Stuck In The Past

Penny DeWitt Cave takes a trip back to tell us about her Donny Osmond crush, purple velvet hot pants, and her deep love of "corny as crap" Hallmark movies. She recalls her first day of Jr. High and what it was like meeting all of her life-long friends.

Part 2 of our show recorded at the Stuart-Menlo High School Class of 1978 45th reunion. Listen to the "You Laugh, You Lose" competition where people face off one to one trying not to laugh at some really bad jokes.

Part 1 of our show recorded at the Stuart-Menlo High School Class of 1978 45th reunion. Some of our classmates share their recollection of just how things went down back in the day. You'll hear tales from Deer Creek, details on some near-death experiences, and the sad truth of how even a moment's indecision at a high school dance can permanently change the course of one's life.

Part 2 of our recap of the first 40 episodes. Our ol' buddy Retro Rob, sporting some far out bell bottoms, "crashes" in on us once again. He shares some very interesting information on how Stuart Iowa's leadership changed from the elder crowd to new blood in the 1970's.

What do you do when you haven't dropped an episode in two years? You pick up where you left off! After a freak accident where Tom fell asleep at the time machine controls, causing Tim and Tom to be stuck in the year 1347 for what seemed like two years to you all, the crew finally made it back. (Fortunately they didn't bring back any black plague.) On this trip they'll take you through some highlights of their first 40 episodes. And just like any good time travel scenario, it will be like they never left. NOTE: You may hear them talk of having been gone for a year. That's just because the journey back affected the part of their brains that do math.

Part 2 of our very interesting conversation with Doug Shellenberg (see Episode 039 show notes to learn more about him). Doug used his excellent sense of humor to lead Tim and Tom through "Stump The Hosts" with some keenly-worded questions involving music, TV, and movies. If you think we laughed a lot during Doug's first episode, wait until you catch this one! Among other things, you'll learn what you need to do when the thoughts in your mind just won't come out.

What happens when you bring on a guest known only to one of the hosts? It depends on a lot of things, and you will find out in this episode as you meet Doug Shellenberg, a co-worker of Tom's and an all-around great guy. Doug went to high school in northern Iowa the same time we were in high school. He knows his 1970's, he knows his "Stuck In The Past" (he's listened to every episode), and his humor and quick wit are quite impressive. To top it off, Doug has an infectious laugh that will make you smile.

Part 2 of our conversation with Joan Cook Corbin. Standing out among Joan's most poignant memories is the time she took Miss Donovan out in the hall to give her a talking to. You'll hear which teachers we taunted and which ones we didn't dare cross. Joan tests Tim's and Tom's 1977 Girls' Basketball knowledge during Stump The Hosts, and she lends her voice to some of the hit songs remembered in the news segment.

Have you ever taken the time to reflect on those who had the biggest positive effect on your life? Joan Cook Corbin did. Joan jumped back to the seventies with Tim & Tom to talk about her influencers. Joan talks about being put in her place by a friend while goofing off at a time she should have been serious, track team memories, and a best friend who named a pig after her. You'll learn why Joan rolls her bed pillows, and you'll be treated to a vocabulary including works like gaggle, curt, and precedent.

Part 2 of our conversation about the toys we were fond of as kids. You'll get a free French lesson, hear a horrible Minnie Ripperton impression, and you'll hear the song "If" in a way you couldn't even dream of. Tim calls it dramatic, but "hideously sappy" would have been way more accurate. And, most unfortunately, you may pick up the mental image of Batman in a Speedo. You absolutely...HALF...to listen to this episode!

Tim and Tom fly guestless into the era of the awesome toys and games we had growing up. Many are still around today while others have gone by the wayside. The guys got a surprise visit from Retro Rob (Bob Cook) who not only told them an awesome story from Stuart history but who also wrecked their recycle bin. Tim tries, and fails, to imitate Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. (Tim didn't want to do it, but Tom insisted.) Tom discovers he has a slight drinking problem.

Part 2 of our trip back with Chuck Avey. You'll hear the conclusion of "Stump The Hosts" as Chuck puts Tim and Tom through the ringer. Enjoy some killer Jimmy Carter imitations as well as Chuck translating a Deutsch movie title. The mail bag and RPM segments round out the episode which has been titled after something we discuss during "Stump The Hosts." See if you can figure out what it is.

If you want to hear all about America's favorite "Chuck" and his amazing career in Hollywood as a martial arts expert, you've mistaken our Chuck for that one just as we did. Our Chuck, Mr. Chuck Avey, joins us to talk about his life in Europe while serving our country. He tells of German's beer and babes, one of the latter which he married in the end. It wasn't planned, but in this episode you'll hear a few more references to pigs than usual. Chuck will also give you the real story on just how many times the postman actually does ring as well as advice on how to handle hostile mail recipients.

Part 2 of our fantastic journey into the life of Jeff...I mean "Howie"...Howard. Jeff recalls a variety of decades-old memories; his version of the "BB-in-the-butt-gate" scandal, his short stint as a member of the Menlo Mafia, the time he and Bob Tisl went at it head on, and where he used to hide his contraband (along with who trained him). Add in some bass drum cadences, a discussion of who drove what, and a little sparring with one of the hosts, and you've got another great episode to enjoy.

It doesn't come out more straight and to the point than from the mouth of Jeff Howard (Howie)! The crew goes back with Howie to remember some of the high school football glory days he shares with Tom. (Tim does some napping and some knitting during those segments.) Jeff remembers many parties with the dead - okay, at the cemetery - and talks fondly of his high school mentors. One thing for sure: after this episode, you'll have a whole new perspective on ground beef!

Part 2 of our conversation with Lynn Crabtree. If you've ever wondered what the pros and cons would be as the son or daughter of the high school principal, Lynn provides a glimpse into his life when he lived out what the rest of us could only imagine. Lynn delivers excellent, linked-together "Stump The Hosts" questions, all related to TV and movies. And, he adds his name to the list of those who have yet to embark on a wumpus hunt.

Did you drive a car in the 1970's? Our guest, Lynn Crabtree, did. In fact, he drove a few, as he explains in this conversation with the time machine crew. Learn how to terrorize neighbors using only gravel and a clutch. Lynn also recalls some of his favorite choir and wrestling memories.

This is our first Stuck In The Past Contest. Inquire within.

Our first ever "3-fer" - Catch the third episode with guest, Ellen Newton Nilsen, as the crew discusses state music contests, vocal music teachers, the gems we all wrote in each others' yearbooks, pep meeting mishaps, and much more. You'll find out who took who to the cemetery, and you may even learn why.

We pick up where we left off last episode talking with our guest, Ellen Newton Nilsen. Hear some great memories recalled of sleepovers, childhood crushes, and closet seances. Then, be very amazed as Ellen describes the lengths to which she’s gone in order to eradicate the annoying curls from her life. How does one get their music group kicked out of gigs before they even start? Find out, and then enjoy recalling some of S-M's cheers in "Stump The Hosts!"

Guest Ellen Newton Nilsen joins Tim and Tom to recall favorite memories from her high school days. You'll learn how the tuba can be used by a girl to attract boys, how to carry an injured bean walker to safety, and how Jan Marlow almost got more than she bargained for at a sleep over. Hear the intro to a new radio show called "Lap Talk" and discover its mostly humble beginnings. Yes, there is quite a bit of cheerleader talk as well.

Due to renovation of our studio, we were unable to create a new show. Instead we have put together some of the best clips from episodes 001 through 022 for your enjoyment...you know, "In Case You Missed It."

Introducing "Retro Rob," our resident Stuart historian. Hear Part 2 of our interesting conversation with Stuart, Iowa's Bob Cook. Bob remembers what it was like when Stuart lost its skating rink and movie theater around the same time. He talks fondly about the pool hall through its different owners, recalling a special snooker game with one of his high school teachers. Get to know Stuart's famous pool sharks. Bob pulls out some very tricky questions during "Stump The Hosts," and a great time was had by all.

At long last, the crew is paid a visit by Stuart, IA historian extraordinaire, Robert Cook (we call him "Bob). Bob takes us back to the beginning of the 70's decade with some somber and some funny recollections. From the now famous band who broke down in Stuart, to the Vietnam war's effect on Stuart, to some of the town's interesting residents, there isn't a dull moment. There’s even a story about a man who very well could have had two brains.

Part 2 with guest “Hot Lips” (Jolena Welker). Hear the conclusion of "Stump The Hosts" where “Mr. Literature” smokes the other host on the Billy Shakespeare questions. Learn nifty things about book awards and how libraries have changed over the years. Other topics: school book orders and cheerleaders without socks. Special musical appearance by Mr. Melvil Dewey himself, inventor of the Dewey Decimal System. (“Dewey Decimal Rap” recreated with permission of the creator, Mr. Scooter at scooterhayes.com)

This episode is one for the books! No, seriously...Jolena Welker joins Tim and Tom to share her wealth of knowledge in the area of Literature. And, who better than a former library director to do it? You'll hear Jolena discuss the "pages" of her life from BB battle wounds to her deep love of libraries. But just a few chapters in, you'll learn of Jolena's playful side, one that not everyone who knows her saw during the high school years. The plot twist comes when you learn Jolena's idea of school dance etiquette.

Join host Tim Link on a walk around downtown Stuart, IA during "Scoop The Loop" night as he listens to what others thought about their favorite decade. You'll get a wide variety of stories including opinions on gasoline prices, favorite pizza joints which exist no more, 70's upholstery color nightmares, and cool cars. You'll also hear commentary about classmates, some still with us and some not. You'll hear the cars, music, and other sounds of "Scoop The Loop" night.

Welcome to Part 2 of "The Experiment" where Tim and Tom forged ahead in recording an episode without much planning. Like Part 1, there is no editing. Suffice it to say, we learned some things. First, always plan, plan, plan! Second, switching roles is fun but not always efficient. In this episode you'll hear both the violin and the pity card played during an impassioned plea for messages, memorandums, and missives. Tim and Tom discuss the cost of things in the 70's compared to the inflated prices years later. And, the episode is wrapped up by an RPM (Random Person Mention) segment where the person mentioned wasn't known by both hosts.

This is the first part of two episodes where Tim and Tom do something unprecedented in two ways. First, Tim and Tom switch roles. Secondly, the episode comes directly to you with zero editing. Therefore, we called this episode, "The Experiment." In this episode, you'll learn about "Tim's Hierarchy Of Education Class System," you'll hear one of Tim's therapy sessions with Dr. Moon, and we'll share our recommendations for modifying high school track hurdle heights.

This is Part 2 of our epic conversation with Bob Morgan. Experience for the first time in the history of Stuck In The Past, "Stump The Hosts" being turned on its head when Bob threw in a twist! You'll hear more football stories, memories of our foreign exchange students, Mike and Omar, and some rare recollections of Cheech & Chong albums, one of which got Tim in a little trouble. You'll also get a close-up of Bob's nostalgic, sentimental side. We had so much fun, we didn't even read from the (mail bag, mail bag, mail bag).

Finally, Tim and Tom find someone older than them to accompany them back to re-live the years gone by. Bob Morgan hitches a ride in the time machine to the 1970's to remember the glory days of Junior High and High School football, to reveal his deep love of music, and to once and for all solve the mystery behind the teacher whose name we had all wrong (we knew it wasn't "Hey, Buddy!"). The Stuart-Menlo cheerleaders from several graduating classes are highlighted. This was a great time, and it's only Part 1!

Tim and Tom go guest-less on another successful trip to their favorite decade. Tom will instruct you on the use of the coolest word of the time as he provides insight to its origins. Tim talks about some notable inventions of the 1970s. Discover the secret language of Tim & Tom's immediate friend circle and learn the meaning of some of their personal catch phrases. Witness the birth of a new show segment called "RPM" while taking in the already-familiar "Stump The Hosts." "Random News Day," and "Mail Bag."

Part 2 of our time machine trip with Jay Jacobson. You'll hear even more cartoon memories than were mentioned in the previous episode! You'll feel a little melancholy when the discussion turns to all the big changes to "M-town," as Tom affectionately dubbed it. And, you'll learn who NOT to ever have with you as a passenger in ANY mode of transportation, if you want your vehicle to remain intact!

Guest Jay Jacobson, a.k.a. "Little Jake" traverses the strands of time to recall his high school days. He reveals his strategy for high school graduation - don't do homework and don't participate in study halls. Then he recalls the wonderful Saturday mornings of cleaning house before watching the myriad of cartoons we grew up with. You'll also get a little chemistry lesson while learning the secrets to baking Jay's Cookies.

Guest Robbin Shumway explains why she thought the boys' locker room was kind of a drag. She also talks about class plays, science fair, classroom disciplinary weapons, and of course, sports. She recalls her favorite coaches, study halls under the bleachers, and explains why she thinks “3 on 3” girls’ basketball wasn’t the best way to go. In the “I forget” category, Tim forgot Tom’s football jersey number while Tom forgot to tape down Tim’s other idiot button.

Episode 010: "In Touch With Our Feminine Side, Part 2" This is Part 2 of the previous episode with our guest, Roxy Stillwell. In addition to Tim and Tom fumbling slightly on the topic of "boy bands" and Mark Hamill, Roxy recalls a tragic accident in the Stuart cemetery which literally scarred her for life. Mentions: Blue Skunk Blog, Don Cave, Penny DeWitt, Lynn Crabtree, Dave Fry, Terry Harrison, Deanna Heins, Kathy Hochstetler, Frank "Zeke" Iacovazzi, Brenda Jacobson, Doug Johnson, Jeff Johnston, Liesa Prazak, Larry Roberts, Dean Roe, Deb Stalter, Rick Stillwell, Robbin Vanlandingham, Nancy Watts, Tim Wolfe

We are joined by Roxy Stillwell in yet another successful mind trip to the 1970s. Roxy gives Tim and Tom a different perspective by discussing the decade from a more pointed female view. Tim and Tom fumble big time on naming "girl magazines" but only fumble slightly on "boy bands." And, you'll hear the Big Mac slogan said in a way you won't ever be able to un-hear. Please follow us on Spotify, iTunes, or Google Play

Episode 008: "The Titanic And Abe Lincoln" What in the world do icebergs and Abe Lincoln have to do with each other? Our guest, Lyle "Sparky" Jessen fills us in on these and other epic events from history. Lyle shares with us lots of fond memories from high school including Shop class. He has some very interesting tools in his toolbox, one of which he wishes he'd had when cutting boards for Mr. Anderson, the Shop teacher. There is also some great conversation regarding the glory days on Stuart-Menlo's state-championship-winning football team. Discover who were some of the hard hitters on the field and how their moms coped with the stress. There's also a football story involving a snake. You just can't make this stuff up! Mentions: Bob Morgan, Gloria Thurman, Rich Anderson, Paul Whitmore, Larry Roberts, Lisa O'Brien, Brian Moon, Jim Kloewer, DeAnn Donovan, Joe Burris, Terry Harwood, Gary Wolfe, John Wolfe, Tim Cooper, Harry Saxen, Jeff Johnston, Chris Kunkle, Tim Jungman, Deanna Heins, Jan Marlow, Matt Parker (from Adair-Casey)

Who doesn't remember the myriad of game shows we watched in the 1970's? Tim and Tom discuss Gene Rayburn's long, skinny, telescoping microphone, the genius of Chuck Barris (who, by the way, was NOT on drugs while hosting the Gong Show), and many other game show memories. Other fun topics include musings of a sick duck, the fashion statement known as our basketball team's uniforms, and a very special tribute to Menlo, Iowa. Throw in some home-made introductions for the News and Mailbag segments, courtesy of Tom's creative mind, and you're left with an hour's worth of great listening. Mentions: Jeff Johnston, Larry Roberts, Gloria Thurman, Tom Doud, Cliff Powell, Steve Marker, Bob Morgan, Coach and Typing instructor - Dennis Modlin

This is Part 2 of the previous episode. Guest David Faust emcee's another successful "Stump The Hosts" experience. We got David to sing just a little, so you don't want to miss this episode!! He's witty, and he sings real pretty! Mentions: Lyle Jessen, Jon Roen, Kathy Doud, Diane Knight, Jeff Schwartzkopf, Connar Moon, Jim Kloewer, Deanna Heins

Guest David Faust briefly leaves Central Texas to join us in the time machine as we go back and experience again the joys of 70's music. David, or "Frosty" as he was called by our math teacher and coach Jim Kloewer, shares his love for the country music of the time while providing keen commentary on music from the Pop charts. He gives expert advice on how to keep an 8-track tape player expertly calibrated for use in a vehicle, and he emcee's another successful "Stump The Hosts" experience. We got David to sing just a little, so you don't want to miss this episode!! Please follow us on Spotify, iTunes, or Google Play

TV and movies from the 1970's, guest Deanna Heins Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

TV and movies from the 1970's, guest Deanna Heins   Don't forget to subscribe to the channel!

The food and candy we ate in the 1970's Be sure to subscribe to the channel!

An introduction to Stuck In The Past Podcast, with Tim Link and Tom Moon     Be sure to subscribe to the show!