Whether during indoor recess or a weekend with friends, we couldn't get enough of those fun, silly, amazing, frustrating board games of the 80's. Whether commanding troops or sliding chutes, using our brains or leaving it to chance, we tear through the games of yore like hungry hippos, exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly. Games like Mouse Trap, Pictionary, Connect Four, Risk, Clue, Life, Mall Madness, Crossfire, the dreaded Monopoly, and too many more to name, we explore our cherished memo...
Sep 26, 2022•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 46
When the bulldozers arrive and the goons start harassing, it seems all is lost for our group of tenants in their historic, lone apartment building in the Lower East Side. What they need is a miracle. And who should answer the call but two little sentient spaceships hungry for metal, dying for power, and eager to start a family. The Fix-Its bring joy not only to our downtrodden residents but to us as the audience. Can our alien pals foil the big bad's plans and repair everything that's been lost?...
Sep 12, 2022•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 45
After taking his first accordion lesson at the age of six, "Weird Al" Yankovic catapulted from Lynnwood, CA to become one of the greatest parody (and accordion) artists of all time! Michael Jackson to Madonna, George Harrison to Nirvana, Weird Al flipped our perspective of cool on its head and gave us catchy, hilarious tunes that were sometimes better earworms than the originals. Just in time for this fall’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” and his current 2022 tour, join us as we travel back to t...
Jun 07, 2022•2 hr 6 min•Ep. 44
In the 1980's, we would do anything to convince our parents to roll through the drive-thru just for the chance to snag the latest toy from our favorite cartoon or movie. Whether you longed for Barbie or Hot Wheels, McRobots or Boo Buckets, cruise on back with us to discover the hotly debated origin of kids meals, unlock the memories of your favorite prizes, and find out how the fast food chains have fared amidst the legal battles, health concerns, and plastic waste. Support the show by tossing u...
May 23, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 43
When Gordon Shumway smashed through the roof of the Tanner's home 36 years ago, his blunt, sarcastic, comedic quips made him our favorite Alien Life Form. Whether you saw yourself as an ALF mocking humanity’s strange behaviors and beliefs or as a Willie trying to kick out that annoying family member LONG after the party was over, these four seasons had an undeniable impact on pop culture. We peek behind the puppet and beneath the stage, uncovering the drama on set and figuring out if this show p...
May 10, 2022•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 42
Join us as we set off on a globetrotting adventure, following a trail of discarded kettles, walking sticks, snorkels, and more in search of the most elusive champion of hide-and-seek to ever grace the pages of our childhoods. Whether you knew him as Wally or Waldo, Martin Handford’s incredibly detailed and delightful illustrations had us peering into rich scenes of Hollywood sets and epic pirate battles, magnifying glass in-hand, muttering to ourselves, “Where’s Waldo?” Support the show by tossi...
Apr 26, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 41
Only the cleverest SCUMM could solve these puzzles! Grab two of your iconic friends - Bernard, Jeff, Michael, Razor, Syd, or Wendy - and boldly enter the kooky Edison Mansion to save your ensnared girlfriend, Sandy Pantz! We’re headed back to 1987 to explore the cult classic video game from LucasFilm Games, Maniac Mansion. This game is full of iconic music, foundation-building game systems, and enough creative twists, turns, and cyphers to make you wonder, “did a dastardly meteor and two unlikel...
Apr 11, 2022•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 40
When something strange goes bump in the night, who ya gonna call? The REAL Ghostbusters! That's right, we're dusting off the Ecto-1 and traveling back to the cartoon spinoff that expanded the franchise in a bid to sell us awesome toys... and it worked! And we get into all the ghoulish details, from the rivalry brewing with Filmation's Ghost Busters to the controversial decisions to change the cartoon, as well as the metaverse of Garfield and the coolest toilet toy ever. And as a bonus to you AMS...
Mar 29, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 39
Every kid in the 80s remembers the craze that hit the schoolyards and drugstores overnight... the arrival of those colorful wax packs of Garbage Pail Kids. Adam Bomb, Nasty Nick, New Wave Dave, Phony Lisa... with misfits and mayhem on every card, the characters we came to love were reviled by parents, banned in schools, slapped with a lawsuit, and even turned into one of the worst movies ever. And it's no surprise with their depictions of murder, mutilation, drugs, guns, and gross-out humor... t...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 38
Dust off your stereo and dig out those old cassette tapes, because in this episode we're going back to the lost art of making mix tapes (mixtapes). Whether crafting a message for your crush, mixing a sweet road trip playlist, or looking back on hip hop culture's influence on getting your DJ sets into the public, we reminisce on all the feels that made this phenomena so memorable and connect the dots to where we are today. Press play and record, listeners, you don't want to miss this one. Support...
Feb 28, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 37
If laughter is the best medicine, get ready for a triple dose of humor revisiting the stand-up comedy of Elayne Boosler. She broke through the industry to become the first female comedian to have a one-hour cable special, then went on to create two more in the 80's alone. With charisma and candor, Elayne works through her material effortlessly and seamlessly, weaving comedy gold from single life, double standards, dating, baseball, and so much more. So order your two drinks and give some love as...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 36
It was the dance fitness sensation that swept the nation--and the world! And we asked Jazzercise instructor Whitney to stop by and show us the moves that made Jazzercise a household name and a flourishing business, all thanks to the tireless energy of its founder Judi Sheppard Missett. And if you think this was an exercise craze of the past, think again! This episode is all about fun, community, empowering women, and of course, steamrolling a few dirtbags. Support the show by tossing us some lun...
Jan 18, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 35
Ben & Chris share a sneak peek of a typical day at 80's High, along with a handful of episode highlights from 2021. 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! -- Teacher's Pets -- Join the Class of 80's High: 80shighpodcast@gmail.com Follow on Instagram: @80shighpodcast and Twitter: @high_80s Theme song by Greg Reed at gregreedmusic.com Cover art by Alex Goddard at alexgoddarddesign.co...
Jan 10, 2022•4 min
When it comes to quintessential Christmas movies, who can deny the nostalgic tale of Ralphie and his memories of that one particular Christmas when all he wanted was a Red Ryder carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time. So let's take a fond look back at this holiday hallmark, chock full of brilliant scenes, witty dialogue and narration, and all the characters we know like our own family. You'll come for the leg lamp, decoder ring...
Dec 21, 2021•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 33
Come dream with us tonight, as we pop in our cassettes and tune into the magical world of Teddy Ruxpin, his pals Grubby and Newton Gimmick, and the world of Grundo. We learn all about Teddy's Disney origins, Nintendo connections, and spin-offs that include a cartoon, live-action show, Teddy 'n Chill, and a new doll design with eyes your nightmares won't soon forget. For extra credit, count how many times Ben gripes about animal species and Chris throws around the term janky. Support the show by ...
Dec 09, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 32
Buckle up traveling listeners, we're taking to sky, rail, and road to relive the three-day misadventures of Neal Page and Del Griffith in this delightful John Hughes film. Is it a buddy comedy, road trip movie, or a Thanksgiving classic? The answer is yes! We laugh through the litany of F-bombs, near misses, slapstick antics, and memorable cast. We cry at the heartfelt moments Steve Martin and John Candy beautifully bring to life. And most of all, we marvel at all the Bacon! So join us to revisi...
Nov 23, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 31
Enter the magical world of Fraggles, Doozers, Gorgs, and Silly Creatures as we revisit one of the most beloved, charming kids series ever created that not only entertained your socks off but strove to achieve world peace and end war in the process. No, really! So grab your radish sticks, find a hole in the wall, and dance your cares away... we're going back down to Fraggle Rock. Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast . Write an 80's inspired note when you do,...
Nov 09, 2021•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 30
The foulest stench is in the air, so we're dusting off the funk of 40,000 years with the iconic 14-minute short film/music video that changed every game in entertainment. Classmate Reagen joins us for a howling discussion of MJ's legendary Thriller album, track, and video, as well as musings on moonwalking, Ola Ray, popcorn gifs, werecat dating tips, and so much more. Can you dig it? Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast . Write an 80's inspired note when yo...
Oct 27, 2021•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 29
It was a genre that defined a generation of horror, from every hidden stalker trope to the teens who just wanted to have fun. Movie aficionado and classmate Mikey joins us as we talk through how slasher films came into existence, hit a fever pitch in the mid-80s, and gave way to 90's horror and beyond. We hit the highlights--and many lowlights--that made these movies the unstoppable monsters they were. So stay together, lock your doors, and don't you dare wander off alone... because we're talkin...
Oct 19, 2021•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 28
Join us for a sprawling conversation of a sewer clown, the Losers Club, Lovecraftian horror, the giant space turtle, and the "miasma of events" that brings this haunting tale to life! Author Allison Dickson, our resident Kingophile, sits with us to talk through the 1986 novel, as well as the 1990 miniseries, the 2017/2019 movies, the macroverse, and the man behind it all. Come down here with us, and you'll. float. too. Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast ....
Oct 11, 2021•2 hr 20 min•Ep. 27
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 see what lurks on the exomoon LV-426. Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/...
Oct 04, 2021•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 26
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 sounds and smells that take us back, and all the little things that made summer break so special. S...
Jun 21, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 25
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 international embargos by flying to South Africa during Apartheid, and created one of the most successful albums...
Jun 14, 2021•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 24
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, Patterson-Gimlin footage, and a slew of pop culture portrayals of our favorite elusive woodland ape....
Jun 07, 2021•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 23
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 epic prehistoric "um, actually" of whether the brontosaurus ever existed. Get A.M.P.'d, you're a Dino-...
May 31, 2021•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 22
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 everyday characters. Extra credit if you correctly guess how many times we say "clearly" and how m...
May 17, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 21
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 sequels. Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast . Write an 80's insp...
May 10, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 20
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 goalie mask, pad up, and meet us on the rink! Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko...
May 03, 2021•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 19
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 back and do our best to riff the riffers of MST3K! Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 18
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 room floor concepts, and the head-scratching folklore of actual tanukis. So tune in, power up, and put...
Apr 19, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 17
