Download the App!
show episodes
 
Artwork
 
This show is about the people. Ben dives in to get to know who your favorite college athletes really are. Not the game. Not the Glory. This is about their story. What is their WHY? No excuses. Just Reasons. 84 Reasons.
  continue reading
 
Last Days explores the final days of some of the biggest icons in sports and entertainment, breaking down precisely what led to the passing of figures who were larger than life but somehow even bigger in death. Derek Kaufman and Jason Beckerman debunk the myths, unpack the tragedies, and tell the real stories behind the most fascinating celebrity deaths.
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
In this episode, Curt and Chris chat with Heather and J.R., the dynamic duo behind Boxed In Escape Rooms. The couple shares their inspiring journey of launching and growing their escape room business in Festus, Missouri, all while juggling full-time jobs and family commitments. Listeners will gain insights into their set design process, marketing t…
  continue reading
 
On June 19, 2016, Anton Yelchin was killed in a freak accident when he was pinned between a driveway gate and his massive SUV. Just 27 years old when he died, Yelchin had already proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor on the big screen, leaving little doubt his tragic death had robbed Hollywood of one of its brightest young stars. Host…
  continue reading
 
Curt and Chris interview Blake DeCiccio, a dedicated enthusiast of escape rooms. Blake shares her journey into the world of escape rooms, her favorite rooms and experiences, and the unique elements she has encountered globally. The discussion also covers the logistics of traveling for escape rooms, the differences between U.S. and European rooms, a…
  continue reading
 
On November 7, 2011, Dr. Conrad Murray was convicted for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. With the tragic chapter finally closed, Michael's fans could once again reflect on his unmatched career and indelible legacy, from his groundbreaking music and electrifying performances, to his enduring influence on music and culture. …
  continue reading
 
This week on 84 Reasons Ben Troupe sits down with former Gatorade National Player of the Year and SEC Freshman of the year Keagan Rothrock from the Florida Gators softball team. Ben and Keagan talk about her decision to commit to UF at a young age, her first season of college softball and her outlook on next season. Ben Troupe is a former NFL playe…
  continue reading
 
Curt and Chris talk with the owners of CU Adventures in Time and Space, Chris and Anne Lukeman. CU Adventures is an escape room business based in the Champaign-Urbana (CU) area of Illinois. They discuss the origin of their business, the design philosophy behind their rooms, and the challenges they faced, particularly during the pandemic. The Lukema…
  continue reading
 
Fifteen years ago this week, on June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died of an overdose of the anesthetic propofol, and blame was cast at Dr. Conrad Murray, the man accused of giving him the lethal dose. But Michael Jackson's death was decades in the making, stemming from an horrific on-stage accident that sparked a prescription drug addiction, which wa…
  continue reading
 
Curt and Chris speak with guests Stephen Lynch and Keith Edwards, co-owners of Puzzol Creative and Memphis Escape Rooms. They discuss their personal journeys and the development of their adventure museum, 'Amuse’, as well as the consulting services they offer to other escape room owners. Topics include customer service, game quality, and the challe…
  continue reading
 
Farrah Fawcett -- the stunningly beautiful actress best known for her iconic role on Charlie's Angels -- passed away after a courageous public battle with anal cancer on June 25, 2009. Despite showing tremendous resilience and strength throughout her health struggles, Fawcett's death was overshadowed by the sudden death of pop superstar Michael Jac…
  continue reading
 
Curt and Chris engage are joined by Kris McClelland from Escapetown Peoria. Kris shares her unique journey into escape rooms, highlighting her background in communications and theater and her transition from an enthusiast to a manager. The conversation delves into the operations at Escapetown, detailing the innovative escape room designs, staff man…
  continue reading
 
On the morning of June 5, 2018, Kate Spade - the iconic fashion designer who revolutionized the handbag and accessory markets in the 1990s and 2000s - hanged herself in her Upper East Side apartment. But despite the tragedy, Kate Spade left a legacy of singular kindness and generosity, and will forever be known as one of the most important and succ…
  continue reading
 
Curt and Chris focus on escape room design with escape room game designer and amusement park aficionado, Chris Moschella. Known for his humor-driven, immersive games, Chris shares his journey, inspirations, and game design philosophy. They dissect his notable works like 'Big Ma Bertha’s Fussin’ & A Feudin’ Moonshine Hill Hootenanny' and 'Professor …
  continue reading
 
On January 5, 1998, Sonny Bono -- one half of the legendary Sonny & Cher duo whose hit songs and variety show became cultural touchstones of the 60s and 70s -- died after a ski accident in Lake Tahoe. Although his musical legacy remains an important piece of music history, Bono's pivot to politics later in life is perhaps the best testament to a ca…
  continue reading
 
On May 27, 2024, Bill Walton -- the NBA legend whose brilliant but injury-shortened career set the standard for basketball excellence in the 70s and 80s -- passed away from colon cancer at the age of 71. Although his accomplishments on the court are rivaled by few, he will perhaps best be remembered for his colorful personality and quick wit in the…
  continue reading
 
This week on 84 Reasons Ben Troupe sits down with Florida Gators big man Alex Condon. Alex is back home in Australia for the summer and talks to Ben about his first season at UF, his basketball journey in Australia and what he thinks of the '24-'25 team. Ben Troupe is a former NFL player and All American tight end at the University of Florida. He n…
  continue reading
 
Curt and Chris interview Andy Bauch, co-founder and CEO of Morty, an app that helps you discover, track, and review escape rooms and haunted attractions. They discuss Andy's journey from working as a software engineer at Disney to creating Morty. Andy also shares stories about his Lego art projects and how his work has occasionally intersected with…
  continue reading
 
On February 5, 2024, Toby Keith – the country star whose songs about patriotism and blue-collar values made him one of the most successful musicians of all time - died of stomach cancer. Keith was an exceptionally talented singer and songwriter, but perhaps his greatest gifts were his intelligence and his authenticity, which gave him unique perspec…
  continue reading
 
On May 23, 2024, Morgan Spurlock -- the filmmaker behind the 2004 documentary "Super Size Me" documentary -- passed away from cancer at the age of 53. His infectious enthusiasm, sense of humor, and creativity in a genre usually populated by films with more serious and sober tones set Spurlock's projects apart, shedding light on some of the most imp…
  continue reading
 
In this episode Curt and Chris interview Shadd Copping, an experienced game master from Escape Ventures in Port Charlotte, FL. Shadd shares his journey from California to Florida, detailing his experiences in the escape room industry, including managing and acting in rooms. The discussion covers the role and challenges of a game master, the evoluti…
  continue reading
 
On May 20, 1989, Gilda Radner -- known best for her brilliant comedic performances on Saturday Night Live -- passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 42 ... something she worried about long before the disease was ever diagnosed. Despite her early death, Radner's vibrant legacy has remained very much alive as new fans continue to discover her t…
  continue reading
 
Curt and Chris discuss The Sanctuary Escape in Oklahoma City with co-owner Louie Hernandez. The discussion covers the genesis and evolution of Louie's involvement in the haunted attraction and escape room business, highlighted by the intriguing backstory of the Sanctuary Haunted Attraction and Sanctuary Escapes. The conversation offers a deep dive …
  continue reading
 
On December 13, 2016, Alan Thicke - the actor nicknamed "America's Dad" for his portrayal of Dr. Jason Seaver for seven seasons on “Growing Pains” - died after his aorta ruptured while playing hockey. Though Thicke's ultimately passing devastated those close to him, his legacy endures as a beloved television actor, songwriter, friend, and father. H…
  continue reading
 
Curt and Chris explore the intricate world of escape rooms with special guests Will and Kim from Escape Artist Greenville. From their humble beginnings rooted in a love for Halloween and immersive experiences to the challenges of building and operating their business, they share their journey. They discuss the evolution of their escape room designs…
  continue reading
 
On December 12, 2023, Ray Liotta -- best known for his iconic performances in Field of Dreams and Goodfellas -- passed away in his sleep while filming a movie in the Dominican Republic. His fiery intensity and hint of menace created a lasting imprint on film history, but it was Liotta's sweet and gentle nature offscreen that stood out most to his f…
  continue reading
 
This week on 84 Reasons Ben Troupe sits down with Florida Track and Field star Jenoah McKiver. Ben talks with Jenoah about his time he has spent at UF so far, transferring to UF from Iowa and the success he has had so far this season. Ben Troupe is a former NFL player and All American tight end at the University of Florida. He now does sports talk …
  continue reading
 
"To convert a new group to enthusiasts...that's the dream." Curt and Chris spend time with guests Scott and Kaylea from Immersive Machine. The conversation navigates through their personal journeys into the escape room industry, from Scott's transition from video game events to escape rooms and Kay's DIY home haunt transformations. They discuss the…
  continue reading
 
On August 11, 2022, Anne Heche, the actress whose stunning announcement of a romance with Ellen DeGeneres became one of the defining pop-culture moments of the 1990s, died following a fiery car wreck. Speculation raged in the wake of Heche’s death that drugs and alcohol must have been to blame, but the true culprit was something far more sinister a…
  continue reading
 
Curt and Chris speak with John Brooks from Black Mountain Escape in North Carolina. They learn all about the beginnings of Black Mountain Escape, Jon’s process in designing a game. the use of technology and actors, and the impact of community among escape room owners. They also explore the importance of historical connection and accessibility in ro…
  continue reading
 
In the inaugural episode of the Mystery Soup podcast, Chris Kallal interviews his co-host Curt Jackson, who shares his personal journey into the world of escape rooms. Curt talks about the epic road trip across 46 states he took with his partner Tina to play nearly 300 escape rooms in 8 months. Curt delves into his personal preferences for escape r…
  continue reading
 
On January 27, 1993, André René Roussimoff -- the 7'4", 520-pound Frenchman who dominated professional wrestling during the 70s and 80s -- passed away in his sleep after an evening with friends. Although best known for his immense size and epic battles in the ring with Hulk Hogan and other bright stars of his era, it was Andre's brilliant performan…
  continue reading
 
On January 14, 2016, Alan Rickman died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite a reputation as one of the kindest men in Hollywood, Rickman made his name portraying some of the great bad guys in cinema history - from Hans Gruber, to the Sheriff of Nottingham, to Severus Snape - and in the process forever changed what it means to be a m…
  continue reading
 
On April 10, 2024, OJ Simpson — one of the most decorated football players and controversial figures of the last half of the 20th century — passed away after a brief battle with prostate cancer. His football and acting legacies were forever eclipsed by his criminal trial and eventual acquittal for the vicious double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Bro…
  continue reading
 
This week on 84 Reasons Ben Troupe sits down to talk with Florida baseball start Jac Caglianone. Ben and Jac talk about his time at UF so far, how Florida Victorious is making an impact on student athletes and his unique skillset on the diamond. Ben Troupe is a former NFL player and All American tight end at the University of Florida. He now does s…
  continue reading
 
On May 2, 2012, Junior Seau -- an NFL legend who redefined the linebacker position during his career -- took his own life, shocking his friends, family, and many fans. Known for his fierce playing style and leadership on the field, Seau's impact on football forever changed and modernized the sport, but it was his untimely death that sparked a cruci…
  continue reading
 
Thirty years ago this week, on April 5, 1994, Kurt Cobain - the Nirvana frontman whose raw, angst-ridden lyrics made him the voice for Gen X - killed himself in his Seattle home. Cobain’s death, brought on by years of drug use, physical pain, and depression, though tragic, cannot overshadow a singularly remarkable career that transformed American m…
  continue reading
 
On March 29, 2024, Lou Gossett Jr. – who rose to fame with his Emmy-award-winning portrayal of Fiddler in the miniseries Roots and an Academy Award-winning turn as drill sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentlemen – died after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of African-American actors, and as one of the kindest and most b…
  continue reading
 
On December 5, 2022, Kirstie Alley -- best known for her iconic role as Rebecca Howe on Cheers and her memorable performances in movies like Look Who's Talking -- passed away from colorectal cancer at the age of 71. Alley's legacy was complicated by her public struggles with weight loss and personal views on various social and political issues, but…
  continue reading
 
One of the newest members of the Florida Gators Volleyball team joins us this week as Ben sits down to get to know Isabel Martin. Isabel joins Ben from her home in Germany as she talks about her journey from a small town in Germany to the US and eventually making her way to Gainesville to play volleyball. Ben Troupe is a former NFL player and All A…
  continue reading
 
On December 11, 1964, Sam Cooke – the singer and songwriter of some of the most recognizable soul and pop songs every written – including “Twisting the Night Away,” “You Send Me,” “Wonderful World,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” and so many more – was shot and killed in a Los Angeles motel. Cooke’s killing was perhaps the first modern true-crime story,…
  continue reading
 
This week on 84 Reasons Ben sits down and talks to Florida Gators Softball outfielder Korbe Otis. Ben and Korbe talk about about her journey through the years of travel softball, the impact her dad has had on her life and softball career and what led her to ultimately coming to Florida to become a Gator. Ben Troupe is a former NFL player and All Am…
  continue reading
 
On July 2, 2004, Marlon Brando -- perhaps the most iconic film actor of the 20th century for his roles in classics like On the Waterfront and The Godfather -- passed away from a mysterious lung condition at the age of 80. Despite his personal troubles, Brando's groundbreaking and unconventional approach to acting ushered in a new era in Hollywood t…
  continue reading
 
This week on 84 Reasons Ben Troupe talks with Florida Gators golfer Ian Gilligan. Ben talks to Ian about how he had to battle and beat lymphoma at a young age and how that shaped him into the person he is today. They also discuss his recent win at the Southern Highlands Collegiate and his experience visiting Augusta National. Ben Troupe is a former…
  continue reading
 
Len Bias was among the greatest basketball players ever who lived until his life was cut short by a lethal batch of cocaine. The true crime story of Bias’s death gripped the nation, but it left behind one of the most culturally destructive legacies in the history of sport. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide