Mark Speight: A Creative Spark, A Tragic Loss

This week on Talk2TheHand, we dive into the glittering world of Smash Hits—the legendary pop magazine that defined an era and shaped the music tastes of millions of 80s and 90s kids. Known for its cheeky tone, playful interviews, and iconic posters, Smash Hits wasn’t just a magazine; it was the pop bible for fans of Wham!, Madonna, Kylie, Take That, and beyond. We’ll explore how it captured the heart and humor of the biggest names in pop and created a voice that was every bit as fun and irreverent as the stars it covered. But Smash Hits wasn’t just about what you read—it was about what you experienced, too. Enter the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party: an annual live music extravaganza that brought fans closer than ever to their idols. From legendary performances to chaotic celebrity appearances (and plenty of surprise winners), the Poll Winners Party was the place where pop culture, fan hysteria, and unforgettable live moments collided. We’ll relive some of the most iconic highlights, from jaw-dropping sets to the most unexpected award wins. As we unpack the legacy of Smash Hits, we’ll talk about how it helped to bridge the gap between fans and pop stars, creating an intimate and playful connection that modern media has struggled to replicate. What made its interviews, song lyrics, and "bizarre-but-brilliant" features so unique?  Join us as we reminisce about those sticker-covered issues, the cherished centerfolds on bedroom walls, and the Poll Winners Party memories that defined a generation. Whether you were team Bros, loved a bit of Bananarama, or just wanted to learn all the words to your favorite songs, Smash Hits was there for it all—celebrating the joy, the silliness, and the sheer brilliance of pop music. 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 of Talk2TheHand, we take a trip to Craggy Island to revisit the iconic 90s sitcom Father Ted. Join us as we chat about the irreverent humor, unforgettable characters like Ted, Dougal, and Mrs. Doyle, and the show's unique ability to mix absurdity with sharp satire. We explore the show's legacy, its impact on 90s pop culture, and the standout moments that still make us laugh out loud. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering the series for the first time, this episode is guaranteed to be "lovely, just lovely!" So grab a cup of tea (go on, go on, go on!) and press play for a nostalgic dive into one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Don't miss it—that would be an ecumenical matter!   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 chilling story of the Jenny Jones murder case, one of the most infamous and controversial incidents linked to the talk show world. Jenny Jones, a popular daytime talk show host, was known for her candid discussions and often sensational topics. But in 1995, the show took a dark turn when a guest named Scott Amedure appeared on her program to discuss his secret crush on his friend, Jonathan Schmitz. The episode was supposed to be lighthearted, but it ended in tragedy when, just days later, Schmitz murdered Amedure. What followed was a media frenzy, a highly publicized trial, and a nationwide debate on the responsibility of talk shows and television producers in shaping the actions of their guests. The murder raised difficult questions about the ethics of television programming. Amedure, who was openly gay, had confessed his feelings for Schmitz during the taping, unaware of Schmitz’s discomfort. The show, which was meant to be playful, ultimately highlighted the damaging effects of exploiting sensitive topics for entertainment purposes. Jenny Jones herself became embroiled in a legal battle, with some holding her and the producers accountable for creating a toxic environment that led to Amedure’s death. In this episode, we’ll break down the events leading up to the murder and examine the role of talk shows in perpetuating harmful stereotypes. We’ll also dive into the courtroom drama that followed the murder. The case became one of the first to challenge the legal implications of TV shows manipulating vulnerable individuals for the sake of ratings. Schmitz was initially convicted of second-degree murder, but his defense argued that he was so emotionally distraught from the television appearance that he had temporarily lost control. The case sparked debates about the responsibility of the media and whether they were responsible for creating an environment that encouraged such extreme actions. Join us as we dissect the trial and the aftermath that impacted both the victims’ families and the television industry as a whole. This episode also touches on the broader cultural context of the 1990s talk show era, a time when sensationalism dominated the airwaves. Programs like Jerry Springer and Maury Povich were known for their shocking and sometimes exploitative content, pushing boundaries and feeding into the public’s voyeuristic appetite for conflict. The Jenny Jones case stands out as a turning point in how these types of shows were perceived, especially as concerns over privacy, consent, and exploitation began to rise. Finally, we’ll reflect on how the Jenny Jones murder case continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of reality television and sensationalism. While many talk shows have shifted their format or faced criticism in the years since, the legacy of the Amedure murder reminds us that the quest for ratings should never come at the cost of people’s lives. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the darkest chapters in the history of daytime TV.     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 dive into one of the most iconic gaming consoles of all time: the Nintendo GameBoy. Released in 1989, the GameBoy forever changed the landscape of portable gaming, offering players the chance to enjoy video games on the go. We take a look at the history behind its development, the vision of its creator Gunpei Yokoi, and how Nintendo’s gamble with this handheld device set the stage for the company’s dominance in the portable gaming market. We explore the GameBoy’s technical aspects, including its monochrome screen, simple design, and impressive battery life. While its graphics and sound may seem primitive by today’s standards, we discuss how these limitations became a part of its charm, and how Nintendo made the most of the technology available at the time.  In addition to the system’s specs and game library, we also discuss the cultural impact of the GameBoy. This device was not just a hit in Japan and the U.S.; it quickly became a global phenomenon. We talk about how it influenced the design of future portable gaming systems and how its success helped establish the idea of gaming as a portable, on-the-go experience. The GameBoy’s popularity marked the beginning of a new era in gaming, one where players no longer needed to be tethered to a TV or a console. We also explore the GameBoy’s legacy, discussing how it evolved over time. We touch on how the GameBoy’s legacy paved the way for future Nintendo handheld consoles like the Nintendo DS and Switch, which continue to carry the torch for portable gaming today. Finally, we wrap up by reflecting on the lasting influence the GameBoy has had on the gaming industry and its enduring place in the hearts of fans. Whether you grew up with it or discovered it later, the GameBoy remains an unforgettable part of gaming history. Tune in as we celebrate the portable console that started it all and explore why it continues to be a beloved piece of gaming nostalgia. 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]

Britpop Rewind: Defining the 90s with BritpopMemories In this episode, Beth and Jimmy dive into the heart of 90s Britpop with special guest James from the popular Twitter (yes, it's still Twitter!) account BritpopMemories! James takes us back to the iconic sounds of the era, sharing how he first fell for Britpop and giving his personal list of five defining albums—including classics from Suede, Pulp, Blur, Oasis, and Ocean Colour Scene. Together, they explore what made the 90s such a golden age for music, discuss the enduring appeal of Britpop, and swap stories about why that decade still resonates today. So grab your favorite retro band tee, settle in, and relive the Britpop glory days with us! Keep up with James' Britpop recollections and hidden gems by following the Britpop Memories page on X/Twitter: @Britpopmemories. You can find us on @Talk2thehandpod. 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 podcast episode, we dive into the iconic British sitcom Birds of a Feather, which first aired in 1989 and became an instant hit with audiences across the UK. The show follows the lives of Sharon and Tracey, two sisters who find themselves living together in Essex after their husbands are imprisoned for armed robbery. We’ll explore how the show became a staple of British television, delivering laughs and warmth over the course of more than 12 years on air, plus a reboot. Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson brought undeniable chemistry and comedic timing to the show, making their characters feel relatable and beloved. We'll delve into how their roles evolved over the series, capturing the complexities of sibling relationships and life's ups and downs.  The episode also examines the role of their posh, eccentric neighbor, Dorien, played by Lesley Joseph, whose flamboyant lifestyle added a new layer of humor and chaos. Dorien quickly became an audience favorite, with her unapologetic attitude and witty one-liners. Her interactions with Sharon and Tracey provided some of the show’s most memorable moments, and we’ll analyze how her character broke stereotypes and added a layer of satire to the show’s portrayal of suburban life. 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 dive into the life and legacy of Jim Hellwig, the man who became known to millions as the Ultimate Warrior. From his early days as a bodybuilder to his meteoric rise in the wrestling world, Hellwig was a force of nature whose intense energy and vibrant persona electrified audiences. We’ll explore how he crafted the iconic character of the Ultimate Warrior, who was known for his wild face paint, bulging muscles, and unforgettable entrance sprints to the ring. While the Ultimate Warrior’s in-ring persona was larger than life, Hellwig’s career was also marked by controversy and complexity. We’ll take a closer look at the highs and lows of his time in WWE, including his legendary bouts with stars like Hulk Hogan, his abrupt exits from the company, and his eventual induction into the Hall of Fame. Through it all, Jim Hellwig was both celebrated and criticized, leaving a legacy that wrestling fans still debate to this day. We’ll also reflect on Hellwig’s later years, from his return to WWE to his untimely passing just days after his Hall of Fame induction.  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 dive into the fascinating story of Eldorado, the British soap opera that captured imaginations in the early '90s.  Set in the sunny, fictional Spanish town, Eldorado was meant to bring a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle to the UK, with its glamorous characters, complex storylines, and dramatic twists. However, despite its ambitious vision and international setting, the show had a brief and tumultuous run on BBC One.  We explore what made El Dorado unique, the reasons behind its controversial cancellation, and how it has managed to gain a cult following over the decades. Tune in as we revisit the glitz, drama, and unforgettable moments of this infamous TV show, and hear from fans who still celebrate the series today. 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 take a deep dive into Teletubbies, the iconic and groundbreaking children's TV show that captivated audiences around the world in the late 90s. With its colorful characters, surreal landscapes, and unique approach to early childhood development, Teletubbies wasn't just a hit—it was a cultural phenomenon. We explore how this unconventional show became one of the most influential and talked-about children’s programs of all time. We begin by exploring the origins of Teletubbies. Created by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport, the show was designed specifically for toddlers, using simple language, repetition, and bright visuals. We'll discuss how its creators took inspiration from the rapidly changing technology landscape of the 90s, and how they crafted a show that broke all the traditional rules of children’s television. From its conception to its debut, we’ll dive into what made Teletubbies so unique and unlike anything else on TV. Next, we move on to the impact Teletubbies had both on children and the wider public. The show sparked a range of reactions—from parents who praised its soothing nature to critics who questioned its strange, often confusing content. We'll talk about the massive success of the show, including its multiple BAFTA awards, global syndication, and the billions in merchandise sales it generated. At the same time, we'll delve into the controversies that surrounded the show, from concerns about its appeal to very young children to debates over Tinky Winky’s perceived symbolism. We’ll explore the enduring legacy of Teletubbies. Even after the original series ended in 2001, the show continued to air in reruns and was eventually rebooted in 2015 for a new generation of viewers.  We wrap up the episode by reflecting on what Teletubbies meant to an entire generation of children, and how it remains a symbol of 90s pop culture. We'll discuss whether the show’s surreal charm is timeless or simply a product of its era, and why Teletubbies continues to be remembered so fondly. 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 dive into the fizzy, fruity world of Hooch, the iconic alcopop that took the UK by storm in the 1990s. Often seen as the drink that kick-started the alcopop craze, Hooch was everywhere—from pubs and clubs to the fridges of teenagers trying to sneak a taste of adulthood. But what was it about this sweet, lemon-flavored drink that made it such a phenomenon, and why did it eventually fizzle out? We'll uncover the story behind the drink that defined a generation and explore how it changed the landscape of the alcohol industry. We’ll start by tracing the origins of Hooch and its rapid rise to popularity. Released in 1995 by Bass Brewers, Hooch wasn’t just a drink—it was a cultural moment. With clever marketing that appealed to young people and the emergence of a new category of alcoholic drinks, Hooch quickly became a staple at parties, nights out, and even at home. We’ll talk about how its creators managed to capture lightning in a bottle and what made Hooch stand out from other drinks on the market. But not all was smooth sailing for the tangy alcopop. As we move through the episode, we'll explore the controversies that followed. Concerns over Hooch's appeal to underage drinkers put it in the crosshairs of parents, politicians, and health experts. With increasing pressure from the media and changing attitudes toward alcohol marketing, the once-beloved drink began to face serious challenges. We’ll examine the backlash and regulatory changes that led to the decline of Hooch and other alcopops. Despite its fall from grace, Hooch still has a legacy in the modern drinks industry. We’ll look at how Hooch paved the way for today's flavored alcoholic beverages and the rise of  ready-to-drink cocktails. The episode will also touch on the 2012 relaunch of Hooch and how it attempted to capture nostalgia while adapting to the tastes of a new generation. Finally, we wrap up the episode by reflecting on Hooch's unique place in 90s pop culture.  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]