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Episode 112

Did you know many of today’s amusement parks started with a streetcar? In this episode, we’re rolling back to the late 1800s to explore the fascinating world of trolley parks—recreational destinations created by trolley companies that shaped American leisure time.

In this nostalgic ride, we’ll cover:

• How trolley parks began and why they were built
• What a day at a trolley park looked like in the early 1900s
• Historic parks that still operate today
• The lasting legacy and charm of these community-centered parks

Whether you’re a theme park fan or a history buff, you will enjoy this trip into the roots of American recreation.

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Episode 111

What makes a perfect road trip for theme park fans? In this episode, we head down the East Coast on a journey to six standout parks in the Mid-Atlantic. From chocolate-scented coasters to vintage carousels and European villages, this trip has something for everyone—whether you're in it for the thrills, the snacks, or the nostalgia.

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

• A road trip-ready route from New York to Virginia
• The story behind America’s first planned amusement park
• Historic wooden coasters, including one that dates back to 1924
• A no-admission, pay-per-ride gem hidden in the hills of Pennsylvania
• Scenic spots, immersive theming, and chocolate—lots of chocolate

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or just love exploring unique theme parks, this episode is packed with ideas, stories, and standout stops.

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Episode 110

Ever watched a movie and thought, “That view can’t be real”? In some cases—it absolutely is.

From redwood forests to alien deserts, America’s national parks have quietly played starring roles in some of your favorite films. This week, we’re exploring the real-life landscapes behind iconic scenes from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Shining, Dances with Wolves, and more.

In this episode:

• The national park that doubled as Endor
• Where to find Tatooine (without leaving Earth)
• The eerie road from The Shining’s unforgettable opening
• The park that’s appeared in everything from Stagecoach to Forrest Gump
• A Marvel bonus pick from the Utah desert

Grab your popcorn and your hiking boots—this cinematic road trip is worth the detour.

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Episode 109

Ever wish you could step into Radiator Springs? What if I told you it was inspired by real places you can actually visit?

This week, we’re hitting the road to explore the real-life Route 66 destinations that inspired Pixar’s Cars and Disney’s Radiator Springs. From the truck that became Mater to motels glowing with vintage neon, these spots bring the movie to life in the quirkiest and coolest ways.

In this episode:

• The Kansas gas station where the real Mater lives
• A vintage motel that inspired Sally’s Cozy Cone
• How Cadillac Ranch helped shape Ornament Valley
• The Arizona town that’s basically Radiator Springs in real life

Hit play, buckle up, and get ready to shout Ka-chow! as we explore the real places that helped inspire a pop culture classic.

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Episode 108

What is it about giant versions of everyday things that makes them so unforgettable? From a massive ketchup bottle to a frying pan big enough to cook 365 chickens, we’re diving into the wonderfully oversized world of America's quirkiest roadside giants.

In this episode:

• Where to find the World’s Largest Ball of Twine (and why it's still growing)
• Which giant landmark made it into a Twilight movie
• The office chair so big it once had a spiral staircase
• A stop that’s literally a giant picnic basket

Whether you're road-tripping soon or just daydreaming from your desk, this episode will leave you smiling.

🎧 Plus: Yeti’s Pop Pick features the brand-new Quirky & Cool Travel Guide — your go-to directory for weird, wonderful stops across the U.S. See it at https://quirkyandcool.com

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Episode 107

From giant crashing kites to a mythical Yeti stuck in disco mode, Animal Kingdom has had quite the glow-up since opening day.

In Part 2 of this two-part series on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re picking up the story right where we left off—April 22, 1998. What started as a park with quiet trails and limited attractions has evolved into one of Walt Disney World’s most immersive and emotionally powerful experiences. But the road wasn’t always smooth.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• What was open on Animal Kingdom’s opening day
• Guest confusion, early criticism, and the “half-day park” label
• The controversy around Kilimanjaro Safaris
• The Tree of Life’s hidden engineering (and creepy bug show)
• The rise of Asia and the Disco Yeti
• How Pandora – The World of Avatar changed everything

From Expedition Everest to floating mountains, Animal Kingdom has never stopped evolving—and it may have even more wild surprises in store.

Didn’t catch Part 1 yet? Go back and listen to the episode all about how Animal Kingdom came to life—from Joe Rohde’s vision to the park’s conservation mission.

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Episode 106

What does it take to build a Disney park with no castle, no parade, and nature as the main character?

In this episode of Pop Culture Passport, we’re heading back to the early 1990s to explore the origin story of Disney’s boldest—and most misunderstood—theme park: Animal Kingdom. From Joe Rohde’s 400-page pitch to internal battles over dragons versus dinosaurs, this story is full of vision, risk, and a deep love for the natural world.

Here’s what you’ll discover in Part 1:

• The big idea behind Walt Disney World's fourth theme park
• How Imagineer Joe Rohde sold the concept with art, anthropology, and bold design choices
• The conservation mission that’s been part of the park from the very beginning
• What Dr. Jane Goodall personally requested for the Tree of Life

Animal Kingdom officially opened on Earth Day 1998, but its story starts long before that—and it’s just as wild as the park itself.

Next week in Part 2: We’ll explore how the park evolved—from the arrival of Asia and Expedition Everest to the wild success of Pandora and the struggles with nighttime shows.

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Episode 105

Have you ever stood at the Lincoln Memorial and thought, “Wait… wasn’t this in Forrest Gump?”

You’re not alone—and once you start spotting filming locations in DC, you’ll never look at the monuments the same way again. In this episode, we’re taking a cinematic tour of the National Mall, uncovering the iconic movie and TV scenes filmed at these historic landmarks.

📍 Movies and shows featured include:

• Forrest Gump, Spider-Man: Homecoming, X-Men: First Class, The West Wing, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, The Exorcist, and more
• Why DC’s monuments are such powerful backdrops for emotional and action-packed scenes
• Real-life spots you can visit to relive your favorite film moments
• The surprising ways monuments like the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials have shaped pop culture storytelling

🎥 Plus, a Yeti Pop Pick recommendation that’s full of behind-the-scenes Hollywood hilarity.

So lace up your sneakers (Cap-style) and get ready to explore the movie magic of Washington, DC. Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review if you’re enjoying the show!

You ready? Let’s roam!

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Episode 104

Can you believe it’s been 10 years since Hamilton premiered on Broadway? Whether you’re a history buff, a Broadway fan, or just love a good story, Hamilton has left a lasting impact on both theater and how we see history.

This week, I’m joined by historian, YouTuber, and fellow podcaster Jenn from Talk with History to explore some of the best places to visit if you’re a Hamilton fan. From historical landmarks tied to Alexander Hamilton’s life to Broadway must-sees, we’re covering it all.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How Hamilton became a cultural phenomenon and changed Broadway history
• Jen’s top historical sites for Hamilton fans, including Fraunces Tavern, Trinity Church, and Yorktown
• What the musical got right (and wrong) about history
• Personal stories from visiting Hamilton-related locations
• Bonus pop culture stops, including Drama Book Shop, Sardi’s, and The Public Theater

Pop Culture Picks from Yeti’s Pop Picks:

• Drama Book Shop – Where Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote Hamilton and later saved the shop
• Sardi’s – Iconic Broadway restaurant with caricatures of Hamilton stars
• The Public Theater – Where Hamilton first premiered before Broadway

Check out Jenn’s podcast & YouTube: Talk with History | Walk with History

Jenn’s interview with Chris Jackson

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Episode 103

Are you team thrill ride or team chill vibes? At Epcot in 2025, you don’t have to choose.
 Whether you're getting launched into space by a talking raccoon or floating past hydroponic lettuce, there's something for every kind of parkgoer at Epcot. The walls are down, new experiences are open, and we’re breaking it all down for your next visit.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• What’s new at Epcot in 2025
• The best thrill rides (and which ones to skip if you get motion sick like I do)
• My go-to chill experiences
• My must-do attractions, snack picks, and a few friendly warnings

Whether you're planning your next visit or just love hearing what's going on at the parks, this episode will give you a little dose of Disney magic—plus some practical tips to help you find your fun.

You ready? Let’s roam!

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