About this episode

In this episode, Frank Santopadre concludes a two-part celebration of roadside Americana with guests Rich Brown and Rolando Pujol, discussing the history and nostalgia of American culture.

In the conclusion of a two-part episode, Frank is joined by producer-comedian Rich Brown ("Jimmy Kimmel Live," "Beyond Vaudeville") and "retrologist" and author Rolando Pujol ("The Great American Retro Road Trip: A Celebration of Roadside Americana") as they celebrate the 100th year of Route 66 and examine a uniquely "American story" told through luncheonettes, bowling alleys, neon signs, ghost towns and giant teapots. In this episode, the boys discuss long-lost stores and brands (Buster Brown, J.J. Newberry, Woolworth), the history of Googie architecture, the disappearance of drive-in theaters (and drive-in restaurants) and the fascinating tale of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Also, Rich remembers Monkey Island, Rolando tries to explain "The Thing," Frank continues his quest for the perfect egg cream and Chris Elliott moves into the former Nut Museum. PLUS: The Billy Goat Tavern! The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee! Yogi Bear replaces Jackie Gleason! KFC makes its debut...in Utah? And Rolando visits the last Blockbuster Video in America! Join our Patreon today! ⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/FunForAllAgesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Frank Santopadre

Guests: Rich Brown, Rolando Pujol

Topics covered

• roadside Americana
• Route 66
• American history
• drive-in theaters
• Googie architecture
• nostalgia
• lost brands

Keywords

• Route 66
• drive-in theaters
• Googie architecture
• nostalgia
• American history
• roadside attractions
• lost brands
• Monkey Island
• Blockbuster Video
• KFC

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: KFC, Blockbuster Video, Monkey Island, Billy Goat Tavern, Weeki Wachee, Nut Museum, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Beyond Vaudeville, Woolworth, Buster Brown

Books & works: The Great American Retro Road Trip: A Celebration of Roadside Americana

Places: Route 66, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Utah

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