Podcasts by Toys Were Us

Episode 102: Break Ya K'NEX from 2020-06-29T00:00

This week we snap into the history of Lego's rival, K'NEX 

Episode 101: Super Soaker? I Hardly Know Her from 2020-06-15T00:00

This week, we take it to the segregated south to learn the story of how the Super Soaker came to life.

Episode 100: And I Say Hey! (The History of Arthur) from 2020-05-25T01:00

In the ONE HUNDREDTH episode of Toys Were Us, we talk about Rick's favorite part of childhood, Arthur. The crown jewel of PBS. The second longest running animated series behind the Simpsons...

Episode 99: Cotton Candy Sweet And Low, Let Me See You Tootsie Roll! from 2020-05-18T00:00

This week we take it back to a simpler time, where candy was a penny, and chocolate was king. And learn the tragic backstory of a man who gave us all the tootsie roll!

Episode 98: Winnie The Two from 2020-05-11T00:00

This week in part two of our dive into the Hundred Acre Wood, we discuss which of it's inhabitants are a cuck, and how Winnie the Pooh helped create Teddy Ruxpin

Episode 97: Most Of All Winnie The Pooh (Part 1: Featuring Jim Cummings) from 2020-05-04T00:00

This week, we travel to the Hundred Acre Woods to spend time with one special bear, and learn half of his story. With a special guest appearance by Jim Cummings!

Episode 96: Somebody Toucha My Spaghet (The Story Of Chef Boyardee) from 2020-04-27T00:00

This week we stir up a pot of delicious history of an Italian man with a heart of gold and a pot of spaghetti. Chef Ettore Boiardi. Aka Chef Boyardee!

Episode 95: Why Don't You Have A Seat? (The Story Of Alice In Wonderland) from 2020-04-13T00:00

This week we grin a Cheshire grin and take you down the rabbit hole to explore the history of Alice In Wonderland and it's disgusting origins.

Episode 94: Twister (Not The Bill Paxton Movie) from 2020-04-06T01:00

This week we go right hand red into the history of a board game that made us the pieces. 

Episode 93: Ch Ch Ch Chia from 2020-03-30T01:00

This week we tend to a topic that we are all fully aware of. A pet that didn't really care if you killed it. The Chia Pet!

Episode 92: Littlest Pet Shop (Of Horrors) from 2020-03-23T02:00

This week, in the first episode of several with a guest co-host, we talk about the history of the teeny tiny littlest collectible pets, The Littlest Pet Shop!

Episode 91: Paging Mr. Herman (The Story of Pee Wee) from 2020-03-16T03:00

This week we get wacky, with Pee Wee Herman. Hear the story on how a comedic man child became an instant legend.

Episode 90: No One Ever Asks"How's Waldo?" from 2020-03-09T01:00

This week we become amateur sleuths and dig up the history on a man that is hard to find. Waldo!

Episode 89: Is It Worth It? Let Me Nerf It (Nerf part 1) from 2020-03-02T00:00

This week we take a look into a company with an ultimatum: It's Nerf or Nothin!

Episode 88: Nintendoes What Nintendidn't (Nintendo Part 2) from 2020-02-24T00:00

This week we pick back up where we left off last month, with Nintendo on the verge of change as they welcomed Shigeru Miyamoto to the company.

Listen

Episode 87: Homeward Bound And Back Again, That's The Sailors Way from 2020-02-17T00:00

CONTENT WARNING: DEATH OF AN ANIMAL! 27:00-29:35

This week, we take an incredible journey to the untamed wildness of rural Canada as three domesticated animals are hellbent to make it H...

Episode 86: Under The Bridge (To Terabithia) from 2020-02-10T00:00

This week, we keep our minds wide open, as we discuss the history of a children's book that opened the door to early childhood trauma.

Episode 85: Are We Human? Or Are We Skydancers? from 2020-02-03T00:00

This week we spin the history of a toyline for girls that caused literal ribs to break. Untold damage. And the power to save a company. Skydancers.

This episode brought to you by Ballwa...

Episode 84: Nintendo Part 1 (It Was In The Cards) from 2020-01-27T00:00

This week we take it wayyyyy back to discuss the history of a playing card company called Nintendo.

Heard It In A Love Song TEASER EPISODE from 2020-01-23T22:00

In this special preview episode of Heard It In A Love Song, Rick takes us back to the early 2000s to discuss the history of Hey There Delilah. Special thanks to Tom Higgenson from The Plain Whit...

Episode 83: We Might Solve A Mystery, Or Give The History Of Ducktales (Ah Woo Ooo) from 2020-01-20T00:00

This week we dive into a room full of gold to give the history of a Disney cartoon with one hell of an ear worm of a theme song.

Episode 82: SOME PIG (The History Of Charlotte's Web) from 2020-01-13T00:00

This week, we are achin, for some bacon, as we tell the tale of some pig, and the spider that saw the greatness in him.

Episode 81: Tubthumping (The History Of Weebles) from 2020-01-06T00:00

Weebles Wobble. But they don't fall down. But why don't they? And who created them? This week we dive into the history of Weebles

Episode 80: Miniature Malpractice (The History Of Operation) from 2019-12-30T00:00

Today we BUZZ discover the BUZZ history behind one of the best selling BUZZ board games of all time. Operation

Episode 79: Return Of The Christmas Special from 2019-12-24T00:00

It's Christmas time once again, and for our Christmas special this year, we tackle the Rankin Bass Cinematic Universe of Santa Claus Is Comin To Town, and The Year Without A Santa Claus

Episode 78: Titan A.E. from 2019-12-23T00:00

It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine, as today we discuss Don Bluth's final film and final flop, Titan A.E.

Episode 77: Anastasia from 2019-12-22T15:00

Today, unlike Sympathy For The Devil, Anastasia is not screaming in vain, as we dive into the history of the highest grossing Don Bluth film, Anastasia.

Episode 76: The Pebble And The Penguin from 2019-12-21T00:00

Today we discuss the history behind just one of many Penguin based children's films.

Episode 75: Thumbelina from 2019-12-20T02:00

Today we have the teeny tiny story about the not so teeny tiny box office flop.

Episode 74: Rock A Doodle from 2019-12-19T00:00

Today we explore the history of the weirdest Don Bluth film, Rock A Doodle, and what weird scenes got cut.

Episode 73: All Dogs Go To Heaven from 2019-12-18T00:00

Today we discuss the resting place for All Dogs, according to Don Bluth and company.

Episode 72: The Land Before Time from 2019-12-17T03:00

Today we discuss a heart wrenching movie with a heart wrenching true crime story attached to it.

Episode 71: An American Tail from 2019-12-16T15:00

Today we discuss a big story about a little mouse named Fievel and his journey to America

Episode 70: Dragon's Lair from 2019-12-15T00:00

Today we descend into the Dragon's Lair to steal the history on how and why it was made.

Episode 69: The Secret Of NIMH from 2019-12-14T00:00

Today we discuss the history of the TERRIFYING truth of the National Institute of Mental Health and how it influenced the Secret Of NIMH

Episode 68: Banjo The Woodpile Cat from 2019-12-13T00:00

Today we discuss the history of little kitten with a spirit as ambitious as Don Bluth himself.

Episode 67: Don Bluth from 2019-12-12T00:00

Today we get ready for the 12 days of Don Bluth by starting off with the history of the man himself!

Episode 66: I Smell Sex And Candy, Land from 2019-12-09T00:00

This week we follow our stomachs to the past to feast on the history of a game that is simple and timeless. Candyland.

The First Annual Anniversary Special! Deleted Scenes 2019 from 2019-12-03T00:00

In this bonus episode we unleash the bits trimmed for time or that didn't match the flow of the episode it happened in. December 3rd 2018 to December 3rd 2019!

Episode 65: Always Be My Beanie Baby from 2019-12-02T02:00

This week we take a look into a toy with the biggest bubble burst we will probably ever see. The once highly sought after, Beanie Babies!

Episode 64: We'll All Float On Okay (The History Of The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade) from 2019-11-25T00:00

This week before we stuff our faces, we stuff your brains with knowledge on the history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Listen

Episode 63: You Ought Uno from 2019-11-18T00:00

This week we draw up some knowledge on a game we all have either a love or hate relationship with. Uno.

Episode 62: Come My Lady, Come Come My Lady, You're My Very Hungry Caterpillar, Sugar, Baby. from 2019-11-11T00:00

This week we take a bite out of the history of a story we have all grown up with a loved immensely. The story of the little bug who couldn't stop eating.

Episode 61: The Only Verdict Is Vengeance. A Vendetta Held As A Votive, Not In Vain from 2019-11-04T00:00

This week we discuss the history of Guy Fawkes, his gun powder plot, and how he influenced a generation of anonymous freedom fighters.

Episode 60: The First Annual Halloween Haunt from 2019-10-31T00:00

Today, on the finale of the 13 Days Of Halloween, we discuss everyone's favorite Old God, The Great Pumpkin!

Episode 59: Screamin'Jay Hawkins from 2019-10-30T00:00

Today we discuss the father of shock rock, the one, the only, Screamin' Jay Hawkins!

Episode 58: The Worst Witch from 2019-10-29T00:00

Today we discuss the BEST witch, well, The Worst Witch. And just how hard ole JK bit this series.

Episode 57: The Munsters from 2019-10-28T00:00

Today we climb aboard the Dragula and take a trip into the history of the Munsters.

Support the show (https://www.patr...

Episode 56: Everybody (Backstreet's Back) from 2019-10-27T00:00

Today we discuss a BANGER of a pop song, with a video spooky enough to rival Thriller.

Episode 55: Tales From The Crypt from 2019-10-26T00:00

Today we pry open the crypt and discuss the history of a spine tingling comic turned tv show and movies.

Episode 54: The Addams Family from 2019-10-25T00:00

Today we discuss everyone's favorite nuclear family, with more than a few (literal) skeletons in their closets.

Episode 53: The Ouija Board from 2019-10-24T00:00

Today we discuss that plank of wood, with a planchett, and a penchant for communing with the dead. And why the "If you build it, they will come" mentality can be hazardous. 

Episode 52: A Nightmare On My Street from 2019-10-23T00:00

Today we discuss the start of Will Smith's career with fighting against creatures (seriously. Think about it. Men In Black, Independence Day, Bright, Suicide Squad). As he takes on Freddy K...

Episode 51: Are You Afraid Of The Dark? from 2019-10-22T00:00

Today we ponder a question with a definite answer. Are You Afraid Of The Dark? Yes. Yes we are.

Episode 50: Ernest Scared Stupid from 2019-10-21T00:00

Today we discuss everyone's favorite bumbling bafoon as he talks on some pretty gnarly trolls with the help of Eartha Kitt!

Episode 49: The Cereal Monsters from 2019-10-20T00:00

Today we discuss those delicious monsters that changed the color of your milk, and left you with empty wallets every October. 

Listen

Episode 48: My Pet Monster from 2019-10-19T00:00

(IGNORE ME SAYING IT'S DAY 2)
Welcome to the 13 Days Of Halloween. Today we are discussing that little chained ball of love, My Pet Monster. 

A Message From The Cryptkeeper from 2019-10-17T14:00

In two days, we unleash our first annual 13 Days Of Halloween event!

Episode 47: Exploring The History Of Unsolved Mysteries from 2019-10-14T00:00

This week we take a deep dive into the show that took deep dives into cold cases. Unsolved Mysteries. We share our fear and love of Robert Stack and shout out Doug Jones.

Episode 46: Creepy Crawling In My Skin from 2019-10-07T00:00

This week we kick off October by tackling the gross equivalent of The Easy Bake Oven, The Creepy Crawlers. 

Support the sh...

Episode 45: Goosebumps N Grind from 2019-09-30T00:00

This week we send a shiver down your spine and give you goosebumps as we discuss the history of, well... Goosebumps.

Episode 44: Almighty Tighty Whities (The Story Of Captain Underpants) from 2019-09-23T00:00

This week snap our elastic bands and hypnotize you with the history of the flatulence king, Captain Underpants.

Episode 43: Making A Fuss About The Magic School Bus from 2019-09-16T00:00

Seatbelts everyone! This week we climb aboard the Magic School Bus to go back in time and discover the history about, well...The Magic School Bus!

Episode 42: Well That's Too Damn Bad! (The Story of Holes) from 2019-09-09T00:00

Once upon a time there was a magical place where it never rained. That place was Camp Green Lake and that's where our episode this week takes place as we discuss the history of the beloved ...

Episode 41: Baby Got Scholastic Book Fair from 2019-09-02T00:00

This week we go over the annual event that drove us all crazy. The Scholastic Book Fair. Stopping first to dive into the history of Scholastic itself!

Toys Were Us LIVE! At Wizard World Chicago! from 2019-08-27T16:00

We had our very first panel at The Wizard World Chicago Comic Con this past weekend! Enjoy this bonus episode that is essentially a greatest hits and a discussion on the state of Funko!

Episode 40: Battle Of The Kids'Meals Part Two - Long Live The King from 2019-08-26T00:00

Ronald McDonald is dead. Slaughtered by the King. The King of burgers that actual predates Ronald McDonald by 8 years. This week we present part two of the Battle For The Kid's Meals!

Episode 39: Shoots and Ladders from 2019-08-19T00:00

This week we discuss the rise and fall of a game that is played with...well...rises and falls. But did you know Chutes and Ladders has a wild history? And many MANY names?

Listen

Episode 38: The Legend Of Legends Of The Hidden Temple from 2019-08-12T00:00

This week we climb the steps of knowledge to bring you the history of a beloved 90s game show with TERRIFYING temple guards and horrible recording conditions.

Episode 37: Be Careful Telling Scary Stories In The Dark (Dark) from 2019-08-05T00:00

This week we unpack the history of the source of so many repressed memories. Well. More like nightmares. As we dive into Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark

Toys Were Us Presents: Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark Part 3 from 2019-08-02T21:00

Episode 36: Water Balloondock Saints from 2019-07-29T00:00

This week we take a water balloon straight to the face as we attempt to cool you down with the history of a toy that was made to be destroyed

Toys Were Us Presents: Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (Part 2) from 2019-07-26T21:00

Enjoy 5 more scary stories from Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark!

1. The Hearse Song

2. The Appointment

3. The Bus Stop

4. The Hook

5. Oh, Susannah

Episode 35: At The Wham-O Double Feature Podcast Show (The History of The Hula Hoop and The Slip&Slide) from 2019-07-22T00:00

This week we pop our hips and break our spines as we cover two toys by the same company, Wham O! The Hula Hoop and the Slip And Slide.

Toys Were Us Presents: Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (Part 1) from 2019-07-19T19:00

This Friday and every Friday until August 9th, enjoy these bonus episodes. Readings of some of my favorite Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark.

Toys Were Us Presents: Episode 34.5 He's Workin On His Roar (A Special Message From Jason Weaver) from 2019-07-15T18:00

In addition to today's Lion King episode, we'd like to present a shoutout from Jason Weaver, singing voice of young Simba in the original Lion King!

Episode 34: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (The Story Of The Lion King) from 2019-07-15T00:00

This week we are achin, for some bacon, as we dive into the history of arguably the crown jewel of the Disney renaissance, The Lion King. 

Episode 33: It's D.A.R.E. from 2019-07-08T00:00

This week we take it back to the 5th grade and dive into the history of a program that failed tremendously, along the way we give the good boy all the pettins, McGruff the Crime Dog.

Booster Pack 3: We're Doing Stuff, Lori. Thangs from 2019-07-02T21:00

Just a few updates around the camp here at Toys Were Us.

Episode 32: Baby, You're A Firework from 2019-07-01T00:00

There would be no childhood without the annual tradition of watching things be blown to smithereens. But what exactly brought fireworks to life? This week we answer that, and sit in awe of just ...

Episode 31: Etch A Sketch Me Like One Of Your French Girls from 2019-06-24T00:00

This week we dial in the knobs on the history of a toy that allowed you draw all the nonsense you wanted, without getting in trouble for marking up the walls.

Episode 30: You Got A Friend In Me (The Toy Story Story) from 2019-06-17T00:00

This week we open up the toy box to see what it took to make our toys come to life. Along the way we find out just what PIXAR means and how Steve Jobs saved Toy Story.

Episode 29: It's Raining Ken (Pride Month 2019) from 2019-06-10T00:00

This week we discuss the history of a Gay icon that was made accidentally, Earring Magic Ken. We also go over two true Gay icon doll.

Episode 28: Thanks For The Free Parking (The Story Of Monopoly) from 2019-06-03T00:00

This week we discuss the hidden history of a game that all made us just absolutely cut throat, ruthless landlords.

Toys Were Us Presents: Toy Soldiers (Boy Tell Em) from 2019-05-28T22:00

In a bonus episode that I didn't want to go to waste, we discuss the history of toy soldiers.

Episode 27: Get A Clue from 2019-05-27T00:00

This week we open the little envelope to give you the who what where and how behind Clue/Cluedo.

Make sure to listen to the multiple endings featuring The Black Case Diaries. T...

Episode 26: Clifford The Big Red Dog from 2019-05-20T00:00

This week we dig up the dirt (spoiler there isn't it any) on the goodest biggest reddest boy, Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Episode 25: Crazy Bones (Thugs N Harmony) from 2019-05-13T00:00

This week we discuss the history of a toy that caused many playground brawls. We never shot dice, we tossed them Crazy Bones.

Episode 24: Spay&Neuter Your Pet Rocks from 2019-05-06T00:00

This week we discuss the history of a rock solid toy. A toy that wasn't really a toy at all, but a rock in a box. Yet, it still somehow swept the nation. This is the story of the Pet Rock.<...

Episode 23: Rock Em Sock Em Robots (Domo Arigato) from 2019-04-29T00:00

This week we take one on the jaw as we discuss the history of the violent beat em up, Rock Em Sock Em Robots.

Episode 22: Battle Of The Kids'Meals Part One: Let's McFreakin Lose It! from 2019-04-22T01:00

This week we take the golden arches by the horns and dive into the history of the Happy Meal. We find out how someone was erased from history, how Tim Burton lost the Batman franchise, and which...

Episode 21: Dawn Of Potato Head from 2019-04-15T00:00

PO TAY TOES. Boil em, mash em, stick em in a stew. Or shove parts in it to make funny faces. This week we discuss the history of Hasbro's golden spud, Mr. Potato Head!

Episode 20: The Easter Special Special from 2019-04-08T00:00

This week, in our second go round for Read It! We discuss the history of three rabbit based books: Bunnicula, The Velveteen Rabbit, and Peter Rabbit.

Episode 19: Raggedy Ann (You Don't Have To Put On The Red Light) from 2019-04-01T15:00

This week we ACTUALLY cover the history of a doll with a tragic backstory and a terrifying connection to a pop culture cinematic universe. This is the story behind Raggedy Ann.

Episode 18: Small Soldiers from 2019-04-01T00:00

'This week' we discuss the history of a toy line that made any other toy just another toy. The Commando Elite and their battle with the Gorgonites.

Listen

Toys Were Us Presents: The C2E2 2019 Special from 2019-03-26T00:00

We had our very first con as a podcast and managed to interview Ming Chen, Lloyd Kaufman, Twiztid, Doug Walker (The Nostalgia Critic), Rob Walker, and Brad Jones (The Cinema Snob) 

Episode 17: Turn Around (Lite Brite) from 2019-03-25T00:00

This week we lite up the brite history of a toy that made us all miniature light show enthusiasts.  The Lite Brite.

Brought to you in part by fiddlepiddle.com 

Episode 16: Where The Sidewalk Starts (The Story of Shel Silverstein) from 2019-03-18T00:00

This week discuss an author,
 A man with many a dream,
 On this the first episode of Read It!
 We give the history of Shel Silverstein.

Episode 15: Strawberry Shortcake (She's Going The Distance) from 2019-03-11T00:00

This week we dig in spoon first to serve up the delicious history of a toy birthed by a greeting card. This is the story of Strawberry Shortcake.

With special promotion by FiddlePiddle....

Episode 14: Are You The Viewmaster? from 2019-03-04T00:00

This week we take a look (get it?) at the history of a toy had that us seeing double vision. Also had us cringing at it's...PROBLEMATIC back story. This is the story of the Viewmaster.
...

Episode 13: Skip It Up Baby, Skip. It. Up. from 2019-02-25T00:00

Don't skip this one. This week we discuss the history of the Medieval Mace of children's outdoor activities, the Skip It. Do your ankles remember? Will they ever forget?

Episode 12: Don't Dream It, Bop It from 2019-02-18T00:00

This week we discuss the history of a toy that made us obedient to the call of three simple moves.

Twist it.
Pull it.

Bop it.

Episode 11: Simon Says from 2019-02-11T00:00

This week we take a look into the memory game that made fools of us all. Simon was a challenging mistress that very few mastered.

Episode 10: (Don't) Speak And Spell from 2019-02-04T00:00

This week we discuss the history of the Texas Instrument's mega success, the Speak and Spell. We also premiere our brand new audio set up. And let me tell you, it makes a WORLD of differenc...

Episode 9: Magic 8 Ball (XoXo Tony Montana) from 2019-01-28T00:00

Will this episode entertain you? It is certain. This week talk about the mystical history of the Magic 8 Ball.

Episode 8: Eaz-E Bake Oven from 2019-01-21T00:00

This week we take a look into the history of everyone's favorite mini bakery, the Easy Bake Oven. 

Episode 7: Everyone Loves A Slinky from 2019-01-14T00:00

This week we introduce a monthly segment in which we go over the history of a toy featured in Toy Story. We start with the absolutely bonkers back story of the Slinky.

Episode 6: A Little Ditty About Polly Pocket And Mighty Max from 2019-01-07T00:00

This week is a battle of the sexes as we take a look into the history of both Polly Pocket and Mighty Max.

Booster Pack 2: Beware The Stare of Mary Shaw from 2019-01-04T15:00

She had no children. Only dolls.

Enjoy our tangent on the 2007 underrated gem, Dead Silence.

Episode 5: Stretch Armstrong's Strong Arm Years from 2018-12-31T00:00

Booster Pack 1: Weird Flex, But Okay from 2018-12-27T22:00

Talking jive about the Guinness Record Holder that no one asked for.

Episode 4: The Christmas Special Special from 2018-12-24T00:00

This week we discuss 3 of the most culture defining Christmas Specials. The history and budget behind them and reflect on one of the most devastating movie deaths.

Episode 3.5: Antelope Stairmaster from 2018-12-23T10:00

A bit of rambling about a nature guy, a Criminal Mind and whatever the hell an unsub is.

Episode 3: Come Dream With Me Tonight (The Story of Teddy Ruxpin) from 2018-12-17T03:00

He has such sights to show you. And stories to tell you. This week we discuss that totally tubular talking teddy. Teddy Ruxpin.

Episode 2: Furby, Or Not Furby? That Is The Question! from 2018-12-10T02:00

He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake. This week we go through the history of the Gremlin clone. Furby

Episode 1.5: The George Lucas Poetry Slam from 2018-12-08T17:00

An unscripted thing that happened while recording.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ToysWereUsPodcast)

Episode 1: A Nightmare On Elmo Street from 2018-12-03T01:00

He's a terror in red. Draining parents of money and time wasted trying to find him.

Tickle Me Elmo. The demon in red.

Toys Were Us Episode 0.5'Baby Pools Of Nightmare Fuel' from 2018-11-11T17:00

A brief introduction to the minds behind the madness at Toys Were Us.

Toys Were Us Teaser Trailer from 2018-10-23T00:00

The greatest gift we've ever been given, was a mind and an imagination to grow it. Toys are a part of growing up, but what do we know about those toys that grew up with us. That is what we ...

Toys Were Us Teaser Trailer from 2018-10-23T00:00

The greatest gift we've ever been given, was a mind and an imagination to grow it. Toys are a part of growing up, but what do we know about those toys that grew up with us. That is what we ...

Toys Were Us Teaser Trailer from 2018-10-23T00:00

The greatest gift we've ever been given, was a mind and an imagination to grow it. Toys are a part of growing up, but what do we know about those toys that grew up with us. That is what we ...