TOPG Ep 104: Fast Times at Ridgemont High
This week on Too Old or Pure Gold, we head back to Ridgemont High to revisit Cameron Crowe’s 1982 coming-of-age classic. From Jeff Spicoli’s legendary classroom antics to mall jobs, dating disasters, and life lessons that definitely wouldn’t make it into a school curriculum today, Fast Times at Ridgemont High helped define the teen movie genre. But does it still capture the reality of growing up, or is it stuck in detention with the rest of the 80s?
Hosts: Olen van der Leeden & Mathew Stockton
Co-Hosts: Will Corry & Niki Mohrdar
Hosts: Olen van der Leeden & Mathew Stockton
Co-Hosts: Will Corry & Niki Mohrdar
Creators and Guests
Host
Mathew Stockton
Mathew Stockton is co-host of Too Old or Pure Gold and the voice behind the acclaimed true crime podcast Dark Poutine. Known for his dry wit, sharp cultural takes, and unapologetic disdain for both Tom Cruise and David Hasselhoff, Mathew brings a grounded, no-nonsense edge to the show. Check Mathew out on Dark Poutine and follow his dog Steve at Steve_couldnt_leave
Host
Olen Vanderleeden
A Gen X creative whose career spans cannabis, clean tech, and media, but his real passion is stuck in a time warp somewhere between a VHS rental and a training montage. As the creator, producer, and co-host of Too Old or Pure Gold, Olen channels his lifelong love of 80s cinema, especially the high-kicking, synth-scored, gloriously weird corners of it, into a podcast that celebrates, critiques, and reexamines the movies that shaped a generation.
Guest
Niki Mohrdar
Niki Mohrdar is a vibrant, Iranian-born, Vancouver-based comedian and producer whose infectious, conversational style turns every stage into a lively chat with a best friend.
Guest
Pieter Vanderleeden
At 93, Pieter is the tireless heart of Pieter’s Plot Corner, watching and studying every film we cover, then delivering a brilliant and succinct plot summary for listeners who may not have seen (or survived) the movie in question. He missed a lot of these films in the '80s, but he’s catching up now, and loving (almost) every minute. Equally dedicated to the good and the awful, Pieter is an essential part of the podcast family and a fan favorite in his own right.
Guest
Will Corry
Will Corry is a stand-up comedian and the toughest critic on Too Old or Pure Gold. He doesn’t hand out compliments easily but if a movie wins Will over, it’s earned. Will’s razor-sharp takes and perfectly timed eye-rolls keep the rest of the panel honest.
