South Fellini Presents Legends of Philadelphia

Latest Episodes:

Making Love With Boyz II Men May 03, 2021

Show notes

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.

Secret Rooms of City Hall Apr 26, 2021

Show notes

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.

The Beauty of Tofani Doors Apr 19, 2021

Show notes

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.

Philly's Last Googie Signs Apr 12, 2021

Show notes

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.

The 93 Phillies: Whatever It Takes Dude Apr 05, 2021

Show notes

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.

Catholic Guilt and Pastries Mar 29, 2021

Show notes

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.

Herr's: The Rarest Potato Chip Mar 22, 2021

Show notes

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.

50th Episode Special: Give Us 5 Stars, It Won't Kill You Mar 15, 2021

Show notes

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.

Wild Stray Dogs Of Fairmount Park Mar 08, 2021

Show notes

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.

Chuck Barris: Game Show Host & CIA Assassin Mar 01, 2021

Show notes

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.