Children of the 80s

We're going back to play the 80s game this week and testing each other with questions covering movies, music, tv, and pop culture. And Jim surprises Lindsay with three nominations for the Middle Aged Man Hall of Fame. We're hanging out, playing trivia and it's all totally 80s!

Jim and Lindsay count down the top 10 songs of the summer from 1981. Lindsay's not too excited about the year but Jim is adament with sticking with his formula.  Listen to this week's playlist here  

Before trampoline parks and laser tag arenas, birthdays meant paper hats, greasy pizza, arcade tokens, roller skates, and hoping your parents would spring for the deluxe party package. This week, Jim and Lindsay take a trip back to the ultimate 80s birthday party.

It's been 40 years since some of the best movies of the 80s were released. Join Jim and Lindsay as they revisit the movies of 1986.

What do some of the most memorable songs of the 1980s have in common? That’s the question we’re asking in this special playlist episode. We’ve gathered a collection of chart-toppers, party favorites, and timeless classics from across the decade, all linked by a single musical thread. Listen closely and make your guesses. The answer may be right in front of you—or right in your ears. Listen here to...

Jim makes a surprise comeback this week and teams up with Brad from the Pop Culture Yearbook Podcast for a deep dive into their 80s celebrity crushes. 

Jim’s still sidelined this week, so Lindsay teams up with Dave from the  Totally 80s & 90s Recall podcast for a deep dive into '80s celebrity crushes! From Tiger Beat heartthrobs and sitcom dream girls to movie stars, musicians, and poster-covered bedroom walls, they revisit the stars who made the 1980s unforgettable. Expect laughs, nostalgia, and a few surprise picks along the way. 

This week, Jim and Lindsay share a brief update on Jim's recovery following surgery. Since life has been a little hectic lately, we're replaying our very first Patreon-exclusive episode from January. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, we hope you enjoy this trip back to where our Patreon journey began.

In this episode, we take a look at some of the most recognizable faces from the 1980s who took surprisingly different paths after their time in the spotlight. From Hollywood stardom to unexpected second acts, we dive into the career pivots of Danica McKellar, Stacey Keenan, Phoebe Cates, Jamie Gertz, and Rick Moranis—and ask the question: how did they end up there?

Jim and Lindsay are joined by Dave from the Totally 80s and 90s Recall podcast, James from the Bad Movies Rule podcast and Jason from the Surely You Can't Be Serious podcast to crown a champion in our 80s cartoon theme song tournament. 

On October 14, 1987, 18-month-old Jessica McClure fell into a narrow abandoned well in Midland, Texas—triggering a 58-hour rescue effort that captivated the nation. In this episode, we break down the intense rescue operation, the rise of round-the-clock media coverage, and how “Baby Jessica” became one of the defining news stories of the 1980s.

Jim and Lindsay are joined by Jason from the Dram Amateur podcast and Shawn and Jess from the Smoking Sounds podcast to pick winners for the poeple region of the 80s cartoon theme songs tournament. 

Enjoy this fan favorite episode from season 2 while we enjoy spring break.  Jim and Lindsay are talking about iconic '80s commercials again! Toys, cars, fruit and candy bars all make the list this week. 

Jim and Lindsay are joined by Dave from Totally 80s and 90s Recall, Matt Cook from Spinning the Wheel, and Chris Lee from the Best Under Five to pick winners for the Creature region of the 80s cartoon theme songs tournament.  Join our Patreon here:  Children of the 80s Patreon page

Three rock legends walk into a birthday party… and yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds. When Alice Cooper celebrated 78, he was joined by Mick Fleetwood and Sammy Hagar —so we’re dubbing them The Three Amigos . In this episode, Lindsay brings the fun facts while we break down their biggest 80s moments, weirdest stories, and why these guys are still cooler than all of us.

Step into the courtroom where reality TV was born. In this episode we dive into the rise of The People’s Court the no-nonsense style of Joseph Wapner and the real-life cases that made everyday disputes must-see TV. From small claims to big cultural impact, this episode explores how one courtroom show set the stage for decades of TV drama—80s style.

Jim and Lindsay are joined by Dave and Rob from Totally 80s 90s Recall podcast and Def Dave from the Def Dave's 1984 podcast to pick winners for the animals region of the 80s cartoon theme song tournament. 

Jim and Lindsay are joined by James from Bad Movies Rule, Brad from Pop Culture Yearbook, and Justin from Pop Culture Reflections to pick winners for the aliens/robots region of the 80s cartoon theme songs tournament. 

Before smartphones and texting, life came with cords, coins, and the occasional busy signal. In this episode, we dial back to the 1980s to revisit the everyday things that were once totally normal — and are now completely gone. From beepers and pay phones to stretched-out kitchen cords and packed malls, we’re keeping it nostalgic, light, and just a little ridiculous. So grab your quarters and stay...

In the 1980s, TV and movie stars weren’t content to just act — they wanted to top the music charts too. We’re diving into the hits, the flops, and the most surprising singles you forgot actors ever sang. Neon, synths, and dramatic career moves guaranteed. Join us on Patreon:  Children of the 80s Patreon page

Break out the slow-dance moves and the dramatic stares — we’re diving into the sappiest love songs of the ’80s. This Valentine’s special is packed with soaring ballads, big key changes, and absolutely zero emotional restraint. Join us on Patreon:  Children of the 80s Patreon page Valentine's Day Playlist: Sappy 80s Love Songs

Roses are overrated. This week we flip the script with a playlist of top 80s hits that rage, brood, stalk, and side-eye Valentine’s Day. From broken hearts to bitter anthems, these songs prove love in the 80s was complicated… and often messy. Join us on Patreon:  Children of the 80s Patreon page Anti-Valentine's Day Spotify Playlist:  Anti Valentine's Day Playlist

Three future stars. One serial killer. In this episode, we explore chilling near-misses involving Debbie Harry, Anne Boylen, and Kurt Russell—all unknowingly brushing up against Ted Bundy before fame and before the truth was known. Join our Patreon here:  Children of the 80s Patreon page

No school, local TV listings, and a whole day that felt like a surprise holiday. In this episode, we take a warm, nostalgic trip back to snow days in the 1980s—from waiting for your school to scroll across the TV screen to sledding all afternoon. We reminisce about how snow days felt when there was no internet, no emails, and no expectations… just pure childhood freedom.  Check out our Patreon pag...

Join us as we kick off the new year by looking back at the celebrities we lost in 2025 who influenced us throughout the decade of the 1980s.