Pop Culture Retrospective

Pop Culture Retrospective

Join me as we board a time machine and travel back to the retro pop culture of the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s! On each episode, I take a deep dive into the backstory behind topics such as music, tv shows, movies, technology, regrettable fashions, and events from this unique period of time. This show is inspired by and dedicated to the memory of my older sister, Rebecca who I lost tragically in 2019. I want to learn the back story, the story behind the story, the hidden secrets, and fun facts of all of the things that she was into. This show is my love letter to my big sister. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s will want to tune in! Follow me on social media! Twitter: @popcultureretro Instagram: @popcultureretrospective Website: www.popcultureretrospective.com Email: amy@popcultureretrospective.com

Episodes

December 23, 2025 34 mins

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

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Thank you for tuning in! In today's episode, I am joined by John Abendshein, author of "Home But Alone No More: A Memoir From the Owner of the House That Made Movie History." John lived in the famous "Home Alone" house before, during, and after the filming of the holiday classic. In his book, he shares how this came about, the aftermath following the film's release, and why this movie con...

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

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

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

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

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September 5, 2025 32 mins

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

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

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

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

Note - this episode is ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thank you for tuning in!  On today's episode, Chris Morgan joins us once again to take a another deep dive into television shows of the 1990s, but this time our approach is completely different!  I had the chance to pick Chris's brain for a bit about 90s TV shows by asking him a multitude of different questions ranging from- "which 90s TV show had the worst theme song?" to "which kid's ga...

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

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January 31, 2025 45 mins

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

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

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

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

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

Links mentioned on this episode:

80s and 90s Uncensored Podcast:  https://the80sand90s.com/podcast
Podchums:  https://www.podchums.com/
(Very detailed)...

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

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

If you love this show, then you'll also love the ...

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

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

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

Binge Movies Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podca...

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

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