TMNT Artist Steve Lavigne Talks Toys, Games & Creating Sergeant Bananas!

Alex and Brandon are flying solo this week (Cruz couldn’t make it), but that doesn’t stop Nostalgia Junkies from diving headfirst into spooky season! In this Halloween-packed episode, the guys explore a wild fan theory connecting Mary Poppins and Pennywise the Dancing Clown — could these two magical icons actually be the same species? From shared powers and patterns to children named Georgie and floating balloons, this Film Theory segment will blow your mind faster than you can say “practically perfect.” Then it’s time for a THIS OR THAT! The hosts go head-to-head on nostalgic Halloween matchups: 🎃 Goosebumps vs. Are You Afraid of the Dark? (56/44) 👻 The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown vs. Simpsons Treehouse of Horror (53/47) 💀 Blow Molds vs. Inflatables (75/25) In this week’s Meat & Potatoes, Alex and Brandon reminisce about their favorite Halloween promotional snacks — from Ghoulaid and Ecto Cooler to Pitch Black Mountain Dew, Cap’n Crunch Halloween Crunch, and the iconic McDonald’s Boo Buckets! The nostalgia is overflowing (and so is the sugar). Stick around for a round of 90s trivia to cap off this hilarious, memory-filled Halloween special! 💬 Tell us your favorite spooky snack or Halloween tradition: nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products 🎟️ Support the show & shop ThrowbackBuys.com — use code NJPOD for 15% off!

Alex, Brandon, and Cruz are back with another nostalgia-fueled episode of Nostalgia Junkies! Fresh off Retro World Expo, the crew dives into some hilarious Ultimate Showdowns: 💪 Johnny Bravo vs. Gaston (70/30) 🏄 The Weekenders vs. Rocket Power (10/90) 🎒 Doug Funnie vs. Arnold from Hey Arnold! (24/76) Then, for the Meat & Potatoes, we rewind to August and September of 1985, a legendary time for pop culture: 📺 TV premieres like The Golden Girls, The Twilight Zone, Adventures of the Gummi Bears, GI Joe, and She-Ra: Princess of Power 🎥 Movie favorites including Real Genius, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, and Teen Wolf 🕹️ And on September 13, 1985, gaming history was made with the release of Super Mario Bros., created by Shigeru Miyamoto at Nintendo Finally, the guys put their retro knowledge to the test with a round of 80s trivia — see if you can beat them! 💬 Share your favorite 80s and 90s memories: https://nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products INSTAGRAM: @nostalgiajunkiespod TIKTOK: @nostalgiajunkiespod YOUTUBE: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast

Get ready, Trainers — this episode of Nostalgia Junkies is a blast of pure Pokémon nostalgia! Alex and Cruz sit down with Stuart Zagnit, the original voice of Professor Oak in the American release of Pokémon, for an exclusive interview packed with behind-the-scenes stories. Stuart talks about bringing the beloved Pokémon Professor to life, his work on the Pokémon movies, and what it was like being part of the franchise during its late-90s and early-2000s boom. But the nostalgia doesn’t stop there — Stuart also dives into originating The Mayor of Whoville in Seussical the Musical on Broadway, and his voice work on the cult-favorite animated series Chaotic. If you grew up with Pokémon, Broadway musicals, or Saturday morning cartoons, this episode will hit every nostalgic nerve. 💬 Got Pokémon memories or questions for future guests? Email us: https://nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products 🎟️ Shop ThrowbackBuys.com and use code NJPOD for 15% off your next order! 📱 Follow us on Socials: INSTAGRAM: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast TIKTOK: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast YOUTUBE: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast #Pokemon #ProfessorOak #StuartZagnit #Seussical #Chaotic #90sCartoons #RetroPodcast #AnimeVoices #PokemonMovies #BroadwayNostalgia #ThrowbackBuys

Yo Joe! In this nostalgia-packed episode of Nostalgia Junkies, Alex and Cruz sit down with legendary Hasbro product designer Ron Rudat, the creative mind behind many of the most iconic GI Joe action figures of the 1980s. Ron takes us behind the scenes of the classic GI Joe toy line, sharing insider stories about designing characters that became staples of every kid’s toy box. He also dives into his time working on Hasbro’s WWF wrestler action figures, including unforgettable memories from toy shows and WrestleMania, where he met some of the biggest wrestling superstars of the 80s! Whether you’re a Joe collector, a wrestling fan, or just love retro toys, this episode is packed with rare insights and nostalgic moments you won’t want to miss. 💬 Got favorite GI Joe or WWF toy memories? Email us: https://nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products 🎟️ Shop ThrowbackBuys.com and use code NJPOD for 15% off your next order! 📱 Follow us on Socials: INSTAGRAM: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast TIKTOK: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast YOUTUBE: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast

Cowabunga! This week on Nostalgia Junkies, Alex and Cruz sit down with legendary TMNT comic book illustrator Steve Lavigne for a totally radical chat! 🎨🐢 In this exclusive 6-minute interview, Steve shares behind-the-scenes stories about his work designing artwork for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys, video games, and merchandise, along with the origin of one of the franchise’s wildest characters — Sergeant Bananas, the mighty mutant gorilla! 🦍🍌 Steve also reflects on his longtime friendship and creative adventures with TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, offering insight into the early days of Turtlemania and the lasting impact of the franchise. If you love the 80s, TMNT, and hearing directly from the artists who helped shape our childhoods, you won’t want to miss this one! 💬 Got a favorite TMNT memory? Email us at: https://nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products 🎟️ Don’t forget to shop ThrowbackBuys.com and use code NJPOD for 15% off your next order! 📱 Follow us on Socials: INSTAGRAM: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast TIKTOK: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast YOUTUBE: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast #TMNT #TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles #SteveLavigne #KevinEastman #SergeantBananas #80sNostalgia #RetroPodcast #TurtlePower #TMNTToys #TMNTVideoGames #ThrowbackBuys #NostalgiaJunkies

Alex and Cruz are back on Nostalgia Junkies with an episode bursting with retro goodness, wild theories, and exciting new trailers! First up, we break down the nostalgia-fueled Happy Gilmore 2 trailer from Netflix, the epic new Superman (2025) teaser, and Marvel’s latest sneak peek at the upcoming Fantastic Four movie — could it finally get the retro respect it deserves? Then it’s time for This or That, brought to you by Throwback Buys, your one-stop shop for all things retro! Whether you’re hunting for that Coogi sweater, classic Gameboy, or even the demon lord Furby, they’ve got you covered. Use code NJPOD for 15% off! This week’s showdowns: 🎬 The Goonies vs. Back to the Future — and wait till you hear our theory connecting both films to October 26, 1985, complete with Spielberg ties and timeline trivia! 📺 Nick at Nite vs. TGIF 🎤 Marky Mark vs. New Kids on the Block For the Meat & Potatoes, we rewind to the Summer of 1985, packed with unforgettable movies and TV moments: 🍿 The Goonies, Cocoon, St. Elmo’s Fire 🚀 Back to the Future, Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, E.T. (re-release), The Black Cauldron, National Lampoon's European Vacation 📺 The launch of Nick at Nite on July 1st — bringing retro classics like The Donna Reed Show, Dennis the Menace, My Three Sons, and Turkey TV to our living rooms 🥤 Coca-Cola ditches New Coke and brings back the original formula ✨ And on July 3rd, Tinker Bell takes her first magical flight at Walt Disney World Resort Plus, we break out the 1990s trivia cards to see if Alex and Cruz still have their 90s knowledge on lock! Make sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and check out ThrowbackBuys.com — use code NJPOD for 15% off your next order! 💬 Got a theory or memory to share? Email us: https://nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products 📱 Follow us on Socials: INSTAGRAM: @nostalgiajunkiespod TIKTOK: @nostalgiajunkiespod YOUTUBE: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast #80sNostalgia #HappyGilmore2 #Superman2025 #FantasticFour #TheGoonies #BackToTheFuture #TGIF #NickAtNite #Throwba

Alex and Brandon are back with another blast from the past in this episode of Nostalgia Junkies! We kick things off by revisiting those unforgettable summer commercials that shaped our childhood. Remember cranking up the fan after that classic Sears Air Conditioner commercial? Or quoting “Je suis la jeune fille!” from the legendary Muzzy ad? And who could forget the monotone magic of the Clear Eyes 1997 commercial? Next up, it’s time for This or That, brought to you by our friends at Throwback Buys — your one-stop shop for all things retro. Whether it’s that Coogi sweater, Gameboy, or even the demon lord Furby, they’ve got you covered. Use code NJPOD for 15% off your order! This week’s battles: 🚌 The Magic School Bus vs. Bill Nye the Science Guy ⚾ The Rookie vs. The Sandlot 📺 Boy Meets World vs. Saved by the Bell For the Meat & Potatoes, we rank the S-tier Disney Channel Original Movies that defined the 90s and early 2000s: 🎿 Brink! 🚀 Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century 👽 Can of Worms 🐬 The Thirteenth Year 🏠 Smart House 🏄‍♂️ Johnny Tsunami 🐴 Horse Sense 🦸‍♂️ Up, Up and Away 🍀 Luck of the Irish 🏍 Motocrossed Plus, we break out the 1990s trivia cards for some brain-busting fun! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and fuel your retro obsession at ThrowbackBuys.com — use code NJPOD for 15% off! 💬 Got thoughts or memories? Email us: https://nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products 📱 Follow us on Socials: INSTAGRAM: @nostalgiajunkiespod TIKTOK: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast YOUTUBE: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast #90sNostalgia #DisneyChannelOriginalMovies #RetroPodcast #SearsCommercial #Muzzy #ClearEyes #BoyMeetsWorld #SavedByTheBell #TheSandlot #MagicSchoolBus #ThrowbackBuys #DCOMRanking

Alex and Cruz are back with another nostalgia-packed episode of Nostalgia Junkies! This week, we’re giving a retro shoutout to all the iconic TV moms just in time for Mother’s Day. From Fran Fine to Peg Bundy, Claire Huxtable to Kitty Forman — we rank our favorite sitcom mothers of the 80s and 90s and debate who had the best one-liners, parenting style, and fashion sense (hello, leopard print!). Then it’s time for another round of “This or That,” brought to you by our friends at Throwback Buys — your ultimate destination for all things retro. Don’t forget to use code NJPOD for 15% off! Today’s battles: 🧸 Tamagotchi or Furby? 🦆 Darkwing Duck or DuckTales? 🦸‍♂️ Power Rangers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? And for our Meat & Potatoes segment, we take a time machine back to May 1985, when: 🎥 Chuck Norris was kicking butt in Code of Silence 🎭 Chevy Chase delivered laughs in Fletch 💣 Stallone returned with explosive action in Rambo: First Blood Part II 🎵 Madonna topped the charts with Crazy for You 🏀 And a rookie named Michael Jordan was officially crowned NBA Rookie of the Year! Buckle up for a blast of pure retro joy — and remember to hit that subscribe button, leave us a review, and share the nostalgia! 💬 Got thoughts? Email us at: https://nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products 🎟️ Check out: ThrowbackBuys.com and use code NJPOD for 15% off! 📱 Follow us on Socials: INSTAGRAM: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast TIKTOK: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast YOUTUBE: @nostalgiajunkiespodcast #80sNostalgia #SitcomMoms #RetroPodcast #MichaelJordan #TamagotchiVsFurby #ThrowbackBuys #PowerRangers #DuckTales #Rambo #Madonna #Fletch #ChuckNorris #NBAHistory

Alex and Cruz are back with exciting news about the Chicago Toy Show and recapping their awesome interviews with toy legends Bob Budiansky and Kirk Bozigian at NE CT Con! Then, we dive deep into March and April of 1985, revisiting iconic movies like Mask, The Secret of the Sword (He-Man & She-Ra!), Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, The Care Bears Movie, and Police Academy 2. We also relive the excitement of the very first Wrestlemania and the premiere of WCW on TBS! Plus, don't miss our classic "This or That" segment featuring Journey vs. Foreigner, The A-Team vs. Knight Rider, and the ultimate 80s fashion face-off: Acid Wash Jeans vs. Parachute Pants! Get ready for a heavy dose of 80s nostalgia! And remember to check out Throwback Buys for all your retro needs and use code NJPod for 15% off! Email us your thoughts and comments: [email protected] STORE: https://nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products Follow us on our Socials: INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠@nostagiajunkiespodcast⁠ TIKTOK: ⁠⁠@nostalgiajunkies⁠podcast⁠ YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠@nostalgiajunkiespodcast⁠⁠ Subscribe and Review!  Check out ThrowbackBuys.com and use code: NJPOD for 15% off your next order! #80sNostalgia #RetroPodcast #Wrestlemania #80sMovies #80sTV #ChicagoToyShow #BobBudiansky #KirkBozigian #ThrowbackBuys

Alex and Cruz are back with a deep dive into the latest gaming buzz and 90s nostalgia! We're breaking down the potential Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, including its rumored specs and how it might impact the retro gaming market. Plus, Cruz is launching his own retro store, "Cruz'n Retro"! Join us as we discuss: Nintendo Switch 2 Rumors: 4K, 120Hz, and magnetic Joy-Cons! The impact of the Switch 2 on retro gaming prices. Cruz's new retro store: Cruz'n Retro! Epic 90s "This or That" debates: Surge vs. Orbitz, Lunchables vs. Kid Cuisine, and more! A nostalgic review of classic 90s commercials: Dragon Flyz, Power Wheels, Mighty Max, and more! Get ready for a blast from the past with our 90s trivia and commercial reviews. Don't forget to use code NJPod at Throwback Buys for 15% off your retro finds! Email us your thoughts and comments: [email protected] STORE: https://nostalgiajunkies.printify.me/products Follow us on our Socials: INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠@nostagiajunkiespodcast⁠ TIKTOK: ⁠⁠@nostalgiajunkies⁠podcast⁠ YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠@nostalgiajunkiespodcast⁠⁠ Subscribe and Review!  Check out ThrowbackBuys.com and use code: NJPOD for 15% off your next order!   #NintendoSwitch2 #RetroGaming #90sCommercials #Nostalgia #Podcast #CruzNRetro #90sKids