The Latchkey Chicks

In the 80's families didn't take elaborate summer vacations. Julie and Mel look back at their favorite summer activities as you Gen Xer's. They both have fond memories of trips to Bar Harbor, visiting Andre the Seal and holiday visits with family. As the school year comes to a close and the kids get a much-needed break, the Chicks are going to be on break for a few weeks themselves. So, catch up on any episodes you've missed and some of the highlights of this year on their social media

Sack races, three-legged races, and the - gasp - coveted ribbons that went along with these competitions. The last days of elementary and middle school usually involved lots of fun and games for Field Day in the 1980s. Julie and Mel reminisce about the end of school through the years, including the bittersweet final days of high school, their graduations and the memories of those celebrations.

What were the 80's and 90's without those songs we could sing along to as we pined for that crush? We had so many - from "Never Say Goodbye" from Bon Jovi, to "Hold On" from Richard Marx to "Angel" from Aerosmith - there are almost too many to name. Julie and Mel share their memories of the first special love songs they remember, from the ones they danced to at school dances and proms, to just the ones they couldn't help loving. See if you remember some of our favorites, and let us know who we could add to our mix! Follow us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Find us on ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ Visit our ⁠⁠website⁠

Gen Xer's grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons and Disney movies. Animation had come a long way since Steamboat Willie. However, prime time tv was practically unexplored until a cartoon called The Simpsons premiered in 1989. For 35 years we've watched the timeless classic about a dad, mom and 2.5 kids living in the city of Springfield. Find out if Mel and Julie were faithful fans back in the 80's when it all began.

Let's face it - Gen Xers have always been hard workers. We got to work as soon as we could get a real job, and from there probably worked more than one most of the time. Mel and Julie share memories from the jobs they had in high school and college and share how they helped them learn what it takes to earn a paycheck. Follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠ Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ Find us on ⁠TikTok⁠ Visit our ⁠website

How high was your bang standards in the 80's? And what Gen Xer didn't wear blue eye shadow? We were obsessed with our hair, makeup and perfume. Whether you had a permanent wave or crimped your hair, you were in front of the mirror for hours before you left the house. Julie and Mel tell all about their morning routines back in high school.

In this episode, Mel and Julie reminisce about the days of gym class - the good, the bad, and the awkward. From kickball to crab soccer, fitness tests to tests of courage in the locker room, it's time to get physical, Gen X style. Facebook: @latchkeychicks Instagram: @latchkeychicks TikTok: @latchkeychickspodcast Website: latchkeychicks.com

In the 80's we were afraid to sleep thanks to Freddy, Michael and Jason. Stephen King also did his best to keep Gen Xer's on their toes. Some of us had to put our noses in the books to escape the terror that kept us awake at night, bringing another nightmare of it's own - being a nerd! Julie and Mel look back at their own nerd moments that may be scarier than the movies they watched.

Whether you had hot lunch or a paper bag meal, Gen Xer's did not have the healthiest food for their midday meal at school. We were lucky if we got a bologna sandwich from home and didn't have to eat the gelatinous lunch meat that the cafeteria was serving. Julie and Mel talk about the good, the bad and the mysterious foods that were served back in the 80's.

There was no monkey business when it came to school projects. Julie and Mel discuss doing projects at home as Gen Xer's. In the 80's we were making shadow boxes and sock puppets with little to no help from our parents. Then back to school to learn real life skills that Latchkey Kids needed to survive at home.

Learning about the birds and bees is a rite of passage but Gen Xers had to get creative to find out the facts of life. Julie and Mel share what they remember about who told them, what they learned when, and then how they found out the rest like anyone else of our generation - the hard way.

In the 80's families lived much closer to each other. Cousins were some of our best friends and worst enemies. On good days we played together and on bad days we fought each other. Gen X learned how to be tough as nails thanks to the kids they called family. Decide for yourself if Mel and Julie are the nuts in their family trees.

When it came to a good talk show, the 1980's had them all - from Phil Donahue to Oprah, Sally Jessie to Maury, Geraldo to Jerry. There were plenty of talk shows to keep us talking. Julie and Mel share their favorites from the heydey of talk shows and discuss what made them so intriguing to tune into. Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Find us on TikTok Visit our website

The 1980's and 90's were the heydey of soap operas, with many launching the careers of big name stars. From Days of Our Lives to Young and the Restless to One Life to Live and more, Julie and Mel recount their favorite characters, plots and crushes. Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook The Latchkey Chicks TikTok Visit our website

In the 80's kids were told to just say no to drugs. The DARE program was created to teach Gen X to abstain from drugs, gangs and violent behaviors. Julie and Mel reflect on how alcohol was introduced to them and how it affected them in later years. And please always remember, friends don't let friends drive drunk.

Before True Crime Podcasts became popular, Gen X was watching Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted to channel their inner sleuths. Once we got a taste of stories like Jeffrey Dahmer's in the 80's, we needed more. Listen to the Chicks lay down the law and form some kind of order of it all.

Julie and Mel talk about the OG mean girls of the 80's. Whether they were on the prairie or just trying to work their way up in the world, Gen Xers dealt with their fair share of bullies. But wait, was one of the Chicks a bully too?

Even before Taylor and Travis, once a year people would gather and watch the cream of the crop in their final game of the season. In the 80's the Chick's remember "Da Bears" and the Super Bowl Shuffle. Mel recalls her Gen X crush on John Elway. While Julie is still traumatized from her mother wearing a cheerleader costume for the big game.

Julie and Mel discuss the Super Models of the 80's. Gen X brought Sports Illustrated off the magazine shelves and onto our television screens. Victoria's Secret hit the runway with their fashion show in the mid 90's. Which chick do you think had a brief encounter as a model? Tune in and find out....

Did Gen Xer's exercise? Julie and Mel talk about toning up with Denise Austin and sweatin' it out with Richard Simmons. Were gyms even a thing back then? Step in line with the Chicks as they reminisce about getting physical in the 80's.

It's 10 o'clock do you know where your chicks are? These Gen Xer's may have been tucked away in their bed by 10pm, but on Saturday morning they were glued to the tv for their Cartoons. Before the Cartoon Network, the three major networks would play Cartoons every Saturday morning. Whether you started watching at 7am like Mel or waited for the Smurfs at 9am like Julie, you undoubtedly were watching cartoons.

Gen Xer's Mel and Julie hit the dance floor in this episode. The Chicks discuss their short-lived careers as pole dancers and swingers, I mean swing dancers. Did Mel get her moves from watching Dirty Dancing? Maybe Julie's imaginary friend Robin Gibb taught her how to disco? Listen up because this episode is Solid Gold.

Who hasn't made a mixtape? Whether it was recording songs off of your favorite radio station or if you were lucky you had dual cassette tapes and could record straight from your cassette. We picked out the songs that meant something special to us that we wanted to share. Do kids today even understand how much time and effort Gen Xer's spent making the perfect road trip soundtrack?

It's not New Year's Eve without Dick Clark and his wide array of musical guests: Barry Manilow, The Village People and Salt-N-Pepa to name just a few. And we hear how Harry Met Sally and if men and women can have a platonic friendship or does one friend always have a crush on the other? And CNN did not drop the ball this year, Daddy got his juice. Andy and Anderson really crushed it!

The chicks regroup after a whirlwind storm to reminisce about their childhood Christmases. What gifts sleighed in the 80's? Did Santa wrap gifts or not? Even with all of the festivities, these two had time to have their crushes. Sneak a listen to the holiday hijinx.

While our Gen X group is known for raising ourselves, Gen Z has been raised by technology and helicopter parents. Hear from special guest Lucas (Julie's 12-year old son) as he shares his thoughts on growing up today (including a quick lesson on how to speak Gen Z!) and asks Julie some interesting questions about the Gen X experience.

From holiday cards to getting the tree, Mel and Julie share their memories of Christmas traditions that were different in the 80's. They also share their favorite 80's and 90's Christmas specials, from Muppets to Arthur the Aardvark.

One of the most insane Black Fridays in our lifetime happened in 1983 at the height of Cabbage Patch Kid mania. Julie and Mel recall their obsessio with the dolls and reminisce about the stores that they used to shop - Toys 'r' Us, Kaybee Toys, Sam Goody, and many more that are still instilled in their memories.

Join Mel and Julie as they discuss the ghosts of Thanksgiving past and present. They dish up all of the details about the food, family and entertainment. How dry was that turkey Sharon? And did you know turkeys can't fly?

Rainbow suspenders, overalls, acid-washed jeans - there are so many (quesitonable) fashion choices to relive from the 80s and 90s. Mel and Julie share some of their favorites and then relive family dinnertime and share this week's Cougar Crushes.

The long-running show Friends was a staple for Gen Xers. We felt like Monica, Ross, Rachel, Joey, Phoebe, and Chandler were actually part of our lives, not just on TV. Saying goodbye to Matthew Perry means reconnecting to that part of our past where times were simpler and friendships ruled. We share our favorite highlights from the show, plus we talk the best TV theme songs.

Halloween for Gen Xers was a bit different than it is today - no inflatable costumes and you definitely wanted ET's favorite candy! Mel and Julie share their favorite memories of what they wore, where they trick or treated, and why they had to check their candy!

Julie and Mel talk about processing what happened in Lewiston, Maine, and their unique perspectives as Mainers and Gen Xers who have lived through other national tragedies.

Barbie is a toy that has crossed multiple generations. Mel and her daughter, Belle discuss the history of Barbie and how she has evolved over the years. Is Barbie a role model or an unrealistic image of what a woman should look like? Did the 2023 Barbie Movie change how men and women perceive Barbie today?

The Chicks talk about the 7 dirty words, 15 filthy songs, and a parental advisory sticker that changed the music industry forever. Julie talks about Tipper Gore visiting her high school on the censorship crusade. Mel shares why she got her FCC license. They both pick who would have been the Taylor Swift of the 80s.

Dating was different for Gen Xers - phone calls, group hangouts, and the inevitable movie date. Today it's a little less personal - swiping, texting, and criminal background checks (kidding) are the name of the game. Hear from Mel and Julie about dating then and now, who they're crushing, and what big-time podcast Mel was featured on recently!

While Julie is gone to California, Mel sits down with her daughter, Belle, to talk all things Harry Potter. From the hotties to the naughties, they discuss their favorite characters and even have a sing-a-long.

Mel and Julie share the books they grew up loving - from Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to Little House on the Prairie, they share why these books were so important to them and why some might be banned today. Plus, a trigger warning - bad karaoke of one-hit wonders from the 80s may cause a strong reaction,

Remember the days of walking the mall with your squad? What about calling your friends on a party line? The way today's kids spend their time outside school is dramatically different from how it was growing up in the 80's and early 90's. Mel and Julie share their favorite memories of how they squandered their free time, why they're better prepared for death, and what their go-to sad song is from back in the day.

In this episode, Mel and Julie dig into their memories of going to school - from the adorable way Mel made her first friend, to how Julie ended up in the newspaper as school "royalty" before she even attended her first day of kindergarten. Plus they share the smells they won't forget - whiteout anyone? - and the trauma inflicted by alcoholic teachers and first-love squashers.

Mel and Julie discuss their memories of Price Is Right, Bob Barker's feud with Betty White, and yodel their hearts out.

Mel shares her thoughts on cleaning up the town dump. Julie wonders why the microwave isn't making futuristic food. The Chicks share their Cougar Crushes and discuss the many ways they could have died but somehow survived riding without seatbelts and helmets.

Two seemingly normal Gen Xers share stories from growing up in the 80s. Hear them reminisce about the shows, music, movies, and cultural moments that shaped their lives and how they look at the world today.