Retromade

Welcome back to Retromade! Today we’re heading back to 1994, when pop culture was firing on all cylinders, to revisit Baby's Day Out, a movie that dares to ask: what if a baby could outwit three grown criminals without even trying? We’ll get into the chaos, the cartoon logic, and whether this one holds up at all + a quick trip through some 1994 trivia to set the scene.

Returning to the show is Milo Dennison from The 80s and 90s Uncensored podcast, who recently rolled out a new format.

Don't be a stranger:

Today we’re heading back to 1988 to revisit She's Having a Baby, a more personal entry from John Hughes, where he steps in as both writer and director. It’s a look at marriage, expectations, and growing up…with a little bit of that Hughes humor and anxiety mixed in. And as always, we’ll check in on what else was happening in ’88 with a quick time capsule.

I’m happy to be joined by returning guest, Scott Murphy of Bloody Sam: A Peckinpah Fan Podcast (also on The Director's Chair Network), All ‘90s Action, All The Time! & New Ho...

Welcome back to Retromade, where we dive into the movies and moments that shaped our pop culture past. Today we’re rewinding to BOTH 1980 AND 1997 to cover movies that showcase the massive shifts Hughes’ career took, starting with his FIRST movie writing credit: The Secret Life of Nikola Tesla (never heard of it, right?) and then one of his final writing credits of the 90s: Home Alone 3.

This episode is a tad different than usual, thus I’m going solo. I hope you like the episode even if you haven’t seen these movies…

Today we’re heading to 1986 and revisiting Pretty in Pink , the John Hughes’ class-conscious teen romance that gave us unforgettable fashion, an iconic soundtrack, and one of the most debated love triangles of the decade…depending on if you’re team Blane or team Duckie.

My guest today will sound very familiar if you listen to the Rocky series podcast, One More Round - Kyle Pederson.

Today we’re heading back to 1987 for Some Kind of Wonderful - John Hughes’ gender-flipped spin on the Pretty in Pink formula. It’s got unrequited love, drum solos, diamond earrings, and that classic Hughes mix of angst and heart. We’ll dig into the movie, the music, and the era when every teen in America was just trying to figure out who they really belonged with.

I'm joined by returning guest, Steve Smith from The Men of Action Podcast(The Cheeky Basterds) & Dropping a Bruce.

I’ve got one more holiday movie for ya… Today, we’re heading back to 1989 and spending the holidays with the Griswolds. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is one of those movies that somehow gets funnier—and more relatable—the older you get. From family chaos and workplace letdowns to the impossible pressure of a “perfect” Christmas, this episode is all about why this movie still hits decades later, and why it’s never really left the seasonal rotation.

Reminiscing with me today is returning guest, Doug Greenberg. You can find him on Frank Stallone - Who is this Guy? And y...

Today we’re heading into holiday territory with the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street, the version that tried to bring Kris Kringle into the ‘90s and ended up becoming its own nostalgic time capsule. Let’s dig into the movie, the era and why this version still delivers cozy Christmas vibes decades later.

My guest today is a familiar voice: my regular podcast partner-in-crime, Ryan Rebalkin - whom I join every other Sunday on One More Round, the Rocky Series Podcast.

Ryan wears many hats! He's a proud father of 6 wonderful kids and also serves...

We’re heading back to 1990 to revisit one of the greatest holiday classics of all time: Home Alone. In this episode, we unpack the movie’s enduring magic, from booby traps to unforgettable one-liners, and take a playful detour into some pop culture trivia from 1990. I'm I'm joined by returning guests Evan and Andrew from the Nothing Worthwhile with Moody & Groo podcast, who bring their signature humor to the conversation. Whether you grew up quoting Kevin McCallister or still wince at the paint can or spider scene, this is a festive rewind you won’t want to miss.

Plea...

This is a very unique bonus episode. Today, we’re gonna find out what happens when one of America’s best sports biographers turns his lens on one of hip-hop’s most misunderstood legends. My guest today is Jeff Pearlman, the NY Times bestselling author, with a new book Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur. You can also find more of Jeff here:

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Lis...

We’re heading back to 1992 — a year of slapstick traps, Talkboys, and turtle doves — to revisit Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. It’s bigger, louder, and somehow even more chaotic than the original, set against the perfect early-’90s backdrop of neon windbreakers, Crystal Pepsi, and boy bands just starting to form. Let’s see if Kevin’s second round of mayhem still holds up… or if this sequel should’ve been left at the Plaza.

I’m delighted to be joined by a new guest, Andy of All Apologies podcast as well as All the Wright Mov(i)es, an...

Today, we go back to 1987 for another brilliant dose of John Candy and John Hughes for Thanksgiving classic: Planes, Trains & Automobiles!

I’m happy to be joined by returning guest, Scott Murphy of All ‘90s Action, All The Time! & New Horror Express podcasts. He's also got an upcoming series covering Sam Peckinpah on The Director's Chair Network. Scott is a film podcaster, music reviewer and all round horror/action/metal/comedy/wrestling nerd. You can find him & his work here:

Plea...

Today we’re heading back to 1991 to revisit Dutch—to get us in the mood for Thanksgiving!

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetromadePodcast

Join the fun: https://www.facebook.com/retromadepodcast

Want to offer a tip in support of the show: https://retromade.captivate.fm/support

Today we’re rewinding to 1982—a year packed with iconic hits and trends—but instead of E.T. or Fast Times, we’re looking at a National Lampoon experiment that didn’t quite land: Class Reunion.

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetromadePodcast

Join the fun: https://www.facebook.com/retromadepodcast

Want to offer a tip in support of the show: https://retromade.captivate.fm/support

Today we’re diving into 1997’s Flubber—a John Hughes–penned remake. I’ll tell you I experienced a first in show history watching this movie…stay tuned to find out ;)

Introducing new guest to the show: Dustin Melbardis from The Retro Movie Roundtable podcast. He's been on the show since 2021 and loves spending time chatting with new guests and old friends, even though he admittedly has seen fewer movies than anyone he talks to. He attempts to find art in everything. He believes that the point of any movie is to make you feel. What you feel is up t...

Pack your bags and grab your phrasebook—we’re heading back to 1985 for the 40th anniversary of National Lampoon’s European Vacation. We’ll relive the Griswold's’ chaotic trek across the continent while also diving into pop culture that defined the mid-’80s.

Returning to the show is Zo from Back Look Cinema, the podcast! You can check out all his awesome stuff at https://www.backlookcinema.com/.

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm

Subscribe on YouTube: htt...

Today as a bonus episode, listen to my guest appearance on Back Look Cinema, the podcast with Zo: Teen Wolf - the 40th anniversary! You can check out all his awesome stuff at https://www.backlookcinema.com/.

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetromadePodcast

Join the fun: https://www.facebook.com/retromadepodcast

Want to offer a tip in support of the show: https://retromade.captivate.fm/support<...

40th ANNIVERSARY: Today we’re booting up 1985’s Weird Science—a teen fantasy where two nerds use a computer, a doll, and a lightning storm to create the woman of their dreams. It’s chaotic, cringey, and peak John Hughes in all the best and weirdest ways.

Today's guests are Chad Robinson and Russell Guest from the Retro Movie Roundtable podcast. Check them out:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-movie-roundtable/id1439985015

https://www.facebook.com/RetroMovieRoundtable

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Fol...

Today we’re sailing back to 1983 for Nate and Hayes, the pirate adventure you probably missed—starring a swashbuckling Tommy Lee Jones, colonial chaos, and more explosions than you'd expect from a forgotten film. And don't forget the 1983 trivia in the time capsule segment.

Ryan Rebalkin - whom I join every other Sunday on One More Round, the Rocky Series Podcast - is here to help me open the season!

Ryan wears many hats! He's a proud father of 6 wonderful kids and also serves in the Navy. But wait, there's more! He's also a podcast host...

Welcome back to Retromade! Today we’re heading back to 1991 to revisit Curly Sue—John Hughes’ final film as a director. It’s got street scams, sentimentality, and one very scrappy kid with big hair and even bigger heart.

I’m excited to introduce a new guest to the show: Andrew from The Nostalgia Fun House podcast. Andrew is a father of three with a passion for pop culture, particularly the 1980s, which is his favorite decade. He has been actively engaged in podcasting for five years, sharing insights and discussions related to these interests. Check out Andrew:

This is your Summer Kickoff episode covering a very apt Hughes-written screwball road trip comedy that spawned 5 sequels - National Lampoon’s Vacation from 1983!

Returning to the show are Jim & Kevin from the Pool Scene Podcast - You can find Kevin & Jim on: Facebook. Instagram. TikTok. They also cover movies infused with music, pop culture and nostalgia.

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetromadePodcast

Join the fun: ht...

Welcome back to Retromade! Today, we’re flashing back to 1991 to discuss a lesser known Hughes flick—Career Opportunities.

Returning to the show is Sean Malloy formerly of “I Must Break This Podcast” covering one of my favorite action stars, Dolph Lundgren Check him out on The Last of the Action Heroes Podcast Network.

We also get a special bonus guest, Anson Kessinger, talking about his chat with Frank Whaley and some surprising feelings John Hughes had about this film. Check out Anson's work:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybvIMZtxlJo

First Pa...

Welcome back to Retromade! Today, we’re flashing back to 1984 to revisit Sixteen Candles—the film that launched a thousand crushes and immortalized teenage awkwardness in this John Hughes classic and the unforgettable pop culture landscape of ‘84.

Returning to the show are two of my favorite time-traveling podcasters—Jamie and Milo from The 80s and 90s Uncensored podcast! These guys are all about pop culture nostalgia, and they also created the PodChums - a community helping indie podcasters connect and grow. Check them out:

https://the80sand90s.com/

https://www.fervorfish.com/

Ple...

Today we’re digging into the 1992 family comedy, Beethoven. Bet you never realized it was written by John Hughes, did ya? We’ll talk about the oddly dark plot(?) and its surprising box office success to unpack why this messy movie somehow became a staple of early ’90s kid culture.

My guest today will sound very familiar if you listen to the Rocky series podcast, One More Round - Kyle Pederson.

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm

Subs...

Today, we go back to 1993 to revisit Dennis the Menace, the classic comic strip troublemaker who comes to life with nonstop chaos.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to new guest, Amy Lewis of the Pop Culture Retrospective podcast, which she started 5 years ago as a way of dealing with the grief that came from tragically losing her sister. She lives in Midcoast Maine with her wife, Mandy and their two kids, Anderson and Kai. When she's not with her family or working on the podcast, she is either busy running her photography business, riding her mountain bi...

Today, we go back to 1986 to celebrate Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the ultimate teen fantasy of skipping school in style. So buckle up, because as Ferris says, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Joining me today are Kevin and Eric from the Six Degrees of Schwarzenegger podcast, where they take a look back at some of our favorite movies from the golden era of action. They examine the good, the bad, the ugly, and the laughable in these movies. Check them out:

h...

Today, we go back to 1983 to explore how a John Hughes-penned classic captured the era’s shifting family dynamics and remains a fan favorite today with Mr. Mom!

I’m joined by returning guest, Craig Cohen, of The G.O.A.T. - a Brian De Palma Fan Podcast. Originally from the east coast, Craig now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and 2 Yorkies, Frida and Frankie Ramone. In his free time, he enjoys podcasting, reading and listening to and creating music. You can check out Craig's work: https://flow.page/mrcraigcohen

Please get...

Today, we go back to 1988 for another brilliant dose of John Candy and John Hughes for a hilarious and heartwarming getaway with The Great Outdoors! We'll also spin the time capsule wheel for memories of 1988!

I'm joined by returning guest, Jared Tockstein, from The Hyper Space: Podcasting in the 25th Century. Jared is a broadcasting professional of over 25 years. Jared has a passion for film and sci-fi, which he has turned into a giant waste of time with his podcast The Hyper Space. (wink)

Please get in touch to tell me what you think...

Join us as we travel back to August 1989 to investigate Uncle Buck, the John Hughes comedy that gave us John Candy at his finest, a young Macaulay Culkin, and one unforgettable giant pancake. We'll dive into the film’s impact as well as the time capsule memories of 1989!

I'm joined by returning guests, Scott & Steve from The Cheeky Basterds Podcast: Men of Action & Dropping a Bruce. They are also both on the Last of the Action Heroes Podcast Network.

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Fo...

In the season 2 debut episode, we travel back to February 1985 for the 40th ANNIVERSARY of The Breakfast Club! We're in for quite the treat with a whole season of John Hughes: Shermer High & Beyond! And let me know what you think of the new "spin" on the time capsule 😉

Ryan Rebalkin - whom I join every other Sunday on One More Round, the Rocky Series Podcast - is here to help me open the season!

Ryan wears many hats! He's a proud father of 6 wonderful kids and also serves in the Navy. But wait, there's mor...

This season on Retromade, we're heading to Shermer High and Beyond with the films of John Hughes!

From teen angst and heartfelt comedy to road trip disasters and epic family vacations, Hughes' movies shaped a generation—and still resonate today. We’ll revisit iconic hits, uncover hidden gems, and shake up the time capsule with new segments.

Be kind, rewind, and tune in every other week! 🎬✨

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm

Subscribe: https://www.youtu...

Welcome to the Season 1 Finale of Retromade! Today, we wrap up our celebration of Kurt Russell and Patrick Swayze, the "Ultimate Everymen" of cinema. Get ready for one last look at their iconic careers.

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@RetromadePodcast

Join the fun: https://www.facebook.com/retromadepodcast

Want to offer a tip in support of the show: https://retromade.captivate.fm/support

LAST MOVIE of the SEASON: In this episode, we travel back to December 1988 for the crime/drama/romance movie, Tequila Sunrise, with our everyman, Kurt Russell. And as always, we touch on all the other “happenings” of the time in the time capsule. 

Ryan Rebalkin - whom I join every other Sunday on One More Round, the Rocky Series Podcast - is back to bookend the season!

Ryan wears many hats! He's a proud father of 6 wonderful kids and also serves in the Navy. But wait, there's more! He's also a podcast host and a YouTu...

Today, we are going to travel back to August 1993 for the adventure comedy-drama, Father Hood (two words). And as always, we’ll do a pop culture rewind to get in the 90s frame of mind.

I’m excited to have returning guest, Lizzy, back from the Retro Movie Roundtable podcast here with me today. Lizzy is a mother of 3 and movie lover - particularly thrillers and comedy! Check her out:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retro-movie-roundtable/id1439985015

https://www.facebook.com/RetroMovieRoundtable

Please get in touch to tell me what you...

*Apologies for the audio quality in this episode; we experienced some difficulties and then had to use backup files - PLEASE bear with us.

Today, we are going to travel back to July 1980 for the satirical black comedy, Used Cars. And as always, we’ll touch on all the other “happenings” of the time. 

I’m delighted to have Evan Moody & Andrew Groothuis from Nothing Worthwhile with Moody & Groo (also on Last of the Action Heroes Podcast Network with "VanDammit!") with me today! Andrew is 49 years old and originally from New York. He's worked in the film...

We are heading back to August of 1984 for the dramedy Grandview, U.S.A., featuring a youthful Jamie Lee Curtis alongside the always delightful Patrick Swayze. This film captures the essence of small-town life in America, blending romance, comedy, and a bit of drama as it explores the intertwined lives of its quirky residents.

Plus, I talk about the finale season of a little iconic show: Three's Company - check it out!

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm<...

Today, we are going to travel back to February 1985 to discuss the crime thriller, The Mean Season, and all the other “happenings” of the time.

I’m delighted to have Scott Kraushaar from The Church of Tarantino Podcast, Dropping a Bruce & The Cheeky Basterds Podcast (both also on Last of the Action Heroes Podcast Network) and the new show Kill/Marry/Smash/Eat Podcast with me today! Here's where you can find him:

https://www.facebook.com/DroppingABruce

https://www.facebook.com/cheekybasterdspodcast

https://www.instagram.com/kmsepod/

https://www.in...

Today, we travel back to October 1998 for the science fiction action movie that is Soldier. I would say that this is “Universal Soldier” meets “Rambo” in space!  And as always, we’ll touch on all the other “happenings” of the time in the time capsule. 

I’m happy to be joined by returning guest Zo Richardson from Back Look Cinema: The Podcast. Zo is a Podcaster and movie enthusiast. An artist who enjoys creating graphic art. A comic book lover from way back. A lover of sci fi books. An insatiable video game player. Check him out:

https://www.b...

We are going back to January of 1986…for the sports drama, Youngblood with our everyman, Patrick Swayze in more of a supporting role to another extreme smoke-show, Rob Lowe. Lucky for you, I own this movie b/c it’s not streaming anywhere…thus I’m going solo today as well.

Plus, I talk about the premiering sitcom this season: 227 - check it out!

Please get in touch to tell me what you think - RetromadePodcast@gmail.com

Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ret...

We continue the exploration of the best of the 80s & 90s… with the tense action-thriller, Executive Decision with our everyman, Kurt Russell from March of 1996!

I’m excited to have Zabe (host) & Robin (producer) from Who Will Save Generation X? Trivia Game Show on with me today. Their show is dedicated to remembering, celebrating and preserving all the wonderful qualities of Generation X (ex: pop culture of the 70s, 80s, and 90s) through games, trivia, and friends. Here's where you can find them:

https://www.whowillsavegenx.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WhoWillSaveGenX

ht...

Let’s continue the exploration of the best of the 80s & 90s…and our Ultimate Everymen with the romantic drama from 1984, where Kurt met his real-life love: Swing Shift!

I’m delighted to be joined by returning guest, Craig Cohen. In addition to being a fellow Last of the Action Heroes Podcast Network host, Craig also has a new project: The G.O.A.T. - a Brian De Palma Fan Podcast.

Originally from the east coast, Craig Cohen now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and 2 Yorkies, Frida and Frankie Ramone. In his fr...