It probably should have never happened. But as Muhammad Ali made his way to the ring on the night of December 11th, 1981, no one knew what to expect. A year prior, Ali faced off against Larry Holmes in a fight that was not only hard to watch but resulted in Ali's trainer stopping the fight. That should have been it--but Ali didn't want to go out like that. This led to the 'Drama in the Bahamas,' Muhammad Ali's very last professional fight. Today, we look back on how this event came to be, why no...
Nov 22, 2023•27 min
If you're checking out this podcast about the 1980s, there's also a good chance that the movies of Steven Spielberg probably had a major impact on you. Between directing, writing, and producing; Steven Spielberg was involved with 24 different movies throughout the 1980s. Many of those are not just some of the best films of the decade--but ever. Today, we look back on all of Steven Spielberg's work in the 80s, the joy and entertainment he brought millions, and how he forever influenced movie maki...
Nov 15, 2023•37 min
Hold on, something doesn't seem right here... Did you have that same reaction back in 1988 the first time you got to play Super Mario Brothers 2? For a new generation familiar with the original Mario Brothers game for the NES, the follow-up felt like quite a departure. But there was a reason for this, and today, we look back on the story behind the creation of Super Mario Bros. 2. An early version of Super Mario 2 was created, then abandoned, and it was a pre-existing Japanese game that allowed ...
Nov 08, 2023•32 min
Have you ever dreamt about traveling back in time? Well, I got to experience that when I visited one of the last fully functioning video rental stores--and you're coming along for the trip. Today, I'm in Southwestern Ontario to visit Jumbo Video, a video store that's continued to run since the late 80s. We meet the owners who have been there since day one, learn more about the days when video rental was white-hot, and find out what video rental looks like in our modern age. Support the show and ...
Nov 01, 2023•32 min
It's Spooky Season, and what better way to pay tribute to it than to look back on the definitive 1980s horror movie franchise: Friday the 13th. Freddy and Michael Myers were big in the 1980s, but when it came to dominating the silver screen: it was all about Jason. Today, we look back on the movies that, except for two years, had a new release for every other year in the 80s. It's a look back on how these movies came together, why Jason wore a hockey mask, and the legacy of this iconic franchise...
Oct 25, 2023•34 min
Well, that sure escalated quickly... What started out as a new marketing campaign to sell more dried fruit, quickly grew into a bona fide pop culture phenomenon. This is the story of The California Raisins, the Claymation hit from the 80s that not only sold a lot of raisins but became a moneymaking sensation in the process. Toys, albums, and TV specials: let's look back at how The California Raisins quickly cemented themselves as a huge part of the 1980s. Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s...
Oct 18, 2023•29 min
Some were epic. Others were devastating. But they were all unforgettable... There is no better way to sum up the big sporting moments of the 1980s. Today we look back on ten of the biggest moments in sports that best define the decade. Joy, upsets, and heartbreak; in the 80s we witnessed moments that transcended sports. From basketball and hockey to soccer, tennis, baseball--and numerous Olympic games--the 1980s gave us sporting memories to last a lifetime. Support the show and get bonus audio c...
Oct 11, 2023•30 min
You may have thought that 8-track faded away in the 70s along with disco and bell bottoms. But in actuality, 8-track continued into the 80s—and well into the 80s, lasting much longer than many people realize. This is the story of the final days of 8-track, the music format that was able to hang in there because of cars, toys, and a certain record and tape club. Cassette tapes would eventually rule the landscape, but 8-track laid the groundwork, and this is a tale that includes Private Jets, Dick...
Oct 04, 2023•36 min
What do you get when you combine customer feedback cards, a phone hotline, and a free newsletter? You get Nintendo Power Magazine, the must-have companion to the NES. But this magazine did more than just help us beat Zelda 2. It also served as a strategic form of marketing to not only advertise upcoming games but also gather invaluable customer insights in the process. Today, it's the story of Nintendo Power Magazine, its origins, incredible success, and long-lasting legacy. Bonus 1980s Content:...
Sep 27, 2023•38 min
It should have been impossible... Based on the limits of broadcast and satellite technology in 1985, it was a miracle that Live Aid even happened. But what took place on Saturday, July 13, was nothing short of astounding; Bob Geldof's benefit concert featuring the biggest musical acts in the world, held in two countries, and beamed around the world. This is the story of Live Aid, the event from 1985 that was both an organizational and technological wonder. It’s the event that created awareness o...
Sep 20, 2023•31 min
The 1980s weren't exactly a golden age for Disney animated features. Maybe a new cartoon film based on a series of books could usher in an exciting new era of Disney animation. That film was The Black Cauldron; a movie that took a long time to make, cost a fortune, and created a lot of backlash. And it almost sunk Disney animation for good... Bonus 1980s audio content: Patreon.com/80s
Sep 13, 2023•29 min
Headbands, legwarmers, and spandex... In the 1980s, these things started to appear everywhere. It was a time when fitness, aerobics, and health clubs began to take center stage. Activities that used to be more niche--like aerobics and bodybuilding--quickly became mainstream. Today we look back on the fitness explosion of the 80s, the people (and celebrities) that helped make it popular, and the technology that allowed it to grow like wildfire. Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s...
Sep 06, 2023•41 min
The 1980s gave us an explosion of new cartoon shows. But with so many new shows and characters, someone had to voice them all. It was even better if you could have the same person perform multiple voices. If you don't know the name Frank Welker--but grew up in the 80s--you've definitely heard his voice. This is a look back on the incredible career of the man who was the voice of the 80s, and is in more TV shows and movies than you could even imagine... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s...
Aug 30, 2023•31 min
If they were people, they'd officially be over the hill... Today we look back on 12 classic albums that are somehow forty years old now. These are the albums of 1983, a genuinely astonishing time for music. And this list is the epitome of a mixed bag; classic rock, pop, new wave, and multiple forms of heavy metal. it's a year that will go down in music history. 1983 is also the year that featured the debut releases of some of the biggest artists in history, along with a carryover from 1982 that ...
Aug 23, 2023•30 min
Which path will you choose? That was the question that faced millions of kids during the 1980s. The Choose Your Own Adventure books felt like part story/part game, but every time you picked one up: it was always different. This is a look back on the unique books, their phenomenal success, and some brilliant marketing that led to the sale of hundreds of millions of copies. And it all began with a bedtime story... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s...
Aug 16, 2023•26 min
No one was safe... If the greatest player the game had ever seen could be traded, it meant every athlete in every sport could also be moved. For many in Canada, this was also a 'where were you when' moment. This is a look back at the summer of 1988 and the shocking National Hockey League trade that took Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. It's the trade that shocked a city--and a country--and forever changed the landscape of not only professional hockey but the entir...
Aug 09, 2023•34 min
It seemed like a 'whatever could go wrong, did go wrong' situation... as passengers in Montreal boarded their plane on July 23rd, 1983, little did they know they were about to become part of one of the most astonishing events in aviation history. This is a look back on Air Canada Flight 143, a remarkable flight that combined mathematical errors, heroic bravery, and many 'what if?' scenarios... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s...
Aug 02, 2023•24 min
It was the sequel that was never meant to be... Coming off the phenomenal success of Back to the Future, there was no choice but to create a follow-up. This, however, presented a lot of problems but ultimately resulted in one of the greatest trilogies of all time. Welcome to a free sample of the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast found over at Patreon.com/80s. Today we look back at the movie that is both a sequel and a prequel, gave us a glimpse into the future, and did something quite unique g...
Jul 26, 2023•29 min
As the 1970s finally came to a close, it was time for a brand new decade. Hopefully, this would be one full of hope, joy, prosperity, and technological advancements that would not only entertain us but make our lives easier. This is a look back on the year 1980 and all the big pop culture moments that took place; including the music, movies, TV shows, technology, and sports. But, there was still political unrest and this was a year that also featured the election of a man that would be a key fig...
Jul 19, 2023•33 min
When Return of the Jedi hit theatres in May 1983, there was a bittersweet feeling connected to it. Yes, there was enormous hype for the third and final installment in the Star Wars saga. But, as far as we knew it at the time, this was the very end of Star Wars. Let's look back on the movie that signified the end of one chapter but also marked the beginning of a whole new era... Special guest: Fred Kennedy Fred's Podcast: Mud 79: A Fan-Made Star Wars Story Twitter: @Fearless_Fred Instagram: @fear...
Jul 12, 2023•35 min
Entering the second half of the 80s, the PC was gaining prominence in our homes. But so too was an unwelcome guest... As homes and schools were being filled with IBMs and Commodore 64s, two brothers had created software that would take the world by storm--but in all the wrong ways. This is the story of the 'Brain' computer virus; a rude awakening to how vulnerable our technology really was. The Everthing 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s...
Jul 05, 2023•30 min
In part 1 of this two-part series, we met the Ninja Turtles, their creators, and witnessed the launch of the comic book. At the end of part 1, we left off with the Ninja Turtles about to hit it big with the cartoon series. Today, we travel back to witness Turtlemania running wild... This is a look back on one of the biggest toy booms of all time and the rapid growth of one of the most successful franchises in pop culture history. And how do you follow up on all this amazing success? Maybe with a...
Jun 28, 2023•30 min
It's the early 80s and two young artists are struggling to find their place in the world of comic books. But then, one night, everything would change forever... Welcome to part 1 of the history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In the first episode of a two-part series, we'll travel back to revisit the origins of the comic book series, learn about the creators, and witness the rapid rise of TMNT. But as quickly as they conquered comic store shelves--they would soon conquer the small screen......
Jun 21, 2023•31 min
A brand new decade was underway--but it began with a truly catastrophic event. Today, we travel back to May 1980 and the devastating eruption that took place in the Pacific Northwest. From a geological standpoint, it was a historic eruption that decimated the area and displayed the incredible power of nature. But, if not for some scientists, could have been much deadlier... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s
Jun 14, 2023•24 min
There are a handful of TV shows that perfectly represent the 1980s--and right at the top of the list is The A-Team. What began as a way to get NBC out of third place quickly became a ratings powerhouse, a merchandising juggernaut, and pop culture phenomenon. This is a look back on the show that no one believed in at first, but, based around a larger-than-life character, would go on to hold its own against some of the biggest shows of the decade. Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s...
Jun 07, 2023•30 min
What do you get when you take Chuck E. Cheese, Atari, Disney, and Lord of the Rings? You get one of the defining--and best-selling--toys of the 1980s: Teddy Ruxpin. This is a look back on the iconic toy that was so much more than a talking bear. It's a tale of technological advancement; a pioneering company making a huge splash; and a retail and media impact that we hadn't really ever seen before. Bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s...
May 31, 2023•30 min
Amazing movies? Check. Epic music? Check. Incredible TV shows, sports, and new technology? Check, check, and check. Today, we look back on what truly was a stand-out year for all things pop culture: 1988. Jump in the Deloreon and travel back with me 35 years to when a gallon of gas was under a dollar; we had TWO Olympic games; and our radios, TVs, and movie theatres were filled with some of the best entertainment the decade had to offer. -The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s...
May 24, 2023•37 min
While transforming robots and singing hologram cartoons were being created in the U.S., something interesting was happening in Canada. It was a new cartoon, based on some previous specials, but made in a more unique way than other cartoons at the time. The result was The Raccoons, a beloved 1980s series that stood out in an era of loud, flashing, and often violent cartoon shows. The Raccoons was also unique in that it--unlike its peers--wasn't created as a 22-minute commercial to sell toys. This...
May 17, 2023•28 min
As kids rushed into movie theatres in the summer of 1986, they had no idea what they were walking into. Excited to see their favorite cartoon on the big screen, an entire generation was about to experience what’s been called “the great toy massacre of 1986.” This is a look back on The Transformers: The Movie , a film that shocked and horrified legions of kids. Created purely for commercial reasons, this movie caught toy executives completely off guard as it revealed an unanticipated loyalty to a...
May 10, 2023•34 min
There really was nothing like it... Walking into a video store in the 1980s was like entering a whole new world of entertainment possibilities. And during the 80s, we lived through a true golden age of video rental. This is a look back on a rapidly changing era of technology and pop culture; it's a look back at the machine and the stores that changed the way we consume entertainment to this day; and it's also a look at how both the VCR and the video store as we know them almost never happened......
May 03, 2023•36 min
