Stuck in the '80s Podcast

Toys of the '80s and Beyond with Jonathan Cathey of The Loyal SubjectsEpisode 788: If you grew up in the 1980s, chances are your childhood memories can be measured in action figures, toy catalogs, and Saturday mornings spent convincing your parents that you absolutely needed "just one more." The toys weren't simply things we owned—they became the stars of our own adventures. They transformed living room floors into battlefields, bedrooms into space stations, and backyards into fantasy worlds that lasted until the streetlights came on. This week on Stuck in the '80s, we're celebrating those memories with a guest who has managed to turn that same childhood passion into an incredible career. Steve Spears sits down with Jonathan Cathey, founder and president of The Loyal Subjects, the collectible toy company known for breathing new life into some of pop culture's most beloved characters and franchises. Jonathan discusses how his fascination with toys and storytelling evolved into building a company that creates products for both lifelong collectors and a new generation of fans. The conversation explores why the toys of the 1980s still resonate decades later. Was it the imagination they inspired? The unforgettable television commercials? The cartoons that made us beg our parents for the latest action figure? Or was there simply something magical about growing up during one of the greatest eras in toy history? Jonathan also shares what it takes to revive classic toy brands for modern audiences. It's a balancing act between honoring nostalgia and introducing familiar characters to people who weren't even born when these toys first appeared on store shelves. Along the way, he offers a fascinating look behind the curtain at the toy industry, from product development to licensing and everything in between. Later in the episode, Steve is joined by co-host Chuck Coverly for an extended trip down memory lane. Together, they compare the toys that defined their childhoods, revisit favorite Christmas gifts, remember the thrill of wandering the toy aisles at department stores, and debate which toys have stood the test of time. It's the kind of conversation every Gen Xer has had at one point: "Did you have one of those?" followed immediately by, "I wish I'd never gotten rid of mine." Of course, that's one of the great ironies of growing up. The toys we couldn't imagine living without often disappeared into yard sales, closets, or donation boxes—only to become prized collectibles years later. But maybe that's not the point. The real value wasn't in what those toys might be worth today. It was in the afternoons they filled with adventure, the friendships they inspired, and the memories they continue to unlock decades later. Whether your shelves were filled with action figures, toy vehicles, dolls, robots, playsets, or anything in between, this episode is a celebration of the creativity, imagination, and pure joy that made being a kid in the 1980s so special. So dust off those memories—and maybe that old toy box in the attic—and join us for another nostalgic journey back to the decade we still call home. Cruise with Us! Love reliving the '80s as much as we do? Come experience the decade in the most unforgettable way possible aboard The 80s Cruise! Join your favorite artists, fellow fans, and members of the Stuck in the '80s family for concerts, live podcasts, trivia, interviews, and nonstop nostalgia on the high seas. When you book your cabin, use promo code STUCK to receive $250 in onboard credit per cabin. We can't wait to 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.

801|1T 7M

Famous ’80s TV & Movie Cars: KITT, the DeLorean, General Lee & Ecto-1This week on the longest-running ’80s pop culture podcast, Steve Spears and Brad in California hit the gas for a deep dive into the most iconic TV and movie cars of the 1980s. Joined by Retro DJ and car expert Travis Bell, the gang explores the legendary “star cars” that became just as famous as the actors who drove them. From Pontiac Trans Am KITT in Knight Rider to the time-traveling DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future, this episode celebrates the vehicles that defined ’80s pop culture. The guys discuss: • The General Lee • from The Dukes of Hazzard • The famous Ecto-1 • ambulance from Ghostbusters • KITT from Knight Rider • The DeLorean from Back to the Future Along the way, they explore: • Behind-the-scenes filming stories • Famous TV car replicas • Movie license plate Easter eggs • How Hollywood built these legendary vehicles • And why the 1980s may have been the true golden age of star cars Plus: • Listener mail • “Spin Me Round” • ’80s Cruise talk • DJ stories from Travis Bell • And more nostalgic detours from your favorite retro podcast If you grew up dreaming about driving KITT, hitting 88 MPH in a DeLorean, or cruising with Magnum P.I., this episode belongs in your playlist. Episode Timeline 00:00 – Welcome to Star Cars of the ’80s 03:15 – What made a car a true “star car”? 08:42 – The General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard 18:20 – KITT and Knight Rider 29:05 – Back to the Future and the DeLorean time machine 39:41 – Ghostbusters and Ecto-1 47:10 – Ferris Bueller’s Ferrari 53:20 – Famous movie license plates of the ’80s 59:44 – Spin Me Round 01:05:11 – Listener mail: bands we ignored in the ’80s 01:16:20 – 80s Cruise and DJ talk with Travis Bell On Sale Now! Stuck in the '80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined a Decade, by podcast creator Steve Spears, is finally for sale as both a paperback and ebook. Featuring more than 60 interviews from the podcast, along with insider stories and other previously unpublished insights, the book is available on most online bookstore websites including: Amazon Barnes and Noble Walmart Our Sponsors The 2027 lineup of The 80s Cruise has been announced. Join us Feb. 27 to March 6 onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas along with Chaka Khan, Night Ranger, Loverboy, DMC, John Waite, Peter Hook & the Light, Public Image Ltd., DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Stryper, The Romantics, Nick Heyward of Haircut 100, Bulletboys, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Slim Jom Phantom, the Plimsouls and more. Use the promo code STUCK when booking to get $250 cabin credit. For more information, go to www.the80scruise.com. Our podcast is listener-supported via Patreon. Members get special swag and invitations to patron-only Zoom happy hours with the podcast hosts. Find out more at our official Patreon page. The Stuck in the '80s podcast is hosted by creator Steve Spears and Brad Williams. Find out more about the show, celebrating its 21st year in 2026, at sit80s.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

795|1T 4M

Episodes

Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst

Andre har også lyttet til ...