Stop Ruining My Childhood!

Fantasy Island... And Fruit Gushers

"The plane! The plane!" This week, we revisit Fantasy Island! Fantasy Island started out as a joke made by a frustrated Aaron Spelling as he was pitching ideas to network executives. The executives loved the idea, and so did the public! 
The show ran 152 episodes and two made-for-TV movies over seven years from 1977 to 1984. In the ratings, it never broke into the top 10, but it was popular enough to spawn a reboot series in 1998, a prequel film in 2020, and a sequel series in 2021. 
Tying into our tropical theme this week is our snack, Tropical Fruit Gushers! These fruit gummy treats were all the rage in the 1990s. 
Did the show live up to our expectations? Did the Gushers make us nauseous? Listen to find out! 
Watch with us and find links to listen on our website: www.stopruiningmychildhood.com
#fantasyisland #tattoo #theplane #ricardomontalban #70s #70sstyle #80sTV #80s #tvland #reboot #Retro #RetroPodcast #fantasyisland2021 #fantasyislandmovie, #fantasy_island #island #travel #fantasy #ThrowbackThursday #tbt #tbthursday #lucyhale #RewatchPodcast #podcast #stopruiningmychildhood

25th Episode! The Fifth Element... And Happy Meals

We have a special extravaganza, celebrating our 25th episode! We went back 25 years to the 25th highest box office film and rewatched The Fifth Element! 
Starring Mila Jovovich, Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, and Chris Tucker, this sci-fi adventure film is known for its stunning visuals... and Mila Jovovich's infamous orange and white costume. Some called it a comic book come to life! Others found it overstuffed and overstimulating. 
Before we give our take, we revisit a few of our favorite moments from the podcast and take a second look at Happy Meals! The portions have changed, and the meals come with some healthier options, but the toys still play a major role!
What is the one TV show Steve's looking forward to watching soon? What is the one cartoon Megan wishes she rated higher? Will Leeloo ever learn another word besides "Multipass"? Listen to find out!
 
Links to listen can be found on our website: www.stopruiningmychildhood.com
#80s #90s #80sBaby #90sKid #TheFifthElement #5thElement #The5thElement #BruceWillis #MilaJovovich #ChrisTucker #GaryOldman #SciFi #SciFiRewatch #Multiass #Forgotten90s #90sRewatch #RetroPodcast #GenX #GenXPodcast #leeloo #FifthElement #leeloodallas  #korbendallas  #cosplaygirl  #lucbesson #leeloodallasmultipass #leeloocosplay #diablobead  #monsterhuntermovie #HappyMeals #happymeals #mcdonalds #happymeal #mcdonald  #fastfood #drivethru #mcdelivery  #happymealtoys #happymealtoy #disney

Father’s Day BONUS! Rad... And Skittles

Megan is out of the studio this week, and Steve is joined by his brother, Kevin, who is celebrating his first Father's Day as a new dad! 
To help Kevin celebrate, we let him pick the movie, so this week's Bonus Episode features the classic 1980s BMX racing movie, Rad! 
 The film stars Bill Allen, Lori Loughlin, Talia Shire, Jack Weston and Ray Walston, along with 1984 Olympic gymnastics champion Bart Conner and famously features a dance sequence on BMX bikes!
The film was a box office bomb, grossing $2 million against a budget of $3 million, and received mixed reviews from critics, but found a cult following among kids as a top VHS rental.
Before digging into the film, the guys have some Skittles and talk about their love of candy as kids. Did they love the movie as much as the snack? Were the critics right? Listen to find out!
 
Links to listen can be found on our website: www.stopruiningmychildhood.com
#80s #90s #80sBaby #90sKid #BMX #LoriLaughlin #Racing #SportsMovie #Forgotten80s #80sRewatch #RetroPodcast #CanadianMovies #CanadianCinema #CanadianFilms 

Jem... and Symphony Bars

This week, we revisit Jem! Jem and the Holograms was a hit Saturday Morning Cartoon that ran from 1985-1988. It rose to the top of the Nielsen Ratings its first two years, and then dropped down into relative obscurity. We talk about the show's strong cult following, original songs, toy tie-ins, and the 2015 reboot film. 
Before digging into Jem, we try a Hershey's Symphony bar. Launched in 1989, this candy bar was create to appeal to wealthier and European customers. Did we love it? Did we hate it? Were the songs from Jem bops or flops? 
Listen to find out and watch with us by visiting our blog www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
#Jem #Candy #Hershey #80sBaby #90sKid #RetroPodcast #80sRewatch #SaturdayMorning #Cartoons #Forgotten80s #80sToys #Barbie #BarbieDolls

Flight of the Navigator... And Sugar Daddies

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

Memorial Day BONUS! Glory... And Salt Water Taffy

This Memorial Day, we revisit the Civil War film, Glory
Inspired by the true story of the 54th Regiment, the first military unit consisting entirely of black soldiers who fought for the Union army during the Civil War.
Despite the bravery of the many men amongst their ranks, the 54th Regiment were often mistreated as second-class soldiers. Under the leadership of Robert Shaw, the first all-black volunteer company fought prejudices of both their own Union army and the Confederates.
We talk about the history behind this inspirational 1989 film, marvel over the cinematography, debate the acting choices, and discover the differences between fact and fiction. 
Before our review, we try the old-fashioned treat, salt water taffy! The sticky candy was popular during the Civil War, when it often featured molasses and transformed into the candy we know today in the early 1900s. 
Did the movie do justice to the story of the 54th Regiment? Did it honor the soldiers who fought for this country? Did we love the candy as much as we remembered? 
Listen to find out and watch with us by visiting our blog www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
#CivilWar #The54th #USA #USMemorialDay #BonusEpisode #Bonus #OscarWinner #MemorialDay  #80sMovies #80sBaby #BlackStories #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistory365 #90sKid #RetroPodcast #80sRewatch #1989

Greatest American Hero... And Pixy Stix

This week, we revisit The Greatest American Hero, a science fiction/comedy/mystery TV show starring a regular school teacher who receives a magical suit that turns him into a super hero. Sometimes more well known for its theme song than its wild plots, the show lasted 3 seasons. 
We start with our snack review and learn a bit about the history of Pixy Stix and their connection to Sweet Tarts and Fun Dip. 
Then, in our fun facts section, we talk about the making of The Greatest American Hero, its failed spin-off series, and the amazing ensemble cast that came together to create this short-lived show. 
After the recap and review, we have a fun sneak preview of next week's episode as Steve chooses what he's willing to watch!
Did we love this hilarious science fiction classic? Did we ruin our childhoods? Listen to find out!
Watch with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
#ScienceFiction #SciFiRewatch #Superhero #80sTV #80sBaby #90sKid #Podcast #Forgotten80s #ForgottenSciFi #80sSciFi #Superhero #Aliens #SuperheroTV #80sReboot #CanceledTooSoon 

Transformers... And Blow Pops

This week, we revisit the original Transformers cartoon!  
We start with our snack review and learn a bit about the history of Blow Pops, and how Charms tried to distinguish this lollipop from the competition!
Then, in our fun facts section, we talk about Transformer toys, the supposed knock-off brand, Go Bots, and the continued popularity of the Transformers franchise, including reboots, sequels, prequels, and more! 
After the recap and review, we have a fun sneak preview of next week's episode as Steve chooses which episodes he's willing to watch!
Does the cartoon hold up? Did it live up to our beloved childhood memories? Listen to find out!
Watch with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
#Transformers #80sCartoons #SaturdayMorningCartoons #80sMovies #TVRewatch #90sKid #Podcast #80sKid

Dream a Little Dream... And Nerds

This week, we revisit Dream a Little Dream, a film starring "The Two Coreys," Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. 
We start with our snack review and learn a bit about the history of Nerds, how they got their "uncool" name, and how they're made. 
Then, in our fun facts section, we talk about the phenomenon that was the Two Coreys, what movies these two stars made together, and how they seemed to be everywhere in the 1980s. We also talk about the inspiration for the film and the song "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and we shy away from the direct-to-video sequel. 
After the recap and review, we have a fun sneak preview of next week's episode as Steve chooses what he's willing to watch!
Did we love the movie? Did we hate it? Did Corey Feldman's Michael Jackson dance moves impress us? Listen to find out!
Watch with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com 
#CoreyFeldman #CoreyHaim #DreamaLittleDream #80sMovies #80sBaby #90sKid #Podcast 

Little House on the Prairie... And Maple Sugar Candy

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 
 

Mother’s Day BONUS! Freaky Friday... and Necco Wafers

For Mother's Day, we have a special bonus! Megan's mother Karen stops by to talk about mothers and daughters in the movies! 
We start with our snack review. Necco wafers were one of Karen's favorites... and something Megan avoided.
Then, we revisit the original 1970s version starring Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris and talk about the gender roles and generational differences in the movie. Then, we look at the early 2000s remake starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Which did we like best? Listen to find out!
Visit our blog to watch along with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com

Muppet Babies... And Smarties

Muppet Babies was a classic, Saturday morning cartoon that aired from 1984 to 1991 on CBS. After discussing the history of the Muppet Babies, beginning with a small segment in The Muppets Take Manhattan, we revisit the show and talk about some of our memories of imaginative play. One of us had a jungle gym in their living room, and one of us built pillow forts throughout the entire house!
In addition to revisiting this cartoon version of the Muppets, we talk all things Smarties! How did Smarties get their name? Why are they shaped like pellets? 
More importantly, does Muppet Babies hold up? Or did we ruin our childhoods? Tune in to find out!
Visit our blog to watch along with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory... and Gobstoppers

Everlasting Gobstoppers! This is our first fan-requested episode! Thanks to everyone for your support. Join us on Facebook to add your requests!
We talk about the inspiration for Willy Wonka and how author Roald Dahl developed this amazing character and his world! In our fun-fact section, we learn more about how the movie was made, how the author felt about the movie, and why there was never a sequel. 
Then, we talk about our memories of the film. Steve watched it on Easter, and Megan... made a bunch of little kids cry. In addition to our recap and review, we try the nostalgic candy inspired by the film: Everlasting Gobstoppers!
Does the movie hold up, or did we just ruin our childhoods? Listen to find out!
Visit our blog to watch along with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com
#tbt #ThrowbackThursday #1980s #1970s #WillyWonka #Chocolate #Candy #Easter

The A-Team... And Cadbury Creme Eggs

To round out April, we finish up our Easter candy stash by trying 3 different varieties of Cadbury Creme Eggs. 
After discussing the history of the creme egg and enjoying our nostalgic snack, we dig into the world of the A-Team. 
Steve recalls playing with some of the toys, and Megan shares some fun facts about the show, including the full story of how they were framed for "a crime they didn't commit" and how the finale came to be shown in the wrong order! 
Did we love this hyper-masculine show? Was the movie reboot better or worse? Does the A-Team hold up? How much did Mr. T's jewelry actually weigh?  Tune in to find out!
Visit our blog to watch along with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com
 
#tbt #ThrowbackThursday #1980s #80sTV #Chocolate #Candy #Easter #MrT #GenX

Bonus Easter Episode! Superbook... and Chocolate Bunnies

Happy Easter! To celebrate Easter, we're revisiting the 1980s Christian cartoon, Superbook!​Superbook was a Christian television show created by the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in the early 1980s. The show ran for 2 seasons and led to the spin-off Flying House a year later. The show was rebooted and has been running for 7 seasons, so we review one of those episodes as well! Before we dive into Superbook, we try some chocolate bunnies and talk about our memories of Easter baskets. 
What is "marshmallow mouth"? How does the original compare to the reboot? Listen to find out!
Visit our blog to watch along with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com
 
#tbt #ThrowbackThursday #1980s #Cartoons #Anime #Easter
 

Alvin and the Chipmunks... And Peeps

Easter is just around the corner, so we revisit the classic Easter snack, Marshmallow Peeps. We talk about the history of the Peep, including the automation process that took the formation of each batch from 23 hours to 6 minutes! 
Then, we do a deep dive on Alvin and the Chipmunks, beginning with a novelty record in 1958 and ending with live-action films in the 2010s. And, of course, we talk about our memories including the stuffed animal merch from Burger King and an unusual field trip to see the Chipmunks movie.
Did we love the 1980s Saturday morning cartoon? Or, did the voices and songs annoy us?  Tune in to find out!
Visit our blog to watch along with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com

Splash... and Swedish Fish

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

Manimal... and Animal Crackers

This week, we revisit the forgotten 80's TV show, Manimal! 
Manimal was an action-adventure show that aired for just 8 episodes. Was it canceled too early? Or did NBC executives make the right decision in giving it the ax? Listen to find out!
We also take another taste of animal crackers and discover why the box has changed from the classic circus motif we remembered as kids. 
Visit our blog to watch along with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com

Bonus Episode! Leprechaun... and Lucky Charms

Our first bonus episode to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
While having our nostalgic snack, Megan discusses the history of Lucky Charms cereal and her memories of the "new marshmallow campaign."
Then, we dive into the world of Leprechaun and explore how this unlikely franchise became a cult classic. Steve talks about his (very young) childhood memories of slasher films! Then, we read from an interview with star Warwick Davis and talk about why Jennifer Aniston wishes this movie was erased from her resume. 
Was this movie ever good? If so, does it hold up today? Listen to find out!

GI Joe... And Candy Buttons

This week, we revisit the old classic, candy buttons! 
Then, we dig into the history of GI Joe and talk about how this 1964 Hasboro toy became a beloved cartoon hero of the 1980s. Steve revisits his childhood memories of playing with ALL the GI Joe toys, including the coveted 7-foot-long aircraft carrier. And Megan asks Steve about all the things she never understood like, "Do we ever see COBRA Commander's face?" and "Is GI Joe a person or a group of people?"
We also take a look at two reboots of GI Joe from 2005 and 2011 and talk about the changes to both the premise of the show and the animation. 
Visit our blog to watch along with us at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com

Troop Beverly Hills... and Girl Scout Cookies

It's Girl Scout Cookie season! This week, we matched our movie to our snack. 
We reminisce about our scouting days while trying out some cookies (including the gluten-free kind)! Steve recalls becoming a door-to-door salesman for the Boy Scouts, and Megan talks about being unimpressed by the Girl Scout uniforms. 
Then, we jump into the movie! Troop Beverly Hills came out in 1989. It stars Shelley Long... and pretty much every 80s tween actress you can think of! 
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 14% "fresh" rating from critics, but a 62% from viewers. Did we agree with the critics or the audience? Listen to find out!

ALF... and Jelly Bellies

Before discussing ALF, that adorable, sarcastic alien from Melmac, we look back at our memories of Jelly Bellies and play "Beanboozled." One of us enjoys the game... and one of us gets a mouthful of displeasure! Then, we remember ALF and review the original sitcom, the cartoon, and the late-night TV show. Which did we like best? Listen to find out! 

Strawberry Shortcake... and Good Humor Bars

Strawberry Shortcake was born as a greeting card character and became a 1980s childhood icon! Join us as Steve describes his hazy memories of other people enjoying Strawberry Shortcake, Megan describes her childhood Strawberry Shortcake-themed bedroom, and both of us talk about the original cartoon and which of the reboots we found the most whimsical, enchanting... and annoying. We also try some Good Humor treats and talk about the history of the strawberry shortcake popsicles!

Who Framed Roger Rabbit...and Bubble Tape

Who Framed Roger Rabbit was hailed as a technical masterpiece in 1988! In this episode, Steve talks about his love for film noir, Megan is appalled at our snack choice, Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape, and we both try to answer the question, "Is this cartoon/live-action hybrid as good as I remember?"
Watch with us by visiting our blog at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com
#DisneyMovie #DisneyAnimation #DisneyLiveAction 

Cheers... and Candy Cigarettes

Cheers ran for 11 seasons from 1982-1993. Our snacks for this classic sitcom were candy cigarettes! Steve teaches Megan not to light the candy, and Megan remembers getting in trouble the last time she tried one. Then, we reminisce about the show "where everybody knows your name" and look back at the various eras of Cheers, from Diane and Coach to Woody and Rebecca. Does it hold up? Listen to find out!

He-Man... and Pop Rocks

In our first episode, we take a look back at He-Man! Before our review, we take a snack break to revisit the classic childhood candy, Pop Rocks. Learn how this amazing popping candy was accidentally invented. Then, join us as we discuss the classic 80s cartoon and compare the original to the reboots. Which version is the best? Listen to find out!

The Stop Ruining My Childhood Podcast Trailer

A sometimes nostalgic, sometimes cynical look back at pop culture.Join us as we revisit movies, cartoons, and live-action TV of the 80s and 90s, and ask the question, ”Does this hold up? Or did I just ruin my childhood?”
Visit us online at www.stopruiningmychildhood.com where you can find links to our social media as well as our "Watch With Us Blog" featuring links to all the shows and films we revisit and review.