Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast

Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast are joined once again by special guest Amanda Janik, The Slasher Girl, for the terrifying conclusion to their four-part Halloween horror series! This time, the gang dives into Wes Craven’s 1984 nightmare masterpiece, A Nightmare on Elm Street.

How did Wes Craven come up with the idea for a horror movie that turns our dreams into our worst nightmares? How did a relatively low-budget horror film introduce the world to one of the most iconic characters of the 1980s, the razor-gloved, wisecracking nightmare himself, Freddy Krueger? Jason, Dee, and Amanda explore the movie’s origins, the cast and crew who brought the nightmare to life, the unforgettable music, and the lasting impact of a film that changed the horror genre forever.

And since this is the fourth and final installment of our Halloween series, the group looks back at all four horror classics—The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th (1980), and A Nightmare on Elm Street(1984)—as Jason, Dee, and Amanda each reveal their personal rankings of the four films. Will they agree, or will their lists be scarier than Freddy himself?Stick around until the very end for a Halloween horror trivia contest that puts everyone’s knowledge of these legendary movies to the test!

So grab your favorite horror-movie snack, check the locks, and whatever you do… DON’T FALL ASLEEP!

Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake!

Pack your bags, grab your sleeping bag, and whatever you do… stay out of the lake! Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast are back for Part 3 of our four-part Halloween spectacular, and this time they're joined by special guest The Slasher Girl, Amanda Janik, to revisit the 1980 horror classic that helped launch one of the most iconic film franchises of the ’80s: Friday the 13th!

How did a low-budget horror movie inspired by the success of Halloween become a box-office sensation and turn Camp Crystal Lake into one of the most infamous summer camps in movie history? The crew digs into the origins of the film, the influences that helped shape its story, and the creative minds who brought this bloody nightmare to life. From the cast and behind-the-scenes stories to the shocking moments that made audiences scream, Jason, Dee, and Amanda explore how Friday the 13th became a defining moment in slasher-movie history.

They'll also look at the film's surprising success, the birth of a legendary horror franchise, and how a movie that started with a simple premise eventually became a pop-culture phenomenon that continues to terrify audiences more than four decades later.And let's settle one thing: just how much did the original Friday the 13th establish the rules for every slasher movie that followed? With Amanda bringing her horror expertise to the conversation, there's plenty to uncover before the final body hits the floor!🎃 The Halloween marathon continues! We've already survived The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween (1978), and now we're checking into Camp Crystal Lake. Next week, our four-part fright fest concludes with A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)!

So turn off the lights, keep an eye on the counselors, and join Jason, Dee, and The Slasher Girl, Amanda Janik, for a deep dive into the horror classic that proved summer camp can be murder!🎙️

Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast — A Pocast for the MTV Generation!

🎃 TOP 5 HALLOWEEN MOVIES OF THE 1980s — THE DECADE THAT MADE HORROR LEGENDARY!👻

The ’80s gave us big hair, bigger movie stars, and some of the most unforgettable horror films ever made! In this special throwback episode of the Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee count down their Top 5 Movies to Watch During Halloween Season from the 1980s!

From masked killers and supernatural nightmares to creepy creatures and unforgettable horror icons, the ’80s were a golden age for frightening audiences. It was the decade that turned slashers into franchises, made monsters into pop-culture superstars, and gave horror fans plenty of reasons to sleep with the lights on!

Jason and Dee revisit their personal favorites, share memories and stories behind these terrifying classics, and reveal which movies earned a coveted spot on their Halloween watchlists. Will your favorite make the cut? Are you Team Freddy, Team Jason, or do you prefer your scares with a little more supernatural suspense? And which ’80s horror classic deserves to be watched every October?

This rerun returns as a special bonus during our four-part Halloween spectacular, alongside our deep dives into The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th (1980), and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

So grab your candy, fire up the VCR (or your favorite streaming service), and get ready for a nostalgic trip through the decade that made Halloween movie marathons a tradition!What are YOUR Top 5 Halloween movies of the ’80s? Listen in, compare your list with Jason and Dee’s, and let the debate begin!

🎙️ Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast — celebrating the movies, music, and pop culture that made us who we are!

Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast are heading to Haddonfield, Illinois, to revisit John Carpenter’s legendary 1978 horror classic, Halloween! Following last week’s deep dive into The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the guys continue their four-part Halloween spectacular with the movie that helped redefine the slasher genre and turned a young filmmaker named John Carpenter into a household name.

How did Carpenter turn a relatively small-budget independent film into one of the most influential horror movies of all time? Jason and Dee explore the origins of the project, the cast and crew who brought this nightmare to life, the chilling simplicity of Carpenter’s unforgettable musical score, and the fascinating story behind Michael Myers’ iconic mask. From Jamie Lee Curtis’ breakout performance as Laurie Strode to Donald Pleasence’s memorable portrayal of Dr. Loomis, the guys dig into the stories, creative decisions, and behind-the-scenes magic that made Halloween a timeless classic.

And, of course, they examine the movie’s enormous cultural impact and the countless horror films that followed in its footsteps. Was Halloween the ultimate blueprint for the modern slasher? How much of its power comes from what we see—and what we don’t see?

The horror marathon continues! Last week, it was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This week, it’s Halloween (1978). Coming up next are Friday the 13th (1980) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). Four iconic movies. Four unforgettable nightmares. One seriously spooky series!

🔪 Put on your mask, turn down the lights, and join Jason and Dee for a trip back to the night Michael Myers came home!

🎙️ Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast — celebrating the movies, music, and pop culture that made us who we are!

Before the slashers ruled the ’80s, the 1970s were busy giving moviegoers nightmares, introducing unforgettable monsters, and changing horror movies forever! In this throwback episode of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee count down their Top 5 Movies to Watch During Halloween Season from the 1970s!

From supernatural chills and demonic encounters to psychological thrillers and downright terrifying classics, the guys revisit a decade that pushed the boundaries of horror and left an indelible mark on pop culture. Which movies made their lists? What makes these films perfect for a spooky October night? And will Jason and Dee agree on which ’70s fright fests deserve a spot in the Halloween movie marathon?

Originally recorded for the archives, this episode returns as a special bonus in the middle of our four-part Halloween spectacular featuring The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th (1980), and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

So grab the popcorn, dim the lights, and revisit the decade that proved you don't need a mountain of special effects to scare the living daylights out of an audience.What’s YOUR favorite ’70s horror movie? Listen along and see if Jason and Dee picked yours!

🎙️ Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast — a podcast for the MTV generation.

It’s time to fire up the chainsaw and kick off a four-part Halloween horror spectacular on the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast! Jason and Dee are joined by special guest Slasher Girl Amanda Janik as they dive headfirst into one of the most notorious and influential horror movies ever made: 1974’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre!

In Part 1, the team goes behind the scenes of Tobe Hooper’s low-budget horror classic, exploring the origins of the movie, the cast and crew who endured brutal Texas heat and grueling conditions to make it, and the unlikely road that turned this little independent film into a genre-defining phenomenon. Along the way, Jason, Dee, and Amanda uncover fascinating trivia, memorable stories from the set, and the movie’s enormous impact on horror that can still be felt today.

And this is only the beginning! The Halloween special continues with three more horror milestones: Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th (1980), and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

So grab your chainsaw, watch out for Leatherface, and join Jason, Dee, and the Slasher Girl for a bloody good time!

Can you handle the Texas heat?

1991 was a year when the musical landscape was changing Right Here, Right Now! This week on the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee each reveal their Top 5 Songs of 1991—but there’s a twist: they’re not simply telling you what made the list.

Instead, the guys take turns delivering clues, stories and behind-the-scenes trivia about each song while the other cohost—and YOU—try to figure out what song they’re talking about. Can you guess it faster than the other guy?

From unforgettable rock anthems and massive pop hits to songs that helped usher in an entirely new musical era, 1991 was a year of Unbelievable shifts in taste. So how different are Jason and Dee’s lists? Which songs made the cut? And how quickly can you crack the clues?

Press play, test your music knowledge, and see if you can beat Jason and Dee to the answer!

It’s time to get back to work! Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast continue their look at two foundational comedies of the ’80s, 9 to 5 and Mr. Mom.

In Part 2, the guys turn their attention to the cast of Mr. Mom and take a closer look at the incredible collection of talent that helped make this Michael Keaton classic such a memorable part of the ’80s. From the familiar faces to the supporting characters you may have forgotten about, there are plenty of great stories and surprises along the way.

Then it’s time for some seriously fun trivia from BOTH movies, as Jason and Dee revisit the little details, behind-the-scenes stories and memorable moments that make 9 to 5 and Mr. Mom so much fun to watch decades later.

And finally, the guys offer their final judgment. Not necessarily because one movie is better than the other—but because, when you put two movies you absolutely love head-to-head, you’ve got to pick a favorite!So grab your coffee, punch the clock and get ready for a celebration of two classic workplace comedies that helped define the ’80s!

Two of the biggest workplace comedies of the early 1980s are going head-to-head! Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast kick off a two-part matchup between 9 to 5 and Mr. Mom.

In Part 1, the guys go behind the scenes to uncover the origins of both movies. How did these comedy classics come together? What were the inspirations behind them? And how did they assemble two unforgettable casts?

Then Jason and Dee take a deep dive into the cast of 9 to 5—from the three powerhouse stars at the center of the film to the memorable supporting characters who helped make the movie an early-'80s favorite.

So punch the clock, pour yourself a cup of ambition, and settle in as Jason and Dee begin their battle of workplace comedy classics!

It's 9 to 5 vs. Mr. Mom... what a way to make a living!

Jason and Dee are back with another track-by-track journey through one of the most fascinating releases of the '90s—Alice in Chains’ Jar of Flies!

The guys dive into the story behind an EP that almost seemed to happen by accident. The band walked into the studio and, in just 10 days, created a collection of songs that would become one of the most memorable releases of the grunge era.

Along the way, Jason and Dee explore the evolution of Alice in Chains, including the arrival of bassist Mike Inez, the chemistry he brought to the band, and the incredible musical talents of Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley. They also take a look at Layne's increasingly tragic story and the circumstances that would ultimately lead to the end of his life and the band's original era.

Then it's time to go song by song—from the haunting melodies and beautiful harmonies to the darker moments that make Jar of Flies such a unique listening experience.And when they've made their way through the entire EP, there's one final question:How does Jar of Flies compare to Guns N’ Roses’ Lies?

Two bands. Two EPs. Two very different moments in rock history.

Join Jason and Dee as they revisit Jar of Flies, uncover the stories behind the songs, and go down in a hole with a remarkable EP that left a very big mark on '90s rock.

This week on the Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast, Jason and Dee kick off an epic matchup between two legendary releases: Guns N' Roses' Gn'R Lies vs. Alice in Chains' Jar of Flies.

This week, we're going track by track through Gn'R Lies and diving headfirst into the wild, unpredictable world of Guns N' Roses. Coming off the monster success of Appetite for Destruction, the band had the nearly impossible task of following up one of the biggest rock albums of the decade. Instead of rushing out a full-length record, they gave us Gn'R Lies—part acoustic appetizer, part live-in-the-studio throwback, and completely Guns N' Roses.

Jason and Dee go behind the scenes of the album, explore the stories and craziness surrounding the band, and take a hard look at the controversies surrounding Axl Rose, the lyrics, the band's reputation, and the increasingly chaotic Gn'R machine.Was Lies simply a stopgap before the massive Use Your Illusion albums? Or does this stripped-down collection deserve more credit than it gets?

Turn it up, grab your acoustic guitar, and get ready for another Surely You Can't Be Serious album showdown! 🤘🎸

Next up: Alice in Chains' Jar of Flies!

Grab your cheap sunglasses, fire up the Eliminator, and get ready to go back to 1983!

In memory of the legendary Frank Beard, Jason and Dee take a trip back to one of the most important albums of the MTV era as they re-release their 2023 track-by-track breakdown of ZZ Top’s Eliminator.

The guys dive deep into the stories behind the Texas trio, the making of the album, and the songs that transformed ZZ Top from blues-rock favorites into MTV superstars. From the opening notes of “Gimme All Your Lovin’” to “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” “TV Dinners,” “Got Me Under Pressure,” and beyond, Jason and Dee uncover the stories, characters, videos, production tricks and downright weirdness that made Eliminator such an iconic record.

And of course, there’s plenty of love for the man behind the kit — Frank Beard, the one guy in ZZ Top who ironically didn't have the beard! His driving rhythms and unmistakable Texas shuffle helped provide the heartbeat behind some of the greatest rock songs of the 1980s.

So grab your cheap sunglasses, hop in that hot rod, slip inside my sleeping bag, and join Jason and Dee for some ZZ Top rock 'n' roll!It's the Eliminator episode — and this one's for Frank. 🤘🕶️

ZZ Top Official Website

The race is on! 🏎️💨

Jason and Dee continue their showdown between two of the greatest action movies of all time: 1991’s Point Break vs. 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. After breaking down Point Break in Part One, the guys shift gears and put the pedal to the metal with the movie that turned street racing into a worldwide phenomenon.

In Part Two, Jason and Dee take a closer look at the cast of The Fast and the Furious. From Paul Walker and Vin Diesel to Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and the unforgettable supporting players, they dig into the casting choices, the chemistry, the characters—and some of the fascinating “what if” possibilities that could have changed the movie completely.

Then it’s time for the trivia! The guys fire off some surprising behind-the-scenes nuggets, production stories and fun facts about the movie that helped launch one of Hollywood's biggest franchises.

And finally… the moment we’ve been waiting for.POINT BREAK vs. THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS.Which movie has the better cast? The better action? The better bromance? The better soundtrack? And most importantly… which one is actually the better movie?

Jason and Dee make their case and deliver the final verdict in this ultimate battle of surf, turf, cars, cops, criminals and questionable undercover disguises.

So buckle up, hang on, and whatever you do… don't drive like you do on the freeway!

Surf’s up, dude… and apparently so are the engines! 🏄‍♂️🏎️

Jason and Dee are putting two of the greatest adrenaline-fueled action movies of all time head-to-head: 1991’s Point Break vs. 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. And while one is about bank-robbing surfers and the other is about undercover cops and street racers, the similarities are impossible to ignore.

In Part One, the guys go back to the beginning and explore the origins of both movies before diving deep into Point Break. How did a movie about surfing, skydiving and presidential-mask-wearing bank robbers come together? How did Keanu Reeves land the role of Johnny Utah? Why was Patrick Swayze the perfect choice for Bodhi? And what about all the fascinating “what if” casting possibilities that could have completely changed the movie?

Jason and Dee break down the cast, the characters, the behind-the-scenes stories and the choices that helped make Point Break a bonafide action classic.

And if you think you know where this is headed… wait until Part Two, when the guys take on The Fast and the Furiousand finally decide which movie rules the road—or the waves!Point Break vs. The Fast and the Furious — Part One.

Adrenaline. Action. Absurdly good hair. Let’s get wet.

This week, Jason and Dee conclude their epic soundtrack showdown by putting one of the most iconic albums of the 1980s under the microscope: the Pretty in Pink soundtrack. More than just a collection of songs, this groundbreaking soundtrack helped introduce a generation of moviegoers to the exploding world of alternative and new wave music, forever changing the way Hollywood used music to tell a story.

Track by track, the guys break down every song on the album, exploring where each one appears in the film, how it shapes the story, and why artists like Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), The Psychedelic Furs, New Order, Echo & the Bunnymen, INXS, The Smiths, Belouis Some, Jesse Johnson, and Suzanne Vega helped create one of the defining soundtracks of the decade. Along the way, they uncover fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, surprising rock-and-roll trivia, and the lasting influence each artist had on the music landscape of the 1980s and beyond.

But the music is only half the story. After revisiting every track and celebrating the unforgettable moments they created on screen, Jason and Dee finally settle the debate that's been building for weeks. Does Pretty in Pink deserve to wear the crown as the ultimate '80s movie soundtrack, or can the eclectic rock, pop, and arena anthems of Vision Quest hold onto the title?

Grab your Walkman, cue up the cassette, and join us as we celebrate two legendary soundtracks before crowning the champion of one of the best soundtrack matchups in movie history.

This week, Jason and Dee kick off the first round of an epic soundtrack battle as they put the 1985 Vision Questsoundtrack under the microscope. Featuring an eclectic mix of forgotten gems, future classics, exclusive soundtrack cuts, and a few songs that deserved far more attention, this album is much more than just a companion to the movie.

Track by track, the guys explore contributions from Madonna, Journey, Sammy Hagar, Don Henley, The Style Council, Red Rider, Foreigner, Dio, and more, uncovering the stories behind the music and debating which songs still hit nearly 40 years later.

But they're not stopping there. As a bonus, Jason and Dee also break down the three memorable songs featured in the film that didn't make the official soundtrack album, asking whether they should have replaced some of the tracks that did.

Does Vision Quest deserve a spot among the greatest movie soundtracks of the 1980s? And can it survive next week's head-to-head showdown against the legendary 1986 Pretty in Pink soundtrack?

Cue up the cassette, press play, and let the soundtrack battle begin.

This week, Jason and Dee wrap up their two-part celebration of two of the greatest coming-of-age films ever made: Stand By Me (1986) and The Sandlot (1993). After exploring the origins of both stories in Part 1, it's time to head back to the neighborhood ball field as the guys shine the spotlight on the unforgettable cast of The Sandlot and revisit memorable behind-the-scenes stories from both cinematic classics.

Along the way, Jason and Dee discuss the young actors who brought the neighborhood gang to life, the legendary performances that made both films timeless, and the fascinating trivia, production stories, and pop culture moments that continue to make Stand By Me and The Sandlot favorites for generation after generation.

But the real reason we're here is the showdown. After two weeks of discussion, nostalgia, laughs, and plenty of unforgettable quotes, Jason and Dee finally answer the question: which coming-of-age classic comes out on top? Does the emotional journey of Stand By Me still reign supreme, or can the heart, humor, and summertime magic of The Sandlotpull off the upset?

You're killing me, Smalls! Grab your glove, avoid the train tracks, and join us as we crown the ultimate coming-of-age movie champion.

This week, Jason and Dee kick off a two-part showdown featuring two of the most beloved coming-of-age films ever made: Stand By Me (1986) and The Sandlot (1993). Before comparing these nostalgic classics scene by scene, the guys first explore the origins of each story, uncovering how Stephen King's novella The Body became one of the defining films of the '80s and how a collection of childhood memories inspired one of the most quotable baseball movies of all time.

In Part 1, the focus turns to Stand By Me as Jason and Dee dive deep into the incredible cast that brought Castle Rock to life. They discuss the breakout performances of Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland, Richard Dreyfuss, and more, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, casting trivia, and the lasting impact these actors had on one of cinema's most heartfelt adventures.

But this is only the beginning. Next week, the guys return to break down The Sandlot, compare these two coming-of-age masterpieces head-to-head, and decide which film deserves to be crowned the ultimate tale of childhood friendship, adventure, and growing up.

Grab your backpack, keep an eye out for trains, and don't forget your glove—this nostalgic journey is just getting started.

This week, Jason and Dee continue their journey through Bon Jovi's legendary catalog as they put the band's 1988 follow-up album, New Jersey, under the microscope. With five Top 10 singles, bigger ambitions, and the impossible task of following one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded, New Jersey proved Bon Jovi was far more than a one-album phenomenon.

Track by track, the guys dive into every song on the record, exploring the massive hits like "Bad Medicine," "Born to Be My Baby," "I'll Be There for You," "Lay Your Hands on Me," and "Living in Sin," while shining a light on the deeper cuts that helped make New Jersey a fan favorite. Along the way, they share stories from the recording sessions, fascinating trivia about Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, David Bryan, and the band's whirlwind rise to global superstardom.

But the conversation doesn't end with the final track. After spending weeks revisiting Bon Jovi's two defining albums, Jason and Dee face the ultimate challenge: which album deserves the crown? Is the hit-filled juggernaut Slippery When Wet still the undisputed champion, or does the more mature and ambitious New Jersey pull off the upset?

Turn up the volume, grab your air guitar, and join us as we settle one of the biggest debates in '80s rock—at least until someone starts arguing about Keep the Faith.

This week, Jason and Dee revisit one of the biggest rock albums of the 1980s in this encore presentation as they put Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet under the microscope. Packed with arena anthems, power ballads, deep cuts, and enough hooks to fill a stadium, this is the album that transformed Bon Jovi from rising stars into one of the biggest bands on the planet.

Track by track, the guys break down every song on the album while sharing behind-the-scenes stories, fascinating trivia about Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, David Bryan, and Alec John Such, and exploring how each track helped define the sound of '80s rock. From the unforgettable hits "You Give Love a Bad Name," "Livin' on a Prayer," and "Wanted Dead or Alive" to the album's overlooked gems, no song is left behind.

Along the way, Jason and Dee revisit the making of the album, the songs that almost didn't make the final track list, and the surprising stories that helped Slippery When Wet become one of the best-selling rock albums of all time.

Crank up the volume, throw on your favorite denim jacket, and join us as we relive the album that convinced a generation they were halfway there.