Podcast Title: Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)
Episode: Badger Badger Mushroom (with Jonty Picking)
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Jamie Loftus
Produced By: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of Sixteenth Minute (of Fame), host Jamie Loftus delves into the fascinating world of early internet animation, spotlighting the iconic viral video "Badger Badger Mushroom" created by English animator Jonty Picking. Combining elements of reporting, interviews, and Loftus's unique humor, the episode explores how a simple, looping animation became a cultural phenomenon and its lasting impact on internet culture.

From Accidental Discovery to Viral Phenomenon

Jamie begins by drawing a parallel between a serendipitous scientific discovery and the creation of a beloved internet meme. She recounts the story of Dr. Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of penicillin:

“The slob's name was Dr. Alexander Fleming, and his disgusting vacation mold was penicillin.” ([04:00])

Similarly, Jonty Picking's accidental creation of "Badger Badger Mushroom" is highlighted as a pivotal moment in internet animation:

“Badger, Badger, Badger, badger, badger, badger...” ([08:57])

This comparison sets the stage for understanding how unintended moments can lead to significant cultural shifts.

The Rise of Flash Animation and Early Internet Culture

Jamie provides context on the technological landscape of the early 2000s, emphasizing the role of Flash animation in democratizing content creation:

“Flash animation was a program that became extremely popular in the mid to late 1990s and was this consumer software that made it possible for at home users to create their own amateurish animation.” ([14:45])

Platforms like Newgrounds emerged as hubs for animators to share their work, fostering a community that celebrated creativity and experimentation. "Badger Badger Mushroom" thrived in this environment, benefiting from the ease of sharing and the burgeoning online audience.

Jonty Picking: The Man Behind the Meme

The episode features an in-depth interview with Jonty Picking, offering listeners a personal glimpse into his creative process and the evolution of his work.

Early Life and Inspirations

Jonty shares his background, growing up in South Yorkshire, England, and his early interests in music and technology:

“It was always a mix of like art and music, if I'm honest.” ([55:11])

His passion for electronic music and experimentation with animation software set the foundation for his later successes.

Creating "Weeble and Bob"

Before "Badger Badger Mushroom," Jonty created "Weeble and Bob," a series of simple animated eggs that spoke through captioned speech bubbles:

“The only reason they actually spoke was because Rob Manuel and Peter said, I think they should actually speak. Which really annoyed me at the time.” ([58:43])

Despite initial reservations, this series gained popularity and paved the way for his more famous works.

The Birth of "Badger Badger Mushroom"

Jonty recounts the inspiration behind "Badger Badger Mushroom," influenced by a novelty song and his love for creating catchy, repetitive loops:

“From the duck sound in 'Saturday Night' we get 'Badger Badger Badger.'” ([61:03])

The simple yet addictive format—repeating badgers, a mushroom, and a snake—captured the essence of early internet humor.

“Badgers is Internet canon.” ([41:29])

Managing Viral Success

As "Badger Badger Mushroom" began to explode in popularity, Jonty faced challenges in monetizing his work and managing the sudden influx of viewers:

“I never really thought of myself as the badgers guy until later on, really.” ([63:54])

Despite being pigeonholed, he continued to create diverse content, expanding his portfolio beyond the infamous badger loop.

The Legacy of "Badger Badger Mushroom"

Jamie discusses the enduring impact of "Badger Badger Mushroom," noting its ability to inspire a generation of animators and internet creators. The simplicity and repetitiveness of the animation made it a perfect fit for the early web’s limitations and tastes.

“A piece of art that inspired a generation of middle schoolers to be more annoying than you could possibly imagine.” ([08:55])

Platforms like Newgrounds and later YouTube played crucial roles in keeping the meme alive, allowing new audiences to discover and enjoy it even years after its initial release.

Evolution of Internet Animation and Distribution

Jonty reflects on the changes in internet animation and distribution since the early 2000s. He highlights the shift from Flash to modern tools like Blender and the transition from niche platforms to mainstream ones like YouTube and TikTok:

“It's much harder to get noticed, I would say, for everyone.” ([66:14])

Despite these challenges, Jonty remains passionate about problem-solving and adapting to new technologies, ensuring his work continues to evolve.

“I love problem solving. I love puzzles.” ([66:14])

Future Aspirations and Continuing Creativity

Looking ahead, Jonty shares his ambitions to expand into 3D stage shows and further integrate his music and animation projects:

“I want to do a 3D stage show for Savlonic with the sort of Pepper's Ghost thing.” ([67:43])

His dedication to creativity and innovation underscores his commitment to pushing the boundaries of internet art.

Closing Thoughts

Jamie Loftus concludes the episode by reflecting on the significance of creators like Jonty Picking in shaping the early internet’s cultural landscape. She expresses concern over the current algorithm-driven environment, which she feels stifles the kind of creative experimentation that characterized the early days of internet animation.

“I really hope I'm wrong because I think every kid deserves their looping Jaunty picking badgers video.” ([73:46])

The episode serves as a tribute to Jonty Picking’s contributions and a call to preserve the spirit of creativity and experimentation in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Jamie Loftus:
  “Badger, Badger, Badger, badger, badger, badger...” ([08:57])

• Jonty Picking:
  “I never really thought of myself as the badgers guy until later on, really.” ([63:54])
  “I love problem solving. I love puzzles.” ([66:14])
  “It's much harder to get noticed, I would say, for everyone.” ([66:14])

• Jamie Loftus:
  “I just want to think that there will be a Jamie coded gen alpha 30 year old one day intellectualizing Skibidi toilet.” ([11:00])

Conclusion

This episode of Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) offers a comprehensive look into the creation and legacy of one of the internet’s most enduring animations. Through Jamie Loftus's insightful narration and Jonty Picking’s candid interview, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the creativity and serendipity that fueled early internet culture. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the stories of pioneers like Jonty remind us of the importance of innovation, community, and the enduring power of simple, creative expressions.