Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast

Eagles "Hotel California" (1976): Track by Track! 09.06.2026 1h 19min

This week, Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast dive into one of the biggest-selling and most influential albums of all time: Hotel California by Eagles.The guys go track-by-track through this legendary album, discussing the stories behind each song, the unforgettable musicianship, and the massive impact these tracks had on rock music and popular culture. From the mysterious imagery of the title track to the radio staples and deep cuts that helped define an era, Jason and Dee break down why Hotel California continues to resonate nearly 50 years later.Along the way, the guys also explore the ever-changing dynamics within the Eagles—looking at the band members, the lineup shifts, the growing tensions, and the excess that eventually caused the party to come crashing down in 1980. Of course, they also tease the legendary 1994 reunion—when “Hell Freezes Over”—a story they plan to tackle in a future episode next year.And because no Surely episode is complete without a spirited debate, Jason and Dee close things out by comparing Hotel California to another all-time classic: Rumours by Fleetwood Mac. Which album stands taller in the pantheon of 70s rock? You’ll have to tune in to find out.Check in anytime you like… but you can never leave.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/surelypodcastFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcastCheck out our new merch store: https://surely-you-cant-be-serious-merch.myshopify.com/

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) vs. "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987): Part 2 02.06.2026 55min

The ultimate 80s teen comedy showdown reaches its conclusion as Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Seriouspodcast return for Part 2 of their battle between Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) and Adventures in Babysitting (1987). Joining them once again are Chuck Bryan from the Cinematic Flashback Podcast and Dave Dolphin of Documenting My Mid-Life Crisis for a lively, nostalgia-packed discussion.In this second installment, the crew turns their attention to the casting of Adventures in Babysitting, exploring the choices behind one of the decade’s most beloved comedic ensembles and how those performances helped define the film’s lasting appeal. From there, they dive into a treasure trove of fascinating trivia and behind-the-scenes stories for both movies—covering everything from production secrets to unexpected connections in pop culture history.And then it all comes down to this: after two episodes of laughs, memories, and spirited debate, the guys deliver their final verdict on which of these 80s classics truly comes out on top.Will it be Ferris and his legendary day off, or Chris Parker and her unforgettable night on the town? Tune in for the dramatic conclusion to one of the most fun matchups yet.

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) vs. "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987): Part 1 26.05.2026 1h 10min

Jason and Dee are back with another unforgettable 80s showdown, and this time they’re putting two of the most iconic teen comedies head-to-head: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) vs. Adventures in Babysitting (1987). And they’re not doing it alone—joining them for the ride are Chuck Bryan from the Cinematic Flashback Podcast and Dave Dolphin of Documenting My Mid-Life Crisis, bringing their own stories, insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.In Part 1 of this two-episode deep dive, the guys explore the origins of both films—how they came to life, the creative forces behind them, and why they’ve endured as staples of 80s pop culture. Along the way, Jason, Dee, Chuck, and Dave share their personal histories with these movies, from first viewings to how these films shaped their love of movies growing up.The episode wraps up with a detailed breakdown of the unforgettable cast of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off—from the effortlessly cool Ferris himself to the endlessly quotable supporting characters that helped make the film a cultural phenomenon.So grab your dad's Ferrari, take the day off, and join the crew as they kick off this epic 80s movie matchup.

Interview with Robert Hays: Part 2 The Sequel 19.05.2026 53min

Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast conclude their special two-part conversation with Robert Hays, the man who first uttered the immortal words: “Surely you can’t be serious.”In Episode 2, the surprises keep coming as the guys are joined by special guest Julie Hagerty, beloved for her unforgettable role in the Airplane! movies and later appearances in classics like What About Bob?. Julie shares stories from her incredible career, her memories from making Airplane!, and the chemistry that helped make those comedy legends.The conversation also takes a deep dive into Cat's Eye as Robert reflects on his experiences working on the Stephen King anthology film and the unique challenges of bringing those suspenseful stories to life on screen. The guys also uncover wild behind-the-scenes tales from the early HBO favorite Take This Job and Shove It, including some of the crazy moments and personalities Robert encountered during that production.Packed with laughs, Hollywood memories, and incredible behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable interview with one of the most recognizable faces of 80s comedy.And don’t call them Shirley.

Interview with Robert Hays: Part 1 12.05.2026 54min

This week, Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast welcome a true legend—actor Robert Hays, the man who first delivered the immortal line that inspired the very name of the show: “Surely you can’t be serious.”In Episode 1 of this special two-part conversation, Robert sits down with the guys to reflect on his journey from early family life to breaking into Hollywood, sharing stories from the formative years that shaped both his career and his outlook on the industry. From there, the conversation dives into his early television appearances on classics like The Rockford Files, Laverne & Shirley, and Wonder Woman—roles that helped pave the way for bigger opportunities.Of course, no conversation with Robert Hays would be complete without a deep dive into Airplane!. The guys explore his experiences making one of the most beloved comedies of all time, from behind-the-scenes moments to the film’s lasting impact on pop culture—and on this very podcast.And just when you think the episode is winding down, an unexpected surprise guest crashes the conversation in a moment you absolutely won’t want to miss.Fasten your seatbelts—this is only Part 1.

Daryl Hall and John Oates "Private Eyes" (1981): Track by Track! 05.05.2026 1h 14min

Jason and Dee wrap up their 3-part deep dive into the albums of 1981 with a look at one of the decade’s most hit-packed records — Private Eyes by Hall & Oates.In this final installment, the guys go track-by-track through the album, breaking down everything from the irresistible hooks of “Private Eyes” and “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” to the deeper cuts that helped define the duo’s signature sound. Along the way, they uncover the stories behind the songs, the songwriting dynamics between Daryl Hall and John Oates, and how this album became a blueprint for pop success in the early 80s.But the conversation goes beyond the grooves.Jason and Dee explore the band’s massive pop culture impact, including their role in shaping the sound of the decade and their heavy rotation during the early days of MTV — when music videos were redefining how audiences connected with artists. They also take a deeper look at the rise of Hall & Oates, from struggling hitmakers to chart-dominating superstars, and the eventual decline that brought an end to their era of dominance.Finally, the guys bring it all home by ranking the three albums from 1981 they’ve covered in this series:Freeze Frame – J. Geils BandBusiness As Usual – Men at WorkPrivate Eyes – Hall & OatesWhich album takes the crown as the best of 1981?It’s a fitting finale to a series full of hits, nostalgia, and spirited debate — and a reminder that 1981 might just be one of the greatest years in pop music history.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/surelypodcastFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcastCheck out our new merch store: https://surely-you-cant-be-serious-merch.myshopify.com/

Men at Work "Business As Usual" (1981): Track by Track! 28.04.2026 1h 1min

Jason and Dee are back with Part 2 of their 3-part deep dive into the iconic albums of 1981, and this time they’re joined by special guest James Buckley to break down one of the decade’s most unexpected global smashes — Business As Usual by Men at Work.Following up Part 1 (Freeze Frame by the J. Geils Band) and leading into Part 3 (Private Eyes by Hall & Oates), the guys dig into how a quirky Australian band stormed the world seemingly overnight. From “Who Can It Be Now?” to “Down Under,” Jason, Dee, and James go track-by-track exploring the songwriting, musicianship, and offbeat charm that made this album a cultural phenomenon.But the story doesn’t stop at the hits.The episode also dives into the meteoric rise and sudden fall of Men at Work, examining the pressures of global fame, shifting music trends, and the challenges that followed their early success. Along the way, the guys highlight the enduring artistry and resilience of frontman Colin Hay, whose career continues to evolve long after the band’s chart dominance faded.Is Business As Usual just a moment-in-time pop artifact, or does it deserve a place among the truly great albums of 1981?Jason, Dee, and James Buckley are here to find out — with plenty of stories, laughs, and surprising insights along the way.

J. Geils Band "Freeze Frame" (1981): Track by Track! 21.04.2026 1h 12min

On this episode of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee travel back to 1981 to break down the breakthrough album Freeze-Frame from Boston’s favorite party band, The J. Geils Band.Track by track, the guys dive into every song on the album — from the massive MTV-era hits to the underrated deep cuts — exploring the stories behind the music, the evolution of the band’s sound, and how a gritty bar-band suddenly became one of the biggest pop acts in the world. Along the way, Jason and Dee share some of the wild behind-the-scenes tales from the band’s history, especially the unbelievable life intersections of frontman Peter Wolf, a man who crossed paths with so many rock legends he’s been dubbed the “Forrest Gump of Rock ’n’ Roll.”But success always comes with a price. As the band rocketed to the top of the charts, the pressures of fame, creative differences, and shifting musical direction began to pull the group apart. Jason and Dee examine how the very success of Freeze-Frame ultimately helped lead to the unraveling of the band itself.This episode kicks off Part 1 of a special three-part series celebrating the albums of 1981 (now celebrating their 45th anniversary). In the coming weeks, the guys will also break down Business as Usual by Men at Work and Private Eyes by Hall & Oates.Three iconic albums. Three deep dives.One final judgment — coming after Episode 3. 🎙️Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/surelypodcastFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcastCheck out our new merch store: https://surely-you-cant-be-serious-merch.myshopify.com/

"Pretty in Pink" (1986) vs. "Some Kind of Wonderful" (1987): Part 2 14.04.2026 50min

Jason and Dee are back with Jill McCormick and Melissa Mingle for Part 2 of their deep-dive showdown between the final great teen films of John Hughes: Pretty in Pink vs. Some Kind of Wonderful.In this episode, the group turns their full attention to Some Kind of Wonderful, breaking down the unforgettable cast and characters — from Keith (Eric Stoltz) and Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson) to the scene-stealing Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) and ultimate rich-kid villain Hardy Jenns (Craig Sheffer). The crew looks at performances, character arcs, and why this film often feels like the emotional mirror image of Pretty in Pink.Then it’s time to settle the debates that have been brewing since Part 1:Which movie delivered the ultimate '80s jerk — Steff or Hardy?What do we really think about Andie’s prom dress all these years later?Did Blane actually do enough to earn Andie’s forgiveness?Does Keith end up with the right girl?Finally, after two episodes of stories, nostalgia, and spirited debate, Jason, Dee, Jill, and Melissa each deliver their final judgment, crowning the definitive winner between two beloved Hughes-era classics.One movie gets the love. One movie gets left standing outside the prom.The verdict is finally in.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/surelypodcastFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcastCheck out our new merch store: https://surely-you-cant-be-serious-merch.myshopify.com/

"Pretty in Pink" (1986) vs. "Some Kind of Wonderful" (1987): Part 1 07.04.2026 50min

On this special two-part deep dive, Jason and Dee are joined by friends of the show and Patreon all-stars Jill McCormick and Melissa Mingle to tackle the final face-off of the classic John Hughes teen era: Pretty in Pink vs. Some Kind of Wonderful.In Part 1, the gang rolls back to the mid-’80s to unpack the origins of both films—how Pretty in Pink emerged from Hughes’ collaboration with director Howard Deutch and how Some Kind of Wonderful became the spiritual “answer song” to its predecessor. They explore the cultural moment, the soundtracks, and why these two films feel like emotional cousins… even if they land very differently.Then it’s time for a full character breakdown of Pretty in Pink, including Andie (Molly Ringwald), Duckie (Jon Cryer), Blane (Andrew McCarthy), and Steff (James Spader). The crew digs into performances, casting what-ifs, behind-the-scenes stories, and how each character hit us differently then… and now.Of course, we couldn’t avoid the big questions:The dress. Iconic? Overhyped? Misunderstood?Did Blane actually do enough to earn redemption?And which movie truly delivers the better bad guy?No final verdict just yet — the ultimate judgment is reserved for Part 2, where everyone will officially cast their vote and crown the champion of Hughes’ last great teen romance.If you’ve ever debated Team Duckie vs. Team Blane or wondered whether Watts could’ve walked into Shermer High and run the place, this episode is for you.Part 1 starts now.The final judgment is coming.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/surelypodcastFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcastCheck out our new merch store: https://surely-you-cant-be-serious-merch.myshopify.com/

Van Halen "5150" (1986): Track by Track! 31.03.2026 1h

Jason and Dee are back with another deep-dive episode of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast, and this time they’re tackling one of the most pivotal albums in rock history — Van Halen’s 5150.Track by track, the guys break down every song on the album, from the explosive opener “Good Enough” to the soaring anthem “Dreams,” uncovering the stories behind the scenes, the studio innovations inside Eddie’s 5150 studio, and the creative chemistry that defined this new era of the band.But this isn’t just an album review — it’s a turning point.Jason and Dee dig into the arrival of Sammy Hagar, exploring how his vocal style, songwriting, and personality reshaped Van Halen’s sound. Was this a natural evolution or a complete reinvention? How did the shift toward keyboards, melody, and polished production change the band’s identity? And how did 5150 fit into the larger pop culture landscape of 1986, where MTV, arena rock, and radio hits ruled the world?Finally, the episode builds to the ultimate showdown:5150 vs. 1984.With the Roth era closing and the Hagar era beginning, Jason and Dee finish their long-awaited comparison between these two iconic albums to answer the question every Van Halen fan has debated for decades:Which album is truly the best?Strap in — this one’s got big riffs, bigger hooks, and a final judgment you won’t want to miss.

Van Halen "1984" (1984): Track by Track! 24.03.2026 1h 10min

This week on the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee plug into one of the biggest albums of the decade — 1984 by Van Halen.From the opening synth blast to the final notes, the guys break down every track and every iconic MTV video — unpacking the stories behind “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot for Teacher,” and the deep cuts that made this record more than just a hit factory. They dive into the bold decision to lean into keyboards, the risks that paid off, and how Eddie’s newly built home studio, 5150, gave him the creative freedom to reshape the band’s sound.But this isn’t just the story of a blockbuster album. It’s also the story of a band at a crossroads. As 1984 climbed the charts, tensions inside the group were rising — creative differences, control issues, and big personalities pulling in different directions. Jason and Dee explore how the very freedom that fueled the album may have also widened the cracks that would soon lead to a seismic lineup change.And the debate doesn’t end here. Next week, the guys will square off 1984 against the first album with new frontman Sammy Hagar, 5150, in what promises to be one of their biggest matchups yet.Was 1984 the band’s creative peak? Or was the next era just getting started? Listen in and get ready for the showdown.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/surelypodcastFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcastCheck out our new merch store: https://surely-you-cant-be-serious-merch.myshopify.com/

Top 5 Songs of 1986 17.03.2026 1h 6min

Jason and Dee take on what should be a simple task: ranking their Top 5 songs of 1986. Of course, there’s a twist. Thanks to past episodes and the upcoming podcast calendar, huge chunks of the year are completely off-limits—no cuts from albums they’ve already covered, and nothing from what’s coming next. That means saying goodbye to obvious giants and digging deep into the bench to find songs that still define the year without breaking the rules.The result? A list that’s surprising, debatable, and very on-brand for the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast. Along the way, the guys trade memories of what 1986 felt like in real time—what was on TV, what was in theaters, and what they were doing when these songs were soundtracking everyday life. They also toss in two honorable mentions that narrowly missed the cut, because some tracks are just too good to ignore.No repeats. No previews. Just a creative, constraint-heavy love letter to one of the most loaded years in pop culture—and a ranking guaranteed to spark arguments. 🎧📻

Rush "Moving Pictures" (1981): Track by Track! 10.03.2026 59min

Jason and Dee roll out the red carpet for one of the most important rock albums of all time as they’re joined by Rush super fans Brad Moore and Tim Epp to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Moving Pictures. Together, they dive deep into the stories behind every classic track—from radio staples to prog-rock masterpieces—breaking down the lyrics, musicianship, and moments that helped propel Rush from cult heroes to arena-filling legends. Along the way, the conversation traces the band’s unlikely rise, creative risks, and why this album became the perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. And then comes the big moment: after weeks of discussion, Jason and Dee finally render their final judgment in the ultimate showdown—Moving Pictures vs. REO Speedwagon’s Hi Infidelity. Prog precision or heartland hooks? The verdict is in. 🎸🎧Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcastSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/surelypodcast

REO Speedwagon "Hi Infidelity" (1980): Track by Track! 03.03.2026 54min

Jason and Dee fire up the jukebox for one of the biggest albums of the MTV era as they welcome special guest Doug Gray, noted REO Speedwagon expert, to break down 1981’s chart-dominating blockbuster Hi Infidelity. Track by track, the trio digs into the stories behind every song—from the heartbreak anthems to the arena-ready rockers—while tracing REO Speedwagon’s long road from Midwest bar band to overnight superstars. Along the way, they unpack band history, lineup changes, behind-the-scenes studio moments, and why this album connected with everyone at exactly the right time. But this episode is only half the battle: Hi Infidelity now heads into a heavyweight showdown against Rush’s Moving Pictures. Jason and Dee will render their final judgment next week—so consider this the evidence phase before the verdict drops. 🎸📀Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@surelypodcastSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/surelypodcast

Behind the scenes with the Surely Podcast 24.02.2026 57min

What really goes on behind the microphone? In this special crossover episode, Jeff Johnson steps in from the A Film Bypodcast to turn the tables on Jason and Dee, asking the questions listeners have always wondered about.How did the show first get started? Have they ever regretted a final matchup decision? Which episode result surprised them the most — and which one truly “moved the needle” for the podcast? Jeff digs even deeper, challenging each host to reveal the secret dream matchup they still hope to bring to the show someday.It’s a relaxed, funny, and revealing conversation as Jeff, Jason, and Dee pull back the curtain and share stories, debates, and a few behind-the-scenes moments you’ve never heard before. If you’ve ever wondered how the magic happens, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Level 5: Defender! (1981) - The Game That Flipped Space Invaders Upside Down 17.02.2026 20min

Defender! revolutionized arcade gaming in 1981 with its sideways-scrolling chaos and button-overload controls. In our series finale, we rank all five legendary 1981 games and reveal how we'd spend our last five quarters: Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Frogger, or Defender? The ultimate showdown of the greatest arcade year ever!

Level 4: Ms. Pac-Man (1981) - College Kids vs. Gaming Giants 10.02.2026 17min

College students took on a video game empire—and won. Then they did the impossible: they improved the greatest game ever made. Hear how Ms. Pac-Man became the queen of 1981 arcades, outsmarted the ghost AI, and still looks amazing over 40 years later. The untold story of the rebellion that created gaming's most beloved female icon.

Level 3: Frogger (1981) - The Untold Story Behind the Arcade Classic 03.02.2026 21min

One young woman's courage changed video game history forever. Discover the secret origin of Frogger, explore every way to die (there are many!), hear the iconic music's story, and learn about a record-breaking high score that still amazes. This 1981 arcade legend has more surprises than you think. Why did the frog cross the road? Find out!

Level 2: Galaga (1981) - How It Beat Space Invaders at Its Own Game 27.01.2026 18min

Galaga took everything Space Invaders started, added Galaxian's colors and sounds, and created a 1981 masterpiece. Discover behind-the-scenes secrets of this arcade legend, insider development stories, and why the Challenging Stage became iconic. Don't miss the pro tip: never shoot your own captured ship! The ultimate deep dive into one of 1981's greatest arcade games.