Episodes

  • REO Speedwagon "Hi Infidelity" (1980): Track by Track!

    REO Speedwagon "Hi Infidelity" (1980): Track by Track!
    Mar 3 2026
    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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    55 mins
  • Behind the scenes with the Surely Podcast

    Behind the scenes with the Surely Podcast
    Feb 24 2026
    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.
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    58 mins
  • Level 5: Defender! (1981) - The Game That Flipped Space Invaders Upside Down

    Level 5: Defender! (1981) - The Game That Flipped Space Invaders Upside Down
    Feb 17 2026
    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!
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    21 mins
  • Level 4: Ms. Pac-Man (1981) - College Kids vs. Gaming Giants

    Level 4: Ms. Pac-Man (1981) - College Kids vs. Gaming Giants
    Feb 10 2026
    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.
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    17 mins
  • Level 3: Frogger (1981) - The Untold Story Behind the Arcade Classic

    Level 3: Frogger (1981) - The Untold Story Behind the Arcade Classic
    Feb 3 2026
    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!
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    21 mins
  • Level 2: Galaga (1981) - How It Beat Space Invaders at Its Own Game

    Level 2: Galaga (1981) - How It Beat Space Invaders at Its Own Game
    Jan 27 2026
    Galaga took everything Space Invaders started, added Galaxian's colors and sounds, and created a 1981 masterpiece. Discover behind-the-scenes secrets of this arcade legend, insider development stories, and why the Challenging Stage became iconic. Don't miss the pro tip: never shoot your own captured ship! The ultimate deep dive into one of 1981's greatest arcade games.
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    18 mins
  • Level 1: Donkey Kong (1981) - The Popeye Game That Changed Nintendo Forever

    Level 1: Donkey Kong (1981) - The Popeye Game That Changed Nintendo Forever
    Jan 20 2026
    Donkey Kong almost starred Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto. Learn the shocking origin story behind Nintendo's 1981 breakthrough hit: the near-fatal lawsuit, how Mario and Donkey Kong got their names, and why their lawyer became immortalized in gaming history. This is the untold story of the arcade classic that launched a gaming empire and defined 1981 as the golden year of video games.
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    24 mins
  • Level 0: The History of Video Games Before 1981 - Pong to Pac-Man

    Level 0: The History of Video Games Before 1981 - Pong to Pac-Man
    Jan 13 2026
    Why was 1981 the greatest year in arcade gaming history? Before Jason and Dee dive into Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Frogger, and Defender, discover the revolutionary games that paved the way. From Pong's simplicity to Space Invaders' invasion and the "Puck Man" controversy, this prequel episode explores the arcade legends that changed gaming forever. Grab your quarters—the high score challenge starts here!
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    22 mins