GenX Journeys

Paul Stroessner
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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. 8H AGO

    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

  2. 9H AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Oprah and the Artemis II Crew: To the Moon and Back from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast After their extraordinary, history-making trip around the moon, Oprah has an in-depth conversation with the crew of Artemis II: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. From launch to landing, the Artemis II astronauts captured the world’s attention while offering a message of unity and hope from space. The crew shares how they were transformed after spending more than nine days traveling farther into space than any human being has ever been and how seeing the Moon and Earth from space changed their perspectives on life itself. Oprah talks to the astronauts about their jaw-dropping photographs, plus the emotional impact and iconic moments they experienced. They’ll also talk about what it was like to train together for years, the conversations with family about putting their lives at risk, and the stellar team on the ground that guided the mission. Their outstanding character, indomitable spirits and remarkable camaraderie shine through. 00:00:00 - Welcome the crew of Artemis II 00:03:40 - Re-entry to regular life 00:07:00 - The journey back to earth 00:09:40 - Life-altering experience 00:10:50 - How they were selected for Artemis II 00;12:48 - Naming the moon crater 00:17:02 - Watching the Earth set 00:19:50 - Talking to the Chaplain upon landing 00:21:20 - A defining moment 00:24:10 - Piloting Artemis II 00:25:20 - Being at ease with not knowing 00:25:50 - Is there other life out there? 00:28:20 - Being comfortable with being uncomfortable 00:33:30 - The crew was not ready to return 00:34:30 - Christina Koch’s message to girls 00:36:20 - Staying humble 00:40:00 - Discussing death with family 00:44:00 - Discussing death with the crew 00:47:30 - Suits can keep you alive for 6 days 00:50:04 - Training not to panic 00:54:50 - Representing humans in space 00:58:30 - In the hatch after landing 00:59:58 - Message from Reid’s daughter 01:01:40 - The guilt of pursuing your dream 01:03:40 - What they want to share with the world 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. 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

  4. 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 Bully 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. MAR 18

    A Marine's Return to Faith: Louie Alessio on Healing, Purpose, and Redemption

    In this powerful episode of GenX Journeys, Paul welcomes Louie Alessio — a retired Marine who served 25 years, a husband, father, teacher in his parish, and author of the upcoming book So There I Was… Out of Ammo. Louie shares his story of growing up Catholic in Youngstown, Ohio, drifting away from faith, serving in the Marines, and eventually confronting the emotional and spiritual weight of transition, regret, and moral injury after retirement. What followed was not just a return to Church, but a profound rediscovery of faith, healing, purpose, and mercy. Together, Paul and Louie discuss military life, identity after service, the challenges of civilian transition, the pull of social media and modern distraction, the importance of prayer, and how faith can reshape the way we show up for our families and the world around us. Louie also opens up about a dark season after retirement, the divine timing that helped save his life, and how that turning point led him back to the Church and into a new mission of helping others through writing, ministry, and witness. This is a moving conversation about resilience, redemption, and the reminder that sometimes the road back becomes the most important journey of all. In this episode: Louie's Catholic upbringing in Youngstown, Ohio Why he chose to follow his brother into the Marine Corps What 25 years of military service taught him about discipline, character, and identity How virtues can become distorted without a deeper moral foundation What "moral injury" means and how it can surface after service The difficulty of transitioning out of the military and back into civilian life Louie's darkest season after retirement and the intervention that changed everything How a faith-based veterans program helped awaken something in him Returning to Mass after decades away How faith transformed his outlook as a husband, father, veteran, and man The impact of prayer, compassion, and empathy in everyday life Why he began writing about healing, faith, and purpose His upcoming book, So There I Was… Out of Ammo A message of hope for anyone who feels distant from faith or unsure how to find their way back   Connect with Louie Alessio 📘 Facebook: Louie Alessio   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 9m

  8. MAR 13

    GenX Book Club: Ordinary People by Judith Guest

    In this episode of the GenX Book Club, Paul Stroessner and Suzanne Mattaboni dive into Ordinary People, Judith Guest's powerful 1976 debut novel, and the acclaimed 1980 film adaptation directed by Robert Redford. Paul and Suzanne explore the emotional depth of this story, from Conrad's survivor's guilt and fragile recovery to the very different ways each member of the Jarrett family processes grief. They discuss the novel's psychological richness, the film's remarkable faithfulness to the book, and how their perspectives on characters like Beth changed over time. They also talk about the film's standout performances from Timothy Hutton, Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, and Judd Hirsch, why the story still hits hard decades later, and how Ordinary People remains a moving portrait of family, trauma, healing, and emotional survival. In this episode: Judith Guest's debut novel and why it became such a major success Robert Redford's directorial debut and the film's Oscar-winning legacy Why Ordinary People still feels emotionally raw and relevant Conrad's healing journey and the impact of survivor's guilt Beth's complexity and how the book adds more nuance to her character The powerful therapy scenes with Dr. Berger Key differences between the book and film Why this story remains such a strong example of character-driven storytelling Spoiler warning: This episode contains major spoilers for both the book and the film. Next up in the GenX Book Club: A lighter change of pace with Born Standing Up by Steve Martin   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 💡 Whether you're a die-hard '80s fan, a nostalgia lover, or just someone who enjoys a great book club discussion, this episode is packed with fun, wisdom, and plenty of throwback vibes. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow/subscribe on your favorite podcast app and leave a review. And tell us:

    51 min
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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