Once, When I Was Cool
Born in the 70's, raised in the 80's, powered through the 90's to become irrelevant in the new millennium.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 5
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- Sep 6, 2026
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- Jul 12, 2026
Latest episodes
Trading Places (1983) (opens the original)
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In this episode of Once, When I Was Cool, we revisit the 1983 comedy classic Trading Places, starring Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ralph Bellamy & Don Ameche. We take a look at what makes this John Landis-directed film one of the defining comedies of the 1980s, from its razor-sharp social satire and unforgettable performances to its endlessly quotable moments. Along the way we discuss whether its themes of wealth, privilege and opportunity are just as relevant today as they w
The Breakfast Club (1985) (opens the original)
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This week on Once, When I Was Cool, Dave and Stacey take a trip back to Shermer High School to revisit one of the defining films of the 1980s: The Breakfast Club. With Wee away for this episode, the duo dives into a movie that has become synonymous with teenage angst, unlikely friendships, and the universal struggle to find where you fit in. Written and directed by John Hughes, The Breakfast Club brings together five students from completely different social circles for a Saturday detention that
Footloose (1984) (opens the original)
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This week on Once, When I Was Cool, we're lacing up our dancing shoes and heading back to 1984 for a look at one of the most iconic films of the decade: Footloose. Part coming-of-age story, part musical celebration, and part rebellion against the establishment, Footloose captured the spirit of a generation with its infectious soundtrack, energetic dance sequences, and a message about freedom, self-expression, and the power of youth. More than forty years later, it's still impossible to hear its
Gremlins (1984) (opens the original)
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This week on Once, When I Was Cool, we're heading back to the wonderfully weird world of 1984 to revisit a film that forever changed the meaning of holiday cheer. Cute, cuddly, mischievous, and downright terrifying, Gremlins remains one of the most unique movies of the decade—a genre-bending blend of comedy, horror, creature feature, and Christmas chaos. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, Gremlins introduced audiences to Gizmo, the adorable Mogwai whose simple care instructi
Twins (1988) (opens the original)
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This week on Once, When I Was Cool, we're taking a trip back to 1988 to revisit the unlikely buddy comedy that asked one very important question: What if the world's most genetically perfect human was somehow the twin brother of a wisecracking hustler from Los Angeles? Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, Twins was one of the decade's biggest surprises. At a time when Schwarzenegger was known almost exclusively for action blockbusters, the film showcased a completely different side o
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