Stuck in the '80s Podcast

Some movies don't just survive the passage of time—they become part of who we are.

Released 40 years ago, Stand By Me captured something rare: the bittersweet moment when childhood gives way to adulthood. Based on Stephen King's novella The Body, the film transformed a simple search for a missing boy into one of the most heartfelt stories ever told about friendship, growing up and realizing that life only gets more complicated from there.

In this classic episode of Stuck in the '80s, hosts Steve Spears and Brad Williams are joined by guest co-host Michelle Willits to celebrate one of the greatest films of the decade.

Along the way, they compare Rob Reiner's film with King's original story, discuss what changed in the adaptation (and what stayed remarkably faithful), and tackle one of the movie's most emotional moments: that ending. Did it perfectly capture the spirit of the story? Could it have ended any other way? The hosts don't entirely agree.

They also revisit the unforgettable performances from Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O'Connell, remember Kiefer Sutherland's menacing turn as Ace Merrill, and reflect on why Richard Dreyfuss' narration still packs such an emotional punch.

Whether you first watched Stand By Me in a theater back in 1986 or discovered it years later, it's a movie that seems to hit a little differently with every viewing—and every stage of life.

Join us as we revisit a film that reminds us all of those friends we never quite forgot.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

The 80s Cruise

Love reliving the greatest decade in pop culture? Join us aboard The 80s Cruise, the ultimate celebration of '80s music, movies and memories. Sail with legendary artists, live concerts, celebrity Q&As and fellow fans who know every word to every song. Use promo code STUCK when booking to receive $250 in onboard credit per cabin.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Bond didn't just survive the 1980s—he evolved.

The decade began with the familiar charm of Roger Moore, who somehow managed to save the world while delivering one-liners smoother than a shaken martini. But by the end of the '80s, the tuxedo belonged to Timothy Dalton, whose darker, more serious interpretation helped pave the way for the modern Bond audiences know today.

On this week's Stuck in the '80s, hosts Steve Spears and Sean Daly welcome former St. Petersburg Times film critic Steve Persall for a mission worthy of MI6: revisiting every James Bond film released during the decade.

From space lasers and exploding Lotus Esprits to ski chases, killer theme songs and unforgettable villains, the trio debates which films still hold up—and which ones are best left in Q Branch storage. Is The Spy Who Loved Me era impossible to top? Did Licence to Kill deserve more love? Which Bond girl stole the show? And just how many times can Roger Moore raise one eyebrow before it becomes a special effect?

Along the way, they also discuss how the Bond franchise adapted to changing audiences, shifting action-movie trends and the arrival of a grittier leading man just as the decade came to a close.

Whether you're Team Moore, Team Dalton or simply here for the Aston Martins and gadgets, there's plenty to debate.

So pour yourself a martini (your choice of preparation), cue up the unmistakable Bond theme, and join us for a deep dive into one of the biggest movie franchises of the 1980s.

Join Us on The 80s Cruise!

Love talking '80s movies, music and pop culture? Come experience it in person aboard The 80s Cruise, where Steve and the Stuck in the '80s crew host live podcasts, trivia, interviews with legendary artists and plenty of unforgettable fan events at sea.

If you're booking your cabin, don't forget to use promo code STUCK to receive up to a $250 cabin credit. We'll see you onboard!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some bands reunite because nostalgia sells.

Others reunite because they still have something to say.

Listening to Haircut 100's new album, Boxing the Compass, it's pretty clear which camp they fall into.

This week, Steve welcomes the always charming Nick Heyward back to Stuck in the '80s to talk about the band's first album featuring the original lineup in an astonishing 44 years. Rather than trying to recreate 1982, Haircut 100 has delivered an album that acknowledges the decades that have passed while still carrying the wit, warmth and melodic sparkle that made them one of the most distinctive bands of the early MTV era.

Nick talks about reconnecting with his longtime bandmates, finding the creative chemistry that had been dormant for decades, and why making new music together ultimately felt more exciting than simply revisiting the old hits.

Steve also offers his thoughts on Boxing the Compass, discussing why it avoids so many of the pitfalls that plague reunion albums. Instead of sounding like a museum piece, it feels alive, adventurous and unmistakably Haircut 100.

The conversation also looks ahead to the band's upcoming North American tour alongside Adam Ant and Squeeze—a lineup that feels like someone raided an exceptionally good mixtape from 1982.

And for fans planning even farther ahead, Nick shares his excitement about appearing aboard The 80s Cruise in 2027, where Haircut 100 will once again be surrounded by thousands of people who still know every word to "Love Plus One," "Fantastic Day" and "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)."

Whether you've followed Nick since the days of Pelican West or you're just discovering why Haircut 100 remains one of the smartest, most melodic bands of the decade, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

So pour yourself something tropical, dust off the pastel blazer you swore you'd never wear again, and join us for another trip back to the decade that refuses to fade.

Join Us on The 80s Cruise!

If talking with Nick makes you wish you could hear Haircut 100 while sailing through the Caribbean... good news—you can!

Haircut 100 joins an incredible lineup aboard The 80s Cruise 2027, where you'll enjoy live performances, artist interviews, trivia, themed parties, and enough nostalgia to make your Walkman jealous.

When you book, be sure to use our promo code STUCK to receive up to a $250 cabin credit. It's the easiest way to turn your favorite decade into your next vacation.

We'll see you onboard!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 791: Forty years ago, the summer of 1986 came with its own soundtrack.

It was a season when some of the biggest artists in music were reinventing themselves, while other bands were just beginning to find the audiences that would follow them for decades. Turn on the radio, walk into a record store or press play on your cassette deck, and you might hear something polished and enormous one minute—then something jangly, strange or wonderfully underground the next.

In this episode of Stuck in the ’80s, Steve and Brad return to the summer of 1986 to celebrate some of the albums turning 40 years old this season.

Among the records up for discussion are works by R.E.M., Genesis, the Smithereens and the Cure—four bands that occupied very different corners of the musical landscape.

Genesis was becoming one of the biggest bands in the world, filling arenas and dominating radio and MTV. R.E.M. was continuing its transformation from college-radio secret into one of the most important American bands of its generation. The Smithereens arrived with a sound that felt both fresh and familiar, filled with ringing guitars, sharp hooks and echoes of the music that inspired them. Meanwhile, the Cure continued building its own mysterious musical universe—dark, romantic, beautiful and unsettling, sometimes all within the same song.

These albums did more than give us music for one particular summer. They became part of the soundtrack of our lives. We bought them on vinyl or cassette, studied the artwork, memorized the lyrics and played them until we knew exactly where every song began and ended.

Some of these records sounded timeless from the beginning. Others may have taken years to fully reveal themselves. And a few might bring back memories of a particular friend, road trip, summer job or bedroom stereo the moment the first note begins.

Steve and Brad share their memories of these albums, revisit some favorite tracks and consider how well the music has survived four decades later. As always, there may be a few disagreements along the way. That is part of the fun.

The episode also includes a couple of our favorite “seggies,” along with the latest news about The ’80s Cruise and Steve’s book, Stuck in the ’80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined a Decade.

Join Us on The ’80s Cruise

Listening to the music is one thing. Living it for an entire week at sea is another.

Join the Stuck in the ’80s crew aboard The 80s Cruise for live music, celebrity guests, trivia, parties and thousands of fellow fans who still believe the ’80s were the greatest decade ever.

Book your cabin using promo code STUCK and receive a $250 cabin credit.

Support the Podcast on Patreon

For more Stuck in the ’80s, join our Patreon community. For as little as $2 a month, your support helps us continue producing new episodes, booking interviews, maintaining the show and digging deeper into the movies, music and memories that shaped our decade.

Patreon members also get access to additional content, special videos, interviews and other extras that do not always appear in the regular podcast feed.

So grab your headphones, dust off the old cassette case and join us for another trip back to one of the greatest summers in music history.

Which album from the summer of 1986 still means the most to you?
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 790: Not every story from the 1980s comes wrapped in neon, movie quotes, and mixtapes.

Some begin in darkness.

This week on Stuck in the '80s, I sit down with author Tracy Viola to discuss her remarkable memoir, Pretty Wrecked: Confessions of a Teenage Addict and Her Road to Recovery. While many of our episodes celebrate the music, movies and pop culture that made the decade unforgettable, this conversation reminds us that the '80s also shaped people in ways that weren't always glamorous.

Tracy's story is brutally honest. She writes about abuse, addiction, trauma, and the difficult choices that nearly derailed her life before she found the strength to change its course. But what makes Pretty Wrecked stand apart isn't simply its willingness to confront painful truths. It's Tracy's humor, candor, and refusal to let her past define who she became.

Her journey eventually led her from the streets of Philadelphia to the Ivy League—proof that where you begin doesn't have to determine where you end up.

We talk about what it was like growing up during the '80s, how music and pop culture became part of the backdrop to those years, and why she decided now was the right time to tell her story.

Even if you've never struggled with addiction yourself, chances are you've known someone who has. That's what makes this conversation so powerful. It's ultimately about resilience, accountability, forgiveness, and the possibility of building a better future—even after life has taken some very difficult turns.

It's also surprisingly funny. Tracy has a sharp sense of humor that keeps the conversation from becoming overwhelmingly heavy, and I think listeners will appreciate the balance she strikes between honesty and hope.

This isn't our typical nostalgia episode—and that's exactly why I wanted to share it. The best conversations often take us somewhere unexpected, and Tracy's story is one I think will stay with you long after the episode ends.

We hope you'll give it a listen.

Support Our Sponsors

Ready for the ultimate nostalgia vacation?

Join us aboard The 80s Cruise, where you'll spend a week with legendary artists, celebrities, and thousands of fellow fans who still think the greatest decade deserves its own floating reunion.

Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin and you'll receive up to $250 in onboard credit per cabin.

It's our favorite week of the year, and we'd love to see you there. Use promo code STUCK and tell them your friends at Stuck in the '80s sent you.

And as always, thank you for supporting Stuck in the '80s. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and consider supporting us on Patreon. It helps us keep bringing you conversations with the people—and the stories—that defined a generation.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.