Shows
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Story of Film Before DigitalSo this is a bit of a niche/experimental episode.After seeing the IMAX release of Back to the Future, I began to think more about the experience of watching movies on real film--specifically 35mm and 70mm film--and about seeing movies the way they were meant to be seen.And it turns out that there's an old-school cinema in a city near me that is still showing real film, and even has one of the very few 70mm projectors in all of North America.So I went to meet with film projectionist Victor Liorentas. This is a look at how...
2025-11-2441 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The History of Chuck E. CheeseWhat do you get when you combine video games, Disneyland, and a coyote? You get the foundations for one of the most beloved restaurants of all time--and the dream destination for any birthday party.This is the history of Chuck E. Cheese, a restaurant with origins that go back to the early 70s. And do we have Atari to thank for its creation? But it's a story that goes pretty deep as in the 1980s, some significant competition appeared. Competition that led to a very drawn-out lawsuit and a battle for our appetites and quarters.However, aracdes and pizza were...
2024-09-0939 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: BeetlejuiceAfter years and years of speculation, and talks that seemingly went nowhere, a Beetlejuice sequel is about to hit theatres. Today. we go back to 1988 to revisit the original. But it was a bizarre project that no one was quite sure what to make of. Its director was coming off a pretty big surprise hit, but this was only his second feature film.Even the people starring in it were hesitant to be involved. One of the main actors even thought it was going to ruin everyone's career.But what we got ended up being a 1980s classic and a...
2024-09-0229 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: New York City in the 80s"Drop dead..."These were the words spoken by President Gerald Ford to New York City when they turned to the government for federal help.It was the mid-70s, and financially, New York was hanging by a thread. The city was full of crime, garbage, a crumbling infrastructure--and out of money.NYC was left to face things on its own, and as the 1980s began, the city faced a make-or-break period in its 400-year history. Today, I have an all-new version of an interview I did with Greg Young from the Bowery Boys Podcast; the experts on all things New...
2024-08-2635 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedMovie Review: National Lampoon's VacationSummer vacation is still going, so why not look back at the ultimate vacation film and the beginning of the vacation franchise?Welcome to the Patreon-only, Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast and today we travel back more than 40 years to 1983 and revisit a comedy classic.Today, we'll do a full plot recap of this road-trip movie, look at all the difficult logistics that went into making it, what the original ending really looked like, and how Vacation became a surprise box office hit.It features some great guest cameos of performers who were about to become megastars, legendary writers, and...
2024-08-2428 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Forgotten Video Game SystemsIf you're a long-time listener (or know your video game history) you know all about the great video game crash of 1983. The crash took a multi-billion dollar industry down to just $100 million within a few years. This had a huge effect on Atari and it would take the NES to completely resurrect the dying industry that many big toy companies wanted nothing to do with anymore. One of the big reasons for the crash was the flood of inferior games on the market. Then, there was the growth of the home computer. But then there is what we're looking at...
2024-08-1234 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Saturday Night Live in the 80sAs the new decade began, SNL was hanging by a thread. It had only been five years since it first began, but the late-night sketch comedy show had already become a huge part of pop culture and made stars out of its cast.But things were about to change--big time...The 1980s was a make-or-break period for the late-night institution and today we look back on the tumultuous time period that resulted in a massive changing of the guard. But things did turn around and the 1980s brought us some of the best performers--and sketches--in the history of the show...
2024-08-0645 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Tim Burton's BatmanThis is a big one.When I started putting this episode together, I mostly wanted to focus on the success of the movie during the incredible summer of 1989.But the story goes so much deeper--all the way back to the very early days of comics.The story of Tim Burton's Batman is also the story of the comic book industry, the Batman TV series from the 60s, and how studios didn't want to touch comic book movies during a good chunk of the 80s.Batman was a movie ten years in the making that no studio was interested in. It...
2024-07-3046 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The 1984 Los Angeles Summer OlympicsIt's been almost exactly 40 years to the day since one of the most important Summer Olympics in the history of the modern Games. The Summer Olympics were coming off two less-than-ideal previous editions and very few cities even wanted to host. 1976 in Montreal was a financial disaster and the 1980 games in Moscow were boycotted. So, a retaliatory boycott of sorts led by the Soviets created an air of uncertainty around the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, and questions as to whether it might create an economic disaster for the city of L.A. hovered over the Games. However, the Los Angeles...
2024-07-2340 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedMovie Review: The NeverEnding StoryThere are a handful of movies that may best represent the entire 1980s. Today, we look back at one of them.Welcome to the Patreon-only, Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast. This is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above, and today it's one of the most beloved classics ever made.We'll recap the plot of The Neverending Story then look back at the incredibly difficult production behind its making. Honestly, it's a miracle that this thing even made it to theatres. From serious injuries, technical problems, and creative clashes; it was the film that had everything going...
2024-07-2130 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast Firstlook: MadballsOne of the very first podcasts I ever recorded for Everything 80s was about Madballs. I took it down years ago because it was too short and didn't capture everything I wanted.I'm hoping this episode does. This is the full history of Madballs, the unique toy/ball that created quite the dent in the toy market (and on heads) when it was released in 1986.It was a time in the toy industry when gross-out products reigned supreme, and Madballs capitalized on it while also becoming one of the year's hottest toys.We'll look back on the creation of Madballs...
2024-07-1631 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Andy Kaufman Creates Chaos in the 1980sWhen does performance art go too far? How long do you suspend disbelief before you start asking yourself whether what you are seeing is actually real? Or is that the whole point...When it comes to performance art, there may be no better performer ever, than Andy Kaufman. And in the 1980s, he took his unique brand of comedy to a wider audience than ever before. Borrowing from the world of professional wrestling, Kaufman wanted to always keep people guessing with disruptive performances. Was it real, or was it art?Most people knew him from Taxi, but an even wider...
2024-07-0939 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Summer of 1984 at the Movies1987 was a good one, and so was 1989, but summertime at the movies might not get better than the summer of 1984.Today we look back on that magical summer of '84, the summer that gave us some of the best movies of not just the 80s--but of all time.In 1984, it felt like the summer blockbuster season became fully established, and every weekend there were bigger and bigger releases.We got the sequel to one of the biggest movies of all time, a unique supernatural comedy, a coming-of-age classic, a new horror classic, and a beloved re-release.There were also some...
2024-07-0234 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Jim Henson in the 80sAs big as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show were in the 70s, they were nothing compared to what Jim Henson had in store for us in the 80s.From two groundbreaking films to a third Muppet movie, the 1980s is when Jim Henson really shines. From a beloved children's series to a cherished cartoon, the 1980s was a decade of prolific creation by the iconic performer.And there was A LOT of it. Get ready for some big-time favorites, some deep cuts, and a few huge projects you may have never even heard of. From Big Bird in China...
2024-06-2538 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The History of The TurboGrafx-16Mario and Luigi were dominating the North American video game market. The NES had rejuvenated the industry after the great Video Game Crash of 1983, and the Sega Master System proved to be a worthy competitor.It seemed as if video games had peaked, and this new 8-bit technology had changed gaming forever.But just a few years after the release of the NES in North America, something was happening in Japan. Something ahead of its time. Something revolutionary...It started as the PC Engine, but, you probably know it by a different name: TurboGrafx-16.This is a look back on...
2024-06-1835 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedEverything 80s Movie Review: LabyrinthWhen The Dark Crystal came out in 1982, it horrified a lot of younger viewers.This was part of Jim Henson's intent, but after it wasn't a huge hit in theatres--he didn't want to make the same mistake.But he still wanted to make another fantasy film and push the boundaries of puppeteering. It took three years--and a lot of money--but he finally did it.Welcome to the Patreon-only Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast. This is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above and today, we look back at one of my favorites: Labyrinth.We'll do a full...
2024-06-1529 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Pee Wee's PlayhouseAdd this to the list of episodes I can't believe I haven't made yet.When it first aired back in 1986, no one knew what to think of it; especially critics and parents. It was loud, bold, colorful, and crazy... and kids loved it.Pee-Wee's Playhouse was like nothing else on TV. As Saturday mornings and after school were being dominated by animation, along came a live-action show that looked like a real-life cartoon.It may have even been more cartoony than most of the cartoons on network TV. But it still strived to be educational--in its own unique way. Today...
2024-06-1131 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Remarkable Story of Tony HandEven if you're a hockey fan, you probably don't know the name Tony Hand. But that's understandable, as his connection to the NHL was very short-lived. But not because he wasn't good enough--not by a long shot...As we reach the mid-80s, the Edmonton Oilers are on top of the hockey world. And leading the best team in the world was the best player in the world: Wayne Gretzky.But as we entered the 1986 season, whispers of something unique were happening in the most unlikely place. This all results in the most unexpected player getting a chance to try...
2024-06-0431 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: 10 Forgotten Movies From the 80sNot long ago, I looked back on 10 forgotten TV shows from the 80s. Today, we look at the forgotten movies.These are the ones that could have been huge hits--but just weren't. They feature great directors, actors, special effects, and stories, but had too many variables going against them.Between huge competition, inadequate marketing, or just bad timing, these are the lesser-known movies of the 80s that maybe deserved a better fate. Hopefully, there are a few here that you remember!Enjoy this early, and commercial-free first look-Jamie
2024-05-2838 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: 1983This was certainly a year for the books...Today, it's an all-new version of my review of 1983. Besides the new production and sound clips, there is a lot of new info about the movies, music, TV shows, cartoons, sports, and video games that make up a remarkable year.1983 is also the year that gives us two innovations in the world of tech. Two of the most important innovations in history that changed our world more than anyone could even imagine back then. For being a part of Patreon, enjoy this commercial-free first look!-Jamie
2024-05-2137 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Best Snacks & Junkfood of the 80sSome of these surprised me.I could have sworn there were certain snacks that came out before--or after--the 1980s. But some of the all-time best did indeed come out during the 80s.This is a look back on the best snacks and junk food that the decade had to offer. We'll look at some candy, chocolate, snacks, and drinks that were a big part of growing up.Some of them are no longer with us, and some turned into billion-dollar products. But, they were all a critical part of the shelves of convenience stores and 7-11s everywhere.You could...
2024-05-1334 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Story of the First Cell PhoneIn September 1973, Martin Cooper from Motorola did something no human had ever done before. From the streets of New York, he made the world's first cellular phone call. It was just a prototype, but this kicked off a 10-year, and $100 million journey to get a true mobile phone on the market.The result? The Dynatac 8000x: the world's very first cell phone.This is a look back on not just the journey of this incredible device, but the quick impact it had on society. Despite its huge price tag, it became the must-have accessory for the super-rich and those on...
2024-05-0732 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedMovie Review: Top GunI feel the need, the need for a new Everything 80s movie review podcast...Movies of the 1980s don't get much bigger than Top Gun; today we look back on the biggest and most successful movie of 1986.This Patreon-only episode is for members of the Boba Fett level and above, and today, we'll do a full plot summary, and then look at the incredible logistics that went into making this astounding film.We'll cover some behind-the-scenes things including the incredible costs associated with making a film of this scale. Then we'll look at how it did during a standout summer...
2024-05-0429 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Discovery of The TitanicThere wasn't much time left...Underwater explorer Robert Ballard was busy with a top-secret, underwater mission. But his real sights were set on finding the wreck of the most famous ship of them all...This is the story of the discovery of Titanic, an event many thought would never happen. But in September 1985, in the very early morning came the discovery of the mythical ship.Not only is this a look back on the incredible mission to find Titanic, but why its search was actually a ruse. Was the discovery of the legendary ship just a coverup for a classified...
2024-04-3033 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Flight of the NavigatorAs a kid, Flight of the Navigator was one of my all-time favorite movies. I can't tell you how many times I watched it.But I had no idea how groundbreaking it was from a technical standpoint, and how it seems to have influenced the future of CGI (including influencing a certain blockbuster filmmaker from the 90s)This is a look back on the movie that is a bit of an underrated science-fiction gem. Even though it was distributed by Disney, Flight of the Navigator is not a "Disney film," and that may have led to its lack of success...
2024-04-2335 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Fraggle RockFraggle Rock was a lot of things; entertaining, funny, musical, insightful, and imaginative.But it was also an instrumental part of the growth of HBO. It was the show that kids loved and parents were ok with us watching. And this was the case worldwide as Fraggle Rock spread to many, MANY countries. It was so big in some countries, that it even changed how the show was produced. And Fraggle Rock may have even ended the Cold War...This is a look back on the beloved series that met kids on their level. It's the show that changed how...
2024-04-1639 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: When the VCR Was Almost BannedThis is a show I've been wanting to make for a while.But it's one that took a ton of research because it went so much deeper than I ever knew. And, for most of us, it's something we probably had no idea was even happening back in the early 80s. This is the story of the Betamax Case and how, if Universal Studios could have their way, the VCR would have been made illegal.It's a story that goes back to the very early days of the VCR followed by a decision, a reversal of that decision, and then...
2024-04-0929 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: 10 Iconic Albums That Just Turned 40Last year, I covered a dozen or so albums from 1983 that are now over 40 years old. Today, it's a trip back to 1984 and a new crop of albums that are now over the hill.But these are no ordinary albums as it's a year with some of the most monumental records ever released. And back when people still bought physical music--they hit sales numbers that will never be seen again.1984 gave us a great mix of musical styles and these 10 albums not only represent the best that music has to offer, but they remain some of the most important ever...
2024-04-0233 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedMovie Review: The Last StarfighterIf you have some downtime this Easter Weekend, I've got you covered with a brand new edition of the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: The Last StarfighterThis is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above, and today we travel back to 1984 to revisit a movie that was quite ahead of its time.It was hard for The Last Starfighter not to be compared to Star Wars. Still, it was able to go in a unique direction to differentiate itself thematically while also incorporating the world of video games.What we got wasn't necessarily a 1980s Blockbuster, but...
2024-03-3030 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Who Shot JR?The 1980s really did start with a bang...Just a few months into a new decade, we got one of the biggest cliffhangers in television history: The Who Shot JR episode of Dallas.Depending on how old you are, you may remember what a massive TV event this was, and everyone had to spend more than 7 agonizing months speculating over who did it.The question dominated popular culture and when the big night finally came, the viewing numbers were absolutely astounding. This is a look back on the episode that changed TV forever and an episode that remains one of...
2024-03-2532 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Fashion of the 80s: From Acid Wash to Leg WarmersIt's amazing how one decade had so many distinctive looks. From bright neon to Run-DMC's street fashion and from Madonna to the Yuppies on Wall Street, there might not be another decade with such a variety of distinctive fashions and styles. Today, it's a look back on the items, styles, and personalities that made the 1980s the bold and bright decade it was. Besides some of the influential celebrities, I also cover why bold, neon colors were so popular, two movies that created two distinct fashion crazes, and a specific item of clothing (that we probably all wore) that was...
2024-03-1934 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: You Can't Do That On TelevisionIf you know what follows the words, "I don't know..." it means you grew up with one of the most creative, bizarre, and beloved kids' shows of all time.You Can't Do That On Television started out as a low-budget program on CJOH-TV in Ottawa, Canada. And it quickly drew in a lot of kids intrigued by the name of the show--and then by what they saw.Meanwhile, a new kid-only cable channel in the US was a few years into its run: Nickelodeon. They needed new content and something different from the educational, and lackluster shows that kids didn't...
2024-03-1234 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: 1982 Year-in-ReviewI looked back at the year 1982 a few years ago, but this is an all-new version of what may be the standout year of the early 80s--especially when it comes to all things pop culture. It's the year that gave us the biggest movie of the decade (along with another that became one of the most influential ever made)It was an astounding year for video games--both at home and in the arcades. And even though things are about to take a downward turn the next year, it's a glorious time for video game lovers.Tech is also booming as t...
2024-03-0537 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Birth of the IBM PCBack in the early 80s, I don't remember anyone with a computer. By the end of the decade, they started to become as common in households as a TV or microwave.And a big part of this was all thanks to the IBM PC 5150, a machine created for the masses.This is a look back on the remarkable computer that changed the course of tech and computers forever (not to mention a certain software company that would become one of the most valuable companies in human history...)If you've ever owned a PC or laptop, they can be traced back...
2024-02-2738 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedMovie Review: Masters of the UniverseIt can't miss...These were the fateful words applied to the live-action version of He-Man set to hit theatres in the summer of 1987.But the movie wasn't a hit, and actually--more of a financial disaster. But it still had some cool elements and eventually developed a cult following.Welcome to the Patreon-only, Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast. This is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above.We'll look back at the plot of the movie, and then a deep dive into how this thing was made, and how it seemingly fell off the rails. It's a story...
2024-02-2531 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Run-DMC--the Beatles of Hip HopGoing into the early 80s, hip hop was growing by leaps and bounds, but that was nothing until a group from Hollis, Queens arrived on the scene...This is the story of Run-DMC, the rap group that took the genre to levels never imagined. They not only changed hip-hop and music--but all of pop culture.From their unique fashion to one of the all-time great brand deals with Adidas, Run-DMC broke down walls with every move they made.Speaking of breaking down walls, one unique collaboration not only gave us one of the greatest songs and videos of the 1980s...
2024-02-2040 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Dirty Dancing: the Little Movie That Could...It was the movie no one believed in--but it became a massive box office hit and a pop culture phenomenon.Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing was the perfect combination of music, dance, and 1960s nostalgia. Today, it's become a nostalgic favorite in its own right.This is a look back on the movie that had everything going against it, but somehow, managed to become one of the biggest movies of the year, during a year with some of the best films of the decade.And then there is the music...the Dirty Dancing soundtrack was a monster...
2024-02-1331 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: 10 Forgotten TV ShowsI love a deep cut, and this episode has a bunch of them. It also features some shows that I now remember, but had completely forgotten about.This is a look back at 10 forgotten TV shows from the 80s (plus a few bonus ones).Some of these shows were bizarre (a Medieval character that lives in modern-day San Francisco) while some of them should have been the next big thing (a show about a pretty bad-ass motorcycle.)But, despite some amazing creators and talent, these shows just didn't catch on. A few of them also feature some gigantic stars in...
2024-02-0640 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Muppet BabiesWhat started out as a brief segment during the Muppets Take Manhattan quickly turned into one of the most beloved children's shows of the entire 1980s.Today, it's the history of the Muppet Babies, which was not only a uniquely creative cartoon but one that took a different path from many of the other cartoons at the time.It also looked a lot different--thanks to help from George Lucas and Steven Spielberg...The Muppet Babies was a big hit in my household growing up, and hopefully it was for you, too. And in this episode, we may even hear from...
2024-01-3038 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Halyx--Star Wars Meets Rock 'n' RollThis is one of my favorite deep cuts in a long time.What do you get when you combine Star Wars, rock music, Disney, Disneyland, Wookies, and Guardians of the Galaxy?You get Halyx, a real-life, science-fiction rock band launched by Disney in the summer of 1981.The project was created to capitalize on the immense popularity of Star Wars, offer a new attraction at the park, and hopefully lead to something big.The vision included albums, TV shows, and national tours--but that didn't happen...What existed was a short-lived, kind of bizarre, but incredibly creative project fronted by some incredible...
2024-01-2234 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The 1980s Burger WarsDespite being a simple meat sandwich, the hamburger found itself right in the middle of a multi, multi-billion dollar battle during the 1980s.This is a look back on the cutthroat fast food industry of the 1980s--all centered around who had the best burger.We look at McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, A&W, and White Castle as they battled it out for burger supremacy--and in the process, also changed pop culture forever...And for being a part of Patreon, enjoy this early, and ad-free first look!-Jamie
2024-01-1636 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedThe Everything 80s Year-in-Review SpecialWelcome to the Patreon-only Everything 80s Year in Review Special!This Patreon-exclusive episode is a look back on the Podcast over the last 12 months; which shows were the most popular, where you're all listening from, and a bunch of other stats related to the show. I also begin by looking at how 1980s culture is as big as ever in 2023 and the 80s-related TV shows and movies that continue to drive our modern entertainment.Thank you so much for being a part of Patreon and I hope you enjoy this look back over the last 12 months!-Jamie
2024-01-1429 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The History of BreakdancingWhat began as an underground art form in the Bronx, soon spread through the five boroughs of New York, across the country, and then worldwide.This is the history of breaking and how it, and hip-hop, both came up at the same time and couldn't exist without one another. We'll look back at the early days, the pioneers, the first big B-boy crews, and how this style of dance went from the streets and parks in the Bronx to a worldwide phenomenon and as of 2024--an actual Olympic event. Enjoy this early and ad-free first look!-Jamie
2024-01-0937 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: My Pet MonsterDespite having a relatively short run, My Pet Monster was able to carve out its own little piece of 1980s pop culture nostaliga.And it took a different route to do so...My Pet Monster came out of an intersting time; it was an era with a shift back to more traditional toys like dolls and stuffed animals, but also a period where gross-out humor was a big seller.All of these things set the stage for My Pet Monster and today, we look back on the toy itself, the cartoon series, and how it was able to compete alongside...
2024-01-0226 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: A Look Back at the Year 19811981 sure was a doozy...From the astounding technoligcal advancements, to a few near tragedies, and then one of the biggest events of the entire decade--this year had it all.Welcome to rewind and an all-new version of my look back at 1981. The decade had only just begun, but there was plenty happening--especially in the world of pop culure, including something new that forever changed the way we consumed music. Today, we look back on the music, movies, TV shows, sports, tech, and video games that make up a pretty remarkable year. And for being a part of Patreon, you get th...
2023-12-2633 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Everything 80s Holiday SpecialWelcome to The Everything 80s Holiday Special and a look back at the holiday season during the 80s.In this episode, we travel back to revisit some of the lesser-known TV specials, the biggest holiday movies of the decade, and what it was like heading out to the mall during the holiday season in the 80s.We also flip through some pages of the beloved Sears Wishbook. And then we finish by hearing from a few of you as you share some of your favorite holiday memories and traditions from growing up in the 80s. So enjoy this early, ad-free f...
2023-12-1931 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The 9 Best Movies of the 80sThe title of this podcast may sound like I've gone a bit nuts...Putting together a list of the best movies of the 1980s is not only incredibly hard--it's entirely subjective. But this isn't my list. Today, I'm looking at the movies from the 80s that made the American Film Institute's Top 100 movies of all time. Around 25 years ago, The AFI assembled hundreds of movie experts, insiders, and film professionals to create the definitive list. Then they updated it around 2008. And a total of 9 movies from the 80s made the cut. So which ones are they? A few are probably pret...
2023-12-1228 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedMovie Review: Ernest Saves ChristmasWelcome to the Patreon-only, Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast.This is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above, and today, we travel back to the Holidays of 1988 to revisit Ernest Saves Christmas.To me, it's an underrated Christmas classic and the very best of the Ernest movies. We'll do a full plot recap, then look at what went into making the movie that wasn't a critical hit, but a pretty good commercial one--especially considering the competition during the holiday season of 1988.I look back on the legacy of the Ernest P. Worrel character, a bunch of great...
2023-12-0924 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Miami ViceIs there a more definitive 1980s TV show than Miami Vice? The drama starring Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas is not only one of the most notable shows of the entire 1980s--but one of the most influential.Today we look back on the show that not only had a massive influence on pop culture but forever changed the way that TV was made. The music, the fashion, the car, the guest stars--Miami Vice had it all and for being a part of Patreon, you get the first look at this episode and commercial free.Hope you enjoy!-Jamie
2023-12-0531 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: M.A.S.K.During a decade that gave us some of the most defining toy franchises of all time--franchises that continue to be made to this day--it was really tough to stand out.Toy shelves and TV channels were a battleground for our attention. And there were only so many TV time slots and shelf space to go around.The fact that a toy like M.A.S.K was able to make a dent in the market is pretty remarkable. Maybe it didn't get to the level of GI Joe, TMNT, or Transformers, but it held its own and remains a significant...
2023-11-2828 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Muhammad Ali's Final FightDespite a legendary career, Muhammad Ali's professional journey finally had to come to an end.Going into the 80s, Ali was a shell of his former self. His ability and drive were still there, but his age had caught up with him. He was also starting to show some worrying physical signs. But he continued to fight...in 1980, this led to a rather unfortunate bout against Larry Holmes that was so tough to watch that Ali's corner threw in the towel.That should have been it, but Ali didn't want to go out like that. All of this led to t...
2023-11-2126 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Spielberg in the 80sI'm pretty sure I don't have to go out on a limb and can assume that some of the movies of Steven Spielberg probably shaped your childhood.He's one of the most important filmmakers in movie history, but I think it's the 1980s when he really shines best.Between directing, writing, and producing, Steven Spielberg was involved with an amazing 24 different movies over the course of the decade.Many of those movies are not just some of the greatest films of the 80s--but of all time. Today, I look back on all of those movies--and the man himself--to show how t...
2023-11-1336 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Super Mario Bros. 2: The Story of the 'Borrowed' Video GameI'm sure like me, the first time you saw, or played, Super Mario Bros. 2, you couldn't get over how different it seemed.Mario and Lugigi were there, and the music seemed familar, but it seemed like such a departure from the original Mario Brothers.And when Super Mario Brothers 3 came out--everything seemed back to normal. So why such a change for Mario Bros. 2? Why was it so different?Well, there was a reason for this--actually, a few reasons. At one point, a Super Mario sequel was created. It looked just like the original, but you'll find out why it was...
2023-11-0631 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: A Trip to One of the Very Last Video StoresOne of my favorite episodes I've done is my show about the golden age of video rental stores. Well, today, it's something a bit different, and we're taking a field trip to visit one of the very last, fully-functioning video rental stores.I took a trip to Jumbo Video in Southwestern Ontario, and it was amazing. It was like stepping into a time machine--but still had a lot of modern features.Just the fact that a video rental store can still exist in 2023 is pretty mindblowing, and I get to meet the owners--Phil and Donna Davidson-- who have owned this l...
2023-10-3131 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Halloween SpecialIt's spooky season, and for this year's Halloween special, I look back at not just one of the biggest horror movies of the 80s--but the definitive 1980s horror movie franchise.This is the story of Friday the 13th...Freddy and Michael Myers were big-time players, but when it came to scaring us consistently during the 80s, Jason Voorhees takes the cake. Or, the machete if you will...Except for two years, there was a new Friday the 13th movie for every year of the 1980s. And this is a look back on the franchise that no one expected to be...
2023-10-2434 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedEverything 80s Movie Review: TrollWelcome to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast. This is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above, and today, it's a Halloween-related movie that is a combination of things...It's a B-movie cult classic, it's got a unique cast, it's connected with some of the worst movies ever made, and it may have influenced one of the biggest book series in history.There's a lot to unpack with Troll, but that's what makes it so great. It's so bad that it's kind of good, and, over the years, it's only grown in popularity--especially at Halloween.Hope you...
2023-10-2223 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The California RaisinsThis is another one of those topics that I can't believe I haven't got to yet. And it was a great trip down memory lane.This is a look back at the history of The California Raisins.What started out as a simple marketing campaign by the California Raisin Advisory Board, inadvertently turned into one of the biggest pop culture phenomenons of the decade.Today, we look back on the commercials, the rapid success, toys, albums, and TV shows that took the California Raisins from dried fruit to superstars.Enjoy this early and ad-free first look!-Jamie
2023-10-1729 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: 10 of the Biggest Sporting Moments of the 80sIncredible highs, and devastating lows...That perfectly sums up some of the top sporting moments of the decade. Between basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, football, and several Olympic games--the 1980s gave us enough sporting memories for a lifetime.It's almost impossible, but today, I'm counting down what I think are ten of the biggest moments of the 80s.Some are epic, some are controversial, but all of them are unforgettable. And for being a part of Patreon, you get the first look at it, and commercial-free.Enjoy!-Jamie
2023-10-1030 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Final Days of 8-TrackSo this was a new one for me.I'm not sure how, but I was looking through some old ads and found some from the early 80s for the Columbia Record & Tape Club--and they were still promoting 8-track tapes...Not only that, they still offered them longer into the 80s than I realized.I remember our first cars from the early 1980s that still had 8-track, but I never realized how long the format hung on for--and how it still played a role in 1980s music and pop culture. All of this led to my new episode: the story of 8...
2023-10-0336 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Nintendo Power MagazineWhat do you get when you combine a phone hotline, customer feedback cards, and a free newsletter? You get Nintendo Power Magazine: the official handbook that felt like it gave us the secrets of the universe.It was now possible to get the inside tip straight from the pros--and game programmers--delivered right to our doors.But this was more than just a magazine to help us beat Zelda 2; it was the perfect promotional device to advertise upcoming games--and get us hyped for them.Today it's the history of Nintendo Power, how it all came together, the extraordinary success, and how i...
2023-09-2637 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Story of Live AidI thought I knew what a massive event Live Aid 1985 was, but I really never understood the true scope of this remarkable event.Not only was this a collection of some of the greatest musical artists in history, but it was an incredible technological achievement.Based on the limitations of broadcast and satellite technology in 1985--Live Aid should have been technically impossible.But instead, we witnessed a genuine global event seen by a huge percentage of the planet. Live Aid gave us some iconic imagery, a collaboration between two continents, and one of the most famous performances in the history...
2023-09-1931 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Did 'The Black Cauldron' Almost Kill Disney?It was supposed to turn everything around...and it did the complete opposite.The 1980s wasn't exactly a golden age for Disney animated feature films. The studio was changing and a switch was being made towards more live-action.Maybe a film based on a series of books could introduce a new era for Disney animation.The result was The Black Cauldron; a movie that took way too long to make and cost the company way too much money.And it backfired in spectacular fashion. This is a look back on the movie that was more dark and intense than audiences w...
2023-09-1228 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Fitness Boom of the 80sAs the 1980s began, so too did a new era of health and fitness.It's not that aerobics, bodybuilding, and exercise weren't popular activities--they just weren't very mainstream. The 1980s changed all that.This is a look back on the giant fitness boom of the 80s and the notable celebrities who helped make it happen. It's also a look back on some equipment we'd never seen before and how technology allowed fitness to explode like never before. Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons, Hulk Hogan, and Arnold...this episode has it all.And for being a part of Patreon, you get first lo...
2023-09-0540 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedMovie Review Podcast: Weekend at Bernie'sWelcome to the Patreon-only, Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast!This is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above, and today, we go back to 1989 and a movie that should have been too absurd to work--but still became a hit.This is Weekend at Bernie's, a movie that shouldn't work--but does. The premise was ridiculous, and it was also released during one of the biggest summers in movie history. Everything was up against it--but it became a success, and is one of those defining 1980s comedies.This is a look back on the plot of the movie, everything t...
2023-09-0226 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Frank Welker: the Voice of the 80sJust in case you don't know the name, Frank Welker, you've definitely heard his voice before--especially if you grew up in the 80s.During a time with more cartoon shows than ever before, a lot of voice talent was needed. But it was even better if you could bring in someone who could do multiple voices.This is a look back on the incredible career of Frank Welker, a man who was the voice of our childhoods. Not only is he in many of the big cartoons of the decade, he also provided unique sounds and voices for a lot of...
2023-08-2931 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: 12 Albums That Just Turned 40Last year, I looked back on 15 albums from 1982 that just turned 40. Today, we dive back into 1983 and look at some classics that are now also 40 years old. And this is a year in music that was so much better than I ever realized.The releases in 1983 are astonishing and just narrowing it down to 12 (plus a bonus one at the start) was almost impossible. This list contains some rock, pop, new wave, and various forms of heavy metal. It features the debut album of a few of the biggest artists in music history including one that inadvertently went on to ch...
2023-08-2229 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Choose Your Own AdventureLast week was fraught with techincal nightmares--this week, I'm back on track.What started out as a bedtime story went on to become one of the best-selling books of the 1980s and well into the 90s.This is a look back on the Choose Your Own Adventure books. Books that hopefully meant as much to you as they did to me.We'll look back on their origins, the battle to get them published (everyone turned them down) and their rapid rise in popularity.There were also some very ingenious marketing decisions that helped in their success and these books may...
2023-08-1526 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Trade of the CenturyI had some brutal technical problems getting this show up, but here it is. better late than never, and ad-free.This is a look back on the shocking trade that took Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the LA Kings.For a Canadian kid of my age, this was a "where were you when moment." But it also rocked the entire sporting world and forever changed the landscape of professional hockey in the U.S. Hope you enjoy!
2023-08-0933 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Air Canada Flight 143If you know your aviation history, you are probably very aware of Air Canada Flight 143.If not, this is a look back on the remarkable event that took place on July 23rd, 1983. Air Canada had recently received a bunch of state-of-the-art Boeing 767s. Canada was also in the midst of a change from imperial units over to metric--but not everyone was up to speed yet...What happened next is one of the ultimate "whatever could go wrong--did go wrong" situations...Enjoy this early and ad-free first look!-Jamie
2023-08-0123 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedEverything 80s Movie Club: Stand By MeThe Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast presents the 1986 classic: Stand By Me.This is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above and today, we dive back into the ulitmate coming-of-age film.When it was released in the summer of 1986, Stand By Me was the movie that caught everyone off guard. It was not only a huge critical success, but a commercial one, too.Today, we look back on the plot of the movie, what went into making it, the unique chemistry between the four main actors, and a bunch of behind-the-scenes things that went into making a...
2023-07-2626 minEverything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: A Look Back at the Year 1980I covered the year 1980 quite awhile ago, but this is an all-new episode created to look back at the beggining of the 1980s.There's a ton of new info, sound design, and production and I look back at all the movies, music, TV shows, technology, and sports of the very first year of a brand new decade.We also look deeper at the election of Ronald Reagan, and the influence that has carried over from the 70s.Enjoy this early and ad-free first look!-Jamie
2023-07-1732 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Return of the JediThis is not only a look back at Return of the Jedi, but a look back on the end of Star Wars as we knew it in the 80s--or so we thought...In 1983, ROTJ marked the end of the original trilogy, and, unbeknownst to us, there were decades of Star Wars content still to come-- a lot of which was built off the back of Jedi. And for today's episode, I have a guest to talk all about it: Fred Kennedy, an artist and creator and you also get a sneak peek at a pretty amazing Star Wars podcast he's cr...
2023-07-1134 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The History of the 'Brain' Computer VirusIt seems like computer viruses have been around as long as computers themselves, but the public awareness of a computer viruses really didn't home until 1986.This is when "Brain" was unleashed on the world.But the thing is, it was never created with malicious intent. What did happen, however, is alert us to how quickly a computer virus could spread, and how vulnerable our computers really were.This is the story all about 'Brain,' and it's also just as much about the rise of the PC in the 1980s--specifically the IBM 5150.It's a story that includes two brothers in...
2023-07-0430 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Part 2In the first episode, we looked at the early days of the Ninja Turtles and their comic book origins. This led to a short, animated series in 1987.And the goal of this cartoon show was to launch the brand new toy line. And this led to one of the biggest toy booms in history.Today, we not only look at the launch of the toys, and the continued success of the cartoon--but how Turtlemania took the world by storm.And this all leads to one of the best comic adaptions of all time: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie.Enjoy...
2023-06-2630 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Part 1Welcome to the first of two episodes devoted to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.In this first part, we will explore the origins of the Ninja Turtles, the creators, the early days of the comic book, and the rapid success they quickly found.Next, we'll look at the expansion into the world of animation and the launch of one of the most succesful cartoon shows of all time. Enjoy part 1 early and ad-free!-Jamie
2023-06-1930 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Eruption of Mount St. HelensIt seemed just like any other day... But on May 18th, 1980, things were about to become radically different in the Pacific Northwest.This is a look back on the eruption of Mount St. Helens, a truly catastrophic event that started the decade off on a dire note.This is a look at the days leading up to the eruption, the extensive environmental damage, and how it compares to other historical volcanic eruptions. It's also a look at how, if not for the work of a few people, could have been much deadlier.Enjoy this early and ad-free look for being a...
2023-06-1224 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Story of the A-TeamThere are a handful of TV shows that truly represent the 1980s, and right at the top of the list is The A-Team.This is a look back on the origins of the show that no one believed in at first, but went on to become a ratings powerhouse.This is also a look back on the pop culture phenomenon that was the A-Team, how it became a merchandising juggernaut, and how the character of Mr. T became a bonafide superstar.And for being a part of Patreon, enjoy this early and ad-free first look!-Jamie
2023-06-0629 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Teddy Ruxpin PhenomenonDuring what can be considered a Golden Age of toys, a talking bear from a brand-new company outsold them all.Not only was Teddy Ruxpin the best-selling toy for 1985--but for most of 1986. When you think of the legendary toys that were out then, that's pretty extraordinary. This is a look back on the phenomenon of Teddy Ruxpin; some pretty remarkable technology; and how this iconic toy changed the industry forever with a unique retail and media approach.It's a story that includes Atari, Chuck E. Cheese, Disney, and even some Lord of the Rings. Enjoy the first look at my...
2023-05-3029 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedMovie Review: Back to the Future 2Welcome to the Everything 80s Movie Review Club and a review of one of my all-time favorites: Back to the Future 2.The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above. As we head into the fall of 1989, the follow-up to the monumental Back to the Future has become one of the most anticipated sequels in movie history.And I was right there on opening day.In this movie review, I do a full plot recap, then look at the production, behind-the-scenes, and time-travel issues that make up this movie.It was the s...
2023-05-2628 minEverything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: 1988I think I underestimated this year--but that was a mistake...This is my review of all the great movies, TV shows, music, technology, sports, and general pop culture for a year that may be the best of the decade.1988 gave us so many memorable moments, incredible music, new TV shows, and some of the best movies ever. Not to mention two Olympic games.In the world of technology, it was all about the personal computer, including one unintentional event that alerted the world as to how susceptible our computers really were.Enjoy this early, and commercial-free look at my review...
2023-05-2337 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The RaccoonsI had a bunch of frustrating technical issues getting this show up but here it is, better late than never, and ad-free.This is a look back on a cartoon series that was much more groundbreaking than I ever realized.The Raccoons was a Canadian animated series launched during a time when all the excessive commercialism made it hard to compete.But despite that, The Raccoons had a huge advantage over the other mainstream cartoons and ended up becoming a true worldwide hit. This is a look back on the beloved series, its creators, its legacy, and how it took a...
2023-05-1727 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Transformers: The MovieIt traumatized a generation of kids and almost sank the entire franchise.Today, I look back on the infamous The Transformers: The Movie. Fortunately, this is a movie that has vastly improved with time compared to being a young kid and seeing all the death and destruction on the big screen.I look back on the pure commercial reasons behind the creation of this movie and how toy executives completely underestimated the devotion kids had to the franchise and the characters.But now, after all these years, we can appreciate this movie for the pretty amazing spectacle it is. But i...
2023-05-0934 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Golden Age of Video StoresWalking into a video store in the 80s was like entering a whole new world of entertainment possibilities. And during the 80s, we lived through a true golden age of video rental.Whether it was a big chain store with 10,000 tapes, or just your small, neighborhood video store, it was a unique time in pop culture. This is a look back on a rapidly changing era of technology and pop culture; and it's a look back at the machine and the stores that changed the way we consume entertainment to this day.And finally: it's also a look at how bo...
2023-05-0236 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The 10 Best Sitcoms of the 80sThis isn't just a look at what I think are 10 of the best sitcoms of the 80s, but also a look at the origins of the sitcom and how going into the 1980s, they were almost dead.Because of the rise of cable TV, there was worry that going into the 80s that prime-time network TV could become a vast wasteland. As a new decade began, the major networks were actually losing money for the first time in over ten years. The 1980s revived the sitcom and showed networks how powerful they could really be. The sitcoms of the 80s--specifically t...
2023-04-2537 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Captain Power--the Toys, the Show & the ControversyThere are many examples of things ahead of their time, but, in 1987, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future were ahead in many ways.The show and toy were meant to fill the void left by He-Man after the iconic toy started to fade away.Mattel, with some new toy technology ready to use, worked with a production company to create a TV show we could truly interact with. The Captain Power toys doubled as weapons that could fire a laser at the screen. And, in return, the screen could fire back creating an actual active viewing experience. It s...
2023-04-1830 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedThe Everything 80s Movie Club Presents: The Empire Strikes BackIt occurred to me that even though I've referenced Star Wars a lot on the podcast, I really haven't covered it too much directly.Welcome to the Patreon-only, Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast and a look back on one of the most important--and successful--films ever made: The Empire Strikes Back.We've all seen it a ton of times, but what makes this a fun review is not just a look back on the plot and themes, but the production and massive impact this film had on a new era of Hollywood.It changed filmmaking for the entire 1980s (and...
2023-04-1624 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Great Pizza Wars of the 80sWhether we ordered it in or went out to eat it, little did we know the battle that was raging behind the scenes.The Pizza Wars of the 80s were so much deeper than I realized. And the war was based around the big three: Little Ceasars, Dominos, and Pizza Hut. This multi, multi-billion dollar industry grew so fast in the 80s that it changed the course of the entire fast food industry. And we, as the consumers, reaped all the benefits of this war.Whether it was 2-for-1 pizza or deep dish, the pizza industry grew by leaps and b...
2023-04-1132 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: the History of ALFDoes it get more 1980s than ALF?This is one of my all-time favorite shows, but it's ultimately a story about a true pop culture phenomenon.Back in 1986, I didn't know all the details that went into making this incredibly difficult show--or the massive marketing and revenue the character generated--I just knew I loved it.Today we look back on all things ALF; the origins; NBC taking a big risk on a puppet; the rapid success, and some of the best merchandising the 1980s had ever seen.The story of ALF really is the story of the 1980s--and has a...
2023-04-0435 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Attempted Assassination of Ronald ReganMarch 30, 1981 was just a regular day in the scedule of the new President. He was speaking at a trade union meeting at the Washington Hilton, just a few miles from the White House.But as he left, the world almost changed forever in 1.7 seconds.This is a look back on the attack on Ronald Reagan, the incredibly bravery--and life-saving efforts--of the secret service, and the bizarre reasons behind the attack.This episode goes out everywhere tomorrow, but you get first look at for being a part of Patreon!-Jamie
2023-03-2821 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Jem & the Holograms: Perms, Products & ProfitsI grew up with a younger sister, and she always got TV watching priority. I explain this more in the episode, but I had to sit through her shows before I got to see mine.One show that was her priority was Jem and the Holograms. And little did we know at the time, but this franchise was one of the stealthiest marketing jobs of the entire 1980s.Built off the success of Transformers, and GI JOE, Jem and the Holograms was a collaboration between three powerhouses: Hasbro, Marvel, and Sunbow Entertainment. Jem followed the formula of its financially lucrative p...
2023-03-2125 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: HBO, Showtime & the Rise of Cable TVI think this is the most research I've ever done for a show...The cable revolution of the 1980s changed our TVs and home entertainment forever. But this is a story that actually goes all the way back to the days of radio.Cable itself can even be traced back to the early days of television.This is a look back on why cable TV exploded in the 80s and a look at some of the big channels and shows that drove the momentum forward.This story includes huge technological advancements, government deregulations, music, sports, news, and some of the...
2023-03-1435 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: M*A*S*H: the Biggest TV Finale in HistoryIf you were of a certain age in 1983 and had access to a TV, there's a good chance that on the night of February 28th, you had it tuned to CBS. This was the night of the biggest TV finale ever--and one of the most-watched television events in North American history. Even if you weren't a fan of M*A*S*H, this was a pretty remarkable time in TV and a watershed moment in the history of ratings and network viewership. It's hard to understate how many people across all of North America watched this episode.It was so bi...
2023-03-0727 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedThe Everything 80s Movie Club Presents: Pee Wee's Big AdventureWelcome to the Everything 80 Movie Review Podcast! This is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above.Today, it's not only one of my favorite movies of the 80s--but of all time: Pee Wee's Big Adventure.Released all the way back in 1985, this was the little movie that could. It had no budget, featured a character that not everyone was familar with yet, a brand new director, and a composer who had never scored a movie before.But what we got went on to become a true cult classic and defining movie of the decade. Today, we do a...
2023-03-0522 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Andre the GiantWe all grew up with stories, myths, and fairy tales. These fantastical stories are filled with heroes, dragons, and mythical creatures.And then there are giants...But if you grew up in the 1980s, you experienced one of these giants come to life: Andre Roussimoff better known as Andre the Giant.This is a look back on the incredible (and very short) life of the 8th Wonder of the World. We'll look back to his early days, how he got into wrestling, and then how he helped take it to a level never thought possible.We'll cover his amazing feats...
2023-02-2832 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Was LaserDisc Too Ahead of Its Time?It's easy to think of the 1980s video format war as VHS vs Beta, but we often forget about the third entry in that battle: LaserDisc.LaserDisc really was a remarkable technology and its origins go all the way back to the 1950s. Its first release in North America was prior to the 80s, and only a few years after the VCR debuted.LaserDisc had better picture, sound, and features. So why did it lose the war against Beta, and ultimately, VHS?Well, as great as the features were, it was the cons that sunk it in the long run...
2023-02-2133 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Beloved Story of Calvin and HobbesI haven't read a physical newspaper in a while, but I took a look at my local one and realized there were now only four comic strips in it--none of which I recognized.It made me think back to the days when newspaper comics were a huge part of my daily routine--and there were a ton of them. Then, there were also the highly anticipated, color weekend editions.And a key part of all of this was one of the greatest strips of all time: Calvin and Hobbes.The comic strip--created by Bill Watterson--goes all the way back to 1985 and...
2023-02-1429 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Captain EO--Michael Jackson Meets Star WarsYou know how there are those things from our childhood that just sort of fell into the back of our minds?Well, this is one for me.I was looking through some movie release dates from 1986 when I saw an image of Michael Jackson and a movie called Captain EO. I immediately had a faint memory of this but was still kind of shocked it existed.It was almost like I was seeing it for the first time. It slowly started to come back, and I had no idea of all the involvement that went into creating it. Despite being a...
2023-02-0827 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: Knight RiderIf you're a long-time listener, you may remember one of the very first episodes I ever put out all about Knight Rider.But I took that down a while ago as I never felt like I did it justice. Hopefully, this version captures everything about one of the most iconic shows of all time--and an absolutely definitive part of the 1980s.I look back on the origins of the show (which involves the Lone Ranger) how the look of KITT was created (and altered), the merchandising powerhouse the show became, and the very long legacy it has left behind.And...
2023-01-3131 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedEverything 80s Movie Review: CocktailWelcome to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast!This is just for members of the Boba Fett level and above, and today, I'm looking back at a movie I was fascinated by, but also had no chance of seeing when it first came out: Cocktail.Starring Tom Cruise and Elisabeth (Don't call me Jennifer Parker #2) Shue, Cocktail came out in 1988 (a HUGE year for movies) and is the story of a guy trying to make it big in the corporate world but has to turn to bartending to make ends meet.Cocktail is a unique movie as it was a...
2023-01-2919 min
Everything 80s Patreon FeedPodcast First Look: The Crazy Story of the DeloreanThis one has it all: corruption, passion, government involvement, and drug trafficking.It sounds like a movie but this is the very real story of the Delorean. But the focus of this entire story is on its creator: John DeLorean.In case you didn't know that Delorean was a man, and not just a car, he was like taking Tony Stark, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs and putting them all together.This is the sneak peek at my new episode that you as a Patron get first shot at before it goes live tomorrow. Here are some things I cover...
2021-08-1126 min