Ol' Dirty Basement

"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...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What if a rebellious youth could transform into a notorious bank robber known as the "Hollywood Bandit"? Join us on the latest thrilling episode of the Ol' Dirty Basement as we unravel the captivating life and crimes of Scott Skurlock. From his early days of mischief in Fairfax County, Virginia, through his turbulent journey of drug addiction and elaborate bank hei...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"How would you react if you thought a game could start World War III? This week on Vintage Cinema Review, we're diving into the 1983 classic "War Games," a film that masterfully blends Cold War tension with cutting-edge technology of its time. Join us as we explore how the film's memorable line, "Would you like to play a game?" has become an iconic moment in cinema...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Can you imagine a single unsolved murder throwing an entire city into the depths of mystery and speculation? Join us as we unravel the haunting events surrounding the Black Dahlia case, starting from the very streets of 1947 Los Angeles. From Elizabeth Short's harrowing childhood during the Great Depression to her unrelenting pursuit of Hollywood stardom, we uncove...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Ready to take a trip down memory lane with us? Join us as we relive the magic of the 1989 cult classic, "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." Have you ever wondered how a shelved movie for two years turned into a timeless piece of cinema history? We promise to uncover this mystery while exploring the film’s initial two-hour runtime, its budget constraints, and its...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Lou Pearlman's story is one of deception and downfall, and today we're unpacking the full extent of his scandalous business ventures. Uncover how this former mogul fabricated entire companies, including the infamous Transcontinental Airlines, to dupe investors. Through interviews and firsthand accounts, we peel back the layers of Pearlman's intricate web of lies, r...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What happens when a blimp enthusiast from Queens becomes the mastermind behind the world's biggest boy bands? This week on the Ol' Dirty Basement, we uncover the stunning story of Lou Pearlman, whose improbable journey from dirigibles to pop superstardom is as fascinating as it is controversial. We start by tracing his early years, fueled by a chance friendship wit...