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

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1980snow

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
Podcast Episodes
The Craziest CHiPs Episode (Live) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
Recorded before a live at RetroCon, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the two of the zaniest episodes of the 1980s NBC TV show CHiPs.0:00 - Rock Devil Rock24:30 - The Spaceman Made Me Do ItFollow us on Facebook: https://www.face…
Alien: Earth X Blade Runner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:14
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction6:35 - Stranger Things breakfast cereal12:45 - Does Gen X still eat cereal?23:57 - Knight Rider: T…
Who is the Toxic Avenger? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:48
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction7:00 - Haunted by Eddie Van Halen’s ghost17:00 - Star Trek IV technology is a reality28:00 - Ghost…
Is Slime Headed to NYC? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:56
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction3:50 - A Ghostbusters 2-looking blob is headed for NY14:00 - Images of Lego’s 9,000 piece Death St…
I Love the 80s with Ivan Doroschuk of Men Without Hats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:51
In a special interview, Will speaks with Ivan Doroschuk, founding member and frontman of the iconic 80s band Men Without Hats.0:00 - Introduction20:00 - InterviewFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1980snow.S…
Ozzy Went Out Like Rock Star [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:08
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction6:30 - Spinal Tap 2 Trailer15:25 - Alien Earth: Should humanity survive?27:30 - Is space object he…
Superman Is Political, Duh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:49
Recorded before a live Facebook (and YouTube) audience, Will, Kat and Jon discuss the following topics:0:00 - Introduction4:10 - Announcements5:15 - Are payphones needed?19:30 - Pee-wee’s bike is finally at the Alamo, no…
Restoring the Goonies House with James Pearse Connelly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:35
In a special interview, Will speaks with Emmy-Award winning production designer James Pearse Connelly, who just helped restore the legendary Walsh House from the 1985 cult classic The Goonies. The project, spearheaded by…
Masquerade: The Scandalous 80s Treasure Hunt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:56
Will is joined by Meg and Jessica from Desperately Seeking the 80s. Will shares the unlikely, but true, story of Masquerade, the book that changed gaming.In 1979, a seemingly innocuous picture book actually concealed clu…