Cash, cocaine and chaos – The mad, bad ’90s music biz with author John Niven

Clueless! Why this ’90s classic is still the best teen film of all time

Jun 29, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Talk '90s to Me, the host sits down with Helen O’Hara, editor at large of Empire Magazine and author of Women vs. Hollywood, to celebrate the 1995 teen classic Clueless. The pair explores why Amy Heckerling’s iconic film remains a masterpiece of the genre, praising its sharp, existential script and vibrant, campy aesthetic. The discussion highlights the film’s unique position in the 1990s, offering a bright, optimistic counter-narrative to the era’s darker, slacker-focused youth cinema. The hosts dive into the film’s origins as a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma and analyze the standout performances, particularly Alicia Silverstone’s charm as the well-meaning but naive Cher and the perfectly cast supporting roles filled by Paul Rudd, Donald Faison, and Breckin Meyer. Beyond the iconic fashion and endless supply of quotable lines, the conversation touches on the film's lasting impact. They reflect on the rarity of female-led projects during that period and discuss how the film’s portrayal of female friendship and privileged, "clueless" youth paved the way for future hits like Legally Blonde. It is a nostalgic and insightful deep dive into a movie that remains remarkably smart and hilarious decades later.

Paula Yates – The life, loves and tragedy of a Big Breakfast superstar

Jun 22, 20261h 22mSummary

In this episode of Talk '90s to me, host Miranda Sawyer and guest columnist Polly Hudson explore the complex life and career of Paula Yates, a defining figure of 1990s British television. The discussion moves beyond the tabloids to examine Yates not just as a cultural archetype of the era, but as a trailblazing, multifaceted talent whose public persona often masked deep-seated personal struggles. The hosts delve into Yates’s unconventional, gothic childhood, noting how her early life—marked by an unstable home environment and a search for a Norman Rockwell-esque sense of normalcy—shaped her future trajectory. They reflect on her rise to fame, from her witty, independent work as a music journalist and the author of the cult classic Rock Stars in Their Underpants, to her effortless, charismatic presence as a presenter on The Tube and The Big Breakfast. Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights how Yates challenged the era's restrictive gender norms, refusing to be categorized while navigating the pressures of fame, motherhood, and a high-profile marriage. By balancing empathy with historical context, the hosts invite listeners to remember Yates as a brilliant, effervescent, and deeply influential figure who was consistently ahead of her time.

Select Magazine – How the ’90s greatest music mag launched Britpop and reinvented Glastonbury

Jun 15, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of Talk ’90s to me, host Miranda Sawyer sits down with her former boss and colleague, Andrew Harrison, to reminisce about the legendary music publication Select Magazine. The conversation offers a deep dive into the magazine’s journey during the 1990s, tracing its evolution from a struggling Q-magazine challenger into the definitive voice of the Britpop era. Harrison, who served as the editor of Select, shares candid stories about the chaotic early days, including the unconventional editorial hiring process, the frantic scramble for copy, and the magazine's initial struggle to find its identity. The pair discusses how Select eventually pivoted away from generic music reporting to embrace a unique aesthetic that captured the zeitgeist of the time, bridging the gap between intelligent journalism and the fun, accessible energy of Smash Hits. A major focus of the discussion is the infamous April 1993 issue featuring Brett Anderson in front of a Union Jack. Harrison explains the artistic intention behind this controversial cover, which inadvertently anticipated the Britpop explosion. The hosts also touch upon the magazine’s role in covering monumental cultural moments, such as the death of Kurt Cobain, reflecting on how they navigated a pre-internet media landscape to deliver impactful, community-focused music journalism.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer! – How a surprise monster hit redefined horror

Jun 5, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of Talk ’90s to me, the hosts dive into the cultural phenomenon of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They are joined by comedian Brendan Murphy, who provides expert insight into the show’s legacy. The discussion explores how series creator Joss Whedon aimed to subvert the tired horror trope of the blonde victim, transforming her into a powerful hero. The episode highlights how Buffy redefined the teen drama genre by using supernatural monsters as metaphors for the very real, often painful experiences of adolescence. The hosts examine the iconic Scooby Gang, noting how characters like Willow, Xander, and Cordelia evolved over seven seasons, providing a relatable ensemble that resonated deeply with outcasts and the LGBTQ community. Beyond the screen, the podcast touches on the intense filming schedules and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that evolved as the show became a hit. Despite the eventual pressures and internal conflicts that arose as the cast gained fame, the hosts conclude that the show’s witty writing, character arcs, and genuine emotional depth ensure it remains an enduring piece of television history that continues to stand the test of time.

Showgirls – Worst film of the ’90s or misunderstood gem?

May 25, 20261h 7mSummary

In this episode of Talk '90s to Me, host Miranda Sawyer and guest Chantal Faduchin-Pet dive into a spirited analysis of the 1995 cult classic Showgirls. Often maligned as the worst film of the decade, the hosts explore why this Paul Verhoeven erotic drama has developed such an enduring, devoted following. The conversation examines the film’s unique production history, including its massive budget, the challenges of casting a lead who could handle both complex choreography and the film's notorious NC-17 content, and the surreal nature of its screenplay. The hosts take a deep dive into the character of Nomi Malone, played by Elizabeth Berkeley, analyzing her aggressive, "always on" energy and how she represents a departure from traditional Hollywood character arcs. They also discuss the film's "odd" European directorial style, its unintentional hilarity, and the iconic, over-the-top dialogue that has cemented its status in pop culture. Whether addressing the questionable jokes written by men or the film’s status as a unintentional masterpiece of camp, the discussion captures the bizarre, electrifying, and ultimately fascinating legacy of one of the 90s most debated cinematic experiments.

From Queen to Mogwai – John Robins on his ’90s music journey

May 18, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of Talk '90s to me, host Miranda Sawyer sits down with comedian and radio personality John Robins to explore the music and cultural experiences that defined his formative years. Starting in 1991, Robins recounts a journey of discovery that began with an obsession for Queen, triggered by the death of Freddie Mercury. He describes how, as a young boy seeking a sense of identity, he became deeply invested in the band’s catalog, finding a strange comfort and fascination in the music and imagery of a group he felt a profound connection to. The conversation transitions into the broader landscape of the nineties, touching upon how music served as a gateway to both adult tastes and personal expression. Robins reflects on the shift from mainstream fandom to the alternative scene, particularly the impact of bands like Pulp. He discusses how discovering Pulp—and specifically the song "Mis-Shapes"—provided him with a sense of strength and community during his teenage years, validating the experience of being an outsider. The episode captures the quintessential nineties spirit through anecdotes about teenage fashion experiments, the absence of social media, and the formative power of finding one's tribe through music.