Everything 80s

Latest Episodes:

A Look Back at the Year 1985 Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

Was 1985 the best year of the decade? If it's not, then it's pretty damn close. In this review of 1985, we'll look back on all the notable movies, TV shows, cartoons, technology, music, sports, and world events that made up a pretty astounding year.

1985 is also the year of one of the biggest marketing disasters in history, some of the most significant films of the decade, and a new source of entertainment that would change the lives of kids forever. To me, it's the best year of the decade; but is it as good as you remember? Listen up to find out!

If you want to support this show--and get access to The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

Rax: A Fast Food Restaurant For Adults? Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

You may not know the name Rax, but they played a significant role in the fast-food game during the 80s--and you've no doubt seen their influence in the industry to this day. The company goes back to the 1960s but rose to prominence during the 80s.

In the 80s, they started to add a huge amount of items, changed their decor, and aimed to be the "champagne of fast-food restaurants." Heading into the late 80s, the company was in financial trouble and the restaurant that was "fast food for adults" would introduce one of the most bizarre characters ever to try and save the company: Mr. Delicious.

If you want to support the show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more

Show Notes: Rax restaurants

The Complete Stranger Things Season 4 Recap Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

Whoa nelly, this has been a doozy. I'm going to recap everything that went on during Volume 1 of Stranger Things season 4. We will do a plot summary breakdown of what transpired over the last 7 episodes, explore some of the deep themes used this season, look at the movies that influenced it (one horror movie, specifically), look at the importance of music during this season, and uncover all the Easter eggs and 1980s references I could find!

Spoiler warnings if you haven't seen season 4 yet

Support the show: Patreon.com/80s

Show Notes: Stranger Things Season 4 Recap

The Stranger Things Season 4 Preview Special May 25, 2022

Show notes

It's almost here... After nearly three years, Stranger Things is back with its highly anticipated fourth season--and it couldn't come at a better time for Netflix. In this preview show, we'll do a recap of season 3, discuss everything we know about the plot and production, do a trailer breakdown, discuss theories, and look at another great commercial crossover.

Season 4 promises to be bigger, better, scarier, longer, and WAY more expensive than the other seasons--and I hope you're as excited as I am!

If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya.

Crocodile Dundee & When Paul Hogan Ruled the 80s May 18, 2022

Show notes

When Crocodile Dundee was released in 1986, it caught everyone by surprise. The movie from Down Under starring an actor no one knew became a monster hit. This is a look back on the Crocodile Dundee franchise and the man behind the croc: Paul Hogan.

Hogan's story is a true rags-to-riches tale and how he went from Australian celebrity to worldwide star. We look at how this film came together, why no one expected it to be a hit, Paul Hogan's rise to fame, the sequels, the surprising film role that Hogan turned down, and the ultimate crossover movie that never came to be.

If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can consider supporting me at Patreon.com/80s. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya...

Three Mile Island May 11, 2022

Show notes

Before there was the Chernobyl disaster, there was Three Mile Island. This is an accident that appears to be a lot more serious than you may realize. What appeared to be just a "close call" could have actually been catastrophic. This is a look back at the story of the first nuclear accident; all the misinformation that eroded the public's trust; coverup; Jane Fonda; whistleblowing, and the aftermath that was felt for years.

If you want to support the show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--head over to Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

The Rise and Fall of Toys "R" Us May 04, 2022

Show notes

How is it possible that the greatest toy store we've ever known could end up bankrupt? No, it's not just because of the internet (though that does play a role). The once-dominant toy store would face many setbacks that resulted in its closure. In this episode, we look back on the history of the iconic store, how it shaped the childhoods of millions, helped create a lot of pop culture as we know it, and then faced a very sad demise.

This is also a look at how in the year 2000, things could have turned out very different regarding a certain gigantic online store. This episode also features some economics, Geoffrey the Giraffe, and a whole lot of nostalgia.

Show Notes: Toys "R" Us

Support the show: Patreon.com/80s

Jolt Cola: The Story of the Infamous Soda Apr 20, 2022

Show notes

Before there was Red Bull, Monster, or 5-Hour Energy Shots, there was the original energy drink: Jolt Cola.

If you grew up like me, you may remember Jolt Cola being kind of mythical. This drink apparently had enough caffeine to take down a horse and we all heard urban legends of the kid who died drinking it. It turns out Jolt didn't actually have that much caffeine. What it did have was the opposite approach to the diet cola movement that was taking place.

This is the look back on how the "bad boy of cola" entered an ultra-competitive market, the demographic it went after, how it never intended to compete with Coke or Pepsi, and how it defied all industry expectations to last over three decades.

If you're interested in supporting this show--and getting access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

The Rise and Fall of Kmart Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

If you were alive in the 1980s, you definitely went to K-Mart at some point. The store had everything and was a huge part of our lives. But how did the company go from retail giant to almost nothing? As of the time of this recording, there are only three K-marts left. This is a look back on the rise and fall of a giant company with a history that goes all the way back to 1899.

If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Podcast--check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya...

Show Notes: The Rise and Fall of Kmart

The Story of the First WrestleMania Apr 06, 2022

Show notes

Even if you're not a wrestling fan, you can't deny the massive influence it has had a pop culture. This influence was never more prominent than it was in the 1980s. This is the story of the very first WrestleMania and the massive risk Vince McMahon took in creating it.

The story of WrestleMania is as much the story of the early days of the (then) WWF, the changing landscape of entertainment, cable TV, MTV, and a new phenomenon named Hulk Hogan.

Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Show Notes: The Story of WrestleMania

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected