History of the 90s

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

On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the complicated legacy of Vanilla Ice who was the first rapper to have a number one song on the Billboard music charts. His album To the Extreme, featuring Ice Ice Baby, sold 12 million copies and earned him an American Music Award for best new pop/rock artist in 1991. But Ice’s rising star quickly crashed to the ground when it was revealed that his back story was made up. Plus, many in the hip-hop community criticized his homogenized style of rap and accused Ice of trying to cash in on black culture. And if that wasn’t enough, Ice also found himself in some hot water with hip-hop outlaw Suge Knight over writing credits on Ice Ice baby. Check out Vanilla Ice performing Ice Ice Baby on the 1991 American Music Awards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FAJyqXSoY4 Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] 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

This year marks the 30th anniversary of one of the most historic moments of the 1990s. On October 3, 1990, East and West Germany were reunited after 45 years of cold war separation. The reunification process was set in motion a year earlier when border crossings along the Berlin Wall were unexpectedly opened, finally allowing friends and family who had been divided by the concrete barrier to reunite. Who can forget the glorious celebrations that took place on top of the Berlin Wall which marked a turning point in modern history? On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the tumultuous events that led up to the toppling of the Berlin Wall and ultimately the reunification of East and West Germany. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] 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 90's we look back at an era when unprecedented violence against abortion providers gave rise to a serial shooter, known as the abortion sniper. Abortion doctors in Canada and the US were targeted by a lone gunman who lurked outside their homes, often for days, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It was all part of a rise in violence in the 1990's lead by anti-abortion groups like the Army of God and Operation Rescue who used destructive tactics like arson and bombings to get clinics shutdown and prevent abortions from taking place. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Jon Wells, journalist and author of Sniper: The True Story of Anti-Abortion Killer James Kopp https://www.harpercollins.ca/author/cr-176244/jon-wells/ Twitter: @jonjwells 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 we continue our look back at the stand-up sitcom boom of the 1990s. Following the success of shows such as Roseanne and Seinfeld, networks scrambled to find more comics who could become television stars. Some up and coming comics were discovered on Star Search or Johnny Carson while others got their big break at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. Soon networks were filled with sitcoms starring previously unknown stand-up comedians. On part two we look back at Everybody Loves Raymond, The Drew Carey Show, The Sinbad Show, All-American Girl, Grace Under Fire and Bless this House. Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Paul Brownfield, magazine writer, former TV critic at LA Times Twitter: @paulbrownfield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990s there was a massive flood of stand-up comedians making the leap to television to star in their own stand-up sitcoms thanks in part to the success of the Cosby Show and Roseanne. Those shows were followed by other massive hits like Seinfeld, Home Improvement, Martin, Ellen and The Drew Carey Show. All of them featured a previously established stand-up comic who had been scouted from the comedy club circuit. But there were lots of other shows starring comics that had high expectations but went down in flames like Grace Under Fire starring Bret Butler, All American Girl starring Margaret Cho and anything featuring Andrew Dice Clay. On the next two episodes we are going to take a look back at some of the hits as well as some the failures from that decade. On part one, we look back at the stories behind Roseanne, Seinfeld, Home Improvement, Martin and Ellen. Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Paul Brownfield, magazine writer, former TV critic at LA Times Twitter: @paulbrownfield Greg David, TV critic and partner at www.TV-Eh.com Twitter: @greg_david Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 years ago, this September, a long simmering dispute over First Nations’ territory in Southwestern Ontario turned deadly when police shot and killed an unarmed protestor. Dudley George was among a group of protestors who occupied Ipperwash Provincial Park to assert their claim to the land they believed contained sacred burial grounds. On the night of September 6th, 1995, heavily armed police officers marched up a dark road toward the park to confront the protestors. Within 30 minutes a band councillor was severely beaten by police and George was dead. On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the confrontation that has become known as the Ipperwash Crisis, and the years long search for justice and answers that followed. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Monica Virtue, Researcher and Filmmaker https://monicavirtue.com/ Twitter: @VirtueintheCity Peter Edwards, author of One Dead Indian https://peteredwardsauthor.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

On this episode of History of the 90's we look back at the 1992 Los Angeles riots and the various factors that led to the largest and most violent case of civil unrest in United States history. The acquittal of four police officers in connection with the brutal video taped beating of Rodney King wasn’t the only reason people went into the streets of South L.A. looting and burning buildings over a six day period in April 92. The Black community was also reeling from a judges’ decision not to send a Korean shopkeeper to jail in connection with the shooting death of 15-year-old Latasha Harlins. Plus, South L.A., which was 50 percent Black in the early 90s was hit hard by unemployment, gang violence and the crack epidemic. As you’ll hear in this episode. the conditions were ripe for unrest. A note on sources: The information in this podcast about the timeline of events at the intersection of Florence and Normandie was based on reporting in a 1998 article by The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1998/01/26/worlds-collide-at-florence-and-normandie/5bfed605-0da1-4bfd-b69f-bc1cef8b7cc8/ Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Brenda Stevenson, Professor of African American Studies at UCLA. Author of The Contested Murder of Latasha Harlins: Justice, Gender and the Origins of the L.A. Riots https://www.drbrendastevenson.com/ Ryan Gattis, author of All Involved https://ryangattis.com/ Twitter: @ryan_Gattis 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 finish up our look back at Doomsday Cults at the end of the 20th century with the story of the Branch Davidians and the complicated legacy of the deadly siege in Waco, Texas. In February 1993, ATF agents raided the Davidians compound in Waco, Texas after learning they were stockpiling weapons. Agents expected to execute a typical arrest warrant but instead ended up in a deadly gun battle with Branch Davidian leader David Koresh and his followers. A 51-day standoff between the FBI and the Davidians ended when flames swept through the compound after tear gas was fired into the buildings. 75 people died, including 25 children. Charges and counter charges followed the incident and questions about how the fires stared and whether federal agents or Davidians were responsible for the deadly outcome remain to this day. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Dick Reavis, author of The Ashes of Waco: An Investigation. https://www.texasmonthly.com/author/dick-reavis/ 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 continue our look back at the rise of doomsday cults in the years leading up to the new millennium. In March 1997, Heaven’s Gate made headlines around the world when 39 members died by suicide and today it remains one of the most recognizable and notorious cults of the 20th century. The group was formed in the 1970’s by Marshall Herf Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles who combined their belief in extra-terrestrials with Christian theology. They traveled around the country, collecting a loyal following of like-minded people. By the 1990’s they settled in California and began to prepare for the end times. When the Hale-Bopp comet was discovered Applewhite told his followers that a spaceship was traveling behind the comet and would pick them up and take them to the Next Level. But the only way followers could join the spaceship was by committing suicide. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Alan R. Warren, author of “Doomsday Cults: The Devil’s Hostages” https://www.alanrwarren.com/ Facebook: @radiocub A note on sources: The description of Officer Robert Brunk’s discovery of the crime scene was included in an article by Gary Warth in the San Diego Union-Tribune on March 26, 2007. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-i-lost-count-at-10-encinitas-deputy-recalls-day-2007mar26-story.html 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 continue our look back at the rise of doomsday cults in the years leading up to the new millennium. The Japanese doomsday cult, Aum Shinrikyo, killed 13 people and injured over 5,000 others in a sarin gas attack on the Tokyo Subway System in March 1995. It’s believed they were trying to bring about a world war that would result in an all-out nuclear war. Aum’s leader Shoko Asahara convinced his members that only they would survive the nuclear war and would transcend to a new utopian society. Aum Shinrikyo reportedly had 40,000 members in countries around the world including Japan, Russia and the United States. In Tokyo, the majority of their members were highly educated young men who had grown disillusioned with Japanese society’s pressure to succeed. With the help of these followers, Asahara was able to build a network of chemical labs and computer companies worth a billion dollars. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Paul Midford, Professor and Director of the Japan Program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology 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 the next few episodes of History of the 90s we are looking back at the doomsday cults and their rise to infamy in the years leading up to the new millennium. During the 1990’s the world began to seem more dangerous with war, environmental destruction and social breakdown becoming part of the everyday fabric of society. As a way of coping some people turned to new religions and cults for guidance and support. In some cases that decision ended with deadly consequences. On part one we uncover the little-known story of the Order of the Solar Temple. The religious sect had branches in Canada, Switzerland and France and its members included politicians, journalists, executives and police officers. We’ll look at how members hoping to start a new life instead found horrific and tragic ends. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Michael Kropveld, Executive Director of Info-Cult https://www.infosecte.org/ 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 look back at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, a cataclysmic weekend that shattered lives of many and permanently reshaped Formula 1 racing. This is more than a story about fast cars –it’s a story about cutthroat competition, money, deceit, love, tragedy and the search for justice. Over the course of three days, starting on April 29, 1994, in Imola, Italy, two drivers were killed, and another driver was seriously hurt. It was a watershed moment for F1 which had not seen a death in 12 years. Formula One was never the same after that weekend, because one of the drivers lost at that event was one of the greatest drivers of all time, the legendary, Ayrton Senna. Host, Kathy Kenzora takes you back to the historic San Marino race and the impact it had on one of the most prestigious sporting event series in the world. Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Brendan Dunlop, Sports Journalist Twitter: @Brendan_Dunlop Ibrar Malik, author of 1994: The Untold Story of a Tragic and Controversial Season https://www.1994f1.com/ Twitter: @ibsey1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode we continue our look back at some of the great movies of 1999. The last year of the 20th century is considered by many to be one of the greatest movie years ever with a flood of innovative and provocative films like never before. On part one we took a deep dive into; Fight Club, Election, Three Kings, Boys Don’t Cry, The Blair Witch Project and Being John Malkovich. Part two we take apart some more 99 classics including The Matrix, Office Space, American Beauty, American Pie, 10 Things I Hate About You and the Sixth Sense. For a full list of 1999 movies check out this site: https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/1999/?grossesOption=totalGrosses Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Brian Raftery, author of Best. Movie. Year. Ever: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen www.Brianraftery.com Twitter: @brianraftery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During this time of self-isolation, we thought you might need some viewing recommendations to help fill the time and take your mind off COVID-19. So, on this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora is looking back at some of the best movies from 1999. The last year of the 20th century is considered by many to be one of the greatest movie years ever with a flood of innovative and provocative films like never before. For a full list of 1999 movies check out this site: https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/1999/?grossesOption=totalGrosses Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Brian Raftery, author of Best. Movie. Year. Ever: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen www.Brianraftery.com Twitter: @brianraftery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mexican American singing sensation Selena Quintanilla was on the verge of becoming an international superstar when she was gunned down at a Texas motel by her fan club president. 25 years since her death, Selena continues to be immortalized by the Latinx community who look to her as a source of inspiration and hope. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks at the life and tragic death of the Latina icon, who in her short life became the best-selling Latin artist of all times. Songs mentioned in episode: Como La Flor, by Selena Y Los Dinos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsUt2jsLM1k Amor Prohibido, by Selena https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1O59SHpMxk Bidi Bidi Bom Bom (Live at Astrodome), by Selena https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPkNVMtMXyc Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Deborah Peredez, author of Selenidad: Selena, Latinos and the Performance of Memory https://www.deborahparedez.com/bio 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

25 years ago, on April 19, 1995, the face of terrorism in the United States changed forever when Timothy McVeigh detonated a 5-ton truck bomb in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Building. 168 people were killed in the blast, including 19 children who attended a daycare centre on the second floor of the building. Initially, media and others speculated that that the explosion may have been the work of Islamic terrorists, but Americans were shocked to learn it was a former US soldier who had taken aim at his own country.On this episode Kathy Kenzora looks back at the devastating story of the Oklahoma City Bombing and you'll hear from a woman who survived the blast that killed many of her work colleagues and learn what it was like to be buried under mounds of concrete and granite hoping that rescuers would find her. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] 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 at some aspects of the anti-apartheid struggle that you might not know; pirate radio and protest songs. Pirate radio was a weapon used by the African National Congress to inspire black South Africans and counter propaganda and misinformation by the apartheid government. While protest songs performed by western musicians played a pivotal role in raising awareness in the rest of the world about the injustices in South Africa. Pirate radio and protest songs inside and outside South Africa helped put pressure on the South African government and help end apartheid. This led to the release of Nelson Mandela from a prison in Cape Town, South Africa is one of the most memorable events of the 1990s. We all remember the day he walked arm and arm with his wife and then raised a fist in victory after surviving 27 years behind bars. Following Mandela’s release, apartheid was dismantled, and he became the first democratically elected President in a free South Africa. It had been a long walk to freedom for Mandela and a long fight by all South Africans to end apartheid. Songs mentioned in episode: Biko, by Peter Gabriel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luVpsM3YAgw Free Nelson Mandela, by The Special AKA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLMV7Buj5g0 Sun City, by Artists United Against Apartheid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BIvf-ZlJNc Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Sekibakiba Peter Lekgoathi (Ph.D.) Associate Professor of History University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 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

Between 1997 and 2002 professional wrestling’s Attitude Era broke boundaries in ways like never before with risqué programming, adult oriented content and larger than life superstars like Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Rock, Bret Hart, The Undertaker and Sean Michaels. Throw in the Monday night ratings war between the WWF and the WCW and it was the perfect storm of wrestling greatness. WWF’s Monday Night Raw and the WCW’s Monday Nitro aired each week at the same time forcing fans to choose between the two. On June 17, 1996, Monday Nitro won the battle of the Monday night ratings for the first time. And It would go on to win the ratings war for the next 84 weeks in a row. It would take WCW two years to claw its way back to the top thanks to the outrageous programming of the Attitude Era. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora takes a look back at some of the most memorable moments of the Attitude Era as we try to understand why fans can’t get enough of 90s wrestling. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Kevin Michie, Senior Broadcast & Content Associate, Anchor, Sportsnet.ca Contributor https://www.sportsnet.ca/author/kevin-michie/ Twitter: @kevinmichie 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

Somalia was struck by a famine of staggering proportions which was made worse by the fact that militia leaders were stealing foreign aid that was shipped from other nations. The Canadian military was part of a UN humanitarian peacekeeping mission to ensure food and medical supplies got to desperate Somali’s. Canada’s elite Airborne Regiment was deployed as part of the mission in December 1992 and within months would become involved in one of Canada’s ugliest moments in history. In March 1993, a 16-year-old Somali boy was beaten and tortured to death after he was caught by soldiers sneaking into a military compound. Soldiers took photos posing with Shidane Arone after he had been brutalized for hours. The same regiment would come under fire two years later when homemade videos were released to the media which showed Airborne Commandos making racists remarks and taking part in a disturbing hazing ceremony. On this episode, host Kathy Kenzora, looks back at these events as well as the court martials and public inquiry that followed what has become known as the Somalia Affair. To read more about the report mentioned in this episode entitled, Dishonoured Legacy: The Lessons of the Somalia Affair: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Deployment of Canadian Forces to Somalia follow this link: https://qspace.library.queensu.ca/handle/1974/6881 Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Scott Taylor, editor and publisher of Esprit de Corps magazine http://espritdecorps.ca/ Twitter: @EDC_Mag Facebook: @EspritDeC Instagram: @espritdecorps_magazne 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 August 20, 1989, Jose and Kitty Menendez were brutally murdered inside the home of their Beverly Hills Mansion. The scene was so gruesome that early speculation focused on the possibility of a mob hit. But soon the focus shifted to the couple’s handsome young sons. Lyle and Eric Menendez were eventually arrested for the murders and their sensational televised trial kicked off an era of high-profile criminal trials that captured the public’s imagination through the ‘90s. In fact, it was the Menendez case that cleared the way for the trial of the century, the OJ trial, and foreshadowed our fascination with true crime docuseries and reality TV. On this episode we’re taking a second look at the murder trials of Erik and Lyle Menendez and ask the question, if the brother’s stood trial today, would there be a different outcome in light of our current understanding of sexual abuse and family violence? You’ll hear from Robert Rand, a journalist and author who has been working on the Menendez story for 30 years and recently uncovered incredible new evidence regarding the brother’s allegations of sexual abuse by their father. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Robert Rand, author of The Menendez Murders: The Shocking Inside Story of an American Tragedy. www.menedezmurders.com Twitter: @Menendezrand 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

Depending on who you talk to, the introduction of online dating in 1995 either revolutionized society or destroyed it. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the creation of online dating and how it became such a normal part of our lives. We talk to the creator of Match.com and the first mainstream dating website about what inspired him to use the internet to solve the age-old problem of finding a perfect match. And we unpack the data that has been collected by sociologists who have been studying online dating to understand how swiping left and right has impacted how we meet and who we meet. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Gary Kremen, pioneer of online dating. Twitter: @gkremen www.kremen.com David Kushner, author of The Player’s Ball: A Genius, A Con Man, and the Secret History of the Internet’s Rise Twitter: @davidkushner www.davidkushner.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

If 1990 was anything, it was a year of incredible change -- Sure it was the beginning of a new decade but more than that….much more….it was the start of a new era in human history. The decade that followed ushered in the end of communism, and apartheid. It saw the beginning of technological wonders that would both bring the world together and divide it …..and along the way change the very way we communicate with each other ….. It was also a time for some of the greatest achievements in music, television, and sport. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back and counts down 10 of the most memorable events from 1990. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] 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 July 1996, a back pack bomb rocked the Summer Olympics in Atlanta killing one person and injuring over 100 others. The bomb had been left under a bench in the middle of Centennial Olympic Park on the eighth day of the games. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the tragedy that struck the 100th games and the police investigation that followed. Security Guard Richard Jewell who discovered the bomb before it exploded was first hailed a hero. Then just a few days later he was identified as the main suspect by the media who had a field day with his reputation. This is the story of Richard Jewell, a cautionary tale about what happens when the police and the media rush to judgment. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Kent Alexander, former US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Twitter: @Kentbale Kevin Salwen, Journalist Twitter: @KevinSalwen They co-authored: The Suspect: An Olympic Bombing, The FBI, The Media and Richard Jewell, The Man Caught in the Middle. www.TheSuspectbook.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

How did Beanie Babies go from boom to bust? On this episode of History of the 90s, Host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the cute, colorful bean bag animals that started off as a toy but soon became an obsession for collectors who were buying and selling the furry creatures on this new thing called EBAY. Beanie Babies were traded like stocks and even became long term investments for some optimistic buyers. Of course, where there’s money to be made there’s also crime and deception and Beanie Babies were no different. We’ll look back at how greed and hysteria over the 5-dollar plush toy also led to a wave of theft, fraud and fakery. We’ll trace the Beanie Baby Bubble from start to finish and try to figure out if the man who invented the toy was a genius or an accidental billionaire. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Zac Bissonnette author, The Great Beanie Baby Bubble: The Amazing Story of How America Lost its Mind Over a Plush Toy – And the Eccentric Genius Behind It Twitter: @ZacBissonnette Peggy Gallagher https://peggyg.com/beanie-baby-authentication/ 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 October 1993, Saskatchewan farmer, Robert Latimer, pumped exhaust fumes into the cab of a pickup truck ending the life of his severely disabled 12-year-old daughter. He claimed it was a mercy killing and that he only wanted to end Tracy`s constant pain. Host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the heated debate that surrounded the death of Tracy Latimer. The subject of euthanasia was fiercely debated in the 90s. It seemed every few months we heard news that Dr Jack Kevorkian had helped another terminally ill person end their life in the United States. In Canada, Sue Rodrigues asked the Supreme Court to let a doctor help her die. When the court said no Rodrigues did it anyway forcing the government to take a look at whether society was ready for legalized euthanasia. But the case of Tracey Latimer was different because she was a child and her parent made the decision for her leading to one of the most polarizing court dramas in Canadian history. Disabled activists weigh in on this issue along with the author Gary Bauslaugh who has written extensively about Robert Latimer’s lengthy legal battle. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Gary Bauslaugh author of: Robert Latimer: A Story of Justice and Mercy https://www.garybauslaugh.com/ Krista Carr, Executive Vice President of Canadian Association for Community Living Twitter: @KristaCarrNB https://cacl.ca/ Pat Danforth, Vice Chair of Council of Canadians with Disabilities http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/ 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, Scream, the movie directed by legendary director Wes Craven gave new life to the horror genre and inspired a generation of teen movies. In the mid 90’s, the horror movie genre was almost dead, thanks in part to a slew of badly received sequels to iconic franchise like Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th. Then Scream, with its “Ghostface” serial killer, slashed its way into theaters. Scream was like no other horror movie before because it wasn’t just terrifying, it was also incredibly self-aware. From the opening scene when Drew Barrymore is asked, “What’s your favorite scary movie?” it was pretty clear this wasn’t what we were used to. Scream was unique. The characters knew about slasher movies and ironically recognized they were in the middle of one. This episode looks back at how Scream came to be, including the little-known story of its inspiration. Also did you know that scream was originally called Scary Movie? But studio execs thought it was too on the nose so they suggested Scream…which was the name of a hugely popular song and video released in 1994 starring Michael Jackson and his sister Janet. We’ll cover all this and we’ll try to understand why it became the most successful slasher movie franchise in history and how it continues to influence horror movies over 20 years later. If you enjoy History of the ’90s, please take a minute to rate it, tell us what you think and share the show with your friends. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: John Kenneth Muir author of Horror Movies of the 1990s http://reflectionsonfilmandtelevision.blogspot.com/ Twitter: @JKMuir 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 looks back at the cultural impact of John F. Kennedy Jr. After the assassination of US President Kennedy, John Jr, grew up as a living national treasure who was expected to carry on the hopes and dreams of his father. in addition to his family’s political legacy, he was a legitimately good-looking guy who was not afraid to flaunt it. John’s fame peaked in the 90s, after being deemed the Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine. His every move was chronicled by the tabloids, with the media keeping close tabs on him, whether it was at work or play. On this episode we’ll take a closer look at, George, the political magazine he founded in 1995 as well as his marriage to Carolyn Bessette. We’ll talk to people who knew him and you’ll hear new details about his life and his short marriage that ended in tragedy in 1999 when John and Carolyn, along with her sister Lauren were killed in a plane crash. Their deaths not only marked the end of Camelot they also marked the end of a paparazzi driven 90s celebrity culture that existed in a world before social media. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Steven M. Gillon author of: The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr.: America’s Reluctant Prince Randy Taraborrelli author of: The Kennedy Heirs: John, Caroline, and the New Generation –A Legacy of Tragedy and Triumph jrandytaraborrelli.com Twitter: @JRTaraborrelli Instagram: @jrandytaraborrelli 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 one particular day in 1995 that was the climax of a trial that gripped the public’s attention. October 3rd marks 24 years since 95 million people watched live on TV as the verdicts were read in the OJ Simpson Murder Trial. After an eight month trial, the country waited anxiously to find out what would happen on the streets of Los Angeles If OJ was found guilty. Police were on standby outside the L.A. county courthouse in case there was a riot similar to the recent Rodney King related riots. Host Kathy Kenzora takes a look back at that day from a special perspective. She was outside the L.A. County courthouse with a microphone and tape recorder covering the reaction for a Toronto radio station. This episode, which first aired on her previous podcast The History of 1995, recreates a day that lives on in infamy. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] 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