Podcast
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast
Attention lovers of nostalgia! The buffet is now open! The In My Footsteps Podcast fills you up with a heaping helping of Gen-X nostalgia. Covering the 1960s through the 1990s the show is sure to fill your plate with fond memories. Music. Movies. Television. Pop Culture. Oddities and rarities. Forgotten gems pulled straight from your childhood. There is so much to enjoy. New England author Christopher Setterlund hosts the show. The best part? You can binge all you want and never need an antacid. Bell bottoms, Members Only jackets, torn jeans, and poofy hair are all welcome. Come as you are and enjoy a buffet of topics you'll love to reminisce about.
- Episodes
- 278
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 58 min
- On air since
- 2020
- Latest episode
- 6 days ago
Episodes
278 episodes, newest first
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57 min
Episode 266: Charles Manson & The Beach Boys, D.B. Cooper, 1960s Urban Legends, the Real 'Candy Man'(10-28-2026)
Season 1, Episode 266
Show notes
The unsettling connection between Charles Manson and the Beach Boys. The infamous skyjacking of D.B. Cooper. Some well-known 1960s urban legends.
Episode 266 puts a wrap on Spooky Season with a chilling dose of GenX nostalgia.
How did one of the most beloved American bands of the 1960s become connected to one of the most infamous 20th-century names? The story of Charles Manson and The Beach Boys is one of fame-seeking, the counterculture world of Southern California, and what happens when evil is denied what it truly wants. We go through the details in a creepy deep dive.
It is a story so shrouded in mystery that the name of the perpetrator isn't even correct. In 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper hijacked an airplane, got his ransom, and parachuted into the desolate, stormy night in the Pacific Northwest. What happened to the man who became better known as D.B. Cooper? Why has this case been so difficult to solve even 55 years later?
Some spooky tales are built to last. In this week's Top 5, we look at some well-known 1960s urban legends. A few of these might sound familiar, as they have been told for generations after. How many of them have you heard of?
There is a terrifying new This Week In History and Time Capsule looking back at the awful poisoning murder of his son by the real-life 'Candy Man' Ronald O'Bryan.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• Emma's Musings - Substack
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• The Babysitter - Liza RodmanListen to Episode 265 here
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58 min
BONUS: Cape Cod True Crime - Interview with Author Liza Rodman and Filmmaker Frank Durant(10-25-2026) Bonus
Show notes
Order Liza Rodman's book The Babysitter
Order Frank Durant's film The Lady of the Dunes
Cape Cod is a vacation destination. It is filled with pristine beaches, quaint shops, and ample opportunities to make beautiful memories. But just off the beaten path, Cape Cod has seen its fair share of darkness.
Author Liza Rodman and filmmaker Frank Durant are familiar with both the beauty and the darkness of Cape Cod. In this special bonus episode of the podcast, I sit down and talk to them about their experiences.
Liza has a unique story in that, as a child, her friendly and kind babysitter was also a serial killer. At 10 years old, she was being watched over by Tony Costa. He was sentenced to life in prison in 1970 for two ghastly murders, with the potential number of victims being anywhere from four to eight. She shares some stories but it is highly recommended to read The Babysitter book for the full account.
Frank has been working for years, chronicling some of Cape Cod's most enduring true crime stories. His Lady of the Dunes documentary helped to open doors and light a fire under law enforcement to solve the case. Ruth Marie Terry very likely would still be unknown if not for that film. Now Frank is turning his attention to Sydney Monzon, an alleged victim of Tony Costa. Much like with Ruth Marie, Frank wants to give Sydney her name back. He wants her to be remembered as a person more than a victim.
We discuss all of those names and stories, how these crimes impact the appearance of Cape Cod, and much more in this long-form interview.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• Emma's Musings - Substack
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 265 here
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56 min
Episode 265: The Many Halloween Movie Timelines, What Was Ong's Hat?, Best 2000s Horror Movies(10-21-2026
Season 1, Episode 265
Show notes
The many confusing timelines of the Halloween franchise. The story behind an early internet mystery. Some of the best horror movies from the 2000s.
Episode 265 continues down the horrifying path of spooky season with a fresh batch of GenX nostalgia.
We start by going through a maze. That maze consists of the many confusing timelines of the beloved Halloween movie franchise. It all begins with the classic original, then it goes in all different directions. The question is, why are there so many? I might not be able to answer that, but I can try to lead you through them as best I can.
Ong's Hat was one of the early Internet mysteries. It was based enough in reality that it gained traction as a potential conspiracy theory story. However, the creators hadn't anticipated that the spark of reality caused an inferno that they could not put out. I will share the entire story of Ong's Hat, a fascinating and spooky early internet rabbit hole.
Get ready to binge. This week's Top 5 features some of the best horror movies from the 2000s. Low-budget classics, paranormal, suspense, and yes, lots of gore; it's all represented here.
There is also a brand-new This Week in History and Time Capsule looking at the publication of J.R.R. Tolkein's finally of The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• Emma's Musings - Substack
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• Liza Rodman - The BabysitterListen to Episode 264 here
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58 min
Episode 264: The Evil Dead Turns 45, Insane Stories of Action Park, Best Low-Budget Horror Movies(10-14-2026)
Season 1, Episode 264
Show notes
The anniversary of an influential horror film. Some unbelievable stories from an unbelievable amusement park. The best horror movies made for little money.
Episode 264 kicks off Spooky Season proper with some haunting GenX nostalgia.
It starts with the story of Action Park, an amusement and water park where coming out unscathed was a bonus. For decades, visitors entered the grounds in New Jersey looking for a fun day creating memories. Some got what they paid for, while many left with injuries, and some even lost their lives, earning it nicknames like Traction Park. How was this park allowed to stay open?
45 years ago a group of friends with little money but a lot of talent and drive created a horror film that changed the industry. The Evil Dead lacked a big budget but made up for it in story, creativity, and gore by the bucket. We look back at how the film came to be, why it was so popular, and its legacy and influence.
Not every movie can have tens of millions of dollars at its disposal. Some films have to make do with a far smaller budget. In this week's Top 5, we look at some of the best low-budget horror movies. These were made for less than one million dollars (at the time).
There is also a brand-new This Week in History and Time Capsule looking at the life and career of animator Mike Judge, creator of Beavis & Butthead and King of the Hill.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• Emma's Musings - Substack
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• Class Action Park.comListen to Episode 263 here
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1 hr 1 min
Episode 263: Super Mario Bros. 2 & 3, Saturday Night Live, Famous Backup Singers On Famous Songs(10-7-2026)
Season 1, Episode 263
Show notes
A pair of beloved Super Mario Bros. sequels. The premiere of Saturday Night Live. Some famous people singing backup on other famous songs.
Episode 263 kicks off the month of October with a lot of fun GenX nostalgia and pop culture.
We begin with a double dose of video game classics. Super Mario Bros. 2 and 3 are so connected that it felt wrong to not talk about both. One was experimental while the other became one of the best-selling games ever for the NES. Both of them were highly influential on games that came after. Get ready for a speedrun through the world of Mario.
Saturday Night Live should not have succeeded the way it did. Unknown comedians, unknown writers, creating a show seen as filler for what were reruns of Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Yet, more than five decades later, the show is looked at as the launch pad of dozens of famous stars and is one of the most important television shows ever. We will look at how it all began.
In an oddly specific Top 5, we will look at famous singers who also sang backup on other famous songs. Some of these are common knowledge, but others you might not have heard about. Get ready to create a new Spotify playlist.
There is also a brand-new This Week in History and Time Capsule looking back at the Broadway debut of the musical Cats.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• Emma's Musings - Substack
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 262 here
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55 min
Episode 262: Nickelodeon's Double Dare, Worst After School Specials, Weird 1980s PC Games(9-30-2026)
Season 1, Episode 262
Show notes
Celebrating 40 years of Double Dare. Some of the worst after-school specials ever. A collection of weird and wild 1980s PC games.
Episode 262 ends the month of September with all shades of GenX nostalgia and pop culture.
On your mark, get set, go! The show sprints from the start with a look back forty years at the debut of Nickelodeon's sloppy fun game show Double Dare. Every 80s kid who watched the show either wanted to be on it or wanted to find ways to replicate it in our own lives. Slime, physical challenges, flags, and loads of memories are here.
ABC's After School Specials were a big part of the lives of 70s and 80s kids. It's where we learned about how to deal with bullying, drugs, peer pressure, and more. On this week's show, we will go to the bottom of the barrel to find some of the worst episodes from the beloved series. This includes a future A-list actor diving out of a window.
Not every video game can change the industry. For every Oregon Trail that defined the 1980s, there were also plenty of weird and just plain terrible PC games. This week we look at the Top 5 weird PC games from the 1980s, including one based on a C-level one-hit wonder band.
This week, we also have a brand-new This Week in History and Time Capsule looking back at the debut of the Ford Model T.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• Retro Games.czListen to Episode 261 here
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58 min
Episode 261: Pee-Wee's Playhouse Turns 40, Famous Fictional Bands, The US Festival(9-23-2026)
Season 1, Episode 261
Show notes
The simultaneous success and failure of the US Festival. Pee-Wee's Playhouse hits the Big 4-0. Some famous fictional bands.
Episode 261 welcomes fall with a show featuring varying shades of GenX nostalgia.
It all begins with what could have been the next big evolution in music festivals. The US Festival had some of the biggest names in music and technology in the early 1980s. In many ways it was a resounding success, but financially it was an abject failure. What happened? We will look into the whole story.
This week's secret word is forty, as in forty years. Pee-Wee's Playhouse entertained and, yes, educated 1980s kids. From the mind of Paul Reubens, this mashup of many different types of entertainment took Saturdays in the 80s by storm. We celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pee-Wee's Playhouse this week.
The Top 5 is real, but none of the musical acts featured in it are. We are going to look at some of the most famous fictional bands ever. Fun fact: three of these bands scored number one hits.
This week, we also have a brand-new This Week In History and Time Capsule looking back at when the fictional cartoon band The Archies scored a #1 hit song.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• Pee-Wee ParkListen to Episode 260 here
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1 hr 2 min
Episode 260: The Muppet Show, 1970s Music Fails, A Bus That Acts Like A Dog?, 2Pac(9-16-2026)
Season 1, Episode 260
Show notes
The debut of The Muppet Show. Some of the music fails of the 1970s. A school bus that acts like a dog?
Summer is ending, but the Gen-X nostalgia continues with Episode 260.
We start off with a look back to the debut of the original Muppet Show, which occurred 50 years ago this month. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, and so many more classic characters burst onto television sets and became cultural icons. This segment gives an overview and is only the beginning of the Muppet content.
A school bus that acts like a dog? What sort of acid trip created that idea? Who knows. What we do know is that this is the main plot behind the odd 1970s educational short film The Big Yellow Fellow. We will review this insanity and see if there are any valuable lessons to be learned.
The 1970s had some amazing music. From Led Zeppelin to Pink Floyd, all four Beatles' solo work, and more. This week's Top 5 will have none of them. Instead, we will look at some of the biggest musical fails of the 1970s. Lots of bad music and bad choices abound.
There is also a brand new This Week In History and Time Capsule looking back at the life and career of iconic rapper Tupac Shakur 30 years after his death.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• 9/11 25 Years LaterListen to Mixtape #5 here
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1 hr 20 min
Mixtape #5: Blink and You'll Miss It Retro Segments(9-9-2026)
Show notes
Happy Labor Day! When this episode premieres, I will be on location producing my first feature film, The Cabin. Thank you to everyone who donated to the fundraiser and helped to get this project made!
Being on location means that in place of a new podcast episode, you get Mixtape #5
All of the Blink and You'll Miss It retro segments are here in chronological order.
They contain foods, toys, television shows, miscellaneous products, and more that were here and gone in a relative flash. If you weren't around when they came out, you might have no memory of them ever existing.
You will laugh. You will shake your head. Maybe you'll go scouring your basement to see if you have any of the items mentioned, as they might fetch a few bucks on eBay.
Enjoy some memories in mixtape form on the podcast. Happy Labor Day weekend, and thank you again for all of the support for the podcast and my other creative ventures!
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 259 here
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17 min
Hidden Track Podcast #6: Child World & Kay-Bee Toys
Show notes
Back to the Golden Age of toy shopping.
Welcome to the sixth Hidden Track Podcast!
For this show, we are looking at a pair of classic toy stores that so many Gen Xers frequented in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Child World and Kay-Bee Toys were staples growing up in those bygone decades. Walking the aisles, trying out some of the toys, and likely left a mess in our wake. It was the best of times. However, times can and do change. Today, both of these stores are mere relics of the past, consigned to the clearance bin of history. We will look at them both, good, bad, and everything in between.
These are short-form shows, clocking in at roughly 10-15 minutes. They will cover one or two topics, likely ones previously covered on the In My Footsteps Podcast. These are subjects that were part of Top 5s or other list-form segments and deserve a more in-depth look.
Enjoy this podcast snack and make sure to check your attic for anything with the logos on them, as they fetch some cash on eBay!
Support me and the show by becoming a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• Goodbye DollyListen to Episode 259 here
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58 min
Episode 259: 1971 The Year In Pop Culture(9-2-2026)
Season 1, Episode 259
Show notes
In Episode 259 we're going to have all sorts of fun in 1971. We will be diving into all things music, television, movies, and pop culture.
Those were the days. Television in 1971 was a dividing line between the old and the new. Older, safer shows were being shown the door while a new generation of shows changed the landscape of pop culture. All in the Family took the world by storm with Flip Wilson, Marcu Welby, Mary Tyler Moore, and others following along.
Hot pants and leisure suits dotted the dance floors when looking back at Music in 1971. Popular music began splintering into smaller niches. The Beatles were gone but Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Carole King, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, and others filled the gap.
The Top 5 is filled with weird and funny news stories from 1971. A vibrating piece of clothing? An emergency broadcast false alarm? A famous plane hijacking? You'll hear about all of them and more.
This Week In History and Time Capsule looks at the first transatlantic flight of the Concorde. Stay tuned for some classic 1971 commercials as well!
Support me and the show, by becoming a member on Patreon.
Or support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• Goodbye DollyListen to Episode 258 here
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1 hr 2 min
Episode 258: Stand By Me Turns 40, Metroid For the NES, Classes No Longer Taught In School, River Phoenix(8-26-2026)
Season 1, Episode 258
Show notes
The 40th anniversary of Stand By Me. Also, the 40th anniversary of Nintendo's Metroid. Some classes that are no longer taught in school.
Episode 258 brings the Gen-X nostalgia in time for going back to school.
40 years ago this week, one of the seminal movies of 1980s kids' lives was released. Stand By Me was based on a Stephen King story and gave many kids of the time the desire to go hike the railroad tracks. We do a deep dive into the film, its importance, and the impact it had on kids at the time, like me.
Also 40 years ago this week, one of the most popular and influential games for the original Nintendo was released. Metroid was heavily influenced by the film Alien but in turn also blazed a trail for future games. Perhaps the perfect game for Gen-X, it taught you to go explore and find your own way. Were you able to defeat Mother Brain? Did you know the main character was female?
It's back to school time. This week's Top 5 ties in perfectly as we look at some classes that are no longer taught in school. Whether totally obsolete or extremely scaled back, these are classes that used to be part of the curriculum but have since faded away.
As always, there is a brand-new This Week in History and Time Capsule, looking back at the life and career of actor River Phoenix.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• Retro Games.czListen to Episode 257 here
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58 min
Episode 257: Super Nintendo's Debut, Legacy of the Original Woodstock, 1990s Celebrity Crushes(8-19-2026)
Season 1, Episode 257
Show notes
The original music festival. The follow-up to the king of video game consoles. Some favorite 1990s celebrity crushes.
Episode 257 has a batch of Gen-X nostalgia, hot and fresh out of the oven like Poppin' Fresh dough.
It starts with a look back at the original, and many say, greatest, music festival. Woodstock occurred this week in history in 1969 and changed not only music but the culture of a generation. However, it ended up being a success pulled from the jaws of failure. A larger-than-expected crowd, food shortages, bad weather, and more could have sunk the event before it happened. Instead, it helped make it one of the most important events in music history.
Now you're playing with power...super power. How do you follow up the most successful video game console ever made? If you are Nintendo, you take your time. 35 years ago this week, the 16-bit Super Nintendo made its debut in America. Sega Genesis had a two-year head start, so how would the SNES fare? Far better than they could have imagined.
How many of these celebrities adorned the walls of your bedroom? This week's Top 5 is all about the biggest 1990s celebrity crushes. Male, female, actors, musicians, it's all covered here.
Of course, there is a brand-new This Week in History and Time Capsule, featuring the ultimate bad-luck story of a person being struck by two consecutive foul balls at a baseball game.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on Etsy
• Retro Games.czListen to Episode 256 here
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57 min
Episode 256: One Crazy Summer & Cape Cod, Creation of the Cell Phone, Movies Filmed on Cape Cod & the Islands(8-12-2026)
Season 1, Episode 256
Show notes
The Cape Cod time capsule that is One Crazy Summer. Some of the movies shot on the Cape and Islands. The creation of the cellular telephone.
Episode 256 is a bit of a throwback for the podcast as it is loaded with Cape Cod topics.
We start by going back 40 years ago this week. One Crazy Summer is among the best mindlessly fun comedies of the 1980s. It wasn't a major box office or critical hit, but it did have one thing that made it special, and that was a deep connection to Cape Cod. Watching it today is like opening up an old photo album for Cape Codders who grew up during that time. We celebrate the 40th anniversary of One Crazy Summer this week.
Today it can feel as though cell phone technology has been around forever. In some ways that is true, but in other ways it's still relatively new. We go way back to the beginning and trace the evolution of cellular telephone technology. From World War II to Y2K and all of the bumps and detours, we look at just how cell phones became the indispensable part of life that they are today.
Cape Cod dominates this week's Top 5. We look at some of the films that were shot on Cape Cod or the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. There are a few obvious ones, and some that might surprise you. We'll go over them all, good, bad, and very bad.
As always, there is a brand-new This Week In History and Time Capsule, looking at the creation of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 255 here
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14 min
Hidden Track Podcast: #5 - The Living Corpse
Show notes
Donate to the GoFundMe for my feature-length film, The Cabin!
Who in the world was Mr. Living Corpse?
Welcome to the fifth Hidden Track Podcast!
These are short-form shows, clocking in at roughly 10-15 minutes. They will cover a topic or two, likely previously covered on the In My Footsteps Podcast. These are subjects that were part of Top 5's or other list-form segments and deserve a more in-depth look.
In perhaps the weirdest topic that might be covered, we go back half a century to look at the life and legacy of 'Country' Bill White, aka Mr. Living Corpse. He spent sometimes months at a time voluntarily being buried alive over the course of two decades. Being buried alive cumulatively for over two years is a strange accomplishment, but even stranger was the fact that he once married a woman while she was buried alive. Yes, you heard that right. There once was a Mrs. Living Corpse as well.
Enjoy this podcast snack and shake your head at just what some people will do for their fifteen minutes of fame.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 254 here
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58 min
Episode 255: Summer In the 1980s, Invention of Gatorade, 80s TV Show Fails, Marilyn Monroe(8-5-2026)
Season 1, Episode 255
Show notes
Donate to the GoFundMe for my feature-length film, The Cabin!
Remembering 1980s summers. The creation of the sports drink. Some of the biggest 1980s TV show fails.
The dog days of summer begin, and Episode 255 is here to try to keep you cool.
It begins with the creation of the thirst quencher. Sports drinks have been helping athletes and everybody else stay hydrated for six decades. What began as an experiment on the University of Florida campus became a billion-dollar industry on the back of Gatorade. We do a deep dive into the drink that is for that deep-down body thirst.
Summer was different in the 1980s. It was freedom and adventure. It was bikes and dirt and sugar. It was getting out and staying out until the streetlights came on. Let's reminisce about those bygone days when technology was an appetizer and not the main course. When the outdoors called via landline. Let's look at summer in the 1980s.
Not everything was better in the 1980s. The Top 5 will attest to that. We will be looking at some of the biggest TV show fails of the 80s. Horrible spin-offs, ridiculous premises, big stars failing badly, it's all here.
Of course, there is a brand-new This Week In History and Time Capsule, looking at the sad death of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 254 here
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1 hr 4 min
Episode 254: The Sad Genius of Robin Williams, Chappelle's Show, Collectible Investment Fails(7-29-2026)
Season 1, Episode 254
Show notes
Donate to the GoFundMe for my feature-length film, The Cabin!
The sad genius of Robin Williams. The undeniable impact of Chappelle's Show. Some of the biggest collectibles trends that were investment fails.
Episode 254 is loaded with legends and icons.
Robin Williams was one of the most talented actors and comedians of his or any generation. He could be a ball of manic energy in comedy, a relatable everyman, and even a terrifying killer. Though he entertained millions in movies and television, there was an underlying sadness to him. We look back at the life and legacy of a one-of-a-kind.
In the annals of television history, few shows have lasted such a short time but made such a huge impact. Chappelle's Show changed the way sketch comedy was written and received by the audience. Groundbreaking characters, memorable sketches, dozens of quotable lines. This show achieved more in 28 episodes than many do in several hundred.
A new Top 5 will have you searching the attic and basement. Some investments pay off; these are not those. We will look at some collectibles that we thought would grow in value, but sadly they ended up flopping and collecting dust in a corner. How many of these collectibles investment fails did you own?
Of course, there is a brand-new This Week In History and Time Capsule, looking at the first cross-country trip by automobile.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 253 here
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56 min
Episode 253: HBO's BrainGames, Sublime's Breakthrough, Beloved TV Programming Blocks(7-22-2026)
Season 1, Episode 253
Show notes
Donate to the GoFundMe for my feature-length film, The Cabin!
A brief show that left a lasting impact. A band whose rise was cut short. Some of the most popular television programming blocks ever.
Episode 253 shows the pop culture randomizer on full display.
It begins with a look back at a show that only lasted a short time but left a big imprint on a lot of GenXers. BrainGames was a revelation in children's education. The HBO show lasted a whopping 6 episodes, yet somehow is still fondly remembered to this day by many who saw it. We look at why this little show had a big impact.
30 years ago this week, an indie band with a cult following released their breakout hit song. Unfortunately, it came shortly after their lead singer had lost his life. The band was Sublime, and the singer was Bradley Nowell. On this anniversary, we do a deep dive into the rise, fall, and full-circle rebirth of one of the most popular bands of the mid-1990s.
TGIF? Must-See TV? This week's Top 5 looks at those and some of the other beloved television programming blocks of all-time. How many of these were part of your weekly scheduling plans?
Finally there is a brand-new This Week In History and Time Capsule, looking at the very first Billboard Magazine music chart(it's not what you might think).
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 252 here
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1 hr
Episode 252: 60 Years of Doritos, Live Aid Concert Event, Family Feud, Rebranded Sports Teams(7-15-2026)
Season 1, Episode 252
Show notes
Donate to the GoFundMe for my feature-length film, The Cabin!
The tasty history of Doritos. The historic Live Aid concert event. Sports teams that were rebranded as others.
Episode 252 is chock full of GenX nostalgia to try to keep you cool in the July heat.
It starts with one of the most historic music events ever. Live Aid was a one-day event featuring many legends of the day. Taking place in 1985 and on two separate continents, it raised money for famine relief while also creating some enduring musical memories.
Six decades of snacking. We celebrate Doritos, which burst onto the scene in 1966. From simple toasted corn tortilla chips to more than 100 flavors worldwide, Doritos have been a staple of after school, sporting event gatherings, teenage parties, and more for most of many of our lives.
Countless sports franchises have been in the same city for decades. Some have left their original cities but kept their name. For this Top 5, we are looking at teams that not only left their original city but also were rebranded. Growing up in New England, the Hartford Whalers hockey team was front and center on this list. Do you have any favorite rebranded sports teams?
Survey says we have a brand-new This Week In History and Time Capsule, looking at the 50-year legacy of the game show Family Feud.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 251 here
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16 min
Hidden Track Podcast #4: Six Degrees, Friendster, and the Dawn of Social Media
Show notes
Donate to the GoFundMe for my feature-length film, The Cabin!
Welcome to the fourth Hidden Track Podcast!
For this show, we go back to the bygone era of the late 1990s and the dawning of social media. Today's TikTok, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook owe a debt of gratitude to the originals. Six Degrees and Friendster blazed the trail for what was to come in social media. What made them special? Why did they not last?
These are short-form shows, clocking in at roughly 10-15 minutes. They will cover a topic or two, likely previously covered on the In My Footsteps Podcast. These are subjects that were part of Top 5's or other list-form segments and deserve a more in-depth look.
Enjoy this podcast snack and send your mind back to the days of dial-up internet, chat rooms, Trojan viruses, and the dawning of social media.
To support me and the show, become a member on Patreon.
Or you can support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!
Helpful Links from this Episode
• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
• KeeKee's Cape Cod Kitchen
• MSFTS Community
• Kingfisher Hotels Cape Cod
• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
• Subscribe on YouTube!
• Initial Impressions 2.0 Blog
• CJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyListen to Episode 251 here
On these lists
In My Footsteps: A Gen-X Nostalgia Podcast is one of the shows picked out on this list
More in History
Placed highest on Apple Podcasts' History chart right now