Podcast appearances and mentions of Jerry Springer

On this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Cody Cook sits down with author and journalist Ross Benes to discuss his latest book, 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. The conversation dives deep into how the most sensational and “trashy” pop culture of the late 90s—think Jerry Springer, pro wrestling, Insane Clown Posse, Pokémon, and Beanie Babies—not only shaped our current media landscape, but also influenced today's political and cultural divides.Ross explores the ascent of “low culture,” tracing how it blurred the boundaries between entertainment and politics—culminating in a world where reality TV tactics rule the public sphere. They talk about the rise of populism, the persistence of elitism, and why figures like Trump are both symptoms and products of this cultural shift. Cody and Ross also debate whether democracy is better off now that the “facade of respectability” is gone, or if we've lost something essential along the way.Ross Benes' work can be found at rossbenes.com, and his book 1999 is available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible formats.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Leon Neyfakh joins the show to discuss Final Thoughts, his new podcast chronicling Jerry Springer's transformation from charismatic progressive politician to ringmaster of daytime TV chaos. They explore how Springer's earnest civic ambitions unraveled into tabloid infamy—and why he never fully distanced himself from the circus he hosted. Mike also reflects on America's confusing birthday—whether 1776, 1787, or the neglected Articles of Confederation truly mark the founding—and why the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth never made it to its own sestercentennial. It's a conversation about spectacle, civic identity, and the uneasy line between public service and entertainment. Produced by Corey Wara Production Coordinator Ashley Khan Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠GIST INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Gist List at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pesca⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack

It's a wild one. • The Dolphins and Steelers are out here trading like it's a fantasy league. • Darren Waller might be back… or maybe not? • EA Sports is bringing back a college basketball game, and 2K is firing shots. Are we getting a new video game war? • Marcus Freeman to the Steelers?! What would it take for Mike to be okay with that? • The Bucks waived Dame Lillard(?!), and Malik Beasley is under investigation. • March Madness might expand again, NHL's got a new CBA, and Chris Robinson's junk led to an endorsement deal. Also: Moon Mammoths, robot soccer, Coach O at weddings, and the greatest Sip, Chug, Drainpour of all time (Maury, Springer, Dr. Phil).

From pro wrestling and Beanie Babies to Insane Clown Posse and Jerry Springer—author Ross Benes looks at the explosion of low culture in the mass media in the late '90s. His book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times reveals its profound impact and how it continues to affect our culture and society today.

There's a point where creating starts to feel like shouting into the void. You know you've got something meaningful to say, but the constant noise—online, in your head, from everyone else—makes it hard to hear your own voice. That frustration builds, especially when it feels like empty content gets more attention than thoughtful work. But deep down, the pull to create something real doesn't go away—it just waits for the right crack to break through. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5k1OR0jRis Reena Friedman Watts is a media pro and podcast host with deep roots in TV, including work on Jerry Springer and Court TV. She now runs "Better Call Daddy," blending real-life stories with lessons from her father. Rena helps new podcasters find their voice and craft shows that resonate. Today, she shares practical tips on content creation, building confidence behind the mic, and using personal stories to create deeper audience connections. Her focus is on staying real, consistent, and curious. Stay tuned! Resources: Uncensored podcasts. For the love of stories. Better Call Daddy Podcast Follow Reena Friedman Watts on Instagram Follow Reena Friedman Watts on Facebook Connect with Reena Friedman Watts on LinkedIn

The RSMS crew kick things off with Grammy-winning R&B duo Brandy and Monica, who reveal their 1998 hit “The Boy Is Mine” inspired by a dramatic episode of The Jerry Springer Show. The legendary song, which topped the Billboard charts for 13 weeks, was intentionally crafted to spark rumors, and the duo are now reuniting both on tour and in the studio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Podcast, we kick things off with Grammy-winning R&B duo Brandy and Monica, who reveal their 1998 hit “The Boy Is Mine” was inspired by a dramatic episode of The Jerry Springer Show. The legendary song, which topped the Billboard charts for 13 weeks, was intentionally crafted to spark rumors, and the duo are now reuniting both on tour and in the studio. Then, Michelle Obama speaks out to quell divorce speculation, attributing their privacy to their age “we’re 60, y’all” and emphasizing that if any serious marital issue existed, she’d address it publicly. Finally, on a tech-forward note, Howard University and Google launch Project Elevate Black Voices, sharing 600+ hours of African-American English dialect data to improve AI speech recognition—which has long struggled with Black speech patterns. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Waldman and Greg Dworkin are back with the latest in KITM and KITM accessories. You might not know that Dennis Kucinich was mayor of Cleveland, or that Jerry Springer was mayor of Cincinnati, yet you probably know every mayor of New York City over your entire life, maybe earlier. They NYC mayoral race is like no other, and Zohran Mamdani's Democratic primary win is a win like no other. The establishment fears him; the political class has been trying to stop him, and with good reason. Zohran is a populist who seems to actually be a man of the people! Not many saw him coming, because no one would bet that voters could find someone with genuine merit. Credit should go to ranked choice voting's ability to sift out the individual voter's judgement away from the rankest choice, Andrew Cuomo. As Donald K. Trump famously said of his bombing of Iran, “I came, I saw, I conquered”. Lately though, Trump's been quoted, “Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them?” (He might have picked up that quote elsewhere.) Is Emil Bove the most unethical judicial nominee in modern history? Or is the real sinner the whistleblower who snitched on him? If Trump is infallible, perceiving his actions as failures is heresy, and threatening him is blasphemy, and the whole idea of ethics and morality is open to discussion. HUD likes the National Science Foundation headquarters, so they are throwing out 1,800 employees. Maybe they'll locate affordable housing for them. At least you won't see Big Balls hanging out around DC… unless you mistake him for JD Vance.

Today on The Riff, Jeremy and Justin finally talk about Jerry Springer.  We hope today is helpful and hopeful. Thanks for listening!!

In this episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, I'm joined by journalist and author Ross Benes to discuss his new book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. We dive into how one seemingly ridiculous year, marked by Pokémon mania, pro wrestling mayhem, aggro-fueled nu metal, and shock TV overload, actually laid the groundwork for the chaotic media and cultural landscape we live in today.

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From Leon Neyfakh and Prologue Projects — the award-winning team behind "Think Twice: Michael Jackson," "Slow Burn," "Fiasco," and "Backfired" — comes a new Audible Original, "Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer." You may think you know Jerry Springer—the iconic TV host who presided over America's most controversial daytime talk show for 27 years. In that time, Springer's name became synonymous with outrageous guests, taboo confessions, and vicious on-stage fights. But before "The Jerry Springer Show" made him infamous all over the world, Springer was something else entirely: a respected Midwestern politician whom many saw as a future leader in the Democratic Party. So how did this serious-minded idealist with lofty political aspirations take such a turn in such a radically different direction? "Final Thoughts" examines timeless questions about ambition, compromise, and whether we can ever truly separate who we are from what we do for a living. Listen now on Audible at audible.com/Springer.

Comedian, freestyler, and archaeology grad Chris Turner joins the show to explain how a middle-class British kid  became one of the most dazzling improv lyricists in comedy. From his early days writing one-liners to mesmerizing crowds at the Comedy Cellar with rhymes about chlamydia, Hispaniola, and Jerry Springer, Turner charts a path that makes no sense—until you see it live. He talks about bombing in polite accents, fax machines causing drive-by shootings, and why freestyling is more like tennis than chess. Plus: ear-wiggling, axolotl envy, and the double-edged sword of being good at something nobody believes you can do. Produced by Corey WaraProduction Coordinator Ashley KhanEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com⁠⁠⁠⁠To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to The Gist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠GIST INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow The Gist List at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pesca⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textWhen Nelson Mandela said, "Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice," he captured the essence of healing that reaches beyond politics into our personal relationships. After 20 months of separation from my husband, I'm opening up about the profound journey that led me from codependency to self-love, and now to a potential reconciliation.For 25 years I've known this man, been in relationship with him for 17, and married to him for 7—yet we reached a breaking point that required complete separation. The stark contrast between spending time with spiritually-awakened individuals and returning to a relationship filled with "basement vibrations" finally became too much to ignore. That moment of clarity led me to walk away without drama or explanation, beginning a healing journey I hadn't realized I desperately needed.What I discovered during our time apart transformed everything. We had been two incomplete people trying to find wholeness in each other, creating a toxic energy exchange where we constantly triggered one another. The real breakthrough came when I recognized that reconciliation must begin within. As Thich Nhat Hanh wisely noted, "If you don't reconcile with yourself, happiness with another person is impossible." At 64, I finally achieved what had eluded me my entire life: genuine self-love and the unwavering knowledge of my worth.This weekend marks a significant milestone as my husband travels to spend time with me after months of rebuilt communication. Whether our relationship ultimately heals or we continue on separate paths, I've learned that true relationship requires two whole individuals with God between them—never two halves desperately seeking completion. Whatever relationship struggles you're facing, remember that healing begins with you. Don't sell yourself short or step out of your power for someone else's comfort. Your journey to wholeness matters, and it's never too late to begin.Support the show

Jerry Springer and his titular TV show became synonymous with trash entertainment, serving up daily episodes of sensational confrontations and bad behavior. But the host began his public life as a progressive local politician whose career was nearly derailed by a sex scandal. After a stint as a Cincinnati anchorman, Springer became one among a crowded field of new daytime talk shows. His program rose to the top, with its uniquely crude style of on-camera confrontations. Though it made him famous, Springer seemed indifferent to the show that bore his name…wishing to distance himself from its outlandish legacy and achieve something more positive.    In the Audible Original and Prologue Projects podcast series “Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer,” host Leon Neyfakh recounts Springer's unlikely journey from immigrant to politician to ring master in television's trashiest show. It takes a nuanced look at the man and whether his program created - or merely reflected - a corroding culture of misbehavior, spectacle, and cruelty.OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEWS OF "FINAL THOUGHTS: JERRY SPRINGER" BEGIN IN THE FINAL 14 MINUTES OF THE EPISODE. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.

Dive into the fascinating discussion with Ross Benes, author of '1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times,' on how the 1990s pop culture revolution — fueled by Jerry Springer, pro wrestling, reality TV, and media deregulation — shaped modern politics, including the rise of Donald Trump. From the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to the Attitude Era of WWE, explore how lowbrow entertainment, technology, and cultural shifts created the polarized, tribal world we live in today. Matt Lewis and Ross Benes unpack the contradictions of conservatism, the impact of 90s icons like Stone Cold Steve Austin, and why Gen X might never produce a president. Get the book: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700638574/#1999 #PopCulture #DonaldTrump #JerrySpringer #RealityTV #Politics #90sNostalgia #MediaDeregulation #WWE #GenXSupport "Matt Lewis & The News" at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFollow Matt Lewis & Cut Through the Noise:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattklewis/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's book: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416Copyright © 2024, BBL & BWL, LLC

Send your thoughts, feelings, opinions and suggestions to 0892096423!Emer McLysaght is back to take us through the week's entertainment news, from Taylor getting her masters back to a paternity scandal reminiscent of Jerry Springer.To support the podcast and access bonus episodes, join the community on Patreon here.Join us in Connolly's of Leap on July 17th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zack experienced racism before and Erick thinks that is good. He is going to miss the food trucks and even the bus. Find out the reason why on the show today, but most people shouldn't be shocked. Zack told Erick about some good Kevin Smith movies and what made Silent Bob so great. Then the boys talked about trash TV and all the good ol' days when it came to shows like Jerry Springer.   Links: The Podcast IG Erick Feiling Website Erick Feiling IG Zack Stack IG Comedian Erick Feiling

"Not everybody can say they work there. There's a lot of people who work there, but not everybody can say it."   "You either have to date somebody that's a coworker because it's the only time you're going to see them."   "The show would never last today. It just wouldn't."   In this captivating episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman sit down with the charismatic Jimmy the Hat, a former producer from the iconic Jerry Springer show. Jimmy takes us on a wild ride through his unforgettable journey in the world of television, sharing hilarious and shocking behind-the-scenes stories that only someone who lived it could tell. From his eclectic collection of Jerry Springer memorabilia to the unique dynamics of his immigrant family, Jimmy reflects on his upbringing and the pivotal moments that shaped his life. He recounts his early days of working on the show, the quirky guests he encountered, and the outrageous situations that unfolded both on and off the stage. With a blend of humor and candor, he reveals the challenges of booking guests, the unexpected friendships formed, and the chaotic environment that defined the Springer experience. Listeners will be enthralled by Jimmy's tales of navigating the entertainment industry, his encounters with unforgettable characters, and the lessons learned from a career that was anything but ordinary. As he reminisces about the absurdity of some episodes and the genuine connections made with guests, he also candidly discusses the impact of the show on people's lives and the fine line between entertainment and exploitation. Join us for a rollercoaster of emotions as Jimmy the Hat shares his unique perspective, offering insights into the world of reality television and the friendships that endure long after the cameras stop rolling. This episode is a must-listen for fans of the show and anyone curious about the untold stories behind one of television's most controversial programs. (00:00) You have about 50 Jerry Springer T shirts. What else do you have (01:04) Growing up as a kid, you didn't have grandparents. Did you have expectations? No, we didn't (03:53) You remember going to bars with your dad when you were young (08:52) My sister hit me with a broom when I was in fifth grade (12:35) I walked in, the guy's, oh, where are you going (14:13) Denny: I was fired from a free internship at Springer in 2002 (15:57) Talk to me about what you remember about starting and getting on the phones (17:48) You flirted a lot on the show, right? Yeah. I was all over it. Yeah, I think I, uh, flirted (20:57) How many times did you work on the show, like three times (22:22) The first time I got fired, the show was from New York (26:52) What about going to strip clubs to rope in guests on the show (29:40) There were people willing to do some pretty disgusting things (34:12) Some of the mediocre stories on the show were phenomenal (37:05) Did you ever lie about how good somebody was just to get booked (38:17) The documentary on The Talk about Richard and Toby is inaccurate (43:11) When we first met him, the very first minute we met him was scary (47:10) Jimmy says he once saw serial killer's recliner in his kitchen (50:37) Not one successful relationship has lasted on Jerry Springer (51:52) Do you think it's as easy to get into entertainment now as it was before (55:53) That show or shows like that would never survive today, VHS says (59:57) Jerry had a lot of weird characters on his show (01:03:12) You just can do love triangles, um, only or whatever. Go get the wildest, craziest thing you could think of (01:05:31) Did you ever wonder if you could have had a significant relationship during that time (01:08:47) I always wondered, how were you able to attain balance on Jerry Springer (01:10:23) How did you get the name Jimmy the Hat? I see you wearing it Don't miss this entertaining and insightful episode that bridges the gap between nostalgia and the realities of the television landscape. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who needs a good laugh and a dose of inspiration! Show notes created by https://headliner.app    

Send us a textWhat does it truly mean to live your own life? After a 20-month sabbatical, I've returned with hard-earned wisdom to share. My time away wasn't a break—it was a complete dismantling of everything I thought I knew about myself.The journey required radical honesty. I walked away from my marriage, left Tennessee and my seven children and ten grandchildren behind. Not because I didn't love them, but because I finally understood that my life is mine alone. For 42 years, I'd been bouncing between identities and patterns, through four marriages, 32 physical moves across six states, addiction, homelessness—what I lovingly call my "Jerry Springer ringer life." But these weren't random misfortunes; they were experiences I chose before arriving on Earth.Through dreams and spiritual insights, I've remembered standing at the threshold between worlds, eagerly volunteering to take on multiple lessons despite warnings about how challenging they would be in our compressed reality. This understanding has transformed how I view my past struggles. The pain wasn't meaningless—it was preparation. At 64, I finally understand that six plus four equals ten, and ten means completion. My lessons are complete, and now it's time to extend my hand to others navigating their own journey home to authenticity.The greatest day of your life is when you decide your life is your own—no apologies, no excuses needed. That's when your life truly begins. This massive energetic shift happening around us is calling everyone to strip away conditioning and reconnect with our divine essence. We already know who we are—this knowledge is simply buried beneath layers of programming we've accepted as truth.If you're feeling that inexplicable frustration, that inner itch, that dissonance that signals your higher self is calling—I'm here to walk alongside you as Teresa Marie, the Ambassador of Chi. Together, we can support each other in reclaiming our authentic purpose. Take full responsibility for your body, mind, and soul, and watch your vibrant energy return.What will you do with this one precious life that belongs only to you?Support the show

"The more you do it, the more comfortable you are, the more you learn." "A good story was like, some shock and awe!" "You need positive projects." "I try not to yuck anyone's yum." In this special rebroadcast episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman flip the mic as they take a turn in the hot seat. The Daddies podcast, Greg and Erik, and I have a candid conversation about the intricacies of podcasting, personal branding, and the evolution of our shows. Reena shares her journey from interning with Jerry Springer to building a platform that showcases the wisdom of her father, Wayne, while also interviewing a diverse range of guests. The duo discusses their unique approach to selecting guests, the challenges of early podcasting, and how their experiences have shaped their storytelling. With humor and authenticity, they reminisce about their first guest experiences, the learning curve of editing, and the importance of finding one's voice in the podcasting realm. Wayne provides his signature insights, emphasizing the value of open communication and the beauty of evolving perspectives through shared stories. Listeners will enjoy the light-hearted banter, personal anecdotes, and the relatable challenges faced by podcasters at every level. This episode is a celebration of growth, connection, and the power of storytelling in the digital age. Join us for this engaging episode that reminds us all to embrace our journeys and, of course, to Better Call Daddy! (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts is getting interviewed by the Daddies Podcast (05:25) Dr. Squatch is a multi-million, if not billion dollar company (08:48) William Hung was the first person to love American Idol. I feel like I always tell this story (11:38) There are four or five things about me that people remember (13:15) Jerry Springer: Valentine's Day probably trumps Father's Day (15:20) How did you get involved with Jerry Springer? I started off as an intern (19:58) When I first started my podcast, I did not know anyone (23:12) In Delaware, the biggest band to come out of Delaware is who (25:50) The podcast has helped me come out of my shell, right (29:03) At the end of each episode, we would do a snack review (32:49) My wife was not embarrassed whatsoever. You can't embarrass her at all (33:42) How did you meet your wife? I met her at a house party (37:42) One episode that we didn't air. Right. Erik and I were both recording at our house (42:05) Greg: I accidentially muted on Zencaster (45:50) Let's switch it over to Daddy. So what do you think, Daddy, how. Uh, Am I a little red?  (46:11) I spend so much time with my dad just editing those clips (49:24) Reena says she edits her audio through Adobe Audition (53:06) Bad audio will make or break a podcast, Daddy says (57:33) So my son is 9 years old and he plays a lot of Fortnite (01:00:24) Kendall Breitman is the head of community at Riverside.fm (01:04:06) For those wanting to get into podcasts, you can do it on your phone (01:07:52) For the everyday, what, uh, we're doing is perfectly fine (01:08:25) There are lots of schools of thought on how to start your podcast (01:14:21) Sometimes uniqueness is just as valuable as perfection, Better Call Daddy says Episode with Lunden Roberts (Hunter Biden's ex) episode 400 https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nuSqr1wUUhipfcfff0FRo?si=U32YFvEUQAm5iLPBmfhGuA Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of inspiration and wisdom! Connect with Reena and Wayne on social media to follow their journeys and stay updated on future episodes. Show notes created by https://headliner.app  

This week, we welcome Chef Marcos Ascencio, the man behind Taqueria Chingón and Mariscos San Pedro. Taqueria Chingón is a Mexico City-style taqueria known for its bold Al Pastor and playful takes on classic tacos. From his early days at NoMi under Chef Sandro Gamba to mentoring young chefs in Chicago Public Schools, Ascencio has carved out a path that blends fine dining precision with street food soul. His collaboration with Oliver Poilevey at Taqueria Chingón honors tradition while embracing reinvention—offering tacos that celebrate the past and explore bold, new conceptions. His latest venture, Mariscos San Pedro, brings that same spirit to seafood. We've got an action-packed episode—sinkholes, days working for Jerry Springer, tales of jailbirds on the lam—full of practical advice and culinary insight from one of the city's most grounded and generous chefs.

Our deep dive into Episode 287: The Jerry Springer Estate Circus You Didn't See Coming

On episode 88, Charles talks to Ross Benes about his new book, 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. Among the topics they discuss are how Jerry Springer helps explain Donald Trump, how 'kayfabe' took over the world, how porn explains much of Internet, how video games became respectable, and whether it matters that the elite class watches completely different television than most voters.

Jerry Springer fue el Mesías del caos televisivo, donde las peleas a golpes y los "¡Jerry! ¡Jerry!" eran más terapéuticos que 10 años de psicoanálisis. Convirtió los problemas familiares en combates de WWE y nos recordó que, en la tv basura el morbo y escándalo es lo que vende, solo que antes era político

"Celebrities are just people too." "Don't let anyone tell your story in a way that you don't agree with." "It's important to be honest with yourself. I could be harsh at times, but that's because for so long, I was too tender with myself." "The journey is far from just being about gigantism. It's about mental health, it's about physical health, it's about fitness, it's about circumstance." In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman engage in a profound conversation with Zach Strenkert, who opens up about his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the complexities of life after his experiences with the Jerry Springer show. Zach shares his reflections on the recent documentary about Jerry, discussing the nuances of celebrity culture, the challenges of public perception, and the importance of authentic storytelling. He candidly reveals how sensationalism often overshadows genuine narratives, emphasizing that people are multifaceted and should not be defined by singular moments or actions. As the discussion unfolds, Zach dives deep into his personal struggles, including the impact of his father's passing and his battle with body image and eating disorders. He highlights the importance of reframing one's story, understanding mental health, and embracing vulnerability as a pathway to healing. Listeners will be inspired by Zach's commitment to self-improvement and his journey toward balance, as he navigates the complexities of life with a unique perspective. His insights into the importance of communication in relationships, especially with his fiancée, offer a glimpse into the power of love and support in overcoming life's challenges. Join us for this enlightening episode that not only explores the depths of personal struggle but also celebrates the triumph of the human spirit. Zach's story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the ongoing journey of self-acceptance. Don't miss this opportunity to hear a truly inspiring narrative that encourages us all to find our own voice and share our stories. (00:00) I reached out to you because the Jerry Springer documentary just came out (03:20) I think a lot of the documentary was sensationalizing the situation (04:58) Some things got conflated or maybe it's easy to cherry pick headlines (08:23) You're working on a book now. We talked about you wanting to do that (11:21) For someone with Asperger syndrome, losing weight is difficult (15:34) Like when I first started losing weight, I chose to believe in something (15:54) The first roadblock was talking about your father (18:26) You lost your home when your father passed away (19:46) How did you get over being scared? That's a lot to face (24:31) You need to spread understanding. You need to understand others so they can understand you (26:15) You have a fiance now. Wow. That's amazing. I'm so happy for you (30:01) Any disagreement between you and your girlfriend is smooth sailing (30:46) Do you feel like your families play into the relationship at all (34:57) You make the choice every day of your life to get up and do something (37:05) When I started my weight loss journey, I was severely depressed (41:07) Communication is such a key part of keeping a marriage together (44:25) Reena: I can't wait to hear about your first driving experience Connect with Zach and follow his journey as he continues to inspire others through his story. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear a tale of resilience and hope! If you liked this episode check out the first episode Zach and I did https://youtu.be/5K0QvNuAwL0?si=w-N-XEPtc9ww6pic Show notes created by https://headliner.app

FEED-DROP ALERT!!!! From Leon Neyfakh and Prologue Projects — the award-winning team behind Think Twice: Michael Jackson, Slow Burn, Fiasco, Backfired, and of course, 5-4 — comes a new Audible Original, Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer.You may think you know Jerry Springer—the iconic TV host who presided over America's most controversial daytime talk show for 27 years. In that time, Springer's name became synonymous with outrageous guests, taboo confessions, and vicious on-stage fights. But before The Jerry Springer Show made him infamous all over the world, Springer was something else entirely: a respected Midwestern politician whom many saw as a future leader in the Democratic Party. So how did this serious-minded idealist with lofty political aspirations take such a turn in such a radically different direction?Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer tells the fascinating story of a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany who became the beloved mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio before morphing into a symbol of cultural decline. Through dozens of intimate and revealing interviews with those who knew Springer best—from his big sister to his early political aides to the producers who shaped his show—listeners will be transported into the world of this singular figure's rise to notoriety, and his fascinating struggle to reconcile his status as “the king of trash TV” with his lifelong dream of returning to politics.Final Thoughts examines timeless questions about ambition, compromise, and whether we can ever truly separate who we are from what we do for a living. Was JerrySpringer a principled would-be statesman who took a detour into the gutter, or did his show reveal something essential about his character – not to mention oursListen now on Audible at audible.com/Springer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Leon Neyfakh and Prologue Projects — the award-winning team behind Think Twice: Michael Jackson, Slow Burn, Fiasco, and Backfired — comes a new Audible Original, Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer. You may think you know Jerry Springer—the iconic TV host who presided over America's most controversial daytime talk show for 27 years. In that time, Springer's name became synonymous with outrageous guests, taboo confessions, and vicious on-stage fights. But before The Jerry Springer Show made him infamous all over the world, Springer was something else entirely: a respected Midwestern politician whom many saw as a future leader in the Democratic Party. So how did this serious-minded idealist with lofty political aspirations take such a turn in such a radically different direction? Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer tells the fascinating story of a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany who became the beloved mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio before morphing into a symbol of cultural decline. Through dozens of intimate and revealing interviews with those who knew Springer best—from his big sister to his early political aides to the producers who shaped his show—listeners will be transported into the world of this singular figure's rise to notoriety, and his fascinating struggle to reconcile his status as “the king of trash TV” with his lifelong dream of returning to politics. Final Thoughts examines timeless questions about ambition, compromise, and whether we can ever truly separate who we are from what we do for a living. Was Jerry Springer a principled would-be statesman who took a detour into the gutter, or did his show reveal something essential about his character – not to mention ours? Listen now on Audible at audible.com/Springer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not giving up. Not giving in. Not settling. Being all in. Today's episode recounts the story of Abbey, Jake, and their 7-year-old son finding purpose rather than despair, leaning in, offering mutual respect, and feeling like a united front.From feeling desperate and helpless, having "no good days" to parenting authentically, strategically, enjoying time together again.From their son never doing something he doesn't want to do, to not saying no anymore.From considering divorce, to the strongest they've ever felt together.IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...How Jake took a good hard look at his relationship with his sonWhat they had to do to get the "Jerry Springer" moments to stopThe heartbreaking question their son asked and how they transformed his self-esteemDON'T MISS-The power that comes from asking for helpI believe in you + I'm cheering you on.Come say hi!  I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.Apply to work together: parentingwholeheartedly.com/ApplySend us Fan Mail over Text.Don't forget to leave a rating or review! Thank you!Support the showSTART HERE:CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells *FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

"You need to have somebody that's going to give you the truth even if you can't handle it." In this exciting rebroadcast interview, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman dive into the dynamic world of podcasting with special guest Coach Scott Ferguson, the founder of Time to Shine. Scott shares his journey from veteran to podcast pro, discussing the power of gratitude and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. As they explore the challenges and triumphs of launching a podcast, Scott emphasizes the significance of having a strong 'why' behind your work, and how that can fuel your success. Reena and Scott discuss the common pitfalls aspiring podcasters face, including the struggle to market their shows and the tendency to overthink their content. With practical advice on how to connect with guests and create engaging conversations, listeners will gain valuable insights into what it takes to stand out in the crowded podcasting space. Grandpa Wayne also weighs in with his timeless wisdom, reminding us of the importance of sincerity and compassion in every interaction. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone looking to elevate their podcasting game or simply seeking inspiration to pursue their passions. Join us for a lively discussion that will leave you motivated to level up your life and storytelling skills! Connect with Fergie timetoshinetoday.com   Connect with Reena Friedman Watts: - Website: bettercalldaddy.com - LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts - Twitter: @reenareena - Instagram: @Reena Friedman Watts - YouTube: Better Call Daddy Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear a story of resilience and hope! (00:00) - Reena Friedman Watts: Better call Daddy interview with coach Fergie (03:41) - Reena Friedman Watts is a former TV producer turned podcast queen (05:14) - First gut check is have you ever guested on a podcast (06:03) - Tell me, which one of my episodes resonated with you the most (07:23) - The first 50 episodes of your podcast are literally just mindset (09:54) - You were with Jerry Springer, right? Yeah. What did you learn from your time (10:23) - What did you take from TV to incorporate into your podcast (12:40) - So when a podcaster asks, uh, what makes me different (14:02) - So what blind spots do you see most aspiring podcasters hit first (15:16) - Revolution Mortgage is your local experts in residential finance financing (16:49) - Scott donated $10,000 to suicide prevention lifeline (20:45) - If people are reaching out to me and my DMs, I feel like a privilege (21:13) - Okay, so you have, uh. What's your advice for aspiring interviewers (21:59) - Some guests feel like they've overshared on your show (23:47) - Is there a time when helping someone tell their story transformed them (25:52) - You've got 3 seconds to answer these questions (26:05) - What is the best leveling up advice you've ever received (27:11) - Reena Friedman Watts: I have an event coming up in Utah in June (28:26) - If you're starting a podcast, be a guest first (29:27) - If you really want to be a successful interviewer, you have to have heart Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with insights and inspiration. Tune in now! Show notes created by https://headliner.app  

This week, in Sarasota, Florida, a love triangle explodes into a savagely horrible murder, after the trio end up on The Jerry Springer Show. These complicated relationships resulted in many days in court, and much police interaction. But it all finally comes to a head, when their episode of Jerry Springer airs, causing one of the lovers to get so angry, that the only way to fix it, is cold blooded murder!!Along the way, we find out that south Florida is circus country, that World War II could have been avoided with different footwear, and that the way to solve your relationship problems, is NOT going on The Jerry Springer Show!!New episodes every Thursday!Donate at: patreon.com/crimeinsports or go to paypal.com and use our email: crimeinsports@gmail.comGo to shutupandgivememurder.com for all things Small Town Murder & Crime In Sports!Follow us on...twitter.com/@murdersmallfacebook.com/smalltownpodinstagram.com/smalltownmurderAlso, check out James & Jimmie's other show, Crime In Sports! On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wondery, Wondery+, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On, perhaps, the greatest TAP yet, we bring in TAP veteran, Mad Dog Maddy Kent and the best fighter in Kansas, MICK THE DICK (AKA, Mickie Foster). From country parties, devastating injuries compliments of horses, to kicking ass on Jerry Springer, you don't want to miss these Mickie stories. Too much for one episode, we're splitting it into 2 parts! Enjoy the first one right here, right meow on trialandaaron.com, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts . . . . #thetap #trialandaaronpodcast #kansas #horses #dressage #equestrian #horses #fighting #jerryspringer #jerryspringershow #FBI #fights #highschool #drama #fun #laughter #friends #taplife #personalstories

From pro wrestling and Pokémon to Insane Clown Posse and Jerry Springer, a new book looks at the low culture of the late '90s revealing a continuing impact on current American culture and society. “1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times”, hear an interview with the author, Nebraska journalist Ross Benes.

In 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted our Bizarre Times (2025, University of Kansas Press) journalist Ross Benes examines low culture in the late 1990s. From pro wrestling and Pokémon to Vince McMahon and Jerry Springer, Benes reveals its profound impact and how it continues to affect our culture and society today.  The year 1999 was a high-water mark for popular culture. According to one measure, it was the "best movie year ever." But as Benes shows, the end of the '90s was also a banner year for low culture. This was the heyday of Jerry Springer, Jenna Jameson, and Vince McMahon, among many others. Low culture had come into its own and was poised for world domination. The reverberations of this takeover continue to shape American society. During its New Year's Eve countdown, MTV entered 1999 with Limp Bizkit covering Prince's famous anthem to the new year. The highlights of the lowlights continued when WCW and WWE drew 35 million American viewers each week with sex appeal and stories about insurrections. Insane Clown Posse emerged from the underground with a Woodstock set and platinum records about magic and murder. Later that year, Dance Dance Revolution debuted in North America and Grand Theft Auto emerged as a major video game franchise. Beanie Babies and Pokemon so thoroughly seized the wallets and imagination of collectors that they created speculative investment bubbles that anticipated the faddish obsession over nonfungible tokens (NFTs). The trashy talk show Jerry Springer became daytime TV's most-watched program and grew so mainstream that Austin Powers, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Wayans Bros., The Simpsons, and The X-Files incorporated Springer into their own plots during the late '90s. Donald Trump even explored a potential presidential nomination with the Reform Party in 1999 and wanted his running mate to be Oprah Winfrey, whose own talk show would make Dr. Oz a household name. Among Springer's many guests were porn stars who, at the end of the millennium, were pursuing sex records in a bid for stardom as the pornography industry exploded, aided by sex scandals, new technology, and the drug Viagra, which marked its first full year on the US market in 1999.  According to Benes, there are many lessons to learn from the year that low culture conquered the world. Talk shows and reality TV foreshadowed the way political movements grab power by capturing our attention. Pro wrestling mastered the art of "kayfabe"--the agreement to treat something as real and genuine when it is not--before it spread throughout American society, as political contests, corporate public relations campaigns, and nonprofit fundraising schemes have become their own wrestling matches that require a suspension of disbelief. Beanie Babies and Pokémon demonstrate capitalism's resiliency as well as its vulnerabilities. Legal and technological victories obtained by early internet pornographers show how the things people are ashamed of have the ability to influence the world. Insane Clown Posse's creation of loyal Juggalos illustrates the way religious and political leaders are able to generate faithful followers by selling themselves as persecuted outsiders. And the controversy over video game violence reveals how every generation finds new scapegoats. 1999 is not just a nostalgic look at the past. It is also a window into our contentious present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

In 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted our Bizarre Times (2025, University of Kansas Press) journalist Ross Benes examines low culture in the late 1990s. From pro wrestling and Pokémon to Vince McMahon and Jerry Springer, Benes reveals its profound impact and how it continues to affect our culture and society today.  The year 1999 was a high-water mark for popular culture. According to one measure, it was the "best movie year ever." But as Benes shows, the end of the '90s was also a banner year for low culture. This was the heyday of Jerry Springer, Jenna Jameson, and Vince McMahon, among many others. Low culture had come into its own and was poised for world domination. The reverberations of this takeover continue to shape American society. During its New Year's Eve countdown, MTV entered 1999 with Limp Bizkit covering Prince's famous anthem to the new year. The highlights of the lowlights continued when WCW and WWE drew 35 million American viewers each week with sex appeal and stories about insurrections. Insane Clown Posse emerged from the underground with a Woodstock set and platinum records about magic and murder. Later that year, Dance Dance Revolution debuted in North America and Grand Theft Auto emerged as a major video game franchise. Beanie Babies and Pokemon so thoroughly seized the wallets and imagination of collectors that they created speculative investment bubbles that anticipated the faddish obsession over nonfungible tokens (NFTs). The trashy talk show Jerry Springer became daytime TV's most-watched program and grew so mainstream that Austin Powers, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Wayans Bros., The Simpsons, and The X-Files incorporated Springer into their own plots during the late '90s. Donald Trump even explored a potential presidential nomination with the Reform Party in 1999 and wanted his running mate to be Oprah Winfrey, whose own talk show would make Dr. Oz a household name. Among Springer's many guests were porn stars who, at the end of the millennium, were pursuing sex records in a bid for stardom as the pornography industry exploded, aided by sex scandals, new technology, and the drug Viagra, which marked its first full year on the US market in 1999.  According to Benes, there are many lessons to learn from the year that low culture conquered the world. Talk shows and reality TV foreshadowed the way political movements grab power by capturing our attention. Pro wrestling mastered the art of "kayfabe"--the agreement to treat something as real and genuine when it is not--before it spread throughout American society, as political contests, corporate public relations campaigns, and nonprofit fundraising schemes have become their own wrestling matches that require a suspension of disbelief. Beanie Babies and Pokémon demonstrate capitalism's resiliency as well as its vulnerabilities. Legal and technological victories obtained by early internet pornographers show how the things people are ashamed of have the ability to influence the world. Insane Clown Posse's creation of loyal Juggalos illustrates the way religious and political leaders are able to generate faithful followers by selling themselves as persecuted outsiders. And the controversy over video game violence reveals how every generation finds new scapegoats. 1999 is not just a nostalgic look at the past. It is also a window into our contentious present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/film

In 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted our Bizarre Times (2025, University of Kansas Press) journalist Ross Benes examines low culture in the late 1990s. From pro wrestling and Pokémon to Vince McMahon and Jerry Springer, Benes reveals its profound impact and how it continues to affect our culture and society today.  The year 1999 was a high-water mark for popular culture. According to one measure, it was the "best movie year ever." But as Benes shows, the end of the '90s was also a banner year for low culture. This was the heyday of Jerry Springer, Jenna Jameson, and Vince McMahon, among many others. Low culture had come into its own and was poised for world domination. The reverberations of this takeover continue to shape American society. During its New Year's Eve countdown, MTV entered 1999 with Limp Bizkit covering Prince's famous anthem to the new year. The highlights of the lowlights continued when WCW and WWE drew 35 million American viewers each week with sex appeal and stories about insurrections. Insane Clown Posse emerged from the underground with a Woodstock set and platinum records about magic and murder. Later that year, Dance Dance Revolution debuted in North America and Grand Theft Auto emerged as a major video game franchise. Beanie Babies and Pokemon so thoroughly seized the wallets and imagination of collectors that they created speculative investment bubbles that anticipated the faddish obsession over nonfungible tokens (NFTs). The trashy talk show Jerry Springer became daytime TV's most-watched program and grew so mainstream that Austin Powers, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Wayans Bros., The Simpsons, and The X-Files incorporated Springer into their own plots during the late '90s. Donald Trump even explored a potential presidential nomination with the Reform Party in 1999 and wanted his running mate to be Oprah Winfrey, whose own talk show would make Dr. Oz a household name. Among Springer's many guests were porn stars who, at the end of the millennium, were pursuing sex records in a bid for stardom as the pornography industry exploded, aided by sex scandals, new technology, and the drug Viagra, which marked its first full year on the US market in 1999.  According to Benes, there are many lessons to learn from the year that low culture conquered the world. Talk shows and reality TV foreshadowed the way political movements grab power by capturing our attention. Pro wrestling mastered the art of "kayfabe"--the agreement to treat something as real and genuine when it is not--before it spread throughout American society, as political contests, corporate public relations campaigns, and nonprofit fundraising schemes have become their own wrestling matches that require a suspension of disbelief. Beanie Babies and Pokémon demonstrate capitalism's resiliency as well as its vulnerabilities. Legal and technological victories obtained by early internet pornographers show how the things people are ashamed of have the ability to influence the world. Insane Clown Posse's creation of loyal Juggalos illustrates the way religious and political leaders are able to generate faithful followers by selling themselves as persecuted outsiders. And the controversy over video game violence reveals how every generation finds new scapegoats. 1999 is not just a nostalgic look at the past. It is also a window into our contentious present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted our Bizarre Times (2025, University of Kansas Press) journalist Ross Benes examines low culture in the late 1990s. From pro wrestling and Pokémon to Vince McMahon and Jerry Springer, Benes reveals its profound impact and how it continues to affect our culture and society today.  The year 1999 was a high-water mark for popular culture. According to one measure, it was the "best movie year ever." But as Benes shows, the end of the '90s was also a banner year for low culture. This was the heyday of Jerry Springer, Jenna Jameson, and Vince McMahon, among many others. Low culture had come into its own and was poised for world domination. The reverberations of this takeover continue to shape American society. During its New Year's Eve countdown, MTV entered 1999 with Limp Bizkit covering Prince's famous anthem to the new year. The highlights of the lowlights continued when WCW and WWE drew 35 million American viewers each week with sex appeal and stories about insurrections. Insane Clown Posse emerged from the underground with a Woodstock set and platinum records about magic and murder. Later that year, Dance Dance Revolution debuted in North America and Grand Theft Auto emerged as a major video game franchise. Beanie Babies and Pokemon so thoroughly seized the wallets and imagination of collectors that they created speculative investment bubbles that anticipated the faddish obsession over nonfungible tokens (NFTs). The trashy talk show Jerry Springer became daytime TV's most-watched program and grew so mainstream that Austin Powers, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Wayans Bros., The Simpsons, and The X-Files incorporated Springer into their own plots during the late '90s. Donald Trump even explored a potential presidential nomination with the Reform Party in 1999 and wanted his running mate to be Oprah Winfrey, whose own talk show would make Dr. Oz a household name. Among Springer's many guests were porn stars who, at the end of the millennium, were pursuing sex records in a bid for stardom as the pornography industry exploded, aided by sex scandals, new technology, and the drug Viagra, which marked its first full year on the US market in 1999.  According to Benes, there are many lessons to learn from the year that low culture conquered the world. Talk shows and reality TV foreshadowed the way political movements grab power by capturing our attention. Pro wrestling mastered the art of "kayfabe"--the agreement to treat something as real and genuine when it is not--before it spread throughout American society, as political contests, corporate public relations campaigns, and nonprofit fundraising schemes have become their own wrestling matches that require a suspension of disbelief. Beanie Babies and Pokémon demonstrate capitalism's resiliency as well as its vulnerabilities. Legal and technological victories obtained by early internet pornographers show how the things people are ashamed of have the ability to influence the world. Insane Clown Posse's creation of loyal Juggalos illustrates the way religious and political leaders are able to generate faithful followers by selling themselves as persecuted outsiders. And the controversy over video game violence reveals how every generation finds new scapegoats. 1999 is not just a nostalgic look at the past. It is also a window into our contentious present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

In 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted our Bizarre Times (2025, University of Kansas Press) journalist Ross Benes examines low culture in the late 1990s. From pro wrestling and Pokémon to Vince McMahon and Jerry Springer, Benes reveals its profound impact and how it continues to affect our culture and society today.  The year 1999 was a high-water mark for popular culture. According to one measure, it was the "best movie year ever." But as Benes shows, the end of the '90s was also a banner year for low culture. This was the heyday of Jerry Springer, Jenna Jameson, and Vince McMahon, among many others. Low culture had come into its own and was poised for world domination. The reverberations of this takeover continue to shape American society. During its New Year's Eve countdown, MTV entered 1999 with Limp Bizkit covering Prince's famous anthem to the new year. The highlights of the lowlights continued when WCW and WWE drew 35 million American viewers each week with sex appeal and stories about insurrections. Insane Clown Posse emerged from the underground with a Woodstock set and platinum records about magic and murder. Later that year, Dance Dance Revolution debuted in North America and Grand Theft Auto emerged as a major video game franchise. Beanie Babies and Pokemon so thoroughly seized the wallets and imagination of collectors that they created speculative investment bubbles that anticipated the faddish obsession over nonfungible tokens (NFTs). The trashy talk show Jerry Springer became daytime TV's most-watched program and grew so mainstream that Austin Powers, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Wayans Bros., The Simpsons, and The X-Files incorporated Springer into their own plots during the late '90s. Donald Trump even explored a potential presidential nomination with the Reform Party in 1999 and wanted his running mate to be Oprah Winfrey, whose own talk show would make Dr. Oz a household name. Among Springer's many guests were porn stars who, at the end of the millennium, were pursuing sex records in a bid for stardom as the pornography industry exploded, aided by sex scandals, new technology, and the drug Viagra, which marked its first full year on the US market in 1999.  According to Benes, there are many lessons to learn from the year that low culture conquered the world. Talk shows and reality TV foreshadowed the way political movements grab power by capturing our attention. Pro wrestling mastered the art of "kayfabe"--the agreement to treat something as real and genuine when it is not--before it spread throughout American society, as political contests, corporate public relations campaigns, and nonprofit fundraising schemes have become their own wrestling matches that require a suspension of disbelief. Beanie Babies and Pokémon demonstrate capitalism's resiliency as well as its vulnerabilities. Legal and technological victories obtained by early internet pornographers show how the things people are ashamed of have the ability to influence the world. Insane Clown Posse's creation of loyal Juggalos illustrates the way religious and political leaders are able to generate faithful followers by selling themselves as persecuted outsiders. And the controversy over video game violence reveals how every generation finds new scapegoats. 1999 is not just a nostalgic look at the past. It is also a window into our contentious present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/communications

David Volodzko speaks with Ross Benes about his upcoming book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. They discuss the political legacy of Jerry Springer and reality TV, what Beanie Babies and Pokemon can teach us about financial markets, the rise of WWE kayfabe in corporate culture, the dialectic of high and low culture, how porn drove tech adoption on VHS and streaming, Insane Clown Posse and the outsider effect from woke to MAGA, how media deregulation led to the dominance of trash culture writ large but notably in our politics, 1999 as a cultural inflection point, and the shape of moral panics from Mortal Kombat and Stone Cold Steve Austin to TikTok and ChatGPT.Benes (X, website) is a journalist and market research analyst whose writing has appeared in Esquire, The Wall Street Journal, Smithsonian Magazine, and Entertainment Weekly. He is regularly cited by The Los Angeles Times, NPR, and Bloomberg. His previous books include Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold and Turned On: A Mind-Blowing Investigation into How Sex Has Shaped Our World. Raised in Nebraska, he now lives with his family in Hudson Valley, New York.The Radicalist is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theradicalist.com/subscribe

Click here to Shop Affirmation Decks, Oracle Decks, and more! Use Promo code: RCPODCAST20 for 20% off your first order!   Today's Power Affirmation: I blast past my limitations and milk the opportunititty.   Today's Oracle of Motivation: If you dwell inside your comfort zone, you become a slave to self-imposed limitations. Resistance gremlins live to see you limit yourself through fear, doubt, and Jerry Springer-worthy baby-momma drama. But as soon as you create habits and take action to support your dreams, you blast through your self-imposed limitations and enter the infinite realm of opportunity. If you milk the opportunititty rather than conform like a boob of limitation, nothing can stop you from success, prosperity, and abundance. Pass the milk, please.    Designed to Motivate Your Creative Maniac Mind The 60-Second Power Affirmations Podcast is designed to help you focus, affirm your visions, and harness the power within your creative maniac mind! Join us every Monday and Thursday for a new 60-second power affirmation followed by a blast of oracle motivation from the Universe (+ a quick breathing meditation). It's time to take off your procrastination diaper and share your musings with the world!   For more musings, visit RageCreate.com     Leave a Review & Share! Apple Podcast reviews are one of THE most important factors for podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a second to leave the show a review on Apple Podcasts! Click this link: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Hit “Listen on Apple Podcasts” on the left-hand side under the picture. Scroll down under “Ratings & Reviews” & click “Write A Review” Leave an honest review. You're awesome!  

Fallout From the Signal Group Chat Leak. Jerry Springer guest Jasmine Crockett still won't apologize. Defund NPR. We don't give a crap about your opinion and reporting. Trump announces 25% tariffs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fallout From the Signal Group Chat Leak. Jerry Springer guest Jasmine Crockett still won't apologize. Defund NPR. We don't give a crap about your opinion and reporting. Trump announces 25% tariffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fallout From the Signal Group Chat Leak. Jerry Springer guest Jasmine Crockett still won't apologize. Defund NPR. We don't give a crap about your opinion and reporting. Trump announces 25% tariffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fallout From the Signal Group Chat Leak. Jerry Springer guest Jasmine Crockett still won't apologize. Defund NPR. We don't give a crap about your opinion and reporting. Trump announces 25% tariffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

-House Rep Jasmine Crockett channels her inner Jerry Springer guest and threatens to knock Sen. Ted Cruz “over the head, like, hard.” -Col. John Mills talks about the last gasps of the Democrat party and the Trump team text leak. -Nationwide, Karens launch the “Silent Movement,” yet they're still talking. Today's podcast is sponsored by : BIRCH GOLD - Protect and grow your retirement savings with gold. Text ROB to 98 98 98 for your FREE information kit!   To call in and speak with Rob Carson live on the show, dial 1-800-922-6680 between the hours of 12 Noon and 3:00 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday…E-mail Rob Carson at : RobCarsonShow@gmail.com Musical parodies provided by Jim Gossett (www.patreon.com/JimGossettComedy) Listen to Newsmax LIVE and see our entire podcast lineup at http://Newsmax.com/Listen Make the switch to NEWSMAX today! Get your 15 day free trial of NEWSMAX+ at http://NewsmaxPlus.com Looking for NEWSMAX caps, tees, mugs & more? Check out the Newsmax merchandise shop at : http://nws.mx/shop Follow NEWSMAX on Social Media:             • Facebook: http://nws.mx/FB             • X/Twitter: http://nws.mx/twitter            • Instagram: http://nws.mx/IG            • YouTube: https://youtube.com/NewsmaxTV             • Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsmaxTV             • TRUTH Social: https://truthsocial.com/@NEWSMAX            • GETTR: https://gettr.com/user/newsmax            • Threads: http://threads.net/@NEWSMAX             • Telegram: http://t.me/newsmax              • BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/newsmax.com                • Parler: http://app.parler.com/newsmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-US Post Office is in hot water with the DOGE team. -Lee Zeldin, head of EPA, exposes Stacey Abrams' involvement with wasteful “green energy” agenda. -Suspected former Jerry Springer panelist and House Rep Jasmine Crockett threatens to knock Sen. Ted Cruz “over the head, like, hard.” Today's podcast is sponsored by : BIRCH GOLD - Protect and grow your retirement savings with gold. Text ROB to 98 98 98 for your FREE information kit!   To call in and speak with Rob Carson live on the show, dial 1-800-922-6680 between the hours of 12 Noon and 3:00 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday…E-mail Rob Carson at : RobCarsonShow@gmail.com Musical parodies provided by Jim Gossett (www.patreon.com/JimGossettComedy) Listen to Newsmax LIVE and see our entire podcast lineup at http://Newsmax.com/Listen Make the switch to NEWSMAX today! Get your 15 day free trial of NEWSMAX+ at http://NewsmaxPlus.com Looking for NEWSMAX caps, tees, mugs & more? Check out the Newsmax merchandise shop at : http://nws.mx/shop Follow NEWSMAX on Social Media:             • Facebook: http://nws.mx/FB             • X/Twitter: http://nws.mx/twitter            • Instagram: http://nws.mx/IG            • YouTube: https://youtube.com/NewsmaxTV             • Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsmaxTV             • TRUTH Social: https://truthsocial.com/@NEWSMAX            • GETTR: https://gettr.com/user/newsmax            • Threads: http://threads.net/@NEWSMAX             • Telegram: http://t.me/newsmax              • BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/newsmax.com            • Parler: http://app.parler.com/newsmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt is a parental failure but makes up for it with lots of candy; Jacob says "Woah!" and takes a tap to the testes; and Paul is occasionally visible. We learn that School Day is a tough room to play, offer takeaways and spoilers for Beast Games, and sum up Jerry Springer's cultural foresight.

Welcome, readers. We are thrilled to continue this new content from the creators of Currently Reading Podcast! This spin-off podcast series will tackle book to screen adaptations in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you've read the book and watched the film version before listening to the episode, because we don't shy away from strong opinions OR from all the spoilers, unlike our regular episodes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will still include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading.   Erasure by Percival Everett 1:44 - Setup Erasure by Percival Everett 3:44 - Previews Release date. Sales info and awards. 2025 Audie Awards Movie name and release date. Box office and awards. American Fiction released Dec 2023 Won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2024 7:18 - The Cutting Room Pivotal Book scenes and how they translated to the screen The book within the book Lisa's death Changes from Book to Movie Name changes Moving the setting from DC to Boston Timeline issues Van Go in the book within a book is arrested but in the movie adaptation he dies Left out of the adaptation Gretchen storyline Woodworking and fishing scenes Game show section My Pafology being explored Added to the movie Sintara added to a book panel at the end The ending Publisher Make Stagg a fugitive so he cannot go on tv Casting and alternates Monk: Jeffrey Wright → Geoffrey Owens, Andre Braugher Lisa: Tracee Ellis Ross → Regina King, Niecy Nash Agnes: Leslie Uggams → Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, Cecily Tyson Clifford: Sterling K. Brown →  Idris Elba Coraline: Erika Alexander → Kim Fields, Kim Coles Sintara: Issa Rae → Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson Problematic elements Because of all the satire, it may focus too much on the white experience and actually less on the Black 40:11 - Award Season Worst and best parts of the adaptation. Bill vs Cliff “airtime” Less tension around mother going to the assisted living home The moving of books from African American to Mythology Was very funny - zippy dialogue, continuing to move story forward Worst and best actors. Leslie Uggams - Agnes (mother) Erika Alexander - Coraline Adam Brody - Wiley Jeffrey Wright - Monk Worst and best book characters. Linda Mallory Van Go Jenkins Monk Yul 48:35 - Book/Flick Energy Book scored on a 5 star scale. Book on Goodreads Series scored on a 10 point scale. Movie on Rotten Tomatoes Movie on IMDB 53:23 - A Leftover Popcorn Kernel Do you have any irrational fears? If you were on a Jerry Springer type show what is something weird that they may find out about you or your family? 59:30 - End Credits 59:55 - The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky The Perks of Being A Wallflower is available to stream for free on some sites, but is available with an Amazon Prime membership Connect With Us: Currently Reading Podcast | Kaytee | Meredith Shad is in the Bookish Friends FB Group (for our Patreon supporters) Our Website | Email Us Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Buy Some Merch