Step into a supersized dose of nostalgia on this episode of The Odd Podcast with Joe Parisi!

Joe dives deep into the wild, colorful world of McDonald's nostalgia, Ronald McDonald history, and some of the most sought-after McDonald's collectibles ever made.

First, Joe talks with Randy Kalin, a performer and magician who spent more than 30 years working as Ronald McDonald, sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories about what it was like to bring one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture to life. From live appearances to the magic of the Golden Arches, Randy offers a rare inside look at an unforgettable era of McDonald's history.

Then, Joe is joined by Dustin Mayfield (@dustydixie), a prolific pop culture toy and memorabilia collector who has bought, sold, and hunted down some of the coolest and rarest vintage McDonald's collectibles, including retro advertising pieces, restaurant décor, promotional items, and other fast food treasures that collectors dream about.

If you love retro McDonald's, 80s and 90s nostalgia, Happy Meal memories, vintage advertising, restaurant memorabilia, and the strange corners of pop culture history, this episode is for you.

🍟 Topics include:

• What it was really like to be Ronald McDonald
• Rare and valuable McDonald's memorabilia
• Vintage Happy Meal toys and collectibles
• Classic McDonald's restaurant décor and advertising
• Why McDonald's nostalgia still hits so hard

Whether you grew up with the PlayPlace, birthday parties, collectible glasses, menu boards, or the golden age of Ronald McDonald, this episode is a nostalgic trip back to one of America's most iconic brands.

MTV Changed Pop Culture Forever...Let's Rewind 📺

This episode of The Odd Podcast dives deep into the wild, colorful, and culture-shifting history of MTV.

From the moment "Video Killed the Radio Star" launched the network in 1981, MTV didn't just play music videos, it reshaped music, fashion, celebrity culture, and an entire generation. In this episode, I take you on a nostalgic journey through the rise, peak, and evolution of MTV.

We talk about:

• The early days and explosive rise of MTV
• Iconic music videos that defined the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s
• The shows that changed the network forever (and changed TV itself)
• How reality TV slowly replaced music videos
• The long, strange "end of the music video era"

Plus, a very special guest interview.

I'm joined by FlexasaurusRex, the anonymous creator behind the viral MTV Rewind website - a free streaming experience that brings back the magic of watching music videos all day long. We talk about why he built it, the reaction it's getting online, and why people still miss the MTV era so much.

If you grew up watching MTV, miss music television, or just love pop-culture nostalgia, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and take a trip back to when the TV was always on… and the music never stopped.

Follow Joe Parisi @joeparisivo

Follow FlexasaurusRex @rexflexasaurus

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Heather O'Rourke is forever etched into horror history as Carol Anne Freeling, the wide-eyed little girl who delivered one of the most iconic lines in movie history: "They're here." Cast in Poltergeist (1982) at just five years old, Heather instantly became one of the most recognizable child actors of the 1980s and a defining face of supernatural cinema.

Before and after Poltergeist, Heather appeared in national television commercials and guest-starred on popular shows like Happy Days and Webster. She went on to reprise her role as Carol Anne in Poltergeist II and Poltergeist III, solidifying her place in horror fandom while quickly gaining a reputation as a remarkably gifted young performer.

Tragically, Heather O'Rourke passed away in 1988 at only 12 years old, leaving behind an enduring legacy and decades of unanswered questions, myths, and fascination among fans of the Poltergeist films.

In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Brian Pocrass, who has spent years working with his team on an upcoming documentary about Heather's life, career, and lasting impact. The film, She Was Here, is set for release in early 2026. Together, we discuss Heather's rise to fame, her cultural impact, and why her story continues to resonate with Poltergeist fans and horror lovers alike.

This episode was originally released on December 27, 2025, on what would have been Heather's 50th birthday.

Follow Joe Parisi @joeparisivo