When It Was Cool Podcast
When It Was Cool reviews, remembers, and celebrates the toys, music, action figures, television, movies, and popular culture of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Super Friends, Comic Books, Comics, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, My Little Pony, Alice in Wonderland, books, Six Million Dollar Man, Godzilla, video games, and all things retro.
The boys are back in town! Sidekicks - quick, name your top four! Joseph and Mike surprise each other with theirs in this episode's installment of "Mt. Retromore" as they also talk about what makes a sidekick (among other things) and then it's time to hit the main topic which was inspired by the episode number. Yep, it's the old "100 bottles of beer on the wall" topic. No? How about the number of times Mike says "Uhm"? Not buying that either, huh? Would you believe it's a discussion about the TV show "Get Smart"? From Agent 99 herself to Hymie the robot and shoe phones, the guys lift the cone of silence and share their affection for this classic sitcom. And most importantly, maybe we'll find out just why Siegfried was pretending to be a doctor on 'The Love Boat'.
Karl and Tonya are back to talk about one of the biggest pop culture movies of the 1980s- Footloose! Footloose was not only a movie of it's era (dancing solves problems, small town politics and religion) but the soundtrack produced multiple hit songs including the title track which was one of the biggest hits of the 1980s. We discuss the culturally impactful movie Footloose from 1984.
The podcast gods have once again foiled the best laid plans of mice, men, and Mike and Joseph, so it's time for a very special episode - a "one half" episode. That's right - this is episode 98 and a half! Mike talks a little about the successful "Fist of Justice" Kickstarter, we listen to a few old commercials, and Joseph updates everyone on his living conditions before providing an addendum to his recently posted article on the UBW web page as well as a bit of teaser for the upcoming second article. You are checking out the website at ubwpodcast.com, right? Things will be back to normal in the next week or two when episode #99 rolls around and then it's time for the big one - number 100! So until then, please enjoy this sample-sized episode (little plastic cup and toothpick not included).
I love big monsters and big robots. I'm a Godzilla fan and with a big new Godzilla project coming next month I thought I'd set the mood by watching some other Tokusatsu related stuff. I've always like the design and idea of Ultraman. The character even had some crossovers into pro wrestling but I'd honestly never watched much about the character. Recently, on one of the streaming services, I saw Return of Ultraman (1971) listed and watched for a review. I really enjoyed this fun show! Come join me to talk about Ultraman!
It's time to put on make-up, it's time to get things right, it's time for When It Was Cool to cover the return of the original Muppet Show to television via the Disney Plus streaming app. All your favorites like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and more along with their legendary 1970s guest stars like Elton John, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Mark Hamill, and many more. Karl and Tonya discuss the fun that is The Muppet Show yeahhhh!
A mid-1970s sitcom that I remember watching regularly as a kid. Little did I know that I would grow up to sort of do what they were doing. As a matter of fact, I have seen Barney Miller described as "the most realistic cop show on TV" and, oddly enough, in a lot of ways it's sort of true. A pretty awesome cast of characters on this better than average sitcom. Let's talk about Barney Miller.
A new edition of the When It Was Cool flagship podcast as Karl and Tonya discuss a favorite topic- 1980s music! We have been burning up playlists on YouTube lately and Karl is an expert in all things retro music. We talk about classic rock and pop and discuss many legendary and forgotten acts including The Police, Simply Red, Genesis, Robert Palmer, David Bowie, Madonna, Morris Day and the Time, John Mellencamp, Hall and Oates, Laura Brannigan, Survivor, Loverboy, Heart, and much more! A super fun (and hopefully informative) show!
This was a blast to review! I have loved Enter the Dragon and Bruce Lee my whole life. This is the first time I have watched Enter the Dragon in many years and this was so much fun to watch and review. Then I go on some hilarious sidebar tangents. I hope you enjoy this show as much as I enjoyed doing it. Let's look back at Bruce Lee's greatest (and last) master work.
The Bangles, Stephanie Mills, John Paragon, and... Don Felder? What do these people have in common? The answer may amaze you! Cap'n Crunch, Trix, Lucky Charms, Count Chocula, and... Green Onion Chex?!? What do these things have in common? The answer may surprise you! AC/DC, Kansas, Bruce Springsteen, Sparks, and... Danny Elfman? What do they have in common? The answer may astound you! What's New, Mt. Retromore, and the main topic for this episode will make everything crystal clear. Join Joseph and Mike as they paddle down the stream of consciousness on their way to episode #100!
On this edition of the flagship When It Was Cool podcast we discuss the NBCU's Peacock streaming network which is in the news this week for a deal to absorb the WWE Network into it's service in March. I have gotten the app and I'll tell you what is on there of interest to retro pop culture fans (a lot!) and discuss streaming apps in general. The second half of our show takes a detailed look at the career of Phil Collins, one of the biggest selling pop stars of all time.
When It Was Cool reviews the 1950 serialized film Atom Man vs Superman. This is one of the best super hero films of pre-TV era and features a Mad Scientist verses Superman in one of Superman's regular tropes from the Golden Age. Join Karl from WhenItWasCool.com with a look back at the early days of one of comics greatest heroes - Superman!
It's time for a new movie review! But first - Mt. Retromore! Joseph and Mike discuss their top four iconic picks for "Friendly Aliens from TV and Movies". Then it's time to dive right into the new movie "Psycho Goreman" which was written and directed by Steven ("The Void") Kostanski - a fun movie but one that is certainly not for the young ones. But fret not, despite the carnage within the film, everything is kept at the usual "PG" level. Which, now that we think about it, could also stand for "Psycho Goreman". In fact, it DOES stand for that in the movie. Uh-oh - could this be the episode that breaks the rules and changes the game (hopefully not to "Crazy Ball")? Nah, who are we kidding - that's coming in three episodes! Nyuk nyuk!
The new When It Was Cool flagship podcast has set sail and on this edition we look at the state of pop culture as 2021 is upon us. What is the future of concerts, movies, music, TV, pro wrestling, sports, and more? Then the second half of the show is a Patreon requested review of one of the greatest ensemble dramas in TV history- LOST! We look at where the show went very right and where it went very wrong and the very mixed success of the actors from the series. Fans of LOST don't miss this one!
Now that all of the holiday hubub is over, Mike and Joseph are back together and ready to charge forward into the new year. Things start off with a Mt. Retromore of favorite TV waitresses, then it's off to an uncharted desert isle in the South Pacific as they talk about the passing of the iconic Dawn Wells and the rest of the castaways and the hijinks that went down on "Gilligan's Island". As per usual there's a couple of sidebars and random tangents, but the guys are getting older and that's to be expected. Welcome to 2021 everybody!
This is another older show that I'm rebranding as Music Monday in my continuing effort to get everything organized in 2021. If you've never heard this show I hope you check it out. Jimmy Buffett isn't the most cerebral of singer songwriters. His music lacks subtilty or depth a lot of time but everything doesn't need to be complicated. Sometimes we just need music to sit on the beach and listen to while the waves crash in. There are still nuggets of wisdom to be gleaned. One of the wisest sayings I know of is captured in one of his songs. Let me tell you about it. This one goes out to you Eric Dawg my friend!
The flagship podcast of WhenItWasCool.com returns with 3 reviews and discussion. First up, Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks. One of the greatest movies ever made and packed full of pop culture relevancy. Then, a movie some consider THE greatest movie ever made and a movie that is virtually a blueprint of the last four years- Citizen Kane starring Orson Wells. Then after the break in case you don't want to know yet- SPOILERS a review of the second season of The Mandalorian which is the Star Wars I always wanted. A fun and packed show!
The hectic holiday season is keeping Mike and Joseph apart, but that doesn't mean you're not getting a new episode - it's just not the type you're used to. Joseph delivers a Christmas message to everyone, Mike digs into the archives and pulls out a couple of old Christmas related clips, and then it's time for a replay of last year's "audio drama" as the "Uphill Both Ways Players" present an edited and abridged telling of Dicken's "Christmas Carol". It may not be 60 minutes of new material, but it's better than the lump of coal that Bingo the Helper Monkey wanted to give everyone! Happy holidays to everyone from the Uphill Both Ways crew!
I've seen REO Speedwagon a couple of times in concert and am a fan of their big radio hits. REO Speedwagon had several classic rock staples in the 1970s and 1980s including "I'm Gonna Keep on Loving You", "Take It On the Run", "Keep on Rollin'", and "Riding the Storm Out". While they are often viewed as soft rock, they also have several guitar heavy tunes as well. Join Karl as he discusses REO Speedwagon.
Joseph starts things off by discussing "In Search Of" and how he uses the classic show in his classroom, then it's off to Mt. Retromore where the guys give TV Moms their due. The main event is a review/discussion about the movie "The Legend of Baron To'a" and a side discussion about the 'Islander' gimmick in professional wrestling in the 70s and 80s. It's the penultimate show of 2020!
Whiskey bottles, and brand new cars, oak tree you're in my way. We begin November with a breathe of fresh air and we reach back into the 1970s for a look at a band that holds a special place around Sweet Home Alabama- Lynyrd Skynyrd. We talk a look at the band, their politics (not what you think they are), their death at the peak in 1977, and Lynyrd Skynyrd 2.0. Plus, we talk Muscle Shoals, Neil Young, and more. This is a show I think you'll really enjoy.
Today we cover the 1970s-80s hit making band Styx. The WIWC family will be seeing Styx in concert in a couple of weeks. Karl has already seen the original line-up and is a fan of their music. Today this show tells you how this band originated in Chicago and grew to a stadium mega-group and then imploded at the same time they were still at the top of the charts. The tension between Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung and much more.
It's a bit of a free-for-all this episode as the fellas present their Mt. Retromore of TV Dads and then swing into talk about the origins of the show, give thanks to some special folks, and talk a little about the future of Uphill Both Ways. The countdown to #100 continues!
Karl and Tonya from When It Was Cool went on an epic cross country tour the past week stopping at several iconic pop culture places and locations of historical importance. It started with the memorial park to the Oklahoma City bombing for a somber historical moment. Then on to the Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo, the Cadillac Ranch on Old Route 66 and several Ghost Towns. We stood on a corner in Winslow, AZ, saw the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest. We stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Slept over top of a canyon river, toured Monument Valley where Forrest Gump called an end to his run, then braved a dangerous mountain road. Come join us on our adventure!
It's right there in the name, folks - this episode has wall to wall ACTION! It's a collaborative "Mt. Retromore" of 70s and 80s action movie stars as Joseph and Mike nominate and select the foursome they feel best exemplifies the genre at the time. And then it's off to the main event where the guys review and discuss the "the craziest action film you never saw", "Action USA". Filmed in 1988 with an all-but-forgotten VHS edition, this 4K Restoration & rerelease from Verdugo Entertainment is the holy grail of 80s B-Movie action flicks!
The flagship podcast of WhenItWasCool.com is back this week and we are about to embark on an epic roadtrip. I have done this before a few times and the nostalgia I see and feel along the way is an important part of it. No matter if you're standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona or Rocky Mountain High in Colorado, the sights and scenes of Americana are important to keeping things in perspective. I know the world seems ridiculous right now, but let me spread some old farm wisdom your way on this episode as I tell you about my trips across America and how I came to realize that sometimes the only thing wrong is it ain't got no gas in it. (This show includes ONE Randy Colley reference for those concerned)
Two free Patreon specials for you today. The first, we discuss the popular music of 1987 which was a great year in pop music and the other is a biography of the classic rock Hall of Famers- Chicago. Lot's of fun discussion about the music of the 1970s and 1980s.
The UBW Halloween Trilogy concludes with a Mt. Retromore of giant monsters, a couple of movie recommendations, and the main topic: a review of the Rankin/Bass Halloween stop-motion classic, "Mad Monster Party". Find out what Mike and Joseph think about this almost-forgotten but cult-favorite slice of late 60s pop-culture pie (pumpkin, of course!) The countdown to episode #100 is on!
There's a packed retro news feature this episode plus Karl reviews the Universal Studios monster classic The Wolfman (1941) and the Dracula sequel Son of Dracula (1943). The Universal Monster movies are the foundational films in the horror movie genre and many of them are far better than you might suspect. The Wolfman is an odd movie with some strange plot choices so it's fun to review. The Universal sequels mostly lacked the impact and quality of the originals and thus is the story of Son of Dracula which, in a weird kind of way, makes it fun to review also.
While it's technically the second of the "UBW Halloween 2020" trilogy, it's the first NEW show due to last episode's updated rerun. So what's in store here? Joseph and Mike talk about their picks for the Mt. Retromore of Horror icons (find out who joins Ric Flair as the second person to make both of their lists), and then it's time for a debate, of sorts. Mike is a fan of slasher movies while Joseph prefers those of the supernatural type, so they go up against one another in an effort to illustrate why their favorite is better and if there's any common ground to be found between the two. Who wins? We won't say, but really - let's face it - you listeners are the REAL winners! Can we get a "heck, yeah!"? Anyone?
It's Halloween month here at When It Was Cool and we celebrate all month long as most of our shows are themed around the dark and mysterious and there is probably no more influential author of the dark and macabre than Edgar Allan Poe. We look at his dark life filled with the deaths of everyone close to him, alcohol problems, and a rival that so hated him that he assassinated his character and stole his works even after his death. If you're interested in horror, horror novels, Stephen King, R.L. Stein, or any dark works of literature and film then this show is for you!
Due to circumstances beyond their control, Mike and Joseph were unable to record a new episode for this week. But that doesn't mean you're not getting a show! Step into the W.A.B.A.C. machine as we head off to the first Halloween-themed show that the fellas did back in 2017. If it's your first time listening to it, or you've already heard it, we think you're going to like it as they talk costumes, trick or treating, and what some of their favorite candy was back in the day. And we promise - episode #90 in two weeks is going to be all-new and all-awesome!
A big show this week as we give you two of our recent Patreon specials for free. First, from our Music Monday series is a look at the special relationship between George Jones and Johnny Paycheck and the value of outlaw country music. Then, in honor of the death this week of Joe Laurinaitis - AKA: Road Warrior Animal, we give you a biography special of The Road Warriors by wrestling historian Karl Stern from Wrestling Observer website.
Mike starts things off with a short discussion about "Cobra Kai" (Netflix's TV show - by way of YouTube - 'reboot' of the "Karate Kid" franchise), and Joe follows up with a couple of film festival movies. From there it's on to the episode's installment of "Mt. Retromore" and the topic of favorite childhood authors like Richard Scarry and... H.G. Wells?!? All of which leads to the main topic of looking back at "Schoolhouse Rock". It's time to unpack your adjectives and give this one a listen!
The new Old Tyme Wrestling Hour Podcast with Karl Stern features a look at the massive decline in WWE pop culture popularity, a new documentary takes a look at the life of former lucha and WCW star Vampiro, Kid Zombie (Matt Mann) joins Karl to discuss some of our favorite angles of the 1980s and gush over The Fantastics and mid-1980s AWA. Patreon supporters get a new chapter from Fall Guys talking the Danno O'Mahoney double cross by Dick Shikat.
A series of articles by Juan Nunez recently at WhenItWasCool.com has hosts Karl and Tonya thinking and talking about video games. We discuss our first video game consoles, arcades, and even drift into playing card games such as Rook, Uno, and more. The Atari 2600, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and much more! Tonya is a Mario master, while Karl regales her with tales of Defender, Asteroids, Space Invaders, and more. Watch out for those Centipedes and Millipedes and grab your Tank and go Duck Hunting! It's a retro video gaming edition of the When It Was Cool Podcast.
Discussions about "Unknown Origins" on Netflix and some movies from the Fantasia and FrightFest festivals get things started and then it's time for the "Mount Retromore" of comic book characters. And normally the first show of September would be about school, but since the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting everyone, the guys decide to look at some virus and pandemic movies from the 70s and 80s, all while trying not to go into the zombie rabbit hole. Quick - before you listen, do you know which movie from 1980 starred George Kennedy, Chuck Connors, Sonny Chiba, and Olivia Hussey? The answer awaits so listen now!
Southern pro wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong has died at the age of 80 following a battle with bone cancer. Bullet Bob is a man I met many, many times, worked around at many shows, and grew up watching. His sons Scott, Steve, Brad, and Brian (Road Dogg) all had success in the wrestling business. Today I remember and pay tribute to one of my favorite pro wrestlers ever, my dad's favorite wrestler, and by-golly one of the best promos in wrestling history along with excerpts from Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer obituary- "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. This show is free, so pass it around!
Karl and Tonya are back with the flagship podcast from WhenItWasCool.com to discuss a 1980s sitcom and a 1990s sitcom, both of which lasted multiple seasons. Golden Girls and Family Matters were to very differently written shows and one seemed to resonate with us while the other one didn't and we also discuss how watching so many different sitcoms for multiple eras has been a learning experience. Plus a new segment debuts this show featuring news about people and properties of interest to retro pop culture fans.
Today on the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show, host Karl Stern dives back into the pages of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for Dave Meltzer's biographies on Boris Malenko (the father of wrestler and future agent Dean Malenko) and Art Barr. The death of Barr was treated as a huge loss for pro wrestling at the time. Coming off his most high profile match ever, a five star effort with partner Eddie Guerrero, Art Barr died suddenly and mysteriously. Barr's past threatened to complicate his bright future but death took him suddenly.
It's time for a new regular feature (at least for now) as Mike and Joseph debut "Mt. Retromore" - their take on the game of coming up with your own "Mt. Rushmore" of a given topic. For this first shot they come up with their four professional wrestlers who they each feel were important to the sport in the 70s and 80s. A couple might be obvious, but the big question is if there are any duplicates between the lists! Then it's off to the main topic where the guys discuss remakes and reboots of TV shows and movies from the 70s and 80s. Are they in favor of this practice or do they bash it to bits? And more importantly, why did they forget Bingo's favorite movie, "King Kong"?!?
Karl and Tonya from WhenItWasCool.com talk about mid-90s rock music on this episode as Tonya recently rediscovered Alice in Chains. We talk about their music and the death of lead singer Layne Staley. Plus Soundgarden, Nirvana, Bush, Pearl Jam, and the transition from heavy metal to glam rock to grunge. Then Karl tells you about a band that does Chicago's music better than Chicago, and much more! It's time to get your retro music on and join us on the When It Was Cool Podcast!
Karl Stern brings you a new Old Tyme Wrestling Hour Podcast. On this episode: the pioneer era of wrestling in Mexico isn't what I expected. In fact, it appears Asian in origin with links to Jui Jitsu and American frontier wrestling combined into one thing. It gets weird. Also, a man died during a match and literally killed the town as well for a long time. One of our valued friends and Patreons Aaron Gartlan grew up in the heart of the Continental - SECW area and joins me to talk wrestling at the Houston County Farm Center and more.
It's August and that means it's time for "Dragon King Karl Month" at the palatial When It Was Cool estate as everyone celebrates Karl's birthday. Mike and Joe do their part to liven up the festivities as they program the WABAC machine to Karl's birth year of 1971 and discuss everything from the price of a Malibu Barbie to the confetti showers of Rip Taylor. Of course there's also the usual 'What's New' and 'Mix-Tape Challenge' segments that you've come to love and look forward to as well. We've said it before, but we really mean it this time when we say "This one's got it all"!
A superhero combination that exists within the Hanna-Barbara and Scooby-Doo universe. Blue Falcon is clearly a parody of Batman and I suppose Dynomutt (the Dog Wonder) is a parody of Robin the Boy Wonder but is more Inspector Gadget than anything. When I was a young kid I loved it whenever the Blue Falcon would show up. He crossed over into the Laugh-A-Lympics, Scooby-Doo, and his own Hanna-Barbara show. He even returned a couple of years ago for a direct to DVD Scooby-Doo special. Today I take a look back at Blue Falcon and Dynomutt!
On this episode of the flagship When It Was Cool Podcast from WhenItWasCool.com, host Karl catches up on the current goings on related to retro pop culture including cancelled concerts, Geddy Lee's birthday, Bob Armstrong's health, and more. Then we talk about the big comeback of the toy aisle- retro Star Wars, Masters of the Universe, WWE, G.I. Joe, and more are BACK on toy aisles but there is a BIG catch. Then a passionate rant about what gave pop culture a heart and soul back in the day and how we need that hope back now. A fun and informative look back and ahead at the toys, music, movies, TV, and sports that you fondly remember! When It Was Cool!
Joseph talks a bit about this year's BIFAN Film Festival before the talk turns to drive-in theaters now in the age of Covid-19. Then it's off to the Mix-Tape Challenge followed by the main topic: magazines! From Highlights for Children to Rolling Stone, the fellas wax nostalgic for the old Bill Apter wrestling magazines, the black and white Warren horror mags, and everyone's favorite - TV Guide.
All this and more - and none of those stinky perfume samplers and annoying subscription cards that seemed to be on every other page of magazines back in the day.
Karl and Tonya from WhenItWasCool.com are here to distract you from the depressing viral infected world to bring you some retro pop culture goodness, along with news about your favorites from better times. We open discussing the death and music of Charlie Daniels, then it's on to the new 6 inch G.I. Joe action figures which we have in-hand. The saga of Johnny Depp. Plus a ton of other pop culture favorites discussed including Pink Floyd, World of Warcraft, Fortnite, Power Rangers, Alice in Wonderland, Breaking Bad, and much more!
Just because Mike is on vacation doesn't mean the guys are going to let you - their loyal listeners - down! Things start with a discussion about Mike's aforementioned vacation, then it's on to the Monthly Mix-Tape Challenge where Joe answers the call to deliver a mix-tape of songs that have a guy's name in the title. Then, to keep things simple, the fellas hit the WABAC machine and deliver up an encore of their very first (and very unpolished) first episode!
In conjunction with a new feature article at When It Was Cool, host Karl discusses his 100 favorite comic book issues of all time. These are the comic books that made him a fan and collector for over 40 years. These are not the best or the greatest (we have a list for that too) but his personal favorites. Some, looking back, weren't even very good but something about them stuck out. This is a grand tour of 40 years of being a comic book fan. Enjoy!
In conjunction with a new feature article at When It Was Cool, host Karl discusses his 100 favorite comic book issues of all time. These are the comic books that made him a fan and collector for over 40 years. These are not the best or the greatest (we have a list for that too) but his personal favorites. Some, looking back, weren't even very good but something about them stuck out. This is a grand tour of 40 years of being a comic book fan. Enjoy!
Karl and Tonya sit down to lament the fact there are no new movies, theaters are closed, and concerts are cancelled. So we dig into the comments and questions on our popular and active Patreon supporters forum which leads to a discussion about Saturday morning cartoons. We talk The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby-Doo and Tonya can not believe Scooby-Dum was a real thing, The Smurfs, Tom and Jerry, and much more! These days can be quite a downer so come join some friends for some fun talking more innocent times and some great cartoons!
The guys wrap up their quadrology of episodes talking about cult movies with a discussion covering movies they felt should have been included in the three part "Time Warp" documentary series. Mike responds to Joseph's "Monthly Mix Tape Challenge", and then -- [NOTE: We had to cut this synopsis short because the show ran over and we've got to make up the time difference somehow.]
It's a new Old Time Wrestling Hour Podcast and we have the difficult task of trying to keep things positive on this show and I try my best! I am joined by Matt "Kid Zombie" Mann of Alternative Wrestling Radio and we talk tape trading in the old days, San Francisco wrestling, grocery store work during a pandemic, and much more. The Patreon version also features more from the 1937 book Fall Guys. Come and join us!
This is a fun episode. While I am calling it 'Pop Culture Rabbit Hole' I could also call it '7 Degrees of Wikipedia'. We start with today's date in Wikipedia and soon find ourselves talking about Kung Fu, Charlie Chan, the Green Hornet, the Lone Ranger, Foster Grant sunglasses, Robert Goulet, WWF WrestleMania 6, and much more! A fun pop culture experiment which starts in one place and ends up far away. Come with us as we jump into this retro pop culture Rabbit Hole!
It's time for the guys to review and discuss the third and final volume of TIME WARP: THE GREATEST CULT FILMS OF ALL-TIME - COMEDY & CAMP, the movie series looking at cult films. If you want to listen to them in order, episode #78 covers volume one (Midnight Madness) and #79 covers volume two (Horror and Sci-Fi). Of course there's the Monthly Mix-Tape Challenge featuring Joseph's mix-tape about trains as well as some random asides about Mike's "KaiJune" movie watching plan and Joe's hyping of some film festival entries including "Climate of the Hunter" by Mickey Reece. "Oh, hi Mark".
Captain America is a Marvel Comics legend and as World War II raged in 1944 it only made sense that the movie serials would adapt America's hero to the silver screen... except they completely missed the point. No, Captain America wasn't fighting our wartime enemies and boosting public moral at home. Instead, he was a slightly over-weight District Attorney who wanted to play dress up and catch mobsters. This is our review.
It's Mike's birthday, so the guys celebrate in style by discussing favorite birthday-related movies and scenes like "Sixteen Candles" and the birthday party in "The Birds". But before all of that, they spend quite a bit of time talking about everything from All-Elite Wrestling's "Double or Nothing" PPV to Cowboy Monkey Rodeos and a veritable potpourri of unrelated topics. All of that PLUS Mike barely manages to answer Joseph's mix-tape challenge of songs about villains. And, hey - there's even some new intro and outro music.
We finally made it! Episode 100 is here. No, it isn't super-sized. No, it isn't wacky or zany. It's just Tonya and Karl talking about retro pop culture and what they have learned so far about it since starting WhenItWasCool.com. We talk some classic rock and how going to so many concerts have changed our perception of it. We talk about the decline in comic books and pro wrestling since we started. We discuss areas of retro pop culture we have yet to explore including more from the 1990s, Transformers, anime, and more. If you're a fan of comics, action figures, Star Wars, G.I. Joe, classic rock, cartoons, and life in the 1970s through the 1990s then this is a great jumping on point!
The fellas review TIME WARP: THE GREATEST CULT FILMS OF ALL-TIME VOLUME 2 - HORROR & SCI-FI which is, as you can see by the title, the second volume (of three) documentary films looking at cult movies. While the movies in the documentary are mostly R-rated, the discussion stays family-friendly as the guys weigh in on their thoughts about the movie itself and the films it covers. Mike and Joseph covered Volume 1 last episode and volume 3 will be covered in episode #81, so make sure you collect all three! Of course there's the usual "What's New?" and "Mix-Tape Challenge" segments which have the guys talking about education during and after this pandemic and Joe's "Heroes" mix-tape! Next episode falls on Mike's birthday, so who knows what sort of shenanigans they'll get up to!
On the new DragonKingKarl Old Tyme Wrestling Hour Podcast, host Karl Stern talks about the current downturn in pro wrestling ratings and popularity and explores what the future might hold. Then we bring in our special guest for this episode- Stevie J from AngryMarks.com who acts as an impartial sounding board for questions about current pro wrestling aimed at lapsed fans and those disengaged from the current world of pro wrestling but who still keep up with the product. We also take Alberto del Rio's arrest and (briefly) discuss rap music and don't judge me.
You can support Stevie J on Patreon as well at https://www.patreon.com/rapreviews
This week on the flagship podcast from WhenItWasCool.com, Karl talks about a new article he is working on dealing with his personal favorite comic books ever and discusses 1990s Marvel Comics character Darkhawk. Then discussion turns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and death of the comic book industry plus the decline of pro wrestling and traditional television. Streaming services are discussed including Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, WWE Network, HBO, and more. Plus baseball and sports cards, comic book culture in the 1990s and more! Support us on Patreon for tons more audio!
This is a massive show with tons of stuff including a lot of things you might not know. Karl covers the entire story of Ric Flair quitting WCW to jump to WWF in 1991 while still NWA/WCW World champion. The sage of what the NWA was during that time. Could Flair have jumped as still NWA champion and not WCW champion? Why that didn't happen. Why we really didn't get Hulk Hogan vs Ric Flair at WrestleMania VIII. Literal quicksand and plexiglass mazes (I'm not kidding, it's part of the story). How WCW got the big gold belt back. Royal Rumble 1992 and more. Everything you could possibly want to know. We go week to week in the Observer to fill in the details plus what narratives have changed over time.
"...and now for something completely different". This episode, Joseph and Mike review TIME WARP: THE GREATEST CULT FILMS OF ALL-TIME VOLUME 1 - MIDNIGHT MADNESS which is, as you can see by the title, the first volume (of three) documentary films looking at cult movies. While the movies in the documentary are mostly R-rated, the discussion stays family-friendly as the guys weigh in on their thoughts about the movie itself and the films it covers. And of course there's the usual "What's New?" and "Mix-Tape Challenge" segments. Volume 2 and volume 3 will be covered in the next few episodes, so make sure you collect all three!
The donut is part of pop-culture and has been around since before the Civil War. Karl and Tonya recently picked up some from Krispy Kreme and saw that the company boasted being around since 1937. So we started comparing notes and eating doughnuts (both spellings are acceptable we discovered) and decided to taste test and dive into the history of the delicious donut. Grab your favorite brand and join us on the flagship podcast of WhenItWasCool.com!
On the new DragonKingKarl Old Tyme Wrestling Hour Podcast, host Karl Stern talks about the pandemic both now and in the early 1900s and how it affected the wrestling business. Plus, Karl answers some listener emails and covers a ton of pro wrestling history. Patreons get an ad free edition of the show with a bonus section continuing our read-through of Fall Guys.
Can you believe it's been three years already? The fellas can't, that's for sure. Join them as they look back at the previous shows and ramble on about everything from Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling to Joseph's favorite board game, the Voice of the Mummy. Oh yeah, and there's the Mix-Tape Challenge, of course! Grab your toast of champagne and join the guys in celebrating seventy-seven episodes!
Karl and Tonya sit down to discuss the year in pop culture 1995. Hip hop and rap were getting red hot with both Biggie and Tupac on the charts but there was some pop too. Even Tom Petty was still charting in 1995! It was an interesting year for movies as several memorable films, including a Die Hard sequel, were in the top 10. TV was packed with nighttime dramas and sitcoms like ER, NYPD Blue, Seinfeld, Friends, and more. We also discuss the recent movie Jumanji 2 starring Dewayne "The Rock" Johnson and Jack Black.
Joseph and Mike briefly discuss some old TV shows like "Tales of the Unexpected" and "The Invaders", share what life has been like recently under the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantines, and then get into the Monthly Mix Tape challenge. From there, it's no joke when Joseph reads a "too cool to be true" press release which sets the guys on a road filled with TV shows like "The Rockford Files", "Hardcastle and McCormick" and... "Silk Stalkings"?!? It's the penultimate episode before the big third year anniversary episode in two weeks!
Everything you want to know about the year 1986 in retro pop culture. I was doing some research on 1986 UWF pro wrestling and it got me to thinking about 1986 and WOW what a great year in pop culture: Haley's Comet, G.I. Joe, Heart, Boston, Genesis, Aliens, Top Gun, Watchmen, Dark Knight Returns, and much more. Plus the end of ROM and the Defenders, Roadblock gets a new look, Glory of Love was not originally for Karate Kid II, and much more! Let's escape 2020 for a while and get in a time machine set for 1986 with When It Was Cool!
Huge breaking news report this afternoon from WhenItWasCool.com. Diamond Comics has announced it is ceasing accepting new material from comic book publishers effectively shutting down the comic book distribution network for an unknown period of time. This potentially has huge ramifications to the comic book industry as a whole including a huge blow to already strained local comic shops. Karl from WhenItWasCool.com looks at several published stories on this issue. Plus, the latest information about WWE WrestleMania tapings and more.
On this brand new Old Tyme Wrestling Hour Podcast, Karl talks about something he's been working on for a couple of months- the secret history of pro wrestling. How the history of pro wrestling isn't what a lot of people think it is and a lot of the bickering today between talking heads is coming from a place of wrong perspective. How kayfabe really evolved. The sport of Gotch isn't what you think. Then our special guest this week is one of the most positive people in wrestling - Dave "It's Still Real to Me" Wills. He talks about the trials and tribulations of being one of the first people to go viral in the crazy internet world.
On the new, revamped, and improved Old Tyme Wrestling Hour, host Karl Stern discusses the Twitter feud between Dave Meltzer and Jim Cornette and faulty misconception many old timers have, the insane tribal mentality that accompanies it, and then Karl is joined by Bryan Alvarez for some discussion about the building the newsletter, website, podcasting network, and F4W/WrestlingObserver website, and more. Pro wrestling history and more with wrestling historian Karl Stern.
As the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic begin to fall into place, Mike and Joseph run down Joe's Mix Tape Challenge about robots and then it's off to the main topic of songs that were bigger hits than the movie that they were written for. Sure, "Xanadu" by Olivia Newton John springs to mind, but what else could there be? You might be surprised by some of the tunes that fit the bill. And of course the guys go off on their usual tangents just like you'd expect a couple of old men to do. So hit play, sit back and enjoy another trip back to the groovin' 70s and totally rad 80s!
A breaking news edition of the When It Was Cool Podcast this week. Pop culture events are being cancelled in unprecedented numbers this week due to the spread of the coronavirus. We give you all the latest cancellations from sporting events, to concerts, to movies and more. Actor Tom Hanks has tested positive for the virus. What is the latest on WWE WrestleMania and all the latest evidence about what Vince McMahon might due concerning the show. NBA season suspended. What about the XFL? All of this and much more on this information packed, breaking news edition of the When It Was Cool Podcast from WhenItWasCool.com
Batman was already an established pop culture sensation by the late 1940s and this was his second movie which introduced Robin. Robin was much older in this movie serial than the comic book version and this serial has some problems. Still, it inspired the 1966 Batman television show, so it has a place in pop culture history. Join host Karl Stern with a look back at Batman and Robin from 1949.
As Covid-19 slowly infects the planet, Mike is suspiciously sick as he and Joseph run down Mike's Mix-Tape of songs that should be made into movies before hitting the main topic of songs that WERE made into movies. The majority of time is spent talking about "Convoy" since Mike was finally able to get Joseph to watch the Kris Kristofferson epic. While Joe isn't as fanatical about it as Mike is, he... well, you'll have to listen to see how he feels about it. So go ahead and scrub those hands for at least 20 seconds and then hit play!
On the new flagship podcast from WhenItWasCool.com, Karl and Tonya talk about all the new offerings from ToyFair 2020 including a brand new 6-inch G.I. Joe line. Plus Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, Mego, and tons of retro brands with new, updated, action figures. Plus some cool new offerings from WWE and Mattel. Then, on the second half of the show, we discuss a packed classic rock concert season this year where we will be taking in offerings such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Roger Waters, the Rolling Stones, and others. Also, the end of the line for Ozzy Osbourne.
Coming soon to iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcasting platforms is the flagship pro wrestling history podcast by DragonKingKarl - Karl Stern from Wrestling Observer, F4WOnline, and When It Was Cool. Subscribe to the new feed today by searching Apple Podcast or visiting WhenItWasCool.com
In the wake of Sid & Marty Krofft getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Mike and Joseph talk about some of their old shows and the impact they had. From straight-up variety shows like "The Donny & Marie Show" to trippy kid's fare like "H.R. Pufnstuf", no magical car horn, pylon, or shell-phone is left unturned. But before all of that, we see how well Joseph managed to answer the call of the Mix-Tape Challenge and his thoughts on seeing a movie in the theater that he hasn't seen in 35 years! All that and more await you in the Uphill Both Ways pop-culture time machine! (Wait, shouldn't we have used that line for the previous episode?)
Family Ties was a 1980s prime time sitcom featuring Michael J. Fox as the conservative son of former hippie culture parents. Set squarely in the middle of Ronald Reagan America, this show was part political commentary, part sitcom, and part wholesome family drama. Join Karl and Tonya from When It Was Cool as we look back on Family Ties.
This weeks When It Was Cool Podcast from WhenItWasCool.com is packed with news and notes including a look at recent G.I. Joe action figure news, KISS in concert, concert schedules for 2020 including Roger Waters, ZZ Top, Rolling Stones, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, and others. A look at the new Marvel Comics Darth Vader comic book. The sad state of comics at the moment and the upcoming 5G event from DC. Plus a discussion about pro wrestling history and the recent Twitter war featuring Jim Cornette. Lots of stuff in this packed edition of the When It Was Cool Podcast.
Karl and Tonya from WhenItWasCool.com take a look back at the 1985 classic Back to the Future! Believe it or not, Tonya had never seen this movie before so you actually get a fresh take on this iconic 1980s movie for once. Join the retro pop culture team for this look back at Michael J. Fox and Back to the Future from 1985.
Come with us if you want to live because strange things are afoot at the Circle K! This episode has Mike and Joseph setting the WABAC machine to check out favorite movies dealing with time travel. From "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" to "Planet of the Apes" there's literally not enough time to devote to any of them before the clock runs out. So hop in our DeLorean and buckle up - we may not have enough road to get up 88mph, but where we're going we don't need roads!
On this When It Was Cool special, host Karl takes a look back at one of his favorite bands - Styx! Styx was a touring and record selling juggernaut in the 1970s and 1980s before the band imploded. Tensions between James J.Y. Young and Tommy Shaw against Dennis DeYoung let to the destruction of a hit-making machine. Then what happened in the years since. Let's talk about classic rock icons Styx!
On this edition of the When It Was Cool flagship podcast from WhenItWasCool.com Karl and Tonya discuss the 1980s show Growing Pains featuring Kirk Cameron, Alan Thicke, and for a minute or two, Leonardo DiCaprio. Then we switch gears to a listener request and discuss a couple of zany Nickelodeon shows- What Would You Do? and Double Dare! Two shows with similar concepts but wildly different executions. So jump in your Pie Pod and join us on the new When It Was Cool Podcast and visit WhenItWasCool.com and hit that Patreon button for lots of premium content!
It's a retro pop-culture potpourri as Mike and Joseph talk about everything from "Paddle to the Sea" to "The Night Stalker", afternoon kid's TV hosts to being latch-key kids, and a whole host of other topics. Learn why Mike wasn't allowed to watch "Kung-Fu" or "Speed Racer" and why Joseph joined AV club. All this and the 'Monthly Mix-Tape Challenge' make this one episode you don't want to miss!
This is a packed episode of the When It Was Cool flagship podcast from WhenItWasCool.com. Karl and Tonya discuss that Sgt. Slaughter article from WIWC that went viral. We discuss the death of Neil Peart from Rush, new G.I. Joe toy news and Snake Eyes movie news, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions for 2020. Then we look at two Johnny Depp movies from a few years ago. It's an episode of the When It Was Cool Podcast with something for everybody!
Neil Peart has died. This shocking and unexpected announcement sent shock waves through the Rush fan community and gut-punched music fans across the globe. Neil Peart was an extraordinarily talented writer, drummer, and a vastly complex and intelligent human being. Karl from When It Was Cool is a mega-Rush fan and here is a collection of Rush related podcasts from WIWC including thoughts on the death of Neil Peart.
Episode #70 - "Glory Days" ... We hope you haven't put the party hats, confetti poppers or champagne away yet - Mike and Joseph are here to ring in the new decade with a look back at 1979 and 1989 and some of the memorable things and events from those decade-closing years. From Alien to The Little Mermaid, Happy Days to Moonlighting, and a potpourri of things in-between (including the reveal of which one owned a copy of the Village People's first album), you're gonna want to fire up the Sony Walkman for this one. And of course there's the Mix-Tape Challenge! You'll never believe how Mike managed to convince Joseph that Don't Fear the Reaper was an "inspirational" song! Nah, we're kidding. Or are we?
On this retro TV review, Karl from When It Was Cool takes a look back at the 1985 G.I. Joe A Real American Hero cartoon series. Karl has been a hardcore GI Joe collector since 1982 including having a massive action figure collection, comic book reader, and, of course, watching the Sunbow and DIC cartoon series as well. Karl takes a look at the differences between the comic and cartoon and discusses the incredible G.I. Joe characters.
Welcome to the first When It Was Cool Podcast of the year 2020! Last year featured a lot of great retro pop culture and 2020 looks amazing as well. Karl has some spoiler free comments about Star Wars - Rise of Skywalker. Talk about fans verses Toxic Fans. What happens next with G.I. Joe and the G.I. Joe franchise? A little pro wrestling talk and Marvel and DC Movies talk as well. It's what fandom is supposed to be... FUN! If you've never checked out the When It Was Cool Podcast before then check out our first one of 2020 and make it a regular stop on your retro pop culture podcasting!
X-Men the Animated Series was a very popular cartoon series that first aired in 1992 and, for many, it is their touchstone series for who the X-Men are. Featuring more mature storylines than most Saturday morning cartoons that preceded it, the X-Men feature many of the most popular mutants at Marvel including Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Professor X, and many more. The series is now streaming on Disney Plus. Join Karl as he looks back at it.
Here is a look back at the classic 1978 Christopher Reeve Superman movie. Remembered fondly by most, the movie is not without some difficulties. Still, it's a world better than what was to come. Join Karl as he looks back at one of the most iconic movies of the 1970s - Superman!
Episode #69 - "Do They Know It's Christmas?"... It's Christmas and Joseph and Mike are putting on a show! But first they run down some of their favorite Christmas movies and songs. Then it's time for Joe to answer the Monthly Mix-Tape Challenge before the lights go down and the curtain comes up as the Uphill Both Ways Players present their version of "A Christmas Carol". Of course there are the usual diversions like when Mike explains why Die Hard is a Christmas movie and It's a Wonderful Life isn't, when Joe talks about the weather in South Korea, and a very brief word or two about Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. There's no coal in this stocking!
An oversize edition of the When It Was Cool flagship podcast this week as Karl and Tonya join you to discuss several Christmas themed retro movies including National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, The Grinch, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Polar Express! Karl hates Chevy Chase but loves Tom Hanks, heck, everybody loves Tom Hanks. Grab your Red Rider BB Gun and come join Walt, Ralphie, Max, Zero, Jack, Sally, the Ghost Hobo, and the gang as we talk Christmas movie fun at When It Was Cool!
Episode #68 - "The Eye of the Tiger"... Tangent / noun /ˈtæn·dʒənt/ a subject or activity that is different than the one you are talking about or doing / "In this episode Mike and Joseph go off on a tangent". Christmas lights, whodunnits, mix tapes, comedians, and movies about wrestling. What's the main topic? It's hard to tell with this one, folks. We're gonna leave it up to YOU to figure it out!
In 1989 the classic Incredible Hulk television show got a TV movie featuring an appearance by Daredevil! When It Was Cool took a look at this made for TV movie and reviewed it for our Patreons and now you have access to it too. Support WhenItWasCool.com on Patreon.
Two very different retro kid's television shows are our focus on this episode of the When It Was Cool Podcast. Karl grew up on Sesame Street and we review the very first episode featuring an orange Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird with a strange head, and other familiar characters like Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, and Kermit the Frog which leads to a discussion of The Muppet Show. Then we discuss the insane, frantic mess that is Pee Wee's Playhouse. Also, for your entertainment we present to you the John Denver knock off song that you will never get out of your head- Oh, Cow.
UBW Special Thanksgiving show! After giving some shout-outs to a few things that they are thankful for, Joseph and Mike dive into the Mix-Tape Challenge. The main course- TURKEYS. As in, cinematic "turkeys" - movies that were so bad they don't even circle back to the "so bad it's good" status! So instead of talking politics or watching football just say "Alexa, play Uphill Both Ways" and then sit back and enjoy while you slip into a tryptophan-induced slumber. This is Turkey Day, UBW style!
On this When It Was Cool Podcast special, hosts Karl and Tonya take a look back at the 1964 iconic television series Bewitched. The story of a witch married into a normal family with comedic results. Which came first - Bewitched or I Dream of Jeanie? That and much more on this When It Was Cool retro TV review special.