Marah Eakin

Joined: Feb 16, 2024

Marah Eakin is a Los Angeles–based freelance reporter who's been writing about pop culture and lifestyle since 2010. She spent 12 years at The A.V. Club and, in addition to Mental Floss, has contributed to Vulture, Wired, The Strategist, Thrillist, The Ringer, Dwell, Fodor's, IndieWire, and a number of other publications.

‘Wassup?’: The Origins of the Famous Budweiser Ad

You'll be surprised who's writing them these days, too.

7 Great Movie Novelizations That Are Actually Worth Reading

‘Eat My Shorts’: How Bart Simpson’s Controversial Catchphrase Sparked a Pop Culture Sensation

1978 Life Cereal Mikey Likes It Commercial

‘Mikey Likes It’: The Origins of Life Cereal’s Most Famous Slogan

10 Iconic Movies That Pass the Bechdel Test

From “Alien” to “Gone with the Wind,” some classic movies you might not expect actually do manage to pass the Bechdel test.

These innovative playgrounds are captivating for kids and adults alike.

10 of the Most Unique Playgrounds in the U.S.

From St. Louis’s City Museum to the Little Debbie Park in Collegedale, Tennessee, discover the most unique playgrounds for kids across the United States.

Zelda Rubinstein during a scene from "Poltergeist" (1982).

The ‘Poltergeist’ Curse: Uncovering the Haunting Mysteries Behind the Classic Horror Franchise

The tragic deaths and mysterious events surrounding this classic horror franchise have given rise to the urban legend that a real-life “Poltergeist” curse exists.

‘Cowabunga, Dude!’: Exploring the Origins of the Radical Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Catchphrase

The totally tubular TMNT catchphrase didn’t actually start with Michelangelo and the gang. In fact, “cowabunga” originated from a different kids show altogether.

Slim Jim Light Bulb Commercial (Macho Man Randy Savage) (1996)

‘Oooh Yeah’: How Everyone Learned to ‘Snap Into a Slim Jim’

Discover the fascinating origins of the phrase “snap into a Slim Jim,” plus learn how the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage got his start with the tangy snack, which was a barfly favorite back in the 1940s.