Episodes
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It’s been 20 years since Nachoooooo Libre hit theaters, and Ready 2 Retro is celebrating with a giant fiesta! Joining R2R for the first time is Sarah, who is a lifelong friend of Max.
Together Max & Sarah look back on what makes Nacho Libre such a beloved cult classic: from Jack Black’s unforgettable performance to the movie’s beloved charm, heartfelt moments, and countless hilarious scenes! This episode is "good. Really gooood."
So grab your elotes, put on your recreation clothes and get ready for the 20th Anniversary of Nacho Libre! -
Episode 224 gives you back-to-back "Addams Family" themed episodes!
This week on Ready 2 Retro, we're diving into 1993's "Addams Family Values"— the sequel that somehow gets even weirder, funnier and arguably better!
Returning once again is our spooky buddy, Nic Cowan, and he helps Max and Chelsea dig into the history behind the film, revisit some of their all-time favorite lines and tackle an important question: Which version of the Addams Family moive reigns supreme?
This episode is so filled with so much fun that it would even make any camper from Camp Chippewa jealous!
Nic Cowan:
@undeadguy
The Surf Ninjas Shop
ready2retro.com -
Missing episodes?
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It's time to get creepy and kooky as Ready 2 Retro celebrates the 35th Anniversary of "The Addams Family" (1991). Returning to R2R is Nic Cowan as he brings his love for all things spooky and shares why this movie was so influential for him growing up!
In the episode we cover the origins of the asentric family, history of the film and why the Addams Family still holds up to today's standards.
This episode is guranteed to be "a review to die for" because Ready 2 Retro puts the "fun" in funeral!
Nic Cowan:
@undeadguy
The Surf Ninjas Shop
ready2retro.com -
It is May 8th which means The Ready 2 Retro Podcast has turned 6 years old! Listen to Max as he has an update about the future of R2R and what to expect for Season 7!
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For the first time ever, Ready 2 Retro recorded an album listening party! Jesse from @heartgodmedia joins Max as the two of them listen to every track of Dashboard Confessional's "Dusk and Summer" to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Hear why this album was the epitome of Max and Jesse's era in high school. They also discuss the band's history, the genius of Chris Carrabba's song making abilities and the appeal of emo music in the early 2000s.
All this and more and as always, "We're Ready 2 Retro...Are You?"
www.ready2retro.com
Heartgodmedia is now on Youtube! Visit here for the link! -
Join Max and Jesse from @heartgodmedia as they share about their favorite Top 5 concerts/shows they've ever attended...thus far. From hip-hop to pop punk, "The Princess of Pop" to "Macca", this episode covers a large variety of genres spanning over the last couple of decades!
From unexpected small-venue magic to full-blown arena chaos… this one gets personal and revered.
ready2retro.com
Heartgodmedia is now on Youtube! Visit here for the link! -
Episode 220 of Ready 2 Retro brings you a conversation with working actor Rob Brownstein. Rob is an acting coach and professional actor who has been in projects including "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "Blonde", "Modern Family", "Straight Outta Compton", "Argo", "The Office", "The O.C.", "Gimore Girls", dozens of commercials (some running even now) and so many more!
Join us as Rob Brownstein shares his love for community, basketball, coaching actors and the importance of connecting with others.
ready2retro.com
Visit Rob Brownstein's Acting Class here
Rob Brownstein's IMDB Page -
With the unfortunate passing of the icon that is Catherine O’Hara, Ready 2 Retro dedicated an entire episode highlighting her personal life, key roles of her career and why this comedic legend will always be missed!
ready2retro.com -
Happy Valentine's Day!
Returning to Ready 2 Retro for this special episode is Max's wife, Jasmine! The episode begins with two of them sharing a life update as they navigate the aftermath of the Eaton Fire from 2025.
After that, the episode is all about the 30th Anniversary of Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" (1996)! Max and Jasmine discuss the iconic style to this film, how it differs from other adaptations, the stellar cast, the amazing soundtrack and how dreamy young Leonardo DiCaprio was!
"The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head and join with all in grieving for the dead. For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo."
ready2retro.com -
This is part 2 of our conversation about Ready 2 Retro's Top 10 Movies of 2025.
Joining the conversation with Max and Chelsea is Max's coworker David who is one of the biggest film buffs you'll ever meet!
Part 1 is here if you missed it
ready2retro.com -
Another year is in the books which means it is time for Ready 2 Retro to give you our favorite movies of 2025! It's our annual Top 10 list and this year we have a special guest, David, who is Max's coworker and one of the biggest film buffs you'll ever meet!
Join us for Part 1 of Episode 217 as Max, Chelsea and David reveal their favorite movies ranked 10-6.
Part 2 is coming soon!
ready2retro.com -
A special "swapcast" with Podcasting After Dark &Two Dollar Late Fee
Tremors (1990) synopsis: “Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one.”
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, and Michael Gross
Director: Ron Underwood
This week on Podcasting After Dark, Zak and Corey are joined by Max from Ready2Retro to review Tremors! The boys have a blast discussing this quintessential cult classic (according to Max) , so grab a stick and polevolt over some Graboids because this threeway swapcast is sure to give you those nostalgic feels!
Listen to PAD's interview with Michael Gross HERE
Listen to TDLF's interview with director, on Underwood HERE
Help support the Altadena fire survivors by donating to these charities:
Altadena Musicians
Post Fire
Max’s Family’s GoFundMe—
SUPPORT PODCASTING AFTER DARK —PATREON -
Two extra shows a month including Wrap-Up After Dark and The Carpenter Factor, plus other exclusive content!
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Ready 2 Retro is diving headfirst into the 30th anniversary of Waterworld!
Joining R2R for the very first time is Diallo Jackson and he explains why this movie actually holds up despite its "sinking" reputation.
In this episode we break down the history of the film, the myths and realities behind its famously turbulent production, and Kevin Costner’s deep involvement in shaping what became one of the most talked-about movies of the 90s. We also discuss the legendary Universal Studios stunt show, explore the forgotten Waterworld comic book series, and unpack how this movie built a cult legacy long after its release.
Love it, hate it, 30 years later, Waterworld is still making waves and we’re riding with it!
Check out everything Diallo Jackson is upto by clicking here -
Grab your red bow tie and hop on your bike, because this week we’re taking a wild ride to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Pee-wee’s Big Adventure"—the quirky, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable film that launched Tim Burton's career and gave pop culture one of its most iconic characters.
Also in this episode we share our tributes to Paul Reubens-reflecting on the genius who brought Pee-wee to life and the impact of his creativity and uniqueness
Joining us for the ride is huge Pee-Wee fan, Nic Cowan!
So cue the Breakfast Machine—because pressing play has never been this much fun! -
Happy Halloween!
Max and The Duchess of Horror, Chelsea, wind down the spooky season as they share about meeting John Carpenter, visiting Knotts Scary Farm, watching horror movies and their other adventures. Also they share about their favorite 90s Halloween commercials and spooky themed toys!
Whether you’re unwrapping a pack of Gushers or rereading a Goosebumps book today, remember. keep it creepy, keep it kooky, and keep it totally RETRO! -
It has been 50 years since the release of one of the greatest movies of all-time, "Jaws". There is not much more to be said that hasn’t already been muttered about this incredible film already.
So to celebrate the 50th Anniversary, Read 2 Retro has assembled 5 different generations to discuss their appreciation of Jaws! To represent the Baby Boomer Generation, Max’s dad Tim is present, to represent Gen X is Zak from the Two Dollar Late Fee Podcast, Max is standing in for the Millennials, returning to R2R is Andy Foreman from HorrorHound speaking for Gen Z and making his first appearance on R2R is Bodhi representing Generation Alpha!
5 different generations for 5 decades of Jaws! For this episode, “You’re going to need a bigger speaker!” -
Mark Beltzman is an actor, teacher, director, writer, tubaplayer and private acting coach who lives by the philosophy: SMILE and DO MORE OF IT.
Mark has been featured in many beloved projects including Mo Money (1992), Billy Madison (1995), Speed 2 (1997), The Wedding Singer (1998), Seinfeld (1993), According to Jim (2001) and Lilo & Stitch 2025, just to name a few.
In this episode we discuss Mark's upbringing around improv, his love for being in front of the camera and the necessity of enjoying life to the fullest.
Visit markbeltzman.com to connect with Mark with all of the great work he is doing in Maui and throughout the mainland. -
Spooky September concludes with an overlooked gem!
Corey from Podcasting After Dark and Jesse from The Sight and Sound Podcast presented by Heartgod Media join Max as they talk about the 20th anniversary of George A. Romero's "Land of the Dead".
In this episode the three zombie enthusiasts gush over the vision, humor, message and cast of the film.
Also featured in the episode is Corey and Jesse doing a blink ranking of top 10 horror directors!
We're Ready 2 Get Spooky... Are You? -
For the 6th year in a row, Spooky September is here on Ready 2 Retro!
Jesse from The Sight & Sound Podcast presented by Heartgod Media joins R2R to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Once Bitten" starring Jim Carrey.
It is no secret that Ready 2 Retro are huge fans of Jim Carrey, so it only made sense that we discuss and review Jim Carrey's first ever leading role in a theatrical release.
Join us as we talk about the history of the film, Hollywood in the 1980s and we recast Once Bitten using today's actors and actresses.
If you enjoy 80s romcom and spooky movies, you're going to love this episode! -
What do you get when you combine the biggest Adam Sandler fan, the raddest TMNT dude and Ready 2 Retro? You get the best “Happy Gilmore 2” review!
Join Max (R2R), Joey (@ninjatoitles) and Dustin (@limestonepicker) as they share their thoughts about Adam Sandler’s newest film, “Happy Gilmore 2”.
And remember “it’s all in the hips”
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Visit: Ready2retro.com for all your nostalgic needs
Check out Joey at ninjatoitles.com for all your TMNT needs
Check out Dustin on YouTube and follow his journey collecting relics from the nostalgic past. - Show more
