Retroist Retro Podcast

In the annals of cinematic excellence, Raiders of the Lost Ark emerges as an archetype of adventure filmmaking, etching its mark on the hearts of moviegoers with its blend of exhilaration and timeless storytelling. Released in 1981, Raiders redefined the adventure genre, introducing the world to the indomitable archaeologist Indiana Jones, portrayed by Harrison Ford. What makes it standout? Perhap...

In 2009, I launched a podcast episode that delved into the iconic TV series "Magnum P.I.," a show that not only defined an era but also captured the hearts of millions with its thrilling adventures and charismatic lead, Thomas Magnum. Since that initial foray, my understanding of both podcasting and "Magnum P.I." has deepened significantly, compelling me to revisit the sun-soaked shores of Oahu fo...

In the pantheon of video game classics, Joust stands as a testament to innovation and simplicity, capturing the hearts of gamers with its unique gameplay and imaginative design. Released by Williams Electronics in 1982, Joust broke the mold with its two-player cooperative play, pitting knights riding flying giant birds against enemy knights on buzzards in a fantastical medieval jousting tournament...

I love "Matinee" and was mad at myself for never covering it in an episode. However, after a rewatch and with a newfound determination, I decided it was time to finally cover this gem. Though I missed a perfect release opportunity around its 30th anniversary, I'm excited to share it with you now. "Matinee" is a film that brilliantly encapsulates the nostalgia of the early 1960s, set against the ba...

"Wizardry," released in 1981, is a seminal game in the computer RPG genre, setting a benchmark for what video games could achieve in storytelling and complexity. This game not only captured the essence of dungeon crawlers but also paved the way for future classics in the RPG genre. What makes it so enduring? Perhaps it's the intricate gameplay and the depth of its character creation system, or may...

I can’t believe I have never released an episode based on “Night of the Comet" in all of my years podcast. I found evidence that I attempted an episode way back in 2012, but I must have not been happy with it. Well, some people have been talking about it and I thought I would release it for Halloween 2023. That came and went, but I didn’t give up, and here we are. In the realm of cult classics, 'N...

Back in 2009, I released a podcast about one of the greatest video games of all time, Pac-Man . Since releasing that I think I have learned a lot about podcasting, and Pac-Man, and I have wanted to redo it. So on this brand-new episode, I am heading back to the arcade to take a look at Pac-Man all over again. If you listened to the original episode , some of what you hear will be familiar, but I h...

In this latest episode of The Retroist Podcast, we're journeying into the whimsical and wintry world of Frosty the Snowman. I start off with a personal tale – my own yet futile, attempts at constructing gargantuan snowmen. A predictable kid story, it sets the stage for our deep dive into Frosty's universe. We then explore the origins of the iconic song "Frosty the Snowman." I discuss how this catc...

Welcome to the newest episode of the Retroist Podcast. In today's episode, I talk all about the 1985 martial arts comedy, The Last Dragon. This movie is a fun mid-80s romp that performed well in theaters and became a staple of cable television for years afterward. I hope I can encourage you to re-watch it or check it out for the first time. I start off the show by discussing my limited time studyi...

Welcome to the newest episode of the Retroist Podcast. On today's show, I discuss the long-running detective drama series, Columbo. This episode was a long time coming and is one of my longer episodes. Columbo is a big deal. I begin the show talking about my own brush with Columbo himself, Peter Falk. It was an unexpected experience, but very positive. I am very happy to finally get to share it. T...

Travel back to the late '80s when television was full of mysterious and eerie stories. Monsters, a horror anthology series, was a hidden treasure during that time. Imagine flipping through channels on a quiet October evening and stumbling upon this captivating show. While it might not have been popular among everyone, for those who discovered it, Monsters was a thrilling experience. The series sto...

Welcome to the latest episode of the Retroist Podcast! Today, we're stepping back in time to revisit a hidden gem from the ABC vault: the made-for-TV movie, "The Midnight Hour". I begin this episode by sharing my personal memories of stumbling upon this film and the delightful nostalgia that washed over me, especially when I rediscovered it during my days working at the video store. But let's dive...

Welcome to the Retroist Kool-Aid Podcast, where we're about to dive into the world of a tasty and refreshing beverage that has quenched our thirst for nostalgia for generations. This week, we're stirring up some sweet memories as we explore the colorful world of Kool-Aid. But before we take a sip of this flavorful journey, let me share a personal story about a miscalculation I made with some cherr...

Welcome to a journey back to the charmingly quirky world of 1985, where Rustler's Rhapsody graced the big screen and left audiences with a reaction that was, sadly, less than rhapsodic. However, sometimes a film's true charm takes a bit longer to shine through, and for many, like myself, who discovered this hidden gem on cable, it was love at first viewing. Rustler's Rhapsody isn't just another We...

On today’s Retroist Podcast as we delve into a more contemporary subject that hits close to home – the turn of the millennium musical festival, Woodstock '99. This marks the fourth episode of the newest season, a departure from my usual fare, but one that holds a special place in my heart. Why? Because I was there, not as a spectator, but as a worker, and today, I would like to share my experience...

Step right into the newest chapter of the Retroist Podcast, where we're about to embark on a flavorful journey that might just reignite a spark of nostalgia in your taste buds. Hold onto your hats, folks, because today's episode is all about the Pizza Hut classic that time almost forgot – the delectable Italian Pie, or as it was affectionately known, the Priazzo. First up, let's take a trip down m...

Welcome to the newest episode of the Retroist Podcast! This time, we're diving into the 1980s comedy classic, Twins. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane and relive the hilarity of this star-studded gem. Before we jump into the film, I want to share a personal connection I have to its production. It might be a minor connection, but for me and my family, it meant weeks of endless bragging and...

Hey there, and welcome to a special milestone—the 300th episode of the Retroist Podcast! Today, I'm diving into the world of one of the most iconic console games of its time—The Legend of Zelda. If you were a gamer in the '80s, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about! Before we embark on this journey through Hyrule, let me take you back to my own memories of receiving and playing The Legend of Z...

Welcome to the first episode of the 16th season of the Retroist Podcast. Today, we're diving into the captivating world of the 1980 cult film classic, "My Bodyguard." This movie holds a special place in my heart, and I'm thrilled to finally share my deep appreciation for it in this episode. To kick things off, I open up about my own personal experiences with bullying when I entered high school. It...

On this episode of the Retroist Podcast I talk all about the fast food phenomenon that took the world by storm in the early eighties, McDonald's Chicken McNuggets.

On this all new episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk all about the sometimes overlooked transforming robot toys, The Gobots.

On this all new episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk all about the 1986 childhood-damaging animated classic, Transformers the Movie.

On this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk all about the amazing Marvel Comics run of, The Transformers.  I discuss the people who made it happen, the differences between the US and UK version, and much more

On Part 2 of the Retroist Podcast's ongoing series on The Transformers, I continue our walk down memory lane by covering the iconic 80s cartoon, from its rushed beginnings to its longer term cultural impact.

In this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I delve into the world of the original Transformers toys. I share my personal experiences playing with these toys with my friends, as we attempted to turn them into a kind of role-playing game. I also explore the history of these iconic toys, from their inception to the reception they received when they first hit the market. I discuss the people who made it...