This month we're discussing the child safety panic of the 80s in the US and UK, the funny and the terrifying.

This month we're discussing the child safety panic of the 80s in the US and UK, the funny and the terrifying.

Stranger Danger and 80s Childhood Propaganda

Melinda and Conrad discuss DeLorean: the man, the car, the myth - and what it's actually like to be in one!

DeLorean- The Story You Only Think You Know

When Melinda discovered Conrad hadn’t seen any of Sylvester Stallone’s classic filmography, she had to take action. What will Conrad think of Rocky, Rambo, and Over The Top? Find out in our latest show!

Classic Stallone Films: A Brit Reacts

Melinda and Conrad remember two fairy tale anthology shows from the 80s- Faerie Tale Theatre with Shelly Duvall and The StoryTeller by Jim Henson - and analyze the history of fairy tales in general. They also discuss their new obsession with the work of well-known Harvard folklore expert Maria Tatar.

Melinda and Conrad remember two fairy tale anthology shows from the 80s- Faerie Tale Theatre with Shelly Duvall and The StoryTeller by Jim Henson - and analyze the history of fairy tales in general. They also discuss their new obsession with the work of well-known Harvard folklore expert Maria Tatar.

Fairy Tale TV Shows of the 80s

Growing up in the 80s for many of us meant a constant awareness and fear of nuclear war, along with everything that would follow. We explore the media of the decade and how it reflected these fears, with a focus on The Day After (US, 1983) and Threads (UK, 1984) - TV movies with a big message.

Growing up in the 80s for many of us meant a constant awareness and fear of nuclear war, along with everything that would follow. We explore the media of the decade and how it reflected these fears, with a focus on The Day After (US, 1983) and Threads (UK, 1984) - TV movies with a big message.

Generation X and the Nuclear Nightmare

We discuss Ty Warner, Beanie Babies, and the lasting impact to the collecting world.

Beanie Babies: From Boom to Bust

Melinda and Conrad explore the trailblazing teen shows Degrassi Junior High and Grange Hill.

Melinda and Conrad explore the trailblazing teen shows Degrassi Junior High and Grange Hill.

High (Grange Hill and Degrassi Jr. High)

Melinda and Aaron take a journey back to 1989 and take a deep dive into the Abyss (pun very much intended) with special guests Conrad and Dan from Movie Oubliette. They may or may not be saved by benevolent aliens, but they’re guaranteed to spend longer underwater than they intended.

Melinda and Aaron take a journey back to 1989 and take a deep dive into the Abyss (pun very much intended) with special guests Conrad and Dan from Movie Oubliette. They may or may not be saved by benevolent aliens, but they’re guaranteed to spend longer underwater than they intended.

The Abyss (1989) with Movie Oubliette

We travel from the comic books of the 70s to George Lucas and Willard Huyck’s vision to Marvel’s current cinematic universe to discover Howard the Duck - trapped in a world he never made.

We travel from the comic books of the 70s to George Lucas and Willard Huyck’s vision to Marvel’s current cinematic universe to discover Howard the Duck - trapped in a world he never made.

Howard the Duck

Join Melinda and Aaron as they dive deep into the dumpster containing the Garbage Pail Kids- they discuss the cards, the film, the cartoon, and more!

Join Melinda and Aaron as they dive deep into the dumpster containing the Garbage Pail Kids- they discuss the cards, the film, the cartoon, and more!

Garbage Pail Kids

You know how your subconscious makes connections between things as you slip into sleep? Dreamland helps you do this while you’re awake by mapping out surprising links and shining a light down the rabbit hole of hilarious and bizarre stories about the GenX pop culture phenomena you only thought you knew.

A well produced and recorded show with lots of humor and nostalgia.

Fun and informative

If you like Retroblasting, then you&#39;ll like this.

Great!

Dreamland

Melinda and Aaron have fought through the COVID-19 malaise and are each back with a surprise topic. Melinda delves into what makes a great cover song, with a handful of interesting examples, while Aaron recalls our hopeful visions of space travel from the 80s.

Melinda and Aaron have fought through the COVID-19 malaise and are each back with a surprise topic. Melinda delves into what makes a great cover song, with a handful of interesting examples, while Aaron recalls our hopeful visions of space travel from the 80s.

Cover Songs and Space Travel 

We go through the sordid and contentious history of Showbiz and Chuck E. Cheese, and the entrepreneurs who fought it out to be 80s Pizza King: Nolan Bushnell and Aaron Fechter.

We go through the sordid and contentious history of Showbiz and Chuck E. Cheese, and the entrepreneurs who fought it out to be 80s Pizza King: Nolan Bushnell and Aaron Fechter.

Showbiz vs Chuck E. Cheese

Aaron, Melinda, and Tom debate the strengths, weaknesses, and fun facts surrounding the 1981 movie Clash of the Titans, which interestingly features no clashes or Titans.

Aaron, Melinda, and Tom debate the strengths, weaknesses, and fun facts surrounding the 1981 movie Clash of the Titans, which interestingly features no clashes or Titans.

Clash of the Titans, 1981

In honor of Thanksgiving, we celebrate with Addams Family Values – the origins, behind the scenes, and hilarity of this weirdly Thanksgiving-themed film.

In honor of Thanksgiving, we celebrate with Addams Family Values – the origins, behind the scenes, and hilarity of this weirdly Thanksgiving-themed film.

An Addams Family Values Thanksgiving

From 1977 to 1982 Leonard Nimoy guided us through a wide variety of strange phenomena on the syndicated, half-hour show “In Search Of.” On this episode of Dreamland, Melinda and Aaron learn a ton about Bigfoot from Spock himself, as well as special guest Tom Berges from I Grew Up Star Wars. In this episode we discuss four episodes spanning “Bigfoot,” "The Swamp Monster," "Monster Hunters," and "The Abominable Snowman."

From 1977 to 1982 Leonard Nimoy guided us through a wide variety of strange phenomena on the syndicated, half-hour show “In Search Of.” On this episode of Dreamland, Melinda and Aaron learn a ton about Bigfoot from Spock himself, as well as special guest Tom Berges from I Grew Up Star Wars. In this episode we discuss four episodes spanning “Bigfoot,” "The Swamp Monster," "Monster Hunters," and "The Abominable Snowman."

In Search Of... Bigfoot

We bring it back to metal with a discussion of Queensrÿche's 1988 concept album Operation: Mindcrime. It usually makes the top 10 of all metal concept albums, and was a staple for most metal fans growing up in the 80s. As a long-time fan, Melinda walks you through the details and Aaron provides his insights as a new listener. If you don't remember, you will now.

We bring it back to metal with a discussion of Queensrÿche's 1988 concept album Operation: Mindcrime. It usually makes the top 10 of all metal concept albums, and was a staple for most metal fans growing up in the 80s. As a long-time fan, Melinda walks you through the details and Aaron provides his insights as a new listener. If you don't remember, you will now.

Operation: Mindcrime

Michael joins Aaron and Melinda to discuss his favorite Christmas special, the Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by Rankin-Bass from 1985. Based on the 1902 book by L. Frank Baum (you know, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), it adds a pagany, Tolkien-esque, Dickensian feel to the holiday in an animagical way.

Michael joins Aaron and Melinda to discuss his favorite Christmas special, the Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by Rankin-Bass from 1985. Based on the 1902 book by L. Frank Baum (you know, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), it adds a pagany, Tolkien-esque, Dickensian feel to the holiday in an animagical way.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1985)

Tonight we welcome special guests Michael French from RetroBlasting and Tom Berges from www.igrewupstarwars.com. Tom talks about how he got into becoming a Droid Builder, and how far he has come with building his R2-D2, the robot that led to the interest in all the robots made in the 70s and 80s. We talk about some of the more interesting robots, including the Tomy robots, Lego robotics, Starroid Radio Robot, HERO 1 and TOPO, and Sico.

Tonight we welcome special guests Michael French from RetroBlasting and Tom Berges from <a href="http://www.igrewupstarwars.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.igrewupstarwars.com</a>. Tom talks about how he got into becoming a Droid Builder, and how far he has come with building his R2-D2, the robot that led to the interest in all the robots made in the 70s and 80s. We talk about some of the more interesting robots, including the Tomy robots, Lego robotics, Starroid Radio Robot, HERO 1 and TOPO, and Sico.

Robot Love (70s and 80s Robots)

Mystery Science Theater 3000 premiered in November, 1988 on a local access TV station in Minnesota and subsequently became a cult classic with geeky, sarcastic B-movie lovers worldwide. We take a stroll through one of our favorite shows. Join us, won’t you?

Mystery Science Theater 3000 premiered in November, 1988 on a local access TV station in Minnesota and subsequently became a cult classic with geeky, sarcastic B-movie lovers worldwide. We take a stroll through one of our favorite shows. Join us, won’t you?

MST3K Explosion

Melinda and Aaron delve into the world of crazed cults, serial killers, and arguably the most underrated Cannon film ever made- Cobra, starring Sylvester Stallone from 1986. Also - Brian Thompson is in it!

Melinda and Aaron delve into the world of crazed cults, serial killers, and arguably the most underrated Cannon film ever made- Cobra, starring Sylvester Stallone from 1986. Also - Brian Thompson is in it!

Cobra

Smurfs: communist woman haters or adorable 80s icons? Probably a little of both. From comics to cartoons, cereal to figurines, Italian villages and Smurf cosplayers, we give you a full overview of Smurfs.

Smurfs: communist woman haters or adorable 80s icons? Probably a little of both. From comics to cartoons, cereal to figurines, Italian villages and Smurf cosplayers, we give you a full overview of Smurfs.

Smurfs

Inspired by the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Night Terrors," Melinda and Aaron reflect on "REM," and its influence in all our lives. REM can mean so many things, the possibilities are almost endless. The discussion moves from R.E.M. the band, Freud and Jung dream theories, Neil Gaiman's Sandman comics, Flatliners, Dreamscape, A Nightmare on Elm Street (Parts 1 and 3), and The X-Files episode, "Sleepless." More information at: http://www.retroblasting.com/dreamland

Inspired by the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Night Terrors," Melinda and Aaron reflect on "REM," and its influence in all our lives. REM can mean so many things, the possibilities are almost endless. The discussion moves from R.E.M. the band, Freud and Jung dream theories, Neil Gaiman's Sandman comics, Flatliners, Dreamscape, A Nightmare on Elm Street (Parts 1 and 3), and The X-Files episode, "Sleepless." More information at: <a href="http://www.retroblasting.com/dreamland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.retroblasting.com/dreamland</a>

Reflections on REM and Nightmares

Melinda, Aaron, Michael, and Tom talk about their favorite classic PC games, spanning from 1983 to 1992! Also, Michael and Melinda reveal a project they worked on BEFORE the days of RetroBlasting... here's a hint: it's related to classic Star Trek!

Melinda, Aaron, Michael, and Tom talk about their favorite classic PC games, spanning from 1983 to 1992! Also, Michael and Melinda reveal a project they worked on BEFORE the days of RetroBlasting... here's a hint: it's related to classic Star Trek!

Classic PC Video Games from the 80s & 90s

Melinda and Aaron get into the Halloween spirit and talk about their favorite (spooky) Star Trek television episodes, including entries from everything through Enterprise. Grab some candy corn and Swedish Fish and reminisce along with them!

Melinda and Aaron get into the Halloween spirit and talk about their favorite (spooky) Star Trek television episodes, including entries from everything through Enterprise. Grab some candy corn and Swedish Fish and reminisce along with them!

Star Trek - The Spooky Episodes

Of all the amazing vehicle TV shows to choose from in the 80s, Stingray was the best one you probably didn’t watch. Featuring a classic ‘65 Corvette, a lone-wolf hero who is smarter and tougher than everyone and who has a heart of gold, and the most memorable music of any 80s show - if you haven’t seen it, you don’t know what you’re missing! Melinda and Aaron walk you through the pilot.

Of all the amazing vehicle TV shows to choose from in the 80s, Stingray was the best one you probably didn’t watch. Featuring a classic ‘65 Corvette, a lone-wolf hero who is smarter and tougher than everyone and who has a heart of gold, and the most memorable music of any 80s show - if you haven’t seen it, you don’t know what you’re missing! Melinda and Aaron walk you through the pilot.

Stingray (1985 TV Series)

On this special Halloween show, Tom Berges from www.igrewupstarwars.com joins us to revel in the spookiness of the scary urban legends we grew up with in Generation X!  Everything from poisoned candy to LSD tattoos to Bloody Mary is fair game as we get ready for tricks and treats.

On this special Halloween show, Tom Berges from <a href="http://www.igrewupstarwars.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.igrewupstarwars.com</a> joins us to revel in the spookiness of the scary urban legends we grew up with in Generation X!  Everything from poisoned candy to LSD tattoos to Bloody Mary is fair game as we get ready for tricks and treats.

Halloween Urban Legends from Generation X

The best things come in threes - comedic timing, fairy tale characters, and ancient gods. Unfortunately that isn't always the case with movie series. Our goal: pick 3 part 3 films from a franchise that we love or love to hate... and discuss. You'll never guess what we picked...

The best things come in threes - comedic timing, fairy tale characters, and ancient gods. Unfortunately that isn't always the case with movie series. Our goal: pick 3 part 3 films from a franchise that we love or love to hate... and discuss. You'll never guess what we picked...

Part 3 (of film franchises)

Melinda and Aaron delve into their favorite anthropomorphized cartoon animals in this 50/50 episode. First we reveal the origins and backstory of the groundbreaking animation classic The Secret of NIMH, followed by a discussion of themes in the 90s’ Rocko’s Modern Life.

Melinda and Aaron delve into their favorite anthropomorphized cartoon animals in this 50/50 episode. First we reveal the origins and backstory of the groundbreaking animation classic The Secret of NIMH, followed by a discussion of themes in the 90s’ Rocko’s Modern Life.

Secret of NIMH / Rocko's Modern Life

In another fun foray into Australian pop culture, Melinda gets Aaron to watch one of her all-time favorites, Dot and the Kangaroo. Is it really as sad as she remembers? Does the Bunyip actually exist and is it coming for us? Will there be a special mention of Dead Can Dance? Listen and find out.

In another fun foray into Australian pop culture, Melinda gets Aaron to watch one of her all-time favorites, Dot and the Kangaroo. Is it really as sad as she remembers? Does the Bunyip actually exist and is it coming for us? Will there be a special mention of Dead Can Dance? Listen and find out.

Dot and the Kangaroo (1977 film)

Melinda and Aaron revisit 1986, but a very different film this time! They discuss Crocodile Dundee - the good, bad, ugly, and possibly true story. Put on your teeth hat and grab your knife, we’re going back to the Bush!

Melinda and Aaron revisit 1986, but a very different film this time! They discuss Crocodile Dundee - the good, bad, ugly, and possibly true story. Put on your teeth hat and grab your knife, we’re going back to the Bush!

Crocodile Dundee

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Global Issues

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!