Podcast · Film & TV

1980s Now

by Will Padilla | 80s Now · English · Film & TV

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

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 2 min
Latest: 7 Jul 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Jul 2026 · 30 min

Mockbuster with Anthony Frith | From 80s Phenom to Today

In a special interview, Will chats director Anthony Frith about his upcoming documentary Mockbuster . A once-promising Australian filmmaker, Anthony lands a final shot at glory with Hollywood’s kings of B-movie schlock, the Asylum, the studio behind Sharknado. Tasked with directing a lost-world dinosaur film in suburban Adelaide on a six-day shoot and a shoestring budget, he also turns the camera on himself, filming a behind-the-scenes documentary as the chaos unfolds. Between demanding LA execs, a bewildered cast, and his own creeping self-doubt, both productions push their first-time…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E343 · 23 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Superman & Supergirl | Bread from Mummy
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 4:40 - New Supergirl is cut from the same cloth as the greatest Superman 12:45 - Turmoil in the Toybox: The (Parody Horror) Movie 28:00 - McDonald’s is serving up lava again 42:30 - From King Tut to King Torte, the 5,000-year-old bread 53:00 - Want to hold Luke's hand? That costs $1 million 1:00:00 - Wrap-Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Send us an email at…
E342 · 16 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Disclosure Day Psyop | Jonathan Spielberg? | Stolen Legos
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 6:05 - Is Disclosure Day a psyop? 24:35 - Who is Jonathan Spielberg? 38:55 - Knight Rider 's KITT was framed 45:30 - Jem and the Holograms is getting a live-action reboot (again) 51:20 - Star Wars stolen Lego lawsuit 1:01:55 - Wrap-Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow
E341 · 9 Jun 2026 · 38 min
The Real Big Trouble in Little China | 80s Classic
In a special interview, Will chats with Gary Goldman, the screenwriter of 1986's cult classic Big Trouble in Little China . The setting of Gary's original story was very different than what we saw onscreen. Is there a future for this tale of ancient Chinese mysticism set in the Old West? Over the last several decades, Gary has written, produced, and otherwise improved a number of successful Hollywood films, including Total Recall , Minority Report and Basic Instinct . He’s worked for every major film studio and collaborated on projects with directors Steven Spielberg, Paul Verhoven, John…
E340 · 2 Jun 2026 · 42 min
Stuck in the '80s with Steve Spears
In a special interview, Will chats with Steve "Spearsy" Spears, the host of the first (and longest running) 80s podcast Stuck in the '80s . Steve has just published a book of that same name chronicling 20 years of interviews he conducted on his show. The conversations are a fascinating look at many of our favorites from the decade, including rock stars, actors and at least two VJays. Plus, Steve shares personal anecdotes that connect him to his celebrity guests. 0:00 - Introduction 0:27 - Interview Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel:…
E339 · 26 May 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
80s He-Man, Beastie Boys, and Bill Joel
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 5:35 - FBI ripped off the Beastie Boys 12:55 - New music from Beastie Boys' Mike D 16:45 - Gen X parent fails their child: Who's Weird AL? 24:15 - Easter Egg in Steam Controller 33:05 - He-Man's collectible popcorn bucket 47:45 - Beware this He-Man mockbuster 53:40 - Billy Joel biopic without his music 57:35 - Letters from You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow
E338 · 19 May 2026 · 47 min
Bringing Our 80s Toys Back
In a special interview, Will chats with Jonathan Cathey, Founder and CEO of The Loyal Subjects, one of the fastest-growing independent toy companies in the U.S. If you've ever wished the best parts of the toy aisle from the 80s could make a comeback, Jonathan is the guy making it happen. He's helped revive beloved brands like M.A.S.K., Jem and the Holograms, Popples, My Pet Monster , and more, bringing them back for longtime fans while introducing them to a whole new generation. An accomplished artist and musician, Jonathan had planned to pursue a career in music and art. Will and Jonathan…
E337 · 12 May 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
80s News: WKRP, Knight Rider, and Prince
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 3:50 - Rocky statue is gonna fly now 16:15 - WKRP is back on the air (sort of) 23:20 - Trump Dances to “Gay Anthem”—will a lawsuit follow? 37:50 - Prince is charting like it’s 1984 48:35 - Knight Rider rides again in documentary 59:45 - Wrap Up and Thank You Get Knight Rider: Declassified . Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow
E336 · 28 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Street Fighter, Piranha and Hippos in the 80s (and Now)
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 4:57 - Really hungry hippos terrorize Colombia 15:35 - Hungry Hungry Hippos: The Game 19:05 - Hungry: The Hungry Hippo Horror Movie 21:35 - Why did we think Piranhas were a threat? 24:30 - Piranha: The Movie (1978) 30:05 - Asian Carp: The Real Piranhas 38:50 - Street Fighter: The Movie 43:00 - Street Fighter: The Video Game 50:20 - Gen X Goes to Outer Space 54:10 - Did you watch the Space Shuttle Challenger launch? 1:03:40 - Wrap Up and Thank You Read the Times of India…
E335 · 14 Apr 2026 · 34 min
Dungeon Crawl at the 80s Mall
In a special interview, Will chats with author Jendia Gammon about her newest book. It's the latest in the Choose Your Own Adventure book series: Dungeon Crawl at the Haunted Mall . Jendia is a Nebula and three-time BSFA Awards finalist author of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and thriller novels and short stories. She also conducts workshops and participates in panels on creative writing for conventions such as San Diego Comic-Con and Star Wars Celebration. 0:00 - Introduction 1:38 - Interview Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel:…
E334 · 7 Apr 2026 · 48 min
The Influence of 80s Music
In a special interview, Will chats with Mario Toscano ( Back to the 80s ), Jim Butler ( Children of the 80s ), and Eric Shoars about the continued influence of 80s music in our lives. We also talk about Eric's new book Life Goes On , which is a collection of essays by Gen Xers that examines this topic. 0:00 - Introduction 1:24 - Interview Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Check out Back to the 80s with Mario: https://www.fm80s.com/ Check out Children of the 80s with Jim: https://bit.ly/4bVI4BT Get…
E333 · 31 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
VHS Comeback | Sherlock in the 80s
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 5:25 - Run your own video rental store 13:45 - Name the 80s movie from the fake title 20:10 - Physical video is having its vinyl moment 34:20 - Some 1980s VHS tapes are worth plenty 42:20 -Young Sherlock is topping streaming charts 47:40 - Sherlock Holmes and the Caset of the Expired Copyright 55:20 - Sherlock in the 1980s 1:05:25 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel:…
E332 · 24 Mar 2026 · 43 min
Talking Gen X with Mark Mendenhall
In a special interview, Will speaks with Mark Mendenhall aka Gen X Dad about his media empire Gen X Talks. Over the last several years, Mark has cultivated a tremendous following by discussing everything (and anything) from his unique Gen X point of view. 0:00 - Introduction 0:52 - Interview Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Get our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales of the 1980s at Amazon . Check out Gen X Talks at https://genxtalks.com .
E331 · 17 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
Hardest 80s Arcade Games?
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 2:15 - Bigfoot is in Ohio. Will Jon follow? 17:55 - Timothy Chalamet could use some Bugs Bunny 32:15 - The Brady Bunch house is now a landmark 42:45 - The hardest arcade games are from the 1980s 1:02:20 - A Wonder Years star has an interesting palate 1:11:25 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow
E330 · 10 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
Cancelled Nerds, Starfighter Sequels, and New Faces of Death
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 2:55 - Robert Carradine has died. 5:40 - Did you play TAG: The Assassination Game? 10:24 - Has Revenge of the Nerds Been Erased? 20:20 - Science says Gen X is the most emotionally durable generation ever 37:00 - A Last Starfighter sequel is finally coming 46:04 - 80s cereal mascots battle a milk monster 54:45 - Is the new Faces of Death real? 1:07:45 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel:…
E329 · 3 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
Hooters, Zelda and Chicken Wing Lawsuit
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 2:25 - Racier than Hooters 7:25 - Hooters is becoming family friendly 12:05 - Hooters can discriminate against men 16:15 - Who invented Buffalo chicken wings? 19:30 - Can a boneless wing be a breast? 25:15 - Can a boneless wing have bones? 27:15 - RuPaul drags audience back to the 80s 34:05 - Read our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s ! 35:20 - Zelda Turns 40, but Nintendo Hasn’t Wished Her a Happy Birthday 49:23 - Kate Bush’s "Wuthering Heights" is…
E328 · 27 Feb 2026 · 43 min
Nostalgia Power with Wyatt Bloom
In a special interview, Will speaks with Wyatt Bloom, the co-founder and host of Rediscover the 80s. Together with his childhood friend, the late Jason Gross, Wyatt built a portal to the 80s, that reminisces about the decade through various lenses via countless articles, a handful of podcasts, and more. Will and Wyatt the power of nostalgia, and perhaps more succinctly the power of what we leave behind. 0:00 - Introduction 1:28 - Interview Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Get our new book Totally…
E327 · 24 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
Jaws 4, Princess Bride, and Rock 'Em Sock 'Em
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 3:20 - Jaws 4: The Shark That Roared 14:15 - The source of Jaw's roar 23:00 - The Princess Bride musical 31:00 - Review: Bigfoot! a New Musical 40:50 - Animated Stranger Things: Tales from '85 52:00 - Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots the movie 1:03:21 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Read our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s !
E326 · 17 Feb 2026 · 35 min
80s Trivia with Tamara Dever
In a special interview, Will speaks with Tamara Dever, author of The Ultimate Mix Tape, a series of music trivia books. Tami has just published The Day We Found Yesterday, another unique tribute to the 80s music. Endorsed by MTV legend Martha Quinn, The Day We Found Yesterday is a vibrant, intergenerational story that celebrates connection, creativity, and the power of the past to shape our present. Although it was (supposedly) written for children, it is a thrilling way for Gen Xers to revisit the greatest decade for music. It includes over 500 clever, visual ’80s music references and…
E325 · 10 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Changeables, Klingons, and the Worst Play
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 5:50 - New York’s Longest-Running Play is also it’s “worst” 13:50 - Bigfoot! The Musical was spotted on Broadway 19:00 - The Cure Wins their first Grammys 25:00 - Does Steven Spielberg deserve his Grammy? 28:50 - McDonald’s has brought back an iconic 80s Happy Meal toy 38:00 - The first Happy Meal movie tie-in was Star Trek 44:40 - What happened to the Klingons look? 53:50 - How 1984 changed Super Bowl commercials forever 1:03:40 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on…
E324 · 3 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
He-Man Trailer Has the Power
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 2:25 - He-Man Teaser for the Teaser Trailer 7:40 - He-Man Teaser Trailer 33:45 - Strange (Made-Up) He-Man Characters 39:35 - The He-Man Effect 51:10 - Interesting He-Man Lore 58:30 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Get the The He-Man Effect by Brian "Box" Brown. Read our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s !
E323 · 27 Jan 2026 · 59 min
Original Star Wars, Salt-N-Pepa, Terminator and More
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 3:45 - Ruling in Salt-N-Pepa lawsuit 14:40 - Galaxy’s Edge is headed to a longer time ago 31:54 - Melora Hardin couldn’t dance in Dirty Dancing 38:50 - Eric Stolz treated Biff (Thomas F. Wilson) “very badly” 47:44 - The Terminator made Gen Xer more wary of AI 54:45 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Read our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the…
E322 · 20 Jan 2026 · 33 min
Goodbye, Pop Culture
Will is joined by experts who specialize in both psychology and pop culture (Ben Taitz, Colt Blunt, and Charlene McPherson) to chat about the emotional impact of losing your favorite show. Our Guests' Links: More about Ben Taitz>>> https://tinyurl.com/54x6v2xx Psychology for Geeks>>> https://www.psychologyforgeeks.com/home . Colt Blunt's Books>>> https://tinyurl.com/bdj84enj Debbie's Dream Foundation>>> https://debbiesdream.org/ Charlene McPherson>>> https://www.nat20therapy.com/ Our Links: Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel:…
E321 · 13 Jan 2026 · 57 min
Star Search, Billy Joel and MTV Are Back!
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 4:15 - Star Search is back 13:30 - MTV is back—sort of 22:15 - Billy Joel is back—sort of 28:20 - Monchhichi is back—apparently it never left 37:15 - What if Stranger Things had secret finale? 45:35 - Michael J. Fox didn’t want to imitate Michael Jackson 52:25 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Check out Gen X Talks here: https://genxtalks.com/ Get your…
E320 · 6 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
Indiana Jones, Chevy Chase, and Marty Supreme
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 5:00 - Chevy Chase documentary is "hard to watch" 16:45 - Terry Gilliam slams TV's Time Bandits again 29:45 - Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular injured a heroic staff member 38:25 - The new Marty Supreme is set in the 50s is scored with 80s music 46:00 - No spoilers! Is our interest in spoilers generational? 1:18:00 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Get…
E319 · 30 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
The HBO Guide
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 3:30 - The searchable HBO guide database 20:35 - James Cameron CPRed a rat to protect The Abyss 29:25 - Cameron is rebooting The Terminator 33:00 - Mad Max director supports AI filmaking 43:20 - Fortnite's obscure obcenity slip 57:05 - The fate of the new Muppet Show is in your hands 1:07:55 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Read our new book Totally…
E318 · 23 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Harry Met Sally: Can Men and Women Be Friends?
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 4:52 - Joe Pesci was afraid to do Home Alone stunt 15:20 - Name the 80s Christmas movie 25:45 - Eddie Van Halen’s virtuoso guitar solos anticipated a modern problem 37:34 - The Terminator is back with a new retro video game 44:55 - How Rob Reiner's surprise love changed Harry Met Sally 58:10 - Can men and women be friends? 1:11:40 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel:…
E317 · 16 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
Gwen Stole Our 80s Christmas
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 6:15 - Gwen Stefani Stole an 80s Christmas Song 19:25 - Frosty the Snowman had 3 secret families 30:40 - Ethan Hawke saw Robin Williams' struggles in the 80s 38:00 - Will Stranger Things use time travel? 50:00 - Is Gen X the greatest generation? 1:10:25 - Wrap Up and Thank You Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow . Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow Read our new book Totally Bogus (But True) Tales from the 1980s !…
E316 · 9 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Supergirl, Home Alone Sequel, and Cheap Trick
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics: 0:00 - Introduction 3:35 - Macaulay Culkin has a pitch for a Home Alone sequel 12:20 - Did John Hughes copy Home Alone from another film? 18:25 - A $9 million Superman comic was found in an attic 23:10 - The copies of the Declaration of Independence found in 1985 31:12 - Will's kid wrote a Supergirl comic book that was just published 37:11 - Cheap Trick’s At Budokan wasn’t 49:45 - Working Girl the Musical is hoping for Broadway 59:15 - Purple Rain the Musical is hoping for Broadway 1:02:41…
E315 · 26 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Balloonfest '86: Tragedy or Triumph?
On Septempber 27, 1986, The United Way of Greater Cleveland held Balloonfest. The organizers' goal was to set a world record for the simultaneous release of small helium-filled balloons. They hoped the event would improve Cleveland’s image. On that afternoon, the skies above Public Square were filled with nearly 1.5 million balloons, which were inflated by a corps of volunteers. By some accounts, however, the event that was intended to raise the standing of the city, quickly turned into a disaster. This is the true tale of Balloonfest. 0:00 - Introduction 5:19 - WKRP's Turkeys Away 9:56 -…

About 1980s Now

1980s Now is a English film & tv podcast from Will Padilla | 80s Now. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Will Padilla | 80s Now
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 2 min
Latest episode: 7 Jul 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1470083138

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