Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast

Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast are joined once again by special guest Amanda Janik, The Slasher Girl, for the terrifying conclusion to their four-part Halloween horror series! This time, the gang dives into Wes Craven’s 1984 nightmare masterpiece, A Nightmare on Elm Street.

How did Wes Craven come up with the idea for a horror movie that turns our dreams into our worst nightmares? How did a relatively low-budget horror film introduce the world to one of the most iconic characters of the 1980s, the razor-gloved, wisecracking nightmare himself, Freddy Krueger? Jaso...

Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake!

Pack your bags, grab your sleeping bag, and whatever you do… stay out of the lake! Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast are back for Part 3 of our four-part Halloween spectacular, and this time they're joined by special guest The Slasher Girl, Amanda Janik, to revisit the 1980 horror classic that helped launch one of the most iconic film franchises of the ’80s: Friday the 13th!

How did a low-budget horror movie inspired by the success of Halloween become a box-office sensation and turn Camp Crystal Lake i...

🎃 TOP 5 HALLOWEEN MOVIES OF THE 1980s — THE DECADE THAT MADE HORROR LEGENDARY!👻

The ’80s gave us big hair, bigger movie stars, and some of the most unforgettable horror films ever made! In this special throwback episode of the Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee count down their Top 5 Movies to Watch During Halloween Season from the 1980s!

From masked killers and supernatural nightmares to creepy creatures and unforgettable horror icons, the ’80s were a golden age for frightening audiences. It was the decade that turned slashers into franchises, made monsters into pop-culture superstars, and gave hor...

Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast are heading to Haddonfield, Illinois, to revisit John Carpenter’s legendary 1978 horror classic, Halloween! Following last week’s deep dive into The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the guys continue their four-part Halloween spectacular with the movie that helped redefine the slasher genre and turned a young filmmaker named John Carpenter into a household name.

How did Carpenter turn a relatively small-budget independent film into one of the most influential horror movies of all time? Jason and Dee explore the origins of the project, the cast and crew who br...

Before the slashers ruled the ’80s, the 1970s were busy giving moviegoers nightmares, introducing unforgettable monsters, and changing horror movies forever! In this throwback episode of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee count down their Top 5 Movies to Watch During Halloween Season from the 1970s!

From supernatural chills and demonic encounters to psychological thrillers and downright terrifying classics, the guys revisit a decade that pushed the boundaries of horror and left an indelible mark on pop culture. Which movies made their lists? What makes these films perfect for a spooky October night? And will...

It’s time to fire up the chainsaw and kick off a four-part Halloween horror spectacular on the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast! Jason and Dee are joined by special guest Slasher Girl Amanda Janik as they dive headfirst into one of the most notorious and influential horror movies ever made: 1974’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre!

In Part 1, the team goes behind the scenes of Tobe Hooper’s low-budget horror classic, exploring the origins of the movie, the cast and crew who endured brutal Texas heat and grueling conditions to make it, and the unlikely road tha...

1991 was a year when the musical landscape was changing Right Here, Right Now! This week on the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee each reveal their Top 5 Songs of 1991—but there’s a twist: they’re not simply telling you what made the list.

Instead, the guys take turns delivering clues, stories and behind-the-scenes trivia about each song while the other cohost—and YOU—try to figure out what song they’re talking about. Can you guess it faster than the other guy?

From unforgettable rock anthems and massive pop hits to songs that hel...

It’s time to get back to work! Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast continue their look at two foundational comedies of the ’80s, 9 to 5 and Mr. Mom.

In Part 2, the guys turn their attention to the cast of Mr. Mom and take a closer look at the incredible collection of talent that helped make this Michael Keaton classic such a memorable part of the ’80s. From the familiar faces to the supporting characters you may have forgotten about, there are plenty of great stories and surprises along the way.

Then it’...

Two of the biggest workplace comedies of the early 1980s are going head-to-head! Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast kick off a two-part matchup between 9 to 5 and Mr. Mom.

In Part 1, the guys go behind the scenes to uncover the origins of both movies. How did these comedy classics come together? What were the inspirations behind them? And how did they assemble two unforgettable casts?

Then Jason and Dee take a deep dive into the cast of 9 to 5—from the three powerhouse stars at the center of the film to the me...

Jason and Dee are back with another track-by-track journey through one of the most fascinating releases of the '90s—Alice in Chains’ Jar of Flies!

The guys dive into the story behind an EP that almost seemed to happen by accident. The band walked into the studio and, in just 10 days, created a collection of songs that would become one of the most memorable releases of the grunge era.

Along the way, Jason and Dee explore the evolution of Alice in Chains, including the arrival of bassist Mike Inez, the chemistry he brought to the band...

This week on the Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee kick off an epic matchup between two legendary releases: Guns N' Roses' Gn'R Lies vs. Alice in Chains' Jar of Flies.

This week, we're going track by track through Gn'R Lies and diving headfirst into the wild, unpredictable world of Guns N' Roses. Coming off the monster success of Appetite for Destruction, the band had the nearly impossible task of following up one of the biggest rock albums of the decade. Instead of rushing out a full-length record, they gave us Gn'R Lies—part acoustic ap...

Grab your cheap sunglasses, fire up the Eliminator, and get ready to go back to 1983!

In memory of the legendary Frank Beard, Jason and Dee take a trip back to one of the most important albums of the MTV era as they re-release their 2023 track-by-track breakdown of ZZ Top’s Eliminator.

The guys dive deep into the stories behind the Texas trio, the making of the album, and the songs that transformed ZZ Top from blues-rock favorites into MTV superstars. From the opening notes of “Gimme All Your Lovin’” to “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” “TV Dinners,” “Got Me Under Pressure...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...