Talk ’90s to me

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.

John Robb, a journalist and founder of Louder Than War, pays tribute to the beloved Stone Roses bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield. Robb reflects on how Mani's infectious personality and warmth united the band and the music scene in Manchester. He explores Mani’s punk roots, his intuitive bass playing that fused indie and dance, and his role as a mediator within a volatile group. With personal anecdotes and insight into Mani's legacy, Robb captures why Mani remains cherished in British music history.

This week features Sarah Morgan, a comedy writer known for her work on Geek Girl, who dives into the cultural impact of Thelma & Louise. She discusses the film's liberating narrative and how it reshaped perceptions of chick flicks. Sarah reveals fascinating insights about casting, including the last-minute choice of Brad Pitt and Meryl Streep’s notable influence. They also analyze iconic scenes, character development, and the critical backlash that sparked vital conversations about feminism in Hollywood.

Michael Cragg, music journalist and author of 'Reach for the Stars: 1996–2006,' dives into the vibrant world of 90s boy bands. He shares how Take That transformed the genre and the impact of Robbie Williams' departure. The conversation explores fan culture before social media and the obsessive marketing strategies of the era. Michael delves into the rise and fall of groups like Westlife and Five, highlighting the mental health struggles they faced. He also discusses the evolution of boy bands into the 2000s and the shift away from choreography in male acts.

Stand-up comedian and podcaster Carl Donnelly shares his deep passion for trip-hop and Massive Attack. He explores how 'Unfinished Sympathy' revolutionized ’90s music by blending hip hop, soul, and dance influences. Carl highlights Shara Nelson’s key role in the song and the often-overlooked contributions of female vocalists. He also describes the remarkable strings arrangement story and the emotional impact of its iconic single-take music video. The discussion immerses listeners in the modern yet melancholic vibe that defined a generation.

Joe Muggs, a journalist and writer specializing in electronic music, joins to share the wild story of The KLF, a band that shockingly burnt a million pounds. He discusses their origins, from Bill Drummond's Liverpool roots to their influence on acid house and rave culture. Joe delves into their infamous hits, including a controversial Doctor Who mashup, and explores their artistic provocation with the K Foundation. The conversation wraps up with insights into their lasting legacy, including the innovative People's Pyramid project.

The brand new podcast that dives deep into all things ’90s. For our special Halloween episode, we’re looking back at the film that defined ‘90s horror. When Scream slashed into cinemas in 1996, Wes Craven’s meta-masterpiece tore up the rulebook and rewrote the genre for a new generation. Miranda Sawyer is joined by Clark Collis, author of Screaming and Conjuring: The Resurrection and Unstoppable Rise of the Modern Horror Movie to find out why Scream is still the sharpest horror satire and asking the question: “What’s your favourite scary movie?” Follow us on:  BlueSky  Instagram  TikTok  Subscribe to our Spotify playlist Buy Miranda’s book Uncommon People: Britpop and Beyond in 20 Songs and Clark’s book Screaming and Conjuring: The Resurrection and Unstoppable Rise of the Modern Horror Movie 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