Is the "Secret Fanbase" actually Aaron’s biggest untapped demographic? In this episode of the After School Special Podcast, Aaron and Don dive into a wild weekend that started at Pronto in Royal Oak and ended with a deep dive into the dark side of the internet.

From being hit on five separate times at a gay bar to discussing the shocking "FBI involvement" in the Governor Whitmer kidnapping plot, this episode covers the full spectrum of the Michigan experience.

In this episode, we discuss:

• ​ [00:53] - The Royal Oak Incident: Aaron shares his experience at Pronto and why being

"validated" by a secret fanbase feels so good.

• ​ [04:20] - The 180 lb Goal: Why Aaron is trying to get back to his high school weight and the reality of being "skinny fat."

• ​ [08:08] - Health & SSRIs: A transparent look at Aaron’s health journey, his 2016 stroke, and how medication impacted his weight.

• ​ [13:45] - The Era of Cyberbullying: Why modern high school drama is way darker than it was in the '80s and '90s.

• ​ [20:45] - The Death of the Mall: Why Kmart and Payless failed and why we still crave the "Great Lakes Crossing" nostalgia.

• ​ [30:10] - Politics & Conspiracy: Our take on Charlie Kirk, the state of the country, and the "live by the sword" philosophy.

• ​ [54:05] - Gravy Seals & The FBI: Breaking down the bizarre details of the Michigan Governor kidnapping plot and the role of informants.

Why the algorithm loves this episode:

This is more than just "local talk." We’re exploring masculinity, mental health, the evolution of retail, and the political divide in America. Whether you’re here for the laughs or the deep dives into serial killer psychology and lead poisoning

[45:03], there’s something for everyone.

Connect with After School Special:

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💬 Drop a comment: Have you been to Pronto? What's your favorite defunct mall memory?

Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q6ERYhq2dFA

Keywords: MichiganPodcasts, RoyalOak, Ferndale, MentalHealth, ComedyPodcast, ConspiracyTheories, 90sNostalgia, AfterSchoolSpecial

Deep in the heart of Bay City, Michigan—a town built on the dark history of the "Hell’s Half Mile"—hosts Aaron and Don explore the chilling intersection of local urban legends and one of the state's most notorious true crime cases.

Recorded on-site in an area rumored to be built over a network of secret tunnels used for bootlegging and debauchery, the guys dive into the haunting legacy of the Oakland County Child Killer (OCCK).

From the tragic disappearances of Mark Stebbins and Jill Robinson to the "Snow Killings" that paralyzed Michigan in the 70s, we peel back the layers of the pedophile rings that once operated in the shadows of the Cass Corridor.

In this episode, we discuss:

• ​Hell’s Half Mile: The dark history of Bay City’s timber trade, secret tunnels, and underground vice [01:00].

• ​The OCCK Case: A breakdown of the victims and the terrifying atmosphere of 1976-1977 Michigan [05:00].

• ​The North Fox Island Connection: The disturbing reality of Francis Shelden’s "boys camp" and the high-level cover-ups that followed [11:15].

• ​Paranormal Skepticism: Why Aaron wants to believe in ghosts but hasn't seen a UFO yet [22:00].

• ​The Masonic Temple & Secret Societies: A look at the influence of the Elks and local "inner circles" [25:30].

Is there a spiritual frequency left behind in these "ghost towns," or is the real horror strictly human? Join us for a raw, unfiltered look at Michigan’s darkest chapters.

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Keywords: TrueCrime, MichiganHistory, OCCK, BayCity, UrbanLegends, Podcast Paranormal, Documentary Mystery

Ever wondered how a kid from the streets of Philly ends up living amongst Hollywood royalty? Get ready to jiggle out some nostalgia as we unravel the beats behind the iconic 90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

From the personal experiences that led Benny Medina to inspire the principal character, to how he ended up under the tutelage of music mogul Barry Gordy, we take you on a ride back in time to the creation of the Fresh Prince!Buckle your seat belts as we zoom into Will Smith's fashion choices and music career, and the indelible influence they had on the show.

Remember the Air Jordan Sixes or the Nike Air Quantum Force? We take a look at how Smith's personal style found its way into the series, becoming a representation of the Philadelphia culture he came from. And let's not forget his music career that ran parallel to his acting - we've got the scoop on how his hit songs like 'Parents Just Don't Understand' and 'Summertime' influenced the show. From laughter to tears, Fresh Prince has given us some intense and memorable moments.

Hold on to your seats as we revisit episodes that continue to resonate today, like when James Avery, playing Will's estranged father Lou, visited him in Bel-Air.

We also delve into controversial moments off-screen, like Janet Hubert's departure and the subsequent introduction of Daphne Maxwell Reid. And wouldn't you want to know about the new Bel Air reboot, which promises a closer look at Benny Medina's real-life story? Come join us on this nostalgic journey, where we promise to hit you with the best of Fresh Prince, and a little bit more.

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