Let me bore you to sleep - Jason Newland podcast

(music) (5 hours) TV shows 1981 | Thursday Throwbacks | LMBYTS #1477 | Jason Newland | 30th October 2025

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TV shows 1981 | Thursday Throwbacks | LMBYTS #1477 | Jason Newland | 30th October 2025

🎙️ Overall Structure and Mood
  • The episode is a relaxed, meandering monologue typical of Jason's “bore you to sleep” format.
  • His tone is informal, conversational, humorous, and nostalgic, frequently going off on personal tangents.
  • The central theme of this episode is “Thursday Throwbacks – TV Shows of 1981”, but the discussion winds through many topics before (and while) getting there.
📺 Main Theme: 1981 UK TV Shows Jason dives deep into British (and some American) TV from 1981. Here's what he covers:

🔹 British TV Shows (1981 Highlights)
  • Only Fools and Horses – Premiered in 1981, Jason's all-time favorite. He discusses its legacy and enduring popularity.
  • Bergerac – Not particularly into it; remembers it being set in Jersey.
  • Victoria Wood, Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Tenko – Mixed memories or not really watched.
  • The Two Ronnies – A favorite; talks about Ronnie Barker & Ronnie Corbett’s careers.
  • Porridge, Open All Hours, Butterflies, Terry & June, Yes Minister – Commentary on characters, humor style, and personal connections to these shows.
  • Generation Game – Remembers Bruce Forsyth and Larry Grayson eras.
  • Juliet Bravo, The Likely Lads, Minder, The Professionals – More mentions with personal anecdotes.
  • Doctor Who – Specifically Peter Davison becoming the Fifth Doctor in 1981.
  • Grange Hill, Rainbow, Jackanory, Postman Pat, Pipkins – Reflections on children's TV.
  • Top of the Pops – A family tradition, especially around Christmas.
  • Newsnight, Panorama, and other current affairs shows – Acknowledges but didn’t really watch as a kid.
  • Snooker, Football (Ipswich Town), Wimbledon, Boxing – Memories of sports on TV.
🔹 American Imports in the UK (1981)
  • Dallas, Dynasty – Recalls their rivalry.
  • CHiPs, The Dukes of Hazzard – Saturday night favorites; fond memories.
  • Buck Rogers, Magnum P.I., Hart to Hart, MAS*H, Different Strokes – Fondness for American storytelling and characters.
  • He-Man, Scooby-Doo, The Smurfs – Reflections on children’s shows aired in the UK.
🧠 Tangent Topics and Personal Anecdotes Jason shares lots of side stories and reflections that add texture and warmth to the episode: 🕰️ Childhood Memories
  • Reminisces about watching TV as a kid after school and during weekends.
  • Talks about how he’d control the TV between 4–6 PM and how routines shifted as his brothers got older.
  • Reflects on school, cartoons, and bedtime routines.
  • Memories of watching Doctor Who, Star Trek, and other classics with family.
🐶 Vinnie the Dog
  • Vinnie gets frequent mentions (and interruptions!).
  • At one point, Jason jokes about Vinnie licking his feet to get attention.
  • Mentions wanting to make an Amazon wishlist for dog treats for Vinnie (but only available to UK folks).
💬 Rants and Humor
  • A very long and humorous rant about junk mail and unreadable "no junk mail" stickers on his door.
  • A story about not dressing up for Halloween at a call center job and awkwardly joking he was a “serial killer” (in hindsight, maybe not his best moment).
  • Pokes fun at people’s need to “be right” and shares his philosophy about not needing to win arguments.
  • Comments on YouTube censorship and how innocent social media used to feel.
  • Reflects on being okay not knowing things, even as an adult — and critiques how society expects immediate answers.
🎓 Encouraging Lifelong Learning
  • Talks about encouraging a neighbor to consider going to university at 44.
  • Reflects on his own experience getting a degree at 40.
🤯 Cultural Commentary
  • Critiques outdated, non-PC shows like Ain’t Half Hot Mum.
  • Talks about how television reflected society’s values at the time, and how disclaimers now acknowledge that.
  • Discusses the difference between opinions and facts, especially in entertainment and online debates.
🧁 Nostalgia and Comfort
  • Describes cozy Saturday night rituals with family – sandwiches, sweets, TV time – calling it a highlight of his week.
  • Expresses how those nights were "blissful" and full of comfort, warmth, and good vibes.
🧠 Notable Quotes and Moments:
  • “I'm not angry. I'm passionate.”
  • “You don't need to be right – just let them think they are.”
  • “Only Fools and Horses debuted in 1981. That’s my favorite show – ever.”
  • “Vinny’s flappy ears make more sense than half the shows on TV these days.”
  • “I learned early on: if I didn’t know something, I’d just say I didn’t know. And that’s okay.”
🧵 Conclusion and Sign-off
  • Wraps up by reminding listeners to be kind to themselves.
  • Teases next Thursday's “Throwback” episode focusing on TV from 1982.
  • Expresses gratitude to his listeners with a gentle, soothing close.

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