GenX Stories

What happens when a generation that uses gallows humor to deal with trauma loses someone they love? That’s the question The Grief Mixtape Project will explore through stories from you, our community. To learn more and contribute your voice to the Grief Mixtape, go to at genxstories/grief. Related Podcast episodes Losing a Parent as a GenXerDo you gotta have faith?Becoming a sandwich generationEve’s writing about grief The problem with caringGirlDadDad’s EulogyConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

On today’s encore episode, the gang digs into what makes GenX the latest “sandwich” generation and how we’re handling it. Smushed between taking care of our parents and our kids, how did we go from being ignored to being needed by two different age groups? No matter what kind of generational sandwich you are - club, open faced, keto, whatever - hear about choosing support groups over ice floes. Episode links What is a sandwich generation?GenX women facing the caregiving crisisThe Sandwich Generation: When Caregiver Seems to Be Your Only RoleWhat Is a Mother-in-Law Suite, and Should I Consider Adding One?Swedish Death CleaningI Care A Lot movieCare Options for People with Dementia or Alzheimer's9 ways sandwich-generation caregivers can manage stressConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

In an encore episode, the crew dishes on one of the sexiest topics around: money. Ok, maybe not THAT sexy but we can make anything fun. Between paper route Ponzi schemes, having a monthly “nut”, wondering if we can ever retire, and how much we still owe Columbia House, you’ll never think of Gen X finances the same. Crack open that piggy bank and tune in today. Episode links The Flying Lizards "Money" songLook up social security and see your working history5 Interesting financial Facts About Generation X“I want my two dollars”What’s your monthly nut?Ewan McGregor Expedia ad about stuffGeneration X: All Eyes on RetirementBest money tips for people in their 40s and 50sGen Xers are the forgotten financial superheroesWhy Gen Xers Are Way More Worried About Money Than Boomers Connect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Well, it happened - we couldn’t get our schedules lined up to record this week. BUT the good news is that we have an encore episode for you we think is pretty special - our first ever together on the podcast! Learn how Lori, Courtney, Christopher and I started doing this wacky thing in season 2 (since season one was a totally different format.) In this episode, we dig into what being GenX means to each of us knowing how pivotal the 80’s were for music, fashion, crisis and more. We'll also discuss our generation’s creativity & innovation and why Chris thinks that sequins and the SpaceX Dragon capsule don’t mix. So as spring is starting around the country, why not find out a bit more of our origin story? (Which also happens to be a really fun episode.) Fun Episode links new hostsSpaceX sequinedMRI on TwitterConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Today on the podcast we're talking all about jobs. The ones we had as kids, our first “real” ones, and even the ones that taught us a thing or two about life and ourselves. In a world where “quiet quitting”,“quiet firing” and the “great resignation” are now just part of work life, what do 50+ year olds expect in a job now? (Other that retire - well, maybe). We also share some of our beloved Facebook community’s first jobs, and pick one to send some awesome show swag to. Seriously, make it your job (see what we did there?) to listen. Episode links How to Highlight The Unique Attributes of a Gen X JobseekerBrief History of AOLThe short but destructive history of mass layoffsGenXers in the workforceJob searching for GenXersGenX and the Great ResignationEarly 1990’s RecessionThe Year in Quiet Quitting"Follow your bliss”How to balance your passion project with full time jobFor GenX, retirement bitesEve’s strange job path Connect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Did you want your MTV? We certainly did! Today’s episode is all about being the “MTV generation”, the iconic music video cable channel launched the summer of 1981. What was the first day like? Who were these “VeeJays”? And why does MTV still feels like a cultural rite of passage for GenX. We are also joined by music video historian and the brains behind website & magazine Music Video Time Machine, Stephen Pitalo. Hear all the behind the scene stories of your favorite videos from Madonna to Duran Duran to Bon Jovi and even Michael Jackson's Thriller in 3D. Trust us - you’re gonna be surprised. Episode links Music video Time MachineMichael Jackson's Thriller 3DMTV Launch dayFirst videos aired on MTVMTV’s impact on GenXMusic Videos by David Mallet10 Favorite Videos by Steve BarronI want my MTV campaignVideos Directed by Wayne IshamOriginal MTV VeeJaysDavid Bowie Rips Into MTV for Not Spotlighting Black ArtistsPeter Kagan VideosVideos Video Killed the Radio StarInfatuationTake on MeMoney for NothingGirls Just Want to have Fun Living on a PrayerTell her About itTim Jones' KissThrillerLucky StarHigher LoveRock the CasbahEvery Breath you takeConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Today’s podcast episode is going to be a little different. We’re taking on a topic that both Courtney and I have sadly experienced firsthand - losing a parent as a Gen Xer - and it’s just the two of us. This is also a longer episode than usual and barely edited because we felt it was important to be as authentic as possible with you. While we know this is an emotional topic, we don’t cover any of that up. You'll will hear us lose it, get angry and even laugh, because that’s how grief is. It’s also how GenX is - never one dimensional. We really hope this will start to normalize how we talk about grief, and helps you heal. All that being said, if hearing about loss and grief upsets you to much, especially when it relates to someone you love, we will understand if you skip this episode because we are really really really open. Thank you for being there for us. Let us be there for you? Episode links The Grief of Losing a Parent Is Complex — Here’s How to Start Navigating It64 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Grief22 Things No One Tells You After A Parent Or Loved One Passes Away UnexpectedlyOlder generations are half as likely to seek bereavement supportFinding a Therapist Who Can Help YouGrief therapist look upHow to Start Hard Conversations About End-of-Life Planning Eve’s writing about grief The problem with caringGirlDadDad’s Eulogy Connect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Today the GenX Series Podcast gang is talking about cult classic films with with a special guest - Final Destination and American Pie movie producer Craig Perry (who happens to be married to one of our hosts). Given his vast amount of knowledge and the ton of research he asked us to read (OMG!) about the difference between a Cult Classic movie vs a cult following, we’re definitely going deep. You know you want the behind the scenes info about your favorite cult classic movies so don’t miss this one. Episode links Craig Perry IMDBCult Classics Explained: How a Movie Fits the DefinitionSurprising Cult ClassicsThe 40 best cult movies of all timeWhat is a cult movie?What is cult following?Motherfucking Snakes on motherfuking plane “There was this one time at band Camp”What we miss about the Video StoreMystery Science Theater 3000Secrets of ''Rebel Without a Cause'''Star Trek': The Cult of William Shatner7 reasons why ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movieBrain DeadAttack of the Killer Tomatoes15 Gen X Movies That Summarize An Entire Generation of AngstThe Old Cult Mixlist: Songs from and inspired by classic cult filmsThe Holiday:Connect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Today the GenX Stories gang is talking about obsessions. I mean… fandoms & collecting. Were you into puffy stickers or comics as a kid? And let’s get really honest and admit what weird thing you still collect. So grab that Holly Hobby lunch box and Star Wars Pez dispenser and get ready to get deep into it with your favorite GenX Geeks. Episode links Collecting Stickers in the 1980What is a Fandom?What did we collect?Corky the dogVictorian Heating gratesPost office doorsWacky packsPoppin' fresh doughboyDivorced Couple Splitting Up Beanie BabiesFunko popConan Funkos9 questions about furries 80s stuff Worth a Fortune NowLEGO Minifigures The MuppetsAnimal Lego Minifig30 worthless CollectiblesWheat penniesBicentennial quartersState SpoonsBoo Buckets Charvel Surfcaster Electric GuitarConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

2022 just hasn't been our year here over at GenX stories. Life keeps interfering so we’re just gonna start fresh in 2023. We plan to be back to publishing every two weeks starting January 11, 2023 and can’t wait to bring you new episodes about fandom, cult movies, ageism, music videos, & more. Courtney, Lori, Chris, and Eve hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season, and look forward to seeing everyone in the new year. Love you. Mean it. Keep rocking. Connect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Today we have a special little bonus episide for you - an interview with Gabi Lorino, a kick ass book editor and 100% pure GenXer. We originally thought this would be part of the books episode published last week, but it was too fabulous to edit down to a few minutes so it got it’s own. Gabi's actually the type of GenXer we created this podcast for because she’s got some amazing stories to share. Hear all about her work as an anthology editor, the books she loved as a kid (and which she re-reads) the books she’s written already and what her “big birthday” goal is. Episode links Made in LA WritersPhotos of Gabi’s BooksAmazon"author blog"TwitterInstagramFacebookGenX BlogUkeladies singing "Single in December."Connect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

This week, the gang talks about books, books, and more books. The ones we loved reading as kids, the ones we shouldn't have read as kids, the books that shaped us how we grew up and what role books & reading plays now in our increasingly digital world. Between rolling into the Scholastic book fairs, paying fines from overdue library books, sneaking forbidden books as a teenager and audio books vs old school reading, jump into to the land of make believe and imagination with us. Call us geeks, call us bookworms but don’t cancel our library card because we have opinions. Episode links A Century of Reading: The 10 Books That Defined the 1980s17 Required High School Books We Ended Up Loving30 Books Everyone Should Read At Least Once In Their LivesThe Golden Booksgoldenbooks.com/Dr. SeussRichard Scarry booksHighlights magazineScholastic Book FairWilliam StiegMr. NoseyShel SilversteinJudy BlumeThe Enduring Allure of Choose Your Own Adventure BooksIs Listening to Audiobooks Really Reading?As Book Bans Escalate, Here’s What You Need to KnowBook Review: The Tales of Generation X Feel as Poignant Now as in the 1990sPrince Harry will read audiobook of his memoir which promises to be 'candid and powerful' Little Free Library Connect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

The GenX Stories gang needed some laughs so we took on the Muppets & Sesame Street which caused a serious conversation. (because of course it did). Did you grow up with the Muppet Show or Sesame Street? Is Yoda really a muppet? (don’t fight Courtney about it!). And seriously, what character would YOU be? We get brutally honest and share our thoughts on muppet doppelgängers among other Jim Henson/Frank Oz stuff. You know you need a break from Thanksgiving so it's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights. Yayyyyyyy! Episode links Sesame Street CharactersMuppet CharactersSesame Street Characters are muppetsDifferences between Muppets and Sesame StreetKermit was an old coat before a frog The Dark CrystalFizzgigYoda is not a Muppet per Frank OzSesame Street: fly in his soupRNC and fight with Big BirdKermit hosted the Tonight ShowMuppets on SNLMiss Piggy’s dogAnimal commercialQUIZ: Which muppet are you?The Muppets MayhemSam & Friends bookConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Welcome to Season 4 of GenX Stories! While we we originally intended to launch this episode at the end of summer, I lost my father in September which sadly impacted everything. But we finally got the gang together, and thought we'd kick off our new season talking about how everything old is new again. Music, movies, fashion, everything is back (even stuff we wish wasn’t). With the GenZ'ers trying to own on our nostalgia now, is GenX down with that or does it annoy the fuck out of us? Listen and find out, because you know we have opinions. Episode links We won a Best in Show W3 award - hear about it allPseudo NostalgiaStranger Things is fuelling a pseudo-nostalgia Rick Astley’s Insurance commercial so why is Gen Z nostalgic for the ’80s?The clever ways brands are tapping into Gen Z’s obsession with nostalgiaGen X, Millennials and Boomers are Battling Over Who Owned the Super BowlDad's TikTok for son showing what his 80s childhood was like is total Gen X nostalgia"Stranger Things" and the frustrations of Gen X's '80s nostalgia habit'Top Gun: Maverick' is apparently a total Gen X win and frankly, we deserve thisWhy ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Almost Had a Different Opening SequenceI Rediscovered the ’90s Caboodles CaseSesame Street’s first TikTokAARP on TikTokGen Z isn’t mourning the past – we’re trying to redeem itConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Season four of GenX Stories is finally going to drop Wednesday, November 9th! Get ready for more of the awesome banter and kick ass GenX-ness you’ve come to expect from us as we chat about everything from nostalgia trends to books to Late ADHD diagnoses to muppets to travel to therapy to family dysfunction and even to ASMR (whatever that means). Meanwhile, check out some of our AWARD WINNING episodes from season 2 and 3 and brace yourself for our new season. We promise you - it will NOT disappoint. Connect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

Given the recent loss of my father, it’s a crazy time to share good news, but I wanna think dad would have been so proud. Born from my 25th Penn reunion, the GenX Stories podcast just won a Best in Show W3 Award in the podcast category. For a teeny show run by four 50+ friends (and first time podcasters) not a podcast network, this is a huge honor. I am SO thankful for our supporters & listeners and my beloved co-hosts who somehow agreed to go along with this crazy thing. Lori, Courtney, Chris and I can’t wait to share more GenX topics with you all in Season 4 later this month so stay tuned. Meanwhile, check out some of our favorite now AWARD WINNING (hah!) episodes. Episode links Best in Show Winners Connect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

While we had hoped to start season four in September, sadly my beloved father passed away on September 11 due to a rapidly growing aggressive brain cancer. I am still reeling because it happened so fast and my mother and I are navigating the next few weeks, but season four of the podcast is obviously delayed. On the bright side, Courtney, Chris, Lori and I did record the first two episodes at the end of August. And they’re great We are planning to launch the new season sometime in October so stay tuned. Meanwhile, I have linked both my father’s obituary and the eulogy I gave for him here so you can get to know this incredible man a little bit. I’ll miss you forever, daddy. Episode links Dr William H. SimonA eulogy for my fatherConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

While we are on hiatus this summer (ahead of season four’s fall release), we are re-publishing some of our most popular episodes with brand new intros and trust us, this one is worth the wait. Get out the popcorn! The GenX Stories gang goes all out & shares how we really feel about the “new takes” of tv shows and movies we grew up on. While this was originally released WAY ahead of Top Gun: Maverick, thanks to GenX nostalgia it’s soared to $1.895 billion worldwide already. Cuz it was THAT good. So without further ado, break out those snacks and check out the replay of one of our favorite season 3 episodes, appropriately entitled "Is it a reboot or a remake?” Episode links ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Topping ‘Avengers’ Sequel As 12th Biggest Film In History'Top Gun: Maverick' is apparently a total Gen X win and frankly, we deserve thisQuentin Tarantino Calls ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ a ‘Spectacle’ He Never Thought He’d See Again: ‘I F—ing Love It’Is it a reboot, remake, prequel or sequel?14 Remakes That Are Better Than the OriginalWhy are there so many film and tv remakes right now?How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Embrace the RemakeHow Cronenberg's The Fly Remake Improved On The Original MovieHow James Bond Should Return Following No Time To DieHow West Side Story Reset ItselfHow the new Wonder Years captured the spirit of the original — and why it's not a remakeABC's Facts of Life Live Begins With OG Cast ReunionConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

While we are still on hiatus this summer (ahead of season four), we are re-releasing some of our most popular episodes with brand new intros and trust us, this one rocks (literally). In a summer filled with kick ass concerts - including many of our generations favorites - do you remember YOUR first? What about your favorite? And what bands are you planning to see this summer. We also asked what shows our facebook group are excited about and were surprised with their answers. So without further ado, lean hard into that contact high and check out the replay of one of our favorite season 3 episodes, appropriately entitled "We Will Rock You: Our Fave Concerts”. Episode links Stadium Tour setlistSummer 2022 ConcertsThe 50 Greatest Concerts of the Last 50 YearsMusical acts from the 80s who are still playing todaySting solo singing Roxanne acousticStyx: Mr RobotoBelinda Carlisle dated Michael HuchenceLive AidLive Aid’s You Tube ChannelThe HootersAll Your Zombies VideoAni DiFranco on touring w/DylanConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email

While we are on hiatus this summer (ahead of season four), the GenX Stories crew is re-releasing some of our most popular episodes and today’s is sadly pretty appropriate for our world right now. After the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe Vs Wade on Jun 24, 2022, many of us have been very upset. Most of our listeners (and our show hosts!) have-not known a time when abortion wasn’t legal and safe, so we all worry what this means for our country now both in terms of bodily autonomy and overall human rights. Between growing up with Gloria Steinam's influence on our mothers, watching Katie in The Way We Were, "Leaning In" w/Sheryl Sandberg at work and stressing out with Ada Calhoun at midlife, we share our expectations, experiences and how we're feeling about everything right now. Check out the replay in it’s entirety of "What it’s like for a (GenX) girl” with an updated intro that includes post-Roe resources to help you all take action right now. If you (or a beloved woman in your life) have also been dealing with a changing world, this ep is for you. Episode links Post Roe ResourcesPost Roe ResourcesUS Abortion Policies and Access After RoeWhat to Know If You're Planning on Protesting the End of Roe v. WadeMidterm support for Democrats soars after Supreme Court strikes down abortion accessThe Way We WereThe Way We Were movie clips3rd Wave FeminismGloria SteinemLean InAbout Sheryl SandbergStrong women quotesHow a Voice of Female Gen X Anxiety Spends Her SundaysThe new midlife crisisWhat to expect when you’re expecting to be a GenX girlConnect with us Subscribe to GenX Stories in your favorite podcast app Buy some kickass merch Write us a review Visit our site Join our Facebook Group Follow our 80’s inspired Instagram Send us an email