Lad Culture: The 90s Bloke

In this episode, we dive headfirst into one of the most defining – and divisive – social phenomena of 1990s Britain: Lad Culture. From the beer-soaked pages of Loaded to the banter-fuelled chaos of TFI Friday, Lad Culture reshaped British masculinity, media, and nightlife in its own cheeky, irreverent image. Whether you loved it, hated it, or just got swept along with it, this cultural moment left a legacy that’s still felt today. We trace its roots to the mid-90s launch of Loaded magazine, a publication that celebrated lager, football, music, and women with a wink and a smirk. With its tagline “For men who should know better,” the magazine ignited a publishing revolution and sparked a nationwide identity shift. Soon, the lads weren’t just in magazines – they were all over our screens too, from the lovable oafs in Men Behaving Badly to the raucous party atmosphere of TFI Friday. Lad Culture wasn’t confined to print and television. It bled into fashion, music, and the national psyche. Britpop bands like Oasis became lad anthems, while Paul Smith suits and Adidas Gazelles became part of the dress code. And of course, no discussion of Lad Culture would be complete without a visit to the pub – the spiritual home of the 90s lad and the birthplace of “banter” as both bonding ritual and social defence mechanism. But for all its charm and cultural clout, Lad Culture had a darker side. Its objectification of women, celebration of binge drinking, and paper-thin irony around political correctness drew increasing criticism as the decade progressed. As digital media rose and political realities shifted in the early 2000s, Lad Culture lost its edge – and its influence. Still, its impact lingers. From our advertising to our online discourse, echoes of Lad Culture remain part of how Britain talks, jokes, and remembers its recent past. In this episode, we unpack the rise and fall of the lads, and ask what their moment in the sun tells us about gender, identity, and the 1990s spirit of rebellion – both real and performative. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

To celebrate our 100th episode, we’re diving deep into the four-fingered, doughnut-fuelled world of The Simpsons—the show that changed TV forever. What began as a quirky sketch on The Tracey Ullman Show grew into a cultural juggernaut that redefined animation, comedy, and family dysfunction for the 90s generation and beyond. In this episode, we trace its chaotic origins, legendary writing, and the surprisingly heartfelt soul at the centre of Springfield. We revisit The Simpsons' golden age—those glorious mid-90s seasons packed with razor-sharp satire, perfect one-liners, and unforgettable episodes like Marge vs. the Monorail and Homer’s Enemy. We also explore its genius for social commentary, and how it tackled everything from class and politics to religion and environmentalism—all while making us laugh out loud and somehow care deeply about a man who once tried to block out the sun. Of course, we couldn’t talk Simpsons without shouting out the talent behind it—both in the writers’ room and behind the mic. We discuss the impact of legends like Conan O’Brien and Greg Daniels, and celebrate the voice actors whose performances gave life to characters who are still household names. From Dan Castellaneta’s existential “D’oh!” to Nancy Cartwright’s eternal troublemaker Bart, these voices became the sound of the 90s. We also chart the show’s place in pop culture history—from merchandise mania and school bans on “Eat My Shorts” t-shirts, to guest star glory and uncanny future predictions (President Trump, anyone?). The Simpsons didn’t just reflect culture—it bent it around itself, changing how we saw animation and, arguably, ourselves. So whether you’re a Lisa at heart or more of a Moe, this 100th episode is a tribute to the cartoon that shaped a generation. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, a little bit nerdy—and yes, it’s filled with more Simpsons trivia than Comic Book Guy’s bookshelf. As always, thanks for listening. Now sit back, press play… and don’t have a cow, man.     Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Step into the squeaky blue plastic chairs of yesteryear as this episode of our 90s nostalgia podcast takes you back to the glorious chaos of British school life in the 1990s. From answering the register too early (a social death sentence) to the unspoken rules of the pencil case hierarchy, we’re diving into the details that made school in the 90s an unforgettable blend of awkward, hilarious, and occasionally traumatic moments. We reminisce about the horror of forgetting your PE kit, the misery of lost property boxes that smelled like regret, and the quiet panic of mufti day wardrobe decisions. Whether you were the kid with a Woolworths multi-compartment pencil case or someone scribbling with a chewed-up biro, you’ll recognise the everyday drama that came with trying to survive the playground and the classroom alike. Remember the reverence for Parker pens? Or the moment a TV trolley wheeled into the room, promising a blessed break from long division? From recorder lessons that sounded like a goose fight to the magical healing powers of green paper towels, we relive the bizarre, brilliant details of 90s school culture with the affection only time can bring. We also celebrate the rituals that shaped us – forging sick notes, jostling for seats on school trip coaches, pretending to understand blurry OHP slides, and typing “5318008” into calculators with absolute glee. These moments didn’t just define our school days—they bonded a generation together in a uniquely British, mildly traumatising way. So whether you survived swimming lessons with chlorine-sensitive excuses or found yourself emotionally changed by a particularly stressful Ofsted visit, this episode is your invitation to laugh, cringe, and nod along. The 90s school experience was a world of chaos and camaraderie—and we wouldn’t trade it for anything (except maybe to never play the recorder again). Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

The 11 o Clock Show In the twilight years of the 1990s, The 11 O’Clock Show exploded onto Channel 4 as a sharp, satirical late-night comedy that would come to define a cultural shift in British humour. Launched in 1998, the show embraced controversy, irreverence, and chaos—offering a blend of current affairs commentary, anarchic sketches, and daring character work. What began as an experimental format with modest expectations quickly grew into a breeding ground for some of the most iconic comedic voices of the next two decades. This episode explores how The 11 O’Clock Show served as the launchpad for then-unknown talents like Sacha Baron Cohen, Ricky Gervais, and Mackenzie Crook. We revisit Ali G’s legendary rise from fringe character to cultural juggernaut, Ricky Gervais’ early incarnations of cringe comedy, and Crook’s subtle brilliance in darkly offbeat sketches. All three would go on to revolutionise British and global comedy in their own ways, but it was this chaotic Channel 4 late-nighter where the seeds were first sown. Behind the camera, the writing talent was equally impressive, with future stars like Charlie Brooker and John Oliver contributing to the show’s jagged, boundary-testing tone. With contributions from Father Ted creators and Borat collaborators, The 11 O’Clock Show was a nexus of comedy evolution, fusing tabloid cynicism with Gen X sarcasm. The episode also unpacks the cultural moment that gave rise to the show: a time when New Labour’s gloss was beginning to crack, political correctness was being loudly challenged, and the media was becoming increasingly self-aware. The 11 O’Clock Show didn’t always get it right—it could be juvenile, offensive, and uneven—but it helped pave the way for the next era of British satire. More than two decades later, the show’s influence can still be felt in the tone, style, and structure of modern comedy. From Ali G’s real-world interviews to the cringe-laced realism of The Office, The 11 O’Clock Show helped rewrite the rules of televised humour. This episode takes you back to the messy, brilliant, late-night chaos that changed the face of comedy—whether Channel 4 knew it or not. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Before he became a global box office superstar, Will Smith was a debt-ridden rapper given a shot at acting by Quincy Jones—and the result was one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1990s. In this episode, we unpack the unlikely origin story of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, from an impromptu audition at a house party to the creation of a cultural phenomenon that redefined what a Black-led sitcom could be. We take a look at the show's signature mix of humor and heart, exploring how the Banks family—Uncle Phil, Aunt Viv, Carlton, Hilary, Ashley, and Geoffrey—provided the perfect backdrop for Will's street-smart charm. But this wasn’t just a fish-out-of-water comedy. The show cleverly tackled race, class, identity, and adolescence, offering both laughs and life lessons in equal measure. From Carlton’s unforgettable dance moves to powerful storylines about absentee fathers and racial profiling, Fresh Prince blended silliness with substance in a way few shows managed. We revisit emotional highlights like “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse,” and explore how James Avery’s Uncle Phil became one of TV’s most memorable father figures. We also dive into the real-life drama behind the scenes—including Janet Hubert’s controversial departure as Aunt Viv—and discuss how the cast ultimately found reconciliation decades later. With insights into the show’s impact, its long-running syndication success, and its bold 2022 reimagining Bel-Air, we explore why this series remains a cultural touchstone more than 30 years after its debut. Whether you watched it live on NBC or discovered it through streaming, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air still has the power to make you laugh, cry, and sing along to that legendary theme tune. Join us as we look back at the show that took Will from West Philly to global fame—and changed the sitcom game forever. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Few sitcoms defined the 1990s quite like Men Behaving Badly. In this episode, we dive deep into Simon Nye’s laddish comedy that helped shape a generation’s humour—examining how it balanced crude jokes with surprising warmth, and why Gary and Tony’s childish chaos was more endearing than offensive. Though some aspects haven’t aged as gracefully, its cultural impact is undeniable. We explore the origins of the show, tracing it back to Nye’s lesser-known novel and the sharp instincts of legendary producer Beryl Vertue. Her belief in the project led to a series that would become a post-watershed hit—moving from ITV to the BBC, where it truly found its voice. Vertue’s influence wasn’t just behind the scenes; her approach to nurturing cast and crew was rare and heartfelt. The chemistry between Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey became the show’s beating heart. We unpack how Morrissey’s arrival as Tony transformed the show after Harry Enfield’s original run as Dermot. Enfield’s performance was strong—but Morrissey brought a laddish charm that made Men Behaving Badly an iconic bromance long before the term entered pop culture. From memorable episodes like In Bed with Dorothy to that unforgettable Kylie Minogue Comic Relief sketch, we celebrate the sitcom’s most classic moments. We also touch on the lesser-known behind-the-scenes stories—like Simon Nye’s own silent cameo and the US remake that never quite captured the magic. Finally, we reflect on the cast’s lasting affection for the series and why calls for a reunion never quite die down. With heartfelt recollections from Clunes, Ash, and Nye himself, this episode is a love letter to one of the UK’s most chaotic, lovable, and enduring comedies. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

From a plumbing-free house in post-war Austria to the glamour of Hollywood and the Governor’s mansion in California, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life story is one of the most remarkable in modern history. In this episode, we trace the extraordinary rise of the “Austrian Oak,” a man who didn’t just chase the American Dream — he body-slammed it into reality. We begin with Arnold’s tough upbringing under a strict father in rural Thal, and how cinema and bodybuilding became his escape. From going AWOL to win his first competition to becoming Mr. Universe by age 20, Arnold’s relentless ambition was evident early on. But it was his leap to the United States that truly set the stage for global superstardom. Arnold’s charisma and dominance reshaped bodybuilding, but his ambition didn’t stop there. With Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator, he broke into Hollywood, creating an iconic image of the action hero that defined a generation. We explore the peaks of his film career, including T2, Predator, and even his turn to comedy in Kindergarten Cop. Then came the ultimate plot twist: politics. Arnold’s time as Governor of California was filled with both unexpected accomplishments and public controversy, culminating in a dramatic personal scandal. Yet, like all great screen icons, he refused to stay down for long. Now in his seventies, Arnold has stepped into the role of public philosopher, environmental advocate, and nostalgia icon. In this deep-dive episode, we explore how one man conquered three careers — bodybuilding, acting, and politics — and redefined what it means to be a self-made legend. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Get Your Own Back wasn’t just a children’s TV show — it was a cultural rite of passage for 90s kids across Britain. This week, we dive deep into the gloriously messy world of Dave Benson Phillips and the BBC’s ultimate gunge-fueled revenge fantasy. Kids nominating adults for silly payback? Check. Giant vats of slime? Double check. A chanting audience and one of the most enthusiastic presenters in television history? Oh yes. We explore the show’s origins in 1991, its iconic format, and why it resonated so strongly with young viewers. From messy trivia games to pirate ships and “The Gunk Dunk,” Get Your Own Back offered children the power to turn the tables on grown-ups — all in good fun, and with lots of goo. But the show was more than just slapstick chaos. We reflect on the behind-the-scenes stories, the surprising mishaps, and how Phillips’ charisma turned what could have been throwaway telly into something unforgettable. There’s even a story about how he ended up being gunged himself! We also look at where the show went post-2003, and how Dave Benson Phillips pivoted into the most unlikely second act — becoming a beloved figure in the UK wrestling scene. Yes, really. It turns out you can take the man out of the gunge tank, but not the gunge out of the man. Nostalgia is messy, and nowhere is that more true than here. Join us as we celebrate the magic of Get Your Own Back, a show that proved revenge is a dish best served... slime-covered. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode, we explore the explosive night of January 25, 1995, when Manchester United's enigmatic French star Eric Cantona delivered one of football's most shocking moments - a kung fu kick aimed at Crystal Palace supporter Matthew Simmons after being sent off at Selhurst Park. What began as a scrappy match with Palace players targeting Cantona with heavy challenges culminated in an incident that transcended sport, becoming a cultural flashpoint that still resonates nearly three decades later. Following his red card for retaliating against Richard Shaw, Cantona's decision to launch himself into the stands created instant hysteria in British media, with headlines declaring it "the night football died of shame." While moral outrage dominated the mainstream narrative, with extensive coverage across newspapers and television, reactions were notably divided. Many fellow players privately sympathized with Cantona, United fans stood firmly behind him, and even some journalists suggested Simmons' reported xenophobic abuse made the Frenchman's reaction understandable in context. The aftermath saw Cantona facing dual punishment - an FA ban until October 1, 1995, far harsher than comparable incidents that season, and a brief prison sentence that was quickly overturned on appeal. It was during this appeal that Cantona delivered his cryptic "when seagulls follow the trawler" press statement, adding another layer of mystique to his already larger-than-life persona. Behind the scenes, Sir Alex Ferguson, initially contemplating Cantona's departure, ultimately made a pivotal trip to Paris to convince his star to remain at Old Trafford. Ferguson's successful intervention preserved what would become one of football's most powerful redemption stories. Cantona's return to action in October 1995 sparked United's revival, culminating in the 1995-96 Double - an achievement that might never have happened had the Frenchman departed. Beyond the trophies, the incident cemented an unbreakable bond between Cantona and United supporters, who appreciated his willingness to defy convention and stand up against perceived injustice. Three decades later, the Selhurst Park incident remains the defining image of Cantona's career, despite his 82 goals and pivotal role in Manchester United's dominance of the early Premier League era. While many would cite league titles or spectacular goals as their proudest moments, Cantona himself views the kick differently, once remarking it was his "best moment" in football. This paradox encapsulates what made Cantona unique - his unflinching authenticity, philosophical outlook, and what Ferguson called his "defiant charisma" created a legacy that transcends mere statistics or silverware. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode, we delve into the complex life of Anna Nicole Smith, born Vickie Lynn Hogan in 1967 in small-town Texas. From her humble beginnings as a high school dropout and single mother working at Jim's Krispy Fried Chicken, to her meteoric rise as a Playboy Playmate and Guess jeans model, Smith's early career exemplified the classic American dream of reinvention and success against all odds. By the mid-1990s, Smith had become a household name, but her personal life drew even more attention when she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II in 1994. The 63-year age gap between them sparked widespread speculation about Smith's intentions, leading to a bitter inheritance battle following Marshall's death that would eventually reach the Supreme Court. We explore how this legal saga became emblematic of the public's fascination with and judgment of Smith throughout her career. Despite the controversy surrounding her marriage, Smith continued to build her brand, starring in her own reality show "The Anna Nicole Show" and maintaining her status as a pop culture icon. However, behind the scenes, Smith struggled with prescription drug dependency, weight fluctuations, and the harsh spotlight of tabloid scrutiny. We examine how these pressures affected her mental health and public persona during these tumultuous years. February 2007 marked both a moment of joy and devastating loss in Smith's life. Just months after giving birth to her daughter Dannielynn, she experienced the heartbreaking death of her 20-year-old son Daniel. Before she could fully process this tragedy, Smith herself died of an accidental drug overdose at age 39, setting off another round of legal battles over paternity rights and inheritance. This episode explores the sad irony that in death, as in life, Smith remained a subject of legal disputes and media speculation. Anna Nicole Smith's legacy remains complicated—part cautionary tale, part celebration of a woman who defied expectations and created herself anew. Through interviews with those who knew her and cultural critics who've studied her impact, we attempt to look beyond the caricature to understand the real woman behind the headlines and her enduring influence on conversations about celebrity, wealth, and the price of fame in America. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]