History of the 90s

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

On this episode of the History of the 90s, Host Kathy Kenzora looks back at Girl Power, a 90’s phenomenon that introduced a generation of young girls to feminism and empowerment. If you think of the Spice Girls when you hear Girl Power, you are not wrong. But before the Spice Girls were kicking it for the girls with hit songs like “Wannabe,” the Riot GRRL movement in the Pacific Northwest was advocating for Girl Power. We’ll talk to authors Alison Yarrow and Anne T. Donahue as we track the Girl Power movement from Riot Grrl to the Spice Girls and try to understand how it impacted music and society in the 90s and today. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Anne T. Donahue Twitter: @annetdonahue Instagram: @annetdonahue Allison Yarrow, author of 90s Bitch: Media, Culture and the Failed Equality Promise of Gender Equality Twitter: @Aliyarrow Instagram: @Aliyarrow 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 are digging into the archive of Host Kathy Kenzora’s previous podcast the History of 1995 to bring you the incredible life and death story of the Toronto subway crash. On August 11, 1995, a TTC subway train crashed into the back of a stopped train killing three women and injuring dozens of others in Canada’s deadliest accident on a rapid transit system. The driver of the train that caused the crash was on his second day on the job after receiving just 12 days of training. Rescuers worked for hours to free trapped passengers from the twisted metal, in unbearably hot conditions. A trauma doctor had to be called in from a nearby hospital to amputate the legs of two passengers who could not be freed by firefighters. Kenzora covered an inquest into the crash that revealed that the rookie driver at the centre of the crash ran three red lights before his train smashed into the back of the stopped subway. The inquest also revealed a host of safety problems and malfunctioning equipment at the TTC which all played a part in the collision. 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

We take a deep dive into Friends, one of the most Iconic TV shows of the decade. Host Kathy Kenzora will try to understand how the show about six 20-somethings in New York became a global phenomenon and why it continues to capture the hearts of fans around the world 25 years later. Friends was created by three ex-New Yorkers who remembered what it was like when they were trying to navigate an uncertain future after college when friends were family. We’ll take you behind the scenes as creators put together the cast and prepared for the pilot episode which aired on September 22, 1994. We’ll look at all of the ways that Friends impacted culture, from fashion and music to the legendary Rachel haircut. We’ll also talk to author Kelsey Miller about the surprising impact that Friends has had on people around the world who have learned to speak English by watching the show. We’ll address some of the questions and controversies that have arisen about Friends, since the recent resurgence of the show and try to explain why it still stands up for an entire new generation of viewers. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest: Kelsey Miller, author of I’ll Be There for You: The One About Friends Twitter: @mskelseymiller 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 takes you back to the shootings at Columbine High School. She'll share the timeline and details from documents released by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and will talk to people who were there that day. She also addresses some of the myths about Columbine and look at the profound impact of one of the most tragic school shootings in US history. After the shootings started, student Laura Farber, hid under a table in the cafeteria, unsure if it was real or a prank. Farber and others eventually ran from the cafeteria into a nearby neighbourhood, banging on the front door of several houses before someone let them in to safety. Columbine Principal Frank DeAngelis, came face to face with one of the shooters as he escorted a group of students into the gym change room. Later he would assist police outside the school as they worked to contain the situation. While all this was happening the world watched the drama unfold live on TV. A school shooting in the era of 24 hour news coverage created continuous coverage which left a permanent scar on our collective psyche. Immediately following the drama the media reported that the shooters were bullied loners who were part of a group called “The Trench Coat Mafia.” It was suggested that they were taking revenge on jocks and others who had picked on them. Professor James Densley from the Metropolitan State University in Minnesota, explains that in the years since the shooting we have learned that this narrative was incorrect and that the notoriety given to the shooters has reared a Columbine Generation. If you enjoy the History of the 90s, please take a minute to rate it on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts, tell us what you think and share it with your friends. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guests: Laura Farber, Columbine survivor and documentary film maker Twitter: @Lionessprod https://wearecolumbinefilm.com/ Frank DeAngelis, Former Columbine Principal and Author of They Call Me “Mr. De”: The Story of Columbine’s Heart, Resilience and Recovery Twitter: @FrankDiane72 https://www.amazon.ca/They-Call-Mr-Columbines-Resilience-ebook/dp/B07NRDDZK1 James Densley, Professor of Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University https://www.jamesdensley.com/home Twitter: @theviolencepro 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 host Kathy Kenzora looks at the story of the ultimate underdog or maybe...under cat? This is the little known story of the 1994 animated feature, The Lion King. Despite being one of Disney’s most cherished movies of all time, the Lion King was never expected to be such a massive hit. The Lion King was considered a filler movie to tide people over until Disney released Pocahontas. Lion King was the first Disney animated movie based on a completely original story, it had a smaller budget and lesser known directors working on the film. Most of Disney’s “A-Team” animators chose to work on Pocahontas instead of Lion King because they worried a movie about a talking lion cub would be a flop. Those that ended up working on it were so dedicated that when an earthquake shutdown Disney studios in 1994, animators worked from their homes to make sure the film was completed on time. Despite these obstacles, The Lion King was a massive hit, making nearly a billion dollars at the box office and winning several awards including two Oscars. In addition, it spawned the highest grossing Broadway production of all time and of course this year’s live action reboot with Beyoncé and Childish Gambino. The original Lion King also attracted its fair share of criticisms, including concerns that it portrayed hyenas in a negative light and some suggested it was knock off of a Japanese made American cartoon called Kimba the White Lion. Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode Host Kathy Kenzora is looking back at how tabloid media had a feeding frenzy on the Long Island Lolita. In May 1992, a high school senior on Long Island, New York, went to the home of her much older ex-lover and shot his wife in the face. 17 year old Amy Fisher had been having an affair with 37 year old Joey Buttafuco for 18 months and was angry that he wanted to end the relationship. Within days, Amy was dubbed “The Long Island Lolita” and the story exploded in the media around the country. Amy and the Buttafuco’s became household names overnight and tabloid newspapers and TV shows scrambled to dig up dirt on anyone involved with the story. This type of down and dirty pseudo-journalism was extremely common in the 90s, just think Lorena Bobbitt, Tanya Harding, Heidi Fleiss, Hugh Grant, George Michael and Peewee Herman. David Kamp, a contributing editor for Vanity Fair Magazine, wrote about the phenomenon in 1999 and dubbed the 90s the Tabloid Decade. Kamp, explains in this episode that the coverage of tabloid stories in the 90s was weirdly out of proportion thanks in part to the popularity of tabloid TV shows like A Current Affair, Hard Copy and Inside Edition. Show Contact: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Guest info: David Kamp Twitter: @MrKamp www.davidkamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On History of the 90’s we’ll travel back in time through the stories that defined a decade. The last 10 years of the 20th century was a time like no other, from Columbine to Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Seinfeld, Air Jordan, and the Spice Girls …if it happened in the 90’s you’ll hear about it on this podcast. Join Kathy Kenzora as we journey through the History of the 90's every other Wednesday starting July 17. 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