Throwback Thursday: Aliens

This week we’re flashing back to June 25, 2020, when Del Roehling and I revisited one of the greatest sequels of all time — Aliens (1986).

Back then, I had just wrapped up a tough semester in my master’s program for Creative Writing, and like so many of us, I was stuck at home during lockdown. Del and I took the opportunity to dive into James Cameron’s explosive follow-up to Ridley Scott’s Alien, and we had a blast breaking it all down.

We cover:
👽 How Aliens shifted from horror to all-out action
🔥 Sigourney Weaver cementing her place as a true action hero
🎬 The unforgettable performances of Bill Paxton, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, and more
🚀 The iconic final showdown with the Alien Queen
💬 Plus, a little 80s nostalgia, some laughs, and even a few digs at the 90s

Whether you’re a die-hard fan who’s seen Aliens 20 times, or you’re watching it for the first time, this episode will take you right back into the heart-pounding action of 1986.

🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM)
🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes
🔹 Get your daily dose of ‘80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page

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Throwback Thursday: St. Elmo's Fire

We’re rewinding to April 2020 for a fun and fiery discussion with the Return to the ’80s Brat Pack—Lizzie Newton, Del Roehling, and me—as we take on the 1985 Brat Pack classic St. Elmo’s Fire.

Recorded in the middle of lockdown, this episode is full of laughs, unexpected takes, and a whole lot of side tangents—from Rob Lowe’s dangly earring and Demi Moore’s pink apartment, to the characters we loved (or loved to hate). Lizzie shares why she kept expecting the bar to literally burst into flames, Del questions why anyone liked these characters at all, and I revisit the movie with fresh eyes after not seeing it for decades.

We cover:
🎬 The cast’s career highs and lows (and some surprising behind-the-scenes stories)
🤣 The most unlikable characters and why we couldn’t look away
🎵 The killer ’80s soundtrack, including that unforgettable theme
💬 Side conversations about Troop Beverly Hills, ’80s décor trends, and cassette tape nostalgia
🤔 Why none of the characters really change—and whether we even cared

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and join us for a rewatch discussion that’s part movie talk, part ’80s time capsule, and part comedy roast.

📱 Follow Lizzie on Instagram: @LizzieDNewton

🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM)
🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes
🔹 Get your daily dose of ‘80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page

💡 Connect with GenX Journeys

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net
📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys
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🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys
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💡 Whether you’re a die-hard ‘80s fan, a nostalgia lover, or just someone who enjoys a great book club discussion, this episode is packed with fun, wisdom, and plenty of throwback vibes.

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Throwback Thursday: The Dirt

📅 Originally aired: April 12, 2019
🎧 Guest: Lizzie Newton (from Liz Laugh Cry)

This week on Return to the ’80s, we’re throwing it back to one of our most fun and unfiltered episodes — the wild ride that is Netflix’s The Dirt, the biopic based on the notorious rise (and mayhem) of Mötley Crüe.

This episode marks the very first appearance of Lizzie Newton, and as listeners know, every episode she’s been on since has become one of our most downloaded. We recorded this one together, in person, and the chemistry is off the charts.

🎸 In this episode, we dive into:

• Lizzie’s newfound obsession with Mötley Crüe (and her journey from Taylor Swift to Tommy Lee)

• Paul’s deep ‘80s rock roots and cassette tape dilemmas

• The Dirt vs. Bohemian Rhapsody — which rocked harder?

• The chaos of Crüe: hotel room trashing, drinking contests with Ozzy, and emotional breakdowns mid-tour

• Behind-the-scenes band drama and the tragic stories that shaped their journey

• The 1980s glam metal era, grunge takeovers, and what happened when the hair spray ran dry

• That infamous Ozzy Osbourne ant-snorting moment (RIP, Prince of Darkness 🕊️🖤)

• Why Lizzie would rather drink Tommy Lee’s pee than snort ants (yes, really)

• Our love for other rock legends like Def Leppard, Queen, and Heart

• And possibly the only moment in podcast history where Freddie Mercury is compared to Justin Timberlake 🤯

⚡️Plus:

• A nostalgic side rant on Britney Spears, Good Charlotte, and how elder millennials like Lizzie view the ‘80s

• Why Madonna is still queen

• And how glam rockers somehow still have the energy to tour at 70 (spoiler: oxygen chambers)

This episode is pure ‘80s-meets-Millennial mayhem — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

📱 Follow Lizzie on Instagram: @LizzieDNewton

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💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let’s keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Throwback Thursday: Never Seen It – Highlander

Originally released: April 13, 2017

In this special Throwback Thursday episode, Paul and Robert are joined by the legendary Doug McCoy—host of the now-retired McCoyCast podcast network, which included shows like Never Seen It, Crazy Creepy Cool Movies, and In the Theater. Doug also wrote the eBook TV in My Time. While none of Doug’s past content is currently available online, we’re thrilled to preserve this conversation as a tribute to his fantastic contributions to the retro podcasting world.

Inspired by Doug’s podcast Never Seen It, this episode takes the same approach: at least one of the three of us had never seen Highlander until prepping for the show. We discuss first impressions, what holds up, what doesn’t, and how this cult classic became such a defining piece of ‘80s sci-fi/fantasy cinema.

Also in this episode:
🎸 Robert gives a concert report on Journey—with Asia as the opening act
🎶 A round of “Play This, Not That,” featuring Simple Minds
⚔️ And of course… swords, immortals, and Queen

There can be only one… but luckily, this podcast episode made the cut.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

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🌎 Connect with Me

📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
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🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
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💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let’s keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Throwback Thursday: '80s Movie Villains

Originally Released: March 22, 2017

It’s time to root for the bad guys—just this once.

This week’s Throwback Thursday is part of a special crossover event put together by The 80s League, a collaborative effort started by Dave from 80s Reboot Overdrive. The League brought together several blogs and podcasts (including Return to the ’80s) to celebrate all things retro—and this month’s theme is ’80s Movie Villains!

In this episode:

• Paul reviews the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot (Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, and crew).

• Robert and Paul discuss Robert’s then-controversial article, In Defense of Journey Without Steve Perry, released after Journey was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Neal Schon was being bombarded with questions about Perry’s return.

• A brand new Play This, Not That segment featuring Survivor—because they’re more than just “Eye of the Tiger”!

• And finally, a deep dive into our favorite 80s villains—from Biff Tannen and Hans Gruber to The Kurgan and The Fratellis.

💥 You’ll laugh, you’ll hiss, and you’ll be reminded just how important a great villain is to an unforgettable story.

🕸️ Check out the other 80s League contributors for the 80s movie villains theme:

80s Reboot Overdrive

Killer Kitsch

Old School Evil

Rediscover the 80s

Stuck in the 80s

Weegiemidget

Robert’s Return to the ’80s article

📩 Got a favorite ’80s villain or want to join the discussion?
Email Paul at Paul@genxjourneys.net

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

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🌎 Connect with Me

📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
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🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
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💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let’s keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Throwback Thursday: This is Spinal Tap

📅 Originally aired: February 23, 2017
🎧 Episode (Turn It Up to) 11 of Return to the '80s

Today we’re cranking the volume all the way up to eleven as we revisit one of the most iconic and hilarious cult classics of the ’80s—This Is Spinal Tap!

In this re-release from 2017, Robert and I are joined once again by our good friend Scott Compton to break down the mockumentary that defined a genre and gave us some of the most quotable lines in comedy history.

🎸 Topics we cover include:

• Our favorite scenes (besides all of them)

• The band’s surprisingly catchy music

• Legendary lines like “It’s such a fine line between stupid and clever”

• Fun behind-the-scenes facts

• The real-life lawsuit over Spinal Tap merchandising rights

And here’s the kicker—at the time of this re-release, This Is Spinal Tap isn’t available to stream anywhere. Not even to rent or buy digitally! If you’ve still got a DVD, hang on to it—it’s a collector’s item now.

🔥 Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Tap for the first time, this episode is a love letter to a film that’s still turning heads (and melting amps) decades later.

—

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

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🌎 Connect with Me

📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
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🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
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💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let’s keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Throwback Thursday: Slippery When Wet

🎸 Bon Jovi, Big Hair, and Our First Guest Ever!

Originally aired: December 1, 2016 on Return to the '80s

This Return to the ‘80s classic is one for the time capsule! Join Paul and Robert as they welcome their very first guest—Scott Compton, host of the now-retired but still legendary podcasts 80s Mixtape Autoreverse and 80s Reboot Overdrive.

We kick things off with some 2016-era Rock and Roll Hall of Fame talk (Scott was literally casting his ballot for Journey mid-show!), reflect on the recent passing of TV icon Florence Henderson, and then crank up the volume for a full track-by-track breakdown of Bon Jovi’s breakout album Slippery When Wet. We also share personal stories, memories tied to the music, and plenty of laughs along the way.

✨ Highlights include:

• A nostalgic tribute to Florence Henderson

• Hall of Fame debates: Journey, ELO, Yes, and yes... Pearl Jam 😏

• Track-by-track breakdown of Slippery When Wet

• Stories behind the songs—including one that came full circle in the wildest way

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

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🌎 Connect with Me

📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
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📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys
🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys
🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let’s keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Throwback Thursday: Helen O’Hara – Best Movies of the 80s / The Princess Bride

Originally aired: March 15, 2019 on Return to the '80s

This week on GenX Journeys Throwback Thursday, we’re revisiting a gem from the Return to the '80s archives—my incredible conversation with film critic and author Helen O’Hara!

Helen writes for Empire Magazine and The Telegraph, and she had just released her brilliant book Best Movies of the 80s when we recorded this episode. We kicked things off by celebrating her book and our shared love for some of the most iconic films of the decade.

Then we dove into The Princess Bride—a film beloved by many, and one of Helen’s all-time favorites (mine too!). We talked about the legendary cast, memorable moments, and the magic that’s made it a cultural classic. But the conversation also took an insightful turn as we explored how the title may have initially alienated some viewers, particularly boys and men, and why Hollywood still tends to avoid feminine-leaning titles.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of The Princess Bride or just love geeking out over '80s movies, this one’s for you.

🎬 Topics include:

• Helen’s book Best Movies of the 80s (available on Amazon)

• Behind-the-scenes trivia from The Princess Bride

• Gender bias in movie titles and marketing

• Why the '80s remains a magical movie decade

📚 Grab Helen’s book here: [Amazon]
📲 Follow Helen on Twitter/X: @HelenLOHara

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

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🌎 Connect with Me

📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys
📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys
🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys
🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let’s keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Throwback Thursday: '80s Action/Adventure Theme Songs

📆 Originally aired: December 13, 2016
🎙️ Hosted by Paul Stroessner | Co-host: Robert Mishou | Special Guest: Jim Vilk

We’re revving up the nostalgia machine and heading full throttle into the golden age of TV intros—the action-packed, high-octane theme songs of 1980s television!

In this retro gem from the vault, I’m joined by our original co-host Robert Mishou and long-time Return to the '80s contributor and friend Jim Vilk, who’s been part of our crew since the early blog days. (Jim even wrote the popular piece One-Hit Wonders? Not Level 42! – check it out here)

🎵 Main Topic:
We each picked three unforgettable ‘80s action/adventure TV theme songs that left tire tracks on our hearts—and made sure to include at least one “must-have” anthem per round. You’ll hear about:

• The Fall Guy

• The Dukes of Hazzard

• Hardcastle & McCormick

• Simon & Simon

• CHiPs

• Voyagers!

• Matt Houston

• Call to Glory

• The Greatest American Hero

And of course, we all agreed on these iconic themes:

• Magnum P.I.

• The A-Team

• Miami Vice

🎶 Plus, we introduced a fun new segment: Play This, Not That – thanks to Jim!

🕊️ And we paused to pay tribute to several legends we lost around the time of this recording:

• Margaret Whitton (Major League)

• John Glenn, American astronaut

• Joseph Mascolo, best known as Stefano DiMera on Days of Our Lives

📩 Let’s hear from you!
Did this episode bring back memories? Could you see the visuals in your head as the theme songs played? We’d love to know your favorite ‘80s action/adventure TV themes—and if you want a Part 2!

Email me at paul@genxjourneys.net
Subscribe to GenX Journeys on your favorite podcast platform
And remember...

Embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

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🌎 Connect with Me

📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
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📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys
🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys
🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let’s keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Throwback Thursday: '80s Sitcom Theme Songs

Episode Title: ’80s Sitcom Theme Songs (Originally aired: Oct 13, 2016)
Cohost: Paul Stroessner & Robert Mishou

Description:
We're cranking the dial back to 2016—and even further back into our childhoods—for a look at some of the most iconic sitcom theme songs of the '80s! In this special Throwback Thursday re-release, I’m joined by my original cohost Robert Mishou as we each share our top 5 sitcom themes and talk about why they’ve stood the test of time.

🎵 From the heartfelt (Growing Pains) to the hilarious (Alf), the funky (Diff’rent Strokes) to the unforgettable (Cheers), these tunes weren’t just intros—they were part of the show’s identity. And yeah… I even let Robert sneak in Fresh Prince. 😄

At the time of recording, the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot was just about to hit theaters, Stranger Things had exploded, and Bon Jovi was releasing This House Is Not for Sale. The '80s were already making a comeback—and we were all in.

💡 Note: The episode ends a little abruptly, as we originally transitioned into a full Ghostbusters follow-up that sadly never aired due to a massive audio glitch. (RIP, lost episode.)

We Want to Hear From You!
What are your favorite sitcom theme songs? Drop a comment on social, DM me, or shoot an email to paul@genxjourneys.net. Whether it’s Family Ties, Perfect Strangers, or a hidden gem—we want to know!

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

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🌎 Connect with Me

📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
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🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
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🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let’s keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Throwback Thursday: Rubix Kube and Trixter

🎙️ Throwback Thursday – My Backstage Interview with Rubix Kube + Steve Brown & PJ Farley of Trixter!
📅 Originally recorded: April 21, 2018 | 🎧 First aired: April 28, 2018

This may just be my favorite interview ever.
Why? Because I got to go backstage with my all-time favorite '80s tribute band Rubix Kube—and interview two absolute legends from the rock world: Steve Brown and PJ Farley of Trixter. 🤘

The night was electric, the energy was contagious, and the conversations? Unforgettable.

🎤 Interview Part 1: Rubix Kube
I sat down with the band’s powerhouse vocalists Cherie and Scott, and their insanely talented drummer—and my good friend—John, one of the band’s founding members.
We laughed a lot as they shared:

• How Rubix Kube came to life

• The creativity behind their costumes and show designs (Scott inherited some Muppet magic from his dad, an original Henson puppeteer!)

• A moving tribute to their late bassist David Z, whose tragic loss is still deeply felt in the music world

🎸 Interview Part 2: Steve Brown & PJ Farley (Trixter / Rubix Kube)
Then I had the surreal experience of chatting with Steve Brown, who has literally filled in for Vivian Campbell in Def Leppard—sitting on a backstage couch with him was one of the biggest highlights of my podcasting career! He shared what it was like to play with the legendary band during Vivian’s cancer treatment, and though he didn’t mention it at the time, just months later he’d return to the stage with them again, covering for Phil Collen.
PJ Farley also jumped in to talk about their shared journey in Trixter. They had a platinum selling debut album just as grunge was about to hit. But each album they have done has just gotten better and better. They also speak about collaborating with Eric Martin of the band Mr. Big.

💥 It’s two interviews in one jam-packed episode full of energy, stories, laughs, and heartfelt moments. If you love the ‘80s, live music, and behind-the-scenes rock tales, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now and relive this epic night with me!

Throwback Thursday: The Breakfast Club

🎙️ Throwback Thursday – The Breakfast Club (with Lizzie Newton)
📅 Originally aired: May 10, 2019
🎧 Re-released: April 11, 2025

Description:
It’s Throwback Thursday time! This week, we're rewinding to a special in-person crossover episode recorded with my good friend Lizzie Newton, originally released in 2019. Lizzie and I teamed up for a nostalgic deep dive into one of the most iconic Gen X films of all time—The Breakfast Club.

But before we get to detention with the Brat Pack, I reveal the long-awaited results of our Phil Collins March Madness tournament! Sixteen songs entered... one classic emerged victorious. Can you feel it coming in the air tonight? 🥁

Then, we kick things off with concert stories—Rubix Kube for me, Cher for Lizzie—before diving into the movie that defined a generation. Believe it or not, this was Lizzie’s first time watching The Breakfast Club, and her fresh take alongside my nostalgic memories made for an awesome conversation.

Whether you’re a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal—you’re gonna love this one.

In this episode:

• 🏆 Phil Collins March Madness – Full bracket breakdown & the winning song

• 🎤 Concert talk: Rubix Kube (Paul) & Cher (Lizzie)

• 🎬 The Breakfast Club – first impressions, favorite moments, and what it still teaches us today

• 🧠 Why the characters (and archetypes) still resonate with us decades later

💡 Connect with GenX Journeys

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net
📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys
📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys
🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
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Throwback Thursday – Phil Collins March Madness

Originally aired: March 31, 2022

It’s the final installment of our Return to the ’80s March Madness series! For our 5th Annual Tournament, we focused on the solo hits of the legendary Phil Collins—no Genesis tracks here, just 16 powerhouse songs going head-to-head in a Sweet Sixteen-style bracket.

And yes, a couple of early-’90s singles made it into the mix—Something Happened on the Way to Heaven and I Wish It Would Rain Down—but since they’re from his 1989 album ...But Seriously, they earned their place.

Matchups include classics like:

• In the Air Tonight vs. One More Night

• Sussudio vs. Don’t Lose My Number

• Against All Odds vs. I Don’t Care Anymore
  …and more!

This episode also features a fun collaboration with Gill from RealWeegieMidget Reviews, who reviewed Phil’s film Buster, which gave us two songs featured in the tournament. Check out her review here:
🔗 Buster (1988) Review – RealWeegieMidget Reviews

🎤 Previous March Madness Champions:

• 2018 – Out of Touch (Hall & Oates)

• 2019 – Purple Rain (Prince)

• 2020 – Crazy for You (Madonna)

• 2021 – I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston)

🗳️ Voting took place on the blog, Twitter (@Returntothe80s), and the Return to the ’80s Facebook group.

🔥 Stay tuned next week for our Breakfast Club episode, where the Phil Collins tournament results will be revealed!

🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM)
🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes
🔹 Get your daily dose of ‘80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page

💡 Connect with GenX Journeys

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net
📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys
📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys
🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys
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🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on:
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💡 Whether you’re a die-hard ‘80s fan, a nostalgia lover, or just someone who enjoys a great book club discussion, this episode is packed with fun, wisdom, and plenty of throwback vibes.

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with fellow GenXers!

Throwback Thursday: Whitney Houston March Madness Tournament

Originally released on May 7, 2021, this episode was an absolute rollercoaster! Between scheduling struggles, technical mishaps, and some hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos, this one took a little extra effort to bring to life. But in the end, it turned out to be an absolute blast!

🎤 In this episode, we discuss:
✅ The Whitney Houston March Madness Tournament and its wild journey
✅ Instant tournament results—since someone (ahem, me) forgot to hit record the first time we did this 🤦
✅ Fun discussions on Whitney’s music videos, album covers, and the magic of liner notes
✅ A special slow-dancing moment with Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool & the Gang (spoiler: it wasn’t me, but I had my own fun interaction with him!)
✅ Plenty of laughs, a lot of nostalgia, and—of course—the crowning of the ultimate Whitney Houston song!

🎧 Listen now and relive the tournament!

🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM)
🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes
🔹 Get your daily dose of ‘80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page

💡 Connect with GenX Journeys

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net
📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys
📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys
🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys
🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on:
✅ Apple Podcasts
✅ Spotify
✅ iHeartRadio
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💡 Whether you’re a die-hard ‘80s fan, a nostalgia lover, or just someone who enjoys a great book club discussion, this episode is packed with fun, wisdom, and plenty of throwback vibes.

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Throwback Thursday: Madonna March Madness

March Madness is back, and this time, we’re putting the spotlight on the Queen of Pop herself: Madonna! 👑🎤

Back in 2020, while the world was on pause, Return to the '80s March Madness kept the spirit alive by diving into a head-to-head battle of Madonna’s biggest hits. And to make things even more fun, I was joined by my very good friend Lizzie Newton, an ‘elder Millennial’ and massive Madonna fan, who brought a fresh and exciting perspective to the tournament.

Not only did we break down each matchup, but we also recorded this one in person—turning it into a full-on listening party! 🎶💃 I had my laptop out, playing the songs as we went, so you’ll notice a different audio setup than usual, but trust me—it adds to the vibe!

🔥 In this episode, we cover:
✅ The Sweet Sixteen matchups for Madonna March Madness
✅ Some fun insights and banter on each track
✅ The ultimate question—which song should take the crown?
✅ PLUS—I reveal the results of the 2019 Prince March Madness Tournament! 🎤👑

📣 Tune In Next Week!
Next week, I’ll be announcing the results of the Madonna March Madness Tournament, right before we launch into Whitney Houston March Madness—so don’t miss it!

💡 Connect with GenX Journeys

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net
📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
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🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
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Throwback Thursday: Prince March Madness

It’s that time of year again—March Madness! But we’re not talking about basketball here. Oh no, we’re diving into our very own Return to the '80s March Madness music tournament! 🎶🏆

Now, if you’ve been with me for a while, you might remember that this all started back in the blog days when we kicked things off with Hall & Oates. It was such a blast that I decided to keep the tradition alive, and in 2019, we brought the tournament to the podcast—starting with none other than Prince.

That’s right—His Royal Badness is taking center stage today! I put 16 of Prince’s biggest hits head-to-head in a bracket-style showdown, and you, the listeners, got to vote on which ones moved forward.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend Del Roehling, and we’re breaking down all the first-round matchups. We’ll talk about the songs, share some Prince trivia, and debate which tracks deserve to advance.

But here’s the deal—I won’t be revealing the results just yet! You’ll have to tune in to the next episode to find out which songs made it to the next round.

So, let’s take a look at our matchups:

🎤 Bracket 1:
(1) When Doves Cry vs. (16) Batdance
(8) I Would Die 4 U vs. (12) Delirious

🎸 Bracket 2:
(4) Little Red Corvette vs. (13) Alphabet St.
(5) Sign ‘O’ the Times vs. (9) Raspberry Beret

💜 Bracket 3:
(2) Purple Rain vs. (15) Pop Life
(7) U Got the Look vs. (11) Take Me With U

🔥 Bracket 4:
(3) Let’s Go Crazy vs. (14) I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man
(6) 1999 vs. (10) Kiss

Whew—what a lineup! Some of these matchups are brutal. How do you even choose between Purple Rain and Pop Life? Or When Doves Cry and Batdance? But that’s the fun of it!

So, grab your raspberry beret, lace up your purple boots, and let’s get this tournament started! 🎶🏆💜

🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM)
🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes
🔹 Get your daily dose of ‘80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page

💡 Connect with GenX Journeys

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net
📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys
📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys
🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
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Throwback Thursday: The '80s Cruise 2023

🚢 All aboard! With this year’s ‘80s Cruise setting sail this weekend, we’re throwing it back to one of our favorite episodes from 2023!

In this episode, Del and I are joined by two of our absolute favorites—Claire Young and Caroline Connelly—who had just returned from that year’s epic voyage. They gave us the full rundown on:

🎸 Incredible live performances – The music was nonstop, with legendary ‘80s acts bringing the nostalgia to life.
🎭 Outrageous costumes and themed events – Because what’s an ‘80s Cruise without neon, leg warmers, and some truly unforgettable outfits?
🧠 Trivia battles and celeb encounters – From testing their ‘80s knowledge to rubbing elbows with some of the decade’s biggest stars, Claire and Caroline had stories for days!

But, as always, we took a few fun detours along the way, chatting about:

🏆 Ke Huy Quan’s emotional Oscar win – A moment that had us all cheering!
🎥 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny trailer – Back when we were filled with anticipation (and just a little skepticism) for Indy’s return.
💡 And plenty more ‘80s goodness!

So whether you’re about to board this year’s cruise or just love living vicariously through those who have, this episode is the perfect way to set the mood. Let’s go back to 2023 and jump right into the conversation!

If you're interested in future '80s cruises, go to the site https://the80scruise.com/

Del can be found on the show 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM as well the 80s at 8 Facebook page where he posts 80s news.

💡 Connect with GenX Journeys

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net
📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys
📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys
🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
📘 Facebook: GenXJourneys
🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

Throwback Thursday: Remembering Prince 🎸☔

🎤 Originally Released: May 1, 2016
🎙 Episode 2 of Return to the '80s

On April 21, 2016, the world lost a musical icon—Prince. Originally, my co-host Robert and I planned to cover Fast Times at Ridgemont High as our second episode. But with the shocking news of Prince’s passing, we knew we had to dedicate this episode to celebrating his legendary career.

In this special re-release, Robert and I reflect on Prince’s impact, legacy, and the unforgettable music he left behind. We also each share our top five Prince songs—some classics, some deep cuts, all incredible.

Join us as we honor The Purple One, reminiscing about the music that shaped a generation and continues to inspire today.

💜 What are YOUR favorite Prince songs? Let me know in the comments or on social media!

💡 Connect with GenX Journeys

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net
📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys
📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys
🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s
📘 Facebook: GenXJourneys
🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow GenXers who are ready to rediscover, reinvent, and thrive!

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Throwback Thursday: Crushes 'n' Ballads

Welcome to a new episode of Return to the '80s! This Valentine's Day week, the gang talks about their '80s crushes and '80s ballads. This is sort of a sequel to Episode 10 from 2017, which did not include ballads, and an #80sCrushes Crossover event from that same week. Please comment below with you're favorite crushes and ballads. In the meantime, enjoy this show!

Round 1

Caroline
Crush: Patrick Swayze
Ballad: "She's Like the Wind" by Patrick Swayze

Claire
Crush: Keanu Reeves
Ballad: "Careless Whisper" by Wham!

Del
Crush: Sheena Easton
Ballad: "Always" by Atlantic Starr

Paul
Crush: Whitney Houston
Ballad: "The Search is Over" by Survivor

Round 2

Caroline
Crush(es): The Coreys
Ballad: "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera

Claire
Crush: Saul Hudson (aka Slash)
Song: "Patience" by Guns n' Roses

Del
Crush: Phoebe Cates
Ballad: "Lady in Red" by Chris De Burgh

Paul
Crush: Ally Sheedy
Ballad: "Open Arms" by Journey

Round 3

Caroline
Crush: John Cusack as Lloyd Dobler
Ballad: "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship

Claire
Crush: Nikki Sixx
Song: "Home Sweet Home" by Mötley Crüe

Del
Crush: Elisabeth Shue
Ballad: "I'll Always Love You" by Taylor Dayne

Paul
Crush: Irene Cara
Ballad: "Truly" by Lionel Richie

Round 4

Caroline
Crush: Tom Cruise as Joel Goodson
Ballad: "Meet Me Half Way" by Kenny Loggins

Claire
Crush: Keifer Sutherland as David from The Lost Boys
Song: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler

Del
Crush: Carrie Fisher
Ballad: "Groovy Kind of Love" by Phil Collins

Paul
Crush: Mary Stuart Masterson
Ballad: "Through the Fire" by Chaka Khan

Round 5

Caroline
Crush: Christian Slater
Ballad: "You Got it All" by The Jets

Claire
Crush: Sebastian Bach
Song: "I Remember You" by Skid Row

Del
Crush: Cheryl Ladd
Ballad: "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago

Paul
Crush: Paula Abdul
Ballad: "I'll Be There For You" by Bon Jovi

Del can be found on the show 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM as well the 80s at 8 Facebook page where he posts 80s news.

And you can follow GenX Journeys at:

GenXJourneys.net
Find GenX Journeys on Facebook
Twitter: @returntothe80s
Email: paul@genxjourneys.net

Also, you can subscribe to the GenX Journeys podcast on

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