have never heard about. They crack open the history books and explore look at how Flossie made her first husband disappear, how she kept Warren Harding on a short leash, the Presidential Love Child, why Flossie would've shived Grace Coolidge, and the Teapot Dome...
2022-05-1052 min
Fifty Key Stage Musicals: The PodcastNO, NO, NANETTE (1971)NO, NO NANETTE (1971)COMPOSER: Vincent YoumansLYRICIST: Irving Caesar, Otto HarbachBOOK: Otto Harbach, Frank MandelDIRECTOR: Burt SheveloveCHOREOGRAPHER: Donald SaddlerPRINCIPLE CAST: Ruby Keeler (Sue), Patsy Kelly (Pauline), Susan Watson (Nanette)OPENING DATE: Jan 19, 1971CLOSING DATE: Feb 03, 1973PERFORMANCES: 861SYNOPSIS: In 1920s New York, Nanette is betrothed to Tom but she has never really experienced life because of her strict guardian, Sue. Before Nanette gets married, with the help...
2022-05-0555 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast35: The Aloha Shirt; Or, Boomers Go BoomGrab some sunscreen, flip-flops, and get ready to cool down because we are going to Hawaii to explore the origins behind the Aloha Shirt. Learn about the Hawaiian Craze of the 1910s, the Fashion Father Alfred Shaheen, Elvis Presley's fashion choices, and so much more! Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of how the Aloha shirt came to be, the political activism behind the shirt, what elements make your Aloha Shirt worth money, and why this shirt gave birth to Casual Friday. If you like wha...
2022-05-0346 min
Fifty Key Stage Musicals: The PodcastGYPSYContinuing the tradition of Show Boat and Oklahoma!, Gypsy furthered the parameters of a musical drama that went beyond the bounds of musical comedy. It is significant for its critical acclaim as a complicated and layered piece of literature within the American musical theatre canon. Robert W. Schneider explores how 1950s method acting, and their need for objective and subtext, laid the foundation of Arthur Laurents’ psychologically devastating book and how actors since have found so much richness in the text that every actor who has the chance to play the monstrous Rose has varied greatly in their approaches, as...
2022-04-2746 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast34: Crystal Pepsi; Or, Things Have Gone Clear Crazy!Right Now! You’re reading a description for this week’s episode, Crystal Pepsi. Right Now! This particular episode is a little different, let’s be CLEAR. Right Now! Crystal Pepsi was a flash in the CAN (and bottle!) and we’re going to teach you all about it! Right Now! They also ran a Super Bowl commercial for it that featured a Sammy Haggar lead Van Halen, singing their hit song, “Right Now!” Right Now!Crystal Pepsi was released to the public in 1992 and (SPOILER WARNING!) was off of store shelves by early 1994. It was part of the “Clea...
2022-04-2635 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast33: Reefer Madness; Or, Hearst v. HempREEFER MADNESS! It’s taken over this fine country, so we decided it was time to cover it! Run for your life, marijuana is polluting the minds of America’s youths!“Reefer Madness”, originally titled “Tell Your Children”, was an exploitation and propaganda film released in 1936, 1938, or 1939…. Seriously, they didn’t keep an accurate record of the film’s release. It was meant to teach about the dangers of grass, dope, ganja, that sticky icky icky icky… And the film worked! People were terrified!What’s even more interesting than the film is The Marihuana Act of 1937. (Yes, tha...
2022-04-1940 min
Fifty Key Stage Musicals: The PodcastANYTHING GOESANYTHING GOESCOMPOSER: Cole PorterLYRICIST: Cole PorterBOOK: Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, revisions by Howard Lindsay & Russell CrouseDIRECTOR: Howard LindsayCHOREOGRAPHER: Robert AltonPRINCIPLE CAST: William Gaxton (Billy), Ethel Merman (Reno), Victor Moore (Moonface)OPENING DATE: Nov 21, 1934CLOSING DATE: Nov 16, 1935PERFORMANCES: 420SYNOPSIS: Set on a luxury liner that is sailing from New York to London, Billy, a lovelorn stock broker, attempts to win back his true...
2022-04-1854 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast32: Miss Cleo; Or, Call Her Now!Do you feel lost? Like you need some direction? Do you have $2000 ready to throw away? Then call me now! Learn about the fortune teller who couldn't forsee the police knocking on her door: 1990s icon Miss Cleo. Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of TV psychics, the brilliance of late night marketing, Dionne Warwick and the Psychic Friends Network, the worst dialect work ever committed to screen, the dissolution of tv psychics, and why you should never listen to Sylvia Browne. If you like wha...
2022-04-1245 min
Fifty Key Stage Musicals: The PodcastINTRODUCTIONHosts Robert W. Schneider & Andrew Child discuss the objective of the book and podcast for listeners and scholars.This episode focuses on the genesis of the book, how the titles were chosen, how its authors were chosen, and the future of this publication.Andrew Child is a multi-hyphenate artist whose work as a director, animator, choreographer, performer, and designer has been seen on stages and screens all over Boston, Argentina, and Italy. He has also worked as an arts writer with a focus on Boston's complete arts ecosystem and as a guest...
2022-04-1151 min
Fifty Key Stage Musicals: The PodcastFifty Key Stage Musicals: The Podcast TRAILERIn Fifty Key Stage Musicals: The Podcast co-hosts Robert W. Schneider and Andrew Child do an in-depth exploration of fifty musicals that altered the landscape of American Musical Theater, all of which are explored in the Routledge Press book, Fifty Key Stage Musicals.Fifty Key Stage Musicals: The Podcast will look at those musicals everyone considers to be a landmark like Shuffle Along, Show Boat, Oklahoma, Company, and Hamilton but will also examine musicals that deserve to be recognized more for their contribution to musical theater history like Promises, Promises, the 1994 revival of Grease...
2022-04-0602 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast31: Smell-O-Vision; Or, The Scent of a GimmickDo you smell that? We’re not saying its you! It’s Smell-O-Vision! That’s right, Smell-O-Vision! When you were looking for a movie with a gimmick, and 3-D has ran it’s course, then Smell-O-Vision just may be for you!Invented by Hans Laube in 1939 and brought to a wider audience by Mike Todd Jr. in 1960, Smell-O-Vision certainly left a smell with audiences and critics alike. It’s not like Mike Todd Jr. was a nobody… his father helped create the Cinerama Dome, he produced films like “Michael Todd’s Around The World In 80 Days.”, AND married Elizabeth...
2022-04-0540 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast30: Stairway To Stardom; Or, The World of Public Access TelevisionTurn your dials to station Manhattan Neighborhood Network station 13 because we are going to explore the confidentially, untalented denizens of Stairway to Stardom.Learn about the most optimistic master of ceremonies, Frank Masi, who unwittingly gave birth to America's obsession of televised shock and awe.Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of public access television and how the Government's attempt to connect communities went horribly awry, the dreams of Frank Masi, the song stylings if Lucille "Hairdresser" Cataldo, debating if Star Search stole Frank's idea, and why YouTube took over the realm of...
2022-03-2951 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast29: Transatlantic Accents; Or, What Is That Old Timey Movie Voice?Ever watch one of those old movies and wonder why in the world the actors are speaking in such an old timey way? Well, that way is actually called the TransAtlantic Accent and was not at all how most real people spoke in the 1930s, but in the movies they did.This week Rob teaches Ray about the origins of the transatlantic accent, how two men wanted the world to speak in World English, the "good breeding" of Jackie Kennedy, Bette Davis speaks like a lady, Mr. Feeney brings the accent back, how to speak TransAtlantic, and...
2022-03-2244 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast28: Liza Minnelli on Home Shopping Network; Or, A Bonanza of Sequin and VelvetWe here at “This Was A Thing” LOVE Ms. Liza May Minnelli! March 12th just happened to be her birthday, so we wanted to throw her a little birthday celebration! The woman DESERVES it, for heaven's sake!Liza isn’t just known for being the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, for her Oscar-winning performance in “Cabaret”, or for the greatest concert of all time, “Liza with a Z”. Ms. Minnelli isn’t even just known as one of the few EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, & Tony) winners.Liza is also remembered for her collection of clothing and...
2022-03-1539 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast27: The Lana Turner Murder Trial; Or, Don’t Stompanato On My HeartTo start off the second half of season one, we decided to go for the most popular kind of podcast: TRUE CRIME! Hollywood is filled with scandals, but there haven’t been many bigger Tinsel Town scandals, than The Lana Turner Murder Trial.In the 1950’s, Lana Turner was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Sadly, she was dating a violent mobster named Johnny Stompanato. Mr. Stompanto’s violence came to an end when he was discovered stabbed to death in 1958 in Turner’s home. The person holding the knife… Cheryl Crane, Lana Turner’s 14-year-old daughter.
2022-03-0850 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast26: Howard The Duck; Or, George Lucas' Fowl PlayImagine if Marvel and Lucasfilm teamed up to make a movie nowadays. It would be huge! Well, back in 1986, that wasn’t the case… In fact, “Howard The Duck”, was the opposite of huge. What was supposed to be a comedy, hardly had audiences QUACKing up. Most Audiences thought it was rather FOWL. It wasn’t a success and Universal Pictures was stuck with the BILL.George Lucas was the man that decided to turn a Marvel comic about a sassy, wise-cracking anthropomorphic duck into a summer blockbuster. Universal was ALL IN after previously turning George down for his pr...
2022-03-0146 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast25: Pogs; Or, When Circular Cardboard Took Over the 90sPogs… or Milk Caps if you’re a boomer…. were like a flash in the pan in the mid 90’s. Collectable pieces of cardboard that ended up fading out just as quicky as they were introduced. Just like marbles before them, Pogs got banned from schools. Pogs caused schoolyard scuffles and because kids were playing for keeps, they were essentially gambling… Playgrounds were becoming Las Vegas… Kids couldn’t get enough of that sweet, sweet circular cardboard. This week, Ray teaches Rob all about how Pogs is an acronym for Passion Fruit, Orange, G...
2022-02-2241 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast24: The History of Personal Ads; Or, Desperation for PosterityThis week love is in the air and nothing says love like downloading Hinge, Tindr, Grindr, and FarmersOnly to find that perfect mate for you….until someone better comes along. But before the technological revolution how did people meet one another? Through the personal ads of course. This week Rob teaches Ray about 17th Century ways of mating, coded sexuality needs in Europe, why it was frowned on for women to seek love, the assholery of Benjamin Franklin, how people scammed others through love, and The Lonely Hearts Killer, of course.
2022-02-1555 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast23: The Super Bowl Shuffle; Or, Dick Meyer's Magnum OpusThere hasn’t been anything quite like “The Super Bowl Shuffle”… And for good reason. Professional athletes can be boastful from time to time, but in 1985, it was taken to a whole new level! All lead by Bears Wide Receiver, Willie Gault.The Chicago Bears would produce a single (the first of its kind on Audio Cassette), film a music video (Second in sales to “Thriller”), and win a Super Bowl (beating those darn Patriots!) all in the course of an NFL season. “The Super Bowl Shuffle” was a sensation! Most of the team wanted in, but there were some...
2022-02-0847 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast22: Zima; Or, the Zailure of the 90zZhere once waz a drink zhat made ze world ztand up and zake notice......Ok, we can't do this anymore. It was Zima, a clear malt beverage that intoxicated, barely, the entire world for a brief and shining moment.This week Rob teaches Ray about the Clear Beverage Craze of the 1990s, the very bizarre commercials of Bartles & Jaymes, how the Russians changed the game of marketing, the sad trajectory of the Zima Man, the urban legend of breathalyzers and Zima, and how gender norms played a part in the failure of Zima. Zo zad....
2022-02-0137 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast21: The Husbands of Elizabeth Taylor; Or, Modern Marriage in MovielandShe was an Academy Award winning actress, one of the first AIDS activists, and an icon around the world for her stunning beauty. She also broke gender norms and societal expectations with eight trips down the aisle with seven different men.....not all at the same time, of course.Rob teaches Ray about Elizabeth Taylor and her eclectic group of husbands which include: The great Uncle of Paris Hilton, a social climbing actor, an indomitable showman, America's sweetheart, an alcoholic Welshman, a Republican Senator, and a down on his luck construction worker. Not to mention a torrid...
2022-01-2551 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast20: The Trials of Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle; Or, Hollywood's First Major ScandalRoscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle was one of the most popular silent film comedy stars of the 1910’s. After signing a big contract in 1920, it seemed that Arbuckle was on top of the world! That is until a wild party ended in the very suspicious death of a young actress named Virginia Rappe. Tabloid papers took the story and ran with it....without a true investigation. Faced with sexual assault and manslaughter charges....was Arbuckle able to prove his innocence?This week Ray teaches Rob about the insane tactics of William Randolph Hearst’s newspapers, a woman named Bambina Maude Del...
2022-01-1854 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast19: Treasure Hunt Comedies; Or, Million Dollar MoviesIt's a mad, mad, mad, mad story about money, movies, and madcap mysteries! In 1963, one of the most serious film directors decided to prove to the world he could be funny......well, sort of........What he ended up creating was the The Treasure Hunt Comedy, a forgotten staple of film comedies.Rob teaches Ray about It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Scavenger Hunt, Million Dollar Mystery, and Rat Race. Along the way we learn that Milton Berle's ego was as big as his cigar, the pretentiousness of Method Acting in comedy, Dino De Laurentiis' love of...
2022-01-1153 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast18: ThighMaster; Or, The Empire of Suzanne SomersHappy New Years, dear listener! Getting healthy is a classic New Years Resolution and what better way to get trim than with Thigh Master! Thigh Master had a major grip on early 90’s fitness, but it wouldn’t get to the top without the help of a wonderfully peppy spokesperson Suzanne Somers. Yes, Chrissy Snow from “Three’s Company”, herself! She “used to do aerobics ‘til she dropped! Then she found Thigh Master!”This week, Ray teaches Rob the secret to shapely thighs, talks about an important meeting in Palm Springs, Suzanne’s storied career, and how a device designed...
2022-01-0444 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast17: 1930s Dance Marathons; Or, The First U.S. Reality ShowGet out your tap shoes, Francis, we are going dancing tonight....and tomorrow....and for the next five months!This week we look at the swinging and sadistic world of 1930s Dance Marathons which were ways for Depression Era Americans to make some money dancing for hours on end....while other Americans watched and waited for injuries, blood, and violence! Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of dancing in America, how Vernon and Irene Castle made sinful partner dancing wholesome, the Endurance Crazes of the 1920s, the sadistic Emcees and promoters w...
2021-12-2846 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro PodcastBonus Episode: Competitive Walking Competitions, Or PedestrianismOur listeners have been nice this year so Santa has told us to give you all a gift!Brody Karn, Esq. teaches us about one of the most intriguing fads of the 19th Century: Pedestrianism. There is a doping scandal, cheating accusations, Walkers becoming the faces of trading cards, ethnic turf walking wars, women breaking the glass ceiling of athleticism, and so much more! Plus, Nathan Lane stars in.......everything!This episode is part of our Patreon only episode library so if you like this one then head over there, become a Patron, and get...
2021-12-2549 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast16: Cabbage Patch Riots of 1983; Or, The Genesis of Black FridayRemember Cabbage Patch Kids..... those odd looking dolls with hard plastic heads that took the 80’s by storm? And how that storm turned into riots? In 1983 Cabbage Patch Mania ruled the holiday season and parents just HAD to get their hands on one for Little Carol and even Littler Patti.This week, Ray teaches Rob all about Bunny Bees, BabyLand General Hospital, and how creator Xavier Roberts MAY have stolen the idea for these dolls from a woman named Martha Nelson Thomas who he met at a small Kentucky craft fair. Plus discovering that Roberts' signature was on...
2021-12-2145 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast15: Life With Lucy; Or, Lucille Ball Gets FiredA legend stuck in the past or a victim of ageism?To celebrate Being the Ricardos, we take a look at Lucille Ball's last sitcom, Life With Lucy,...from which she was fired. Yes, the Queen of Comedy was fired!Rob teaches Ray about Lucille Ball's career post I Love Lucy, her bizarre television movies in the 1970s (including Lucy becoming President of NBC), how Lucy was courted by ABC, why The Cosby Show and The Golden Girls created Life with Lucy, Lucy's loyalty to her staff, and how she was brutally dismissed by a...
2021-12-1444 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast14: Vine; Or, Entertainment in Six Seconds or LessCan you put together a meaningful thought or idea in six seconds or less? What about a moderately funny video? It’s hard! But there was some GOLD in them there Vine hills!Ray teaches Rob about how Vine helped launch the careers of Shawn Mendes, King Bach, and yes, even Jake and Logan Paul. We also revisit some of our favorite Vines of years past including Rob’s favorite – a teacher’s reaction to having a piece of paper thrown at them. “Whoever threw that paper, your mom’s a…”If you like what we...
2021-12-0732 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast13: The Benny Hill Show; Or, The First Victim of Cancel CultureA dirty old man or the first victim of cancel culture?Benny Hill was one of the world's most recognizable comedians. In the 1970s, he dominated UK television. In the 1980s, he was either loved/loathed in over 140 different countries. By the 1990s, he was cancelled, metaphorically and physically.Rob introduces Ray to the naughty world of Benny Hill, how Benny revolutionized television comedy, the international acclaim of Benny's visual brilliance, the little bald man Benny loved to slap on the head, the hypocrisy of "comedian" Ben Elton (Bio Pic starring John Oliver needed ASAP...
2021-11-3058 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast12: Mike Love vs. The Beach Boys; Or, Bad VibrationsThe Beach Boys were pioneers of the 1960s Surf Rock movement. When they felt it was time to move on from the sound the world loved, there was one main person standing in the way: Founding Member Mike Love.Mike Love wasn’t keen on changing their sound….to be honest, Mike Love wasn’t really keen on much of anything.....well except for Meditation and material possessions… Oh, and lawsuits! Mike Love really enjoyed taking his bandmates to court…...Ray tells Rob why Mike Love said things like “Don’t f**k with the for...
2021-11-2354 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast11: Batman & Robin (1997); Or, the Death of The Action Hero FilmBatman has defeated countless crooks and criminals but there was one he could not defeat: Consumerism. Learn about the the 1997 summer blockbuster that made people question the merits of super hero movies and one so poorly received, it nearly killed the genre: Batman & Robin (1997) Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of the Caped Crusader, the brilliance of Tim Burton, the Danny DeVito nightmares of McDonald's happy meals, bat nipples, the villainous toy manufacturers who became screenwriters, the body shaming of Alicia Silverstone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger bullies Richard Kind....
2021-11-1654 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast10: McFailures; Or What In The Hula Burger?!McDonald’s. One of the most beautiful words in any language. It’s a franchise known around the world for all of it’s success! Sometimes they’ll even bring back menu items that are fan favorites, because that’s what the people want! McRib, anyone?But for all of this success, there were bound to be some failures… Or as we like to call them, McFailures.This week Ray teaches Rob about everything from the Hula Burger to McSalad Shakers. Onion Nuggets to the McLobster. Mighty Wings to the McPizza. You’re taste buds a...
2021-11-0954 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast9: The Death of William Henry Harrison: Or, The Foundation of the 25th AmendmentYou are a new country. You have a constitution. If anything goes wrong, don't worry, the constitution will tell us what to do.......or will it? Learn about the death of President William Henry Harrison, the first time a President died in office, and the forgotten constitutional crisis that followed, as well as a deep dive into the 25th Amendment that tried to correct those errors.Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of the all too brief Presidency of William Henry Harrison, the controversial elections that got him into office, The C...
2021-11-0255 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast8: The Paul Lynde Halloween Special; Or Fred Silverman's Main WitchIt’s a Halloween Extravaganza this week on This Was A Thing. Who’s hosting, you ask? TV Funnyman Paul Lynde, of course!Ray teaches Rob all about The Paul Lynde Halloween Special. Who was there to share a drink (or six) with Paul? Well, just about every spooky TV personality you could think of: Carol Brady, Mr. Wiggins, Witchy Poo/Wicked Witch of the West, Donnie and Marie, Billy Barty, Sue Ann Nivens, and Halloween favorite Roz “Pinky Tuscadero” Kelly! We even get to see KISS’s first national television appearance! And, guiding the spooky special is Brady Bu...
2021-10-2653 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast7: Hummels; Or How To Stop The Nazis With PorcelainYou know those weird looking figurines on your grandmother's shelves? Those little Aryan children clad in leiderhosen and looking adorable against bucolic backdrops? They are not only worth a "fortune" they were the bane of Hitler's existence....well.....one of them. Learn about female entrepreneur Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel who sought to create beautiful pieces of art celebrating her students but was hijacked by a greedy convent and thwarted by the Third Reich. Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of Hummel figurines, which are worth the most, why they ad...
2021-10-1941 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast6: The 1919 World Series Scandal; Or, The Rise of Judge Kenesaw Mountain LandisYou’ve heard of the “Curse of the Bambino”, “Curse of the Billy Goat”, and even “Merkle’s Boner." But the case that changed baseball forever was The 1919 World Series Scandal, better known as "The Black Sox Scandal," because itt was discovered that players were betting against their own team!Ray teaches Rob about players like “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, Eddie Cicotte, “Buck” Weaver, and “Chick” Gandil who had enough of their Manager, Charles Comisky, which led them to engaging in the first baseball scandal, the naming of the first commissioner of baseball (named. Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis....You read that correctly...
2021-10-1257 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast5: The Scandals of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker; Or, Praise The Lord and Pass The CashCan you feel it? Can you feel the spirit? Can you feel the spirit moving your money right into the bank accounts of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker? To coincide with the brilliant "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" we are doing a deep dive into the scandal that brought down the PTL ministries and how Jim Bakker got away with embezzlement for so long.....he had some help from the man upstairs.....Ronald Reagan. Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of evangelism, how televangelists were able to be exempt fr...
2021-10-0552 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast4: The Brady Bunch Variety Hour; Or Shake That Brady!Don’t worry folks, the Bradys are BACK! But this time the whole bunch is singing and dancing! Yes, even Alice. This week, Ray tells Rob all about “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour” a show that may have been panned back in the 70s, but is loved in 2021, and how The Bradys became America's first franchised family. And don’t worry! You don’t just get Mike, Carol, and the kids! No, no! A slew of A-Listers wanted to come along for the ride! You like Tony Randall? He’ll be there! Donny a...
2021-09-2853 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast3: The Davy Crockett Craze; Or, How Baby Boomers Went AwryGrab your coonskin cap (and your checkbooks) because the Patron Saint of Consumerism, pioneer Davy Crockett, is here and he's ready to turn his name into a brand and his checkered past into an economic boom. Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of how Davy Crockett wasn't all who he was cracked up to be, the greatest economic loss of Walt Disney, the oh so stiff acting of Fess Parker, the brilliance of branding, Hollywood's ability to rewrite history, and how Davy Crockett unknowingly has committed to the hostile political climate of the 21st...
2021-09-2153 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast2: The Balloon Boy Incident; Or Falcon's Big Adventure!What would you do if your six-year-old child was suddenly suspended over 7,000 feet in the air and traveling solo over the treacherous terrain of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado? Call the media, of course! Doesn't make sense? Well, very little about this 2009 Balloon Boy Incident does.This week, Ray fills Rob in on all the juicy details of an event that took the news by STORM. Why would the Heene Family even set off a large weather balloon? And how could little Falcon have gotten in there? What does the bearded Wolf Blitzer have to do with...
2021-09-1445 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro Podcast1: Jazzercise; Or, Female Empowerment Through Toe TappingStrap on those leg warmers and get ready to break the glass ceiling because we are going back to the 80s and doing a deep dive into the history of Jazzercise! Learn about the Patron Saint of Sweat, Judi Sheppard Missett, who not only broke the exercise glass ceiling but built it through sweat, tears, and a funky beat. Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of female exercise including how women were encouraged not to sweat, the retroactive philosophies of Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein, forgotten “fitness” coach Debbie Drake...
2021-09-0744 min
This Was A Thing: The Retro PodcastThis Was A Thing TrailerThis Was A Thing is the podcast that dives deep into the cultural happenings of yesteryear!Join hosts Ray Hebel and Robert W. Schneider as they delightfully dissect some of history's greatest fads, trends, and one-hit wonders.From box office hits to box office flops, from high fashion to low fashion, This Was A Thing is your one-stop-shop for all things nostalgia.New episode is released every Tuesday.FacebookTwitterInstagramBecome a member of the...
2021-07-1803 min