Episode 786: From sci-fi parodies and comedy catchphrases to political satire and celebrity rap records, the ’80s produced some truly unforgettable novelty hits. Steve and Chuck revisit songs that were silly, bizarre, occasionally controversial—and somehow impossible to forget.

In this episode, they discuss:

• "Star Trekkin'" by The Firm, the cult classic that became a No. 1 hit in the United Kingdom

• "You Look Marvelous" by Billy Crystal, inspired by his legendary Saturday Night Live character Fernando

• "Rappin' Rodney" by Rodney Dangerfield, one of the most unlikely rap records of the MTV era

• "Bomb Iran" by Vince Vance & the Valiants, the political parody song inspired by the Iran hostage crisis

Along the way, they explore the role of Dr. Demento, the rise of novelty records in the MTV era, memorable music videos, comedy albums, and why some of the weirdest songs of the decade continue to live rent-free in our heads decades later.

Plus, Steve and Chuck share their memories of discovering these songs, discuss how novelty music fit into the larger pop culture landscape of the 1980s, and debate whether today's music world could ever produce anything quite like them again.

This episode is brought to you by our friends at The 80s Cruise. Join your favorite artists, fellow fans, and the Stuck in the ’80s crew aboard the ultimate floating celebration of the decade. Visit The 80s Cruise and use promo code STUCK when booking to receive a $250 cabin credit.

We also thank our Patreon supporters, whose generosity helps keep the longest-running ’80s pop culture podcast alive and thriving. To learn more about supporting the show, visit our Patreon page.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some songs don’t just define a decade — they instantly improve your mood the second they begin playing. Few tracks from the MTV era carry that kind of joyful energy quite like Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves. This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Steve sits down with frontwoman Katrina Leskanich for a lively conversation about music, touring and the remarkable twists and turns of her career.

The episode begins with Katrina reflecting on her experiences aboard The 80s Cruise, where she not only performed for fans of the MTV generation but also hosted one of the ship’s beloved trivia competitions. Spearsy and Katrina discuss the uniquely emotional atmosphere of the cruise, where artists and fans reconnect through the shared soundtrack of their youth.

Along the way, Katrina revisits the creation of Walking on Sunshine and reflects on recording with legendary producer Scott Litt at the famous Power Station studio in New York. The conversation explores how the band evolved from London’s gritty club scene into international pop success during the height of the MTV era.

Katrina also discusses the dramatic transition from struggling musician to major-label artist after signing with Capitol Records and the strange realities of navigating the music industry during the 1980s. Like many artists from the era, she experienced both the excitement and pressure of sudden mainstream success.

The interview also revisits Katrina’s surprising second chapter as a Eurovision champion after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997 with Love Shine a Light — a career milestone that helped launch her solo career and introduced her music to an entirely new international audience.

Toward the end of the episode, Spearsy and Katrina discuss her upcoming appearances on the Lost 80's Live tour and why audiences continue responding so emotionally to the music of the 1980s. Like many great Stuck in the ’80s interviews, the conversation becomes less about nostalgia itself and more about the joy, connection and shared memories these songs continue creating decades later.

If you love new wave, MTV nostalgia, unforgettable one-hit wonders that deserved to be much bigger and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most uplifting voices of the decade, this episode belongs in your playlist.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Forty years later, So still stands as one of the most ambitious, emotional and sonically adventurous albums of the 1980s. Released in 1986, the landmark record transformed Peter Gabriel from respected art-rock innovator into a full-fledged MTV superstar thanks to unforgettable songs like Sledgehammer, In Your Eyes, Big Time and Red Rain. This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Spearsy revisits one of the show’s classic deep-dive episodes celebrating the 40th anniversary of an album that helped define sophisticated pop music in the MTV era.

Originally recorded in 2010, this fan-favorite episode features commentary from Peter Gabriel superfan Bassnote, whose passion and deep knowledge of the album help uncover why So continues to resonate with music lovers decades later. From the groundbreaking music videos and experimental production techniques to the emotional vulnerability running throughout the record, the episode explores how Peter Gabriel blended art rock, world music, pop and cutting-edge studio technology into something completely unique for its time.

Along the way, Spearsy and Bassnote revisit the massive impact of Sledgehammer on MTV, the emotional power of In Your Eyes and the cinematic atmosphere of tracks like Red Rain. They also discuss the album’s legendary guest musicians, including Kate Bush, Youssou N'Dour and Laurie Anderson, and how the album captured both the ambition and emotional complexity of the late 1980s.

The conversation also explores the larger legacy of Peter Gabriel — from his early progressive-rock work with Genesis to his role in shaping socially conscious and artistically daring pop music throughout the MTV generation. If you love classic ’80s albums, audiophile production, art rock, new wave, emotionally powerful songwriting and deep dives into music history, this episode belongs in your playlist.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the longest-running ’80s pop culture podcast, Steve Spears and Brad Williams return to one of their favorite recurring topics: unlikely cover songs of the 1980s.

Did you know Eddie Money’s “I Wanna Go Back” was originally recorded by Billy Satellite? Or that Chaka Khan’s Grammy-winning “I Feel for You” began as a deep cut by Prince?

In this episode, the guys explore the surprising origins behind some of the decade’s most beloved songs, including:

On Sale Now!

Stuck in the '80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined a Decade, by podcast creator Steve Spears, is finally for sale as both a paperback and ebook. Featuring more than 60 interviews from the podcast, along with insider stories and other previously unpublished insights, the book is available on most online bookstore websites including:

The 2027 lineup of The 80s Cruise has been announced. Join us Feb. 27 to March 6 onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas along with Chaka Khan, Night Ranger, Loverboy, DMC, John Waite, Peter Hook & the Light, Public Image Ltd., DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Stryper, The Romantics, Nick Heyward of Haircut 100, Bulletboys, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Slim Jom Phantom, the Plimsouls and more. Use the promo code STUCK when booking to get $250 cabin credit. For more information, go to www.the80scruise.com.

Our podcast is listener-supported via Patreon. Members get special swag and invitations to patron-only Zoom happy hours with the podcast hosts. Find out more at our official Patreon page.

The Stuck in the '80s podcast is hosted by creator Steve Spears and Brad Williams. Find out more about the show, celebrating its 21st year in 2026, at sit80s.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the longest-running ’80s pop culture podcast, Steve Spears and Brad in California hit the gas for a deep dive into the most iconic TV and movie cars of the 1980s.

Joined by Retro DJ and car expert Travis Bell, the gang explores the legendary “star cars” that became just as famous as the actors who drove them.

From Pontiac Trans Am KITT in Knight Rider to the time-traveling DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future, this episode celebrates the vehicles that defined ’80s pop culture.

The guys discuss:

Along the way, they explore:

Plus:

If you grew up dreaming about driving KITT, hitting 88 MPH in a DeLorean, or cruising with Magnum P.I., this episode belongs in your playlist.

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Welcome to Star Cars of the ’80s

Stuck in the '80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined a Decade, by podcast creator Steve Spears, is finally for sale as both a paperback and ebook. Featuring more than 60 interviews from the podcast, along with insider stories and other previously unpublished insights, the book is available on most online bookstore websites including:

The 2027 lineup of The 80s Cruise has been announced. Join us Feb. 27 to March 6 onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas along with Chaka Khan, Night Ranger, Loverboy, DMC, John Waite, Peter Hook & the Light, Public Image Ltd., DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Stryper, The Romantics, Nick Heyward of Haircut 100, Bulletboys, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Slim Jom Phantom, the Plimsouls and more. Use the promo code STUCK when booking to get $250 cabin credit. For more information, go to www.the80scruise.com.

Our podcast is listener-supported via Patreon. Members get special swag and invitations to patron-only Zoom happy hours with the podcast hosts. Find out more at our official Patreon page.

The Stuck in the '80s podcast is hosted by creator Steve Spears and Brad Williams. Find out more about the show, celebrating its 21st year in 2026, at sit80s.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Soccer legend and longtime friend Alexi Lalas joins us to talk about the 1981 movie "Victory" starring Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.

On Sale Now!

Stuck in the '80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined a Decade, by podcast creator Steve Spears, is finally for sale as both a paperback and ebook. Featuring more than 60 interviews from the podcast, along with insider stories and other previously unpublished insights, the book is available on most online bookstore websites including:

The 2027 lineup of The 80s Cruise has been announced. Join us Feb. 27 to March 6 onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas along with Chaka Khan, Night Ranger, Loverboy, DMC, John Waite, Peter Hook & the Light, Public Image Ltd., DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Stryper, The Romantics, Nick Heyward of Haircut 100, Bulletboys, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Slim Jom Phantom, the Plimsouls and more. We will have a promo code for you soon. For more information, go to www.the80scruise.com.

Our podcast is listener-supported via Patreon. Members get special swag and invitations to patron-only Zoom happy hours with the podcast hosts. Find out more at our official Patreon page.

The Stuck in the '80s podcast is hosted by creator Steve Spears and Brad Williams. Find out more about the show, celebrating its 21st year in 2026, at sit80s.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We introduce the 2026 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We talk who got in, who got snubbed, and which choices will have us yelling at our dashboards like it’s 1987 and the DJ just skipped our favorite song.

On Sale Now!

Stuck in the '80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined a Decade, by podcast creator Steve Spears, is finally for sale as both a paperback and ebook. Featuring more than 60 interviews from the podcast, along with insider stories and other previously unpublished insights, the book is available on most online bookstore websites including:

The 2027 lineup of The 80s Cruise has been announced. Join us Feb. 27 to March 6 onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas along with Chaka Khan, Night Ranger, Loverboy, DMC, John Waite, Peter Hook & the Light, Public Image Ltd., DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Stryper, The Romantics, Nick Heyward of Haircut 100, Bulletboys, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Slim Jom Phantom, the Plimsouls and more. We will have a promo code for you soon. For more information, go to www.the80scruise.com.

Our podcast is listener-supported via Patreon. Members get special swag and invitations to patron-only Zoom happy hours with the podcast hosts. Find out more at our official Patreon page.

The Stuck in the '80s podcast is hosted by creator Steve Spears and Brad Williams. Find out more about the show, celebrating its 21st year in 2026, at sit80s.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Remember our amazing interview with Kenny Loggins? Here it is again from 2007. Full show with co-host Sean Daly.

On Sale Now!

Stuck in the '80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined a Decade, by podcast creator Steve Spears, is finally for sale as both a paperback and ebook. Featuring more than 60 interviews from the podcast, along with insider stories and other previously unpublished insights, the book is available on most online bookstore websites including:

SIT80s fans get 10% off everything at our new sponsor Rotellaresale.com. Collectibles, action figures, novelty genres, diecast cars, and even vinyl records, Zippo lighters and comic books. Use the promo code STUCK.

The 2027 lineup of The 80s Cruise has been announced. Join us Feb. 27 to March 6 onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas along with Chaka Khan, Night Ranger, Loverboy, DMC, John Waite, Peter Hook & the Light, Public Image Ltd., DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Stryper, The Romantics, Nick Heyward of Haircut 100, Bulletboys, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Slim Jom Phantom, the Plimsouls and more. We will have a promo code for you soon. For more information, go to www.the80scruise.com.

Our podcast is listener-supported via Patreon. Members get special swag and invitations to patron-only Zoom happy hours with the podcast hosts. Find out more at our official Patreon page.

The Stuck in the '80s podcast is hosted by creator Steve Spears and Brad Williams. Find out more about the show, celebrating its 21st year in 2026, at sit80s.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Which '80s teen romance movie is stronger: "Pretty in Pink" or "Some Kind of Wonderful?" We decide today. Plus, full seggies, a book update, and our review of the 2026 voyage of The 80s Cruise.

On Sale Now!

Stuck in the '80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined a Decade, by podcast creator Steve Spears, is finally for sale as both a paperback and ebook. Featuring more than 60 interviews from the podcast, along with insider stories and other previously unpublished insights, the book is available on most online bookstore websites including:

SIT80s fans get 10% off everything at our new sponsor Rotellaresale.com. Collectibles, action figures, novelty genres, diecast cars, and even vinyl records, Zippo lighters and comic books. Use the promo code STUCK.

The 2027 lineup of The 80s Cruise has been announced. Join us Feb. 27 to March 6 onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas along with Chaka Khan, Night Ranger, Loverboy, DMC, John Waite, Peter Hook & the Light, Public Image Ltd., DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Stryper, The Romantics, Nick Heyward of Haircut 100, Bulletboys, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Slim Jom Phantom, the Plimsouls and more. We will have a promo code for you soon. For more information, go to www.the80scruise.com.

Our podcast is listener-supported via Patreon. Members get special swag and invitations to patron-only Zoom happy hours with the podcast hosts. Find out more at our official Patreon page.

The Stuck in the '80s podcast is hosted by creator Steve Spears and Brad Williams. Find out more about the show, celebrating its 21st year in 2026, at sit80s.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TV's "The Greatest American Hero" debuted 45 years ago today - March 18, 1981. We honor the '80s TV show with a reairing of our 2007 interview with actor William Katt.

On Sale Now!

Stuck in the '80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined a Decade, by podcast creator Steve Spears, is finally for sale as both a paperback and ebook. Featuring more than 60 interviews from the podcast, along with insider stories and other previously unpublished insights, the book is available on most online bookstore websites including:

SIT80s fans get 10% off everything at our new sponsor Rotellaresale.com. Collectibles, action figures, novelty genres, diecast cars, and even vinyl records, Zippo lighters and comic books. Use the promo code STUCK.

The 2027 lineup of The 80s Cruise has been announced. Join us Feb. 27 to March 6 onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas along with Chaka Khan, Night Ranger, Loverboy, DMC, John Waite, Peter Hook & the Light, Public Image Ltd., DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Stryper, The Romantics, Nick Heyward of Haircut 100, Bulletboys, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Slim Jom Phantom, the Plimsouls and more. We will have a promo code for you soon. For more information, go to www.the80scruise.com.

Our podcast is listener-supported via Patreon. Members get special swag and invitations to patron-only Zoom happy hours with the podcast hosts. Find out more at our official Patreon page.

The Stuck in the '80s podcast is hosted by creator Steve Spears and Brad Williams. Find out more about the show, celebrating its 21st year in 2026, at sit80s.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.