Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA

Send us Fan Mail Episode 125 Would you explore a town where the residents left long ago — but the spirits never did? This week on Pop Culture Passport , we're taking a road trip through America’s eeriest and most intriguing ghost towns. These aren’t just abandoned buildings and dusty streets — they’re places where legends still echo, and the past feels just a little too close. In this episode...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 124 What if you could walk into a room filled with real props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes treasures from The X-Files ? In this episode, I interview Kelly and Jim, the dedicated collectors and co-founders of the X-Files Preservation Collection in Saratoga Springs, NY, the only museum in the world solely focused on the groundbreaking series. This episode dives deep into...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 123 What do haunted saloons, vampire folklore, and alien encounters have in common? They all live in museums you can actually visit — and we're taking you there in this Halloween-ready episode of Pop Culture Passport. Whether you're a fan of horror movies, the paranormal, witchy vibes, or just love an eerie gift shop, this curated guide covers some of the spookie...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 122 What’s it like to walk through Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment, visit the Friends fountain, and the school from Abbott Elementary —all in the same afternoon? Join me on this behind-the-scenes adventure through the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank, California. In this episode, I’m taking you along for one of the most iconic pop culture experiences in LA. From backlot...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 121 Have you ever wondered where Walt Disney lived, worked, and dreamed— before Disneyland? In this episode of Pop Culture Passport , we’re heading off the beaten path in Los Angeles to explore the real-world locations tied to Walt’s early career and creative spark. From humble homes to historic restaurants, this is a walk through Walt’s LA. 🎙️ In this episode, you’ll disc...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 120 What do a Paris museum, a Route 66 road trip, and a carousel pig have in common? They all showed up in the most unexpected way during a walk along the Santa Monica Pier. In this episode of Pop Culture Passport , I’m sharing the charming, surprising story behind one of California’s most iconic boardwalk carousels—and why one particular animal stopped me in my tracks. He...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 119 What do swan boats, silent films, and a rack of vintage Disney clothes have in common? They’re all part of the story in LA’s Echo Park—a neighborhood with deep Hollywood roots and a laid-back creative spirit. In this episode of Pop Culture Passport , we take a walk around Echo Park Lake, dive into its surprising film history, and share what it’s like to explore the are...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 118 What do Transformers , Close Encounters of the Third Kind , and Raiders of the Lost Ark have in common? You’ll find pieces of all of them at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center. In this episode, we head to Northern Virginia for an unexpected pop culture scavenger hunt among the historic aircraft and spacecraft of this incredible museum. You’ll hear:  ✈️ A little b...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 117 Located in Disney Springs, this Indiana Jones–inspired watering hole is packed with hidden treasures, Easter eggs, and deep Disney lore. On a rainy afternoon, my husband and I turned our visit into a full-on scavenger hunt—and I’m sharing what we found so you can try it too. 🔎 In this episode: The backstory of Jock Lindsey (yes, the guy from Raiders of the Lost Ark )...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 116 Did you know Disney’s Hollywood Studios used to be a real working production studio—with animators, soundstages, and even the house from The Golden Girls ? Today, it’s now focused on immersion into the movies, but it’s had quite a journey to get here. In this episode, we’re taking a look back at the evolution of Disney’s Hollywood Studios—from its behind-the-scenes beg...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 115 What do Randy’s Donuts, a Hollywood parking lot papal announcement, and a Back to the Future dance party on the Universal backlot have in common? They were all part of our unforgettable family trip to Los Angeles. In this episode, I’m sharing stories from our May adventure—from classic rides at Disneyland and fandom fun at Universal FanFest to the unexpected moments th...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 114 What do vintage cameras, organ concerts, and a pie recipe have in common? You’ll find them all at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, NY—where photography, film history, and personal storytelling collide. In this episode, I’m sharing my visit to the former estate of Kodak founder George Eastman. Part historic mansion, part world-class photography museum, and part f...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 113 Have you ever tried a Slugburger? Or eaten chili straight out of a bag of Fritos? In this episode, we’re wrapping up our road trip series with a delicious detour through some of the quirkiest regional foods in the U.S. We’re talking about: A burger stuffed with molten cheese in Minnesota Deep-fried Depression-era patties in Mississippi Pickles soaked in Kool-Aid (yes,...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 112 Did you know many of today’s amusement parks started with a streetcar? In this episode, we’re rolling back to the late 1800s to explore the fascinating world of trolley parks—recreational destinations created by trolley companies that shaped American leisure time. In this nostalgic ride, we’ll cover: How trolley parks began and why they were built What a day at a troll...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 111 What makes a perfect road trip for theme park fans? In this episode, we head down the East Coast on a journey to six standout parks in the Mid-Atlantic. From chocolate-scented coasters to vintage carousels and European villages, this trip has something for everyone—whether you're in it for the thrills, the snacks, or the nostalgia. Here’s what you’ll find in this...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 110 Ever watched a movie and thought, “That view can’t be real”? In some cases—it absolutely is. From redwood forests to alien deserts, America’s national parks have quietly played starring roles in some of your favorite films. This week, we’re exploring the real-life landscapes behind iconic scenes from Star Wars , Indiana Jones , The Shining , Dances with Wolves , and mo...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 109 Ever wish you could step into Radiator Springs? What if I told you it was inspired by real places you can actually visit? This week, we’re hitting the road to explore the real-life Route 66 destinations that inspired Pixar’s Cars and Disney’s Radiator Springs. From the truck that became Mater to motels glowing with vintage neon, these spots bring the movie to life in t...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 108 What is it about giant versions of everyday things that makes them so unforgettable? From a massive ketchup bottle to a frying pan big enough to cook 365 chickens, we’re diving into the wonderfully oversized world of America's quirkiest roadside giants. In this episode: Where to find the World’s Largest Ball of Twine (and why it's still growing) Which giant l...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 107 From giant crashing kites to a mythical Yeti stuck in disco mode, Animal Kingdom has had quite the glow-up since opening day. In Part 2 of this two-part series on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re picking up the story right where we left off—April 22, 1998. What started as a park with quiet trails and limited attractions has evolved into one of Walt Disney World’s most im...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 106 What does it take to build a Disney park with no castle, no parade, and nature as the main character? In this episode of Pop Culture Passport , we’re heading back to the early 1990s to explore the origin story of Disney’s boldest—and most misunderstood—theme park: Animal Kingdom. From Joe Rohde’s 400-page pitch to internal battles over dragons versus dinosaurs, this st...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 105 Have you ever stood at the Lincoln Memorial and thought, “Wait… wasn’t this in Forrest Gump?” You’re not alone—and once you start spotting filming locations in DC, you’ll never look at the monuments the same way again. In this episode, we’re taking a cinematic tour of the National Mall, uncovering the iconic movie and TV scenes filmed at these historic landmarks. Movie...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 104 Can you believe it’s been 10 years since Hamilton premiered on Broadway? Whether you’re a history buff, a Broadway fan, or just love a good story, Hamilton has left a lasting impact on both theater and how we see history. This week, I’m joined by historian, YouTuber, and fellow podcaster Jenn from Talk with History to explore some of the best places to visit if you’re...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 103 Are you team thrill ride or team chill vibes? At Epcot in 2025, you don’t have to choose.  Whether you're getting launched into space by a talking raccoon or floating past hydroponic lettuce, there's something for every kind of parkgoer at Epcot. The walls are down, new experiences are open, and we’re breaking it all down for your next visit. In this episode,...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 102 Ever wondered what musical treasures are hiding in quirky museums across the US? In celebration of National Music Month, we're touring six cool and quirky music museums dedicated entirely to instruments. From immersive global exhibits to the quirky charm of kazoos, each stop offers something unique and fascinating. In this episode, we explore: The expansive Musica...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 101 F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby turns 100 this year! To celebrate, we’re heading to Long Island to explore the places that inspired this literary classic. From the real-life East Egg and West Egg to the grand mansions of the Gold Coast, we’re diving into the Roaring ’20s and discovering how Long Island still carries the essence of Gatsby’s world. Joining me for...