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    Society & Culture

    You Had To Be There

    Iconic Moments in Pop Culture History!
    Each episode, You Had To Be There gives our host, Julia Thompson an assignment: Find and interview an eyewitness to a specific iconic moment in pop culture history…in just 48 hours.
    Listen to the inside stories on the biggest moments in pop culture history from the people who were there!

    Advertise

    Copyright: © Hi Barr

    • Apple Podcasts
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    Latest Episodes:
    CNN Launches the 24/7 News Cycle Mar 25, 2025
    Show notes

    On Sunday, June 1st, 1980, Ted Turner pressed a button—and CNN went live, beaming 24/7 news into homes across America and changing the media landscape forever, while shrinking time and space forever.


    In this episode, we sent Julia Thompson to track down and interview people who were at CNN’s Atlanta headquarters on day one. What follows is the story of a visionary who dared to build a 24-hour news network on a tight budget—in a world dominated by 30-minute broadcasts and networks spending over $100 million a year on their news.


    With his own money and a vow to stay on the air “until the world ends,” Ted Turner took on the giants. It’s a modern-day David and Goliath tale—driven by technology, entertainment, risk, and pure tenacity. This is how CNN was born.


    This episode features interviews with:

    • Richard Roth (CNN original. Covered Gulf War, Berlin Wall fall, Tiananmen Square protests, and more)
    • John Huey (former Time Inc. Editor-in-Chief, Fortune Editor. WSJ journalist covering CNN's launch)
    • Jack Lechner (TV/Film Producer. Professor. Multiple-Time Jeopardy! Winner)
    • Steven Livingston (Author, The CNN Effect. Professor)
    • Web Barr


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    'CNN Launches the 24/7 News Cycle' was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    MORE FROM HI BARR

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Garry Kasparov vs. Deep Blue: The Chess Match That Changed Everything Mar 04, 2025
    Show notes

    In May 1997, the world watched as Garry Kasparov, the greatest chess player of all time, faced off against IBM’s supercomputer, Deep Blue. It was man vs. machine—a defining moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence and a turning point for chess.

    To revisit this historic showdown, we’ve given producer and director Julia Thompson a 48-hour challenge: track down and interview someone who was there when technology changed the game forever.

    This episode features interviews with:

    • David Shenk
    • Dylan Loeb McClain
    • Murray Campbell


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    'Garry Kasparov vs. Deep Blue' was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    FOR MORE ON HI BARR

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Miracle on Ice Feb 18, 2025
    Show notes

    To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Team USA’s stunning ice hockey upset over the Soviet Union, better known as the ‘Miracle on Ice,’ we’ve given producer and director Julia Thompson a 48-hour challenge: find and interview someone who was at that historic game in Lake Placid on February 22, 1980.

    This episode features interviews with:

    • Curt Chaplin
    • Gerald Eskenazi
    • John Harrington
    • Denice Fredericks


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    'Miracle on Ice' was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    WANT MORE FROM HI BARR?!

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Jaws: On Set of Steven Spielberg's Groundbreaking Blockbuster Feb 04, 2025
    Show notes

    To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws, we've given producer and director Julia Thompson a 48-hour challenge: track down and interview someone who was on set during the famously chaotic production of Spielberg’s groundbreaking film on Martha’s Vineyard between May and October 1974.

    This episode features interviews with:

    • David Bolen
    • Bill Petrotta
    • Jude Villa


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    'JAWS' was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    WANT MORE FROM HI BARR?!

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Parental Advisory: Frank Zappa, John Denver, & Dee Snider vs. the PMRC Jan 21, 2025
    Show notes

    Producer and director Julia Thompson takes on a 48-hour challenge to track down and interview someone who witnessed the iconic September 19, 1985 Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing where Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, Frank Zappa, and John Denver defended their lyrics before Congress and the PMRC.

    This episode features interviews with:

    • Larry Stein
    • Mark Weiss
    • Chuck Eddy
    • Kembrew McLeod


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    'Parental Advisory: Frank Zappa, John Denver, & Dee Snider vs. the PMRC' was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    WANT MORE FROM HI BARR?!

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Fleetwood Mac's "The Dance" and The Birth of a Meme Dec 17, 2024
    Show notes

    Producer and director Julia Thompson sets out on a 48-hour mission to track down and interview someone who attended Fleetwood Mac’s iconic reunion concert, The Dance, on May 23, 1997—the show where Stevie Nicks’ unforgettable Silver Springs performance became a meme for the ages.

    This episode features interviews with:

    • Maureen Ryan
    • Bruce Rodgers
    • Stacy Burcham
    • Analese Alvarez


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    'Fleetwood Mac's "The Dance" and The Birth of a Meme' was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    WANT MORE FROM HI BARR?!

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final: Brandi Chastain’s Iconic Moment Dec 03, 2024
    Show notes

    Producer and director Julia Thompson embarks on a 48-hour mission to track down and interview someone who was on the field for the historic 1999 Women’s World Cup Final at the Rose Bowl, where the United States defeated China in a dramatic penalty shootout, capped by Brandi Chastain’s iconic game-winning shot.

    This episode features interviews with:

    • Michelle Akers
    • Robert Beck
    • Anthony DiCicco
    • Lindsay Bruno


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    '1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final: Brandi Chastain’s Iconic Moment' was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to Margaret Nicoll and Jon Wertheim.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    WANT MORE FROM HI BARR?!

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    DJ Kool Herc and the Birth of Hip-Hop Nov 12, 2024
    Show notes

    Producer and director Julia Thompson goes on a 48-hour journey to find and interview someone who was at DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell's Back to School Jam at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx on August 11, 1973—a moment that is commonly known as the birth of hip-hop.

    This episode features interviews with:

    • Frantz Barosy
    • Paradise Gray
    • Joe Conzo


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    'DJ Kool Herc and the Birth of Hip Hop’ was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to Carey Clark, BG183, Chris Carr, and Dan Runcie.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    WANT MORE FROM HI BARR?!

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Blair Witch Project Premieres at Sundance in 1999 Oct 29, 2024
    Show notes

    Producer and director Julia Thompson embarks on a 48-hour journey to find and interview someone who attended the midnight premiere of The Blair Witch Project at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 1999.

    This episode features interviews with:

    • Allison Rose Carter
    • Michael C. Williams
    • Rachel Cohen
    • Hilary Brougher


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    'The Blair Witch Project Premieres at Sundance Film Festival in 1999’ was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    WANT MORE FROM HI BARR?!

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Steve Jobs Introduces the Macintosh in 1984 Oct 15, 2024
    Show notes

    Producer and film director Julia Thompson goes on a 48 hour journey to find and interview an eyewitness to Apple's introduction of the Macintosh computer by Steve Jobs on January 24, 1984.

    This episode features interviews with:

    • Colette Askeland
    • Steven Levy
    • D. Griffin Jones


    CREDITS

    'You Had To Be There' is a Hi Barr production.

    Created by Hi Barr.

    ‘Steve Jobs Introduces the Macintosh in 1984’ was written and hosted by Julia Thompson.

    Produced by Julia Thompson and Web Barr.

    Edited by Julia Thompson.

    Edit, Sound Mix, and engineering by Vishal Nayak.

    Original score by Teeny Lieberson.

    Artwork created by Dylan Lathrop.

    Special thanks to our parents, friends and chosen family. And most importantly, thank you to the artists who’ve inspired us because they had to do it.


    Listen to Hi Barr's newest podcast, Media Moguls with Web Barr on your favorite podcast app now.


    WANT MORE FROM HI BARR?!

    Sign up to receive our newsletter.

    Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

    For business inquiries, please email: contact@hibarrmedia.com.

    Were you at one of the events covered on the show? If so, we'd love to talk to you! Please get in touch via email and/or social media channels like Instagram or X.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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