GenX Journeys

Paul Stroessner
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to GenX Journeys, the podcast that celebrates reinvention, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of Generation X! 🎸💥 Formerly known as Journey of the Rhode Runner and Inspiring Journeys, this evolution reflects the path so many of us are on—rediscovering our passions, rewriting our stories, and proving that it's never too late to thrive. Each week, we bring you: 📅 Wednesdays – New episodes of GenX Journeys, featuring inspiring conversations with thought leaders, athletes, entertainers, and everyday warriors who embody the GenX mindset: work hard, play hard, and never stop growing. 📅 Thursdays – Throwback Thursdays, where we revisit classic episodes from Return to the '80s—a nostalgic deep dive into the movies, music, and pop culture that shaped us. 📅 Fridays – Power Surge, a short, high-energy dose of inspiration to fuel your mindset and keep you moving forward. Each episode begins with a heartfelt tribute to a fallen hero, honoring the mission of 22 Too Many. Because the best part of your story? It's still being written. 🎤 Hosted by Paul Stroessner, runner, writer, pop culture enthusiast, and proud GenXer on a mission to inspire. #GenXJourneys #NeverTooLate #ThrowbackMeetsFuture #Reinvention #NostalgiaAndGrowth

  1. 7h ago

    Finding Your Way Back with Greg Amici

    What happens when the thing you love most is suddenly taken away? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul sits down with singer-songwriter Greg Amici to explore a story of resilience, reinvention, and returning to a passion that never truly left. After building momentum with his band Big Honey in New York City's music scene, Greg's journey took an unexpected turn when a vocal cord injury forced him away from music. What followed was a 16-year detour through screenwriting, acting, graduate school, and caring for aging parents before he finally found his way back to songwriting and recording. Greg shares: • Growing up in New Jersey and discovering music through classic rock • The rise and sudden end of his band Big Honey • How a vocal injury changed the course of his life • His years pursuing screenwriting and acting in Los Angeles • The moment that reignited his passion for music • Creating his acclaimed album Tragicomic • The challenges and opportunities of making music in the streaming era • Why it's never too late to reconnect with something you love Along the way, Greg opens up about criticism, creativity, family, aging, perseverance, and what he's learned at 64 that his 24-year-old self could never have understood. Whether you're a musician, writer, runner, entrepreneur, or anyone who has ever put a dream on hold, this conversation is a reminder that some passions don't disappear. They simply wait for us to return.   Connect with Greg Amici: Website: https://gregamici.com YouTube: @gregamicimusic   💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

    38 min

  2. 7h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Mega-Bestselling Author Kathryn Stockett on Finding Her Voice Again After ‘The Help’ from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Oprah?sub_confirmation=1 New York Times best-selling author Kathryn Stockett talks with Oprah about her long-awaited novel The Calamity Club. She reveals how daunting it was to write a second novel in the wake of the success and the criticism of her smash debut hit The Help. The book sold over fifteen million copies, rose to number one and was on the best-seller list for more than two years. In 2011 it became a hit movie garnering four Oscar nominations and an Oscar win for Octavia Spencer as Best Supporting Actress. In The Calamity Club Kathryn shifts her perspective and writes a coming-of-age story set in the Depression era South about its two main characters Birdie and Meg. Kathryn explains how the cast of characters live inside her and yearn for expression through her written word. She shares her desire to tackle shocking challenges that women faced during that time. She says eventually the story evolved into an adventure about a group of bold, unbreakable women who overcome incredible hardships to reclaim their lives. The camaraderie, courage, resilience and the love between these characters will have you crying one page and laughing out loud the next. Three readers zoom in from their homes with questions for Kathryn about the book. BUY THE BOOK! 'Calamity Club' https://www.amazon.com/Calamity-Club-Novel-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/1954118813 Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome Kathryn Stockett, author of ‘Calamity Club’  00:02:58 - 17 years between books  00:05:00 - Kathryn on the criticism of ‘The Help’  00:06:03 - How it changed her writing 00:08:15 - Getting fired by her publisher 00:09:30 - Characters and plot of ‘Calamity Club’ 00:12:20 - How Kathryn found her characters 00:13:40 - Reactions to ‘Calamity Club’ 00:17:20 - Will there be a sequel? 00:20:43 - How will ‘Calamity Club’ be received?  00:25:17 - Women in the 20s 00:27:10 - Theme of found family  00:28:02 - What she wants readers to take away  00:31:55 - Advice to young women 00:35:35 - Kathryn’s favorite character 00:37:00 - Writing this story kept her sane  00:38:08 - Finishing the book Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. May 20

    From Vietnam to Burnout Recovery with Keith Cole

    In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul welcomes Marine Corps combat veteran and author Keith Cole for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, burnout, faith, resilience, and recovery. Keith shares his journey from growing up wanting to become a Methodist minister to serving as a machine gunner in Vietnam, where he was wounded three times in combat. After returning home, he carried decades of emotional weight in silence while building a successful career as a CPA, raising his younger siblings after the loss of his mother, and pushing himself beyond exhaustion. Eventually, burnout caught up with him. Keith opens up about the sleepless nights, emotional turmoil, drinking, and the breaking point that led him to cry out to God for help — a moment that ultimately inspired his book, Burnout: God's Recovery Plan. Together, Paul and Keith discuss: Vietnam combat experiences and trauma The emotional toll of notifying families of fallen Marines Why so many people suffer silently Burnout in veterans, professionals, caregivers, and everyday life The importance of asking for help Faith, discipline, and healing Creating healthy routines and boundaries Keith's PRAISER recovery framework and workbook This conversation is especially powerful for anyone feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck, or burned out from carrying too much for too long. Keith's story is a reminder that recovery is possible - and that asking for help is not weakness, but strength. Connect with Keith Cole: Website: recoverybyfaith.com Book: Burnout: God's Recovery Plan   💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

    53 min

  4. May 13

    The End of the Chapter, Not the Book with Devin Fish

    For this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul sits down with Devin Fish for one of the most honest and emotionally powerful conversations the show has featured yet. Growing up in poverty, constantly moving from place to place, and surrounded by addiction and instability, Devin entered adulthood carrying more weight than most people face in a lifetime. Before even beginning his Army career, he experienced trauma that would shape the years ahead — including family addiction, loss, depression, online exploitation, blackmail, and moments where he seriously questioned whether he wanted to keep going at all. But this isn't just a story about survival. It's a story about resilience, reinvention, mental health, purpose, and learning how to rebuild your life one hard question at a time. Devin opens up about how those experiences eventually led him to write his book, Answering the Hard Questions: Let It Be the End of the Chapter, Not the End of the Book, a deeply personal reflection on resilience, mental health, purpose, and finding hope after life's darkest moments. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up with instability and poverty Joining the Army and searching for direction Losing his mother while serving Mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts Online scams, emotional isolation, and blackmail Reinventing himself through service and leadership Why vulnerability can help others heal Writing his book and speaking openly about resilience The importance of letting a painful chapter end — without ending your story This episode is raw, inspiring, and deeply human — especially for anyone who has ever felt stuck, broken, alone, or overwhelmed by life. Because as Devin says: "Let it be the end of the chapter… not the end of the book." Connect with Devin Fish: Book: Answering the Hard Questions on Amazon Facebook: Devin Fish on Facebook Email: 9d7fish@gmail.com If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share GenX Journeys with someone who might need this conversation today.   💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

    58 min

  5. Apr 29

    Dreaming Again After Everything Changes with Chanoa Inez

    What happens after life changes in ways you never saw coming? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul sits down with author and personal brand strategist Chanoa Inez to explore what it really takes to rebuild, realign, and start dreaming again after loss, upheaval, or major life transitions. After experiencing a sudden and devastating loss, Chanoa found herself in a place many of us know too well - functioning on the surface, but quietly shrinking her dreams without even realizing it. What followed was a powerful journey of self-discovery, healing, and reinvention that ultimately led to her book Dream On. This conversation goes beyond surface-level positivity. It's about reclaiming your life, reconnecting with who you are, and giving yourself permission to dream bigger—even when it feels impossible. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: Why we unknowingly shrink our dreams after loss or setbacks The difference between real gratitude vs. surface-level gratitude How the simple shift from "I have to" → "I get to" can change everything The hidden ways we fall out of alignment in life and business Why being authentic is less exhausting—and more powerful—than wearing a mask How grief can show up in unexpected ways, including physical health The truth about meditation (and why "I can't do it" is a limiting belief) What it really means to reinvent yourself without losing who you are 💡 Key Takeaway Sometimes we think we've moved on—but in reality, we've just made our lives smaller to feel safe. The real work is recognizing that… and choosing to dream again anyway. 📚 Resources & Links Chanoa Inez's book: Dream On: How to Create a New Life via Dreams After Upheaval or Loss Website: https://chanoainez.com Program: Magnetize Your Personal Brand LinkedIn: @chanoa InstagramL @chanoainez (Full links also available in episode description on your podcast app) 🎧 Connect with GenX Journeys Follow the show for more conversations on reinvention, resilience, and living with intention Share this episode with someone who might need a reminder: it's not too late to start again 🎤 Closing Thought Life is going to change—sometimes in ways we never expect. But the ability to dream again? That's still yours. Always. 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

    37 min

  6. Apr 23

    Bullied Behind Bars: The Road to a New Life with Matt Melvin

    What does it really take to change your life? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul sits down with Matt Melvin, whose journey includes prison, addiction, and multiple life resets—but more importantly, a complete shift in mindset. While Matt shares his story in his book Bullied Behind Bars, this conversation focuses on what came after: the inner work. From moving out of victimhood and into accountability, to building discipline, faith, and self-awareness, Matt breaks down the principles that helped him rebuild his life from the inside out. This is a real, unfiltered conversation about mindset, mental health, and the kind of honest reflection most people avoid—but that leads to lasting change. If you're ready to stop making excuses and start taking ownership, this episode will challenge you in all the right ways. 🔑 What You'll Hear in This Episode The shift from victimhood to full accountability How small decisions can lead to life-altering consequences Why mindset is everything when it comes to personal growth The role of discipline, faith, and daily habits How environment and relationships influence your direction Why journaling and self-reflection are powerful tools for change The importance of real conversations over surface-level talk Why many people struggle to express emotions—and how to change that 💡 Key Takeaways You can't change your life until you take responsibility for it Awareness is the foundation of growth Your environment matters more than you think Growth requires honesty, even when it's uncomfortable Real change is built through daily habits and decisions 📚 About Matt Melvin Matt Melvin is the author of Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison. His story is one of transformation through discipline, faith, and radical accountability after facing addiction and incarceration. 🔗 Connect with Matt Instagram: @BulliedBehindBars Facebook: Matthew Melvin X: @BarsBullied email: mmelvinjn316@gmail.com Book: Bully Behind Bars (available on Amazon) 🎧 Listen & Watch Available on all podcast platforms, with the full video version on YouTube. 🔥 Final Thought You don't have to control everything that happens to you—but you do control what happens next.   💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

    32 min

  7. Apr 9

    Realign Your Life & Purpose (When You Feel Stuck) with Camille Miller

    What do you do when the life you built no longer feels like it fits? In this episode of GenX Journeys, I'm joined by Camille Miller—three-time bestselling author, business designer, and founder of the Soul Professional Movement. Together, we explore what it means to step out of alignment… and how to find your way back. If you've ever felt stuck, restless, or like something is missing—even when everything looks "right" on paper—this conversation will resonate. We talk about reinvention, authenticity, and why GenXers, in particular, are uniquely wired to evolve, adapt, and build something more meaningful in this next chapter of life. 🔑 In This Episode, We Discuss: Why so many people feel out of alignment after years in traditional careers The shift from stability to purpose-driven work How authenticity attracts new opportunities Letting go of identities that no longer serve you The importance of community and surrounding yourself with the right people Simple ways to begin realigning your life and purpose ✍️ A Simple Exercise to Get Started Camille shares a powerful starting point: Take a piece of paper and write down: What you want in your life moving forward What you no longer want or will no longer accept From there, start building a life that aligns with who you are today—not who you used to be. 🌍 About Camille Miller Camille Miller is a three-time bestselling author and the founder of the Soul Professional Movement, a global community helping individuals create purpose-driven businesses and lives aligned with their authentic selves. 🌐 Learn more: https://soulprofessional.com   💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

    42 min

  8. Mar 26

    Keeping the 80s Alive: Inside the Rubixx Experience

    What happens when the soundtrack of the 1980s comes roaring back to life with big vocals, big energy, and a whole lot of heart? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul is joined by GenX Book Club co-host Suzanne Mattaboni for a lively conversation with Rob and Lisa of Rubixx, one of the country's premier 80s tribute bands. Together, they dive into what makes 80s music so unforgettable, how Rubixx creates a full-on experience rather than just a performance, and why the songs of that decade still bring people together across generations. Rob and Lisa share the origin story of the band, how they build their setlists to keep audiences singing and dancing, and the fun behind the costumes, visuals, movie-theme medleys, duets, and onstage chemistry that make a Rubixx show feel like a time machine with amplifiers. The conversation also explores the magic of MTV, the power of 80s soundtracks, the wide range of genres that defined the decade, and the challenge of performing these iconic songs live while keeping their energy intact. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and a clear love for the music that shaped a generation. Whether you were raised on synth-pop, power ballads, movie anthems, freestyle, new wave, or arena rock, this episode is a celebration of the music, memories, and community that still make the 80s hit hard today. In this episode: How Rubixx came together and evolved into the band it is today Why 80s music still resonates so deeply with audiences The art of creating a full visual and musical experience on stage Favorite crowd-pleasers, duets, and movie-theme moments The influence of MTV on music, fashion, and identity Songs that are tougher to perform than they sound Why authenticity, camaraderie, and zero ego matter in a live band Upcoming shows and where to find Rubixx online If you love 80s music, live performance, and stories about people keeping the spirit of a generation alive, this one is for you. Connect with Rubixx 🎥 TikTok: @RubixxBand 📷 Instagram: RubixxBand 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rubixxband 📺 YouTube: @RubixxBand More from the GenX Book Club Crew 📖 Suzanne Mattaboni (Author of Once in a Lifetime) 🔹 Get her book anywhere books are sold, including Kindle Unlimited and onceinalifetimenovel.com 🔹 Visit her at suzannemattaboni.com 🔹 Follow Suzanne: 📷 Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s 🐦 X: @suzmattaboni 📘 Facebook: Suzanne Mattaboni 🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM) 🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes 🔹 Get your daily dose of '80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

    1h 6m
See All (201)

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to GenX Journeys, the podcast that celebrates reinvention, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of Generation X! 🎸💥 Formerly known as Journey of the Rhode Runner and Inspiring Journeys, this evolution reflects the path so many of us are on—rediscovering our passions, rewriting our stories, and proving that it's never too late to thrive. Each week, we bring you: 📅 Wednesdays – New episodes of GenX Journeys, featuring inspiring conversations with thought leaders, athletes, entertainers, and everyday warriors who embody the GenX mindset: work hard, play hard, and never stop growing. 📅 Thursdays – Throwback Thursdays, where we revisit classic episodes from Return to the '80s—a nostalgic deep dive into the movies, music, and pop culture that shaped us. 📅 Fridays – Power Surge, a short, high-energy dose of inspiration to fuel your mindset and keep you moving forward. Each episode begins with a heartfelt tribute to a fallen hero, honoring the mission of 22 Too Many. Because the best part of your story? It's still being written. 🎤 Hosted by Paul Stroessner, runner, writer, pop culture enthusiast, and proud GenXer on a mission to inspire. #GenXJourneys #NeverTooLate #ThrowbackMeetsFuture #Reinvention #NostalgiaAndGrowth

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Stroessner
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    GenX Journeys