Stay ConnectedThe longest-running ’80s podcast—featuring interviews with music legends, movie stars, and MTV icons. Deep dives, debates, and Gen X nostalgia every week.
Hosted by Steve Spears and Brad Williams, the show blends sharp takes with insider stories from the people who lived it. From ’80s music and movies to MTV culture and pop culture history, each episode goes deeper than nostalgia to uncover what made the decade unforgettable.
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Every generation has a handful of actors who feel larger than life.
And then there are the even rarer performers who somehow manage to become larger than life while also seeming like genuinely good people.
Carl Weathers was one of those people.
This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, we pause to remember Carl Weathers following the news of his passing at age 76. To honor his remarkable career, we're revisiting our 2009 interview with the actor and reflecting on the characters that made him such an enduring part of our lives.
For many Gen X fans, Carl Weathers first arrived as Apollo Creed in Rocky and its sequels. At first, Apollo was the cocky champion everyone loved to root against. But over time, he became something much more: a rival, a mentor and ultimately one of the emotional centers of the entire franchise.
Who among us didn't cheer when Apollo and Rocky raced down the beach together in Rocky III? And who wasn't devastated when Apollo met his tragic fate at the hands of Ivan Drago in Rocky IV?
Carl had a gift for bringing humanity to characters who could have easily been one-dimensional. His charisma filled every scene he entered.
But Apollo was only part of the story.
Over the decades, Carl continued building a career that showcased his versatility and impeccable comic timing. He became beloved all over again as Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore, stole scenes in Arrested Development by playing an exaggerated version of himself and somehow managed to elevate every project he touched.
That's one of the reasons so many people are feeling this loss so deeply.
Carl Weathers wasn't simply an actor we admired. He was one of those familiar faces who always made things a little better. Whether he was making us laugh, inspiring us or breaking our hearts, he brought warmth and authenticity to every role.
In today's episode, we revisit our 2009 conversation with Carl and celebrate the career of a man who left a lasting mark on movies, television and pop culture.
More importantly, we celebrate the joy he gave us.
Thanks for the memories, Carl.
We'll definitely miss you.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.
And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Awards season always inspires passionate debate.
Who deserved to win? Who got robbed? Which movies stood the test of time? And perhaps most importantly, which films were so spectacularly awful that they became entertaining in their own right?
This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Steve and Brad revisit the Academy Awards of 1984, honoring the movies released in 1983 and exploring one of the most fascinating years in cinema history.
The discussion begins with the films and performances that captured Oscar glory. The gang revisits the major nominees, award-winning actors and directors who helped shape one of the strongest movie years of the decade. From prestige dramas to crowd-pleasing favorites, the Academy Awards offered a snapshot of what Hollywood considered the very best of 1983.
Of course, one of the joys of looking back four decades later is seeing which films have endured in popular culture and which once-celebrated winners have quietly faded from memory. Steve and Brad discuss how time often rewrites the Academy's verdicts, with some movies growing in stature long after Oscar night while others become little more than trivia questions.
The episode also explores the year's memorable movie songs, a category that always held special significance during the MTV era. For many Gen X movie fans, a great soundtrack song could become every bit as important as the movie itself.
But no awards-season retrospective would be complete without a stop at the Golden Raspberry Awards, better known as the Razzies.
While the Academy was busy celebrating artistic achievement, the Razzies were honoring a completely different set of accomplishments. The gang revisits some of 1983's most infamous cinematic disasters and discusses whether those films truly deserved their reputation or have become misunderstood cult favorites over time.
Like many Stuck in the ’80s episodes, the conversation balances serious appreciation with plenty of laughs. After all, sometimes bad movies can be just as memorable as great ones.
The episode also serves as a reminder of how rich and diverse moviegoing was during the early 1980s. Blockbusters, prestige dramas, comedies, musicals and action films all competed for audience attention, creating a cinematic landscape that felt remarkably vibrant and unpredictable.
If you love classic movies, Oscar history, soundtrack songs and revisiting both the triumphs and train wrecks of 1980s cinema, this episode belongs in your playlist.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.
And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Being No. 2 can be a strange place in music history.
You're successful enough to become part of the cultural conversation, earn plenty of radio airplay and sell a mountain of records. But somehow, despite doing almost everything right, you never quite make it to the very top of the charts.
That's the inspiration behind "Just Missed the Biscuit," Stuck in the ’80s' ongoing series celebrating songs that peaked at No. 2 on the UK charts.
This week, Steve and Brad return with a brand-new installment focused on the year 1976, exploring some of the great songs that came tantalizingly close to chart supremacy but were ultimately denied the No. 1 position.
Among the artists featured are Wings, the hugely successful group led by Paul McCartney, whose post-Beatles success helped dominate much of the decade. The gang also revisits the music of Leo Sayer, one of the most distinctive voices of the era and a major presence on both sides of the Atlantic.
As always, the fun of the series comes from examining the strange twists of chart history. Why did some songs stall at No. 2? Which songs blocked them from reaching the summit? And in hindsight, were some of these runner-up records actually better than the songs that finished ahead of them?
The discussion also highlights how different the British charts often looked compared with their American counterparts. For Gen X music fans who grew up primarily with U.S. radio, these episodes offer a fascinating look at an alternate version of pop music history.
Along the way, Steve and Brad uncover forgotten gems, revisit familiar favorites and remind listeners that chart position isn't always the best measure of a song's legacy. Some records may have missed the top spot, but they ultimately left a much larger mark on popular culture.
Like many Stuck in the ’80s music-history episodes, the conversation blends nostalgia, trivia and spirited debate while shining a light on songs that deserve another listen.
If you love pop-chart history, forgotten hits and discovering the stories behind music's near-misses, this episode belongs in your playlist.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.
And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If there was ever a band that perfectly captured the spirit of mid-1980s pop culture, it might be Wang Chung.
Their music was everywhere. On the radio. On MTV. In movie theaters. At school dances. And eventually at every wedding reception where someone decided it was time for the entire room to "Wang Chung tonight."
This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Steve sits down with Jack Hues for a wide-ranging conversation about Wang Chung's history, musical evolution and enduring popularity.
Jack reflects on the band's early years and their transition from the British new-wave scene into international pop stardom. The conversation revisits classic hits such as Everybody Have Fun Tonight, Dance Hall Days and Let's Go! while exploring how the group developed a sound that blended pop, rock, new wave and dance music into something uniquely their own.
The interview also examines Wang Chung's significant contributions to movie soundtracks, an often-overlooked part of the band's legacy. During the 1980s, soundtrack albums became an increasingly important part of pop culture, and Wang Chung's music found a natural home alongside some of the decade's most memorable films.
Along the way, Jack shares stories about songwriting, recording and navigating the rapid rise of MTV, which helped transform many artists from successful musicians into global cultural icons almost overnight.
Like many great Stuck in the ’80s interviews, the discussion goes beyond nostalgia and explores the creative decisions behind music that continues resonating with audiences decades later. Jack offers thoughtful insights into both the music industry and the artistic process that shaped Wang Chung's catalog.
The result is a conversation that longtime fans will appreciate and newer listeners will find surprisingly illuminating.
If you love new wave, soundtrack music, MTV memories and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the decade's most recognizable bands, this episode belongs in your playlist.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.
And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If you're a music fan in the United Kingdom, there are few traditions more beloved than the race for the Christmas No. 1 single.
For decades, artists have battled for the honor of sitting atop the charts during the holiday season, creating a uniquely British cultural event that combines pop music, nostalgia and Christmas spirit.
Meanwhile, here in America, we somehow missed out on all the fun.
That's why this week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Steve and Brad take matters into their own hands.
For the final episode of 2023, the gang creates a virtual list of Christmas No. 1 songs for every year of the 1980s, selecting one holiday favorite to represent each year of the decade. Think of it as an alternate musical universe where Christmas chart supremacy became a cherished American tradition.
Along the way, Steve and Brad revisit many of the songs that helped define the holiday season during the MTV era. Some are genuine Christmas classics that return to radio playlists every December. Others are overlooked gems that deserve a little more attention from modern audiences.
The discussion also explores why holiday music occupies such a unique place in our memories. More than almost any other genre, Christmas songs become tied to specific moments, family traditions and emotional touchstones that stay with us for decades.
As always, the fun comes not only from the selections themselves but from the inevitable debates. Which songs best capture the spirit of a particular year? Which artists created holiday magic that still resonates today? And which beloved classics were unfairly left off the list?
The episode serves as both a celebration of Christmas music and a reminder of how deeply the songs of the 1980s remain connected to the memories of the season.
Like many year-end Stuck in the ’80s episodes, the conversation mixes nostalgia, music history and plenty of good-natured disagreement while revisiting the soundtrack of our youth.
Whether your holiday playlist includes traditional carols, synth-pop Christmas songs or charity singles from the MTV era, there's something here for every Gen X music fan.
Most importantly, it's a chance to end the year the same way we've spent it: celebrating the music, memories and shared experiences that continue bringing us together.
If you love Christmas music, chart trivia and revisiting the sounds of the holiday season during the greatest decade ever, this episode belongs in your playlist.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.
And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists.
Happy holidays from all of us at Stuck in the ’80s.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Every family has holiday traditions.
Some people decorate the tree. Some bake cookies. Some argue over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
And then there are those of us who spend every December quoting National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Steve and Brad revisit one of the most beloved comedies of the MTV era and tackle a few important questions. Is Christmas Vacation the most quotable movie of the 1980s? Is it the greatest holiday movie of our decade? And perhaps most importantly, does it still hold up after all these years?
Released in 1989, Christmas Vacation arrived near the end of the decade but quickly earned a permanent place in the holiday movie canon. Anchored by an unforgettable performance from Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, the film transformed ordinary holiday frustrations into comedic chaos on an epic scale.
The gang revisits many of the movie's most memorable moments, from Clark's obsession with the perfect Christmas lights display to the arrival of Cousin Eddie, played brilliantly by Randy Quaid. Decades later, many of the film's lines remain part of the everyday vocabulary of Gen X holiday celebrations.
Along the way, Steve and Brad discuss why the movie continues connecting with audiences year after year. Part of its appeal comes from its relatability. Beneath the outrageous comedy lies a story about family expectations, holiday stress and the universal desire to create the perfect Christmas experience.
The episode also compares Christmas Vacation against other holiday classics from the 1980s. Does it surpass movies like A Christmas Story, Scrooged or Gremlins? The answers may depend entirely on which movies were playing in your house every December.
Like many Stuck in the ’80s movie episodes, the discussion blends nostalgia, humor and spirited debate while celebrating a film that has become far more popular over time than anyone could have predicted when it first hit theaters.
Whether you're a longtime Griswold family devotee or someone revisiting the movie for the first time in years, this episode serves as a reminder of why Christmas Vacation remains such an enduring part of the holiday season.
If you love Christmas movies, holiday traditions and endlessly repeating movie quotes that drive your family crazy, this episode belongs in your playlist.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.
And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists.
Happy holidays — and don't forget to check the lights.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Few actors have built a career quite like Nicolas Cage.
Over the course of four decades, he's been a teen heartthrob, action hero, Oscar winner, indie-film icon and walking internet meme — sometimes all at the same time. Yet somehow, despite all the twists and turns, he remains one of the most compelling performers in Hollywood.
This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Steve and Brad welcome author Zach Schonfeld to discuss his new book, How Coppola Became Cage, which traces the fascinating journey of Nicolas Cage from Hollywood royalty to cinematic original.
For many Gen X movie fans, the story begins with Valley Girl. Long before he was stealing the Declaration of Independence or starring in surreal cult classics, Cage burst onto the scene as Randy, the punk-rock outsider who wins the heart of Deborah Foreman's Julie in one of the defining teen romances of the 1980s.
Schonfeld explores how Cage deliberately worked to separate himself from the shadow of the famous Coppola family name and build an identity entirely his own. Rather than following a conventional Hollywood path, Cage embraced risk, eccentricity and creative experimentation at nearly every turn.
The discussion revisits many of the actor's most memorable performances, including roles in Raising Arizona, Moonstruck, Leaving Las Vegas and countless other films that showcased his willingness to make bold and sometimes baffling artistic choices.
Along the way, Steve, Brad and Zach examine why Cage inspires such passionate reactions from audiences. Some view him as one of the most daring actors of his generation. Others simply enjoy the unpredictability he brings to every role. Either way, very few performers have cultivated a screen presence quite like his.
Like many Stuck in the ’80s interviews, the conversation blends movie history, cultural analysis and nostalgia while offering a fresh perspective on an artist whose career has consistently defied expectations.
Whether you remember Nicolas Cage from his early MTV-era films or discovered him through his later cult classics, his journey remains one of the most unusual success stories in modern entertainment.
If you love movies, Hollywood history and exploring the careers of actors who refuse to follow the rules, this episode belongs in your playlist.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.
And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If you're counting down the days until embarkation, this episode is for you.
This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Steve welcomes Joey Fairchild from The 80s Cruise for a special bonus episode packed with news, updates and behind-the-scenes details about the upcoming 2024 voyage.
For longtime cruisers, one of the most anticipated parts of every sailing is learning the details of the theme nights. Whether you're planning elaborate costumes, digging through old concert shirts or trying to convince your friends that dressing like an MTV VJ is a perfectly reasonable vacation activity, the theme nights have become one of the defining traditions of the cruise experience.
Joey joins Spearsy to reveal the latest information about the 2024 sailing and offer listeners a preview of some of the events and activities waiting onboard. The conversation covers everything from fan-favorite traditions to new experiences designed to make this voyage even more memorable.
Of course, the biggest news may be something happening beyond 2024.
During the episode, Joey shares details about the launch of The 90s Cruise, a brand-new themed voyage set to debut in 2025. For fans who grew up transitioning from MTV's golden years into the era of grunge, alternative rock, boy bands and pop superstars, the new cruise promises to deliver the same immersive music experience that has made The 80s Cruise such a success.
Steve and Joey discuss the vision behind the new sailing and what fans can expect as the cruise community expands into another beloved decade of music and pop culture.
Like many Stuck in the ’80s bonus episodes, the conversation feels less like a formal interview and more like catching up with friends who are all looking forward to the same incredible week at sea.
Whether you're a first-time cruiser trying to figure out what to pack or a veteran passenger already planning your costume strategy, this episode offers plenty of reasons to get excited about the voyage ahead.
If you're sailing on the 2024 voyage of The 80s Cruise, consider this required listening.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever.
And if you haven't booked your cabin yet, there's still time. Use promo code STUCK when reserving your spot on The 80s Cruise to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit and join Spearsy, Brad and thousands of fellow Gen X fans for the ultimate floating celebration of 1980s music and nostalgia.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Few bands defined the softer, emotional side of early 1980s radio quite like Air Supply. With soaring ballads, unforgettable melodies and the unmistakable voice of Russell Hitchcock, the duo became one of the biggest hitmakers of the FM-radio era thanks to songs like All Out of Love, Every Woman in the World and Making Love Out of Nothing at All. This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Russell Hitchcock returns to the show to reflect on the band’s incredible legacy and the emotional connection their music still creates with fans more than 40 years later.
During the interview, Russell discusses the rise of Air Supply during the golden age of album-oriented FM radio, when power ballads and romantic pop songs dominated the airwaves. He reflects on the experience of hearing the band’s songs become massive international hits and explains why emotional honesty became such an important part of Air Supply’s songwriting and performance style.
The conversation also explores the lasting appeal of the band’s biggest songs and how audiences from multiple generations continue discovering Air Supply through streaming, classic-hits radio and live performances. Spearsy and Russell discuss the unique atmosphere of 1980s concert culture and why so many fans still associate Air Supply’s music with school dances, first loves, heartbreak and the emotional soundtrack of growing up during the MTV era.
Along the way, Russell previews The 80s Cruise, where Air Supply will once again perform for thousands of devoted Gen X music fans. The conversation highlights how nostalgia events and live performances continue bringing together audiences who still deeply connect with the music, memories and emotions of the 1980s.
If you love soft rock, power ballads, FM-radio nostalgia and revisiting the timeless love songs that defined the early 1980s, this episode belongs in your playlist.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.
And don’t forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade’s biggest artists.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The 1980s were a golden age for Australian music. From arena rock and synth-pop to new wave and MTV-ready radio hits, Australian artists helped shape the sound of the decade in ways that still resonate with Gen X music fans today. This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Spearsy gets a firsthand look at that era with special guest David Sterry of Real Life, the group behind iconic songs like Send Me an Angel and Catch Me I'm Falling.
During the interview, David reflects on the rise of Real Life during the height of the MTV era and the experience of hearing the band’s songs suddenly explode across international radio and dance clubs. He shares stories about songwriting, touring and the creative atmosphere of the Australian music scene during the early and mid-1980s, when artists from Australia were finding huge audiences around the world.
The conversation also explores the lasting appeal of Send Me an Angel, one of the defining synth-pop songs of the decade and a track that continues to appear in movies, television shows and nostalgic playlists decades later. Spearsy and David discuss how certain songs become emotionally tied to memories of growing up during the MTV generation — from late-night radio listening and school dances to movie soundtracks and cruising with friends on summer nights.
Along the way, David previews The 80s Cruise, where fans will once again get the chance to hear Real Life perform live alongside many of the artists who helped define the decade. The conversation highlights the continuing popularity of ’80s nostalgia culture and why audiences still connect so deeply with the music of the era.
If you love synth-pop, Australian music, MTV nostalgia and behind-the-scenes stories from the artists who helped shape the soundtrack of the 1980s, this episode belongs in your playlist.
The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.
And don’t forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade’s biggest artists.Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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