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Trask's Time Tunnel - 1981 - 26 Jan, 2025

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January 26, 2025

TLDR: In this podcast episode, Kevin Trask travels back to 1981 with Philip, Simon, and Ben on 3AW's Time Tunnel.

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In the latest episode of Trask's Time Tunnel, Kevin Trask takes listeners on a nostalgic journey back to 1981, a year filled with memorable television shows, iconic music, and cultural highlights. Let's dive into the key discussions and insights shared by Kevin and his guests Philip, Simon, and Ben.

Nostalgic Television Highlights

The Greatest American Hero

One of the standout shows from 1981 was The Greatest American Hero, which ran until 1983. The premise follows Ralph Hinkley, a reluctant teacher who gains superpowers from an alien-given suit but struggles to understand how to use it.

  • Main Themes:
    • Ralph Hinkley's reluctance to be a hero
    • The comedic mishaps that arise from his inexperience
    • The iconic theme song performed by Joey Scarberry, which many listeners fondly remember

Other Classic Shows

Listeners were reminded of other popular TV shows from that era:

  • MAS*H
  • The Muppet Show
  • Wheel of Fortune
  • Simon Townsend's Wonder World (which featured Woodrow the dog before he was replaced by a cockatoo)

Noteworthy Awards

The 23rd annual Logie Awards took place in 1981, with Michael Parkinson serving as the host, showcasing the prominence of local talent during that time.

Musical Memories

1981 produced many memorable hits, including:

  • "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield
  • "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton
  • "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John
  • "Shut Up Your Face" by Joe Dolce

The discussions highlighted how music from that era continues to resonate with listeners today, stirring strong feelings of nostalgia.

Celebrity Insights

Angela Lansbury and Bert Newton

Kevin reminisced about Bert Newton interviewing Angela Lansbury on his morning show, noting Lansbury's ties to Australia and her impressive career. This anecdote reflected the significant figures in the entertainment industry that crossed paths during that era.

Harrison Ford's Rise to Stardom

Another interesting discussion revolved around Harrison Ford and his role in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which premiered in 1981. Fun fact: Ford wasn't the first choice for the role; Tom Selleck was initially cast but could not take the part due to prior commitments to Magnum P.I. This turn of events ultimately led Ford to embody one of cinema's greatest characters.

Trivia and Quiz Segments

Throughout the episode, light-hearted trivia questions engaged the listeners and participants, such as guessing the Logie Awards host and identifying popular songs from the year. This interactive element kept the atmosphere lively and entertaining.

Conclusion: A Memorable Year

Trask's Time Tunnel not only revisits significant events and culture from 1981, but it also invites listeners to appreciate and reflect on a transformative year in entertainment. As Kevin prepares for the next episode, focusing on 1958, he leaves listeners with a desire to explore more nostalgic treasures from the past.

This walk down memory lane continued to illustrate how various elements of pop culture from 1981 shaped current media and how they remain cherished in today's society.

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