Retroist Podcast

Travel back to the late '80s when television was full of mysterious and eerie stories. Monsters, a horror anthology series, was a hidden treasure during that time. Imagine flipping through channels on a quiet October evening and stumbling upon this captivating show. While it might not have been popular among everyone, for those who discovered it, Monsters was a thrilling experience. The series stood out due to its unique charm and captivating stories. Despite its low budget, talented writers, directors, and actors collaborated to bring each episode to life. The creators, often overlooked, crafted a world where supernatural elements dominated, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Monsters' music added to its mystique, enhancing the atmosphere and drawing viewers deeper into its chilling narratives. Though it was relatively unknown on television, the show gained a following through home video and cable TV releases, allowing fans to revisit their favorite episodes and introducing new audiences to its brilli

Welcome to the latest episode of the Retroist Podcast! Today, we're stepping back in time to revisit a hidden gem from the ABC vault: the made-for-TV movie, "The Midnight Hour". I begin this episode by sharing my personal memories of stumbling upon this film and the delightful nostalgia that washed over me, especially when I rediscovered it during my days working at the video store. But let's dive into the heart of the matter: "The Midnight Hour." I will talk about the people behind the camera, exploring the creative minds that brought this spooky and funny film to life. But the magic of the film doesn’t stop there. From the talented cast that breathed life into the characters to the hauntingly beautiful music that set the mood, every aspect of this film contributed to its unique charm. I'll guide you through the reception of "The Midnight Hour", shedding light on how this made-for-TV movie might be unjustly slipping under the radar during Halloween season. But you should give it a chance, because if you're i

Welcome to the Retroist Kool-Aid Podcast, where we're about to dive into the world of a tasty and refreshing beverage that has quenched our thirst for nostalgia for generations. This week, we're stirring up some sweet memories as we explore the colorful world of Kool-Aid. But before we take a sip of this flavorful journey, let me share a personal story about a miscalculation I made with some cherry Kool-Aid that haunted me for years. It's a tale of hubris that many of us can relate to, a reminder that sometimes our attempts to “have it all” don't quite go as planned. Now, let's delve into the heart of it all - Kool-Aid itself. This beloved drink mix has a rich history, stretching back to its creation and evolution over the years. We'll explore how this iconic beverage came to be, from its humble beginnings to its status as a beloved household staple. Kool-Aid isn't just a drink; it's a cultural phenomenon that has left its mark on advertising and pop culture. We'll dive into the colorful and memorable adverti

Welcome to a journey back to the charmingly quirky world of 1985, where Rustler's Rhapsody graced the big screen and left audiences with a reaction that was, sadly, less than rhapsodic. However, sometimes a film's true charm takes a bit longer to shine through, and for many, like myself, who discovered this hidden gem on cable, it was love at first viewing. Rustler's Rhapsody isn't just another Western parody; it's a loving tribute to the B Westerns of the 1930s and 1940s, capturing the essence of a bygone era, while making fun of it, with impeccable precision. Some may draw comparisons to the irreverent humor of Blazing Saddles, however, it's important to note that Rustler's Rhapsody had its own unique vision and intentions from the outset. In this all-new episode of the Retroist Podcast, we embark on a journey deep into the heart of Rustler's Rhapsody. We'll explore the talented individuals who brought this cinematic treasure to life, both in front of and behind the camera. From the production challenges to

On today’s Retroist Podcast as we delve into a more contemporary subject that hits close to home – the turn of the millennium musical festival, Woodstock '99. This marks the fourth episode of the newest season, a departure from my usual fare, but one that holds a special place in my heart. Why? Because I was there, not as a spectator, but as a worker, and today, I would like to share my experiences. Let's rewind the clock and imagine growing up in an era when the echoes of the original Woodstock still lingered in the air. I'll take you through my journey of hearing about the legendary festival, wondering what it was like, and pondering if my mom ever wished she'd been there. It's a trip down memory lane, one that leads us to the heart of Woodstock '99. Now, the details of the festival. From the planning stages to the pricing, from the anticipation to the reception, I'll guide you through the highs and lows of this musical extravaganza. And of course, we can't skip over the bands. We'll explore how things went

Step right into the newest chapter of the Retroist Podcast, where we're about to embark on a flavorful journey that might just reignite a spark of nostalgia in your taste buds. Hold onto your hats, folks, because today's episode is all about the Pizza Hut classic that time almost forgot – the delectable Italian Pie, or as it was affectionately known, the Priazzo. First up, let's take a trip down memory lane – specifically, my own memories as a youngster grappling with the concept of change. I gotta confess, I was not exactly what you'd call a change enthusiast. If you thought I'd readily hop on the "new and improved" pizza bandwagon just because it was scrumptious, well, I hate to burst your bubble, but you've clearly missed some key nuggets from my past podcast ramblings. Now, let's zero in on the star of the show – the Priazzo itself. This isn't your run-of-the-mill overnight sensation; it's a tale of patient culinary craftsmanship. We'll explore the slow and steady birthing process of this cheesy marvel, f

Welcome to the newest episode of the Retroist Podcast! This time, we're diving into the 1980s comedy classic, Twins. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane and relive the hilarity of this star-studded gem. Before we jump into the film, I want to share a personal connection I have to its production. It might be a minor connection, but for me and my family, it meant weeks of endless bragging and storytelling. It's those little moments that can make a movie even more special, don't you think? Now, let's talk about the film itself. We'll explore the talented cast that brought these quirky characters to life, the engaging plot that kept us laughing, the fantastic music that added to the overall charm, and all the incredible people working behind the camera, making the magic happen. Interestingly, Twins has received mixed reviews from modern audiences. But here's the thing – if you just watch it for what it is – a star-powered, silly, high-concept comedy – I truly believe you'll enjoy it. Sometimes, we just need

Hey there, and welcome to a special milestone—the 300th episode of the Retroist Podcast! Today, I'm diving into the world of one of the most iconic console games of its time—The Legend of Zelda. If you were a gamer in the '80s, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about! Before we embark on this journey through Hyrule, let me take you back to my own memories of receiving and playing The Legend of Zelda. I remember the excitement and wonder as I unwrapped the game, knowing it was something special. From the moment I popped that golden cartridge into my NES, I was hooked. The vast scope and intricate design of the game changed my gaming expectations forever. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of this gaming masterpiece. The game was developed by Nintendo, a company that has left an indelible mark on the gaming world. The Legend of Zelda first appeared on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)—a console that holds a special place in the hearts of gamers from that era. But what made this game truly exceptional

Welcome to the first episode of the 16th season of the Retroist Podcast. Today, we're diving into the captivating world of the 1980 cult film classic, "My Bodyguard." This movie holds a special place in my heart, and I'm thrilled to finally share my deep appreciation for it in this episode. To kick things off, I open up about my own personal experiences with bullying when I entered high school. It was a challenging time, but fortunately, I crossed paths with someone who stepped in and made my life so much better. Though our friendship only lasted for a single school year, his kindness continues to resonate with me to this day. After sharing my story, we dive headfirst into the film itself. I delve into the plot, the production process, the talented individuals involved, and the reception it received. Prepare yourself for a nostalgic trip as I sprinkle in some retro audio from that glorious time period, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the episode. "My Bodyguard" centers around Clifford Peache, a timid

On this episode of the Retroist Podcast I talk all about the fast food phenomenon that took the world by storm in the early eighties, McDonald's Chicken McNuggets.

On this all new episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk all about the sometimes overlooked transforming robot toys, The Gobots.

On this all new episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk all about the 1986 childhood-damaging animated classic, Transformers the Movie.

On this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk all about the amazing Marvel Comics run of, The Transformers.  I discuss the people who made it happen, the differences between the US and UK version, and much more

On Part 2 of the Retroist Podcast's ongoing series on The Transformers, I continue our walk down memory lane by covering the iconic 80s cartoon, from its rushed beginnings to its longer term cultural impact.

In this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I delve into the world of the original Transformers toys. I share my personal experiences playing with these toys with my friends, as we attempted to turn them into a kind of role-playing game. I also explore the history of these iconic toys, from their inception to the reception they received when they first hit the market. I discuss the people who made it all happen and the reasons for their lasting popularity, as the Transformers toys are still available for purchase today. It's amazing to think about the longevity of these toys, as they continue to captivate generations of fans. I highlight the numerous reasons why the Transformers toys are remarkable, including their intricate design, transformations, and compelling storylines. I hope this episode offers a nostalgic look at the original Transformers toys and their impact on popular culture.

On this new episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk all about the 1989 sci-fi buddy cop TV show, Alien Nation. This is an amazing show that exceeded the film and was canceled way too soon.  Join me as a take a look back at this wonderful series.

On this new episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk all about the 1988 sci-fi buddy cop classic, Alien Nation.  This is a great film with relatable themes that led to a great TV series.  I hope I can persuade you to check it out or rewatch it.  

On this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I discuss the 1989 romantic comedy classic, When Harry Met Sally.  This film is expertly constructed and worthy of your time. Hopefully by talking about it today, I can persuade you to check it out or revisit it.

On this episode of the Retroist Podcast I talk all about the Bill Murray Christmas classic, Scrooged. I enjoy this rough gem of a film and I hope I can convince you to rewatch or discover it for the first time.

On the newest episode of the Retroist Podcast, I talk all about “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” It is a rare instance of a film and sequel both becoming holiday classics.