Enjoy Stuff: Heavy Mattel
In this fiery episode of Enjoy Stuff: A TechnoRetro Podcast, we dive into the scaly, smoke-spewing world of movie dragons, proving that not all beasts are as hot-headed as they seem (unless they’re really mad). Join us as we roast some of Hollywood’s most legendary fire-breathers—hopefully without getting singed!
We’re celebrating with a trip through Mattel’s toy-tastic history—because who wouldn’t want to revisit their childhood with fewer “please don’t swallow that” warnings? Tune into Enjoy Stuff for a look back at the toys that defined generations!
News
CES reveals a very cool retro handheld game called Atari Gamestation Go
Want another way to play retro games on your phone? You need the GameBaby
Got some purple cheddar? You could buy Prince’s Purple Rain shirt
Check out our TeePublic store for some enjoyable swag and all the latest fashion trends
What we’re Enjoying
Is life really a happy song? Shua tried to find out when he rewatched a Shua Family favorite, the 2011 revival, The Muppets. It’s a fun romp with the classic characters and a few new friends, like the whistling Muppet fan, Walter. Plus, it resurfaced some great memories with his kids. Jay re-read Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline. Despite not having the same umph as the first book, there were some good moments that celebrated the pop culture we grew up with.
Sci-Fi Saturdays
This week on Sci-Fi Saturdays Jay slingshots back and forth with The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009). In this fairly unique take on time travel, Henry (Eric Bana) has a genetic condition that causes him to boomerang through time. Which makes it pretty hard for Clare (Rachel McAdams) to have an engaging marriage, (or at least throw a good surprise party). Read his article on RetroZap.com. And make sure to play around with the interactive map on MCULocationScout.com. Plus, you can tune in to SHIELD: Case Files where Jay and Shua talk about great stuff in the MCU.
Enjoy Toys!
Jay and Shua are celebrating Mattel’s 80th anniversary by taking a nostalgic deep dive into the legendary toy company’s history. From Barbie’s dream house to Hot Wheels’ epic car chases, they explore the toys that made generations of kids skip school, forget chores, and sometimes go through barrels of batteries playing Electronic Football. With a side of humor and a sprinkle of nostalgia, they also discuss the evolution of Mattel’s lineup, including the iconic He-Man action figures—because nothing says “childhood” like battling over who had the better sword.
The guys also dig into some classics too, like the 3D magic of the View-Master (which was basically your first VR headset, minus the headache) and the intense, back-and-forth slugfests of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. As they chat about Mattel’s rise to toy royalty, they’ll take you on a wild ride through their most cherished memories, sharing funny stories about toys that taught us all how to “play hard” and sometimes “play dirty.” Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs and memories as they celebrate the legacy of a company that’s been keeping kids (and adults) entertained for eight decades.
Did we mention one of your favorite Mattel toys? Which ones shaped your childhood? First person that emails me with the subject line, “You can tell it’s Mattel, it’s swell!” will get a special mention on the show. Let us know. Come talk to us in the Discord channel or send us an email to EnjoyStuffPodcast@gmail.com
We truly appreciate all you Earbuds who have hopped on board and joined us for our next chapter! Join in the fun by reaching out to us! And make sure to Share and Enjoy with all your friends!
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