Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast

Time for some weird tales, Slackers! Step into the eerie underbelly of the 1980s as we unravel five paranormal stories that gripped the nation (or at least the Northeast), blending supernatural intrigue with everyday human drama. From objects defying gravity to a courtroom battle invoking demonic forces, these tales defined an era fascinated by the unknown. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the choice is yours. We begin with the Columbus Poltergeist Case of 1984, where a troubled teen’s home erupted in chaos, sparking debates over paranormal phenomena versus psychological distress. Next, we explore a historic legal case where a shocking defense was argued, guided by the controversial demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. To set the stage, we’ll introduce the Warrens’ polarizing legacy as paranormal investigators, whose influence looms large in two other cases we’ll uncover. Our journey continues to a Massachusetts farm, where claims of otherworldly torment clashed with allegations of deception and abuse. Then, we visit a Connecticut family living in a former funeral home, where alleged supernatural assaults raised questions about truth and the exploitation of the dead. Finally, we delve into a Chicago urban legend, where mysterious cemetery damage fueled tales of a restless spirit. A recurring theme in many of these stories is the Warrens’ role in shaping the 1980s paranormal craze. Were these events glimpses of the supernatural or tragic manifestations of trauma and mental illness? We’ll reflect on the era’s obsession with the occult and the fine line between belief and doubt, inviting you to question what lies beyond the explainable. Share your thoughts or eerie encounters on Instagram, X, or YouTube @stuckpodx, like the Stuck in the Middle: A Gen X Podcast Facebook page, or email us at stuckinthemiddlepod@yahoo.com.

What's up, Slackers! This week we take a journey through the pages of the books and magazines that shaped our Gen X childhoods! From choose-your-own-adventure stories to fantastical tales of chocolate factories and epic fantasy worlds, we’ll revisit the books that sparked our imaginations. Plus, we’ll flip through the colorful, quirky magazines filled with comics, humor, and puzzles that kept us entertained for hours. The Books: Relive the thrill of interactive adventures, whimsical stories about magical elevators, sci-fi paperbacks, epic quests with hobbits, enchanting Greek myths, and the timeless humor of Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. The Magazines: Dive into the world of kid-friendly publications with hidden pictures and quirky characters, plus the irreverent humor of satirical comics featuring iconic mascots and legendary artists. These stories and visuals resonated with us, influenced pop culture, and gave many of us a lifelong love for reading,

If I could turn back time—exactly 36 years—it would be 1989! This episode was inspired by the 1989 monster hit by Cher. Yes, that Cher, who was 43 years old and leaving nothing to the imagination! As I’ve done in the past, we’re going to dig into the music charts and major box office hits, along with a few newsworthy events from the last year of the '80s.The music charts featured a mix of hair metal ballads and classic rock bands enjoying a late-career resurgence, with alternative and pop also well represented. This was an era when New Kids on the Block, Chicago, Rick Astley, and Poison were all played back-to-back on the radio. Back then, radio was pretty great. The big movies boasted massive hits from directors like Spielberg, Burton, Donner, and Zemeckis. The stars were names like Ford, Keaton, Gibson, and Fox—big movies with big budgets. But non-action films also drew huge audiences, like Parenthood and Dead Poets Society. This was the era when Robin Williams was earning numerous Academy Award nominations. Plus, it’s crazy to think that this was the year the Berlin Wall fell and the Tiananmen Square protests—and subsequent massacre—took place. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, and major streaming platforms. Connect with the podcast via email at stuckinthemiddlepod@yahoo.com, or follow on Instagram, X, and YouTube at @stuckpodx, and on Facebook at the Stuck in the Middle Podcast page.

It's about to get pretty cheesy, Slackers! First though, this episode is dedicated to Rick Derringer. Rock legend, producer extraordinaire, and of course the man who brought us the classic wrestling theme song, Real American. Rest in peace, - brother. This week we dive into a selection of 1980s sci-fi and fantasy films that shaped Gen X, including Krull, The Beastmaster, and Flash Gordon. Blending sword-and-sorcery with space opera, these films thrilled audiences with their larger-than-life stories and practical effects, despite a cheesy charm that could captivate or repel viewers, then and now. Were they “good”? Some were truly great; others were, honestly, gloriously terrible. We explore how these films, despite their campy flair, connected with young audiences through tales of underdog heroes and fantastical worlds. Their earnest, sometimes over-the-top storytelling captured the era’s spirit, proving good intentions can make a lasting impression. And did you know The Sword and the Sorcerer brought the stars of TV’s Matt Houston and Manimal together on the big screen? Join us as we celebrate these Gen X cult classics, embracing their cheesy yet endearing qualities that continue to entertain. Ah, the 80s, where bold heroes, mythical creatures, and cosmic battles ruled the screen with distinctive, lighthearted charm. It doesn’t always need to be bleak to leave a mark. Modern filmmakers should keep this is mind!

Picture it, Boston, 1995. A young man from Meriden, CT decides to uproot his life and move to a new city. New faces, new friends, and plenty of new music. It has been 30 years since I made the fateful decision to make the move to Boston. It was also a time to expand my musical palette. Thankfully, there was plenty of new music to choose from, with tons of second hand music shops like CD Spins, interspersed with the big retailers like Tower Records. Much of the music on the radio at the time was not for me (except TLC!), but thanfully there were rock friendly radio stations in the city, as well as some of the best clubs to see live music. TT the Bears and The Middle East come to mind. Acts that would go on to become huge stars got their big breaks in 1995, while smaller indie, punk, and metal bands were just reaching their loftiest heights. Bands like Shelter and Jawbreaker achieved their biggest commercial successes, while bands like Rancid and Presidents of the United States of America were getting some air time on radio stations like WBCN and WAAF. Plus, legends like Faith No More, Radiohead and Fugazi added to their legacies in 1995. Oh, and some band called Oasis had a huge record or something. And everyone was asking the question, "What is a Foo Fighter"?

Get ready to rock, Slackers! This episode honors ECW legend Sabu and previews the killer music festivals lighting up summer 2025. From metal to alternative, these lineups prove ‘80s & ‘90s music is still very much alive. Tribute to Sabu We salute Sabu, the hardcore ECW icon whose death-defying style defined ‘90s wrestling. His fearless dives and chaotic energy left a lasting mark on Gen X wrestling fans and the entire wrestling industry. Summer 2025 Concerts & Music Festivals The Summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a great season for live music. Leading the charge are bands like Creed, My Chemical Romance, The Offspring, Def Leppard and the final show of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. Metallica is continuing the M72 tour, with Pantera, Ice Nine Kills, Limp Bizkit and Suicidal Tendencies in support. Metal is featured heavily on the festival circuit, none bigger than the lineup for Rockville 2025. Lollapalooza is still a…thing. Check it out - it gets weird. 80’s synth/new wave is featured prominently in California with the Cruel World Festival. That lineup is crazy good. Plus, many more! Summer and music. A perfect combination.

Are things getting weirder, Slackers? A social media claim challenges the authenticity of a core childhood memory, sparking passionate responses. Some Gen X men are embracing bold health experiments, raising eyebrows with their approach to aging. Others are playfully disrupting digital music culture with clever tricks, while a few adopt survivalist-inspired lifestyles reminiscent of the apocalyptic films of our youth. Gen X clearly has a knack for blending creativity with an ever-present urge to push buttons. Serious challenges also take center stage. Growing anxiety about retirement security looms large as Gen X faces an uncertain financial landscape. Innovative social gatherings offer a nostalgic yet practical way to reconnect, reflecting a balanced lifestyle—and the need to be in bed at a reasonable hour! The creative job market presents hurdles, with Gen X professionals adapting to new technologies and younger competitors. Additionally, our cautious approach to online commerce highlights a generational gap, as stats show we’re more than a little skeptical of social media-based commerce. Are these products even real? And are any of you actually using TikTok? Share your thoughts at stuckinthemiddlepod@yahoo.com, follow @stuckpodx on Instagram, X, and YouTube, or visit the Stuck In The Middle Podcast page on Facebook. Suggest future topics and subscribe for more insightful discussions.

Hello, neighbor, I mean, Slackers! This week we are going to explore the educational live-action children’s shows of the 1970s and 1980s that defined the Generation X experience. These programs were foundational, delivering lessons with creativity and care in an era before digital media. From the community spirit of Sesame Street to the gentle guidance of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, it’s all about the shows that made education engaging and actually fun. My personal GOATs? Fred Rogers and Captain Kangaroo! The Electric Company used characters like Morgan Freeman’s (!) Easy Reader to teach reading to older children, while Romper Room’s Miss Nancy instilled manners through her Magic Mirror. Reading Rainbow, hosted by LeVar Burton, encouraged a love for literature, and Mr. Wizard’s World made science accessible with Don Herbert’s experiments. Each program contributed to a foundation of curiosity and empathy. There are also a ton of lesser-known shows like Zoom, which empowered children to create their own content, and The Big Blue Marble, which introduced global perspectives. Villa Alegre promoted bilingual learning, and 3-2-1 Contact brought STEM to life. These shows were more than entertainment; they were trusted sources of knowledge and connection for a generation. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, and major streaming platforms. Connect with the podcast via email at stuckinthemiddlepod@yahoo.com, or follow on Instagram, X, and YouTube at @stuckpodx, and on Facebook at the Stuck in the Middle Podcast page.

Finish him, Slackers! This week’s episode is all about how PC games like DOOM, console titles such as Mortal Kombat - on Sega Genesis of course - and early games on the first Xbox sparked intense controversy. We dive into the societal fears that linked pixelated violence to real-world crimes, from Senate hearings scrutinizing Night Trap to media reports tying Grand Theft Auto and DOOM’s gory first-person action to youth aggression. It’s crazy looking back on how these games became scapegoats for violence, while also embodying our generation’s embrace of new technology, set against a backdrop of parental advisory stickers and early internet culture. Long before there was WiFi and Xbox live, there were LAN servers - we have had this kind of online gaming culture far longer than we sometimes recognize! Fun? Yes! Toxic? Probably! There were some wild true crime connections amid widespread cultural debates surrounding PC and console gaming. These controversies continue to influence modern gaming culture today. Whether gaming is good, or bad, or otherwise - who knows? I mean, who didn’t play Halo into the wee hours of the morning!?

What is up, Slackers! On this week’s episode we explore the evolution of grunge beyond its iconic pioneers. Sometimes it is easy to forget that grunge had a second (early to mid-1990s) and even third wave (late 1990s to early 2000s) of bands that shaped the genre’s legacy. We highlight 14 second-wave acts, from Seattle’s sludgy core to punk-infused and noise-rock outliers - some initially dismissed as posers who would go on to be massive stars. Then, we cover six third-wave bands, blending "grunge" with more alt-rock and indie rock influences. Who knew there were this many grunge bands not named Nirvana, Soundgarden, or Pearl Jam?! Oh, and I fully blame a certain early 2000’s band with completely taking down guitar driven rock music - possibly forever. Listen now on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Follow the show: • Email: stuckinthemiddlepod@yahoo.com

I hate rain, Slackers, This week, we’re digging into ten rainy day songs that capture the gray and the heavy. Spanning the late '70s to the late '90s, the list pulls from dark corners and quiet moments—think industrial beats, NY alt metal, acoustic ballads, and lyrics that can get pretty dreary. It’s the kind of music that fits a slow drizzle or a full downpour, perfect for staring out a window, preferably with a hot cup of coffee. Mildly depressing? Maybe. Carthartic? Also, maybe. But probably. Got a rainy day song I missed? Hit us up on X, Instagram, and YouTube @stuckpodx or head on over to the The Stuck in the Middle Podcast page on Facebook. Drop a comment wherever you stream this podcast.

Trigger warning: We’re diving into the heavy stuff related to mental health—stats, struggles, the works. If it hits too close to home, skip it and come back next week. I will not be offended. It’s 2025, and Gen X (born ‘65–‘79, now 45–60) is wrestling a quiet crisis—too many of us are taking our own lives. Gen X men at a rate of 27–29 per 100,000, women at 7–8, both up since 2002. In this episode we unpack why—financial struggles, loneliness, physical & mental health issues—and how to fight back. I will share my own experiences and what I’ve learned and the steps I’ve taken. Resources:

Hip Hop Hooray, Slackers! Today, we’re diving into ‘80s rap—a new genre that was exploding right before our eyes. We’ll cover the top-selling albums and the pioneers who started it all. Rap kicked off in the early ‘80s in New York City. LL Cool J’s debut record Radio sold over a million units with “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” as the lead single. Then Run-D.M.C.’s Raising Hell broke huge, selling three million copies, led by the first rock/rap hybrid track - their reimagining of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” The Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill hit ten million thanks to the massive anthem that was “Fight for Your Right (To Party).” Rick Rubin produced all three of these breathrough records. Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full sold a million records—“I Ain’t No Joke” set a new bar. Seriously, it wasn’t until I started revisiting this stuff that I recalled how ahead of his time Rakim really was. Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions moved a million units with songs like “Don’t Believe the Hype” and “Bring the Noise,” merging hip hop with social commentary. N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton sold three million records with no radio support since almost all of it was censored. Only “Express Yourself” was clean enough to get airplay! Dr. Dre was already a genius in the studio - that album sounds amazing. On the pop side of rap was Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It,” DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince with “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” while the big dog was none other than MC Hammer’s massively popular Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ’Em, which sold ten million—“U Can’t Touch This” was a party staple. For Gen X, rap was fresh and ours. These pioneers turned a street sound into a movement, selling millions on vinyl and cassettes.

Be kind and rewind, Slackers! This week we take a dive into cinema's cult classics - films that took the long road to legendary status. These films - think dark humored high school flicks like Heathers or demonic, medieval chaos courtesy of Army of Darkness - often stumbled at the box office, barely making a dent with opening crowds. But at Blockbuster, they found their groove, turning late-night rentals into a rite of passage for fans. The question is, what exactly makes a cult classic a cult classic? Its a combination of unforgettable characters, quotable lines, and those unexpected moments that make you question what you just watched. It’s about stories that mix heart, humor, and a little madness - all the ingredients of the Gen X mindset. What makes these movies stand the test of time isn’t flashy red carpet premieres and huge box office numbers but the way they kind of snuck into our lives. Some weave fairy-tale romance with clever twists, others bring vampires to the teenage coming of age story, or maybe just toss a trucker into some ancient, mystical weirdness. I mean, how do you even describe the awkward charm of a movie like Napoleon Dynamite? It's sad that streaming has replaced the local video store, where so many of us found these weird little movies, turning often overlooked releases into beloved classics. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a nod to films that took time to find their people, proving that some of the best stories don’t need a red carpet - just a rewind button and a little love.

It's time for more fun with artificial intelligence, Slackers! During a past episode, we asked ChatGPT to spill the beans on Generation X, but this round, it’s Grok’s turn - unpacking ten ways us 45-to-60-year-olds are handling 2025. Grok says we’re snapping up multigenerational homes to bunk with parents or kids—practical as ever. Gen X women are flipping the script on midlife, dropping bold takes on living fully. We’re stretched thin, financially propping up family above and below, and spending just enough to keep retirement in sight. Politically, we’re leaning pretty hard one way. More of us are sharing roofs, work’s throwing tech challenges at us, and health’s a toss-up—carrying extra weight but hitting the gym, too. Nostalgia’s alive with ‘80s reboots. Millennials tip their hats to our grit; zoomers think it’s nuts we survived without apps. It’s Gen X just doing what we do—quietly piecing it together. Grok’s take feels a little sharper than ChatGPT’s, but regardless, AI is still kinda creepy.

Let's go out to the lobby and grab ourselves a treat, Slackers! A few episodes back, I dove into my most-listened-to albums. Now, it’s time to switch gears and talk about my most-watched movies of all time. No shocker here: Star Wars ranks high. What Gen Xer hasn’t rewatched those classics dozens of times? The list has all the usual suspects—Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Mad Max—but I’ve also got some newer favorites like John Wick, Tom Hardy’s Mad Max: Fury Road, and smaller gems like Rushmore and Mystery Men. You’ll spot former SNL stars like Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler, plus some 21st-century Disney juggernauts. And of course there's got to be some Kurt Russell! Sam Raimi reps the superhero genre, while Wes Craven brings his horror A-game. We’ve got sprawling, hours-long epics, goofy comedies, action-packed blockbusters, and, of course, time travel—because who doesn’t love a solid time-travel flick? I’d love to hear about your most-watched movies! Drop them over on social media and let’s compare notes.

Why do I feel so guilty, Slackers? In a recent podcast, Tom Morello and Billy Corgan discussed a number of topics, but when Billy talked about "Gen X not having a second act” and Tom said he had “Punk Rock Guilt”, this really struck a chord with me. Growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s—amid economic flux, cultural cynicism, and punk’s rebirth via hardcore and grunge — gave us a somewhat strange worldview. In 1989 Family Ties ended while Seinfeld just started to air. We went from wholesome to cynical in the blink of an eye. Morello talked about the uneasy feeling of raging against the system only to end up part of it - is that just an inevitable part of growing up or have we somehow let our younger, more idealistic selves down? As a parent I often wrestle with whether I have done the right things for my kids. And I certainly lament my restless, rudderless youth. This episode is a reflection on my own personal (and Gen X’s) struggle to reconcile our hedonistic, yet oddly idealistic, youth with the quiet regrets of middle age.

Feeling old yet, Slackers? When we were young, there were so many movie stars—and not just the Brat Pack. Sean Penn, Kiefer Sutherland, and Elisabeth Shue come to mind. Fast forward to today, and these former young heartthrobs and beloved teen idols have become Hollywood royalty, winning some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, including Golden Globes, Academy Awards, Emmys, and Tonys. Movies like TAPS and Fast Times at Ridgemont High boast numerous award winners, including multiple Oscar wins. While Sean Penn received recognition fairly early in his career, actors like Christian Slater and Jennifer Jason Leigh didn’t receive any significant award buzz until 30+ years into their careers. Though I’m an avowed Ferris Bueller hater, it was still pretty cool to see Alan Ruck (Cameron) receive nominations for his role on Succession. Although I don’t typically pay much attention to award shows, I’m rooting for Demi Moore to finally win the big one for her role in The Substance. We dive into how these stars have evolved—not just in their careers, but in their artistry—transforming from iconic teen roles into multi-award-winning performances. We explore their journeys from being the faces of an era to becoming respected actors and performers across different genres. It’s fascinating to see these once-young stars redefine what it means to age gracefully in Hollywood while staying relevant, admired, and celebrated.

Top 5 all time, Slackers! Ever wonder why we have always been "list" oriented - or maybe that's just me? "Top 5" this or "Top 10" that - from Casey Kasem's American Top 40, MTV's Top 20 Countdown, later TRL, to Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 series, lists have been a regular part of our lives. With the advent of the internet, many of us were the early adopters of "listicles" on web forums where we chimed in on "Top 5 Tag Teams" or "Top 5 Video Games". Fast forward 20+ years and the list format drives everything from Netflix & Spotify algorithms, to targeted ads. In fact, lists likely drive commerce! For many of us, lists are what drives debates, and as long as people keep it civil, this has always been our way of communicating. Back in the day it could be debates on "best running backs", or "best metal guitarist". It's all subjective but that's what makes it fun. There's also some talk about the Big Game, Boston sports, and the many opinions on the Half TIme show.

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t watch any of this year’s Grammy Awards. This used to be appointment viewing back in the day, but now - not so much. I thought, let’s revisit the ceremonies of 1975, 1985, and 1995. While we might not be tuning in now, these past shows seems to actually matter - and I recognize that is because I am an old man yelling at clouds! While you early Xers may recall the ’75 awards, for me it was 1985. Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and Lionel Richie were huge stars, while Huey Lewis & the News had their big breakout with “Sports”. The Best New artist award went to Cyndi Lauper. The other nominees? Sheila E., Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Corey Hart, and The Judds! I think Cyndi might have deserved that one! I’m not sure if it just being a middle aged man that informs my lack of interest in modern awards shows - it seems as though the industry has changed since our youth. While it has always been about the record labels and their influence, it at least seemed as thought the artistry was equally, if not more important, than record sales alone. So, did you watch the Grammys this year and are there any artists I should actually take the time to listen to?