The GenX Experience

Welcome back to the second part of our series on growing up Gen X with or without siblings. In today's episode (ep 32), I sit down with fellow GenXer Craig Fitzgerald to talk about what it was like growing up as an only child and how it shaped his views on the world as an adult. We also take a little detour into GenX music, what's it like caring for aging parents, and how GenX is aging dif...

This month, I'm talking to my fellow Gen Xers about growing up with siblings versus growing up as an only child. For this very special episode(ep 31) of The GenX Experience, I sat down with my brother and sister, Micah Alpern and Mandi Fridkin, to reminisce, share our unique perspectives on growing up together, and how we stay so close after all these years. If you'd like to become a guest or shar...

In this solo episode 30, I'm reminiscing about Gen Xers' first foray into the corporate world, where we were told we didn't have enough experience to get the job. It didn't matter if you'd studied your field in college or at a trade school. You were young and, apparently, didn't know anything. Although we knew enough to know you can't get experience without a job. Ah, t...

Today, I'm continuing my conversation on Gen X and ageism. For episode 29, I interviewed Craig Zamboni, a US Army Veteran, adjunct professor, and Chief of Government Affairs for Akin, about the challenges Gen X faces in the workplace and how we can try to navigate the ageism we are now facing. Guest Info: Craig Zamboni Craig Zamboni is an entrepreneur, business coach/consultant, and college pr...

In episode 28, I'm talking to copywriter Lib Aubuchon about how GenX deals with ageism, especially in the workplace. At a time when we should be in the prime of our careers, AI and a desire for cheaper, younger labor are pushing us to forge a new path. But this scrappy, adaptable generation isn't going quietly into this good night; we will find a way to persevere. Guest Info: Lib Aubuchon...

In episode 27, I'm going it alone to reminisce about my recent solo trip to Portugal to celebrate my 50th birthday before taking it old school to reflect on solo traveling as an 80s kid. From drinking port in the Douro Valley with a group of fabulous women to remembering how calling cards were a GenX traveling staple, it's a mish-mash of good times and nostalgia. If you'd like to become a guest or...

This month on the podcast, we're chatting about why every GenXer should solo travel. In episode 26, I talk to Wild Terrains founder Lauren Bates about the inspiration behind her women's travel company, how they curate their unique trips, and why every woman should book a solo trip with a group. Guest Info: Lauren Bates is the founder of Wild Terrains, an innovative women's travel company that coll...

In episode 25, I'm going solo to look back at how 80s kids dealt with motivation, productivity, and overwhelm. From Trapper Keepers to stickers and just doing what you were told, GenXers navigated childhood the only way we know how...with imagination, grit, and some latch key ingenuity. If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instag...

Welcome to season two of The GenX Experience and episode 24. We're starting things off by chatting with business and wellness coach Dr. Christiane Schroeter. In our engaging conversation, Christiane shares her top tips for making goal-setting less overwhelming so you can tackle that to-do list, make your dreams a reality, and still have time for yourself. Guest Info: Dr. CHRISTIANE SCHROETER i...

Welcome to a quick little holiday bonus edition of the podcast. Today, I'd like to ask for your help with some podcast feedback. I've created a quick survey to get your input on our first season, as well as what you would like to see in 2025. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to fill out. Until we meet again in January, I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. ⁠T...

In today's final installment of our series on GenX parenting perspectives, I spoke with Debbie Harrell about the challenges of being a single mom, what parenting feels like now that her children are grown, and how GenX is dealing with our collective trauma from the way we were parented. If you enjoyed this episode, share it on social media, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram @thegenxexperi...

In today's short episode, I'm dispelling all the urban myths our Silent Gen and Boomer parents told us to keep us in line or scare us. It's the perfect conversation starter for your Thanksgiving table. How many do you remember? Did I leave any out?  If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In part three of our GenX parenting series, I chatted with GenX dad Chris Reavis and Xennial dad Josh Kellar about the importance of empathy and understanding when raising kids. Chris also shares his experiences parenting a kid on the spectrum, while Josh discusses how his role as a therapist impacts his parenting. Guest Info: Chris Reavis Chris Reavis is a tech-savvy author on a mission to help y...

Today, I'm continuing my series on GenX Parenting by chatting with two unique and accomplished moms, Dr. Stephanie Dueger and Ashley Malik. We talk about everything from the importance of nurturing your children's emotional intelligence and the challenges of raising kids with a significant age gap. Guest Info: Stephanie Dueger Stephanie Dueger, PhD, is an author, educator, and coach for expectant...

This November, the GenX Experience asks GenXers to share their experiences as parents. We'll discuss what influences their parents or childhood had on their parenting style, the challenges of raising kids in today's technology-centric world, and much more. Today's guest is girl dad, Alex Berberian. Guest Info: Alex Berberian is a 45-year-old husband and dad to 2 girls in the suburbs of Annapolis,...

In today's bonus episode, I'm sharing my thoughts and insights on the new menopause documentary, The M Factor, available on PBS. Resources: The M Factor Documentary The Menopause Society The Menopause Brain Dr. Mary Claire Haver If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest Interest S...

Today, we continue our series on Menopause. For this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with certified nutrition coach Kristina von Oertzen about nutrition and wellness's role during perimenopause/menopause. As you'll learn, addressing symptoms and improving how you feel about your body and yourself requires a whole-body approach, especially so you can enjoy your life now and in the future. G...

Spooky season is here, but we aren't talking about ghosts and goblins. This month, we are talking about perimenopause and menopause. Why? Because Gen X women are doing this change in our lives differently. We are speaking up about the symptoms we are experiencing and demanding doctors hear us and help us. Thankfully, we aren't doing it alone, thanks to doctors, advocates, celebrities, the media, a...

GenX might be small, but we're still mighty with our influence in the workplace. We make up over 30% of today's workforce, and our impact is improving the way we do work and life...damn the man, save the empire. In today's episode, I look back at our first jobs, how Gen X works differently, and how the pressures of adulting affect our anxiety, stress, and ability to have that work-life balance we...

Welcome to another month of episodes from The GenX Experience. Our theme for September is all about entrepreneurship and work life. Get ready to look at your favorite 80s classics, from Better of Dead to Coming to America, in a new way because we're starting the month with an engaging episode featuring speaker and author Chris Clews. This is an episode not to miss as Chris shares the valuable less...

I'm ending my birthday month with a fun, rambling chat featuring my best friend, Kristi. We reflect on turning 50 and share some fond memories of growing up as 80s kids, from first crushes to bad hair to what we miss and don't miss about our days as teenagers. If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: email: blythealpern@wordwomancreative.com...

How did we get here? Because we've had 49 other birthdays. In today's episode, your very nasally, congested host shares her thoughts on turning 50 and takes a look back on what happened in the year of our birth, 1974. Links Mentioned: My birth announcement Celebrating 50 Years of Life Lessons Part 1 Celebrating 50 Years of Life Lessons Part 2 Spotify Playlist - Celebrating 1974 Turning 50 Question...

In today's episode, my uncle Jack, an estate planning lawyer, joins us for an engaging conversation on grief and loss, as well as how to have the uncomfortable conversation about planning for your own or your parents' possible disability and death. Guest info: Jack N. Alpern was the founder and shareholder in the Warren, Ohio law firm of Jack N. Alpern Co., L.P.A. Mr. Alpern graduated from The Ohi...

In today's episode, we are continuing our conversation about grief and loss. This time we are traveling back to our childhood to talk about how we experienced loss and dealt with grief. What did it mean to us? What types of loss did we experience as GenXers? How did pop culture talk about loss? What real-life experiences did our generation witness? How did the adults in our lives explain grief to...

This month on the The GenX Experience we are talking about grief and loss. Though it's a heavy topic, it's also an important one. No one prepares you for the loss of a loved one, and dealing with the grief can feel overwhelming and all-consuming. In this episode, I share how losing my parents in 2017 and 2020 rocked my world and how I dealt with grief then and now. I also spoke with Annie McDonnel...