Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast

Jason and Dee fire up the jukebox for one of the biggest albums of the MTV era as they welcome special guest Doug Gray, noted REO Speedwagon expert, to break down 1981’s chart-dominating blockbuster Hi Infidelity. Track by track, the trio digs into the stories behind every song—from the heartbreak anthems to the arena-ready rockers—while tracing REO Speedwagon’s long road from Midwest bar band to overnight superstars. Along the way, they unpack band history, lineup changes, behind-the-scenes studio moments, and why this album connected with everyone at exactly the right time. But this episode is only half the battle: Hi Infidelity now heads into a heavyweight showdown against Rush’s Moving Pictures. Jason and Dee will render their final judgment next week—so consider this the evidence phase before the verdict drops. 🎸📀

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What really goes on behind the microphone? In this special crossover episode, Jeff Johnson steps in from the A Film Bypodcast to turn the tables on Jason and Dee, asking the questions listeners have always wondered about.

How did the show first get started? Have they ever regretted a final matchup decision? Which episode result surprised them the most — and which one truly “moved the needle” for the podcast? Jeff digs even deeper, challenging each host to reveal the secret dream matchup they still hope to bring to the show someday.

It’s a relaxed, funny, and revealing conversation as Jeff, Jason, and Dee pull back the curtain and share stories, debates, and a few behind-the-scenes moments you’ve never heard before. If you’ve ever wondered how the magic happens, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Defender! revolutionized arcade gaming in 1981 with its sideways-scrolling chaos and button-overload controls. In our series finale, we rank all five legendary 1981 games and reveal how we'd spend our last five quarters: Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Frogger, or Defender? The ultimate showdown of the greatest arcade year ever!

College students took on a video game empire—and won. Then they did the impossible: they improved the greatest game ever made. Hear how Ms. Pac-Man became the queen of 1981 arcades, outsmarted the ghost AI, and still looks amazing over 40 years later. The untold story of the rebellion that created gaming's most beloved female icon.

One young woman's courage changed video game history forever. Discover the secret origin of Frogger, explore every way to die (there are many!), hear the iconic music's story, and learn about a record-breaking high score that still amazes. This 1981 arcade legend has more surprises than you think. Why did the frog cross the road? Find out!