Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries
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!
Tue, April 22, 2025
Blind Box Figures; Sonny Angels, Smiskis, and Labubus
Blind boxes are the sensation that has taken over the world. This episode touches on the potential origins of these tiny little collectables, as well as the history of several popular brands; Kid Robot's Dunnys, Sonny Angels, Smiskis, and Labubus!
Tue, April 15, 2025
How "The N" Block Taught Teens
As Millennials reached teenhood in the early 2000's, it became apparent that there was a serious hole in the market when it came to creating educational content for them. Enter the Children's Workshop and the team behind Nickelodeon, who made a home for teens looking for more serious content on a programming block called "The N" (which just so happened to be the nighttime block for preschool channel "noggin").
Tue, April 08, 2025
Episode updates #1
We're trying something new this week by bringing you a selection of updates to previous episodes. Have you been dying to know what happened to the floating McDonalds? Or what is the real reason Sonic Sat AM never got a third season? These updates, along with updates about Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka are all here for you enjoyment.
Tue, April 01, 2025
The True Story of Monopoly
According to Hasbro's website, the board game "Monopoly" was created in 1934 by board game designer Charles Darrow. But what if that information is completely false? What if Monopoly dates back thirty years earlier, and has a secret history that Hasbro and Monopoly's previous rights owner, Parker Brothers, has tried so desperately to erase?
Tue, March 25, 2025
Neopets April Fools Day Pranks
Back when the internet used to be fun, a little virtual pet website started the trend of doing yearly April Fools Day pranks. From introducing new pets to unleashing an incurable disease upon its citizens, Host Brenda tells Austin all about the best pranks throughout Neopian History.
Tue, March 18, 2025
Steven Universe: Jailbreak (feat. Rebecca Sugar and Ian Jones-Quartey)
Ten years ago, the Steven Universe episode Jailbreak aired on Cartoon Network revealing that the character of Garnet was actually two lesbians in a trenchcoat (but it's actually more complicated than that). Host Austin shares the story of the making of this monumental episode along with audio clips from an exclusive interview with show creator Rebecca Sugar and Executive producer Ian James-Quartey! Catch the whole interview by becoming a Maximum Fun member and gaining access to an entire library of exclusive bonus content from all of the network's talented hosts!
Bonus · Mon, March 17, 2025
Austin and Brenda join MFD Spring Break
It’s not MaxFunDrive without a wild kickoff spectacular! Former real-life VJ and host of MTV's Spring Break 1999, Dave Holmes, takes your favorite MaxFun hosts through some wacky ‘90s- and Spring Break-themed mini games!! Featuring: Dave Holmes, Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya, Dimitry Pompée, Tom Lum, Ellen Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, Brenda Snell, Drea Clark, Alonso Duralde, Dan McCoy, Jordan Morris, Manolo Moreno, Ella Hubber, Caroline Roper, Ella McLeod, John-Luke Roberts, Justin McElroy, Clint McElroy, Mike Cabellon, Sierra Katow, Hal Lublin, Danielle Radford, John Moe, Christian Dueñas, Christian Duguay.
Tue, March 11, 2025
Early Women in Gaming
It's no secret that the video game industry is a notoriously male dominated field, but women have been a part of the industry since its very inception. Today we highlight two women: Mabel Addis, the writer and historical expert behind the first educational game used in classrooms, and Carol Shaw, the first woman employed at Atari, and the programmer of the best-selling game River Raid.
Tue, March 04, 2025
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
In the early 90's, the Walt Disney company was searching for a way to add some thrills into their theme parks, and somehow, they managed to settle on building a drop tower themed after the 1950's horror anthology show, the Twilight Zone. But there's more to this attraction than meets the eye!
Tue, February 25, 2025
The Smurfs
A new Smurf's movie is coming out featuring an entire album and musical score by Rhianna! So, just who are these little blue fellas and how have they managed to stay in the public consciousness all this time?
Tue, February 18, 2025
The Superman Radio Show vs the KKK
The Superman radio show premiered in 1940, introducing the masses to many new aspects of Superman's Canon, but in the middle of its historic run, the people behind the show decided that they wanted to use Superman's influence to enact positive social change. Enter, Operation Intolerance, and more importantly, the sixteen part series "The Clan of the Firey Cross" that directly took on real life racial hate groups.
Tue, February 11, 2025
Sega Channel
Before Nintendo Online, before the PSN, before Xbox Game Pass, there was Sega Channel, a revolutionary way to play new games on your Sega genesis through your cable provider.
Tue, February 04, 2025
Amusement Park Ghosts
It's time for a classic Halloween in February celebration. Learn the tale of the world's (supposedly) only haunted carousel horse, located at Cedar Point, and marvel in some of the more well-known Disneyland urban legends and hauntings. Why does Tomorrowland have so many ghosts? Honestly it's a mystery.
Tue, January 28, 2025
George Pal's Puppet Toons
Before Coraline, before Nightmare Before Christmas, before Wallace and Gromit, George Pal was making his "Puppet Toons" starting in the 1930's! Using upwards of 9,000 individually carved wooden puppets, Pal's work has almost been completely forgotten by pop culture. And yes, some of it was a bit racist. It was the 30's! Of course it was!
Tue, January 21, 2025
Sonic the Hedgehog Cartoons - The DIC years
In 1993, two cartoons starring Sonic the Hedgehog premiered within two weeks of each other; one airing weekdays on syndication, and the other on Saturday mornings. Despite being drastically different from modern day Sonic, these shows helped to establish who Sonic was as a character and fleshed out a world that had previously been confined to pixels. Get Sonic! Get Atomic!
Tue, January 14, 2025
Otome Games and Neo Romance
Since the dawn of time, games have been for the fellas, but in Japan, in 1994, a collective of women designers got together to make a genre defining game. What if there was one princess, who had to choose between a collection of handsome and beautiful men on her quest to save the world?
Tue, January 07, 2025
Son of Beast
Rollercoasters don't typically have sequels, and one of the reasons that might be is because of Son of Beast, formerly the world's tallest, fastest wooden rollercoaster, whose entire existence was mired in an endless string of incidents and repairs. From sections of the track collapsing, to getting hit by lightning, to having its best element, a record breaking loop, removed, the little beast just couldn't catch a break.
Tue, December 17, 2024
Mr. Magoo and the Christmas Carol that Changed Christmas
Before Rudolph, and the Grinch, and a Charlie Brown Christmas and all of the classic animated Christmas Specials that you all know and love, there was a little old man with poor eyesight who was brought to life by one of the scrappiest animated studios there ever was. This week is about the first (that we know of) animated Christmas Special, Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, and how it paved the way for all the Christmas specials to come.
Tue, December 10, 2024
Kingda Ka (Roller Coaster War is Over)
This story is about a lot of things. It's somehow about tigers, Sea World Ohio, the world's tallest drop tower, Fabio getting hit in the face by a goose, and so much more, but above all, it's about Kingda Ka, formerly the world's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, and sister coaster to Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster. For decades, Kingda Ka stood with her records untouched, but soon she'll be dismantled for parts, marking the end of the roller coaster wars as we knew them.
Tue, December 03, 2024
Reboot - The First CGI Cartoon
Years before the release of Toy Story, when computer animation was still in its infancy, several guys from the UK, riding high on the success of their animated Dire Straits music video, got a wild idea: What if they made a computer animated cartoon...in the late 80's? Reboot Rewind Documentary - https://youtu.be/OuAfWhsI-F8?si=ORdxQEAZJgX4NB-D
Tue, November 26, 2024
Green Onion Chex - A sixteen year long battle for justice
In 2004, when Kellogg's cereal released a contest to determine what new flavor of cereal they would release in South Korea, they had no idea that they were about to kickstart a sixteen year fight for justice. The contest was between Chocolate and Green Onion Chex, and when the results of the voting weren't what Kellogg's wanted, they had to resort to drastic measures.
Bonus · Tue, November 19, 2024
Rerun: Toonami
An episode all about everyone's favorite programming block Toonami!
Tue, November 12, 2024
Origin of the Comic Convention
Nowadays, comic conventions happen all over the United States, and the world, in many major cities, with the most well known being San Diego Comic Con, in San Diego California. Many people assume that San Diego was the first, but that isn't true! Comic Conventions got their stars years earlier, in the midwest, headed by several teenage boys armed only with a dream and some impressive industry connections.
Bonus · Tue, October 29, 2024
Rerun: Night Trap
A rerun of episode 20, about the controversial Sega Game "Night Trap".
Tue, October 22, 2024
The Orange Bird, Anita Bryant, and a Pie to the Face
In the late 60's, during the tail end of construction on Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom in Orlando Florida, the Disney Company entered into a partnership with the Florida Citrus Commission. The commission would sponsor Disney's Tropical Serenade show, while disney would make a mascot for them to help sell orange juice. This mascot was the Orange Bird, a cute little canary with an orange for a head. But, what does this cute, innocent character have to do with notorious anti-gay activist Anita Bryant? Link to our new SHONM Merch collection!
Tue, October 15, 2024
Early Superhero Movies
Nowadays super hero movies are their own genre of film, but what was the first one? Which film kickstarted the trend, which film was so iconic that it made permanent changes to the comic if was based on and which film was the first big hollywood blockbuster success?
Tue, October 08, 2024
Palworld Vs. Nintendo
On one side we have Nintendo, a video game company that has survived through two video game crashes and two world wars. On the other side there's Pocket Pair's indie video game Palworld, which has been accused of infringing on two of the Pokemon company's patents. Sure Nintendo has a history of being incredibly litigious, but is this story as cut and dry as it seems? Is this really a case of a small spunky studio having to face off against one of the most powerful companies in their industry? Or does Pocket Pair have some skeletons in their closet and a habit of stealing game assets?
Bonus · Tue, October 01, 2024
Rerun - Sonic the Hedgehog the Game
In this rerun of episode 37, (and oldie but a goodie) Host Austin talks about the complicated creation of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Tue, September 24, 2024
SHONM Goes to the Movies: The Flash
The hosts of SHONM are finally here to fulfill one of their promises from the max fun drive. Austin and Brenda watch and review "The Flash" a troubled film with a convoluted plot, and too much Ezra Miller.
Tue, September 17, 2024
The Militant History of Laser Tag
What started as a method to simulate realistic war quickly turned into the defining activity of a generation. While laser tag might seem like a product of the 90's, it has its origin a decade sooner. This is a story that involves Star Trek the Motion Picture, the Republican National Convention, Fleetwood Mac, and of course, lots and lots of lasers, as well as some Lazers, with a Z.
Tue, September 10, 2024
The Tragic Fate of the McBarge
The Friendship 500, a floating McDonalds also known as the McBarge, was one of many attractions at Expo '86 in Vancouver Canada. But what happens to these attractions when the festivities are over? Will the McBarge ever find a new home?
Tue, September 03, 2024
Shadow the Hedgehog (the Ultimate Lifeform)
In the early 2000's, Sega's Sonic Team was floundering to find a way to help their flagship game franchise survive a rapidly changing gaming landscape that didn't seem to include Sega at all. The Saturn had failed. The Dreamcast had flopped, and it was looking like the writing was on the wall for everyone's favorite blue blur. That was until Sonic Adventure 2 released and introduced a new character: Sonic's rival, Shadow the Hedgehog.
Tue, August 27, 2024
Babyland General Hospital: Birthplace of Cabbage Patch Kids
Where does baby come from? How about Cabbage Patch Baby? Located in Cleveland Georgia, Babyland General Hospital has been the birthplace of Cabbage Patch Kid dolls since 1978. Host Brenda went on location to learn all of Babyland's secrets and to also experience the miracle of life up close and personal by watching the Mother Cabbage give birth. It's an adventure you won't soon forget!
Tue, August 20, 2024
Farm Sims
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?
Tue, August 06, 2024
Olympic Mascots - the Good, the Bad, and the Gay Beaver
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-shirts and pins. The history of these mascots dates back to Los Angeles in 1932, and over the years there have been good mascots, great mascots, and ones that are maybe best forgotten.
Tue, July 30, 2024
The Hunt for the First VHS Tape
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?
Tue, July 23, 2024
Ferngully vs. Disney: The Fight for Robin Williams
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 estate search, and an unwanted painting by Pablo Picasso. Music Credits: Money Dollar Bills by Lemon Demon
Tue, July 16, 2024
Captain Planet
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.
Tue, July 09, 2024
Cedar point, Intamin, and the Top Thrill Dragster
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? And then in comes the Top Thrill Dragster.
Tue, July 02, 2024
The History of Anime Music Videos
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?
Tue, June 25, 2024
Michigan's Abandoned Jurassic Park: Prehistoric Forest
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 known for its dozens of dinosaur statues made of fiberglass and styrofoam. When the park closed in 1999, the statues were all left to rot where they stood, but this would ultimately lead to Prehistoric Forest's second life as a dream location for urban explorers.
Tue, June 18, 2024
The Lasting Legacy of "Wizardry"
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 influential computer game even get made in a time before computer games were mainstream?
Tue, June 11, 2024
The Folly of Cereal City USA
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 based theme parks, and negative audience response to their fabricated factory tour.
Bonus · Tue, June 04, 2024
Rerun - Goosebumps
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 haunted masks, childhood traumas, lost media, and yes, another heated legal battle. Listener beware, you’re in for a scare!
Tue, May 28, 2024
The Early Days of Adult Swim
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 unknowingly change the genre forever.
Tue, May 21, 2024
The Tragic Fate of the Real Life Simpson's House
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.
Tue, May 14, 2024
No One Out Pizzas the X-Men: The X-Men Pizza Hut Promotion
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.
Tue, May 07, 2024
How Scrappy Doo Saved Scooby
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 punchline, a villain, but in the 1980's he was just another member of the gang. Here's the story of how the puppy everyone loves to hate saved Scooby Doo so he could continue to be loved for generations to come.
Tue, April 30, 2024
How Darkwing Duck got Greenlit
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 golden age superheroes like the Spirit and Green Hornet. But just making it to air doesn't mean that Darkwing Duck's out of the woods yet!
Tue, April 23, 2024
The First Virtual Pets
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"?
Tue, April 16, 2024
Bullet Time and the History of Slow Motion in Film
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, Akira Kurosawa. Thomas Edison gets mentioned several times in this episode, despite having no actual presence in this particular history.
Tue, April 09, 2024
Grand Theft Animatronic: What happened to Buzzy?
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, can our intrepid hosts solve the mystery of what happened to Buzzy?
Tue, April 02, 2024
Why did "Cool World" fail?
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 director's nose? Or was it Ralph Bakshi himself dooming his own project?
Tue, March 26, 2024
Defunct Las Vegas Attractions and the Big Apple Coaster
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 Adventures, MGM's botched attempt at having an entire outdoor themepark in the middle of the desert. And Lastly, Brenda shares the history of the Big Apple coaster, one of the last remnants of the 90's family friendly boom still standing and why you should probably skip it on your next trip!
Tue, March 19, 2024
Janice Burgess and the Revival of the Winx Club
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 the American market. In comes Janice Burgess, creator of Backyardigans, to revive this show and make it something truly special.
Mon, March 18, 2024
Go Fact Yourself #MaxFunDrive Kick-off Spectacular featuring Austin Taylor, Brenda Snell, Manolo Moreno, and Andrew Reich
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 van Straaten and Helen Hong from “ Go Fact Yourself ” are joined by: Austin Taylor & Brenda Snell -“ Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries ” Manolo Moreno - “ Dr. Gameshow ” Andrew Reich - “ Dead Pilots Society ” If you’d like to hear more hosts competing for trivia supremacy, visit Maximumfun.org for the full version of this show.
Tue, March 12, 2024
Rocket Rods and the Tomorrow that Never Was
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, etc etc, and in the end, its legacy would be one of failure.
Tue, March 05, 2024
Getting Kids To Read: Reading Rainbow and what Came Before
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 Rainbow. But, while Reading Rainbow is one of the most well-known educational shows that taught reading, was it the first? What came before, and why didn't that program work?
Tue, February 27, 2024
American Characters that are Popular Abroad
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 Market. Of Top Cat, whose Mexican-Made animated film is one of the highest grossing Mexican films of all time. Of the crude, shit-talking, weed smoking teddy bear, Ted, who has somehow found an adoring audience in Japan, and more!
Tue, February 20, 2024
The First Interactive Children's Show
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?
Tue, February 13, 2024
Gunpei Yokoi: The Father of Handheld Gaming
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 industry are still felt to this day.
Tue, February 06, 2024
What Makes Disney Fireworks Special?
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.
Tue, January 30, 2024
100th Episode Centennial Celebration
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!
Bonus · Tue, January 23, 2024
No New Episode This Week
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!
Tue, January 16, 2024
Is Snoopy Mexican?
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.
Tue, January 09, 2024
Dawn of the Cartoon Commercial
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.
Tue, January 02, 2024
The Death of Woodsy Owl
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 Owl. Featuring Music By Louie Zhong/Snake Pool: snakepool.bandcamp.com twitter.com/everydaylouie For more Woodsy, Brenda made a Youtube Video on the subject in 2020: https://youtu.be/2CDTCZ5yP4s?si=Ye7c5q0CMnzaZ6Ne
Tue, December 19, 2023
Where are the Puppets from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer?
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.
Tue, December 12, 2023
The Rise and Return of the McNugget Buddies
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 new celebrity collaboration, but will it be as successful as McDonald's 2022 Adult Happy Meal?
Tue, December 05, 2023
What started the Trading Card Game Industry?
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.
Tue, November 28, 2023
Return to Neopets
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 Neopets for the first time ever in 2023.
Tue, November 21, 2023
The Origin of Narrative in Video Games
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 further than that? Zorp zorp zorp zorp zorp
Tue, November 14, 2023
Sally Corp - How Did Sally Corp Reinvent the Dark Ride?
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 have gotten their start making Chuck E. Cheese copycats, but they have managed to create a ride system capable of bringing polished experiences to theme park enthusiasts and roller coaster haters around the world.
Tue, November 07, 2023
Barney - Why do People Hate Barney?
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 character received from fully grown adults, a form of hate that is all too common on the modern internet.
Tue, November 07, 2023
Bratz - Why did Bratz Dolls Disappear?
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.
Wed, December 07, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 88: SHoNM Goes to the Movies #17 Blues Clues Big City Adventure
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.
Wed, November 23, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: 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 haunted masks, childhood traumas, lost media, and yes, another heated legal battle. Listener beware, you’re in for a scare!
Tue, October 25, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 86: Harley Quinn
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!
Tue, October 11, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 85: SHoNM Goes to the Movies #16 PREY
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!
Thu, September 22, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 84: Rainbow Brite
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!
Wed, September 07, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 83: The Predator
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 you've lost sleep agonizing over what the Predator’s glowing blood was made of? If you answered "Yes!" to any of the above (or even if you didn't) this is the podcast episode for you!
Wed, August 24, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 82: What the Heck is Going on With Warner Bros? (and some mail bag questions)
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 questions from, you, the audience!
Wed, June 15, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 81: Neopets
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 scams, and sweet Armaldo Lewis (Brenda’s starving Neopet) who just really wants a bit of jelly from the jelly world that may or may not exist. If this sounds inscrutable, it’s because it really is.
Thu, June 02, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 80: SHoNM Goes to the Movies #15 Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (aka Hedgie Wedgie Dos)
You voted and we delivered. Hosts Austin and Brenda are here to talk about the 2022 box office hit, Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Has the curse of video game movies finally been broken? Do video game movies just get to be good now? And what do our hosts think the future of the franchise holds?
Wed, May 18, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 79: Arcades
Today, Austin is here to talk about arcades and to answer the age-old question, just what is an arcade anyway? Is it a state of being, a laundromat? What was the first arcade machine, and what is the highest selling arcade machine of all time? What city in the United States declared itself the “gaming capital of the world”? Find out the answers to these questions and more!
Tue, May 03, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 78: McDonaldland
This week we’re talking about McDonaldland, the wacky world that McDonald mascot Ronald McDonald and his friends inhabit. Learn about the evolution of the Hamburgler from "Lone Jogger" to weirdly sexy dad. Witness the details of yet another corporate lawsuit. And once again fear the unhinged visage of Ronald McDonald’s terrifying clown dog Sundae.
Wed, April 20, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 77: Turning Red
This episode sure is a big one, so hang in there. Your host Brenda is also incredibly caffeinated, don’t worry about it, it’s fine. On this episode, Hosts Austin and Brenda talk about Pixar’s latest feature length film, Turning Red, a coming-of-age story about a preteen girl named Meilin who, upon the onset of furry puberty, starts turning into a Red Panda when her emotions get charged. It’s a story about growing up, and love, and so much more. Join us as we talk about this groundbreaking film.
Wed, March 30, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 76: Toonami
What’s up gamers!? After a news segment where hosts Austin and Brenda try to parse the existence of furry Xbox controllers to promote Sonic 2, Austin has prepared an episode about Toonami! This late '90’s action programming block ran on Cartoon Network, where it brought animation to an older audience and introduced a whole generation to Gundam, Dragonball Z and…Hamtaro?
Mon, March 14, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 75: The Cultural Impact of Star Wars feat. Heather Antos
This week we have a special treat for you, Mystorians! Heather Antos, senior editor at IDW and professional penguin enthusiast joins us today to talk about how a little story that takes place in a galaxy far, far away has changed the landscape of pop culture, and society forever.
Wed, March 02, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 74. SHoNM Goes to the Movies #13: Megamind
"Goes to the Movies" is back, and Austin and Brenda are here to talk about the 2010 Dreamworks animated movie, Megamind. While overshadowed by the releases of How to Train Your Dragon and Shrek Forever After in the same year, Megamind delivers an incredibly poignant, clever, witty, and funny take on the superhero genre, and makes a powerful statement about what it means to be a hero. It’s good. Please watch it.
Wed, February 16, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 73 Disney Quest
Brenda is here with the topic today, and the topic is the Walt Disney Company’s massive indoor interactive adventure flop...Disney Quest. Once the pillar of Disney’s regional entertainment division, Disney Quest was opened in Orlando with very little fanfare, and was left to rot for most of its lifetime. What was considered cutting edge in 1998, was definitely not cutting edge in 2017.
Wed, February 02, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 72 KB Toys
Austin is here to talk about the rise and fall of the “toy store in the mall” KB Toys. While Toys R Us was just a twinkle in its founder’s eye, KB toys was creating the modern toy store, moving into malls and developing unique strategies to make it stand out. But after several business mishaps and a stinky leveraged buyout, KB Toys would find itself struggling to make it through the 2000s. Does this story have a happy ending? No! Does Brenda bring up Mitt Romney an obnoxious number of times? Absolutely!
Wed, January 19, 2022
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 71 Mailbag #2
Hello everyone! What a long break we had. This episode has a couple announcements about the podcast going forward, and then Brenda and Ausin answer more user submitted questions? What is the wildest comic storyline we’ve read? What color unicorn would we have, and would we be able to eat it? Who would win, Ash Ketchum, or Tai from Digimon? All these questions answered, and more!
Wed, December 01, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 70 SHoNM Goes to the Movies #12 We’re Back: A Dinosaur’s Story
This is a shorter episode this week, but is no less jam packed. This week, Austin and Brenda cover We’re Back: A Dinosaur’s Story, a 1993 animated movie produced by Steven Spielberg and animated by Amblimation. This is a movie that hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. Whether that's good or bad, you decide. Brenda’s fake crying in this episode really worried her parents. Oops!
Wed, November 24, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 69 History of Fanfiction
Episode 69 (nice) sees Brenda dive into the history of fanfiction, an often maligned and misunderstood art form. How did fanfiction get its start? What writer is notorious for sending DMCAs to their fans for creating fan works? Find out the connection between fanfiction and Russian journalists trying to find a place where they express themselves freely. And finally, are all fanfics really just horny wish-fulfillment? All this and more on a very special episode!
Wed, November 17, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 68 Wishbone
He’s a little dog with a big imagination and a thirst for knowledge. Childhood friend or undefeated eldritch creature? Find out, on this week’s episode featuring the 90’s PBS kids show: Wishbone!
Wed, October 27, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 67 SHoNM Goes to the Movies #11 Cinderella 3: Tower of Terror / Hocus Pocus
Did you know that there was a movie based on the Disney ride Tower of Terror? Host Brenda knew (because of course she did). This month on Goes to the Movies, Host Austin and Host Brenda talk about two Disney Halloween movies, Tower of Terror and Hocus Pocus.
Wed, October 20, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 66 Hanna-Barbera
Animal crossing fans, thou are eating well. Hope you are having fun on your island. Brenda is here to talk about once prolific animation studio Hanna-Barbera, who not only created beloved characters like Scooby Doo and the Flintstones (and Brenda’s favorite Top Cat) but revolutionized television animation as we know it.
Wed, October 13, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 65 Gargoyles
This episode starts off with Brenda and Austin workshopping a revolutionary new kind of beer, “Possum Pee”, a warm apply concoction with notes of dead leaves. After that we dive into Disney’s first foray into serious gritty cartoon world-building with “Gargoyles” a cartoon about ancient gargoyles that are cursed to be stone by day and alive at night, and also, they’re in New York now.
Wed, October 06, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 64 Muppet Vision 3D
Hey everyone, we are BACK. First off, we have to talk about Crisp Rat as Mario, and then Brenda deep dives right into the history of one of Jim Henson’s final projects: The Disney Hollywood Studios attraction Muppet Vision 3D. We talk about Pizza Rats (not the one you’re thinking), have many references to undisclosed amounts of money, and how kind of weird it is that we all just accept that Muppets are real, and they interact with people now. It’s fine. Don’t worry about it!
Wed, September 29, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 63 SHoNM Goes to the Movies Mini #4 - Labyrinth feat. Femsplained
Austin has returned and is here to talk about the Jim Henson film Labyrinth with Diana and Avalon of Femsplained! Gaslight, Girlboss, Goblin King!
Wed, September 22, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 62: SHoNM Goes to the Movies Mini #3 - Clue feat. Michael (Doc)
Brenda had surgery, but before that happened, she sat down with Michael (Doc) and talked about the murder mystery whodunnit from 1985, Clue, a massive financial flop that has managed to gain a cult following.
Wed, September 15, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 61 SHoNM Goes to the Movies Mini #2 - Yu-Gi-Oh, The Dark Side of Dimensions feat. Colton
Brenda is still flying solo, and this time she’s brought fellow podcaster Colton from Manga Mavericks and One Podcast Prevails to talk about Yu-Gi-Oh The Dark Side of Dimensions, a movie released in 2016 to celebrate twenty years of Yu-Gi-Oh. Colton knows a lot about Yu-Gi-Oh. Brenda knows a little about Yu-Gi-Oh and originally thought this was a crossover movie. Brenda also thought this was episode 62, so there's that.
Wed, September 08, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 60 SHoNM Goes to the Moves Mini #1 Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop feat. Paloma
Austin is out on baby leave, so Brenda has been given free rein to do whatever she pleases, and that involves inviting her good friend Paloma to talk about “Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop” a 2020 anime movie that both hosts give 11 out of 10.
Wed, August 25, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.59 SHoNM Goes to the Movies #10 Space Jam 2: A New Legacy & THE Suicide Squad
Hey everyone! How do you like that new intro for “Goes to the Movies”? We think it’s pretty swell. Once Brenda’s done dunking on Wendy’s breakfast, our two intrepid hosts tackle Space Jam 2, trying to unravel its complex lore, trying to figure out if Don Cheadle exists as a person in this universe, trying to forget that Rick & Morty have spoken lines in this film. Following that is THE Suicide Squad. We talk about Shark. We talk about Rat. We talk about the other rat (Weasel). It’s a wild time to be had.
Wed, August 18, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.58 The History of the Magical Girl
Brenda has it out with her mic while Austin talks about the origins of the Magical Girl, a subgenre of Japanese anime that got its start in the 60’s, and has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, influencing modern-day cartoons outside of Japan. We’ve got Cutie Honey, Creamy Mami (okaaaay..), Minky Momo (along with the origins of the Isekai Truck) and much more!
Wed, August 11, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.57 Care Bears and the Universal Language of Caring
It’s a slow news week, so Austin and Brenda talk about stinky celebrities and Jeopardy hosts for a while, and then dive into the week’s topic: Care Bears . Created by American Greetings in 1981, Care Bears were created as a simple way to copyright the Teddy Bear, but they went on to inspire numerous theatrical films, toy lines, and cartoon series. Bonus: We discuss our favorite care bears, so if you were dying to know what those are, this is an episode you can’t miss!
Wed, August 04, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 56: CINAR/Cookie Jar, once the largest distributor and creator of children’s media in the world
What a wild break (no goes to the movies for July, sorry), but Brenda and Austin are BACK. Nerd news comes in hot with Scarlet Johansson suing Disney over breaking her contract, and beloved children’s cartoon Arthur announcing that it’s ending its run after 25 years. That leads into the topic that Austin has brought for us this week: A deep dive into a Canadian entertainment company Cookie Jar that was once one of the largest creators and distributors of children’s media in the world. If you don't think you've heard of them, yes you have.
Wed, July 14, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 55 Discovery Zone and other kids play-places
Brenda and Austin come to you this week still riding the high of seeing each other face-to-face for more than a couple of hours. It was glorious, and now they're feeling both replenished and renewed. ready to bring you the news! And that news is Paddington 3! Also, the new OLED Nintendo Switch AND new trailers for Disney’s Encanto and Marvel’s animated What If series. Finally, Brenda talks about Discovery Zone, a defunct children’s birthday party destination that is near and dear to her heart. Chuck E. Cheese makes a return as well.
Wed, July 07, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 54 A little Klasky Csupo, a little Rocket Power, and a whole lot of tangents.
In this disjointed episode, we talk about Klasky Csupo and the unknowable nature of Rocket Power. This episode also features more unexpected Detective Conan talk, a discussion about training wheels, training bras, and even a guest spot from Brenda’s Mom’s Pitt Bull, Kevin. It's a lot, so thanks for being here!
Wed, June 30, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 53 SHoNM Goes to the Movies #9: Dora the Explorer and the Lost City of Gold / Luca
This week on “SHoNM Goes to the Movies” we finally stop talking about Dora the Explorer the live-action movie and watch it (and tell you about it.) ::Spoilers:: it’s good. Then, we take a quick swim into sea monster territory by watching Pixar’s Luca, a movie that director Enrico Casarosa assures us is not a gay romance, but we definitely beg to differ. (also it’s good, so please watch it).
Wed, June 23, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 52 Console Wars Part 3: Everyone Loses
With 90% of the American market in their grasp, Nintendo was on top of the world. Until the plucky upstart Sega came to town. Armed with a hedgehog and a little-known console called the “Sega Genesis” Sega is in it to win it, or die trying. Brace yourselves; feelings will be hurt, hedgehog shaped balloons will be popped, and Austin will learn what a bandicoot is (because apparently, they don’t know.)
Wed, June 16, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 51 Console Wars Part 2: Nintendo
Strap in for an absolutely wild ride into the history of Nintendo! But first, an update on the Chuck E. Cheese Summer Tour, the Powerpuff Girls pilot is getting a rewrite, also Brenda and Austin try to untangle the complicated Space Jam 2 timeline.
Wed, June 09, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 50 Console Wars Part 1: Sega
On this monumental episode milestone, we kickstart a new three-part series on the console wars of the 90’s. Up first this week: Sega. Where did this prolific video game company get its start? What was Sega’s first console release? And what does Chuck E. Cheese have to do with any of this? Please tune in, and we promise Shigeru Miyamoto’s name is not forgotten at any point in this episode.
Wed, June 02, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 49 E3 and the Road to Episode 50
We begin this episode with a dramatic reading and critical discussion about the now canceled Powerpuff Girls live-action reboot, along with Sonic’s 30th anniversary, which leads us into this week’s main topic; Austin is here to talk about the E3 video game convention and all its highs and lows. Has E3 always been in LA? Do some gaming companies think they’re too good for E3? Does E3 even want people to go? All this and more, you’re in for a treat, Mystorians!
Wed, May 26, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 48 SHoNM Goes to the Movies Pt.8 Paddington Double-Feature!
It’s time to break out the marmalade, and a fake British accent. This month Brenda and Austin are talking about Paddingtons 1 and 2! Just what is it that makes this bear so endearing? Why is Nichole Kidman’s character so scary? (Did she really need that taxidermy class for the part?) Also, what is a “popping book"?? All these answers and more!
Wed, May 19, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 47 Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Studios Orlando
First off, Nerd News dives into the nature of speculators and how their toxicity destroys the very industries they’re trying to profit from. Next, a deep dive into something completely unrelated; Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida, a working film studio where live-action nickelodeon shows were filmed from 1991 to 2004. Brenda shares what it feels like to be completely doused in green slime. Also, just where is the Nickelodeon time capsule now? You’ll find out, we promise!
Wed, May 12, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 46 Code Lyoko
Austin is here to talk about the most successful French anime isekai cartoon “Code Lyoko”, and let me assure you, this is a wild one. From one of the creators dropping off the face of the earth, to a failed live-action sequel and subsequent bankruptcy, this is an episode that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Wed, May 05, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 45 Indoor Theme Parks
This week, we skip nerd news to have a spontaneous conversation about anime, and while that doesn’t have anything to do with our topic of the week, we felt it in our hearts. The real topic is Indoor Theme Parks. Learn about the world’s longest freestanding escalator, marvel at the massive pink dome at Circus Cirus, hear Brenda talk about an obscure car-themed theme park in Flint Michigan, and much more! Guest-starring two phone calls from Brenda’s boss, and one cameo from Brenda’s Dad’s cat, Lucky.
Wed, April 28, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 44 SHoNM Goes to the Movies #7 Cinderella 3: A Twist in Time / Mortal Kombat 2021
This week Austin and Brenda dive into the 2007 Direct to Video sequel to Cinderella; Cinderella 3 "A Twist in Time" and find a movie that is surprisingly action-oriented, poignant and fun! After that, we follow up last week’s episode by watching the new Mortal Kombat!
Wed, April 21, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 43 Mortal Kombat, the game and the movie (and the other movie)
It’s a slow news week Mystorians. Will Mojo Jojo be a himbo in the new Powerpuff Girls Live-action series? ...That’s really all the news we’ve got. The topic of the week is Mortal Kombat, one of Austin’s favorite gaming franchises. How did this over-the-top fighting game manage to withstand the test of time, despite so much controversy? How did the Mortal Kombat movie manage to break the "Video Game Movie Curse" all the way back in 1995? We’re here to tell you!
S2 E42 · Wed, April 14, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 42 A Goofy Movie (and also an extremely goofy movie)
Welcome back Mystorians, we missed you! In this episode Hosts Austin and Brenda cover the 90’s Millennial cult classic: A Goofy Movie (and the sequel too). Get ready for a discussion about a hellish nonexistent Mickey Mouse-shaped hotel, Brenda’s absolutely deplorable Goofy impression, and more information about Jeffery Katzenberg than you were probably expecting. (Insert witty Powerline reference here).
Wed, April 14, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 42 A Goofy Movie
Welcome back mystorians. I missed you. I hope you are well. In this episode Hosts Austin and Brenda cover the 90’s Millenial cult classic: A Goofy Movie...and the sequel too I guess. Get ready for a discussion about a hellish nonexistent Mickey Mouse-shaped hotel, Host Brenda’s absolutely deplorable Goofy impression, and more infor about Jeffery Katzenberg than you were probably expecting. (Insert witty Powerline reference here).
Wed, April 07, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 41 Mail-Bag #1
This week, Hosts Austin and Brenda try something new: answering questions from listeners! Why do Neopets look like they're stuck in 1999? What is a TTRPG? Our favorite Sailor Moon villains? All these questions answered, and probably a little bit too much ranting about Batman’s wedding.
Wed, March 31, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 40 SHoNM Goes to the Movies #6 Justice League: The Snyder Cut
Dear Mystorians, Austin and Brenda watched a four-hour-long movie, to tell you all about it, so maybe you won’t have to suffer as they did. In this episode you’ll get Cyborg doing his best, Brenda dwelling on Aquaman’s tight wet jeans a little too much, and Austin trying to figure out just what happened in this four-hour-long train-wreck of a Director’s Cut. Come-along for this super-sized (Snyder-sized?) episode.
Wed, March 17, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 39 Static Shock (specifically, the cartoon)
News this week includes a lot of talk about the Tom and Jerry the movie. Austin just finished their re-watch of “Static Shock”, the fifth animated addition to the DC animated universe, and one of the most successful WB cartoons of all time. We talk about the history of Milestone Comics, Dwayne McDuffie’s legacy, and how it’s definitely time for HBO Max to bring us more Static Shock.
Wed, March 10, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 38 Detective Conan (And the Curious Case of Case Closed)
Brenda and Austin talk about Ash Ketchum’s mom, and sensationalist nerdy news site headlines, before diving into the history of Brenda’s latest obsession, the 1000 episode mystery series, Detective Conan. Just who IS Slick Lacey? Why has Conan gone on for so long? Should planes have a third pilot called the co-co-pilot..? We reveal the answers to these questions, and more!
Wed, March 03, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 37 Sonic the Hedgehog the Game (1991)
The nerd news keeps coming and it don’t stop coming (so buckle up Mystorians). Also, Brenda experiences a major technological meltdown in which this episode was almost lost, so cherish it! Afterwards, Austin is here to talk about Sonic the Hedgehog’s first foray into gaming all the way back in 1991. Learn about Sonic’s Human girlfriend Madonna, and more useful hedgehog facts this week on NERD MYSTERIES.
Wed, February 24, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 36: Goes to the Movies #5 Earwig and the Witch / Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
In nerd news this week, Cruella’s getting her own movie (what about the puppies) and Infinity Train has officially been renewed, and much more! Next, Brenda and Austin discuss Studio Ghibli’s first CGI movie “Earwig and the Witch”! Also, “Cinderella”, an incredible forgotten gem of a film that paved the way for other movies such as “Jingle Jangle”!
Wed, February 17, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 35: Sonic Hedgehog the Movie (& Knuckles)
There was a lot of nerd news this weekend! Blue sky Studios has closed (oh no). Gina Carano has been fired (thank goodness). And more! Then, Brenda deep dives into the Sonic Hedgehog movie, and let me assure you, there’s a lot more to it than just the character redesign. This is a podcast episode almost thirty years in the making. Grab a chilidog, queue up the theme song to Sonic SAT AM, and get ready for a wild ride!
Wed, February 10, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 34 The MPA (this one’s all about movie ratings)
Brenda and Austin start this episode off by contemplating what Sega cameos might be in the new Sonic cartoon (Majima from Yakuza, anyone) and then deep dive into the movie rating system in the United States, the MPA. Is it really a good idea to put movie ratings in the hands of the corporations that create them? Are movies featuring Black and LGBTQ+ characters unfairly given high ratings? (the answer is yes) Is Birds of Prey the most important film of this decade? (the answer to that is also, yes).
Wed, February 03, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 33 Return to Chuck E. Cheese
After a lengthy Nerd News where we discuss the stock market, Sonic’s new voice actor, Black Widow, and Big Lady Resident Evil, Host Austin and Host Brenda return to Chuck E. Cheese to cover some of what happened with the brand after our first episode back in May of 2020. We also discuss another animatronic restaurant chain “Major Magic’s” and how their planned reopening last year went really south really fast.
Wed, January 27, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 32: SHoNM Goes to the Movies #4 Detective Conan: The Phantom of Baker Street (gay Jack the Ripper) & Soul
" Did we almost forget to do a “Goes to the Movies” this month? Nope. While there's very little nerd news, we did watch two movies, “Detective Conan: The Phantom of Baker Street”, which is kind of like “Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase”, except if you die in the game you die for real. Also Disney/Pixar’s “Soul” a complicated film that invokes complicated emotions and probably shouldn’t have starred Tina Fey and been released during a pandemic."
Wed, January 20, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 31 King of The Hill
This week’s episode starts off on a serious note as we talk about the unrelenting internet harassment that Black creators experience on an almost daily basis, and update our listeners on the situation between Ray Fischer and Warner Bros. It’s Austin’s week to pick a topic, and they’ve chosen “King of the Hill”, their all-time favorite show. This episode has it all. King of the Hill facts. Lost Media. Discussion about a deeply cursed Phineas and Ferb/US Office crossover. SHONM is back everyone! TW: For brief suicide mention.
Wed, January 13, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 30 The Lego Movie (and other stuff)
"It’s been a month since Host Brenda and Host Austin have recorded together. Can their legendary friendship hope to be stronger than...INTERNET LAG? Host Brenda brings one of her favorite movies, The Lego Movie, to the table. Just how long would it have taken to make the Lego Movie in stop motion? Was it really WB’s first animated film in ten years? How does Host Austin feel about How to Train your Dragon? Please listen and find out!"
Wed, January 06, 2021
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 29 Happy New Year from The Twilight Zone
Host Austin is here to talk about the Twilight Zone, an incredibly groundbreaking television franchise that redefined psychological horror and science fiction and continues to have relevancy to this very day.
Wed, December 30, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 28 SHoNM Goes to the Movies #3 Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer/Jingle Jangle
Happy Holidays everyone! We’re aware we’ve missed the holidays, but Christmas movies are eternal. The first film this week is Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer, a Christmas classic that absolutely no one has seen, and everyone seems to dislike. The second movie is Jingle Jangle, an incredible film that you should stream right now on Netflix if you haven’t already! What are you waiting for?
Wed, December 23, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Episode 27 The Digimon Movie (monster friends to the boys and girls)
In an incredible upset, Brenda has come to talk about the Digimon movie, a film that she, very openly admits to disliking. Will she find anything redeeming on her latest rewatch? Will Austin ever recover from missing out on covering this topic themselves? Will anyone ever trust Brenda’s opinion on anything ever again? Tune in to find out!
Wed, December 16, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.26 Godzilla, Gojira, Whichever You Prefer
"In honor of Godzilla day (which was November 3rd) Host Austin talks about the king of all monsters. Godzilla, Gojira, whichever you prefer; this massive movie giant had humble beginnings in post war Japan. How does Godzilla’s legacy hold up today? How does it fit in with America’s obsession with large monsters and our rampant military propaganda? Why is “King Kong vs. Godzilla” a real movie? Are you Team Godzilla, or Team King Kong?"
Wed, December 09, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.25 Goes to the Movies Double Feature Pt. 2 Twitches & Happy Halloween Scooby Doo
Host Austin, and Host Brenda return to the movies to round off Spooky Month (which is actually November now). The first feature is the Disney Channel Original Movie “Twitches”, the tale of twin witches separated at birth who discover they have magical powers. It’s in the top ten of Disney Channel Movies, and is Austin’s favorite movie that takes place on Halloween. The second film is “Happy Halloween Scooby Doo” which, baffling enough, is Scooby Doo’s first Halloween film. You’ve got Elvira, you’ve got Bill Nye, you’ve got the actual Scarecrow from the Batman Universe. You’ve got the best Scooby Doo movie in twenty years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, December 02, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.24 It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (but only on apple + this year)
It’s the end of an era, and potentially the end of the world. For the first time in almost 60 years, “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” will not air on cable. What does this mean for other Snoopy specials that have faded into obscurity? Why does Sony Music Japan own a major chunk of the “Peanuts” Company? And just who is Wild Brain Entertainment? We only answer some of these questions. Others, we’re hoping you can answer for us.
Wed, November 25, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.23 The Blade Trilogy, and also, the McBarge
Spooky Month continues with Marvel’s often forgotten blockbuster movie “Blade”. Without “Blade” you can forget your precious MCU. Your Iron Mans. Your Thors. Your Captain Americas. “Blade” paved the way for superhero movies as mainstream entertainment. Host Brenda also talks about the McBarge, a floating Mcdonalds. It’s relevant. Trust me.
Wed, November 18, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.22 Scooby Dooby Doo and the SHONM Gang Too
Spooky Month is now officially in November. Time is meaningless, and we can do as we please. As the first installation of Spooky Month, Host Brenda brings kid’s horror classic “Scooby Doo” to the table. We talk about the Smithsonian a lot more than you would be expecting, but I promise, it’s relevant.
Wed, November 11, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.21 Storm AKA Ororo Monroe
Today, Host Austin is here to talk about the stormy history of Ororo Monroe AKA Storm, one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel universe. What does the future hold for this incredibly underutilised character? Find out, Mystorians!
Wed, November 04, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.20 Night Trap (Watch Out Behind you!)
This week on another exciting episode of SHoNM, Brenda talks about the 1992 Sega CDI Game, "Night Trap", a game with a wild history involving cancelled Hasbro VCR gaming systems, Nolan Bushnel (again), a congressional hearing about violence in video games, and Nintendo viciously taking out the competition by any means necessary. This is an episode you don't want to miss (you don't want to miss any episodes, honestly, because they are all very good)!
Wed, October 28, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.19 I Wanna be a Toys R Us Kid (again)
This week, we discuss everyone's favorite defunct toy store chain run by a Giraffe. Warning, we cry.
Wed, October 21, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.18 Brenda and Austin Go to the Movies!
Welcome to the first episode of "Goes to the Movies" today Host Austin and Host Brenda talk about "Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace, Vs. The Universe" and the 2020 Disney Plus exclusive non-theatrical movie "Mulan". AN IMPORTANT NOTE: SHoM went to the movies! We tried something new & hope you enjoy! During this episode we both speak of how we enjoyed the film Mulan. We’ve learned since recording last Friday, that there are many issues with the film according to Chinese individuals speaking out. These complaints need to be heard, and our opinions as non Chinese podcasters mean nothing compared to the people who feel that the film is inaccurate and even damaging. Please take some time to read through the threads below (More will be added as we find them). We still want to share our initial reactions to the film, and so are uploading the full episode unaltered, but please take some time to read and reflect. Thank you!
Wed, October 14, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.17 Blockbuster Video (and Other Tales of Days Gone-By)
Cartoons are over. Long live Blockbuster and video rentals. Austin and Brenda discuss the history of what was once the world's largest video rental giant,: Blockbuster. Brenda brings some obscure Blockbuster facts to the table. Listen and hear about Blockbuster's war with Nintendo over Video game rentals. About Block Buster Block party, a massive Discovery Zone for Adults. And CRINGE in horror as Austin recounts their harrowing Family Video experience. This episode has it all.
Wed, October 07, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.16 Cartoon Network Pt.3
Welcome back for the startling conclusion of the Cartoon Network Trilogy. Host Brenda has defeated the virus from Scooby Doo and the Cyber Chase and this episode is going up right on time. We enter the 2010's and Cartoon Network's second golden age. Steven Universe! Adventure Time! Regular Show! Brenda googles Amazing World of Gumball cosplay and immediately regrets it. Austin talks in depth about the future of cartoons.
Wed, September 30, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.15 Cartoon Network Pt.2
Cartoon Network returns. Brenda shares a hazy memory about of of the network's lesser known programming blocks. We talk about Gumball a little more than we expected. Krypto the superdog was a show.
Wed, September 23, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.14 Cartoon Network Pt.1
After Host Austin and Host Brenda discus the future of movie theaters as a whole, Austin brings Cartoon Network to the table. Learn about Moxie the dog, Ted Turner, and a little bit about Adult Swim's bomb scare. Facts galore as we cover the first decade of this iconic network.
Wed, September 16, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.13 The Curious Case of The Emperor's New Groove (and Kingdom of the Sun...and Sting)
Comic con came and went, and nothing of much import occurred, so we don't have much to say. However, Host Brenda watched a 20 year old Disney movie and uncovered the hidden history behind its hi-jinks. If you think the Emperor's New Groove is just a movie about a man who is turned into a llama, you aren't exactly wrong, but you aren't completely right. We uncover this film's surprising history as "Kingdom of the Sun", and also talk too much about the Toy Story Universe in the process.
Wed, September 09, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.12 Avatar the Last Airbender (and Korra too!)
Avatar the Last Airbender is now on Netflix, with it's sequel, Legend of Korra coming soon! Host Austin shares some facts about this groundbreaking animated classic that Host Brenda has not seen in it's entirely. We mention the movie only briefly! Stick around until the end to find out what type of bender the Hosts would be!
Wed, September 02, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.11 Space Jam (C'mon and Slam)
We're back, and here to talk about the unlikely 1996 blockbuster hit, Space Jam. We delve into how this movie should not exist (we both love it, don't worry), learn a little bit about the early days of Air Jordan's, and discuss the many space jams that never were. How can WB fix Lola Bunny? Brenda brings up Garfield a little too much. This episode is not one to miss!
Wed, August 26, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep. 10 Animal Crossing and a City Full of Expensive Applebees
SWIMMING IS COMING TO ANIMAL CROSSING. Austin tells us all about Nintendo's Animal Crossing series; about how bonkers its sales numbers are, how New Horizons has become a tool for communication in Hong Kong, and about how you should never watch the animal crossing anime movie because it's very very bad. Also, Blathers, please, if you're listening, just take my fossils for your private collection. Just do it. I get that you're trying to show me you're the bigger man, but it you don't take them right now, they're just going to end up on the black market. Just...stop talking to me and take the fossils PLEASE.
Wed, August 19, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.9 Pokemon Snap (and Some Ghost Stuff too!)
This week on Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries, Brenda and Austin share some school memories, the two discuss some new pokemon announcements, and dive into this week's topic, Pokemon Snap. Will our hosts ever get to own their very own Pokemon Snap Blockbuster kiosk? (the answer is likely no)
Wed, August 12, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.8 Nicktoons Pt.2
Austin and Brenda are back with part two of Nicktoons~~~~~ It's time to discuss some babies, and that football head kid, and one good good spongeboy. Let's get to it.
Wed, August 05, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.7 Nicktoons Pt.1
Hey kids! There's some strong language in this episode (and all our episodes), so please go watch She-ra instead. It's very good. This week, we ask the hard-hitting question, was magic school bus on nickelodeon at one point? (It was). But aside from that, Austin and Brenda discuss some of their favorite Nicktoons throughout the years. There are so many of them that we couldn't contain this all to one episode. Nicktoons will return.
Wed, July 29, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.6 Saturday Morning Cartoons
This week, Austin and Brenda talk about Saturday morning cartoons. But more importantly, Black Lives Matter. No debate
Wed, July 22, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.5 Tron, Not Just a Level in Kingdom Hearts
A shorter episode this week because Brenda had a meeting with her jobs counselor. The meeting didn't happen, but the episode is still short. This week, Brenda surprises Austin with one of her niche interests, Disney's 1982 sci-fi flop. Tron. Learn the history of this film of firsts, why it failed, and what the future holds for the franchise. Also, go watch She-Ra on Netflix. Not sponsored. Watch Prop Culture too, if you have Disney +. Also not sponsored.
Wed, July 15, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.4 Go Go Power Rangers and the Dark Side of Morphin
Minor Audio Issues with this Episode. Please Be Patient! Austin brings 90's classic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers to the table, childhoods are ruined, but Brian Cranston was there for us through it all.
Wed, July 08, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.3 Disney Channel Original Movies
This week, the weather outside is frightful. Brenda brings Disney Channel Original Movies to the table, Austin loves Brink, Halloween Town comes up more than anyone expected, and a hot tub almost ruins the audio.
Wed, July 01, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.2 TMNT (The Movie, Cartoon and Comics!)
There are some small audio issues with this episode! Please bear with us. This time on Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries, Brenda gets the podcast's name wrong, not once, but twice, Austin brings Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the table, and we have a lot of terrific turtle talk. Brenda barely knows what a turtle is. After being trapped inside for so long, it's so easy to forget.
Wed, June 24, 2020
Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries: Ep.1 Chuck-E-Cheese and Other Nostalgias
In this groundbreaking first episode, Brenda comes in real hot with the basic history of Chuck E. Cheese, Austin saves some plants from his office, we learn about what a leveraged buyout is, and Brenda threatens to fight Shane Dawson.
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