From Jerry Springer to Trump: The Legacy of '90s Pop Culture with Ross Benes

Step into the cultural whirlwind of the late '90s with Ross Benes, author of 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. In this episode, Will Wright and Ross dive deep into how pop culture phenomena—from Insane Clown Posse and Jerry Springer to Pokémon and Beanie Babies—shaped today’s political and societal landscape. They explore how "low culture" influences modern politics, religion, and consumer behavior, revealing surprising parallels between 1999 trends and current events. Whether it’s dissecting the "kayfabe" tactics of pro-wrestling or connecting moral panics like the satanic scare to today's misinformation epidemics, this conversation is a nostalgic yet critical look at how the '90s still echo in our world today.

PreOrder the book, "1999 The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times"

Guest Bio

Ross Benes is a critically acclaimed author and cultural commentator with expertise in media analysis and journalism. His work has been featured in renowned publications like Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and The Wall Street Journal. His latest book, 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times, delves into the cultural, political, and societal shifts of the late '90s that continue to influence America. Known for his keen insights and engaging storytelling, Ross brings a fresh perspective to understanding pop culture's profound impact on contemporary life.