In 1986, Clifford Stoll -- originally a Berkley Lab astronomer -- had become the manager of their computer department. One day, he noticed something, a small accounting glitch that seemed insignificant, but would become the first great Cold War hacking story.

One tiny clue led Clifford Stoll on a real-life digital spy chase that included West Germany, the KGB, and the most top-secret, classified information on earth.

In an era of dial-up phone lines and dot matrix printers, computer security wasn't given much priority, but this event would lead to the dawn of modern cybersecurity.

• Rambo movie review: Patreon.com/80s

The 1989 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics ended up being a historic one when it came to stats and records on the field. But this series would be famous for a much more serious reason: The Loma Prieta earthquake.

On October 14th, 1989, the highly anticipated cross-town series had created a buzz throughout the Bay Area. This was the first cross-town series in more than 3 decades. But on October 17th, just before game 3, everything changed forever...

This is a look back at what has been dubbed "the World Series earthquake," an event witnessed by millions of people watching the live broadcast. At first, those watching -- and those in attendance -- weren't quite sure of the magnitude of the quake. But, in the coming days, everyone learned how deadly serious it was. 

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It could not have come out at a better time...When the Happy Meal was first launched at the end of the 1970s, it entered the 1980s as the perfect merchandising vehicle.

Not only did the Happy Meal give us some of the most beloved toys and promotions of the decade, but it also ushered in a whole new era for McDonald's.

This is a look back at one of the most famous fast food items in history, an item with humble origins that quickly became a fast food juggernaut. 

We'll look back at the creation, launch, and the success of the childhood favorite,  some of those favorite Happy Meal toys and promotions, then a deep dive into the psychology that made the Happy Meal irresistible to kids. 

It's the story that includes breakfast cereals, Boss Hogg, French chefs, and, most importantly: Ronald Reagan...

• Get early access to new episodes, ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

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 one in the U.S. would hold it, all the problems leading up to the event, and how The Greatest managed to surprise everyone.

Bonus 1980s audio content: Patreon.com/80s

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 making.

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

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 for its North American release. Time restraints, computer chip shortages, and high expectations--it was the game that had everything going against it...

Support the show and get bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

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 get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

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.

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

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

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.

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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 Clark, the Sears Wishbook, and even Vincent Price...

Bonus 80s content: Patreon.com/80s

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: Patreon.com/80s

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 of the famine in Ethiopia, gave us iconic imagery, and featured one of the most legendary performances in music history…

• Check out the book Live Aid Runaways, available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Support the show & get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

It was a Sunday night like any other. But for those living in Chicago, it would be a night they would not soon forget. For those tuning in to WGN-TV, their broadcast was interrupted by the most unlikely of people, one of the most popular characters of the 1980s: Max Headroom.

Why did Max Headroom, or what appeared to be Max Headroom, now appear on their screens? Just as soon as this TV hijacking had begun, the screen went blank and normal programming resumed.

But just two hours later--it happened again. This time it was WTTW. But during this broadcast interruption, things got much more disturbing...

Today, we look back at one of the most bizarre unsolved mysteries of the 1980s: The Max Headroom Incident.

• Weird Science movie review: Patreon.com/80s

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

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

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

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 continued to dominate the charts...

Support the show & get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

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

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 entire sporting world...

Bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

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

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 going into the final installment.

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 figure in this new and transformative decade.

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

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: @fearless_fred

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Today, we delve into the fascinating--and somewhat controversial--creation of the movie rating that changed Hollywood forever: PG-13. 

Born out of the wave of 1980s blockbuster movies that pushed the boundaries of family entertainment, PG-13 was the solution to a rapidly growing problem: there was no middle ground between PG and R-rated movies. 

We'll look back at some of the 1980s movies that led to a call for change, and the two specific movies that pushed it over the edge--two movies connected to Steven Spielberg.

And it would be Spielberg himself who led the charge for a brand new rating, a rating that would change movies as we know them, and usher in a whole new era for how Hollywood made and marketed movies. 

• Weird Science movie review: Patreon.com/80s

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

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 movie...

Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

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...

Bonus 80s content: Patreon.com/80s

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 of Mount St. Helens 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

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

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

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

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 is a look back on the heartwarming series that became a true worldwide hit.

-Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

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 brand and characters.

The Everthing 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

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...

-Get access to The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

The 1980s were a time of tremendous innovation and creation. It's the decade that gave us the Walkman, the PC, the Space Shuttle, the Compact Disc, and a wave of groundbreaking inventions that helped shape the world we live in today.

But not everything from the 1980s could be a hit. In this episode, we'll take a look at several inventions from the 1980s that were ambitious, revolutionary--but complete flops... If you like retro tech or 1980s pop culture, this episode is a blend of both. 

From forgotten gadgets, computers, video games, and even some food items, these failures help tell the story of one of the most innovative and transformative decades in history. 

• Get early access to new episodes, ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

Don't call it a comeback... Even though the sitcom had lost some steam at the start of the 1980s, in the second half of the decade, they were back--and better than ever.

Join me as I take a quick look at the origin of the sitcom, and how--thanks to the 80s--they changed network television forever. And, today, I'm counting down ten of the best sitcoms the 80s had to offer.

-Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

At least they still had Barbie… But when the excitement for He-Man started to cool off, toy giant Mattel needed something to fill the void. They needed something modern, interactive, and able to take advantage of new toy technology.

Enter Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future. Combined with a TV program of the same name, the innovative toys let you fire "lasers" at the show while getting hit in return. It was like Duck Hunt meets RoboCop; a futuristic dream come true. Sounds like the coolest thing ever, and the perfect new toy franchise–but a world of controversy soon emerged…

-Bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

Bread, sauce, and cheese. That's all pizza really is, but how did the simple food you love become the focus of a massive, multi-billion-dollar battle? Today, we journey back to the Pizza Wars of the 80s, when Pizza Hut, Little Ceasars, and Dominos took every measure possible to capture our taste buds (with a few others joining the pizza party…) 

Advertising budgets skyrocketed, media reach was more substantial than ever before, and competition was high. So let's look back at a slice of history when the 80s became a battleground with every company trying to grab the biggest piece of the pie.

-Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

There are certain defining images that represent the entire 1980s--and right at the top of that list is ALF. With origins beginning in 1984, this is a look back on the beloved character, its creator, and the show that became a true pop culture phenomenon.

The story of ALF has a bit of everything; connections to the Simpsons and Seinfeld; legal changes to network TV; some of the greatest merchandising the decade would ever see--and genuine nostalgia.

The E80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

It seemed like any other ordinary presidential appearance, but when Ronald Reagan left the Washington Hilton on March 30th, 1981, the world almost drastically changed forever in just 1.7 seconds. 

This is a look back on a moment of genuine heroism, the bizarre motive behind the assassination attempt on the President, and how one inch could have made this an entirely different story...

-The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

What do you get when you combine Transformers, Marvel, MTV, and a LOT of neon? You get Jem and the Holograms; a defining 1980s toy, cartoon, and franchise. 

When it debuted in 1985, the cartoon show caught on quickly, as did the subsequent toy line. And none of this was by accident. Built on the back of already successful properties like G.I. Joe, and Transformers, Jem and the Holograms followed the formula, but with its own unique twist. So journey back with me to a time of glitter, neon, rock music, and some very stealthy marketing…

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

It felt like it happened overnight... we went from just a few TV channels to a seemingly endless amount. So, what exactly led to the rapid growth of cable television in the 1980s and a time when our TVs changed forever?

HBO and Showtime set the stage and as we entered the 80s, new channels like Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel, ESPN, and CNN quickly became popular. The cable revolution of the 80s gave us many beloved children's shows, technological advancements, and some good ol' government deregulations. So don't touch that dial; this is a story that includes The Shining, green slime, and even the Soviet Union...

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Do you remember where you were on the night of February 28th, 1983? If you had access to a TV, there's a pretty good chance you had it tuned to CBS. This was the night of the series finale of M*A*S*H and a landmark moment in the history of television.

What happened that night from a viewership standpoint had never been seen before–or since. This is a look back on the single episode that became a cultural touchpoint, a watershed moment in television, and achieved rating numbers never thought possible.

-Support the show and get access to The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

We've all grown up with stories and fairytales filled with heroes, dragons, and monsters. And then there are giants. Giants seem to be a thing of myth, but if you grew up in the 1980s, you saw one of these myths come to life: Andre the Giant.

This is a look back on the remarkable life of the "8th Wonder of the World" and how he forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling. But this isn't just a wrestling story; it's also how Andre Roussimoff became a massive part of 1980s pop culture including an appearance in one of the most beloved movies ever...

The Princess Bride Movie Review: Patreon.com/80s

It just wasn't meant to be… LaserVision–or LaserDisc as we know it–was the third competitor in the home video format war during the 80s.

But despite being a technological marvel with advanced picture and sound, LaserDisc just couldn't compete with VHS and Beta during the golden age of video. Today we look back on a pioneering form of video technology--with roots going all the way back to the 1950s--that is actually still with us to this day...

-Join Patreon and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Today, we look back at the unforgettable life and legacy of the great John Candy, one of the most beloved comedians of all time. And it was during the 1980s when he really rose to global fame. 

From his early days on SCTV to iconic movie roles like Little Shop of Horrors, Spaceballs, Planes, Trains, & Automobiles, Home Alone, and Uncle Buck, John Candy delivered humor and heart in a way few other performers could do.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• His groundbreaking work on SCTV and his influence on sketch comedy
• His first big breakout movie role
• The many standout appearances in many legendary 80s movies
• His collaborations with some other generational performers, including Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Rick Moranis, Steve Martin, and Dan Aykroyd 
• His lasting impact on film, pop culture, and Canada

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

If you grew up in the 80s, the newspaper comics may have been a big part of your daily routine. And one of the most beloved ones ever debuted on November 18th, 1985: Calvin and Hobbes.

But the story of Calvin and Hobbes was much more than just a comic strip; it was an insightful storytelling masterclass that seamlessly incorporated many philosophical ideas. It's also a lesson in never compromising, as its creator, Bill Watterson, refused to give in to corporate interests.

-Support the show and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

What do you get when you combine two of the greatest filmmakers in history, Disney, and the King of Pop? You get Captain EO; a unique short film and a remarkable collaboration in filmmaking and technology.

Released in 1986, Captain EO was part film, part music video, part theme park attraction, and part commercial. This was a time when the media landscape was changing, and Disney was looking for a way to become more relevant and attract a New Generation...

-Support the show and get access to The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

There are many TV shows and movies that perfectly embody the 1980s--and right at the top of that list is Knight Rider. Knight Rider is the story of Michael Knight and his crime-fighting automotive assistant: KITT.

The premise was simple: What would a modern version of the Lone Ranger look like with a car instead of a horse? Combine that with some other sci-fi elements--and one of the coolest cars of all time--and you have a show that was a worldwide hit and a merchandising powerhouse.

This is a look back on one of the most beloved shows of the 80s: Knight Rider.

-Support the show and get access to bonus audio content including the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s