This Was A Thing

Most people would probably say “Yes” immediately if someone agreed to pay them a million dollars for spending time on an island. But what if you had to undergo challenges like eating beetle larvae, and be judged by a jury of your peers in order to get the money? Oh, also, finding a place to poop is not fun. That may not sound like your ideal vacation, but to the first-season contestants on Survivor, that was their reality for the 39-day duration of the show. And to the millions of people who were glued to the screen, they witnessed a seminal moment of television that helped define a genre and has continued to this day.Ray teaches Rob about the first season of Survivor and how its creators and producers, Charlie Parsons and Mark Burnett, made their dream reality show an actual reality; why psychologists are essential to the casting of the show; Ray's deep love for Mr. Jeff Probst, the show's legendary host; moments of the first season that have become part of Survivor canon; the strong personalities that made up the show's original sixteen-person cast; and how Survivor has innovated on its formula since the first season.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSSue's Famous Rat and Snake speechSurvivor Borneo Rudy Likes Rich Not in a Homosexual waySurvivor Borneo in 19 Minutes!Survivor 1 Borneo Opening Credits High QualityADDITIONAL MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS“Happy...

This past week, on August 23rd, the world (A.K.A. musical theater nerds) recognized the anniversary of the passing of Oscar Hammerstein II, one of Broadway's most renowned contributors. So to honor Mr. Hammerstein in our own, special ThWAT way, here's Rob's episode all about the age in which Hammerstein ruled supreme: the Golden Age of Musical Theater. Enjoy!~~~Long before the barricades of Les Mis arose, before Adele Dazeem defied gravity, and before Mr. Alexander Hamilton took his shot, musical theatre in America had already emerged from one of the most formative and productive periods in theatre history. It only lasted 21 years, but those years gave the public such an expansive slate of shows and groundbreaking performances that it would take a professional historian to summarize in a single podcast episode. Lucky for you, one of our hosts has a career teaching and lecturing about the history of musical theatre!Penn State's very own Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre, Mr. Rob W. Schneider, teaches Ray all about the Golden Age of American Musical Theater which spanned from 1943 to 1964; how Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma pushed the musical comedy into brand new territory; which musical accomplished the rare feat of winning the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama; why Cole Porter had to be on his game when writing for Ethel; Rex Harrison's backstage drama; and whether the current state of musical theatre qualifies as a “second” Golden Age.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSMy Fair Lady “Rehearsal” 1/29/60Fugue for Tinhorns - Guys and Dolls (1955)

Have you ever tried to build a new habit? Ever find yourself reaching for your phone even when it's not in your pocket? Ever thought about whether free will actually exists? Yeah, that last one got deep, but that's just how we roll here at This Was A Thing. Because this week, we're talking all about a man who devoted his life to studying whether or not humans have a say in how they behave. His conclusion? We're all pretty much rats pressing levers. Daniel teaches Ray and Rob about B.F. Skinner, the psychologist, writer, and inventor whose ideas about free will and shaping behaviors made him famous and infamous; how Skinner bucked the trend of Pavlov and Freud to try to take a quantitative and objective approach to sudying human behavior; Skinner's belief that pigeons could be the next big thing in missile technology; why Skinner's book Beyond Freedom and Dignity earned him a spot on Noam Chomsky's sh*& list; the real origin story of Splinter from TMNT; and how B.F. Skinner continues to influence everything from modern psychology to teaching technologies.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaARTICLES, BOOKS, AND ADDITIONAL LINKSPreschoolers: Box-Bred Babies - TIMEBABY IN A BOX (Article by BF Skinner)The First Baby Tender“Skinner Air Crib” Article by Nick Joyce and Cathy FayeI was not a lab rat | Deborah...

If you've ever ordered at a chain restaurant, then you know the homey feeling of knowing you're about to eat the exact same meal as you could get at any other location. And even though the Golden Arches or a pair of red braids and freckles are some of the most recognizable franchise mascots today, if we flashback to the mid-1900s, then Simple Simon and the Pieman would've been just as recognizable as those other icons. Why? Because if you wanted a tasty clam belly, a delicious sundae, or to snag a couple of ZZZs, then there was one only one chain that fit the bill. Rob teaches Ray about how the eponymous Mr. Johnson went from owning one small Massachusetts eatery, to running a national network of restaurants and lodges; why we can thank Eugene O'Neill for HoJo's original boost in popularity; Jacques Pepin's contribution to the franchise's legacy; some unexpected controversies at HoJo's; and how, even after the HoJo's brand sank into obscurity, it still has a physical and cultural impact in today's world. If you like what we are doing, please support us on Patreon.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSHoward Johnson's Commercial 1962Chef Jacques Pépin on working at Howard Johnson's and his experiences on the American food sceneHOWARD JOHNSON RESTURANT1970 Howard Johnson's Animated Commercial #2Howard Johnson Restaurants This Is Howard Johnson Today 1988 TV Commercial HDADDITIONAL MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS“Happy Bee” and “Happy Boy End Theme”• Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)• Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Additional Sound Effects from Final Cut Pro, iLife, and Logic Pro

Are you looking for a story that is 100% guaranteed to blow your mind? A true crime tale that'll leave you wondering how crooks got away with it for so long in the first place? Well, hold on to your girdle, because this one's a doozy. It's got everything: insurance scams, fake passports, an undercover sting operation, Israeli really bank accounts, and huge sales on some of the best TVs and VCRs around (sales tax not included). Best of all, you can listen to this story for the low, low price of FREE! Now that price is insane! Ray teaches Rob about how a mom-and-pop consumer electronics store went from being a tri-state curiosity to a national sensation; who the real man is behind all those infamous ads; why having a CPA in the family comes in handy when you're committing tax fraud; and why building an empire on a foundation of shady financials and skimming off the top probably isn't the best business model.If you like what we are doing, please support us on Patreon.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaWEBSITEWhite Collar Fraud ARTICLESMental FlossNew York Times - 1985New York Times - 2016 (1)New York Times - 2016 (2)New YorkerNJ.comWashington PostEPISODE CLIPS1987 Crazy Eddie CommercialCrazy Eddie 'Insane!' Commercial (NY, 1978)Classic Crazy Eddie Commercial 'Bathroom DooWop' (1977-1979)

We're busy behind the scenes here putting together a whole new batch episodes for the upcoming year, so while we do that, have a tasty, bite-sized treat on us - a chance to listen back to our episode all about the world's favorite mini-oven!~~~Happy holidays, listeners! We've got a delectable episode for you today, featuring a toy that has been a household staple for more than 60 years and is still going strong. In fact, it would be just the thing if you're looking for some help with holiday baking, as long as you don't mind your baked goods being on the miniature side…and possibly losing a finger or two in the process… Daniel teaches Ray and Rob about the Easy-Bake Oven's origins at the renowned toy company Kenner Products; how New York pretzel vendors played an essential role in providing inspiration for the product; all the different ways the word “cookies” can be pronounced; the battle to make a version of the Easy-Bake that wasn't explicitly marketed for girls; and how this kitchen toy has influenced everyone from amateur bakers to professional chefs and which, despite its ups and downs, remains one of the most fondly remembered toys of all time.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLES“How Easy-Bake Ovens Work” by Nathan ChandlerEasy-Bake Evolution: 50 Years of Cakes, Cookies, and Gender Politics | Collectors WeeklyLight Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven“Easy-Bake Oven Gourmet” by David Hoffman

If you turn back the clocks to the early 90s, it would be impossible to avoid all the late night jokes about Vice President Dan Quayle. Likewise, if you followed the 90s TV scene, you couldn't miss the fact that Candice Bergen was raking in the Emmys for her role as the titular Murphy Brown on CBS. So when two media behemoths like that unexpectedly went head-to-head, it was bound to be a battle for the ages...Rob teaches Ray about Dan Quayle's life and career, and his sudden rise to prominence as the running mate of George H. Dubya Bush; how the Republican decision to focus more heavily on "traditional family values" emerged partly as an attack against Bill and Hillary Clinton; when spelling really does matter; why the V.P.'s condemnation of single mother families in general, and Murphy Brown in particular, brought him such a backlash; and how the outrage stirred up by this clash of cultural titans continues to this day.If you turn back the clocks to the early 90s, it would be impossible to avoid all the late night jokes about Vice President Dan Quayle. Likewise, if you followed the 90s TV scene, you couldn't miss the fact that Candice Bergen was raking in the Emmys for her role as the titular Murphy Brown on CBS. So when two media behemoths like that unexpectedly went head-to-head, it was bound to be a battle for the ages...Rob teaches Ray about Dan Quayle's life and career, and his sudden rise to prominence as the running mate of George H. Dubya Bush; how the Republican decision to focus more heavily on "traditional family values" emerged partly as an attack against Bill and Hillary Clinton; when spelling really does matter; why the V.P.'s condemnation of single mother families in general, and Murphy Brown in particular, brought him such a backlash; and how the outrage stirred up by this clash of cultural titans continues to this day.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPS“You're No Jack Kennedy” Clip From...

If you've ever fallen into the YouTube rabbit hole of corporate training videos, then you're our kind of listener. We could (and probably should) do a whole episode just about the glorious world of schlocky and cheesy company-produced entertainment intended to get employees the information they need - and with style! And as America prepared to enter World War II, hundreds of thousands of troops needed to quickly learn essential topics about everything from Japanese fighter planes to the perks of being an airman. What better way to teach them than to show them a movie?Ray teaches Rob and Daniel about the origin of a special unit of the U.S. armed forces dedicated solely to producing films to help instruct and entertain the troops of WWII; how big names like Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, and even future president Ronald Reagan all got involved with these films; why the animation department became an essential part of illustrating concepts to troops; how “Little Rascals” producer Hal Roach played a pivotal role in the story of this regiment; and the prolific output of this unit that made it one of the most talked-about entertainment of its day.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. Thank you as always for your support, and if you have any thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to send us a message on social media! And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPS“Winning Your Wings" With Jimmy StewartMilitary Film Bloopers U.S....

With heat waves hitting all over, it's hot as H-E-double hockey sticks - so what could be better than revisiting a classic episode about an iconic rock album that when it debuted in 1977 was just as hot as the crazy temperatures we're getting? Strap into your cycle and enjoy!~~~We've covered our fair share of musicians and music-adjacent topics on This Was a Thing, and we'll probably cover plenty more in the future. But when it comes to the Venn Diagram of musical theatre, rock-and-roll, and cover art that includes apocalyptic motorcycles, there's only one album that should come to mind. That's because there was only one Meatloaf, only one Jim Steinman, and only one Bat Out of Hell. (Well, three, technically, but who's counting.)Ray teaches Rob about the genesis of this epic, 7-track, 46-minute rock-and-roll experience; how Meatloaf's and Jim's musical theatre roots brought them together; what Rob and Ray wouldn't do for love; why this album owes its initial popularity to our neighbors up North and our friends across the pond; when a motorcycle is not a motorcycle; and why, despite how experimental and out-there it was, Bat Out of Hell remains one of the the best-selling and most beloved creations of its time.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. Thank you as always for your support, and if you have any thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to send us a message on social media! And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPS

This week, we're celebrating a very important birthday here at This Was A Thing. No, not that one involving declarations of independence and tea taxes (although we do love spilling tea) - this July 3rd would have been the 111th birthday of Dorothy Kilgallen, one of the most recognized reporters and celebrities of the early 20th century. But in addition to a life filled with notable accomplishments, what might have made Dorothy most remembered in the history books was her death - because it happened in a very strange and unexpected manner…Rob teaches Ray and Daniel about the life, career, and mysterious death of journalist and TV personality Dorothy Kilgallen; her popular column all about Broadway's happenings on and offstage; Dorothy's long-running gig as a celebrity panelist on the game show “What's My Line?”; Dorothy's reporting on politics and crime; why she took an interest in the assassination of John F. Kennedy and her interviews with Jack Ruby; the suspicious circumstances around Dorothy's sudden death; and why people are still trying to answer the question: did Dorothy Kilgallen really die, or was she killed for knowing too much?If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSPerson to Person - Dorothy Kilgallen & Dick Kollmar (1956)My Top 10 Dorothy Kilgallen's Moments on What's My line“What's My Line?” - Tribute to Dorothy KilgallenADDITIONAL MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS“This Was A Thing” Theme Songs composed by Billy Recce“Happy Bee” and "George Street Shuffle"• Kevin MacLeod (

We're giving you all a blast from the past and a peek behind the member's curtain by republishing one of our favorite Patreon bonus episodes of all time (Rob's especially fond of the fact that Nathan Lane makes a showing). This one's all about actor Edwin Booth, and features a very special appearance from distinguished guest host Brody Karn, Esquire. And if you like what you hear, you can get access to this and our entire collection of bonus episodes by supporting the show on Patreon or subscribing to the Apple Podcast members edition called “And Another Thing.” Now, on with the show!In one of the most off the rails of This Was a Thing (Member's Edition), Rob and Ray learn all about 19th Century actor Edwin Booth. Brody Karn, Esquire, tries to keep the boys on track as Mary Todd Lincoln gets a job at Denny's, The Booth Family does Hairspray, and Seinfeld tries Shakespeare. If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaSpecial GuestBrody Karn

Danny and Sandy...Troy and Gabriella...Baby and Johnny. All vacation romances that became classics in their own right. And then there's another that's maybe not quite as classic: the iconic, infamous, and Golden Raspberry award-winning duo of Justin and Kelly. ~~~“American Idol” season one was an entertainment behemoth in the 2002. It introduced us to sassy judges and gave the world the multi-hyphened legend, Ryan Seacrest. But besides that, it also introduced the world to Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, the heroes of this episode.After season one was done, the next logical step was taken – LETS MAKE A MOVIE! And a movie, they made… “From Justin to Kelly” was a musical/rom-com/beach flick released in the summer of 2003. Considering how popular “American Idol” was, the film HAD to be a success, right?...This week Ray teaches Rob about the departure of Brian Dunkleman, how apparently Ft. Lauderdale has a platform on the beach where you can tap dance, and how the guy who wrote the script for “Spice World”, also wrote this script. LEGEND!If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaWEBSITESIMDbBox Office MojoMetacriticRotten Tomatoes ARTICLESEntertainment Weekly

When it comes to LGBTQ trailblazers, Ellen DeGeneres is top of that list. Her decision to come out both as a public figure and her television persona made waves across the country and her daytime talk show helped normalize the image of a gay host on public airwaves. Sadly (and unsurprisingly given the slow pace of progress) there was blowback when Ellen made her momentous decision - conservatives railed against a gay television character and its impact on “family values.” But what maybe was a surprise is that Ellen also got blowback from the LGBTQ+ community - as well as from many fans of the very show where she broke ground.Rob teaches Ray and Daniel about Ellen's early years as a standup comedian, including her breakout appearance on Carson; her casting in the starring role on the sitcom initially titled These Friends Of Mine; the key role that Oprah Winfrey played in Ellen's story both in real life and on screen; how ABC supported DeGeneres's decision to come out and wrote an entire season leading up to that event; and why, after Ellen's unprecedented decision, many progressive critics felt that her television show actually suffered for it.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPS“The Puppy Episode” ClipEllen Degeneres Makes Her First Appearance on Carson's Tonight Show“These Friends of Mine” PromoADDITIONAL MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS“This Was A Thing” Theme Songs composed by Billy Recce“Happy Bee”• Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)•...

June's bustin' out all over, and we're bustin' out one last classic episode before we get back to some new episodes coming later this month. And since June is Pride Month and the month of the Tony Awards, we're serving up a "two birds, one stone" situation by reairing an episode that falls squarely in both categories: La Cage aux Folles!~~~In honor of pride month, this week is a special episode focused on the franchise that began life as a landmark French boulevard stage comedy, and was then adapted into acclaimed films and musical. And even though the love story at the center of the story was between two men, it has captured the hearts of audiences from all sexual orientations. It also answers the age old question: what happens when you put the composer of Hello Dolly!, the director of West Side Story, and Edna Turnlad in a room together? The answer: Broadway magic.Rob teaches Ray about the history of Jean Poiret's play La Cage Aux Folles and its many adaptations; how competing producers (including ThWAT favorite Allan Carr) fought to secure the chance to both film and musicalize La Cage; Jerry Herman's hummable, Tony-winning score and the anthem it provided the gay rights movement; Nathan Lane's breakout movie performance; and all the ways in which this property has been and continues to be celebrated by audiences across the world.If you like what we are doing, please support us on Patreon.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSMike Wallace The Homosexuals 1967 - YouTubeLa Cage Aux Folles (1979) movie review - Sneak Previews with Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel - YouTubeEpiphany - George Hearn (1982) - YouTubeLa Cage aux Folles 2 TrailerLa Cage aux Folles 3 Trailer"Color and Light" from Sunday in the Park with GeorgeColumbo Pilot Episode - “Prescription Murder” costarring Gene Barry - Clips - YouTubeI Am What I Am - YouTubeSong on the Sand (La Da Da Da) - YouTube

Our final stop down defunct social media memory lane: take six seconds (give or take a few hundred) and give a listen to our classic all about Vine!~~~Can you put together a meaningful thought or idea in six seconds or less? What about a moderately funny video? It's hard! But there was some GOLD in them there Vine hills!Ray teaches Rob about how Vine helped launch the careers of Shawn Mendes, King Bach, and yes, even Jake and Logan Paul. We also revisit some of our favorite Vines of years past including Rob's favorite – a teacher's reaction to having a piece of paper thrown at them. “Whoever threw that paper, your mom's a…”If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAM:Ray HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSavia ARTICLESThe VergeBBCThe GuardianPitchforkAd WeekMedia PostMedium

Next up in our social platform retrospective: Napster! TikTok may currently be the place where up-and-coming musicians are finding their audience and where labels like Universal have banned their artists from sharing music. But rewind a couple decades and there was one indisputable home of music on the internet: Napster. Only one problem: it was probably all illegal.~~~Ah, to be 19 again. It's a time of possibilities, insecurities, of worrying about what adulthood is really going to be like. On the other hand, if you're Shawn Fanning or Sean Parker, your worries at 19 were a little bigger. As in, "multimillion-dollar legal battles with the entire music industry" bigger. And all because of a piece of software that let you listen to and download music from all across the internet...without paying the artists. What could go wrong?Ray teaches Rob about how a crazy idea on an Internet chat forum grew into the software start-up Napster; how Ray can trace his love of Monty Python to the early days of digital music downloads; how the music industry was forced to reckon with the reality that physical media had become a relic of the past; why pissing off Lars Ulrich is a bad idea; and why Napster's brief and shining moment in the world of online music streaming was the beginning of a trend that completely changed the way the world listens to music.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESThe GuardianTimeVanity FairEPISODE CLIPS

With all this hubbub about TikTok possibly getting banned, we're revisiting three of our episodes about social media platforms that burned bright and burned out fast. And up first - MySpace!~~~Friendster, SixDegrees, Makeoutclub - if you're a 90s kid, then you probably remember at least some of those websites (and may they all rest in peace). But there could only be one top dog, and MySpace was it. Hillary Duff, Harry Styles, Kim Kardashian - everyone had a MySpace page, and you better pray your friends put you in their Top 8. So with all the hype, how did the site go from being a 12-billion-dollar gorilla to an Internet has-been?Rob teaches Ray about how this small, music-centric social site evolved into a global behemoth; why "the honor system" isn't exactly an enforceable privacy policy; the tragic betrayal of Tila Tequila; and why we could all use a little more Tom in our lives.If you like what we are doing, please support us on Patreon. TEAMRay HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESTom Anderson's InstagramAUDIO/VISUALEpisode ClipsTom Anderson InterviewSNL MySpace Sketch"Leave Britney Alone" VideoMusic & Sound EffectsAdditional Sound Effects from Final Cut Pro, iLife, and Logic Pro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rob teaches Ray and Daniel about the storied biography of Mr. Carlos Irwin Estevez, better known as Charlie Sheen, including: Sheen's origins as a child star and teen heartthrob; his breakout role in “Platoon”; Sheen's struggles with substances and his highly publicized firing from the sitcom that revitalized his career; and how the news media all seized on Sheen's apparent mental collapse as an opportunity to drive ratings, regardless of the impact it might have had on his state of mind.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSCharlie Sheen On Alex JonesSheen's KornerABC Interview with Charlie Sheen (02.28.11)Charlie Sheen Rants CompilationChuck Lorre on Replacing Charlie Sheen on "Two and a Half Men”ADDITIONAL MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS“This Was A Thing” Theme Songs composed by Billy Recce"Happy Bee,” “Light Awash,” “Study and Relax” • Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)• Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Additional Sound Effects from Final Cut Pro,

It's Earth Day and we want to celebrate one of the finest gifts that this pretty planet has to offer. No, not Fred Silverman - everyone's best bud, cannabis! But things haven't always looked as bright for MJ as they do nowadays with modern legalization efforts, and so we're looking back at a time when the hype around marijuana was more about the insanity it caused than its many benefits. And that insanity had a special name - Reefer Madness!~~~REEFER MADNESS! It's taken over this fine country, so we decided it was time to cover it! Run for your life, marijuana is polluting the minds of America's youths!“Reefer Madness”, originally titled “Tell Your Children”, was an exploitation and propaganda film released in 1936, 1938, or 1939…. Seriously, they didn't keep an accurate record of the film's release. It was meant to teach about the dangers of grass, dope, ganja, that sticky icky icky icky… And the film worked! People were terrified!What's even more interesting than the film is The Marihuana Act of 1937. (Yes, that's how it was spelt.) Passed by the government and backed by William Randolph Hearst, it was the first step in making cannabis as illegal as illegal could be!This week Ray teaches Rob all about the history of hemp and its many uses, how this film fell into public domain, which ultimately led to some of the first midnight screenings and opened the door for showings of movies like “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “The Room”…and how that wacky tabacky could make you go insane and beat your acquaintance with a stick. (It's in the movie.) Be careful out there, folks.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSavia WEBSITESIMDbRotten...

In our glorious age of streaming services, we never need to worry about recording anything ourselves - we just click “Continue Watching” and chill. But in the sad, not-too-distant past, you couldn't always just open up Netflix and binge all nine seasons of Suits whenever you felt like it. Instead, if you missed your favorite soap, tough noogies. That is, that was the way things were until the magical VCR entered the American household. Out of the house? No problem! Just pop in a cassette and you're golden. The only problem was that two companies wanted the glory of becoming the standard format on which people would record their shows - and neither was going down without a fight. Daniel teaches Rob and Ray about the infamous format war between Sony's Betamax systems and tapes, and JVC's competitor, the VHS; how the history of recorded and broadcast video on recorded tape media took some strange twist and turns involving World War II and Bing Crosby; Rob's and Ray's favorite streaming services; the legal challenges Sony faced from studios terrified that home recording would be the death knell of movie distribution; and why home recorded media is no longer something consumers really seem to want or even have access to.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaSOURCESPodcastsEverything 80s Podcast Everything Everywhere DailyTech StuffArticles

Quench your podcast thirst by listening back to this Season 1 favorite all about the little soft drink that couldn't - Crystal Pepsi!~~~Right Now! You're reading a description for this week's episode, Crystal Pepsi. Right Now! This particular episode is a little different, let's be CLEAR. Right Now! Crystal Pepsi was a flash in the CAN (and bottle!) and we're going to teach you all about it! Right Now! They also ran a Super Bowl commercial for it that featured a Sammy Haggar lead Van Halen, singing their hit song, “Right Now!” Right Now!Crystal Pepsi was released to the public in 1992 and (SPOILER WARNING!) was off of store shelves by early 1994. It was part of the “Clear Craze” trend of the early 90's. Consumers were introduced to all sorts of products that you could see right through… Including Zima! Such innovation!This week Ray teaches Rob all about the history of Pepsi Cola, how rival Coca Cola tried answering back with Tab Clear, why they spent $40 million on the ad campaign, and how Pepsi wasn't happy with SNL's “Crystal Gravy” commercial parody.Crystal Pepsi – You've never seen a taste like this!If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSavia WEBSITESCrystal Pepsi Product Information ARTICLESABC NewsBloomberg

We all get mad about things sometimes, and during the Cold War, the U.S. government was mad about “M.A.D.”. That's because “M.A.D.” “Mutually Assured Destruction” - was a global concern on everyone's mind. And the fear that foreign countries (/cough/** Russia cough) would use nuclear weapons wasn't only causing chaos in the Oval Office. Hollywood and TV studios were just as interested in it, because where there's fear, there's an audience. And one studio - and one movie in particular - took that fear of nuclear engagement and decided to make a movie that showed exactly how horrible things could get if those missiles started flying.Rob teaches Ray and Daniel about the 1983 T.V. movie “The Day After,” which depicted the immediate and devastating fallout of a nuclear war; how Nicholas Meyer, the movie's director, went behind ABC's back in order to make film as realistic, and realistically graphic, it would be in reality; why Ronald Reagan himself said the movie made him “greatly depressed”; the fact that “The Day After” may have played a role in ending the Cold War; and how pieces of art and media, even if they're fictional, have the power to change global politics.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSAbc Fall Promo Reel 1983”The Day After" Abc Movie Intro 1983The Tv Movie That Destroyed Lawrence, Kansas and May Have Saved the WorldFamily Reacts to the Movie the Day AfterThe Day After (1983) & Abc News Viewpoint Original Wpvi-Tv 6abc Broadcast 11–20–1983ADDITIONAL

Nostalgia is our podcast's bread and butter (that and actual bread and butter, which is delicious). And if one episode perfectly encapsulates that feeling, it was our deep dive into the talent show that came before any of the modern shows like "Britain's Got Talent" or "American Idol." So sit back, turn on that public access channel, and listen back to our episode on Frank Masi's legendary "Stairway to Stardom"!~~~Turn your dials to station Manhattan Neighborhood Network station 13 because we are going to explore the confidentially, untalented denizens of Stairway to Stardom.Learn about the most optimistic master of ceremonies, Frank Masi, who unwittingly gave birth to America's obsession of televised shock and awe.Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of public access television and how the Government's attempt to connect communities went horribly awry, the dreams of Frank Masi, the song stylings if Lucille "Hairdresser" Cataldo, debating if Star Search stole Frank's idea, and why YouTube took over the realm of public access. If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSavia AUDIO/VISUALStairway To Stardom YouTube ChannelARTICLESNPR InterviewDangerous MindsThe AV Club

In the age of YouTube, it feels like there's a new conspiracy every day. Some of them are ol' chestnuts - love how we faked the moon landing that one time, right? Some of them pop up in the seemingly most random places, like Taylor Swift's “secret plan” to use her popularity to boost Joe Biden's approval rating (That's just downright silly. We all know it must have been Travis Kelce's idea, not Taylor's). But even with all the bonkers stuff we all come up with, the secret stuff the government actually does is sometimes even crazier. And in the 1970s, a group of senators decided to find out how deep that rabbit hole of government overreach went.Ray teaches Rob and Daniel all about how Nevada senator Frank Church and a group of his colleagues banded together to unmask the government's darkest secrets; why being a target of “Project Shamrock” was the opposite of being lucky; the CIA's decision to buy up the entire global supply of LSD for use in Project “Midnight Climax”; why Sydney Gottlieb became known as the “Poisoner In Chief" of American intelligence agencies; and why the government's fears about mind control may not have actually been that outlandish, given the recent allegations of interference by foreign countries into American elections.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. Thank you as always for your support, and if you have any thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to send us a message on social media! And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPS“Fresh Air” Interview With...

It's Oscars season! Whether or not you recognized this national holiday by tuning into the awards show on Sunday, you probably know all the drama that comes with those little golden statues - the glamor, the glitz, the snubs. And speaking of snubs, one film that had nary a nomination was the focus of today's classic: Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls. Enjoy (as long as you're over 17)!~~~Does your Venn Diagram of interests include Dale Cooper, Saved by the Bell, and Robocop? Also, are you 17 or older? Then you're in luck! Because in 1995, after achieving cinematic fame with Basic Instinct, Paul Verhoeven and Joe Eszterhaz teamed up for another film, this time set in the world of Las Vegas exotic dancers and show business, and the results were...controversial.Rob teaches Ray about Verhoeven's original vision for "Showgirls" as a satirical commentary on the American Dream, and how that vision went awry; the communities that sprang up to champion the movie after it bombed at the box office; why to steer clear of Las Vegas jacuzzis; and how changing a piece of art from its original form can help it live on, but might also misrepresent its creators' original intentions.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSPaul Verhoeven & Gina Gershon InterviewPaul Verhoeven Behind the Scenes InterviewElizabeth Berkley Behind the Scenes InterviewElizabeth Berkley on "Late Show"

Have you ever tried to build a new habit? Ever find yourself reaching for your phone even when it's not in your pocket? Ever thought about whether free will actually exists? Yeah, that last one got deep, but that's just how we roll here at This Was A Thing. Because this week, we're talking all about a man who devoted his life to studying whether or not humans have a say in how they behave. His conclusion? We're all pretty much rats pressing levers. Daniel teaches Ray and Rob about B.F. Skinner, the psychologist, writer, and inventor whose ideas about free will and shaping behaviors made him famous and infamous; how Skinner bucked the trend of Pavlov and Freud to try to take a quantitative and objective approach to sudying human behavior; Skinner's belief that pigeons could be the next big thing in missile technology; why Skinner's book Beyond Freedom and Dignity earned him a spot on Noam Chomsky's sh*& list; the real origin story of Splinter from TMNT; and how B.F. Skinner continues to influence everything from modern psychology to teaching technologies.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaARTICLES, BOOKS, AND ADDITIONAL LINKSPreschoolers: Box-Bred Babies - TIMEBABY IN A BOX (Article by BF Skinner)The First Baby Tender“Skinner Air Crib” Article by Nick Joyce and Cathy FayeI was not a lab rat | Deborah...

This week, we're cruising back in time to revisit an episode all about a TV show that burned bright, and then burned out real quick. But those are exactly the things we celebrate here, so enjoy this week's classic episode on The Chevy Chase Show!~~~You love Caddyshack, right? How about “Weekend Update” on SNL, or all the National Lampoon Vacation movies? Classic! Then you're bound to love a talk show hosted by the one and only Chevy Chase, right? Right?? Ray teaches Rob about the late night TV wars that followed Johnny Carson's retirement; the perils of shooting hoops during your very first entrance as a talk show host; the air biscuit that tainted Whoopie Goldberg's short-lived experience as a late night host; and why Fox probably wishes it did at least one test episode of The Chevy Chase Show… If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaWEBSITESIMDbRotten Tomatoes ARTICLESEntertainment WeeklyThe New York Times 1The New York Times 2The New York Times 3

Happy Birthday, dear Patty, haaaappy birthday to you! Who's Patty, you ask? Why, Patty Hearst, of course! Today not only happens to be Ms. Hearst's birthday, it's also the 50th anniversary of the year she was kidnapped by, and then apparently joined with, a far left domestic terrorist organization. How did that all go down? Guess you'll have to listen to find out...Rob teaches Ray and Daniel about Patty (sorry, Patricia) Hearst's relatively mundane upbringing as an heir to the Hearst journalism fortune; the rise of the Symbionese Liberation Army (most of whom got their start in drama school - yes and motherf*&^ers!); how her status as the granddaughter of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst marked her as a target for the SLA; her tramautic experiences at the hands of the SLA; how Patty's transformation into "Tania" and her seeming cooperation with the SLA shocked the world; the biggest shootout in American history; and the controversial question that continues to surround the aftermath of her kidnapping: did Patty really become a terrorist, or was it a case of Stockholm Syndrome gone horribly awry?If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSOn This Day: Patty Hearst Abducted by Armed radicalsPatty Hearst's Shocking Words After Robbing a BankLa California: A Coroner's Report Today Verified That Newspaper Heiress Patricia Hearst Was Not amonPatty Hearst's Chilling Eulogy for Fallen Sla MembersPatty Hearst Sentenced - 1976 | Today in History | 24 Sep 18

Roses are red, violets are blue, we all worship Liza and so should you. Because who is more iconic than the woman who gave us the Cabaret movie, Linda in “Arthur,” and Lucille 2 in Arrested Development? So in celebration of the marvelous Mrs. Minnelli, here's our episode on Liza's stint as a host on the Home Shopping Network.~~~We here at “This Was A Thing” LOVE Ms. Liza May Minnelli! March 12th just happened to be her birthday, so we wanted to throw her a little birthday celebration! The woman DESERVES it, for heaven's sake!Liza isn't just known for being the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, for her Oscar-winning performance in “Cabaret”, or for the greatest concert of all time, “Liza with a Z”. Ms. Minnelli isn't even just known as one of the few EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, & Tony) winners.Liza is also remembered for her collection of clothing and jewelry that she sold on the Home Shopping Network. “The Liza Collection” features a stunning variety of velvet jumpsuits, sequin jackets, and chunky bracelets molded from clay. Liza wouldn't have it any other way…This week Ray teaches Rob about how a song from the musical Gypsy fueled his Liza obsession, why Bobbi Ray Carter is the HSN MVP, and what other celebrities have risen to the occasion of selling their brands on cable television.“The woman should wear the dress, not the dress wear the woman.” – Liza MinnelliIf you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAM:Ray HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSavia WEBSITESLiza Minnelli - IMDbLiza Minnelli - PlaybillHome Shopping Network Official Site ARTICLES

Post-credits scenes are so common nowadays, it's almost a surprise when there isn't a clip teasing a sequel, or an extended universe, or the next Super Mario Bros. Movie. But cliffhangers are something special. They can entice an audience to feel the irresistable urge to watch a movie or tune into an episode just to see that lingering question answered. And nobody did it better than one TV show back in 1980, when a last-minute plot twist not only changed the trajectory of that show, but led to a cultural phenomenon that persists to this day.Rob teaches Ray and Daniel about the iconic end to “Dallas”'s third season, when J.R. Ewing took a bullet from an unknown enemy; why audiences had to wait eight months to find out the identity of the mysterious culprit; how the sensation propelled Larry Hagman to international celebrity; Daniel's and Ray's personal favorite cliffhangers; the lengths to which the networks went to safeguard the premiere of the fourth season; and modern examples of great (and not so great…) cliffhangers. If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. Thank you as always for your support, and if you have any thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to send us a message on social media! And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSDallas Season 03e25 J.R. Ewing Gets ShotDallas Opening and Closing Theme 1978 - 1991 (Hd Surround)

Come and hear those dancin' feet as we put on our flapper dresses and Charleston back in time to one of our classic episodes from Season 1: Dance Marathons. Enjoy!~~~Get out your tap shoes, Francis, we are going dancing tonight....and tomorrow....and for the next five months!This week we look at the swinging and sadistic world of 1930s Dance Marathons which were ways for Depression Era Americans to make some money dancing for hours on end....while other Americans watched and waited for injuries, blood, and violence! Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of dancing in America, how Vernon and Irene Castle made sinful partner dancing wholesome, the Endurance Crazes of the 1920s, the sadistic Emcees and promoters who manipulated dancers and audiences, how audiences could see more blood if they paid more, and how these marathons laid the ground for reality television!If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAM:Ray HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSavia WEBSITESHistoryLink AtlasObscuraHistory DailyLoveToKnowBOOKSDance of the Sleepwalkers Dance MarathonsARTICLES

Tina Turner, Brian Wilson, Cher - most people know those names of the iconic stars whose music defined a generation and continue to be chart-toppers. Basically, they wrote bops. But did you know that those artists probably wouldn't have written said bops if not for a core group of session musicians who played an instrumental role (the pun was necessary, we promise) in rock and roll sound?Ray teaches Daniel and Rob all about “The Wrecking Crew,” a select group of musicians whose reliability and talent made them beloved throughout the industry; what made Phil Spector's “Wall of Sound” such a revolution; why Hal Blaine's mistake made the opening of “Be My Baby” that much better; the names behind some of Rob's most beloved TV theme songs; and whether session musicians nowadays have the same clout or opportunities as they did in days gone by.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. Thank you as always for your support, and if you have any thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to send us a message on social media! And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSFrank Sinatra - Strangers in the Night | Lyrics Meaning | @FrankSinatraThe Mamas & the Papas - California Dreamin'The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations (Official Music Video)The...

If winter's got you down and you're in need of some extra pizzazz to get you through the day, we've got just the medicine: our classic episode on the “The Super Bowl Shuffle.” Once you add this chart-topping tune to your playlist, we guarantee you'll be bopping all the way to your weekly Fred Silverman fan club meeting (we'll see you there). Enjoy!~~~There hasn't been anything quite like “The Super Bowl Shuffle”… And for good reason. Professional athletes can be boastful from time to time, but in 1985, it was taken to a whole new level! All lead by Bears Wide Receiver, Willie Gault. The Chicago Bears would produce a single (the first of its kind on Audio Cassette), film a music video (Second in sales to “Thriller”), and win a Super Bowl (beating those darn Patriots!) all in the course of an NFL season. “The Super Bowl Shuffle” was a sensation! Most of the team wanted in, but there were some that had their doubts. But not Mike Ditka! Just don't ask him to be involved… This week Ray teaches Rob about the game of football, why they called William Perry “The Refrigerator”, what a touchdown is, how Mike Ditka did his own music video (of which he has no recollection), and why the Average Joe is now forever to be referred to as a “Grabowski”.DAAAAA BEARS!If you like what we're doing, we'd love if you could spread the word by sharing the episode with a friend or leaving us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, [please And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSavia WEBSITESChicago BearsPro Football ReferenceThe Super Bowl Shuffle LyricsARTICLES

You know that phrase, “All's fair in love and war”? Even though “politics” isn't on that list, nowadays I'm sure seems like it could be. The smear campaigns, the attack ads - sometimes it just feels like politician care more about making their opponents look bad rather that actually talking about their own policies and strengths (wait a second…). And even though these kind of tactics have probably been around forever, there's one year and one election in particular where they took centerstage.Rob teaches Ray and Daniel all about the U.S. presidential election of 1988 and the numerous defining moments from the campaign of that year; the notorious political operator Lee Atwater and his bag of “dirty tricks”; Michael Dukakis's unfortunate use of military headgear in one of his ads; Rob's feelings on why debates have gone so downhill in the last few decades; and how Lee Atwater's coded “Southern Strategy” has given way in modern times to a more explicit expressions of prejudice.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSGov. Clinton at 1988 Democratic National ConventionBentsen vs. Quayle: The 1988 vice presidential debateLee Atwater's 1981 Interview on the Southern StrategyBentsen vs. Quayle: The 1988 vice presidential debate

In solidarity with the brave souls who've resolved to make 2024 a year of health and wellness, we're playing our in the fitness sphere and leading by example by doing the strenuous, backbreaking work...of publishing a podcast. But if that's too intense for you, don't worry - Suzanne Somers is here in this Classic episode from Season 1 to help you get more toned and trim than you could have ever imagined. Enjoy! ~~~Happy New Years, dear listener! Getting healthy is a classic New Years Resolution and what better way to get trim than with Thigh Master! Thigh Master had a major grip on early 90's fitness, but it wouldn't get to the top without the help of a wonderfully peppy spokesperson Suzanne Somers. Yes, Chrissy Snow from “Three's Company”, herself! She “used to do aerobics ‘til she dropped! Then she found Thigh Master!”This week, Ray teaches Rob the secret to shapely thighs, talks about an important meeting in Palm Springs, Suzanne's storied career, and how a device designed for physical therapy took over at home exercise.…and just what IS the right resistance?...If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.WEBSITESSuzanne Somers WebsiteBuy Thigh Master! ARTICLESNew York TimesLos Angeles TimesHuffington PostEntertainment WeeklyNBC NewsAmerican ExpressOrange County RegisterEntrepreneur

Happy holidays, listeners! We've got a delectable episode for you today, featuring a toy that has been a household staple for more than 60 years and is still going strong. In fact, it would be just the thing if you're looking for some help with holiday baking, as long as you don't mind your baked goods being on the miniature side…and possibly losing a finger or two in the process… Daniel teaches Ray and Rob about the Easy-Bake Oven's origins at the renowned toy company Kenner Products; how New York pretzel vendors played an essential role in providing inspiration for the product; all the different ways the word “cookies” can be pronounced; the battle to make a version of the Easy-Bake that wasn't explicitly marketed for girls; and how this kitchen toy has influenced everyone from amateur bakers to professional chefs and which, despite its ups and downs, remains one of the most fondly remembered toys of all time.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLES“How Easy-Bake Ovens Work” by Nathan ChandlerEasy-Bake Evolution: 50 Years of Cakes, Cookies, and Gender Politics | Collectors WeeklyLight Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven“Easy-Bake Oven Gourmet” by David HoffmanEasy-Bake Oven: Ronald Howes (Toy Stories)

Alas, holiday sickness has descended upon us here at This Was A Thing, which means we've needed to put some of our episode plans on hold - but never fear! We've picked a delicious classic episode for you fresh off the Vine. And even though it's not six seconds, we think you'll like this trip down viral video lane. Enjoy!~~Can you put together a meaningful thought or idea in six seconds or less? What about a moderately funny video? It's hard! But there was some GOLD in them there Vine hills!Ray teaches Rob about how Vine helped launch the careers of Shawn Mendes, King Bach, and yes, even Jake and Logan Paul. We also revisit some of our favorite Vines of years past including Rob's favorite – a teacher's reaction to having a piece of paper thrown at them. “Whoever threw that paper, your mom's a…”If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAM:Ray HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSavia ARTICLESThe VergeBBCThe GuardianPitchforkAd WeekMedia Post

Since 2023 is coming to a close in a few weeks, we're bringing back an episode all about the near-catastrophe (or was it?) of Y2K. And because we care about you, this episode can also be a helpful reminder: don't accidentally set up their digital infrastructure on a system that might cause the downfall of a country. Enjoy!~~~In honor of the 2022 New Year, This Was A Thing is making some serious resolutions. 1. We're going to find even more ways to work Bea Arthur into future episodes. 2. Ray and Rob are going to start a new Patreon perk - "Fight Club with Fred Silverman."3. We will not program any computers in any way that could even possibly cause an infrastructure catastrophe.If that last resolution sounds oddly specific and familiar, then you're probably remembering 1999 - when the entire country (and world) was asking itself: will we make it to Y2K?Rob teaches Ray about how the world nearly experienced a computer crisis at the turn of the millennium; why two extra digits make a world of difference; how the Backstreet Boys prep for the digital apocalypse; and how the fear of a global shutdown 23 years ago compares to the recent real-world pandemic experience.If you like what we are doing, please support us on Patreon.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSNew Year's Eve, 1999 Into 2000 - YouTubeY2K - www.NBCUniversalArchives.com - YouTubeY2K Bug: Much Ado About Nothing? | Retro Report | The New York Times - YouTubeThe Y2K Scare | National Geographic - YouTubeY2K Survival Kit Ad - YouTubeY2K: Are You Ready? A Drill for Y2K Preparedness (1999) - YouTubeY2K: Tensions in the Last Days of the 1900's - YouTube

Happy Belated Thanksgiving, dear listeners! It's a time of gratitude (and delicious food), and when it comes to things in our lives we're grateful for, one thought comes to mind immediately. No, Rob, not the seven perfect seasons of “The Golden Girls,” although Bea Arthur is always the right answer. It's the fact that we can order whatever our hearts desire and have it delivered in two days or less. In fact, it's such a cornerstone of modern life that you're probably asking yourself, how did people even survive before we could get huge boxes of toilet paper to just show up at our door with a single click? Well, as it happens, ordering items for delivery is hardly a new concept, and two entrepreneurial go-getters in the late 19th century built a merchandise empire upon just that concept.Ray teaches Daniel and Rob about Rich Sears and Alvah Roebuck, the founders of the eponymous mail-order catalog which upended the store-based retail industry; how the combination of Rural Free Delivery and westward expansion inspired their novel approach to sales; why your house might be worth more than you thought; some of the strangest and most concerning items contained in the pages of the catalog through the decades; and how this once-trailblazing concept - selling and shipping directly to consumers - has now become the predominant method of shopping.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSSears Air Conditioner CommercialSears ‘Where America Shops' Commercial (1976)Sears “Softer Side” Commercial 1998ADDITIONAL MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS“Happy Bee” and “Drankin Song”• Kevin MacLeod...

Cyber Monday and Black Friday: the essential American holidays of buying stuff we don't need but really want. Maybe you got yourself something nice (Ray made sure to get his eighth copy of "Liza With a Z", and Daniel bought enough ice cream pints to stay stocked for at least another three months), or maybe you picked up a gift for a friend or loved one, you thoughtful, kind soul. Whatever you did or didn't buy, we can guarantee the day wasn't as crazy as back in the 1980s, when the rush for Cabbage Patch dolls caused literal riots in stores across the country. So in honor of going bananas about a fad that will fade as quickly as it appeared, here's our Cabbage Patch Kids episode from season 1. Enjoy!~~~Remember Cabbage Patch Kids..... those odd looking dolls with hard plastic heads that took the 80's by storm? And how that storm turned into riots? In 1983 Cabbage Patch Mania ruled the holiday season and parents just HAD to get their hands on one for Little Carol and even Littler Patti.This week, Ray teaches Rob all about Bunny Bees, BabyLand General Hospital, and how creator Xavier Roberts MAY have stolen the idea for these dolls from a woman named Martha Nelson Thomas who he met at a small Kentucky craft fair. Plus discovering that Roberts' signature was on every doll's bottom.....Yes, you read that correctly… The 80's were weird…If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaWEBSITESCabbage Patch Kids Official Site BOOKSFantasy: The Incredible Cabbage Patch Phenomenon ARTICLESThe...

We're idealists here at This Was A Thing, and what's more idealistic than the American Dream? And if there's one person who personifies that embodies that dream to a tee, it's this week's subject. A man who pulled himself up by his own bootstraps, as well as by the wheelchair handles of his much older spouse, and who went to extraordinary lengths to secure his legacy: becoming one of the most notorious gold-diggers in modern history.Rob teaches Ray and Daniel all about the unconventional marriage between Mr. Mark Harris and Colonel Martha “Maggie” Raye; Mr. Harris's history of dabbling in everything from cosmetology to producing for Eddie Fisher; Martha's risqué adventures with ThWAT-favorite Skip E. Lowe; Howard Stearn's role in elevating Mark Harris's status and notoriety; the denture cleaner that we should all be using; Martha's rocky relationship with her daughter; and what ultimately happened to this unconventional marriage that captured the attention of the public and the tabloids.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. Thank you as always for your support, and if you have any thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to send us a message on social media! And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSMark Harris' Many Failed ProjectsMartha Raye - Pig Foot Pete (Keep 'Em Flying,...

It's that happy, happy time again - voting season! Since many of us hit the polls last week to do the whole democracy thing, we figured it's a perfect time to re-air one of our earliest political episodes when the American political system encountered a crisis of epic proportions. Good to know things have changed, right? Enjoy!~~~You are a new country. You have a constitution. If anything goes wrong, don't worry, the constitution will tell us what to do.......or will it?Learn about the death of President William Henry Harrison, the first time a President died in office, and the forgotten constitutional crisis that followed, as well as a deep dive into the 25th Amendment that tried to correct those errors.Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of the all too brief Presidency of William Henry Harrison, the controversial elections that got him into office, The Curse of Tippecanoe, the gentleman's agreement between Eisenhower and Nixon, why it is difficult to invoke the 25th Amendment, the wisdom of Al Haig, and tons of The West Wing examples.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESHis AccidencyHow The Shortest Presidency Spurred A Brief Constitutional CrisisPublic Announcement of Harrison's DeathDid William Henry Harrison Really Die of Pneumonia

We're back, baby! Since it was just Halloween, and we've all been gorging ourselves on sweet treats, we've probably also experienced the inevitable crash that comes after a huge sugar high. And it just so happens that the aftereffects of eating too much junk food is exactly the topic of today's episode, because that's the defense that lawyer settled on in one of the most notorious crimes of the 1970s. So grab yourself a cream-filled cake and listen up!Rob teaches Ray and Daniel (yes, a third host's joined the gang!) about San Francisco city council member Dan White, a decorated former fireman and San Francisco city council member who eventually murdered both Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay elected politician, and SF mayor George Moscone; the political dealings and fallout that led to the disintergration of Dan White's political career and might have motivated his crimes; Daniel's lack of Twinkie expertise; how a newspaper cartoonist spun a throwaway comment about White's diet into a national meme; how a phrase from South Park has replaced the Twinkie Defense in modern parlance; and later cases that have deliberately used "Twinkie Defense" tactics to secure acquittals for their clients.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSMilk 1978 Prop 6 ( The Briggs Initiative)The Chewbacca Defense Is Used in Court - South PARKADDITIONAL MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS“Happy Bee” and “Awesome Call”• Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)• Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0•

Hang up the fake cobwebs and throw on a witch's hat - the spookiest day of the year is here! Everyone's got some skeletons in a closet, and there's no better day to proudly display those skeletons than Halloween. So we're giving the Frankenstein treatment to one of our favorite episodes and republishing our deep dive into the wonderfully wacky hour of TV that was the Paul Lynde Halloween Special. Enjoy at your own peril!~~~It's a Halloween Extravaganza this week on This Was A Thing. Who's hosting, you ask? TV Funnyman Paul Lynde, of course!Ray teaches Rob all about The Paul Lynde Halloween Special. Who was there to share a drink (or six) with Paul? Well, just about every spooky TV personality you could think of: Carol Brady, Mr. Wiggins, Witchy Poo/Wicked Witch of the West, Donnie and Marie, Billy Barty, Sue Ann Nivens, and Halloween favorite Roz “Pinky Tuscadero” Kelly! We even get to see KISS's first national television appearance! And, guiding the spooky special is Brady Bunch Variety Hour alumni Bruce Vilanch, ABC President Fred Silverman, and a very confused LeVar Burton!Strap in for the WITCHIEST episode of This Was A Thing yet!If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESIMBDAV ClubShock Cinema MagazineDrunk TVEPISODE CLIPSThe Paul Lynde Halloween...

Ah, autumn - a season of change, of sipping a piping hot PSL, and of people starting to play Christmas music way too early (seriously, Halloween is still weeks away). It's also when the MLB World Series captivates baseball lovers across the nation. So to celebrate the start of the national pastime's premier event, and as a nod to spooky season, we're republishing our episode on the 1919 World Series and the subsequent Curse of the Black Sox. Play ball!~~~You've heard of the “Curse of the Bambino”, “Curse of the Billy Goat”, and even “Merkle's Boner.“ But the case that changed baseball forever was The 1919 World Series Scandal, better known as ”The Black Sox Scandal," because it was discovered that players were betting against their own team!Ray teaches Rob about players like “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, Eddie Cicotte, “Buck” Weaver, and “Chick” Gandil, who, when they'd had enough of their manager, Charles Comisky, engaged in the first major baseball scandal; the naming of the first commissioner of baseball, Judge Kennesaw Mountain (yes, you read that correctly); the theory that famous gambler, Arnold Rothstein, was behind the fix; how baseball redeemed itself; and honestly, what's with all of these nicknames?!?If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSEight Men Out Official Trailer #1ADDITIONAL MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS“Happy Bee” and “Baseball”• Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)• Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Whether it's Agatha Christie or Only Murders (#bloodymabel), murder and mystery always seem to fascinate the public. So in recognition of that fascination, and in remembrance of a cultural icon, we're republishing our episode on Lana Turner's trial for the murder of Johnny Stompanato and revisiting a scandal that turned Tinsel Town on its head…~~~In the 1950's, Lana Turner was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Sadly, she was dating a violent mobster named Johnny Stompanato. Mr. Stompanto's violence came to an end when he was discovered stabbed to death in 1958 in Turner's home. The person holding the knife… Cheryl Crane, Lana Turner's 14-year-old daughter.This week, Rob teaches Ray about Lana Turner's hairdresser, how the media took this story and ran with it, and why famous mobster Mickey Cohen was involved with Johnny Stompanato. Seems fishy!If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media!TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaEPISODE CLIPSCheryl Crane, Daughter, Lana Turner INTERVIEWThe Postman Always Rings Twice 1946 Lana Turner John GarfieldLana Turner, Joan Rivers–1982 Tv InterviewLana Turner Full Interview Phil Donahue 1982

Some child actors seem like they're just born to be stars (we've all watched that one kid's audition video for E.T., and if you haven't, put that in the queue for the weekend). But way back before we got movies like The Goonies, producer Hal Roach had already revolutionized cinema's approach to incorporating kids in the motion pictures. Instead of just having them be set dressing, or using them as plot devices, why not just make movies in which kids … act like kids?Ray teaches Rob about the Our Gang films and the child stars who made them so iconic; the archetypes that the film series relied upon to create unforgettable characters; how Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer actually terrorized many of his castmates; the lives, and passings, of other notable “Little Rascals” after they left the film series; why getting dinner with Robert Blake might have been hazardous to your health; and whether or not the Our Gang curse is backed up by the evidence.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. Thank you as always for your support, and if you have any thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to send us a message on social media! And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSOur Gang: Inside the Clubhouse (1984) (Part 1 of 10)

If you've listened to some of our previous episodes, you know we love a TV variety show here at “This Was a Thing.” So to celebrate a truly iconic version of that now-defunct performance format, we're republishing our episode on “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.” It's got it all - singing, dancing, American Flags, fake Jan. What's not to love? And stay tuned for new episodes coming soon!~~~The Bradys are BACK! But this time the whole bunch is singing and dancing! Yes, even Alice.This week, Ray tells Rob all about “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour” a show that may have been panned back in the 70s, but is loved in 2021, and how The Bradys became America's first franchised family.And don't worry! You don't just get Mike, Carol, and the kids! No, no! A slew of A-Listers wanted to come along for the ride! You like Tony Randall? He'll be there! Donny and Marie? Check! Milton Berle? Oh yes! Charo, Lee Majors and even Farrah Fawcett too? There they all are being groovy with Rip Taylor! If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaWEBSITESTV Guide's Worst 50 Shows All Time (#4)BOOKSLove to Love You BradysARTICLESNews Clipping from 1976Retro JunkVISUAL

You know a company's made it big when its name or brand makes it into everyday vocabulary, and history's full of great examples. We Google things, we use Kleenex, and how would we cover our boo-boos without Band-Aids? And one camera company's name became synonomous with capturing a perfect memory - a perfect moment, you might say - so it could be preserved forever. Unfortunately (and ironically), that same company had a lot of trouble preserving itself from going under.Ray teaches Rob about the earliest forms of cameras and how time-consuming the process of photography originally was; how Mr. George Eastman and his company “Kodak” came onto the scene to bring photography to the masses; Kodak's many innovations in both the form of cameras and the film they used; the Russian monarchs who were also big Kodak fans; why Kodak steered clear of digital photography, even though it helped invent the technology; and how its hesitancy to join the digital revolution was the prime culprit in Kodak's downfall.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSThe Jazz Singer | “Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet” Scene | Warner Bros. EntertainmentRetroland Video: Vintage Kodak Commercials | (1950s - 1990s)Single Marble Rolling Long time10000 Marbles Rolling on a Giant Marble Run _ Part 2ADDITIONAL MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS“Happy Bee,” “Winter Chimes,” "Pinball Spring 160," and “Mister Exposition”• Kevin MacLeod (

We're celebrating Labor Day this week by republishing a classic episode from last year all about the television event that became synonymous with not only this holiday, but also its enigmatic (and problematic) host - Mr. Jerry Lewis. Enjoy!---It's that time of year again - Labor Day Weekend. And we all know the two most important things about that day: it's the final chance to wear white clothing (thank you, Elle Woods), and it's also when the nation used to tune into the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual fundraising broadcast, or as it's better known, the Jerry Lewis Telethon.Rob teaches Ray about Good Jerry and Bad Jerry; the early days of Martin and Lewis, their subsequent break-up, and their unexpected reunion; how Lainie Kazan earned her Actor's Studio stripes while singing Barry Manilow; Joan Crawford's questionable poetry choices; and why MDA eventually disassociated itself from the very man who popularized its fundraiser and championed its cause.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSOpening Credits for the MDA TelethonLewis and Martin ReuniteLewis on Female ComicsLewis on RefugeesLewis Uses a Gay Slur“Bad Jerry” (Lewis on Larry King)

You know what really makes people want something? Tell them they can't have it. If your goal is to cast some reverse psychology incantation, you're golden! But in the 1980s, when a group of concerned parents with close political affiliations (read: married to politicians) wanted musicians to put content warnings on their albums, reverse psychology was not intended. Instead, we got a big ol' battle between a committee of “Washington Wives” and any musician publishing music with violent or explicit language and themes.Rob teaches Ray about Tipper Gore's vendetta against explicit music; the founding of the Parents Music Resource Center and its mission to enforce a music rating system; how musicians like Prince and Madonna (and Cyndi Lauper) found their songs on the “Filthy Fifteen”; Frank Zappa being a boss; Dee Snider being even more of a boss; and how issues of censorship continue to be debated today.If you like what we're doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we'd love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.TEAMRay HebelRobert W. SchneiderMark SchroederBilly RecceDaniel SchwartzbergGabe CrawfordNatalie DeSaviaARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSPrince - Let's Pretend We're Married1985 Frank Zappa, Donny Osmond, and Kandy Stroud on Nightline With Ted Koppel1986 Tipper Gore InterviewPrince - Darling NikkiDee Snider vs Tipper Gore 1984 - Senate Hearing PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center)Dee Snider's PMRC Senate Hearing Speech (Full)ADDITIONAL MUSIC &...