GenX Adulting Podcast

Brian & Nicole

Welcome to GenX Adulting!  GenX Adulting is a place where every person has a story to share, and every generation has a voice.  Brought to you by two GenXers.

  1. Episode 46 - Overdevelopment and the SAVE BOCA Movement

    EPISODE 46

    Episode 46 - Overdevelopment and the SAVE BOCA Movement

    In this episode we discuss a local issue that is ongoing in our town of Boca Raton, Florida.  The Save Boca campaign was formed in response to our local government’s plan to put 31 acres of public land into the hands of developers.  Within those 31 acres is a 17 acre park called “Memorial Park” and often referred to as “War Memorial”, that was named in 1947 two years after the end of World War II, to honor those who served and perished.  The park is centrally located in the downtown area of east Boca Raton, and has been a hub of activity since its inception.  For decades the citizens of Boca Raton have enjoyed the 10 clay tennis courts, skatepark, softball and baseball fields, shuffleboard courts, basketball court, playground and green open spaces that the park offers.  Boca Raton’s historic Children’s Museum also sits on the property, where the second oldest building in Boca Raton can be found.  The Boca Raton Community Center and City Hall also reside within the park.  The park is home to six cherished old growth Banyan trees that are loved by the community.  The project was originally named “Government Campus Redevelopment”, a fairly misleading title that offered no clues as to what the local government and developers agreed on as it pertained to development of the public land.  In place of what has been described here, the new plan is a concrete jungle that includes a hotel that is near schools, low income housing, cafes, stores, restaurants and additional commercial leasing space.  There has been talk of moving two of the six Banyan trees, something that is very distressing to the people of Boca Raton, as well as very little regard to what Memorial Park represents to the town and to all veterans.  The Save Boca movement has been tremendous getting the word out to citizens and instrumental in making our voices heard.  We also touch on overdevelopment as a whole all across America, and how what we are currently facing may resonate with many listeners who have witnessed the cherished nostalgic sections of their beloved towns be replaced with shiny, new and uncomfortable structures that have had the effect of completely changing the character and charm of their area.  This is an ongoing issue that will see many city council meetings ahead attended by hundreds, if not thousands, of citizens.  We plan on keeping our finger on the pulse of this issue and being involved as much as possible, with this episode hopefully aiding the good fight in some way. Find Information Here: https://www.saveboca.org/ Check Us Out Here: https://genxadultingpodcast.com/ #overdevelopment #government #local #town #city #bocaraton #florida #southflorida #miami #ftlauderdale #saveboca #delraybeach #veterans #wwII #worldwarII #america #activism #memorial #warmemorial #park #banyan #banyantrees #museum #childrensmuseum #smalltown #downtown #beach #nostalgia #genx #podcast #genxtalks #over50 #over40 #generationx Check us out at genxadulting.com #generationx #genx #podcast #marriage #relationship #interview #mom #family

    1h 7m
  2. Episode 47 - The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

    EPISODE 47

    Episode 47 - The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

    In this episode, we discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025 at 12:23pm MT on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.  We touch on Charlie’s beginnings when he co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18.  We reflect on the access to healthy discourse on college campuses and how it has changed since we attended college in the late 1980s - early 90s.  We discuss how Charlie’s art of debate on college campuses simply started with a folding table, a chair and a sign that read “Prove Me Wrong”.  We observe how the media has covered the death of Charlie Kirk fairly overall, with Brian discussing the assumed motivation behind their approach.  Charlie Kirk gained power through the use of words, encouraging the youth of America to debate him on any topic.  Literally, Charlie debated any topic someone brought him, even something as simple as “pancakes or waffles?”.  He would encourage those who disagreed with him to come to the front of the crowd to present their topic or question to debate.  Through this open discourse, Charlie’s influence on the youth of America, and even the world, grew larger than many people realize.  Through communication, Charlie platformed his “opponents”, while simultaneously creating a space for his young supporters to connect and feel accepted.  Nicole reads Charlie’s quote on empathy and shares her own perspective on the subject.  She also reads one of his quotes discussing the Second Amendment, as well as a back and forth with an attendee regarding homosexuality and conservatism.   We discuss Charlie’s outlook on diversity and unity, and touch on the murder of Iryna Zarutska.  Charlie had an exceptionally strong Christian faith and there was no question that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior.  This faith guided him in almost everything he did, and was certainly a support system as he created dialogue with everyone, from Only Fans girls to President Trump.  He was a bridge between the right and left of the youth, bringing them together to use their voices, even if they were coming from opposite points of view.  You don’t have to agree with everything Charlie discussed or believed in order to respect his phenomenal talent to debate anything and everything with anyone.  The true tragedy of all of this is that he left behind his beautiful wife and two young children.  Charlie certainly lived more life in his short 31 years than most people live in a lifetime, and we think it’s safe to assume his impact on the world is nowhere near complete. Learn More About Charlie Kirk Here: https://tpusa.com/ Check Us Out Here: https://genxadultingpodcast.com/ #charliekirk #charlie #turningpointusa #turningpoint #republican #liberal #independent #left #right #moderate #debate #talk #podcast #college #collegecampus #youth #america #media #millennials #millennial #genz #politics #christian #jesus #jesuschrist #christianity Check us out at genxadulting.com #generationx #genx #podcast #marriage #relationship #interview #mom #family

    2h 18m
  3. Episode 48 - GenX Speaks Series: Author Jaime Townzen

    EPISODE 48

    Episode 48 - GenX Speaks Series: Author Jaime Townzen

    In this episode we welcome author and artist Jaime Townzen.  Jaime shares about her upbringing in Southern California, that included her parent’s divorce and subsequent remarriages that resulted in her babysitters becoming her step-sisters.  Jaime reveals how the role of being a high achiever both aided her and at times sabotaged her as the weight of people’s expectations continued to pile on throughout most of her life.  We touch on typical GenX topics that include lack of parental support when it came to extracurriculars as well as handling the college application process on our own.  We learn about Jaime’s time at UCLA where she briefly considered pre-med before realizing the importance of pursuing her true passion of writing.  A transfer to University of Redlands led to meeting her future husband as well as an amazing experience in Austria studying abroad.  A move to Sacramento resulted in a stint teaching 4th grade, that included navigating the unique experience of being a teacher on 9/11.  Shortly after marrying her husband, they moved to Pasadena where Jaime found a career in nonprofit marketing and advertising.  Eventually she became a mother to two beautiful girls while at the same time unknowingly beginning a long journey of caretaking, loss and grief.  The shutdown of the world in 2020 due to Covid offered a form of respite for Jaime where she was able to create a space for herself to use watercolor as a form of self-preservation and prioritization.  Through her art, her creativity sparked, bloomed and grew to a place where her talent for writing could be honored.  From that, her coming of age novel “Absorbed” was born.  Set in the 90s, “Absorbed” promises to resonate with GenX and Millennials alike, but also with their children as well.  Touching on such topics as consent and women’s reproductive rights intertwined with the teenage experience, “Absorbed” is sure to be a bridge between generations.  Jaime also shares sage advice on setting boundaries as a form of self-care, as well as the importance of integrating some form of creativity into your daily life every single day.  We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Jaime and were enthralled not only with her story, but her amazing resilience and strength combined with immense creative wisdom.  We encourage our readers to check out her book “Absorbed” and stop by her website to peruse her artwork.  We look forward to having Jaime return to the studio when her next novel is released! Check Out Jaime at: Web Site:  https://jaimetownzen.com Shop:  https://jaimetownzen.com/shop/ https://www.tiktok.com/@jaimegetscreative/  https://www.instagram.com/jaimegetscreative/  https://youtube.com/@jaimetownzen/  https://www.facebook.com/jaime.townzen/  Check Us Out at: https://genxadultingpodcast.com #author #writer #artist #watercolor #trauma #ucla #universityofredlands #college #loss #grief #caretaking #boundaries #selfcare #divorce #marriage #mother #mom #teacher #911 #highachiever #genx #millennials #90s #music #consent #reproductiverights #art #parenting #creativity #journaling #podcast #interview #over50 #over40 Check us out at genxadulting.com #generationx #genx #podcast #marriage #relationship #interview #mom #family

    3h 26m
  4. Episode 49 - GenX Speaks Series: Coach Whitney Kell

    EPISODE 49

    Episode 49 - GenX Speaks Series: Coach Whitney Kell

    In this episode we welcome Coach Whitney Kell, a fellow GenXer and high school classmate of Nicole.  Whitney shares about her upbringing in Portland, Oregon that included her parents divorce, remarriages and living part of her childhood with her dad and the other part with her mom.  Substance abuse showed up early in Whitney’s life, and continued until she got clean at 21.  Seven years later she gave up alcohol after losing her mother.  Whitney graciously opens up about the impact giving up alcohol had on her life, and also reflects on how plant medicine has guided her.  We learn about Whitney’s coaching methods as she successfully helps her clients physically, mentally and financially.  We cover the importance of meditation and learning to live intentionally, as well as having a conscious awareness of your frequency as you move through each day.  Whitney shares her lived concept of “The 30-Day Tantric Window” and how she has implemented it into her dating life.  She discusses her health scare that involved a seizure and coma followed by heart surgery, and offers sage advice and wisdom to anyone who is on a health journey related to medical issues.  We learn about her years of traveling and being a nomad, and how travel and adventure are an integral part of her life.  Whitney shares the motivation behind her decision to be childfree, and how marriage may still be a journey she would consider in the future.  This episode was truly a special one as it gave Nicole and Whitney a chance to reconnect after their high school days over 30 years ago, and do a little walk down memory lane.  Whitney’s perspective on life, from the little things to things that are vast, is something everyone could learn from and apply to some part of their daily life.  One quote from the episode that stands out for us, “You can’t meet someone where you’ve never met yourself.”  We are confident our listeners will enjoy their time with Whitney as much as we did!  We look forward to having her back when her upcoming book is released!  Check Whitney Out Here: https://whitneykell.com https://www.tiktok.com/@whitneykell1 https://www.instagram.com/whitneykell2/ https://www.youtube.com/@whitneykell https://www.facebook.com/whitney.kell https://x.com/whitneykell?s=21 Check Us Out Here: https://genxadultingpodcast.com/ #podcast #interview #genx #genxtalks #over40 #over50 #coach #health #sobercurious #sober #plantmedicine #divorce #marriage #childhood #addictionawareness #travel #tantricpractices #livingintentionally #kundalini #joedispenza #meditation #childfree #dating #heartsurgerysurvivor #adventure #author Check us out at genxadulting.com #generationx #genx #podcast #marriage #relationship #interview #mom #family

    3h 19m
  5. Episode 50 - The Millennials - Dr. Amber Parks - Stress and Burnout Coach for Vet Professionals

    EPISODE 50

    Episode 50 - The Millennials - Dr. Amber Parks - Stress and Burnout Coach for Vet Professionals

    In this episode we welcome Dr. Amber Parks - Stress and Burnout Coach for Vet Professionals.  We learn about her childhood growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts with her parents and older sister.  Amber reflects on playing alto saxophone as a kid in addition to participating in dance up until high school, where she made the switch to field hockey.  Her grandfather’s long term illness exposed Amber to the medical field, which sparked an interest that led to veterinary medicine.  She was hired by a veterinary hospital her senior year in high school, and thus began her veterinary medicine journey.  Amber shares about her undergraduate years at University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she balanced a rigorous academic load and busy social life combined with the competitive pressure of getting into veterinary school.  Shortly before graduation, she received the exciting news that she was accepted into Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, which leads us to a discussion of the competitive nature of veterinary school and the sober reality of how many undergraduates actually get accepted.  Amber shares about life in veterinary school, which moves at a rapid pace and seems to be in perpetual motion.  Accepting a position shortly after graduation kicked off Amber’s career in veterinary medicine, that included becoming a medical director in addition to heading out on her own to do field work.  We dive deep into the professional and personal experience of what it is truly like to be a veterinarian, and the absolute grind it not only requires but demands.  We touch on how corporate involvement in veterinary medicine is changing the landscape for seasoned doctors, patients and new doctors fresh out of veterinary school.  Amber shares the moment she knew she was done working in her current role and what led her to change the trajectory of her future in veterinary medicine to one of helping her peers in dealing with the stress and burnout that tends to go hand in hand with it.  Amber offers her clients effective guidance, support, tools and techniques to identify, heal and resolve the dark place that stress and burnout creates.  We cover imposter syndrome and how our subconscious can undermine our life experience and even cause us to lean into self-sabotage.  Amber also touches on how perfectionism and lack of conflict resolution skills lead to burnout.  Amber’s insightful approach of helping her clients “peel back” their layers slowly through their healing process surely is one of her more effective tools as she supports and guides them.  We truly enjoyed Amber’s story and learned so much about the veterinary world.  We have a newfound respect for people who choose to follow the path of veterinary medicine and view Amber as an invaluable asset to the veterinary profession as a whole.  We encourage anyone who is suffering from stress and burnout to reach out to Amber, but especially those involved with veterinary medicine. Check Amber Out Here: https://www.thestressandburnoutcoach.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.amberparks/ https://www.facebook.com/amber.parks.7731 Check Us Out Here: https://genxadultingpodcast.com/ #veterinarian #veterinarymedicine #stress #burnout #trauma #pets #impostersyndrome #umassamherst #tuskegeeuniversity #florida #vet #coach #highachiever #therapy #corporate #veterinaryschool #confrontation #selfsabotage #genx #millennials #interview #podcast #xennial #perfectionism  Check us out at genxadulting.com #generationx #genx #podcast #marriage #relationship #interview #mom #family

    3h 10m
  6. Episode 51 - GenX Speaks Series: Wes Alford - Hiking for Hope

    EPISODE 51

    Episode 51 - GenX Speaks Series: Wes Alford - Hiking for Hope

    In this episode we welcome Wes Alford, founder of the nonprofit Hiking for Hope.  Wes shares about his childhood growing up in Oregon on a farm raising livestock and training horses.  Wes reflects on how most of his adolescence was spent involved with the court and juvenile system in Oregon until he enlisted in the Army at 18.  Participation in the Job Corps led to his first job at a collection agency, which was the beginning of his career in finance.  A move to Arizona offered him an opportunity in the mortgage industry in addition to getting married and starting a family.  After divorcing he stepped onto the Pacific Crest Trail for the first time and had a completely life changing experience.  Wes started the trail as an alcoholic and smoker, in addition to being overweight.  He ended his hike 65 pounds lighter and hasn’t touched alcohol or smoked since.  That experience was part of the inspiration behind Hiking for Hope.  The other inspiration came from two of his children being diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes, which led to Hiking for Hope’s mission.  Wes has planned a 12,000 mile hike in America to spread Diabetes and mental health awareness.  Wes and his two sons started the hike in March 2025 and had a very eventful month that included getting hit with such a bad storm that Search and Rescue was called, his sons having to return home early, Wes continuing the hike solo but suffering an accident that resulted in two torn rotator cuffs and some of his teeth getting knocked out, and finally, Wes unknowingly suffering a heart attack for about 6 days on trail.  He plans on picking back up on Hiking for Hope’s 12,000 mile trek in early 2026.  Wes also shares his ultimate goal of being able to take underserved individuals onto the Pacific Crest Trail to have their own unique and life changing experience.  We were so inspired by Wes’s story, and how he not only broke the cycle of generational trauma with his own four children, but how he transformed his life into something so meaningful.  We encourage everyone to follow Hiking for Hope so you can track Wes’s progress as he hikes those 12,000 miles to help others.   Check Out Hiking For Hope Here: https://hikingforhope.com/ https://hikingforhope.com/merchandise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hikingforhope2025?_t=ZT-90HbfV4fG4d&_r=1  IG: https://www.instagram.com/hikingforhope2025?igsh=Z3JnZXdjc2d1ZHcw&utm_source=qr  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hikingforhope2025?si=eXH59y-CeB3eoFel  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19tmNqngzT/?mibextid=wwXIfr  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-alford-2597b8177?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Check Us Out Here: https://genxadultingpodcast.com/ #hiking #hike #trail #pacificcresttrail #diabetes #mentalhealth #hikingforhope #genx #genxtalks #over50 #over40 #interview #military #finance #family #marriage #divorce #dad #father #nonprofit #army #juvenilesystem #oregon #farm #farmlife #livestock #horses  Check us out at genxadulting.com #generationx #genx #podcast #marriage #relationship #interview #mom #family

    3h 33m
  7. Episode 52 - GenX Speaks Series: Artist Coco Mase

    EPISODE 52

    Episode 52 - GenX Speaks Series: Artist Coco Mase

    In this episode we welcome artist Coco Mase.  Coco shares about her upbringing in northwest New Jersey, where she was surrounded by all forms of art from a very early age.  Years of dance through her formative years exposed Coco to life in New York City, which offered her a balance to her life in the suburbs.  We discuss the differences and similarities between classical and competitive dance, and her eventual shift away from dance at the end of high school in order to pursue other artistic interests.  Acceptance into NYU came with its pros and cons, and a pivot to attending University of the Arts in Philadelphia ended up being a perfect fit.  Coco reflects on her journey through various art mediums and how always being open to saying yes to new opportunities guided her growth as an artist.  We cover Coco’s involvement in the fashion industry in New York City post-college, and the transition into marriage and starting a family in the suburbs.  Coco graciously shares her grief journey of losing her younger brother when he was 21, and Nicole and Brian in turn share some of their own experiences in grief from losing their fathers.  Returning to performing became part of Coco’s healing journey, all while balancing being a mother to three young children.  Not surprisingly, her next chapter was becoming an art teacher, something she still does to this day.  We loved hearing about Coco’s perspective and experiences as a teacher.  Her love for her students shines through, and it’s obvious that she is a gift to her school community.  Coco shares her life changing directorial debut of Cabaret, and how she has immersed herself in her art studio.  Whether it’s menopause or aging or plastic surgery or grey hair, we cover many of the challenges GenX women are facing midlife.  Finally, we learn about Coco’s upcoming one woman show, which is a photo essay based on the story “Anonymous Girl”.  We were incredibly mesmerized and touched by Coco’s interpretation of this precious girl’s story, and we know it will resonate and touch the hearts of anyone who is lucky enough to attend the show.  We absolutely loved our time with Coco and truly enjoyed going on the journey of her story.  We hope to attend one of her shows in person in the future! Check Us Out Here: https://www.genxadultingpodcast.com/ #art #artist #dance #dancer #photography #photographer #teacher #college #nyu #philadelphia #menopause #aging #motherhood #mother #family #fashion #music #growth #loss #grief #healing #youthsports #faith #ai #newyorkcity #nyc #performing #theater  Check us out at genxadulting.com #generationx #genx #podcast #marriage #relationship #interview #mom #family

    4h 11m
  8. Episode 53 - GenX Speaks Series: Greg Nordone - Co-Founder Greyson Technologies

    EPISODE 53

    Episode 53 - GenX Speaks Series: Greg Nordone - Co-Founder Greyson Technologies

    In this episode we welcome Greg Nordone, Co-Founder of Greyson Technologies.  Greg shares about his upbringing in Miami Shores, and how the small town vibe within the city of Miami offered him a foundation of stability and consistency, especially after his parent’s divorce.  Greg reflects on the role his numerous coaches played in his life during his athletic career through childhood, as well as the impact the theater program had on his life.  We discuss the pros and cons of floating among different cliques in high school, as well as being a leader at times when it isn’t the most accepted.  Greg’s college years at University of Florida brought him a multitude of experiences and friends, and we speculate on if the benefits of attending college still hold up.  Greg’s journey as a salesman began right after college in Atlanta, then to Louisville, Kentucky and finally back to South Florida.  Greg shares valuable insight into the aspects that go into being a successful salesman, and we encourage anyone with an interest in sales to listen to this episode.  Greg covers such topics as customer empathy, the importance of relationship building, processing imposter syndrome, leadership and taking accountability as a business owner and growth mindset.  We also discuss traditional learning vs AI in addition to Agentic AI’s emerging role in business.  We learn about Greg’s first marriage and becoming a father while simultaneously suddenly losing his own father and the tumultuous journey that followed.  Greg recounts his near death experience during the time he was a partner in his first business, and starting Greyson Technologies shortly after.  We get to hear the hilarious story of how he and his wife started dating, as well as the chaotic and wonderful experience of having a blended family and then adding in another beautiful daughter later in life.  Finally, Greg offers sage advice to the younger generation that will benefit them both personally and professionally.  We loved our conversation with Greg and learned a lot from his story, and we are sure our listeners will enjoy it as much as we did! Check Greg Out Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoresmudman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregnordone X: https://x.com/GregNordone Check Us Out Here: https://www.genxadultingpodcast.com/ #genx #entrepreneur #leader #marriage #divorce #fatherhood #parenting #sales #salesman #business #miami #atlanta #louisville #tech #technology #ai #agenticai #podcast #interview #over40 #over50 #genxtalks #football #coach #theater #team #college #uf #universityofflorida #grief #impostersyndrome #advice #genz #growthmindset  Check us out at genxadulting.com #generationx #genx #podcast #marriage #relationship #interview #mom #family

    4h 7m

Ratings & Reviews

4.1
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Welcome to GenX Adulting!  GenX Adulting is a place where every person has a story to share, and every generation has a voice.  Brought to you by two GenXers.

You Might Also Like