History of the 90s

First released in 1991, The Heritage Minutes collection are a bilingual series of history-focused public service announcements running about 60-second and depicting a significant person, event or story in Canadian history. These short vignettes opened millions of Canadian's eyes to their and inspired a young Craig Baird, host of Canadian History Ehx on his own journey. Today on History of the 90's we share that story with you. Show contact info: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the rise of video game violence. Games like Doom and Mortal Kombat brought a new level of blood and gore, and they captivated players like never before. They also caused moral panic for parents and politicians who were shocked by the violence. Guest contact info: Alyse Knorr, associate professor of English at Regis University, co-editor of Switchback Books, and co-producer of the Sweetbitter podcast. She is the author of several books including Goldeneye 007 and Super Mario Bros. 3 which are both for Boss Fight Books. Twitter: @alyseknorr www.alyseknorr.com Show contact info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the abduction and murder of two-year-old James Bulger, a crime so shocking that it continues to reverberate more than 30 years later. James was lured away from his mom at a shopping mall near Liverpool, England by two 10-year-old boys who tortured and killed the toddler. They became the youngest people in the UK to be convicted of first degree murder. This episode contains details that may not but suitable for all listeners. Guest info: David James Smith, journalist and author of The Sleep of Reason: The James Bulger Case www.davidjamessmith.net Twitter: @davidjamessmit5 Show contact info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Cameron’s epic movie Titanic captured the hearts of millions and changed just how big a blockbuster could actually be. After opening in December 1997 the movie stayed at number 1 for 15 weeks in a row and became such a massive cultural phenomenon that it didn’t close in theatres until nearly one year later in October 1998. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the making of Cameron’s juggernaut and explores the controversial question, could Jack have fit on the door with Rose. Guest Info: Jessi Cruickshank, host of the podcast Phone a Friend Instagram: @jessicruickshank Facebook: @jessicruickshank www.jessicruickshank.com Show contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This historical, true crime podcast hosted by Kru Williams from History Television's hit original series Deadman’s Curse: The Legend of the Lost Gold investigates the curse and legend surrounding the lost gold mine of Pitt Lake. On their quest they're joined by members of the Stó:lō and Katzie First Nations, historians and cultural experts of diverse backgrounds, as they sort fact from fiction and give Slumach a voice from the other side of the veil. You'll hear about how an Indigenous prospector, accused of murder set a curse on anyone who searched for his hidden gold just before he was hanged. Over a century later, a prospector, a mountaineer, a truth-seeker and a way-shower band together to walk the same paths of those who went looking for Slumach’s cursed gold and never returned find how a single bullet was the catalyst for a 150-year-old mystery. Click here to find it on your favourite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the life and career of three of the best comedians of our generation. John Candy, Chris Farley and Phil Hartman all died in the 1990s and in their absence each one left us with a trove of material that will keep us laughing for decades to come. Show contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today marks 25 years since Spiceworld was hit with a band-splitting jolt when Ginger Spice officially dropped the bomb that her Girl Power days were over. The announcement on May 31, 1998, by Gerri Halliwell sent shockwaves worldwide just days before the Spice Girls were to begin a mega-hyped North American tour. Gerri was considered the guru of the band’s Girl Power philosophy….so we thought this would be a great opportunity to revisit an issue we did at the beginning of season one all about Girl Power. We’ll be back in two weeks with brand new material….until then….I hope you enjoy the episode. Show contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 26, 1991, four men and four women embarked on an unprecedented mission in the Arizona desert. In one of the most exciting and controversial experiments of the 20th century, they created a mini version of earth under a glass and metal structure and planned to live inside it for 2 years. On this episode of History of the 90s we look at how the privately funded project called Biosphere 2 went from a media darling to what scientists called a colossal failure. Guest Info: Dr. Mark Nelson, ecologist, author and biospherian. www.marknelsonbiospherian.com Show contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In March 1991, a media circus descended on the normally quiet New Hampshire town of Exeter to witness a trial that some journalists were calling the sex, lies and murder case. The trial, which saw a young woman accused in the murder of her husband, was the first ever to be covered gavel to gavel live on US television. It was a landmark moment for cameras and the criminal justice system and marked the beginning of the true crime media obsession we know today. On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the sensational murder trial of Pamela Smart and find out what has happened since the cameras went away. Guest info: Dr. Eleanor Pam, Professor Emerita at the City University of New York and President of Veteran Feminists of America www.pamelasmart.org Show contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been 30 years since the deadly stand-off in Waco, Texas that killed 75 people, including 25 children. Among the dead was David Koresh, the leader of the Branch Davidians, one of several Doomsday cults that made news at the end of the 20th century. On this episode of History of the 90s, first broadcast in May 2020 as part of a series on Doomsday cults we look back at what happened in Waco and why. Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Dick Reavis, author of The Ashes of Waco: An Investigation. https://www.texasmonthly.com/author/dick-reavis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In March 1997 the Cartoon Network in the United States introduced a block of programming unlike anything ever seen before on a kids channel. From 4pm to 7pm each weekday young viewers could enjoy three hours of animated action shows from Japan. When Toonami put anime on TV in the prime after-school timeslot, it was the evolution of a slow steady climb that saw anime grow from an underground hobby in North America to a massive multi-million dollar industry with fans of all ages. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at a Golden Age of Anime. Guest info: Ada Palmer, a historian, author of science fiction and fantasy who teaches in the History Department at the University of Chicago. Host of the podcast: Ex Urbe Ad Astra Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a relationship comes to an end it can be hard for anyone, but when you factor in millions of dollars, pre-nups, and accusations of infidelity things can get down and dirty. In the 1990s news of several high profile break-ups dominated tabloid and mainstream media with juicy details and shocking allegations. On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at some of the messiest breakups of the decade. SHOW CONTACT: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Johnny Depp and his business partners opened a nightclub in 1993 it instantly became one of the coolest places to hang out in West Hollywood. 20 something actors and musicians flocked to the tiny music venue at the corner of Sunset Blvd and Larrabee which catered to their wild habits. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora takes you inside the Viper Room in the 1990s. GUEST CONTACT: Chris Epting, author of 40 travel/history books, including James Dean Died Here www.chrisepting.com SHOW CONTACT: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at one of the most intense events in Canadian history. It might sound impossible today but 28 years ago the country was on the verge of breaking apart. This is the story of the 1995 Quebec Referendum. GUEST CONTACT: Dave Trafford, Executive Producer of iContact Productions Twitter: @davetrafford www.icontactproductions.com SHOW CONTACT: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990s a new generation of female country artists dominated Nashville with a look and sound that had never been seen before. Stars like Shania Twain, Faith Hill and The Chicks broke the rules, topped the music charts and crossed over into mainstream. These women paved the way for singers like Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert and many of more of today’s artists. But there has never been another time like the 1990s for women in country. On this episode of History of the 90s we are looking back at the golden era of female country artists. Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For over 25 years Alan Eagleson ruled the professional hockey world by convincing the players he represented through his roles as agent and union boss that he was a benevolent leader with their best interests in mind. When cracks started to appear in the façade he had created it would take the efforts of dozens of players like Carl Brewer along with other hockey agents and dedicated journalists to finally knock Eagleson off his perch. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks at the rise and fall of Alan Eagleson. Guest Info: David Shoalts, retired sportswriter for The Globe and Mail and author of multiple books including Greed and Glory: The Fall of Hockey Czar Alan Eagleson which he co-wrote with William Houston. Twitter: @dshoalts Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In February 1993 a thunderous explosion rocked the parking garage below the World Trade Centre carving out a crater in the floor that was 100 feet wide and several stories deep. Initially it was believed that a transformer may have exploded because the idea of terrorism on United States soil seemed impossible. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at an event that marked the beginning of a new era of terrorism and foreshadowed much worse things to come. Guest Info: John Parachini, Senior International and Defence Researcher, former director of the Rand Intelligence Policy Centre. www.Rand.org Twitter: @JohnParachini Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1993 was a year filled with shocking crimes and unexpected losses. There was also hope for peace in the middle east, while at the same time we saw the beginning of a new phase of terrorism that hinted at much worse things to come in the new millennium. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at 10 of the most memorable stories from 1993. Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora takes a look at another powerhouse show from Aaron Spelling and Darren Starr. A show that grew out of the teen classic Beverly Hills 90210 and despite a rough star became one of the most outrageous and compulsively watchable TV shows of the 1990s. This is the story of Melrose Place. Guests: Tara Ariano and Sarah D. Bunting, co-hosts of the podcast: Again With This: Beverly Hills, 90210 & Melrose Place and co-authors of the book: A Very Special 90210 Book: 93 Absolutely Essential Episodes from TV’s Most Notorious Zip Code www.againwiththis90210.com Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Aaron Spelling show Beverly Hills, 90210 debuted on the Fox Network in September 1990, it was panned by TV critics who called it shallow and stereotypical. Some predicted it would be cancelled before the end of the season. Instead, the show went on to dominate the TV landscape for the rest of the decade and along the way redefined the teen drama genre. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks at how Beverly Hills, 90210 went from the bottom of the ratings barrel to an international pop culture phenomenon. Guests: Tara Ariano and Sarah D. Bunting, co-hosts of the podcast: Again With This: Beverly Hills, 90210 & Melrose Place and co-authors of the book: A Very Special 90210 Book: 93 Absolutely Essential Episodes from TV’s Most Notorious Zip Code Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 1964 to 1966, The Beatles played only a handful of shows in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Each show was pandemonium but the story of the Beatles in Canada goes far beyond that. From their first visit to Canada in Winnipeg, to the famous Bed-In in Montreal in 1969. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/craigU Donate: canadaehx.com (Click Donate) E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: twitter.com/craigbaird Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cdnhistoryehx YouTube: youtube.com/c/canadianhistoryehx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a classic battle between good and evil and it gave us one of the greatest toys of all time. Today, we journey back to revisit the history of the iconic Transformers. From their early days in Japan to dominating TVs and toy shelves in North America, this is another defining 1980s toys franchise that was also a masterclass in marketing. So hit play and let's roll out! Support the show and get bonus audio content at Patreon.com/80s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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