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

#118 - 25 Questions about retro video games, friendship, showbiz pizza, & more, with Dan Loosen, co-founder of the Midwest Gaming Classic!

Thank you for tuning in! On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Dan Loosen, the co-founder of the Midwest Gaming Classic. The MGC is an annual event where tens of thousands of passionate game and gaming lovers join together ...

April 18, 2026 • Episode 118 • 1:24:30

#117 - The Evolution of Dennis the Menace: A Detailed Exploration of His Numerous Incarnations.

Thank you for tuning in! On today's episode, we are discussing an infamous comic strip character who had a profound impact on my life, and that would be Dennis the Menace! Join me as we look back to his first appearance in newspaper...

April 11, 2026 • Episode 117 • 1:13:14

#116: A discussion on Calvin & Hobbes, featuring my guest spot on the His & Hers Gen X podcast!

Hello, and thank you for tuning in!On today's episode, I am bringing you with me to my conversation with Chad & Cristina of the His and Hers Gen X podcast. We chatted about Calvin & Hobbes, discussing the popularity of the comic,...

March 28, 2026 • Episode 116 • 59:57

#115 - TMI Toys of Yesteryear

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 ...

December 23, 2025 • Episode 115 • 34:16

#114 - A conversation with John Abendshein, author of: “Home But Alone No More.”

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...

December 09, 2025 • Episode 114 • 57:48

#113 - Our Top 10 Favorite TV Commercial Jingles from the '80s and '90s!

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...

November 30, 2025 • Episode 113 • 2:31:10

#112 - ‘80s and ’90s music videos featuring warehouses & scaffolding.

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...

November 07, 2025 • Episode 112 • 35:40

#111 - Shel Silverstein

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 vis...

September 05, 2025 • Episode 111 • 32:18

#110 - The Anniversary Show Celebrating 5 years of Retro Pop Culture Memories

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 fu...

May 31, 2025 • Episode 110 • 40:34

#109 - A Conversation about 1995 with Author Zachary Downing

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 tryin...

May 14, 2025 • Episode 109 • 1:46:34

Episode #108 - Drastic Hair Changes of Celebrities of the 80s and 90s

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 talk...

May 09, 2025 • Episode 108 • 1:59:14

#107 - Retro Tech: Overhead Projectors, Microfiche & Word Processors!

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 ...

March 26, 2025 • Episode 107 • 31:37

#106: An in-depth discussion with John Kinsner, creator and producer of "Labyrinth in Concert."

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 mov...

March 15, 2025 • Episode 106 • 1:25:53

#105: A Conversation with John Lacy and Rachel Bailit about the realities of being a child star and their new movie.

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 ...

March 09, 2025 • Episode 105 • 45:30

#104 - 25 Questions about '90s Television Shows with Pop Culture Author, Chris Morgan

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...

February 28, 2025 • Episode 104 • 1:29:46

#103 - A Discussion on the year 1999 and Trash Pop Culture with Ross Benes

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 ...

February 18, 2025 • Episode 103 • 1:00:27

#102: Disco Mickey Mouse & Totally Minnie

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 t...

January 31, 2025 • Episode 102 • 45:59

#101: Our 80s Holiday Wish Lists with Jason Lady!

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 t...

December 21, 2024 • Episode 101 • 1:52:47

#100 - Novelty Crap & Gag Gifts from the '90s and early 2000s

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...

November 23, 2024 • Episode 100 • 38:42

#99 - Tina Turner: her life, career, and impact

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 lif...

October 30, 2024 • Episode 99 • 29:18

#98 - Finding healing through pop culture and the music of Tori Amos w/special guest, Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek

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.&nbs...

June 19, 2024 • Episode 98 • 1:11:33

#97 - '80s & '90s Pop Culture Trivia w/Brieanna Wilkoff and Jason Lady!

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 ...

June 12, 2024 • Episode 97 • 1:10:01

#96 - A History of Fans & Fandom with author and fandom expert, Holly Swinyard!

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 fa...

May 03, 2024 • Episode 96 • 1:12:23

#95 - Our Top 10 One Hit Wonders of the 1980s with Jason Lady!

Thank you for tuning in! On today's show, I am once again joined by honorary co-host, Jason Lady! In this episode we take a deep dive into the one-hit wonders of the '80s and as always we had a fun, yet informative conversation. &nb...

April 24, 2024 • Episode 95 • 1:49:43

#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 g...

April 18, 2024 • Episode 94 • 1:05:12