Farm Aid '85: The 1980s Concert That Rocked the Heartland
The summer of 1985 will forever be known for Live Aid, the charity benefit concert that defined 1980s pop culture. But a few months later came Farm Aid '85, another massive musical event with a very different mission. This time, the spotlight turned to America's farmers as some of the biggest names in Rock and Country -- Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young -- came together to raise awareness for a growing rural crisis. Inspired by an offhand comment by the legendary Bob Dylan, the concert came together in just 6 weeks. But unlike Live Aid, Farm Aid kept going, evolving over the decades, still happening to this day. Today, we look back at how Farm Aid began, the challenges it addressed, and the changes it helped create. And the event itself also gave us some of the most historic moments in 1980s music history... Get early access to new episodes, ad-free: Patreon.com/80s
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How the Disney Vault Changed Home Video Forever
Before the 1980s, Disney kept its animated classics in the mythical "vault." The only way to see them was through theatrical re-releases, but it could take years for your favorites to hit the big screen. But when home video began to take off in the 1980s, Disney had to reinvent this strategy for a new era. Today, we look at how the Disney Vault revolutionized home video, and how, if Disney had had their way, home video would have never existed in the first place... But by creating scarcity, the company created huge demand, and it changed the home video market forever. If you grew up with Disney movies only on VHS for "the last time," or being told your favorite movie was being "put back in the vault," this episode will take you back to a time when owning a Disney classic was like possessing your own treasure. Get access to new episodes early and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s
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The Golden Age of 1980s TV Commercials
Growing up in the 1980s, commercial breaks weren't just interruptions--they were cultural events we all experienced together. In this episode, we look back on the golden age of 1980s TV commercials while also exploring the broader history of advertising. We'll trace how advertising evolved from radio jingles to early television spots, and how those traditions carried into the big-budget, pop culture-driven campaigns of the 1980s. In this episode, we'll also break down some of the most iconic commercials of all time, including Apple, the burger wars, and the impact of the King of Pop. We also explore how MTV influenced the ads of the 1980s, along with the massive impact of some 1980s commercial jingles -- some of which may still be stuck in your head to this day... Special guest: Cynthia Meyers - profcynthiameyers.com Cynthia's book: A Word From Our Sponsor
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The Coleco Adam: The 1983 Home Computer Disaster
In 1983, Coleco launched the Adam--a bold attempt to turn its hit ColecoVision video game console into a full-fledged home computer. By this point in the 80s, Coleco had made a huge dent in the video game market, and, at the same time, was behind one of the biggest toy crazes in history. With all their success--and deep pockets--was Coleco ready to take on the big PC players like Apple, IBM, and Commodore? What Coleco released ended up becoming one of the most infamous product failures of the entire 1980s. It's the story that includes leather shoes, Pong, and Full House, and it's a look at how cruel the world of 1980s technology could really be. Karate Kid movie review: Patreon.com/80s
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Wheel of Fortune: From Daytime to Prime Time Juggernaut
If you grew up watching Wheel of Fortune, you probably read the title of this episode the same way the audience would call it out during the show's opening. That's the cultural impact Wheel of Fortune had; it's the game show that goes back to the mid-70s but really rose to prominence in the 1980s. Not only did the format change in the 80s, but the show made the big move from daytime to the evening. The 1980s are also when the world first met Pat Sajak and Vanna White. So grab some consonants and a vowel as we dive into the history of one of the most popular game shows in history: Wheel of Fortune. Get access to new shows early, and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s
Welcome to Everything 80s — the ultimate podcast for fans of 1980s pop culture and retro nostalgia.
Each week, we'll dive deep into the most iconic parts of the 1980s: unforgettable movies, legendary TV shows, classic toys, groundbreaking music, and the cultural moments that defined a generation.
From Back to the Future to The Breakfast Club, from Transformers and He-Man to MTV, Nintendo, and Michael Jackson — if it happened in the 80s, we’re talking about it.
Whether you grew up in the 1980s or just love the retro vibe, Everything 80s is your time machine to a decade of innovation, color, and unforgettable fun. Perfect for fans of nostalgia, Gen X, and anyone who loves some good 'ol time travel...
Kids, you might not be ready for this yet--but your parents are gonna love it...
🎧 New episodes every Wednesday — hit follow and join the 1980s rewind.
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