Do you remember when you could scratch a picture in a book and smell the picture that you were scratching? Strawberries? Yum! Mint? Fresh! Dog Poop? Yuck!
In this episode of Dirt Nap City, we'll explore the fascinating history of products designed to stimulate our sense of smell, from the quirky to the cutting-edge.

First, we'll delve into the world of scratch-and-sniff stickers and books. These innovative products, popularized in the 1970s and 80s, allowed readers to experience a multi-sensory reading experience. We'll discuss the science behind these fragrant wonders and share some of the most iconic and bizarre scents that were once available.

Next, we'll turn our attention to the ambitious experiment in cinematic history known as "Smell-O-Vision." This short-lived technology aimed to enhance the movie-going experience by releasing synchronized scents into the theater. We'll examine the technical challenges, the public's reaction, and the lasting impact of this pioneering attempt to engage all the senses.

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Buckle up, folks, for a wild ride through the life and times of America's most boisterous president, Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt! Forget the stuffy history books – we're diving headfirst into the life of this larger-than-life character, complete with charging rhinos, political brawls, and enough stories to make your head spin.

We'll explore Teddy's audacious adventures: from his days as a sickly kid to his transformation into a rugged outdoorsman, complete with bear hunting escapades and a penchant for wielding a big stick (literally!). We'll unpack his presidency, a whirlwind of trust-busting, conservation, and, of course, that time he mediated a peace treaty while wearing his pajamas.

Teddy Roosevelt was more than a politician, he was a bad ass...perhaps the most bad ass politician the United States has ever known. Whether you want to know more about his days as a rough rider, or you want to know how many acres of national parks he gave us, this episode of Dirt Nap City will tame the wild man who was the 26th president of the United States.

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Dirt Nap City is the show about interesting dead people.
Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

Join us on a captivating journey through the life and works of Charles Dickens, one of the most celebrated and influential novelists in English literature.

Dirt Nap City delves deep into the Victorian era, exploring the social and political climate that shaped Dickens's unique perspective. We'll examine his extraordinary life, from his impoverished childhood to his rise as a literary giant. We'll discuss his groundbreaking novels, including classics like Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and David Copperfield. We'll explore his use of vivid characters, memorable plots, and powerful social critiques to address issues of poverty, inequality, and the human condition.

Whether you're a long-time Dickens enthusiast or simply curious about this literary legend, this podcast offers a fresh and engaging perspective on his life and work.

Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

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Dirt Nap City is the show about interesting dead people.
Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

This episode of Dirt Nap City takes a nostalgic look back at the golden age of drive-in movies. We'll explore the history of drive-in theaters, from their humble beginnings in the 1930s to their peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. We'll talk about the unique experience of watching a movie under the stars, the excitement of arriving early to claim a good spot, and the communal atmosphere that made drive-ins so special. We'll also discuss the challenges that drive-ins faced in the face of competition from television and indoor theaters, and how some theaters have managed to survive and even thrive in the 21st century. Join us for a trip down memory lane as we celebrate the nostalgic charm of drive-in movies.

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Dirt Nap City is the show about interesting dead people.
Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

Beyond the gangster stereotype, Al Capone was a complex figure who wielded immense power during the Prohibition era. This episode delves into the real man behind the myth, exploring his rise to power, his criminal empire, and his eventual downfall.

We'll uncover the truth about his infamous nickname, "Scarface," and the events that led to his disfigurement. We'll discuss his involvement in bootlegging, prostitution, and organized crime, examining the strategies he employed to maintain control over Chicago's underworld.

The podcast will also explore the impact of Capone's reign on American society, particularly the rise of organized crime and its lasting influence on law enforcement. We'll analyze the role of corruption and political influence in his success and ultimate demise.

Join us as we peel back the layers of this notorious figure and uncover the truth about the man behind the myth.

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Dirt Nap City is the show about interesting dead people.
Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

The episode delves into the tumultuous period of Prohibition in the United States, which spanned from 1920 to 1933. The Prohibition Era, a period of immense social and cultural upheaval, was marked by the nationwide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Alex and Kelly explore the factors that led to the passage of the 18th Amendment, which enshrined Prohibition in the Constitution. The temperance movement, fueled by religious and social concerns, gained significant momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The episode highlights the role of women's suffrage and the Progressive Era in shaping public opinion in favor of Prohibition.

Despite the ban, we found that the 1920s were a time of unprecedented social change and economic prosperity. The Prohibition Era gave rise to a vibrant underground culture, characterized by speakeasies, bootlegging, and organized crime. The episode discusses the impact of Prohibition on the economy, as well as the emergence of new forms of entertainment and leisure activities.

While the experiment ultimately failed, it had a profound impact on American society. The Prohibition Era shaped the nation's attitudes toward alcohol, law enforcement, and organized crime. This episode offers insights into the complexities of social change and the unintended consequences of government policies.

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Dirt Nap City is the show about interesting dead people.
Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

Dick Clark is often called "America's Oldest Teenager".
He was an iconic figure of American television, who was more than just a handsome face. He was the architect of countless hit shows that shaped popular culture for decades. Join us as we delve into the life and legacy of this broadcasting legend.

We'll explore Clark's early career, from his humble beginnings in radio to his rise as a television pioneer. Discover how he revolutionized music television with shows like "American Bandstand," which introduced countless artists to a national audience. We'll discuss the impact of his other groundbreaking programs, including "New Year's Rockin' Eve," a beloved tradition that continues to this day.

Beyond his television work, we'll examine Clark's entrepreneurial spirit and his involvement in various business ventures. We'll also explore the controversies that surrounded him, including the times he changed his name to "Cactus Dick" and "Dick Clay".

In this episode of Dirt Nap City we'll paint a comprehensive portrait of Dick Clark an unsung hero of rock and roll and the man who brought us closer to the music we love.

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Dirt Nap City is the show about interesting dead people.
Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

If you remember a time before downloadable or streaming music, you might remember the (seemingly) amazing offer that Columbia House offered - 12 CDs, Records, Cassettes, 8-Tracks, etc for one penny (later 1 dollar). This was an early subscription model of business that raked in the big bucks for CBS records and was successful for many years. But how was it for the consumer? What was the "catch" to the end user?
In this episode of Dirt Nap City Dead Ends, Alex and Kelly revisit the Columbia House Record Club, how it worked and how it took advantage of young music fans who wanted to build a collection of recorded music.
So for all of you who ended up with music you didn't want and paid way too much for, tape that penny to the paper and listen up!

Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

Support the show

Dirt Nap City is the show about interesting dead people.
Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!