Veteran’s stadium was home to the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles from 1971 to 2003. The giant arena, which looked like a concrete donut, was notorious for its unwelcoming atmosphere and terrible astroturf field. The facility was labyrinthian, the seats were almost never filled to capacity and it was a filthy, filthy place. Today we’re going to explore the history of this old, ugly ballpark and uncover the secrets of four very specific rooms in Veteran’s Stadium.

This week, we’re going to tackle one of the greatest movies ever made in Philadelphia.  It’s about a talented underdog who just can’t get ahead in life, everyone thinks he’s a bum.  Then he meets the girl of his dreams and she inspires him to go the distance. That’s right, if you can’t tell already, I’m talking about the 1987 classic; Mannequin, starring Kim Cattral and Andrew McCarthy. Prepare yourself for a deep dive into an 80’s rom-com about a mannequin that comes to life when no one is looking.

With the interest of being topical we thought this might be a good chance to talk about the history of Philly Outbreaks. COVID-19 isn’t this city’s first brush with pandemics, there were even a few deadly diseases that originated in Philly. So today we want talk about the Yellow Fever Outbreak, the Spanish Flu Pandemic, and the Origins of Legionnaires Disease. Maybe by taking a look at how the city survived it’s previous germ wars, we can learn a little something about surviving this one.

Since we’re all trapped indoors it might be a good opportunity to talk about the great outdoors. Philadelphia is not a very woodsy place but the city is home to lots of wild creatures. Unfortunately not all of these animals are welcome, most of them don’t belong here at all. So this week we want to talk about Philly’s MOST invasive species.

Luckily it only feels like we’re trapped in South Philly but it wasn’t that long ago you could be locked up for life in South Philly’s Moyamensing Prison. Located at Passyunk Avenue and Reed Street, where the Acme Supermarket sits today; the prison was built in 1835 and operated until 1963 and wasn’t demolished until 1968. Over the years there were hundreds of executions at Moyamensing prison and thousands of criminals passed through its gates. So today we’re going to talk about the most famous jailbirds at Moyamensing Prison.

Well, last week we touched briefly on the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. And that got some people asking if there had ever been a World’s Fair in Philadelphia.  The answer is yes; actually there were two international exhibitions hosted in Philadelphia; the Centennial in 1876 and the Sesqui-Centennial in 1926. They were celebrated in Fairmount and South Philly respectively.  World leaders, inventors, celebrities, and the common folk mingled there to take a glimpse at the future. And we’re going to take a look back at them.

Last week we talked about Philadelphia’s 1876 World’s Fair which doubled as a centennial celebration for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There’s no easy way to put it but the 1926 sequel was not well thought of. A victim of bad luck, bad weather, and bad planning; the Sesquicentennial was destined to fail. Today we’re going to take a deep dive into the biggest party in South Philly history.

We thought we’d do something a little different this week.  The podcast has been going for ten episodes now. Which is pretty consistent for a new side project. At the risk of patting ourselves on the back too hard; we thought today we could take a look back at our own history.  One of the great things about doing this podcast is that it’s been a great conversation starter with our friends on the social medias. People let us know when we got things wrong and shared great new information we didn’t know at the time of recording. Today we’re going to go through some of the questions, comments, and suggestions we’ve received in the last ten weeks. And if we have time we’re going to talk about our ideas for the next ten episodes.

After weeks of listening to our hoagie mouth accents we thought it might be fun to talk about why we sound “dis way”. The Philly Accent (also known as Philadelphia English) is very unique, diverging from similar east coast cities in our vowel and consonant pronunciation. We’ve also got our own special words and portmanteaus that can be hard to decipher. So, today we’re going to have a little vocabulary lesson and learn how to speak with a hoagie mouth.

ECW was a Philadelphia born wrestling league unlike any other that came before it. Extreme Championship Wrestling was rough and tough, they were local guys who invented the gory, modern wrestling that WWE utilize now. Listen in as we talk about Sandman, Terry Funk, Blue Meanie, and more; legends of South Philly's most famous squared circle on Ritner and Swanson. This very special episode of Legends of Philadelphia is hosted by our engineer Bryan Bierman (he's an expert on wrestling). Settle in for a sweaty, violent, history of Philly's most profound professional wresting league.

This week, with people starting to head to the jersey shore for summer vacation, we thought it might be interesting to take a look at the Jersey Devil (also known as the Leeds Devil). For almost 250 years Jerseyans have told tales of this mythical beast that stalks the Pine Barrens and terrorizes local residents. There has been an evolving folklore that surrounds the Jersey Devil and even if the monster isn’t real it’s inspired some real life hysteria. So today we’re going to take a closer look at the Jersey Devil and its Philadelphia Origins.

Today we’re going to do the history of South Street, the bohemian, punk, alternative stretch of bars and shops that divides South Philly from the rest of civilization in Center City. But that wasn’t always the case, originally known as Cedar Street, it was the southernmost point of Philadelphia. It was the final frontier before settlers would find themselves treading through increasingly swampy wilderness. So today, in the first of a two parter, we’re going to take a look at the origins of South Street.

Welcome back to our two parter on South Street. By the 1950s, South Street was mainly a garment district, with stores for men's suits and other clothing, while the more western areas around South Street served as a cultural and commercial center for South Philadelphia's African American community. Real estate values plummeted after city planner Edmund Bacon and others proposed the Crosstown Expressway connecting the Schuylkill Expressway and I-95 that would have required the complete demolition of South Street and Bainbridge Street. The fight to stop construction went on for decades. Fear of the highway and mounting racial tensions caused an exodus of businesses and families from the area.  This sent property value plummeting and the suddenly cheap real estate attracted artists and counterculture-types.

It is getting hot out there So we thought it might be fun to talk about the city’s signature fruity, frozen snack; water ice (or Italian Ice). It's an icy treat made from water, sugar and some sort of flavoring — usually fruit. It is firmer than a slushy, softer than sorbet and lighter than a snow cone. So today we’re going to try to explain what it is. And why is it so popular. Where it came from. And who makes it the best.

Zito was supposed to be on a honeymoon cruise right now, but since that’s not happening, he has time to chat about the most seaworthy vessels of the Delaware river. The waterway that separates Philly from Jersey is home to tugboats, garbage scows, private yachts, oil tankers and more. So hoist the sails, shovel more coal in the furness, and grab a paddle; cause we’re gonna take a deep dive into the most stationary boats on the Delaware.

Our deep dive into the stationary vessels of the Delaware River continues this week. Today we examine the SS United States, a derelict cruise liner parked outside of Ikea, and The Hooters Boat, a long gone relic of the tacky 80's craze. The SS Untied States is famous for being the fastest liner to ever cross the Atlantic Ocean but now it doesn't go anywhere. The Hooters Boat was in service for 100 years before it ended up sinking under the frozen river. Tune in to find out how they got there.

This week we thought it would be a good chance to talk about the importance of sanitation workers in Philadelphia. Among the many side effects of Covid has been a noticeable slow-down in our trash collection services right now. Some of the old timers are particularly nervous about the lingering piles of trash -- because they’ve seen it before. Mountains of garbage piled twenty foot high, oozing putrid goo leaking into the street, and an odor they would never forget...  Join us now as we reminisce about the 1986 philadelphia sanitation workers strike.

This week we’re going to do something a little different. We’re going to talk about a product South Fellini offers. It’s called The Palette of Philadelphia. It’s a carefully assembled list of pigments sourced from around the city and each one corresponds to a person, place, or food that is essential to Philly.  So in this episode we’re going to try to explain the inside jokes and references behind the Palette of Philadelphia.

Unfortunately one sporting event that won’t be happening this year is the 2020 Tokyo olympics. That would have been a few weeks ago if the world wasn’t dealing with COVID-19. But this isn’t the first time the Olympics have been canceled/postponed/disrupted. In 1980, at the height of the cold war, the USA decided to skip the Moscow summer olympics. Instead the US opted to host their own olympic ceremonies right here in the city of brotherly love. So, this week we’re going to talk about Philadelphia’s often forgotten 1980 bootleg olympics.

We’re in our 23rd week of the podcast which is a pretty neat achievement I think. And we thought it was time to slow things down and take a look back at the past ten episodes.  One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. Today we’re going to dig through the mail bag and talk about topics for the next ten episodes.

We wanted to talk about some Philly television history so we put it out there to the audience and let our instagram followers decide between American BandStand and Captain Noah. And the Captain pulled out a resounding win with more than 60% of the vote. If you don’t know, Captain Noah and His Magical Ark was a children's television program broadcast in the Philadelphia area from 1967 to 1994. It was filmed and produced at the WPVI-TV, Channel 6 studios on City Line Avenue. Starring W. Carter Merbreier, a cast of puppets and rotating cartoons; Captain Noah kept kids busy everyday from 7 to 9am and a half hour on Saturday and Sunday.

In 1987, the NFL players went on strike for the second time in six years. What was different this time was that when the veterans walked out, the owners brought in replacement players. Random guys off the street wearing official NFL team uniforms played three games that actually counted for the regular-season. While most teams were being staffed by scabs some big name players did actually cross the picket line. What resulted was a very uneven series of games that upended the league standings and enraged organized labor. Today we’re going to take a look at how the Eagles made it through this ordeal by examining the marxist philosophy of Randall Cunningham and Buddy Ryan.

The Trocadero Theatre, originally the Arch Street Opera House, was a historic theater located in Chinatown, Philadelphia. Opening in 1870, The Troc offered musical comedies, vaudeville, opera, and burlesque. The Theatre was refurbished for use as an art house cinema and fine arts theatre in the 1970s, and by the 1990s it had become an iconic venue for rock and punk concerts. Today we’re going to take a deep dive on the history of Philadelphia’s filthiest opera house.

Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff are a songwriting and production duo credited for developing the Philadelphia soul music genre, also known as the Philly sound of the 70s. In addition to forming their own label, Philadelphia International Records, Gamble and Huff have written and produced 175 gold and platinum records, earning them a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Today we’re going behind the music that keeps Philly stuck in the 70s.

In 1976, Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter managed to convince sitting President Gerald Ford to meet for three historic, prime time debates. Americans hadn’t witnessed such a political contest in 16 years and were eager for the face off.  Philly’s Walnut Street Theater was the location chosen for the first debate of the modern era but, unfortunately, it was a bit of a disaster. So, in today’s episode we’re going to examine Philadelphia's epic debate gaffe.

Joseph William "Joey" Coyle was an unemployed longshoreman in Philadelphia who, in February 1981, found $1.2 million in the street, after it had fallen out of the back of an armored car, and kept it. His story was adapted into the 1993 film Money for Nothing, starring John Cusack. Today we’re going to take a look at the true story behind the disney legend.

With its looming, gloomy high stone walls, crumbling corridors, and stark cells that once housed thousands of hard-core criminals, Eastern State Penitentiary certainly looks haunted. Its 142-year history is full of suicide, madness, disease, murder and torture, making it easy to imagine the spirits of troubled souls left behind to roam its abandoned halls. So today we’re going to do some ghostbusting at Eastern State Pen and find out if it’s truly haunted.

Locals know the night before Halloween as Mischief Night. The term isn't used everywhere, and it sometimes confuses newcomers to the Philadelphia region. Mischief Night is an informal holiday on which children and teenagers engage in pranks and vandalism. In practice, this night is the “trick” part of “trick-or-treat” and not everyone agrees how it ended up that way. So we’re gonna take a look at the origins and endings of Mischief Night.

We’ve had a lot of heavy topics the last few weeks since we were gearing up for halloween. But all that is behind us now and so we thought we’d enjoy a lil palette cleanser today.  Numerous regional variations of pizza in the United States have been developed, with many bearing only a casual resemblance to the Italian original. The thickness of the crust, the density of the cheese, the consistency of the gravy are what make a local pizza unique. SO in this episode we’re going to explore the variety of Philly style pizzas.

We’re in our 33rd week of the podcast which is a pretty neat achievement I think. And we’d like to slow things down for a look back at the past ten episodes.  One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. So, today we’re going to dig through the last ten episodes and talk about what’s next.

Robert Crumb is a dirty cartoonist whose independent comic work is known for satirizing contemporary American culture. Inspired by psychedelics and cartoons from the 1920s, Crumb published the first successful underground magazine, Zap Comix. Though his work often flirted with scatological and pornographic themes, Crumb is best known for creating counter cultural icons Fritz the Cat, Mr. Natural, and the “Keep on Truckin” guy. So, today we’re gonna talk about Philadelphia's filthiest independent illustrator; R. Crumb.

When we talk about “thanksgiving day parades” most people think of New York, and Macy’s, and 34th street. But the truth is that the first thanksgiving day parade was right here in Philadelphia. If that wasn't enough of a contribution to the commercialization of the holiday season; the “Black Friday” tradition and name were born here too. So today we’re looking back at the history of Philly’s War on Christmas.

For many Italian-Americans, Christmas Eve brings with it a nostalgia-fueled celebration. This hours-long dinner consists of at least seven different types of seafood and as many family members as you can squeeze in the room. Firmly rooted in Italy’s Roman Catholic background, the Feast of Seven Fish is a delicious blend of the sacred and secular, the old world and the new.

Normally, this time of year, as shoppers raced to buy last-minute gifts for the holidays, Macy’s in Center City would host the annual Christmas Light Show in the Grand Court atrium. The beloved Philadelphia tradition boasts 100,000 lights intricately arranged four stories high and perched above the world’s biggest pipe organ. The show, which began in 1956, spawned a few imitators, entertained countless families, and remains relatively unchanged from its debut. So grab a spot on the floor under the big eagle statue and get comfy as we dive deep on the Wanamaker Christmas Light Show.

We’re going to do something a little different this episode.  There are all these cool, Philly Christmas things we wanted to talk about but there’s not enough content to talk about any one of these subjects for 60 minutes.  So we’re lumping them together in a kind of stocking stuffer episode. One the list today we’re gonna cover Kindy’s, star cookies, and the beloved christmas lotto commercial.

It doesn’t come up as often as it should but on Christmas night, 1776, General George Washington and his Revolutionary troops met just outside Philadelphia.  They planned to secretly cross the Delaware River so that they could surprise King George’s mercenary troops celebrating the holiday in New Jersey. So, grab some eggnog and get comfy, we’re going to talk about the Battle of Trenton.

Joseph William Frazier was a professional boxer who competed from 1965 to 1981. Frazier was based out of Philadelphia and developed a reputation for his strength, durability, and relentless pressure fighting style. He reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973, and was the first boxer to beat Muhammad Ali. So for our first episode of 2021 we’re gonna square up with the legend of Smokin’ Joe.

The Fleer Corporation, originally headquartered in Olney, holds a special position in the history and development of two quintessentially American activities: bubble gum and baseball cards. Fleer continues to manufacture more than four million pieces of its Dubble Bubble--the original bubble gum--each day. As one of the top three trading card companies, along with Topps and Donruss, Fleer sells about $300 million per year in sports and entertainment cards. So, today we’re gonna crack open the collectibles and debate the best Fleer deck ever made.

James Joseph Croce, Jim Croce, was an American singer-songwriter from South Philadelphia. Between 1966 and 1973, Croce released five studio albums and numerous singles. In the early 1970’s he regularly charted and even had a few number one songs on Billboard. His career was just starting to succeed when he tragically died in a plane crash at 30 years old. His folk rock styling survives on FM radio and late night compilation commercials. So, today we’re going to explore the career of Philadelphia’s forgotten folk rock hero.

The Flyers–Red Army game was a famous international ice hockey game played on January 11, 1976, between the Philadelphia Flyers of the North America-based National Hockey League, and the Central Sports Club of the Army Moscow, also known as the "Red Army Team" of the Soviet Union. So today we’re going to talk about how south philly won the cold war.

Back in the 80’s the number one morning radio show in Philadelphia was hosted by whacky, walrus mustached John DeBella and his Zoo Crew. Their light hearted pranks, high energy interviews, and endlessly entertaining sound effects kept drivers occupied on the long waits in Schuylkill expressway traffic. But quick on his heels was drive-time rival Howard Stern, soon to be the most famous shock jock in the world. Don’t touch that dial cause today we’re going to dive into local radio history.

While A.I. was never able to capture an NBA Championship he did win an MVP, four scoring titles, 11 All-Star appearances, and in 2016 he was inducted into the basketball hall of fame. Maybe his greatest achievement was his mastery of merchandise. In addition to having one the most popular jerseys in history, A.I. curated a signature sneaker line at Reebok. The series makes up the second longest-running basketball line in history. So, today we’re going to take a walk in Allen Iverson’s shoes.

Most people make the assumption that New York City birthed graffiti. While the Big Apple certainly made it famous, the credit actually goes to a Philadelphia legend, CORNBREAD, whose unique tag resonated through the City of Brotherly Love beginning in the late '60s. Darryl McCray, better known by his tagging name "Cornbread", is the original graffiti bomber. During the late 1960s, he and a group of friends started doing graffiti by writing their monikers on walls across the city. The movement spread to New York City and blossomed into the modern graffiti movement. His work is far reaching and long lasting; so today we’re going to discuss how cornbread never went stale.

Sherman Hemsley was an American actor, best known for his role as George Jefferson on the CBS television series All in the Family and The Jeffersons. George Jefferson was frequently opinionated, rude, bigoted, prone to scheming and not particularly intelligent. But the real life Sherman was a secret hippie who’s truest passions edged closer to singing and dancing than sitcom stardom. So on today’s episode we’re gonna discuss how Sherman Hemsley moved on up from South Philly to delux career on TV.

Chuck Barris was a game show creator, producer, and host. Barris was known for hosting The Gong Show and creating The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game. But in the 1980’s Chuck published a book alleging he was actually a secret CIA operative fighting communists around the world. The rowdy game shows, mixing fact and fiction; many critics accuse Chuck Barris of giving birth to reality tv. So join us as we introduce bachelor number 1: Chuck Barris.

For as long as people have inhabited Philadelphia and the surrounding area, dogs have been present, too. European immigrants to the Philadelphia region valued dogs for their utility and labor. In the 20th century they became household pets and members of the family. But in the 1990s a panic over wild dogs roaming the streets grabbed headlines and caused hysteria across the city. Today we’re gonna howl at the moon with Philadelphia’s stray dogs.

I think we can all agree that the most eventful thing to happen in the year of 2020 was the launch of the South Fellini podcast: Legends Of Philadelphia. And today we’re celebrating our 50th episode. Usually we take a pause every ten episodes to look back at the previous episodes to discuss some errors and omissions. To mark the special occasion we’re going to do some Q&A as well. So settle in and join us for a trip down memory lane.

Herr's is a Pennsylvania-based brand of snack foods most notable for their variety of potato chip flavors. While their products are sold throughout the Eastern United States and Canada, the 1oz chip bags have been a staple of Philadelphia lunches for as long as anyone can remember. So today we’re going to dive into Herr’s history and try to discover the tastiest and rarest flavor chip.

We kinda touched on the subject in our 50th anniversary episode but philly proudly boasts a long history of springtime pastries. There are a ton of great bakeries around town, some dating back to the late 1800’s, that keep these traditions alive. There’s Fasnachts on Fat Tuesday, Irish Potatoes on St Patty’s Day, Zeppoles on St Joe’s day, Easter Bread and Philadelphia Cheesecake. So today we want to talk about the strange legacy of catholic influenced, spring time sweet treats.

Baseball season is starting up this week and we’re in a mood to reminisce about a part of the city's sports mythology; the 1993 Phillies. The beer swilling, belly scratching, beard growing misfits of the major league seemed to defy all the odds on their way to becoming national league champions. So join us as we look back at that improbable pennant.

The city is full of great signage. In fact, some famous Philly locations are better known for their big neon lights instead of what they actually sell. These antique lettered marquees and neon signs that adorn several of the city’s historic buildings are remnants of a bygone era. So today we’re going to take a look at signs that light the way to happier days.

We had so much fun talking about old signs last week that we decided to do a deep dive on doors this week.  Across the city you might notice these mid century relics mounted to the front of older Philly row homes. These locally produced entrances chronicle the evolution of taste and technology in our homes. Come and knock on our door, we’ve got a story for you.

City Hall is the world's largest free standing masonry building and it serves as the center of municipal government in the City of Philadelphia. It houses the Philadelphia City Council chambers and the offices of the Mayor. There are courtrooms, records rooms, observation decks, and bomb shelters. So join us today as we go behind closed doors and make backroom deals at City Hall.

Boyz II Men is an American boy band from Philadelphia best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. During the 1990s, Boyz II Men found fame on Motown Records as a quartet. Their music was the soundtrack to every prom, graduation, wedding, and barbecue for many millennials around the world. So sit back, settle in, and we’ll podcast to you the way you want us to, and we will not let go till you tell us to.

Louis Feinberg, known professionally as Larry Fine, was an American actor, comedian, violinist, and boxer, best known as a member of the comedy act the Three Stooges. Their hallmark styles were farce, slapstick, and funny noises. Along with Moe and Curly, Larry helped define humor for generations with their physical comedy work. So grab a custard pie and join us as we ask “hey, what’s the big idea?”.

This week the Oakland Athletics, a Major League Baseball franchise, has been given permission by the MLB to move out of town.  This isn’t the first time the A’s have moved, they used to operate out of Kansas City but they actually originated right here in Philadelphia. They were a very successful baseball team while they were here, so, we’re going to take this opportunity to talk about Philly’s winning-est baseball team.

David Lynch is an American filmmaker and screenwriter who is best known for his uniquely disturbing and mind-bending visual work. He has developed his own unique cinematic style in which he has been dubbed "Lynchian" and is characterized by the dreamy juxtaposition of the cheerfully mundane with the shockingly macabre that often defies explanation. And the time he spent in Philly was his biggest inspiration. So settle in as we take a surreal tour through David Lynch’s Philadelphia.

We are doing things a lil differently this week. Trov can’t be with us because he and his wife just had a baby. So he’s busy. It just so happens this is also our “skip week” where we take a break from the regular format. One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. So, today we’re going to dig through the last ten episodes and talk about what’s next.

Grace Kelly was born in Philadelphia on November 12, 1929. Prior to becoming royalty or a famous actress, Grace spent her summers in Ocean City, New Jersey. Her family’s home still stands on the corner of 26th and Wesley Avenue, across the street from the ocean. She worked on the boardwalk and hung out on the beach, while day dreaming of a fairy tale future. So, today we’re going to take a trip down the expressway to Princess Grace’s shore house.

Mister Softee, is an American ice cream truck franchise, best known in the northeastern US for it’s classic trucks, catchy theme song, and distinctive mascot. Their army of 600 ice cream trucks lure children into the street with delightful Icy Treats on the Hottest Days of Summer. Mr Softee company is based in Runnemede, New Jersey but it’s origins are right here in Philadelphia. So join us as we order from Mr Softee’s Secret Menu.

Charles Wade Barkley is a former professional basketball player and current analyst on Inside the NBA. Nicknamed "Sir Charles" and "the Round Mound of Rebound," Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star, an 11-time member of the All-NBA Team, and the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player. But his professional career began in Philadelphia alongside Moses Malone and Dr. J. So today we’re going to do a deep dive on Charles Barkley’s Seventy Sixers.

The city is re-opening, nature is healing itself, and your favorite bar is back. Or maybe it’s not. Lot’s of popular watering holes don’t survive under the best conditions. Whereas others have endured gentrification, prohibition, and revolutions. That kind of longevity can only be earned, painstakingly, over time. So today we’re going to wet our whistle at the oldest operating bars in Philadelphia.

Planners of Philadelphia’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976 hoped to showcase the growth and ambitions of the city while also commemorating the two-hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The big celebrations drew millions of Americans to the city in the summer of ’76. It also provoked conflict and ultimately failed to fulfill the dreams of the city and its planners. So, today we’re going to take a disappointing trip to the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration.

Philadelphia is home to plenty of great art, culture, and history, and no one structure brings those three things together like the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Loftily situated at the top of the Parkways it serves as a gateway to kelly drive and fairmount park. It’s such a big deal that we only have time for a brief history of this amazing museum and the most valuable art in its vast collection.

The twist is a dance that was inspired by rock and roll icon and Philly kid, Chubby Checker. From 1959 to the early sixties it became a worldwide dance craze, enjoying immense popularity while drawing controversies from critics who felt it was too provocative. It inspired dances such as the Jerk, the Pony, the Watusi, the Mashed Potato, the Monkey, and the Funky Chicken, but none were as popular. So come on everybody, we’re gonna twist again.

Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the rags to riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated, kind-hearted debt collector working for a loan shark in the slums of Philadelphia. Rocky, a wanna be prize fighter, gets his shot at the world heavyweight championship when the champ, Apollo Creed (played by Carl Weathers) needs a last minute opponent for the bicentennial celebration. The film is a sacred text for the people of Philadelphia so today we’re going to go fifteen rounds with the Italian stallion.

The enclosed public market located at 12th and Arch Streets in Center City Philadelphia is home to over one hundred merchants. They offer fresh produce, meats, fish, artisan cheese, groceries, ice cream, flowers, grilled cheese, baked goods, crafts, books, clothing, and specialty and ethnic foods. It’s a crazy, kinetic, exciting environment full of some of the city’s best and worst smells. We’re talking about the best place to eat when you’ve got jury duty; the Reading Terminal Market.

Let Me Clear My Throat is the third and final studio album by DJ Kool, released on April 23, 1996 on American Recordings. The album is best remembered for its title track, "Let Me Clear My Throat", which became Kool's only top-40 hit and reached gold certification for sales of over 500,000 copies. This eternal club hit was Recorded live in Philadelphia, and that’s a good enough reason for us to talk about it for thirty minutes.

We are doing things a lil differently this week. This is our “skip week” where we take a break from the regular format. One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. So, today we’re going to dig through the last ten episodes and talk about what’s next.

We're taking a break from our usual format this week to talk about the history of South Fellini. This is the legendary tale of two Philly youths who loved making silly shirts. We cover everything from drawing on undershirts to iron-on bootlegs, and the very first official South Fellini tee. So join Tony Trov and Johnny Zito for a trip down memory lane as we examine the Dawn of South Fellini.

The Philadelphia Eagles have a long history full of record setters and all stars. Hall of Famers like Nick Foles, Brian Dawkins, and Randal Cunningham come to mind immediately.  But today we want to focus on some of the franchise’s forgotten heroes. These figures didn’t win super bowls nevertheless their names and images are forever a part of the Green Machine. So join us as we examine the Improbable Iggles Icons.

Rocky II is a 1979 American sports drama film written, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the sequel to the Oscar winning original Rocky. Sly Stallone, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton, Burgess Meredith, Burt Young and Talia Shire reprised their original roles. But capturing lightning in a bottle for a second time was still no guarantee. Their decision marked the establishment of one of cinema’s most profitable trends; franchises

In the 1930’s, during the Great Depression, a criminal syndicate dominated the underworld with a lethal combination of black magic, arsenic, and fraud. They say 100 corpses piled up before the law finally caught them. Join us today as we spill the tea on the Philadelphia Poison Ring.

Continuing our long march to Halloween, this week we want to talk about Philadelphia’s most famous blood sucker; Vampirella. The heroic heretic started her indie comics career in the East Oak Lane home of publisher James Warren. He made Vampirella queen of the undead thanks to a healthy dose of cheesecake and gore. Join us now as we search the depths of hell for the North Philly Nosferatu.

Theodore Bundy was an American serial killer who kidnapped, raped, and murdered numerous young women and girls during the 1970s and possibly earlier. He confessed to 30 homicides, though, his true victim total is unknown, and could be much higher. Bundy was regarded as handsome and charismatic; traits that he exploited to win the trust of his victims. He was also a college boy and studied right here in Philadelphia. So, join us as we recount Ted Bundy’s semester at Temple.

A horror host is a person who acts as the host or presenter of a program where horror films and low-budget B movies are shown on television or the Internet. Usually the host assumes a horror-themed persona, often a campy or humorous one.The horror host has had a long and storied history in radio, comic books and local television. So, today we want to shed some light on Philadelphia’s campy creatures of the night.

Philadelphia’s State Hospital for Mental Diseases, also known as Byberry Insane Asylum, was built at the end of Roosevelt Boulevard in the Somerton section of Northeast Philadelphia. For nearly 200 years Byberry was the home to thousands with mental illness. Several investigations into the conditions at the hospital at various points revealed that patients were neglected, abused, and experimented on.

Today we want to cleanse your palate of all that horror with something saccharine. Despite our plain Quaker roots, Philly has a big, rotten sweet tooth. This city is the birthplace of classic halloween treats, Good and Plenties, Peanut Chews, and Candy Corn. So join us for a good ol’ fashion belly ache as we dig into this gooey goodies grab bag.

Tucked away in a remote section of Fairmount Park, you’ll find the stone framed entrance to a small cave. This enhanced structure, dug into the side of a hill, marks what is believed to be the 17th century home of America’s first doomsday cult. Johannes Kelpius and his followers made their home on the Wissahickon and prepared for the end of the world. So, join us in the Kelpius Cave if you want to survive the apocalypse.

We are doing things a lil differently this week. This is our “skip week” where we take a break from the regular format. One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. So, today we’re going to dig through the last ten episodes and talk about what’s next.

Rocky III is a 1982 American sports drama film written, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone. The third installment of the Rocky franchise, it is the sequel to the 1979 film Rocky II and the second in the franchise to be directed by Stallone. The film features returning co-stars Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire, Burt Young and marked the feature film debuts of both Mr. T and professional wrestler Hulk Hogan. Join us as we search for the eye of the tiger in Rocky III.

Thanksgiving is all about traditions: all-day food preparation, arguments with your parents, and football rivalries. But there’s another, often overlooked, sporting event that takes place the same day. This annual contest of champions is the soothingly adorable National Dog Show, broadcast after the NBC thanksgiving day parade. Pedigreed dogs of all shapes and sizes (along with their dedicated handlers and groomers) gather together to determine who the goodest boy is. AND it happens right here in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has a reputation across professional sports for having the roughest fans. It’s not the biggest city in the U.S., but it is the meanest. In terms of heckling, jeering, throwing stuff and verbally abusing the opposing players, no one does it quite like Philly fans. But the incident that put Philadelphia fans on the naughty list was the time they booed Santa Claus and pelted him with snowballs.

Linvilla Orchards is a 300-acre family farm dedicated to agriculture, entertainment and education. Generations of Delaware Valley families have returned there each fall/winter to enjoy the seasonal displays, mazes, and hayrides. A more recent addition to the farm are their fields of christmas trees. Join us as we journey into the wilderness to cut down our own Linvilla Fir.

Belsnickel (also known as Pelznikel, Kris Kringle, and Bell Sniggle is a crotchety, fur-clad Christmas gift-bringing figure in southwestern German folklore, originating in communities along the Rhine. The figure is also preserved in Pennsylvania Dutch holiday celebrations to this day. Join us as we explore the life and times of Santa’s weird cousin, The Belsnickle.

Is Rocky IV a Christmas Movie? The climax takes place on Christmas Eve. Written, directed, and starring Sylvester Stallone Rocky IV co-stars Dolph Lundgren, Burt Young, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton, Brigitte Nielsen and Michael Pataki. Rocky IV was the highest-grossing sports movie of all time for 24 years, before it was overtaken by The Blind Side. It is the fourth installment in the Rocky franchise and the most financially successful installment. The cold war gets hot on today’s episode as we revisit Rocky IV.

Many people took a minute over the holiday break to watch the new Beatles documentary, Get Back, a remixing and expansion of the old documentary Let it Be. And It got us thinking about the fab four’s relationship to Philadelphia. The Beatles only played twice in the city of brotherly love but made quite an impression, writing two hit (?) songs on their trip here. Join us as we explore Beatlemania on the Schuylkill.

Before there was an internet teeming with free porno, you had to go to a theater if you wanted to see hardcore action. Philadelphia was no stranger to triple-x entertainment. By the mid-80s almost every square-block in Center City had a porn theater. But long after the others had shuttered their doors one adult cinema kept on screening skin flicks. So buy a ticket, grab some popcorn, and join us at The Forum.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is an agency that manages the many parking operations for Philadelphia. This city is fanatical about it’s parking and the job of enforcing parking rules is no easy task. The PPA has been the subject of angry op/eds, ugly investigations, and brutal reality tv shows. These guys stir up a lot of strong feelings so, today we want to put it in neutral and take a look under the hood of the Parking Authority.

Wing Bowl was an annual contest of endurance in which competitive eaters race to consume Buffalo wings. While the Wing Bowl gained a reputation of debauched insanity, the actual competition drew in legitimate contenders. These Contestants set international speed records that are still unbroken. In the world of competitive eating, the wing bowl became a must win event. So, Join us as we binge and purge Philadelphia's wing bowl.

The Bone Wars, also known as the Great Dinosaur Rush, was a period of intense and ruthlessly competitive fossil hunting during the Gilded Age. This period was marked by a heated rivalry between Edward Drinker Cope, a zoologist at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, and Othniel Charles Marsh of Natural History at Yale. Each of them resorting to bribery, theft, plagiarism, slander, and the destruction of fossils with dynamite. Join us as we dig into Philadelphia's divisive contribution to paleontology.

When it comes to notorious winter weather events throughout history, only a select few are remembered by name. The Blizzard of 1996 is one of them.  It’s one of the defining winter storms of the 20th century and is still a record-holder to this date for several cities. A true blockbuster storm, this nor’easter walloped the Eastern Seaboard in a manner that few snowstorms in the past have been able to do. Brave the cold with us as we recount the top 5 (or 6) blizzards in the history of Philadelphia.

Love Park is officially named John F. Kennedy Plaza. It is a public park located in center city Philadelphia across the street from City Hall. It is called “LOVE” for the Robert Indiana sculpture that sat above the massive fountain at its center. It began as an unloved concrete park but rose to fame as a skateboarder’s paradise before the city chased them away in the name of progress. Join us today for a stroll through Love Park.

Rocky V is a 1990 American sports drama film and is the fifth installment in the Rocky franchise, starring Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire. Real-life boxer Tommy Morrison, stars as Tommy Gunn, a talented yet raw boxer.  And Stallone's real-life son Sage played Robert Balboa, whose relationship with his famous father is explored. After Stallone directed the second through fourth films in the series, Rocky V saw the return of John G. Avildsen, whose direction of Rocky won him an Academy Award for Best Director. Reception to the film was generally mixed so we’re here to deliver the final blow to Rocky V.

Jim Gardner, is an American news anchor for WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He’s guided viewers of Action News through every event, large and small since 1976. Gardner is an institution in the Delaware Valley, just as iconic as the timeless Action News jingle. But he’s retiring this year. He’s already started scaling back his duties. So we thought today would be the perfect chance to chronicle the tale of Action Jim.

The Philadelphia 76ers (colloquially known as the Sixers) are an American professional basketball team based in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Over their 60 years in Philadelphia they have won two championships but have the unique distinction of being the NBA team with the most mascots. Join us as we take a trip through the Sixer’s graven images of good luck.

Daryl Hall and John Oates are pop rock icons who achieved massive success with a fusion of rock and roll, soul music and rhythm and blues. The duo reached the US Top 40 with 29 singles charting on Billboard's Hot 100 between 1974 and 1991, including 6 number ones. Lots of people know the discography but today, we want to talk about how Daryl Hall met John Oates.

I think we can all agree that the most eventful thing to happen in the last two years was the launch of the South Fellini podcast: Legends Of Philadelphia. And today we’re celebrating our 100th episode. Usually we take a pause every ten episodes to look back at the previous episodes to discuss some errors and omissions. To mark the special occasion we’re going to do some Q&A as well. So settle in and join us for a trip down memory lane.

In July of 1974,  on the initial leg of Bowie's Diamond Dogs Tour, David Bowie took over the Tower Theater for an unconventional week-long stint of performances. The iconic glam rocker played the 69th street venue, known for its unique acoustics, every night from July 8th through the 12th. These shows served as the source material for today’s episode, the history of Bowie's first concert album, David Live.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is an American sitcom that premiered on FX on August 4, 2005. It was created by Rob McElhenney, who developed it with Glenn Howerton. It is executive produced and primarily written by McElhenney, Howerton, and Charlie Day, all of whom star alongside Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito. The series follows the exploits of "The Gang", a group of narcissistic friends who run the Irish bar Paddy's Pub in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Many of their adventures involve ignoring their small business in favor of get-rich-quick schemes. And today we want to take a look at some of the best Always Sunny Side Hustles.

The Phillie Phanatic is the official mascot for the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team. He is a large, furry, green bipedal flightless bird with an extendable tongue. He performs various routines to entertain fans during baseball games at Citizens Bank Park and makes public relations and goodwill appearances for the Phillies. The Phanatic is widely acknowledged as one of the best ballpark mascots, if not the most recognizable mascots in North American sports. So, today we want to take a look at what makes the Phanatic, king of the mascots.

The Philadelphia Stars were a professional American football team which played in the United States Football League (USFL) during the mid-1980s. They were the short-lived league's dominant team, playing in all three championship games and winning two. Now that the USFL is coming back we wanted to take a minute to remember Philadelphia’s Winningest Football team, the Stars.

When Double Dare premiered in 1986, it became an instant kid-friendly sensation. Hosted by Marc Summers, the gak-soaked Nickelodeon game show aired in some form or another on the network until 1993. Many remember that Double Dare was shot in front of a live audience at Nick Studios in Orlando Florida. However, it;s a forgotten fact that Double Dare started sliming kids right here in Philadelphia.

We Philadelphians love us some pretzels. We eat 12 times as many as anybody else in America, and we make 80 percent of the nation’s supply. As the rest of America gathers around with family and friends to celebrate national pretzel day on April 26th we thought it would be fun to explore the history of pretzel snacks and maybe do a lil taste testing of some local delicacies.

In May of 1975, after Lennon had launched his solo career, he took an Amtrak train from New York City to Philadelphia to promote his new album and raise money for the Helping Hands marathon. Lennon's influence on music, politics, pop culture and celebrity remained powerful as it was during the height of Beatlemania. And for three wild days he toured the city and exercised his popularity with multiple tv and radio appearances. Join us as we take a trip through John Lennon's Philadelphia.

The 1983 Sixers team is unfairly overlooked when talking about the greatest teams in league history. The franchise had lost the NBA Finals in 1977, 1980 and 1982, and suffered an even more agonizing conference finals loss in 1981 that cost them an almost sure title. So, Philadelphia was hungry for a championship and 1983 was the year they finally got over the top. Join us as we examine the 1983 Sixers, the First Super Team in NBA History.

In 1996 the ultimate contest of machine versus man took place in Philadelphia as Deep Blue, an emotionless IBM supercomputer faced off against Garry Kasparov, the world chess champion. No computer had ever beaten a human under usual tournament rules, in which each player has two hours to make 40 moves. The contest was seen as symbolically significant, a sign that artificial intelligence was catching up to human intelligence, and could someday overtake us.

Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz is a meteorologist for NBC10's First Alert weather team. You can watch Glenn’s live forecasts weekdays during the 11 a.m., and 5 p.m. newscasts for the last three decades. He recently announced his retirement from the weatherman game and his last broadcast will be May 27th 2022. So we thought this would be a great time to look back on the career of Philly’s bowtied barometer of benevolence.

We are doing things a lil differently this week. This is our “skip week” where we take a break from the regular format. One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. So, today we’re going to dig through the last ten episodes and talk about what’s next.

It’s no secret that Philadelphia is a horse town, and not just because “philly” is a homonym for a female equine. Informal stables exist throughout North and West Philadelphia and in Cobbs Creek Park. The horses are ridden throughout the city's streets and regular races are held on an open strip of Fairmount Park called the Speedway. So today we want to talk about some of the more noteworthy ponies from the city’s history, namely Barbaro and Smarty Jones.

If you’re a fan of the Sesame Street TV show, you may be familiar with the Sesame Place theme park just outside Philadelphia. Since opening in 1980, the park has welcomed fans of Big Bird, Elmo and the entire Sesame Street gang. The 14-acre park is home to one roller coaster and an abundance of kid friendly attractions. With recent news that the iconic water tower on 295 was going to be torn down this summer we thought it was time to tell you how to get to Sesame Place.

Rocky Balboa is an American sports drama film starring, written, and directed by Sylvester Stallone. It is the sequel to Rocky V (1990) and is the sixth installment in the Rocky franchise. The only returning Rocky cast member is Burt Young. Rocky Balboa was theatrically released by MGM Distribution Co. and Sony Pictures Releasing in the United States on December 20, 2006, thirty years after the release of the first film. And today we’re going to discuss this overlooked entry in the Rocky Saga.

Betsy Ross was a talented seamstress and upholsterer who was widely believed to have made the first American flag. In preparation for the country’s 200th anniversary, the Betsy Ross Foundation and her descendants wanted to exhume her grave and rebury her remains in the courtyard of her historic home at 4th and arch, where it was believed she sewed the first flag. But when a team of excavators dug under her grave marker in December of 1975 there was nothing at the bottom.

The famous Melrose Diner and Bakery has been a long-standing Philadelphia tradition for over 80 years. Conveniently located in South Philly on West Passyunk Ave, Melrose is a central fixture in the neighborhood. Behind their mid century facade, they serve up comfort food & people-watching 24/7. So, on today’s episode we want to let you know why everyone who knows, goes to Melrose.

The 4th Miss America pageant was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, September 6, 1924. Ruth Malcomson competing as Miss Philadelphia came in first place against a field of 83 entrants, the largest number of competitors in contest history. We noticed the photo of Ruth circulating on the interwebs in her “Miss Philly” sash and thought it was as good a time as any that we got to know Miss America 1924.

In Vietnamese cuisine, bánh mì is a short baguette with thin, crisp crust and a soft, airy texture. It is often split lengthwise and filled with savory ingredients like a hoagie and served as a meal. Passyunk Avenue lost one of the greatest Banh Mi makers this week; Andre Chin at Artisan Bakery. So today felt like an opportunity to remember a great chef and one of the dishes he loved so much.

What does Philadelphia taste like? Is it onions? Is it garlic? How does a snack food company perfectly capture the palate of a whole city as eclectic and diverse as ours? They manufacture a cheese steak flavored version of their product. Herr’s recently released three Philly inspired varieties of potato chip and wouldn’t you know it, one of them tastes like cheesesteak. Listeners have been asking us to have another tasting episode for these chips. So in addition to chewing into the mic, we decided to do a brief history on Philly inspired snack foods.

The Pennsylvania Lottery was established on August 26, 1971, by a legislative act, Title 91. The Pennsylvania Lottery is the only state lottery that exclusively targets its proceeds to benefit older citizens. But not everyone respects the sovereign sanctity of the lotto drawing. Occasionally someone tries to game the system to win it all. Today we want to talk about the forgotten Pennsylvania Lottery scandal of 1980.

Monopoly, a popular family board game, was invented by Charles Darrow who first sold the game in local Philadelphia department stores. The Monopoly board is based on Atlantic City, New Jersey locations. The point of the game is to buy up property, stay out of jail, and bankrupt your opponents. What started as a socialist parable turned into a capitalist dream, thanks to a theft, repackaging, and Wanamaker's department store.

Clementon Park and Splash World is a mid-sized combination theme park and water park in Clementon, Camden County, New Jersey. It is one of the world's oldest operating amusement parks and is one of only thirteen trolley parks still in operation. The park closed in September 2019 and successfully reopened on June 25, 2021. So join us as we buy a ticket and take a ride on the big wooden roller coaster at Clementon Park.

We are doing things a lil differently this week. This is our “skip week” where we take a break from the regular format. One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. So, today we’re going to dig through the last ten episodes and talk about what’s next.

Everyone is hype on the new Elvis movie starring Tom Hanks and Directed by Baz Lurmann. A plot point in the movie is that Elvis never toured overseas but he did criss-cross the United States several times. And that got us thinking about Elvis in Philadelphia. The King of Rock n Roll played shows in town during the 50’s and then returned again in the 70s. So we thought it might be fun to take a walk on Broad Street in blue suede shoes.

As strange as it sounds, the classic cowboy hat was designed and manufactured in North Philly. The Stetson Hat Company’s Philadelphia factory, incorporated in 1891, produced dress hats for both women and men. Employing over 5,000 workers in various departments, the company turned out more hats than any other during the early 20th century. He built hospitals, libraries, and concert halls in gilded age fashion, just like his robber baron cohorts. Join us as we tip our hat to John B. Stetson.

The Philadelphia Eagles have had some interesting uniform combinations in the franchise’s 86-year history. The fan base has embraced some of these looks and rejected others over the years. Something unique about the Eagles uniform history is the city may like the "Kelly Green" throwbacks better than the current "Midnight Green" color scheme. So today we’re going to dig into Jeff Laurie’s closet and take a walk on the catwalk to victory.

Some 300 years ago, Blackbeard and other pirates terrorized Philadelphia. Still, the Quaker colony was sympathetic to the seafaring marauders. Pirates during the early 19th century, just as today, were often considered romantic heroes in the public eye. Philadelphia was a hotbed for pirates in its early years, when some of the most notorious pirates freely roamed city streets. And tales of buried treasure quickly became part of local legend.

Every culture has superstitions they believe in and the Italians have many. In their culture, the most common superstition is the Malocchio, or the Evil Eye. Italians believe that if someone stares at you with jealousy or envy or evil intent, you will be cursed to have bad luck or misfortune. So join us for our first Halloween episode of the season as we fight the devil with ancient Sicilian magic.

All over the city, you’ll find dozens of funeral homes buried in every neighborhood. Further South, the collection of mortuaries grows even more dense. It’s not something you might have noticed if you grew up here. However, we’ve often been asked by new Philadelphians, why are there so many undertakers on Broad Street? So join us as we investigate eternal mysteries in South Philly’s Dead Zone.

A cryptid is an animal that has been claimed to exist but has never been proven to exist. Every state in the union has their very own legendary creatures that roam nearby dark forests and murky lakes. The Keystone State is home to our very own Bigfoot, Loch Ness, and chupacabra. Join us as we journey into deepest darkest Pennsylvania.

On April 21, 1865, a train carrying the body of Abraham Lincoln left Washington for a 180-city, seven-state journey of more than 1,600 miles. The route would end in Illinois but its first stop would be in Philadelphia. Join us as we dig up the dirt on Abe Lincoln's ghoulish tour of Philadelphia.

The Phillies are in the World Series and you know what that means... City workers must grease the telephone poles on Broad Street. This is to deter revelers from climbing above cheering crowds to chug beers. You might think this solution was born of necessity. However, climbing greased poles began centuries ago and has been a decades long tradition in Philadelphia. Join us as we explore the history of lubricated logs.

(Note: This episode was recorded before the Phillies lost the World Series. Sorry we jinxed them.) In 2008, the Phillies won the World Series, breaking a 28-year dry spell. The sudden release of all that tension threatened to tear the city apart. Luckily, all of that energy was properly channeled into the biggest Halloween party in history. Boot and rally, we’re talking about the 2008 World Series victory and the epic celebrations that followed.

The Bounty Bowl was a notorious NFL game held on Thanksgiving 1989, between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. The game is infamous for allegations that the Eagles coaching staff issued a $200 bounty on Dallas Cowboys kicker Luis Zendejas, who was cut by Philadelphia earlier that season. So, join us as we put the hurt on The Bounty Bowl and the game that took the Eagles and Cowboys rivalry to a whole new level.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Temple University Concert choir made a Christmas album together in 1962. Conducted by Eugene Ormandy, this record sold more than a million copies that season, going on to become "the fastest-selling classical set in history," according to the Record Industry Association of America. This collection continues to sell well and receives regular airplay to this day. So join us as we listen to The Glorious Sound of Christmas.

During the holiday season of 2017, Mark D'Amico and Kate McClure started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt. The campaign went viral and captured the hearts of 14,000 people worldwide. Together they raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help Johnny, but when a team of journalists and authorities took a closer look, they discovered a GoFundMe Holiday Heist.

The lighting of the ceremonial Christmas tree is now such a regular occurrence that we hardly take notice every year as another fully decorated tree shows up at City Hall or the Passyunk fountain. But public pines weren’t always the norm, the tradition only kicked off in major cities about 110 years ago. So join us as we festoon Philly’s first festive fir of failure.

Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden that consists of over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in the Brandywine Creek Valley. It is open year-round for visitors to enjoy horticulture and seasonal-themed attractions. Most notable of these events are the Christmas celebrations, which include festive trees draped in gilded garland. But what award did these lush greens win in 2014? The answer may surprise you. Join us today as we take a walk through Longwood Gardens.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (better known by its acronym SEPTA) is a regional public transportation authority that services nearly four million people in five counties in and around Philadelphia. SEPTA has often struggled with management issues, employee morale, strikes, aging equipment, inadequate funding and poor public relations, though it remains the fifth largest transit system in the United States. Join us as we ride the rails in Philadelphia.

On April 28, 1978, David Bowie performed the first date of a two night stand in Philadelphia, which formed the bulk of his second live album. “Stage” was recorded on the Isolar II Tour and released through RCA Records in 1978. Join us as we listen to David Bowie, live at the Spectrum.

This is our “skip week” where we take a break from the regular format. One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. And it has been a while since our last E&O so we have a lot of stuff to get through. Join us as we dig through the last twenty-ish episodes and talk about what’s next.

DisneyQuest was a chain of indoor interactive theme parks in the late ’90s. Disney execs intended to build them in cities across the U.S. but the planned Philadelphia site never materialized. Instead we were left a giant hole, one square block in size, two stories deep. Join us as we explore the hidden levels of The Disney Hole.

In the sleepy town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania an annual meteorological event gathers thousands from around the world. In the wooded hills of this forest town lives Phil the Groundhog, a magical creature with the ability to affect the changing of the seasons. Should Phil NOT see his shadow, winter will end early; crops will flourish and the people will prosper. However, if the fuzzy little beast does see his shadow, then the world is plunged into six extra weeks of cold, desolate winter. Today we examine the importance of groundhogs day.

Back in the 90s, it seemed like every block had at least one person with an illegal cable connection that granted them access to Pay Per View events, premium content and adult movies. These devices were known as “hot boxes” most everywhere else in the United States. But in Philadelphia, we called it “the chip” and it was the worst kept secret in the city. Join us as we go channel surfing on Philly’s illegal airwaves.

Long before the cola wars fought for domination over the taste buds of American youth, local brands dominated the refrigerators of families in the Delaware Valley.  Coke and Pepsi took a back seat to a hometown favorite.  But you would only know that if you lived within a 50 mile radius of Philadelphia City Hall. Join us as we crack open a can of Frank’s Soda.

Philadelphia is known as the original home of American Bandstand. But Dick Clark packed his bags and skipped town as fast as he could. For years, dancing was dead in the city of brotherly love. That is until the debut of the area's longest running reality tv show in Philly history. Join us as we strut our stuff with Madonna, Fresh Prince, The New Kids, and all the beautiful people at Dancin’ On Air.

We're going out for cigarettes. Be back soon.

We're coming back to the podcast, now with a video component. If you were a fan of Legends of Philadelphia, then we've got good news. We're bringing back the weekly content. Bierman will be back for new episodes of Legends. Trov & Zito will be talking about the 'ol days in South Philly. And we hope to have some special guests come down to our homegrown studio space to talk about the City of Brotherly Love. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

We're coming back to the podcast, now with a video component. If you were a fan of Legends of Philadelphia, then we've got good news. We're bringing back the weekly content. Bierman will return for new episodes of Legends. Trov & Zito will be talking about the 'ol days in South Philly. And we hope to have some special guests come down to our homegrown studio space to talk about the City of Brotherly Love.

We're back, Baby! The South Fellini crew returns after a year long hiatus to give their reactions to the year that was 2023. Hear Bierman speak of his travels to Toronto. Salivate over Trov's food recommendations. And delight in Zito's giggle fits. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini Listen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624 CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, share their memories of growing up as altar boys in Philly. Hear their takes on mean priests, angry nuns, and silly saints. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Walter Jackson Freeman II was a Philadelphia physician who wanted to simplify lobotomies and make them accessible to everyone. Freeman invented a transorbital lobotomy procedure, otherwise known as the ice-pick technique, and took his show on the road. Freeman traveled across the country, performing brain surgery door-to-door in his lobotomy-mobile. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, share their memories of working at City Hall in Philly. They dish on Milton Street, Richie Sambora, and the X Games. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

In 1995, the New Jersey State Commission on Investigation issued a report saying that Jerry Blavat, the self-proclaimed geator with a heater, once asked mobsters to kill his friend and rival DJ; Hy Lit. The revelations rocked the Philadelphia broadcast community, dividing loyalties, and forcing industry professionals to choose sides. Listen to the South Fellini squad discuss the lurid scandal that culminated in a face to face meeting, where Hy Lit confronted Jerry Blavat about the deadly allegations on live television, Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini Listen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624 CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, wax nostalgically about the notorious Philly multiplex, United Artist's River View Theater. Sticky floors, busted projectors, and violent audiences; this is peak kino. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The Liberty Bell has taken some hits over the years. She's gotten pretty banged up since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Join the South Fellini squad as they go down the list of indignities the grand ol' bell has had to endure, including the unsanctioned April 6, 2001 hammering that made touching the Liberty Bell illegal. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini Listen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624 CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, discuss their personal experiences on Philadelphia transit as life long SEPTA riders. All aboard for inconvenient service, weird passengers, and a unidentifiable smells. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

In the distant past, Philadelphia streets were packed with hundreds of shops each serving a very specific purpose. But at the dawn of the 1980s someone had the brilliant idea to jam all of those stores into one, slightly inconvenient location. These malls became iconic to American culture replete with rainforest atriums, asymmetrical fountains, and endless tracts of kiosks. Unfortunately this retail utopia could not last forever. So, today we’d like to visit several dead malls of Philadelphia; Franklin Mills, Granite Run, and The Gallery. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini Listen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624 CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, recount the early days of Philadelphia Wizard World; an annual comic book convention. Strap on your cape and take off for adventure with Stan Lee, Ernie Hudson, and Batman. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Philly is known for its unique slang, simple words and phrases that contain a multitude of deeper meanings. For example; “Gotta tap MAC” is a common refrain among Philadelphians looking to grab some quick cash. But what is a MAC machine? and where did they all go? Today we want to withdraw some knowledge on Philadelphia’s iconic ATM. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, discuss higher education at Temple University. This episode includes the secrets to the best food trucks, weirdest buildings, and how to have the worst orientation. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The Mütter Museum is America’s finest collection of preserved anatomical models, biological specimens, and medical instruments. Visitors to the 19th-century style “cabinet museum” are invited to explore the mysteries and adaptability of the human body. So Dust off your bone saw and join us as we explore the antique medicine of the mutter museum. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, from South Fellini, discuss cherish childhood summer time memories that turned out to be traumatic. This episode includes directions to the hidden public pools on 9th street and instructions on opening the fire hydrant, to play under the plug. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The Berenstain Bears is a children's literature franchise created by Phillly natives Stan and Jan Berenstain. Many people incorrectly remember the name of the series as the "Berenstein Bears". The controversy surrounding The Berenstain Bears’ name has been regularly cited as an example of the “Mandela Effect,” named after the idea that many people specifically remember South African President Nelson Mandela passing away in prison, while the public record has him surviving for many years longer. This confusion has generated multiple explanations including an unannounced name change, time travel, parallel universes, supernatural forces or conspiracy theories. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

The Philadelphia Bible Riots were a series of deadly conflicts that took place between May and July, 1844. Anti-Catholic mobs, angered by the growing population of Irish immigrants, attacked churches in Kensington and Southwark. The Nativist violence did not solve their problems and instead gave rise to the Gangs of Philadelphia. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Nepo Babies have been a popular topic of discussion in the last few years. It’s no surprise that having wealthy, famous, or connected parents will set you ahead of the competition. But not every Don Johnson does a Dakota Joshnon make. What if your mom or dad were ONLY famous in philadelphia? Does that help or hurt your chances at success? Today we want to take a look at three Hollywood celebrities with famous Philadelphian parentage; David Boreanaz, Tim McGraw, and Kevin Bacon. Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

We are doing things a lil differently this week. This is our last free episode of 2024 so we’re taking a break from the regular format. One of the most fun things about doing Legends of Philadelphia are all the great comments, emails, and DMs we get on the social medias. Listeners clued us in when we were wrong and shared new stuff that we didn’t know before. So, today we’re going to dig through the last ten episodes and talk about what’s next. ***Quick announcement… This will be the last regular episode of Legends of Philadelphia this year. We’re going to be making more content but it’s going to live behind the $5 paywall on our Patreon. In the next couple of weeks we’ll be dropping New Legends after Dark Episodes on Gary Hednick interior decorations, Jerry Pennicole’s Butt Gerbil, Uncle Eddie’s pizza boxes, and Larry Mente the email hacker. All of those topics would get us in trouble on iTunes or YouTube. But everyone loved the Swiss Cheese Bandit episode that’s up on the Patreon now. So. we’re working blue. We’re also going to be launching our food tasting show “Jeet Yet?” on the Patreon. We’ll be doing birch beer blind taste tests, comparing Herr’s vs Utz Chips, and we’re gonna eat snapper soup…pluck a turtle outta the schuylkill and boil it up. Allllll of that plus, behind the scenes artwork, printmaking process videos, more danny dejewski hot takes, and tony trov’s curated philly vibes playlists. Lot’s of weekly content for just $5 a month. But don’t worry, we’ll be back with the free stuff after christmas when things slow down. We really love and appreciate all of the support everyone listening shares with us. It’s just a whole lot of work to make it happen..*** Check out SouthFellini.com to grab our gear; apparel for the Philadelphia lifestyle. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: http://Spotify.com/southfellini YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini

Greeting, fair travelers! Allow me to transport you to a fantasy world where the modern and medieval merge. Behold, The kingdom of Fable-delphia, a 21st century city populated by goblins, orks, dragons, and druids. You may recognize some of the names and places but this is a strange land and anything you can imagine might exist... depending on the roll of a dice. This is a free-bee release from our Patreon. If you dig this adventure and you want to see more, the second episode is live behind the $5 pay wall. The epic concludes next week in time for Halloween. Subscribe to South Fellini on YouTube.com/SouthFellini Listen to our old podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-philadelphia/id1504529624 CONNECT Shop: http://southfellini.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/southfellini Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Av0bWoEKHxUmxHgs4qE80?si=24f061cca12c4e07 YouTube: http://YouTube.com/SouthFellini Patreon: http://Patreon.com/SouthFellini