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S4E232: The Trolls and the Christmas Express (w/ Sean Sotka)

S4E232: The Trolls and the Christmas Express (w/ Sean Sotka)

What’s up, dudes? Trolls were big in the ‘80s, and this special proves it! Sean Sotka from the Christmas Podcasts Podcast joins me to talk “The Trolls and the Christmas Express!”

Led by the nefarious Troglo, a group of trolls infiltrate Santa’s workshop by disguising themselves in elf clothes. Their goal is to sabotage Christmas. They use their troll magic to warp and deform the toys, but the elves counter with their own elven charms. Consequently, the trolls, now in charge of the reindeer stables, perform a rousing musical number all night long. This kept the reindeer up for hours. Yes, they rocked and rolled all night long and partied everyday—the day of December 24th, that is. Exhausted, they can’t pull the sleigh across the world. All hope is not lost, however, as Santa teaches the trolls the meaning of the word “troll.” He shows them its use in the carol “Deck the Hall,” and together they ride the Christmas Express to deliver toys!

Songs? Check. Trains? Uh huh. Dancing reindeer? Definitely! So put on your elf clothes, grab your toys, and hop on the train to this episode on “The Trolls and the Christmas Express!”

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S4E231: Running Scared (w/ Tim and Nicholas)

S4E231: Running Scared (w/ Tim and Nicholas)

What’s up, dudes? It’s a 1986 buddy cop flick set at Christmas! That’s right! It’s “Running Scared,” and Tim Williams from 80’s Flick Flashback  and Nicholas Pepin of Pop Culture Roulette  join me to talk about it!

Ray Hughes and Danny Costanzo are a pair of wisecracking Chicago cops. Julio Gonzales is a fast-rising drug kingpin. In an effort to bring him down, they unintentionally blow the lid off a long-running undercover operation which has been trying to crack his drug ring. After getting reprimanded by their captain, they are forced to take a "vacation" and spend some time away from the force.

To get away from the dreary Chicago winter, they go to Key West, Florida. There they are taken in by the life of leisure, natural beauty, and gorgeous beauties. They love the pace of life in a place where people stop and take time to watch the sunset each day. Danny comes up with the idea to retire from the force and buy a bar there, and gets Ray to go along with the idea. Still, they don't feel right about retiring until they can nail Julio. They head back to Chicago for one last mission as part of the force so that they can retire with clear consciences. They are aiming for one final shot at Julio, one final showdown where they can bring him down.

Billy Crystal? Check. Gregory Hines? Yep. Jimmy Smits? Heck yeah! So grab your badge, throw your pants down a flight of stairs, and take a vacation to this episode on “Running Scared!”

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S4E230: I’m Telling! (w/ Vinnie Brezinsky)

S4E230: I’m Telling! (w/ Vinnie Brezinsky)

What’s up, dudes? I’ve got my bud Vinnie Brezinsky from Huey and Bax here with me to talk about the Christmas episode of the game show “I'm Telling!”  It aired on Saturday mornings on NBC from September 12, 1987 to March 5, 1988  and was hosted by Laurie Faso. It’s basically a kid version of The Newlywed Game.

The game consists of three teams, each a brother/sister combination. First the boys are taken to the Isolation Zone while the host asks the girls three questions. When the boys return, they give their answers to the questions. If they match correctly, they win points. The roles are then reversed, and once again the teams win points by matching answers. The team with the most points wins.

The winning team then selects prizes in the Pick-a-Prize Arcade that they believe their partner will choose. If they guess correctly, they get the prize. If they can guess 10 matches, they win all 20 prizes!

Newlywed Game knockoff? Yep. Sibling quarrels? Mmhmm. Neon transporter beams? Definitely! So grab your sibling, pick your prizes, and run to this episode all about “I’m Telling!”

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S4E229: Tron (w/ Scott and Robert)

S4E229: Tron (w/ Scott and Robert)

What’s up, dudes? Did you know there are Christmas references in “Tron,” one of the most ‘80s things ever? Funny or Die even did a promo for a faux holiday special! I’ve got Scott Leopold from Holly Jolly X'masu and Robert Nicholas from Behind the Bells to talk about this 1982 cult classic!

Arcade owner and programmer Kevin Flynn is a former employee of the software corporation ENCOM. Flynn has been trying to hack into ENCOM's mainframe computer to find evidence that ENCOM's senior executive Ed Dillinger stole five video games he created. Unfortunately, Dillinger's supercomputer Master Control Program constantly foils Flynn's efforts and dictates and controls most of the computer systems. One night, Flynn's former girlfriend Lora Baines and ace computer programmer Alan Bradley help Flynn break into ENCOM to shut down the MCP with Alan's security program Tron. While at Lora’s ENCOM work station, the MCP uses Lora's matter transmission laser on Flynn. It digitizes him and transports him into the computer. Flynn finds himself in an electronic world ruled by the MCP and his evil chief henchman Sark. There low-level computer programs are the alter egos of their creators and are forced to compete in gladiatorial games. Flynn, as a User, is capable of fantastic feats within the computer world. With help from Tron, a heroic and fearless security program and his lover, Yori, Flynn sets out destroy the MCP and help Tron liberate the system from the MCP's control. Destroying the MCP is Flynn's only way of returning to the real world.

Oh, and let’s not forget Don Deluise, Burt Reynolds, and Santa! Merry Cyber-Christmas, Master Control Program!

Santa Claus reference? Check. Reindeer flotilla? Yep. Santa riding a Recognizer? Definitely! So grab your Identity Disc, hop on a Light Cycle, and ride into this episode!

Holly Jolly X'masu
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S4E228: I Believe in Santa Claus (w/ Bob Baker)

S4E228: I Believe in Santa Claus (w/ Bob Baker)

What’s up, dudes? Bob Baker from Festive Foreign Film Fans and I talk all about the 1984 French film “J’ai Rencontré le Père Noël” (“I Believe in Santa Claus”)! It’s a bizarre tale with Santa, a fairy, an ogre, and warlords.

Simon is a young boy, bullied at school by peers and adults alike. His parents have been taken hostage in Africa, and the government has not responded to the ultimatum set by the warlord. While on a field trip to the local airport, Simon and his friend Élodie sneak onto a plane and fly to Rovaniemi to seek out Santa in Lapland. Simon wants to ask him to save his parents. 

The two children arrive safely to travel to Lapland where Santa saves them from being frozen to death. Santa and the fairy teleport to Africa near the village where the parents are being held.  The children, back at the North Pole, unfortunately wander into the forest and are taken by an ogre. After rescuing the parents, Santa and the fairy free the children. Finally the two children are returned home and rushed to the Christmas Midnight Mass.  No one seems really surprised at their reappearance after their prolonged absence. On Christmas morning, Simon is reunited with his folks!

Santa’s workshop? Check. Evil ogre? That’s in there. A Christmas fairy who’s secretly the children’s teacher? Only if it’s Karen Cheryl! So grab your magic wand. Hop on Santa’s sleigh, and fly home with this episode on “J’ai Rencontré le Père Noël” (“I Believe in Santa Claus”)!

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S4E227: Just in Time for Christmas (w/ Scott, Duane & Randy)

S4E227: Just in Time for Christmas (w/ Scott, Duane & Randy)

What’s up, dudes? Duane and Scott from Tinsel Tunes and Randy Anthony from Hip Christmas are with me today to discuss the IRS Records 1987 promotional Christmas compilation and subsequent 1990 commercial release “Just in Time for Christmas.” Both albums are full of alternative artists with quirky, original Christmas songs. Some are very good. Others are great for background music at parties.

I.R.S. Records was a major American record label founded by Miles Copeland—brother of Police drummer Stewart Copeland—Jay Boberg, and Carl Grasso in 1979. I.R.S. produced some of the most popular bands of the 1980s, and in particular was known for college rock, new wave and alternative rock artists, including R.E.M., The Go-Go's, Wall of Voodoo, and Fine Young Cannibals. Their catalog is pretty varied, and they used it to their advantage in 1987 for their “Just In Time For Christmas” promo album!

The album came with a gatefold cardboard sleeve so record executives could pen warm wishes and season’s greetings to each other. And, while the 1990 commercial reissue cassette and cd are readily available, the original ‘87 vinyl is pretty scarce. The album has 7 tracks: 6 originals and 1 contemporary cover of a classic hymn. The 1990 release has 13 tracks: that’s 8 originals and 3 contemporary covers of classic hymns.

TIMBUK3? Yep. Wall of Voodoo? They’re there too. Stewart Copeland? Well, only under the pseudonym Klark Kent!

Hip Christmas
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Christmas Morning
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Townshend Lights

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S4E226: Mobile Suit Gundam: War in the Pocket (w/ AA and CM Chuck)

S4E226: Mobile Suit Gundam: War in the Pocket (w/ AA and CM Chuck)

What’s up, dudes? AA and CM Chuck from Just Another Friday Night join me to dive into 1989’s “Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket!” It’s the “Rogue One” of the One Year War, and it happens at Christmas!

In the final days of the One Year War of UC 0079, a young boy named Al who idolizes war and giant mech suits befriends Zeon special ops member Bernie.  Bernie is part of a cadre of terrorists who have been sent undercover to a neutral space colony to capture the Federation's new Gundam "Alex".  When Al finds the soldier and his robot hidden in the forest, the boy quickly agrees to help this new friend, not knowing the soldier is an enemy spy. Al and Bernie become friends with Christina, unaware she’s the pilot of the Earth Federation’s prototype. When Bernie’s mission fails, Zeon leaders plot to nuke the colony on Christmas Day. Not wishing for senseless death, Bernie tries one last ditch effort which results in a battle between his mobile suit and Christina’s. Tragedy follows, and Al is scarred for life.

Cool giant robot suits? Check. Espionage and black ops missions? Got ‘em. Blurred lines between good and evil? Definitely! So hop in your Gundam and fly into this episode about “Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket!”

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S4E225: Max Headroom (w/ Ken and Scott)

S4E225: Max Headroom (w/ Ken and Scott)

What's up, dudes? What's up, dudes? I've got Ken Kessler from Sounds of Christmas and Scott Leopold from Holly Jolly X'masu here to dive the weird and wonderful Christmas special from Max Headroom! Yes, we get into 1986's "Max Headroom's Giant Christmas Turkey" and it's hit song Merry Christmas Santa Claus (You're A Lovely Guy)!

Matt Frewer is Max Headroom, hosting his very own Christmas special. After his monologue, Max takes a carriage ride and interviews musician and producer Dave Edmunds. The Southwark Cathedral Choir sings a lovely carol, then Bob Geldof and Max perform an acoustic duet. Max appears on two screens and sings a duet with himself then teleconferences with comedian Robin Williams. There follows an editorial segment, a stop motion Santa, and an interview with Tina Turner! Finally Max sings the full version of Merry Christmas Santa Claus (You're A Lovely Guy).

Glitches and pitch shifts? Check. Rankin Bass-style Santa? Yup. Culturally insensitive stereotype jokes? Well, it was the ‘80s… So grab your shades, hop in a horse-drawn carriage, and hum along to this episode on "Max Headroom's Giant Christmas Turkey!”


Sounds of Christmas
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S4E224: Married…with Children “It’s A Bundyful Life” (w/ Scott Newman)

S4E224: Married…with Children “It’s A Bundyful Life” (w/ Scott Newman)

What’s up, dudes? Scott  from Jingle Jank and Tinsel Tunes is here with me to talk about the two part "Married...with Children" Christmas episode 'It's a Bundyful Life!'

In part one, Al tries to finally provide his family with the perfect Christmas through the use of his bank's Christmas Club. He's saved up enough to actually get them gifts! Unfortunately, while stuck at work, he arrives at the bank too late! Now penniless and giftless, he tries to scam a few bucks off some shopping mothers by watching their children. Typical Bundy disappointment ensues. Part two sees Al accidentally electrocute himself. His guardian angel Sam Kinison arrives and gives him the "It's a Wonderful Life" treatment: Al was never born! Seeing his wife happily married to another man and his kids smart and successful reignites his desire to live. How dare they be happy! All's well that ends well...or at least, that returns to the status quo.

Getting jumped by a group of Santas? Yep. Being tied up by angry moms? For sure. Seeing your drunk neighbor xerox her rear end then throw up in her own mailbox? Definitely! So grab your cough syrup, make some snow cones with real snow, and see an alternate reality with 'It's a Bundyful Life!'

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Jingle Jank
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Christmas Morning
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S4E223: The Adventures of Candy Claus (w/ Bradley Lyndon)

S4E223: The Adventures of Candy Claus (w/ Bradley Lyndon)

What’s up, dudes? What gift does Santa get? That question is answered in this Australian production. Bradley Lyndon from Million Monkey Theater joins me to talk the Louis Corbo book-turned-special “The Adventures of Candy Claus!”

A family decides to gift Santa two dolls from the children around the world. As Santa flies back the North Pole, the aerokinetic misanthrope Ohno opens the present and steals one of the dolls. As Santa wakes from his post-delivery nap, he finds the gift and his love brings the girl doll to life. The Clauses adopt Candy and she adjusts to her new life in Santa Town. Ohno, jealous that his own doll is not yet completely alive due to lack of love, sabotages all Candy’s endeavors. Despite being guided by the robotic Shad-O,  she tries to run away  due to her perceived clumsiness and uselessness. Santa rescues her, and Prof. Mustknow gives her a time travel bracelet so she can find her lost brother.

Council of elves? Check. Jimmy Stewart-sounding wisened, aged character? Uh huh. Marvel comics villain Whirlwind with a mustache? Well… So grab your time bangle, watch home videos, and take a sleigh into this episode all about Candy Claus!

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S4E222: Roger Rabbit and the Christmas Factory (w/ Tim Babb)

S4E222: Roger Rabbit and the Christmas Factory (w/ Tim Babb)

What’s up, dudes? In 1988, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was a huge hit, and introduced us to the titular character. Disney then thought it was a great idea to give him his own Disneyland show! I’ve got Tim Babb from Can’t Wait for Christmas with me to talk all about this bonkers Roger Rabbit Christmas stage show! Yes, it’s “Roger Rabbit and the Christmas Factory!”

It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa’s still looking to hire an elf to help him meet his quota before the big delivery. Subsequently Murray, the elf foreman, hires Roger Rabbit. Roger is in charge of using supercomputer MACS to produce toys. As he falls behind, he cranks up the speed and accidentally halts production. Attempting to fix MACS, Roger accidentally clones himself. After he completes his repairs, he begins to once again manufacture toys. Unfortunately he picks up speed and, in a moment of sheer desperation, hits the panic button. With the supercomputer down, and the Holiday Clock reminding him time is short, Roger must rely on Santa to fix the situation.

New York accented head elf? Got it. Toon Town stylized SkyNet AI? It’s in there. Anthropomorphic Christmas trees and computer manual “Manuel?” Well… So grab your elf hat, head to Disneyland, and enjoy this episode full of Roger Rabbit Christmas shenanigans!

Can’t Wait for Christmas
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S4E221: Shakin' Stevens "Merry Christmas, Everyone" (w/ Adam Parker Sibun)

S4E221: Shakin' Stevens "Merry Christmas, Everyone" (w/ Adam Parker Sibun)

What's up, dudes? It's one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written and recorded, but most of us Americans have never heard of it! Adam Parker Sibun from Merry Britsmas is here with me to talk all about the Shakin' Stevens classic "Merry Christmas, Everyone!"

In the summer of 1984, composer Bob Heatlie wrote and recorded his demo for the song in sweltering heat. The song was written specifically for Shakin' Stevens whom Heatlie had worked with before. Heatlie told the Guardian that: "I wrote the song in summer, during a heatwave. It was so hot I was wearing shorts, dripping in sweat, standing there recording with jingling bells, thinking, 'This is crazy!'"

In order to avoid competition for the coveted Christmas No. 1 position from Wham's "Last Christmas" and Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas," the decision was made to release the song in '85, despite being completely recorded and produced the prior year. The gamble paid off, and the song reached #1.

The music video features a young girl catching a flight to Santaworld, where she meets Shakin' Stevens in a now-famous red and black Christmas sweater. She's also greeted in Lapland by a barbarous Santa, a shack-ful of kids breaking child labor laws, and a snowman. Merry Christmas, everyone indeed!

Early rock 'n roll/rockabilly arrangement? Yep. Upbeat tempo? Of course! A very murderous looking Santa Claus? Why, indubitably! So grab your favorite Christmas sweater, have a party tonight, and share a kiss under the mistletoe to this episode! 

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S4E220: It’s Gary Shandling’s Christmas Show (w/ Ed Daly)

S4E220: It’s Gary Shandling’s Christmas Show (w/ Ed Daly)

What’s up, dudes? Ed Daly, author of The Christmas Book: The Ultimate Guide to Your Favorite Holiday, and I take a dive into a Showtime TV show. It’s Gary Shandling’s Christmas Show!

After a brief monologue, Gary hosts a big Christmas party for his friends and family. His mother arrives and gifts him his father’s old pocket watch. One by one, guests begin to leave until Gary is left alone. As he cleans up, he discovers the watch is missing! In a panic, he heads to his sister’s place to confront her boyfriend about taking the watch. Of course, he vehemently denies taking it. On his way back home, he meets his mother who confesses to taking the watch back in a moment of weakness and sentimentality. Unfortunately, Santa Claus breaks up the emotional moment telling Gary that he slipped down his chimney and twisted his ankle. Gary wishes for a triumphant success of a Christmas party, which Santa obliges. Gary then offers to finish delivering presents.

Popcorn garland? Check. Skating snowman? Weird, but yes. Tom Petty in a Christmas sweater and part of a vocal ensemble? Only because Springsteen wouldn’t wear one! So grab your pocket watch, strap yourself into your chair, and turn the place upside down for this episode about Gary Shandling’s Christmas Show!

Get “The Christmas Book” at Amazon
Ed’s Website

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S4E219: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (w/ Thom Crowe)

S4E219: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (w/ Thom Crowe)

What’s up, dudes? I’ve got the amazing Thom Crowe from ‘Tis the Podcast with me to talk about the holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Shown throughout the ‘80s, the special was a staple during December, and has remained so.

In 1988, it was released on VHS, and according to the cover box:
“Dr. Seuss is back with his tongue-twisting verse and lighthearted music to delight children of every age. What holiday would be complete without this timeless tale of the mean-spirited Grinch and his feeble attempt to steal the Yuletide celebration of Whoville?

The crotchety Grinch with ‘termites in his smile’ and ‘garlic in his soul’ tries once again to wipe out Christmas for the cheerful Whos, only to discover the true spirit of the holiday season lies beyond his covetous grasp.

Narrated by the great Boris Karloff and featuring such musical favorites as ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’ and ‘Trim Up the Tree,’ Dr. Seuss’ ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ will warm the most miserly heart. Don’t miss this animated confection—it’s a perfect festival of fun for the entire family!”

Bingle balls? Check. Who flop fluff? Yep. Bizzle binks and wungs? Not sure what they are, but they’re here too! So grab your faithful sidekick pup, put on your Santy Claus costume, and sleigh right into this episode!

‘Tis the Podcast
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S4E218: Kidd Video Christmas Special (w/ Shawn and Chad)

S4E218: Kidd Video Christmas Special (w/ Shawn and Chad)

What’s up, dudes? Shawn Robare from Cult Film Club, Crestwood House, and Plastic Rocket Pop and Chad Young from Horror Movie BBQ are with me to discuss “Kidd Video!” That’s right! We’re talking the long lost “Kidd Video Christmas Special!” It’s ‘80s cartoon awesomeness re-edited in ‘91 to fill a one hour time slot on WGN. 

The special consists of 2 episodes of the show, ‘Double Trouble’ and ‘Master Blaster Brat.’ All the licensed Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, etc., music was removed and replaced with generic Christmas songs.

In ‘Double Trouble,’ while exploring  the tunnels of South Plumbington, the band goes down a drain and is attacked by a giant plunger. They find a message in a bottle and decide to rescue the sender. When they go to free him, they find out that they have rescued Laster Blaster, Master Blaster’s identical twin brother. Master Blaster had imprisoned him so that he could take his place as treasurer of South Plumbington and get the town treasure. Master Blaster just needs to find the key to the vault. Once he does, Whiz forges a duplicate key, and Glitter switches them. Laster approaches the town to win his rightful place back as treasurer. Master and Laster's mother shows up to determine who is who, and picks Master Blaster as her favorite rotten son. Master Blaster still steals the treasure, only to find out the treasure is shower heads!

The Copy Cats accidentally turn Master Blaster into a toddler. They wicked youths immediately transform nearly the entire town, including Whiz and Carla. While Glitter babysits, Kidd and Ash seek out the sorceress Xenia who possesses a magic aging ray. Eventually the duo overcome her fearsome creatures. After Ash does a Stomp-inspired performance, Kidd and Xenia have a sock hop and they duo takes her magic ray. Soon the townspeople are returned to normal.

Evil twins? Check. Dancing sorceress? Got it. Christmas songs edited over the band’s hit videos? Whoa, yeah! So grab your guitar, fix your hair, and jam out to this episode all about the “Kidd Video Christmas Special!”


Cult Film Club
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S4E217: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade '87 (w/ Anthony, Charlyn, and Manny)

S4E217: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade '87 (w/ Anthony, Charlyn, and Manny)

What’s up, dudes? I've got a whole parade of All-Stars here talking the 1987 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Anthony from ‘Tis the Podcast, Charlyn from Take a Chic Peek, and Manny from Feliz Christmas, Merry Navidad join me to dive into this moment of '80s awesomeness!

The 61st Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on November 26, 1987, in New York City, and shown to viewers live on NBC and CBS that same day from 9 a.m. to 12 noon EST, with the NBC broadcast being hosted by Willard Scott and Mary Hart. The participating celebrities included the likes of Rita Coolidge, The Oak Ridge Boys, Bobby Vinton, Phylicia Rashad, Judy Kaye and Jill Schulz. 

The weather for the 1987 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade proved to be picture perfect for the several thousand participants that brought the 61st "Holiday Treat for Children Everywhere" to life. The 2.1-million spectators that lined the streets took a course in balloon watching as 10 giant balloons flew above them, four of which were new - Spider-Man, Ronald McDonald, Snoopy, and Snuggle. The debutants joined the balloon versions of Garfield, Woody Woodpecker, Superman, and a myriad of other helium giants. 

Following the Albertville High School Aggie Band's entrance into the concrete canyons was a cavalcade of merry marchers, fantasy floats and comical clowns. The hit musical, Les Misérables, performed a number for the NBC telecast, and Rita Coolidge sang "Your Love Is Lifting Me Higher" from high atop the Turkeyfloat. Jim Henson and Willard Scott were also honored with a Macy's-sanctioned Rollie Award - Henson for 11 years of Muppet participation in the Parade, with Willard's Rollie for seven years of Parade participation. Patrick Swayze trotted down Broadway on his very own Arabian stallion, and Bobby Vinton rode--or flew, rather--an airplane float from Trans World Airlines. 

Capping off the morning of fantasy-filled fun was Santa Claus, as always, who wished everyone a happy holiday season from his snow goose sleigh to start the 1987 holiday season


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Bonus: Flashback Friday: Ralphie's Red Ryders (w/ Mike Patton)

Bonus: Flashback Friday: Ralphie's Red Ryders (w/ Mike Patton)

What's up, dudes? It's a brand new Christmas album by Ralphie, Schwartz, and Flick called "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out", released through Outland Records! Talk about party to the max! Mike Patton from Snow in Southtown podcast joins me to talk his new concept alum all about the 1983 classic! Ralphie channels his inner Ramone and has some great tunes to jam to! Go dig it!

CD available now

Digital/Streaming Version 

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Bonus: Rehya Stevens “Santa’s Takin’ Over the Town”

Bonus: Rehya Stevens “Santa’s Takin’ Over the Town”

What’s up, dudes? I’ve got award winning singer Rehya Stevens here to talk about her brand new Christmas album “Santa’s Takin’ Over the Town!” From the acoustic ballad ‘Early Winter’ to the quasi-12 bar blues title track, each song is expertly crafted and orchestrated! And be sure to hit up ‘Be My Baby by Christmas Night!’ Its uptempo flair and catchy melody are sure to have you tappin’ your toes! This album’s guaranteed to fill your home with cozy Christmas feels and make you smile! The 6/8 orchestral ‘Christmas is Near’ immediately brings to mind Victorian carols and conjures images of Christmastide that are rich and vibrant! You gotta check it out!

Rehya Stevens
FB: @rehya.stevens
IG: @stevensrehya
Spotify: Rehya Stevens

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Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

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S4E216: The Real Ghostbusters “Xmas Marks the Spot” (w/ Matt Spaulding)

S4E216: The Real Ghostbusters “Xmas Marks the Spot” (w/ Matt Spaulding)

What’s up, dudes? It’s Christmas Podcast Day 2023! This year the Christmas Podcast Network is covering adaptations of “A Christmas Carol!” I've got Santa Ambassador Matt Spaulding from  North Pole Radio with me to talk about “The Real Ghostbusters” season 1 episode ‘Xmas Marks the Spot!’

The Ghostbusters are driving back from a bust when they inadvertently enter a rift in the space-time continuum. This time slip transports them back to London in 1837. They pick up massive readings in the PKE meter and follow them to their he house of Ebenezer Scrooge. Seeing ghosts, the boys take action and bust the spectral figures, not really they trapped the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Scrooge is initially grateful, but quickly becomes flabbergasted when they demand payment.

When the ghostbusters return to the future, people are cruel and selfish, and it seems that Christmas has been eradicated. It turns out that Scrooge was so furious over having to pay for their services, that he wrote a book denigrating the holiday. The ghostbusters have no choice but to launch a counter operation on two fronts: Egon will go into the containment unit to retrieve the benevolent spirits, and Peter, Winston, and Ray will go back to the past and pretend to be the ghosts in order to scare Scrooge straight. Spoiler alert! They succeed.

Christmas carols? Check. Ebenezer Scrooge? Yep. Blonde wigs and pink tutus? Well…only if for pretending to be a ghost. So grab your proton pack, pick up your PKE meter, and hop in Ecto-1 to get to this episode all about “The Real Ghostbusters” ‘Xmas Marks the Spot!’

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Show notes
Bonus: Halloween ‘81 NBC premiere

Bonus: Halloween ‘81 NBC premiere

What’s up, dudes? Happy Halloween! Yes, it’s October 31, All Hallows Eve, and that means we’re talking about the Urtext of horror slashers, “Halloween” and its network television debut. There are frights and jumps, and many deaths from unsuspecting teenage babysitters. It’s such a monumental movie that it spawned a multiversal franchise spanning 45 years. 

Halloween is an iconic slasher film written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, and released on Oct 25, 1978. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance, it introduced us to the Shape, Michael Audrey Myers, who was committed to a sanitarium for murdering his teenage sister on Halloween night when he was a child. Fifteen years later, he escaped and returned to his hometown, where he stalked teenager Laurie Strode and her friends. Michael’s psychiatrist Dr. Sam Loomis pursued him with the intention of ending the evil for good.

In 1980, NBC purchased the television rights to Halloween for about $3 million. "Halloween" aired on television for the first time in October 25, 1981. NBC's Standards and Practices censored certain scenes, much to the chagrin of Carpenter and Hill. This unfortunately resulted in the movie being too short to fill the two-hour time slot, and so Carpenter filmed about twelve minutes of additional material while he was making "Halloween II." 

The newly filmed scenes include Dr. Loomis at a hospital board review of Michael Myers. Dr. Loomis also talks to a then-6-year-old catatonic Michael at Smith's Grove. Loomis also examines Michael's abandoned cell after his escape from the Smith's Grove facility, seeing the word "Sister" scratched into the door. Finally, Carpenter added a scene in which Lynda comes over to Laurie's house to borrow a silk blouse before Laurie leaves to babysit, just as Annie telephones asking to borrow the same blouse. Funnily enough, Laurie's hair is hidden by a towel, since Curtis had a much shorter hairstyle than she had worn in 1978.

Halloween became the model for countless slasher films, and, while many have tried, none have quite captured its raw, thrilling perfection. Indeed, Michael Myers is one of cinema’s greatest villains! So grab your ghost costume, pack your revolver, and hunt down this episode on the "Halloween" NBC premiere!

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Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

Show notes