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.
Appears in 61 Episodes
TOPG Ep 44: Jacob’s Ladder
Is it a psychological horror masterpiece or just a paranoid fever dream? This week, we descend into Jacob’s Ladder (1990), a mind-bending journey through the fractured...
TOPG Ep 43: April Fools Day
Is it a slasher? Is it a prank? Is it actually scary? For our April Fools’ Day special, we’re revisiting April Fool’s Day (1986), the horror movie that flipped the gen...
TOPG Ep 42: Overboard
Amnesia, kidnapping, and questionable romantic ethics, Overboard (1987) is a rom-com that could only exist in the 80s. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell bring the charm, bu...
TOPG Ep 41: Leprechaun
Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like beer, bad luck, and a murderous little guy in a green suit! This special holiday episode, we’re diving into Leprechaun (1993), the ...
TOPG EP 40: European Vacation
In this episode regular Gen X hosts Mathew and Olen are joined by special guest host, Mark Wolters, an award-winning travel vlogger and the host of the Wolters World Y...
TOPG Ep 39: Firefox
In the 80s, every problem could be solved with a cool vehicle—so why not a thought-controlled Soviet fighter jet? This week, we revisit Firefox (1982), where Clint Eas...
TOPG Ep 37: Pretty in Pink
Break out the vintage thrift store finds and tune in for a special too old or pure gold Valentine’s Day episode as we revisit Pretty in Pink (1986)! John Hughes delive...
TOPG Ep 36: First Blood – Special Guest Vinnie Tortorich
Before Rambo became a one-man army with unlimited ammo, there was First Blood (1982), a surprisingly grounded thriller about a drifter, a sheriff with an attitude prob...
TOPG 35: Groundhog Day
We relive Groundhog Day (1993), the time-loop classic starring Bill Murray. From philosophical debates to groundhog-related crimes, we break down what makes this film ...
TOPG Ep 34: Romancing the Stone
We dive into the tale of a romance novelist turned treasure hunter, played by Kathleen Turner, who teams up with a rogue adventurer (Michael Douglas) in a jungle escap...
TOPG 33: Soul Man
Is blackface problematic? Spoiler: yes. Join us and the hosts of the absolutely obscure podcast as we break down the controversial 1986 comedy Soul Man. From its misgu...
TOPG 32: Cliffhanger
Hold on tight as we revisit the 1993 action-thriller Cliffhanger! Sylvester Stallone scales new heights as a former rescue climber pulled back into a dangerous mission...
TOPG Ep 31: Pale Rider
In this episode, we saddle up for Clint Eastwood’s 1985 Western Pale Rider and dive into the film’s themes of justice, revenge, and supernatural mystery. Does this gri...
TOPG Ep29: Gremlins
Is Gremlins a Christmas movie, horror movie, comedy movie or a covid conspiracy film? Join us in this special Christmas episode as we get to the bottom of these quest...
TOPG Ep 28: Trading Places
Join us as Gen X and Millennials clash over the classic role reversal film Trading Places. Is this a beloved comedy gem, or problematic and antiquated? Is this a Chr...
TOPG Ep 27: Running Scared
In this episode, we chase down the 1986 buddy cop classic Running Scared. From their impeccable comedic chemistry to the wild car chases and sun-soaked Miami detour, w...
TOPG Ep 26: Big Trouble in Little China!
Get ready for some Big Trouble in Little China! as we revisit John Carpenter’s 1986 action-comedy cult classic. Does this wild mashup of genres still pack a punch, or ...
TOPG Ep 25: Dreamscape
In this episode, we dive into Dreamscape (1984), where psychic dream warriors battle nightmares, government conspiracies, and truly creepy snake monster. Join us as we...
TOPG Ep 24: Tootsie
In this episode, we dive into Tootsie, the 1982 comedy where Dustin Hoffman discovers the secret to career success: high heels and a wig. Join us as we unpack this gen...
TOPG Ep 23: Blind Fury
Get ready as we slice into Blind Fury, the 1989 gem where Rutger Hauer plays a blind, sword-swinging Vietnam vet who can take down bad guys without even seeing them! W...
