The When It Was Cool Podcast from WhenItWasCool.com is a fun look back at retro pop culture. We discuss retro TV, retro movies, new movies with retro themes, toys, dolls, action figures, cartoons, pro wrestling history, life when we were kids, classic rock music, plus themes from the 1970s through the 1990s! Come join us!
King Kong vs Godzilla (1962) Retro Movie Review
There have been multiple King Kong vs Godzilla movies in the modern era... but this isn't the first time. All the way back in 1962 Godzilla fought King Kong. Karl and Tonya watch this masterpiece and review it. This episode features the worst looking King Kong in cinematic history, frantic arm waving Godzilla, a volcano (of course), and much more. Join us for King Kong vs Godzilla!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/King_Kong_vs_Godzilla_1962.mp3
Psycho (1960) Movie Review Podcast
Psycho changed everything in 1960. Alfred Hitchcock's horror masterpiece reinvented fear cinema. Our Patreon supporters at When It Was Cool have had access to this show for a long time but with the recent plot of Monster: The Ed Gein Story heavily featuring Psycho (based on Ed Gein) this is a great time to remember the horror movie classic.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Psycho_1960_Review.mp3
First! Star Wars Comic Issue 1 (Marvel) (1977)
In 1977 Star Wars debuted in theaters and my pop culture life would never be the same. I was in second grade and went with a friend. It was a true blockbuster with lines around the corner for multiple showings. Life was great. I also read and collected comic books at the time, imagine my little mind being blown when I got issue 1 of Star Wars comics from Marvel off the old spinner rack and discovered scenes and people and who weren't even in the movie! Let's look at issue 1 of Marvel Comics Star Wars!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/06_First_Star_Wars_1978_Marvel.mp3
Hercules Unchained (1959) Movie Review
The second and final of the Steve Reeves' Hercules movies. Similar to the first film, Hercules Unchained is bolstered by a solid opening and closing but again is labored (see what I did there?) by a largely boring and unnecessary middle. Still, Steve Reeves' portrayal of the Greco-Roman mythological hero Hercules is fantastic and Hercules Unchained even features an appearance by former World Boxing and World Wrestling champion Primo Carnera! Grab your sword and sandals and let's go fight some monsters!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Hercules_Unchained_1959.mp3
First! Godzilla Saturday Morning Cartoon Episode 1 (1978)
Up from the depths. 30 stories high. Beathing fire. He stands in the sky! Godzilla! Godzilla! Godzilla! Oh, yeah and Godzuki too unfortunatly. Still, in 1978, kids everywhere in the United States sat in front of their TV set with their Shogun Warriors Godzilla toy in hand to thrill to the adventures of the giant Toho monster! Today on First! we look back at the first episode of the Godzilla Saturday morning cartoon show!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/05_First__Godzilla_1978.mp3
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Podcast - 2025 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Ballot Discussion!
Generally speaking, this is my most listened to show of the year, so thank you and strap in. Over the past several months this podcast has focused on many of the people who had not yet made the ballot. That gives me much more latitude on today's show to dive into the people and process of the Hall of Fame, examine the ballot, and on the second half of the show I throw a curveball to the process which makes for a very interesting segment. Also, I am preparing a suggestion for Dave Meltzer about how to handle the pioneer era of wrestling.
The extended Patreon edition with an over 20-minute discussion about morality in pro wrestling and if that should affect voting can be found here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/DragonKingKarl_WON_HOF_Ballot_2025_Free.mp3
Hercules (1958) Movie Review
I am a sucker for Greco-Roman mythology, so I thought I’d check out the much lauded performance of bodybuilder Steve Reeves in the first of his two appearances as Hercules in the 1958 movie of the same name. Obviously, as far as special effects goes, this movie was seriously limited by it’s era, but I have to say, Steve Reeves made a pretty darn impressive Hercules. The story took an unneeded detour in the middle which drug things down, but overall, this was a pretty solid movie.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Hercules_1958.mp3
First! Godzilla (1977) Marvel Comics Review
Our next episode of First! takes a look back at Godzilla's comic book arrival in the United States in his own Toho licensed comic book series that was actually set directly in the Marvel Universe. In the pages of Godzilla (1977), Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D. tried to stop Godzilla from crossing the United States after he comes ashore on the west coast and begins his march east. By the end, he ends up facing The Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and others!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/04_First_Godzilla_Issue_1_1977.mp3
Godzilla (1954) Movie Review
Godzilla is a multi-million-dollar intellectual property that has given us many films, toys, and more. Today, When It Was Cool looks back at the first Godzilla movie from 1954, a great blend between a monster and horror movie. The first Godzilla movie stands the test of time.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Godzilla_1954.mp3
First! Alpha Flight (1983) Issue 1
This week, I have an episode from our new comic book podcast series at When It Was Cool called: First! This podcast series takes a look at first issues, first appearances, and more in comics and comic related pop culture. Today, we travel back to 1983 for one of the wonderful staples of the spinner rack- Alpha Flight! Mutants were soaring in popularity and Marvel had the idea to spin off a super team based in Canada.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/03_First_Alpha_Flight_Issue_1_1983.mp3
Superman and the Mole Men (1951)
This is my first time seeing George Reeves as Superman. Reeves was the iconic Superman of the 1950s and this movie length feature launched that beloved series. I didn't think this was very good and compared to the Superman movie serials a few years before fell short. But apparently it struck a chord in children of the era because it launched one of the most beloved TV series in American history.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Superman_and_the_Mole_Men_1951.mp3
First! Aquaman Issue 1 (1961) - Episode 02
Aquaman issue one was not the first appearance of Aquaman. Aquaman had a limited run in the Golden Age, but this was his debut in the Silver Age of comics and his first ever solo title. A multi-part story featuring Aquaman, Aqualad, and others against some Fire Troll. Join me for the second episode of First! covering first issues, first episodes, first appearances, and more! Now, let's go talk to the fishes for a minute.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/02_First_Aquaman_Issue_1_1962.mp3
Atom Man vs Superman (1950) Retro Serial Movie Review
Atom Man vs. Superman (1950) was the sequel to the 1948 Superman serial and used the original actors in their roles again. This time, however, the villain is a good one- Lex Luthor! We take a look at Lex Luthor's first time appearing in a live action series and, in my opinion, this is the best Luthor to-date! Atom Man... not so much.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Atom_Man_vs_Superman_1950.mp3
Batman and Robin (1949) Serial Movie Review
Today the When It Was Cool special podcast takes a look back at the 1949 follow up to the previously reviewed 1943 The Batman. This serial was titled simply "Batman and Robin" and was a much better story with significantly worse costuming. There were some hilarious blunders along the way and once again Robin is old enough to be your dad but let's take a look at this much less racist Batman as he takes on the masked Wizard! Be sure to also check out the accompanying article at WhenItWasCool.com
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Batman_and_Robin_1949.mp3
First! Captain America Issue 1 (1941)
The debut of the new First! podcast series from When It Was Cool. This series takes a look back at first issues, first appearances, and pop culture firsts contained in comic books. We will be looking at comics from the Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, and Modern Age of comics. Today we look back to one of the earliest patriotic heroes and the most successful of them all- Captain America! Today, Captain America has multiple movie appearances including in the successful Marvel Avengers franchise, but all started out in 1941 with Captain America punching a certain real life historical bad guy right in the face!
Check out the Golden Age Captain America graphic novel here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/01_First_Captain_America_1_1941.mp3
Superman (1948) Serial Movie Review Podcast
Superman is a 1948 15-part Columbia Pictures film serial based on the comic book character Superman. It stars an uncredited Kirk Alyn (billed on-screen only by his character's name, Superman; but credited as Kirk Alyn on the promotional posters) and Noel Neill as Lois Lane. It was the first live-action appearance of Superman on film. The serial was directed by Thomas Carr (who later directed many early episodes of the Adventures of Superman television series) and Spencer Gordon Bennet, produced by Sam Katzman, and shot in and around Los Angeles, California. It was originally screened at movie matinées, and after the first three scene-setting chapters, every episode ends in a cliffhanger. The Superman-in-flight scenes are animations, in part due to the small production budget.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Superman_1948.mp3
Captain America (1944) Serial Film Review Podcast
Captain America is a 1944 Republic black-and-white 15-chapter serial film loosely based on the Timely Comics (now Marvel Comics) character Captain America. It was the last Republic serial made about a superhero. It also has the distinction of being the most expensive serial that Republic ever made. It stands as the first theatrical release connected to a Marvel character. The film was re-released in 1953 and it was released in Turkey in popular before the release of the original comics, Turkish Captain America films was also produced such as 1968 film Binbaşı Tayfun and 1973 film 3 Dev Adam. It was the first live-action rendition of a Marvel character.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Captain_America_1944.mp3
House of Frankenstein (1944) Movie Review Podcast
A great Universal monsters horror film from 1944! House of Frankenstein features Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man in action with and against each other! A fine and fun horror movie!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/House_of_Frankenstein_1944.mp3
Son of Dracula (1943) Movie Review Podcast
There's a new Dracula in town kids. Following the classic Bela Lugosi led classic, Universal Pictures came back with two (sort of) sequels- Daughter of Dracula and Son of Dracula. We take a look at Son of Dracula that apparently doesn't feature the son of Dracula at all. Nope, it's the count himself and he is played by Lon Chaney, Jr. this time with Bela Lugosi nowhere to be found. This time Dracula comes to the U.S. looking for fresh blood but he's not looking for a bride... a bride is looking for him! Listen in as Karl from When It Was Cool reviews Son of Dracula!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Son_of_Dracula_1943.mp3
Death of Hulk Hogan (2025) Podcast Special
Join pro wrestling historian and author Karl Stern as he talks about the complicated history and legacy of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at his home in Florida. Hulk Hogan, who began his pro wrestling career in the late 1970s, became one of the most famous pro wrestlers in history and a major pop culture star as well. From his movies to his reality show, Hulk Hogan was one of the biggest media stars pro wrestling ever produced.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Death_of_Hulk_Hogan_2025_Special.mp3
Batman (1943) Serial Movie Review
Oh boy... you win some and you lose some. While Adventures of Captain Marvel from Republic Films was a real winner the same can not be said for the racist and silly 1943 Columbia Film The Batman. The casting was beyond terrible and there were few good qualities about this 15 part serial. The costuming was fine but today we meet a Batman who never wins a fight, a Robin that was at least twice too old, and dialog meant to offend probably everyone. This film did introduce The Bat's Cave to Batman lore and just wait until you hear about the amazing special effect that accompanied the Batmobile! Be sure to also read the article on the main When It Was Cool website for photos and more!
Be sure to check out our Patreon page here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/The_Batman_1943.mp3
Superman and The Mad Scientist (1941) Retro Cartoon Review
The Fleischer Superman cartoons in the 1940s were extraordinarily groundbreaking at the time and are still looked back on as one of the greatest animated series ever. On this episode, Karl from When It Was Cool looks back at this epic piece of retro pop culture!
Be sure to check out our Patreon page here.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Superman_Mad_Scientist_1941_RS.mp3
The Wolf Man (1941) Retro Movie Review
This week our retro movie review continues looking back at the 1941 Universal horror classic The Wolf Man starring Lon Chaney, Jr. While this is perhaps my least favorite of the Universal Pictures horror classics it did lay down the lore for much of what we know as the werewolf mythology. The movie does have its good points also and today host Karl from When It Was Cool talks The Wolf Man (1941).
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/The_Wolf_Man_1941.mp3
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) Movie Review Podcast
Once again it is Friday the 13th so, of course, we have a Friday the 13th movie review! Part VII: The New Blood (1988) features the first appearance of Kane Hodder as Jason Vorhees who also sets a filming record in this movie for the longest legit stunt fire scene up to that date. There is a new cast of victims for Jason to prey upon, but the same tired formula continues in this very predictable movie leading to future changes. Did you know this movie was supposed to be Carrie verses Jason? It was also supposed to be Freddy verses Jason too but that was pushed down the road a few years. Let's talk about it.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/07_Friday_the_13th_VII_The_New_Blood_1988.mp3
Green Hornet (1940) Retro Movie Review
On this When It Was Cool Patreon special I review a movie condensed from the 1940 Green Hornet film serial. Green Hornet and the Lone Ranger exist inside the same fictional universe, in fact, later cannon has Green Hornet as the great nephew of the Lone Ranger. Keye Luke who later played BIind Master Po in Kung Fu is Kato in this series. Karl Stern talks you through this often-overlooked corner of the superhero universe.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Green_Hornet_1940_Retro_Review.mp3
Captain America: Brave New World (2025) Movie Review Podcast
I have sadly sworn off the MCU for some time now. None of the offerings in recent years have appealed to me but when Captain America: Brave New World showed up on Disney Plus I decided to give it a try. Featuring the debut of Harrison Ford's Red Hulk character, could this be the movie that brings me back into the Marvel Universe? Not so fast. Join me while I try to find a ray of hope inside this flawed superhero movie.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Captain_America_Brave_New_World_2025.mp3
Son of Frankenstein (1939) Movie Review Podcast
When It Was Cool Dark looks back at 1939's Universal Monster movie Son of Frankenstein where the son of the original Dr. Frankenstein comes to claim his family estate and discovers The Monster has been saved by Ygor (played by Bela Lugosi of Dracula fame) and is being used as a weapon against Ygor's enemies. Karl and Tonya (from When It Was Cool website) discuss the movie and the changes in macabre films over the years and what are the modern equivalents of this type cinema.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/When_It_Was_Cool_Dark_379_Son_of_Frankenstein.mp3
Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Movie Review Podcast
Many believe this is the greatest of the classic monster movies and who am I do disagree? Bride of Frankenstein was a 1935 classic and sequel to the excellent Frankenstein. Join pop culture historian Karl from When It Was Cool as he discusses this classic.
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Bride_of_Frankenstein_1935.mp3
King Kong (1933) Retro Movie Review Podcast
Join us for another great offering from our Patreon page. King Kong (1933) is a monster movie classic. While the stop motion animation may seem antiquated in the age of CGI and the story and presentation of King Kong from 1933 is still exceptional. Join us as we look back at this monster movie classic!
Recommendation for today - King Kong Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/King_Kong_1933_Review.mp3
The Mummy (1932) Retro Movie Review Podcast
From our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/wiwcool archive at When It Was Cool is our review of the 1932 Universal Monster movie classic The Mummy! Check us out at When It Was Cool for almost 3000 podcasts on pop culture, retro pop culture, and more!
Recommendation for today - 3.75 inch Funko Universal Monsters The Mummy action figure. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/The_Mummy_1932_WIWC.mp3
Dracula (1931) Movie Review Podcast
From the When It Was Cool archive on Patreon here, comes a review of the Universal Monsters classic adapted from the legendary book - Dracula! Much of what vampires are and can do were first established in the original novel and the movie. Check out our podcast review of Dracula!
Recommendation for today - Bram Stokers Dracula hardback book. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Dracula_1931_RS.mp3
Phantom of the Opera (1925) Movie Review Podcast
From our Patreon archive here, Karl and Tonya take a special look back at the silent horror film classic, Phantom of the Opera from 1925. This incredible horror movie classic set the standard that monster movies would follow for many years to come and give rise to the classics like Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, and the Wolf Man!
Recommendation for today - Phantom of the Opera collector’s edition hardback book. Order here!
Direct Link - https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/Phantom_of_the_Opera_1925.mp3
All Archived When It Was Cool Podcast Episodes are available exclusively on our Patreon page! Click here to see our back catalog of podcasts!
