Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast
The pinnacle of infotainment! Crazy stuff you didn’t know about the greatest movies and music of the 80’s, 90’s, and beyond. Hilarity ensues as a research professor and a pop culture savant are pitted against each other in a debate to determine what entertainment icons of film, music, and games are the best of the best of Generation X. https://www.thesurelypodcast.com/
"Point Break" (1991) vs. "The Fast and the Furious" (2001): Part 2
The race is on! 🏎️💨
Jason and Dee continue their showdown between two of the greatest action movies of all time: 1991’s Point Break vs. 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. After breaking down Point Break in Part One, the guys shift gears and put the pedal to the metal with the movie that turned street racing into a worldwide phenomenon.
In Part Two, Jason and Dee take a closer look at the cast of The Fast and the Furious. From Paul Walker and Vin Diesel to Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and the unforgettable supporting players, they dig into the...
"Point Break" (1991) vs "The Fast and the Furious" (2001): Part 1
Surf’s up, dude… and apparently so are the engines! 🏄♂️🏎️
Jason and Dee are putting two of the greatest adrenaline-fueled action movies of all time head-to-head: 1991’s Point Break vs. 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. And while one is about bank-robbing surfers and the other is about undercover cops and street racers, the similarities are impossible to ignore.
In Part One, the guys go back to the beginning and explore the origins of both movies before diving deep into Point Break. How did a movie about surfing, skydiving and presidential-mask-wearing bank robbers come together? How did Keanu Reeves land...
Pretty in Pink Soundtrack (1986) Track by Track with 2 Bonus Tracks!
This week, Jason and Dee conclude their epic soundtrack showdown by putting one of the most iconic albums of the 1980s under the microscope: the Pretty in Pink soundtrack. More than just a collection of songs, this groundbreaking soundtrack helped introduce a generation of moviegoers to the exploding world of alternative and new wave music, forever changing the way Hollywood used music to tell a story.
Track by track, the guys break down every song on the album, exploring where each one appears in the film, how it shapes the story, and why artists like Orchestral Manoeuvres in...
Vision Quest Soundtrack (1985): Track by Track with 3 Bonus Tracks!
This week, Jason and Dee kick off the first round of an epic soundtrack battle as they put the 1985 Vision Questsoundtrack under the microscope. Featuring an eclectic mix of forgotten gems, future classics, exclusive soundtrack cuts, and a few songs that deserved far more attention, this album is much more than just a companion to the movie.
Track by track, the guys explore contributions from Madonna, Journey, Sammy Hagar, Don Henley, The Style Council, Red Rider, Foreigner, Dio, and more, uncovering the stories behind the music and debating which songs still hit nearly 40 years later.
But...
"Stand By Me" (1986) vs. "The Sandlot" (1991): Part 2
This week, Jason and Dee wrap up their two-part celebration of two of the greatest coming-of-age films ever made: Stand By Me (1986) and The Sandlot (1993). After exploring the origins of both stories in Part 1, it's time to head back to the neighborhood ball field as the guys shine the spotlight on the unforgettable cast of The Sandlot and revisit memorable behind-the-scenes stories from both cinematic classics.
Along the way, Jason and Dee discuss the young actors who brought the neighborhood gang to life, the legendary performances that made both films timeless, and the fascinating trivia, production stories, and...
"Stand By Me" (1986) vs. "The Sandlot" (1993): Part 1
This week, Jason and Dee kick off a two-part showdown featuring two of the most beloved coming-of-age films ever made: Stand By Me (1986) and The Sandlot (1993). Before comparing these nostalgic classics scene by scene, the guys first explore the origins of each story, uncovering how Stephen King's novella The Body became one of the defining films of the '80s and how a collection of childhood memories inspired one of the most quotable baseball movies of all time.
In Part 1, the focus turns to Stand By Me as Jason and Dee dive deep into the incredible cast that...
Bon Jovi "New Jersey" (1988): Track by Track!
This week, Jason and Dee continue their journey through Bon Jovi's legendary catalog as they put the band's 1988 follow-up album, New Jersey, under the microscope. With five Top 10 singles, bigger ambitions, and the impossible task of following one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded, New Jersey proved Bon Jovi was far more than a one-album phenomenon.
Track by track, the guys dive into every song on the record, exploring the massive hits like "Bad Medicine," "Born to Be My Baby," "I'll Be There for You," "Lay Your Hands on Me," and "Living in Sin," while shining a...
Bon Jovi "Slippery When Wet" (1986): Track by Track!
This week, Jason and Dee revisit one of the biggest rock albums of the 1980s in this encore presentation as they put Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet under the microscope. Packed with arena anthems, power ballads, deep cuts, and enough hooks to fill a stadium, this is the album that transformed Bon Jovi from rising stars into one of the biggest bands on the planet.
Track by track, the guys break down every song on the album while sharing behind-the-scenes stories, fascinating trivia about Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, David Bryan, and Alec John Such, and...
Bon Jovi: The Road to Slippery When Wet
In this episode, Jason and Dee dive into the unlikely origins of Bon Jovi, tracing the band's journey from the clubs of New Jersey to the brink of rock superstardom. Discover how Jon Bon Jovi scored a hit before assembling the lineup that would conquer the world, the surprising connection between Bon Jovi and R2-D2, and the twists, setbacks, and lucky breaks that paved the way to one of the biggest albums of the 1980s.
From "Runaway" to the arrival of Richie Sambora, from relentless touring to finding the signature sound that would define a generation, this...
Run-D.M.C. "Raising Hell" (1986): Track by Track!
Before hip-hop dominated the charts, Run-D.M.C. kicked down the door. With the help of visionary producer Rick Rubin, the trio created Raising Hell, a landmark album that blended rap and rock, broke barriers on MTV, and forever changed the sound of popular music.
Jason and Dee are joined once again by 80s rap expert and author David Wright (aka DefDave) for a track-by-track breakdown of this groundbreaking 1986 classic. From the history-making collaboration on "Walk This Way" to unforgettable tracks like "My Adidas," "Peter Piper," and "It's Tricky," the crew explores the stories, production, lyrics, and cultural...
The History of Rap and Run-D.M.C. 1973-1986 (feat. DefDave)
Throw your hands in the air and get ready for a history lesson with a heavy beat! Jason and Dee are joined once again by 80s rap expert and author David Wright (aka DefDave) to trace the incredible rise of hip-hop—from its birth at a Bronx block party in 1973 to its explosion into the mainstream with Run-D.M.C. in 1986.
Discover the pioneers who laid the foundation, the DJs and MCs who transformed a local movement into a global phenomenon, and the cultural moments that forever changed popular music. Then, the spotlight turns to Run-D.M.C., th...
Beastie Boys "Licensed to Ill" (1986): Track by Track!
In 1986, the Beastie Boys crashed onto the music scene with Licensed to Ill, a loud, hilarious, and groundbreaking album that helped take hip-hop from the streets to the suburbs—and straight onto MTV.
Jason and Dee are once again joined by 80s rap expert and author David Wright (aka DefDave) for a track-by-track deep dive into the Beastie Boys' iconic debut. Together, they unpack the stories behind every song, explore the band's unlikely rise from New York hardcore punks to rap superstars, and ask the big question: were the Beastie Boys just a party-fueled novelty act, or were th...
Beastie Boys: Way Back in History!
The story of the Beastie Boys didn't begin with Licensed to Ill—it started years earlier in the New York punk scene before they became one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history.
In this special encore presentation from our 2021 four part series, Jason and Dee are joined by 80s rap expert and author David Wright (DefDave) for an in-depth look at the rise of the Beastie Boys. From hardcore punk hopefuls to global superstars, we trace the unlikely journey that led to the release of Licensed to Ill, the groundbreaking album that helped bring hip-hop into th...
Top 5 Songs of 1976!
Break out the bell-bottoms and celebrate America's Bicentennial with Jason and Dee as they count down their Top 5 Songs of 1976—plus two honorable mentions! But there's a twist: the guys aren't giving away the answers right away. Instead, they drop clues, share stories, and challenge listeners to see if they can identify each song before the big reveal. From chart-topping classics to unforgettable favorites, it's a musical guessing game packed with nostalgia, laughs, and plenty of 1976 memories. Can you name the songs before Jason and Dee do? Tune in and join the Bicentennial fun on this all-new episode of the Su...
Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" (1977): Track by Track!
This week, Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast turn their attention to one of the most successful and drama-filled bands in rock history: Fleetwood Mac and their legendary album Rumours.
Serving as the perfect companion piece to their recent discussion of Hotel California by Eagles, the guys break down every unforgettable track from Rumours—exploring the stories behind the songs, the emotional performances, and the timeless appeal that helped make the album one of the biggest sellers of all time.
Along the way, Jason and Dee dive deep into the comp...
Eagles "Hotel California" (1976): Track by Track!
This week, Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast dive into one of the biggest-selling and most influential albums of all time: Hotel California by Eagles.
The guys go track-by-track through this legendary album, discussing the stories behind each song, the unforgettable musicianship, and the massive impact these tracks had on rock music and popular culture. From the mysterious imagery of the title track to the radio staples and deep cuts that helped define an era, Jason and Dee break down why Hotel California continues to resonate nearly 50 years later.
Along th...
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) vs. "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987): Part 2
The ultimate 80s teen comedy showdown reaches its conclusion as Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Seriouspodcast return for Part 2 of their battle between Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) and Adventures in Babysitting (1987). Joining them once again are Chuck Bryan from the Cinematic Flashback Podcast and Dave Dolphin of Documenting My Mid-Life Crisis for a lively, nostalgia-packed discussion.
In this second installment, the crew turns their attention to the casting of Adventures in Babysitting, exploring the choices behind one of the decade’s most beloved comedic ensembles and how those performances helped define the film’s...
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) vs. "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987): Part 1
Jason and Dee are back with another unforgettable 80s showdown, and this time they’re putting two of the most iconic teen comedies head-to-head: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) vs. Adventures in Babysitting (1987). And they’re not doing it alone—joining them for the ride are Chuck Bryan from the Cinematic Flashback Podcast and Dave Dolphin of Documenting My Mid-Life Crisis, bringing their own stories, insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.
In Part 1 of this two-episode deep dive, the guys explore the origins of both films—how they came to life, the creative forces behind them, and why th...
Interview with Robert Hays: Part 2 The Sequel
Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast conclude their special two-part conversation with Robert Hays, the man who first uttered the immortal words: “Surely you can’t be serious.”
In Episode 2, the surprises keep coming as the guys are joined by special guest Julie Hagerty, beloved for her unforgettable role in the Airplane! movies and later appearances in classics like What About Bob?. Julie shares stories from her incredible career, her memories from making Airplane!, and the chemistry that helped make those comedy legends.
The conversation also takes a deep dive into Cat...
Interview with Robert Hays: Part 1
This week, Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast welcome a true legend—actor Robert Hays, the man who first delivered the immortal line that inspired the very name of the show: “Surely you can’t be serious.
”In Episode 1 of this special two-part conversation, Robert sits down with the guys to reflect on his journey from early family life to breaking into Hollywood, sharing stories from the formative years that shaped both his career and his outlook on the industry. From there, the conversation dives into his early television appearances on classics like The R...
Daryl Hall and John Oates "Private Eyes" (1981): Track by Track!
Jason and Dee wrap up their 3-part deep dive into the albums of 1981 with a look at one of the decade’s most hit-packed records — Private Eyes by Hall & Oates.
In this final installment, the guys go track-by-track through the album, breaking down everything from the irresistible hooks of “Private Eyes” and “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” to the deeper cuts that helped define the duo’s signature sound. Along the way, they uncover the stories behind the songs, the songwriting dynamics between Daryl Hall and John Oates, and how this album became a blueprint for po...
Men at Work "Business As Usual" (1981): Track by Track!
Jason and Dee are back with Part 2 of their 3-part deep dive into the iconic albums of 1981, and this time they’re joined by special guest James Buckley to break down one of the decade’s most unexpected global smashes — Business As Usual by Men at Work.
Following up Part 1 (Freeze Frame by the J. Geils Band) and leading into Part 3 (Private Eyes by Hall & Oates), the guys dig into how a quirky Australian band stormed the world seemingly overnight. From “Who Can It Be Now?” to “Down Under,” Jason, Dee, and James go track-by-track exploring the songwriting, musicianship...
J. Geils Band "Freeze Frame" (1981): Track by Track!
On this episode of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee travel back to 1981 to break down the breakthrough album Freeze-Frame from Boston’s favorite party band, The J. Geils Band.
Track by track, the guys dive into every song on the album — from the massive MTV-era hits to the underrated deep cuts — exploring the stories behind the music, the evolution of the band’s sound, and how a gritty bar-band suddenly became one of the biggest pop acts in the world. Along the way, Jason and Dee share some of the wild behind-the-scenes tales from...
"Pretty in Pink" (1986) vs. "Some Kind of Wonderful" (1987): Part 2
Jason and Dee are back with Jill McCormick and Melissa Mingle for Part 2 of their deep-dive showdown between the final great teen films of John Hughes: Pretty in Pink vs. Some Kind of Wonderful.In this episode, the group turns their full attention to Some Kind of Wonderful, breaking down the unforgettable cast and characters — from Keith (Eric Stoltz) and Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson) to the scene-stealing Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) and ultimate rich-kid villain Hardy Jenns (Craig Sheffer). The crew looks at performances, character arcs, and why this film often feels like the emotional mirror image of Pretty in Pi...
"Pretty in Pink" (1986) vs. "Some Kind of Wonderful" (1987): Part 1
On this special two-part deep dive, Jason and Dee are joined by friends of the show and Patreon all-stars Jill McCormick and Melissa Mingle to tackle the final face-off of the classic John Hughes teen era: Pretty in Pink vs. Some Kind of Wonderful.In Part 1, the gang rolls back to the mid-’80s to unpack the origins of both films—how Pretty in Pink emerged from Hughes’ collaboration with director Howard Deutch and how Some Kind of Wonderful became the spiritual “answer song” to its predecessor. They explore the cultural moment, the soundtracks, and why these two films feel like emoti...
Van Halen "5150" (1986): Track by Track!
Jason and Dee are back with another deep-dive episode of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast, and this time they’re tackling one of the most pivotal albums in rock history — Van Halen’s 5150.
Track by track, the guys break down every song on the album, from the explosive opener “Good Enough” to the soaring anthem “Dreams,” uncovering the stories behind the scenes, the studio innovations inside Eddie’s 5150 studio, and the creative chemistry that defined this new era of the band.
But this isn’t just an album revi...
Van Halen "1984" (1984): Track by Track!
This week on the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee plug into one of the biggest albums of the decade — 1984 by Van Halen.
From the opening synth blast to the final notes, the guys break down every track and every iconic MTV video — unpacking the stories behind “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot for Teacher,” and the deep cuts that made this record more than just a hit factory. They dive into the bold decision to lean into keyboards, the risks that paid off, and how Eddie’s newly built home studio, 5150, gave him the creative freedom to reshape the band’...
Top 5 Songs of 1986
Jason and Dee take on what should be a simple task: ranking their Top 5 songs of 1986. Of course, there’s a twist. Thanks to past episodes and the upcoming podcast calendar, huge chunks of the year are completely off-limits—no cuts from albums they’ve already covered, and nothing from what’s coming next. That means saying goodbye to obvious giants and digging deep into the bench to find songs that still define the year without breaking the rules.
The result? A list that’s surprising, debatable, and very on-brand for the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast. Alo...
Rush "Moving Pictures" (1981): Track by Track!
Jason and Dee roll out the red carpet for one of the most important rock albums of all time as they’re joined by Rush super fans Brad Moore and Tim Epp to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Moving Pictures. Together, they dive deep into the stories behind every classic track—from radio staples to prog-rock masterpieces—breaking down the lyrics, musicianship, and moments that helped propel Rush from cult heroes to arena-filling legends. Along the way, the conversation traces the band’s unlikely rise, creative risks, and why this album became the perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. And then com...
REO Speedwagon "Hi Infidelity" (1980): Track by Track!
Jason and Dee fire up the jukebox for one of the biggest albums of the MTV era as they welcome special guest Doug Gray, noted REO Speedwagon expert, to break down 1981’s chart-dominating blockbuster Hi Infidelity. Track by track, the trio digs into the stories behind every song—from the heartbreak anthems to the arena-ready rockers—while tracing REO Speedwagon’s long road from Midwest bar band to overnight superstars. Along the way, they unpack band history, lineup changes, behind-the-scenes studio moments, and why this album connected with everyone at exactly the right time. But this episode is only half the batt...
Behind the scenes with the Surely Podcast
What really goes on behind the microphone? In this special crossover episode, Jeff Johnson steps in from the A Film Bypodcast to turn the tables on Jason and Dee, asking the questions listeners have always wondered about.
How did the show first get started? Have they ever regretted a final matchup decision? Which episode result surprised them the most — and which one truly “moved the needle” for the podcast? Jeff digs even deeper, challenging each host to reveal the secret dream matchup they still hope to bring to the show someday.
It’s a relaxed, funny, and reve...
Level 5: Defender! (1981) - The Game That Flipped Space Invaders Upside Down
Defender! revolutionized arcade gaming in 1981 with its sideways-scrolling chaos and button-overload controls. In our series finale, we rank all five legendary 1981 games and reveal how we'd spend our last five quarters: Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Frogger, or Defender? The ultimate showdown of the greatest arcade year ever!
Level 4: Ms. Pac-Man (1981) - College Kids vs. Gaming Giants
College students took on a video game empire—and won. Then they did the impossible: they improved the greatest game ever made. Hear how Ms. Pac-Man became the queen of 1981 arcades, outsmarted the ghost AI, and still looks amazing over 40 years later. The untold story of the rebellion that created gaming's most beloved female icon.
Level 3: Frogger (1981) - The Untold Story Behind the Arcade Classic
One young woman's courage changed video game history forever. Discover the secret origin of Frogger, explore every way to die (there are many!), hear the iconic music's story, and learn about a record-breaking high score that still amazes. This 1981 arcade legend has more surprises than you think. Why did the frog cross the road? Find out!
Level 2: Galaga (1981) - How It Beat Space Invaders at Its Own Game
Galaga took everything Space Invaders started, added Galaxian's colors and sounds, and created a 1981 masterpiece. Discover behind-the-scenes secrets of this arcade legend, insider development stories, and why the Challenging Stage became iconic. Don't miss the pro tip: never shoot your own captured ship! The ultimate deep dive into one of 1981's greatest arcade games.
Level 1: Donkey Kong (1981) - The Popeye Game That Changed Nintendo Forever
Donkey Kong almost starred Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto. Learn the shocking origin story behind Nintendo's 1981 breakthrough hit: the near-fatal lawsuit, how Mario and Donkey Kong got their names, and why their lawyer became immortalized in gaming history. This is the untold story of the arcade classic that launched a gaming empire and defined 1981 as the golden year of video games.
Level 0: The History of Video Games Before 1981 - Pong to Pac-Man
Why was 1981 the greatest year in arcade gaming history? Before Jason and Dee dive into Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Frogger, and Defender, discover the revolutionary games that paved the way. From Pong's simplicity to Space Invaders' invasion and the "Puck Man" controversy, this prequel episode explores the arcade legends that changed gaming forever. Grab your quarters—the high score challenge starts here!
"The Breakfast Club" (1985) vs. "St. Elmo's fire" (1985): Part 2
The debate comes to a head. In Episode 2 of 2, Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast finish their head-to-head breakdown of the iconic 1985 films The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire. This time, the focus shifts to the cast of St. Elmo’s Fire and the lasting legacy of its ensemble as full-fledged Brat Pack icons. For fun, Dee takes a sharper angle by calling out each character’s fatal flaw, while Jason counters with an alternate, more generous interpretation — finding the redeeming qualities hiding beneath the self-absorption, ambition, and chaos. With the character debate set...
The Breakfast Club (1985) vs. St. Elmo's Fire (1985): Part 1
Two defining films. One generation. And a debate that still hasn’t cooled down. In Episode 1 of 2, Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast kick off a head-to-head breakdown of the iconic 1985 films The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire. The guys start at the beginning, exploring how each movie came together, the very different creative paths that led to their production, and the directors who shaped what would become two cornerstones of 80s cinema. Along the way, they touch on Andrew McCarthy’s documentary Brats, using it as a lens to examine how these fi...
Star Wars Holiday Special (1978): Part 2 of 2
The madness continues. In Part 2 of their deep dive into the now-infamous Star Wars Holiday Special, Jason and Dee of Surely You Can’t Be Serious are once again joined by the guys from the 30something Movie Podcast to finish what they started. Having already crossed the point of no return, the crew pushes through the remaining skits, songs, and baffling story choices that somehow made it onto television. More celebrity appearances surface, the variety-show chaos escalates, and the line between endurance test and pop-culture archaeology completely disappears. In this episode, the guys not only break down what’s left of t...
