Step into the weird and wonderful world of Gen X nostalgia as Nicole and Heather take you on a journey that begins at the Philadelphia Oddities and Curiosities Expo and transforms into a heartfelt exploration of the school supplies that shaped our youth.
The adventure kicks off with Heather in her element among taxidermy, preserved specimens, and macabre collectibles, while Nicole good-naturedly tags along. Between the mice dressed as ballerinas and a coveted $350 diaphanized octopus, Heather manages to score her perfect find: a tiny decapitated piglet in a jar for just $20. Their contrasting reactions to the expo perfectly illustrate the spectrum of Gen X sensibilities—some of us embraced the weird, others observed it from a comfortable distance.
Their conversation naturally evolves into a deep dive into the back-to-school memories that defined our generation. Remember when a Trapper Keeper cost just $4.85? Or how Lisa Frank's psychedelic designs weren't just decorations but emotional armor for kids seeking self-expression? The hosts unpack the cultural significance behind these seemingly simple objects, revealing how they functioned as identity markers in a pre-digital world.
From the iconic footwear that shaped our style (and possibly ruined our backs)—Vans, Tree Torns, and those plastic jellies—to the transformative power of Underoos that made us feel like superheroes beneath our everyday clothes, each item tells a story about belonging, status, and self-discovery. Perhaps most nostalgic of all is their exploration of the 1980s sticker craze, when adhesive paper became social currency and carefully curated sticker albums were treasured possessions.
Whether you collected scratch-and-sniff stickers, drew on your canvas sneakers, or saved for weeks to buy the perfect Benetton bag, this episode will transport you back to a time when our identities were shaped by the things we carried to school. Join us for this celebration of Gen X childhood—and maybe share your own memories of your favorite school supplies on social media @likewhateverpod.

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