The Busy Signal
Miss the 80’s? The 90’s? How about the ‘00’s? Me too! Join me (Jym) as we remember all the cool stuff from back in the day that is now extinct, or quickly going that way! Get ready to get nostalgic and have some memories unlocked! Don’t forget to Reach Out & Touch the Past!
Episodes
Talking Toys
Long before smart speakers lived in our homes, Talking Toys were the closest thing we had to Artificial Intelligence. This episode explores some of the chatty playthings we loved from the ’80s, ’90s, & early 2000s—from Reading Geese and Talkboy, to Buzz Lightyear and beyond. Some were amazing, some were annoying, All had the potential to be creepy after dark!
What's in Your Pockets? (1990s)
This week on The Busy Signal, we’re digging deep into the oversized pockets of the 1990s. Remember stuffing your JNCO jeans with half your bedroom? We’re taking a nostalgic look at the stuff that followed us everywhere during the decade. So grab your Discman, check your cargo shorts… What was in Your Pockets in the 90s?
Nintendo Game Boy
Before mobile gaming was everywhere, there was the Nintendo Game Boy — the chunky gray handheld that changed gaming forever. This week on The Busy Signal, we revisit the Game Boy and Game Boy Color era. From Tetris, Pokémon, and link cable battles, to worm lights, endless AA batteries, and those weird accessories that somehow made perfect sense at the time. It’s a nostalgic trip back to the days o
2000s Infomercials
We're diving headfirst into the chaotic, unforgettable world of Billy Mays, ShamWow, and some of the “must-have” products that attacked your TV back in the day. It’s loud, it’s over-the-top, and it’s pure late-night nostalgia. If you ever got hooked watching the Magic Bullet infomercial like it was a sitcom... this one’s for you.
PC Games
Before downloads, updates & microtransactions, there were floppy disks, dial-up, and unforgettable games. Friend of the show George and I take a trip back to the PC titles that shaped our childhoods.From pixelated pioneers & rage quite simulators, to all-night gaming marathons - George joins me to relive the PC games that hooked us and never let go. If you grew up gaming on a computer… thi
Easter Throwback
Take a trip back to Easter in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s—featuring classic commercials, nostalgic candy, and the unforgettable traditions that defined the holiday.
Retro Food T.V.
Before mystery baskets, eliminations, and chefs yelling at each other… Food Network was a really chill vibe.We’re heading back to 1993 to explore the early days of Retro Food T.V. — from Robin Leach, Julia Child & Emeril, to Iron Chef, Two Fat Ladies and the rise of celeb chefs.It started as a weird cable experiment… and somehow changed TV forever.
Part of a Balanced 2000's Breakfast
Ah yes, the 2000s — when a bowl of sugar plus a glass of orange juice magically became a “Balanced Breakfast.” This episode The Busy Signal revisits the era of cereal propaganda, portable breakfasts, and drive-thru creations that tried to pass for the most important meal of the day. If you ate breakfast in the car, at your desk, or halfway through first period… congratulations, you were living the
Retro Romance (Valentine's Day Special)
This Valentine’s Day, Jym revisits the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s to see how pop culture sold us romance—sometimes sweet, sometimes weird. Retro Romance is a quick, nostalgic look at love, ads, and questionable gift ideas. Happy Valentine's Day!
What's in Your Pockets? (1980s)
In the 1980s, pockets weren’t just storage—they were personality! From coins and candy to gadgets and gum, this episode explores the small everyday items that quietly shaped how we lived, played, thrived in the raddest decade.Reach out and touch the past! - Jym
Y2K OK
As the clock counted down to 2000, panic set in. In this episode of The Busy Signal, Jym revisits the Y2K scare—computer fears, pop culture chaos, and the question everyone asked: were we really ready?
Retro Fitness
Happy New Year, New You! Jym revisits the wild world of retro fitness fads, gadgets, and workout crazes from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s.If you can sit, you can get fit!
The Muppet Christmas Carol
It’s time to "light the lamp, not the rat!"This week on The Busy Signal, my buddy George and I revisit The Muppet Christmas Carol—the early ’90s holiday classic that somehow managed to be heartfelt, hilarious, and surprisingly faithful to Dickens. We talk Muppet humor, Michael Caine’s all-in performance, and why this movie still hits us right in the Christmas feels.
T.V. Christmas Specials
We’re unwrapping the weird, wonderful, and “why did they make this?” holiday specials of the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s. From cozy comforting cartoons to animated chaos, it’s all the festive TV you forgot you remembered. Grab your cocoa for a sleigh ride back though some fun holiday hijinks, before the VCR eats the tape! 🎄📺
Black Friday Special: Sold Out Holiday Toys
Jym unwraps the biggest holiday toy crazes from the '80s, '90s and 2000's--Furbies, Elmos, game consoles, dolls and all the madness that made them impossible to find. A fast, fun and sometimes violent trip back to the mall rush of Black Fridays past,Remember to Reach Out and Touch the Past
Mandela Effect or Not?
Friend of the show June is back to revisit The Mandela Effect. Get ready for a nostalgia-packed deep dive into one of the internet's favorite rabbit holes! You've seen the memes, you've read the lists... but do these supposed false memories actually mess with us? Or are we just misremembering pop-culture?
Spooky Snacks
Season 3 premier!Grab your pillow case and wrap yourself in toilet paper! We're going Trick or Treating, Retro Style! Scary Halloween Snacks from back in the day!Subscribe everywhere you get your pods:https://campsite.bio/busysignalcastFollow on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/Busysignalcast/#
The Best of Season 2 + Bonus Content!
We're Celebrating 2 years of The Busy Signal Podcast!Time for a classic Clip Show / Montage!These clips are some of my favorites from the past year in Season 2. Below are the clips in order & the Ep. they are from. Plus a Bonus. I'm not telling you were that clip is! Listen to find out! Thanks everyone! Season 3 starts in 2 weeks!Clips as they appear (Except Bonus):Ep #30 - "Y2K T
Infomercials (90's Edition)
"It Knocks the Fat Out!""Set it, and Forget it!"But WAIT! There's MORE!If you recognized these phrases from classic 90's Infomercials, There's even more 90's pitches in this episode waiting for you to relive!Act NOW and listen for FREE!
Once Common, Now Extinct 3
Question:What do Encyclopedias, CD Binders, DVD/VCR combos, the Sega Game Gear and Aol Dial -Up all have in common?Don't miss this one! We're throwing it waaay back!
Retro Back to School Special
50th Episode!It's Back to School time, Retro Style!Join my friend June and I as we dig through Lockers filled with vintage School Supplies! Sharpen those Pencils and Sniff those Markers! -- Thanks to everyone who listens to this show!"Back to School! Back to school! To prove to Dad that I'm not a fool"! - Billy Madison
Part of a Balanced 1990's Breakfast (Cereal)
Good Morning!Grab a spoon! We're heading back to the 90's for breakfast!How many of these 90's Cereals did you try back in the day?BTW... Did you ever have a "Balanced or Complete" breakfast? You know; Cereal, Juice, Toast AND Milk!?
As Seen on TV - Toys
Did you ever beg your parents for a toy you saw in an infomercial? Maybe "Better Blocks"? Or Hover Disc? We're throwing it back with some Wild and Memorable As Seen on TV Toys!
Extinct Soda (Refilled)
Free Refills on Extinct Soda in an all new Soda centric episode!We're talking about some wild retro discontinued soft drinks! Everything from Coffee, Lemon/Lime & Lime Lemon, Fruit sodas, Surge and soda that was OK.Extra points if you Remember what TWO soda brands used Fido Dido as a mascot simultaneously!
Independence Day : Movie Rewatch
Happy 4th of July and Welcome to Earth!My buddy George has kindly taken time from his family BBQ this holiday to talk about our rewatch of the 1996 Alien disaster movie; "Independence Day"!
Summer Toys
The Toy's that Sponsored our Fun in the Sun! Tune in and see how many you had, or remember! Maybe we'll unlock some memories from Summers back in the day! Happy Summer!
Weird Food from the 80's
We're talking about some of the Weirdest foods the 1980's had to offer! Let's see how many of these culinary oddities you remember!
Infomercials - 80's Edition
It slices, it dices, it cuts though nails! But wait, there's more!We're throwing it back to the 80's and checking out some Classic and Quotable Infomercials! Act fast! Listen now!
A Day at the Mall in 1999
What if you woke up and it was 1999?You're at your best friend's house and your going to hang out at the Mall.What store are you hitting up first?What are you getting to eat at the Food Court?Do you remember how to even use a Pay Phone?We're going back to the Mall in '99!
Super Nintendo (pt. 2)
Five more Super NES games I had as a kid back in the day! Some Classics and a couple Deep Cuts as well. One might be rare! Did you have, rent or play any of these SNES games?
Super Nintendo (pt. 1)
I'm looking back at my favorite retro gaming console, the SNES. This is part 1 of a 2 part episode. I'll share 10 games (5 in this episode & 5 in the next) I owned or rented a lot as a kid. The good, the trash and the meh. Did you have any of these SNES games?
Board Games (pt. 4)
Another batch of retro board games! My buddy George is back to talk about some of the most memorable games we all played back in the day! Did your fav get mentioned? If not, hit me up on Insta @busysignalcast.
More PSA's
Another Episode packed with classic PSA's! I'm Joined by friend of the show June, to discuss some of the corniest, funniest, weirdest and most quotable Public Service Announcements from back in the day! How many of these legendary PSA's do you remember?
Part of a Balanced 1980's Breakfast (Cereal)
Remember when Saturday mornings were a time for Cartoons & Cereal? It was a wonderful ritual for kids in the 1980's. Not to mention all the rad cereals there were to choose from! This episode is dedicated to some of the awesome cereals back in the day that were "Part of a balanced breakfast".
Low-Tech
There was a time we lived in an "Analog" world! Tune in and remember some of the Low-Tech / No-Tech gadgets that we all survived and thrived with back in the day!Reach out and touch the past!
2000's Snacks
This episode is a quick and tasty look back at some snack from the new millennium!
Old Skool Words & Phrases
Hang up the phone! Don't touch that dial!
These are just a couple of the phrases that we either just don't use anymore OR we still use but, not in the same way as back in the day.
"Tune in" for some nostalgic sayings!
Retro Diet Trends
Happy 2025! We're doing the New Year, New You thing by remembering a handful of dieting trends from back in the day!
From meal & food substitutes, to diet soda, to meal plans & even a banned dieting substance!
Ernest Saves Christmas
Hey Vern! This episode we're saving Christmas with Ernest! Jym is joined by friend of the show George, as they relive and breakdown this timeless Ernest movie / Christmas classic! Know what I mean?
Fast Food Toys
Remember getting a Kids/Happy meal back in the day just because you wanted the toy that came with it?
Join in as we remember some of my favorite fast food toys from the 80's & 90's.
How many toys did you have or remember from this episode?
Want more Busy Signal Podcast fun?
Subscribe to this podcast and follow on Instagram @busysignalcast
Y2K Tech
The 2000's was an incredible time to be alive! All the Tech innovations we lived though seemed like something out of the Jetsons! Tune in to find out what life/world changing gadgets and gizmos we remember in this episode! Did you have any of this bleeding edge Y2K tech?
Got a suggestion for a future episode? Hit me up on Instagram @busysignalcast or busysignalcast@gmail.com !
Extinct Fast Food
Do You Remember the Wendy's Super Bar? Pizza Hut's Bigfoot? This episode is dedicated to the Fast Food items that has left us wanting more! Tune in to see if your favorite menu item from back in the day is in this episode. Order Up!
Spooky Toys
We're celebrating "Spooky Season" with some Old Skool Spooky Toys! Toys from back in the day that were creepy and fun! How many of these paranormal & putrid play things did you own as a kid?
Best of Season 1 (+ Bonus Content)
Join me as I celebrate the 1yr anniversary of The Busy Signal Podcast! So many memories made & unlocked! Check out these best of clips. They have all been remastered & some even have bonus content I wish I had added at the time.
The Busy Signal Podcast - Trailer
A sneak peak at what you'll hear on this RetroStalgic Rad Podcast. 80's 90's & 00's Let's Gooooo! Join me, Jym as we reach out and touch the past!
ABC After School Speical
Remember the ABC After School Specials?Join me and special guest Dave, as we discuss his experience of being an extra in a 1988 filming of an After School Special. “Taking a Stand”.You can watch the episode free on YouTube, but Viewers beware! It deals with a situation based on true events at the time of production and does use racial slurs in context of portraying racism as being absolutely wrong
*Pt.2 - The Transformers: The Movie (1986) Rewatch
This Part 2 of The Transformers: The Movie Rewatch. (Spoiler Alert) Optimus Prime died in the 1st episode!
Join me and my buddy George as we finish our rewatch and talk though The Transformers: The Movie. See why this amazing film still holds up in 2024, despite some major cheese and flaws in physics. Till All are One!
The Transformers: The Movie (1986) Rewatch
"It is the year 2005. The treacherous Decepticons have conquered the Autobots' home planet of Cybertron."
Join me and my buddy George as we rewatch and talk though The Transformers: The Movie. See why this amazing film still holds up in 2024, despite some major cheese and flaws in physics. Till All are One!
Board Games (pt. 3)
We're diggin' in the old toy closet again for even more Board Games! Join me and friend of the show June as we remember some classic games, some games with aliases and one very convoluted game!
We're playing another game about the games we played back in the day!
1990's Tech
Dust off your JNCO's and slip on those Vans! We're heading back to the 90's to check out the Tech that propelled us into the New Millennium! So from one Y2K survivor to another, this episode is a trip! How much of this high tech gear did you have back in the day?
Nintendo Entertainment System (pt. 2)
We're talking MORE NES games in this episode! My buddy Korey is back to talk about the games that we loved back in the day and even some games that were not so great!
Join us for some good old fashioned button mashing!
Nintendo Entertainment System
The NES is a beast! Tons of great and classic games! My buddy Kory and I dust of the Nintendo Entertainment System for an episode full of 8-bit nostalgia! We talk about our favorite NES games and I go off on one that I hate! Oh and by the way... This is only Part One! Stay tuned for Part Two!
Toys that tried to Kill You!
To kick off Summer 2024, enjoy an quick episode about toys from back in the day that were out to ruin your summer! These toys were scary fun! How many of these toys did you play with?
Board Games (pt. 2)
It's time to roll the dice again! My buddy George and I are back to play another game about the games we played growing up! Listen to find out if we cover any of your favorite games in this episode. And if you are new to the podcast and want more board games, check out episode 14 for pt. 1.
PSA's
This is a Public Service Announcement...
Not really, but this episode is full of Old School PSA's from back in the day! Listen to find out which ones get the spotlight! How many do you remember?
Have a suggestion for future episodes? Get at me on Instagram @busysignalcast AND if you like what you hear, please consider leaving a positive review!
80's Toys (Girls Edition)
Grow up in the 1980's like me? This episode we are talking toys from the 80's! Joining me for this one is friend of the show June (also guest on ep. 10 "Mandela Effect"). June gives us a list of her favorite toys from the Raddest Decade. Listen see how many you had or maybe you'll have some memories unlocked!
Suggestions? Corrections? Hit me up on Instagram @busysignalcast
Extinct Sodas
Soda, Pop, Soft Drinks... Whatever you call it, we are taking a look back at some of the best, worst and gross sodas to ever have crossed our pallets back in the day! Listen to find out which ones you remember and which ones you wish would be given a retro revival! Cheers!
Board Games
Board games can be really fun! Sometimes really frustrating as well. Join me and special guest George, as we dust off some memories of Board Games we played back in the day! Try and see how many you played or remember.
1980's Tech
Get your pocket protector, tape up your glasses and tighten your suspenders because we are getting nerdy this episode! Travel back to the 1980's as we look at the cutting edge technology of the raddest decade!
VHS / VCR / Camcorder
IBM 5150 Personal Computer
Commodore 64
Atari 400/800
Apple Macintosh computer
Microsoft Windows 1.0
Cable Television
Motorola Dynatac 8000x
Sony W
Retro Sound Tour
Come take an audible sound tour of "Back in the Day"
Featuring the Retro-Stalgic sounds of...
Doves
Faux Wooden Alarm Clocks
Rotary Phones
Busy Signal
Blowing in a Nintendo Cartridge
Super Mario Themes
Sega
Sonic the Hedgehog
The Recorder
Windows XP
Dial up Internet
AOL Instant Messenger
Cellular interference
Nokia 3310 Ringtone
TGIF on ABC
Saturday Morning
90's Snacks
This episode is all about the incredible snacks we had to choose from in the 1990's. Sadly at one point every single item in this episode was discontinued. BUT sometimes, Snacks come back!
New Segment: "Breaking Late News" feat. Taco Bell and a "Choco Taco"
Remembered in this episode;
Orbitz (drink)
Butterfinger BB's
Trix Yogurt
Snackwells
Squeezit
Kudos
Sh
The Mandela Effect
Who is on the Dime? What happened to the Bearenstein Bears? Was Sinbad a Genie in the 90's? This episode is all about exploring "The Mandela Effect". Join me and my good friend June as we try to remember things that apparently were never true!Thanks for Listening! Please Subscribe!The Busy Signal can be found everywhere quality podcasts are streamed.https://campsite.bio/busysignalca
Super "Goal" Commercials
It's time to get ready for the Big Game"!Come and remember Big Game Commercials from back in the day! You'd better believe we didn't even scratch the surface in this episode! So count on another in the future!Featuring Commercials from:Budweiser1995 - Frogs2000 - Wassup!2002 - RespectPepsi1992 - A New Can1995 - Delivery Guys1997 - Darth VaderSnickers2010 - Betty WhiteAnd a bun
Once Common, Now Extinct (pt.2)
Join me and special guest Co-Host Korey Oats as we remember things from back in the day that were super common but are now long gone! There are some things we miss and even some things we don't. Maybe we'll even unlock some core memories for you!On the bill for this episode;TypewritersPagers/BeepersAIM (aol Instant Messenger)Mixtapes/CD'sVHS tapesVideo Rental StoresSmoking SectionsK
Let's Get Retro Physical
Happy 2024! This episode remembers all the Fitness fads, gadgets & home gym equipment that was constantly on T.V. in commercials and infomercials. We will also remember the Celebs that wanted us to buy all this gear!ThighmasterGazelleBowflexTotal GymNordictrackSweatin' to the OldiesReach Out and Touch the Past!
Claymation Christmas
A re-watch of an underrated Christmas TV Special1987 - Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas CelebrationA tour of Christmas Carrol by Dino Hosts Rex and Herb.Special guests; The California RaisinsAppearance by Quasimodo https://archive.org/details/AClaymationChristmasCelebrationReach Out and Touch the Past!
Fantasy Christmas List
I'm putting together my perfect Christmas List! All of my favorite toys and games from back in the day!Gen. 1 Megatron TransformerMadballsThe Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)Super NESM.U.S.C.L.E. MenMy Pet MonsterKenner Ghostbuster Toys (All of them!) Because I'm not too greedy I'm only asking Santa for 7 things this year! Reach Out and Touch the Past!
Black Friday Special
Remembering some big name stores that were major players on Black Friday back in the day!CompUSABrookstoneRadio Shack / The ShackSearsToys R Us*BonusReach Out and Touch the Past!
Once Common, Now Extinct
This episode we take a drive down memory lane and remember 10 things from the 80's, 90's & early 00's that were super common, but are now obsolete!Answering MachinesPhone BooksManual Car Window RollersFloppy DiscsDisposable Cameras Point & Shoot CamerasCD'sSony WalkmanSony DiscmaniPodReach Out and Touch the Past!
1980's Snackage
In this Episode I cover classic some snacks from the 1980's. There are so many to choose from, so for this episode I take on 5..Sunkist Fun FruitsKeebler Magic MiddlesTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles CerealBonkers candyHi-C Ecto CoolerStay tuned for future 80's Snackage episodes as well as treats from the 90's & 00's.If you have suggestions of discontinued treats you'd lik
Pay Phones
Remembering a time not so long ago when Pay Phones were our life lines! They were everywhere and easy to hack!. What do you remember about pay phones?Reach Out and Touch the Past!
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