Two friends, Austin and Brenda, delve into the rich history of secret nerd mysteries near and dear to their hearts in their own loose, light-hearted way. If you've ever wondered "Why Saturday morning for cartoons?" or "How come Chuck E. Cheese cares so much about other people's birthdays?", this is the show for you!
…
continue reading
Cozy Games have taken over the internet, gaining rapid popularity as gamers search for chill experiences to counterbalance the action and violence of mainstream video games. But what was the first cozy game ever to incorporate farmlike elements?By Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Olympic Mascots - the Good, the Bad, and the Gay Beaver
45:41
45:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:41
The Summer Olympics is an event that brings together athletes from all over the globe to compete against one another and share in camaraderie and sportsmanship. It's also an opportunity for a committee to get together to create a marketable mascot, a character that embodies all of the qualities of the host country, and also something to slap on t-s…
…
continue reading
In a time where owning physical media is more important than ever, we turn our attention to the origins of physical media on VHS, and ask ourselves, what WAS the first VHS? Was it an explicit adult movie? Was it old classics most people had moved on from? Or was it an obscure South Korean Sports film? Will we ever truly know?…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ferngully vs. Disney: The Fight for Robin Williams
46:51
46:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:51
In the late 80's, a small animation studio reached out to Robin Williams to get him to voice a character in their upcoming film: Ferngully the Last Rainforest. Not long after, the Walt Disney company did the same, signing Williams on to voice the Genie in Aladdin. These events led to corporate espionage, Jeffrey Katzenberg yelling, a desperate real…
…
continue reading
In the 80's, business Tycoon and inspiration for Doug Dimmadome had an idea for using cartoons to educate children about the importance of environmentalism and saving the planet. This idea would become "Captain Planet", and he's here to save the world.By Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Cedar point, Intamin, and the Top Thrill Dragster
58:45
58:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:45
In the year 2000, rollercoaster design and manufacturing company Intamin debuted their new Giga coaster for Cedar Point: Millenium Force. It was record breaking. It drew the crowds. It won awards. It was everything Cedar Point was hoping for. So they purchased more rides from Intamin, and more, and more. Surely lightning could strike twice, right? …
…
continue reading
Anime Music Videos, or AMV's, have gone down in history as the national pastime of mid 2000's nerd-loving teens. But how did the AMV get its start? Who was the first person to think of combining anime footage with popular songs? And what wild technical hurtles did this format face in the days before Windows Movie Maker?…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Michigan's Abandoned Jurassic Park: Prehistoric Forest
45:51
45:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:51
Irish Hills Michigan is nowadays mostly known for its lush forests, plentiful outdoor activities, and an abundance of Irish Americans, however, in the 60's, it had a booming tourism industry with many colorful and exciting attractions that drew in visitors from all over Michigan. One of these attractions was Prehistoric Forest, a theme park mostly …
…
continue reading
What do "Delicious in Dungeon", "Final Fantasy", and "Dragon Quest" all have in common? They all owe their inspiration to one american DDOS computer game from the 80's, "Wizardry". While Wizardry has fallen into obscurity in its home country of the USA, in Japan, Wizardry would go on to inspire decades of fantasy works. But, how did this influentia…
…
continue reading
The Kellogg's company shut down their cereal factory tours in the 1980's, replacing it with a new, high tech indoor theme park experience called Cereal City USA in 1998. Located in Battle Creek, MI, Cereal City USA shared the story of Kellogg's and their cereal, but couldn't live up to lofty attendance projections, competition from other cereal bas…
…
continue reading
Brenda's on vacation this week, so we're here to present a slightly truncated version of one of our favorite episodes: episode 87, Goosebumps! This week your host Brenda takes you on a deep dive into the history of the second highest selling children’s book franchises in history: Goosebumps, the brainchild of writer RL Stein. This episode features …
…
continue reading
It's hard to imagine a time without the wild experimental shows on Cartoon Networks infamous nighttime block, Adult Swim, but in the early 2000's, a couple cartoon network employees would take a chunk of the channel's advertising budget and get to work (potentially in a closet) on creating a subversive, modern take on adult animation that would unk…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Tragic Fate of the Real Life Simpson's House
57:44
57:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:44
In 1997, Fox launched an advertising campaign for the Simpsons that involved giving away a real life recreation of the Simpsons house. However, building a fictional house in real life isn't as easy as it might seem, and this would be just the beginning of the project's troubles.By Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
No One Out Pizzas the X-Men: The X-Men Pizza Hut Promotion
43:28
43:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:28
In the early 90's Marvel Comics, having just turned their luck around with the publishing of "X-Men #1" would collaborate with Pizza Hut to release one of the most hype fast food promos of all time. This teamup would cement the X-Men's place in popular culture and make it the pop culture juggernaut it is today.…
…
continue reading
It's hard to imagine a world without Scooby Doo, but that was the reality that Hanna Barbera faced in the late 70's when Scooby Doo's network at the time, ABC, threatened to pull the plug unless something was done to bring new energy to the show. Enter Scrappy Doo, Scooby's nephew and savior of the franchise. Nowadays, he's the butt of the joke, a …
…
continue reading
In the late 80's, the television animation branch of the Walt Disney company needed new shows for their popular weekday lineup "The Disney Afternoon". But with strict deadlines and even stricter issues with copyright, making a new cartoon wasn't easy. In the end, we would get "Darkwing Duck" the terror that flaps in the night, a comedic parody of g…
…
continue reading
Nowadays when people think about virtual pets they think about tamagotchi, or neopets or webkinz, or nintendogs, but the genre goes back much further than that. Where did this trend really get its start, and why does this story involve the controversial Sega CD game "Night Trap"?By Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bullet Time and the History of Slow Motion in Film
39:25
39:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:25
1999 movie, "The Matrix" popularized the use of "bullet time" or the method of using slow motion in film to create a time bending effect. But it wasn't the first to do so, not by a long shot. Travel back in time with us to experience a story about Smirnoff commercials, a 1900's Austrian priest who loved movies, and the father of modern cinema, Akir…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Grand Theft Animatronic: What happened to Buzzy?
1:02:04
1:02:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:04
In 2018, an urban explorer at Walt Disney World would make a startling discovery: Buzzy, the animatronic star of the defunct EPCOT show "Cranium Command" was MISSING. What follows is a tale of 80's fitness mania, learning about conception on vacation, Pete Doctor lying about where he got the idea for "Inside Out", and naked animatronics. In the end…
…
continue reading
Ralph Bakshi's animation/live action hybrid film, "Cool World" is infamous for being an incredibly disastrous flop, but, who's to blame for this colossal misstep in the portfolio of an otherwise prolific director an animation legend? Was it the studio meddling in the story? Was it the two writers who came in and rewrote the script right under the d…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Defunct Las Vegas Attractions and the Big Apple Coaster
55:47
55:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:47
In the 90's, the city of Las Vegas made an attempt of incorporating more kid friendly attractions, in order to entice families to vacation there. Now, almost all of these attractions are gone. In this episode, Host Brenda tells the tales of Speed, the rollercoaster at the Sahara, the Nile River Adventure Boat ride at the Luxor, and of MGM Great Adv…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Janice Burgess and the Revival of the Winx Club
54:33
54:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:33
Italian coming of age magical girl series "Winx Club" was the most popular animated series in Europe, but it struggled to find its footing in the United States. Viacom, wanting to strengthen their Nickelodeon brand in international markets, entered into a deal with the show's creator in order to keep the series going and to give it another shot at …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Go Fact Yourself #MaxFunDrive Kick-off Spectacular featuring Austin Taylor, Brenda Snell, Manolo Moreno, and Andrew Reich
17:56
17:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:56
This special network wide event is a celebration of The MaxFunDrive! If you’d like to support podcasts you love for just $5 a month and get bonus gifts in the process, go to maximumfun.org/join. We’re kicking off the most exciting time of the year for the MaxFun Network with a trivia game show featuring hosts from tons of great podcasts. J. Keith v…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Rocket Rods and the Tomorrow that Never Was
55:39
55:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:39
In the late 90's, Disneyland was suffering from severe budget cuts as a result of the failure of Euro Disney. In the midst of this, they debuted a new ride, the Rocket Rods, a thrill ride built on top of the track of the old peoplemover. However, this ride would be plagued by constant problems; computer malfunctions, poor car design, noise issues, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Getting Kids To Read: Reading Rainbow and what Came Before
49:15
49:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:15
Starting in the mid 60's teachers began to notice a concerning phenomenon where kids were losing reading skills at a rapid pace over the summer break. In order to combat this summer slump, two separate local PBS stations partnered up to assemble the dream team that would create one of the most beloved children's shows of the 80's and 90's: Reading …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
American Characters that are Popular Abroad
50:34
50:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:34
Sometimes, characters that are created don't get popular in their home countries, but are instead embraced abroad. This episode tells the stories of several different characters that have become popular outside of the United States where they were born. Learn the story of Pica Pau in Brazil and his American-Made Movie that catered to the Brazilian …
…
continue reading
When Nickelodeon released "Blues Clues" in 1996, it was heralded as a new kind of children's show, one that was interactive, and spoke directly to its young viewers. But, what if "Blues Clues" wasn't the first? What if there was a different interactive children's program that predated Blues Clues by several decades?…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Gunpei Yokoi: The Father of Handheld Gaming
57:45
57:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:45
When people mention famous figures from Nintendo, they often bring up Shigeru Miyamoto, Satoru Iwata, or even Masahiro Sakurai. However, without Gunpei Yokoi, the world of video gaming would be vastly different. From designing the toys that made Nintendo famous, to introducing the masses to handheld gaming, Gunpei Yokoi's many contributions to the …
…
continue reading
The Walt Disney theme parks are well-known for their dazzling nightly fireworks extravaganzas, but what most people don't know is that this company, who purchases more explosives per year than many militaries, has gone extra lengths to ensure that their fireworks are not only spectacular, but that they cannot be copied by other theme parks.…
…
continue reading
This episode's a little different mystorians! Austin and Brenda celebrate 100 episodes of SHONM by answering a couple listener questions, sharing some favorite moments, and just overall reminiscing about the good times. Thanks for going on this ride with us! Here's to 100 more!By Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
…
continue reading
This week, SHONM is taking part in the global strike for Palestine. We understand that not everyone is able to participate in the strike, so please check out our socials for more information and for resources on how you can help. Episode 100 will be released next Tuesday!By Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
…
continue reading
Is the lovable beagle from Charles M. Schulz's beloved comic strip "Peanuts" actually Mexican? The answer is more complicated than you think. And also more straight forward than you would expect. And also what you feel is true in your heart.By Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
…
continue reading
When Mattel premiered their Hot Wheels cartoon in the 1960's in order to promote their latest line of toys, they had no way of knowing that they had just opened a can of worms that would change the landscape of children's programming forever, for better or for worse.By Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
…
continue reading
In 1971, the USDA Forest Service Introduced Woodsy Owl, the anti-pollution owl, in an attempt to educate the masses about environmentalism. Little did they know at the time, but his legacy would end in flames. This is a story featuring potential federal crimes, pants-wearing bears, and job-stealing owls. This is the story, of the death of Woodsy Ow…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Where are the Puppets from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer?
54:03
54:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:03
When Rankin/Bass' "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1964, no one who worked on it had any idea that it would become a Christmas tradition and a lasting part of American culture. Because of this, the stop motion puppets used to make the film were lost, their exact whereabouts a mystery...until now.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Rise and Return of the McNugget Buddies
50:05
50:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:05
As late entries to the McDonaldland canon, the Mcnugget buddies are characters that have been mostly lost to time. But, back in the 80's, they were the shining star of McDonald's menu, and the food they were based on helped save the restaurant during a time when American's were becoming more health conscious. Today, they've been brought back for a …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What started the Trading Card Game Industry?
53:23
53:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:23
There's an intense resale market surrounding trading card games, but where did that get its start, and why is it so addictive to open these packs of little paper cards? This is a story that dates back to the early 1900's, with baseball cards and the early stages of the speculative market.By Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
…
continue reading
Much has happened in the world of Neopets lately. From its parent company shutting down, to new ownership, new promises and a new baffling choice for a brand ambassador, Neopets seems to finally be making a push into the modern era. But will Y2k nostalgia be enough to keep the struggling brand alive? Plus, Austin shares what it's like playing Neope…
…
continue reading
From the dawn of gaming, people have wanted to use the medium to tell stories in new and inventive ways. But what game is the origin of this? Was it Final Fantasy with its character customization, or Final Fantasy 7 with its groundbreaking cutscenes? Was it Donkey Kong whose simple story has captivated gamers for decades? Or does it go back even fu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Sally Corp - How Did Sally Corp Reinvent the Dark Ride?
54:32
54:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:32
For decades, the Walt Disney Company had the theme park market cornered, creating cutting-edge animatronics and immersive ride experiences for their own parks. That was, until a small company from Jacksonville Florida, who got their start making moving mannequins for museum and store displays, threw their hat into the ring. Sally Corporation might …
…
continue reading
When mother Sheryl Leach set out to create a new type of children's entertainment for her son, she had no idea how big her creation would get, or how much people would grow to despise it. This episode goes through the inception of the Barney character, highlights the men who brought him to life, and explores the unbelievable amount of hate that the…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bratz - Why did Bratz Dolls Disappear?
1:10:09
1:10:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:09
Bratz, the popular fashion doll line, was once one of the top-selling fashion doll brands in the world, but then they suddenly disappeared from store shelves. Find out what was happening behind the scenes at toy company MGA, and learn the details of the decade long legal battle they've been embroiled with against Barbie's creator, Mattel.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 88: SHoNM Goes to the Movies #17 Blues Clues Big City Adventure
1:24:56
1:24:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:56
Hosts Austin and Brenda connect with their inner child by watching the newest Paramount + release “Blues Clues Big City Adventure”. It’s a movie for kids! But it also has a lot of heart and a lot of nostalgia. Also, Warner Bros Discovery is getting sued by the state of Ohio.By Brenda & Austin
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 87: Goosebumps
1:20:16
1:20:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:16
This week your host Brenda takes you on a deep dive into the history of the second highest selling children’s book franchises in history: Goosebumps, the brainchild of writer RL Stein. This episode features haunted masks, childhood traumas, lost media, and yes, another heated legal battle. Listener beware, you’re in for a scare!…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 86: Harley Quinn
1:27:01
1:27:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:01
Full disclosure, this episode was so much fun for your host Brenda to edit. And if that wasn't enough of an incentive to listen, it’s about Harley Quinn! We promise it’s good, so please listen. Thanks!By Brenda & Austin
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 85: SHoNM Goes to the Movies #16 PREY
1:15:04
1:15:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:04
Since we took a week off, there is LOT of news to cover...but fear not...we’re here to weigh in on Lesbian Velma, Try Guys and Adult Happy Meal News. After that hosts Brenda and Austin talk about the 2022 Predator Prequel “Prey”. What did your host Austin, self-professed "big-fan-of-the-Predator-franchise" think of it? Listen and find out!…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 84: Rainbow Brite
1:31:24
1:31:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:31:24
Buckle in for a fairly long news segment this week, Mystorians! We had the Emmys! We had D23! We had the passing of a prolific world leader! Wowie! To cool things down a bit, your host Brenda brought a shorter topic this week, Hallmark’s answer to Strawberry Shortcake...Rainbow Brite!By Brenda & Austin
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 83: The Predator
1:18:02
1:18:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:02
After sharing one tiny scrap of good news, and talking about the latest Pokémon updates, your host Austin shares the story behind one of their guilty pleasure franchises: The Predator. Have you ever wanted to know how they achieved that invisible cloaking effect? Or what the experience was like for the actor inside the iconic Predator suit? Perhaps…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 82: What the Heck is Going on With Warner Bros? (and some mail bag questions)
1:11:00
1:11:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:00
In this very special return episode, hosts Austin and Brenda try to make sense of exactly what Warner Bros. Discovery is doing these days; from canceling almost completely finished projects, to pulling dozens of cartoons from HBO Max with little warning, things seem pretty dire. To lighten the mood a bit, Austin and Brenda answer a couple of questi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 81: Neopets
1:24:53
1:24:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:53
Brenda is here to talk about the 1999 virtual pet website, Neopets, a subject that is near and dear to their heart. Austin, meanwhile, knows very little about Neopets. This is a story of controversial advertising and even more controversial religion. It's about what happens when a website's existence is stretched out too long. NFTs, black market sc…
…
continue reading