1980s Now

1980s Now is a weekly examination of the importance of 80s pop culture and its continued influence today. We demonstrate that nostalgia alone doesn’t account for the contemporary fascination with our favorite decade. Instead, we share personal experiences and interview experts--including icons from 80s music, movies and TV--to demonstrate the “era of greed” bore the greatest moments in movies, music, television and sports. The show is equally entertaining and informative. (80s is aka '80s.)

New Road House, Buck Rogers and Kwamé

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction5:15 - Two unrelated Road House sequels14:15 - Two unrelated Bond sequels in 198325:15 - New Buck Rogers movie27:40 - Two unrelated Buck Rogers properties33:35 - New  Doja Cat track samples Knight Rider40:25 - 35-Year Old rap streak broken46:40 - Check out Kwamé's new album53:40 - New 1982 Tron collectibles59:35 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

11-11
01:01:11

Bringin' the 80s Funk with Chris Commisso

In a special interview, Will speaks with singer, songwriter, and producer, Chris Commisso. Chris' crafts tracks that are both unique to his sensibilities and yet authentic to the 1980s-era funk that inspires him. His nostalgic lyrics are wittier versions of our unvoiced desires to return to our youths. Follow the links below to learn more about Chris and hear his music.0:00 - Introduction1:30 - InterviewFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowGet our new book Totally Bogus (But True) at Amazon.Visit Chris at https://chriscommisso.com/.Listen to Chris on Spotify.See Chris' videos on YouTube.

11-04
39:13

You Can't Afford The Jim Henson Auction

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction5:15 - Back to the Future's Delorean injured Michael J. Fox10:41 - Apologizing to people from your past13:28 - Michael J. Fox met Eric Stolz for the fist time17:35 - The Jim Henson Company is auctioning off our youths39:30 - What collectible would you buy, if you could?32:35 - Is Last Rites the most boring ghost story?43:20 - Suzanne Somers’ widower created a bot of the deceased actor50:45 - Suzanne Somers was fired from Three's Company57:15 - Olympian Ben Johnson’s story is hilarious1:12:00 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

10-28
01:14:29

MTV Is Out, Retro Theme Parks Are In

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction5:30 - MTV cuts music in UK17:15 - Waiting for Bill & Ted 427:50 - Retro theme park is coming41:00 - Stranger Things finale will be satisfying49:00 - The Lost Boys music has released a song58:55 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

10-21
01:03:00

Tron: Ares - Gen X Review

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction3:15 - Something Wicked Has Come to Disney+12:45 - Zelda Williams Asks Fans to Stop Sending Her AI Robin Williams24:15 - Prime Video UK Disarmed James Bond37:23 - Tron: Ares - Non-Spoiler Review51:25 - Tron: Ares - Spoiler-Filled Review1:24:00 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

10-14
01:26:55

What Angela Lansbury Can Teach Us

In a special interview, Will chats with Lily Hirsch about her new book Nowhere to Go but Up: What Angela Lansbury Can Teach Us about Living a Big Life." In it, Lily weaves the history of the star's most memorable roles within each chapter while exploring her approach to life. Plus, discover new insights into Murder, She Wrote thanks to new research materials and interviews with some of the show's primary players.0:00 - Introduction2:00 - InterviewFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowGet Lily's new book Nowhere to Go but Up here.

10-10
39:25

80s Horror Movies Continue to Inspire

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction4:50 - Mysterious box art for the Atari 2600 game Challenge8:30 - Its connection to A Nightmare on Elm Street13:38 - Challenge game play is not Ghostbusters16:15 - The Cooper-Tawain Pitfall knockoff19:25 - Netflix's Haunted House is full of 80s homages25:42 - Poltergeist haunted house at Unviersal Hollywood29:12 - Keenan Thompson is rebooting Sleepaway Camp39:40 - A new Halloween video game is coming to consoles49:41 - Two 80s horror movies influenced Good Boy59:00 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

10-07
01:03:19

Genre-Swapping Movies

Will chats with Dustin Morrow, film expert and host of The Long Rewind, about 80s movies that switched genres. Consider Alien to Aliens and Evil Dead to Evil Dead II. Is this a strategy new reboots should employ?0:00 - IntroductionFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowFind out more about Dustin and The Long Rewind here.Get our new book Totally Bogus (But True) at Amazon.

09-30
01:06:37

Kirk, Khan and Anaconda Are Back!

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction5:00 - Breaking dancing at city council17:00 - The Greatest American Hero is back26:30 - Khan is back40:15 - Kirk is back too44:44 - A Shining character is in Welcome to Derry55:25 - Anaconda meta reboot1:05:00 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!Visit us at LA Comic Con on September 28! Go to https://www.comicconla.com/ for more information.

09-23
01:08:13

The Power of the 80s with Katelyn Sue

In a special interview, Will speaks with social media influencer Katelyn Sue (1980s.nostalgia) about the comfort and inspiration she found in 80s pop culture.0:00 - Introduction4:50 - InterviewFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowGet our new book Totally Bogus (But True) at Amazon.Follow Katelyn on Instagram @1980s.nostalgia.

09-16
49:04

The Craziest CHiPs Episode (Live)

Recorded before a live at RetroCon, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the two of the zaniest episodes of the 1980s NBC TV show CHiPs.0:00 - Rock Devil Rock24:30 - The Spaceman Made Me Do ItFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

09-09
39:12

Alien: Earth X Blade Runner

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction6:35 - Stranger Things breakfast cereal12:45 - Does Gen X still eat cereal?23:57 - Knight Rider: The Movie34:41 - Apollonia sues Prince's estate for her name43:44 - The Police sue Sting for royalties 56:40 - The Alien: Earth – Blade Runner connection1:11:13 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!Visit us at RetroCon on September 6! Go to https://retrocons.com/ for more information.

09-02
01:13:14

Who is the Toxic Avenger?

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction7:00 - Haunted by Eddie Van Halen’s ghost17:00 - Star Trek IV technology is a reality28:00 - Ghostbusters fan film - Ghostbusters: New Orleans39:00 - Who is the Toxic Avenger?55:00 - Toxie's unrated "monster dong"1:06:00 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

08-26
01:08:48

Is Slime Headed to NYC?

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction3:50 - A Ghostbusters 2-looking blob is headed for NY14:00 - Images of Lego’s 9,000 piece Death Star leaked27:00 - TJ Hooker is back—and he’s hilarious36:00 - Tron: Ares gets a Hard PG-131:04:15 - Wizard of Oz has received the AI treatment1:20:54 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

08-19
01:23:56

I Love the 80s with Ivan Doroschuk of Men Without Hats

In a special interview, Will speaks with Ivan Doroschuk, founding member and frontman of the iconic 80s band Men Without Hats.0:00 - Introduction20:00 - InterviewFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowLearn more about Men Without Hats at https://www.safetydance.com/.Get our new book Totally Bogus (But True) at Amazon.

08-12
50:51

Ozzy Went Out Like Rock Star

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction6:30 - Spinal Tap 2 Trailer15:25 - Alien Earth: Should humanity survive?27:30 - Is space object headed toward Earth hostile?36:56 - Ozzy Osborne has died47:00 - Hulk Hogan has died (and copied Superstar Billy Graham)1:05:35 - Puppet versions of monster cereal mascots1:16:30 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

08-05
01:18:08

Superman Is Political, Duh

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction4:10 - Announcements5:15 - Are payphones needed?19:30 - Pee-wee’s bike is finally at the Alamo, no really29:20 - You can now get married at Taco Bell35:40 - Chuck E. Cheese to open adult arcade42:45 - Superman Hasn’t Suddenly Gotten Political, We Have1:15:15 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

07-29
01:17:49

Restoring the Goonies House with James Pearse Connelly

In a special interview, Will speaks with Emmy-Award winning production designer James Pearse Connelly, who just helped restore the legendary Walsh House from the 1985 cult classic The Goonies. The project, spearheaded by Connelly alongside the new homeowner and devoted Goonies superfan, Behman Zakeri, brought the house back to its 1980’s movie glory in time for the film's 40th anniversary on June 7, 2025.0:00 - Introduction8:50 - InterviewFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowLearn more about James Pearse Connelly at https://studioconnelly.com/.Get our new book Totally Bogus (But True) here.

07-22
40:35

Masquerade: The Scandalous 80s Treasure Hunt

Will is joined by Meg and Jessica from Desperately Seeking the 80s. Will shares the unlikely, but true, story of Masquerade, the book that changed gaming.In 1979, a seemingly innocuous picture book actually concealed clues to the location of a golden prize. Once the secret was out, it inspired a real-life treasure hunt, a decade-long scandal, and a genre of video games that followed.0:00 - Introduction12:27 - Masquerade1:19:50 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

07-15
01:21:56

The Running Man Trailer and More

Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction3:42 - Announcements6:45 - Martin Kove bit co-star15:45 - New The Blues Brothers graphic novel27:44 - Unaltered Star Wars is bad39:24 - New Running Man trailer47:13 - New video store documentary54:50 - Even younger Frankenstein 1:13:17 - Wrap Up and Thank YouFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snowRead our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s!

07-08
01:14:43

Alexander Huang

Love this podcast! Loved hearing about Tom Higgenson's memories of the 80s. They discussed his solo project (Million Miler, from Humans Were Here).

03-29 Reply

Stephanie Hellemeyer

1980s Now is reminiscent about the greatest decade. Listen to Tom Higgenson as he discussed his new solo project Million Miler on his Humans Were Here record label. Find out what sitcom is getting a reboot.

03-18 Reply

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