Retroist Retro Podcast

In 1989, the film classic, The Wizard, was released. While not a smash hit at the time, it has grown into a cult classic. In this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I discuss this film that is a lot more than just a feature-length commercial for Nintendo.

In 1987, Sid Meier’s Pirates! was released. It is a near perfect game that gets overshadowed by Meier’s other colossal accomplishment, Civilization. On this Retroist Podcast, I take a deeper look at the game’s inception, development, and follow-ups.

The Wizard was a short-lived show, but it captured the imagination of many who were lucky enough to see it. On this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk about this cult classic 80s TV show.

In 1974, The Year Without a Santa Claus, expanded the Christmas character canon by giving us more Mrs. Claus and introducing the Miser Brothers. On this episode of the show, we take a look at this holiday classic.

The Atari Lynx is a great "what if" in the history of hand-held consoles. Far from perfect, it was an interesting alternative to the Donkey Kong-sized gorilla that was the Game Boy. On this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I take a look back at the rise, fall, and legacy of the Atari Lynx.

On this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I discuss the 1983 cult classic TV show, Automan. This TRON-influenced show was short-lived, but it is well-remembered by people who watched it at the time.

In 1995, the techno-thriller, "The Net," hit theaters. It was a box office success, but it was also way ahead of its time on issues related to privacy and security that are still important today. On this episode of the Retroist, I take a look at this Nineties classic.

In 1967, Rankin/Bass' Mad Monster Part was released in theaters. A couple of years later they would start showing it on TV and for many it became a Halloween tradition. The newest episode of the Retroist Podcast is all about this underrated holiday classic.

On the newest episode of the Retroist Podcast, I take a look back at the 1985 horror comedy classic, Re-Animator, starring Jeffrey Combs.

GI Joe: The Movie went straight to video in 1987. It introduced a slew of new fun characters and has one of the best GI Joe vs. Cobra fights ever animated in the first five minutes.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero was one of the definitive cartoons of the eighties. While it accomplished its goals of selling toys, it also brought a very talented group of people together to create an enduring and well-remembered TV show.

GI Joe hit comic shelves in 1982 and would run for over a decade. On this episode of the Retroist Podcast I discuss the book, the talent behind it, and its rise and fall.

The resurgence of GI Joe in the 1980s was a high water mark for toys during that decade. On this episode of the Retroist Podcast I take a look at the history of the figures leading up to this monumental toy release.

I am happy to announce the next season of the Retroist Podcast is on its way. Here is what you can expect to hear this season.

To finish this season of the Retroist, I asked some people to share some of their own memories of subjects I covered during this season. I put them together in a new episode I am calling the "Memories Special."

On this episode of the Retroist Podcast I take a look at the history of the pizza-producing powerhouse Pizza Hut from its humble origins to its current status as a globally recognized food brand.

On this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk about the ground-breaking game, King's Quest. This was a genre redefining game brought to the world by the brilliant Roberta and Ken Williams.

The LaserDisc lasted for over two decades and was very influential on the optical formats that would follow in its footsteps. On this episode of the Retroist Podcast I discuss the LaserDisc from its inception to its demise just after the turn of the millennium.

Quincy ME was a groundbreaking show with a passionate and charismatic lead actor, Jack Klugman. It is one of my favorite TV shows and I am happy to cover it as my 250th episode of the Retroist Podcast.

The McRib is a fascinating bit of food science that refuses to be defeated. Time and again when it has been counted out, it starts appearing again. On this episode I discuss its history, creations and ability to endure.

The Atari Jaguar didn't last long, but it was an interesting attempt by an iconic company to jump back into an industry they helped to define. On this episode of the Retroist Podcast I discuss this too short-lived console.

In Search Of was a show that dealt with the mysterious and unexplained phenomena. Hosted by Leonard Nimoy, it was a popular show at the time and a cult hit now. It was also more influential on modern television than you realize.

Batman '89 was a cultural phenomenon. Its a good film, but the deeper you got into Batman and embraced Batmania, the more enjoyable it is. So join me as I jump back to 1989, put on my cowl and talk about Batman.

Defender is a fast-paced and innovative game, that belongs up there in the pantheon of most influential early arcade games. Not only was it a mega-hit, but it put into motion game trends that would help to define modern gaming.

In this episode of the Retroist Podcast I discuss the 1991 classic, The Rocketeer. This cult classic was epic in scope and has a slew of dedicated fans. I am one of them and couldn't wait to cover it in an episode.