1980s Nostalgia Podcasts that Prove the 80s Was the Best Decade Ever
The 1980s were a time of great change and upheaval. It was a decade of big hair, neon clothes, and excess. But it was also a time of great social, political, and cultural progress. Some of the most important cultural moments ever happened in the 1980s—like Cabbage Patch Dolls, GI Joe, The Smurfs, Alf, hair metal rock ‘n roll, and the Pepsi Challenge.
It was the 80s in all its glory. The Reagan Administration ushered in a new era of laissez-faire capitalism, which led to deregulation and privatization initiatives throughout the decade. This led to increased income inequality and homelessness rates as well as an increase in crime rates. Also, the 1980s charged the way to a boom of slasher sequels, buddy comedies, and the PG-13 movie rating.
Read More »So put on your leg warmers, pour a can of Tab into a glass over ice, and enjoy these totally tubular 1980s nostalgia podcasts.
Large Marge Sent Us Podcast
This is the big one. The original 1980s podcast that started it all. Large Marge is a weekly podcast about the 1980s hosted by two close friends and is self-proclaimed as being “unapologetically nostalgic” for the 80s.
Each week, the hosts take a deep dive into all things 80s. From movies and television to music and fashion, no stone is left unturned. They also interview guests who were popular culture figures in the 80s. Some great recent episodes worth checking out are:
• Fast Times At Ridgemont High
• Say Anything
• 80s Cartoon Birthday Bonanza
• Heathers
• St. Elmo’s Fire
If you’re looking for an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of the 1980s, this is the podcast for you.
Living The 80s Podcast
This podcast is all about, well, living the 80s. It’s hosted by Rob Faught who was born in the 1970s and grew up in the 80s—like so many authentic “children of the 80s” were. Faught shares his personal experiences of what it was like growing up in the decade, as well as explores some of the most popular cultural touchstones of the time.
Each episode is based around a different theme, such as “movies that defined our childhoods” or “songs that take us back.” Faught also interviews other people who lived through the 80s and gets their perspectives on the decade.
Some of our favorite episodes include:
• An 80s Music Toolbox
• I Want My MTV!
• How The Breakfast Club Defined a Generation
• The Greatest 80s Teen Films
• The Most Iconic 80s Fashion Trends
If you’re looking for a more personal and anecdotal exploration of the 1980s, this is the podcast for you.
Purple Stuff Podcast
The Purple Stuff podcast is a bit more lighthearted and irreverent take on the 1980s. It’s hosted by Jay and Matt—two friends who love all things 80s. The Purple Stuff podcast is equal parts history lesson and comedy show, with the hosts riffing on all the ridiculousness that made the 80s so great.
Each episode, they focus on a different pop culture topic, such as “The Most underrated 80s Films,” “The Most Obscure 80s Cereals,” or “The Greatest Movie One-Liners of the 1980s.” They also interview guests who were popular culture figures in the 80s.
Some of our favorite episodes include:
• 1989 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
• The Monster Cereals Tribute!
• The Most Ridiculous 80s Toys!
• The Most Memorable TV Commercials of the 1980s!
• The Most Iconic 80s Movie Posters!
If you’re looking for a more comedic and lighthearted exploration of the 1980s that will make you hungry for over-sugared cereal, this is the podcast for you.
Stuck in the 80s Podcast
The Stuck in the 80s podcast is self-proclaimed as being “unapologetically nostalgic” for the 80s.
Each week, they take a deep dive into some oddly specific cultural reference, movie, song, or anything else that might turn a former Jordache-jeans-wearing kid nostalgic for a certain decade. Co-hosts Steve “Spearsy” Spears and “Brad in L.A.” Williams (“Brad in L.A.”) take all 50,000 of their beloved worldwide fans on a travel back in time to the ‘80s.
Some of our favorite episodes include:
• OLIVIA-NEWTON JOHN TRIBUTE
• NOSTALGIA TRIGGERS OF THE 1980S
• ALBUMS TURNING 40 – THE CLASH AND 38 SPECIAL
• OUR FAVORITE ’80S COMMERCIALS
• HEARTTHROBS OF THE ’80S
For a podcast that’s going on two decades, it’s likely on the radar of any 80s nostalgia podcast fan. But if it’s not, be sure to give this one a listen.
80s Underground Podcast
80s Underground is a podcast that takes an alternative look at the music from the 1980s—quite literally. The 80s Underground podcast focuses on the underground and non-mainstream tunes that came out of the greatest decade. Jeff Shelton delivers playlists of this music in a podcast format. Think of it as a curated deejay set of all underground 80s music. Sure, you could listen to Spotify or Pandora, but that would be sooooo 2020s.
For awesome music that’ll make you nostalgic for being too cool for pop classics like “Come On Eileen” and “Footloose,” then you’ve got to check out this podcast. You can literally pick any episode and start listening. And if the song doesn’t speak to you like a smooth-talking Speak ‘N Spell, then all you need to do is jump forward a few minutes to the next tune.
80s Revisited Podcast
The 80s Revisited podcast covers everything from movies, music, games, pop culture, and more. Hosted by Trey Harris and Jesse Seidule, the most recent episodes cover classic films from the 1980s, and the hosts do a great job of breaking down each film and discussing how they might hold up in today’s culture. Some great recent episodes worth giving a listen to are:
• Iron Eagle
• Adventures In Babysitting
• Over The Top
• Space Camp
• Teen Wolf Too
Episodes vary in length but run from about 45 minutes to 90 minutes. If you’re looking for some good 1980s movie chat, then check out the 80s Revisited podcast.
Retroist Retro Podcast
The Retroist podcast is a massive undertaking. It’s a veritable time capsule of 80s nostalgia, with nearly 300 episodes and counting. The podcast covers everything from movies, TV shows, video games, toys, and more. And if you can’t find an episode on something you’re looking for, chances are it’s in the works.
Some of our favorite episodes include:
• Trivial Pursuit
• Real Genius
• The Classic 1985 Teen Movie “The Breakfast Club”
• The G.I. Joe Animated Series – A Real American Hero!
• The Incredible Hulk – The 1980s Cartoon Series
• Star Wars – From the Cantina to Jabba’s Palace (And Beyond)
For great 80s nostalgia delivered in bite-sized chunks, be sure to check out the Retroist podcast.
Growing Up ’80s Podcast
The Growing Up ’80s podcast is a great option for anyone looking for something a little more lighthearted and fun. The podcast is co-hosted by Darren Foulds with Robin Harbron, two long-time friends who met way back in the 80s and bonded over their shared love of all things 80s. From movies and TV to music and toys, if it was popular in the 80s then chances are it’s been covered on this podcast at some point or another. While the podcast hung up its Keds back in 2021, there are still some great episodes worth checking out. Some of our favorite episodes include:
• Detective Books, Games and TV Shows
• Construction (and Destruction) Games
• The Top 80s Toys We Wanted But Never Got
• The Greatest (and not-so-greatest) 80s Teen Movies
• The Greatest (and not-so-greatest) 80s Movie Soundtracks
If you’re looking to get nostalgic about the 1980s, you can’t miss with the Growing Up ’80s podcast.
Dancing With Ourselves: A Totally Rad 80’s Podcast
Dancing With Ourselves is a podcast about the 1980s that’s hosted by Eric, Josh & Jimmy. The podcast covers everything from movies and TV to music and pop culture, with a particular focus on the more obscure and forgotten corners of the 80s. If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, then look no further. Some great recent episodes are:
• Wrasslin’, Three Amigos, and More
• Fun with Big Trouble in Little China
• I Killed Them All
• Justin Achilli, Games, and D&D
• Hot Since 1982
If you’re in the mood for some deep cuts, then check out Dancing With Ourselves: A Totally Rad 80s Podcast.
Final Thoughts
The 1980s were a totally rad decade, and the podcasts mentioned above are a great way to revisit all the awesomeness. Whether you’re looking for nostalgia about your favorite movies, TV shows, music, or toys from the 80s, there’s something out there for everyone. So pull up a chair, put on your favorite ’80s jams, RELAX like Freddy Goes to Hollywood, and dive into one of these fantastic podcasts. You won’t regret it!
