Ever wondered just how a black and white comic strip from the '80s turned into the multi-million dollar franchise known as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT)? Ever thought about the creative minds behind this cultural phenomenon and the pressures they faced?

Hop on this nostalgia ride, where we chronicle the journey of TMNT from inception to the present day, from the pens of Kevin Brooks Eastman and Pete Laird to the silver screen dominated by Michael Bay.

Imagine a world where the TMNT are compared to iconic franchises like Transformers, or their personalities analyzed in connection to the concept of the four humors. We do just that, as we pick apart the various interpretations of the characters, and the storylines from both the 1987 and 2012 series.

We even dive into the world of voice acting, spotlighting the talents behind the famous characters and revealing how TMNT was affected by modern adaptations in other media.

But let's not stop at TMNT. Let's talk about the shifts in entertainment and nostalgia with the rise of platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Can the world of TMNT and Transformers evolve to represent our changing world?

We challenge these notions, discuss our collections and the future of content creation in the digital age. Being fans, we'd be remiss not to end with our views on the future of these franchises, so buckle up for a lively debate about the evolution of the Turtles and our childhood nostalgia!

🚨Please subscribe and share this podcast.

Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

New episodes every Friday.


Find us on
Twitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterSchoolSpe3) / Twitter
Da Gram - After School Special podcast (@afterschoolspecialpodcast)
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@afterschoolspecial3

Email us
[email protected]

Become a supporter of the show here > https://www.buzzsprout.com/1729520/support

Hey, Latchkey Kids, 👋 We would love to hear from you!
Please record and send us a voice message⬇️⬇️
https://www.speakpipe.com/Latchkey_Kids_Speak

Happy Thanksgiving!

This week the guys discuss their de-classified hook up stories.
Music that people "hump " to.
Aaron gets a boost.
Black celebrity fast food commercials.
Are Coney Island hot dogs overrated?
New Spiderman movie.

🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast.

Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts.

New episodes every Friday.


Find us on
Twitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterSchoolSpe3) / Twitter
Da Gram - After School Special podcast (@afterschoolspecialpodcast)
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@afterschoolspecial3

Email us
[email protected]

Become a supporter of the show here > https://www.buzzsprout.com/1729520/support

Hey, Latchkey Kids, 👋 We would love to hear from you!
Please record and send us a voice message⬇️⬇️
https://www.speakpipe.com/Latchkey_Kids_Speak

Ever wondered how a char-coated leather glove rasping against a double bass could give rise to an iconic cinematic roar? Join us as we journey into the heart of the Godzilla series and explore the fascinating history of the King of Monsters. From the cultural significance of the original 1954 movie to the evolution of the kaiju in CGI incarnations, we dig into the symbolism behind this embodiment of fear, destruction, and hope.

But what's a King without his court? We also unveil the stories of the other monsters in Godzilla's rogue gallery, including Mechagodzilla, Rodan, and Mothra, and their unique places in the monster mythos. We then shift gears to examine the broader historical backdrop of World War II and the harrowing fear of nuclear war that permeated society during the creation of Godzilla. We shed light on the real-life horror of 'Fugo' bombs and how these tragic events found their way into the narratives of the Godzilla series.

Finally, we close out our monstrous exploration by unpacking the seismic cultural impact of Godzilla—think Walk of Fame honors, Godzilla-themed Taco Bell cup holders, and a deep resonance with popular culture. We even delve into the intriguing concept of catastrophic monsters as unifying forces, featured in both Marvel movies and Godzilla films. To lighten the mood, we wrap up with a nostalgic chat about our coffee preferences, alternative milk trends, and a call for listeners to connect with us on social media. Get ready for a Godzilla-sized serving of history, symbolism, and cultural relevance in this unique episode!

🚨Please subscribe and share this podcast.

Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts.

New episodes every Friday.


Find us on
Twitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterSchoolSpe3) / Twitter
Da Gram - After School Special podcast (@afterschoolspecialpodcast)
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@afterschoolspecial3

Email us
[email protected]

Become a supporter of the show here > https://www.buzzsprout.com/1729520/support

Hey, Latchkey Kids, 👋 We would love to hear from you!
Please record and send us a voice message⬇️⬇️
https://www.speakpipe.com/Latchkey_Kids_Speak

Is comedy actually dead, or are we just living in a "homogenized" era? 🎭🤣

In this episode of the After School Special Podcast, Aaron, Staffman and Don take a deep dive into the legendary lineage of stand-up and sketch comedy.

We’re tracing the evolution from the physical chaos of Buster Keaton and Gallagher to the boundary-pushing eras of Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Eddie Murphy.

We tackle the "Cancel Culture" debate head-on, discussing how the genre has shifted from the raw energy of Deaf Comedy Jam to the modern-day specials of Dave Chappelle and Flame Monroe.

Plus, we look back at the 90s greatness of Chris Farley, the genius of Phil Hartman, and why Tommy Boy remains a 10/10 masterpiece.

Inside this episode:

• The Legends: Red Foxx, the Wayans family, and the SNL greats.

• The Debate: Is "woke" culture killing the punchline?

• The Classics: Why Tommy Boy and Friday are essential viewing.

🕒 CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro: The State of the Comedy Stage

04:50 - Red Foxx and the Triple-X Legend

11:20 - The Legacy of Deaf Comedy Jam

22:15 - Is "Woke" Culture Killing Comedy?

27:53 - Defending the Craft: Chappelle & Flame Monroe

36:58 - The Tragedy of Chris Farley & Phil Hartman

53:40 - Why Tommy Boy is a 90s Masterpiece

01:02:24 - Trade Secrets: How to Start a Podcast

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Visit afterschoolspecialpodcast.com for more episodes.

Follow us on Instagram: @AfterSchoolSpecialPod

Keywords: History of stand-up comedy, Dave Chappelle controversy, Chris Farley tribute, Gallagher smashing watermelons, 90s comedy movies, SNL history, Phil Hartman, Richard Pryor vs George Carlin, Deaf Comedy Jam legends, Flame Monroe, Tommy Boy movie review, After School Special Podcast, Comedy debate 2026, Stand up comedy evolution, Detroit podcast.

The guys are back!

The guys catch up and talk about the future of the show.

We talk about the "What We do in The Shadows" tv show.
-  "The Great Resignation".
-  Dave Chappelle controversy.

Also stay tuned for a special bonus lost episode.
Recorded Aug 20th 2020.

Mutant Mayhem and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles  knockoffs.

🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast.

Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts.

New episodes every Friday.


Find us on
Twitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterSchoolSpe3) / Twitter
Da Gram - After School Special podcast (@afterschoolspecialpodcast)
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@afterschoolspecial3

Email us
[email protected]

Become a supporter of the show here > https://www.buzzsprout.com/1729520/support

Hey, Latchkey Kids, 👋 We would love to hear from you!
Please record and send us a voice message⬇️⬇️
https://www.speakpipe.com/Latchkey_Kids_Speak

Ready to reminisce about women’s fashion choices, classic TV shows, and 90s cartoons? Double D takes a trip down memory lane as we debate whether fake eyelashes really impact what men think or if they are merely a product of competition between women.

We also have some exciting news to share about the launch of our new home on the internet, afterschoolspecialpodcast.com, where you can find all of our fabulous content!

Stay tuned afterwards for a bonus lost episode of the After school special podcast. Recorded Oct 26th, 2020.

Ever wonder what impact the ending of your favorite TV show or movie had on you? We'll revisit the cliffhanger ending of the 1998 Mortal Kombat's original TV show, the tragic sacrifice in the 2011 Green Lantern series, and the profound ending of Avatar: The Last Airbender. You won’t want to miss our discussion about the portrayal of war in Avatar. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as we laugh, reminisce, and possibly shed a tear together.

Finally, we’ll stir up some childhood memories revisiting classic 90s cartoons like Pirates of Dark Water and Mighty Max. We debate over the heart wrenching dilemma of Beast Boy in Teen Titans, and the haunting sacrifice of Ia in the Green Lantern series. As we stroll down memory lane, we hope to spark nostalgia and share our musings with you. So, buckle up, folks! This episode is packed full of heartwarming memories, stimulating debates, and announcements that you won't want to miss!


Share and Subscribe.
New episodes every Friday.

Thanks to all of our loyal and new listeners.

If you like what you hear please feel free to write a review on iTunes or wherever you listen to the show. We would love to hear from you!

Find us on
Website - After School Special Podcast
Twitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterSchoolSpe3) / Twitter
Da Gram - After School Special podcast (@afterschoolspecialpodcast)

Email us
[email protected]

Become a supporter of the show here > https://www.buzzsprout.com/1729520/support

Hey, Latchkey Kids, 👋 We would love to hear from you!
Please record and send us a voice message⬇️⬇️
https://www.speakpipe.com/Latchkey_Kids_Speak

Are modern movies officially running out of original ideas? 🎬 This week on the After School Special Podcast, Don kicks things off solo to break down the legendary Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder 3 boxing match, why the English dub of Squid Game is pure comedy, and the dark, bizarre history of the Heaven’s Gate cult.

Then, the full crew (Don, Staff Man, and Aaron) reunites for a legendary "lost pandemic tape" deep-dive into pure 80s and 90s nostalgia.

We’re talking classic Simpsons Treehouse of Horror episodes, why Keanu Reeves and Robert De Niro have the wildest acting habits, forgotten 90s sci-fi TV shows like Forever Knight, Marvel's What If...?, and a hilarious breakdown of Eminem's hidden 1.5-rated movie masterpiece:

The Hip Hop Witch.

If you love unfiltered pop culture debates, hit that follow button and tap the notification bell!

👉 EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 - True Crime Podcasts & Missing Co-Hosts

05:15 - Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 Boxing Breakdown

10:50 - Why the Squid Game English Dub is a Comedy

14:08 - Marvel’s What If & Chadwick Boseman Tribute

18:00 - The Creepy History of the Heaven's Gate Cult

25:35 - Men's Health: Why You Need a Colonoscopy

28:39 - Bonus Tape: Hollywood Ruining Looney Tunes & Tiny Toons

34:45 - Is Nicolas Cage Actually a Good Actor?

37:15 - The Scariest 70s & 80s Horror Movies (Texas Chainsaw vs Exorcist)

42:50 - Ranking the Best Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Episodes

45:45 - Why Conan O'Brien Stands Alone in Late Night Comedy

50:00 - Venom, Carnage, and Todd McFarlane's Iconic Art Style

52:00 - Who is Spider-Punk? The Bizarre Marvel Alternate Reality

01:01:20 - The Nostalgia of 90s Sci-Fi Channel (Forever Knight)

01:08:30 - 90s Horror Classics: Tales From The Hood & Candyman

01:14:45 - Kevin Smith's Wildest Movies (Tusk & Red State)

01:20:15 - Was Ben Affleck The Best Batman?

01:30:35 - Eminem’s Secret 1.5-Rated Movie: The Hip Hop Witch

01:39:55 - Wrap Up & Where to Find Us

🔗 CONNECT WITH US:

Find us onTwitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterSchoolSpe3) / Twitter

Da Gram - After School Special podcast (@afterschoolspecialpodcast)

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@afterschoolspecial3

Email us [email protected]

Support the show

Hey, Latchkey Kids, 👋 We would love to hear from you!Please record and send us a voice message⬇️⬇️

https://www.speakpipe.com/Latchkey_Kids_Speak

Another Lost Episode!

The guys slide into the Way-Back machine  and talk about the old ABC Saturday morning  cartoons from the 90's and The cartoon series, "Reboot".

We apologize for the occasional banging sound in the mix. We had a issue with a loose microphone stand. 

Recorded Dec 18th 2020.

🚨Please subscribe, and share this podcast.

Please rate this podcast 5 stars ⭐️ and write “latchkey kid” in the review section on Apple podcast or wherever  you get your podcasts.

New episodes every Friday.


Find us on
Twitter - After School Special Podcast (@AfterSchoolSpe3) / Twitter
Da Gram - After School Special podcast (@afterschoolspecialpodcast)
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@afterschoolspecial3

Email us
[email protected]

Become a supporter of the show here > https://www.buzzsprout.com/1729520/support

Hey, Latchkey Kids, 👋 We would love to hear from you!
Please record and send us a voice message⬇️⬇️
https://www.speakpipe.com/Latchkey_Kids_Speak

Are reboots officially killing our childhood? This week on After School Special, the guys try to talk about the classic 90s CGI cartoon Reboot... but instead, they trip, fall, and tumble straight down a massive nostalgic wormhole.

From the highs of the ABC Saturday Morning cartoon block (Darkwing Duck, Hammerman, Beetlejuice) to the absolute unhinged bizarre nature of modern reboots, we ask the ultimate question: Has Hollywood officially run out of original ideas?

Plus, we dive into the legendary claymation work of Will Vinton, debate why the new DuckTales actually got things right, break down a highly questionable 16-minute KFC romance movie starring Mario Lopez, and pitch a live-action Looney Tunes movie cast entirely with washed-up 90s actors.

Grab a juice box and settle in—it gets weird.

Connect with us!

📧 Email us: [email protected]

📸 Instagram & Facebook: @afterschoolspecialpodcasts

🐦 Twitter/X: @afterschoolspe3

👋 We would love to hear from you!Please record and send us a voice message⬇️⬇️https://www.speakpipe.com/Latchkey_Kids_Speak

⏱️ Interactive Timestamps

00:00:14 – Intro & The ABC Cartoon Block

00:02:33 – Let's Get Dangerous: Darkwing Duck vs. Batman

00:07:37 – Looney Tunes, Slapstick Comedy & Foghorn Leghorn

00:10:58 – The Secret Recipe: Mario Lopez's KFC Lifetime Movie

00:12:49 – Dark Looney Tunes Shorts & Train to Busan

00:18:33 – Pitching a Live-Action Looney Tunes (No Makeup)

00:21:45 – Little Rosie & Comedian Cartoons

00:40:45 – Finally... Let's Talk About 'Reboot' (1994)

00:48:32 – Claymation Nightmares: Will Vinton's Legacy

90s cartoons, Saturday morning cartoons, Darkwing Duck, Reboot 1994, Mainframe Entertainment, DuckTales reboot, Will Vinton, Claymation, Looney Tunes, Foghorn Leghorn, After School Special, Nostalgia podcast, Millennial pop culture, Retro gaming, 80s kids⁠

Can a soundtrack save a bad movie? From the grunge-soaked streets of Seattle in Singles to the epic orchestral sweeps of Jurassic Park, we’re diving deep into the music that defines cinema.

In this episode, we welcome college friend and film buff Jen to audit Vulture’s "40 Greatest Movie Soundtracks" list. We're breaking down why certain albums like Empire Records and Purple Rain became cultural phenomenons while debating whether Straight Out of Compton and Romeo + Juliet actually deserve their rankings.

What’s inside this episode:

• The 90s Time Capsule: Why Singles and Empire Records defined a generation.

• Score vs. Compilation: The genius of Danny Elfman (Edward Scissorhands) and John Williams (Jurassic Park, E.T.).

• The "Blade" Factor: Why techno-heavy soundtracks hit different in the late 90s.

• Guilty Pleasures: From Seal’s "Kiss from a Rose" on the Batman Forever OST to the "bleakest" metal soundtrack ever recorded.

• Our Personal Top 5s: We reveal the five albums we’d take to a desert island.

Whether you're a vinyl collector, a film nerd, or just someone who loves a good "Now That's What

I Call Music" vibe, this episode is your backstage pass to movie history.

Follow the Crew:

✅ Subscribe to never miss our Friday drops!

⭐ Rate us 5 Stars if you love the vibes.

📸 IG: @afterschoolspecialpodcasts

🐦 Twitter: @AfterSchoolSpe3

#MovieSoundtracks #FilmScore #90sNostalgia #Blade #HansZimmer #DannyElfman #PodcastRecommendations #AfterSchoolSpecial