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Frank ‘n Stuff Hot Dogs: A Deliciously Strange Slice of 80s History

Frank ‘n Stuff was Hormel’s chili‑filled hot dog, a short‑lived 1980s novelty that blended convenience with food experimentation and became one of the decade’s most memorable grocery store creations.

The Retro Resurgence Podcast – Episode 50 | The Retro Resurgence 3rd Annual HALLOWEEN SUPERSHOW!

Hello Listeners! In this special “twofer” episode of “The Retro Resurgence Podcast” – we’ve got several things on the agenda. First, it’s Ken’s turn to book our annual Halloween Supershow- where we feature several “seasonally

Retro Reel Review: Teen Wolf (1985)

Teen Wolf has always been one of those movies that just makes me feel good. Ever since I first watched it on VHS in 1986, it has stayed a favorite I never get tired of revisiting.

Boglins: The Puppet Monsters of the 80s

Boglins were the strange little monsters of the 80s toy aisle, rubbery puppets in plastic crates that felt alive the moment you slipped your hand inside and made them snarl, grin, or cause mischief.

The Most Notorious Tape of the Video Store Era

Faces of Death was the VHS everyone whispered about, a tape so hard to find it felt more like an urban legend than a real movie.

Ecto‑Cool Adventures: Revisiting The Real Ghostbusters

After the success of the 1984 film Ghostbusters, a cartoon adaptation was inevitable. With most of the characters from the movie appearing in this series (though in slightly altered form…Ray was a bit chunkier and Egon

Remembering Tales From the Cryptkeeper

The 1950’s introduced us to Tales From the Crypt, a wry, sardonic E.C. Comics series that turned the saccharine theme of good versus evil on its head. Like its comic predecessor and the HBO horror anthology

Digging Up Memories of Mr. Bones Candy

Perhaps you were once taught that you should never play with your food. But what if your food was also a nifty jigsaw puzzle? Better yet, what if it was also a disassembled candy skeleton

The 10 Horror Villains Who Will Haunt Your Dreams

It’s that time of year again, the Season of the Witch. As the air cools and the shadows lengthen, the creaks and thuds you hear in the middle of the night take on a sinister

Sink Your Teeth into the Top 10 Vampire Movies from the 1990s

Halloween is approaching, and my excitement for the season grows with each passing day. Decorations are up, candy is stocked, and the lights are dimmed. During the Halloween season, one of my favorite activities is

The Top 10 Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Tales

The Simpsons’ annual Treehouse of Horror Halloween specials are Halloween and cultural institutions. Here are the Top 10 Treehouse of Horror tales of all-time.

Silly Putty: The Gooey Classic That Never Gets Old

Born from a lab accident and raised in a plastic egg, Silly Putty became the stretchy, bouncy little miracle that soothed fidgety hands, lifted comic strips and earned a permanent place in America’s toy‑box history.

Woodstock ’94: 2 More Days of Peace, Music, and Mud

In August 1994, 25 years after the original Woodstock defined a generation, a new wave of music lovers descended on a muddy field in Saugerties, New York, for a revival that was part tribute, part

Lisa Frank: The Rainbow Queen of the School Aisle

“Lisa Frank turned ordinary school days into neon magic, filling backpacks with rainbows, unicorns, and the pure joy of childhood color.

A Brief History of Chuck E. Cheese

In the realm of retro pop culture, few things evoke as much nostalgia as the mention of Chuck E Cheese pizza. For decades, this iconic family entertainment center has been a haven for kids and

The Incredible Hulk Revisited

The Incredible Hulk was more than a TV hero. He was a lonely green giant who made weeknights feel bigger, quieter, and strangely human in a way only that era of television could capture.

Toy Collector’s Wishlist: Ultimate Figures I Yearn For

In the last few years, my collecting has shifted from Transformers (specifically Megatron) to collecting up-scaled villain figures from all my favorite cartoons of the 80s and 90s. Along with the Masterpiece Megatrons I previously

My Christmas Memories: 1980

1980, the beginning of the most awesome decade in pop culture history. Ronald Reagan just began his first term as President. Disco’s popularity had pretty much come to an end and music was getting ready

Mail Order Memories

One of my favorite scenes in A Christmas Story is when Ralphie finally receives his mail order “Little Orphan Annie” decoder pin. Later that night, he listens to his favorite radio show and transcribes the

Toy of the Week: New Kids on the Block Hanging Loose Jordan Knight Doll

Why did I choose this toy? I chose this doll in honor of Jordan Knight’s birthday earlier this week. Also, New Kids on the Block just started their latest “Mixtape Tour” with special guests En

The Private War of Major Benson

By now most of the loyal Paterons for the Retro Network have listened to the exclusive episode of Jason and Mickey’s Drive In series about Major Payne. But did you know that the story of

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