Ruined Childhoods

This week, Dan and Jon are in the backwoods of Missouri as Jennifer Lawrence tries to find her bail-jumping meth-cooking father. They also give their quick thoughts on the upcoming Academy Awards. Next episode: A River Runs Through It (1992) & Legends of the Fall (1994) • MontanaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as MissouriSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon are in 1960s Mississippi to take a close look at the Norman Jewison Oscar winner, In the Heat of the Night starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger. This film should be required cinema in understanding racial relations in civil rights era rural south, and Dan and Jon have some ideas on how to keep it fresh in the modern era.Next episode: Winter's Bone (2010) • MissouriSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as MississippiSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the Ruined Childhoods road trip across America, Dan and Jon are stopping by the fictional town of Mount Rose, Minnesota for the mockumentary cult classic, Drop Dead Gorgeous. Though the movie has some cringy moments, it remains a classic thanks to its all-star cast and quotable script. And HEY! We have a new theme song! WOO!Next episode: In the Heat of the Night (1967) • MississippiSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as MinnesotaSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the striking Saul Bass artwork to Duke Ellington's score, one should expect that Anatomy of a Murder wouldn't be like the films that came before it. This film, which features a star-filled cast, bucks the studio system and films on location in Michigan, uses actors not contracted by the studio, and doesn't hold back with language and themes typically avoided thanks to the Hays Code. Dan and Jon not only sing its praises, but offer some ideas on how it could be brought back today.Next episode: Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) • MinnesotaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as MichiganSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This stop on the Ruined Childhoods tour across America (alphabetically) is Massachusetts where Dan and Jon visit the fictional town of Falwell to meet Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. How could one pass up the opportunity to see Edie McClurg play a character named Chastity Pariah??Next episode: Anatomy of a Murder (1959) • MichiganSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as MassachusettsSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV/Film writer and Bananas Podcast co-host Scotty Landes joins Jon and Dan to talk about Maryland films, pit beef sandwiches, John Waters, and more in a larger discussion about the cult classic, Pecker. Scotty also tells Jon and Dan about his experience working as an extra on the 2006 film, Annapolis.Subscribe to The WALT • thewalt.substack.comHelp Scotty pet 100 dogs in 2024 • scottysgettinpettin.dogNext episode: Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988) • MassachusettsSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as MarylandContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to MAINE movies, you would be hard pressed to find one that captures the vibe of the Down East stronger than Todd Field's Oscar-nominated feature debut, In the Bedroom. Not only do Jon and Dan celebrate the entire cast, but specifically the late Tom Wilkinson - pour one out. And be sure to listen out for Jon's chat with Maine-native, Eric Gosselin, who not only is a producer of top-tier television and bottom-of-the-drain cinema, but also is co-host of the horror movie franchise podcast, Kill Streak! Eric and Jon also hosted podcasts back in the day, such as Stranger Fan Fiction and Hey, Teens! with Jon & Eric.Next episode: Pecker (1998) • MarylandSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as MaineContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Corrupt cops? Cajun accents? Dennis Quaid eating an envelope? Count us in! Dan and Jon stop at The Big Easy on their cinematic trek across America.Next episode: In the Bedroom (2001) • MaineSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as LouisianaContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon are covering a movie for each US State and on this episode, they're in Kentucky to celebrate Pam Grier in Sheba, Baby.Next episode: The Big Easy (1986) • LouisianaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as KentuckyContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you haven't seen this movie, you've been living on the wrong side of the rainbow. Dan and Jon talk about the 1939 classic, round up some of the other adaptations of L. Frank Baum's Oz series, and Dan's stint as the Cowardly Lion in a 1991 Junior High production of The Wizard of Oz.Next episode: Sheba, Baby (1975) • KentuckySee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as KansasContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When deciding to cover the 1971 satire Cold Turkey, Dan and Jon had no idea that its director, Norman Lear, would pass days later. In honor of the late, great, television legend, Ruined Childhoods celebrates the film that came before all of the Norman Lear classics that made him a legend. This film also stars TV and cinematic legend Dick Van Dyke, who turned 98 the week before this episode's release.Next episode: The Wizard of Oz (1939) • KansasSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as IowaContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Indiana week on Ruined Childhoods and the guys discuss one of the state's most cherished films, Hoosiers.Next episode: Cold Turkey (1971) • IowaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as IndianaContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon are in Illinois and have zero interest in visiting Chicago. For them, it's all about Aurora, home of Wayne and Garth. This is a long one, so buckle up and send in your thoughts to ruinedchildhoodspod@gmail.com!Next episode: Hoosiers (1986) • IndianaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as IllinoisContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon have made it to The Aloha State to gab about the 1961film that introduced the world to Elvis singing I Can't Help Falling in Love. Dan and Jon talk about their own experiences in Hawaii, representation of indigenous Pacific Islanders, and conflicting feelings about the King of Rock and Roll.Hey, Viktor! trailerNext episode: Wayne's World (1992) • IllinoisSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as IdahoContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon have made it to The Aloha State to gab about the 1961film that introduced the world to Elvis singing I Can't Help Falling in Love. Dan and Jon talk about their own experiences in Hawaii, representation of indigenous Pacific Islanders, and conflicting feelings about the King of Rock and Roll.Next episode: Smoke Signals (1998) • IdahoSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as HawaiiContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon have made it to Georgia, but need to quickly zip over to Texarkana, Texas and back with a truckload of Coors beer! On this episode, the Smokey and the Bandit series is celebrated and reimagined with fresh casts and plots.Next episode: Blue Hawaii (1961)• HawaiiSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as GeorgiaContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon travel down to Florida, specifically South Beach, to witness the meeting of a drag queen, her club owning partner, an ultra-conservative senator, and his opportunistic wife. It's only taken 211 episodes, but Ruined Childhoods is finally covering The Birdcage, celebrating how it stood out from its predecessors and theorizing how it could have a continuing legacy.Next episode: Smokey and the Bandit (1977) • GeorgiaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as FloridaContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon have their made their way to Delaware to enjoy the sights, sounds, and styles of Empire Records. And guess what - it's REX MANNING DAY! The guys celebrate the cult film and it's actual legacy and the legacies that could be if they had a chance to revive the film.Next episode: The Birdcage (1996) • FloridaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as DelawareContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon travel to Mystic, Connecticut to sample the perfect blend of comedy and drama with a dash of romance. This is the movie that introduced us to Matt Damon and truly put Julia Roberts on the map. And for many, it was a sigh of relief that the actor who played Gomer Pyle in Full Metal Jacket turned out alright. This episode also features a special interview with Dan and Jon's brother Scott of Scott's Pizza Tours and Slice Out Hunger!Next episode: Empire Records (1995) • DelawareSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as ConnecticutContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This stop on the Ruined Childhoods road trip across America is the 1995 crime drama, Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead. Dan and Jon talk about how it stacks up in the midst of the era's Tarantino madness.Next episode: Mystic Pizza (1988) • ConnecticutSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as ColoradoContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon have made it to California to experience the 2002 cult classic, Orange County. Aside from realizing that this film had more depth than previously considered, Dan and Jon also imagine how they would revisit this film over 20 years later.Next episode: Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995) • ColoradoSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as CaiforniaContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On their journey through America, Dan and Jon have stopped along the Mississippi River in Southern Arkansas for the 2012 Jeff Nichols drama, Mud. Ideas are tossed around about how to keep the story of Ellis, Neckbone, and the whole gang alive - PLUS, Dan and Jon play the Matthew McConaughey Name Game!Next episode: Orange County (2002) • CaliforniaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as ArkansasContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a chilly week in Alaska revisiting the 1925 classic, The Gold Rush, Dan and Jon are down in Arizona with the likes of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, Virgil Earp, Morgan Earp, Curly Bill, Johnny Ringo and the rest of the characters in the 1993 western hit, Tombstone.See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as ArizonaContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon are up in Alaska (or down if you're Santa Claus) and featuring Charlie Chaplin's 1925 hit, The Gold Rush. Much like The Tramp himself, Dan and Jon are exploring the Yukon territory — except in their case, it's cinematically. In addition to sharing thoughts and ideas for The Gold Rush, they also share some of their favorite iconic Alaska films.Next episode: Tombstone (1993) • ArizonaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as AlaskaContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon are traveling through each state in America in an alphabetically-ordered exploration of the movies that define the American experience. And to kick it off, they're taking a look at the 2002 rom-com classic, Sweet Home Alabama, that takes us from New York City to the deep south. Dan and Jon share their thoughts about how it works through a 2023 lens and have a few ideas on how it could be brought back today.Next episode: The Gold Rush (1925) • AlaskaThis episode is brought to you by Banned CampContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Wrapping up the 200 episode celebration, Dan and Jon are looking back at what they had said in May 2021 about a new Fletch movie and then discuss the 2022 film Confess, Fletch starring Jon Hamm. Also, Dan and Jon do a lightning round of updates on news pertaining to other past episodes that are expecting reboots, sequels, prequels, stage plays, etc.Next episode: Sweet Home Alabama (2002) • AlabamaContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Celebrating 200+ episodes, Dan and Jon are back at it to revisit some of their older episodes that have since welcomed new properties to their franchises — The Addams Family & Rocky IV. The original Addams Family episode was released on 3/12/2019 and we have since gotten two new Addams Family animated films and the popular Netflix series, Wednesday. And although we certainly didn't expect it, Sylvester Stallone released a freshly recut version of his 1985 classic. Next episode: Revisiting Fletch (1985) + updates on films from the past 200 episodes.Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

It's episode 200 and Dan & Jon are celebrating by revisiting two early episodes that have since had new films in each series - Bill & Ted + Indiana Jones! They listen back to their thoughts on any news about the future movies still in production and theorize how they would add to each franchise.Next episode: Revisiting The Addams Family + Rocky IVContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

A missing space vessel reappears after disappearing for 7 years and there's nobody who can help solve the mystery better than the ship's creator, Sam Neill's Dr. Weir. And after 26 years, Dan and Jon have some ideas on how to keep the legend of Event Horizon alive.Next episode: EPISODE 200! Dan and Jon look back at what did get made since their original episodes for Bill & Ted and Indiana Jones.Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

When it comes to classic sports comedies, few are regarded as highly as Slap Shot, the third collaboration of Paul Newman and George Roy Hill. Dan and Jon explain why it appeals to them, how they would revisit this film with a 2023 perspective, and they also touch on the Fictitious Athlete Hall of Fame!Next episode: Event Horizon (1997)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods - FEATURING JON'S NEW MOVIE JOURNAL!

Dan and Jon sail the high seas on a quest to find the perfect way to revisit the iconic comic strip character, Popeye. Specifically, they look to the 1980 Robert Altman critical failure-turned-cult classic, which had a stronghold on their cinema-centric upbringing. Next episode: Slap Shot (1977)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

No film has had as much of an impact on the world of pottery than the 1990 hit, Ghost, and Dan & Jon waste no time celebrating the film and how this classic came about. And with recent news about ownership of rights, it may not be long before we have an updated remake. Perhaps they will take suggestions from this very episode.Next episode: Popeye (1980)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

When Ed Neumeier wrote RoboCop, he certainly didn't expect for it to explode the way it did, ultimately resulting in an episode of RUINED CHILDHOODS!Mentioned in this episode:Our RoboCop RemakeRoboCop and WrestlingNext episode: Ghost (1990)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Inspired by an 80s episode of the Twilight Zone and worthy of a feature on Black Mirror, 1998's The Truman Show repeatedly stands the test of time. On this episode, Dan and Jon break down the iconic Jim Carrey dramedy and theorize how it could be revisited 25 years later.Next episode: RoboCop (1987)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Planet of the Apes (1968)It's not often that Dan and Jon dive deep into a franchise, but when the ongoing Planet of the Apes saga comes up, there's not choice other than to leap head first. Not only do they go beat-by-beat through the original film series, 2001 reboot, current prequel reboot series, live action TV series, and animated TV series, but they also discuss the 1962 novel, the attempts to reboot in the early 90s, and more. And of course, Dan and Jon imagine how ELSE this series could be reimagined.Next episode: The Truman Show (1998)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

If there are two downloads on the episode, we'll have to assume it's Doug and Steve Butabi because Dan and Jon are talking Richard Grieco and his film debut, If Looks Could Kill. This film imagines a world where James Bond begins as a teenage dirtbag, and Dan and Jon know exactly how to revisit this cult classic.Next episode: Planet of the Apes (1968)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

It's the worst night of your life and you can't seem to get home. May as well listen to this episode of Ruined Childhoods. Dan and Jon talk about how this fits into the career timeline of director Martin Scorsese and go through his works one-by-one, and then suggest ways that After Hours can be revisited.Next episode: If Looks Could Kill (1991)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Honoring the life and art of Christy Brown can be done in a few ways. Aside from reading his books and seeing his art at a gallery, watching My Left Foot isn't a bad start. With moving performances and thoughtful direction from Jim Sheridan, this film is a great entry into the work of a genius whose physical barriers created an even greater depth to his already moving art. In this episode, Jon and Dan spitball ideas of how else Christy Brown's work could be honored in the 21st century.Recommended listening: Cripple ThreatNext episode: After Hours (1985)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

With an Oscar win under his belt, Brendan Fraser is back in the conversation but is often celebrated for his work in his adventure movies like George of the Jungle, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and The Mummy Franchise. But before all of that, Fraser joined up with two other lesser-known actors turned mega-star actors to portray LA-rocker dudes who take a radio station hostage until they play their demo. This movie has crept into obscurity but was a staple on cable television for a number of years and is often looked upon with fondness. On this episode, Dan and Jon imagine a world in which The Lone Rangers are still out there causing a scene.Next episode: My Left Foot (1989)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

On its surface, Saturday Night Fever is a movie about disco dancing and New York nightlife. But once you get past the glitz and glamour, you enter a world of grit and grime. Dan and Jon take a deep dive into the underbelly of this 1977 drama and its 1983 sequel and theorize how new life can be brought to this famous franchise. Next episode Airheads (1994)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton are a perfect example of on-screen chemistry and the foundation they created on 9 to 5 goes down in history as a high bar for all comedies to attempt reaching. And although it had a Broadway musical and television series, Dan and Jon theorize how else to appropriately bring back this workplace masterpiece. Next Episode: Saturday Night Fever (1977)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

When it comes to the work of Alfred Hitchcock, a few films must be mentioned — The Birds, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho, and the topic of discussion on this episode, Rear Window. Yes, it's been remade and yes there have been movies made with the same basic plot, but the 1954 classic remains unique in its ability to capture the feeling of neurosis and curiosity, while also telling the tale of a man withholding his feelings, searching for any distraction to keep him from having an ordinary life. But perhaps there is another way, and that's what Dan and Jon set out to discuss.Next episode: 9 to 5 (1980)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Before he was 2-time Academy Award winning America's Dad 2.0, Tom Hanks had a tendency to play a spastic put-upon grump. We reached peak grumpy-Hanks in 1989's spooky comedy, The ‘Burbs. This 80s take feels like it could exist in any era, but perhaps Jon and Dan have some other ideas for it.Next episode: Rear Window (1954)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

It's the first episode of 2023 and you know what that means - Ruined Childhoods celebrates the thrillers of Michael Douglas! It's impossible to cover this SPECIFIC territory without mentioning the 1987 classic Fatal Attraction. Dan and Jon celebrate the accidental genius of this film, even though its Director doesn't see the beauty of what makes this movie work so well, despite its flaws.Next episode: The ‘Burbs (1989)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Are you not Entertainered?! Dan and Jon not only wrap up their exploration of Robert Redford's career, but they also wrap up 2022 with the heralded 1973 classic, The Sting. Next episode: Fatal Attraction (1987)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

We may be past the 2022 election cycle, but it's never the wrong time to watch this Robert Redford gem. But before getting into the film and deciding its fate, Dan and Jon talk a bit about some of their favorite movies from 2022 as the year draws to an end.Next episode: The Sting (1973)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Even without such a stacked cast, Sneakers could have been a huge hit. But this team led by Robert Redford is simply unstoppable. And 30 years later, Dan and Jon sure have a lot of thoughts on how to honor this classic code-cracking heist movie.Next episode: The Candidate (1972)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Dan and Jon continue their Robert Redford kick with one of his earlier films, Barefoot in the Park. This Jane Fonda collab is already an adaptation, but does it have a life beyond the 1967 classic film? Dan and Jon will decide.Next episode: Sneakers (1992)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Dan and Jon travel back in time for Robert Redford's look at the 1957 Quiz Show scandal that rocked NBC. And while they're at it, Jon recounts his experience on an unaired game show pilot back in 2007.Next episode: Barefoot in the Park (1967)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

When it comes to baseball movies, it's hard to find an enthusiast who won't mention The Natural, despite its lack of very much baseball and an overabundance of home runs. Dan and Jon discuss this 1984 classic, giving their two cents on whether they think the praise is foul for fair, and then elaborate on a new path forward.Next episode: Quiz ShowContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Name a more iconic duo. I'll wait.On this episode, Dan and Jon theorize what could possibly be done with this famous duo of outlaws. What is loosely based on the true story of two bandits has lived on and their portrayals have propelled their legacies into cinematic history.Next episode: The Natural (1984)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods