'I gave her my heart ... she gave me a pen:' Listen to the saddest podcast ever

The one truly awful thing about every Cameron Crowe movie, like 1989's Say Anything featuring everybody's favorite broken heart - John Cusack as "Lloyd Dobler," is that behind the laughs, behind the tears, one thing remains constant:

This could happen to you.

Try watching his 2005 flick Elizabethtown when you know your own father has less than a year to live, like I did a while back, and try not to cry. Turn on 1992's Singles as a young person still trying to find how to suddenly balance your career and your heart, and say it's just comedy. Flip on Vanilla Sky if ... well, if you've been hopelessly disfigured in a car crash instigated by some stalking ex-lover, I guess. (Sorry, I never could relate to that one. But knock on wood, I hope that's not a bad omen.)

But look again at Lloyd Dobler's face as he confesses total and absolute love for Diane Court (Ione Skye) only to see her break up with him and hand him a pen, and you always say to yourself: "Man, I hope that never happens to me."

And then watch it happen to you.

So life isn't like the movies? The hell it isn't. 

[This week's podcast is about Breaking Up in the '80s and Beyond. It does feature a very special celebrity guest, so stick with it through the pain. Click here to listen. Or click here to hear all our shows for free on iTunes.]

Comments

[Ian from Baltimore]

So, now, I'd like to know if you are going to reveal her real name? I know we can find it in an old cast, but there is nothing, now, that is holding it back, right?

[Keith TY]

Steve, I'm sorry to hear what happened. I just listened to the podcast today and I must confess, I think it's one of the best podcasts. The fact that you were able to use the show to help you move on with Sean and Cathy (welcome back!), I think speaks volumes on how much you are dedicated to the Stuck in the 80s show and audience.

The Deborah Foreman interview was awesome and can I say. . .could she be any nicer?!? I think she was the best interview yet. My thanks to Deborah for cheering you up!!! Hang in there!

Oh, and welcome back Cathy!

[DerekT]

One rule you should have is to have fun doing the podcast. You can call it the Daly Rule.

[Spears]

We here at Stuck in the '80s have many rules. First rule: There are no rules. Well, I do usually have a rule about "no non-80s music by non-80s bands." And I really will stick to that one.

The "No GFs on Future Podcasts" could be brought up on petition and added to the ballot for the next general election on Stuck in the '80s. Democracy in action. Fair enough? Let all the "Yoko conspiratists" come out and finally be heard without fear of retribution.

Personally, I'd like a little more of the Forever Fiancee on the show.

[Joey in Austin]

I may not be 300 women. But I'll sleep with you 300 times.

Actually, I won't. But for the sake of that joke and the chance of brightening your day; I will set aside my Man Card for 300 seconds in order to type this ridiculous run-on sentence.

[Kim]

Aww, Steve, just listened to the podcast & am sorry to hear about the break up. On a much lighter note, how friggin' awesome is Deborah Foreman? She was fantastic!

Nothing against ex VGF, well except for the socialist thing, but could we possibly institute a no GF's on the pod cast in the future? Of course Cathy and Gina are always a welcome addition!

I think you totally should have gone to Chicago! I'm sure you could have found a friend to go with & some deep dish and heavy drinking might have been just what you needed!

Hang in there! You'll feel better soon.

[Mick in Sydney]

Steve I think you were correct when you decided not to go to Chicago. Things could only get worse not better so it was good to stay away. SInce it was a couple weeks since you last saw her hopefully it took a little bit of that edge off. All teh best mate as we will all be pulling for you.

[Man from Manila]

This is indeed the saddest podcast not only because of the topic of the podcast but because what spearsy is going through. Just hang on in there.

[DenverMatt]

Steve

Please Nuke the show with ex-VGF. She was terrible and the purging will do you good.

[Kevin Hall]

I have an even sadder podcast I heard recently. You can listen to it here.

http://kevinhallshow.com/?p=52

[Cathy]

Dr. Dim-

Sorry, of course it was Back on the Chain Gang! My only defense was that I also listened to Brass in Pocket that afternoon as well.

Thanks,
Cathy

[The Man Known Only as.......Rowan]

I'm so sorry to hear what happened. I was wondering what was going on with all the "theme" based blogs. At least you finally got to talk with the lovely Ms. Foreman. Speaking of which, if you do come down to L.A. to see her maybe we can have a get together at a nearby bar. I know a few good ones in Studio City.

[So Sorry Spearsy]

just heard the podcast, sorry to hear that you are no longer with VGF. I guess you can scratch those directions to Hala Kahiki, perhaps another life and time.

hope you meet somebody sweet and hot, who will f*** the s*** out of you!

[Swordy in Australia]

Spearsy. That had to be one of your best podcasts. For what it is worth, Australia loves you. As they say, 'Nothing like a bit of love Down Under'!

You might be down, BUT YOU'RE NOT OUT!

[Bassnote]

If I'm still awake enough after the show, I will send a review to you.

[Roy, UK]

Thanks for sharing that, it must have taken a lot. Just stay away from Phil Collins for a while...

[Spears]

Have a great time at the show, Bassnote. I'd love to get a mini-review from you when it's over that I can publish on the blog.

[D-Pete]

Wow. Just wow. Steve, you're the Picasso of the podcast world, if you will -- pouring your heart and soul into this episode, and to great effect! The Deborah Foreman interview was the perfect touch, and she couldn't have been nicer. Great show, although in retrospect, listening to it out here on this window ledge wasn't such a hot idea.

[Miguel]

What a podcast!Sad! All the support mate!

Deborah Foreman was incredible.Great interview there.She sounded like an old friend of yours.

[Dr. Dim]

The Pretenders lyrics that Cathy refers to are from 'Back On The Chain Gang', not 'Brass In Pocket'.

Keep your chin up, Steve. We're here for you. As far as we can be in the blogosphere.

[Bassnote]

I was waiting for you to drop this news on the '80s nation since you e-mailed me earlier in the week. I'm really sorry about your break-up. I've had some pretty horrible break-ups in my past (remember my U2 "With or Without You" story). I thought the interview was fantastic, and she was very cool. I sorry I don't get the chance to hang out with you tonight, but I hope things get better for you.

[Tim F.]

Hang in there Steve! I haven't heard the podcast yet (save for the first 60 seconds just to confirm what it's about) but I plan to later today. You're 80's family will help see you through this!

I don't post here often but I'm a big fan of the podcast. Keep 'em coming -- the day you quit doing the podcast will truly be "the saddest week of 80's history".

[Jason]

Sean, Cathy, whoever is near Steve, keep him away from the Cure. As one massive Cure fan to another, Steve if you love life put the Disintegration and Pornography albums out of your reach. Even Wish must be moved far away.

And then realize the massive amount of caring that massive amounts of people have for you. Have a massively great day! (Had to throw in one more "massive".)

[Marissa]

The interview was awesome and clearly what the doctor ordered. xoxo