The GenX Experience

In this episode of The Gen X Experience, I'm back from my hiatus to kick off a new season with a timely conversation about the challenges of making friends in midlife. From packed schedules, shifting life stages, and geographic distance to the deeper issue of people wanting community without actually building it, I explore why adult friendships can feel so frustrating and what it takes to make...

Have you ever wondered if looking backward is the only way to truly move forward? For our Winter Book Club Chat (Ep 49), I sat down with Brett Langley for the second time to discuss his deeply moving book, Rocket Man: A True Crime GenX Memoir. In this episode, Brett shares his heartfelt reflections on growing up GenX, honoring his dad's adventurous spirit, and how writing this memoir helped hi...

In this solo episode (ep 48), I'll share how the podcast is making waves in the GenX community and what it truly means to navigate midlife today, before we take a little trip back to the 90s. I'll also serve up some personal stories and reflections, industry insights, and thoughts on generational shifts...all with humor, honesty, and maybe a little GenX snark. Links mentioned in this episo...

In today's episode (47), we continue our two-part series on divorce by shedding light on the unique challenges men face during this stressful, overwhelming, and scary time. For today's conversation, I chatted with certified divorce coach Justin Milrad to hear his insights on navigating this difficult process with confidence and clarity. Justin addresses a variety of topics, including how d...

For this special bonus episode, I'm excited to share a sneak peek of our Winter Book Club Pick, Rocket Man: A True Crime GenX Memoir.  I sat down with the author, Brett Langley, to learn about the heartfelt story behind his memoir, which blends true crime with nostalgic reflections of growing up in Gen X. Discover how music, memories, and personal tragedy intertwine to create a compelling narr...

Welcome back to season 3 of the podcast. We're kicking off the new year with a new topic: Divorce. For episode 46, I'm sitting down with Oona Metz to discuss her expertise and how hosting divorce support groups for women led her to write her new book, Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women. We delve into the complexities of divorce, the importance of setting boundaries, how to navigate c...

To wrap up season 2 of the podcast (ep 45), we're sitting down for a lively discussion of the podcast's first book club pick, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. My guest, fellow Gen Xer Nicole, founder of kNitterie Nicole, and I explore the book's timeless themes, the nuances of its characters, and the impact of its sci-fi and fantasy elements, along with personal reflections...

In episode 44, we're revisiting our October topic, Perimenopause and Menopause, to chat with Catherine Malloy and Neha Mehta, the dynamic founders of Rora, about their mission to revolutionize women's health. In this engaging conversation, we delve into their mission for Rora's first launch, a mist to address vulvar dryness, and why they chose to focus on perimenopause and menopause. D...

For the final episode (Ep 43) of our series, Beauty over 40, I sat down for an enlightening conversation with Margot Grant Witz, the third-generation leader of Elizabeth Grant Skin Care. It was truly a privilege to have Margot share her insights on beauty standards, the importance of having a mindset of self acceptance, and the role skincare plays in building confidence across generations. Tune in...

Welcome to episode 42 of The GenX Experience. Today, we continue our conversation on beauty over 40 with my guest, and fellow Gen Xer, Amy Stone.  In this compelling episode, my guest and I chat about the evolving perceptions of beauty over the decades, the pressure of beauty standards from our youth in the 80s and 90s, how we're dealing with those pressures today, the impact of media and tech...

The Mommies are back with a new two-woman show, The Mommies: Their Last Trimester. But before we hear more about how Carly Kristensen and Marilyn Kentz brought this new show to life, my guests and I engaged in a hilarious and insightful conversation about all things beauty over 40. Join me for episode 41 of The GenX Experience Podcast, as we delve into the complexities of beauty and aging, sharing...

In episode 40 of The Gen X Experience, we're revisiting the topic of perimenopause and menopause with my guest, Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, a pioneering leader in pelvic and hormonal health. Dr. Greenleaf and I will explore how the conversation around menopause has evolved, the impact of Gen X on the topic, the challenges and advancements in medical understanding, and why perimenopause and menopause...

For episode 39, I'm going solo and getting a little feisty as we reflect on the challenges and changes of this past summer, including the loss of cultural icons and the ongoing struggle of ageism. I also discuss the rise of 80s and 90s nostalgia and the importance of critical thinking that seems to be missing in today's world. I'll also share some details about October's theme, per...

Welcome back to The GenX Experience, episode 38. Join me as my guest, Kelly Barron, and I take a nostalgic journey through our years as the MTV generation. We'll reminisce about the iconic music videos, the rise of reality TV, and the cultural shifts that defined an era. From the VMAs to the evolution of music consumption, this episode dives deep into the impact of MTV on Gen X and beyond. Plu...

Where were you on August 1, 1981? I was a few days shy of 7, so my memory is a little foggy, but I do know that big things were happening with the launch of MTV. In episode 37 of The GenX Experience, we're looking back at how Music Television shaped our generation. In fact, that's the theme of this September...The MTV Generation. We'll reminisce about iconic music videos, strange trope...

In this special episode of "The Gen X Experience," I share the exciting news of being recognized by AARP as one of the top six podcasts for Gen Xers. Thank you to AARP for recognizing the show and to you, my fellow GenXers, for tuning in every month. Tune in to celebrate this milestone and explore what's next for the remainder of 2025, from upcoming topics to notable new launches, li...

In episode 35 of The GenX Experience, we're diving into the world of GenX content creators with viral sensation Jon Wellington, also known as The Dadbod Veteran. Learn how becoming an empty nester inspired Jon to take to social media to share his insights on midlife, parenting, and being the coolest generation around. We also chat about Jon's foray into stand-up comedy, as part of the Gen X Takeov...

For episode 34 of The GenX Experience, I sat down with life and breathwork coach Jenny Cheifetz to discuss the challenges of being the "I Got It" generation and how to break free from the unrealistic expectations we set for ourselves. We also reminisce about the joys of exploring our favorite 80s magazines and the thrill of wandering the record store aisles, while giving you practical tips for bri...

Welcome to a new month of content on The GenX Experience, where we will focus on mental health. First up, in episode 33, I'm sharing my personal story of dealing with depression and anxiety, as well as taking a look back at how mental health was and wasn't discussed among GenX, our Boomer and Silent Gen parents, and society at large. If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future to...

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...