This year marks 30 years since Backstreet Boys released their debut album and kicked off the '90s boy band craze. In this episode of History of the 90s , originally broadcast in 2020, we look back at the rise of boy bands, from screaming fans and synchronized dance moves to the fierce rivalry between Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. Documentaries referenced in this episode: Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of (2015) The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story (2019) Guest info: Maria Sherman, ...
May 13, 2026•41 min
If you were a kid, a young teen or even a parent in the early 1990s there’s a pretty good chance you spent most Friday nights sitting in front of the TV watching a two-hour block of programing that included some of the most iconic family friendly comedies of the era. In this episode of History of the 90s, host Kathy Kenzora looks back at ABC’s blockbuster Friday night line up. From Full House and Family Matters to Dinosaurs and Sabrina the Teenage Witch -- this is the story of TGIF. Show Info: I...
May 04, 2026•37 min•Ep. 156
In November 1999, a 5-year-old Cuban boy was found clinging to an innertube in the waters off the coast of Florida after surviving a tragic boat journey that took the life of his mother and ten others. Elian Gonzalez and his mother were among tens of thousands of people who attempted to escape Cuba on small rafts and boats during the 1990s. In this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the Cuban Rafter Crisis and the international custody battle over Elian Gonzalez. Guest Info: Lillian G...
Apr 15, 2026•38 min•Season 1Ep. 155
It’s been 30 years since FBI agents finally captured the man who mailed more than 16 bombs to unsuspecting victims in the US, killing 3 and injuring 23 others. For two decades officials searched for the elusive terrorist known as the Unabomber. His victims appeared random, his motives unclear and the only sighting of him resulted in a nowfamous composite drawing of a man in a hoodie with aviator sunglasses. In this episode, originally broadcast in 2021, we explore the investigation and capture o...
Apr 01, 2026•47 min•Season 1Ep. 155
In the 1990s there was a new wave of improvisational rock groups known as jam bands. By far the biggest was the genre defying foursome Phish from Burlington, Vermont. In this episode of History of the 90s we look back at their rise from college band to a touring sensation capable of attracting tens of thousands of obsessed fans to far flung locations. This is the story of Phish and the 90s jam band explosion. Guest Info: Brian Weinstein: Host of the podcast Attendance Bias which invites Phish fa...
Mar 18, 2026•35 min•Season 1Ep. 154
In July 1991 President George HW Bush nominated Clarence Thomas to the US Supreme Court. Initial reaction to the nomination suggested there would be a contentious Senate confirmation battle that would probe Thomas’s conservative views on issues such as abortion and affirmative action. But there was no real concern that Bush’s pick might not be approved. That is until one woman’s testimony threatened to derail the entire process. In this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the moment wh...
Mar 04, 2026•34 min•Season 1Ep. 153
Snowboarding exploded in popularity during the 1990s, but its road to legitimacy was anything but smooth. On this episode of History of the 90s, Kathy Kenzora traces the rebellious roots of snowboarding, from outlaw status at ski hills to its mainstream breakthrough and eventual Olympic debut. Joining the show is Canadian snowboarder Ross Rebagliati, who made history at the 1998 Nagano Games by winning the very first Olympic gold medal in the sport. Together they trace snowboarding’s wild early ...
Feb 18, 2026•35 min•Season 1Ep. 153
In one of the most shocking scandals in sports history, figure skating collided with true crime. This episode dives into the bitter rivalry of Olympic skaters Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding , and the 1994 attack that stunned the world just weeks before the Winter Olympics. Kathy Kenzora unpacks what really happened, how the media shaped the narrative, and why this story still sparks debate more than 30 years later. Guest Info: Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz host the podcast: Keep the Flame Alive...
Feb 04, 2026•40 min•Season 1Ep. 152
The 90s delivered iconic moments year after year and 1996 was no exception. It was a year marked by tragedy and triumph at the Atlanta Summer Olympics -- as well as high profile murders that continue to be surrounded by questions and conspiracy theories decades later. In this episode of History of the 90s we pick up where we left off at the end of the last episode as we continue counting down ten of the most unforgettable events from 1996. Show Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast...
Jan 21, 2026•34 min•Season 1Ep. 151
Like every single year in the 90s, 1996 was jam packed with unforgettable events and cultural moments. It was an era when the world seemed smaller and slower because without social media, news stories lasted longer and dominated headlines for weeks and months as information came to us in dribs in drabs. In this episode of History of the 90s we are going to dig a little deeper into the stories that captured our attention thirty years ago. These are 10 of the most memorable stories from 1996. Show...
Jan 07, 2026•30 min•Season 1Ep. 150
Whispers echo through the halls of this 1840 resort and not every footstep belongs to the living. The Briars Resort and Spa in Georgina, Ontario is a beautiful location for a Christmas getaway and a perfect place to savour what the season has to offer. It is also a fabulous go-to destination if you wish to experience unexplained phenomena or to perhaps see a ghost or two. Support the Show: Donate : buymeacoffee.com/hauntedcanadapodcast Donate : Click Donate...
Dec 24, 2025•36 min
The 1990s were loaded with great holiday movies. From "Home Alone" to "A Nightmare before Christmas" there was something for everyone. In this episode of History of the 90s we look back at five Christmas classics that have stood the test of time. Show Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 1995podcast@gmail.com Tik Tok: 90spodcast Substack: @historyofthe90s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 10, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 149
In the early 1990s David Duke became one of the most famous racists in the United States. After winning a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives the former leader of the KKK, mounted multiple political campaigns seeking higher office, including President of the United States. His rising popularity revealed a growing racial divide in the United States. In this episode of History of the 90s we are looking back at the rise and fall of the man who tried to mainstream Neo-Nazism and White Sup...
Nov 26, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 148
After winning the World Series in 1992 Blue Jays GM Pat Gillick did another major overhaul of the Toronto baseball team in an effort to win the Commissioner's Trophy for a second year in a row. In this episode of History of the 90s we continue looking back at Canada's baseball team with Part Two of The Toronto Blue Jays. Show Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 1995podcast@gmail.com Tik Tok: 90spodcast Substack: @historyofthe90s Guest Info: Greg Brad...
Nov 12, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 147
In the early 1990s the Toronto Blue Jays won back-to-back World Series with legendary players like Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar and John Olerud. Over the next two episodes of History of the 90s we look back at the first Canadian team to win the Major League Baseball championship. Show Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 1995podcast@gmail.com Tik Tok: 90spodcast Substack: @historyofthe90s Guest Info: Greg Brady, host of Toronto Today on 640 Toronto X: @...
Oct 29, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 146
Taj Khyber Rowland knows he’s not who people think he is but he can’t quite remember how his life went so off course. He decides to spool backwards, to his younger self. A daredevil seven year old Chellamuthu, living happily, but in abject poverty, with his large family in rural India. But when Chellamuthu disobeys his mother and goes to play at the bus station, he’s persuaded to board a bus with some bigger boys. He’s kidnapped. And there’s no going back. Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseSto...
Oct 25, 2025•36 min
If you were around in the 90s it may have felt like the Y2kcomputer problem came out of nowhere. But in fact it was something that programmers were always aware of. In this episode of History of the 90s we’re looking back at the steps taken to make sure a problem with the world’s computers didn’t wreak havoc on society on January 1, 2000. And depending on who you talk to it was either a major success or a massive hoax. Show Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 1995podca...
Oct 15, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 145
In 1995 a small community in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley was rocked by the brutal attack on two teenage girls by a mysterious man armed with a bat. Misty Cockerill escaped but her friend Tanya Smith was found dead the next morning in a nearby river. Over the next seven months the killer led police on a wild game of cat and mouse as he taunted them with phone calls and other disturbing messages. In this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the hunt for the Abbotsford Killer. Show In...
Oct 01, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 144
Released in 1994 and directed by Alex Proyas, The Crow is more than just a revenge tale. It’s a journey through grief, justice, and the supernatural. Based on James O’Barr’s graphic novel, the film tells the tragic story of Eric Draven and Shelly Webster who are murdered by a Detroit gang. A year later Eric is resurrected from his grave to avenge their deaths and soothe the guilt he feels for failing to protect his fiancé. With its haunting visuals, unforgettable soundtrack, and the tragic real-...
Sep 17, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 143
This year marks 35 years since Vanilla Ice released a song that, whether you like or not, had a huge impact on rap music To mark the occasion we are revisiting an episode of History of the 90s that dives into the lore of Ice Ice Baby. Including a famous story that involves Vanilla Ice being dangled from a balcony by a certain rap mogul. Watch Vanilla Ice at the 1991 American Music Awards: https://youtu.be/Wg6F4wG-i7w Show Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 1995podcast...
Sep 03, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 143
In July 1992 the Canadian government banned cod fishing along Newfoundland’s east coast in an effort to help restore cod stocks that had been depleted due to overfishing. The moratorium was supposed to last 18 months but ended up being extended indefinitely. The collapse of the industry ended nearly five centuries of cod fishing, led to the largest industrial layoff in Canada, devastated Newfoundland’s economy and shook the province’s identity to the core. Show Info: Instagram: @that9...
Aug 20, 2025•31 min•Ep. 142
This year marks 30 years since two of Britpop’s biggest bands went head to head in a chart battle that gripped the UK, reinvigorated the music scene and defined an era. In this episode of History of the 90s we revisit Oasis vs Blur with help from musician and rock and roll historian Daniel Rachel. Show Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 1995podcast@gmail.com Tik Tok: 90spodcast Substack: @historyofthe90s Guest Info: Daniel Rachel, musician, rock and...
Aug 06, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 141
This year marks 30 years since Toronto’s NBA team played its firstgame. Since then it has built a loyal fan base, helped grow the sport in Canada and influence a generation of players. Along the way the team also managed to win the NBA championship in 2019. On this episode of History of the ' 90s we’re going back to the beginning to findout how it all started. This is the conclusion of the Toronto Raptors' origin story. Show Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 90s@...
Jul 23, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 140
This year marks 30 years since Toronto’s NBA team played its firstgame. Since then it has built a loyal fan base, helped grow the sport in Canada and influence a generation of players. Along the way the team also managed to win the NBA championship in 2019. On this episode of History of the ' 90s we’re going back to the beginning to findout how it all started. This is the origin story of the Toronto Raptors. Show Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 90s@curiouscast.ca Gue...
Jul 09, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 139
In this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora will give you the 4-1-1 on how a teen movie with a modest budget adapted from a 200 year old book became a cultural juggernaut that continues to be felt thirty years later. This is the story of Clueless. Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 90s@curiouscast.ca Guest info: Veronica Litt, assistant professor of English at Cape Breton University and author of: Ugh! As if!: Clueless https://ecwpress.com/...
Jun 25, 2025•35 min•Ep. 138
In this episode of History of the 90s host Kathy Kenzora is joined by singer/songwriter Jann Arden as they discuss her journey from busker to Canadian icon. Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: 90s@curiouscast.ca Guest Info: www.jannarden.com Instagram: @jannarden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 11, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 137
During the 1990s a doll that taught kids about American History became a major force within the crowded toy market. The 18 inch historically accurate dolls were expensive and only available by mail order, but they managed to capture the imagination of an entire generation and in the process made inventor Pleasant Rowland incredibly wealthy. On this episode of History of the 90s we look back at the cultural phenomenon of American Girl. Show Contact Info: Instagram: @that90spodcast Email: ...
May 28, 2025•27 min•Ep. 136
On January 1, 1994, masked indigenous rebels burst from therainforest in Chiapas, Mexico to launch an uprising that was years in themaking. The Zapatista Army declared war on the Mexican Government demanding basics rights for the diverse Mayan communities who lived in extreme poverty through out the region. The rebellion, which captured the world’s attention thanks in part to the Zapatista’s charismatic leader, coincided with the enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement and was disas...
May 14, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 135
Hey, it's Kathy and I wanted to give you a little teaser for another great podcast that you can now binge in full! Check out A Most Audacious Heist wherever you podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/heist Everyone’s gotta start somewhere. Daniel enjoys his first taste of crime and the thrill of getting away with it. And a privileged young Sisi takes her freedom for granted not realizing she’s about to be caught in a trap. Is their destiny already written in the stars? Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHous...
Apr 30, 2025•41 min
When The WB found success with the teen drama's 7th Heaven and Buffy the Vampire Slayer the fledgling new network decided to fully embrace the genre. On this episode we continue our look back at some of the iconic teen dramas that helped put The WB on the map during it's 11 year run and created core memories for the millennials who grew up watching them. Sources for this episode include: Season Finale: The Unexpected Rise and Fall of The WB and UPN By Susanne Daniels and Cynthia Littleton If hea...
Apr 16, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 134
