What the HELL Were You Thinking?

What the HELL Were You Thinking?

All the things that made the world the way it is now. Welcome to the podcast takes your nostalgia, tells you the history behind it and makes you ask What the HELL Were You Thinking. Host Dave Bledsoe takes the history, politics and pop culture of the past fifty years and explains what it was like to live through it and why it is still ruining the world today. So join Dave, his hapless Producer Gavin St James every Monday for time capsule of truth! Find us at whatthehellpodcast.com, @whatthehellpodcast.bsky.social and the show name on Facebook.

Episodes

January 12, 2026 34 mins
Episode 516: Red, Red Whine This week Host Dave Bledsoe woke up brutally hungover behind a trash dumpster in the Tacony neighborhood of Philadelphia meaning a whole New Year has started.  (It’s tradition) On the show this week, we end our hiatus without actually going on hiatus. (Turns out Dave was just sad) We start our generational pivot with the first leg of the tripod that holds up the Baby Boomers, the Red Scare!  Along the ...
Mark as Played
Show Notes Episode 430: Carl’s Worst Christmas Ever and Other Holiday Tales This week Host Dave Bledsoe tries some amazing eggnog some guy’s brother made with  lighter fluid and starts telling stories. (Again) For our annual “Jesus, is it Christmas already?” episode, we dig into the vaults of Dave’s Brain to bring you lurid tales of Christmas’ gone wrong in every way possible. Be they marital infidelity, public masturbation or a...
Mark as Played
December 15, 2025 30 mins
Show Notes Episode 343: Frosty the Snow Ho (Redux) This week, Host Dave Bledsoe is basically phoning it in so he can get on with the business of his Christmas Bender.  (You probably won’t be able to notice anything different)  On the show this week, we take a look at some of the bizarre and inexplicable Christmas specials that taught us that sharing special times with family is the true meaning of Christmas.  (And to buy whateve...
Mark as Played
December 8, 2025 31 mins
Show Notes Episode 515: Sodas In Spaaaaace! This week Host Dave Bledsoe got liquored up on orange flavored Metamucil and vodka and got kicked out of a retirement village bingo game. (Again) On the show this week we head back to 1985 when the Cola Wars took off for low orbit because Coke and Pepsi had money to burn. Along the way we learn that Dave never stood a chance at NASA. (They didn’t make space suits in 5XL) Then we dive ri...
Mark as Played
Show Notes Episode 340: We’re Wall to Wall and Tree Top Tall This week Host Dave Bledsoe is coming down out of Hog Town in a Thirteen Letter Shit Spreader hauling Go-Go Girls on the Dance Floor bound for Bingo Town, only to discover that no one has a single fucking clue what he is saying when he talks like that.  (Not an uncommon event.) On the show this week, we climb into the cabs of our big rigs and take you back to the days wh...
Mark as Played
Show Notes Episode 87: Thanksgiving In Hell Total Redux This week host Dave Bledsoe found himself in Federal Custody after getting shitfaced in an Irish bar and loudly demanding he wants to be deported to Ireland.  (Note, he is not actually FROM Ireland but he thought he would give it a try.) On the show this week we dug deep into the vaults to pull out an ancient but seasonally appropriate show, dusted off some of the references ...
Mark as Played
Show Notes Episode 259: “We’re Not Gonna Take It” This week Host Dave Bledsoe puts a Twisted Sister pin on his uniform and drunkenly shouts at himself in the bathroom mirror just to feel like someone else is with him.  (The man is desperately lonely and drinking too much.  You know, just normal Dave stuff)  On the show this week we travel back to 1985 to examine the Parents Music Resource Council, an issue so unimportant and trivi...
Mark as Played
Show Notes Episode 514: Brooks Brothers Riot, Daddy O Part 2 of the 2000 Election This week Host Dave Bledsoe tried crashing a corporate mixer for the open bar only to be quickly discovered because he was wearing a neck tie over an "Female Body Inspector” t-shirt. (Again) On the show this week we head back to the 2000 Election and the court case that elected a President. Along the way we discover Dave thought he might be a lawye...
Mark as Played
Episode 513: Ballot With Butterfly Wings Part 1 of the 2020 Election This week host Dave Bledsoe got kicked out of an Andrew Cuomo election rally for constantly drunkenly screaming “Andy, let’s go pick up some bitches!” (Again) On the show this week we turn the clock back twenty five years to the election that broke America. (We could have had a Lockbox!) Along the way we learn that Dave voted for Ralph Nader. (What an asshole) ...
Mark as Played
Show Notes Episode 512: Granny Are You OK? Part 4 of Spooktacular 2025 This week Host Dave Bledsoe was arrested for setting up a moonshine still next to the Loch in Central Park, he claimed he was merely celebrating his people’s culture.  (Sure, Dave) On the show this week we wrap up Spooktacular 2025 99 Problems But A Witch Ain’t One with America’s own Granny Witches!  Along the way we discover Dave’s complicated relationship w...
Mark as Played
Show Notes Episode 511: Something Wiccan This Way Comes Part 3 of Spooktacular 2025 This week Host Dave Bledsoe was arrested at the Lizard Lounge in Bohemia for getting hammered, stripping off all his clothes and proclaiming he was performing Witchy Woman by the Eagles “skyclad”. (Again) On the show this week we look at the state of modern witchcraft when we talk about the Wiccans. Along the way we learn that Dave DID try not be...
Mark as Played
Show Notes Episode 510: “Smack My Witch Up” Part Two of Spooktacular 2025 This week Host Dave Bledsoe got drunk and lost in a Haunted Corn Maze and terrified an entire Church Group when he stumbled out without any pants. (Again) On the show this week the Spooktacular takes us to witch panics and trials throughout history. (Modern included) Along the way we learn Dave considered himself a victim of witch hunt because he was acc...
Mark as Played
Episode 509: Shaman Me? Shaman You! This week Host Dave Bledsoe visited the Old Wise Woman at the edge of the village for herbs that would help him experience enlightenment.  (Meaning he bought some weed at an unlicensed dispensary.) Along the way we learn that Dave was scared by an old lesbian when he was a kid.  (Lesbians are nothing to be afraid of!) Then we dive right in by dispelling some myths about the matriarchy.  From th...
Mark as Played
Show Notes Episode 284-285 Redux Mega-Mix “The Rendlesham Forest UFO Incident” We are off this week prepping for Spooktacular 2025 so enjoy this double episode megamix from 2020 about that time in the 80s some Air Force cops lied about seeing a UFO to cover their asses after getting caught fucking around on post. Show Theme: Hypnostate Prelude to Common Sense The Show on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatthehellpodcast.bsky....
Mark as Played
September 22, 2025 30 mins
Show Notes Episode 508: “John’s Detachable Penis” This week Host Dave Bledsoe woke up screaming after a bender to find a red mess and half a weiner on his lap, only to discover he passed out while eating a hot dog. (What kind of monster puts ketchup on a hot dog?) On the show this week we discuss a similar situation that ended much worse, we talk about John Bobbitt’s detached penis and why Americans thought it was funny! Along th...
Mark as Played
Spooktacular 2025 kicks off in October! All month long we talk about Witches! The good ones, the bad ones, the ones who dress all sexy and drive Dave wild! So join us for a month of MORE WITCHES than you could imagine for Spooktacular 2025! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mark as Played
September 15, 2025 31 mins
Show Notes Episode 507; Tito Get Me Some Tissue This week Host Dave Bledsoe passed out at a petting zoo and woke up making out with a llama.  (It was the closest he came to getting laid in years.) On the show this week take a look at the oddities and eccentricities of the King of Pop .  (Yes, we DO talk about THAT, but we do not make any jokes.) Along the way we discover that Dave was not the most bullied kid in school. (Only bec...
Mark as Played
September 8, 2025 27 mins
Episode 506: Shamone Now This week Host Dave Bledsoe won third prize in a “Moonwalking” competition when he lost his balance trying to get up to take a piss and stumbled backward across the stage. (It was a $10 Gift Certificate to Hardees) On the show this week it is part one of a two part show about the biggest pop star of the 80s, Michael Bolton. (We kid, we are talking about Michael Jackson!) Along the way we find out that Dav...
Mark as Played
September 1, 2025 30 mins
Show Notes Episode 505: Thanks For Your Support This week Host Dave Bledsoe tried to impress an age appropriate woman by telling her he was in a wine cooler commercial, only to have his feelings hurt when she asked if played Bartles or Jaymes. (Ouch!) On the show this week we look back at that time when America was crazy about low rent Sangria in a bottle, only they called it a wine cooler. Along the way we discover that Dave los...
Mark as Played
August 25, 2025 33 mins
Show Notes Episode 504: We Will Always Have Paris This week Host Dave Bledsoe gate crashed a celebrity event by carrying a camera and claiming he was “with the media” just to get access to the open bar. (The only photo taken was his mugshot. Again.) On the show this week we pick up with Chuck and Diane after their fairy tale wedding and following it to its tragic conclusion of Chuck wishing he were a tampon. Along the way we disc...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    SmartLess

    "SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.