Was That A Fever Dream? - A Pop Culture Podcast

Lorenzo Espinosa

Has there been a moment in pop culture that makes you question “was that a fever dream?” Join me as we take a trip down down memory lane as I discuss early 2000s fads, strange internet trends and pop culture moments that have scarred our working memory. In each episode, I take a deep dive into their origin story, how they became part of the mainstream media and why these events/people/things eventually flopped. Put on your Van Dutch hat and press play on your Walkman as we take a stroll down fever dream lane. New eps. every Monday! Follow the pod on Instagram at: @wasthatafeverdreampodcast

Episodes

  1. 03/06/2023

    The Flopulous Tale of Target in Canada

    In this episode, I talk about the fever dream that was Target in Canada. I discuss the history of Zellers Canada in the retail landscape and how it became an iconic legacy brand in Canada. I talk about the reasons why Target didn't succeed and the factors that contributed to its eventual bankruptcy.  Digressions include: my weekend with SZA, why Perfect Match is the most chaotic show on Netflix and Nordstrom's announcement of its departure in Canada.  Follow the podcast on Instagram at: @wasthatafeverdreampodcast! See you all next Monday!

    47 min

  2. 02/20/2023

    The Wardrobe Malfunction Seen Around the World

    In this episode, I talk about the fever dream that was the 2004 Super Bowl Halftime show with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. I discuss how the Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from its humble beginnings into the modern 15-minute celebrity showcase. I break down the controversial 2004 halftime show and explain how infamous incident transpired and what this meant for both Janet and Justin's careers.  Digressions include: my thoughts on the Rihanna halftime show aka the Fenty Bowl aka the National Fenty League.  Follow the podcast on Instagram at: @wasthatafeverdreampodcast! See you all next Monday!

    45 min

  3. 02/06/2023

    (Flash) Mob Mentality

    In this episode, I talk about the fever dream of flash mobs and how they played a role in the history of the internet. I talk about the history of the flash mob, how it evolved from an underground internet sub culture to one of the most viral trends in the late 2000s. Digressions include: Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour announcement, Netflix's anti-password sharing drama and my review on the film, Triangle of Sadness.  Follow the podcast on Instagram at: @wasthatafeverdreampodcast! See you all next Monday!

    35 min

  4. 01/30/2023

    Chaotic Chats: Trixie Mattel vs. George Santos Twitter beef, Beyoncé's Dubai Performance and the Lizzie McGuire Reboot

    In this experimental episode, I go on several tangents relating to the current pop culture happenings in the world. I talk about the iconique Twitter beef between Trixie Mattel and George Santos, Beyonce's performance in Dubai, the Lizzie McGuire reboot and so much more! Digressions include: having a dedicated Beyoncé savings account, how I'm slowly becoming a pilates queen, the recent violent attacks on the TTC.  Follow the podcast on Instagram at: @wasthatafeverdreampodcast!  See you all next Monday!

    38 min

  5. 01/23/2023

    I saw Miley Cyrus wearing EOS Lip Balm, so I bought EOS Lip Balm

    In this episode, I talk about the fever dream that was the EOS Lip Balm and the product that took the beauty world by storm. I talk about the origin story of the brand, how it got its popularity through Miley Cyrus' "We Can't Stop" music video, and the lawsuit that took the company over the edge.  Digressions include: a full book review of Prince Harry's "Spare", my new-found obsession over the TV show "The Traitors" and Miley Cyrus' comeback era. Follow the podcast on Instagram at: @wasthatafeverdreampodcast.

    39 min

  6. 01/16/2023

    Gwen Stefani, this Allure interview was bananas!

    In this episode, I talk about the fever dream that was Gwen Stefani's problematic Harajuku Girls era and take a retrospective look into the many times that she has appropriated various cultures in her career. I do a deep dive into the origins of the widely-known Harajuku district in Tokyo and the impact that it had on Japanese culture and the fashion world. I also talk in detail about the heinous interview Gwen had with Allure Magazine and the implications this has on Japanese people and the AAPI community. Digressions include: a mini Prince Harry book review, a recap of the Golden Globe awards, and how I'm filing a missing persons report on the sun in Toronto.  Follow the pod on Instagram at: @wasthatafeverdreampodcast!

    40 min
  7. You better werk! (from the office)

    01/09/2023

    You better werk! (from the office)

    In this episode, I talk about the fever dream that is working in the office 5 days a week. I look at the ancient roots of the office, how it has evolved into the modern office and social and behavioural habits that have shaped work. I also talk about the implications that COVID-19 (trigger warning) has had on how people work. Digressions include: Prince Harry's book leak, Jen Shah's sentencing and Lisa Rinna's boot from RHOBH.

    35 min
  8. Mom, my Livestrong Bracelet doesn't match my outfit!

    01/09/2023

    Mom, my Livestrong Bracelet doesn't match my outfit!

    Today I talk about the fever dream that was Lance Armstrong's infamous Livestrong Bracelet. I talk about its villain origin story and how it quickly became a fashion statement in the mid-2000s. Digressions include: my ins and outs for 2023, why I have beef with Microsoft Outlook and Andrew Tate's crimes against humanity.

    38 min

  9. 01/09/2023

    Do it for the Vine!

    Welcome to the first episode of Was that a Fever Dream? In this episode, I talk about the fever dream that was Vine and her short-lived yet iconique career. I walk you through the most infamous and meme-able Vines and analyze the rise and downfall of the social media app as well as her impact on internet culture. Digressions include: how I started this podcast, what topics I will be covering and the dumpster fire of 2022.

    32 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Has there been a moment in pop culture that makes you question “was that a fever dream?” Join me as we take a trip down down memory lane as I discuss early 2000s fads, strange internet trends and pop culture moments that have scarred our working memory. In each episode, I take a deep dive into their origin story, how they became part of the mainstream media and why these events/people/things eventually flopped. Put on your Van Dutch hat and press play on your Walkman as we take a stroll down fever dream lane. New eps. every Monday! Follow the pod on Instagram at: @wasthatafeverdreampodcast

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