Totally Rad Christmas!

Gerry D

It's a show about the raddest time of year in the baddest decade ever! That's right! We talk all things Christmas in the '80s to the max! Toys, movies, specials, music, books, games, comics, decorations, food, fashion, and fads--if it was gnarly during Christmas in the '80s, we got it covered!

  1. 2 days ago

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High (w/ Michael, Scott & Tim)

    What’s up, dudes? What are you people? On dope?! I’ve got Michael May from After Lunch, Crestwood House, and Hellbent for Letterbox, Scott Leopold from Holly Jolly X'masu, and Tim Williams from 80’s Flick Flashback are with me to talk the Christmas-adjacent movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High!” Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) follows a group of Southern California teenagers as they stumble through a school year filled with first jobs, romance, sex, friendship, and the everyday humiliations of being young. At the center is Stacy Hamilton, a shy sophomore who begins exploring dating and relationships with encouragement from her more experienced friend Linda Barrett. Meanwhile, Stacy’s older brother Brad watches his seemingly perfect life unravel after losing his job and his girlfriend, while Stacy’s awkward friend Mark “Rat” Ratner tries to work up the nerve to pursue her. Their stories unfold against the backdrop of Ridgemont High and the local mall, capturing teenage life with a mix of raunchy comedy and surprising sincerity. The film’s most memorable character, however, is perpetually stoned surfer Jeff Spicoli, whose laid-back attitude puts him in constant conflict with stern history teacher Mr. Hand. While Spicoli dreams of surfing and Van Halen, the other students gradually discover that adulthood is arriving faster than they expected—and it comes with consequences. By the end, relationships have shifted, friendships have been tested, and several characters have grown up at least a little. Directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” became a defining teen comedy of the 1980s, balancing outrageous moments and endlessly quotable humor with a remarkably grounded look at the uncertainty, mistakes, and small victories of adolescence. Forgotten wallet? Check. Santa who got peed on? Poor kid. Most paused movie scene ever? You know you did! So grab your surfboard, put on your pirate costume, and scalp some tickets to this episode! 80’s Flick Flashback FB: @80’s Flick Flashback podcast Twitter: @80_podcast IG: @80sflickflashback Holly Jolly X'masu FB: @HollyJollyXmasu Twitter: @HollyJollyXmasu IG: @hollyjollyxmasu After Lunch Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High (w/ Michael, Scott & Tim)

  2. 10 Aug ·  Bonus

    Christmas Comes to Monster Mountain

    What's up, dudes? It's another minisode! Today we're celebrating Halloween and Christmas with the John Barrett penned Ted E. Bear story "Christmas Comes to Monster Mountain!" It’s a the literary sequel to “The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas” and “The Great Bear Scare.” John Barrett came up with the story to “The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas” and developed the teleplay for the special which was subsequently produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises in 1973. The special stars Ted E. Bear as a curious bear who yearns to discover and experience Christmastide, even as he endures ridicule from the entire bear community. Barrett also wrote several sequels to the special, including “The Great Bear Scare.” In this adventure, the bears of the city of Bearbank hear rumors that Count Dracula and the other monsters from Monster Mountain are going to invade and conquer Bearbank on Halloween. Teddy believes he has found a way to deter and repel the creatures, and indeed he does save the day. In fact, “The Great Bear Scare” was turned into a special layer in 1983, though the animation is stilted and incomplete. Dracula also has trouble turning into a bat for some reason. That now brings us to “Christmas Comes to Monster Mountain.” Developed by the LeFave Company, it was published in 1981 by Children’s Press. The illustrations were done by Rick Reinert Productions in the style of the original special.  Dracula, the leader of the monsters, is running for re-election, and needs a scheme so vile that it secures his victory. His diabolical plot: kidnap Santa. I wonder if Jack Skellington took notes from this book. He writes a letter to Santa pretending to be a young boy so that the good saint will visit him. Sure enough, on Christmas Eve, Santa comes down Dracula’s chimney and is caught in his trap. When Santa doesn’t come back up the chimney, his reindeer fly off to get help. Enter Ted E Bear! He agrees to help, and since he can’t rescue Santa from Dracula, he delivers all the presents in Santa’s stead. On Christmas morning, as Dracula revels in his success, Ted shows up and reveals that the ploy failed because he himself delivered the presents. Dracula is sure he will lose the election; however, Santa always brings extra gifts on his trip. Ted E Bear handed them out to all the monsters for Christmas. The monsters are so overcome with joy that Dracula wins in a landslide. He brought Christmas to Monster Mountain. Scary monsters? Check. Undaunted protagonist? Got it. Learning to fly Santa’s sleigh in no time? For sure! So grab your flight map, hop on the sleigh, and deliver presents to this episode! Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

    Christmas Comes to Monster Mountain

  3. 10 Aug

    Rainbow “Snowman” (w/ Kevin Williams)

    What’s up, dudes? Kevin Williams from ‘Tis the Soundtrack joins me to talk about Rainbow “Snowman!” Yes, the former Deep Purple guitarist took Howard Blake’s song from the 1982 classic and reworked it as an atmospheric synth and electric guitar anthem! Rainbow was formed in 1975 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore after he began to tire of Deep Purple and the band’s changing musical direction. Deep Purple had already replaced Ian Gillan and Roger Glover with David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, but Blackmore remained unhappy with where the music was headed. What began as Blackmore recording a single with members of the band Elf ultimately grew into a full album and the creation of Rainbow. The band quickly became known for its larger-than-life live shows, whose centerpiece was a massive computer-controlled rainbow containing some 3,000 lightbulbs and stretching 40 feet across the stage. Rainbow also became notorious for its revolving door of musicians, with original vocalist Ronnie James Dio departing in 1978 over disagreements about the band’s increasingly commercial musical direction. After further lineup changes, Joe Lynn Turner eventually took over as lead singer, ushering in Rainbow’s more radio-friendly early-’80s era. That lineup would lead to Bent Out of Shape, released September 9, 1983, which featured the song in question as the album’s ninth track. Rainbow’s instrumental “Snowman,” featured on their 1983 album Bent Out of Shape, is based on “Walking in the Air,” the haunting theme written by composer Howard Blake for the beloved 1982 animated film The Snowman, itself adapted from Raymond Briggs’ 1978 children’s book. Blake had actually composed the melody around 1970 before later adapting it for the television special, where it became the musical centerpiece of the story. The Snowman—which went on to become a seasonal television favorite in Britain and Finland—follows the fleeting adventure of a young boy and the snowman he brings to life. During their magical flight to the North Pole, “Walking in the Air” accompanies the pair as they soar through the night before attending a gathering of snowmen and meeting Santa Claus and his reindeer. In the original film, the song was performed by St. Paul’s Cathedral choirboy Peter Auty, whose recording was later reissued in 1985 and 1987. Ritchie Blackmore was captivated by the composition’s haunting, melodic beauty and, having long enjoyed adapting classical and traditional melodies into rock instrumentals, transformed Blake’s delicate vocal theme into “Snowman.” Rainbow’s version builds atmospheric tension around the familiar melody before giving Blackmore the opportunity to let loose with a soaring, emotional electric-guitar lead—turning one of animation’s most delicate Christmas themes into a distinctly Rainbow instrumental. Synth flute? Check. Fuzzy guitar? Got it. Brad Fiedel The Terminator-style synth percussion? Definitely! So grab your guitar, stand behind that keyboard, and rock out to Rainbow “Snowman!” ‘Tis the Soundtrack YouTube: @TisTheSoundtrack IG:  @tisthesoundtrack Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

    Rainbow “Snowman” (w/ Kevin Williams)

  4. 3 Aug

    Toys “R” Us Christmas Dream Book 1986

    What’s up, dudes? It’s the greatest store ever to an ‘80s kid! Yes, it’s Toys “R” Us, the category killer! Today we’re talking the Toys “R” Us Christmas Dream Book 1986! Toys “R” Us goes all the way back to 1948, when Charles Lazarus opened a little Washington, D.C. shop called Children’s Bargain Town, selling baby furniture. Eventually he pivoted from cribs and strollers to playthings. In 1957, Lazarus opened the first store under the Toys “R” Us name, built like a supermarket for toys—long aisles, stacked shelves, self-service shopping, and wall-to-wall kids’ stuff.  This book provides a huge variety of toys. From ThunderCats to Cabbage Patch Kids, there’s something for everyone. The Milton Bradley games provided hours of fun, and Cats Lair gave the ThunderCats a base and place of respite in between fighting mutants and berserkers. Of course, Robotech 3 3/4in figures were great to incorporate on your Joe team! Electronic Battleship? Check. Lazer Tag? Rad! The Hart Family? Only if it's a surprise party playset! So grab your ThunderCats figures, throw them in your Sling ‘Em Fling ‘Em Wrestling Ring, and circle your favorites in this  Toys “R” Us Christmas Dream Book 1986! Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

    Toys “R” Us Christmas Dream Book 1986

  5. 27 Jul

    Chris Stamey Group “Christmas Time” (w/ Ken and Scott)

    What's up, dudes? I've got Ken Kessler from Sounds of Christmas and Scott Leopold from Holly Jolly X'masu here to talk the jangle pop/alternative rock album by the Chris Stamey Group “Christmas Time!” After a stint with the dB's, Chris Stamey went out on his own as a solo artist. He invited his former bandmates back for a fun Christmas album. "Christmas Time" was released as a 7-song vinyl EP under the credit Chris Stamey Group with Special Guests The dB’s. The EP mixed original songs with inventive takes on Christmas music, emphasizing chorused and reverbed guitars, melodic power pop, and quirky holiday charm. The record was mostly comprised of original tunes, the exception being a reworking of Deck the Hall by Cathy Harrington called Sha La La (Deck the Halls). Something Came Over Me is a reflective, melodic original that balances bittersweet lyrics with shimmering guitars and sophisticated pop arrangements. The opening title track is a bright, jangly power-pop original featuring Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple’s harmonies, chiming guitars, and an infectious holiday hook that perfectly captures the warmth and excitement of Christmas.  The Only Law That Santa Claus Understood is a witty folk-pop original by Ted Lyons that pairs clever storytelling with acoustic instrumentation and understated charm, offering one of the collection’s most unique lyrical perspectives. Snow Is Falling is a lush, atmospheric ballad featuring bass ostinato and Mary’s haunting lead vocal, slowly building into a dreamy meditation on the quiet beauty and peaceful solitude of a snowy Christmas evening. Both are followed by the acoustic guitar instrumental It's a Wonderful Life which quotes What Child is This? to end on a remarkable, intriguing disquiet. Keyboards? Yep. Guitars? Got ‘em. Outlaw wild west Santa? For sure! So grab your record player, put on “Christmas Time,” and listen to this episode! Sounds of Christmas FB: @SOCMusic Twitter: @SOCMusic IG: @socmusic Holly Jolly X'masu FB: @HollyJollyXmasu Twitter: @HollyJollyXmasu IG: @hollyjollyxmasu Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

    Chris Stamey Group “Christmas Time” (w/ Ken and Scott)

  6. 24 Jul

    KISS “White Christmas (Live)” (w/ Adam, Jeremy, Vinnie & Kathryn)

    What’s up, dudes? I wanna rock and roll all night while dreaming of a white Christmas! Yes, we’re talking KISS “White Christmas!” I’ve got my whole band with me: Adam Pope from Wizards! The Podcast Guide to Comics and The Retro Network (Geekster), and Remember That Show?, Jeremy Phelps the Alamo City Santa, Vinnie Brezinsky from Huey and Bax, and Kathryn Sugg! On Dec 19, 1987, KISS came out for an encore and sang the Irving Berlin classic “White Christmas!” The a capella harmonies were tight! And yes, Gene helps the audience keep the beat as they start clapping. Also, Paul took over MTV for the Paul Stanley Guest VJ Hour! He’s joined by two present wrapping helpers in sexy Mrs. Claus outfits. He introduces videos, and does a QVC-style gift demo. Some are wild, like the mini car for Gene. Makeup? Check. Guitars? Got ‘em. Waterbugs and ‘80s robots? What?! So paint your face, hop in your little car, and sing an encore to this episode on KISS “White Christmas!” Wizards! Twitter: @WizardsComics IG: @wizards_comics FB: @TRNsocial IG: @alamocitysanta  Etsy: North Pole General Store  FB: @northpolegeneralstore                              IG: @northpole_generalstore  Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

    KISS “White Christmas (Live)” (w/ Adam, Jeremy, Vinnie & Kathryn)

  7. 9 Jul

    Dolly Parton: Christmas at Home (w/ CJ Bélanger)

    What’s up, dudes? If you’re looking for the ultimate Dolly Christmas special, her 1990 NBC holiday TV event “Dolly Parton: Christmas at Home” is a heartwarming trip back to a simpler Christmas. CJ Bélanger from Rose Suchak Ladder and I have a blast with this one!  The special was made to coincide with the release of her new Christmas album. It follows Dolly from a charming Christmas store to a garland-filled Nashville recording studio in the middle of July—where she records holiday classics surrounded by enough tinsel, bows, and magnificent mullets to make any child of the ‘80s smile. From there, she heads home to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, reuniting with her family for playful sibling teasing, treasured childhood memories, and unforgettable performances of Christmas favorites including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” “We Three Kings,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” It’s classic Dolly: equal parts laughter, storytelling, heartfelt nostalgia, and sparkling holiday magic. As the special continues, Dolly visits a nursing home, takes children through Dollywood during Christmastime, shares touching stories about homemade gifts and family traditions, and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas with performances of “Little Drummer Boy,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Joy to the World,” “The First Noel,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and a beautiful closing rendition of “Silent Night.” Watching today also offers a delightful time capsule of 1990 Christmas commercials, featuring Chevy, Kodak, McDonald’s, Toys “R” Us, Tylenol, and other nostalgic favorites that instantly transport viewers back to the golden age of holiday television. Filled with faith, family, unforgettable music, and enough Christmas spirit to light up the Smoky Mountains, this is one Dolly Parton Christmas special that deserves a place on every retro holiday watchlist. One hundred year old carousel? Check. Wagon rides? Got it. Brothers teasing a sister’s looks? Definitely! So grab your guitar, sing about the wisemen, and visit a nursing home with this episode on “Dolly Parton: Christmas at Home!” Rose Suchak Ladder IG: @rosesuchakladderpod Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

    Dolly Parton: Christmas at Home (w/ CJ Bélanger)

  8. 4 Jul

    Frosty the Snowman watchalong (w/ CJ, Jeff, Anthony, Matt & Jeremy)

    PARENTAL WARNING: DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE WITH CHILDREN PRESENT! What’s up, dudes? It's July, and it's ridiculously hot, so we’re gonna have a watch-along party for the Rankin Bass classic “Frosty the Snowman”. I’ve got CJ Bélanger from Rose Suchak Ladder, Jeff Loftin from Lost Christmas podcast, Anthony Caruso from ‘Tis the Podcast, Santa Ambassador Matt Spaulding from North Pole Radio, and Jeremy Phelps the Alamo City Santa with me to provide commentary and enjoy the ride! The story chronicles the experiences of Frosty the Snowman, an anthropomorphic being of precipitation who magically comes to life one Christmas. Embraced by the town's children because they created him, Frosty decides to escape the sweltering heat of the south and head to the North Pole. Throughout, he's chased Thunderbolt Ross-style by Prof. Hinkle, the Hogwarts reject. Unfortunately, the subpar magician even traps the enchanted snowman in a greenhouse which causes him to melt. Luckily, Santa Claus rescues the snowman and reanimates him with eldritch winter sorcery. He also forces the treacherous professor to write lines until he repents. Hogwarts flunkie? Check. All-powerful Santa? Yep. Sideshow Bob-level of vengeance plots? Messy, messy, messy! So grab your magic hat, pull out the super smart rabbit, and bellywhop to this episode on "Frosty the Snowman!" Rose Suchak Ladder IG: @rosesuchakladderpod Lost Christmas Podcast FB: @LostChristmasPodcast Twitter: @LostChristmasP1 IG: @lostchristmaspodcast 'Tis the Podcast FB: @tisthepodcast Twitter: @tisthepod IG: @tisthepodcast FB Group: Tis the Podcast Group IG: @alamocitysanta  Etsy: North Pole General Store  FB: @northpolegeneralstore                              IG: @northpole_generalstore  Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!

    Frosty the Snowman watchalong (w/ CJ, Jeff, Anthony, Matt & Jeremy)
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About

It's a show about the raddest time of year in the baddest decade ever! That's right! We talk all things Christmas in the '80s to the max! Toys, movies, specials, music, books, games, comics, decorations, food, fashion, and fads--if it was gnarly during Christmas in the '80s, we got it covered!

Information

  • Creator
    Gerry D
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    491
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Totally Rad Christmas!
  • Show Website
    Totally Rad Christmas!

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