• Echo Park: LA’s Hidden Hollywood Backlot (and the Real Echo Lake)
    Aug 8 2025

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    Episode 119

    What do swan boats, silent films, and a rack of vintage Disney clothes have in common?
    They’re all part of the story in LA’s Echo Park—a neighborhood with deep Hollywood roots and a laid-back creative spirit.

    In this episode of Pop Culture Passport, we take a walk around Echo Park Lake, dive into its surprising film history, and share what it’s like to explore the area today.

    Here’s what you’ll discover:

    • The real-life inspiration behind Echo Lake at Hollywood Studios
    • Echo Park’s surprising role in early moviemaking (before Hollywood took over)
    • Famous filming locations, from Fast & Furious to Chinatown
    • My favorite finds from vintage shops to peaceful goose encounters

    Whether you’re a history buff, set-jetting fan, or just craving a neighborhood with chill LA vibes, Echo Park might be your new favorite stop.

    You ready? Let’s roam.

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    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

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    14 mins
  • Udvar-Hazy National Air & Space Museum Near D.C.: Iconic Aircraft and Movie Magic
    Jul 25 2025

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    Episode 118

    What do Transformers, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Raiders of the Lost Ark have in common? You’ll find pieces of all of them at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center.

    In this episode, we head to Northern Virginia for an unexpected pop culture scavenger hunt among the historic aircraft and spacecraft of this incredible museum.

    You’ll hear:
    ✈️ A little backstory on how the Udvar-Hazy Center came to be
    🎥 The surprising movie and TV connections hiding among the planes
    🚀 Our favorite finds from the day, including some iconic film ships and jets
    🛫 Travel tips for your own visit

    Sometimes, the places you least expect are packed with the stories you love.

    You ready? Let’s roam.

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

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    14 mins
  • Hidden Details at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar: A Disney Springs Scavenger Hunt
    Jul 11 2025

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    Episode 117

    Located in Disney Springs, this Indiana Jones–inspired watering hole is packed with hidden treasures, Easter eggs, and deep Disney lore. On a rainy afternoon, my husband and I turned our visit into a full-on scavenger hunt—and I’m sharing what we found so you can try it too.

    🔎 In this episode:

    • The backstory of Jock Lindsey (yes, the guy from Raiders of the Lost Ark)
    • Hidden artifacts from Indiana Jones films and rides
    • Disney deep cuts—from the Adventurers Club to the Jungle Cruise
    • Marvel, Star Wars, and even a Jurassic Park connection?!

    Grab a drink, bring your curiosity, and let’s go treasure hunting—Yeti style.

    You ready? Let’s roam.

    Check out the blog post and download the list.

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

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    13 mins
  • From Backlot to Batuu: The Evolution of Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    Jun 27 2025

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    Episode 116

    Did you know Disney’s Hollywood Studios used to be a real working production studio—with animators, soundstages, and even the house from The Golden Girls?

    Today, it’s now focused on immersion into the movies, but it’s had quite a journey to get here. In this episode, we’re taking a look back at the evolution of Disney’s Hollywood Studios—from its behind-the-scenes beginnings to its IP-packed present.

    In this episode:

    • The origin story of Disney-MGM Studios and its race to open before Universal
    • Nostalgic memories of the Backlot Tour, animation studio, and Streets of America
    • How the park shifted from “watch the magic” to “live the movie”
    • What’s next for the park—including Muppets, Monsters, and more changes in 2025

    Whether you miss The Great Movie Ride or love flying the Millennium Falcon, this episode is for you.

    You ready? Let’s roam.

    More info on the blog.

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

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    15 mins
  • LA Stories & Theme Park Magic: Disneyland, Universal FanFest & Superlative Highlights
    Jun 20 2025

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    Episode 115

    What do Randy’s Donuts, a Hollywood parking lot papal announcement, and a Back to the Future dance party on the Universal backlot have in common? They were all part of our unforgettable family trip to Los Angeles.

    In this episode, I’m sharing stories from our May adventure—from classic rides at Disneyland and fandom fun at Universal FanFest to the unexpected moments that made this trip so personal and inspiring.

    Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

    • Highlights from Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, including 70th Anniversary touches
    • Our first visit to Super Nintendo World and the magic of the Studio Tram Tour
    • A night of cosplay, fandoms, and movie magic at Universal FanFest
    • Stories from the rest of our LA trip—quirky finds, pop culture moments, and emotional surprises

    So grab a snack and let’s head to LA!

    You ready? Let’s roam.

    More info on the blog.

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

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    36 mins
  • Kodak Moments - Exploring the George Eastman Museum
    Jun 13 2025

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    Episode 114

    What do vintage cameras, organ concerts, and a pie recipe have in common? You’ll find them all at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, NY—where photography, film history, and personal storytelling collide.

    In this episode, I’m sharing my visit to the former estate of Kodak founder George Eastman. Part historic mansion, part world-class photography museum, and part film archive, this place is a hidden gem for anyone who loves pop culture, innovation, or a good nostalgic moment.

    Highlights include:

    • How George Eastman changed photography forever
    • The unexpected details that made his mansion unforgettable
    • My favorite camera from the museum’s massive collection
    • A rainbow wall of Kodak dye bottles (yes, really!)
    • The quirky detail that made me stop in my tracks

    This one’s a mix of history, heart, and pop culture appreciation.

    You ready? Let’s roam.

    More info on the blog.

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

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    14 mins
  • 7 Quirky Regional Foods Worth the Road Trip
    Jun 6 2025

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    Episode 113

    Have you ever tried a Slugburger? Or eaten chili straight out of a bag of Fritos? In this episode, we’re wrapping up our road trip series with a delicious detour through some of the quirkiest regional foods in the U.S.

    We’re talking about:

    • A burger stuffed with molten cheese in Minnesota
    • Deep-fried Depression-era patties in Mississippi
    • Pickles soaked in Kool-Aid (yes, really)
    • Why a big plate of macaroni salad and meat sauce is the late-night dish in Rochester

    Whether you’ve tried these dishes or never heard of them, each one tells a story—and might just inspire your next snack stop.

    Let me know your favorite regional dish or quirky food find!

    You ready? Let’s roam.

    More info on the blog.

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

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    16 mins
  • Trolley Parks: The History of America’s Original Amusement Getaways
    May 30 2025

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    Episode 112

    Did you know many of today’s amusement parks started with a streetcar? In this episode, we’re rolling back to the late 1800s to explore the fascinating world of trolley parks—recreational destinations created by trolley companies that shaped American leisure time.

    In this nostalgic ride, we’ll cover:

    • How trolley parks began and why they were built
    • What a day at a trolley park looked like in the early 1900s
    • Historic parks that still operate today
    • The lasting legacy and charm of these community-centered parks

    Whether you’re a theme park fan or a history buff, you will enjoy this trip into the roots of American recreation.

    You ready? Let’s roam.

    More info on the blog.

    Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card!

    Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.

    Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti

    Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

    Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

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    15 mins