AverageTrav, Foodie Mike C, and Manda kick off November 1st with totally unscripted basement chaos. Before we even roll the intro credits, we are diving into questionable Halloween candy bucket hot dogs, kids roasting our holiday budgets over inflation, surviving ongoing house water leaks and Liberty Biberty insurance headaches, and debating Trav's towering mountain of whipped cream on his Crustless Pumpkin Pie plate.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 07:45 Halloween Hot Dogs & House Leaks: The crew opens with November 1st Christmas trees, Halloween bucket glizzies, watching Haunted Hotel and Silo, and ripping the front of the house off for water restoration.07:45 - 12:15 Friday Night Blockbuster Runs & Pumpkin Pie Crime: Why browsing Auburn Spirits feels exactly like reading SNES and Sega Genesis cases in 1995, plus Trav's massive pumpkin pie whipped cream controversy.12:15 - 21:35 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open the 2026 Oktoberfest Festbier from<a href="https://sierranevada.com/"> Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.</a> and talk Bavarian brewer collaborations, proper beer head pours, stone-ground brown mustard pretzel pairings, and Mike's culinary quest for sour vs. hoppy balance.21:35 - 26:50 Retro Rewind Wheel - The 1997 Montreal Screwjob: Spinning the Early November Nostalgia Wheel to revisit Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon, and Earl Hebner's running getaway car at WWF Survivor Series.26:50 - 30:25 Pillman's 9mm & Early 90s WWF: Reliving the wild November 4, 1996 Raw broadcast when Brian Pillman pulled a 9mm on Stone Cold Steve Austin, plus memories of 1990 debut Undertaker, Paul Bearer, and Tatanka.30:25 - 35:35 Diddy's Kong Quest & Rage Against the Machine: Skipping past Donkey Kong Country 2 to break down 1999's The Battle of Los Angeles, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 anthems, and Michael Moore shutting down the New York Stock Exchange during the Sleep Now in the Fire shoot.35:35 - 39:15 Code 2319! Monsters, Inc. (2001): Celebrating Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Boo, and the secret White Sock Pixar alphabet code before shouting out Gamer Harold on N64 Pokemon.39:15 - 45:40 The Cartridge and Quest Gauntlet (90s Audio Edition): Manda and Mike buzz in with Apples and LeBron James to identify 56k dial-up modems, ICQ Uh-Oh alerts, the Windows 95 startup chime, PS1 boot screens, speaker cell interference, and disconnected phone lines.45:40 - 48:05 Cocina Talk - Sopa de Arroz Explained: Mike breaks down the culinary difference between authentic broth-simmered Spanish rice, Chili Colorado, and Mexican fried rice.48:05 - 51:40 The Waterboy (1998): Remembering Bobby Boucher, Vicky Vallencourt, Julie Bowen, and former Wichita State athlete Paul Wight (The Giant) playing Captain Insano.51:40 - 58:25 Twisted Metal (1995) & Mad TV: Checking out Sweet Tooth Presents on TikTok, swapping PlayStation 1 game

Can You Guess These 90s Sounds? (PS1, ICQ & AOL) | Cartridge and Quest S2E31

Welcome to the Basement! Welcome back to the brick walled basement sanctuary for Season 2 Episode 30 of Cartridge and Quest for our milestone Halloween Family Game Night special. AverageTrav hosts solo alongside Manda dressed as Winifred Sanderson and Kara stepping in as Not Foodie Mike C wearing accidental matching Nacho Libre costumes while Mike C is away on top secret assignment in Oklahoma. Crack open a cold craft brew and settle in for absolute 90s nostalgia, retro video games, spooky movie deep dives, hilarious candy rankings, Gen Z slang decoding, and vintage toy history.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 03:45 Luchador Twins & 90s Masks: Trav, Manda, and Kara laugh over matching Nacho Libre costumes and cutting tongues on sharp 90s plastic Halloween masks.03:45 - 08:30 What's On Tap: Presented by <a href="https://auburnspirits.com">Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open Caramel Apple Fandango from <a href="https://www.tgbrews.com/">Toppling Goliath</a>, rating its cidery caramel flavor 4 out of 5.08:30 - 15:15 90s Candy Blind Rank: Manda and Kara rank tinfoil Nestle Crunch, Mega Warheads, Caramel Apple Suckers, Peanut Butter Kisses, and white chocolate ghosts.15:15 - 24:10 Channel Surfing: We revisit WCW Halloween Havoc 1996, 1993's Nightmare Before Christmas, the $299 PS2 launch, Faith No More's 1990 prank, and Kane's 1997 debut.24:10 - 31:20 Spooky Guess the Sound: A buzzer battle tests the crew on 90s clips from Fox NFL Sunday, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Tales from the Crypt, Scream, and Goosebumps.31:20 - 36:15 What Are These Damn Kids Saying?: We spin the wheel to decode Gen Z slang including Boo Baskets, Aura Debt, Ghostlighting texts, and 40-something Unc Status.36:15 - 44:30 VHS Freeze Frame: We ID 90s shots of Goosebumps, The Brood on Raw, 1993 McDonald's McWitch buckets, Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Treehouse of Horror V, and Ecto Cooler.44:30 - 50:45 Cartridge Conundrum & Sign-Off: We ask which creepy 1995 WWF dentist Glenn Jacobs played before Kane, laugh at Trav's muscle suit, and check the Cowboys score.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest at the register, and lock down 10% off your purchase every single day. Text (316) 229-9222 to join the text club.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cellularcenterict/">Cellular Center ICT</a>: Located upstairs next to Men's Wearhouse at the Towne East Mall in Wichita. Call (316) 302-5611 for fully tested, premium certified pre-owned hardware upgrades.<a href="https://www.wellingtonregent.com/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema down in Wellington! Pull up a seat in the air conditioning, say hello to Jerry, and check out the latest theater events.The Retro Detail Board90s Spooky Media & Console Censorship: From Danny Elfman's Nightmare Bef

Ultimate 90s Halloween Game Night! Candy Tier List, Goosebumps & Trivia | Cartridge and Quest s2e30

AverageTrav, Foodie Mike C, and Manda kick off Halloween with 90s nostalgia—from store memories to wild promotions.► RETRO REWIND: 1993 COCA-COLA MONSTERS OF THE GRIDIRON & 90S HALLOWEENWe review <a href="https://www.coca-colacompany.com/">Coca-Cola</a>'s 1993 "Monsters of the Gridiron" <a href="https://www.nfl.com/">NFL</a> promo featuring Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Cortez Kennedy as cyborg monsters selling Coke and <a href="https://www.sprite.com/">Sprite</a>. We roast cardboard costumes and discuss why Coke ended it in 1995 for the 1996 Olympics.We also revisit 90s Halloween favorites:• <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/">Monster Cereals</a>: Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry paper masks.• <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/">McDonald's</a> Halloween Pails: McBoo, McPumpkin, and glow-in-the-dark McGoblin buckets.► BEER REVIEW: KC BEER CO. FESTBIERPresented by Auburn Spirits in Wichita (10% off with code Cartridge and Quest)! Trav and Mike review <a href="https://kcbier.com/">KC Bier Co.</a> Festbier and talk beer at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/epcot/">Epcot</a>.► CHANNEL SURFING: ICONIC OCTOBER 90S MOVIESCan you guess these October movie anniversaries?• <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/">Pulp Fiction</a> (1994): Big Kahuna Burger, Royale with Cheese, and the briefcase.• <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/">Fight Club</a> (1999): Box office flop turned Blockbuster DVD cult classic.• <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110364/">Little Giants</a> (1994): "Annexation of Puerto Rico", Rick Moranis, and Icebox, plus Moranis classics like <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097523/">Honey, I Shrunk the Kids</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/">Ghostbusters</a>.• <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119345/">I Know What You Did Last Summer</a> (1997): Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.► 90S TRICK-OR-TREATING, THE COOL HOUSE & WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPSWe share Halloween stories: Ninja Turtles costumes, King-Size candy strategy, razor blade panics, and becoming "The Cool House" with <a href="https://www.blackstoneproducts.com/">Blackstone</a> tacos, hot dogs, and beer.Plus, Jordan vs. LeBron vs. Kobe, Foodie Mike C at the <a href="https://worldfoodchampionships.com/">World Food Championships</a>, and controlling ducks in <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/">NES</a> Duck Hunt!🎧 Listen & Connect:• Website & Merch Shop: https://cartridgeandquest.com/podcast• Custom Hats: https://flexcapdesigns.com (Use code CQ628 for 10% off!)• Contact: AverageTRAV@CartridgeandQuest.comKeep it rad, and peace.______________________________________► Your Queries :-</p

Why Coke Killed Monsters of the Gridiron! Plus 90s Trick-or-Treating & Movies | Cartridge & Quest

Welcome to the Basement! We are back in Wellington for Cartridge and Quest S2E28, bringing heavy 90s nostalgia, Dallas Cowboys stress, and craft beer reviews right to your podcast feed. Travis and Foodie Mike C, joined by Manda, battle TikTok live glitches before getting into the ultimate childhood scam. Get ready for wild 90s television trivia, shocking vintage eBay prices, and huge laughs.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 06:36 Safety Scissors: Overcoming TikTok live stream glitches before diving into 90s mail away toys.06:36 - 08:39 What's On Tap: Presented by <a href="https://auburnspirits.com">Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open Sam Adams Oktoberfest from <a href="https://www.samueladams.com">Boston Beer Company</a> and talk flavor profiles.08:39 - 22:07 Retro Rewind: Exposing the 90s mail away toy scam, hacking barcodes, and getting old GI Joes.22:07 - 31:10 Beer Review: The Oktoberfest debate continues against tropical Caliq guava beer flavors.31:10 - 48:40 Channel Surfing: Korn's Malibu cabin, No Doubt, Hey Arnold claymation secrets, and hating Arthur.48:40 - 58:13 Tech Nostalgia: The dominance of AOL trial CDs, 1000 free hours, and making throwing stars.58:13 - 01:04:40 Late 90s Hits: Fallout RPG origins and breaking down the Wiccan magic of television's Charmed.01:04:40 - 01:07:29 PlayStation Demos: Pizza Hut stuffed crust, grinding Tony Hawk, and replaying Metal Gear Solid.01:07:29 - 01:13:59 The Gauntlet: Sticker Shock edition, guessing insane eBay prices for vintage mail away toys.01:13:59 - 01:20:30 Cowboys Talk: Stressing the Steelers win, CD Lamb, and Dallas Cowboys defensive injuries.01:20:30 - 01:22:56 Cartridge Conundrum: Guessing the name of Nintendo's clunky Robotic Operating Buddy.01:22:56 - 01:28:34 Super Dad Contest: Help raise money for Children's Miracle Network to build a retro event space.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://www.wellingtonregent.com/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema down in Wellington! Pull up a seat in the air conditioning, say hello to Jerry, and check out the latest theater events.The Retro Detail BoardRetro Rewind Theme: The great mail away toy scam of the 1990s was a masterclass in corporate data harvesting. Kids eagerly spent allowance money and taped spare quarters to index cards to receive repurposed warehouse garbage, like a painted 1984 GI Joe or a clear plastic Obi-Wan figure. Toy companies used this brilliant marketing trick to collect home addresses for heavy junk mail catalogs, leaving kids with butchered toy packaging and weeks of endless mailbox waiting.Trav's Take Insight: The massive shift from clunky legacy tech to modern efficiency is perfectly captured by those old AOL trial CDs and Pizza Hut PlayStation demo discs. We ran heavy desktop computers on free 1000 hour connection trials and manipulated our parents into buying stuffed c

The Great 90s Toy Scam: Why The Proof Of Purchase Was A Trap

AverageTrav, Foodie Mike C, and Manda are fresh off a cruise and ready to crack open a Brix City Summer Jams Hazy IPA to get completely derailed. We dive into PlayStation 1 nostalgia, debating the greatness of Crash Bandicoot, Twisted Metal, and the Final Fantasy VII remaster. The Retro Rewind kicks into high gear as we look back at the 1995 SNICK fall lineup, featuring All That and Are You Afraid of the Dark, before pivoting to 90s sports movies like Cool Runnings and the Mighty Ducks. Do not miss the story about Trav embarrassing himself in front of Florida Panthers star Carter Verhaeghe. Plus, we crown Dog and Shake as the Wichita hot dog king, rank the top TRL hits of 1999 featuring Ricky Martin and Korn, and deliver serious Dallas Cowboys copium comparing the 1993 Super Bowl squad to the 2026 roster. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and hang out.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 04:00 Welcome Back: Cruise stories, forgotten luggage, and dominating 90s trivia.04:00 - 06:15 Sponsor Shoutout: Local love for Auburn Spirits.06:15 - 08:30 DraftKings Degenerates: Trav turns one hundred dollars into four hundred.08:30 - 12:00 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open Brix City Summer Jams Hazy IPA from<a href="https://brixcitybrewing.com/"> Brix City Brewing</a> and talk tropical flavor profiles.12:00 - 16:30 PS1 Retro Gaming: We debate the legendary PlayStation 1 library including Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy VII, and Twisted Metal.16:30 - 19:00 Local Love: Huge shoutout to Lola Fragrance and Co.19:00 - 24:00 Retro Rewind TV: Exploring the September 1995 SNICK lineup.24:00 - 29:00 Cocina Quest: Crowning Wichita legend Dog and Shake.29:00 - 35:00 90s Movie Magic: The Mighty Ducks and meeting Carter Verhaeghe.35:00 - 39:00 TRL Top Hits: Reviewing September 1999 music chart hits.39:00 - 45:30 Trav's Take Football: Pure Dallas Cowboys .45:30 - 48:47 Trav's Take Tech: NFL games on an iPad and the Tesla Full Self Driving beta.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest, and lock down 10% off. Text (316) 229-9222 to join the text club.<a href="https://www.wellingtonregent.com/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema down in Wellington! Pull up a seat in the air conditioning, say hello to Jerry, and check out the latest theater events.The Retro Detail BoardRetro Rewind Theme: We dive deep into the cultural impact of the September 1995 SNICK block on Nickelodeon. Shows like Are You Afraid of the Dark and All That defined the weekend aesthetic for millennials, serving as the gateway to sketch comedy before we graduated to Friday night feature films.Trav's Take Insight: Trav reflects on the cultural shift in consumer technology, comparing the lux

Is FF7 The Best PS1 Game? Plus 1999 TRL Hits & Twisted Metal | 90s kid Nostalgia | Cartridge & Quest

Welcome back to the basement for a special Cartridge RE-Quest! Since AverageTrav is heading on vacation next week, we cracked open the Edit---E126-Curse-of-the-Witch.txt master file from the vault for a classic rerun. Episode 126 brings the 90s nostalgia heat you crave. We kick things off with banter about what Travis refuses to do for fame, plus a shoutout to Mike's upcoming 40th birthday. Grab a cold drink, lock in, and get ready for retro gaming history, wrestling blunders, and pop culture greatness. Episode Breakdown00:00 - 01:17 Opening Banter: AverageTrav sets boundaries for internet fame while Foodie Mike C plots their rise. 01:18 - 02:45 What's On Tap: Presented by <a href="https://auburnspirits.com/?utm_source=gemini">Auburn Spirits</a>. We taste Crown Royal Apple with Witches Brew Alani. 02:46 - 07:49 Local Cinema: Hyping the Star Wars Episode III event at the Regent Theater with 2005 promotional cups. 07:50 - 10:25 Windows 95 Launch: Remembering the 300 million dollar marketing budget for the Windows 95 debut. 10:26 - 14:09 Street Fighter 2 Turbo: This SNES classic moves over four million cartridges and dominates the 16-bit era. 14:10 - 16:35 Madden 2000 Curse: Barry Sanders retiring before the season after appearing on the game cover. 16:36 - 19:54 TMNT Action Figures: The 1988 release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys generating a billion dollars. 19:55 - 24:45 WCW Shockmaster Debut: Laughing at the 1993 blunder where Fred Ottman tripped through a brick wall on TV. 24:46 - 27:10 1995 Music Hits: Seal drops Kiss from a Rose for Batman Forever, knocking TLC off the pop charts. 27:11 - 32:25 Mike's Culinary Updates: Mike C talks hanging out with Grady Dick, Chopped casting, and a spicy wing challenge. 32:26 - 33:16 DudeRobe Shoutout: We need to secure shorts from DudeRobe to keep the podcast studio comfortable. 33:17 - 36:28 Stream Sniping: Mike drops into zero-viewer Twitch streams to surprise grinding gamers with cash donations. CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/?utm_source=gemini">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest, and lock down 10% off your purchase. Text (316) 229-9222 to join.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cellularcenterict/?utm_source=gemini">Cellular Center ICT</a>: Located upstairs at Towne East Mall in Wichita. Call (316) 302-5611 for certified pre-owned hardware upgrades.<a href="https://www.wellingtonregent.com/?utm_source=gemini">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema in Wellington! Say hello to Jerry and check out the latest theater events.The Retro Detail Board[Retro Rewind Theme]: The 1993 launch of Street Fighter 2 Turbo on the Super Nintendo shifted 16-bit console history. Nintendo brought the arcade fighting experience into the living room, selling 4.1 million cartridges

Retro Dads Mix Witches Brew And Relive Peak 90s Nostalgia | Cartridge RE-Quest Episode 126

What is up, retro hounds? Cartridge and Quest Season 2, Episode 26! This week, AverageTrav, Foodie Mike C, and AmanduhPlz88 are tearing into the ultimate 90s nostalgia trip for another legendary podcast session in the basement. We decode the legendary ABACABB <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortal_Kombat">Mortal Kombat</a> blood code on the <a href="https://sega.com/">Sega Genesis</a> before diving into the 1993 US Senate hearings that altered the video game industry forever. Plus, the crew debates 90s <a href="https://nfl.com/">NFL</a> fashion throwbacks, tests a citrusy local craft brew from Kansas, and vents about the <a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> rough Week 1 showing on the gridiron. Grab your arcade tokens, fire up the CRT, crack open a cold beverage, and let's jump right in! Episode Breakdown00:00 - 04:04 Whats on Tap: Unlocking the Genesis blood code and breaking down today's retro lineup for all the arcade kids out there. 04:04 - 17:14 Retro Rewind: Smelly bowling alleys, gray sweat fatalities, and how <a href="https://nintendo.com/">Nintendo</a> and <a href="https://sega.com/">Sega</a> battled the US Senate to create the <a href="https://www.esrb.org/">ESRB</a>. 17:14 - 24:24 Beer Review: Presented by <a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open Dream On Fruited Sour from <a href="https://www.walnutriverbrewing.com/">Walnut River Brewing</a> and talk tangerine flavor profiles. 24:24 - 33:03 Channel Surfing: A 90s TV deep dive featuring <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiny_Toon_Adventures">Tiny Toon Adventures</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Planet_and_the_Planeteers">Captain Planet</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Step_by_Step_(TV_series)">Step by Step</a>, and <a href="https://www.cwtv.com/shows/supernatural/">Supernatural</a>. 33:03 - 52:00 Gridiron Glow Up: Pixelated 90s <a href="https://nfl.com/">NFL</a> jerseys tested against modern <a href="https://nike.com/">Nike</a> threads for the <a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com/">Cowboys</a>, <a href="https://www.49ers.com/">49ers</a>, <a href="https://www.jaguars.com/">Jaguars</a>, <a href="https://www.panthers.com/">Panthers</a>, <a href="https://www.buccaneers.com/">Buccaneers</a>, and <a href="https://www.baltimoreravens.com/">Ravens</a>. 52:00 - 01:00:04 Mike's Mind: Cowboys Week 1 gridiron pain, Dak Prescott's performance, defensive struggles, and <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/">DraftKings</a> sports betting updates with Big Poppy. 01:00:04 - 01:08:21 Cartridge Conundrum: Exposing the <a href="https://nintendo.com/">GameCube</a> Memory Card 59 scam, massive <a href="https://xbox.com/">Xbox</a> file updates, and a final Dallas Cowboys defensive breakdown. CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridg

The ABACABB Blood Code vs. The Senate

We are back for S2E25 of Cartridge and Quest. AverageTrav kicked things off by testing Mighty Morphin Power Rangers discipline tactics on his kids, but more importantly, we officially brought Manda into the sanctuary to run the producer desk. With three mics live, the conversation fires on all cylinders as we dive into Bourbon Heritage Month, trade fantasy football draft jabs, and unpack corporate sabotage hiding inside your childhood video game cartridges. Grab a cold craft beer and hang out with your friends.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 02:05 [Basement Banter]: AverageTrav tests a questionable Zordon parenting tactic.02:05 - 04:45 [The Rundown]: We celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month and welcome Manda to the desk.04:45 - 26:15 [Retro Rewind]: The gritty reality of Blockbuster clamshells, late fees, and rigged SNES game difficulty.26:15 - 34:10 [What's On Tap]: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We review Weekend at Kittie's from<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://fatorangecatbrewco.com"> Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.</a>.34:10 - 42:15 [Channel Surfing]: Nostalgic news covering Spyro the Dragon, the Sega Dreamcast, and The Magic School Bus.42:15 - 49:50 [Cartridge Conundrum]: Manda and Mike face off in a zoomed-in 90s logo trivia gauntlet.49:50 - 01:11:30 [Mike's Mind]: Fantasy football draft drama, Cowboys hype, and debuting Hosey's Tipsy Picks parlay tracking via<a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"> DraftKings</a>.01:11:30 - 01:25:10 [Trav's Take]: Respectfully remembering our 2001 high school 9/11 experiences, and a butterfly effect connecting My Chemical Romance to the movie Oppenheimer.01:25:10 - 01:28:00 [Sign Off]: We wrap up with trivia about the 1990 Disney Afternoon cartoon lineup.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier craft liquor store. Mention Cartridge and Quest at the register for 10% off. Text (316) 229-9222 to join the text club.<a href="https://www.wellingtonregent.com/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema in Wellington! Pull up a seat, say hello to Jerry, and check out the latest theater events.<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlexCapDesigns">Flex Cap Designs</a>: Upgrade your vintage aesthetic with premium embroidered snapbacks featuring retro gaming and comic book designs.The Retro Detail BoardRetro Rewind Theme: The 1990s Friday night video rental ecosystem was a calculated corporate battleground. With Blockbuster racking up $800 million annually in late fees by 2000, publishers engineered brutal gameplay choke points. Infamous roadblocks, like the second level in the 16-bit Lion King game, were mandated to ensure kids could never beat a title within a two-day weekend rental window.Trav's Take Insight: The physical permanence of 90s blockbuster clamshell cases

The Real PS1 Mascot? It Wasn’t Spyro

We are back with a massive Season 2 episode of the Cartridge and Quest podcast! AverageTrav asserts dominance over his HOA using pure 1992 Batman The Animated Series logic, while Foodie Mike C preps for the NFL kickoff. The real treat today is guest voice actor Rick Wasserman. You know his gritty tones from AMC, HBO's The Wire, Marvel's The Avengers, and countless video game franchises. He drops into the basement to share incredible behind the scenes recording booth stories. Grab a cold craft drink, seal the hatch, and let's go!Episode Breakdown00:00 - 04:47 Opening Banter: AverageTrav faces down the HOA with Batman roof logic, Cowboys tailgating, and guest hype.04:47 - 13:41 Retro Rewind: Blockbuster Video, McDonald's, and Viacom engineer the rise and bankrupt fall of Discovery Zone indoor playgrounds.13:41 - 22:04 Hotel Checkout Logic: Trav explains his bizarre refusal to officially check out of hotel front desks, plus Dallas Cowboys game seating.22:04 - 32:07 Enter Rick Wasserman: The iconic voice actor joins us to discuss booking HBO's The Wire and becoming the voice of AMC.32:07 - 43:24 Animation & Gaming Lore: Rick voices Marvel's Thor and Hulk, and uses Adam Driver's sawhorse for Werewolf by Night.43:24 - 47:40 Mystery 90s Theater: We test Rick's nostalgia knowledge with electronic Furbies, mutant Heinz EZ Squirt ketchup, and Hasbro Bop It.47:40 - 50:11 VO Coaching: Rick delivers a custom intro for Cartridge and Quest and shares VO101 webinar details at<a href="https://bookablevo.com"> Bookable VO</a>.50:11 - 54:02 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open<a href="https://www.drinksuncruiser.com/"> Sun Cruiser Lemonade and Iced Tea</a> from Boston Beer.54:02 - 01:04:13 What's On Mike's Mind: Foodie Mike breaks down Dallas Cowboys roster cuts, defense hype, and his foolproof three hour smoked ribs recipe.01:04:13 - 01:06:01 Cartridge Conundrum: We reveal the futuristic SNES prototype racing concept that eventually became Super Mario Kart.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft beer hub. Mention Cartridge and Quest for 10% off every day. Text (316) 229-9222 to join the VIP club.<a href="https://www.wellingtonregent.com/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local Wellington, Kansas cinema! Say hello to Jerry and check out their current 1980s sci-fi film showings in the AC.<a href="https://bookablevo.com">Bookable VO</a>: Want to try voice acting? Check out Rick Wasserman's VO101 webinar every second Sunday for expert coaching.The Retro Detail BoardRetro Rewind Theme: In the 1990s, corporate giants Blockbuster, McDonald's, and Viacom formed a shadow government to fund Discovery Zone. They wanted kids doing cardio, but reckless expansion, massive debt, and ag

The Secret SNES Hardware Glitch That Made Mario Kart | S2E24

We kick things off with a retro gaming "Would You Rather" pitting <a href="https://www.aol.com">AOL</a> dial-up failures against the electric seaweed from <a href="https://www.ninjaturtles.com">TMNT</a> on the <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/nes-classic/">NES</a>. AverageTrav and Foodie Mike C run through the roadmap before diving into the gritty reality of 90s nostalgia game shows. Hit me back with the exact episode number when you are ready so I can finalize the final sign-off code!Episode Breakdown00:00 - 03:25 Intro and Setup: Debating dial-up internet agony versus NES TMNT torture.03:25 - 11:34 Retro Rewind: Ruining your childhood with the sweaty reality and labor loopholes of classic <a href="https://www.nick.com">Nickelodeon</a> game shows.11:34 - 17:35 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/"> ⁠Auburn Spirits⁠</a>. We crack open the heavy 10.3 percent South of Midnight stout from Manhattan Brewing packed with Jack Daniels barrel flavor and toasted pecans.17:35 - 21:56 Channel Surfing: The massive <a href="https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown">WWF SmackDown</a> debut on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UPN">UPN</a>, <a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/pete-rose-121447">Pete Rose</a>'s permanent ban, and the <a href="https://www.nfl.com/players/michael-vick/">Michael Vick</a> <a href="https://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-2004">Madden 2004</a> cheat code.21:56 - 26:17 The Gauntlet: Trav guesses if 90s icons like <a href="https://daveholmes.com/">Dave Holmes</a> were <a href="https://www.mtv.com">MTV</a> VJs or <a href="https://www.nick.com">Nickelodeon</a> hosts.26:17 - 35:20 Weekend Recap: Mike celebrates at Wasabi, rocks Wichita Forever Fest, and announces his World Food Championships return.35:20 - 41:22 Cowboys Corner: <a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com">Dallas Cowboys</a> preseason hype, <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4880811/caleb-downs">Caleb Downs</a> at safety, <a href="https://www.nfl.com/players/joe-milton/">Joe Milton</a>'s massive arm, and planning a stadium trip.41:22 - 47:45 Trav's Take: <a href="https://www.target.com">Target</a> brings back the legendary 90s <a href="https://www.nfl.com">NFL</a> <a href="https://starter.com">Starter</a> jackets, sparking serious bus stop nostalgia.47:45 - 50:15 Cartridge Conundrum and Sign-Off: Revealing the giant Double Dare nose obstacle name before plugging YouTube channel growth.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">⁠Auburn Spirits⁠</a>: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest at the register, and lock down 10% off your purchase. Text (316) 229-9222 to join the text club.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cellularcenterict/">⁠Cellular Center ICT⁠</a>: Located upstairs next to Men's Wearhouse at the Towne East Mall in Wichita. Call (316) 302-5611 for premi

The Hidden Truth Behind Nickelodeon's "Neon Dream" Game Shows | S2E23

Grab a cold craft beer and settle in for episode S2E22 of the podcast. We are celebrating Mike turning 41 this week! Trav takes the opportunity to drop heavy elder wisdom about surviving the New Coke disaster, watching the first WrestleMania, and the Breakfast Club. We also crack open heavy stouts and sour ales, dive into a serious nostalgia trip about 1990s movie theaters, debate the greatest blockbuster movies of the decade, and unbox some wild artisanal snacks.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 02:29 Welcome to the 41 Club: Trav drops hard truths about aging, Dallas Cowboys misery, and babies not being dishwasher safe.02:29 - 09:37 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open Shiner Birthday Beer from<a href="https://shiner.com/"> Spoetzl Brewery</a> and discuss its heavy chocolate, coffee, and soy sauce flavor profile.09:37 - 25:55 Retro Rewind: A deep dive into the 1995 megaplex boom and Bill Warren bringing 1950s Art Deco theater luxury back to Wichita.25:55 - 35:05 Channel Surfing: We rank 1995 versus 1998 movies, debate the Big Lebowski, and look back at Surf Ninjas, Mortal Kombat, and the 1991 SNES launch.35:05 - 41:33 Beer Review: Uncorking<a href="https://www.boulevard.com/"> Boulevard Brewing</a> Love Child No. 13 and breaking down its tart cherry mimosa flavor.41:33 - 45:53 Flex Cap Designs: Showcasing a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles custom hat and dropping our community discount code for<a href="https://flexcapdesigns.com/"> Flex Cap Designs</a>.45:53 - 50:31 Cartridge Conundrum: Can you tell a 1993 Cowboys defensive player from an Attitude Era wrestling jobber?50:31 - 55:07 Community Chat: Gamer Harold drops into the stream to talk about his travel vlogs and playing Pokemon Go.55:07 - 1:02:10 Mantry Unboxing: Unveiling savage bacon jerky from<a href="https://savagejerky.com/"> Savage Jerky Co.</a>,<a href="https://renfrofoods.com/"> Mrs. Renfro's</a> spicy pickle salsa, and old fashioned syrup from our<a href="https://mantry.com/"> Mantry</a> subscription box.1:02:10 - 1:12:24 What's on Mike's Mind: Analyzing the upcoming Dallas Cowboys season, Von Miller hype, and Camden Brown showing out.1:12:24 - 1:17:38 Trav's Take: Checking out the custom Retro Rewind nostalgia search engine built right into our<a href="https://cartridgeandquest.com/"> Cartridge and Quest</a> website.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest at the register, and lock down 10% off your purchase every single day. Text (316) 229-9222 to join the text club.<a href="https://www.wellingtonregent.com/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema down in Wellington! Pull up a seat in the air conditioning, say hello to Jerry, and check o

The Real Estate Scam That Accidentally Saved 90s Movies | S2E22

We kick things off with a wild confession as Averagetrav admits his Mario Kart reflexes took over during a rainstorm. He literally blue shelled his kid into a puddle just to win a footrace. Foodie Mike C correctly calls it straight up assault. It is the perfect chaotic start to an episode packed with heavy retro history, craft beer tasting, vintage cartoons, and some Dallas Cowboys hype. Grab a drink and settle in!Episode Breakdown00:00 - 01:54 Mario Kart Parenting: Averagetrav confesses to using cheap racing tactics on his kids in the rain.01:54 - 05:29 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We tease the upcoming review of Kona Big Wave from<a href="https://www.konabigwave.com/"> Kona Brewing</a> and mention a promotional wagon giveaway.05:29 - 18:54 Retro Rewind: The boys expose 90s fast food marketing scams, breaking down the Taco Bell Batmobile lie and the mafia hijacking McDonald's Monopoly.18:54 - 24:50 Liquid Aloha: The official beer tasting of Kona Big Wave. This brew hits a sweet spot with 21 IBUs and citrus flavor.24:50 - 32:03 Channel Surfing: We celebrate the 1991 Nicktoons premiere, the debut of South Park on Comedy Central, and Michael Jackson buying the Beatles catalog.32:03 - 39:20 The Basement Gauntlet: Averagetrav and Foodie Mike C battle it out in a 1994 Coco Krispies cereal board game called the Chaco Island Challenge.39:20 - 42:55 Gridiron Hype: The new NFL football season is only twenty days away. Foodie Mike C reveals his hundred dollar Super Bowl bet on the Dallas Cowboys.42:55 - 45:11 Cartridge Conundrum: We uncover the original internal code name for the Nintendo 64 before its release.45:11 - 48:07 Breaking Mike: Averagetrav tries to crack Foodie Mike C with a wildly out of context Jerry Jones quote and a live QVC slip up.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest at the register, and lock down 10% off your purchase.<a href="https://www.wellingtonregent.com/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema down in Wellington! Pull up a seat in the air conditioning, say hello to Jerry, and check out the latest theater events.The Retro Detail BoardRetro Rewind 90s Fast Food Scams: Fast food marketing in the 90s was a ruthless era of corporate manipulation. We honestly believed we could peel a waxy sticker off a Taco Bell cup and win a real Batmobile, but the grand prize was usually just a cheap soft taco. Worse yet, the McDonald's Monopoly game was a complete sham. An ex cop running security swapped the winning million dollar boardwalk pieces inside airplane bathrooms. He funneled twenty four million dollars to his friends and the mafia before the FBI finally caught him in an undercover sting operation. Sadly, the major news cycle swe

How One Ex-Cop Stole 24 Million Dollars In McDonald's Monopoly | S2E21

Welcome to the Basement! THIS IS s2e20 OF the Cartridge and Quest podcast! The Kansas summer heat is absolutely brutal, but we are back in the basement hangout with cold craft drinks and authentic Mexican luchador masks. Trav got completely scammed on the foreign exchange rate for a Nacho Libre mask, while Mike is sweating it out as classic WCW legend La Parka. We are shaking off the heat, cracking open fresh craft brews, and diving into the unregulated world of 1990s nostalgia and pop culture. Grab a spot on the carpet, pour a huge bowl of sugary cereal, and let the good times roll as we take a trip back to our childhoods. Whether you are a 1985 kid or a modern dad looking for an escape from adult life, you are in the perfect place.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 06:43 Opening Banter: Trav and Mike sweat it out in authentic luchador masks while dodging the brutal Kansas summer heat wave and talking about terrible foreign exchange rates.06:43 - 19:18 Retro Rewind: We uncover how the government pulled the plug on cartoon regulations in 1984 and turned Saturday mornings into a giant toy commercial for kids.19:18 - 25:16 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open a can of Dino Break from<a href="https://www.tgbrews.com/"> Toppling Goliath Brewing Company</a> and talk Double IPA flavor profiles.25:16 - 30:34 Channel Surfing: The Macarena takes over middle school dances, Stone Cold Steve Austin wins a title with a broken neck, and dead people hit the big screen in The Sixth Sense.30:34 - 37:37 1-900 Freeze Frame: Mike tries to guess legendary 90s television commercials from a single blurry screenshot, featuring<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossfire_(board_game)"> Crossfire</a>,<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squeezit"> Squeezit</a>,<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Soaker"> Super Soaker 50</a>,<a href="https://www.chefboyardee.com/"> Chef Boyardee</a>,<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://robotics.fandom.com/wiki/My_Pal_2000"> MyPal 2000</a>, and<a href="https://sunnyd.com/"> Sunny D</a>.37:37 - 53:54 What's On Mike's Mind: Mike locks in a massive Super Bowl bet on<a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"> DraftKings</a> for the Dallas Cowboys and rants about the nightmare of modern television streaming costs on apps like<a href="https://www.netflix.com/"> Netflix</a> and<a href="https://www.amazon.com/prime"> Amazon Prime</a>.53:54 - 1:00:54 Trav's Take: We explore the rumored internet return of<a href="https://myspace.com/"> MySpace</a>, ranking our historic Top 8 friends, and the struggle of learning HTML coding just to add an autoplaying rock song to a profile page.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Car

Sunny D, MySpace Pages, and 90s Saturday Morning Nostalgia | s2e20

We are cracking open the Cartridge and Quest vault to bring you a massive rerun of a true fan favorite. We are throwing it back to S1E23 from July 26, 2025. Mike is battling his annual summer sinus infection, but we push right through the banter to deliver that sweet dose of nostalgic nonsense . Grab your favorite cold beverage, lace up your Jordan 1’s, get comfortable, and hang out with your two favorite 1985 kids as we dive deep into the cultural phenomenons that defined our childhoods. This is the definitive spot for 90s kids and modern dads to kick back and remember the absolutely legendary good old days of professional wrestling, classic television cartoons, and iconic junk food. We bring that authentic basement vibe every single week.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 01:38 [The Setup]: Trav completely fumbles the opening podcast intro, and Mike absolutely refuses to edit the mistake out of the final cut to keep things authentic.01:38 - 02:44 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open Caramel Apple energy drinks from<a href="https://www.alaninu.com"> Alani Nu</a> and talk flavor profiles while waiting for football.02:44 - 04:00 [Superman Returns]: Mike reviews The Regent Theater's beautiful 4K Superman showing, and we heavily discuss the hilariously wild John Cena cameo in the Peacemaker television show.04:00 - 06:14 [Trillian Nostalgia]: We recall July 2000 when the Trillian client merged MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and ICQ chat protocols into one seamless desktop application for our chunky Windows computers.06:14 - 07:27 [NBA Jam Dominance]: Trav talks about smoking his kids 57 to 3 in a brutal game of NBA Jam on the official Cartridge and Quest basement arcade cabinet.07:27 - 09:34 [Handheld Legends]: We celebrate the July 1989 North American release of the original Nintendo Game Boy, analyzing its legendary battery life, green screen, and the release of Dr. Mario.09:34 - 13:21 [Cartridge Conundrum]: Trav quizzes Mike on the original universally appealing Game Boy pack in puzzle game, sparking a deep conversation about modern Nintendo Switch portable gaming habits.13:21 - 15:11 [TMNT Arcade Glory]: A massive deep dive into Konami's legendary 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles four player beat up arcade cabinet that completely dominated arcades and pizza parlors.15:11 - 16:32 [DuckTales The Movie]: We struggle to remember the exact plot details but fondly remember the incredible theme song and August 1990 theatrical release of DuckTales the Movie.16:32 - 23:52 [Sad News]: We reflect heavily on the sad passing of professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, discussing his massive cultural impact, his time in the Attitude Era, and how childhood heroes age.23:52 - 34:20 [Music Talk]: We react to massive musical hits including Tears for Fears, Kylie Minogue, Def Leppard's legendary Hysteria album, a

What puzzle game was originally bundled with the Nintendo Game Boy in North America?

AverageTrav and Foodie Mike C kick things off arguing over a mysterious sticky cinnamon roll glaze left on the basement door handle. The guys pivot into surviving the brutal Kansas heat, New Orleans ghost hunting, and casino betting streaks. Plus, Nick and Will from Elektric Animals drop in to discuss retro music vibes and their rock journey.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 04:22 Intro and Glaze: Trav and Mike debate basement door etiquette and cinnamon rolls.04:22 - 07:54 Pre Show Banter: Cowboys training camp hype, haunted hotels, and betting streaks.07:54 - 12:52 Guest Intro: Nick and Will from Elektric Animals join the show to talk Denver music.12:52 - 19:18 Two Truths and One 90s Lie: Testing the guys on GoldenEye, Dunkaroos, and Hell in a Cell.19:18 - 25:21 Saturday Night Basement Draft: Drafting top N64 games, 90s snacks, and SNL comedy legends.25:21 - 29:36 Elektric Animals Part One: Discussing their debut record release, radio play, and TikTok success.29:36 - 34:31 Cartridge Conundrum: A deep dive into Chris Farley and Callahan Auto Parts trivia from Tommy Boy.34:31 - 39:57 What Are These Damn Kids Saying: Translating Gen Z slang like aura points and choppelganger.39:57 - 47:03 Silicon Valley Suit or Squared Circle Jabroni: Guessing iconic rock frontmen or WCW jobbers.47:03 - 51:34 This or That: Comparing N64 or PS1, skipping Discmans, JNCO jeans, and Napster or Limewire.51:34 - 1:03:07 Elektric Animals Part Two: Talking Fender guitars, Third Eye Blind, and Red Rocks live shows.1:03:07 - 1:11:11 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open a<a href="https://shiner.com/"> Shiner</a> Raspberry Lemonade Shandy and rate it on<a href="https://untappd.com/"> Untappd</a>.1:11:11 - 1:16:05 Cowboys Talk and Outro: Mike breaks down wired up Cowboys coaches and final meal prep ideas.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier craft hub. Mention Cartridge and Quest for 10% off. Text (316) 229-9222 to join the text club.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WellingtonRegentTheater/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema in Wellington! Pull up a seat in the AC, say hello to Jerry, and check out the latest events.<a href="https://www.glasswithatwist.com/">Glass with a Twist</a>: Get custom engraved glassware and level up your basement bar setup.The Retro Detail BoardRetro Rewind Theme: This week is packed with 90s nostalgia triggers. We break down the chaos of signing up for Columbia House CD mail subscriptions just to get ten discs for a dollar. We also remember the wild west of downloading sketchy audio on Limewire and Napster, and dive into the comedy of Chris Farley in Tommy Boy.Trav's Take Insight: Trav points out the stark contrast between vintage, clunky le

Do Indie Rockers Elektric Animals Know 1990s WCW Jobbers? | S2E19

Welcome to the Basement for episode s2e18 of the Cartridge and Quest podcast! Averagetrav and Foodie Mike C crack open a sweet treat and dive into hilarious Google Drive misunderstandings before jumping into 1990s pop culture nostalgia. We break down gritty retro tech history, debate classic console wars, and share modern dad victories of lawn care and power tools. This is your ultimate throwback hangout. Grab a cold craft beer and get ready for a massive episode packed with classic movies, pro wrestling history, and peak 90s kid aesthetics.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 02:30 [Shared Drive Secrets]: Averagetrav questions an optimal methods for breaking open a chest cabinet document Foodie Mike C dropped in the drive.02:30 - 06:08 [Custom Glass & Local Spirits]: Showcasing fresh custom etched glass from<a href="https://glasswithatwist.com/"> Glass With a Twist</a> and shouting out Auburn Spirits in Wichita.06:08 - 12:46 [What's On Tap]: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open a Monkey Business Brains double fruit smoothie sour from<a href="https://drekkerbrewing.com/"> Drekker Brewing</a>, packed with banana and lime notes earning a massive 4.25 Untappd rating.12:46 - 22:29 [Retro Rewind]: The gritty history of Gary Kildall, the actual inventor of the first real PC operating system who was brutally ripped off by Microsoft and Bill Gates.22:29 - 28:39 [Channel Surfing]: Nostalgic flashbacks to Rookie of the Year, Free Willy, American Pie, and Rey Mysterio winning cruiserweight gold in 1996.28:39 - 32:44 [Cartridge Conundrum]: Testing 1985 WWF King of the Ring trivia, revealing the Iron Sheik took a loss to Don Muraco, who won the inaugural crown.32:44 - 39:32 [Suits or Jabronis]: A rapid fire round guessing if names like Mustard Plug are 90s ska punk bands or aggressively spicy novelty hot sauces.39:32 - 42:32 [Breaking Trav]: Foodie Mike C tests Averagetrav with some hilariously inappropriate Wheel of Fortune game show fails.42:32 - 49:17 [Cowboys Countdown]: Getting hyped for Dallas Cowboys football, breaking down Caleb Downs highlights and hoping Dak Prescott gets a Super Bowl run.49:17 - 59:49 [Trav's Take]: Breaking down the adult feeling of being squared away, comparing fully zipped CD Logic books to modern dad victories like pristine lawns.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Mention Cartridge and Quest at the register to lock down 10% off your purchase every single day. Text (316) 229-9222 to join.<a href="https://glasswithatwist.com/">Glass With a Twist</a>: Get custom etched or color printed bar glasses that look amazing on camera.<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.wellingtonregent.com/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema in Wellington! Pull up

Who Really Invented the First PC Operating System? | S2E18

Welcome to the Basement! What is up, everyone, and welcome back to the basement! S2E17 is officially here, marking 65 total episodes of the Cartridge and Quest podcast. Today, we kick things off with highly questionable misunderstandings about brining meats before diving into the greatest heel turn in 1990s wrestling history. We crack open amazing craft beer, break down ultimate summer blockbusters, and talk vintage Nintendo hardware. We also discuss Cowboys football and a new Michael Jackson biopic. Let us get into it.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 01:59 Opening Banter: We figure out the math on 65 total episodes and clear up a hilarious misunderstanding about brined meats.01:59 - 10:04 What's On Tap: Presented by<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/"> Auburn Spirits</a>. We crack open <a href="https://untappd.com/b/smoke-brewing-co-herd-of-turtles/3813749">Herd of Turtles American Pilsner</a> from<a href="https://smokebrewingcompany.com/#our-beer"> Smoke Brewing Company</a>, talking citrusy lime flavor profiles.10:04 - 29:19 Retro Rewind: A deep dive into the 1996 Bash at the Beach where Hulk Hogan betrayed millions to form the NWO faction.29:19 - 35:06 Channel Surfing: Rating iconic 1990s summer blockbusters, Terminator 2, Independence Day, A league of their own, Wild Wild West,Apollo 13, and Men in black  .35:06 - 38:41 Conundrum: Dropping retro gaming trivia about the 1997 N64 Rumble Pak release alongside Which Game?.38:41 - 49:38 Suits and Jabronis: Guessing whether 90s names belong to Silicon Valley tech billionaires or wrestling jobbers.49:38 - 1:03:45 What's On Mike's Mind: Countdown to Dallas Cowboys football, NFL trade rumors, and a review of the Michael Jackson biopic.1:03:45 - 1:09:37 Trav's Take: Conundrum Answer: Star Fox 64 Comparing the clunky 1997 N64 Rumble Pak to the HD Rumble 2.0 on the Nintendo Switch 2 playing Star Fox 64.CAQ Business Directory<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest at the register, and lock down 10% off your purchase every single day. Text (316) 229-9222 to join the text club.<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.wellingtonregent.com/">The Regent Theater</a>: Support local cinema down in Wellington! Pull up a seat in the air conditioning, say hello to Jerry, and check out the latest theater events.The Retro Detail BoardBash at the Beach 1996: On a hot July night, Hulk Hogan destroyed our childhood trust by dropping a leg drop on Macho Man Randy Savage. This genius booking birthed the New World Order, turning our colorful hero into the ultimate bad guy. The arena went dead silent before fans started to riot, throwing sodas and batteries into the ring.Rumble Pak Evolution: The original 1997 Nintendo 64 Rumble Pak was a heavy, battery draining block of plastic that violently shook your hands. Today, t

Why did Hulk Hogan betray millions of wrestling fans in 1996? | S2E17

Welcome back to the basement! Pop open a cold beverage and kick back as we celebrate Father's Day by escaping the daily grind of adulthood for a pure hour of 90s nostalgia. This week we start by unboxing fresh airmail from our own Rumble Pak Apparel merch store, highlighting the newly minted CQ DX shirts built keeping the nineties alive.Our premium morning fuel is presented directly by the Auburn Spirits Beer Cave. We are cracking open the Have More Fun Blonde Ale from Walnut River Brewing out of El Dorado, mapping out a breakdown of International Bitterness Units (IBUs), surviving an unscripted live speakerphone prank call, and tracing the multi-billion dollar warfare that ignited when two teenagers in a college dorm room linked the world's hard drives together and broke every rule the music industry ever made.S2E16 Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 02:29 | Airmail and Merch Arrivals: The boys unbox fresh production runs from Rumble Pak Apparel, show off the classic DX aesthetic shirts, and officially kick off Season 2, Episode 16. 02:29 - 08:07 | What's On Tap (Presented by Auburn Spirits): Testing out the neon 90s Trapper Keeper can design of Walnut River Brewing Have More Fun Blonde Ale, sitting at a hefty 5.9% ABV. 08:07 - 16:05 | The Nitty-Gritty Beer Profile: A masterclass look at 38 IBUs, explaining bitterness scaling, and debating the perfect food pairing between a greasy kitchen smash burger and a spicy chicken sandwich. 16:05 - 29:29 | Retro Rewind - The 1999 Napster Wasteland: Reliving the lawless era of 56k dial-up modems. Discover how Sean Fanning and Sean Parker built a peer-to-peer monster, why Aunt Linda answering the phone at 99% download was immediate grounds for family warfare, and the petty moment Lars Ulrich delivered 300,000 fan names in cardboard boxes to Napster HQ. 29:29 - 32:54 | Channel Surfing - Spiked Pads and Flaming Marshmallows: The Legion of Doom makes their roaring 1990 WWF debut, the harsh transition into becoming Mr. Wilson from Dennis the Menace, and Philly fans throwing trash during the King Mabel disaster. 32:54 - 36:05 | Broken Bones & Hidden Meanings: The heavy metal bait-and-switch on Sugar Ray's Floored album, the dark context behind TLC's "Waterfalls," and a full breakdown of Mick Foley getting launched off a 16-foot cage in Hell in a Cell. 36:05 - 40:36 | Premium Tablet Upgrades & Speakerphone Pranks: Bypassing small screen eye strain with the Samsung Tab S7 FE at Cellular Center ICT before an unscripted live phone call hijacks the studio feed. 40:36 - 42:51 | Cartridge Conundrum - Blast Processing: Going back to June 23, 1991, to look at the massive Sega Genesis console bundle that completely flipped the playground hierarchy. 42:51 - 50:32 | What Are These Damn Kids Saying?: Spinning the wheel of slang to break down modern terminology like "looksmaxing" and "it's giving obvious". 50:32 - 59:26 | What's On Mike's Mind - The Sitcom Dad Mount Rushmore: A massive Father's Day tribute

Why Did The Exact Moment The 90s Internet Died Get Hidden? | S2E16

What was the Monday Night Hostage Situation? | S2E15Grab your cold drinks and clear your schedule because we are dropping straight back into the basement sanctuary. Averagetrav takes a quick break from his IT director grind to stack some vintage CRT televisions, while travel chef Foodie Mike C ducks out of the kitchen to hype his upcoming summer cruise out of New Orleans. We are cracking open the massive 9.25% ABV AuburnBock doppelbock collaboration courtesy of our brand new partners at Auburn Spirits. No stiff, corporate radio voices allowed down here, just the raw basement truth.00:00 - 02:23 Summertime in the 90s, adult supervision blackouts, and the return of the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl hype.02:23 - 08:29 What's On Tap presented by our new local partner, Auburn Spirits. Reviewing the heavy-hitting, whiskey-barrel-aged <a href="https://untappd.com/b/kc-bier-co-auburnbock/6442017">AuburnBock doppelbock</a> collaboration with <a href="https://kcbier.com/">KC Bier Co.</a>08:29 - 20:28 Retro Rewind: The Monday Night Hostage Situation. Scott Hall and Kevin Nash launch the Outsiders invasion, kick down the invisible wall of wrestling fiction, and powerbomb Eric Bischoff through a stage.20:28 - 27:28 Channel Surfing: The N64 global hardware panic, surviving basic training storms like the movie Twister, terrifying greasy Hunchback of Notre Dame Happy Meal puppets, and Mike's legendary Pensacola beach kidney stone emergency.27:28 - 35:42 Fast Food freebees: The holy grail of 90s marketing giveaways, from Pizza Hut final four basketballs to the iconic McDonald's Flintstones glass bone cups.35:42 - 36:41 Cartridge Conundrum: A high-stakes historic sports challenge honoring the legendary 1996 NBA Finals.36:41 - 42:50 Silicon Valley Suit or Squared Circle Jabroni: Mike sweeps the board decoding the tech money of Netscape and Apple against iconic mid-90s jobbers like Bastion Booger, Phineas Godwinn, and Max Moon.42:50 - 47:54 The Wheel of Nonsense: Trav gets completely embarrassed trying to explain "The Magician" from the dark corners of the Urban Dictionary library to a hypothetical second-grade class.47:54 - 59:12 What's On Mike's Mind: Breaking down the entire 2026 Dallas Cowboys schedule, the viral Fat Dak meme, and packing bags for a mid-July cruise out of New Orleans to Mexico.59:12 - 01:08:55 Trav’s Take & Outro: The agonizing wait for the new <a href="https://modretro.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoojVDWqGl8JWrWpzJSei5ijpl06Jf-keaj6Y8G9NnYoLt9Z6kTI">ModRetro</a> M64 console on July 28th, tracing couch co-op nostalgia versus emulator dorks, and the final trivia reveal.<a href="https://auburnspirits.com/">Auburn Spirits</a>: Our official new liquor sponsor right here in Wichita. Mention the Cartridge and Quest podcast at the register for an exclusive 10% off your purchase every single day, or text (316) 229-9222 to join their promotional text club.<a href="https://ww

What was the Monday Night Hostage Situation? | S2E15

Grab your cold drinks and pull up a chair! Averagetrav takes a quick breather from managing four kids and running the corporate IT infrastructure to unbox an authentic airmail package from Atari loaded with vintage Disney pogs. Meanwhile, travel chef and Food Network All Star Academy alum Foodie Mike C drops his Oklahoma State margarita cup to break down the sheer physical toll of playing a heavy rock bass set at 40 years old.We are sipping perfectly chilled <a href="https://lagunitas.com/">Lagunitas Sumpin' Easy</a> poured fresh from our brand new <a href="https://pinter.com/">Pinter</a> machine, dodging cowardly keyboard trolls, mapping out a future trip to see the Dallas Cowboys, and uncovering the legendary corporate execution of Jeffrey Katzenberg weaponizing teenage angst to completely derail the traditional Disney animation empire with a 3D animated ogre.Episode Breakdown00:00 - 04:36 : Airmail Unboxing and Pog Money. Opening a fresh Atari package with classic Disney pogs and a reversible cartridge cover.04:36 - 05:54 : Sliced Thumbs and The 149 Dollar iPhone. Trav breaks down 90s boy math and highlights an unlocked iPhone SE deal at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/cellularcenterict/">Cellular Center ICT</a>.05:54 - 09:15 : Fresh Pinter Brews and Trolls. Pouring a cold Lagunitas Sumpin' Easy from the <a href="https://pinter.com/">Pinter</a> tap and calling out the live chat.09:15 - 20:34 : Retro Rewind: The Shrek Corporate Homicide. Discover how a bitter executive forced Disney into a 7.4 billion dollar buyout of Pixar.20:34 - 27:28 : Channel Surfing. Street Fighter corner trapping, McDonald's Jurassic Park fries, and the Game Boy Advance missing backlight.27:28 - 35:44 : The Fast Food Holy Grail. Reviewing the premier promotional giveaways, from Pizza Hut hand puppets to the McDonald's Flintstones bone cups.35:44 - 37:11 : Cartridge Conundrum. The missing Game Boy Advance launch game.37:11 - 42:40 : New Metal Band or Energy Drink? Mike plays a trivia game separating nu metal from liquid caffeine.42:40 - 47:58 : The Fat Dak Phenomenon. Cowboys draft moves and launching the new <a href="https://cartridgeandquest.com">Cartridge and Quest</a> newsletter.47:58 - 51:56 : Wheel of Nonsense. Mike forces Trav into the dark corners of Urban Dictionary over a questionable cheese phrase.51:56 - 01:05:43 : Tesla Woofers and Concrete Overdrive. Tesla customization and Greyshore's performance at the Brickyard.01:05:43 - 01:19:59 : Trav’s Take: Top 5 90s Elementary School Hacks. Track and field days, Book It stickers, the AV cart, and trivia reveal.620 Local Directory<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/cellularcenterict/">Cellular Center ICT (CCICT)</a>: Visit Sam and Alex at the Town East Mall in Wichita for fully tested 64GB iPhone SE models at just 149 dollars.<a hre

Get Started

Download the App