80's High

In space, no one can hear you scream. But in this episode, you can hear us gush more than a chestburster wound as we revisit the classic sci-fi action thriller horror movie that set up a killer franchise of cosmic horror, nightmarish creatures, and our hero Ellen Ripley persevering through it all. So hop out of your sleep chambers and fire up those flamethrowers, we're going down to the surface to...

Bike rides, sleepovers, shooting stars, and ice cream melting down your wrist. Summer vacation was filled with the freedom and hope of endless possibilities (as long as you were home by supper). So we’re hopping in the backseat of the wood-paneled station wagon, arguing over the radio station, and getting truckers to honk their horns as we revisit the glory days of summer, the memorable trips, the...

When the bumps and slumps come at us in life, sometimes we need to hit the open road, breathe in the fresh air, and sink our hearts and hands into a new project. None of us have probably ever taken it as far as legendary folk musician Paul Simon; whom after several failed records, a marriage to Princess Leia Organa, and the loss of his Garfunkel partnership, packed it all up, violated internationa...

You’ve just finished packing up the elaborate family camp site, you’re doing 60 MPH down a dirt road in a station wagon, completely blinded by sunlight, and you knock a Bigfoot unconscious. What’re you supposed to do!? Join John Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, and 6’ 9” Kevin Peter Hall as we take this 1987 family comedy back to class to find out how it holds up and dive into the world of cryptozoology,...

It was the perfect triangle of awesome: people + riding dinosaurs + shooting lasers. With the power of our S.T.E.P. drive, we travel back to 1987 when the battle between the Valorians and Rulons first began, and when one of the most egregious - and awesome - examples of a cartoon series selling toys was born. Plus we venture into The Dinosaur Heresies, Bone Wars, Smithsonian gift shops, and the ep...

Good librarians have introduced us to beautiful stories throughout our lives; but only one librarian brought us Henry Huggins, Ellen & Otis, Ramona & Beezus Quimby, Ralph S. Mouse, and many more delightful characters. So let's pay tribute to Beverly Cleary, one of the most influential children’s book authors of all time, who's touched millions of lives through the humor and sincerity of her everyd...

Round up your rock biters, luck dragons, and depressed horses, because we’re getting a posse together to battle The Nothing (WHATEVER that is)! Let's revisit one of the most recognizable children’s fantasy films (and theme songs) of the 1980s, as Bastion discovers the thrill of literature, all while trying to give the Childlike Empress a name and save a doomed kingdom from two horrible movie seque...

Do you believe in miracles? Ben and Chris are actually talking sportball! And thankfully they have Coach Aaron, chief sports correspondent, to help discuss this momentous hockey game that shook the 1980 Olympics and went down in history as the greatest sports moment ever. This episode is packed with Cold War tension, an underdog tale fit for a movie, and some of our finest banter yet. So grab your...

We’ve all been there: your boss doesn’t like you, despite your hard work-ethic and can-do attitude, so he blasts you into orbit and forces you to watch terrible B movies, all in a mad experiment to see what happens to your sanity. Next step, construct some robot friends and get to razzing these failed flicks! Join us on the Satellite of Love as we revisit this beloved TV series that keeps coming b...

Retro gamers, grab your warp whistles, Goomba shoes, and finest Tanooki suits, cuz we're re-exploring the eight majestic worlds of Super Mario Bros. 3 in search of that next castle. We take to land, sea, and air, dodging hateful suns, annoying wrench weasels, hangry fish, and that jerk in a cloud, always one button press away from total meltdown. Plus we uncover so many magical secrets, cutting ro...

Enter the imaginative world of alien planets, dinosaur-filled landscapes, and hoards of mutant snowmen, as we talk about a boy and his stuffed tiger. Classmate Matt joins us to flip through the inky pages, wonder at the creativity and philosophy, and examine the reclusive creator himself, Mr. Bill Watterson, who forever changed his fans and the artform itself. Let's go exploring! Support the show...

Who can take a sunrise, dip it in a dream? Apparently, the cartoon animals and grandparents can! Join us as we revisit the classic 80's sweet treats that warmed our hearts and destroyed our teeth. From sugary cereals and trick-or-treat candy, to vibrant fruity drinks and frozen confections, we explore all the goodies we loved and hated... and those that just might kill us. So flip on those Saturda...

This episode has so much Patitude, we've given it a mild explicit tag. From her personal life to her professional career, we explore Pat's motto of living on your own terms, not taking any guff, and steamrolling dirtbags who stand in your way. So get your shoulder shimmy ready, don that black eyeliner, and prepare to dance off with the iconic rock sensation Pat Benatar. Support the show by tossing...

It's an oversized episode for a Big topic! But we promise there's so little filler because we get into the fascinating aspects of this movie, from its charm and iconic scenes, to the rejected actors, how this movie works from any other character's point of view, and what we think happens after the credits roll. And of course, we explore the terrifying object at its center, Zoltar Speaks.  Support...

We had so much more delightful conversation with Deron McBee, that we had to share it with you. Beyond his time on American Gladiators, Deron reveals hilarious insights from projects such as Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, two Batman movies, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Plus we get more of his philosophy of life, inspirations, and what exciting projects are in the works. Su...

Contenders, grab your spandex suits and sweat bands! It's time to face off against the toughest competitors in exciting games of athleticism to prove yourself the next American Gladiator! And who better to talk us through this iconic television show than one of the gladiators himself, the equally iconic surfer dude Deron "Malibu" McBee. Deron shares so many insights, including how he got cast, his...

Tune into our first ever after school special episode, serving up bonus content we couldn't fit in the narrow corridors of our Battleship discussion. From board game to boardroom, we surmise what blockbuster sensations Hollywood has in mind. Could one of these board games shine on the big screen? Which ones would belly flop? And what concept is so outlandish it just might work? Support the show by...

Put on your admiral's hat and arrange your fleets because we're launching a full salvo of Battleship nostalgia at you. From offensive box art to highly produced commercials, this game was in our faces and on our minds, right down to the iconic catchphrase, "you sunk my battleship!" With so many topics to target, we set our sights on all the action-packed hits until our red pegs are depleted. Suppo...

What 80's road trip would be complete without a classic Nintendo Game Boy in your tiny clutches? The beautiful green and black screen, the expansive battery life, and oh, the magical games. So join us as we snap in a cartridge, click the switch, and rejoice at the satisfying "ba-ding" because in this episode, we're playing with power... portable power!   -- See Me After Class --  Around 9:45, Chri...

Whether it's a cozy indoor fortress of blankets and pillows or a rustic lodge of outdoor found materials, kids the world over just need a place of their own. They are spaces of quiet solitude, play, and friendship. And this time, all adults are allowed! So grab your snacks and sharpen your problem-solving skills, because we're going back inside our childhood forts. Support the show by tossing us s...

No bright lights. Don't get them wet. Never feed them after midnight. Surely the Peltzer family can follow these three simple rules of pet ownership, right? Join us to explore the classic holiday tale of cute fuzzy Gizmo, the humans who fail him, and a batch of tiny green monsters who just want to have a good time. Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast . Write...

By putting the power of choice in the reader's hands, this expansive series of books presented readers with branching stories, often leading to more than 30 unique outcomes. Some of which we learn are more frightening than death itself. Join us as we determine our own fate and revisit this incredible series. Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast . Write an 80'...

With stop-motion animation, dancing chickens, and an onslaught of innuendo, all layered over an incredibly catchy tune, there's a reason Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer has gone down as one of the greatest music videos in history. Come explore its painstaking production and the ever-changing artistic landscape Peter created, all the way to it's terrifying end. Support the show by tossing us some lunc...

The unexplained, lost loves, missing persons, legends, wanted criminals, and crytpo-zoological sightings. Come back with us to this true-mystery TV show that filled us with a gamut of emotions, from curious fascination to debilitating terror. Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast . Write an 80's inspired note when you do, and we'll share it on the show!   -- C...

Revisiting our past can fill us with warmth and joy; but like any time traveler, be sure to only briefly linger, and touch nothing! We break down the history and psychology of nostalgia, so you don't have to! Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast . Write an 80's inspired note when you do, and we'll share it on the show!   -- Can I Borrow Your Notes? --  Scienc...