If you grew up watching Wheel of Fortune, you probably read the title of this episode the same way the audience would call it out during the show's opening. That's the cultural impact Wheel of Fortune had; it's the game show that goes back to the mid-70s but really rose to prominence in the 1980s. Not only did the format change in the 80s, but the show made the big move from daytime to the evening. The 1980s are also when the world first met Pat Sajak and Vanna White. So grab some consonants and a vowel as we dive into the history of one of the most popular game shows in history: Wheel of Fortune. Get access to new shows early, and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s
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The Care Bears: From Greeting Cards to Global Phenomenon
The Care Bears weren't just colorful, stuffed animals--they were one of the biggest cultural and business success stories of the 1980s. From a simple sketch to the eureka moment of their final creation, the story of the Care Bears is a testament to how to launch a child's brand with surgical precision. When they finally hit shelves in 1983, it didn't take long for the Care Bears to become a pop culture phenomenon. With their very specific and strategic rollout, the Care Bears were hard to ignore. Today, we look back at the history of a defining 1980s brand, the brand that may have been the gold standard in how to promote a kids' toy. Not only did the Care Bears become a billion-dollar brand, but they also beat Disney at their own game, and may have also led to the death of a beloved cartoon character... Karate Kid movie review: Patreon.com/80s
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War Games: Is It a Game, or Is It Real...
When it came out in the summer of 1983, War Games was seen as a fun, summertime popcorn movie. But was the premise of this film starring Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy more realistic than we realized? Welcome to a free preview of the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast, which you can find at Patreon.com/80s. In this episode, we look back on the movie that was a bit of a surprise hit and went on to become a 1980s classic. But, at the same time, War Games raised some serious questions--questions that even went all the way to the White House... The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s
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The Comic Books of the 1980s: Two Eras in One Decade
Even though part of it was considered the Bronze Age, the comic books of the 1980s were like a golden age for kids who grew up during that time. It was the decade that saw massive changes to how comics were distributed, but also a time that saw a significant shift in how comic book stories were told. The big two--Marvel and DC--were still on top, but something was changing... an independent boom was taking place, and underground and indie comic books were blazing their own trail. And there was one specific creation that would go on to become one of the biggest pop culture phenomenons of all time... So let's go back to the decade when you could spend all day in the comic book store. A time that not only saw the end of the Bronze Age of comic books--but the introduction of a brand new, Modern Age. Special guest: Alex Grand: comicbookhistorians.com Alex's book: Understanding Superhero Comic Books Get the first look at new episodes early, and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s
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How the Happy Meal Changed Fast Food Forever
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
Welcome to Everything 80s — the ultimate podcast for fans of 1980s pop culture and retro nostalgia.
Each week, we'll dive deep into the most iconic parts of the 1980s: unforgettable movies, legendary TV shows, classic toys, groundbreaking music, and the cultural moments that defined a generation.
From Back to the Future to The Breakfast Club, from Transformers and He-Man to MTV, Nintendo, and Michael Jackson — if it happened in the 80s, we’re talking about it.
Whether you grew up in the 1980s or just love the retro vibe, Everything 80s is your time machine to a decade of innovation, color, and unforgettable fun. Perfect for fans of nostalgia, Gen X, and anyone who loves some good 'ol time travel...
🎧 New episodes every Wednesday — hit follow and join the 1980s rewind.
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