Prompt Cast
The Fascinating History and Collectibility of PEZ Dispensers
TLDR This podcast episode explores the history of PEZ, from its origins as a smoking cessation aid to its transformation into a beloved collectible. With over 450 different designs, including iconic characters and even historical figures, PEZ dispensers have become a popular and relatively affordable hobby for many.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
This podcast episode is about how PEZ works.
04:37
The PEZ company uses about 50,000 pounds of sugar every four days to make its candies, and 3 billion PEZ bricks are consumed in the U.S. alone each year.
09:13
The founder of eBay was inspired to create the platform because his wife collected Pez dispensers, which became popular in the late 80s.
14:23
The founder of Pez created the candy as a smoking cessation aid and later invented the Pez dispenser to prevent people from touching the candy with their hands.
19:08
The original Pez dispensers were designed to resemble lighters and were marketed as a smoking cessation aid for both adults and children.
23:19
Pez dispensers were redesigned in the 50s to be more parent-friendly and appeal to kids by adding beloved cartoon characters, and the addition of feet to the dispensers in 1987 signaled the start of the collecting frenzy.
27:37
Pez dispensers became collectible because they were reloadable, had new licensing deals, and partnered with iconic brands, and Pez also released their own designs, including a misstep with a choking hazard, and there are conspiracy theories among Pez collectors about the materials used in certain dispensers.
32:18
There are over 450 different Pez dispensers, including a Betsy Ross and a head wound soldier, and the best-selling dispenser of all time is Santa, but Pez dispensers are relatively cheap to collect compared to other hobbies.
36:53
A computer sales company transitioned into a Pez Museum after finding that people were more interested in seeing Pez dispensers than buying computers.
41:24
The hosts discuss a listener email about not needing a college degree for certain professions, such as animation, and the negative impact of student loan debt.
Categories:
Society & Culture
