Fad Files

Fad Files

Adam and Erin are curious about fads: specifically why they blow up and what makes them disappear. Each week, they'll dig into a new decade to try to understand the rise and fall of a forgotten American icon. If you're into outrageous personalities, pop culture oddities, and fashion choices that make you hide your old photos - this one's for you.

  1. 05/15/2024

    20 - Mullets (1980s-1990s... to Now?)

    Business in the front, party in the back, glorious all over. It's a fun one to close out Season 2. On this episode, Adam and Erin discuss how ancient warriors sported the Kentucky Waterfall, the surprising recent history of the actual term "mullet", and the thrilling international scene of hairstyle competitions. Although, as a 12-year-old Australian might tell you... "It's not a hairstyle. It's a lifestyle." We'll be taking another short break, but in the meantime please feel free to connect with us at fadfilespod@gmail.com or on instagram @fadfilespod. We'd love to hear your ideas and stories! Select Sources: History.com's comprehensive history of the mullet NY Times' article: "What the Mullet Means Now" The Hair Historian on instagram The Guardian's article on Australia's inaugural mullet competition

    1h 19m

  2. 05/08/2024

    19 - Mimes (1950s - 1970s)

    We're pointing at our ears, and then giving you a big creepy smile. Art! In this episode, Erin tells Adam about the ancient origins of "the clown's silent cousin" (terrifying), Marcel Marceau's badass World War II heroics, and whether or not you have to "get it" to appreciate it. Select Sources: Mime.info and SeatUp articles on the history of Miming Marcel Marceau's "The Mask Maker" Shields and Yarnells' "Robots Having Breakfast" (The Muppet Show)

    1h 11m

  3. 05/01/2024

    18 - Poodle Skirts (1950s)

    Ever been stuck with nothing good to wear to a party? Then ever quickly cut something out of felt, slap a patch on it, and have it become an international fashion sensation? In this episode, Erin tells Adam about the inspiring DIY history of poodle skirts, the Dior "New Look" femininity of it all, and the long-lasting impact of three little sassy dachshunds. Select Sources: Folkwear and Little Things articles on the history of the poodle skirt (great pictures!) The Fashion Institute of Technology's Fashion History Timeline

    45 min

  4. 04/24/2024

    17 - Decoder Rings (1930s - 1950s)

    Gee, gosh, and golly, Mister - get ready to take down the secret message for next week's exciting presentation of the Fad Files. Set your secret society pins to code O4! That's a O as in Ovaltine, 4 as in the number of times you should drink it per day. On this episode, Erin teaches Adam about the covert spy history behind these popular decoder toys, Little Orphan Annie's arms dealer of a benefactor, and why exactly Ovaltine is necessary for a growing boy like himself. Select Sources: Radio Archives - Little Orphan Annie History Metropolitan Washington Old Time Radio Club - Captain Midnight & Code-O-Graphs The Wanderling article on Captain Midnight & Code-o-Graphs Zoot Radio Audio Museum Lone Ranger Atomic Bomb Ring

    1h 2m

  5. 04/17/2024

    16 - JNCO Jeans (1990s)

    Who can resist that sexy triangle silhouette? On this episode, Adam teaches Erin about what "JNCO" actually stands for, corporate marketing teams once again deviously vying to capture "the youths", and the heyday of shopping malls. Select Sources: Mental Floss history of JNCO Jeans The Cut's The Rise and Fall of the JNCO Empire Todd Lyon's JNCO Jeans Commercial ⁠Youth rollerblading while testing the limit of JNCO Jeans' massive pockets⁠ Denim Man, in all his glory (tokyofashion.com)

    1h 19m

  6. 04/10/2024

    15 - Train Collisions (1890s-1930s)

    Ah, the classic American pastime of blowing stuff up. On this episode, Erin teaches Adam about the proper safety precautions for smashing two locomotives together, desert pop up towns, and the man, the myth, the legend: "Head-On Joe" Connolly. Select Sources: Columbus Dispatch Article⁠ Lancaster Eagle Gazette Article Smithsonian Article The Vintage News Article Atomic Accidents Hometown By Handlebar

    1h 14m

  7. 04/03/2024

    14 - Waterbeds (1970s/80s)

    Oh look, another fad from the 1970s that was unnecessarily sexualized. On this episode Adam teaches Erin about the long-winded history of beds, before finally getting to when a guy got the bright idea to make one out of water. Select Sources: ⁠History of Beds - Tuft & Needle Waterbeds are Returning - Seattle Times

    1h 18m

  8. 03/27/2024

    13 - Fondue (1970s)

    Nothing's sexier than a steaming pot full of melted cheese. On this episode, Erin teaches Adam about why you should never drop the bread, the dreaded Swiss Cheese Mafia, and a dairy-and-ski-fueled 1970s swinging culture. Bow-chicka-wow-wow. Select Sources: Ilana Gordon's amazing article on fondue in the Takeout Did someone call for the Cheese Professor? Is Fondue a Sex Thing? Spruce Eat's Fondue History BBC's Fondue History Culture Trip's Fondue History

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Adam and Erin are curious about fads: specifically why they blow up and what makes them disappear. Each week, they'll dig into a new decade to try to understand the rise and fall of a forgotten American icon. If you're into outrageous personalities, pop culture oddities, and fashion choices that make you hide your old photos - this one's for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Fad Files
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fad Files
  • Show Website
    Fad Files