GenX Stories - podcast cover

GenX Stories

Eve Simon, Chris Goumas, Lori Luna & Courtney Spikeswww.genxstories.com
GenX Stories is a podcast about how the so-called “Lost Generation” found itself at midlife. Join hosts Eve, Lori, Chris & Courtney every other Wednesday for a fun and frank discussion about what made us and what’s next. We all have a GenX story. What’s yours?

Episodes

Surprise! We Have No Idea What We’re Doing

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! We totally planned this episode… by not planning at all. Instead, we each showed up with a handful of random topics, hit record, and hoped for the best. So if you've ever wondered what Gen X ad jingles, annoying earworms, pet psychics, and a questionable amount of DayQuil have in common—same. Does it all make sense? Probably not. Will it be fun to hear? Absolutely. Tune in for a totally unplanned, mildly chaotic ride—because let’s be...

Mar 26, 202548 minSeason 6Ep. 8

Aging: The good, the bad & the WTF

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Look, we weren’t gonna talk about aging, but here we are—because apparently, it’s happening whether we like it or not. People say GenX is aging differently , but tell that to our knees, eyesight, and ability to function after 9 PM. From shifting looks to mystery aches to questioning if we can still pull off certain outfits, we’re covering it all. As always, expect brutal honesty, a little oversharing, and plenty of “WTF happened?!” moment...

Mar 12, 202552 minSeason 6Ep. 7

Breakfast of Champions: GenX & Saturday Morning Cartoons

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Grab your sugary cereal and get comfy—we’re throwing it back to the cartoons that defined our childhoods! From Saturday morning classics to the animated gems we still love today, we’re diving into what made these shows so special. Did we move on to “grown-up” animation, or are we still watching our old favorites? OH! And you know you want to know Courtney's Saturday morning parental theory and why Eve named her Roomba after a favorit...

Feb 26, 202549 minSeason 6Ep. 6

Drinking from the hose: 80s Kids’ Survival Stories

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Miss us? We took a little breather after the 2024 election, but guess what? We’re BACK, whether you’re ready or not! Today, we’re diving into all the wild, questionable, and downright dangerous things we did as kids. Seatbelts? Helmets? Never heard of ‘em. Left home alone with zero supervision? Of course. Roaming on our bikes for hours with no cell phone or tracking? How did we even survive?! Plus, our Facebook group chimed in with their ...

Feb 12, 202552 minSeason 6Ep. 5

ENCORE: Sticky buns & other holiday traumas

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! While we’re on hiatus, we thought you’d dig hearing this Thanksgiving episode again! Enjoy. 🤘 ——- Embracing holiday traditions, dealing with crazy family and filling up on appetizers - that’s what is on the holiday menu this week with Eve, Courtney, Chris and Lori. Prepare for your Thanksgiving by hearing our insane family stories (because weaponized sticky buns), finding out the right time to eat holiday dinner and getting advice for th...

Nov 27, 202446 min

Pressing Pause: Why we’re taking a break

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! After the shock of the 2024 election, the podcast crew has decided to take a little breather. We want to show up as our most authentic (and snarky) selves, so we’re putting the show on hold for now while we figure out next steps. To all our listeners—you have no idea how much you mean to us. This show has been a lifeline for the four of us through all the ups and downs of the past few years, and we just need some time to reset & regro...

Nov 13, 20243 minSeason 6Ep. 4

ENCORE: I want candy

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Get ready for a blast from the past! This encore Halloween episode, originally released in October 2020 (remember the lockdown Halloween?!) is one of our favorites—and when Lori, Courtney, Chris, and I started to come together as a podcast family. Join us as we dive into Lori's candy corn obsession, my blue fuzzy dog costume, Courtney's legendary front yard celebrations, and Chris’s hysterical late-night TV pumpkin adventures. G...

Oct 30, 202441 minSeason 6Ep. 3

Back in the Day: Our top 1986 album picks

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Last season, we took a deep dive into four iconic Gen X albums, each handpicked by one of us. We had so much fun, we’re bringing it back—this time with a twist! Just like before, each of us has selected an album, we’ve all listened, and now we’re sharing our thoughts (because, let’s be honest, we always have plenty to say). But this time, we’re focusing on one specific year: 1986. Don't worry—we’re still diving into the tracks, diggi...

Oct 16, 202459 minSeason 6Ep. 2

Is it (finally) our time? GenX and the 2024 Election

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! As we finally start Season 6 of the podcast, we’re talking all about the upcoming election. BUT hold your horses before you yell at us for getting political. We're NOT gonna go there. Who you vote for is up to YOU and we are very very aware that politics is the third rail these days. However, we ARE gonna talk about the what it looks like when GenXers (or those we claim as ours) run for National office in terms of attitude, the role ...

Oct 02, 202444 minSeason 6Ep. 1

The dog ate my podcast

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Betcha were wondering where the GenX Stories Gang has been after we promised to start season 6 in september. PSYCH! But seriously, we have a reason for the delay and hate Eve’s computer for it. Listen in to hear about when Season 6 will actually start. (Hint: It’s soon - no, really!) And to get you in the mood, here are some other funny and “oops” episodes: Other episodes to listen to before season six drops: This is your brain on tech. D...

Sep 25, 20243 min

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Be a fly on the wall of our off the rails season five podcast wrap up and season 6 brainstorm. Where else can you hear about Ned the non-binary newt, our search for the perfect GenZ (but GenX loving) intern, and how protective we are of our amazing Facebook community. You’ll even find out what Fast Company asked us about Gen X that we couldn’t answer, and what we’re planning for the fall release of our sixth (!!!) season. Duuude, you’ll k...

Jun 26, 202430 minSeason 5Ep. 15

Dear 20-Year-Old Me

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! If you could, what would you say to your 20-year-old self? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the advice we wish we had back then (and whether we’d even listen to ourselves). Hindsight is definitely 20/20, but it may just show our 50+ selves how far we've come—or not! Episode links Never Been Kissed club hand stamp picture What I’d Tell My 20 Year Old Self The advice I would give to my 20-year old self (2023 version) 10 Things I W...

May 29, 202419 minSeason 5Ep. 14

Life Moves Pretty Fast: The Movies of John Hughes

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! You! Yeah YOU! Get that popcorn ready because the podcast crew is diving deep into John Hughes' iconic movies. From all the quirky characters to the timeless coming-of-age themes, Hughes had a unique way of capturing GenXers that still resonates today. Take a trip back to the '80s with us to explore the iconic moments, memorable quotes, and enduring legacy of all your favorites. Bueller? Bueller? Episode links John Hughes films ...

May 15, 202427 minSeason 5Ep. 13

1984 Flashback: Songs Turning 40 in 2024

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Annnnnnnd we’re BACK! Today, the podcast crew is diving into the top tunes turning 40 in 2024. and you may be surprised how many are on the list. Plus we've got a rad '80s enthusiast joining us - author Tami Dever of Totally Cool 80’s - to talk about what made 1984 such an important year in music history. Putting aside how old this all makes us feel, hear our top picks from that iconic year as well as what our outspoken Facebook...

May 01, 202444 minSeason 5Ep. 12

ENCORE: You’ve got a friend: Making BFF’s at midlife

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Well, we’re not back from our extended spring break just yet, have no fear, dear listeners. There will be new season five episodes very soon - we promise. For now, check out an encore of one of our favorite episodes: “You’ve got a friend: making BFFs at midlife “. Seeya next weds with a brand new episode you won’t want to miss. O riginal episode links Why It’s Harder to Make Friends After 40 (and How to Combat the Odds) The Scientific Rea...

Apr 24, 202438 min

We're on Spring Break

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! If you’ve tuned in expecting a brand new episode this week, surprise! The podcast crew is off on spring break right now but we’ll have some kick ass stuff for you when we get back. Topics like being resilient as a Gen Xer, and songs turning 40 in 2024. Meanwhile, why don’t you check out our website and catch up on past episodes you may have missed, like the perks of being over 50, favorite 80’s snacks, movies that defined our generation, ...

Feb 28, 202456 sec

The Dark Side of Valentine’s Day

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Is there a better time to get real about the darker side of Valentine's Day, especially for GenXers? Is it all hearts and flowers, or is there more to the story? Things have definitely changed for a few of us since our last romance episode in 2021, but you know that we still have tons of opinions. Gird your loins for some straight-up GenX talk about this Hallmark Holiday and the Vday expectations game. Episode links We did a romance ...

Feb 14, 202437 minSeason 5Ep. 11

The Perks of Being GenX

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Ready for some real GenX scoop? Today, we're dishing about the perks of being over 50 (yep, they exist!). From health and work to society, pop culture, relationships, family, and the dreaded 'Misc' category (aka, WTF moments) you know we never hold back. Want more? Tune in for the wisdom of our kick-ass FB group and our personal top three GenX bennies. Buckle up, kiddies. Episode links The 50 Best Things About Life Over 50 ...

Jan 31, 202422 minSeason 5Ep. 10

Hashtag This: GenX's Social Media Story

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Yeah, we get the irony of discussing this here, but buckle up because today's episode is about Chris’s favorite topic - social media (#not). What channels are GenXers on? Are the people we follow doing our generation proud or making us cringe? Do we even belong there? And what the fuck is an influencer? Tune in for all the good, the bad, the ugly, and the “whatevers” about the socials. because GenX has entered the chat. Episode links...

Jan 17, 202432 minSeason 5Ep. 9

We're still standing: 2023 in the rearview

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Well, we survived 2023. Wanna hear what the GenX Stories podcast crew is looking forward to next year? Of course you do. Listen in and you’ll even hear our words for 2024 (because you know how we feel about those stupid resolutions). Happy new year everyone! Seeya in January. Episode links Season 3 New Years Episode: Genie Wishes & Resolutions Pick a New Year’s nudge word instead of a resolution 6 Unusual Alternatives to Traditional N...

Dec 27, 202318 minSeason 5Ep. 8

Shall we play a (video) game?

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Today we're talking all about video games, both what they were like when we were kids and what they've evolved into. From Pacman to Space Invaders, Donkey Kong to Pitfall, and even the OG Pong, we're spilling the tea on our top three all-time favorite games from back in the day. Oh and admit it - whether you were rocking arcade adventures and console classics in the basement with your crew or diving solo into a computer cla...

Dec 13, 202336 minSeason 5Ep. 7

Does GenX do ASMR?

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Today we're taking on something Courtney has been after us to talk about for years - ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). From chasing the elusive 'brain tingles' to pondering its potential as the ultimate sleep aid for a restless generation, we're exploring how (or if) GenX engages with ASMR. Between uses by AARP, Super Bowl ads and even sports teams, find out if there's a quiet(er) side to midlife or if ...

Nov 29, 202319 minSeason 5Ep. 6

GenX deep dive: Four albums, all the memories

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Get ready for a crazy musical ride on our latest episode. The experiment: Each host picked an GenX album they love, made the rest of us listen to it, and then we talked about it. This is a totally new thing for us so it could have been amazeballs or a total disaster (hint, it wasn't a disaster). From dissecting tracks to digging into behind the scenes trivia to just sharing personal stories about why these albums meant so much to us,...

Nov 15, 202359 minSeason 5Ep. 5

Sincerely yours: Movies that define GenX

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! In this episode, we dig into the movies that shaped who we are as a generation. Whether you're looking to reminisce about your favorite coming-of-age movies (Breakfast Club anyone?) or are curious about the cultural touchstones that made us, step back in time with the GenX Stories crew. We even reveal some of our Facebook group’s favorite flicks. Let’s be demented and sad, but social together. P ast movie episodes Season 2: Epic Movi...

Nov 01, 202350 minSeason 5Ep. 4

It’s a Snack Attack!

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! We hope you're hungry! It's time to talk GenX's favorite snacks & drinks. What we loved as kids, what kept us going as young adults (at least when we moved away from our parents!) and even what we're feeding GenZ these days. So spread some florescent Cheeze on a cracker, dig out that 40 year old Twinkie to nibble on and wash it all down with some Tang while you listen to this tasty walk down memory lane. P ast food...

Oct 18, 202349 minSeason 5Ep. 3

(Not so) old dogs, new tricks: Reinventing midlife

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! On today’s episode of GenX Stories we wonder if you can really change your world in midlife? What have we done that we thought we were too old to try? Or what are we still planning to try? Life definitely ain’t over and you may be surprised how GenXers are choosing to reinvent ourselves in our 50s. E pisode links The Existential Necessity of Midlife Change The 5 Rules Of Reinventing Your Life At Any Age Here’s How Generative AI is Reshapi...

Oct 04, 202320 minSeason 5Ep. 2

ENCORE: Writing what we know

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! On today’s kick-ass encore episode, we have a real treat - Eve’s cousin Jenny talks all about her debut semi-autobiograhical YA novel. Set in 1991 during the AIDS crisis, and revealed through sketches, journal entries & the music we grew up on, hear how sharing her story became an authentic statement about GenX for a younger generation. When we originally recorded this in season 3, the book wsn’t published yet but now it’s OUT! You ca...

Sep 20, 202313 min

Cruel Summer: What we’ve been up to

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! Welcome to Season 5 of GenX Stories! While as kids we used to have a "break" over the summer, GenXers don't really get that anymore at midlife. So what the hell did we actually DO on our podcast hiatus? You'd actually be surprised what we've been up to. Between painting rocks, fuck-it travel and getting Covid, we were pretty busy. Plus our Facebook group shared all the cool shit they did. So listen, or don't....

Sep 06, 202325 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Go behind the scenes with us

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! While season 4 of the podcast was shorter than we planned, the Gen X stories gang is getting ready for season five. Usually we keep our goofy-ass brainstorms private, but we totally want you to listen in on this one. Not only will you get a behind the scenes look into what we are planning, but you can hear what topics our Facebook group suggested for us. If you have thoughts about anything you hear please contact us here. We will try to d...

Jul 12, 202338 minSeason 4Ep. 12

Joyously Absurd: Adulting at midlife

Send a FanMail to the GenX Stories gang via text message! The band is finally back together! After months of dealing with so much personal big stuff this season, the GenX Stories crew is finally together just in time to talk about it all. On this episode, we discuss accountability and integrity, when we actually started adulting and how we manage the bumps along our midlife road with humor. We also gain insight from our Facebook community as they get really raw and vulnerable on a topic that dem...

Jun 28, 202339 minSeason 4Ep. 11