Retroist Retro Podcast

Retroist Dark Night of the Scarecrow Podcast

Halloween is just around the corner, and I wanted to talk about a made-for-TV movie that I first saw as a kid: Dark Night of the Scarecrow. This spooky revenge film revolves around a terrifying scarecrow and has haunted me ever since I first watched it. It’s a perfect film for this time of year, with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling themes, so I hope you’ll consider giving it a watch.
I kick off the episode by sharing a personal experience, an encounter I had with a scarecrow at my uncle’s house when I was younger. This scarecrow was positioned just outside the window, its creepy presence looming over the yard. For a long time, it became the subject of our family’s spooky tales, passed between me and my cousins. We’d often dare each other to get close, but then, one evening, things took a much darker, more sinister turn, and it’s a memory that still sends chills down my spine.
After sharing that story, I dive deep into the film itself. I explore the talented people both in front of and behind the camera, how the film’s production came together, and the chilling score that sets the perfect tone for the story. I also reference some interesting newspaper articles I came across while researching the film’s impact and history. For those interested, I’ll be sharing those clippings over on my Patreon tomorrow.
This is a solid, scary movie, and what makes it even more special is that, since it was made for television, it’s not overly graphic. It can actually be enjoyed by older kids who don’t get too scared, making it a great pick for a family movie night during the Halloween season. If you’re on the hunt for something spooky but not too extreme, Dark Night of the Scarecrow might just be the perfect fit. So, if you’re looking for something to watch, please, check it out and let me know what you think.

Retroist Podcast Episode 327 (It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown)

Back in 2009, I recorded a podcast about It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. It was a childhood favorite and a podcast that many people have emailed me about over the years. So now that I am committed to revisiting some of my older episodes, this one went straight to the top of the list. It's a great subject to cover at this time of year, and I hope you enjoy it.
I start the episode by talking about a memorable time when I watched the show. If you've listened to the podcast or read the blog, you probably know that I like to make an event out of things. This story demonstrates the lengths I would go to. I wouldn’t recommend anyone try what I did, especially at the age I was, but in the end, it was rewarding.
Then I dive into the special itself. I discuss the people in front of and behind the camera, its production, music, and much more. I also reference some newspaper articles, and I will share my clippings over on Patreon tomorrow.
It really isn’t Halloween without watching the Peanuts special, and I make sure to watch it every year. Schulz was a brilliant cartoonist, and as I mention in the episode, it’s amazing how much of what appeared on the screen originated in his comic strip. He was a prolific creative genius who, for half a century, helped define and interpret American pop culture.

Retroist Podcast Episode 326 (The Goonies)

The Retroist Podcast is back with an episode I promised to release during my first year of the podcast, The Goonies. On this episode, my first of the new season, I am happy to finally have covered this classic and beloved film.
I start the show off by talking about how the film was inspiring to me in unexpected ways that have had a positive long-term effect on me. Then I move onto the film itself, I talk about the people in front of and behind the camera, its production, location, video games, music, and much more.
This film, when it finally came out on cable and VHS was pretty much on a loop at my house at the time. That, combined with showings at video stores, make it difficult for me to estimate how many times I have seen it, but it is proudly, a lot. I wanted to say this because it took me a while to get around to making this episode not because I didn’t want to, but because I didn’t think I could do it justice. I hope you enjoy the episode and more importantly watch or rewatch the movie.

Retroist Podcast Episode 325 (1984 Summer Olympics)

Welcome to the 400th episode of the Retroist Podcast. On this episode, my last of the season, I decided to talk about the 1984 Summer Olympics. These Los Angeles games were a big deal for me. I don’t remember any Olympic activity before it, and no other Games have been as enjoyable for me.
I begin the show discussing my bit of bootleg patriotism that I wore proudly that summer. Then I move onto the games itself, covering the lead up to the games, its finances, successes, failures, designs, sponsorships, and much more. Because they were very important to me at the time, I also talk about the McDonald’s game and the very cool mascot, Sam the Eagle.
This 1984 Olympics were not a guaranteed success. It was only through careful planning and innovative handling of the event that they were not only able to succeed, but set a new standard for the games. Its legacy went beyond a successful broadcast. It raised funds that have lasted for decades to support sports in the area.
The Olympics are about to start and will return to LA in 2028. I hope that everyone can enjoy them and appreciate the rich history of this optimistic international event.

Retroist Podcast Episode 324 (VCR Revisited)

On the newest episode of the Retroist Podcast, I am revisiting a subject I dealt with over a decade ago, the VCR. The original episode I did, had always been a favorite of mine, but I have wanted to revisit it to update the audio, mix, music, and information. It was fun to not just redo the episode, but listen to the original and see how much has changed with how I do the show. Still, I think the DNA of the show is pretty much the same. It has just evolved (and I got a better microphone).
I start the show talking about my family’s first VCR. It was beautiful and a centerpiece of family life for years. It almost wasn’t though because of an accident that occurred while I was attempting to learn how to set it up to record. This involves grape soda, and what should have been electrocution.
Then I talk about the VCR itself, tracing its evolution from reel-to-reel to cartridge format. The rise of Sony and how their superior format was somehow not so superior. Once VHS triumphs, I talk about the VHS, VCR Plus, the rise of DVD and so much more. Metagrrrl is back to revisit her top 5 list.
I am enjoying the revisited episode, and I hope you do as well. I am going to be doing one more episode this season before taking a short break. During the break, I will continue to put out some shows on Patreon in the meantime, so check out the extra content on there, and I look forward to bringing you more retro fun next season.

Retroist Podcast Episode 323 (Breakin')

As this season of the Retroist Podcast wraps up, I wanted to cover some of the films that tried to cash in on the breakdancing craze.  Breakin’ was the first film to hit the theaters, and it captured the attention of my friends and I.  Our dancing crew wasn’t very good and didn’t last long, but it was a lot of fun.  I start off the show talking about one of our last dance sessions.
Then I move onto the movie itself. I talk about the people in front of, and behind the camera, the film’s production, reception, and more. Some great clipping in this episode, so look for them over at Patreon soon.
While we might not have danced like we did as a group, I kept the torch alive.  As soon as the film was on HBO, I taped it and would watch it often.  Trying to copy the moves that I saw on screen. For a good year after the film came out, I thought breakdancing was going to last forever and get bigger and bigger.  It didn’t.
Breakdancing might not be as prominent today, but its influence is still felt in music, fashion, and dance. It's been a lot of fun revisiting this movie and sharing my thoughts with all of you. Be sure to check out the extra content on Patreon, and I look forward to sharing more breakdancing fun to you soon.

Retroist Podcast Episode 322 (Indiana Jones Toys & Games)

I wanted to wrap up my coverage of Indiana Jones with a discussion of some Indy odds and ends. So on this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I am going to talk about Indiana Jones Merchandise. I focus on the things I was most familiar with while growing up, so this is not comprehensive.
The show starts with a little story about comic book collecting. Although maybe it is more of a story about how collecting has changed over the years as larger economies have grown up around it. Either way, the story ends with me having free comics, always a good way for a story to end.
Then I talk about:
Marvel’s Indiana Jones Comics
TSR’s Indiana Jones role-playing game
Raiders of the Lost Ark Board Game
Kenner’s Indiana Jones Action Figures
LJN’s Temple of Doom Action Figures
Micro Machines
The Indiana Jones films spawned lots of great merchandise. Sadly, I was too young to collect it all. While I might not have had everything, the things I did have were more meaningful. If you like to get into Indy collecting now, you will find some high-priced items, but also a plethora of affordable and fun things to put on your shelves.

Retroist Podcast Episode 321 (Indiana Jones Video Games)

In this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I am going to take a look at the first two decades of video games featuring Indiana Jones. This started with me just going to talk about a couple of games, but then morphed into a 12 game extravaganza (maybe 13). Here are the games I discuss:
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1982)
Indiana Jones in the Lost Kingdom (1984)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1985)
Indiana Jones in Revenge of the Ancients (1987)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1988)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure (1989)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game (1989)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1991)
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992)
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1993)
Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures (1994)
Indiana Jones and His Desktop Adventures (1996)
We kick things off by reminiscing about my childhood and the challenges of playing these beloved games. Back then, playing your favorite titles wasn’t always easy, but with enough determination, anything was possible.
From there, we move on to the games themselves. This episode is a bit different, as I focus more on my personal experiences with these games rather than just the gameplay details. It's a mix of memories and opinion that I hope will bring a smile to your face and perhaps a bit of nostalgia.
Join me as I recount the highs and lows of playing these Indiana Jones games, sharing what made each one unique and memorable. I hope you find this journey through Indiana Jones gaming history as enjoyable as I did.
If you have an opinion about one of these games, let me know in the comments or over on Discord.

Retroist Podcast Episode 320 (The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles)

In an episode of the Retroist Podcast, we are looking at the "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles," a TV series that charts the early adventures of the iconic character Indiana Jones. This series fleshes out the formative years of the young Indy as he travels the globe and, like Forrest Gump, he engages with historical figures and participates in key events that shaped the 20th century. Unlike the high-stakes treasure hunts typical of the Indiana Jones film saga, this series opts for a more educational and character-driven exploration of Indy's development into the archaeologist we know from the films.
The fun thing about "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" is how it cleverly intertwines real historical contexts with the Indy’s fictional world, offering us a blend of adventure and a history lesson in each episode. The series production stands out by its unique approach to storytelling, where each episode is a standalone story that that can also be combined with another episode to make a feature length film. That capability really highlights the craftsmanship of George Lucas.
In this episode of the podcast, we will explore how "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" not only plays with the Indiana Jones narrative but also serves as a crucial component in understanding the complexities of Indy's character. Did we need all this info about Indy? Probably not, but for fans of the show, it was a great wait to give us more of the character when we couldn’t get prime Harrison Ford Indy to make more movies. With all of its materials, it’s weirdly overlooked. I hope by talking about it, I can get you to look at it again or the first time.

Retroist Podcast Episode 319 (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, released in 1989, as the first of the Indy films that I saw by myself. Much like in the other films, it follows the intrepid archaeologist, played by the Harrison Ford, as he embarks on a quest not just for the mythical Holy Grail but also for his estranged father, portrayed by Sean Connery. This new dynamic injects a unique layer of family drama and humor into the series. The chemistry between Ford and Connery is particularly notable, providing both comedic relief and a heartwarming exploration of father-son relationships.
This film marks a return to the lighter-toned roots of the original Raiders of the Lost Ark. Sure, it embraces the classic elements of treasure hunting and globe-trotting escapades, but lacks the horror elements of Temple of Doom. Director Steven Spielberg and producer George Lucas, in what would have been the series capper, masterfully balance action-packed sequences with poignant moments, creating a compelling mix of thrill and sentiment.
This installment also benefits from John Williams’ continued participation. The grandmaster of film music elevates the film. From chasing the Grail to reconciling with his father, Williams tells the story through music that is as re-listenable as the film is re-watchable.
In this episode itself, I’ll delve into how The Last Crusade not only continues the legacy of Indiana Jones but also enhances it. We get backstory and themes of redemption and family relationships that weren’t in the first two films. As with the other two episodes, we will revisit the relationship between the dynamic duo of Spielberg and Lucas that led to this globe-trotting adventure. Whether you're revisiting this film or discovering it for the first time, this films is an amazing cinematic experience that only adds to the unending appeal of Indiana Jones.
This installment also benefits from John Williams’ iconic score, which elevates the film’s grandeur and supports its epic narrative. From chasing the Grail to reconciling with his father, Indiana Jones’s journey in this film is not only a physical adventure but an emotional story that continues to resonate with audiences.
In this episode, we delve into how The Last Crusade not only continues the legacy of Indiana Jones but also enhances it by weaving in themes of redemption and kinship. We'll explore the dynamic between Spielberg and Lucas that led to this balanced mix of adventure and personal storytelling, solidifying The Last Crusade’s place as a beloved classic in the action-adventure genre. Whether you're revisiting this film or discovering it for the first time, it promises an amazing cinematic experience that celebrates the unending appeal of Indiana Jones.