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This week, we’re cruising back in time to revisit an episode all about a TV show that burned bright, and then burned out real quick. But those are exactly the things we celebrate here, so enjoy this week’s classic episode on The Chevy Chase Show! ~~~ You love Caddyshack, right? How about “Weekend Update” on SNL, or all the National Lampoon Vacation movies? Classic! Then you're bound to love a talk show hosted by the one and only Chevy Chase, right? Right??  Ray teaches Rob about the late night TV wars that followed Johnny Carson’s retirement; the perils of shooting hoops during your very first entrance as a talk show host; the air biscuit that tainted Whoopie Goldberg’s short-lived experience as a late night host; and why Fox probably wishes it did at least one test episode of The Chevy Chase Show…  If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAM Ray Hebel Robert W Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Gabe Crawford Natalie DeSavia WEBSITES IMDb Rotten Tomatoes   ARTICLES Entertainment Weekly The New York Times 1 The New York Times 2 The New York Times 3 a...

Happy Birthday, dear Patty, haaaappy birthday to you! Who's Patty, you ask? Why, Patty Hearst, of course! Today not only happens to be Ms. Hearst's birthday, it's also the 50th anniversary of the year she was kidnapped by, and then apparently joined with, a far left domestic terrorist organization. How did that all go down? Guess you'll have to listen to find out... Rob teaches Ray and Daniel about Patty (sorry, Patricia) Hearst's relatively mundane upbringing as an heir to the Hearst journalism fortune; the rise of the Symbionese Liberation Army (most of whom got their start in drama school - yes and motherf*&^ers!); how her status as the granddaughter of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst marked her as a target for the SLA; her tramautic experiences at the hands of the SLA; how Patty's transformation into "Tania" and her seeming cooperation with the SLA shocked the world; the biggest shootout in American history; and the controversial question that continues to surround the aftermath of her kidnapping: did Patty really become a terrorist, or was it a case of Stockholm Syndrome gone horribly awry? If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.  TEAMRay Hebel Robert W. Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Natalie DeSavia EPISODE CLIPSOn This Day: Patty Hearst Abducted by Armed radicals Patty Hearst’s Shocking Words After Robbing a Bank La California: A Coroner’s Report Today Verified That Newspaper Heiress Patricia Hearst Was Not amon Patty Hearst’s Chilling Eulogy for Fallen Sla Members Patty Hearst Sentenced - 1976 | Today in History | 24 Sep 18 a...

Roses are red, violets are blue, we all worship Liza and so should you. Because who is more iconic than the woman who gave us the Cabaret movie, Linda in “Arthur,” and Lucille 2 in Arrested Development? So in celebration of the marvelous Mrs. Minnelli, here’s our episode on Liza’s stint as a host on the Home Shopping Network. ~~~ We here at “This Was A Thing” LOVE Ms. Liza May Minnelli! March 12th just happened to be her birthday, so we wanted to throw her a little birthday celebration! The woman DESERVES it, for heaven's sake! Liza isn’t just known for being the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, for her Oscar-winning performance in “Cabaret”, or for the greatest concert of all time, “Liza with a Z”. Ms. Minnelli isn’t even just known as one of the few EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, & Tony) winners. Liza is also remembered for her collection of clothing and jewelry that she sold on the Home Shopping Network. “The Liza Collection” features a stunning variety of velvet jumpsuits, sequin jackets, and chunky bracelets molded from clay. Liza wouldn’t have it any other way… This week Ray teaches Rob about how a song from the musical Gypsy fueled his Liza obsession, why Bobbi Ray Carter is the HSN MVP, and what other celebrities have risen to the occasion of selling their brands on cable television. “The woman should wear the dress, not the dress wear the woman.” – Liza Minnelli If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.   TEAM: Ray Hebel Robert W Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Gabe Crawford Natalie DeSavia   WEBSITES Liza Minnelli - IMDb Liza Minnelli - Playbill Home Shopping Network Official Site    ARTICLES a...

Post-credits scenes are so common nowadays, it’s almost a surprise when there isn’t a clip teasing a sequel, or an extended universe, or the next Super Mario Bros. Movie. But cliffhangers are something special. They can entice an audience to feel the irresistable urge to watch a movie or tune into an episode just to see that lingering question answered. And nobody did it better than one TV show back in 1980, when a last-minute plot twist not only changed the trajectory of that show, but led to a cultural phenomenon that persists to this day. Rob teaches Ray and Daniel about the iconic end to “Dallas”’s third season, when J.R. Ewing took a bullet from an unknown enemy; why audiences had to wait eight months to find out the identity of the mysterious culprit; how the sensation propelled Larry Hagman to international celebrity; Daniel’s and Ray’s personal favorite cliffhangers; the lengths to which the networks went to safeguard the premiere of the fourth season; and modern examples of great (and not so great…) cliffhangers.  If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.  Thank you as always for your support, and if you have any thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to send us a message on social media! And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. TEAMRay Hebel Robert W. Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Natalie DeSavia ARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSDallas Season 03e25 J.R. Ewing Gets Shot Dallas Opening and Closing Theme 1978 - 1991 (Hd Surround) a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW1CLAYDE34"...

Come and hear those dancin’ feet as we put on our flapper dresses and Charleston back in time to one of our classic episodes from Season 1: Dance Marathons. Enjoy! ~~~ Get out your tap shoes, Francis, we are going dancing tonight....and tomorrow....and for the next five months! This week we look at the swinging and sadistic world of 1930s Dance Marathons which were ways for Depression Era Americans to make some money dancing for hours on end....while other Americans watched and waited for injuries, blood, and violence!   Rob gives Ray a lesson in the history of dancing in America, how Vernon and Irene Castle made sinful partner dancing wholesome, the Endurance Crazes of the 1920s, the sadistic Emcees and promoters who manipulated dancers and audiences, how audiences could see more blood if they paid more, and how these marathons laid the ground for reality television! If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAM: Ray Hebel Robert W Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Natalie DeSavia     WEBSITES HistoryLink  AtlasObscura History Daily LoveToKnow BOOKS Dance of the Sleepwalkers  Dance Marathons ARTICLES a href="https://pantagraph.com/news/local/pfop-dance-marathons-walkathons-once-talk-of-the-town/article_7cc11c8c-a911-5262-bc4e-e992fe8e4a25.html" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Tina Turner, Brian Wilson, Cher - most people know those names of the iconic stars whose music defined a generation and continue to be chart-toppers. Basically, they wrote bops. But did you know that those artists probably wouldn’t have written said bops if not for a core group of session musicians who played an instrumental role (the pun was necessary, we promise) in rock and roll sound? Ray teaches Daniel and Rob all about “The Wrecking Crew,” a select group of musicians whose reliability and talent made them beloved throughout the industry; what made Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” such a revolution; why Hal Blaine’s mistake made the opening of “Be My Baby” that much better; the names behind some of Rob’s most beloved TV theme songs; and whether session musicians nowadays have the same clout or opportunities as they did in days gone by. If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.  Thank you as always for your support, and if you have any thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to send us a message on social media! And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have a second, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. TEAMRay Hebel Robert W. Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Natalie DeSavia EPISODE CLIPSFrank Sinatra - Strangers in the Night | Lyrics Meaning | @FrankSinatra The Mamas & the Papas - California Dreamin’ The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations (Official Music Video) The...

If winter’s got you down and you’re in need of some extra pizzazz to get you through the day, we’ve got just the medicine: our classic episode on the “The Super Bowl Shuffle.” Once you add this chart-topping tune to your playlist, we guarantee you’ll be bopping all the way to your weekly Fred Silverman fan club meeting (we’ll see you there). Enjoy! ~~~ There hasn’t been anything quite like “The Super Bowl Shuffle”… And for good reason. Professional athletes can be boastful from time to time, but in 1985, it was taken to a whole new level! All lead by Bears Wide Receiver, Willie Gault.  The Chicago Bears would produce a single (the first of its kind on Audio Cassette), film a music video (Second in sales to “Thriller”), and win a Super Bowl (beating those darn Patriots!) all in the course of an NFL season. “The Super Bowl Shuffle” was a sensation! Most of the team wanted in, but there were some that had their doubts. But not Mike Ditka! Just don’t ask him to be involved…  This week Ray teaches Rob about the game of football, why they called William Perry “The Refrigerator”, what a touchdown is, how Mike Ditka did his own music video (of which he has no recollection), and why the Average Joe is now forever to be referred to as a “Grabowski”. DAAAAA BEARS! If you like what we’re doing, we’d love if you could spread the word by sharing the episode with a friend or leaving us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, [please And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.  TEAMRay Hebel Robert W. Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Gabe Crawford Natalie DeSavia   WEBSITESChicago Bears Pro Football Reference The Super Bowl Shuffle Lyrics ARTICLESa...

You know that phrase, “All’s fair in love and war”? Even though “politics” isn’t on that list, nowadays I’m sure seems like it could be. The smear campaigns, the attack ads - sometimes it just feels like politician care more about making their opponents look bad rather that actually talking about their own policies and strengths (wait a second…). And even though these kind of tactics have probably been around forever, there’s one year and one election in particular where they took centerstage. Rob teaches Ray and Daniel all about the U.S. presidential election of 1988 and the numerous defining moments from the campaign of that year; the notorious political operator Lee Atwater and his bag of “dirty tricks”; Michael Dukakis’s unfortunate use of military headgear in one of his ads; Rob’s feelings on why debates have gone so downhill in the last few decades; and how Lee Atwater’s coded “Southern Strategy” has given way in modern times to a more explicit expressions of prejudice. If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. TEAMRay Hebel Robert W. Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Gabe Crawford Natalie DeSavia ARTICLESEPISODE CLIPSGov. Clinton at 1988 Democratic National Convention Bentsen vs. Quayle: The 1988 vice presidential debate Lee Atwater’s 1981 Interview on the Southern Strategy Bentsen vs. Quayle: The 1988 vice presidential debate a...

In solidarity with the brave souls who've resolved to make 2024 a year of health and wellness, we're playing our in the fitness sphere and leading by example by doing the strenuous, backbreaking work...of publishing a podcast. But if that's too intense for you, don't worry - Suzanne Somers is here in this Classic episode from Season 1 to help you get more toned and trim than you could have ever imagined. Enjoy! ~~~ Happy New Years, dear listener! Getting healthy is a classic New Years Resolution and what better way to get trim than with Thigh Master! Thigh Master had a major grip on early 90’s fitness, but it wouldn’t get to the top without the help of a wonderfully peppy spokesperson Suzanne Somers. Yes, Chrissy Snow from “Three’s Company”, herself! She “used to do aerobics ‘til she dropped! Then she found Thigh Master!” This week, Ray teaches Rob the secret to shapely thighs, talks about an important meeting in Palm Springs, Suzanne’s storied career, and how a device designed for physical therapy took over at home exercise. …and just what IS the right resistance?... If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media. WEBSITES Suzanne Somers Website Buy Thigh Master!   ARTICLES New York Times Los Angeles Times Huffington Post Entertainment Weekly NBC News American Express Orange County Register Entrepreneur a...

Happy holidays, listeners! We’ve got a delectable episode for you today, featuring a toy that has been a household staple for more than 60 years and is still going strong. In fact, it would be just the thing if you’re looking for some help with holiday baking, as long as you don’t mind your baked goods being on the miniature side…and possibly losing a finger or two in the process…  Daniel teaches Ray and Rob about the Easy-Bake Oven’s origins at the renowned toy company Kenner Products; how New York pretzel vendors played an essential role in providing inspiration for the product; all the different ways the word “cookies” can be pronounced; the battle to make a version of the Easy-Bake that wasn’t explicitly marketed for girls; and how this kitchen toy has influenced everyone from amateur bakers to professional chefs and which, despite its ups and downs, remains one of the most fondly remembered toys of all time. If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.  TEAMRay Hebel Robert W. Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Gabe Crawford Natalie DeSavia ARTICLES“How Easy-Bake Ovens Work” by Nathan Chandler Easy-Bake Evolution: 50 Years of Cakes, Cookies, and Gender Politics | Collectors Weekly Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven “Easy-Bake Oven Gourmet” by David Hoffman Easy-Bake Oven: Ronald Howes (Toy Stories) a href="https://nationaleasybakeovenday.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Alas, holiday sickness has descended upon us here at This Was A Thing, which means we’ve needed to put some of our episode plans on hold - but never fear! We’ve picked a delicious classic episode for you fresh off the Vine. And even though it’s not six seconds, we think you’ll like this trip down viral video lane. Enjoy! ~~ Can you put together a meaningful thought or idea in six seconds or less? What about a moderately funny video? It’s hard! But there was some GOLD in them there Vine hills! Ray teaches Rob about how Vine helped launch the careers of Shawn Mendes, King Bach, and yes, even Jake and Logan Paul. We also revisit some of our favorite Vines of years past including Rob’s favorite – a teacher’s reaction to having a piece of paper thrown at them. “Whoever threw that paper, your mom’s a…” If you like what we’re doing, please support us on Patreon, or you can subscribe to our bonus content on Apple Podcasts. And we’d love to find even more listeners, so if you have time, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have any other thoughts or feedback you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to email us or send us a message on social media.   TEAM: Ray Hebel Robert W Schneider Mark Schroeder Billy Recce Daniel Schwartzberg Gabe Crawford Natalie DeSavia     ARTICLES The Verge BBC The Guardian Pitchfork Ad Week Media Post a...