Ol' Dirty Basement

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Ever wonder how three punk kids from New York City reshaped the landscape of hip-hop? Our latest episode takes you through the explosive debut of the Beastie Boys' "Licensed to Ill" and its monumental role in catapulting the band to fame. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, including the retirement celebration of our friend Officer Vince, a devoted Beastie Boys...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Ever stumbled upon a film so late in life that it feels like discovering a hidden treasure? That's exactly how many of us felt with "It's a Wonderful Life." Join us as we explore the journey of George Bailey and the enchanting world of Bedford Falls. From its rushed 1946 release to its eventual ascension as a holiday classic, we dissect the film's cultural impact a...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Witness the astonishing rise and catastrophic fall of Theranos, a company that once promised to change the medical diagnostics landscape forever. Elizabeth Holmes, the enigmatic founder, captivated the world with her grand vision and bold declarations, rallying immense venture capital and influential supporters to her cause. Yet beneath the veneer of innovation lay...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Picture a young girl plotting to become a billionaire before most of us finished our long division homework. From sketching time machines to acing a Stanford-level Mandarin class while still in high school, Elizabeth Holmes was never your average student. Her early entrepreneurial spirit was rivaled only by her relentless drive, fueled by an insatiable curiosity an...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What happens when a Vietnam veteran sits down with his son and friends to discuss one of the most iconic war films of all time? Steelton George, a Vietnam veteran and father of our co-host Matt, joins us on the Vintage Cinema Review podcast to provide an authentic perspective on Oliver Stone's "Platoon." As we commemorate Veterans Day, George generously shares his...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What if the charm of a game show contestant masked the sinister soul of a serial killer? Join us in the Ol' Dirty Basement as we unravel the chilling tale of Rodney Alcala, the "Dating Game Killer," who once graced the stage of a popular TV show while hiding his heinous crimes. As we dissect Alcala's life, you’ll discover how his high intellect and tumultuous upbri...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What if the technology from your favorite 90s heist film was more real than you thought? Unlock the secrets behind the 1992 classic "Sneakers" as we, your hosts Dave, Matt, and Zap, embark on a nostalgic exploration of its intricate plot and stellar cast. With Robert Redford and Sir Ben Kingsley leading the charge, we discuss everything from the film's clever caper...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Did you ever wonder how a seemingly typical family life could hide such sinister secrets? Explore the gripping tale of Aundria Bowman's mysterious disappearance from her adoptive home, a story shrouded in deception and startling revelations. We journey through Aundria's life, adopted by Dennis and Brenda Bowman, and the trail of her supposed sightings. Encounter th...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What happens when the past refuses to stay buried? Join us as we unravel the complex and haunting case of Aundria Bowman, a teenager whose mysterious disappearance in 1989 has left a trail of questions and intrigue. We dig into the layers of Aundria's life, from her troubled adoption to the chilling events surrounding her vanishing, all while considering the emotio...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What if a washed-up bowler could find redemption and hilarity amidst gutter balls and sugar in gas tanks? Join us as we tumble down the lanes of "Kingpin," the 1996 comedy classic by the Farrelly brothers. Zap, who shockingly had never seen the film until now, shares his newfound admiration for its unique humor that has garnered a cult following over the years. We...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What if a single event could revolutionize the way law enforcement approaches crime? The infamous North Hollywood shootout did just that, setting off a wave of changes in police tactics and equipment. Join us as we trace the fiery path blazed by Larry Phillips Jr. and Emil Matasaranu, whose violent spree and military-level preparation culminated in a showdown that...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Ever wondered how a power-tool-wielding dad navigates the chaos of domestic life while hilariously juggling household chores? Travel back to 1983 with us as we explore the iconic film "Mr. Mom," where Michael Keaton masterfully embodies the role of Jack Butler, an engineer turned stay-at-home dad. With Terry Garr as Caroline Butler, the movie flips traditional gend...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What drives a man to lead a group to their ultimate demise in pursuit of celestial ascension? Join us as we unravel the life of Marshall Herff Applewhite Jr., the charismatic but troubled leader of the Heaven's Gate cult. We start our journey in Spur, Texas, exploring his deeply religious roots, his vibrant high school days in Corpus Christi. Discover how Applewhit...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in high school football? Join us as we break down the 1988 classic, "Johnny Be Good," and explore the chaotic world of football stars and their coaches. This week, Dave, Matt, and Zap bring you an entertaining and nostalgic look at the film that catapulted Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey Jr., and Uma Thurman i...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Did you know there’s a hole that supposedly defies the laws of physics? Join us as we unravel the enigma of Mel's Hole, a mysterious pit in Washington State that captured the world's imagination during Mel Waters' 1997 appearance on Art Bell's Coast to Coast AM. With tales of bottomless depths and bizarre occurrences, this episode will keep you on the edge of your...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Do you remember the first time you watched "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial"? For us, it was a magical journey that left an indelible mark on our childhoods and continues to influence us today. Join us as we relive the heartwarming and emotional moments of this 1982 classic, celebrating Steven Spielberg's brilliance and exploring the powerful performances of Henry Thoma...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What drives a man to turn a bulldozer into a weapon of mass destruction? In this gripping episode of the Ol' Dirty Basement, we explore the complex and tragic tale of Marvin Heemeyer, whose infamous "Killdozer" left a swath of destruction in Granby, Colorado. We navigate the monetary conflicts and personal vendettas that fueled Heemeyer's rampage, contemplating whe...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Ever wondered what it would be like if a mannequin came to life in the heart of an 80s department store? Join us on a whimsical journey back to 1987 as we reminisce about the charmingly oddball film "Mannequin." We’ll take you through the quirky adventures of Jonathan Switcher, played by Andrew McCarthy, and his enchanting muse Emmy, brought to life by Kim Cattrall...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What if the city you thought you knew hid a dark, sinister secret? Join us as we unravel the chilling enigma of the West Mesa Bone Collector in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We'll spotlight the stark contrast between the city's vibrant cultural portrayal in shows like "Breaking Bad" and the grim reality of mass graves discovered during construction. This episode is a gr...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Experience the comedic brilliance of Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" as we journey back to 1974 and uncover the magic behind this cult classic. Remember the time when Gene Wilder's Dr. Frederick Frankenstein humorously insisted on being called "Frankensteen?" We promise you'll gain insights into the film’s clever blend of the 1930s Frankenstein lore with Brooks' s...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What would you do if your job was on the line, but your safety was at risk? This episode of the Ol' Dirty Basement podcast is a heartfelt journey into the personal experiences of our mothers—Sharon, Rita, and Rose—during the Three Mile Island disaster of 1979. Sharon takes us back to her days at the Red Barn restaurant, where she made a gut-wrenching decision to le...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Growing up just miles from the infamous Three Mile Island, We have always felt a deep connection to the events of March 28, 1979. The incident that forever changed America's perception of nuclear energy is both a personal story and a historical milestone. From misconceptions about the number of cooling towers to the incident's portrayal in pop culture (yes, it even...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"How did the Atari 2600 shape your childhood? Join us on a heartfelt journey through the golden age of gaming, where we share our earliest encounters with classic systems like the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Intellivision. Relive the excitement of discovering timeless games such as Pac-Man, Pitfall, and Yars' Revenge. We'll transport you back to the days of vibran...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What happens when your daily routine turns into a life-or-death situation? These were the terrifying realities faced by residents of the Washington DC metro area during the three harrowing weeks of October 2002, when the DC Sniper attacks unfolded. Join us as we recount the chilling details and the pervasive fear that gripped the community, starting with the first...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Can you imagine navigating a city teeming with hostile gangs, all vying for your downfall? This week on Vintage Cinema Review, we transport you back to the gritty streets of 1979 New York City with "The Warriors." Together, we'll relive the iconic moments and unforgettable characters that made this film a cult classic. From the harrowing journey back to Coney Islan...