Stop Ruining My Childhood!

Clue... and Starburst

This week we explore the cult classic "Clue." Listen in as we discuss Tim Curry, Madeline Khan, the original board game, and our non-sponsored snack, Starburst! One film, three endings. Did we love them? Did we hate them? Listen to find out! 
 
Links to listen can be found at https://www.stopruiningmychildhood.com/ 
Visit our Patreon page for exclusive bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/stopruiningmychildhood 

Columbo and Chocolate Cigars

This week we explore the beloved detective show "Columbo." Listen in as we discuss Peter Faulk, Dobermanns, Leslie Nielson, and the country of Hungary. Oh, we also review chocolate cigars. 
 
Links to listen can be found at https://www.stopruiningmychildhood.com/ 
Visit our Patreon page for exclusive bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/stopruiningmychildhood 

Patreon Bonus! Some Kind of Wonderful!

This episode is our first Patreon Bonus Episode!
We're sharing it with everyone for this month only! Join us on Patreon for ad-free bonus episodes every month! 
 
https://www.patreon.com/stopruiningmychildhood 
 
For Valentine's Day, we take a look at Some Kind of Wonderful! Our runner up for "Best Date Night Movie," this 1987 teen romance stars Eric Stoltz, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Lea Thompson. One of the many successful films by John Hughes, the film is almost a gender-swapped remake of another Hughes' film, Pretty in Pink.
 
Spoiler Alert! One of us loved the movie... and one of us did not. And someone broke a tooth after the podcast snacking on more Jordan Almonds. Listen to find out!
 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 

Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers... and Chick-O-Stick

Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers is an American animated adventure comedy television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation.[1] Created by Tad Stones and Alan Zaslove, it featured chipmunks Chip and Dale, mice Gadget and Monterey Jack, and housefly Zipper as a team of mystery-solving detectives working on "small crimes."  
Before we revisit this Disney classic, we try Chick-O-Stick, the retro peanut butter coconut candy that one of us called "as dry as a desert" and the other of us thoroughly enjoyed. 
Megan talks about meeting Chip & Dale at Disney World with her fanatic brother, Steve talks about forming his own Rescue Rangers gang, and we both enjoy revisiting this afterschool cartoon now available on Disney+
 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
Support our show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/stopruiningmychildhood 

The Princess Bride... and Hershey Kisses

Welcome back to Season 2 of Stop Ruining My Childhood!
The Princess Bride began as a satirical novel by William Goldman in the mid 1980s. In 1987, it was made into a film with a script written by Goldman and directed by Rob Reiner. The movie had a 16 million dollar budget and brought in about 30 million in revenue, but soon found a huge audience in VHS and DVD releases and became a cult classic. 
Before digging into the history of the story and our memories of both the book and the film, we talk about Hershey's Kisses! What other snack could we revisit for this romantic "kissing book" movie? Steve recalls going to Hershey, Pennsylvania, Megan recalls trying to find the unedited version of Goldman's novel, and we both enjoy watching the movie that won our award for "Best Date Night Film. 
 
Links to listen can be found at https://www.stopruiningmychildhood.com/ 
Visit our Patreon page for exclusive bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/stopruiningmychildhood 

On Rewind: Splash

This week, we revisit the Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah romantic comedy, Splash!
Before diving in (pun intended) to the film, we try the classic childhood candy, Swedish Fish and answer the question, "Are these actually Swedish?" 
Then, we swim through some facts and explore the history of the movie. We uncover why this was a Disney film without the Disney name attached, we discuss the casting choices including how both John Candy and Eugene Levy became attached to the project, and we talk about the popularity of the name "Madison."
Does Splash sink or swim? Listen to find out!
Visit our blog to watch along with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 

On Rewind: Reading Rainbow

It's September, and that means it's back to school time! To celebrate, we're revisiting the show that got everyone to read in the summer... Reading Rainbow!
Hosted by Levar Burton, Reading Rainbow is an American educational children's television series that originally aired on PBS from 1983 to 2006.
After digging into the fascinating history of the show, Steve reminisces about  "Book It," a program that gave kids free pizza for reading, and Megan describes cataloging her books and movies as a kid. First, we both enjoy a school lunchbox treat, Snack Pack Pudding Cups! 
Does Reading Rainbow hold up? Do we miss the tin can Snack Packs used to come in? Tune in to find out!
 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#PBS #1990s #BookIt #LevarBurton #ReadingRainbow  #stopruiningmychildhood #80s #1980s #1980sTV #1980sCartoons #SummerTV #Back2School #Reading #StarTrek #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday #Kelloggs #Kellog #SnackPack
 

On Rewind: Scooby Doo

This week, we go way back to revisit the original Scooby-Doo!
Scooby-Doo Where Are You debuted in 1969 to answer a call for Saturday morning cartoons with less violence and more humor. The Hanna-Barbera production spawned dozens of TV shows and movies. 
Before our full review of the original animated TV series, we have our non-sponsored snack, Sixlets: a candy that tried to be better than M&Ms! We talk about our memories of Scooby-Doo, and Steve calls Megan "pretentious" and Megan calls herself, "kind of WASPy." 
Was Megan being pretentious? Did we appreciate the nuances of the mystery as much as we did as kids? Were the Sixlets better than M&Ms? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#1970sTV #1970s #ScoobyDoo #ScrappyDoo #CaseyKasum #Cartoons #Sixlets #Shaggy #Velma #Daphne #Fred #MysteryMachine #stopruiningmychildhood #80s #1980s #1980smovies #1980sCartoons #SaturdayMorning #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday

On Rewind: Flight of the Navigator

This week, we revisit the live-action Disney film, Flight of the Navigator!
This 1986 movie starred Joey Cramer as David, a 12-year-old kidnapped by a spaceship he calls Max. The voice of Max was provided by Paul Reubens, best known for his Pee-Wee Herman character. Sarah Jessica Parker also appears in one of her first film roles. 
Before our review, we try the retro childhood treat, the Sugar Daddy! The sticky, caramel pop was invented in 1925, but surged in popularity in 1973. 
Did we love the movie? Did we break our teeth on the candy? Listen to find out and watch with us by visiting our blog www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
#Disney #DisneyMovie #LiveActionDisney Movie #80sMovies #80sBaby #90sKid #RetroPodcast #80sRewatch

On Rewind: Little House on the Prairie

This week, we discuss all things Little House! We start with our snack review and dive into the history of maple sugar candy. Why was it popular during the Pioneer Days? When did we switch from maple sugar to white sugar? 
Then, in our "Fun Facts" section, we talk about the history of the Little House books and how these slower, gentler stories were adapted into one of the longest-running, dramatic television series of all time!
We rewatch and recap three episodes throughout the run of Little House, and close out with a sneak preview as Steve chooses our next movie!
Did we ruin our beloved childhood memories? Or, does Laura Ingalls Wilder still resonate with us today? Listen to find out! 
Watch with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com  
#LittleHouse #LauraIngalls #70sTV #80sTV  
 

On Rewind: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

On Rewind!
This week, we revisit the original cartoon version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
What began as a comic book in 1984, TMNT quickly launched into a series in 1986, and an empire was born. The franchise spawned 5 animated television series, 5 live-action films, 4 animated films, 4 comic book series, toys, video games, table top games, pinball machines, amusement park rides, and more!
Megan remembers her brother's obsession with the show and her enjoyment of the original toy line. Steve remembers dressing up like the teenage turtles while playing with his brothers.
We discover fun facts including some key differences between the US and UK versions, and we debate over whether or not Raphael is cool and rude or just rude. 
And Steve enjoys eating his nostalgic, childhood snack, Totino's Pizza Rolls... while Megan noshes on a small bite of gluten-free DiGiorno's. 
Did we love the show? Did the turtles drive us crazy? Would the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles approve of Totino's? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#tmnt #teenagemutantninjaturtles #ninjaturtles #toys #actionfigures #turtlepower #s #leonardo #donatello #raphael #neca #cowabunga #toycollector #tmntcollector #comics #shredder #turtles #michelangelo #tmnttoys #rottmnt #vintagetoys #tmntleo #marvel #tmntdonnie #tmntmikey #1980sCartoon  #TBT #TBThursday #ThrowbackThursday #tmntraph #kevineastman #SaturdayMorningCartoon
 

50th Episode Extravaganza

For our 50th Episode Extravaganza, we created the Reminiscent Awards (Remis). 
Steve, Megan, and Megan's brother Tim nominate and select TV shows, movies, and cartoons from the 80s and 90s in the following categories: 
Best Date Night Movie
Best Franchise
Best Underrated Comedy
Greatest Child Star
Best Cartoon
TV Show That Deserves a Reboot
Most Overrated TV Show
Worst Performance by a Good Actor/Actress
Most Overrated Movie
Scariest Family/Kid Movie
So Bad, It’s Good
Desert Island Pick (The Movie You Could Watch Over and Over)
We'll be reviewing the winners from each category next season!
During the show, Tim introduces Steve to his childhood favorite, the tuna melt. Megan nearly dies trying grape Kool-Aid for the first time since she was five. And we all have a high-spirited debate as our choices are judged. This episode is sure to cause much controversy long into our next season!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
We are currently constructing our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/stopruiningmychildhood 
 
#80smovies #90smovies #90skid #80skids #80sbaby #GenX #generationx #eldermillennial #millennials #awardshow #Awards2022 #bestmovies #WorstMovies #80snostalgia #90snostalgia #podcastawards #firstseason #overrated #moviefranchise #movies #tv #cartoons #80scartoons #90scartoons #reboot #remake #familypodcast #comedypodcast

Scrooged... and Dots

In this modern take on Charles Dickens' classic novella A Christmas Carol, Bill Murray plays Frank Cross, the youngest president of a TV network. His ambition and sarcasm caused him to alienate nearly everyone in his life including his lost love, Claire; his secretary, Grace; and his brother, James. 
Before revisiting this beloved 80's gem, we try out Dots, the gum drop best known for decorating gingerbread houses at Christmas. We learn all about the history of the gum drop, and delve into all  the behind-the-scenes fun facts of Scrooged. 
Megan learns that Steve has never eaten Dots. Steve learns that Megan has Scrooged memorized, and we both talk about the 80s humor of the film. 
Did we feel the Christmas Spirit? Did we wish we could go back into the past to erase this film? Listen to find out! 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com
We're also working on setting up our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/stopruiningmychildhood  
 
#scrooge #scrooged #billmurray #KarenAllen #ghostbusters #groundhogday #caddyshack #charlesdickens #80s #80snostalgia #80sbaby #80smovies #christmas2022 #happyholidays #SNL #christmasmovies #saturdaynightlive #90skid #90snostalgia #comedypodcast #Bobcat #RichardBurton #CarolKane #christmascarol #christmascarols #christmastime #ghosts

Silver Spoons... and Ring Pop

Silver Spoons was a sitcom that ran from 1982 to 1986 on NBC and 1986-1987 in first run syndication. The show focused on the family-friendly antics of wealthy playboy and toy factory owner Edward Stratton III and his young son Ricky, who comes to live with him in the pilot episode. 
For the holidays, we watched the Christmas episode, which also featured a young Joey Lawrence in one of his first roles. 
We talk about how the show helped to propel the careers of child stars Ricky Schroder, Alfonso Riberio, and Jason Bateman. Then, Megan enthuses about the toy train featured in the mansion's living room... while Steve enthuses about Erin Gray, who played Kate, Edward's assistant and love interest. 
And before all of that, we enjoy our snack for the week, Ring Pop! We talk about the history of this treat, going all the way back to the founding of the company in the 1800s! 
Did the show hold up? Did we feel the Christmas spirit? Did we learn something today? Listen to find out! 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 

Star Wars Holiday Special... And Chunky

This week, we watched the Star Wars Holiday Special, which originally aired on November 17, 1978, on CBS. Featuring "Life Day," a holiday on Chewbacca's home planet, it was the first Star Wars spin-off film, set between the events of the original film and The Empire Strikes Back.
We discuss behind-the-scenes history of the made-for-TV-move, including problems with directors and writers, and the fact that the special introduces the character of Boba Fett.
Before digging into our review, we try a Chunky candy bar, and talk about the bar's unique history and changes from the original recipe!
Did we love the special? Did one of us call it a "hot piece of garbage?" Did we ruin our childhood memories of Star Wars forever? Tune in to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#starwars #disney #starwarsfan #darthvader #jedi #lukeskywalker #lifeday #starwarsmemes #stormtrooper #yoda #lightsaber #starwarsholiday #starwarsnerds #maytheforcebewithyou #bobafett #LEIA #hansolo #holidayspecials #Thanksgiving #thanksgiving2022 #thanksgivingpod #podcast #HappyLifeDay #70s #70sbaby #80sbaby #70snostalgia #GenX
 

Small Wonder Thanksgiving... and Aerobars

Small Wonder was a science-fiction sitcom aimed at kids that ran for 96 episodes from 1985 to 1989. The show starred Tiffany Brissette as a robot named VICI, Jerry Supiran as her brother Jamie, and Emily Schulman as her annoying neighbor, Harriet.
Before diving into the pilot and Thanksgiving episodes, we talk about the unusual syndication of the show and the show runner’s other robot-themed ventures. Megan talks about her robot obsession, Steve talks about his childhood school plays, and we both try the Aerobar, the lesser-known candy made by the same people who brought you the KitKat.
Did the Aerobar live up to the hype? Is Small Wonder as horrible as the 80s listicles would have you believe? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com

Monster Squad... and Tootsie Rolls

Monster Squad was an amazing Halloween movie... that debuted in the summer of 1987. As a result of poor planning and marketing, the movie flopped at the box office, but became a cult hit with Gen X kids. 
The movie features a group of outcasts much like the Goonies who battle against Dracula, the Wolfman, the Mummy, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. 
Steve recalls his hilarious adventures, hunting for monsters in abandoned buildings with his friends and a few sharpened sticks. We both learn about the history of the Tootsie Roll, and Megan talks about why the first ever wrapped "penny candy" is a treat she refuses to eat. 
Why was the Creature from the Black Lagoon called "Gill Man" in the film? Did Megan love this film, watching it for the first time? Did Steve and his friends catch any monsters? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer... and Wax Lips

Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a 1992 movie that... we did not rewatch. The TV show was way better! Moving away from the tone and campiness of the movie, the show defined "post camp" and ran for 7 seasons from 1997 to 2003. 
We explore the history of the TV show and its strange ties to the original film, and we also explore the history of Wax Lips, our non-sponsored snack for this episode. 
Steve talks about his "childhood" crush on Sarah Michelle Gellar, Megan discusses remembering the actress from a lesser-known teen soap opera "Swan's Crossing," and we both agree on our rating for Wax Lips. 
Oh... and Megan tells the TRUE spooky story of a time when she and her brother found a needle in their Halloween candy. 
Did we love the show? Hate the candy? Fall in love with the musical episode all over again? Listen to find out!
 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#buffy #vampire #vampireromance #buffythevampireslayer #Halloween #witches #witchythingss #witchyvibes #rewatch #rewatchpod #podcast #buffyverse #buffysummers #Willow #josswhedon #TheCW #angel #spike #90sKidsMemories #90stvshows #90stv

The Real Ghostbusters... and Flying Saucers

The Real Ghostbusters was an animaged spin-off/sequel of the 1984 comedy film Ghostbusters. The series ran from 1986 to 1991. The series continued the adventures of paranormal investigators Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Egon Spengler, Dr. Ray Stantz, Winston Zeddemore, their secretary Janine Melnitz and their mascot ghost Slimer as they battled ghosts, gouls, goblins, monsters, and more!
Before reviewing this epic TV show, we review a truly retro candy, wafer flying saucers! Flying Saucers started as communion wafers and found a new life as a 1950's space age treat! 
Then, we talk about our memories of the cartoon and learn about the show's odd title and what changes the network made that eventually led to the demise of the series. 
Were the Flying Saucers a space-age delight? Did The Real Ghostbusters live up to our childhood memories? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#ghostbusters #ecto1 #ghost #slimer #whoyougonnacall #therealghostbusters #billmurrayy #protonpack #staypuftmarshmallowman #Halloween #toys #cartoon #80scartoons #90scartoons #80sbaby #90skid #90sKidsMemories #flyingsaucer #candyreview

The Pretender... and Choco Tacos

Jarod is... The Pretender. Raised in a secret facility built for experimenting on children, Jarod is a genius who can master any profession and become anyone he has to be.
When he realizes as an adult that he's actually a prisoner and his captors are not as benevolent as he's been told, he breaks out. While searching for the truth behind his identity, he pretends to hold various key positions to help those in need. 
The Pretender lasted 4 seasons and over 80 episodes. Before discussing this almost forgotten show, we take a look at a food pretending to be another food... the Choco Taco! We talk about the sad demise of this treat and then dive into the history of the show, including the fascinating man who inspired the series! 
Did the show hold up? Did we sleep through every episode? Did we secretly wish we could be geniuses like Jarod? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#halloween2022 #Fall2022  #Halloween #rewatch #rewatchpod #podcast #Pretender #ThePretender #PretenderTV #Itcanonlybejared #genius #XFiles #ConspiracyTheory #90s #1990sTV #90sTV #ForgottenTV #Forgotten90s #CanadianTV #ChocoTaco #Klondike #IceCream #Review

Hocus Pocus... and Candy Corn

Hocus Pocus flopped in theaters in July of 1993, but like the famed Sanderson Sisters, it returned with a vengeance, becoming a cult classic on TV, VHS, and DVD. The sequel just premiered on DisneyPlus, so we decided to revisit the original!
Before the recap, we learn about the history of candy corn, discuss the making of Hocus Pocus, and talk all things Halloween. Megan confesses to dressing like Pocohontas... long before the Disney film, and Steve talks about his love of horror movies. 
Did the original hold up? Or are we just looking at it through rose-colored nostalgia goggles? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#hocuspocusmovie #halloween2022 #sandersonsisters #spookyseason #Fall2022 #hocuspocus2 #reboot #Sequel #Halloween #witch #witchythings #winifredsanderson #sarahsanderson #marysanderson #witchyvibes #salemmassachusetts #salemwitchtrials #magic #disney #DisneyPlus #bettemidler #sarahjessicaparker #kathynajimy #iputaspellonyou #rewatch #rewatchpod #podcast

Magic School Bus... and Charleston Chew

Scholastic's "The Magic School Bus" follows Ms. Frizzle and her class as they set off on field trips. Based on the best-selling book series of the same name and starring Lily Tomlin, the original cartoon version of "The Magic School Bus" ran for two seasons on PBS. It was created to encourage students to become more interested in science to promote more diversity in the sciences.
Before taking a fieldtrip with "The Frizz," we try out our non-sponsored snack, Charleston Chew and talk about how the candy bar is used in advanced physics courses! Then, we get into our childhood memories and discuss some of the best fieldtrips we went on as kids! 
Steve recalls a trip to the Bronx Zoo. Megan talks about watching the show while babysitting, and we both talk about a fieldtrip revisit to a living museum town in Mumford. 
Did we love the taffy-like nougat of the Charleston Chew? Did we learn anything while watching the Magic School Bus? Were we disappointed in Ms. Frizzle's adventures? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#1990sTV #1990s #LilyTomlin #Netflix #reboot #magicschoolbus #malcolmjamalwarner #PBS  #CharlestonChew #strawberry #cartoon #fieldtrip #stopruiningmychildhood #80s #1980s #1980smovies #1980sCartoons #SaturdayMorning #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday

ABC Afterschool Specials... and Capri Sun

ABC Afterschool Special was a television anthology series that aired on ABC from1972, to 1997. Younger Baby Boomers, Gen-Xers, and even "Elder" Millennials might remember coming home to these very special programs created for teens. 
First, we revisit an afterschool drink, Capri Sun! We learn about the origins of the foil-pouched drink and then dive into the fascinating history of the Afterschool Special, which started on ABC and was quickly replicated by CBS and NBC in a fight for teenage viewers!
Steve recalls thinking the specials were ridiculous, Megan remembers everyone in middle school talking about them, and then we recap "Andrea's Story: A Hitchhiking Tragedy" and "It's No Crush, I'm in Love."
Did we love the shows? Did we hate them? Did we think the entire concept was ridiculous? Tune in to find out!
 
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions related to drugs, alcohol, abuse, and sexual assault. If these are topics you'd rather not hear discussed, please skip this one and tune in next week. 
 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#ABC #Afterschool #VerySpecialEpisode #1970s #1980s #1990s   #stopruiningmychildhood #80s #1980s #1980sTV #1970sTV #YALit #Back2School #GenX #80sBaby #90sKid #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday #CapriSun

Reading Rainbow... and Snack Packs

It's September, and that means it's back to school time! To celebrate, we're revisiting the show that got everyone to read in the summer... Reading Rainbow!
Hosted by Levar Burton, Reading Rainbow is an American educational children's television series that originally aired on PBS from 1983 to 2006.
After digging into the fascinating history of the show, Steve reminisces about  "Book It," a program that gave kids free pizza for reading, and Megan describes cataloging her books and movies as a kid. First, we both enjoy a school lunchbox treat, Snack Pack Pudding Cups! 
Does Reading Rainbow hold up? Do we miss the tin can Snack Packs used to come in? Tune in to find out!
 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#PBS #1990s #BookIt #LevarBurton #ReadingRainbow  #stopruiningmychildhood #80s #1980s #1980sTV #1980sCartoons #SummerTV #Back2School #Reading #StarTrek #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday #Kelloggs #Kellog #SnackPack
 

Office Space... and Cotton Candy

This week, in honor of Labor Day, we revisit Office Space! 
Office Space was written and directed by Mike Judge, creator of Beavis and Butthead. The film debuted in 1999 and was a sleeper hit with low initial box office returns, but huge VHS sales after being shown almost daily on Comedy Central. 
The movie satirizes the worklife of a typical 1990s software company as well as the food service industry. We talk about our early jobs, frustration with middle managers, and toxic workplaces... but in a fun way! 
And for Labor Day, we have our final summer snack, cotton candy!
Does the movie hold up? Listen to find out!
 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#1990sTV #1990s #OfficeSpace #MikeJudge #MTV #ComedyCentral #stopruiningmychildhood #90s #1990s #1990smovies #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday #LaborDay 

Scooby-Doo... and Sixlets

This week, we go way back to revisit the original Scooby-Doo!
Scooby-Doo Where Are You debuted in 1969 to answer a call for Saturday morning cartoons with less violence and more humor. The Hanna-Barbera production spawned dozens of TV shows and movies. 
Before our full review of the original animated TV series, we have our non-sponsored snack, Sixlets: a candy that tried to be better than M&Ms! We talk about our memories of Scooby-Doo, and Steve calls Megan "pretentious" and Megan calls herself, "kind of WASPy." 
Was Megan being pretentious? Did we appreciate the nuances of the mystery as much as we did as kids? Were the Sixlets better than M&Ms? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#1970sTV #1970s #ScoobyDoo #ScrappyDoo #CaseyKasum #Cartoons #Sixlets #Shaggy #Velma #Daphne #Fred #MysteryMachine #stopruiningmychildhood #80s #1980s #1980smovies #1980sCartoons #SaturdayMorning #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday

Camp Nowhere... and Gummy Worms

The camping fun continues with our summer movie pick, Camp Nowhere! 
Starring Christopher Lloyd (of Back to the Future fame) and Jonathan Jackson, Morris "Mud" Himmel hates spending every summer at computer camp, When he realizes all of his friends are unhappy about their respective camp prospects, he devises a plan to create his own, kid-friendly camp. 
Before our full review, Megan explains exactly what happens at an academic camp, Steve talks about the differences camps went through from the 50s through the 90s. And we both the candy that soared to popularity in the 80s, gummy worms! 
Was the movie what we remembered?  Was Megan's academic camp as lame as it sounded? Did Steve find Christopher Lloyd's hijinks hilarious or annoying? Listen to find out! 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#stopruiningmychildhood  #CampNowhere #SummerMovies #90sMovies #90s #1990s #1990sTV #ChristopherLloyd #BacktotheFuture #Camp #SummerFun #JessicaAlba #AndrewKeegan #AllisonMack #JonathanJackson #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday

Double Dare... and Sour Patch Kids

After receiving a listener suggestion, we decided to revisit another beloved Nickelodeon TV show, Double Dare!
Double Dare began when Nickelodeon was looking for more programming to play after school, and a sponsor suggested a kid's game show instead of a cartoon! What resulted was a fun, exciting mixture of trivia, dares, physical challenges, and the famed obstacle course!
Before our full review, Steve and Megan reminisce about wanting to be on Double Dare, and talk about how the show influenced everything from playground design to camp games. We also revisit Sour Patch Kids and learn some surprising history about this sweet and sour candy. 
Did the show live up to our expectations? Were we amazed at the prizes given out by the show? Did the Sour Patch Kids make our mouths pucker? What did we think of the reboot? Listen to find out! 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#stopruiningmychildhood  #DoubleDare #Nickelodeon #nickelodeon #90snickelodeon #90sNick #SNICK #80sNick #90s #1990s #1990sTV #GameShows #SaturdayMorning #Disney #AfterSchool #SourPatchKids #CabbagePatchKids #1980s #MarcSummers #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday

Salute Your Shorts... and Oreo Dirt

It isn't summer until you go to summer camp! So this week, we revisit the beloved Nickelodeon TV show Salute Your Shorts!
Salute Your Shorts began as a collection of short stories before being developed as a pilot by Propaganda Films. It took a year for Nickelodeon to green-light the project, but once it was on the air, it was an instant hit with kids who were too old for cartoons, but too young for prime time dramas. 
Before our full review, Steve reminisces about Boy Scout Camp, Megan admits to loving an academic camp, Steve makes fun of Megan for going to an academic camp, and we snack on our childhood favorite, Oreo Dirt!
Did the show live up to our expectations? Did Megan recover from the mockery of her academic camp? Did we love the Dirt treat made with Jell-O, cream cheese, sugar, and cookies, or did it make us ill? Listen to find out! 
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#stopruiningmychildhood  #saluteyourshorts #Nickelodeon #donkeylips #RIPKirkBaily #nickelodeon #90snickelodeon #90sNick #SNICK # #90s #1990s #1990sTV #SavedBytheBell #Camp #Summer #SummerCamp #SYS #CampAnawanna #Jello #Oreos #Oreo #90sTV #SaturdayMorning #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday

My Little Pony... and Pez

This week, we revisit another classic franchise that started with a toy line... My Little Pony!
Hasboro began with the failed "My Pretty Pony" doll and then ran a more successful line of smaller ponies from 1982 to 1992. The toys launched a global phenomenon, and a movie and TV series captured the hearts of kids everywhere.
Before our full review of the original animated TV series, Megan talks about playing with the toy line, Steve talks about not playing with the toy line, and we both enjoy a Rainbow Sparkle themed Pez dispenser for our nostalgic snack. 
The cartoon featured original songs and a character also named Megan. Did we love the show? Did we join the fandom? Or did we ruin our childhoods? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#mylittlepony #mlp #mlpfim #mylittleponyfriendshipismagic #rainbowdash #pony #fluttershy #twilightsparkle #pinkiepie #applejack #brony #art #mlpg #friendshipismagic #mlpart #mlpfanart #mylittleponyg #mlpoc #unicorn #g #mlpedit #digitalart #hasbro #sunsetshimmer #pegasister #mlpfandom #oc #mylittleponyart #stopruiningmychildhood #80s #1980s #1980smovies #1980sCartoons #SaturdayMorning #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday

Field of Dreams... and Big League Chew

This week, the summer fun continues with the classic 1980s baseball movie, Field of Dreams! 
Starring Kevin Costner, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster, Amy Madigan, Gabby Hoffman, and Timothy Busfield, this award-winning film came into theaters in 1989. 
When Iowa farmer Ray (Kevin Costner) hears a mysterious voice one night in his cornfield saying "If you build it, he will come," he feels the need to act. Despite taunts of lunacy, Ray builds a baseball diamond on his land, supported by his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan). Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play.
 
Megan talks about watching the film in black and white on a trip to California while itching away at chicken pox, and Steve discusses his love of baseball and pretending to use chewing tobacco while chomping on our nostalgic snack for the week, Big League Chew. 
The film was a nostalgic hit with Baby Boomers, as it hearkened back to the 1960s and called them to follow their dreams. Did two Gen-Xers love the film just as much? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#fieldofdreams #field_of_dreams #fieldofdreams? #kevincostner #GabbyHoffman #JamesEarlJones #RayLiotta #wpkinsella #baseball #sportsmovies #sportsfilm #timetravel #SF #1980smovies #AwardWinning #stopruiningmychildhood #80s #1980s #1980smovies #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday

Quantum Leap... and Pop Tarts

"Oh Boy!" This week, we revisit the cult favorite, Quantum Leap.  
Quantum Leap ran for 5 seasons and 97 episodes from 1989 to 1993.  Created by Don Bellisario, the show starred Scott Bakula as Dr. Sam Beckett, a time traveling scientist, who leaps into people from 1953 to 1987 to help them and correct something that went wrong in the original timeline. Dean Stockwell, who co-stars as Admiral Al Calavicci, Sam's best friend, who appears as a hologram that only Sam can see and hear. 
They are aided by Gushi, the project's lead programmer, and Ziggy, a supercomputer. Despite successfully correcting the past in each episode, Sam continues to leap randomly to another place and time, "putting right what once went wrong and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home"
And for our snack this week, Steve reviews Pop Tarts, and Megan tries a candy necklace. We talk about the cereal wars of the 1960s and the thievery that resulted in what we now know as the Pop Tart. 
Did we love the science fiction, mystery, romance, comedy, drama show? Did the Pop Tarts taste like cardboard? Listen to find out!
Watch with us and find links to listen on our website: www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
#quantumleap #quantumleaps #quantumphysics #startrek #scifi #scifitv #80sTV #90sTV #scottbakula #PopTarts #timetravel #SF #deanstockwell #Kelloggs #Breakfast #travel #fantasy #ThrowbackThursday #tbt #tbthursday #Remake #RewatchPodcast #podcast #stopruiningmychildhood #Reboot #sequel 

Cartoon All Stars to the Rescue... and Nik L Nips

On April 21, 1990, all four major American television networks: ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS, most independent stations, as well as cable networks Nickelodeon and the USA Network ran the anti-crack PSA, Cartoon All Stars to the Rescue. 
Sponsored by McDonald's, the special featured nearly every famous cartoon at the time: Winnie the Pooh, Muppet Babies, Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Smurfs, Garfield, Bugs Bunny, the Duck Tales Gang, ALF, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more! 
Steve and Megan revisit their memories of D.A.R.E., the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program that ran from 1983 through 2009. We talk about the crack "epidemic," which many believe was a moral panic, and then we review the ironically trippy cartoon special. 
Our non-sponsored snack for this episode are Nik L Nips, the wax bottle candy developed during the Prohibition Era that made a comeback in the 1980s!
Did we love the PSA? Did we stay off drugs? Tune in to find out!
 
Links to listen can be found on our website: www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#cartoonallstarstotherescue #WinniethePooh #Smurfs #DuckTales #ALF #AlvinandtheChipmunks #DaffyDuck #BugsBunny #DARE #80sPSA #PSA #90sPSA #antidrug #cartoonallstars #allstarsreanimate #MuppetBabies #Garfield #Tigger #Kermit #MissPiggy #Gonzo #DrugAbuseResistanceEducation #Propoganda #PapaSmurf #TMNT #TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles #Slimer #RealGhostbusters

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Totinos Pizza Rolls

This week, we revisit the original cartoon version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
What began as a comic book in 1984, TMNT quickly launched into a series in 1986, and an empire was born. The franchise spawned 5 animated television series, 5 live-action films, 4 animated films, 4 comic book series, toys, video games, table top games, pinball machines, amusement park rides, and more!
Megan remembers her brother's obsession with the show and her enjoyment of the original toy line. Steve remembers dressing up like the teenage turtles while playing with his brothers.
We discover fun facts including some key differences between the US and UK versions, and we debate over whether or not Raphael is cool and rude or just rude. 
And Steve enjoys eating his nostalgic, childhood snack, Totino's Pizza Rolls... while Megan noshes on a small bite of gluten-free DiGiorno's. 
Did we love the show? Did the turtles drive us crazy? Would the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles approve of Totino's? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#tmnt #teenagemutantninjaturtles #ninjaturtles #toys #actionfigures #turtlepower #s #leonardo #donatello #raphael #neca #cowabunga #toycollector #tmntcollector #comics #shredder #turtles #michelangelo #tmnttoys #rottmnt #vintagetoys #tmntleo #marvel #tmntdonnie #tmntmikey #1980sCartoon  #TBT #TBThursday #ThrowbackThursday #tmntraph #kevineastman #SaturdayMorningCartoon
 
 

Top Gun... and Freezy Pops

To celebrate the Fourth of July this week, we revisit Top Gun!
Starring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Tom Skerritt, and Meg Ryan, this summer blockbuster burst into theaters in 1986. The movie helped to increase Navy recruitment, and  was popular enough to spawn the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick earlier this year. 
Steve talks about the ways the movie inspired his childhood obsession with airplanes... and how he may have recreated the "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" scene to pick up girls back in the day.
Megan talks about her childhood memories of sneaking to a friend's house to watch the movie and going to Navy air shows to celebrate July 4th. And we both enjoy eating our nostalgic, childhood snack, Freezy Pops, for the first time in over 20 years!
Did we love the film? Are we looking forward to the sequel? Did the popsicles give us brain freeze? Listen to find out!
Links to listen can be found at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
 
#topgun #f #tomcruise #missionimpossible #topgunmaverick #maverick #aviation #tomcat #tomcruiseforever #tomcruisefan #tomcruisemovie #tomcruisestyle #topgunmovie #usnavy #s #ladyjags #military #tomcruiseedit #tomcruiselover #jackreacher #stopruiningmychildhood #80s #1980s #1980smovies #reboot #valkilmer #megryan #USNavy #July4 #independenceday #fourthofjuly #happy #julyfourth #redwhiteandblue #america #patriotic #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #tbthursday