Revisit the crime and culture of NYC in the '80s with BFF Gen-Xers Jessica and Meg.
New York City, NY, USA
The Desperately Seeking the '80s: NY Edition podcast is a warm, witty, and wonderful trip through 1980s New York City. Hosted by Meg and Jessica, this podcast is like taking a stroll down memory lane with two amazing tour guides. Through historical research, personal memories, and commentary, they paint a vivid portrait of '80s New York that perfectly captures its magical wonderland and somewhat insane and terrifying nature.
The best aspect of this podcast is the great friendship between Meg and Jessica. Their camaraderie shines through in every episode, making it feel like you're listening to two best friends reminiscing about their adventures in the city. Their stories about coming of age in New York are always the highlight, providing a personal touch to the historical and pop culture aspects of the show.
Another fantastic aspect of this podcast is the format. Each episode starts with a ripped from the headlines story usually involving crime, followed by something from pop culture. This combination allows the hosts to convey that New York was both a magical wonderland and kind of insane and terrifying at the same time. It's an effective way to keep listeners engaged while providing a comprehensive view of '80s New York.
One potential drawback of this podcast is that it may not appeal to everyone. While fans of true crime, nostalgia, and New York City history will find it fascinating, those who aren't interested in these topics may not enjoy it as much. Additionally, some listeners may find certain episodes or topics more engaging than others depending on their personal interests.
In conclusion, The Desperately Seeking the '80s: NY Edition podcast is an amazing resource for anyone interested in '80s New York City history, true crime stories, or simply nostalgic for that era. Meg and Jessica's storytelling abilities combined with their genuine friendship make for an entertaining and engaging listening experience. Despite its focus on sex and violence at times, this podcast brings to life the charm, humor, and inspiration of '80s NYC. It's like taking a trip back in time with two hilarious tour guides.
Jessica and Meg take a look back at the pilot episode of one of their favorite shows, Moonlighting, and discuss just what made it so great. Or so very, very weird! Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg tells of how sculptress Barbara G. Cohn Bisgyer brought down a crime ring. Jessica introduces “The Door”: the ultimate arbiters of club life.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg discovers the violent birth of Canal Street as a Mecca for counterfeit luxury goods. Jessica dredges up more dirt on slumlord Trump and why NYC still says “we told you so”.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg retraces her epic quest along Madison Avenue in 1980, searching for the perfect birthday gift. Jessica discusses the mini Baby Boom of the 80s and the emergence of the first Stroller Warriors.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg tells how Mariel Boatlift refugee Abel Mendez's unlikely friends made his American Dream come true. Jessica explains how Reagan's trickle down economics gave birth to the clock-watching office temp. Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg investigates the multiple kidnappings of Curtis Sliwa, founder of The Guardian Angels. Jessica discovers the year women in comedy turned the tide…for themselves: 1983.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg finds the cracks Adam Berwid fell through thanks to changes in NY State mental health laws. Jessica checks out Steve Epstein's midtown Mecca for pinball wizards: Broadway Arcade.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg traces the link between the murder of Johnny Pius and the Long Island Serial Killer. Jessica revels in the artistry of savage theater reviews and the unlikely phenomenon of UES ska.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg explains the wildly exclusionary practices of co-op boards and their unspoken policy of NOKD (not our kind, dear). Jessica eulogizes Val Kilmer, the chameleon actor who ruled the 80s with his roles in Top Gun, Top Secret, and Real Genius.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg hears of Ed Koch's favorite moment in history: the Transit Strike of 1980. Jessica visits one of the rare triangle buildings in the city which has always existed to help New Yorkers in need. PLUS Meg and Jessica discuss Cynthia Weiner's novel about a girl coming of age in NYC in the ‘80s: A Gorgeous Excitement.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Revisit Meg and Jessica's continued discussion of the Central Park murder of Jennifer Levin by Robert Chambers. Part 2 of 2.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Revisit Meg and Jessica's most requested story: the Central Park murder of Jennifer Levin by Robert Chambers. Part 1 of 2.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg delves deep into Democratic Congressman Frederick Richmond's dirty deeds. Jessica reveals the sexual hype behind 80s cocktails and is appalled by a Slippery Nipple.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg tours Tudor City and investigates the deaths of Hungarian émigrés George Senty and Piroska Lantos. Jessica marvels at Diana Ross making the show go on in Central park during a hurricane.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg investigates the twisted tale of lemur enthusiast Professor John Buettner-Janusch. Jessica follows the star-studded origins of the club hit The Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg investigates the baffling disappearance of Columbia Presbyterian researcher, Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne. Jessica muses about the allure of the powerful woman and the dominatrix who lived upstairs.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg hears all about actress Melonie Haller's treacherous weekend in Southampton. Jessica tracks teen rockers the Lunachicks as they stir up NYC after dark.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg weeds through what and who was behind the murder of police officer Eddie Byrne in South Jamaica, Queens. Jessica takes us on a tour through the history of plastic surgery via Jocelyn Wildenstein's addiction to face fixing.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg checks out the cult responsible for America's love of sushi. Jessica explores Sing Sing inmate Miguel Piñero's play Short Eyes and its rise to Broadway acclaim.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg learns the ways of Sun Myung Moon, the Unification Church, and his “Moonie” followers. Jessica revisits partying at Nell's, the iconic club that welcomed all - as long as they paid the $10 cover.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg learns how dedicated girlfriends discovered the identity of Joel Rifkin's first victim. Jessica takes a tour of dive bars, and the communities they created, in the East Village circa 1986.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg discovers the true story behind a Satanic Panic scare on Long Island. Jessica sniffs out the facts behind cocaine queenpin Griselda Blanco's violent rise and fall.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Happy New Year! Revisit Meg and Jessica's first episode ever: The Good Time Gal + Porno Pioneers, now available with advanced editing and sound quality.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg finds out how the jury in the murder trial of Eric Smokes and David Warren got it so wrong. Jessica tracks how The Saint morphed from gay Shangri-La to a booze-free teen scene.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg investigates the incendiary story of the Weather Underground and their far leftist principles. Jessica reads into the absurd publishing industry brouhaha over John Ehrlichman's tell-all “Witness to Power”.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg gets a courtside seat to John McEnroe's meltdowns and epic rivalry with Bjorn Borg. Jessica searches the newsstand for New York Woman magazine, the first to make advertisers pay for the privilege to court women.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg hunts down the real stories behind three Metropolitan Museum art heists. Jessica weaves a tale of tapestries, the big top, polyamory, and unicorns.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg dives deep into the early days of Hip Hop and how the Blackout of 1977 propelled the movement. Jessica pays tribute to Judith Jamison, groundbreaking muse and successor as director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg mourns the suicide of New York Ballet City principal dancer Joseph Duell. Jessica returns to the election of 1980 to try to understand how we got here.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg spots the red flags “America's Dad” Bill Cosby planted along the way. Jessica learns that the Lindbergh Baby kidnapping case didn't die with the alleged murderer. Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg is haunted by the mysterious murder of Yeshiva boy Chaim Weiss. Jessica marvels at the silent rise and fall of mime, from Shields and Yarnell to Mummenschanz.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg peeks behind the curtain of the World Wrestling Federation and the art of kayfabe. Jessica learns that Times Square wasn't cleaned up by City Hall, it was… cats? Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg learns the lore of the Surf Club, cocaine and champagne filled yuppie paradise. Jessica follows up her story on Dr. Robert Damino, and goes deep on Creedmoor Psychiatric Hospital.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg recounts the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of newlywed Lisa Marie Solomon. Jessica uncovers the murderous connection between Louis Kahan, My Hanh Le, and the bizarre second act of their story.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg tells the true tale behind the most famous tabloid headline of all time: Headless Body in Topless Bar. Jessica looks into the back story of iconic writer Irwin Shaw's beef with his alma mater, Brooklyn College.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg gets lost in the lore of the Central Park Ramble - haven for birders, horticulturalists, and gay men. Jessica heals her Javits Center trauma and learns to appreciate the iconic convention center.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg tells the tale of how a group of rent controlled tenants bested Donald Trump. Jessica reports on the press conference announcing Christie Brinkley as the first super model to control her image and brand.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a textMeg looks into the violent backstory of Norman Mailer's protégé Jack Henry Abbott. Jessica tries on Sandra Garratt's modular system of new wave fashion: Units.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a Text Message.Meg and Jessica chat with BFF and frequent guest Travis Myers about his bouncer life in the 80s NYC clubs and bars.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a Text Message.Meg remembers why Andrew McCarthy was always her favorite Brat Packer. Jessica bumps up Danitra Vance, who brought lesbian, feminist performance art to SNL of all places.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a Text Message.Meg digs up the true story about the mysterious and maligned Mole People. Jessica joins Andrew McCarthy for his very Gen X Brat Pack catharsis.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Send us a Text Message.Meg takes a drive on the Cross Bronx Expressway and spots Mayor Koch's Potemkin Village of decal covered bombed-out buildings. Jessica hops on her 10-speed and joins the bike messenger revolution, terrifying pedestrians and forever changing NYC cycling laws.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg goes behind the curtain of Jill Krementz' iconic book A Very Young Dancer and tells the real story of Stephanie Shelby. Jessica eavesdrops on New Yorkers with cartoonist Stan Mack, creator of the Village Voice's “Real Life Funnies."Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg's obsession with The Jinx leads her to Debrah Charatan's sordid tale of real estate, sniff tests, and iron clad trusts. Jessica stays out after 10pm and wonders, along with the WNYW news team, if her parents know where she is.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg recounts how Yankee owner George Steinbrenner got ejected from the game. Jessica marvels at Russian defector Mikhail Baryshnikov and the ballet boom he helped inspire.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg recounts the horrific night the Happy Land Social Club went up in flames. Jessica sits down for a burger and stands up for a cause with Florent Morellet.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg uncovers Karen Carpenter's musical genius and fatal battle with anorexia nervosa. Jessica hangs out at Bond's International Casino with The Clash as they do battle with promoters and right by their fans.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg goes to court with Carolee Koster and her dad, neither of whom will take no for an answer. Jessica trawls personal ads from 1686 - 1986 and finds that nothing's new in the dating game.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg pays homage to her preteen idol, feminist icon Miss Piggy. Jessica hangs at The Ritz — the first club to meld video and music, inspiring MTV and Duran Duran.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg is creeped out by The Sullivanians, Upper West Side psychotherapy cult and real estate trap. Jessica pines for the pre-trump Plaza Hotel of Trader Vic's, the Gold & Silver Ball, and true elegance.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
Meg learns about family values from brothers Vinny the Chin and Father Gigante. Jessica gets beamed up and finds the link between recent NYC alien sightings and the Hudson Valley abductees of the 80s.Please check out our website, follow us on Instagram, on Facebook, and...WRITE US A REVIEW HEREWe'd LOVE to hear from you! Let us know if you have any ideas for stories HEREThank you for listening!Love,Meg and Jessica
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