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

Why Shrek Was Actually a Brutal Insult to Disney’s CEO

If you grew up watching Fox on Sunday nights in the 1990s, you might not know his name, but you absolutely know his voice. From The Simpsons and Martin to the primetime Emmys, world-famous voice actor Joe Cipriano was the signature sound of a generation. In this exclusive interview on the Cartridge and Quest podcast, the legendary voice of 90s Fox TV sits down in the basement to pull back the curtain on the golden era of television, reading promos at 30 frames a second, and the terrifying modern threat of AI voice cloning.We are also breaking down the cutthroat reality of the 1991 console wars at CES in Chicago, where Sega executed a kamikaze pricing strategy to nerf the Super Nintendo launch, and Nintendo accidentally birthed its biggest rival: the Sony PlayStation.00:00 to 07:41 Welcome to the basement, dodging Riverside technical difficulties, and fueling up with Alani energy drinks.07:41 to 09:44 90s kid boy math: why we throw down on retro games but walk around swiping on shattered smartphone glass.09:44 to 25:09 Retro Rewind: The brutal 1991 CES boardroom battles where Sega dropped prices and Nintendo accidentally created the PlayStation. listnet to that full story in episode 4 <a href="https://www.cartridgeandquest.com/podcast/episode/3420fe3b/from-apple-1-to-dark-web-devils">https://www.cartridgeandquest.com/podcast/episode/3420fe3b/from-apple-1-to-dark-web-devils </a>25:09 to 31:37 Channel Surfing: The 3-boobed alien from Total Recall, Metallica dropping the Load album, and blurry Game Boy Camera photos.31:37 to 35:22 Cartridge Conundrum: The unique, battery-powered hardware built directly into the Pokemon Pinball cartridge.35:22 to 40:53 What Are These Damn Kids Saying: Translating Gen Z slang like Cooked and Motion.40:53 to 47:56 Mid-roll plugs, talking to the live chat, and hyping Mike's band Greyshore playing live at the Brickyard.47:56 to 01:52:47 The Big Interview: Legendary voice actor Joe Cipriano joins the basement to talk about voicing Fox Sundays, reading promos, and fighting AI voice theft.01:52:47 to 02:09:59 Mike spins his Wheel of Nonsense, we look at how 90s crushes are aging, and we reveal the Cartridge Conundrum answer.We are always keeping things rooted in the 620 area code. This week, we are doing some 90s kid math. Instead of walking around with a shattered phone screen that looks like it took a Sid Vicious powerbomb, we are sending you to see Alex and Sam at Cellular Center ICT (CCICT) in the Town East Mall over in Wichita for twenty dollars off your repair. We also want to shout out Jerry at the Regent Theater down in Wellington for keeping movie tickets affordable so we can go catch The Mandalorian. Finally, if you are in Wichita, go see Mike's band Greyshore tear it up live at the Brickyard!Did your parents buy a Sega Genesis just to save 50 bucks in the 90s? Let us know in the comments!Guest: Check Joe out on youtube every

We Found the Legendary Voice of 90s Fox Sundays (Joe Cipriano)

Welcome back to the basement for episode twelve season two. Averagetrav takes a break from managing four kids and running the IT department to break down the gritty reality of 90s peer to peer downloading. Meanwhile, travel chef and former Food Network contestant Foodie Mike C explains how he managed to survive a brutal dinner rush while passing a massive kidney stone. We are sipping on Central Standard Brewing's Rumble Pack IPA, and Especial Mexican Lager! Talking about the tragic death of the Sega Dreamcast, and exposing the hidden horror game prototype disguised as a classic Disney cartoon. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and lets get it! 00:00 to 04:04 We kick things off with Central Standard Brewing and a massive shoutout to Cellular Center ICT in Wichita. 04:04 to 08:58 Dealing with Mac audio glitches and catching the Mandalorian at the Regent Theater. 08:58 to 19:51 Retro Rewind frames the demise of the Sega Dreamcast as a tragic true crime story. 19:51 to 27:46 Channel Surfing covers the 1996 WWE Curtain Call, the Fresh Prince finale, and Mike's kidney stone. 27:46 to 48:40 We dive into the Disney Afternoon Collection physical release on the Switch and actual milk caps. 48:40 to 51:24 Cartridge Conundrum asks a deep cut question about Metal Gear Solid on the Game Boy Color. 51:24 to 56:17 What Are These Damn Kids Saying translates Gen Z slang like Crash Out and Mewing. 56:17 to 01:07:24 Mike spins his own unhinged wheel, leading to an awkward explanation of the Oklahoma hand puppet. 01:07:24 to 01:14:19 Trav's Take ranks the ultimate Mount Rushmore of P2P downloading from Napster to LimeWire. 01:14:19 to 01:17:20 The Ghost Babel conundrum answer, Bring Me The Horizon lore, and signing off. This week we are skipping the big corporate tech stores and shouting out Cellular Center ICT right here at the Town East Mall in Wichita for hooking it up with eighty five dollar unlocked tablets. We are also fueling the podcast with some amazing local pours, specifically the Rumble Pack IPA and the Especial from Central Standard Brewing. And as always, we love shouting out Christopher and Jerry at the Regent Theater in Wellington for keeping the local cinema alive. Dreamcast True Crime: We expose the real story behind the death of the Sega Dreamcast. Sega America and Sega Japan acted like toxic parents, bleeding money on the Sega CD and 32X before Electronic Arts completely abandoned them. By the time Sony showed up hyping the PS2 DVD player, the Dreamcast was doomed. The Resident Evil Connection: The upcoming Disney Afternoon Collection features the Super Nintendo classic Goof Troop. It turns out Shinji Mikami built Goof Troop with item management, locked doors, and block pushing puzzles, using it as the exact prototype he would later use to create the horror masterpiece Resident Evil. P2P Downloading: We look back at the wild west of the earl

Why the Greatest Disney Game is Actually Resident Evil

Hosted by Averagetrav and Foodie Mike C, Cartridge and Quest is your weekly escape from adult responsibilities. We ditch the real world to settle old playground arguments and dive deep into the golden era of 16-bit gaming, Attitude Era wrestling, and classic Saturday morning cartoons.What to expect when you hang out with us:The Ultimate Rivalry: Trav brings the SNES loyalty, and Mike reps the Sega Genesis. We are settling the 16-bit wars once and for all.Weekly Challenges: Test your memory with Cartridge Conundrum trivia and breakdown questionable 90s lyrics in Lost in Translation.Balanced Realism: We admit when old games play clunky today, but we never forget that warm 1990s glow. It is all about the memories, not dry history facts.Hit that follow button right here on Spotify and join us every week. Keep it rad, and peace.

Cartridge and Quest: The Ultimate 90s Nostalgia Podcast

Welcome to the BasementWelcome back to the Basement for episode eleven of season two! Today, we have a completely surreal experience. We actually got the legendary Andy Merrill, the voice of Brak and Oglethorpe, to join us in the basement. Averagetrav takes a break from managing four kids to bring his IT Director troubleshooting skills to fix some early recording glitches. Meanwhile, travel chef and former Food Network contestant Foodie Mike C geeks out over a true childhood icon. We are talking about the real history of Space Ghost Coast to Coast, hilarious voice acting stories, and Andy's adventures outside of television. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and let us get into it.Episode Breakdown00:00 to 04:19 Technical difficulties with Riverside and officially welcoming Andy Merrill to the show.04:19 to 14:00 Andy corrects our lore and reveals how they actually filmed the Space Ghost interviews.14:00 to 17:36 The truth about Andy working as an Amazon delivery driver and getting bit by a Great Dane.17:36 to 22:33 How Pete Smith and Nora Smith helped write the iconic Brak songs.22:33 to 35:37 Voice acting constraints, Adult Swim memories, and Andy dropping a custom podcast intro.35:37 to 50:23 Dealing with bombing on stage, singing Radiohead as Brak, and performing on the JoCo Cruise.50:23 to 01:15:45 Baking fruit of the forest pies, voicing Grandma Wolf, cancel culture, and Australian Shepherds.Midwest MemoriesWe are always keeping things rooted in the 620 area code. Even when we have massive voice acting legends hanging out with us, we still bring that authentic Kansas dad cave energy to every single recording. We love giving a huge shoutout to our local spots, from hitting the arcades in Wichita to catching movies at the Regent Theater down here in Wellington.The Retro Detail BoardSpace Ghost Secrets: We finally learn the truth about the Coast to Coast interviews. Instead of college kids in suits, the guests actually spoke to a picture of Space Ghost taped to the camera while Andy and the team talked to them through a phone earpiece from Atlanta.The Amazon Years: Andy clears up the Wikipedia rumors about his career. He spent two years working as an Amazon delivery driver where he went viral for posting a photo after a Great Dane bit his arm.Musical Masterpieces: We get the origin stories of our favorite Brak songs. Teenage Nora Smith helped write tracks, while Andy would use extra studio time to completely improvise classics like Don't Touch Me right off the top of his head.Comedy and Cancel Culture: Andy shares his perspective on bombing on stage and how he uses a ukulele to recover. We also dive into the state of comedy today, referencing Dave Chappelle and the importance of just being funny without constantly relying on pure shock value.Join the Community!What is your absolute favorite Brak song from the 90s? Let us

How Space Ghost Secretly Changed 90s Television (ft. Andy Merrill / Brak)

Welcome back to the Man Cave Basement! It is Mother's Day weekend, so we are dropping a special vault rerun to celebrate the moms while we spend time with our families. Averagetrav is navigating the chaos of being a 40 something dad of four kids and bringing his IT Director perspective to 90s computing history. Meanwhile, travel chef and former Food Network contestant Foodie Mike C learns about the dark secrets hidden inside early software downloads. Crack open a cold Shiner Bock, pull up a chair, and let us get into it.00:00 to 01:54 Mother's Day weekend rerun introduction and It's Always Sunny orange juice mixer trivia.01:54 to 06:40 Nerd News covers the 1991 CERN HTML server, 1994 ANSI ATA standards, and 1996 hard drive prices.06:40 to 11:14 Looking back at the 1998 launch of ZDTV, Tech TV, and installing huge subwoofers in 90s hatchbacks.11:14 to 16:49 The 2001 DVD RW Alliance, burning CDs, AI limitations, and Windows 2000 bug fixes.16:49 to 19:19 The Cartridge Conundrum asks about a groundbreaking 1998 PlayStation racing simulator.19:19 to 25:40 Comparing Xbox and PlayStation sales in 2003, digital versus physical games, and New Super Mario Bros on the DS.25:40 to 31:10 GTA 4 breaks records in 2008, Minecraft launches in 2009, and Mark Zuckerberg's birthday.31:10 to 37:48 Shrek wins an Academy Award, plus a deep dive into Star Wars Episode 2 and Ewan McGregor.37:48 to 43:47 The weekly sports betting recap featuring FanDuel, NHL, and MLB wagers.43:47 to 53:09 What Would Trav Do features a disastrous Star Wars Fortnite match where Trav abandons his squad.53:09 to 58:34 Breaking Trav exposes the LimeWire spyware virus and investigates a bizarre forearm mole conspiracy.We love keeping things rooted in our local Midwest stomping grounds. We are laughing through the gritty reality of growing up retro right here in the 620 area code, whether we are talking about local computer repair shops in Wichita or catching movies at the Regent Theater in Wellington.Retro Computing: We expose the truth behind 1990s technology, starting in 1991 when the very first web server ran HTML at the CERN Institute. We cover the glory days of 1996 when a massive 3.1 gigabyte Western Digital hard drive cost 550 dollars. We also explore the dawn of tech television with the 1998 launch of ZDTV and beloved shows like The Screen Savers.Gaming History: We revisit the explosive 2008 launch of Grand Theft Auto 4, which raked in 310 million dollars on its very first day and beat Halo 3. We also look back at Minecraft releasing to the public in 2009, eventually becoming the best selling video game of all time.LimeWire Secrets: We expose the truth behind LimeWire, which secretly installed spyware called Lime Shop on all of our desktops. The software monitored our online purchases and caused massive headaches on our family computers.Fortnite Fails: We laugh at Trav's di

Did LimeWire Secretly Spy on Your Family Computer? OR Why Do We All Have This Exact Same Forearm Mole?

Does using a Game Genie actually destroy your NES console, or were we just blowing into cartridges for no reason? From the gritty truth behind 90s tech lore to the absolute chaos of the infamous WWE Plane Ride From Hell, we are breaking down the blueprint of our childhoods. We are looking back at the exact moments that shaped our generation and unpacking the wild history behind the video games, music, and wrestling that defined the greatest decade.Welcome back to another episode of Cartridge and Quest! We have a split connection this week. Averagetrav is dialing in remotely from a hotel in Napa, California, sipping on a Cutwater Tequila Paloma. Meanwhile, Foodie Mike C is holding it down back home in the Midwest, kicking back with a White Crow "Apple of My Pie" cider. Even with Trav on the road, the retro vibes are stronger than ever. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and let's hang out as we dive deep into the vault. Today we are diving into May 1990 to look back at the release of the Galoob Game Genie. This device changed gaming forever by letting us alter the code, but we unpack the bitter lawsuit between Galoob and Nintendo and the reality of how it actually bent the connectors inside the console. We are also celebrating the massive May 1994 release of Weezer's Blue Album, a record that became permanently etched in our brains when the "Buddy Holly" music video was bundled on the Windows 95 installation CD ROM. Next, we look back at the insane 1995 Electronic Entertainment Expo where Sony executed the greatest mic drop in gaming history. Right after Sega announced the Saturn would cost $399, Sony executive Steve Race walked up to the podium, simply said "$299," and walked off, completely destroying Sega's launch momentum. We also explore the bitter legal battle where the World Wildlife Fund forced the World Wrestling Federation to become the WWE, saving the pandas but changing wrestling forever. Plus, we look back at the 1999 blockbuster hit The Mummy and the inescapable radio dominance of Smash Mouth's All Star.Taking the nostalgia goggles off reveals some truly unhinged madness, especially when we discuss the infamous 2002 WWE Plane Ride From Hell. Imagine a chartered flight featuring Brock Lesnar, Mr. Perfect, and a fully unhinged roster causing absolute chaos at 30,000 feet. We also debut a hilarious new trivia game: Silicon Valley Suit or Squared Circle Jabroni? Trav tests Mike to see if he can figure out whether names like Barry Horowitz, Jim Barksdale, and Steve Lombardi (aka The Brooklyn Brawler) belong in a tech startup boardroom or taking bumps in a wrestling ring. Later, Mike shares his recent culinary adventures cooking for the band The Home Team and Bilmuri, plus an epic Magic the Gathering card drop. We are laughing through the gritty, unregulated reality of growing up retro right here in the Midwest, whether we are fueling our road trips with Cocoa Dolce espresso chocolate, grabbing a fresh pint at

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