#94 - '90s Con Recap (2024)

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

A number of the celebrities in attendance at this year's '90s Con also host podcasts, here are links to those shows:

Pod Meets World, hosted by Boy Meets World cast members:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pod-meets-world/id1629908611

How Rude, Tanneritos, hosted by Full House cast members:  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-rude-tanneritos/id1698513192

Full House Rewind hosted by Dave Coulier from Full House:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/full-house-rewind/id1694067512

Keanan and Lakin Give You De Ja Vu hosted by Step By Step cast members:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keanan-and-lakin-give-you-d%C3%A9j%C3%A0-vu/id1731434430

Hey Dude the '90s called hosted by Hey Dude cast members: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hey-dude-the-90s-called/id1658407772

And finally, here is an episode of my podcast where we took a look back at 'tween shows that aired on Nickelodeon in the '80s and '90s.  'Hey Dude' was one of the shows covered on that episode:  https://www.popcultureretrospective.com/pop-culture-retrospective-podcast-episode-47-tween-shows-on-nickelodeon-from-the-90s/

Transcript

Thank you so very much for tuning in to the Pop Culture Retrospective Podcast. This show is dedicated to the memory of my big sister Rebecca, a fan of all things pop-culture, particularly of the people, places, and things that defined the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.  Welcome aboard this pop culture time machine, I'm Amy Lewis. This is episode #94 - 90’s Con CT re-cap, 2024 edition!  Over St. Patrick’s Day weekend I had the opportunity to visit 90s con again at the Hartford Convention Center. This time I took more notes, recorded more audio clips, and overall went into the experience with more knowledge about how I wanted to approach the weekend.  On this show I will give you an overview of 90’s Con, some insider information from the panels I attended featuring cast members from shows like Boy Meets World, Step by Step, Full House, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Dawsons’s Creek, and my personal favorite of all of the shows on this list, Hey Dude.  This show is jam packed with all kinds of information hence the delay in getting it out.  So kick, back, and relax this fun re-cap about all things 90s at the one and only 90s con.  

Just like last year, I stayed near Hartford with some of my extended family members who live nearby in Glastonbury.  It was an easy 10 minute ride into Hartford.  The convention center has a huge parking garage right next door and it was easy to find parking and walk a few minutes to the event.  This year there was a cosplay contest so as I was walking into the convention center I was behind Belle and Ariel.  The convention center space for 90s con was broken up into 3 parts - the farthest to the left was retro video games and areas for professional photo ops, the center area was for vendors and the farthest area to the right was for meet and greets with individual celebrities.  Here you can get autographs and/or selfies with your favorite 90’s stars. You could meet celebrities like Alyssa Milano, Jodi Benson, Marisa Tomei, Drew Lachey and Jeff Timmons from 98 degrees, Andrew Keegan, and several cast members from 7th Heaven, among many, many others.  

I always enjoy checking out the vendors, this year there seemed to be a bit more than last year.  You could visit vendors that sold things like movie posters, candy, caricature drawings, loungefly bags, pokemon collectibles, retro toys, retro magazines, 90s con specific merchandise, candles, wax melts, waterbottles, character paintings, custom sneakers with a jurassic park theme and more.  And just like last year, you could get a tattoo while at 90’s con and you can also schedule your door or window replacement appointment with Andersen windows.  Once again, Andersen windows has inserted themselves into a completely unrelated event.  Let’s see, I got my A Goofy Movie Poster, my book it sticker, and my Friends coffee mug, went to my favorite 90s sitcom panel, but I can’t forget to ask the 20 year old who is clearly bored and scrolling on their cell phone at the Andersen windows booth how much it would cost to replace our front door.  Another vendor at 90s Con and I’ve seen people who create similar retro merchandise on IG, was an individual who sells repurposed items like handbags and jackets out of old children’s bedding.  Now don’t get me wrong, the whole up cycle movement is absolutely something I can get behind.  I am a huge proponent of finding a use for things instead of just throwing them away.  

That being said, I can’t help but think with all of these items, especially made out of an old sleeping bag, were peed in multiple times between 1982-1991, and thus are not suitable material to be re-selling.  Call me crazy, but my train is going to bypass urination station everytime.  And I can guarantee you that my sister who have felt the exact same way as me.

The first panel I attended was Boy Meets World which aired on ABC from 1993-2000. This first panel made me realize that there is a common thread among many of these former 90s stars - hosting or co-hosting a podcast, but more on that in a little bit. In attendance at this panel were: Rider Strong who played Shawn Hunter, William Daniels who played George Feeny, Betsy Randle who played Amy Matthews, Will Friedle who played Eric Matthews, William Russ who played Alan Matthews, Danielle Fishel who played Topanga Lawrence, and  Trina McGee who played Angela Moore.  As they were announcing all of the cast members one by one, when they got to William “Bill” Daniels who played Mr. Feeny, it took him quite a while to get onto the stage.  I found out that he is 97 years old, so I was worried that perhaps he’d had a heart attack or something.  Thankfully though he made it to the stage, much to the delight of the audience.  Just like on the show, Bill made a lot of sarcastic remarks which the audience laughed at, but I just kept thinking that I’m not so sure if he is trying to be funny or if he has some memory loss.  Nonetheless he spoke about how at first he was sort of annoyed by the kids but that he grew to love him.

The panel host opened with asking the cast members how it felt to be at 90s Con:  

The discussion during this panel was about the history of the show, how it has held up over time, the professional tone set by Bill Daniels and the topics covered on the show, including the early marriage of Cory & Topanga, who got married on the show when the characters were just 18.    They also talked about the on screen relationship between Shawn Hunter and Angela Moore.  

Because so much of the cast was present for this panel, it was hard for them to all get air time to talk about the.  The parents on the show (William Russ who played Alan and Betsy Randall who played Amy) didn’t speak all that much and I felt a little awkward for them.

Rider Strong, Danielle Fishell and Will Friedle  all host a podcast called Pod Meet World where they revisit the episodes of BMW and welcome 90s related guest to their show.  There was some discussion about this show as well, which started in 2022 throughout the panel.  Apparently the podcast was Rider’s idea and at some point there may be a BTS documentary about the show done as well.  I’ll post a link to their show in the show notes.

Next I attended a podcast that included several cast members from the TV series Sabrina the Teenage Witch which ran from 1996-2003. 

As I was waiting in line to get into the large room, I was surrounded by a lot of people dressed in 90s gear like neon clothing, Brittney Spears tshirts, fanny packs and retro-themed costumes.   The person in front of me in line was dressed up as a beanie baby complete with a full head to toe furry costume as well as a ty tag.  I thought I was a huge dork but I stand corrected. Panel members included:  Melissa Joan Hart who played Sabrina Spellman, Beth Broderick who played Zelda Spellman, Nate Richert who played Harvey Kinkle,  Jenna Leigh Green who played Libby Chessler, and Alimi (Ali Me) Ballard who played Quizmaster Albert.  The panel was moderated by Kimberly J Brown who is the star of Halloweentown, seemed like an appropriate MC. Caroline Rhea was not in attendance at 90’s Con because she was in Europe, but the cast expressed missing her and her inappropriate sense of humor but not missing her time management or lack there of. Apparently the show came about in a very interesting way.  Heres MJH with the origin story and the popularity of the show.  

One question that comes up in a lot of the panels is about what items cast members took from the set when their respective tv series or movie filming came to an end.  MJH said she took red candle holders and spice jars.  Beth Broderick who played Aunt Zelma said she took a lot of her original wardrobe with her.  I also appreciated the sentiments shared by Alimi Ballard who said he kept his wrap jacket because he just can’t seem to get rid of it. He likes the reminder of the experience, he really doesn’t take it for granted.  And Jenna Leigh Green brought up a really good point about television in the 1990s (and earlier generations) - tv shows really brought people together.  Before we all had our own devices and so many options to choose from, sometimes there was only one tv to watch shows on and we watched them together as families, and as groups of friends.  Shows like STTW and others we will be discussing stayed on so long because people watched, together.  

Next up was the panel on Dawson’s Creek, the tween drama that ran from 1998-2003.  The panel included James Van Der Beek who played Dawson himself as well as Kerr Smith who played Jack.  I really enjoyed this panel because I think when the numbers are a bit smaller in terms of the panelists, you get to know them a little more and hear them speak more as well. James VDB was really funny and he had a brotherly rapport with Kerr, who was surprisingly very gray yet still looked the same.  

The host asked a lot of great questions including one about DC getting more and more popular and James VDB and Kerr offered up when they knew the show was a big deal.  

Toward the end of the show’s run, VDB mentioned that he was really ready for the show to be over but he did manage to keep his character’s necklace that his real life mother apparently made and a poster.  Kerr kept a DC coffee mug that he says he uses everyday.  

Both actors discussed how challenging it is so continually audition for roles and deal with the constant rejection faced by aspiring actors.  They both allegedly auditioned for party of 5 which they did not get of course.  VDB shared how one time he auditioned for a role that he initially thought he had done quite well on.  Here’s a clip of him talking about this situation. 

It was also interesting to hear some behind the scenes information from the two actors.  First, the actress who played Grams in the TV show, whose name is Mary Beth Peil, had to play a character that was about 20 years older than she was in real life.  When the show first aired in 1998, Peil was just 48 years old.  Apparently she had to wear a lot of makeup to look older. Further, they mentioned that one of Grams infamous lines from the TV show was put on the back of the crews chairs.  Said quote was: "Love is the hardest of woods to burn. It takes a long long time to heat up, but it does."   Also of note, the actress who played Dawson’s mother, named Mary Margaret Humes, bakes cookies for JVDB and mails them to him and has made sure to continue reaching out to him since his real life mom sadly passed away in 2020.  

At the end of each panel if there is time, audience members can ask questions to the actors and actresses.  I didn’t ask any this time, but a few others did.  I was surprised at what people asked.  One woman complemented VDB on his transparency around he and his wife struggling to conceive which this individual had struggled with as well.  His response was very kind and sincere.    Other people asked really random questions like the gentlemen who asked if VDB and Smith liked DD or Starbucks better and another who asked if VDB and Katie Holmes had a real life romance.  Both were a huge waste of questions in my opinion but maybe they were just nervous.  

The last panel I attended on Saturday was Full House which featured Jodi Sweetin who played Stephanie Tanner and Dave Coulier who played Joey Gladstone. During their panel they talked a bit about the getting to meet with fans. They also talked about the passing of Bob Saget and how Jodi, who is now doing standup here and there, channels him during her sets which are often a bit riskque just like her TV dads were.  It was also funny to picture Jodi facetime with John Stamos which she discussed.   And finally, both shared some memories of being on the set of the show.

Outside of her celebrity appearances and other works, she co-hosts a podcast with another fellow full house star.  The show is called:  How Rude, Tanneritos (Jodie Sweetin & Andrea Barber) who played Kimmie Gibbler.  Description:  Stephanie Tanner and Kimmy Gibbler are a pivotal part of American pop culture. These iconic characters are ingrained in the lives of actresses Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber for eternity.Frenemies onscreen and BFFs off, they’ve decided to team back up and look back…from the very VERY beginning.Think you know everything about your favorite Friday night comfort show? HOW RUDE!! 

So join us, and say hola Tanneritos, as Jodie and Andrea tell all.They’re heading home and our hearts are full.Dave Coulier also hosts a podcast called Full House Rewind, and here is a description of that show:  You got it, dude! Grab your scrunchies and your windbreakers because we’re taking a trip through the 80s and 90s for the first-ever Full House rewatch podcast! Join beloved Director, Actor, Comedian and Television Host Dave Coulier (“Joey Gladstone”) as he reminisces on what it was like to grow up with your favorite TV family. From Uncle Jesse’s hair to Michelle’s attitude, relive some of the most hilarious and heartfelt moments with exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and interviews from VERY special guests. Full House Rewind will have a variety show feel with recurring segments and bits that along the way explore different family dynamics and relationships and how deeply the show impacted their own. Whether you’ve been a fan since the beginning or you’re watching “Full House” for the first time, there’s room for you in our home!

On Sunday I attended a panel entitled “And the Award Goes To” which featured, much to my shock and excitement - Susan Sarandon, Geena David and Mira Sorvino.  One of the first questions asked was what do each of the actresses remember about preparing for their first oscar win.  I was sort of expecting a light-hearted and maybe somewhat superficial panel in some ways, however it took a bit more of a somber, but incredibly important tone.  When discussing their impressive careers and awards won, Sorvino shared that her career projection was significantly impacted by Harvy Winestein. I didn’t realize that she had been through this and I think you could have heard a pin drop during that session.  As she was getting emotional, Saradon put her hand on hers and emphasized how many horrible things go behind the scenes that most people are not aware of.   When asked what their favorite film roles have been over the years, Susan Sarandon picked her character from Dead Man Walking, Geena Davis said Thelma and Louise and Mira Sorvino said Union Squares and Romy and Michelle.  

The next panel I attended was on Step by Step.  I didn’t attend the entire panel as I wanted to get in line early for the next and final panel I attended, but I am grateful I went for the time that I did.  This classic TGIF show ran from 1991-1998.  In attendance for this panel was:  Patrick Duffy who played dad Frank Lambert, Brandon Call who played John Thomas 'J.T.' Lambert, 

Staci Keanan who played Dana Foster, Angela Watson who played Karen Foster, Christine Lakin who played Alicia 'Al' Lambert, Christopher Castile who played Mark Foster, Sasha Mitchell who played loveable bonehead Cody Lambert and Jason Marsden who played Rich Halke.  The panel opened with the cast members sharing their memories of Suzanne Somers who played Carol aka Mom in the show and sadly passed away in 2023.  

As you probably remember, the show depicted two blended families who came together, sort of like the Brady Bunch, but with a lot more arguing.  Here is Stacy Kenan discussing how the show resonated with audiences.  

Former cast members Staci Keanan and Christin Lakin talked a bit about the podcast that they now host together.  This is a description of their podcast from their host site:  Keanan and Lakin Give you Déjà Vu is a rewatch podcast of the 90s sitcom “Step By Step.” Join former cast members Stacy Keanan (Dana) and Christine Lakin (Al) for a light-hearted nostalgic rewind, where they relive each episode and share tales they've never told of their coming-of-age in 1990s Hollywood. For Keanan, this is a first watch, so whether you’re finding the show again, or watching for the first time, we hope to give you déjà vu!

It was really interesting to hear Sasha Mitchell speak, he played the character of Cody and apparently didn’t change his actual laugh at all for the role.  Also, during the panel the audience all sang Patrick Duffy happy birthday as he turned 75 while at 90s Con.  They also gave the audience member who traveled the farthest to the convention a free copy of the Step by Step DVD set.  

The last panel and my personal favorite, the one I was looking forward to the most was the Hey Dude Panel. Hey Dude ran from 1989-1991, airing on Nickelodeon.  In attendance for this panel was:  Kelly Brown who played Brad, Josh Tygiel who played Buddy, David Lascher who played Ted and one of my favorite comedic actresses, Christine Taylor who played Melody.  

The former cast mates touched on a lot of different aspects of being on the show.  The panel host asked about why the show has continued to resonate with audiences all of these years later.    They also shared some insight into the schedule for taping the show and what it was like during the weeks the show was being filmed.  If you were a fan of the show, then I’m sure you remember the countless moments when the character of Ted constantly falls into the troughs.  

At one point, Josh Tygiel who played the son of the ranch owner Mr. Ernst, showed some photos he had taken during a recent trip to visit the set of Hey Dude.  The show was actually shot on an actual dude ranch in Tuscon, AZ.  For whatever reason, a lot of the set wasn’t dismantled and hauled away after the show went off the air.  It was just sort of left there to rot and a lot of the walls from various set buildings still remain.  I loved that he took the time to go back and revisit his childhood stomping grounds.  So odd that it wasn’t dismantled.  

At the end of the panel, there was enough time for a few audience questions.  

I had a question in mind that I really wanted to ask, but unfortunately a woman that was a few people ahead of me, beat me to it!  This was the absolute highlight of 90s Con for me. And here is me asking my backup question:  

In case you were not aware, two of the cast members from Hey Dude host a podcast!  Can you believe it?  Here’s a description:  Break out your slip dresses, choker necklaces and throw your hair in a butterfly clip because we’re taking you back to the 90’s! David Lascher and Christine Taylor, stars of the cult classic show ‘Hey Dude’ are going full rewind to the 90’s in their new podcast also titled…‘Hey Dude…The 90’s Called!’. So grab your Motorola brick phone and leave a code on your best friend’s beeper so you can figure out which Spice Girl you both are, because you won’t want to be left Clueless when the nostalgia starts flowing like a Hi-C Ecto-Cooler juice box. The ‘Hey Dude’ podcast will be chock full of interviews, co-stars, friends, cocktails and crushes. Each episode will rival the feeling of taking out the cartridge from your Gameboy, blowing on it and popping it back in. Best of all it’s available anywhere you get podcasts so you don’t have to worry about showing up to Blockbuster to find out you missed the last one. The ‘Hey Dude…The 90’s Called!’ podcast...more fun than frosted tips and Fun Dip.

I do subscribe to this podcast actually and I have enjoyed listening to it.  It’s not so much an episode rewind podcast, but more so a 90’s pop culture focused podcast.  The show has welcomed a lot of notable icons we remember from the 90s like Joey McIntyre, Pauly Shore, Carson Daly, etc.  I will link their show and the others mentioned earlier in the episode in the show notes.

In case you are interested in learning more about the backstory behind Hey Dude, check out episode #47 of the podcast where we took a look back on some of the beloved tween show of Nickelodeon from the 80s and 90s.  I’ll also put a link to that episode in the show notes.

Finishing 90s con with the Hey Dude panel was really meaningful for me and even though I thought was going to puke when I went up to the microphone I am grateful I got to pay Christine Taylor a compliment because I think she is incredibly talented and that I got to ask the actors my question, even if it wasn’t my first choice.  I didn’t take any selfies with celebrities, or get anyone’s autograph, even though this is a huge draw for 90s con attendees.  I was just grateful to be surrounded by people who are as a big of a nostalgia nerd as I am.  

I hope you have enjoyed this detailed look at the 2024 90s Con Event held in Hartford, CT.  You can learn more about 90s con at www.thats4entertainment.com I hope you will join me for my next show where we will take a look back at another fascinating facet of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. UTBKBSAHOTYM.