Back to the Summer of 1986 | Author Skye McDonald Discusses The Not So Nice Girl

There are certain summers that seem larger than life.

The music sounded better. The movies felt bigger. Every day seemed packed with possibility. For many Gen Xers, the summer of 1986 occupies a special place in memory.

This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Spearsy welcomes author Skye McDonald to discuss her new novel, The Not So Nice Girl, a romance story set during that unforgettable season.

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The conversation explores the inspiration behind the book and why 1986 provides such a rich backdrop for storytelling. It was a year filled with iconic music, blockbuster movies and cultural moments that continue resonating nearly four decades later. For writers, it offers the perfect setting for stories about first love, friendship, identity and personal growth.

Skye discusses how nostalgia plays a role in her work while also emphasizing that the strongest stories are ultimately about people rather than time periods. The sights, sounds and fashions of the decade help create atmosphere, but it's the characters and relationships that keep readers turning pages.

Along the way, Spearsy and Skye revisit some of the cultural touchstones that defined the summer of 1986 and discuss why that era continues inspiring writers, filmmakers and fans today. For many readers, revisiting the decade offers both an escape and an opportunity to reconnect with memories from their own lives.

The discussion also examines the growing popularity of nostalgic fiction and why books set in the 1980s continue finding enthusiastic audiences. As generations rediscover the music, movies and attitudes of the decade, stories like The Not So Nice Girl help bring those memories to life in fresh and engaging ways.

Like many Stuck in the ’80s interviews, the conversation blends nostalgia, pop culture and personal storytelling while highlighting a creative project inspired by the decade we all love.

Whether you're a fan of romance novels, coming-of-age stories or simply enjoy revisiting the sights and sounds of the MTV era, this episode offers a fun trip back to one of the most memorable summers of the decade.

If you've ever wished you could spend one more summer in the 1980s, this episode belongs in your playlist.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.