The History Of Fun

Quite possibly the world's most famous cat (take that Garfield), Sanrio's Hello Kitty is a juggernaut. But where did this strange cat without a mouth come from? And could it be possible that she's NOT A CAT BUT RATHER A HUMAN GIRL? Yeah, things get weird, thanks to Allegra Frank and the rest of your friends at The History of Fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the most well-known gaming conference, but its humble origins may surprise you! This week we're diving into the history of E3, home to Sonic, Mario and all your friends. Chris Plante is on the case, covering the story of the show from start to finish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even if you don't care about football and don't give a hoohah about Jonathan Madden and his bus-loving stylings, the story of the biggest sports game franchise ever is quite a yarn! Join Chris Plante as his spins this pigskin into a, I don't know, football or something! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The History of Fun we're diving into three major icons in the history of Sports Mascotting. Yes, it's important and stuff! Discover the early days of mascots, the most famous dog mascot and the most famous mascot with a baseball head! --- Vox's new Netflix show, Explained, digs into the most fascinating and misunderstood topics of the day, from cryptocurrency to the racial wealth gap. Watch on Netflix now! netflix.com/explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're exploring a very specific part of the Pokemon phenomenon: Pokemon Cards! Where did they come from? Are they still around? What do they have to do with Magic: The Gathering? Allegra Frank tells all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The History of Fun we're inviting friend of the show and resident wrestling expert, Patrick Gill, to talk about an infamous moment in wrestling history, but don't don’t let this man distract you from the fact that in 1998, The Undertaker threw Mankind off Hell In A Cell, and plummeted 16 ft through an announcer’s table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was once a time where countries would throw these raucous, baller parties just to show off how dope they are. They were called World's Fairs. And although they technically still exist, they really don't. Russ looks back and celebrates some of the greatest World's Fairs ever held. Long live the Tennessee Wigsphere! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wackiest (and most disasterous) Nintendo console of all time goes under the microscope! Who's bright idea was it to create this silly helmet contraption in the first place? Will it make you go blind? And what's with all the red? Chris Plante uncovers the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neopets seem to be popping in the news lately, so we thought we'd shift this episode up a little bit in our schedule so y'all could learn the truth behind the craze that swept the internet. Allegra takes the wheel and fills us in on her penchant for pet theft, as well as the connections between Neopets and Scientology. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's fair to say that no toy in the history of the world has caused more carnage than the trampoline. Seems like a perfect fit for Allegra Frank, who clearly hates them but decided, yet again, to pick something she hates. Join her and us as we soar to the highest of highs and then break our bones upon landing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah, those gloriously-needy little egg babies! Today Russ is delving into the history of Tamagotchi, from their humble origins as aliens found in a lake by a lonely man to a worldwide juggernaut to something that some people remember sorta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sorry I wasn't able to figure out how to type a backwards R here. Anyway, Chris Plante is back in action, sharing the epic origins of Toys R Us. Unfortunately this episode was RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES as Toys R Us just completely folded earlier this month, but hey, let's all remember them fondly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Because sticking wheels on your feet wasn't dangerous enough, today we welcome special guest Abby Russell from Giant Bomb, to talk about the history of roller derby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What could be more fun than the Oreo cookie? Today we welcome special guest Daniela Galarza from Eater as she discusses the origins of the Oreo as well as what the future holds! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we explore the humble origins of the Lego Building Block, thanks to special guest Clayton Ashley! Denmark was forever changed, and you will be too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What kid didn't love making a weekly trip to McDonald's for a chance at a transforming shake toy? Today we're looking at the history of the McDonald's Happy Meal. This episode was very obviously not sponsored by McDonald's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a tangled web this starchy toy has weaved throughout the years. Sit back and let Chris Plante fill you in on the sorted adventures of Mr. Potato Head and his brood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready to lose your shirt! This week Russ takes us into the scaly underbelly of the origins of poker. Matt Damon rejoice! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All you need is a rope, two hands, and a dream. Let Allegra Frank lead you through the history of the mighty jumping rope! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a game gets delayed? And delayed? And delayed again? Let Chris Plante tell the sorted tale of Duke Nukem Forever, the game that never was and then suddenly actually was. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices