I Usually Complain About How Little Stranger Things Actually References Indiana, But This Deep Cut From The Radio Station Had Me Impressed

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I’ve been completely hooked on the new season of Stranger Things! Like everyone else, I’m dissecting every detail, trying to figure out what it all means. But I have to admit, my obsession is a little different. As someone who grew up in Indiana, I was absolutely thrilled by a really subtle, insider reference they made during the scenes at the radio station. It was a small moment, but it felt so special to me!

As an Indiana native, I was a little disappointed that the show ‘Stranger Things’ portrays Hawkins as a typical 1980s town instead of highlighting details specific to Indiana during that era. However, the production team clearly pays attention to detail, as they included a sticker referencing a well-known Indiana radio show.

Stranger Things’ WSQK Has A Sticker Referencing An Iconic Indiana-Based Radio Show

WSQK, nicknamed The Squawk, is the radio station operated by Nancy, Steve, Robin, Jonathan, and Joyce. Beyond playing music, it allows the group to secretly communicate using coded messages while Hawkins is locked down. They maintain the appearance of a real radio station to avoid unwanted attention from the military, which is why the DJ booth is decorated with bumper stickers referencing other radio programs.

Indianapolis radio station Q95, home of the Bob and Tom Morning Show, recently got a nice mention! The station’s official X (formerly Twitter) account thanked the show after a sticker briefly appeared in an episode. It’s visible when Steve is doing sound effects for Robin – you can check it out here:

The show first aired in 1983 and quickly became popular, eventually being broadcast across the country by 1995. As someone from Indiana, I can say it’s a huge nostalgia trip for many of us. It’s what a lot of people my age listened to on their way to school when they were growing up, and it’s where sports broadcaster Pat McAfee got his start. It’s a show that’s really special to Indiana, and likely resonates with others as well.

I’m Usually Miffed Stranger Things Doesn’t Do More To Honor Indiana, But I’ll Give It This One

I’m still frustrated that Stranger Things hasn’t highlighted its Indiana setting more. It’s set in the ’80s, a time when famous Hoosiers like John Mellencamp, Larry Bird, and Michael Jackson were incredibly popular, and the show completely ignores that! It’s especially annoying because the final season even takes place during Reggie Miller’s first year in the NBA!

More On Stranger Things

I Really Need Stranger Things Season 5 To Reveal What’s Happened To One Missing Character

The characters in Stranger Things are dealing with pretty intense situations, so sports and music aren’t exactly their top priorities. However, they definitely made time for a fun Halloween tradition – dressing up as the Ghostbusters!

It’s true that most people probably weren’t expecting a Michael Jackson tribute or John Mellencamp songs, but looking back, it feels like the show could have done something more with that moment. Thankfully, we still have the bumper sticker as a reminder, and hopefully we’ll see a few more nods to it before the series ends.

The first four episodes of the final season of Stranger Things are now available on Netflix. There’s plenty to unpack in these episodes, and we have until Christmas Day – when the next set drops – to discuss everything that happens.

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2025-12-02 23:08