History of the 90s

When the clock struck midnight on January 1st, 1992, George H.W. Bush was still the US President….The Canadian Prime Minister was Brian Mulroney….Roseanne was the number one sitcom……Hook was the number one movie…..and the Super Nintendo was the hot new gaming system everyone wanted. In this episode, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at a year when musicians made history, ventured into new territory, proved their worth in ways that made us jump. These are the number one singles from 1992. Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 1990s was a tumultuous era for British singer George Michael. He began the decade as one of the biggest popstars in the world, riding high on his wildly successful debut solo album. But secretly the singer was struggling with many personal demons including coming to terms with his sexual identity, something he was forced to confront after an embarrassing arrest in 1998. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the life and career of George Michael. GUEST: James Gavin, author of George Michael: A Life www.jamesgavin.com Twitter: @jamesgavinbooks Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990s a vicious turf war between the Hell’s Angels and rival bike gang The Rock Machine turned the streets of Montreal into a deadly battleground. Over an eight year period bombings, arsons and brazen shootouts terrorized Quebec, leaving more than 160 people dead including innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the Quebec Biker War. GUEST: Julian Sher, investigative journalist and author of The Road to Hell: How the Biker Gangs are Conquering Canada Angels of Death: Inside the Bikers' Global Crime Empire Twitter: @juliansher Facebook: www.facebook.com/juliansher Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early 1990s millions of people around North America were swept up in an unprecedented sports trading card boom. As prices for rare baseball and hockey cards soared, the hobby which was once just for kids was suddenly being looked at as an alternative to investing in stocks. To match the demand, a record number of trading card companies cranked up production, offering a dizzying array of options. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks at the reasons for the boom and why it eventually went bust. Guest: Jon Waldman, author of Got ‘Em, Got ‘Em, Need ‘Em: A Fan’s Guide to Collecting the Top 100 Sports Cards of All Time. Twitter: @jonwaldman Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been 25 years since Princess Diana was killed in a car crash along with her boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed and their driver Henri Paul. The shocking news that the “People’s Princess” was dead was made even more unbelievable by the fact that she was killed following a high speed car chase by aggressive photographers. On this episode of History of the 90s, first broadcast in February 2021, we look back at the relationship between Princess Diana and the paparazzi and the changes that followed her tragic death. Guest: Mark Karloff, Los Angeles Photographer, and co-host of Paparazzi Podcast www.paparazzipodcast.com Twitter: @Papsouljah Instagram: @Paparazzipodcast Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women helped changed the face of ROCK as hair metal from the 80’s gave way to brand new sounds and VERY different attitudes in the 90's. On this episode of "Driven by Her" presented by our friends at Porsche Canada we're showcasing amazing, driven women like Alanis Morrissette, Ani DiFranco, and Bikini Kill. They carved their own path and created the seismic shift in music that came with Generation X because the 90's couldn't have rocked at the level they did without their influence along with the other women who helped define a generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In October 1998 a gay college student in Laramie, Wyoming was brutally beaten by two men he met in a local bar. The men pretended they were gay to lure 21 year old Matthew Sheppard into their truck where he was pistol-whipped and robbed. Matt was discovered barely alive 18 hours later tied to a fence in the middle of a rural area. He never regained consciousness. Matt’s murder stunned the world and ignited a movement that changed gay rights in the United States. Guest: Jeff Mack, Executive Vice President, Matthew Shepard Foundation www.matthewshepard.org Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the success of The Cosby Show and its spinoff A Different World in the 1980s,TV networks were eager to include more Black programming. In particular they wanted more Black sitcoms and that eventually lead to a flood of new shows. Some were on the big three networks but many more on new upstarts, FOX, UPN and The WB. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora continues looks back at some of the best Black sitcoms from the golden era of Black television. Guest: Kristal Brent Zook: author of Color By Fox: The Fox Network and the Revolution in Black Television www.kristalbrentzook.com Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In April 1990, the first episode of In Living Color aired on Fox TV changing the face and tone of television. The half hour sketch show created by Keenan Ivory Wayans was called a Black Saturday Night Live for the hip-hop generation. It ran at 9:30 Sunday night on Fox right after the networks two hit shows The Simpsons and Married with Children. Thanks to that placement and hype around the show, 23 million viewers tuned in to the inaugural episode. Nearly 30 years since In Living Color went off the air its impact can still be felt throughout today’s film and eco-system. Resources used in this episode include: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/living-color-oral-history-fox-censors-spike-lees-disdain-1219192/ Guest: David Peisner, journalist and author of Homey Don’t Play That! The Story of In Living Color and the Black Comedy Revolution www.djpeisner.com Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1992 HIV/AIDS hit a grim milestone in the United States when it became the number one cause of death among men ages 25 to 44. Since there was still so much stigma attached to the illness, people were often dying without even telling their closest friends and family that they were sick. They died alone because of the shame they felt about having contracted HIV. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the people and events in the 1990s that helped shaped the fight to remove the stigma and shame that surrounded HIV. Guest: John Maxwell, Executive Director of the Aids Committee of Toronto (ACT) www.actoronto.org Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the early days of the AIDS epidemic, the North American blood supply became contaminated with HIV from infected donors. As a result, by the mid-1980s, about 10,000 hemophiliacs were infected with HIV. 13-year-old Ryan White from Kokomo, Indiana was one of those who contracted the virus through a tainted blood product and after he was barred from attending school, he became a crusader to end the stigmatization associated with HIV/AIDS. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the life and legacy of Ryan White. Thanks to Ryan’s mother Jeanne White-Ginder who gave permission for use of the audio heard in this episode. It is available to listen to in its entirety here: Who Was Ryan White? | Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (hrsa.gov) GUEST: Nelson Price, author of The Quiet Hero: A Life of Ryan White Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheryl Leach, a working mom in Texas was stuck in traffic when she dreamt up the idea of a plush-toy dinosaur that comes to life and entertains a backyard full of kids with songs and games. Within a few years the big purple dinosaur was loved by millions of children around the world and hated by their parents who were forced to watch the T-rex on his hit PBS show. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the story of how Barney changed kids tv programming and why he was so hated by adults. Guest: Rob Curran, founder of the I Hate Barney Secret Society Show Contacts: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee were one of the most famous celebrity couple of the 90s. So when a homemade sex tape from the couple’s honeymoon was stolen from a safe in their garage it became the biggest viral video of the era. For many years most people assumed the couple had leaked the tape themselves in a weird publicity stunt. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora talks to the journalist who revealed the real story in a 2014 Rolling Stone article. Guest: Journalist Amanda Chicago Lewis Twitter: @msamandalewis www.amandachicagolewis.com Pamela Anderson Sex Tape: Tommy Lee & the History of the Infamous Porn - Rolling Stone Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The World Series has been a reliable tradition since 1904. It’s been played during both World Wars, the Depression, after 9-11 and more recently during the COVID pandemic. But there was one time that the Fall Classic was cancelled in what is considered to be Major League Baseball’s most catastrophic and embarrassing moment. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the 1994-95 MLB player’s strike. Thanks to Erica Vella, host of Global News' podcast What Happened To…? for sharing the interview she did with former Montreal Expos Pitcher Jeff Fassero. Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early 1990s reality TV as we know it today didn’t yet exist. Then everything changed when a cable channel known for music videos put cameras inside a New York loft with 7 strangers. The Real World which premiered on MTV in 1992 set the stage for the scores of reality shows we are all familiar with now, everything from The Osbournes & The Hills to Survivor and just about everything on Bravo. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the groundbreaking show and the rise of reality TV. Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Newsletter: http://historyofthe90s.substack.com Guest: Professor Danielle J. Lindemann, author of True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us Twitter: @djlindee https://daniellelindemann.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1996 Canadian sprinter Donovan Bailey won gold at the Atlanta Olympics, breaking the world record in the 100 metre event. The achievement helped Canada climb out from behind the shame of the Ben Johnson steroid scandal following the 1988 Olympics. It also meant that Bailey was the fastest man in the world. To everyone, it would seem, except one nation. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora talks with Donovan Bailey about his Olympic achievement as well his fastest man showdown against Michael Johnson a year later. Guest info: The Podcast - Hosted by Donovan Bailey & Jason Portuondo Donovan Bailey’s podcast Running Things With Donovan Bailey is on Acast (acast.com) and can be heard anywhere you stream audio. Twitter: @donovanbailey Website: www.donovanbailey.com Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Newsletter: History of the 90s | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the television show Twin Peaks began airing in 1990 it didn’t just push boundaries, it shattered them completely. A mix of murder mystery, nighttime soap opera and dark comedy all rolled into one, it was like nothing ever seen before on network television. By the end of the first season Twin Peaks was an escapable pop cultural phenomenon and today a piece of its DNA is in nearly every TV show. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora takes you on a journey to the town of Twin Peaks. Guest: Andy Burns, author of Wrapped in Plastic: Twin Peaks and publisher / editor-in-chief of the pop culture website BiffBamPop! Website: www.biffbampop.com Twitter: @biffbampop Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Newsletter: https://historyofthe90s.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Randy Weaver and his family moved to a remote cabin in Northern Idaho when their extreme views on race and religion became an issue with friends and family back in Iowa. They wanted to live off the grid, isolated from society but after Weaver failed to appear in court on charges of selling illegal sawed-off shotguns, law enforcement began a surveillance operation on their property. In August 1992 the operation exploded into a deadly firefight and ignited an 11 day siege that became a rallying call for the radical right. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the events at Ruby Ridge and explains how they sparked the birth of the modern militia movement that still exists to this day. Guest: Lane Crothers, Professor at Illinois State and author of Rage on the Right Twitter: @LaneCrothersISU Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Newsletter: www.historyofthe90s.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990’s there was a generational battle between Gen Xers and Baby Boomers as snowboarders began taking over ski resorts. The sport which had been underground since the early 80s was finally becoming mainstream and skiers weren’t happy about it. They complained that snowboarders were loud, rude and dangerous. But they were also what ski resorts needed to keep the industry alive. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at where snowboarding started and what happened when it became the fastest growing winter sport. Guest: Ross Rebagliati Instagram: @rossrebagliati98 Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Newsletter: www.historyofthe90s.substack.com For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990’s director David Fincher brought us classic movies like Seven and Fight Club, making his mark on the industry as one the best film makers of his generation. But Fincher’s impact on the decade stretches beyond movies. Through dozens of TV commercials and music videos Fincher helped style the 90s. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the auteur director’s impact on the decade. Guest: Adam Nayman, author of David Fincher: Mind Games Twitter: @brofromanother Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora is looking back at some of the best Simpsons episodes from the 1990s. From Who Shot Mr. Burns to Homer at Bat we revisit 10 Simpsons episodes that stand the test of time with help from listeners of the podcast. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Newsletter: http://historyofthe90s.substack.com For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From riots in the streets of Los Angeles and the siege at Ruby Ridge to the election of Bill Clinton and the Late Night TV wars, 1992 was a year of incredible transformation, excitement, devastation and tragedy. It was filled with seismic changes that continues to reverberate through our lives 30 year later. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back and counts down ten of the most memorable stories of 1992. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Newsletter: https://historyofthe90s.substack.com/ For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early morning hours of December 26, 1996, a 39 year old stay-at-home mom in an upscale neighbourhood of Boulder, Colorado made a shocking discovery. Her 6-year-old daughter had been kidnapped while the family slept and a mysterious ransom note had been left in her place. The handwritten 2-and-half page letter demanded $118,000 and instructed the family to wait for a call later that morning from the kidnappers. They warned that any contact with police would lead to their daughter’s murder. It was the beginning of one of the longest and most baffling true crime whodunnits of all time that continues to raise questions 25 years later. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at back at the mysterious case of JonBenet Ramsey. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca Guests: Stephen and Joyce Singular, authors of Presumed Guilty: An Investigation Into the JonBenet Ramsey Case, the Media, and the Culture of Pornography. www.stephensingular.com Twitter: @StephenSingular For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When The Simpsons debuted in December 1989 it was a radical move by the Fox TV Network. There had not been a successful prime-time animated sitcom for adults since The Flintstones in the 1960s. Plus The Simpsons was a lot edgier than the clean family sitcoms on the air at the time. But not only was The Simpsons an instant hit, it became a cultural phenomenon that continues over 30 years later. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the creation of the ground-breaking show and some of the controversy it created with help from Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson. Guests: Yeardley Smith - Twitter: @Yeardley Smith www.smalltowndicks.com Mathew Klickstein www.mathewklickstein.com Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for The Simpsons by Mathew Klickstein and Mike Reiss Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 100 days in 1994 evil descended upon the small country of Rwanda. A long simmering conflict between Hutus and Tutsis boiled over after the country’s president died when his plane was shot down by a missile. Police stood by as approximately 800,000 people, mainly Tutsis were killed by violent mobs armed with clubs, sticks and machete’s. From the capital city of Kigali to small rural villages, unspeakable crimes were committed by militia groups, soldiers and neighbors against neighbors. During that time the international community largely remained on the sidelines. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the Rwanda Genocide. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Allan Thompson, former Toronto Star Reporter and now the Journalism program head at Carleton University in Ottawa. Twitter: @Profallan Resources about Rwanda: Media and Mass Atrocity: The Rwandan Genocide and Beyond, Edited by Allan Thompson Rwanda Chronology | FRONTLINE | PBS Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity, By Romeo Dallaire Hotel Rwanda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990s the most violent thing on television wasn’t wrestling, or NHL hockey it was The Jerry Springer Show. The daytime talk show regularly devolved into wild physical fights between guests that were excitedly cheered on by riled up audience members During the 90s more than two dozen similar daytime talk shows, that ranged from provocative to downright trashy, ruled the airwaves. Big names you probably remember like Jenny Jones, Geraldo Rivera and Maury Povich and others you may have forgotten about like Ricki Lake & Montel Williams were adored by millions of fans until a shocking tragedy turned the industry on its head. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the era of trashy daytime talk shows. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: James Nadler; Graduate Program Director, Masters of Arts in Media Production at Ryerson University Laura Grindstaff; Professor of Sociology at UC Davis & author of The Money Shot: Trash, Class and the Making of TV Talk Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the home video game industry crashed spectacularly in 1983 one company rose from the ashes and helped breathe new life with a new 8 bit video console. The Nintendo Entertainment System with games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda ruled the console market until another Japanese company started going after older and more serious gamers. For the first time the Sega Genesis console and the company’s blue mascot Sonic The Hedgehog took a bite out of Nintendo’s supremacy in the North American market. And that was just the beginning of the Nintendo vs Sega Console War that dominated the 90s. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora takes you through the twists and turns of the epic battle that defined a generation of gamers. Guest: Blake Harris, author and director of The Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo and the Battle That Defined a Generation. www.blakejharris.com Twitter: @blakejharrisNYC Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the late 1990s two unexpected musical genres that centered around big bands with horns and retro clothing burst back onto the scene in North America. Third wave ska and retro swing with breakthrough mainstream hits infiltered pop culture from movies and video games to the Gap’s famous khaki swing commercial. Life was good in the 90s and the music reflected it. The fun upbeat sounds of Ska and Swing were the perfect fit for the time. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the rise of 90s ska and swing. Guest: Kenneth Partridge, author Hell of a Hat: The Rise of 90s Ska and Swing www.kennethpartridge.com Twitter: @kenpartridge Show contacts: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was change and excitement in the air when the lights came up on Gianni Versace’s 1991 fall fashion show in Milan. For the show’s finale, a group of four beautiful young women linked arm-in-arm and made their way down the catwalk lip-synching the words of a pop song that blasted from the speakers. It was the launch of a 90s phenomenon that is as symbolic to the decade as tabloid television and the creation of the internet. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the reign of the 90s supermodel who transcended the fashion runway and became full service celebrities. Guests: Rachel Burchfield; writer, editor & host of Podcast Royal. www.rachelburchfield.com Randi Bergman; writer, editor & host of Capsule 98. Instagram: @Capsule98 www.capsule98.com Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The case of Paul Bernardo captured media and public attention in the mid-1990s at a time when the United States was focused on the O.J. Simpson case in a similar way. But Bernardo’s trial, for the murders of teenagers Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French, wasn’t televised, so hundreds of people lined up to get inside the downtown Toronto courtroom to witness Canada’s version of the O.J. trial. Others poured over the media coverage that blanketed newspapers or paid close attention to TV and radio stations which provided hourly updates of the proceedings. I was in the courtroom everyday for four months in the summer of 1995 as the horrific crimes against Bernardo were revealed including graphic videotaped evidence. On part two of our look back at the infamous case and trial of Paul Bernardo we dive into Canada’s trial of the century. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you Google most notorious killer in Canadian history, Paul Bernardo’s name will appear at the top of nearly every list. There have been other killers who have taken more lives and eluded police over a longer period of time but the case of Paul Bernardo, at first as the Scarborough rapist and then later as the killer of Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French, has left a deep and painful scar on Canadian society. His case captured media and public attention in the mid-1990s at a time when the United States was focused on the O.J. Simpson case in a similar way. But Bernardo’s trial wasn’t televised, so hundreds of people lined up to get inside the downtown Toronto courtroom to witness Canada’s version of the O.J. trial. Others poured over the media coverage that blanketed newspapers or paid close attention to TV and radio stations which provided hourly updates of the proceedings. Over the next two episodes of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora will recount the case, drawing from her experience covering the trial as a reporter for a Toronto radio station. A warning that this episode may not be suitable for young or sensitive listeners. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the moment grunge music went mainstream in the fall of 1991 the clock was ticking down toward its tragic end just a few years later. But in the meantime, the huge success of Seattle bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and SoundGarden led to a frenzy by record labels to sign other grunge type bands. And as the Seattle area was picked dry of talent the search for half-way decent bands wearing flannel and playing detuned guitars expanded beyond the Pacific Northwest. At the same time, the bands that pioneered the movement were struggling with mainstream fame and were trying desperately to distance themselves from commercial success. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora takes a look back at the final days of grunge with the help of Alan Cross, host of the Curiouscast podcast, The Ongoing History of New Music. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca Guest: Alan Cross, host of The Ongoing History of New Music www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com Twitter: @alancross For more about the life and death of Kurt Cobain listen to the Ongoing History of New Music’s episode on the 25th anniversary of his passing. Available anywhere you stream audio and here: https://omny.fm/shows/ongoing-history-of-new-music/kurt-cobain-25-years-later For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the uninitiated, grunge begins and ends with Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. Maybe sprinkle in a little Pearl Jam or Sound Garden and a few flannels and that’s grunge. A moment in time that has long passed, but frozen in our memories because of Cobain’s early death. But grunge is so much more than one band, and one singer who may have had an outsized impact on the movement but was just one of piece of a genre of music and an attitude that captivated the world at the beginning of the 90s. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora takes a look back at the birth of grunge with the help of Alan Cross, host of the Curiouscast podcast, The Ongoing History of the New Music. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca Guest: Alan Cross, host of The Ongoing History of New Music www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com Twitter: @alancross A note on sources: For more information about the birth of grunge and some of the pioneers of the movement check out Northwest Passage, a project dedicated to the music scene of the Pacific Northwest region of the 80s and 90s. This website was a great source for information and facts contained in this episode. For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you grew up in the 1980s or 90s chances are you watched a lot of Nickelodeon or at least some of the fun kids shows made by the cable network. During its golden years, Nickelodeon not only had over 50 per cent of the kid audience share, but it was also one of the most profitable cable networks out there. Plus it revolutionized kids programming with new and innovative game shows, variety shows, cartoons and sitcoms. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the rise of the cable channel dedicated to kids and the period between 1983 and 1995 known as Nickelodeon’s Golden Age. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca Guests: Mathew Klickstein, author of Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age www.mathewklickstein.com Chris Morgan, author of The Nickelodeon ‘90s: Cartoons, Game Shows and a Whole Bunch of Slime For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990s the FBI’s most wanted criminal was an elusive mystery bomber who had been mailing dangerous and deadly packages to executives and university professors since 1978. The UNABOMBER had left a trail of destruction around the United States, but the FBI had very little hard evidence that could help solve the case. Then in 1993 after a six year hiatus the UNABOMBER was back on the scene and the devices he sent were more powerful and sophisticated. Officials worried it was only a matter of time before something terrible happened. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at one of the largest and most expensive manhunts in FBI history. You’ll hear from two of the FBI agents who were instrumental in the investigation that finally led to the capture of the Unabomber. Proud Sponsor of SickKids VS: https://www.sickkidsfoundation.com/podcast This episode of History of the 90s is supported by Command Line Heroes. Command Line Heroes: Season 7: The Internet Class of ‘95 (redhat.com) Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca Guests: Max Noel, served as an F.B.I. special Agent for thirty-one (31) years. He retired in 1999. Terry Turchie, retired from the FBI in April 2001, having served as the first Deputy Assistant Director of the newly created Counterterrorism Division of the FBI from March, 2000 to April, 2001. Along with their colleague Jim Freeman they co-wrote; Unabomber: How the FBI Broke Its Own Rules to Capture the Terrorist Ted Kaczynski. They have written a sequel to the book which includes some of Kaczinski’s own writings. Capturing the Unabomber: The FBI’s Insider Story is scheduled to be released in May 2021. For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1987 four young DJs from London took a trip to the Mediterranean Island of Ibiza for a birthday celebration. On their first night they attended an ecstasy-fueled party at club Amnesia, dancing under the stars to a mix of techno and house music played by legendary DJ Alfredo. The experience was life changing and when the four DJs returned home to London they organized some of the city’s first all night raves and were instrumental in pioneering a massive youth culture movement that spread from the UK, through Europe and around North America. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the rise and fall of 90s rave culture and how the movement continues to be felt today. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca Guests: Scott Fraser: Club Owner, Manager, Entrepreneur in the entertainment scene in Toronto in the 80’s & 90’s including legendary clubs THE FACTORY & OZ. Twitter: @Hogtownsmoke Scot Turner: Radio broadcaster who worked at alternative 102.1 CFNY in the 80’s and was Program Director for dance music station Energy 108 in the 90’s. Twitter: @Scotturner For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On November 30, 1999, thousands of protestors locked arms and marched into downtown Seattle. They surrounded a convention center where a conference organized by the World Trade Organization was set to take place over the next four days. Most of the demonstrators were peaceful but among their ranks was a small core of protestors dressed in black clothes and ski masks waiting for the right moment to unleash violence and mayhem. It was one of the largest acts of mass civil disobedience in US history and marked the unofficial start of the anti-globalization movement. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the rise of anti-globalization and the Battle in Seattle. Guests: John Sellers: Executive Director & Co-Founder of The Other 98 www.other98.com Twitter: @other98 Norm Stamper: Former Seattle Police Chief & Author www.normstamper.com Twitter: @normstamper Lesley Wood: Associate Professor of Sociology at York University & Author Twitter: @lesleybikes Show Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an era before podcasts and satellite radio, the 1990s was the peak of the shock jock genre on terrestrial radio. Big names like Howard Stern, Don Imus and Rush Limbaugh attracted legions of devoted fans with their controversial shows that often ran afoul of the FCC and special interest groups. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at three of the most famous radio shock jocks from the 90s and the impact they had on radio and society at large and considers whether shock jocks still exist today. Guest: Mario A. Murillo, Professor of Radio, Television, Film & Journalism and Vice Dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University. Twitter: @marioradio99 Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 30th anniversary of Woodstock was supposed to celebrate the iconic music festival known for peace, love and happiness but instead Woodstock ’99 turned into a weekend of violence and mayhem. The weekend ended with a fiery riot and reports of numerous sexual assaults, some taking place in the mosh pit. On this episode of History of the 90s we are looking back at the 1999 event in Rome, New York with the help of someone who was there. A former MTV employee tells us about price gouging, overcrowding, scorching heat and misogynistic behaviour spurred on by aggressive nu-metal bands. Guest: Jeff Cornell, freelance journalist Woodstock '99: A Reporter on the Ground Remembers the Chaos - Variety Twitter: @jeffcornell56 Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 90s were an era filled with new and inventive tech toys. It seemed liked every year another new gadget hit the market causing a buying frenzy at toy stores. Some were fads that quickly fizzled out while others were so revolutionary that they continue to impact us to this day. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora is looking back at some of the most memorable tech toys and gadgets from the 1990s. Guest: Brandon Saltalamacchia www.retrododo.com Twitter: @iambrandonsalt Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Princess Diana, along with her boyfriend and driver were killed in a car crash on August 31, 1997, the course of history changed. The ‘People’s Princess’ and the mother to a future King was dead and a reckoning with the paparazzi was about to begin. From the moment Diana began dating Prince Charles she was stalked by aggressive photographers who she would later say made her life unbearable. Diana’s brother said at her funeral that every editor in the UK who paid for intrusive photographs of the princess had blood on their hands following her death. On this episode of History of the 90s we are looking back at the relationship between Princess Diana and the paparazzi and the changes that followed her tragic death. Guest: Mark Karloff, Los Angeles Photographer, and co-host of Paparazzi Podcast www.paparazzipodcast.com Twitter: @Papsouljah Instagram: @Paparazzipodcast Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the X-Files debuted in 1993 no one could have predicted it would become one of the defining TV shows of the decade. The show about a couple of FBI agents investigating aliens and other supernatural creatures was nothing like the other one-hour TV shows that were on the air at the time. But within a couple of years the show became a phenomenon that kick started internet fandom and influenced the TV landscape for years to come. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora is looking back at the creation and growth of The X-Files and the legacy that continues to this day. Guest: Zack Handlen, author of Monster of the Week: The Complete Critical Companion to The X-Files. Twitter: @zhandlen Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like every year in the 90s, 1991 was a year of incredible change. From the fall of the Soviet Union, to the birth of the World Wide Web, it was a roller coaster ride of exciting new paths being forged as we were barreling toward the end of the century. And more and more we were being consumed by a new type of round the clock news coverage that permeated our lives like never before. On this episode of History of the 90s we are looking back and counting down ten of the most memorable stories of 1991. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every generation seems to have its own version of an iconic boy band but the 90s was the first-time boy bands essentially took over pop music. On this episode of History of the 90s were looking back at the magical era of 90s boy bands as we dive deep into two of the biggest boy bands of all time. Both the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC had to pay their dues in Europe before breaking through in the United States. But when they finally broke through, there was no stopping their rise to the top, and along the way they changed the way we view male performers and masculinity. We’ll also take a look at Lou Pearlman, the man who created both groups and eventually conned them out of millions of dollars. Documentaries referenced in this episode: Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of (2015), available on YOUTUBE The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story (2019), available on YOUTUBE Guest info: Maria Sherman, author of Larger Than Life: A History of Boy Bands from NKOTB to BTS Show info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve heard the stories. You’ve felt for the people involved. But what happens after the cameras shut off and the reporters walk away? Just because a story disappears from the news doesn’t mean it’s gone. So whatever happened to the nuclear disaster at Fukushima? or the trapped Chilean Miners? And did anything actually come out of the Ice Bucket Challenge? Join Global News reporter, Erica Vella on this unique history podcast as she takes you inside these stories and talks to the people at the heart of each one to find out exactly what’s happened since. Listen now at https://link.chtbl.com/wht For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 1990s are consider by many to be the last great era of heavyweight boxing. Fighters like Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, and Riddick Bowe dominated the sport. But there was one boxer who stood out from the rest. Mike Tyson was a goliath in the boxing world in the 80s and into the early 90s until his career and personal life fell apart. On this episode of History of the 90s we will take you through Tyson’s downward spiral in the 90s which started with a shocking defeat to Buster Douglas and ended with the now iconic “bite fight” against Evander Holyfield. In between it all Tyson was convicted of raping an 18-year-old beauty pageant contestant and sent to jail for nearly three years. Guest: Mark Hebscher, veteran sports broadcaster and host of Hebsy on Sports podcast Hebsy On Sports: The Podcast Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the beginning of the 1990s it seemed as if the world was taking a new turn toward peace. Germany was reunited, Nelson Mandela was released from prison and an historic peace deal was reached between the Israelis and Palestinians. The Middle East Peace Agreement, signed in 1993 on the lawn of U.S. White House, was the first major step toward ending a decades old deadly conflict. But just two years later the agreement fell apart after the shocking assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at a time when peace in the Middle East almost seemed possible and take you through the night when a Jewish extremist gunned down the man who almost made it happen. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Blog: www.historyofthe90sblog.ca For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The deadliest shooting spree in Canada’s modern history left us with far more questions than answers. Join Sarah Ritchie, a reporter for Global News in Halifax, as she tries to unravel how something like this could happen there. Sarah will take you through every hour, as it unfolded and together you’ll try and piece together what happened, what could or should’ve been done to prevent it and what we can learn to make sure a tragedy of this magnitude never happens again. 13 Hours: Inside the Nova Scotia Massacre: Listen NOW! https://link.chtbl.com/13hours For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of History of the 90s we are looking back at the decade’s obsession with witches. From The Craft to Charmed, witches were everywhere in popular culture with a slew of movies and tv shows that showcased wiccan rituals and magic. The witch craze in the 90s was nothing new. Studies show that with every wave of feminism, there is a renewed interest in the witch. It happened in the 60s, the 90s and its happening again right now in 2020. But the 90s, seemed extra witchy and thanks to nostalgia many of those movies and TV shows remain popular to this day. Just in time for Halloween, join us as we look at some of the best witches of the decade. For a full list of 90s witch movies check out www.historyofthe90sblog.ca Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ride along with 25 year veteran Crime Reporter Nancy Hixt, from Global News, on her award winning podcast Crime Beat as she takes you through some of Canada’s most high-profile criminal cases. Real People, Real Crimes, Real Journalism. Each episode takes you deep inside cases she has worked to give you detail you didn't hear on the news. Season 3 is available NOW - LISTEN​ Crime Beat is the 2020 winner of the Edward R. Murrow Podcast Award (RTDNA). For exclusive bonus content subscribe to History of the 90s Patreon page.: https://patreon.com/historyofthe90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices