Episode 010 - 1985 with Co-Host Adam Poch (Big Brother)
This week's guest on the Tubular Time Machine is none other than the legendary Adam Poch—yes, that Adam from Big Brother Season 13! Known for his unforgettable love of bacon and his devotion to Tori Spelling, Adam became a fan favorite during his time in the Big Brother house. While we've only met in person once—at a charity event over a decade ago—Adam and I quickly bonded over our mutual love of the band Faith No More and the wonderfully weird Mr. Bungle.
Now, we're reuniting to take a totally tubular trip back to 1985—an iconic year in pop culture that just so happens to be the year we both turned 14. From blockbuster movies and MTV to wrestling, Walkmans, and everything in between, you can bet Adam and I have a lot to say. It’s going to be nostalgic, nerdy, and most definitely bacon-flavored. Let’s dive in!
Episode 010 - 1985 with Co-Host Adam Poch (Big Brother)
Follow up to the Episode
Episode 009 - 2025 with Co-Host Rook Rasmussen (My Son)
This week on The Tubular Time Machine, we’re flipping the script and taking a break from our usual journey through pop culture's past to do something a little different—and a whole lot special. That’s because joining me in the co-host chair is someone who just turned 14 this year, someone who happens to be an amazing teen and my very own son—Rook Rasmussen.
To celebrate Rook hitting this milestone, we’re dedicating this episode to exploring what life looks like right now for a modern teenager. Rook is one of the most curious and passionate people I know, with interests that are as fascinating as they are unique. He plays jazz bass in his school’s jazz band, dives deep into the science of uranium and radiation—yes, he actually collects uranium glass, radium clocks, and those iconic radiation red plates—and if that weren’t cool enough, he’s also an expert fishkeeper, maintaining both saltwater and freshwater aquariums.
So what better way to understand Gen Z than by hearing it straight from the source? Let’s dive into the world of memes, music, school, science, and self-expression—today’s teen edition. Please join me in welcoming the one and only Rook Rasmussen to the show!
Episode 009 - 2025 with Co-Host Rook Rasmussen (My Son)
Episode 008 - 1978 with Co-Host Lori Vandermeir
This week on Tubular Time Machine, we’re heading back to 1978 with someone who lived it firsthand—and lived it loud. Joining me is the wonderful Lori Vandermeir, who was just 14 years old that year and soaking up all the pop culture goodness that the late ‘70s had to offer—from bell bottoms and boomboxes to disco balls and debut albums.
Lori is not only a true child of the '70s, but also a mother to three amazing daughters and someone with one of the biggest hearts I know. I first met Lori ten years ago at a charity event in Florida, and from that day on, I knew I was lucky to call her a friend.
She’s insightful, kind, and full of stories that bring the past to life—and I’m thrilled to have her here to help us rewind to 1978.
Episode 008 - 1979 with Co-Host Lori Vandermeir
Episode 007 - 1984 Co-hosted with Dan Duncan
This week on Tubular Time Machine, I’m stoked to welcome a special guest and a longtime friend—someone I go way back with to the days of BBSs, dial-up tones, and digital mischief before the internet even knew what social media was.
Joining me is Dan Duncan, a guy who knows how to belt out a karaoke tune, hit the gym, and still have room for a cold one on the Old Chicago World Beer Tour. He’s also partly responsible for my son’s love of the bass guitar—yes, Dan’s that kind of positive enabler.
In 1984, Dan was 14 years old, soaking up pop culture like a sponge and living through the radness of the Reagan era, Rubik’s Cubes, and Ghostbusters hype in real time. He brings not only firsthand memories of the year but also a great sense of humor, deep music knowledge, and stories that’ll take us all back.
Episode 006 - 1987 Co-Hosted with Dianna Hokenstad
This week on the Tubular Time Machine Podcast, I take a nostalgic dive into 1987 with a very special guest: longtime friend and fellow band geek, Dianna Hokenstad. Friends since high school, where their bond was forged through the rhythm and camaraderie of marching band, Dianna brings both her musical talent and her love of all things nerdy to the conversation. At 14 years old in 1987, Dianna experienced the era firsthand, and her vivid recollections of teen life during that time—complete with the music, fashion, slang, and unforgettable fads—offer an authentic and heartfelt perspective. Join us as we relive a year full of mohawks, boomboxes, and teenage dreams.
Episode 006 - 1987 Co-Hosted with Dianna Hokenstad
Episode 005 - 1995 Co-Hosted with Jeremy Craig
This week on Tubular Time Machine, we’re cranking the dial all the way back to 1995! Today, we’re thrilled to welcome a very special guest to the show. He was once one of my star pupils—sharp, curious, and always asking the kind of questions that made the rest of the class lean in. But Jeremy Craig didn’t stop there. No, he took that passion for the past and ran with it—across the pond, no less! Jeremy went on to study history at university in the United Kingdom, where he managed to surpass even my knowledge of the subject... not that I’m bitter. (Okay, maybe a little.)
But here's the twist: in 1995, Jeremy wasn’t just any teenager. At the age of 14, he was already cultivating a totally unique and bohemian view of the world—equal parts mixtape philosopher and flannel-clad cultural critic. He was living the 90s from the inside out, soaking in every trend, news flash, and pop culture pulse like it was liquid gold.
So buckle up, listeners—today we’re diving into the year 1995 with someone who lived it, studied it, and can now help us understand it better than ever. Please welcome my former student, now fellow historian, and full-time time traveler... Jeremy Craig!
Episode 004 - 1974 Co-Hosted with Bruce Cole
This week on Tubular Time Machine, we’re cranking the dial all the way back to 1974 — a year of bell bottoms, Watergate headlines, and the fizzy surprise of Pop Rocks. Joining me for this nostalgic ride is none other than Bruce Cole — a beloved educator with 23 years in business, marketing, and information technology, who’s gearing up for retirement. But before he trades in his lesson plans for a leash and chew toys (he’s also a labradoodle breeder and lifelong dog lover), Bruce is here to relive what it was like to be 14 years old in one of the grooviest years of the decade.
Together, we’ll dive into the era of Hungry-Man dinners and the thrill of watching Muhammad Ali reclaim his crown. Bruce shares what it was like to witness streaking become a national obsession, and he reflects on the very real risk of twisting an ankle in platform shoes. From school dances to shag carpeting, this episode is packed with firsthand stories and unforgettable pop culture moments. So lace up those roller skates and hang on — 1974 is calling.
Episode 004 - 1974 with Co-Host Bruce Cole
Episode 003 - 2009 Co-Hosted with Jon Boucher
This week on Tubular Time Machine, co-host Jon Boucher—former education student turned IT Operations Manager with a crystal-clear memory of being 14 in 2009—joins us as we fire up the time circuits and blast back to a year packed with pop culture milestones. From syncing iPods and grinding through Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to lining up at the movie theater for tickets to Avatar, Jon helps us unpack what it really felt like to live through 2009. It’s a nostalgic ride through flip phones, fashion, and Friday night rituals—and Jon’s got the inside scoop on all of it.
And, in support of this episode, I present my 2025 fundraising campaign for the Autism Society. It’s an organization that I strongly believe in and is more relevant now than ever before! Take a look at my Over the Edge Fundraising Campaign to donate to this great cause!
Episode 002 - 1991 Co-Hosted by Cliff Wilson
Get ready to fire up the flux capacitor, because we're blasting off to 1991 in the Tubular Time Machine! Riding shotgun with us on this radical journey is the one and only Cliff Wilson! We’re diving deep into the best of the year: unforgettable movies, classic TV shows, hit songs, legendary stars, and a whole lot more. So grab your Walkman, turn up the retro vibes, and let’s rewind to a totally unforgettable year!
Episode 001 - 1998 Co-Hosted by Mario Lanza
Fire up the flux capacitor, 'cause we’re heading back to 1988 in the Tubular Time Machine! Joining us for this totally awesome trip is our very first co-host—none other than the legendary Mario Lanza! We're diving into all the raddest stuff from the year: epic movies, must-see TV, chart-topping tunes, iconic celebs, and so much more. So grab your Walkman, crank up the nostalgia, and let’s hit rewind on a gnarly year you won’t forget!
Episode 001 - 1998 Co-Hosted by Mario Lanza
And, why not check out some of Mario’s claims to fame with the following sites:
When It Was Worth Playing For by Mario Lanza
and
I would suggest the following episodes: Clash of the Titans, Frailty, Dreamscape, and an upcoming episode, yet to be named!
Tubular Time Machine Introduction
Tubular Time Machine Blog
Well, it’s here and it’s ready to roll! The Tubular Time Machine has launched and we’re ready to roll out the red carpet for our Co-Hosts! Take a listen to our Introduction and all things retro! Plus, as a bonus, listen to the full Tubular Time Machine Theme Song!
CLICK HERE to check it out!