The GenX Experience

Blythe Alpern

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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Feb 17

    Rebuilding After Divorce: A Practical Guide for Men with Justin Milrad, Divorce Coach and Author

    In today's episode (47), we continue our two-part series on divorce by shedding light on the unique challenges men face during this stressful, overwhelming, and scary time. For today's conversation, I chatted with certified divorce coach Justin Milrad to hear his insights on navigating this difficult process with confidence and clarity. Justin addresses a variety of topics, including how divorce impacts men emotionally and how men can effectively deal with the grief and loss of their marriage. Justin also shares tips and strategies you can implement when preparing for a divorce, including how to discuss custody, rebuild your life, and get back into dating. Guest Info: Justin Milrad is a certified divorce coach, author of YOU 2.0: Transform Your Life After Divorce, and founder of Reclaim & Reboot, a platform dedicated to helping individuals rebuild and thrive after the end of a marriage. A proud father of three, Justin brings both personal insight and professional expertise to his work, having firsthand experience with the complexities of divorce, co-parenting, and rebuilding his life. With an MBA and a background in financial planning, Justin combines practical strategies for financial stability with compassionate, results-driven coaching. He is also a relationship coach, guiding clients to heal, rediscover themselves, and create healthy connections in the next chapter of their lives. Before founding Reclaim & Reboot, Justin built a successful career as an entrepreneur, including serving as the CEO of a mental health treatment program, where he developed the deep listening skills, empathy, and resilience that now define his coaching approach. Today, he works with high-achievers, parents, and anyone navigating the emotional, financial, and personal challenges of divorce, helping them reclaim their confidence, rebuild their lives, and design a bold, fulfilling future. How to connect with Justin: Justin Divorce Coaching Calendly  Website: Reclaim and Reboot LinkedIn: Reclaim and Reboot Instagram: Reclaim and Reboot Facebook: Reclaim and Reboot YouTube: Reclaim and Reboot Podcast: The Conscious Divorce Books You 2.0; Divorce, a better way forward You 2.0 Workbook Men’s Support Group 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. Feb 10 ·  Bonus

    Introducing our Winter Book Club Pick: Rocket Man: A True Crime GenX Memoir by Brett Langley

    For this special bonus episode, I'm excited to share a sneak peek of our Winter Book Club Pick, Rocket Man: A True Crime GenX Memoir.  I sat down with the author, Brett Langley, to learn about the heartfelt story behind his memoir, which blends true crime with nostalgic reflections of growing up in Gen X. Discover how music, memories, and personal tragedy intertwine to create a compelling narrative that resonates with anyone who loves authentic storytelling and a trip back in time. The full book club discussion will take place in mid to late March, so you have plenty of time to pick up this engaging memoir. Rocket Man is available for purchase on Amazon. Rocket Man Spotify Playlist 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. Website: Rocket Man Memoir TikTok: Brett Langley X Rocket Man X IG: rocket_man_dl Facebook: Rocket Man: A True Crime GenX Memoir 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. Feb 3

    Navigating Divorce: Empowering Women Through Change with Oona Metz, author and psychotherapist

    Welcome back to season 3 of the podcast. We're kicking off the new year with a new topic: Divorce. For episode 46, I'm sitting down with Oona Metz to discuss her expertise and how hosting divorce support groups for women led her to write her new book, Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women. We delve into the complexities of divorce, the importance of setting boundaries, how to navigate custody, redefining personal identity post-divorce, how to be a supportive friend, and why Gray divorce is a growing trend among GenX and Boomer women. Whether you're contemplating divorce or supporting someone through it, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice. Guest Info: Oona Metz is the author of Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Group Psychotherapist and a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Her writing has appeared in Cognoscenti, The Psychotherapy Networker, Psychology Today and the Los Angeles Review. She has 30 years of clinical experience and specializes in treating women navigating divorce. Oona leads three weekly Divorce Support Groups for Women and trains mental health professionals across the country to lead them as well.  How to connect with Oona: Website: Oona Metz Instagram: Oona Metz ⁠LinkedIn: Oona Metz LSCW ⁠YouTube: Oona Metz Facebook: Women Navigating Divorce Book: Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women Time article and CBS appearance mentioned: https://time.com/7344525/why-women-divorce/ https://www.cbsnews.com/video/why-more-women-are-initiating-divorce/ 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
14 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
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Blythe Alpern
  • Show Website
    The GenX Experience

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