Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast

Episode 28 of Thursdeighties features Emmy-award winning actor, writer, singer, and social activist A Martinez! A's extraordinary career spans more than five decades - and no matter what role he has inhabited, he has brought (and continues to bring) depth, charisma, and authenticity. His humanity and compassion shines bright.

You may know him from his iconic role as Cruz Castillo, from 1984-1992, on the long-running soap opera Santa Barbara - a performance that earned him a Daytime Emmy Award. Beyond daytime television, A Martinez has made his mark across a wide range of genres, from his early breakout role in the 1972 John Wayne western The Cowboys (along with the television series that followed, which was based on the movie)...to memorable appearances in Columbo, The Incredible Hulk, Hart to Hart, Remington Steele, Whiz Kids (one of my personal favorites), and L.A. Law.

In recent years you will find him continuing to deliver powerful performances in series such as Longmire, Blue Ridge, and Dark Winds. In fact, Dark Winds (which can be found on AMC/AMC+) recently wrapped up its 4th season, and the 5th season is currently in production for 2027 release - and season 5 will feature A's character, Sheriff Gordon Sena, in a BIG way.

A has also long been a proud and prominent Latino voice in Hollywood, helping to pave the way for greater representation on screen. Warm, talented, and endlessly versatile, he is a true original whose work continues to resonate with fans across generations. And I could listen to his voice, and the great stories he has to tell, All. Day. Long. I think you'll agree!

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In Episode 27 of Thursdeighties I celebrate the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the legendary RMS Titanic on the ocean floor back in September, 1985. Okay, I'm a few months late, but doesn't one of the rules of social etiquette say that I have up to a year to celebrate?

And who better to celebrate with than one of my favorite science authors, and fellow Titanic-obsessive, Dr. Charles Pellegrino, whose most recent book, GHOSTS OF HIROSHIMA, is being turned into a motion picture by none other than James Cameron!

Dr. Pellegrino, as he does in many of his books, takes me on a voyage to our planet's ancient past, the mysteries of life on the ocean floor and the icy moons of Jupiter, the mind-bending world of the quantum realm, the folly of man trying to subvert nature, a near-death experience while diving with James Cameron to the RMS Titanic...and let's not forget inspiring the science behind Jurassic Park.

For decades I have been reading Dr. Pellegrino's books - what an extraordinary bibliography! - watching him on the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and other science-related shows, and using his work (Ghosts of Vesuvius, in particular) to guide my travels.

Now I get to share his voice, expertise, and passion with you - give it a listen!

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Episode 26 of Thursdeighties welcomes back acclaimed sociology professors, pop culture historians, and Star Trek/Star Wars luminaries John and Maria Jose Tenuto to talk about their book, The Star Wars Radio Dramas: Brian Daley and the Serialization That Saved NPR...and witnessing the changing landscape of higher education over their decades-long careers as teachers.

If you were raised on radio, love theater of the mind, believe Han really DID shoot first - you are in for a treat!

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Season 3 of Thursdeighties is ready to boldly go! Episode 25 of Thursdeighties welcomes acclaimed sociology professors, pop culture historians, and Star Trek luminaries John and Maria Jose Tenuto to talk about their books documenting the making of Star Trek II and Star Trek III — the films that turned a fading TV property into an emotional, cinematic powerhouse. From studio uncertainty to unforgettable creative decisions, the conversation explores how passion, fandom, and a little 80s risk-taking gave us one of the greatest sci-fi runs ever put on screen - a run that is as strong today in 2026 (Star Trek's 60th anniversary year) as ever.

If you’ve ever shouted the word “KHAAAN!” at an inopportune moment, or bought into the idea that the needs of one - Spock - outweighed the needs of the many, then Episode 25 of Thursdeighties is for you!

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In Episode 24 of Thursdeighties I shoot the s*** with Jeff Serling, son of author Robert Serling and nephew of television legend Rod Serling.

Jeff and I revisit our common 80s experience and fandom, and he gives me the low-down on what it was like to grow up carrying one of the most iconic names in American storytelling. Jeff reflects on the weight and wonder of the Serling legacy, sharing personal stories that reveal Rod and Robert not as cultural giants, but as family: thoughtful, principled, and deeply committed to craft. Our conversation explores identity, expectation, and the quiet ways a creative legacy shapes a life...often less through fame than through values, curiosity, and an enduring belief in the power of words.

Jeff also sits on the board of directors of the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated the promotion and preservation of Rod Serling's contributions to the Arts and Humanities. Give us a listen!

Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.