Ol' Dirty Basement

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Did you know there’s a hole that supposedly defies the laws of physics? Join us as we unravel the enigma of Mel's Hole, a mysterious pit in Washington State that captured the world's imagination during Mel Waters' 1997 appearance on Art Bell's Coast to Coast AM. With tales of bottomless depths and bizarre occurrences, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat as we recount Mel's incredible attempts to measure its depth and the strange phenomena assoc...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Do you remember the first time you watched "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial"? For us, it was a magical journey that left an indelible mark on our childhoods and continues to influence us today. Join us as we relive the heartwarming and emotional moments of this 1982 classic, celebrating Steven Spielberg's brilliance and exploring the powerful performances of Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Dee Wallace. Our conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, reflections...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What drives a man to turn a bulldozer into a weapon of mass destruction? In this gripping episode of the Ol' Dirty Basement, we explore the complex and tragic tale of Marvin Heemeyer, whose infamous "Killdozer" left a swath of destruction in Granby, Colorado. We navigate the monetary conflicts and personal vendettas that fueled Heemeyer's rampage, contemplating whether it was divine inspiration or sheer greed that led him to such lengths. As we recount Heemeye...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Ever wondered what it would be like if a mannequin came to life in the heart of an 80s department store? Join us on a whimsical journey back to 1987 as we reminisce about the charmingly oddball film "Mannequin." We’ll take you through the quirky adventures of Jonathan Switcher, played by Andrew McCarthy, and his enchanting muse Emmy, brought to life by Kim Cattrall. Listen in for personal anecdotes like that magical first viewing in a theater, and our humorous...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What if the city you thought you knew hid a dark, sinister secret? Join us as we unravel the chilling enigma of the West Mesa Bone Collector in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We'll spotlight the stark contrast between the city's vibrant cultural portrayal in shows like "Breaking Bad" and the grim reality of mass graves discovered during construction. This episode is a gripping journey through Albuquerque's underbelly, filled with personal stories, and fresh perspect...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Experience the comedic brilliance of Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" as we journey back to 1974 and uncover the magic behind this cult classic. Remember the time when Gene Wilder's Dr. Frederick Frankenstein humorously insisted on being called "Frankensteen?" We promise you'll gain insights into the film’s clever blend of the 1930s Frankenstein lore with Brooks' signature humor, as well as its surprising box office success of $86.2 million from a modest budge...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What would you do if your job was on the line, but your safety was at risk? This episode of the Ol' Dirty Basement podcast is a heartfelt journey into the personal experiences of our mothers—Sharon, Rita, and Rose—during the Three Mile Island disaster of 1979. Sharon takes us back to her days at the Red Barn restaurant, where she made a gut-wrenching decision to leave despite her boss's stern warnings. Listen to these incredible women share their gripping stor...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"Growing up just miles from the infamous Three Mile Island, We have always felt a deep connection to the events of March 28, 1979. The incident that forever changed America's perception of nuclear energy is both a personal story and a historical milestone. From misconceptions about the number of cooling towers to the incident's portrayal in pop culture (yes, it even made a cameo in a Wolverine movie!), we untangle the complex legacy that this near-catastrophe l...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"How did the Atari 2600 shape your childhood? Join us on a heartfelt journey through the golden age of gaming, where we share our earliest encounters with classic systems like the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Intellivision. Relive the excitement of discovering timeless games such as Pac-Man, Pitfall, and Yars' Revenge. We'll transport you back to the days of vibrant arcades, dedicated players, and the unforgettable impact these experiences had on us. Plus, get...

"Send us a Fan Mail Text Message"What happens when your daily routine turns into a life-or-death situation? These were the terrifying realities faced by residents of the Washington DC metro area during the three harrowing weeks of October 2002, when the DC Sniper attacks unfolded. Join us as we recount the chilling details and the pervasive fear that gripped the community, starting with the first victim, James Martin, and continuing through a spree of seemingly random and unpredictable violen...