Episode 46: Big Dogs vs Big Johnson

This week we have a double dump! Ryan is joined by Eric D of Methsyndicate to discuss the rise of two of the most groan worthy apparel brands of all time, Big Dogs and Big Johnson. What were both once multi-million dollar companies are now all but extinct, but how? But why? This episode is not only packed full of bootlegging, rebranding, and head scratchers, but also tons of dick jokes!

Episode 45: Girls Gone Wild Part 2

We pick up from last week on the salacious sensation from the early 2000’s. This episode focuses mainly on the numerous lawsuits involving Joe Francis, the infamous creator of Girls Gone Wild. This dude has managed to get himself into court for a cornucopia of offenses. Turns out the guy making millions by filming naked drunk college girls is a bit of a scumbag! Also stick around as the Dumpy Boys dip into tabloid sphere with the Kardashian Konnection.

Episode 44: Girls Gone Wild Part 1

Culture Dumps examines one of the most controversial success stories of all time. Girls Gone Wild rose to fame in the late 90s, with their infamous advertisements littering late night TV. The phase “___ Gone Wild” became something of a meme. In the era of celebrity sex tapes, GGW perfectly fit into the burgeoning genre of reality porn. There is an undeniably exploitative theme to the entire franchise. There are so many problems with the video series and its millionaire creator, Joe Francis, we had to break this topic up into two episodes.

Episode 43: IZ

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is one of most successful Hawai’ian singers of all time. His ukulele cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sold millions worldwide and appeared in over 50 movies. His huge physical presence made him instantly recognizable. His death at the age of 38 was mourned by all of Hawai’i. The irony of IZ was the success of his version of “Rainbow.” Here was an artist who spent most of his life and career dedicated towards the culture and traditions of Hawai’i, only to become incredibly famous with a cover song. The boys pay tribute to a true legend.

Episode 41: Cabbage Patch Kids

Cabbage Patch Kids was like the Beanie Babies of the 80s, a children’s toy craze that led to a series of infamous in-store riots in the winter of 1983. However, the iconic doll started as folk art not even intended for mass manufacturing. Along the way we have intellectual property theft, multiple lawsuits, concept albums, and a bizarre pretend hospital where these “babies” are born. Cabbage always makes for a good dump

Episode 40: Martha Wash vs C + C Music Factory

This is a true Culture Dump right here folks! Martha Wash is a music legend, in 1990 anyone would have been lucky to work with her, but some producers felt that due to her appearance she couldn’t represent herself and models were hired to be the face of her voice. This total diss led to a series of landmark trials that changed the way artists are credited from then on. EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!

Episode 39: Kevin Federline

As the world becomes consumed with Britneymania once again the Culture Dumps team shines a light on the all but forgotten ex-husband of one of the biggest stars of all time, Kevin Federline. While he is mostly known as the less-than-savory love interest of Britney Spears there is a lot more to K-Fed. Professional dancer, rapper, wrestler, actor, model, and father, he has kind of done it all, which might come as a surprise. While the boys make jokes, they realize he isn’t all that bad.

Episode 38: Jumping the Shark

The phrase “Jumping the Shark” refers to a moment in a television show, film, book, or any other form of entertainment where the established rules, characters, and plot points are tossed aside to make room for a ridiculous moment. To jump the shark is to create a culture dump. While the phrase comes from a notorious episode of “Happy Days,” there are hundreds of examples of shark jumping throughout entertainment history. Ryan is joined by Adam Papagan to discuss this phenomenon.

Episode 37: Celebrity Sex Tapes

Celebrity sex tapes are a phenomenon. Whether they were stolen and leaked to the public or purposefully released for financial gain, the public cannot get enough. Our fascination with the private lives of the famous can reach some uncomfortably invasive places. In this episode we track the dark history of celeb sex tapes and highlight the most influential of the bunch. From Pam and Tommy to Verne Troyer, this episode has it all!