The Cabbage Patch Kids Craze: The Wild True Story Behind the Toy That Sparked Riots

In the early 1980s, a strange little craze was born — not in a hospital, but in a cabbage patch. These dolls came with names, birth certificates, and adoption papers… and they sparked absolute chaos. Parents brawled in department stores, priests called them ungodly, and conspiracy theorists went wild. But behind the madness lies a story you probably haven’t heard: claims of stolen art, a soft-sculpture pioneer, and a billion-dollar empire built on a very messy beginning. This episode dives into the wild rise of the Cabbage Patch Kids — from their cult-like frenzy to the artist who may never have received the credit she deserved. Thank you to Stephania Blum from Cabbage Patch Boutique: IG - @cabbagepatchboutique This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown. https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/ 🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is about to go to two episodes a week! Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world. Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in. Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜 Got an Idea for the Podcast? I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message. EMAIL: thestickybeakpodcast@outlook.com INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon Hosted on Acast.