The Atlas Obscura Podcast Rolando Pujol and the Great American Retro Road Trip
Aug 7, 2025
Rolando Pujol, an executive producer at ABC, shares his love for quirky roadside attractions in his book about Americana. He reminisces on nostalgic icons like Muffler Men and discusses the charming, albeit fading, billboards that define American travel. The conversation takes a deep dive into the decline of these attractions, while also glimmering with hope for their revitalization. Listeners are invited to share their own roadside stories, creating a delightful celebration of America's unique travel culture.
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Childhood Roadside Wonder
- Rolando's first exposure to South of the Border roadside attraction was on a family road trip at age four.
- The extensive pun-filled billboards from miles away made it magical and memorable for him as a child.
Memetic Architecture's Lasting Charm
- Memetic architecture uses building shapes to reflect what they sell, creating memorable roadside landmarks.
- Adaptive reuse of these buildings adds layers of history and keeps nostalgia alive.
Fast Food Architecture Reflects Culture
- Fast food chain architecture reflects the country’s style and era, especially mid-20th century designs.
- Many chains shifted from colorful, playful designs to austere, drive-thru-focused buildings recently.
