The Latchkey Chicks

While our Gen X group is known for raising ourselves, Gen Z has been raised by technology and helicopter parents. Hear from special guest Lucas (Julie's 12-year old son) as he shares his thoughts on growing up today (including a quick lesson on how to speak Gen Z!) and asks Julie some interesting questions about the Gen X experience.

From holiday cards to getting the tree, Mel and Julie share their memories of Christmas traditions that were different in the 80's. They also share their favorite 80's and 90's Christmas specials, from Muppets to Arthur the Aardvark.

One of the most insane Black Fridays in our lifetime happened in 1983 at the height of Cabbage Patch Kid mania. Julie and Mel recall their obsessio with the dolls and reminisce about the stores that they used to shop - Toys 'r' Us, Kaybee Toys, Sam Goody, and many more that are still instilled in their memories.

Join Mel and Julie as they discuss the ghosts of Thanksgiving past and present. They dish up all of the details about the food, family and entertainment. How dry was that turkey Sharon? And did you know turkeys can't fly?

Rainbow suspenders, overalls, acid-washed jeans - there are so many (quesitonable) fashion choices to relive from the 80s and 90s. Mel and Julie share some of their favorites and then relive family dinnertime and share this week's Cougar Crushes.

The long-running show Friends was a staple for Gen Xers. We felt like Monica, Ross, Rachel, Joey, Phoebe, and Chandler were actually part of our lives, not just on TV. Saying goodbye to Matthew Perry means reconnecting to that part of our past where times were simpler and friendships ruled. We share our favorite highlights from the show, plus we talk the best TV theme songs.

Halloween for Gen Xers was a bit different than it is today - no inflatable costumes and you definitely wanted ET's favorite candy! Mel and Julie share their favorite memories of what they wore, where they trick or treated, and why they had to check their candy!

Julie and Mel talk about processing what happened in Lewiston, Maine, and their unique perspectives as Mainers and Gen Xers who have lived through other national tragedies.

Barbie is a toy that has crossed multiple generations. Mel and her daughter, Belle discuss the history of Barbie and how she has evolved over the years. Is Barbie a role model or an unrealistic image of what a woman should look like? Did the 2023 Barbie Movie change how men and women perceive Barbie today?

The Chicks talk about the 7 dirty words, 15 filthy songs, and a parental advisory sticker that changed the music industry forever. Julie talks about Tipper Gore visiting her high school on the censorship crusade. Mel shares why she got her FCC license. They both pick who would have been the Taylor Swift of the 80s.

Dating was different for Gen Xers - phone calls, group hangouts, and the inevitable movie date. Today it's a little less personal - swiping, texting, and criminal background checks (kidding) are the name of the game. Hear from Mel and Julie about dating then and now, who they're crushing, and what big-time podcast Mel was featured on recently!

While Julie is gone to California, Mel sits down with her daughter, Belle, to talk all things Harry Potter. From the hotties to the naughties, they discuss their favorite characters and even have a sing-a-long.

Mel and Julie share the books they grew up loving - from Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to Little House on the Prairie, they share why these books were so important to them and why some might be banned today. Plus, a trigger warning - bad karaoke of one-hit wonders from the 80s may cause a strong reaction,

Remember the days of walking the mall with your squad? What about calling your friends on a party line? The way today's kids spend their time outside school is dramatically different from how it was growing up in the 80's and early 90's. Mel and Julie share their favorite memories of how they squandered their free time, why they're better prepared for death, and what their go-to sa...

In this episode, Mel and Julie dig into their memories of going to school - from the adorable way Mel made her first friend, to how Julie ended up in the newspaper as school "royalty" before she even attended her first day of kindergarten. Plus they share the smells they won't forget - whiteout anyone? - and the trauma inflicted by alcoholic teachers and first-love squashers.

Mel and Julie discuss their memories of Price Is Right, Bob Barker's feud with Betty White, and yodel their hearts out.

Mel shares her thoughts on cleaning up the town dump. Julie wonders why the microwave isn't making futuristic food. The Chicks share their Cougar Crushes and discuss the many ways they could have died but somehow survived riding without seatbelts and helmets.

Two seemingly normal Gen Xers share stories from growing up in the 80s. Hear them reminisce about the shows, music, movies, and cultural moments that shaped their lives and how they look at the world today.