Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast

Episode 26 of Thursdeighties welcomes back acclaimed sociology professors, pop culture historians, and Star Trek/Star Wars luminaries John and Maria Jose Tenuto to talk about their book, The Star Wars Radio Dramas: Brian Daley and the Serialization That Saved NPR...and witnessing the changing landscape of higher education over their decades-long careers as teachers.If you were raised on radio, love theater of the mind, believe Han really DID shoot first - you are in for a treat!Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders

Season 3 of Thursdeighties is ready to boldly go! Episode 25 of Thursdeighties welcomes acclaimed sociology professors, pop culture historians, and Star Trek luminaries John and Maria Jose Tenuto to talk about their books documenting the making of Star Trek II and Star Trek III — the films that turned a fading TV property into an emotional, cinematic powerhouse. From studio uncertainty to unforgettable creative decisions, the conversation explores how passion, fandom, and a little 80s risk-taking gave us one of the greatest sci-fi runs ever put on screen - a run that is as strong today in 2026 (Star Trek's 60th anniversary year) as ever.If you’ve ever shouted the word “KHAAAN!” at an inopportune moment, or bought into the idea that the needs of one - Spock - outweighed the needs of the many, then Episode 25 of Thursdeighties is for you! Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders

In Episode 24 of Thursdeighties I shoot the s*** with Jeff Serling, son of author Robert Serling and nephew of television legend Rod Serling. Jeff and I revisit our common 80s experience and fandom, and he gives me the low-down on what it was like to grow up carrying one of the most iconic names in American storytelling. Jeff reflects on the weight and wonder of the Serling legacy, sharing personal stories that reveal Rod and Robert not as cultural giants, but as family: thoughtful, principled, and deeply committed to craft. Our conversation explores identity, expectation, and the quiet ways a creative legacy shapes a life...often less through fame than through values, curiosity, and an enduring belief in the power of words.Jeff also sits on the board of directors of the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated the promotion and preservation of Rod Serling's contributions to the Arts and Humanities. Give us a listen!Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders.

In Episode 23 of Thursdeighties, we'll slip the surly bonds of Earth and visit the once and future history of cosmic exploration with Andrew Chaikin.For more than 45 years, Andrew's work as a space historian, award-winning science journalist, author, artist, and educator, has produced some of the most enduring contributions to the public understanding of space exploration - past, present, and future. Writer-director and explorer James Cameron has called him “our best historian of the space age.”No argument here! He is the author of A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts, often regarded as the definitive narrative of the Apollo program. First published in 1994 - after eight years writing and researching, and over 150 hours of personal interviews with 23 of the 24 lunar astronauts - this acclaimed work was the main basis for Tom Hanks’ 12-part HBO miniseries, From the Earth to the Moon (which won the Emmy for best miniseries in 1998).Beyond that flagship work, he has written numerous other books (including another personal favorite: A Passion for Mars); contributed to several major publications (e.g. Scientific American, Smithsonian) on space, astronomy, and planetary science topics; served as executive editor for space and science at Space.com from 1999 to 2001; and continues to be a respected voice in space policy and consulting, advising NASA and contributing commentary on mission design, risk, and management lessons from Apollo.All of that, and a hell of a nice guy besides. Fantastic conversation, give it a listen!Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders.

In Episode 22 of Thursdeighties, we'll dive into the world of toys, collectibles, and pop culture with Barry Eldridge, Creative Director at Factory Entertainment!If you grew up in the 80s, chances are the toys you loved still hold a special place in your heart...well, Barry has made a career out of channeling that nostalgia into beautiful, well-crafted high-end prop replicas, action figures, and other imaginative collectibles. He will share stories about the creative process behind designing pieces that strike the perfect balance between authenticity and fun, and why the cultural touchstones of the 1980s continue to inspire new generations of fans and makers alike.From the thrill of unboxing your favorite childhood toy to the craftsmanship that goes into recreating it decades later, this episode is all about why play still matters...and how the 80s left a mark on pop culture that’s as enduring as the toys themselves.Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders.

Episode 21 of Thursdeighties will finally help answer that age old question - WHERE'S THE BEEF?In this episode, we sit down with advertising and marketing pioneer Joe McCambley, a creative force behind some of the industry’s most transformative campaigns - and a hell of a good guy. Joe built his career in advertising during the "greed is good" days of the 80s, yet still managed to hold onto his soul. From co-founding one of the first digital ad agencies to launching breakthrough work for global brands, Joe has spent his career at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and consumer connection. We explore his journey, how the advertising industry of the 80s evolved into the digital age, and his perspective on what it takes to innovate in an ever-changing media landscape.Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders.