Episode 98: Louie Louie

“Louie Louie” is an iconic Rock anthem that holds a prominent place in American pop culture. Recognized as one of the most famous rock songs of all time, it has been covered over 2,000 times. The song’s enduring popularity, however, was accompanied by controversy due to its widely misunderstood lyrics, which led to investigations by the FBI in the 1960s. The Kingsmen’s shambolic recording of the song, characterized by its raw and gritty sound, played a significant role in shaping the garage rock genre. 

Episode 86: Anita Bryant

This week Ryan is joined by Bret Berg of the Museum of Home Video to discuss the unfortunate life and legacy of Anita Bryant. Bryant made a name for herself as a wholesome pageant gal turned singer and eventually orange juice spokeswoman, however, that would all be stripped away from her after she decided to turn heel and attempt to stop the gay civil rights movement. Anita Bryant could very well be the first cancelled celebrity as we know them today.

Episode 81: Hervé Villechaize Part 1

Hervé Villechaize was everywhere in the mid 70s. He is most famous for his role as Nick Nack in a James Bond film and as Tattoo in the hit TV show Fantasy Island. Villechaize was born with dwarfism and as an adult stood to be just under four feet. Relentlessly bullied as a child, Hervé was driven to achieve success. Part 1 finds him as the darling of the Paris art scene, as well as the transition to New York as something of a hippie curiosity.

Episode 8: Disco Demolition

The Disco Demolition has gone down as one of the most negative reactions to a seemingly innocent cultural movement. Filled with racial and societal implications, the Disco Demolition is as sad as it is ridiculous. Join us as we revisit the night when thousands of rowdy baseball fans gathered to blow up a giant crate of disco records.