In this episode of the Odd Lots podcast, the hosts dive into the wave of optimism and wealth that characterized the late 1990s and how it stands in stark contrast to today's atmosphere. They share personal reflections from that vibrant era and then interview Colette Shade, the author of "Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything." Shade's book examines the cultural fallout from the dot-com bubble, revealing the widespread belief that future recessions were impossible. The discussion also explores various cultural symbols of the time, such as the Y2K aesthetic in fashion, the rise of McBling, the iMac G3, and the popularity of SUVs. Ultimately, the podcast underscores that the late '90s optimism was a fleeting moment driven by economic growth and technological innovation, sharply differing from the prevailing anxieties we experience today.
