The Influence of 80s Music

The Influence of 80s Music

Author: Will Padilla | 80s Now April 7, 2026 Duration: 47:42

In a special interview, Will chats with Mario Toscano (Back to the 80s), Jim Butler (Children of the 80s), and Eric Shoars about the continued influence of 80s music in our lives. We also talk about Eric's new book Life Goes On, which is a collection of essays by Gen Xers that examines this topic.

0:00 - Introduction

1:24 - Interview

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Check out Back to the 80s with Mario: https://www.fm80s.com/

Check out Children of the 80s with Jim: https://bit.ly/4bVI4BT

Get your copy of Life Goes On: The Lessons We Learned from Eighties Music anywhere books are sold.


Each week on 1980s Now, host Will Padilla digs into the lasting impact of that decade's pop culture, arguing there's more to its modern resonance than simple nostalgia. This podcast connects the dots between then and now through personal stories and conversations with the people who shaped the era-musicians, actors, directors, and other insiders. The discussions reveal how the so-called "era of greed" actually cultivated seminal moments in film, television, music, and sports that continue to define our current landscape. You'll hear specific analysis about why certain movies still look groundbreaking, how TV shows of the period tackled themes that feel surprisingly current, and which musical innovations from the 80s are still being mined by today's artists. It’s a detailed exploration for anyone who enjoys a deep dive, offering a richer understanding of the decade's genuine artistic legacy beyond the familiar hits and iconic imagery. Tune in for a weekly session that treats the 1980s not as a museum piece but as a living, influential force, making this podcast a go-to for thoughtful entertainment.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

1980s Now
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