That's So Rad!

About That's So Rad!

Writer Terry Pratchett once said, "People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it's the other way around." This podcast is about shared stories and mining meaning from them. It's about learning from one another as we look at our lives and the lessons we've learned. There will be plenty of laughs and randomness along the way. "That's So Rad!" is gonna be a fun, entertaining, and thought provoking ride.

Publisher

Travis Vangsnes

Category

education · religion & spirituality · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Apr 2025

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

39 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Things That Made Us (Pt 5): Bike Rides, Boredom, and Starting a Band with Darren Robinson of Phantom Planet

   In this episode, Travis and Danny sit down with Darren Robinson, founding guitarist of Phantom Planet, best known for "California"—the track that became the iconic, defining theme song for the hit TV series The O.C. Darren shares how he picked up guitar at 11, how the band took shape, and why he’s always felt more at home out of the spotlight. The conversation moves from music memories to 80s and 90s childhood nostalgia, with Darren, Travis, and Danny comparing notes on analog childhoods, freedom, toy commercials, Nintendo, boredom, and life before phones and social media. The three also give their top three things they wish kids and teens could experience now like they did. Darren also shares what Phantom Planet is up to now, including new music and upcoming shows. Phantom Planet's website: https://www.phantompla.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phantomplanet/ Danny's band Wasperjaws: https://wasperjaws.hearnow.com In this episode: Darren’s early guitar lessons and the unexpected start of his musical journey Meeting Jason Schwartzman and the band’s first steps toward becoming Phantom Planet The band’s early Los Angeles shows and the manager who saw their potential Darren’s first reaction to hearing “California” as a demo Growing up around Sunset Boulevard, hair metal, and influential guitarists like Slash What it meant to have an analog childhood—and how phones and social media changed things Garbage Pail Kids, He-Man, skateboarding, bike rides, and the freedom of being out with friends Nintendo memories, including Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt Songs that made a lasting impression, from “Money for Nothing” to “Smells Like Teen Spirit” What Darren says kids today might be missing: boredom, anticipation, privacy, and being present Phantom Planet’s new music and upcoming shows

2. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Things That Made Us (Pt 4): Bowl Cuts, TGIF Sitcoms, and the Top 5 Things We Want Back with Mark Hewitt and Danny Smith

   Travis is joined by guest host Danny Smith and Mark Hewitt for a follow-up conversation that starts with tipping culture and quickly turns into a broader reflection on generational values, consumer habits, and what feels different about growing up then versus now. They also get into a nostalgic list of things from the 80s and 90s that have made a comeback and then each shares 5 things they want to see make a comeback. There's a final stretch on 90s basketball, team identity, and how sports culture has changed. Book--Generations 2026: The Great Convergence https://a.co/d/0htzToI5 In this episode: The crew compares generational attitudes toward tipping, especially the jump from 10 percent to 20 percent and the pressure of tip prompts at places like Five Guys, Culver’s, Great Clips, and Subway. Mark shares a story about being at a Badgers game with all-you-can-eat club seating, where his instinct was to take one trail mix tin while older folks were loading up multiple bags and tins. Danny argues that tipping should make sense based on actual service, not just on the existence of a card reader or countertop interaction. Travis points out that no-tips restaurants might be the cleanest solution if businesses simply paid employees directly and didn’t push the burden onto customers. The group compares boomer and Gen X deal-seeking behavior with their own generation’s more collaborative, less combative approach to pricing and service. Mark talks about childhood contrasts across generations, including hotel toiletries, condiment packets, and how normal it felt to live off small free extras. The list of comeback items includes Surge, square-body trucks, 90s fashion, baggy jeans, high socks, Crocs, mom jeans, skater clothes, analog media, and camcorders. Mark shares how his kids are embracing retro style, including baggy jeans, rolled socks, and old-school audio and video formats. Danny brings up the return of physical media and the appeal of listening to a whole album front to back instead of skipping around. The conversation shifts to what should come back next, including boom boxes, summer pop songs, fire pit conversations, family dinners, and the old Friday-night TV ritual. Mark highlights the family dinner at the classic Pizza Hut restaurant as a near-perfect example of a shared experience that used to feel central to family life. The final stretch focuses on 90s basketball, dynasty teams, long player tenures, rivalries, and the shift toward superteams and constant transfers in both college and pro sports. Mark reflects on watching the Bulls during their 90s run, including a triple-overtime game against the Pistons and the drama around Jordan, Rodman, Pippen, and the rest of that era.

3. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Things That Made Us (Pt 3): Corded Remotes, 90s Rock, and Why Decades Feel the Same Now with Mark Hewitt and Danny Smith

   Travis is joined by guest host Danny Smith and their friend Mark Hewitt for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in the 80s and 90s, how the Xennial microgeneration got defined, and why that in-between generation still feels uniquely suited to bridge older and younger worlds. The episode moves from childhood technology to music culture, workplace habits, and the strange way the internet has blurred the edges of whole decades.In this episode, the three compare memories and unpack why so much of the old mystery around music and culture has disappeared. The explore the bigger question about why recent decades feel less distinct than the 80s and 90s once did. The group also explores why it feels like there are fewer new rock bands breaking through with the cultural impact of 90s acts like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Radiohead, and Soundgarden. They wonder whether rock has lost its rebellious edge, whether today’s fragmented, algorithm-driven music landscape makes it harder for one band to become widely known, and whether endless access to content has replaced the mystery that once surrounded rock stars. Mark also shares how his real estate work has shown him the value of being able to operate both digitally and in person, while Danny and Travis connect that to broader generational shifts. Book--Generations 2026: The Great Convergence https://a.co/d/0htzToI5 In this episode: Mark Hewitt is introduced as a longtime friend of Danny’s and a former coworker from Mooseheart and Thornwell Mark explains how being called a millennial pushed him to research the Oregon Trail generation and identify with Xennials The group discusses growing up with both analog and digital systems Mark shares a real estate story about learning to use Google instead of waiting for traditional instructions The crew explores how Xennials often bridge older and younger generations The conversation covers VCRs, CD changers, early computers, streaming, and smartphones The group debates why decades used to have stronger visual and cultural identities Music nostalgia includes Oregon Trail, MTV, band shirts, and the disappearance of new rock bands Mark points out that many 90s bands are still touring because newer acts have not replaced them The episode closes with the value of relationships, in-person communication, and generosity

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

15 ratings

Contact That's So Rad!

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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