Tag: 90s

Posted on

Episode 65: Heroin Chic

Heroin Chic is the term used for the rise of nihilistic, drug influenced pop culture in the early 1990’s. While most of the trend was gravely misunderstood, there were some long lasting negative effects that are worth reviewing in our special dump way. Music, film, and fashion are all involved. PLUS we will hear first hand from our return guest Dinah Rankin (aka @beautifulsupermodelgenius) about the realities of modeling and the indie sleaze movement that is creeping its way back into the mainstream.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted on

Episode 64: Livestrong

The yellow silicone bracelet. Worn by many to signify they cared enough to stand up against cancer. The real dump (and reason why you don’t see them anymore) is because their creator, Lance Armstrong. The 7 time champion of the Tour De France, Armstrong had all of his titles stripped in a huge scandal involving performance enhancing drugs. Also a medical procedure called Blood Doping. Metal AF

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted on

Special Interview: Valarie Jones from True Crime Trading Cards

Valarie Jones is a legend in the world of true crime. In 1992 the notorious “True Crime Trading Cards” were released to the public and a wave of backlash followed closely behind. Valerie found themselves at the center of a media firestorm, being blamed for the decline of society and was deemed responsible for perpetuating the celebrity profiles that notorious murderers often acquire. Never to be one to listen to the mainstream they kept at it, creating another important trading card set the “AIDS Awareness Trading Cards.” The career of Valerie Jones is as eclectic as it is interesting and Ryan sits down with them to hear the whole story.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted on

Episode 62: Joe Camel

Smoking cigarettes is bad for you… unless you make it look as good as Joe Camel did! In the early 90s, images of this anthropomorphic bad boy, leather jacket, cig smoking camel were everywhere. Donning a range of costumes, from James Bond-esque tuxedo to recently divorced dad on a motorcycle, this ad campaign was a huge success. Funny thing is, kids love cartoons. Studies showed that the Joe Camel ads created a strong brand recognition with cigs and the cartoon in children. Was Big Tobacco trying to get kids to smoke? If you had to guess, it seems pretty obvious.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted on

Episode 52: Smash Mouth- All Star

All Star by Smash Mouth was always too easy of a dump, too low hanging of a dump, but with the news of Smash Mouth lead singer Steven Harwell’s retirement flooding the airwaves we decided to dissect what might possibly be the most perfect song ever written. This is a feel good dump, mostly. We talk Shrek, neurological disorders, and bread throwing.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted on

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted on

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted on

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!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted on

Episode 30: Chris Gaines

This week on Culture Dumps we examine the most bizarre passion project in the history of music. In 1999 Garth Brooks could not have been more famous. As the most successful country singer seemingly of all time, when he debuted his dark, tortured alter-ego Chris Gaines it is more than fair to say people were confused. What started as the most elaborate publicity stunt for a film ever soon became the biggest joke in country music. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download