The Odd Podcast with Joe Parisi

138 | Heather O'Rourke

Heather O'Rourke is forever etched into horror history as Carol Anne Freeling, the wide-eyed little girl who delivered one of the most iconic lines in movie history: "They're here." Cast in Poltergeist (1982) at just five years old, Heather instantly became one of the most recognizable child actors of the 1980s and a defining face of supernatural cinema. Before and after Poltergeist, Heather appeared in national television commercials and guest-starred on popular shows like Happy Days and Webster. She went on to reprise her role as Carol Anne in Poltergeist II and Poltergeist III, solidifying her place in horror fandom while quickly gaining a reputation as a remarkably gifted young performer. Tragically, Heather O'Rourke passed away in 1988 at only 12 years old, leaving behind an enduring legacy and decades of unanswered questions, myths, and fascination among fans of the Poltergeist films. In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Brian Pocrass, who has spent years working with his team on an upcoming documentary about Heather's life, career, and lasting impact. The film, She Was Here, is set for release in early 2026. Together, we discuss Heather's rise to fame, her cultural impact, and why her story continues to resonate with Poltergeist fans and horror lovers alike. This episode was originally released on December 27, 2025, on what would have been Heather's 50th birthday.   Follow Joe Parisi @joeparisivo

137 | 90s Chart Toppers

In this episode, Joe Parisi explores the #1 songs of the 1990s as ranked by the Billboard Hot 100. From chart‑toppers that shattered records to songs that launched major careers, and even a few that completely disappeared from the cultural conversation. This is a deep dive into what the charts were really telling us. The Billboard Hot 100 isn't just about hits. It's a snapshot of a moment in time. Each #1 song reflects a week, a season, or even a specific memory for millions of people. So put on your Starter jacket, pump up your shoes, and join Joe for a fun, nostalgic look back at the music that defined the '90s. Follow Joe @joeparisivo

136 | Penny from Pee Wee's Playhouse

Get ready for an irresistibly nostalgic deep dive into one of the most delightfully quirky parts of Pee-wee's Playhouse: the iconic claymation "Penny" segments! In this episode, we explore how these whimsical shorts were created, uncover who "Penny" really was, and connect the dots to a surprising web of pop-culture oddities that all tie back to her. I'm joined by two incredible guests: Prudence Fenton, the visionary animation director and producer behind Pee-wee's Playhouse, and Timothy Young, the artist and model maker who literally built Penny during Season 1. Together, they share behind-the-scenes stories, creative secrets, and the unexpected legacy of a tiny girl made of clay who left a huge mark on children's television. Tune in for nostalgia, creativity, and some seriously fun surprises!   Follow Joe @joeparisivo Check out Joe's other podcast "America's Pop Culture Trivia Show".  

135 | Johnny Carson with author Mark Malkoff

Author and Podcaster Mark Malkoff joins Joe for an in-depth discussion about Johnny Carson's fascinating life and career. Mark recently released the book "Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan's Journey to Find the Genuis Behind the Legend". If you love hearing stories from Hollywood's Golden Age, and exclusive stories from behind the curtain of The Tonight Show, this episode is right up your alley. Enjoy our 135th episode...Here's Johnny! Follow Joe @joeparisivo More about Mark - markmalkoff.com

134 | 2Pac with author Jeff Pearlman

Diving in to the legend of 2Pac with 9x New York Times Best Selling Author Jeff Pearlman. In October 2025, Jeff released his latest book "Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur".   Follow Joe @joeparisivo Follow Jeff @jeff_pearlman