The Insanely Dangerous Retro Podshow

Dave Pierce

--- The Insanely Dangerous Retro Podshow is your one-stop nostalgia fix, now hosted solo by the irrepressible Dangerous Dave! From the funky 70s through to the chaotic 00s, Dave dives headfirst into the wild world of retro pop culture—movies, music, TV, games, and everything in between. Expect deep dives, personal takes, outrageous trivia, and unfiltered opinions. Whether you’re reliving your childhood or discovering old-school gems for the first time, this is where retro lives loud, proud, and dangerously. New episodes every week—tune in and turn back time!

  1. Season 8 Episode 19 - Rambo First Blood Part 2

    4D AGO

    Season 8 Episode 19 - Rambo First Blood Part 2

    Dangerous Dave heads back to 1985 for an explosive deep dive into one of the biggest action sequels of the entire decade — Rambo: First Blood Part II! From jungle warfare and massive explosions to the unforgettable rise of 80s action cinema, this episode breaks down how Sylvester Stallone transformed John Rambo from tragic war veteran into a global pop culture icon. This huge episode includes: A packed What Happened Way Back When featuring lesser-known songs, movies, and TV shows from 1985 Retro Headlines from the UK and US A massive Dangerous Deep Dive into the making, cast, plot, and legacy of Rambo II Retro Rumble: Stallone vs Arnold Schwarzenegger Obscure 80s adverts Underrated television gems One Season Wonders Toybox Time Machine And a huge Danger Zone debate asking: 👉 Is Rambo II genuinely loved… or just ICONIC? Plus… Gaz returns with a VERY grumpy edition of Gaz’s Rapid Retro Review where he questions whether Rambo II ruined the emotional depth of the original film… leading directly into The Dange Rebuttal as Dangerous Dave fires back in defence of explosive 80s action excess before the main deep dive begins. And next episode… the music starts… the dancing begins… and nobody puts Baby in the corner… 👉 Dirty Dancing

    55 min
  2. Season 8 Episode 18 - The Flash (1990)

    MAY 6

    Season 8 Episode 18 - The Flash (1990)

    Dangerous Dave hits top speed in this episode as he dives into the cult classic The Flash—a show that was bold, stylish, and arguably way ahead of its time. Kicking things off with a massive What Happened Way Back When (1990), Dave revisits iconic music, movies, and television that defined the year—from Vogue and Ice Ice Baby to blockbuster hits like Home Alone and groundbreaking shows such as Twin Peaks. In Retro Headlines, Dave explores a world in transition, covering major UK and US moments including the Resignation of Margaret Thatcher and the global tension building towards the Gulf War build-up. The heart of the episode is the Dangerous Deep Dive, breaking down the origins, cast, and legacy of The Flash. Dave explores standout episodes, behind-the-scenes challenges, and why the show’s cancellation still stings today—while also connecting its DNA to the modern The Flash. The debate ramps up in Retro Rumble, as The Flash goes head-to-head with Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, while Better Than / Worse Than compares it against icons like Batman and the X-Men. There’s plenty of nostalgia along the way with Back in the Ads (featuring classic and obscure 90s adverts), Toybox Time Machine (digging into forgotten toy gems), and a spotlight on overlooked TV in Dangerously Underrated and One Season Wonder. Finally, in a powerful Danger Zone, Dave makes the case that The Flash wasn’t a failure—but a blueprint—drawing comparisons to superhero shows past and present. ⚡ BONUS SEGMENTS 🎤 GAZ’S RAPID RETRO REVIEW (Special Guest Segment) “Alright Dave… you know I had to get involved with this one…” Gaz returns with a quick-fire take on The Flash (1990): “Loved the tone—felt like a proper comic book come to life.” “John Wesley Shipp? Underrated hero—completely believable.” “The Trickster episodes? Absolute chaos—in the best way.” “Yeah, it looks dated now… but back then? This was cutting edge.” “Biggest issue? Timing. This show comes out 10 years later—it’s a hit.” 👉 Gaz’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “Not perfect… but massively important.” 🎤 THE DANGEROUS REBUTTAL “Alright Gaz… I hear you… …but I’m pushing back on this one…” Dangerous Dave responds: “3.5? Too low. WAY too low.” “You’ve got to judge this show for what it was trying to do—not what it didn’t have.” “This wasn’t just TV… this was ambition on screen.” “Without this show, you don’t get modern superhero TV as we know it.” “It didn’t fail—it just ran before anyone else was ready to catch up.” 👉 Dave’s Final Rating: 4 out of 5 🎬 FINAL SIGN-OFF From nostalgic throwbacks to deep analysis and passionate debate, Episode 18 celebrates The Flash (1990) as more than just a short-lived series—it’s a cult classic that helped shape the future of superhero television. And with the next episode teasing a deep dive into Rambo: First Blood Part II… things are about to get explosive.

    1h 3m
  3. Season 8 Episode 17 - Sharpe

    APR 29

    Season 8 Episode 17 - Sharpe

    📀 Season 8 Episode 17 – Sharpe This week, Dangerous Dave marches straight onto the battlefield with one of the most iconic British dramas of the 90s — Sharpe ⚔️ Starring Sean Bean in a career-defining role, this episode dives deep into the grit, realism, and legacy of a series that brought the Napoleonic Wars to life like never before. 🔥 What’s Inside This Episode? We rewind to 1995 with a fully loaded What Happened Way Back When, uncovering obscure songs (with artists), cult movies, and underrated TV shows that defined a bold and evolving era in entertainment. 📰 Retro Headlines (1993) take you through a world on the brink of change — from the rise of Britpop and the Premier League boom in the UK to the explosion of cable TV, gaming, and blockbuster cinema in the US. ⚔️ Dangerous Deep Dive – Sharpe This is where the episode truly shines. Dave breaks down: The origins of the series from Bernard Cornwell’s novels The casting of Sean Bean and why he was PERFECT as Sharpe A look at the key episodes and battles across the series The characters, the brotherhood, and the realism of war Why Sharpe still stands as one of the greatest British dramas ever made From muddy battlefields to unforgettable moments of leadership and survival, this is a deep and passionate tribute. 🎬 Also in this episode: 📺 Back in the Ads (1994) – revisiting classic advertising with a retro lens 💎 Dangerously Underrated (1997) – shining a light on Gattaca 📺 One Season Wonder (1997) – the fascinating rise and fall of Roar ⚔️ Better Than / Worse Than – Sharpe vs the giants of 90s UK drama like Cracker and Prime Suspect 🧸 Toybox Time Machine (1997) – toys that defined a generation ⚠️ The Danger Zone – the big debate: Was Sharpe Sean Bean’s greatest role… or did Boromir or Ned Stark take that crown? 🎙️ The episode closes with a powerful reflection on Sharpe’s legacy — a show built on grit, loyalty, and storytelling that still hits just as hard today. ⚡ Next Episode: We swap muskets for lightning speed as we dive into The Flash 🎧 From the battlefield to your headphones… This is TIDRP at its most powerful.

    48 min
  4. Season 8 Episode 16 - The Legacy of Chuck Norris

    APR 22

    Season 8 Episode 16 - The Legacy of Chuck Norris

    This week, Dangerous Dave steps into the ring with one of the toughest icons of all time — Chuck Norris 🥋🔥 From real-life martial arts champion to 80s action legend, this episode is a full-scale tribute to a man who didn’t just star in action films… he defined toughness. 🔥 What’s Inside This Episode? We rewind to the early 80s with a deep What Happened Way Back When (1983) — uncovering obscure songs (with artists), cult movies, and forgotten TV shows that capture the gritty, evolving tone of the decade. 📰 Retro Headlines (1985) take you into a world of global change — from Live Aid and the rise of home computing in the UK to the explosion of VHS, cable TV, and action heroes dominating cinema in the US. 🥋 Dangerous Deep Dive – Chuck Norris This is the heart of the episode. Dave breaks down: Chuck’s real-life martial arts background and rise before fame His breakout moment in The Way of the Dragon A full walkthrough of his 80s film run including: Missing in Action, Code of Silence, Invasion USA, The Delta Force and more His transition into TV with Walker, Texas Ranger How he compared to the other action giants of the era It’s a detailed, respectful, and powerful tribute to a man whose legacy still kicks hard today. 🆕 NEW SEGMENTS RETURN ⚡ Gaz’s Rapid Retro Review Gaz drops in with a punchy, no-nonsense take on Chuck Norris and his filmography: Were the films actually great… or just fun? Did Chuck stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Arnie and Sly? And how well do those movies hold up today? It’s quick, honest, and full of classic Gaz energy. 🔥 The Dange Rebuttal And of course… Dange fires straight back. This segment is a passionate defence of Chuck Norris — breaking down why his authenticity, toughness, and presence make him one of the most believable action heroes ever put on screen. It’s nostalgia vs critique… and it gets properly heated. 🎬 Also in this episode: 🥊 Retro Rumble – Chuck Norris vs Sylvester Stallone 📺 Back in the Ads (1980 & 1984) – deep dives into classic UK advertising 💎 Dangerously Underrated (1985) – spotlight on To Live and Die in L.A. 📺 One Season Wonder (1980) – the fascinating failure of Galactica 1980 ⚔️ Better Than / Worse Than – Arnie vs Sly in the ultimate action breakdown 🧸 Toybox Time Machine (1981) – toys that became full worlds ⚠️ The Danger Zone – the ultimate debate: Who really was the greatest action hero of the 80s and 90s? ❤️ The episode closes as a celebration of Chuck Norris — not just as an action star, but as a symbol of discipline, strength, and a very different kind of hero. ⚡ Next Episode Tease: We swap fists for muskets as we head into the world of Sharpe. 🎧 A tribute. A debate. A legacy. This is more than nostalgia… This is TIDRP at full force.

    52 min
  5. Season 8 Episode 15 – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

    APR 15

    Season 8 Episode 15 – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

    It’s morphin’ time on Season 8 as Dangerous Dave dives headfirst into one of the most explosive, colourful, and iconic shows of the 90s — Mighty Morphin Power Rangers ⚡ This episode is a full-on nostalgia overload, packed with deep dives, debates, and two brand-new segments that bring a fresh twist to the TIDRP formula. 🔥 What’s Inside This Episode? We rewind to 1993 with an extended What Happened Way Back When, uncovering obscure songs (with artists), cult movies, and standout TV shows that defined a year where youth culture took over. From atmospheric tracks by Mazzy Star to cult films like Fire in the Sky, the episode captures a world on the edge of a cultural explosion. 📰 Retro Headlines explore both the UK and US, covering the rise of Britpop, the explosion of gaming culture, and the shift toward youth-driven entertainment that would define the decade. ⚡ Dangerous Deep Dive – Power Rangers Dave breaks down everything: The origins of the show from Japanese Super Sentai The cast and characters that became icons A detailed Top 25 episodes countdown The insane global popularity and merchandising boom Why the show is STILL going today From the rise of Tommy as the ultimate fan-favourite to the formula that made the show addictive, this is a full exploration of why Power Rangers became a phenomenon. 🆕 NEW SEGMENTS DEBUT ⚡ Gaz’s Rapid Retro Review A special throwback-style segment featuring Gaz’s quick-fire thoughts on Power Rangers — fast, sharp, and classic Gaz. What worked What didn’t And whether it was actually as good as we remember It’s punchy, honest, and full of that original TIDRP energy. 🔥 The Dange Rebuttal And of course… Dange isn’t letting that slide. This brand-new segment sees Dave respond directly — giving his own personal opinions on Power Rangers with passion, nostalgia, and a deeper breakdown of if it deserves its legendary status. It’s a perfect blend of humour, debate, and old-school chemistry. 🎮 Elsewhere in the episode: 🥊 Retro Rumble – Power Rangers vs the best 90s kids shows 📺 Back in the Ads – a deep dive into 1993 marketing beyond the obvious 💎 Dangerously Underrated – revisiting overlooked gems like VR Troopers 📺 One Season Wonder – a detailed look at The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. 🥇 Better Than / Worse Than – Power Rangers vs 80s cartoon giants 🧸 Toybox Time Machine – a return to 1993 toys that defined childhood ⚠️ The Danger Zone – the big debate: Is Power Rangers the true 90s evolution of He-Man and Transformers? 🎬 The episode closes by reflecting on how Power Rangers didn’t just define a generation… It became one — and continues to evolve even today. ⚡ Next Episode: A tribute to a true legend — Chuck Norris 🎧 From Angel Grove to your headphones… Keep it retro. Keep it dangerous.

    59 min
  6. Season 8 Episode 14 - 300th Episode - Young Guns

    APR 8

    Season 8 Episode 14 - 300th Episode - Young Guns

    This isn’t just another episode… This is Episode 300. And to celebrate, Dangerous Dave takes you on a full-throttle ride into the Wild West with a deep dive into the iconic Young Guns — but this time, it’s bigger, more emotional, and packed with surprises. 🔥 What’s Inside This Special Episode? We rewind to 1988 with a massive What Happened Way Back When, featuring obscure movies, songs (with artists), and TV shows — all packed with detailed facts that capture the true feel of the era. 📰 Retro Headlines bring you right back into the real world of 1988, covering major moments across the UK and US with context and impact. 🎬 Dangerous Deep Dive breaks down Young Guns in full — from its origins and legendary cast to a detailed plot walkthrough and the legacy it left behind as one of the most fun and accessible westerns of its time. ⚔️ Retro Rumble puts Young Guns head-to-head with other westerns of the era, while Better Than / Worse Than explores how it stacks up against both classic and modern takes on the genre. 📺 Back in the Ads, Dangerously Underrated, and One Season Wonder all return with deeper-than-ever detail — diving into the culture, hidden gems, and forgotten TV moments of the late 80s. 🧸 And of course, the Toybox Time Machine transports you back to 1988 toys — where imagination ruled and playtime told stories. ⚠️ The episode builds to a powerful Danger Zone debate, asking the big question: Are 80s westerns secretly one of the most underrated eras in film history? ❤️ The 300th Episode Celebration But what truly makes this episode special… Is the people. Throughout the show, Dave reflects on the journey from episode 1 to 300 — the growth, the risks, and the moments that made it all worth it. And then come the surprises… 🎧 A couple of unexpected messages drop into the episode — voices from the journey, sharing memories, support, and what the show has meant to them over the years. These aren’t just shoutouts… They’re reminders of what this podcast has built. 🎤 The episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to long-time listeners, including a special mention for the Namely boys — Brandon and Andrew, before shifting gears with a high-energy tease… ⚡ Next Episode Tease: Get ready… because next time, it’s morphin’ time as we dive into Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. 🎧 Episode 300 isn’t just a milestone… It’s a celebration of retro, of storytelling… and of everyone who’s been part of the ride.

    54 min
  7. Season 8 Episode 13 - ALF

    APR 1

    Season 8 Episode 13 - ALF

    Season 8 gets weird, wild, and wonderfully nostalgic as Dangerous Dave dives into one of the most unique sitcoms ever made — ALF, the sarcastic alien who crash-landed into 80s pop culture and never really left. We rewind to 1994 in What Happened Way Back When, exploring a year packed with alternative music, cult cinema, and the rise of iconic TV. From dreamy indie tracks by Mazzy Star to the emerging Britpop scene and genre-defining shows like Friends, the episode paints a vivid picture of a world shaped by attitude, identity, and changing entertainment trends. Retro Headlines from the UK and US highlight a cultural shift toward youth-driven media, expanding television, and the growing influence of gaming and music culture. In a full Dangerous Deep Dive, Dave explores the origins of ALF, created by Paul Fusco, breaking down the show’s concept, cast, and the genius of its central character. From laugh-out-loud chaos to surprisingly emotional moments about loneliness and belonging, the episode examines why ALF stood out — and why it struggled behind the scenes. With a detailed look at the show’s most memorable episodes, its abrupt cancellation, and its enduring cult status, Dave asks whether ALF is one of the most underrated sitcoms of its era. Elsewhere in the episode: 🥊 Retro Rumble pits ALF against Dinosaurs in a battle of unconventional family sitcoms 📺 Back in the Ads revisits 90s marketing from Sega, Pepsi, and MTV 💎 Dangerously Underrated highlights the inventive sitcom Herman's Head 📺 One Season Wonder looks at the ambitious but short-lived The Flash 🥇 Better Than / Worse Than compares ALF to sitcom giants like Seinfeld and Frasier 🧸 Toybox Time Machine revisits 1994 toys including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Polly Pocket, and the iconic Game Boy ⚠️ The Danger Zone tackles the big debate: Is ALF secretly one of the most underrated sitcoms ever made? The episode closes with a look at why ALF still resonates today — not just as a comedy, but as a symbol of how bold, strange ideas can leave a lasting legacy. Next time, things head to the Wild West as Season 8 continues with Young Guns. 👽 Keep it retro. Keep it dangerous.

    35 min
  8. Season 8 Episode 12 - Jaws

    MAR 25

    Season 8 Episode 12 - Jaws

    Season 8 dives into the deep end as Dangerous Dave takes on one of the most iconic films of all time — Jaws, the movie that didn’t just scare audiences… it changed cinema forever. We rewind to 1975 in What Happened Way Back When, exploring the music, movies, and television shaping a world just before the blockbuster era exploded. From experimental rock and emotional pop to cult films and groundbreaking TV, the episode paints a vivid picture of the cultural landscape that Jaws would soon dominate.  In a massive Dangerous Deep Dive, Dave explores the incredible story behind Jaws — from its troubled production and mechanical shark issues to **Steven Spielberg’s decision to rely on suspense rather than spectacle. The episode breaks down the unforgettable performances of Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss, alongside a detailed plot summary and analysis of the film’s most iconic moments. Dave also examines how Jaws created the summer blockbuster, introduced one of the most famous scores in film history, and left audiences terrified of the ocean for decades. Elsewhere in the episode: 📺 Back in the Ads revisits 1975 marketing, from Coca-Cola’s global campaigns to the iconic imagery of Marlboro and British Rail 💎 Dangerously Underrated highlights the tense thriller The Taking of Pelham One Two Three 📺 One Season Wonder explores the cult horror series Kolchak: The Night Stalker 🥇 Better Than / Worse Than compares Jaws to other 70s cinematic heavyweights 🧸 Toybox Time Machine dives into the toys of the mid-70s, including Stretch Armstrong, Playmobil, Simon, Hot Wheels, and Evel Knievel stunt toys ⚠️ The Danger Zone tackles the ultimate debate: Is Jaws the greatest shark movie ever made? The episode closes by reflecting on why Jaws still grips audiences today — not just as a thriller, but as a masterclass in tension, storytelling, and cinematic impact. Next time, the tone shifts from terror to comedy sci-fi chaos as Season 8 continues with ALF. 🌊 Keep it retro. Keep it dangerous.

    32 min
See All (305)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

--- The Insanely Dangerous Retro Podshow is your one-stop nostalgia fix, now hosted solo by the irrepressible Dangerous Dave! From the funky 70s through to the chaotic 00s, Dave dives headfirst into the wild world of retro pop culture—movies, music, TV, games, and everything in between. Expect deep dives, personal takes, outrageous trivia, and unfiltered opinions. Whether you’re reliving your childhood or discovering old-school gems for the first time, this is where retro lives loud, proud, and dangerously. New episodes every week—tune in and turn back time!

Information