On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the rise of video game violence. Games like Doom and Mortal Kombat brought a new level of blood and gore, and they captivated players like never before. They also caused moral panic for parents and politicians who were shocked by the violence. Guest contact info: Alyse Knorr, associate professor of English at Regis University, co-editor of Switchback Books, and co-producer of the Sweetbitter podcast. She is the author of several books...

On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the abduction and murder of two-year-old James Bulger, a crime so shocking that it continues to reverberate more than 30 years later. James was lured away from his mom at a shopping mall near Liverpool, England by two 10-year-old boys who tortured and killed the toddler. They became the youngest people in the UK to be convicted of first degree murder. This episode contains details that may not but suitable for all...

James Cameron’s epic movie Titanic captured the hearts of millions and changed just how big a blockbuster could actually be. After opening in December 1997 the movie stayed at number 1 for 15 weeks in a row and became such a massive cultural phenomenon that it didn’t close in theatres until nearly one year later in October 1998. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the making of Cameron’s juggernaut and explores the controversial question, could Jack have...

This historical, true crime podcast hosted by Kru Williams from History Television's hit original series Deadman’s Curse: The Legend of the Lost Gold investigates the curse and legend surrounding the lost gold mine of Pitt Lake. On their quest they're joined by members of the Stó:lō and Katzie First Nations, historians and cultural experts of diverse backgrounds, as they sort fact from fiction and give Slumach a voice from the other side of the veil. You'll hear about how an Indigenous...

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

Today marks 25 years since Spiceworld was hit with a band-splitting jolt when Ginger Spice officially dropped the bomb that her Girl Power days were over. The announcement on May 31, 1998, by Gerri Halliwell sent shockwaves worldwide just days before the Spice Girls were to begin a mega-hyped North American tour. Gerri was considered the guru of the band’s Girl Power philosophy….so we thought this would be a great opportunity to revisit an issue we did at the beginning of season one all about...

On September 26, 1991, four men and four women embarked on an unprecedented mission in the Arizona desert. In one of the most exciting and controversial experiments of the 20th century, they created a mini version of earth under a glass and metal structure and planned to live inside it for 2 years. On this episode of History of the 90s we look at how the privately funded project called Biosphere 2 went from a media darling to what scientists called a colossal failure. Guest Info: Dr. Mark...

In March 1991, a media circus descended on the normally quiet New Hampshire town of Exeter to witness a trial that some journalists were calling the sex, lies and murder case. The trial, which saw a young woman accused in the murder of her husband, was the first ever to be covered gavel to gavel live on US television. It was a landmark moment for cameras and the criminal justice system and marked the beginning of the true crime media obsession we know today. On this episode of History of the...

It's been 30 years since the deadly stand-off in Waco, Texas that killed 75 people, including 25 children. Among the dead was David Koresh, the leader of the Branch Davidians, one of several Doomsday cults that made news at the end of the 20th century. On this episode of History of the 90s, first broadcast in May 2020 as part of a series on Doomsday cults we look back at what happened in Waco and why. Contact: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email:...

In March 1997 the Cartoon Network in the United States introduced a block of programming unlike anything ever seen before on a kids channel. From 4pm to 7pm each weekday young viewers could enjoy three hours of animated action shows from Japan. When Toonami put anime on TV in the prime after-school timeslot, it was the evolution of a slow steady climb that saw anime grow from an underground hobby in North America to a massive multi-million dollar industry with fans of all ages. On this...

When a relationship comes to an end it can be hard for anyone, but when you factor in millions of dollars, pre-nups, and accusations of infidelity things can get down and dirty. In the 1990s news of several high profile break-ups dominated tabloid and mainstream media with juicy details and shocking allegations. On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at some of the messiest breakups of the decade. SHOW CONTACT: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram:...

When Johnny Depp and his business partners opened a nightclub in 1993 it instantly became one of the coolest places to hang out in West Hollywood. 20 something actors and musicians flocked to the tiny music venue at the corner of Sunset Blvd and Larrabee which catered to their wild habits. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora takes you inside the Viper Room in the 1990s. GUEST CONTACT: Chris Epting, author of 40 travel/history books, including James Dean Died Here...

This week we’re introducing something special: Back Issue from Pineapple Street Studios. Back Issue is back with a brand new season! Back Issue reminisces on moments in pop culture’s past that have shaped our present. Each episode brings personal reflection, incredible guests, and plenty of deep belly laughs. This season host Josh Gwynn has invited some very special guest co-hosts to share their perspective on some of the most formative stories in pop culture.  Join them as they reflect on...

On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at one of the most intense events in Canadian history. It might sound impossible today but 28 years ago the country was on the verge of breaking apart. This is the story of the 1995 Quebec Referendum. GUEST CONTACT: Dave Trafford, Executive Producer of iContact Productions Twitter: @davetrafford www.icontactproductions.com You can listen to Dave Trafford’s full interview by becoming a Patreon subscriber at:...

In the 1990s a new generation of female country artists dominated Nashville with a look and sound that had never been seen before. Stars like Shania Twain, Faith Hill and The Chicks broke the rules, topped the music charts and crossed over into mainstream. These women paved the way for singers like Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert and many of more of today’s artists. But there has never been another time like the 1990s for women in country. On this episode of History of the 90s we are looking...

For over 25 years Alan Eagleson ruled the professional hockey world by convincing the players he represented through his roles as agent and union boss that he was a benevolent leader with their best interests in mind.   When cracks started to appear in the façade he had created it would take the efforts of dozens of players like Carl Brewer along with other hockey agents and dedicated journalists to finally knock Eagleson off his perch.    On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy...

In February 1993 a thunderous explosion rocked the parking garage below the World Trade Centre carving out a crater in the floor that was 100 feet wide and several stories deep. Initially it was believed that a transformer may have exploded because the idea of terrorism on United States soil seemed impossible. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at an event that marked the beginning of a new era of terrorism and foreshadowed much worse things to come. Guest...

1993 was a year filled with shocking crimes and unexpected losses. There was also hope for peace in the middle east, while at the same time we saw the beginning of a new phase of terrorism that hinted at much worse things to come in the new millennium. On this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora looks back at 10 of the most memorable stories from 1993. Show Contact Info: Twitter: @1990shistory Facebook: @1990shistory Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: [email protected] Learn...

On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora takes a look at another powerhouse show from Aaron Spelling and Darren Starr. A show that grew out of the teen classic Beverly Hills 90210 and despite a rough star became one of the most outrageous and compulsively watchable TV shows of the 1990s. This is the story of Melrose Place. Guests: Tara Ariano and Sarah D. Bunting, co-hosts of the podcast: Again With This: Beverly Hills, 90210 & Melrose Place and co-authors of the book: A...

When the Aaron Spelling show Beverly Hills, 90210 debuted on the Fox Network in September 1990, it was panned by TV critics who called it shallow and stereotypical. Some predicted it would be cancelled before the end of the season. Instead, the show went on to dominate the TV landscape for the rest of the decade and along the way redefined the teen drama genre. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks at how Beverly Hills, 90210 went from the bottom of the ratings...

From 1964 to 1966, The Beatles played only a handful of shows in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Each show was pandemonium but the story of the Beatles in Canada goes far beyond that. From their first visit to Canada in Winnipeg, to the famous Bed-In in Montreal in 1969. Support: patreon.com/canadaehx Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/craigU Donate: canadaehx.com (Click Donate) E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: twitter.com/craigbaird Tiktok:...

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

When the clock struck midnight on January 1st, 1992, George H.W. Bush was still the US President….The Canadian Prime Minister was Brian Mulroney….Roseanne was the number one sitcom……Hook was the number one movie…..and the Super Nintendo was the hot new gaming system everyone wanted.  In this episode, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at a year when musicians made history, ventured into new territory, proved their worth in ways that made us jump.   These are the number one singles from...

The 1990s was a tumultuous era for British singer George Michael. He began the decade as one of the biggest popstars in the world, riding high on his wildly successful debut solo album. But secretly the singer was struggling with many personal demons including coming to terms with his sexual identity, something he was forced to confront after an embarrassing arrest in 1998. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the life and career of George...

In the 1990s a vicious turf war between the Hell’s Angels and rival bike gang The Rock Machine turned the streets of Montreal into a deadly battleground. Over an eight year period bombings, arsons and brazen shootouts terrorized Quebec, leaving more than 160 people dead including innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. On this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at the Quebec Biker War. GUEST: Julian Sher, investigative journalist and author of The Road to Hell:...