The When It Was Cool Podcast from WhenItWasCool.com is a fun look back at retro pop culture. We discuss retro TV, retro movies, new movies with retro themes, toys, dolls, action figures, cartoons, pro wrestling history, life when we were kids, classic rock music, plus themes from the 1970s through the 1990s! Come join us!
Superman and The Mad Scientist (1941) Retro Cartoon Review
The Fleischer Superman cartoons in the 1940s were extraordinarily groundbreaking at the time and are still looked back on as one of the greatest animated series ever. On this episode, Karl from When It Was Cool looks back at this epic piece of retro pop culture!
Be sure to check out our Patreon page here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Superman_Mad_Scientist_1941_RS.mp3
The Wolf Man (1941) Retro Movie Review
This week our retro movie review continues looking back at the 1941 Universal horror classic The Wolf Man starring Lon Chaney, Jr. While this is perhaps my least favorite of the Universal Pictures horror classics it did lay down the lore for much of what we know as the werewolf mythology. The movie does have its good points also and today host Karl from When It Was Cool talks The Wolf Man (1941).
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/The_Wolf_Man_1941.mp3
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) Movie Review Podcast
Once again it is Friday the 13th so, of course, we have a Friday the 13th movie review! Part VII: The New Blood (1988) features the first appearance of Kane Hodder as Jason Vorhees who also sets a filming record in this movie for the longest legit stunt fire scene up to that date. There is a new cast of victims for Jason to prey upon, but the same tired formula continues in this very predictable movie leading to future changes. Did you know this movie was supposed to be Carrie verses Jason? It was also supposed to be Freddy verses Jason too but that was pushed down the road a few years. Let's talk about it.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/07_Friday_the_13th_VII_The_New_Blood_1988.mp3
Green Hornet (1940) Retro Movie Review
On this When It Was Cool Patreon special I review a movie condensed from the 1940 Green Hornet film serial. Green Hornet and the Lone Ranger exist inside the same fictional universe, in fact, later cannon has Green Hornet as the great nephew of the Lone Ranger. Keye Luke who later played BIind Master Po in Kung Fu is Kato in this series. Karl Stern talks you through this often-overlooked corner of the superhero universe.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Green_Hornet_1940_Retro_Review.mp3
Captain America: Brave New World (2025) Movie Review Podcast
I have sadly sworn off the MCU for some time now. None of the offerings in recent years have appealed to me but when Captain America: Brave New World showed up on Disney Plus I decided to give it a try. Featuring the debut of Harrison Ford's Red Hulk character, could this be the movie that brings me back into the Marvel Universe? Not so fast. Join me while I try to find a ray of hope inside this flawed superhero movie.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Captain_America_Brave_New_World_2025.mp3
G.I. Joe The Cartoons Podcast Special
Today I wrap up my three-part series on the appeal of one of my favorite pop-culture properties: G.I. Joe. Previously, I have taken a look at both the action figures and the comic books and today I look at the multiple cartoon series that have featured G.I. Joe since the mid-1980s including the favorably remembered Sunbow series and the less favorably remembered DIC series, plus more!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/GI_Joe_The_Cartoons.mp3
Son of Frankenstein (1939) Movie Review Podcast
When It Was Cool Dark looks back at 1939's Universal Monster movie Son of Frankenstein where the son of the original Dr. Frankenstein comes to claim his family estate and discovers The Monster has been saved by Ygor (played by Bela Lugosi of Dracula fame) and is being used as a weapon against Ygor's enemies. Karl and Tonya (from When It Was Cool website) discuss the movie and the changes in macabre films over the years and what are the modern equivalents of this type cinema.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/When_It_Was_Cool_Dark_379_Son_of_Frankenstein.mp3
Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Movie Review Podcast
Many believe this is the greatest of the classic monster movies and who am I do disagree? Bride of Frankenstein was a 1935 classic and sequel to the excellent Frankenstein. Join pop culture historian Karl from When It Was Cool as he discusses this classic.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Bride_of_Frankenstein_1935.mp3
G.I. Joe The Comics Podcast Special
One of my favorite aspects of the G.I. Joe franchise were the Marvel comic book series. G.I. Joe had other comic book runs dating as far back as the Golden Age of comics, but it was the 1980s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic book series that really tied everything together. From fan favorites like Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow, to deeper dives like Bazooka and Grand Slam, G.I. Joe is a fantastic franchise that is still going strong today.
Recommendation for today - G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero! Compendium One book. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/GI_Joe_The_Comics.mp3
King Kong (1933) Retro Movie Review Podcast
Join us for another great offering from our Patreon page. King Kong (1933) is a monster movie classic. While the stop motion animation may seem antiquated in the age of CGI and the story and presentation of King Kong from 1933 is still exceptional. Join us as we look back at this monster movie classic!
Recommendation for today - King Kong Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/King_Kong_1933_Review.mp3
Superman in Order Podcast - Action Comics Issue 5
This is a free episode of our Patreon series: Superman in Order Podcast where we follow the appearances of Superman in chronological order. Finally, Superman acts like... well... Superman! Issue 5 of Action Comics features the fifth chronological appearance of Superman and, unlike the last few, Superman is in full costume and saving a town from a dam which is about to burst! A really fun issue of Action Comics!
Recommendation for today - Our Superman in Order Podcast series collection. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/05_Superman_in_Order_Action_Comics_05.mp3
The Mummy (1932) Retro Movie Review Podcast
From our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/wiwcool archive at When It Was Cool is our review of the 1932 Universal Monster movie classic The Mummy! Check us out at When It Was Cool for almost 3000 podcasts on pop culture, retro pop culture, and more!
Recommendation for today - 3.75 inch Funko Universal Monsters The Mummy action figure. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/The_Mummy_1932_WIWC.mp3
G.I. Joe: The Action Figures Podcast Special
Today I begin the first of three new podcasts discussing my favorite retro pop culture property- G.I. Joe! The first installment is on the 3.75-inch G.I. Joe action figures which debuted in stores in 1982 by Hasbro and continues, in some form, until this very day! In two weeks, I will look at G.I. Joe: The Marvel Comics Series then, finally, G.I. Joe: The Cartoon Series. Yo Joe!
Recommendation for today - G.I. Joe Classified Series Snake Eyes Action Figure. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/GI_Joe_The_Action_Figures.mp3
Dracula (1931) Movie Review Podcast
From the When It Was Cool archive on Patreon here, comes a review of the Universal Monsters classic adapted from the legendary book - Dracula! Much of what vampires are and can do were first established in the original novel and the movie. Check out our podcast review of Dracula!
Recommendation for today - Bram Stokers Dracula hardback book. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Dracula_1931_RS.mp3
Phantom of the Opera (1925) Movie Review Podcast
From our Patreon archive here, Karl and Tonya take a special look back at the silent horror film classic, Phantom of the Opera from 1925. This incredible horror movie classic set the standard that monster movies would follow for many years to come and give rise to the classics like Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, and the Wolf Man!
Recommendation for today - Phantom of the Opera collector’s edition hardback book. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Phantom_of_the_Opera_1925.mp3
Morbius (2022) Movie Review Podcast
I have a review of a Spider-Man universe Sony movie today. Morbius (2022), much like Kraven the Hunter which followed it, got scathing reviews online. In fact, many review websites had it ranked as low as 15% positive. It seems I am out of step with these websites because, much like the Kraven movie, I liked this one quite well. In fact, I found it quite true to the source material. I do like vampire movies in general and I thought this one was very much good. Let's talk about it.
Recommendation for today - Morbius Omnibus. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Morbius_2022.mp3
Nosferatu (1922) Movie Review
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror is a 1922 silent German horror film directed by F. W. Murnau and starring Max Schreck as Count Orlok, a vampire. Nosferatu was produced by Prana Film and is an unauthorized and unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula. Various names and other details were changed from the novel, including Count Dracula being renamed Count Orlok. Even with several details altered, Stoker's heirs sued over the adaptation, and a court ruling ordered all copies of the film to be destroyed. However, several prints of Nosferatu survived, and the film came to be regarded as an influential masterpiece of cinema. Today, Karl from When It Was Cool reviews this, very close to the novel, interpretation of Dracula in Nosferatu (1922).
Recommendation for today - Nosferatu (2024) Blu-Ray. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Nosferatu_1922_Previously_on_Patreon.mp3
Kraven the Hunter (2024) Movie Review Podcast
I have a new(er) movie review for you today at When It Was Cool. I recently (finally) watched the Sony Spider-Man universe adjacent movie Kraven the Hunter based on the Marvel Comic book character of the same name. This movie was pretty much universally panned by critics, but I am here to tell you a secret... it's not that bad. In fact, this movie has opened my eyes to the entire Sony Spider-Man universe after having long dismissed it.
Recommendation for today - Kraven the Hunter DVD / Blu-Ray Set. Order here!
Available only on Patreon!
When It Was Cool Podcast - Monday Retro Flashback Podcast - Enter the Dragon Featuring Bruce Lee
This is one of my favorite podcasts from the When It Was Cool Patreon archives, this is a fun look back at the 1973 Kung Fu martial arts movie epic - Enter the Dragon featuring Bruce Lee! Get instant access to over 2,000 podcasts at https://www.patreon.com/wiwcool
Recommendation for today - Bruce Lee: His Greatest Hits (The Big Boss / Fist of Fury / The Way of the Dragon / Enter the Dragon / Game of Death) (The Criterion Collection). Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Enter_the_Dragon_1973_Review.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - Monday Retro Flashback Podcast - DC Super Powers Action Figures
Join me on this show from our Patreon archive looking back at the classic DC Super Powers toy line from the 1980s. This type of content and over 2000 other podcasts are available immediately upon joining our Patreon! Superman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, and many more! Sign up on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/wiwcool
Recommendation for today - DC McFarlane Super Powers Batman Action Figure! Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/DC_Super_Powers_Action_Figures.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - Arts, Crafts, Gene Hackman, More! Special Patreon Extended Edition
The When It Was Cool flagship podcast returns today as Karl and Tonya discuss multiple pop culture issues and news including recent information on the death of actor Gene Hackman. Tonya then discusses some arts and crafts matters as she tries a few new things. Then, in the extended Patreon section, Tonya discusses the continuing effort to write her book, her current mental health, and much more.
Recommendation for today - Superman: The Movie Double Blu-Ray Set! Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/04_When_It_Was_Cool_Gene_Hackman_Arts_and_Crafts_More_Free_Version.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - Monday Retro Flashback Podcast - Adventures of Captain Marvel
Today his 'official' (sort of) name is Shazam, but during the 1940s Captain Marvel was a superhero on the same popularity level as Superman! He even had a serialized adventure series in the 1940s, the earliest of the superheroes! While Captain Marvel in this series differed in many respects from his comic book counterpart, it was still quite a good series! This show is from our Patreon archive of over 2,500 shows. Join today - https://www.patreon.com/wiwcool
Recommendation for today - Adventures of Captain Marvel DVD, streaming, etc! Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Adventures_of_Captain_Marvel_Review.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - 100 Favorite Comics of When It Was Cool
I learned to read in the 1970s largely using comic books. I have read and collected comics for over 40 years. Here at When It Was Cool I have selected my 100 favorite comic books from my life as a comic fan. Included in the discussion are Superman, Batman, Fantastic Four, G.I. Joe, Justice League, Avengers, Defenders, Iron Fist, Daredevil, and many more. Support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/wiwcool
Recommendation for today - Fantastic Four Omnibus by Jonathan Hickman. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/RP_100_Favorite_WIWC_Comics_of_All_Time.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - Monday Retro Flashback Podcast - Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989)
While Daredevil has been brought back from limbo by the MCU, Daredevil's first on screen appearance wasn't the Netflix series, nor even the forgettable 1990s movie! Instead, it was as a character in the 1989 made for TV movie - Trial of the Incredible Hulk! This show is from our Patreon archive of over 2,500 shows. Join today - https://www.patreon.com/wiwcool
Recommendation for today - Trial of the Incredible Hulk & The Incredible Hulk Returns starring Daredevil and Thor on DVD! Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Monday_Retro_Flashback_Show_Trial_of_the_Incredible_Hulk_1989_Feed.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - Monday Retro Flashback Podcast - X-Men the Animated Series (1992)
Each Monday I will post one retro pop culture offering from our vast library of almost 3,000 podcasts on our Patreon Page at WhenItWasCool.com. Today we look back one of the most beloved animated cartoon properties, X-Men the Animated Series from 1992!
Recommendation for today - Arcade1Up Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 X-Men ‘97 Edition Deluxe Arcade Machine, Built for Your Home, Over 5-Foot-Tall Cabinet with Over 8 Classic Games. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/X-Men_Animated_Series_1992_Feed.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - Monday Retro Flashback Podcast - G.I. Joe: SE1 EP1
From our Patreon files at WhenItWasCool.com we present to you this classic review of the G.I. Joe Sunbow cartoon series! G.I. Joe was one of my favorite toy properties in the 1980s and 1990s and I was a huge fan of the G.I. Joe Marvel Comic book series but less a fan of the cartoon. Today, I give G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero cartoon series a new look!
Recommendation for today - G.I. Joe: The Complete Collection Volume One collecting early issues of Marvel Comic’s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, G.I. Joe: Special Missions, and more! Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/GI_Joe_ARAH_SE1_EP1.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - Old School School, More Snacks!
Karl and Tonya invite you in for a discussion about pop culture and retro pop culture from When It Was Cool! On this podcast, Karl and Tonya discuss school life in the 1970s through the 1990s, how things have changed, and what we can't make sense of today. Then we take you with us as we go through another subscription snack box, this time we have snacks from Spain! From pro wrestling history, to toys, to movies, TV, and more, When It Was Cool is your place for retro pop culture fun!
Recommendation for today - DragonKingKarl's Pioneer Era Pro Wrestling Omnibus Book: The Bible of the Pioneer Era of Pro Wrestling. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/03_When_It_Was_Cool_Old_School_School_and_Snacks.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - 1970s TV, Retro Fashion, Music, and More
Karl and Tonya reminisce about the important pop culture influences in their lives. Tonya discusses fashion of the 1980s and 1990s, Karl talks about the Six Million Dollar Man and comic books. They discuss the impact that pop culture has made in their lives and how the love of music was a common factor in their relationship. From the sitcoms of the 1960s-1990s to the music we all love, When It Was Cool is your podcast all about retro pop culture fun!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/02_When_It_Was_Cool_1970s_TV_Fashion_Music_More.mp3
When It Was Cool Podcast - New Season! Retro Stuff in 2024 and 2025, Korean Snacks, more!
Karl and Tonya from WhenItWasCool.com return for a new season of the flagship When It Was Cool Podcast where we talk about retro pop culture and fun! On this show we discuss some of the retro pop culture highlights from last year and look ahead to 2025's new offerings including the new Superman movie and more. Then we dive into a box full of snacks that are supposed to be popular in Korea! Was it a boom or bust? We will let you know! Movies, TV, music, sports, toys, and more at When It Was Cool!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/01_When_It_Was_Cool_Retro_2024_and_2025_Korean_Snacks.mp3
Batman Caped Crusader (2024) Review
Batman is starring on Amazon Prime (of all places?) in a new animated series stylized very similar to the classic Batman the Animated Series. The series is either getting rave reviews or brutalized depending on who you ask. Well, if you're asking me, I thought it was pretty good. Some episodes are better than others and a few are excellent. It is a slightly different take on Batman to be sure. Speaking of being sure, be sure to check out our ongoing Patreon series Batman in Order following every chronological appearance of Batman!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Batman_Caped_Crusader_2024.mp3
Taylor Swift- The Eras Tour Review
No, we aren't Swifties, but you can bet a ton of money that Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop culture stars of this era. Tonya turned it on, and Karl watched it, and many lessons were learned. Taylor Swift is a pop culture phenomenon and in front of 100,000 people in Los Angeles she put on a three-hour entertainment spectacular that bears commentary. No matter if you are a fan of her music or not there is much that can be learned about the entertainment machine that is Taylor Swift. If you aren't already there, support us on Patreon. Try us for one month and get instant access to over 2,100 podcasts on pop culture and retro pop culture. The time is now!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Taylor_Swift_The_Eras_Tour_2024.mp3
Casey Anthony's Parents: The Lie Detector Test Documentary Review Podcast
Karl and Tonya visit the true crime genre this episode as we review the new documentary that attempts to answer more questions about the death of Caylee Anthony around July 2008. Her mother Casey was ultimately found not guilty of her child's death but was charged with lying to authorities. Few people, aside apparently from the jury, seem to believe she wasn't at least heavily involved. Since then, Casey has turned on her parents, her father in particular, and has leveled hideous accusations against him. Now, A&E Network has given Casey's parents a lie detector test and the results are in... Come to the gray area with When It Was Cool.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Casey_Anthonys_Parents_Lie_Detector_Test_2024.mp3
Quiet on Set (Nickelodeon Documentary) Review Podcast
Karl and Tonya from When It Was Cool take a look at the new documentary Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV a 2024 documentary that details the behind-the-scenes world of children's TV programs from the 1990s to the 2000s, focusing on Dan Schneider's tenure as a producer at Nickelodeon. The series was released on both Max and Discovery Plus. This show is dark. Listener discretion is advised, and you shouldn't have to say that about a documentary about kid's TV shows.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Quiet_on_the_Set_2024.mp3
The Fall Guy (2024) Movie Review Podcast
Join us as we discuss a new blockbuster movie based on a retro property- The Fall Guy! Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt star in a story about a stunt man who ends up caught up in a murder mystery in Australia. This movie is fantastic with tons of action and comedy. It doesn't try to get too sophisticated for what it is and pays a great deal of respect to the original Lee Majors lead TV show. Hop in your four-wheel drive and get ready to do some cannon rolls!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/The_Fall_Guy_2024.mp3
Batman in Order Podcast 01 - Detective Comics Issue 27
Join When It Was Cool on this new series following the chronological history of The Batman from his debut in 1939 through history. This is not a documentary series about the creators and artists (though they are mentioned) but instead is a study of the character of the Batman himself and the changes he has gone through over the years. Episode one takes a look back to 1939 and the debut of Batman in the pages of Detective Comics.
You can read the article at When It Was Cool - here
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/01_Batman_in_Order_Detective_Comics_27.mp3
All Archived When It Was Cool Podcast Episodes are available exclusively on our Patreon page! Click here to see our back catalog of podcasts!
