What the HELL Were You Thinking? Dave Bledsoe
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- Comedy
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All the things that made the world the way it is now.
Welcome to the podcast takes your nostalgia, tells you the history behind it and makes you ask What the HELL Were You Thinking. Host Dave Bledsoe takes the history, politics and pop culture of the past fifty years and explains what it was like to live through it and why it is still ruining the world today. So join Dave, his hapless Producer Gavin St James every Monday for time capsule of truth! Find us at whatthehellpodcast.com, @thehell_podcast on Twitter, @whatthehellpodcast.bsky.social and the show name on Facebook.
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Tell Him About the Twinkie
Show Notes Episode 447: Tell Him About the Twinkie
This week Host Dave Bledsoe insists he cannot be legally responsible for this bar tab because he was drunk when the charges were incurred! (The bartender dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning the bouncers threw him in the dumpster out back. Again.) On the show this week we examine how a snack cake entered the lexicon of American jurisprudence. (Hint: It was the media.)
Along the way we learn why Dave was such a fat little boy! (Little Debbies ARE delicious!) Then we explain the history of the Twinkie, which has absolutely NOTHING to do with the court case we eventually get around to talking about! (This is a very circuitous episode.) Finally we get into the court case in which case the aforementioned Twinkie is tangentially relevant. (We have a formula, folks.) We talk about the San Francisco murders of Harvey Milk and George Moscone. But mostly we talk about the defense their murderer Dan White used in court. (Ergo, the Twinkie Defense.)
Our Sponsor this week is Low Rent Legal, because even bad lawyers are still technically lawyers. We open the show with an explanation of the Twinkie and close with Larry Groce, who has a problem.
Show Theme: Hypnostate Prelude to Common Sense
The Show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHell_Podcast
The Show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthehellpodcast/
The Show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxP5ywpZ-O7qu_MFkLXQUQ
The Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthehellwereyouthinkingpod/
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/kHmmrjptrq
www.whatthehellpodcast.com
Give us your money on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Whatthehellpodcast
The Show Line: 347 687 9601
Closing Music:https://youtu.be/jQnIL-XPerQ?si=rFol2hlE5KBieNUl
We are a proud member of the Seltzer Kings Podcast Network! http://seltzerkings.com/
Citations Needed:
LGBT culture in San Francisco
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_culture_in_San_Francisco#:~:text=San%20Francisco%27s%20LGBT%20culture%20has,a%20town%20where%20anything%20goes%22.
SUSPECT SOUGHT JOB
https://www.nytimes.com/1978/11/28/archives/suspect-sought-job-moscone-had-been-asked-to-reappoint-him-as-a.html
The Trial of Dan White: An Account
https://www.famous-trials.com/danwhite/599-home
Myth of the 'Twinkie defense' / The verdict in the Dan White case wasn't based on his ingestion of junk food
https://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Myth-of-the-Twinkie-defense-The-verdict-in-2511152.php
Dan White's Motive More About Betrayal Than Homophobia
https://web.archive.org/web/20120805184657/http://www.sfweekly.com/2008-01-30/news/white-in-milk/1/
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Many Fools Were Pitied
Show Notes Episode 446: Many Fools Were Pitied
This week Host Dave Bledsoe is kicked out of a bar for bar tab he claimed he did not commit and is desperately searching for the A-Team to help. (The A-Team in this case is asking Gavin to loan him fifty bucks until Friday.) On the show this week we examine life and career or 80’s pop culture phenom Laurence Tereaud. You know him as Mr. T.
Along the way we discover why Dave never wears any jewelry. (He is a cheapskate) Then we dive right into how much America loves to make myths out of men, whether those men deserve it or not. However, in the case of Mr. T.,he kind of does.
We trace T’s origins from the South Side of Chicago (It’s the baddest part of town) to a riot on a college campus, then to T’s lumberjacking in the military and finally to Dingbats, the disco where Mr. T’s personae was developed. (And the lawsuit over the proceeds). We follow his movie and television career to the inevitable moment Nancy Reagan sits on his lap and kisses him. (It was a strange moment in America). In the end we discover something about Mr. T. and about ourselves. (Meaning Dave couldn’t find anything horrible to say about Mr. T.)
Our Sponsor this week is Fools Gold, because REAL gold is expensive. We open the show with words of advice from Mr. T. and close with Eric Berts explaining an origins story.
Show Theme: Hypnostate Prelude to Common Sense
The Show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHell_Podcast
The Show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthehellpodcast/
The Show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxP5ywpZ-O7qu_MFkLXQUQ
The Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthehellwereyouthinkingpod/
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/kHmmrjptrq
www.whatthehellpodcast.com
Give us your money on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Whatthehellpodcast
The Show Line: 347 687 9601
Closing Music:https://youtu.be/XTd6ZFpQKfs?si=wGaFRdLE7Wtpxn0C
We are a proud member of the Seltzer Kings Podcast Network! http://seltzerkings.com/
Citations Needed:
Actor and professional wrestler Mr. T, known for his mohawk and gold chains, starred in 1980s TV programs like 'The A-Team' and 'Mister T.'
https://www.biography.com/actors/mr-t
“Silence is a very good weapon”
https://pvpantherproject.com/2023/02/silence-is-a-very-good-weapon/
Wikipedia: Mr T
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._T
Famous Veteran: Mr. T
https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/famous-veterans-mr-t.html#:~:text=In%201975%2C%20he%20became%20Pvt,leader%20at%20Fort%20McCoy%2C%20Wisconsin.
Mr. T loses in court
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/25/Mr-T-loses-in-court/7214838267200/#:~:text=%27I%20was%20the%20originator%20of,and%20promoted%20him%20as%20Mr.
How The A-Team sparked the cult phenomenon that was Mr. T
https://www.metv.com/stories/how-the-a-team-sparked-the-cult-phenomenon-that-was-mr-t
Mr. T Reveals How 'That' Photo of Nancy Reagan Sitting on His Lap Came to Be
https://people.com/politics/mr-t-reveals-the-story-behind-nancy-reagan-sitting-on-his-lap/
Mr. T dressed as Santa. Nancy Reagan sat on his lap. It was the most shocking first lady photo ever.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2018/12/21/mr-t-dressed-santa-nancy-reagan-sat-his-lap-it-was-most-shocking-first-lady-photo-ever/
'The A-Team' 's Mr. T
https://people.com/archive/cover-story-the-a-teams-mr-t-vol-19-no-21/
Words of Wisdom from Mr. T
https://www.beliefnet.com/entertainment/celebrities/words-of-wisdom-from-mr-t.aspx
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What We Are Talking When We Talk Taco Tuesday
Show Notes Episode 445: “What We’re Talking When We’re Talking Taco Tuesday”
This week Host Dave Bledsoe passes out face down in a Big Beef Burrito Supreme and is kicked out of Taco Bell. (Again) On the show this week talk tacos, specifically we are talking out the origins of Taco Tuesday! (Who doesn’t love tacos, right?)
Along the way we discover that Dave probably missed out on his once chance for a meaningful relationship but not understanding the fundamental nature of “cruising”. Then we dive right into the history of food wrapped in tortillas, going all the way to Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica! We trace the tasty treats journey from south of the border to the boardroom of megacorporations as they squabble over who owned the rights to use the phrase “taco tuesday” (Come to find out, the legal owner is a bar in New Jersey!) Then we take the time to examine the beauty of the taco and how it can heal us as a nation.
Our Sponsor this week is the return Tacopocalypse It’s HERE! We open the show with a very smart Chihuahua and close with Lucky Diaz singing the national anthem of Taco Tuesday!
Show Theme: Hypnostate Prelude to Common Sense
The Show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHell_Podcast
The Show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthehellpodcast/
The Show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxP5ywpZ-O7qu_MFkLXQUQ
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/kHmmrjptrq
www.whatthehellpodcast.com
Give us your money on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Whatthehellpodcast
The Show Line: 347 687 9601
Closing Music:https://youtu.be/XTd6ZFpQKfs?si=wGaFRdLE7Wtpxn0C
We are a proud member of the Seltzer Kings Podcast Network! http://seltzerkings.com/
Citations Needed:
Wikipedia: Taco
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taco
Where Did the Taco Come From?
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/where-did-the-taco-come-from-81228162/
The Trademarking of “Taco Tuesday”
https://priceonomics.com/the-trademarking-of-taco-tuesday/
The Crazy Contentious History of Taco Tuesday
https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/history-of-taco-tuesday-when-did-it-start
The Surprisingly Contentious Origins of Taco Tuesday
https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/taco-tuesday-history-origins
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Ron, John, and Jodie
Show Notes Episode 444: “Ron, John and Jodie”
This week Host Dave Bledsoe asks the bartender “You talking to me, are YOU talking to me?” when they ask him to pay for his drinks. (The bartender replied that he must be since he didn’t see any other deadbeat drunks around there.) On the show this week we head back to 1981 when John Hinckley Jr had his shot at greatness and missed. (A very fine line is being walked)
Along the way we discover why Dave is the sad lonely old man he is today. (He is afraid of girls!) Then we dive right into the events of March 30th 1981 when Organized Labor saved Ronald Reagan’s life. (And STILL he fired those air traffic controllers!) We might John Warnock Hinckley Jr, a rich kid living the rich kid life in the mid 1970’s. But then his life took a turn toward darkness (not becoming a stock broker, which is how most rich kids turned to darkness back then.) Follow along as John watches a movie and takes the entirely wrong message and then barks a wrong try by trying to woo a young Jodie Foster. (She was gay THEN John!) Finally we talk about his trial and how it changed very, very little.
Our Sponsor this week is Boyd’s Body Armor, because somebody probably wants to shoot you. We open with NBC Nightly News and close with J. Fla who wants you to not miss your shot.
Show Theme: Hypnostate Prelude to Common Sense
The Show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHell_Podcast
The Show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthehellpodcast/
The Show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxP5ywpZ-O7qu_MFkLXQUQ
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/kHmmrjptrq
www.whatthehellpodcast.com
Give us your money on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Whatthehellpodcast
The Show Line: 347 687 9601
Closing Music: https://youtu.be/DPJv5u1EcaM?si=bHA4Zs7RTvXojUTI
We are a proud member of the Seltzer Kings Podcast Network! http://seltzerkings.com/
Citations Needed:
The First 100 Days: Reagan Pushed His Agenda of Tax Cuts and Less Government
https://www.usnews.com/news/history/articles/2009/03/12/the-first-100-days-reagan-pushed-his-agenda-of-tax-cuts-and-less-government
John Hinckley, Jr. brings infamy to Lubbock
https://web.archive.org/web/20130925143644/http://www.lubbockcentennial.com/Section/1959_1983/hinckley.shtml
The Trial of John W. Hinckley, Jr.
https://famous-trials.com/johnhinckley/537-home?__cf_chl_tk=FpBcrfEUItcGHJE40s26uuMJWXN8nEjNfUe3GY7mdMs-1711234800-0.0.1.1-1365
The John Hinckley Case
https://www.crimelibrary.org/terrorists_spies/assassins/john_hinckley/4.html
From Daniel M’Naughten to John Hinckley, A Brief History of the Insanity Defense
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/crime/trial/history.html#:~:text=Before%20Hinckley%2C%20the%20burden%20of,the%20time%20of%20the%20crime.
John Hinckley Jr., who once tried to kill Ronald Reagan, claims he is a victim of ‘cancel culture’ after concert nixed: ‘Keeps happening’
https://nypost.com/2024/03/20/us-news/john-hinckley-jr-claims-he-is-a-victim-of-cancel-culture-after-concert-called-off/
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Hale Bopp MmmHmm Hale Bopp (Part Two of Packing A Purple Shroud)
Show Notes Episode 443: Hale Bopp, Mmmmhmm, Hale Bopp
Part Two of Packing a Purple Shroud
This week Host Dave Bledsoe drunkenly gets into a white panel van thinking it was an Uber and spent three days in a UFO Cult before they kicked him out for being an a*****e. (Again) On the show this week we finish our story about the Heaven’s Gate Cult. (Trigger Warning, balls are cut off)
Along the way we discover Dave was quite the connoisseur of uncomfortable ways to fly. Then we pick back up with Herff and Bonnie who are busy building themselves a clique of believers. We follow along as they assemble their “Away Team” (Honestly, these people were watching too much Star Trek and that is saying something coming from THIS podcast),moving from “starbases” in the woods to a mansion in San Diego. We cover the innovative solution to their sexual desires. (They cut off their balls) Finally, we discuss their ascension and why America found it so fucking funny. (America has bad taste)
Our Sponsor this week is Art’s Intergalactic Tours, when it is time to leave the Earth behind, book with Art’s! We open the show with Art Bell and close with Leo Moracchioli who plays us a little bop!
Show Theme: Hypnostate Prelude to Common Sense
The Show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHell_Podcast
The Show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthehellpodcast/
The Show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxP5ywpZ-O7qu_MFkLXQUQ
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/kHmmrjptrq
www.whatthehellpodcast.com
Give us your money on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Whatthehellpodcast
The Show Line: 347 687 9601
Closing Music: https://youtu.be/1ZxP5g7lMrs?si=GaYz2DIMWkkpuOPK
We are a proud member of the Seltzer Kings Podcast Network! http://seltzerkings.com/
Citations Needed:
Overview of Present Mission
https://heavensgate.com/misc/ovrview.htm
Eyes on Glory: Pied Pipers of Heaven's Gate
https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/28/us/eyes-on-glory-pied-pipers-of-heaven-s-gate.html?sec=health&pagewanted=4
Wikipedia: Techniques to enter the next level
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate_(religious_group)#Techniques_to_enter_the_next_level
Line separating comedy, tragedy is awfully thin
https://www.deseret.com/1997/4/11/19305964/line-separating-comedy-tragedy-is-awfully-thin/
Suicides should inspire curiosity, not jokes Guest columnist Joshua Molina (Not that one)
https://osupublicationarchives.osu.edu/?a=d&d=LTN19970409-01.2.18&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------
Fascination over Heaven’s Gate cult continues, 20 years after mass suicide
https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-heavens-gate-20170319-story.html
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Which Brings Us Back to Doh!
Show Notes Episode 442: “Which Brings Us Back to DOH!”
Part One of Packing a Purple Shroud
This week Host Dave Bledsoe asks the bartender to float him one last drink because later he will be leaving to join a Mothership located near Uranus. (He was still giggling when the bouncer dragged him out.) On the show this week we turn back to 1997 when a group of religious enthusiasts made big news for their unorthodox travel plans! We are talking about Heaven's Gate!
Along the way we discover that Dave once tried to join a Wiccan coven because he thought he would see chicks naked. (They turned him down because they had no desire to see Dave naked.) Then we meet Marshall Herff Applewhite, a gentle soul born in the wrong place and time, also the wrong planet. We follow Herff on his journey toward enlightenment, by which we mean we watch him struggle with being gay. Herff struggles would eventually lead him to his cosmic destiny in the form of a middle aged Registered Nurse who was into astrology and aliens. (Everyone has a soulmate.) Together the two would join together to become The Two, Bo and Peep and Ti and Do. (Yes, like the song.) When we are done you will have the backstory you need to understand (OK not understand, but be informed about) the origins of the Heaven’s Gate Cult.
Our Sponsor this week is The Temple of Dave Ascendant, we may not save your soul, but at least you get to keep your dick and balls. We open with Lewis Black close withEdgard Roock who metals up on old classic.
Show Theme: Hypnostate Prelude to Common Sense
The Show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHell_Podcast
The Show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthehellpodcast/
The Show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxP5ywpZ-O7qu_MFkLXQUQ
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/kHmmrjptrq
www.whatthehellpodcast.com
Give us your money on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Whatthehellpodcast
The Show Line: 347 687 9601
Closing Music: https://youtu.be/jAb9uPIHfds?si=r9DbrVpkaFZFJ1D5
We are a proud member of the Seltzer Kings Podcast Network! http://seltzerkings.com/
Citations Needed:
General background information
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate:_The_Cult_of_Cults
Wikipedia Heaven’s Gate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate_(religious_group)
Wikipedia Fourth Great Awakening
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Great_Awakening
Eyes on Glory: Pied Pipers of Heaven's Gate
https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/28/us/eyes-on-glory-pied-pipers-of-heaven-s-gate.html?sec=health&pagewanted=1
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Customer Reviews
Incredible
This is a hilarious and really well done show, the new one is also really well done! Keep up the great content on both shows.
I wish I were a writer
Here is a good place to focus your rage! Enjoy it while we have it and seriously, we need to focus our rage.
not suitable for idiots
but you’re not an idiot are you