About this episode

The episode explores the history and cultural significance of the Bomb Pop, a popsicle invented in Kansas City, and the controversy surrounding its symbolism during the Cold War.

Invented in Kansas City in 1955, the Bomb Pop is the ultimate shorthand for nostalgic Americana — a throwback to the simple days of ice cream trucks, July 4th fireworks, and humid summer nights. But Mackenzie Martin reports that during the Cold War, some parents revolted over the symbolism of selling a red-white-and-blue frozen weapon of war to children.

Topics covered

• nostalgia
• American culture
• ice cream
• Cold War
• childhood memories

Keywords

• Bomb Pop
• Kansas City
• popsicle
• nostalgia
• Cold War
• ice cream trucks
• July 4th
• Americana

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Bomb Pop

Places: Kansas City, Cold War

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