Episodes

  • The Rise and Fall of Kmart: America's Retail Giant

    The Rise and Fall of Kmart: America's Retail Giant
    Sep 14 2025
    This episode explores Kmart’s journey from its origins as a groundbreaking discount chain to its spectacular decline, marked by failed strategies, intense competition from Walmart and Target, poor management, and neglected stores. Once boasting over 2,000 locations and shaping American retail, Kmart is now a near-extinct brand, with abandoned stores symbolizing its faded legacy. The story highlights how missteps and changing markets led to the downfall of an iconic retailer.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
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    10 mins
  • The Rise and Fall of the Pontiac Silverdome

    The Rise and Fall of the Pontiac Silverdome
    Sep 7 2025
    The Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan was once the largest NFL stadium, hosting legendary events like Super Bowl XVI, concerts, and the 1994 World Cup. Due to economic decline and losing its main teams, the stadium was abandoned and sold for a fraction of its value. Failed redevelopment, neglect, and vandalism followed, leading to its demolition by 2019. The Silverdome remains a symbol of lost grandeur and changing times in American sports history.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • The Turbulent Saga of American Dream Mall

    The Turbulent Saga of American Dream Mall
    Aug 31 2025
    American Dream, the massive New Jersey mall formerly known as Xanadu, faced decades of delays, environmental opposition, financial crises, owner changes, and lawsuits. Despite billions invested and ambitious plans, construction repeatedly stalled, and the mall sat abandoned for years. After finally opening partially in 2019, it struggled with debt, incomplete sections, and changing retail trends. Its future remains uncertain as developers attempt to shift focus to entertainment.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • The Forgotten Tale of Disney's Discovery Island

    The Forgotten Tale of Disney's Discovery Island
    Aug 24 2025
    Disney's Discovery Island, once a zoological attraction in Bay Lake, Florida, opened in 1974 as Treasure Island and later became Discovery Island. Despite its unique tropical theme and wildlife, poor attendance and the opening of Animal Kingdom led to its closure in 1999. Now abandoned, the island remains shrouded in mystery, with decaying structures hidden by vegetation and little known about its future or any plans for redevelopment.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • The Abandoned World Discoverer Shipwreck

    The Abandoned World Discoverer Shipwreck
    Aug 17 2025
    The MS World Discoverer, once a German-built expedition cruise ship, ran aground on an uncharted reef in the Solomon Islands in 2000. After a safe evacuation, salvage attempts failed, and the ship was stripped by locals. Now partially submerged and ownerless, it remains a haunting, abandoned relic, likely to rest on the shore for decades as a unique and eerie landmark in the Pacific.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • The Rise and Fall of the Houston Astrodome

    The Rise and Fall of the Houston Astrodome
    Aug 10 2025
    This episode explores the history of Houston's Astrodome, once hailed as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' From its groundbreaking 1960s construction to its golden years hosting sports and concerts, the stadium eventually fell out of use as newer venues emerged. Despite numerous revival proposals and its historical status, the Astrodome remains largely abandoned, representing both Houston's past glory and ongoing debates about its future.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • The Rise and Fall of Toys R Us

    The Rise and Fall of Toys R Us
    Aug 3 2025
    This episode explores the history of Toys R Us, from its 1948 beginnings to its rise as a global toy retail giant, and its eventual decline due to mounting debt, fierce competition from Walmart, Target, and Amazon, and changing market trends. After years of struggling, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2017, closing hundreds of stores and marking the end of an era for the iconic American brand, though some international branches continue to operate.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Riding Out Hurricane Irma at Disney World

    Riding Out Hurricane Irma at Disney World
    Jul 27 2025
    A powerful hurricane approaches Florida, prompting evacuations and closures, including Walt Disney World. Amid light crowds and severe weather, the parks close for two days for only the fifth time ever. A guest recounts sheltering at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, praising staff for safety and cleanup efforts. While Disney sustained minimal damage, the storm caused significant impact across Florida and the Caribbean. Donations for relief are encouraged.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins