Episodes

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

    Retro Dads Mix Witches Brew And Relive Peak 90s Nostalgia | Cartridge RE-Quest Episode 126
    Sep 22 2026
    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 Auburn Spirits. 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 DirectoryAuburn Spirits: Wichita's neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest, and lock down 10% off your purchase. Text (316) 229-9222 to join.Cellular Center ICT: Located upstairs at Towne East Mall in Wichita. Call (316) 302-5611 for certified pre-owned hardware upgrades.The Regent Theater: 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 and defining rental store culture. [Trav's Take Insight]: The 300 million dollar rollout of Windows 95 proves how much hype legacy tech used to generate. Tech fans eagerly waited in huge lines just to get a clunky CD-ROM. Compare that physical launch to today's digital downloads and background updates. We traded that midnight release excitement for modern efficiencies, and honestly, the convenience is nice but the cultural moment is completely gone. Join the Community!Grab the Merch: Secure your exclusive custom graphic apparel and CQ DX shirts on our mall page at CartridgeandQuest.com.At-Home Brews: Check out the exact Pinter kit we use to tap smooth Lagunitas templates.Support the Band: Stream Mike's heavy rock outfit Greyshore on Spotify to track live local music.Keep it rad, and peace. E126Top 10 Backend SEO Tags:Cartridge and Quest podcast, SNES Street Fighter 2, Windows 95 launch history, WCW Shockmaster debut blunder, 1988 TMNT action figures, Madden 2000 Barry Sanders curse, retro gaming nostalgia, Batman Forever Seal soundtrack, Foodie Mike C Chopped, Regent Theater Wellington KS
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • The ABACABB Blood Code vs. The Senate

    The ABACABB Blood Code vs. The Senate
    Sep 15 2026
    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 Mortal Kombat blood code on the Sega Genesis before diving into the 1993 US Senate hearings that altered the video game industry forever. Plus, the crew debates 90s NFL fashion throwbacks, tests a citrusy local craft brew from Kansas, and vents about the Dallas Cowboys 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 Nintendo and Sega battled the US Senate to create the ESRB. 17:14 - 24:24 Beer Review: Presented by Auburn Spirits. We crack open Dream On Fruited Sour from Walnut River Brewing and talk tangerine flavor profiles. 24:24 - 33:03 Channel Surfing: A 90s TV deep dive featuring Tiny Toon Adventures, Captain Planet, Step by Step, and Supernatural. 33:03 - 52:00 Gridiron Glow Up: Pixelated 90s NFL jerseys tested against modern Nike threads for the Cowboys, 49ers, Jaguars, Panthers, Buccaneers, and Ravens. 52:00 - 01:00:04 Mike's Mind: Cowboys Week 1 gridiron pain, Dak Prescott's performance, defensive struggles, and DraftKings sports betting updates with Big Poppy. 01:00:04 - 01:08:21 Cartridge Conundrum: Exposing the GameCube Memory Card 59 scam, massive Xbox file updates, and a final Dallas Cowboys defensive breakdown. CAQ Business DirectoryAuburn Spirits: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest at the register, and lock down 10 percent off your purchase every single day. Text (316) 229-9222 to join the text club.The Regent Theater: 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 Board1993 Senate Hearings: The 1993 congressional hearings changed console gaming forever. When Sega and Nintendo realized the US government wanted to ban 16 bit pixelated blood from home ports like Mortal Kombat, the bitter rivals paused their console war to protect their profits. Instead of federal censorship, they created the Entertainment Software Rating Board, also known as the ESRB. We traded unrestricted game rentals for age ratings, ensuring 90s kids could still input the ABACABB code on Genesis to bypass Super Nintendo gray sweat edits. Trav's Take Insight: The evolution of console storage is an absolutely wild ride. In 2001, Nintendo forced GameCube players to buy a proprietary Memory Card 59 just to save exactly 59 blocks of data. Compare that legacy tech to today's massive 60 gigabyte digital Fortnite updates that stalled out local bandwidth for two full days. Gaming tech got sleeker and graphics became photorealistic, but storage headaches and crazy download times just evolved into a brand new digital problem for modern gamers. Join the Community!Grab the Merch: Secure your exclusive custom graphic apparel, grab a CQ DX shirt, and find more premium retro gear directly on our main storefront mall page at Cartridge and Quest.Custom Headwear: Whether you need snapbacks or fitted hats, browse the massive selection at Flex Cap Designs to get the freshest custom lids and cap off your retro fit for the weekend.Keep it rad, and peace. S2E26
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • The Real PS1 Mascot? It Wasn’t Spyro

    The Real PS1 Mascot? It Wasn’t Spyro
    Sep 8 2026

    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 Breakdown

    • 00:00 - 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 Auburn Spirits. We review Weekend at Kittie's from Fat Orange Cat Brew Co..

    • 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 DraftKings.

    • 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

    • Auburn Spirits: 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.

    • The Regent Theater: Support local cinema in Wellington! Pull up a seat, say hello to Jerry, and check out the latest theater events.

    • Flex Cap Designs: Upgrade your vintage aesthetic with premium embroidered snapbacks featuring retro gaming and comic book designs.

    The Retro Detail Board

    • Retro 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 starkly contrasts with modern digital gaming ecosystems. Today, players spend hard-earned money on cosmetics in titles like Fortnite or Xbox Game Pass, only to have the content revoked when licensing agreements expire, proving true media ownership peaked in the 16-bit era.

    Join the Community!

    • Grab the Merch: Secure custom graphic apparel and CQ DX shirts on our mall page at CartridgeandQuest.com.

    • Support the Band: Stream Mike's heavy rock outfit Greyshore on Spotify to track live local music before they hit the stage at Wichita Forever.

    Keep it rad, and peace. S2E25

    Top 10 Backend SEO Tags:

    1990s retro gaming, Blockbuster video late fees, Sega Dreamcast, Fat Orange Cat IPA, The Magic School Bus, 90s cartoon trivia, fantasy football draft, Dallas Cowboys, My Chemical Romance origin, Disney Afternoon cartoons
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 28 mins
  • The Secret SNES Hardware Glitch That Made Mario Kart | S2E24

    The Secret SNES Hardware Glitch That Made Mario Kart | S2E24
    Sep 1 2026

    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 Breakdown

    • 00:00 - 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 Bookable VO.

    • 50:11 - 54:02 What's On Tap: Presented by Auburn Spirits. We crack open Sun Cruiser Lemonade and Iced Tea 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

    • Auburn Spirits: 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.

    • The Regent Theater: Support local Wellington, Kansas cinema! Say hello to Jerry and check out their current 1980s sci-fi film showings in the AC.

    • Bookable VO: Want to try voice acting? Check out Rick Wasserman's VO101 webinar every second Sunday for expert coaching.

    The Retro Detail Board

    • Retro 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 aggressive competition caused the neon indoor playground to padlock its doors in 1999 before Chuck E. Cheese scooped the assets.

    • Trav's Take Insight: AverageTrav hilariously compares clunky, high friction memories of smelling sweaty tube socks in the Discovery Zone ball pit to his modern adult appreciation of sitting quietly in a ninety degree hot tub wearing his DudeRobe.

    Join the Community!

    • Grab the Merch: Secure custom graphic apparel and CQ DX shirts on our mall page at CartridgeandQuest.com.

    Keep it rad, and peace. Season 2 Episode 24

    Top 10 Backend SEO Tags: Rick Wasserman voice actor interview, AMC network voiceover announcer, Discovery Zone indoor playground history, 90s nostalgia retro podcast episodes, Marvel Thor Hulk voice acting, 1990s pop culture trivia games, Dallas Cowboys roster cuts 2026, foolproof three hour smoked ribs recipe, Super Mario Kart SNES prototype, classic retro video game hardware
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • The Hidden Truth Behind Nickelodeon's "Neon Dream" Game Shows | S2E23

    The Hidden Truth Behind Nickelodeon's "Neon Dream" Game Shows | S2E23
    Aug 25 2026
    We kick things off with a retro gaming "Would You Rather" pitting AOL dial-up failures against the electric seaweed from TMNT on the NES. 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 Nickelodeon game shows.11:34 - 17:35 What's On Tap: Presented by ⁠Auburn Spirits⁠. 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 WWF SmackDown debut on UPN, Pete Rose's permanent ban, and the Michael Vick Madden 2004 cheat code.21:56 - 26:17 The Gauntlet: Trav guesses if 90s icons like Dave Holmes were MTV VJs or Nickelodeon 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: Dallas Cowboys preseason hype, Caleb Downs at safety, Joe Milton's massive arm, and planning a stadium trip.41:22 - 47:45 Trav's Take: Target brings back the legendary 90s NFL Starter 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 Directory⁠Auburn Spirits⁠: 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.⁠Cellular Center ICT⁠: Located upstairs next to Men's Wearhouse at the Towne East Mall in Wichita. Call (316) 302-5611 for premium certified hardware upgrades.⁠The Regent Theater⁠: Support local cinema down in Wellington! Pull up a seat in the AC, say hello to Jerry, and check out the latest theater events.The Retro Detail BoardRetro Rewind Theme: We expose the grueling reality of 90s Nickelodeon shows filmed at Universal Studios Florida. Studios used a loophole allowing exhausted kids to film up to 18 hours a day. The green slime on Double Dare was a foul mix of vanilla pudding, applesauce, oatmeal, and food coloring baking under hot lights. The Aggro Crag on Guts was climbed by sleep-deprived contestants, while the Shrine of the Silver Monkey was rigged backward to sabotage kids and save the prize budget.Trav's Take Insight: Target resurrecting licensed 1990s NFL Starter jackets proves that clunky legacy fashion holds massive cultural weight. In 1995, thick kangaroo pouch pullovers and satin bombers were ultimate playground status symbols. Dropping $150 on modern Target releases is a steal compared to the $400 inflation-adjusted price we begged parents to pay to look cool at the bus stop.Join the Community!Grab the Merch: Secure your apparel at ⁠CartridgeandQuest.com⁠.At-Home Brews: Check out the ⁠Pinter⁠ kit we use to tap ⁠Lagunitas⁠ templates.Support the Band: Stream Mike's rock outfit ⁠Greyshore⁠ on Spotify before they hit the stage.Keep it rad, and peace. [Episode Code]Top 10 Backend SEO Tags:90s Nickelodeon game shows, Double Dare slime ingredients, Aggro Crag Guts behind the scenes, Legends of the Hidden Temple rigged, WWF SmackDown 1999 debut, Madden 2004 Michael Vick, vintage NFL Starter jackets, Dallas Cowboys preseason hype, World Food Championships Indianapolis, MTV VJ vs Nickelodeon host trivia, nostalgic 1990s pop culture
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • The Real Estate Scam That Accidentally Saved 90s Movies | S2E22

    The Real Estate Scam That Accidentally Saved 90s Movies | S2E22
    Aug 18 2026
    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 Auburn Spirits. We crack open Shiner Birthday Beer from Spoetzl Brewery 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 Boulevard Brewing 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 Flex Cap Designs.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 Savage Jerky Co., Mrs. Renfro's spicy pickle salsa, and old fashioned syrup from our Mantry 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 Cartridge and Quest website.CAQ Business DirectoryAuburn Spirits: 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.The Regent Theater: 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 1990s movie theater explosion was not actually about a pure love for film. It was a desperate Wall Street real estate gamble designed specifically around high-volume concession sales featuring massive markups. That corporate race for gigantic square footage accidentally forced Hollywood to produce legendary movies like The Matrix and Fight Club just to put butts in stadium seats. Luckily, Bill Warren built the epic 21st Street Warren in Wichita, bringing VIP service and authentic Art Deco luxury to the Midwest.Trav's Take Insight: Instead of calling the old 722-SHOW number on a corded phone to get simple movie times, Trav built an automated history database directly into our website. We break down the clunky effort it took to find entertainment back then compared to the instant tech efficiency of searching our custom nostalgia engine to pull up exact historical dates.Join the Community!Grab the Merch: Secure your exclusive custom graphic apparel and CQ DX shirts on our mall page at CartridgeandQuest.com.Support the Band: Stream Mike's heavy rock outfit Greyshore on Spotify to track live local music before they hit the stage at Wichita Forever.Keep it rad, and peace. S2E22Top 10 Backend SEO Tags:1995 movie theaters, Dallas Cowboys 1993, Boulevard Love Child 13, Attitude Era jobbers, 90s nostalgia podcast, SNES launch 1991, Surf Ninjas movie, Wichita Warren Theater, Mantry subscription box, retro gaming trivia
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 18 mins
  • How One Ex-Cop Stole 24 Million Dollars In McDonald's Monopoly | S2E21

    How One Ex-Cop Stole 24 Million Dollars In McDonald's Monopoly | S2E21
    Aug 11 2026

    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 Breakdown

    • 00:00 - 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 Auburn Spirits. We tease the upcoming review of Kona Big Wave from Kona Brewing 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

    • Auburn Spirits: Wichita's premier neighborhood craft hub. Stop in, mention Cartridge and Quest at the register, and lock down 10% off your purchase.

    • The Regent Theater: 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 Board

    • Retro 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 swept the scandal under the rug.

    • Trav's Take Insight: Digging out individual plastic cartridges can be a major hassle compared to modern solutions. Averagetrav recently snagged a modern M64 flash cart called a Summer Cart that is loaded with a thousand classic retro titles. It perfectly bridges the gap between clunky legacy hardware and modern digital convenience, making retro video game collecting way easier without losing that authentic vintage gaming experience.

    Join the Community!

    • Grab the Merch: Secure your exclusive custom graphic apparel and CQ DX shirts on our mall page at CartridgeandQuest.com.

    • Keep it rad, and peace. S2E21

    Top 10 Backend SEO Tags:

    90s fast food scams, McDonalds Monopoly fraud, Taco Bell Batmobile, Kona Big Wave review, Nicktoons 1991 premiere, South Park debut history, Coco Krispies board game, Nintendo 64 Project Reality, Dallas Cowboys betting tips, 90s nostalgia podcast
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Sunny D, MySpace Pages, and 90s Saturday Morning Nostalgia | s2e20

    Sunny D, MySpace Pages, and 90s Saturday Morning Nostalgia | s2e20
    Aug 4 2026
    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 Auburn Spirits. We crack open a can of Dino Break from Toppling Goliath Brewing Company 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 Crossfire, Squeezit, Super Soaker 50, Chef Boyardee, MyPal 2000, and Sunny D.37:37 - 53:54 What's On Mike's Mind: Mike locks in a massive Super Bowl bet on DraftKings for the Dallas Cowboys and rants about the nightmare of modern television streaming costs on apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime.53:54 - 1:00:54 Trav's Take: We explore the rumored internet return of MySpace, 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 DirectoryAuburn Spirits: 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.The Retro Detail BoardRetro Rewind Theme: Back in 1984, the FCC scrapped commercial advertising limits, turning classic Saturday morning cartoons into 22-minute action figure product funnels. Mattel capitalized immediately, pushing He-Man and the Masters of the Universe sales to an insane 400 million dollars by 1986. They eventually oversaturated the retail market with obscure side characters, watching the bottom fall out to just seven million dollars by 1987. Parents eventually successfully lobbied Congress to pass the Children's Television Act of 1990, mandating strict commercial time limits and those classic animated bumpers to give our brains a break from the relentless consumer hype and plastic toy marketing.Trav's Take Insight: The original 2003 MySpace social network forced an entire generation of kids to learn raw HTML coding on the fly just to get a flashy glitter cursor and a custom profile track to play automatically. Today's high-tech smartphones and gigabit network connections load digital content in mere milliseconds, but those early broken web pages represent a wild, unregulated era of the internet that modern algorithmic social media feeds simply cannot replicate today. We miss the pure customization and the absolute political nightmare of ranking your friends in the top eight spots.Join the Community!Grab the Merch: Secure your exclusive custom graphic apparel and CQ DX shirts on our mall page at CartridgeandQuest.com.Support the Band: Stream Mike's heavy rock outfit Greyshore on Spotify to track live local music before they hit the stage at Wichita Forever.Keep it rad, and peace. S2E20
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min