Episode 205: 1984 The Year In Pop Culture(7-30-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
This isn't George Orwell's 1984! Sorry for that 1940s reference.
Episode 205 features all things pop culture from the year 1984. Television, music, weird news stories, and more!
We kick it off by looking at the year that was in television in 1984. There are new shows like Miami Vice. There are ratings juggernauts like Cheers and Dallas. There are some massive failures, like who greenlit a children's show hosted by an R-rated comedian? Plus, we've got some beloved 1984 commercials!
Get ready for synthpop when we turn on the music of 1984. The rise of MTV, movie soundtracks becoming big sellers, and the crowning of kings like Prince and queens like Madonna. It's all here with all of the fake drums you can handle.
The Top 5 is overflowing with weird, bizarre, and sometimes funny news stories. Bulletproof food? Aggressive lawn watering? A magazine that is a felony to own? You'll find out.
There is, of course, a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the 1984 Summer Olympics.
This entire episode is a celebration of the birthday of my twin sisters, Lindsay and Ashley. I hope that you enjoy it!
You can support my work by becoming a member on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Mixtape #1 here
Mixtape #1: Classic Mall Stores of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s(7-23-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Grab your portable tape deck. Make sure it has fresh batteries, and pop in this mixtape!
It's something new this week on the podcast: the first mixtape. We are bringing multiple segments from past shows together in one super-sized episode. Every now and then, these will appear as a change of pace from the typical show.
Mixtape #1 is all about classic mall stores of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. In total, there are 30 stores that we will take a look back at.
The indoor mall is still a popular destination today; however, its heyday was definitely the '70s through the '90s.
You didn't need much money, as the 'mall rat' identity only required you to be inside a mall hanging out with friends. Kids of the day could spend hours sitting on benches or wandering the corridors, looking into some of the stores that will be mentioned on this show.
How many of these stores did you spend hard-earned money at?
Become a supporter on Patreon! $5/mo. gets you access to bonus podcast episodes and more!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 204 here
Episode 204: 70s Soft Rock Saved My Sanity, 90s Chat Rooms & Instant Messaging, Live Aid Turns 40, 'Could Have Been' Athletes(7-16-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Relive the glory days of 1990s chat rooms and instant messaging. How 70s soft rock helped soothe my soul. Some of the biggest 'what ifs' in the world of athletics.
Episode 204 finds a shady spot filled with Gen-X nostalgia during the heat of summer.
The show begins with a story that is part music retrospective and part reflection on my own life. During a particularly bad period of mental health struggles, I found solace in an unexpected place. Soft rock, particularly that from the 1970s, became a major part of everyday life for me. In this segment, I explain how 70s soft rock saved my sanity.
We go back to the glory days of early internet as we take a deep dive into 1990s chat rooms and instant messaging. Were you a user of AIM, ICQ, MSN, or something else? The good, the bad, the weird, and the dangerous, it's all a part of this segment
Not all who are hyped reach their potential. In this week's Top 5 we look as some of the biggest 'could have been' athletes ever. Whether bad luck, laziness, or other circumstances, these people are up there when it comes to 'what ifs' in sports.
There is a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule looking back at the 40th anniversary of the iconic Live Aid concert.
Become a supporter on Patreon! $5/mo. gets you access to bonus podcast episodes and more!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- 70s/80s Soft Rock - Spotify Playlist
Listen to Episode 203 here
Episode 203: VH1 Behind the Music, Starting Lineup Figures, Most Controversial Songs Ever, Roswell UFO Incident(7-9-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
A look back at the popular Starting Lineup sports figures. Behind the scenes of Behind the Music. Some of the most controversial songs ever written.
Episode 203 of the podcast unloads a tidal wave of nostalgia for you to enjoy, no matter where you are.
We start off with a deep dive into the world of Starting Lineup sports figures. Straddling the line between toys and collectibles, these figures were desired by 80s and 90s boys, from preteens to much older collectors. What made them so popular?
VH1 Behind the Music was a compelling and, at times, depressing television show. It delved into the lives of musical acts, showing them as humans and not just celebrities. We will examine the show in general, some of its most well-known episodes, and also explore why the show resonated with so many for so long.
Controversy is on the menu in this week's Top 5. We will look at some of the most controversial songs ever written. This spans genres and decades. These songs caused discussions, arguments, and boycotts. We will try to give the reasons behind the controversy.
There is a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule looking back at the infamous Roswell, New Mexico UFO incident.
Become a supporter on Patreon! $5/mo. gets you access to bonus podcast episodes and more!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 202 here
Episode 202: Back To The Future Turns 40, 1995 Year In Music Pt. 2, Symbols of the 1970s(7-2-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Back to the Future turns 40. More of 1995, the year in music. Symbols of the 1970s.
July brings the heat and the fireworks, and so does Episode 202 of the podcast!
It begins with a look back at the king of time travel movies and one of the best movies ever, Back To The Future. 40 years ago this week, Doc and Marty began their adventures and we will look at the legacy and impact of this beloved film franchise. Tune in for the killer 8-bit version of the movie theme by Bitonal Landscape.
We return to 1995 to look at Part 2 of the year in music. This spans July through December. Legendary albums, untimely passings, and deep dives into under the radar alternative music since that was my jam in high school.
What do you think of when someone mentions the 1970s? This week's Top 5 will look at some symbols of the 70s. Fads, products, odd choices, and of course loads of disco.
There is a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the death of iconic Doors frontman Jim Morrison.
Become a supporter on Patreon! $5/mo. gets you access to bonus podcast episodes and more!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- Serenading Romero
- 1995 Year In Music: Spotify Playlist
Listen to Episode 201 here
Episode 201: Jaws 50th Anniversary, Polybius Video Game Urban Legend, Traumatizing 'Very Special' TV Episodes(6-25-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The anniversary of one of the greatest films ever made. An urban legend surrounding a video game that was likely never made. Television episodes that traumatized 80s kids.
Episode 201 kicks off summer with Gen-X nostalgia to keep you entertained while soaking in the sun.
It begins by scaring you out of the water as we look back at the classic movie Jaws for its 50th anniversary. A killer shark stalks beachgoers and, in doing so, creates the 'summer blockbuster' movie. We do a deep dive into the origins of the film and what makes it stand the test of time so well.
We go way back in the day and down a rabbit hole as we look for the origins of a lesser-known 80s urban legend. Polybius was a video game that was said to cause mental and physical issues for its players, but did it exist at all? That is the question that we try to find the answer to.
Childhood trauma is on the menu in this week's Top 5. Sitcoms are supposed to make us laugh. In the 1980s and 1990s, though every now and then they terrified us. These were the 'very special' television episodes that tackled more serious issues. We will go through some and open up old wounds.
There is a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the first single released by the legendary Stevie Wonder.
Become a supporter on Patreon! $5/mo. gets you access to bonus podcast episodes and more!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- Serenading Romero
Listen to Episode 200 here
Episode 200: Listener's Choice: Wendy's Grill Skills Employee Video, MTV's Real World, Most Hated Cartoons(6-18-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The podcast turns the big 2-0-0! The 200th episode is filled with memories, moments, and nostalgia that has been chosen by the listeners over on Patreon.
It has been a whirlwind of nearly 5 years creating, recording, researching, and editing 200 shows. I am so grateful to all of you who have listened to and supported the podcast. There is no end in sight, so what's on Episode 200?
The show kicks off with a deep dive into the show that changed MTV forever, The Real World. The popular reality show kick-started the 90s and ultimately changed the way MTV perceived itself as a television channel.
Do you have grill skills? If not, you're in luck because we are going to look at a classically cheesy Wendy's employee training video from 1989 appropriately titled 'Grill Skill.' Singing burger patties, spatulas as guitars, dancing and rapping employees, and Dave Thomas! You will laugh, and maybe learn a new skill.
Me v. AI Top 5 returns with a hotly contested debate. Which are the most hated cartoons ever? I have my picks and Chat GPT has its, which will be read of course by Bonzi Buddy.
There is as always a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule looking back at the very first rollercoaster.
Become a supporter on Patreon! $5/mo. gets you access to bonus podcast episodes and more!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- Serenading Romero
- Wendy's Grill Skill
Listen to Episode 199 here
Episode 199: Celtics v. Lakers In the 1980s, First Ever Video Rental Store, Weird Bubblegum Flavors, Sleeping In the Outfield(6-11-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Relive a historic basketball rivalry. Learn the story of the first video rental store. Recoil at some weird bubble gum flavors.
Episode 199 is the final stop before the big Listener's Choice show but there's plenty of nostalgia to be had.
It all begins with the beginning of the video rental store. It was at one point a gigantic industry before falling to streaming, but it had to start somewhere. We will look at how the first video store came to be and some of the original players in the world of rentals.
There have been many amazing rivalries between teams in all sports. Few had the impact of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers battles in the 1980s. Bird and Magic, Boston and L.A., it was a wonderful time to be a fan. We will look at what made it special.
Peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, fruit, these are all classic favorite bubblegum flavors. This week's Top 5 will not be featuring beloved classics. Instead we will look at some of the weirdest and in some cases grossest bubblegum flavors there have been.
There will be a new This Week In History and Time Capsule featuring the crazy but true story of a player who fell asleep on the field during a baseball game.
Don't forget to become a free member and to go vote in the polls for Listener's Choice Episode 200 over on Patreon! Voting ends June 12th!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- Serenading Romero
- Candy Hero.com
Listen to Episode 198 here
Episode 198: The Goonies Turns 40, Disney Channel's Debut, Discontinued Fast Food Favs, What Was Betamax?(6-4-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The anniversary of a beloved 1980s film. The debut of a game-changing cable channel. Some fast food favorites we wish were back full-time.
Episode 198 celebrates the unofficial start of summer by bringing the warm and fuzzy nostalgia.
It all starts off with the 40th anniversary of a staple of 1980s kids, The Goonies. A fun story, relatable characters, a unique setting, and infinitely quotable lines, this film was a rite of passage for so many who grew up back then. We will do a deep dive into why it's still so popular.
Children's television changed forever in 1983 with the launch of the Disney Channel. Chock full of the classic cartoons and films kids knew of the channel, also introduced many new shows that became staples of the daily lives of 80s and 90s kids. We'll dust off our Mickey Mouse ears and reminisce about Disney's leap into cable.
Some fast food items come and go with few batting an eye. On this week's Top 5 we're going to go in the opposite direction. We will examine some discontinued fast food items that were popular, some of which occasionally make a return to tease us momentarily.
There is as always a new This Week In History and Time Capsule that seeks to answer the question: What exactly was Betamax?
Don't forget to become a free member and to go vote in the polls for Listener's Choice Episode 200 over on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- The Old Men of the Mountain Documentary
Listen to Episode 197 here
Episode 197: 1999 The Year In Pop Culture(5-28-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
This week we're gonna party like it's 1999!
Episode 197 is all about what was going on in the world of pop culture in the year 1999. Music, television, weird news stories, and more will be brought to you in this show.
It begins with a look back at the world of television in 1999. New shows(Family Guy), hit shows(Friends), underrated gems(Freaks and Geeks), and more. There is also a look at the overall landscape of the industry as a whole.
We go way back in the day for a deep dive into music in 1999. The return of pop, new teen idols, the end of Woodstock, the rise of digital music, and so much more.
This week's Top 5 is chock full of weird and wacky news stories from the year. Chimp show protests, geese v. rollercoasters, and the Y2K panic are included.
There is of course a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around what made a Cape Cod summer special back then.
This entire episode is a celebration of the birthday of my oldest niece, Kaleigh. I hope that you enjoy it!
Don't forget to become a free member and to go vote in the polls for Listener's Choice Episode 200 over on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- Cape Cod Baseball League
- Cape Cod Melody Tent
Listen to Episode 196 here
Episode 196: 1970s Cutting Edge Tech, 1985 Year In Movies, Animated TV Show Fails, Mount St. Helens(5-21-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
What was the cutting-edge technology of the 1970s? What was it like to go to the movies in 1985? What are some of the biggest animated television show fails?
Episode 196 answers all of these questions.
🛸 What Was High-Tech in the 1970s?
Think the '70s were all shag carpets and disco? Think again. We're digging into the cutting-edge innovations of the decade—from futuristic toys and game-changing electronics to major breakthroughs in medicine and transportation.
🎬 Going to the Movies in 1985
What was it really like to hit the theaters 40 years ago? We’re throwing it back to sticky floors, giant soda cups, and a year of unforgettable (and sometimes baffling) #1 box office hits. Blockbusters, bombs, and everything in between—get ready for a cinematic time warp.
📺 Top 5 Animated TV Show Fails
Not every cartoon can be a classic. This week’s Top 5 counts down the biggest animated misfires to ever hit the airwaves. These short-lived flops might make you say, “Wait… that was real?”
🌋 This Week in History & Time Capsule – We revisit the explosive 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, one of the most powerful natural disasters in U.S. history.
📢 Listener’s Choice is Coming!
Episode 200 is around the corner! Don’t forget to cast your vote in our Listener’s Choice poll—open to all Patreon members, free or paid.
Hit play and let the nostalgia take over! 🚀
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 195 here
Episode 195: Friday the 13th Turns 45, Transformers, Useless Early Internet Features(5-14-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The anniversary of a horror movie classic. 1980s boys' obsession with Transformers. Some of the most pointless features from 1990s internet.
Episode 195 brings the buffet when it comes to Gen-X nostalgia.
It kicks off with a look back 45 years to the debut of the slasher movie staple Friday the 13th. Dubbed the scariest movie ever before a script was even written this classic spawned countless sequels and eventually one of horror's most enduring villains, Jason Voorhees.
We go way back in the day to a favorite of mine and countless other 1980s boys, Transformers. Robots in disguise these toys were a massive success and led to tv shows, movies, and a spot in the zeitgeist of several generations.
The internet changed the world as we know it. For all of the good that it has brought there has also been some downright pointless. This week's Top 5 will look back to some of the most useless internet features from the 1990s.
There is as always a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the ill-fated westward journey of the Donner Party.
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- Cursor Effects - Tholman.com
Listen to Episode 194 here
Episode 194: Goth v. Grunge In the 90s, Food Mascots With Video Games, 1960s Teen Idols(5-7-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The differences between Grunge and Goth culture in the 1990s. Some food items or mascots that had their own video games. A few of the teen idols and queens of the 1960s.
Episode 194 gives you your weekly dose of the Gen-X nostalgia buffet!
We kick things off by comparing and contrasting two subcultures that 90s high schoolers might have known or might have been. Grunge and Goth seemed similar but how similar were they really? We'll dive deep into both of them, including what it was like as a Grunge kid in high school in the 90s.
Some strange subjects end up as video games. We go way back in the day to look at food mascots and food items that were turned into video games. There are also a few scrapped ones that you have to hear to believe.
This week's Top 5 is all about teen idols and teen queens of the 1960s. These were the celebrities that the youth of America gravitated toward. How did their careers turnout though?
There is a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the fascinating discovery of the Tollund Man.
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- The Tollund Man: Biographics on YouTube
Listen to Episode 193 here
Episode 193: The Legend of Lawn Chair Larry, ABC After School Specials, Briefly Famous People From the 1970s(4-30-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The movie Up in real life? After school specials that taught and traumatized? Some briefly famous people from the 1970s?
Episode 193 of the podcast dives into all of that Gen-X nostalgia.
It kicks off with a look back at ABC's After School Specials. These hour-long films shared life lessons with kids from the 1970s through the 1990s. We do a deep dive into these TV shows from their purpose to some of the most well-known episodes.
The movie Up is an engaging and exciting animated film about a man who uses balloons to float his house away. Something like that is fiction, right? Yes and no. It wasn't a house that balloons took away. It was a man in a lawn chair. We go way back in the day to 1982 and discuss the incredible but true story of Lawn Chair Larry.
15 minutes of fame sometimes is just long enough. This week's Top 5 looks at some people who had their brush with fame in the 1970s and then virtually disappeared. Athletes, actors, musicians, and more. Do you remember these briefly famous people?
There is also a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule that looks back at the end of Lou Gehrig's streak of consecutive games played in baseball.
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 192 here
Episode 192: 1985 The Year In Pop Culture(4-23-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Tell me doctor, where are we going this time? Is it the 50s, or 1999? No, it's 1985.
Episode 192 is about the year 1985 in pop culture. This new style of show will be introduced periodically. In the future, it will include looks at years from 1960 to 2005.
We kick it off with a deep dive into the world of television in 1985. New shows, the most popular shows, the weirdest shows (hello, Small Wonder). Also an overall lay of the land in the industry.
We go way back in the day and look at the music landscape in 1985. New artists making their debut, the rise of MTV and music videos, new tech and sounds and so much more.
The Top 5 crosses over to the other side as we look at the weirdest and funniest news stories from the year. Watching television while your house burns down around you?
There is as always a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the epic failure that was New Coke.
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 191 here
Episode 191: Donald Duck In Mathmagic Land; Troll Dolls; Defunct Phone Companies; In Living Color(4-16-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The revolving fad that was troll dolls. Donald Duck and math meet in an educational short film. Some telephone companies who can no longer take your calls.
Episode 191 gives you your weekly dose of Gen-X nostalgia with all of this and more!
Many fads come and go. However it takes a special fad to come and go repeatedly over decades. That is what makes troll dolls different. Cute, creepy, bizarre, these and other adjectives could be used to describe the spiky haired toys. What made troll dolls popular? Why did they fade away and return so often? We do a deep dive into them this week.
Can a beloved Disney character make learning about math palatable? We go way back in the day to watch the 1959 educational short film Donald Duck In Mathmagic Land. It is filled with laughs, music, billiards, a few yawns, and way too many pentagrams. We'll give it a good old review.
If you are told this week to call someone who cares unfortunately you won't be able to use any of these telephone companies. The Top 5 looks at defunct phone companies from over the decades. Did you pay bills to any of these?
There is as always a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the debut of the groundbreaking sketch comedy show In Living Color.
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- Donald Duck In Mathmagic Land
Listen to Episode 190 here
Episode 190: When Grunge Killed Hair Metal, Garfield, 1960s Passing Fads, Halley's Comet(4-9-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The battle between Hair Metal and Grunge. The effect of Garfield on my childhood. Some passing fads of the 1960s.
Episode 190 is filled with fun old school nostalgia to help you feel young again, briefly.
It starts with a look at the rise and pop culture relevance of Garfield the cat. From his humble beginnings as a fat, lazy orange cat in a comic strip to television, movies, and gobs of merch, Garfield has been making childhoods, including mine, better since 1978.
We go way back in the day to look at a clash of styles. The battle for supremacy between hair metal and grunge music. One dominated the late 80s with screeching arena rock and unique looks. The other burst onto the scene in the early 90s, unpolished and raw. Which one won?
A brand new Top 5 will showcase some 1960s passing fads. These things were briefly popular and ultimately flamed out. Clothing, hair styles, toys, odd inventions, they're all here, and a few were directly impacted by The Beatles.
There is new This Week In History and Time Capsule looking back at the last time Halley's Comet passed by the Earth.
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 189 here
Episode 189: Forgotten 90s Cereals, Blink & You'll Miss It Retro Pt. 4, Weirdest Sega Games, April Fools Prank Goes Wrong(4-2-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Some forgotten 1990s cereals. Household products that came and went in a flash. Sega video games that had people shaking their heads.
Episode 189 is filled with nostalgia and that's no April Fools joke.
⚡ Blink and You’ll Miss It: Retro Edition #4 – From cleaning products to gadgets, we’re breaking down six household items that arrived with a bang… and disappeared just as fast. Did you ever own (or even remember) these short-lived creations?
🥣 Lost Cereals of the 1990s – The ‘90s gave us some legendary cereals… but we’re not talking about those. Instead, we’re diving into the forgotten breakfast bowls that had their moment before vanishing from grocery store shelves. Which of these would you bring back?
🎮 The Weirdest Sega Games Ever Made – Some of these sound like April Fools jokes—but they were real. This week’s Top 5 looks at Sega games that had players scratching their heads. Did you ever play these bizarre titles?
🕰️ This Week in History & Time Capsule – A look back at a notorious April Fools prank that once fooled an entire Boston TV audience.
Hit play and let the nostalgia roll! 🚀
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- Mr. Breakfast.com
Listen to Episode 188 here
Episode 188: 1970s TV Show Fails, Return of 3-D Movies In the 80s, Best Made For TV Movies(3-26-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Some of the worst TV shows of the 70s. The brief return of 3-D movies in the 80s. Some great Made-for-TV movies.
Episode 188 of the podcast celebrates spring with a colorful menagerie of nostalgia in bloom.
It all begins with a look back at the relatively brief and somewhat unspectacular return of 3-D movies in the 1980s. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion and memories of the 1950s 3-D films prompted a comeback. Some films were alright. Some were downright awful. In the end, it was a short return and we will do a deep dive into 3-D.
We go way back in the day to find some of the biggest television show failures of the 1970s. These run the gamut of flops from established names, budgetary disasters, spin-off sadness, and insane ideas. We'll look at all of them.
Made-for-TV movies are a bit of a relic of a bygone era. For we who grew up in the 70s, 80s, and 90s we remember them well. This week's Top 5 will look at some of the best Made for TV movies ever. Did you watch any of these when they first aired?
There is also a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the quarantine of the infamous Typhoid Mary.
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 187 here
Episode 187: The Office Turns 20, 1980s Music Video TV Shows, Odd Musical Collaborations, Mr. Rogers(3-19-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The 20th anniversary of the debut of The Office. Some of the man music video shows of the 1980s. A few of the strangest musical collaborations ever.
Episode 187 of the podcast opens up the buffet of nostalgia and pop culture in time for the first of spring.
Very few shows have had the kind of impact that The Office has. Countless memorable episodes, characters, and quotes are just the beginning. Michael, Jim, Pam, Dwight, Angela, Andy, and all of the rest will be there as we do a deep dive in celebration of The Office's 20th anniversary. Office Theme in the segment by MasterofTrainz on SoundCloud.
The 1980s saw the dawning of MTV. Videos became an important part of music as a whole. Luckily if you grew up then there were plenty of choices of where to watch music videos. We go way back in the day to look at some of the music video television shows of the 80s.
Some musical collaborations go together like peanut butter and jelly. On this week's Top 5, we will look at ones that went together more like peanut butter and sardines. These are some of the oddest musical collaborations ever.
There is a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the birthday of children's television legend Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers.
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- The Office Ladies Podcast
- Weirdest Musical Collaborations - Spotify Playlist
Listen to Episode 186 here
Episode 186: What Is A B-Movie?, A Wild Nantucket Photo Trip, Quintessential 1980s Songs, Chuck Norris(3-12-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Spring is on the way, but the nostalgia is already in full bloom! Episode 186 takes you on a wild ride—from a windswept island to the world of low-budget cinema and the unforgettable sound of the ‘80s.
📸 A Winter Adventure in Nantucket – The newest Dedication to the Craft photography segment takes me back to a gray and moody day on Nantucket in 2014. Remote landscapes, unexpected wildlife encounters, sandy drives, and a tragic beer spill—it’s all here, along with some photography tips!
🎬 What Exactly Is a B-Movie? – Cheesy? Campy? Low-budget? Sometimes brilliant? We break down the wild and weird world of B-Movies—what they are, why they exist, and why some have become cult classics. This is just the beginning of our deep dive into the world of B-Movies!
🎶 Top 5 Songs & Videos That Scream 1980s – Some songs could only exist in the ‘80s. We’re counting down the tracks and music videos that define the decade—big hair, neon lights, and all. Did your favorite make the cut?
🕰️ This Week in History & Time Capsule – A tribute to the birth of an action movie legend: Chuck Norris.
Hit play and let’s rewind time! 🚀
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
- Chuck Norris Jokes - Men's Health
Listen to Episode 185 here
Episode 185: House Party Turns 35, Poppin’ Fresh’s Restaurant, & Obsolete Jobs From 100 Years Ago(3-5-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Episode 185 helps March roar in with a blast of nostalgia, from '90s party vibes to long-lost professions!
🎬 House Party Turns 35! – One of the best teen comedies of the ‘90s is officially middle-aged. We’re throwing it back to Kid ‘n Play, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, legendary dance moves, and quotable lines. Plus, I’ll share a personal house party story that could’ve been its own movie.
🥖 Poppin’ Fresh: The Doughboy & His Lost Restaurant – He’s been giggling his way through Pillsbury ads for 60+ years, but did you know Poppin’ Fresh once had his own restaurant? We uncover the surprising history of Poppin’ Fresh Pies—and what happened to it.
🛠️ Jobs That Time Forgot – Ever applied to be a lector? A scissors grinder? No? That’s because these jobs disappeared long ago. This week’s Top 5 spotlights careers from a century ago that no longer exist—some of which were way cooler than they sound.
🏀 This Week in History & Time Capsule – The night Wilt Chamberlain did the unthinkable and scored 100 points in a single basketball game.
Hit play and let’s get this nostalgia party started! 🚀
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 184 here
Episode 184: Bunnicula, Overhyped 1990s Athletes & Vanishing Casual Dining Restaurants(2-26-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The last full month of winter is almost over, but we’ve got plenty of nostalgia to keep you warm! Episode 184 brings back childhood chills, cardboard heartbreak, and the flavors of restaurants we wish never closed.
📖 Bunnicula: The Vampire Bunny That Bit Into Our Imaginations – A bloodsucking rabbit? The Bunnicula series had just the right mix of humor and horror to captivate Gen Xers and older Millennials. We’ll revisit this beloved (and slightly spooky) children’s classic.
⚾ Overhyped '90s Athletes Who Ruined My Baseball Card Collection – If you grew up in the '90s, you probably got burned by the hype train. We’re looking at the athletes who were supposed to be legends but left collectors (and fans) disappointed. Were any of these guys in your stash?
🍽️ The Rise and Fall of Casual Dining Chains – Some places seemed like they'd be around forever… but then they vanished. This week’s Top 5 covers some of the most missed discontinued restaurant chains. The twist? A few might be making a comeback!
🕰️ This Week in History & Time Capsule – A jazz-infused journey back to the very first jazz records and how they changed music forever.
Hit play and step into the time machine! 🚀
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 183 here
Episode 183: Scratch-and-Sniff Stickers, Bizarre Gameboy Titles & Lost Bubble Gums!(2-19-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
The Valentine's chocolates are gone, but the sweet nostalgia is just getting started! Episode 183 takes you on a trip back to the sights, smells, and flavors of the past:
✨ Sniffing Out the '80s – Remember the thrill of scratch-and-sniff stickers? From pizza-scented rewards to bizarre fragrances, no one asked for, we uncover the history behind this smelly sensation that had '80s kids obsessed.
🎮 The Weirdest Gameboy Games Ever – Monkey boxing? A game controlled by a sewing machine? Yeti chefs? We’re digging deep to find the strangest, rarest, and most ridiculous Gameboy titles ever made.
🍬 Bubble Gums We Wish Weren’t Gone – From powdery classics to flavor-packed icons, we count down five bubble gums that deserved a longer chew. Did your favorite make the list?
🕰️ This Week in History & Time Capsule – A look back at the legendary first superhero, The Phantom, and the mark he left on pop culture.
Hit play and let the nostalgia rush in! 🚀
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- Trend Enterprises Scratch n Sniff Stickers
- CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
Listen to Episode 182 here
Episode 182: The Greatness of Michael Jordan, An Annoying Blockbuster Video Mascot, Worst Love Songs Ever(2-12-2025)
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
I want to be like Mike. I don't want to be like Buster Sales. I also don't want to include any of these love songs on my playlists.
Episode 182 celebrates Valentine's Day in a roundabout way.
It begins with a birthday celebration of the greatest basketball player ever, and pop culture icon, Michael Jordan. A dominant champion who changed the game of basketball. A hugely influential athlete in terms of his endorsement prowess. MJ was one of the world's most well-known faces in the 1980s and 1990s. We'll do a deep dive into his impact.
We used to make it a Blockbuster night all throughout the 1990s. It was not due to this wacky employee training video. This week we go back in the day to look, laugh, and cringe, at a weird Blockbuster Video training tape from 1990. It is led by perhaps the most obnoxious character ever, Buster Sales.
The Top 5 will share some of the worst love songs ever. These are probably not the ones you want on your Spotify playlist if you want a romantic evening. Muskrats, Meatloaf, and Bubblegum galore.
There is also a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule centered around the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre.
For more great content become a subscriber on Patreon!
Helpful Links from this Episode
- Purchase My New Book Cape Cod Beyond the Beach!
- In My Footsteps: A Cape Cod Travel Guide(2nd Edition)
- Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
- DJ Williams Music
- KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
- Christopher Setterlund.com
- Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
- Subscribe on YouTube!
- Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
- UPDATE: Bonnie Bickwit and Mitchel Weiser Case - Rolling Stone.com
- Webcam Weekly Wrapup Podcast
- Blockbuster Employee Training Video
Listen to Episode 181 here
Episode 205: 1984 The Year In Pop Culture(7-30-2025)
58:12
Mixtape #1: Classic Mall Stores of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s(7-23-2025)
1:22:51
Episode 204: 70s Soft Rock Saved My Sanity, 90s Chat Rooms & Instant Messaging, Live Aid Turns 40, 'Could Have Been' Athletes(7-16-2025)
1:00:49
Episode 203: VH1 Behind the Music, Starting Lineup Figures, Most Controversial Songs Ever, Roswell UFO Incident(7-9-2025)
54:30
Episode 202: Back To The Future Turns 40, 1995 Year In Music Pt. 2, Symbols of the 1970s(7-2-2025)
57:50
Episode 201: Jaws 50th Anniversary, Polybius Video Game Urban Legend, Traumatizing 'Very Special' TV Episodes(6-25-2025)
54:45
Episode 200: Listener's Choice: Wendy's Grill Skills Employee Video, MTV's Real World, Most Hated Cartoons(6-18-2025)
1:06:11
Episode 199: Celtics v. Lakers In the 1980s, First Ever Video Rental Store, Weird Bubblegum Flavors, Sleeping In the Outfield(6-11-2025)
54:18
Episode 198: The Goonies Turns 40, Disney Channel's Debut, Discontinued Fast Food Favs, What Was Betamax?(6-4-2025)
54:31
Episode 197: 1999 The Year In Pop Culture(5-28-2025)
53:42
Episode 196: 1970s Cutting Edge Tech, 1985 Year In Movies, Animated TV Show Fails, Mount St. Helens(5-21-2025)
1:00:29
Episode 195: Friday the 13th Turns 45, Transformers, Useless Early Internet Features(5-14-2025)
54:05
Episode 194: Goth v. Grunge In the 90s, Food Mascots With Video Games, 1960s Teen Idols(5-7-2025)
51:00
Episode 193: The Legend of Lawn Chair Larry, ABC After School Specials, Briefly Famous People From the 1970s(4-30-2025)
48:37
Episode 192: 1985 The Year In Pop Culture(4-23-2025)
50:53
Episode 191: Donald Duck In Mathmagic Land; Troll Dolls; Defunct Phone Companies; In Living Color(4-16-2025)
52:49
Episode 190: When Grunge Killed Hair Metal, Garfield, 1960s Passing Fads, Halley's Comet(4-9-2025)
48:41
Episode 189: Forgotten 90s Cereals, Blink & You'll Miss It Retro Pt. 4, Weirdest Sega Games, April Fools Prank Goes Wrong(4-2-2025)
54:43
Episode 188: 1970s TV Show Fails, Return of 3-D Movies In the 80s, Best Made For TV Movies(3-26-2025)
53:42
Episode 187: The Office Turns 20, 1980s Music Video TV Shows, Odd Musical Collaborations, Mr. Rogers(3-19-2025)
55:59
Episode 186: What Is A B-Movie?, A Wild Nantucket Photo Trip, Quintessential 1980s Songs, Chuck Norris(3-12-2025)
53:12
Episode 185: House Party Turns 35, Poppin’ Fresh’s Restaurant, & Obsolete Jobs From 100 Years Ago(3-5-2025)
49:07
Episode 184: Bunnicula, Overhyped 1990s Athletes & Vanishing Casual Dining Restaurants(2-26-2025)
53:00
Episode 183: Scratch-and-Sniff Stickers, Bizarre Gameboy Titles & Lost Bubble Gums!(2-19-2025)
50:38
Episode 182: The Greatness of Michael Jordan, An Annoying Blockbuster Video Mascot, Worst Love Songs Ever(2-12-2025)
53:43