Enjoy Stuff: A TechnoRetro Podcast

TechnoRetro Dads: A Summer of Monkeys and Chevys as we welcome Jovial Jay!

Fletch, Paul Simon’s Graceland, and a Secret of Monkey Island

 

Our good buddy shazbazzar is going to be taking some time off from the show. But never fear, the witty and effervescent Jay Shepard will be filling in!

 

In the NEWS

  • Mike Mignola has some great cereal art for charity
  • Rancho Obi-Wan now gives virtual tours
  • We are enjoying Josh Gad’s Reunited Apart shows on YouTube
  • It may just be a satirical story, but we would look forward to sequels from John Carpenter’s - They Live

 

We Love Our Cereal

Great stories, courtesy of our Roving Spoonster Shane! Kelloggs has heard our wishes and given us giant cereal for your snacking pleasure. A new, sweet cereal is released from the small company Magic Spoon. A new way to close cereal boxes. Plus, enjoying some mini pancakes as a cereal. Is it a good idea?

 

Vinyl Scratchback

Do you remember Paul Simon’s 1986 release, Graceland? We take a look back on the influence of this groundbreaking album, and discuss some of the more memorable songs. And do we recognize someone from that You Can Call Me Al video?

 

TechnoRetro Arcade:  The Secret of Monkey Island

In 1990 Lucasfilm Games released one of their biggest hits about a pirate named Guybrush Threepwood. Well, he wants to be a pirate. And you, as the player, will have to go on adventures and solve puzzles in this graphic adventure game reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

 

Let’s All Go to the Movies

The summer of 1985 was kicked off in the movie theater with one of our favorite Not Ready for Primetime Players, Chevy Chase. Fletch was one of Chase’s biggest, (and funniest) movies. Quotable lines and hysterical humor made this one a movie with years of rewatch potential.  

Direct download: TRDads_08.04.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:58am EDT

The Empire Strikes Back premiered in theaters 40 years ago today.  And since the number 40 has a nice ring to it, TechnoRetro Dads delve into the archives of American Top 40 with Casey Kasem as a soundtrack for the day.  In a strange turn of events, an alternative version of the radio show came across the airwaves as host Spacey Ace’em counts down the Top Ten from the week of May 21,  1980 and while the tunes sound familiar, the lyrics are a bit odd.  Count down the greatest hits of this week 40 years ago with a flair from that galaxy far, far away.  

 

10.  “Biggest Hope We Have” (Am Yozia)

Yozya, of a wrinkled and green species unrecorded in the Official Archives of the Galactic Empire, sings about his great, great, great, great uncle’s training of a farm boy from Tatooine during his self-imposed exile on Dagobah. 

 

9.  “Another Snow-Covered Brawl” (Pink Asteroid)

This controversial piece has been banned from educational academies throughout the Galactic Empire because of its alleged ties to the traitorous Rebel Alliance.   

 

8.  “Don’t Find a Friend in a Gambler” (Gordon Rogers and Buck Girard)

A duet about scoundrels, pirates, and honor among thieves that you’re going to have to hear to the end.

 

7.  “You May Be Right, I May Be Scruffy” (Joel Willbilly)

Willbilly hits hard with this raucous tune about a scoundrel with a high opinion of himself.  Perhaps a princess and a scoundrel could have a future.

 

6.  “Roll the Dice” (Dr. Bookie)

Known for their songs about fast podracers, fast ships, and fast money, “Roll the Dice” comes from the band’s latest album, Canto Blight.

 

5.  “With You I’m Left Behind” (C-3PO and R2-D2)

The second duet in the top ten this week features a protocol droid and an astromech singing a song you’ll hope never ends.

 

4.  “BespinTown” (Faux No)

From the album Villa Manilla, the lip-syncing pseudo-band Faux No tells the story of a city that will get you moving and grooving.

 

3.  “Frozen Love” (Iron Lung)

“Frozen Love” will warm the coldest hearts with a love song that will make you say, “I know.”

 

2.  “Fly the Slave 1” (Cross-2-4-Chris)

Cross-2-4-Chris knows about the relationship of a pilot and his ship.  While it’s not quite as romantic as his number one hit “Solo’s Falcon”, this song about Han Solo’s rival will have you hunting bounties in no time.

 

1.  “Call Me” (Blah N Di)

Force Time.  Enough said.

 

And that’s the Top Ten.  Of course, there are a few surprises along the way, so plug in your ear buds, EarBuds, and turn up the tunes.  We’re betting you’ll be crying before it’s over.

In case this wasn’t all you hoped it would be, tune in to the last Top40 Top Ten from May 25, 1977 here.

Direct download: TRDads_ESB40th_Countdown.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Where would we be without our Moms?  Well, nowhere, obviously.  I mean, people don’t just randomly occur by chance.  And no, storks are not the answer folks, regardless of what Papa Smurf told you about “once in a blue moon”.  

 

In the NEWS

  • Will Ryan Reynolds be Dirk the Daring?
  • Just how cool would it be to meet the creator of TRON and the man who wore the suit?
  • The cast and crew of The Goonies reunite!
  • Star Wars: Droids on one long YouTube video!

 

We Love Our Cereal…

…and more and more people are jumping on the #chillyourbowl bandwagon as boxes disappear from grocery store shelves like they were toilet paper.  Discover new cereals for your taste buds while binging your favorite toons on your days off.  You can even order cereal (and more) from The Cereal Box, Inc.

 

TechnoRetro Arcade: Mothers

Atari brought a hip-hoppin’ punch-throwin’ Mom to the arcade with a Popeye vs. Donkey Kong game called Kangaroo.  PLUS: we find out the origins of Blanka from Street Fighter II — and see his mom!

 

Let’s All Go to the Movies

Moms in movies from the ‘70s and ‘80s were scary, sweet, tormented, and awesome.  Which ones do you remember?  Which ones would you like to forget?

 

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Direct download: TRDads_08.03.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

May 25, 1977 — Star Wars dazzles audiences.

May 21, 1980 — The Empire Strikes Back hits a home run.

May 4, 2020 — TechnoRetro Dads pay tribute to the FORCE that became even more powerful with the sequel.  

 

In the NEWS

Disney+ says, “May the 4th Be with You” with:

  • Cool artwork
  • The Rise of Skywalker
  • Behind the scenes of The Mandalorian
  • The Clone Wars finale

 

And Yoda Is His Name-Oh

There was a Jedi, not too tall,
and Yoda was his name - oh!
Y - O - D - A -

Well, even if his name has too few letters to fit the song, even if he isn’t tall enough to ride certain attractions at Walt Disney World, and even if he is all wrinkled and green, Yoda proved to be the ultimate Jedi Master with his quirky personality, questionable syntax, and quotable words of wisdom.

We continue in our amazement of Yoda lifting Luke’s X-Wing from the swamp and examine why his pithy proverb uttered in The Empire Strikes Back has had such an impact on the world and the ‘Dads themselves.

JediShua remembers when Yoda was purple; shazbazzar thinks that the Hulk was, too.

 

We Love Our Cereal…

…and we think that Star Wars characters would, too.  JediShua and shazbazzar consider which cereals from our galaxy would most appeal to our friends from that galaxy far, far away.

 

TechnoRetro Arcade: The Empire Strikes Back

From the Atari arcade revamp of Star Wars to the home version of the “Battle in the Snow” to the immersive experience of on the Super NES, shazbazzar and JediShua remember when you could put yourself in the action of The Empire Strikes Back.

 

Thanks to Talented Friends and Friendly Talents

We think you’re funny!

  • Joey, Nathan, & Kelly from Animanicast
  • Author Antony Soehner
  • RetroZap Emperor Joe Tavano from Brews & Blasters
  • Dennis Keithly and Jay Krebs from Podcast Stardust
  • Roving Spoonster Shane in Grand Rapids with Trusty Sidekick Emma
  • RetroZap Writer Courtney Martin
  • The Specialist Chris Luby from The Geek State Podcast
  • Jovial Jay and JediShua from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Case Files and Superhero Suite
  • JediShua “Going to Dagobah”
  • Weird Al Yankovich “Yoda”
  • The Syzlaks “The Lando System”
Direct download: TRDads_08.02.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

After seven years of podcasting, did the TechnoRetro Dads call it quits?  Well, not yet at least.  Join shazbazzar and JediShua for the premiere of the eighth season of TechnoRetro Dads today, featuring musical cues from:

  • High Adventure
  • Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, & Martin Short
  • Ben C. Foster
  • Buckner & Garcia
  • R. Cade & The Video Victims
  • The Family Shua

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Direct download: TRDads_08.01.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Take time to enjoy the stuff you loved as a kid as the weather gets better outside and a lot of people are in the middle of Spring Break.  Check out what’s on TechnoRetro Dads this week:

  • These “Dad Jokes” are for the birds!
  • Strange Cereal News and a March Madness Cereal Bracket!
  • Saturday Mornings: Streaming ‘80s Cartoons
  • TechnoRetro Arcade: Games to Play Online
  • Vinyl Scratchback: Songs You Know by Heart
  • Let’s All Go to the Movies: Feel Good Flicks
  • Star Wars Scrapbook: Historical March Timeline

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Direct download: TRDads_07.48.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

In the mid-80s, Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories was a weekly treat for fans of the far-out and freaky with its John Williams’ theme and oddball anthology style.  Every Monday night brought another mini-movie as science fiction crossed over with comedy, horror, drama, or fantasy.  Now that it’s back on AppleTV+, shazbazzar and JediShua renew their fervor for the series as the “third season” picks up where we left off more than thirty years ago.

 

In the NEWS

  • Netflix plans to bring back Kids in the Hall.
  • Amazon announces third season of Lost in Space.
  • Disney+ claims they will not pursue Tron series.
  • Remember the vibrant career of Max Von Sydow.

 

We Love Our Cereal…

…but not everyone is a fan of cartoon cereal mascots.  Aldi is set to follow the trend of pulling cartoon characters from boxes of sugary cereal.  Syracuse alumnus kicks off a new business creating a brand of “healthy” kids’ cereals.

 

Saturday Mornings: Jonny Quest

Who knew that Jonny Quest was originally aired in a prime time slot in the ‘60s?  While it wasn’t actually Saturday morning fare, the short-lived series was ahead of its time in artistic style, story content, and pretty much everything except for the dog.  Somehow, Bandit must have sneaked onto the set unseen and the Quests couldn’t get rid of him.

 

Amazing Stories

From the John Williams theme to the stranger than Stranger Things vibe of the show, anthology series Amazing Stories touched a nerve among teens who were looking for science fiction/fantasy entertainment in the mid-1980s.  Now that the series is being continued on AppleTV+, the ‘Dads revisit the show they loved more than thirty years ago.

 

The Road to The Empire Strikes Back

Where would Mark Hamill go to plug the sequel to Star Wars?  A comedy variety show, of course.  Accompanied by the characters of Star Wars, Mark had a blast with the “argyle gargoyle” and the entire cast of The Muppet Show as Mark, Luke, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Chewbacca invaded the Muppets’ stage in this unapologetic “vaudevillainous” stop on the press tour as the hype for The Empire Strikes Back continues to grow in February 1980.

 

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Direct download: TRDads_07.47.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Beneath your feet a superheated maelstrom is churning, burning, yearning to be borne to the surface through a crack in the crust and carried to new heights in a funnel-shaped mountain in hopes of bursting forth into our cruel, cool world.  Magma, lava, it’s all the same — just a different location.  Tune in for explosive eruptions on TechnoRetro Dads as we explore the hot topic of volcanoes.

 

In the NEWS

Nik Wallenda walks across the mouth of a volcano . . . on a tightrope.  And he did it just in time to be featured on this volcanic episode of TechnoRetro Dads.  Yep.  We’re that hot!

 

We Love Our Cereal…

…even in pancakes.  And the world seems to agree.  Cap’n Crunch has a new Berrytastic Pancake Mix you can make at home.  Or, if flipping flapjacks sounds like too much work, you can go to IHOP and enjoy their cereal pancakes.  Swiss Miss will soon release Lucky Charms hot chocolate you can heat over the cone of a volcano (if you’re daring).  Florida girl is a cereal hero who continues collecting boxes of cereal for the less fortunate in the Tampa area.

 

Joe Versus The Volcano

Thirty years ago, Tom Hanks was connived into agreeing to jump into a volcano for Lloyd Bridges because Robert Stack clouded his mind through masterful manipulation.  And just when it seemed that things couldn’t get any stranger, Meg Ryan showed up with Meg Ryan and Meg Ryan — all of whom were more than a tad bit interested in Tom Hanks.  Add some orange soda and an island big enough for Abe Vigoda and Nathan Lane and you’ve got a match Vegas would love to see.  In the aftermath of Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas, we were given a red hot battle in Joe Versus the Volcano.

 

TechnoRetro Arcade: Volcanoes in Video Games

Whether it was the never-changing vector-graphic volcano in Battlezone or “Lethal Lava Land” in Mario 64, we lava the explosive eruptions and  magmaficently brilliant digital flows in video games at home and in the arcade.

 

Feedback

  • The Jeffries tubes on the Enterprise-D came from the Red October.
  • Less than Jake did a song for a Pac-Man cereal commercial.

 

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Direct download: TRDads_07.46.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

You can #chillyourbowl in the frigid waters of Russia with Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin in the first film adaptation of a Tom Clancy “Jack Ryan” novel.  

 

In the NEWS

  • Tony Soehner publishes the first book in a new series of Dungeons & Dragons novels.
  • Bob Iger leaves office and people want to know if he will pursue a political office.
  • Jif peanut butter gets into the digital graphics game with a bit of flavorful fun.

 

We Love Our Cereal…

…and when there’s gold in boxes of Lucky Charms, there’s even more to love.  But when buying a box of cereal means you have to pawn your wedding ring, we’re not overly excited. 

 

TechnoRetro Arcade: Video Game Cereals

From Donkey Kong to Pac-Man, cereals have been known to capitalize on licensing video games to garner more of the Saturday morning cereal lovers’ pastimes.

 

The Hunt for Red October

With an iconic soundtrack by Basil Poledouris and an all-star cast featuring Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill, James Earl Jones, Joss Ackland, Tim Curry, Stellan Skarsgård, Courtney B. Vance, Jeffrey Jones, Fred Thompson, Sven-Ole Thorsen, and Gates McFadden, The Hunt for Red October preyed on our lingering fears from the Cold War and our interest in suspenseful action movies.  JediShua and shazbazzar remember and rewatch The Hunt for Red October thirty years later.

 

Feedback

Check out these voicemails and electronic-Ms from our EarBuds!

  • Onkl Mawks analyzes the voices of your hosts.
  • Chris the Arvadinian has a favorite arcade game.
  • Ben C. Foster shows his artistic talent in music and pen & ink drawings.

 

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Direct download: TRDads_07.45.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

How did two years of “Retro Day” pass without us noticing?  Join shazbazzar and JediShua as we make up for lost time in a week devoted to a mix tape of truly TechnoRetro tributes.  

 

In the NEWS

  • Masters of the Universe finds its voice(s)
  • Scott Bakula talks Quantum Leap
  • Rick Moranis and Joe Johnston to return for Shrunk.
  • Wil Wheaton hosts E-Sports game show.
  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars is back!
  • New Amazing Stories trailer.

 

We Love Our Cereal…

…and magic.  However, the lines between science, magic, and downright witchcraft are getting blurry with the pink pebbles that may make blue poo as Post announces Magic Fruity Pebbles.

 

Vinyl Scratchback: Retro Mix Tape

JediShua and shazbazzar suggest five-song TechnoRetro Day mix tapes from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s.  Several EarBuds chime in with their ideas, too!

 

TechnoRetro Arcade

Remember what it was like to go into the arcade at the mall or shopping center with a five-dollar bill?  With a bit of foresight based on hindsight (it is 2020, after all), JediShua and shazbazzar plan their TechnoRetro Day trip to the arcade.

 

Saturday Mornings

The ‘Dads dig into truly retro cartoons they dug as kids (even if they weren’t strictly Saturday morning fare).  With just a bit of controversy, their lists of TechnoRetro Day cartoons will have you reaching for a chilled bowl of your favorite cereal this Thursday.

 

The Road to the Empire Strikes Back

During the three year-long interval between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, the kids of the ‘70s needed something to keep them in that galaxy far, far away without losing their minds waiting for there heroes to return.  Thankfully, Kenner had the prescription to keep hypersensitive kids from going full-on hyperactive: Star Wars action figures, playsets, and vehicles.  Take a trip back in time as shazbazzar and JediShua relive the timeless toys from 1978, 1979, 1980, and beyond on the Road to the Empire Strikes Back.

 

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Direct download: TRDads_07.44.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 6:00am EDT