• The US Bicentennial and Semiquincentennial Explained
    Jul 3 2025

    Join us for a special episode as we rewind to 1976 and the United States Bicentennial! Remember the patriotic fervor, the tall ships sailing into New York Harbor, the Bicentennial quarters, and the widespread sense of national pride? We'll delve into what those celebrations truly meant to Americans at a time of significant social and political change. How did the nation reflect on its first 200 years, and what hopes and anxieties colored the vision for the future?

    Then, we'll fast-forward to the imminent 250th anniversary in 2026 – the Semiquincentennial. With just a year to go, preparations are well underway across the country. What lessons can we draw from the Bicentennial as we approach this new milestone? How has America changed in the past 50 years, and what does this upcoming anniversary mean for a diverse and evolving nation? We'll explore the themes and initiatives shaping the 2026 commemorations, from historical reflection to a forward-looking vision for the next quarter-millennium. Tune in as we bridge the past and the future of the American story.

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    Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
    Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
    Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

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    23 mins
  • Mood Rings - 1970's Fashion That Put Your Feelings On Your Finger
    Jun 26 2025

    Remember those groovy rings that promised to reveal your deepest emotions with a simple shift in color? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating, and often misunderstood, world of mood rings! Join us as we explore why these whimsical pieces of jewelry captured the imaginations of so many, becoming a quintessential accessory of the 70s and beyond. We'll uncover the surprisingly simple science behind their alleged mind-reading abilities, delving into what they were actually made of (spoiler alert: it's not magic!). And of course, the burning question remains: were mood rings ever truly accurate, or were they just a fun, colorful trick of the light? Tune in to find out if your childhood accessory was a genuine emotional barometer or just a stylish piece of novelty!

    Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

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    Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
    Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
    Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

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    16 mins
  • Carl Sagan - Scientist and Astronomer Who Dared To Dream Big
    Jun 19 2025

    In this episode of Dirt Nap City, we journey back to the golden age of space exploration to celebrate a man who ignited a passion for the universe in millions: Carl Sagan. More than just an astronomer, Sagan was a cosmic poet, a scientific evangelist, and a visionary who bridged the chasm between complex scientific concepts and the everyday curious mind.

    Join us as we explore the enduring legacy of Carl Sagan – a scientist who dared to dream big, to ask profound questions, and to remind us that we are all, in the most literal sense, stardust. His voice continues to resonate, urging us to embrace scientific inquiry, protect our precious home, and never cease our exploration of the universe within and beyond.

    Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

    Support the show

    Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
    Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
    Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

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    53 mins
  • ABC After School Specials - Awkward 80's TV At Its Best!
    Jun 12 2025

    Welcome back, Afterschool Gang! Get ready to travel back in time to an era when homework was still a distant threat and the TV was our most trusted tutor. This week, we're dusting off our Trapper Keepers and taking a joyous, lighthearted stroll down memory lane to revisit a true cultural phenomenon: the ABC Afterschool Specials!

    From 1972 to 1997, these iconic television movies were more than just entertainment; they were our sometimes-cheesy, always-earnest guides through the perplexing maze of growing up. Remember gathering around the TV, a bowl of cereal (or maybe something a little more adventurous, like a Pop-Tart!) in hand, bracing ourselves for an hour of emotional rollercoasters and life lessons? We certainly do!

    Join your hosts, Alex and Kelly, as we hilariously dissect some of the most memorable (and sometimes utterly bizarre) episodes. We'll be chatting about the surprisingly heavy topics tackled by these seemingly innocent shows – everything from bullying and drug abuse to… well, that one about the kid who really wanted to be a gymnast. We’ll reminisce about the fashion choices that make us wince today, the dramatic musical cues, and the always-predictable but deeply satisfying moral at the end.

    Expect plenty of laughs as we share our personal favorite (and least favorite!) Afterschool Specials, discuss the famous faces who got their start in these mini-dramas (hello, future Hollywood A-listers!), and ponder how these shows might have shaped our young, impressionable minds. Did they truly teach us valuable life lessons, or did they just make us acutely aware of how awkward puberty could be? We’ll debate!

    So, grab your milk and cookies, pull up a beanbag chair, and get ready for an episode packed with nostalgia, chuckles, and a healthy dose of "can you believe that actually aired?" Whether you were a dedicated viewer or you're just curious about this unique slice of television history, this is one afterschool special you won't want to miss. Tune in, and let's relive the glory days of the ABC Afterschool Specials!

    Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

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    Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
    Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
    Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

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    20 mins
  • George Foreman - Heavyweight Boxer, Entrepreneur and Houston Royalty
    Jun 5 2025

    From Olympic gold to heavyweight championships, and from the George Foreman Grill to the pulpit, the life of George Foreman is a knockout. Join us as we delve deep into the extraordinary journey of "Big George" Foreman.

    We'll explore different rounds of Foreman's life. We'll relive the thunderous punches of his first reign, the shocking defeat in the "Rumble in the Jungle," and his improbable comeback that defied age and expectations. Beyond the ring, we'll examine his spiritual awakening, his role as a devoted father, and his surprising success as an entrepreneur.

    Whether you're a lifelong boxing fan, a business enthusiast, or simply fascinated by a life lived to the fullest, "The Big George Breakdown" promises a captivating and insightful look at a true American original. Get ready to rumble... through history!

    Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

    Support the show

    Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
    Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
    Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

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    35 mins
  • Mel Blanc - Man of A Thousand Voices
    May 22 2025

    Voice. Maestro. Legend. Step into the incredible world of voice actor Mel Blanc, the man who brought hundreds of iconic characters to life, from the mischievous Bugs Bunny to the curmudgeonly Yosemite Sam, the lisping Sylvester the Cat, and the perpetually exasperated Daffy Duck. This podcast is a deep dive into the unparalleled career of the "Man of a Thousand Voices," exploring not just the unforgettable sounds he created, but the ingenious techniques and boundless creativity behind them.

    Join us as we journey through Blanc's early days in radio, his groundbreaking work at Warner Bros. Cartoons, and his enduring legacy in animation and beyond. Beyond the laughs, we'll explore the incredible range of his dramatic work and his significant contributions to the art of voice acting. Whether you're a lifelong fan of classic cartoons or simply curious about the artistry behind unforgettable characters, "That's All Folks! A Mel Blanc Retrospective" offers a captivating listen, revealing the man behind the voices who shaped generations of entertainment.

    Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

    Support the show

    Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
    Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
    Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

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    50 mins
  • Atari 2600 - The Home Gaming Revolution Explained
    May 15 2025

    Explore the legacy of the Atari 2600, the console that ignited the home gaming revolution.

    Get ready to blow into those cartridges and dust off your joysticks! In this episode, we're taking a nostalgic deep dive into the iconic Atari 2600, the console that arguably sparked the home video game revolution. From its humble beginnings in the late 1970s to its explosion in popularity in the early 80s, we explore the fascinating history and cultural impact of this legendary machine.

    Join us as we trace the Atari 2600's journey from a niche novelty to a household name. We'll uncover the stories behind its creation, the visionaries who brought it to life, and the marketing genius that made it a must-have for families across the globe. Relive the excitement of unwrapping that sleek black console and the satisfying thunk of inserting a new game cartridge.

    But it wasn't just about the hardware. We'll be diving deep into the games that defined a generation. From the pixelated thrills of Pac-Man and Space Invaders to the joystick-waggling action of Pitfall! and the competitive spirit of Combat, we'll revisit the classics that captivated millions. We'll discuss the limitations and the surprising creativity that emerged from the console's relatively simple technology, showcasing how developers pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible with limited processing power and memory.

    Beyond the games themselves, we'll explore the cultural phenomenon that was the Atari 2600. How did it change the way we entertained ourselves? What was it like to experience the dawn of interactive digital entertainment? We'll also touch upon the infamous video game crash of 1983, examining the factors that led to Atari's decline and the lessons learned by the industry.

    Whether you were a joystick warrior in the Atari era or are simply curious about the roots of modern gaming, this episode is a must-listen. Prepare for a wave of nostalgia as we celebrate the enduring legacy of the Atari 2600 – a console that truly changed the game. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's press start on this retro adventure!

    Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

    Support the show

    Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
    Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
    Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

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    34 mins
  • Celebrating 100 Episodes of Dirt Nap City: Our Favorite Dead People
    May 8 2025

    Join us for a special recap of our top 100 fascinating individuals featured in Dirt Nap City

    This episode of Dirt Nap City is a countdown recap of our first 100 episodes - the interesting people and things that we love to talk about on Dirt Nap City. We hope you enjoy this recap and will go back and listen to any episodes you may have missed in the past. Thanks to all our fans and supporters for encouraging us to get here. We can't believe we've come so far and look forward to 100 more episodes!

    Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

    Support the show

    Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
    Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
    Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 34 mins