Talk ’90s to me

Polly Hudson, columnist and former Mirror writer, revisits the Beckham wedding and 1990s celebrity fever. She unpack s the Vera Wang dress, purple thrones and Robin Hood–style decor. Short scenes on magazine deals, baby Brooklyn on show, and the notorious VD monogram punctuate a look at how one wedding reshaped media and fame.

In this captivating discussion, pop-culture historian Jennifer Otter Bickerdike, author of 'Being Britney,' unpacks Britney Spears' meteoric rise to fame in 1999. She explores the cultural landscape, revealing how 90s pop and Britpop set the stage for her debut. Jennifer highlights intriguing insights into Britney's creative process, her distinctive fashion that resonated with teens, and the relentless media scrutiny she faced. They also delve into themes of purity culture and Britney's immense impact on music and pop culture, celebrating her legacy and influence.

Join comedian Josh Widdicombe, known for his sharp wit and love of '90s TV, as he dives into the chaotic brilliance of TFI Friday. He reflects on how Chris Evans' high-energy hosting created a lively atmosphere that felt like a night out in '90s London. They discuss the spontaneous, unpredictable nature of the show and its quirky segments, from eccentric audience participation to bizarre skits. Widdicombe reminisces about iconic moments with legends like David Bowie and how TFI encapsulated a vibrant cultural shift.

Join Jamie East, a broadcaster and film enthusiast, as he dives into the groundbreaking world of Pulp Fiction. Discover how Tarantino's non-linear storytelling rewrote cinematic rules and revitalized John Travolta’s career. Jamie discusses the film's exhilarating pace, iconic dance scenes, and its legendary soundtrack that gave new life to classic tracks. They explore the complex character arcs, dark comedy moments, and the cultural impact that made this film a defining piece of 90s cinema. Buckle up for a wild ride through film history!

Anthony Teasdale, a DJ and journalist with a keen eye for style, joins the conversation to dive into the lasting impact of Adidas Gazelle trainers. They discuss how Gazelles became a cultural staple in the '90s, worn by everyone from indie fans to school kids. Anthony shares insights on their evolution, from trendy to timeless, and the regional divides in footwear preferences. With a nod to their pop culture presence today and a sprinkle of nostalgia, this chat is a celebration of a shoe that remains stylish decades later.

Diving deep into all things ’90s. Did the Great British Christmas Number One peak in the ’90s? Miranda Sawyer sits down with comedian Marc Burrows, author of Mistletoe and Vinyl: The Story of the Christmas No. 1, to get our heads around the annual scramble to be top of the Christmas pops. It’s an epic tale featuring Michael Jackson, the Spice Girls, Queen and even Cliff Richard. Plus: we attempt to answer the most important question of all – what is Mr Blobby, and how did his Christmas Number One help usher in the downfall of the Christmas chart crown?  • Want an extra mini-pod every two weeks, early ad free episodes and access to some mint merch? ⁠Support us on Patreon Follow us on:  BlueSky  Instagram  TikTok  Subscribe to our Spotify playlist • Buy Miranda’s book Uncommon People: Britpop and Beyond in 20 Songs and Marc’s book Mistletoe and Vinyl: The Story of the Christmas No.1 through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll be helping the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. • Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out moreWritten and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio and video production by Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Soniq Branding from Artlist. Talk ’90s To Me is a Podmasters production.  www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this lively discussion, Tony Mortimer, a founding member of East 17 and the mastermind behind the iconic holiday hit 'Stay Another Day,' reveals how personal tragedy inspired the song. He shares the journey of crafting the track in just six weeks and the surprising marketing insight that led to its festive association. The conversation also explores the band's rise to fame, their image struggles, and the unexpected competition with Mariah Carey for the Christmas No. 1 spot. Plus, Tony reflects on his life after the band and the evolution of his songwriting.

Simon Kuper, a renowned football writer and author, shares his insights on the transformative World Cup of 1990. He discusses the dramatic moments, from Gazza's emotional tears to Maradona's controversial decline. Kuper highlights Cameroon's stunning upset over Argentina and the event's role in changing football's viewer engagement through television innovations. He reflects on England's semi-final run, the heartbreak of penalties, and the tournament's cultural impact, including its iconic music that resonated with a new generation of fans.

Mary Portas, the 'Queen of Shops' and author, dives into the 90s retail revolution. She shares thrilling stories of transforming Harvey Nichols into a fashion hotspot, creating catwalks out of shop floors, and the wild antics behind iconic fashion shows. Mary discusses how celebrities like Naomi Campbell influenced trends and the role of Absolutely Fabulous in reshaping retail perceptions. Plus, she reflects on the nostalgia for tactile shopping experiences and the impact of digital retail on local communities.

Phoebe Roy, a writer and comedian, and Milo Edwards, a comedian and podcaster, dive into the quirky world of Seinfeld, dissecting its rise from an oddity to a cultural landmark. They share how the show's 'nothing' premise mirrors real friendships, recount childhood VHS hunting experiences, and analyze iconic character dynamics, particularly George and Elaine. The duo reflects on the show's legacy and influence on modern comedy, while also addressing more controversial aspects of Jerry's life, balancing nostalgia with critical insights.