The GenX Experience

Blythe Alpern
  • 4.8 (18)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Bimonthly

Whether by our own design, or by the nature of who we are, GenX seems to be the forgotten generation. And since our feelings never mattered, we’re pretty used to it. The GenX Experience is here to reclaim our voices and our space as we navigate midlife - from friendships to dating, raising kids and caring for parents, and experiencing the rollercoaster of ageism in the workplace - this podcast is meant to educate, inspire, and of course bring back that 80s kid nostalgia. Tune in to commiserate with your fellow GenX-ers and learn how we are all surviving this thing called adulting.

  1. Sep 22

    Midlife Slump: How GenX can Declutter and Reclaim Their Space with Alison Kero

    For episode 55, we look at the midlife slump from a different angle. Last episode, we focused on getting your groove back in the bedroom. This week, we're talking to professional organizer and bestselling author Alison Kero about a different kind of reset: decluttering, simplifying, and creating more space in your home and life. Alison shares why midlife can be the perfect time to reassess what we own, the habits we build around our stuff, and what we may be holding on to emotionally. We also explore how clutter can contribute to stress, guilt, financial strain, and decision fatigue, along with simple ways to start clearing it without getting overwhelmed. Guest Info: Alison Kero Alison Kero is a professional organizer, coach, and international best-selling author who has been helping people create supportive spaces since 2004. She goes beyond traditional organizing and minimalism, helping people understand the emotional side of clutter, create simple systems, and build homes and lives that reflect who they are. Alison is passionate about helping Gen X reclaim their time, energy, confidence, and joy. Website: Clutter to Confidence LinkedIn: Alison Kero Instagram: From Clutter to Confidence TikTok: From Clutter to Confidence If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠thegenxerperiencepod⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠The GenX Experience Podcast⁠⁠Guest Interest Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience Guest List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: blythealpern@wordwomancreative.com

  2. Sep 8

    Midlife Slump: Why GenX Still Needs to Talk About Sex with Renee Yvonne

    For episode 54, I sat down with Renee Yvonne, Chief Pleasure Officer at the Grown Folks Society and a certified clinical sexologist, to chat about one of the most awkward, relatable, and important topics in midlife: sex. For many Gen Xers, the problem isn’t just desire; it’s the silence around it. We explore why sex can get routine, why conversation matters more than performance, and how couples can start talking honestly about what they want without making it weird. Renee shares practical tools for reconnecting, including yes-no-maybe lists, pleasure mapping, and ways to set the mood using the five senses. We also dive into how menopause, perimenopause, stress, chronic illness, medication side effects, and old habits can all affect intimacy. Candid, funny, and surprisingly useful, this conversation is for anyone who wants to bring more honesty, playfulness, and connection back into their relationship. Meet Renée Yvonne, your go-to Sexologist for Gen Xers! She's on a mission to spice up the love lives of passionate Gen X couples. Whether you're looking to bring back the sizzle in the bedroom, have open conversations about your desires, deepen your intimacy with your partner, or bask in the glow of wildly pleasurable sex, Renée is your woman.  Since June 2020, she's been spreading the love and wisdom as a Certified Clinical Sexologist. With credentials from Sex Coach U and the Tantric Institute of Integrated Sexuality, she knows her stuff. But that's not all—when she's not helping couples rediscover their spark, Renée's living her best life pursuing her other passions: cooking up a new dish, diving into the pool, pedaling through DC city streets, or floating (un)gracefully in aerial yoga. Dive into her world of pleasure and empowerment at: Website: The Grown Folks Society Instagram: @thegrownfolkssociety YouTube: The Grown Folks Society If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠The GenX Experience Podcast⁠⁠Guest Interest Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience Guest List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email: blythealpern@wordwomancreative.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send in a voice message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  3. Aug 25

    Making Friends in Midlife: Solving Nothing, One Podcast at a Time with Alex Berberian

    For episode 53, I sat down with repeat guest Alex Berberian to round out our series on Making Friends in Midlife by sharing the male perspective on the challenges of making friends in midlife. We compare notes on reciprocity, personality fit, introversion, accountability, and why some friendships fade while others stick. We also talk about couple friends, how guys actually start friendships, and why it helps to be honest about who you are and what kind of connection you’re really looking for. It was a funny, honest conversation about friendship, boundaries, and the fact that neither men nor women have solved the midlife friendship problem. Guest info: Alex Berberian is the former Co-Host of Driveway Beers Podcast and a generally fun human being. If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠The GenX Experience Podcast⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: blythealpern@wordwomancreative.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send in a voice message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  4. Aug 4

    The Power of Music: Unlocking Gen X Nostalgia While Celebrating my Bday

    For episode 52, we're celebrating my 52nd birthday...on the actual day, Aug 4th. Come join me for a little walk down memory lane as I rummage through some of my CDs from the past. Like every GenXer, I'm sure you'll recognize some of your favorites, and why we might have the most eclectic music taste of any generation. From Napster mixes to cherished soundtracks, I'm diving into the nostalgia of my youth and early adult years, mixed with a little story time of my misguided adventures. A few highlights from the episode: Saturday Night Fever - Because it's the Bee GeesReality Bites - A quintessential soundtrack for Gen XMuriel's Wedding- Featuring the magic of ABBAPrince and Duran Duran, and more Prince and Duran Stay tuned late this month when a repeat podcast guest returns to discuss the challenges of making friends in midlife from a male perspective, promising a diverse conversation that speaks to everyone. Also returning is the podcast’s book club: (Make your pick on IG or Threads) Jeneration X: One Reluctant Adult's Attempt to Unarrest Her Arrested Development; Or, Why It's Never Too Late for Her Dumb Ass to Learn Why Froot Loops Are Not for Dinner by Jen LancasterGeneration X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Copland If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠The GenX Experience Podcast⁠⁠Guest Interest Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience Guest List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email: blythealpern@wordwomancreative.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send in a voice message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  5. Jul 21

    Making Friends in Midlife: Real GenX Stories

    For episode 51, I sat down with four amazing GenX women, Krys Manning, Tia Bryant, Lekesh Pettis, and Karla Schottle, for a candid but casual chat about navigating the challenges of forming meaningful friendships later in life. I was fortunate to meet Krys, Karla, Lekesh, and Tia via Reat Root's Dinner Club earlier this spring. I'm so thankful they wanted to be on the podcast to share their experiences and practical tips for making friends in our 40s, 50s, and 60s. Whether you're single, married, raising children, or caring for aging parents, this discussion is designed to help you discover how to foster connections despite busy schedules and geographical barriers. Links and Resources: Real Roots Generation X Book Suggestions If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠The GenX Experience Podcast⁠⁠Guest Interest Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience Guest List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email: blythealpern@wordwomancreative.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send in a voice message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  6. Jul 7

    Why is it so Hard to Make Friends in Midlife?

    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 them work. I also share my own experience trying to meet people after moving, including old-school groups, Bumble BFF, Timeleft, Real Roots, and Nice to Meet, as well as the highs and lows of building a real social circle as an adult. I'm also adding a new series to the podcast, where I share a few Gen X-coded things I'm currently loving, including: TimeleftRealRootsNice to MeetBumble BFFCass Thompson Everyone Wants to Be A VillagerCass Thompson YouTube Village VideoReeve Stimpson Too Late VideoReeve Stimpson WebsiteOlivia Rodrigo x Robert SmithOlivia Rodrigo You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl so in LoveNone of This Would Happen If Prince Were Still Alive by Carolyn Prusa If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠The GenX Experience Podcast⁠⁠Guest Interest Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience Guest List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email: blythealpern@wordwomancreative.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send in a voice message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  7. Mar 24

    Brett Langley on Rocket Man : A Gen X Journey of Loss, Memories & Legacy | Winter Book Club

    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 him find peace after the tragic loss of his dad in 2008. We explore the complicated roller coaster of the justice system, the profound ways our parents shape our views on life and love, and how Brett continues to keep his dad's spirit alive today. Whether you're joining us because you've already read the book or you're looking for an incredible memoir recommendation about loss and GenX memories, this conversation is for you. Guest Info: About Author Brett Langley: Brett Langley is a devoted father and family man whose life has been shaped by profound relationships, personal growth, and a lifelong sense of adventure. The bond with his late father inspired Rocket Man, a deeply personal memoir that reflects on their years together and the journey that led Brett to fatherhood himself. A passionate storyteller, Brett’s love of film inspired the creative, non-linear structure of Rocket Man, giving readers a cinematic experience as they journey through memory and reflection. Although this is his first published work, Rocket Man represents a once-in-a-lifetime project, a labor of love and a tribute to the father who shaped him. Brett currently lives in Tennessee with his wife and two children, where the tranquil countryside provided the perfect backdrop to bring his story to life. Through his writing, Brett celebrates family, adventure, and the enduring bonds that define us. Links and Resources: Grab the Book: ⁠Rocket Man by Brett Langley⁠ Explore More: ⁠Rocket Man Website⁠ Connect with Brett: ⁠Instagram | ⁠TikTok⁠ | Facebook If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience Podcast⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email: blythealpern@wordwomancreative.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send in a voice message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  8. Mar 12

    Why Gen X's Midlife Challenges Are Finally Getting the Attention They Deserve

    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 episode: Winter Book Club Pick: Rocket Man by Brett Langley (available on Amazon)AARP's Six Favorite Podcasts for Gen XersPodRanker List of Top 15 GenX PodcastsAce of Base - "I Saw the Signs" Align AdDaryl Hannah's opinion piece in the New York Times If you'd like to become a guest or share your input on future topics, you can reach out to me by: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thegenxexperiencepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠thegenxexperiencepod⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠The GenX Experience Podcast⁠⁠Guest Interest Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience Guest List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The GenX Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email: blythealpern@wordwomancreative.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send in a voice message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Whether by our own design, or by the nature of who we are, GenX seems to be the forgotten generation. And since our feelings never mattered, we’re pretty used to it. The GenX Experience is here to reclaim our voices and our space as we navigate midlife - from friendships to dating, raising kids and caring for parents, and experiencing the rollercoaster of ageism in the workplace - this podcast is meant to educate, inspire, and of course bring back that 80s kid nostalgia. Tune in to commiserate with your fellow GenX-ers and learn how we are all surviving this thing called adulting.

Information

  • Creator
    Blythe Alpern
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Blythe Alpern
  • Show Website
    The GenX Experience

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