Gen X Dad and His Gen Z Teens

You know, when your kids are little, everyone tells you it goes fast. And you nod, and you smile, and you think you understand what they mean. But what nobody really explains is  how  it goes fast. Not just that the years fly by—but that the role itself quietly changes underneath you.

We have reached the end of 2024 and take a couple of moments to reflect on our podcasting journey. We managed to create 38 episodes and have had some pretty cool conversations along the way.

This episode we trace the introduction of sports and energy drinks in the 80's and 90's to what that market is today for Gen Z. There are so many more options out there now.

This episode we discuss our opinions on cars. What was my experience when I got my license and started driving versus in particular my older teen who drives. Cars have definitely changed over time. What about generational attitudes towards them?

In this episode we discuss our experiences (or lack of experience) learning to play a musical instrument growing up. We also touch on how technology has opened up creative opportunities to produce music.

This episode is about pets and how we think about them. There is definitely a difference between my growing up in a rural area versus now living in an urban area. Also, there is a major change in how we think about our pets now.

In this episode we compare thoughts on going to college. The older teen is currently going through the application process so it is a good time to look at some differences between his experiences and mine. Some things are definitely different.

In this episode we talk about horror movies and how much I dislike them. Do the teens feel differently? Am I just too cowardly and weak from horror movie trauma when I was young? Listen and find out!

This episode explores our favorite fast food restaurants. We talk about options were available to us and which are our go-to restaurants in a pinch. Fast food restaurants will always hold a place in the lives of teenagers as a hangout and place to get grub. What has/had it best?

This episode is about the differences in the availability of gyms from the 80's to now. There is so much more available today and along with information and guidance from the internet do the Gen Z teens have it better?

In this episode we discuss manners and how important we feel it is to be courteous to other people. Have things actually changed or am I just old and grouchy? I know what I see but what do the teens think?

This episode looks at some of the ways that taking photos has changed since Gen X were teens. Those were the days well before digital cameras and the built-in cameras on our phones. Do we think the same about photos and photography?

In this episode we talk briefly about the upcoming US Presidential Election. I compare it to the elections that happened when I was growing up and highlight what I see are some differences.

This episode explores the differences in teen influencers back in the 80's versus how the internet has exploded the world of what an influencer is and can be.

This episode explores how conspiracy theories have grown over the years. The internet has definitely given them a bigger platform and made them a much bigger part of the everyday culture in the present day.

This episode explores the Nike Air Jordan shoe phenomena in relation to our generations. Nike really came into its own in the late 80's with the Air Jordan brand. Now it is not hard to find Gen Z members sporting these shoes.

In this episode we explore the differences in how gun culture has changed in the years between the generations. What is different between the rural background I grew up with versus my urban kids background? We also touch on how school safety has changed between the generations.

In this episode we talk about the effect that Disney has had on our childhoods. We talk about how influential this brand has been on us both growing up and moving forward.

This episode we talk about the possible differences between the generations in levels and feelings of patriotism. Are there any differences, and if so, what might be the reasons?

In this episode we talk about our overall view of the Olympics, the current US Olympic Trials, and a roundup of the NBA Finals, NHL Finals, and the upcoming MLB Allstar Game.

This episode explores the differences in how we used and were able to use money as a teen in the 80's versus now. It has really changed and teens today have many options.

On this episode we talk about the books we have read as teens. We briefly comment on the degree we enjoyed books like the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and the Hunger Games and make recommendations to others. Check it out to see if you agree with our comments and share your own recommendations.

This episode explores the differences and challenges of youth sports. While the teens and I do agree on youth sports being a part of growing up, there are differences. The opportunities that are available with the advent of the internet, the differences in the level of pressure felt, and what my teens might have done differently are topics we discuss.

This episode explores similarities and differences in dating from my teenage years to what my teens experience now. Are there real differences or is dating universal and timeless in its difficulties? Do we all ultimately face the same challenges in our relationships?

This episode we discuss video gaming differences between the 80's and 90's and what is available to my teens now. The foundation was definitely set in the 80's but there are some pretty amazing gaming experiences available today. Who had/has it the best?