It's good to be the king. At least when that king is legendary director, comedian Mel Brooks. For more than 70 years, Brooks has given us memorable comedy to make us laugh and think. Jay and Josh look back on his films on Enjoy Stuff: A TechnoRetro podcast

If you’re blue and you don’t know where to go to, why don’t you go where...movies make you laugh! Mel Brooks has written, directed, and starred in some of the greatest comedies of all time.

News

-The Russo Brothers are developing a live action Battle of the Planets

-There is another ‘Kelvin’ timeline Star Trek movie coming...someday

-Would you eat Flamin’ Hot Cheetos ice cream?

-The creators of South Park want to buy and restore a classic Mexican restaurant in Denver, called Casa Bonita

-Stay tuned to Disney+ for a Lego Star Wars Halloween special called Terrifying Tales

What we’re Enjoying

Jay has really been enjoying his new books with a collection of comic book artist Alex Ross’s Marvel work, plus the Making of Back to the Future. Shua liked looking behind the scenes of some of the Disney parks most iconic rides featured on Behind the Attraction on Disney+.

Enjoy Movies

When Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner first performed the 2000 year old man sketch on Sid Caesar’s ‘Your Show of Shows’ they probably didn’t realize that it was the start of some comedy that would likely be around for 2000 years. Brooks’s success led him to begin writing and directing movies like The Producers and The Twelve Chairs. But just a few years later, he created two of the best comedies of all time, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

Are his movies sometimes crude? Absolutely! Are they ridiculing all different types of people? Of course! But they also have important messages about racism, greed, and understanding. From the slapstick humor (and lack of dialogue) that should never have been made in the 70’s called Silent Movie to the completely offensive History of the World Part 1, Brooks has hooked us with our secret desire for naughtiness and taught us a valuable lesson along the way. 

Even if you aren’t a fan of his later work, such as Spaceballs or Robin Hood: Men in Tights, you can still respect the creativity and success this icon has shared with us. 

Are you a fan of Mel Brooks movies? Would you like to check them out for the first time? Let us know in the Discord channel or send us an email to podcast@enjoystuff.com

Enjoy Food

Having a Brooks-athon? You’ll need snacks!  Will you pick beans or Ovaltine? We give you a list of treats that would appeal to any character in a Mel Brooks movie! Well…..some of them anyway. 

Stamps, action figures, toenail clippings? Just about all of us have some sort of collection in our lives. But why do we collect? And what are great ways you can enjoy collecting? Jay and Shua take a dive into their collections (be careful, they're deep!) and share their insights about the art of collecting on Enjoy Stuff.

Gather ye acorns because we are about to jump into the world of collecting! For many people, collecting is an important part of their life. Do you have a collection? Beanie Babies? Pogs? Patrick Nagel Prints? Whether you’re using their value to pay your kid’s college tuition or just do it for the value of your own happiness, collecting can be a great way to Enjoy Stuff. 

News

-The Star Wars Visions teaser has been released and it looks great!

-The Goonies Never Say Die board game is available now

-Star Trek the Motion Picture to get a 4K Director’s Cut

-A mint condition Super Mario 64 game sells for record $1.5 million

What we’re Enjoying

Shua’s new Game-Boy-like iPhone case has been very useful on his long trips.  Jay found his way back to the movie theater this week when he saw Black Widow with Shua.  Both are having tons of fun this summer. 

Enjoy Life

Are you a collector? Jay and Shua share things that they’ve been collecting as far back as their childhood. Star Wars, comics, Disney, video games...they have acquired a lot of fun that have given them a lot of pleasure. And they share some of their more unusual collecting habits.

Plus, they discuss why people like collecting. Is it the thrill of the hunt? Maybe an investment? Whatever the reason, we talk about how to make the most of your collection and how to make it a positive experience. 

We would love to know what you collect and how you share it with others. Let us know in the Discord channel or send us an email to podcast@enjoystuff.com

Disneyland celebrates its birthday on July 17. Jay and Shua relive fond memories of the past and savor the challenge and promise of the future. Happy birthday to the Happiest Place on Earth. 

On July 17, 1955 Walt Disney opened up his deathtrap to all who wanted to dive into his imagination. That first day may have been a disaster, but it just kept getting better. Jay and Shua share some of their experiences and how you can enjoy similar special experiences too, even if you can’t go to Disneyland. 

News

-Good news: The owner of a Flintstones themed house in California can keep character statues on her front lawn. Take that HOA!!

-Check out the cool Jurassic Park/Transformers mashup

-Jerry Seinfeld will be starring in a new Netflix movie about Pop-Tarts

What we’re Enjoying

Jay has been enjoying hosting Shua at his house for a visit. And they went on an epic MCU Locations road trip. Make sure to check it out on Superhero Suite. In preparation for his trip to Disney World, Shua has been reading some good ol’ fashioned Disney comics. Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck go wild as they try to avoid the murderous Pete who literally tries to kill them. Wow!

Enjoy Life

On July 17, 1955 Walt Disney uttered those iconic words, “To all who come to this happy place, welcome!” And since then, more than 800 million people have visited. Jay grew up in California and had a lot of great times in the park. Shua has been visiting for 32 years and loves it every time. The guys reminisce about great times they have had and the stories that go along with them. Plus, they look back at the history of the park and what Walt was thinking. 

Disneyland may not be for everyone, and it certainly isn’t accessible to everyone, so they also talk about how people can enjoy experiences like they have had in other places too. 

Enjoy Food

If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, you’ll for sure want to budget a ton of money for some of the great food they have there. Jay and Shua pick some of their favorites from the park. 

Grab a hot dog and a cold one as we look back at some of the most memorable patriotic movies to celebrate America's Independence. Get patriotic the way the founding fathers intended; freedom for all and a bucket of popcorn on Enjoy Stuff: A TechnoRetro Podcast!

In America, July is the season to remember the freedom that we work so hard to preserve. And what better way to do that than to watch a patriotic movie? Whether Wil Smith and Captain America are fighting for our independence or Lin-Manuel Miranda is teaching us how groovy the founding fathers could be, this is the time to celebrate (even if it is on the beach away from the water). 

News

HBO Max is getting ready to premiere a very TechnoRetro version of some old Hanna Barbera friends in the new animated series Jellystone

Harrison Ford is injured while making Indiana Jones 5

Happy Belated 95th birthday to Mel Brooks

What we’re Enjoying

Shua decided to revisit a book he got a few years back all about the ridiculous mail order products you could order from comics back in the good ol’ days. Jay has been checking out his late Father’s Day gift. A book called Good Omens by Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett. A fun story about the final judgement of mankind. 

Enjoy Movies

July 4th may be America’s birthday, but it’s also a great day for movies! On this episode we look at some classic movies that spotlight a spirit of America. Maybe it’s the plucky spirit of our heroes like Roy Schneider saving a beach from a deadly shark, or Captain America stopping the evil of the Red Skull. Or maybe it’s the idea that a president could actually be a hero that stops terrorists from taking over his plane or fires the final shot on invading aliens. It could even be a musical cast teaching us all about the history of how our founding fathers wrote a bunch of documents just so Nicolas Cage could one day rip them off. Whatever gets you in the mood for the Red, White, and Blue, we have it on our cinematic list. Get ready to return to the theater for some patriotic movies.  

Board games were the entertainment of choice growing up in the 70's and 80's. We look back at some of the memorable classics and how they came to be. Plus, news and fun as we Enjoy Stuff!

Break out the dice and lay out the gameboard, because we are looking back at some of the classics in games. Jay and Shua remember some of their favorites from childhood and share a few modern ones too. 

News

Fan favorite LeVar Burton begins his short run as host of Jeopardy in July

Now you can get vintage game magazines sent to your door

The Robotech collector’s edition is here!

Is Kellogg’s bringing the classic Toucan Sam back to us?

What we’re Enjoying

Jay is doing a little research for a character that will be showing up in the MCU pretty soon; Kang the Conqueror. He’s reading some classic comics where he appeared. . Shua has been enjoying a new book by ‘The Martian’ author Andy Weir. It’s called Project Hail Mary and lays out how one man does whatever he can to save humanity before the sun is literally eaten up. Check it out!

Enjoy Toys

Growing up, did you enjoy time with Rich Uncle Pennybags? Or maybe you liked setting up the Rube Goldbergian Mouse Trap game. Perhaps you went for world domination as you strategically set up Risk. We love board games. Jay and Shua look at a brief history of some of their favorites and how you can enjoy them today. 

Plus, they share some of the Earbud’s favorites too. 

In 1979 Gary Larson's Far Side was first published and a new era of comic strips was born. Shua and Jay remember the legendary masterpiece and how it influenced many things after. Plus, news and fun as we Enjoy Stuff.

Superman 2 was highly anticipated by audiences, but had a lot of drama behind the scenes. Either way, it’s a movie we still enjoy. Jay and Josh look back to the Super Sequel. 

News

Jeff Goldblum Joins Second Season of the Dungeons & Dragons Podcast 'Dark Dice' as an Elven Sorcerer

Kit Kat Introduces Fruity Cereal Flavor

Pillsbury Launches New Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies, Cinnamon Rolls

What we’re Enjoying

Both Shua and Jay have been enjoying Disney+’s newest Marvel content Loki. Is anyone surprised? Probably not, but Shua was surprised how much he’s enjoying it. And Jay revisited a classic comedy movie starring John Candy and Eugene Levy called “Armed and Dangerous”. Check them out!

Enjoy Toons

Gary Larson’s “The Far Side” ran in newspapers for fifteen years, but his legacy has never died. His early career beginnings were like a Cinderella story, having fallen into the field with only a little effort. And his popularity spread fast. His unique style seemed to appeal to most people that had a tolerant sense of humor. 

The influence of the strip inspired future cartoonists of course, but it has even made a lasting scientific impression. An insect has been officially named after him. Scientists have even adopted a Gary Larson joke as an unofficial name to a part of a stegosaurus.  

Join us as we remember the genius of Gary Larson and The Far Side.

In 1981 we knew a man could fly, but we were still excited to get another dose of the Man of Steel. And this time he's battling three nasty Kryptonians. Superman 2 turns 40 this week, so we take a look back as the adventure continues.

Superman 2 was highly anticipated by audiences, but had a lot of drama behind the scenes. Either way, it’s a movie we still enjoy. Jay and Josh look back to the Super Sequel. 

News

Would you like your very own miniature arcade? Even if it’s paper, this new find is pretty cool!

We have an update on the Cheerios challenged issued by John Oliver

Grab your wallet, because McFarlane Toys have a cool ‘66 Batman playset

Sylvester Stallone teases a Rocky IV Director’s Cut

What we’re Enjoying

Jay enjoyed Netflix’s new zombie movie from Zack Snyder, “Army of the Dead”. But it may make you think twice next time you’re in Las Vegas. Shua has been listening to Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Starlord podcast. A new way to experience the Marvel characters. 

Enjoy Movies

In 1981 Americans finally got to experience the sequel to the smash hit Superman-The Movie with Christopher Reeve. Fans had been anticipating the release since the hint of General Zod and his cronies at the beginning of the first movie. The three villains were cast out of Kryptonian society with no dignity or remorse. But it was nothing compared to how the Salkinds were about to treat their director Richard Donner. He was quickly replaced with Hard Day’s Night director Richard Lester.  

Hollywood drama aside, there was a whole generation of kids that thought Superman 2 hit all the marks.  The action, humor, and comic bookiness of the film felt like a perfect balance even if it didn’t entirely stand the test of time. 

Did you enjoy Superman 2? What’s your story? Let us know by sending us and electronic-M to EnjoyStuff@RetroZap.com or join in on the fun on our discord channel.  

There's no better time than now to be good to yourself. Jay and Shua discuss what has influenced their views of who they are and how they see the world. Get ready to remove negativity from your life and Enjoy Stuff!

It’s time to be proud of who you are!  But that’s a lot easier said than done. Don’t worry Earbuds, Jay and Shua are here for you! Together we can help each other to get through the grand adventure of life! 

News

You heard us talk about PacMan 99, how about Joust deathmatch?

‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ TV Series Begins Production at Hulu

Avengers Campus now open in Disney’s California Adventure

What we’re Enjoying

Shua has found a new, retro app for his phone. This one is called “Dispo” and if you thought that treating your phone like a disposable camera wouldn’t be fun, but Shua begs to differ. And Jay is enjoying revisiting some old Marvel “Eternals” comics to get ready for the new movies. 

Enjoy Life

Hey you! Yeah, you! You’re good enough, you’re smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like you! Now quit beating yourself up and be proud of who you are! But how do we do that? We’re starting with the men in the mirror, Jay and Shua. How much did the entertainment we consumed as we grew up influence us and how much was how we were raised? 

Going through school can be tough for a kid. Teasing, bullying, and the day to day pressures can really drag a kid down. Luckily for us, we had comics, sci-fi, TV, and more to help us get away from the grind. And when we became parents, we knew we wanted to give our kids what they needed to traverse the gauntlet of childhood. Luckily all the great things we grew up with are easy to access today.

How can you remove that negativity in your life? We’ll talk about mindfulness and gratitude and how to live in the moment. Plus, we’ll share some of our favorite movies that help you remember that. And we have a lot of fun along the way. 

It’s time to get Looney! Shua and Jay kick off the summer by rolling on the floor laughing at the wackiness of years of Looney Tunes cartoons.  Plus, News and more! 

Overture, Curtain, Lights! This is it, you'll hit the heights! And oh what heights we'll hit! It's time for Looney Tunes and summertime! Let's look back at all the Looney characters!

News

Is a TRON Arcade1Up machine on the way? Or more specifically, WHEN CAN I GET IT?!?!

A ‘Flamin’ hot scandal on the Flamin Hot Cheetos movie. 

There can be only 2!! Henry Cavill the new Highlander?

Scooby Doo, where are you? Or, where have you been for 52 years? Time for a reunion to find out!

What we’re Enjoying

Jay has been revisiting Night Court while Shua gets his international music fix by watching clips from Eurovision. Was Iceland robbed?!?!

Enjoy Toons

For 91 years the crazy characters of Looney Tunes cartoons have given us plenty of reasons to laugh. Legendary artists and directors like Tex Avery and Chuck Jones created iconic stories that raised generations of kids. Plus, the amazing voice talent of Mel Blanc gave personality to hundreds of characters! There are so many ways to enjoy Looney Tunes.

Enjoy Merchandise

There is an almost never ending list of merchandise with those lovable characters on them.  Clothes, toys, books, video games, and so much more. We find the most expensive and discuss some that made a difference for us. 

Do you feel the need for speed? Jay and Shua look back at 35 years of Top Gun, how to enjoy it, and what's coming in the sequel.

In 1986 Tom Cruise blasted off from the runway to unleash the pure macho-ness of Top Gun. The film went on to influence future military films, movie music, and even the Navy! We look back on it’s 35th anniversary and forward to the upcoming sequel, Maverick. Plus, news and the music of Top Gun.

What we’re Enjoying
Shua finally got to check out season 2 of Love, Death, and Robots and it didn’t disappoint. Jay is liking Charles Soule’s book “The Oracle Year”

News:
The Muppet Haunted Mansion is coming to Disney+
Trix yogurt makes a comeback
What would a Back to the Future Delorean look like combined with James Bond’s Spy Who Loved Me Lotus?
Two kids from School of Rock are still a cute couple all these years later

Enjoy Movies
Tony Scott’s film Top Gun gave us a very macho Tom Cruise flying jets, impressing the girl, and of course playing volleyball. 35 years later we can see the influence of the movie. The highest grossing movie of the year inspired more movies to be created in this genre, gave us tons of quotable lines, and even began the home video industry. Why do we enjoy it? How can you enjoy it? And what can we expect with the upcoming sequel, “Maverick”

Enjoy Music
People couldn’t get enough of Top Gun in ‘86. The soundtrack gave us a ton of radio hits. Kenny Loggins, Cheap Trick, Berlin, the list goes on. Action combined with romance, all in a nice pop music package. What’s on your playlist?