After School Special Podcast

Prepare to join us on a nostalgic journey back to the days of Batman: The Animated Series, the groundbreaking animation that crowned the 90s. We promise you an unforgettable expedition into the origins and influences of this iconic series, offering you insight into how it redefined the animated drama landscape and the lens through which a generation viewed the Caped Crusader. You'll hear firs...

Have you ever wondered how 'The Real World' changed the landscape of reality TV programming and popular culture? Join us in this riveting journey down memory lane, where we dissect the controversial MTV show that dared to break new ground in the post-9/11 era. From its origins, inspired by the documentary series American Family, to its 33 provocative seasons touching on politics, religio...

Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about Greek gods and the legends surrounding them. This is not your typical mythology lesson! Staffman is shaking things up as we dive into the captivating world of ancient deities and their powerful myths that have shaped civilization. From Zeus's heroics to the titan-god war, we're peeling back the layers of these legends and uncov...

Prepare yourself for a journey into the heart of Wakanda as our captivating exploration of the Marvel legend, Black Panther, unfolds. This episode is a gold mine of discussions, from the complexities of T'Challa's enhanced abilities and ancient Wakanda rituals, to the powerful symbolism behind the name Black Panther and its connections to the Black Panther Party.  This is your chance to...

Hey Latchkey Kids 😎 The guys take you around the World 🌎to talk about funny holiday traditions. 🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast. Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts. New episodes every Friday. Find us on Twitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterSchoolSpe3) / Twitter Da Gram - After...

Hey, Latchkey Kids and Broken Homies 😎 This week Staffman talks about McDonald's Happy Meal Toys and his favorite memories collecting them. Welcome to Staffman's Retro Rewind ⏪ live from The Underbelly.  Also check out a throwback episode we did on fast food toys for more laughs and nostalgia.👇👇 https://afterschoolspecialpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1729520/8376010-kids-meal-best-and-worst...

Why is Michigan a massive hotspot for the paranormal? From the spirits of Mackinac Island to the dark history of Eloise Asylum, Michigan is home to some of the most chilling urban legends and documented ghost stories in the country. In this episode of the After School Special Podcast, we dive deep into the Mitten State’s most terrifying locations. We explore the tragic origins of the Eloise Psychi...

Hey Latchkey Kids! Staffman is back in the Underbelly to talk about The Mighty Mutanimals. Listen to Staffman's Retro Rewind. 🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast. Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts. New episodes every Friday. Find us on Twitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterScho...

In this heavy-hitting episode, the crew tackles the fine line between true crime fascination and the ethics of storytelling. We’re breaking down the cultural phenomenon of Netflix’s Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story—is Evan Peters’ performance too good for comfort? We discuss the systemic failures that allowed these crimes to occur and whether Hollywood is crossing a line with victim exploitation....

Staff-man talks about his favorite breakfast cereals and cereal mascots! 🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast. Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts. New episodes every Friday. Find us on Twitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterSchoolSpe3) / Twitter Da Gram - After School Special podcast (...

Have you ever felt a chill run down your spine as the legendary Robert Stack, clad in his iconic trench coat, introduced another eerie tale on 'Unsolved Mysteries'? The nostalgia is about to hit you hard as we journey back to the origins of this phenomenon that began as a TV special in 1988.  From sharing our fond and funny childhood memories of watching the show while munching on penny...

Does every successful podcast need a gimmick? In this episode, we’re questioning everything. From the fine line between building a "loyal community" and "starting a cult," to the absolute absurdity of modern food trends and mumble rap debates, we’re going off the rails. We talk about the highs and lows of working jobs we hate while trying to grow our passion, and we take a deep dive into historica...

Hey, Latchkey kids! This week the guys talk about random stories of beating up ghosts and hiding. Does the Predator or Jason Voorhees have bad breath? 🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast. Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts. New episodes every Friday. Find us on Twitter - After School Special...

Did you hate the first day of school as much as we did, or were you the kid throwing rock-filled snowballs at recess? ❄️💥 In Episode 70 of the After School Special Podcast, the latchkey kids are tackling our ultimate Back to School memories. We dive into the deep childhood anxiety of losing summer freedom, dealing with 90s teachers who couldn't handle hyperactive kids, and surviving strict Cathol...

VR Troopers: The Saban Money Grab? (Ep. 69) 90s nostalgia meets corporate greed. 🤖💰 Before the Multiverse, VR Troopers was Saban’s high-tech answer to the Power Rangers craze. Double-D goes solo to reveal why this show was a "Money Grab" built on frankensteined Japanese footage and 90s VR hype. In this episode: • The Lost Pilot: How Jason David Frank (The Green Ranger) almost starred in this as...

Staff-man rambles about his collections of Funko Pop, and other collectables. Staff- man talks about the thrill of starting an action figure collection and re-selling them online. 🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast. Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts. New episodes every Friday. Find us on T...

Remember the exact moment you realized summer break was over? ☀️ In this episode of the After School Special Podcast, the guys write a love letter to the classic Michigan childhood summer. We are unlocking core memories of hot July days, running wild through the neighborhood until the streetlights came on, the ultimate summer snacks, and that exact, bittersweet feeling of the final days before sch...

Sometimes you just need to sit back and shoot the s*.** In this solo episode, Staff-Man takes the mic to dive into the pop culture rabbit holes that shaped his worldview. We’re covering everything from the eerie theme song of Unsolved Mysteries and the "what if" scenarios of Ancient Aliens to the tragic, beautiful lessons found in Greek mythology. We’re also getting real about the "social media st...

Aaron is left all alone to talk about growing up a "What does it actually mean to grow up as a Gen X or Millennial Latchkey kid? With Don and Jon trapped in another dimension this week, your solo host Aaron Smith takes the mic to welcome you to the domain and deep dive into the raw reality of the "latchkey generation." In this episode, Aaron explores the concept of unsupervised childhood independe...

What’s your survival plan when the world ends? In Episode 64, the After School Special crew strategizes on outliving a zombie outbreak, an alien invasion, and even a Michael Bay-style black hole. From hoarding snacks at Sam’s Club to building furniture out of frozen zombie bones, we’re breaking down the ultimate (and most ridiculous) ways to survive the end of days. Inside this episode: • Zombies...

Ever wish you could transport back to the '70s and '80s, the golden age of arcade games? Yearn for the nostalgia of sliding a coin into a machine and being transported into an imaginary world of Pac-Man and Pong? Well, buckle up as we take you on a thrilling journey down memory lane, exploring the dynamic transformations of the arcade game industry, from its inception in the humble amuse...

Ever wonder why a specific song can instantly transport you back to high school? In Volume 1 of our music series, the After School Special crew breaks down the "Soundtrack of Our Lives." We’re talking about the transition from parent-approved Michael Jackson tapes to the gritty, world-changing influence of Biggie, Wu-Tang, and Tupac. Plus, how The Strokes and Radiohead redefined our "teen angst" y...

Are you ready to embark on a journey, a voyage through time and laughter with one of the world's most beloved comedians, Robin Williams? This episode is an expedition like no other, a tribute to the man behind the laughter, the joy, and the tears. Let us guide you through his life's journey, from the halls of Juilliard, the stand-up stages of San Francisco and Los Angeles, to his unforge...

It's the Summertime! And we got to thinking....What's your favorite road trip? The guys talk about their all-time favorite road trip movies. The guys also talk about their favorite childhood road trips. 🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast. Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts. New ep...

The guy's rant about the superhero, Thor, and they talk about the upcoming film "Thor: Love and Thunder". The guys talk about the history of Thor and his journey into the Marvel cinematic universe. 🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast. Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts. New ep...