TechnoRetro Dads: The NeverEnding Story of Mall Culture

by RetroZap Staff

Back in the ‘80s we were mallrats before the term was even invented.  Wait…maybe “mallrats” is a pejorative invented for us.  Hey!  We’re not sure if we resent or resemble that.  It’s a NeverEnding Story.

Stranger Things 3 has reinvigorated more malls than just Gwinnett Place as mallrats from the ‘80s take their kids back to their old stomping grounds in the family van with The NeverEnding Story playing on the headrest DVDs.

While shazbazzar and JediShua aren’t in middle school themselves (neither are their kids), they still enjoy traipsing through the huge corridors eating Karmelkorn and drinking Orange Julius while listening to muzak echoing through the vaulted ceilings.  Add a 35 year-old fantasy movie to the mix and you’ve got a never-ending story that only lasts 77 minutes (which, by the way, is only 25 minutes shorter than The NeverEnding Story from 1984).

In the NEWS…

Rutger Hauer, star of great ‘80s films like Blade Runner, The Hitcher, Blind Fury, and Ladyhawke, left this life at 75 (in 2019, the same year that the replicant Roy Batty was terminated).

On the ESCALATOR…

You’ll think the trip to the second story of the mall is never-ending with the mall gags and Dad jokes that creep up in unexpected corners their minds.

At the FOOD COURT… 

JediShua and shazbazzar pause to talk about some of the cool things from San Diego Comic Con.  Marvel movies may be the next never-ending story as there seems to be no end in sight.  Plus: The Dark Crystal and toys from The Black Hole. 

In the CORRIDORS…

Memories of memorable malls of EarBuds and SuperFriends dominate the discussion as shazbazzar and JediShua look at the stores and arcades that used to populate the never-ending list of malls that grew in popularity during the heyday of ‘80s consumerism.

At the MOVIE THEATER… 

The NeverEnding Story is playing on the big screen 35 years ago, and the ‘Dads recall and rewatch this inspirational film based on the book by Michael Ende (who didn’t love the movie adaptation).

TechnoRetro Dads watch The NeverEnding Story at the RetroZap mall

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Share and enjoy!


TechnoRetro Dads
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Join shazbazzar and JediShua each week for a look back at the ’70s and ’80s as they share the fun and also fandom of their youth with their families, friends, and EarBuds. Topics include TV, film, music, toys, and games of the ’70s and ’80s like Atari, Nintendo, Sega, and arcade games as well as franchises which have continued into the 21st Century, like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Muppets, Battlestar GalacticaDungeons & Dragons, Coca-Cola and more. TechnoRetro Dads creates new stories as old legends are passed down from one generation to the next.

If you’re a TechnoRetro Dad, the child of one, or just appreciate the ’70s and ’80s, then this podcast is definitely for you!

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