Talk ’90s to me
Society & Culture
About
Diving deep into a wild decade of chaos, creativity and hedonism – from Oasis to ‘Friends’, from grunge to girl power, from Kate Moss to alcopops to ‘Trainspotting’ and beyond. Join award-winning Observer journalist and Smash Hits graduate Miranda Sawyer as she meets the people who were really there for the decade of Cool Britannia, Cantona and the Chemical Generation. Follow us on Instagram and BlueSky for clips, behind the scenes content and to send us your questions & thoughts! You can now support us on Patreon! Help support the podcast and get episodes early and ad-free, bonus content and some EXCELLENT merch. Talk...
Episodes
- Prozac Nation! – How one grunge-era depression memoir changed everything
This episode of "Talk ’90s to me" delves into Elizabeth Wurtzel's "Prozac Nation," a memoir that sparked debate and impacted a generation. The discussion examines the book's lasting relevance and its influence on subsequent works by young…
- Alcopops! – Hooch, Metz, Breezers and the booze of the ’90s
This episode of Talk '90s to me explores the phenomenon of alcopops in the 1990s, delving into their popularity, the moral panic they caused, and their lasting influence on drinking culture. Miranda and drinks writer Pete Brown discuss bra…
- Ash! – Tim Wheeler on the Northern Irish kids who crashed the Britpop party
Tim Wheeler discusses Ash's journey from schoolkids to Britpop stars, including their early record deal, opening A-level results live on BBC Radio 1, and the 30th-anniversary tour of their debut album. The episode delves into their place i…
- Goldie – The drum’n’bass bad boy who defined ’90s Jungle
Goldie joins host Miranda Sawyer to discuss his career, the evolution of jungle and drum'n'bass, and the lasting impact of the UK scene. They reflect on his journey from the underground pirate radio scene to mainstream success.
- Sky Magazine! – Sex, sin and six-packs with the Bible of the ’90s
Editor Simon Mills joins host Miranda Sawyer to discuss the history and cultural impact of Sky Magazine in the 1990s. The episode covers the magazine's celebrity interviews, photography, and its role as a guide to early satellite televisio…
- Judge Jules – The original superstar DJ on decks, drugs and rock’n’roll
Miranda Sawyer interviews DJ Judge Jules about his pivotal role in the 1990s dance music scene, his career transition from law student to professional DJ, and his experiences in Ibiza. They also discuss how he balanced a legal career with…
- This Life – The definitive guide to being young in the ’90s
Miranda Sawyer discusses the 90s TV drama This Life with entertainment journalist Boyd Hilton. They reflect on the show's impact, characters, and legacy thirty years after its debut.
- Eastenders icon Natalie Cassidy! – On being Sonia, barmy soap stories and Britpop!
Natalie Cassidy reflects on her experience growing up as Sonia Fowler on EastEnders during the 90s, discussing the pressures of fame, memorable storylines, and her passion for Britpop.
- Leonardo DiCaprio – The Rise of the 90s’ Ultimate Heartthrob
In this episode of Talk ’90s to Me, host Miranda Sawyer and guest Dan Wakeford explore the rise of Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1990s. They discuss how the media machine fueled "Leomania," his early career success, and the evolution of celebri…
- Jeff Buckley – Inside a Beautiful Tragedy
In this episode of Talk ’90s to me, Miranda Sawyer and music journalist Jude Rogers discuss the legacy of singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley. They reflect on his album Grace, his version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, and Rogers’ past writing…
- How The Fast Show and Cold Feet defined ’90s Telly with John Thomson
Miranda Sawyer speaks with actor John Thomson about his work on The Fast Show and Cold Feet. They discuss the cultural impact of these 90s television shows, the nature of fame, and the challenges of tabloid attention during that decade.
- Lads' Mags – From Loaded to GQ, how the ’90s changed media
The "Talk '90s to Me" episode features James Brown discussing the launch of Loaded magazine in 1994 and its impact on 90s British publishing with host Miranda Sawyer. They explore the shift towards louder, cheekier content and its influenc…
- Björk! – The National Elf Service… and how she shaped the ’90s
This episode of Talk 90s to Me features journalist Emily Mackay discussing Björk's impact on the 1990s. They explore how she redefined pop stardom with her experimental yet chart-friendly music, influencing the decade's sound and attitude.
- Calvin Klein! The brand that made Kate Moss into the ’90s It Girl
This episode of Talk '90s to Me examines Calvin Klein's profound influence on 1990s fashion, discussing iconic advertising campaigns, minimalist aesthetics, the rise of Kate Moss, and the enduring legacy of CK One.
- Disney Villains! – How queer baddies helped save Disney in the ’90s
This episode of Talk ’90s To Me, featuring comedian Dan Foxx, examines the significant impact of '90s Disney villains. It explores how these characters, often coded as queer, were allowed more flamboyance than heroes and why they remain po…
- When Posh married Becks – The original Beckham wedding that dazzled Britain
This episode of Talk '90s to Me revisits the 1999 wedding of David Beckham and Victoria Adams, dubbed the 'Posh and Becks' nuptials. It examines how the highly publicized event influenced celebrity culture, media coverage, and public consc…
- Britney Spears – the world’s most powerful teenager
This episode of Talk ’90s to Me discusses Britney Spears' explosive arrival in 1999. Joined by author Jennifer Otter Bickerdike, the podcast questions if her debut was a pop miracle or if it marked the beginning of her living on other peop…
- Josh Widdicombe on TFI Friday and the chaos of ’90s live TV
Comedian Josh Widdicombe discusses the 90s television show TFI Friday, hosted by Chris Evans, with Miranda Sawyer. They explore the show's chaotic style, celebrity stunts, and its reflection of the decade's excess, concluding that such a s…
- Pulp Fiction! Tarantino’s masterpiece that changed cinema forever
On Talk 90s To Me, Miranda Sawyer and Jamie East delve into Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction. They discuss its non-linear narrative, memorable characters, iconic soundtrack, and significant impact on cinema and culture.
- Adidas Gazelles – The '90s trainer that will never go out of style
This episode of Talk '90s to Me, featuring DJ Anthony Teasdale, delves into the history and lasting appeal of Adidas Gazelles. The iconic '90s trainer is examined for its versatility and enduring presence in fashion.
- Were the ’90s the golden age of Christmas Number Ones?
This episode of Talk '90s to Me, hosted by Miranda Sawyer, features comedian Marc Burrows discussing whether the 1990s represented the golden age of Christmas Number Ones. They explore the annual chart race, mentioning various artists and…
- Stay Another Day – The story of East 17's accidental Christmas classic with Tony Mortimer
Tony Mortimer joins host Miranda Sawyer on Talk ’90s to me to discuss the story behind East 17's 'Stay Another Day.' The episode covers how Mortimer channeled personal heartbreak into the 1994 Christmas number one hit, along with anecdotes…
- Italia ’90 – Gazza’s tears, Maradona’s madness and the tournament that changed football!
The Talk 90s to Me podcast revisits the Italia 90 World Cup, discussing its transformation of football. Guests explore Gazza's emotional moments, Maradona's controversial presence, and Cameroon's unexpected success.
- Catwalk Britain, Absolutely Fabulous and shopping in the ’90s – with Mary Portas, darling!
Mary Portas discusses the 1990s British high street, fashion trends inspired by Absolutely Fabulous, and her career, including revitalizing Harvey Nichols.
- Seinfeld – The best sitcom of the ’90s?
This episode of Talk ’90s to me examines the sitcom Seinfeld, discussing its unlikely success, legacy, and favorite episodes with superfans Phoebe Roy and Milo Edwards.
- RIP Mani – Why the Stone Roses bass genius was universally loved
This episode of Talk ’90s To Me pays tribute to the late Stone Roses bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield. Host Miranda Sawyer and music journalist John Robb discuss Mani’s impact on Britpop, his role in the band, and his enduringly positive spir…
- Thelma & Louise – The ’90s most important chick flick
Talk ’90s to me discusses the Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis film Thelma & Louise, a feminist road movie that influenced Hollywood. Hosted by Miranda Sawyer with guest Sarah Morgan, the episode covers the film's themes and cultural impact.
- From Take That to Westlife – Inside the boy band boom!
The Talk '90s to me podcast explores the 1990s boy band explosion, featuring discussions on influential groups like Take That and Westlife, with insights from author Michael Cragg.
- Patreon mini-pod! UNFINISHED SYMPATHY – How MASSIVE ATTACK kickstarted trip-hop
This Patreon bonus episode covers Massive Attack's 1991 track 'Unfinished Sympathy'. Comedian Carl Donnelly discusses with Miranda Sawyer how the song and the Bristol trio's sound influenced artists like Portishead, The Chemical Brothers,…
- The KLF! The real story of the band that burnt one million quid
This episode of Talk ’90s to me delves into the unconventional career of The KLF, highlighting their journey from acid-house music to burning one million pounds. Hosts Miranda Sawyer and Joe Muggs discuss the band's blend of pop, art, and…
- How Scream started the ’90s horror revolution
The Talk ’90s to Me podcast, in its Halloween episode, revisits the 1996 film Scream. Host Miranda Sawyer and author Clark Collis examine how Wes Craven's film revolutionized ’90s horror with its meta-narrative and satire.
- Adam Buxton! – Inside the making of The Adam and Joe Show!
Adam Buxton discusses the making of The Adam and Joe Show with Miranda Sawyer on the Talk '90s to Me podcast. The show was known for parodying Hollywood blockbusters on a shoestring budget.
- Tomb Raider! – Lara Croft, girl power and the game that changed everything
The Talk ’90s to Me podcast episode "Tomb Raider!" discusses the 1996 release of the game and its protagonist, Lara Croft, examining her influence on the video game industry, cultural impact, and boundary-breaking role.
- How the Castlemorton rave changed festivals forever
This episode of Talk '90s to Me explores the 1992 Castlemorton rave with filmmaker Aaron Trinder. They discuss the event's impact on British nightlife, its legal fallout, and the subsequent cultural shift away from raves.
- Radio 1's most chaotic decade – with Mark Radcliffe of 'Mark and Lard'
Mark Radcliffe discusses his and Mark and Lard's experience hosting the 1997 Radio 1 Breakfast Show with host Miranda Sawyer. The episode covers their nine-month tenure, which ended with the duo being sacked due to plummeting ratings, and…
- The birth of Parklife, Britpop and Cool Britanania with Blur's Dave Rowntree!
Talk 90s To Me features Blur drummer Dave Rowntree discussing the band's origins, the Britpop era, and his photography book "No One You Know," which captures Blur's raw early moments.
- Madonna! From Blonde Ambition to the Pope’s Blacklist
This episode of "Talk ’90s to me" examines Madonna's dominance in the early 1990s, following her Blonde Ambition tour. Hosts discuss her transformation into a major pop icon and a controversial figure, addressing her provocative work and i…
- The Prodigy – Keith Flint, Firestarters and a rock-rave fusion
This episode of Talk ’90s to me examines the unlikely rise of The Prodigy and Keith Flint, discussing their transition from underground raves to mainstream success and cultural impact in the 1990s.
- Princess Diana – The inside story of THAT ‘Revenge Dress’ – with Vogue’s Plum Sykes
Vogue journalist Plum Sykes joins Miranda Sawyer on Talk '90s to Me to discuss Princess Diana's iconic "Revenge Dress," worn shortly after Prince Charles's televised infidelity confession in 1994. The episode explores the dress's impact an…
- Friends! Could a TV show be any more influential?
The 'Talk '90s to Me' podcast episode discusses the TV show 'Friends,' exploring its significant cultural influence on the 1990s, its casting, and its continued popularity in the streaming era.
- George Michael! – From tabloid target to shamelessly gay pop icon
This episode of Talk '90s to me revisits George Michael's 1998 arrest, exploring how he shifted public perception of LGBTQ+ celebrities and sexuality. Guests Jack Guinness and Miranda Sawyer discuss his activism, wit, and the personal expe…
- Nirvana! Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love, grunge and the whole brilliant mess – with Yasi Salek
Yasi Salek joins Miranda Sawyer on Talk '90s to Me to discuss Nirvana's rise from Seattle grunge band to global phenomenon. The episode covers their musical influence, style impact, and legacy, touching on themes from teenage angst to thei…
- Trainspotting! – Irvine Welsh on what it all REALLY meant
Miranda Sawyer speaks with Irvine Welsh about the cultural phenomenon of his novel Trainspotting, its legacy concerning drug use, class, and masculinity, and his new book Men in Love, which updates the characters for modern times.
- Oasis! Music, mayhem and the band that kickstarted the ’90s – with author Ted Kessler
Author Ted Kessler discusses the band Oasis with host Miranda Sawyer, covering their rise to fame in the 1990s, their impact on the music scene, and their career trajectory.
- Talk '90s to me - trailer!
This is a trailer for the podcast Talk ’90s to me, hosted by Miranda Sawyer. It previews a deep dive into the 1990s, covering culture, music, and events of the era. The podcast launches July 28, 2025.