Episodes

  • The Rise and Decline of KFC in America

    The Rise and Decline of KFC in America
    Aug 24 2025
    Once an iconic American fast food brand, KFC has seen a steady decline in U.S. popularity due to increased competition, menu quality issues, marketing missteps, health concerns, and a damaged reputation. Originally driven by Colonel Sanders, KFC grew rapidly before changing hands multiple times. Despite struggles at home, KFC has thrived internationally, especially in China, where most of its locations now 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
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    11 mins
  • The Rise and Fall of Radio Shack

    The Rise and Fall of Radio Shack
    Aug 17 2025
    This episode explores Radio Shack’s near 100-year journey, from its 1921 founding to its dramatic decline. Once a major electronics retailer, Radio Shack struggled due to late adoption of online sales, poor product choices, and missteps in the cell phone market. Multiple bankruptcies, failed store strategies, and management turnover sealed its fate. Now, with only a few stores left, Radio Shack is largely a relic of the past.

    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 XFL: A Bold NFL Rival

    The Rise and Fall of the XFL: A Bold NFL Rival
    Aug 10 2025
    The XFL, launched in 2001 by NBC Sports' Dick Ebersol and WWF's Vince McMahon, aimed to offer a more extreme, entertaining alternative to the NFL. Despite innovative features like player nicknames, on-field cameras, and unique rules, the league suffered from poor football quality and excessive wrestling influence. Initial high ratings plummeted, leading to its quick demise. Lessons from its failure influenced football broadcasts, and a 2020 reboot was planned with key adjustments.

    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 Rise and Fall of Long John Silver's

    The Rise and Fall of Long John Silver's
    Aug 3 2025
    Long John Silver's, once the largest fast-food seafood chain in the US, has faced decades of decline due to rising competition, unhealthy menu perceptions, and mounting debt from a leveraged buyout. Despite early success and a unique nautical theme, the chain has closed many locations and struggled with public image. Recent efforts include healthier menu options and rebranding, but the future remains uncertain.

    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, Fall, and Comeback of Little Caesars

    The Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Little Caesars
    Jul 27 2025
    Little Caesars is the fastest-growing pizza chain in the US, known for its quick, affordable pizza and unique carry-out model. After rapid expansion from the 1950s to early 1990s, the chain faced declining sales due to increased competition, inconsistent advertising, and franchisee disputes. Revitalized by new promotions, effective advertising, and franchisee support, Little Caesars has reclaimed its position as the third largest US pizza chain.

    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
  • Brand New One ;)

    Brand New One ;)
    Jul 25 2025
    2 mins
  • The Turbulent History of Arby's

    The Turbulent History of Arby's
    Jul 22 2025
    Arby's, founded by the Raffel brothers in 1964, has seen dramatic rises and falls, from rapid expansion and bankruptcy to ownership changes and bold marketing. Initially unique for its roast beef focus, Arby's navigated financial crises, misguided menu changes, and several corporate takeovers before revitalizing its brand in recent years. The name 'Arby's' cleverly reflects both 'Raffel Brothers' and 'roast beef,' adding to its quirky legacy.

    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
    13 mins
  • Pizza Hut: From Iconic Brand to Second Place

    Pizza Hut: From Iconic Brand to Second Place
    Jul 21 2025
    Once the leading national pizza chain, Pizza Hut has seen a decline due to increased competition, a lack of innovative menu items, and a slow adaptation to delivery trends. Once famous for family dining and creative offerings, the brand now trails Domino's and has closed hundreds of locations. Efforts to revamp the menu and rebrand have mostly failed, but Pizza Hut continues to adapt in hopes of regaining its former glory.

    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