Breath Control & Bad Decisions

Jenn X and Salty J
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Society & Culture

Two Gen-X women. Zero supervision. Decades of questionable decisions to unpack. Breath Control & Bad Decisions is a Gen X podcast hosted by Jenn X and Salty J, revisiting the stuff that made us who we are: the movies we probably shouldn't have watched, the music we wore out, mall culture, first jobs, road trips without GPS, childhood urban legends, and all the bizarre things we were absolutely convinced would kill us. We grew up drinking from garden hoses, disappearing on bikes until the streetlights came on, riding in cars with questionable safety standards, and somehow believing that quicksand, killer bees and the Bermuda Triangle were legitimate threats to our future. Now we're looking back with adult eyes, questionable memories, actual facts, and a lot of "WAIT....THAT WASN'T TRUE?!" Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the bad decisions. If you survived growing up Gen X, you're one of us.

  1. 4d ago

    Trapper Keepers, Toughskins and Tears: Back to School Shopping Before the Internet.

    The conversation revolves around the nostalgic experience of back-to-school shopping, including the excitement of selecting school supplies, clothing, and accessories. It also delves into the challenges of finding the right items, dealing with fashion trends, and the influence of brand names on personal style. The conversation covers a range of nostalgic experiences related to back-to-school shopping, fashion, and school life. It delves into the challenges and memories of school supplies, clothing, gym class, and the transition from summer to school. The hosts reflect on the social dynamics, self-esteem, and the enduring impact of these experiences. Takeaways Nostalgic reminiscenceFashion trends and brand influence Nostalgic ReflectionsSchool Supplies and FashionGym Class and Locker RoomSocial Dynamics and Self-Esteem Chapters 00:00 The Excitement of Back-to-School Shopping03:01 Fashion and Personal Style05:48 The Shopping Experience09:02 The Influence of Brand Names13:06 The Challenges of Finding the Right Items19:00 Planning Outfits and Personal Style29:13 Back-to-School Shopping Memories30:02 Gym Class and Locker Room Experiences33:34 Social Dynamics and Self-Esteem33:55 Nostalgic Reflections on School Supplies and Fashion56:20 New School Year, Same Me

  2. Aug 23

    Chernobyl: Not Great, Not Terrible. Actually...TERRIBLE.

    The podcast episode revisits the Chernobyl disaster, highlighting the impact on Gen X and the broader implications of the event. It explores the cultural context of the 1980s, the reactor's flawed design, the response to the disaster, and the cleanup efforts. The conversation delves into the Chernobyl disaster, its aftermath, and the impact on the Gen X generation. It explores the themes of nuclear power, transparency, authority, and the lessons learned from the disaster. Takeaways Cultural impact of Chernobyl on Gen XFlawed reactor design and response to the disaster Transparency over authorityQuestioning decisions and authorityThe impact of the Chernobyl disaster on the Gen X generation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chernobyl02:57 The 1980s Cultural Context07:05 Flawed Reactor Design and Disaster Response16:12 Cleanup Efforts and Human Impact20:37 The Chernobyl Disaster22:27 Environmental Reclamation and Wildlife23:45 Health Consequences of Radiation26:56 Failures of Communication and Safety Culture28:40 The Impact on Gen X30:22 Questioning Authority and Transparency34:32 Social Media and Misinformation45:38 Lessons Learned and Takeaways

  3. Aug 14

    Gen X Childhood Fears: Quicksand, The Bermuda Triangle & Other Ways We Though We'd Die.

    Salty J and Jenn X discuss childhood fears and irrational phobias, reflecting on the impact of media and cultural influences on their perceptions of danger. The conversation covers a wide range of fears, from killer bees and quicksand to Ouija boards and stranger danger. They also touch on the importance of safety and vigilance in everyday life. The conversation covers a range of irrational fears and childhood anxieties, from Satanism and televangelists to snakes in toilets and elevator accidents. The hosts also discuss their fear of being struck by lightning, the Bermuda Triangle, and the potential dangers of raw cookie dough. They conclude with a reflection on the generational impact of irrational fears and the growth of their podcast on social media. Takeaways Childhood fears are often shaped by media and cultural influencesVigilance and safety are important in everyday life Childhood fears and anxieties can have a lasting impact on individuals, shaping their perceptions and behaviors.The discussion highlights the shared experiences of irrational fears among the Gen X generation, emphasizing the cultural and societal influences on these fears. Chapters 00:00 Childhood Fears and Cultural Influences09:27 Basement Fears and Urban Legends13:58 Stranger Danger and Safety Awareness16:43 Irrational Phobias and Everyday Safety30:00 Raw Cookie Dough and Generational Impact

  4. Aug 8

    Gen X Horror Movies: Jaws, Poltergeist, The Exorcist & Other Childhood Mistakes

    Breath Control and Bad Decisions delves into the topic of trauma, popcorn, and poor parenting, exploring the impact of scary movies on Gen Xers and their childhood experiences. Jenn X and Salty J discuss the lack of parental control in the 70s and 80s, the influence of horror movies, and the lasting effects of childhood trauma. The conversation covers a range of horror movies and their impact on the speakers, as well as the influence of nostalgia and childhood experiences on their perception of these films. It also delves into the themes and tropes commonly found in horror movies, such as the fear of the unknown and the portrayal of certain characters. A nostalgic conversation about childhood fears, horror movies, and shared experiences. The hosts discuss iconic horror films, personal fears, and the impact of movies on their lives. Takeaways Scary movies from the 70s and 80s had a significant impact on Gen Xers, shaping their childhood experiences and leaving lasting impressions.The lack of parental control and guidance in the 70s and 80s allowed Gen Xers to watch movies that had a profound and lasting impact on their emotional well-being. Childhood experiences shape our perception of horror moviesNostalgia plays a significant role in our connection to certain films Childhood fears shape our adult perceptions.Nostalgia for horror movies creates a sense of shared experience. Chapters 00:00 The Influence of Scary Movies on Gen X Childhoods02:19 Parental Control and Guidance in the 70s and 80s05:30 The Lasting Effects of Childhood Trauma23:35 The Impact of Childhood Experiences24:31 The Influence of Nostalgia24:59 Tropes and Themes in Horror Movies49:23 Childhood Fears and Nostalgia50:32 Impact of Horror Movies52:03 The Terrifying Power of Movies53:13 The Haunting Influence of Films53:52 The Legacy of Scary Movies55:03 The Influence of Media on Fear01:00:04 The Evolution of Movie Ratings01:03:11 The Influence of Movies on Perception01:04:49 The Power of Cinematic Trauma01:06:40 Shared Experiences and Nostalgia01:07:13 The Impact of Movies on Relationships01:08:27 The Joy of Nostalgic Conversations01:09:43 The Bond of Shared Memories01:10:48 The Pleasure of Nostalgic Conversations01:12:39 The Joy of Reconnecting

  5. Jul 25

    The Nights We Slept On Concrete- How Gen X Bought Concert Tickets.

    The Gen X experience of camping out for concert tickets, waiting in line, the anticipation of ticket purchase, concert experiences, and memories, as well as challenges and lineup of concerts. It also explores the nostalgia and memories associated with concert attendance and merchandise. The conversation covers the evolution of the concert experience, from camping out for tickets to the modern VIP experience. It also explores the organic nature of meeting artists and the impact of paid meet-and-greets. The conversation delves into the nostalgic experience of buying and attending concerts, highlighting the thrill of ticket buying, the camaraderie of concert waiting, the shift in concert ticket buying, the experience of concert attendance, the impact of concert memories, and the concert food experience. Takeaways Nostalgic experience of camping out for concert ticketsAnticipation and excitement of waiting in line for ticketsMemories and nostalgia associated with concert attendance and merchandise Evolution of concert experiencesOrganic vs. paid meet-and-greets Nostalgic concert experiences fostered a sense of camaraderie and excitement among fans.The shift from physical ticket buying to online purchasing has changed the concert experience. Chapters 00:00 Camping Out for Concert Tickets01:11 The Experience of Waiting in Line03:14 Anticipation and Ticket Purchase04:17 Concert Experiences and Merchandise05:25 Concert Memories and Nostalgia07:27 Concert Ticket Challenges and Concert Lineup09:05 Concert Attendance and Concert Merchandise10:05 Concert Attendance and Concert Merchandise (Continued)20:54 The Concert Experience: Then and Now42:23 Meeting Artists Organically44:40 The Thrill of Ticket Buying45:58 The Camaraderie of Concert Waiting46:39 The Shift in Concert Ticket Buying47:36 The Experience of Concert Attendance49:34 The Impact of Concert Memories01:02:59 The Concert Food Experience

  6. Jul 18

    No GPS, No Cell Phones, No Problem...Until Dad Refused to Ask for Directions.

    The challenges of driving without modern car technology, manual navigation, and the experiences of road trips with old car features. It highlights the reliance on manual driving skills and the nostalgia of road trip memories. The conversation delves into nostalgic memories of car travel, including the joy of snacks, entertainment, and the challenges of old car technology. It also explores the evolution of car technology and the impact it has had on driving experiences. The hosts share amusing anecdotes and reflections on the changes in car travel over the years. Takeaways Manual navigation and driving skillsChallenges of old car featuresRoad trip memories Nostalgia for car travelEvolution of car technology Chapters 00:00 Surviving Without Modern Car Technology31:31 Memories of Car Travel and Snacks42:10 Gen X Driver's Test and Car Technology

  7. Jul 15

    Pelvis, Peanut Butter & Prescription Drugs | How Gen X Remembers Elvis

    The evolution of Elvis Presley in the 70s, exploring his music, style, and personal struggles. It also discusses his jumpsuit era, lifestyle, and personal relationships, shedding light on the darker aspects of his life. The conversation delves into the impact of age on relationships, Elvis's persona and relationships, his struggles with drugs and behavior, his connection with fans, genuine and raw moments, personal relationships and fatherhood, evolution as a performer, image and persona, music and awards, comeback and legacy, influence on music and culture, and continued popularity and legacy. Takeaways Elvis's evolution in the 70s reflected a shift in music and culture, showcasing his humor and stage presence.Elvis's personal struggles, lifestyle, and relationships reveal a complex and flawed individual, challenging the idealized image of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Elvis's impact on music and culture is enduringElvis's persona and relationships were complex and multifaceted Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Elvis in the 70s02:56 The Jumpsuit Era07:04 Elvis's Personal Struggles22:02 Elvis's Diet and Lifestyle30:57 Elvis's Personal Relationships37:20 The Impact of Age on Relationships38:06 Elvis's Persona and Relationships40:10 Elvis's Struggles with Drugs and Behavior42:06 Elvis's Connection with Fans43:42 Elvis's Genuine and Raw Moments45:25 Elvis's Personal Relationships and Fatherhood47:18 Elvis's Evolution as a Performer48:12 Elvis's Image and Persona01:02:03 Elvis's Music and Awards01:03:32 Elvis's Comeback and Legacy01:05:22 Elvis's Influence on Music and Culture01:07:30 Elvis's Continued Popularity and Legacy

  8. Jul 5

    Raised on Hose Water and misinformation LIES our parents told us and we believed without question.

    The conversation delves into childhood lies, parental influence, food myths, urban legends, family anecdotes, technological and cultural shifts, work ethic, and the influence of family and community on childhood beliefs. It explores the impact of childhood lies and misconceptions on adult perception and behavior, highlighting generational differences and the evolving nature of childhood experiences. The conversation delves into the art of burger making, the pleasure of dining out, childhood lies and misconceptions, family stories and traditions, childhood myths and misconceptions, teacher lies and misconceptions, social media and misinformation, and the magic of childhood lies. It explores the challenges of replicating restaurant burgers, the joy of not cooking, the burden of meal planning, the anticipation of dining out, the impact of childhood lies, the importance of family stories, the influence of teacher misconceptions, the impact of social media misinformation, and the value of childhood innocence. Takeaways Childhood lies and misconceptions have a lasting impact on adult perception and behavior.Parental influence, family stories, and community values shape childhood beliefs and experiences. The allure of dining outBurger-making challengesEnjoyment of restaurant diningThe burden of meal planningAnticipation of dining outRelief from meal planning stressImpact of childhood liesFamily-based misconceptionsImportance of family storiesRegret over missed family experiencesImpact of childhood mythsInfluence of teacher misconceptionsImpact of social media misinformationThe magic of childhood liesThe value of childhood innocence Chapters 00:00 Childhood Lies and Misconceptions05:57 Food Lies and Myths12:00 Family Stories and Anecdotes17:56 Work Ethic and Generational Differences23:29 The Art of Burger Making31:34 Family Stories and Traditions44:28 The Magic of Childhood Lies

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Two Gen-X women. Zero supervision. Decades of questionable decisions to unpack. Breath Control & Bad Decisions is a Gen X podcast hosted by Jenn X and Salty J, revisiting the stuff that made us who we are: the movies we probably shouldn't have watched, the music we wore out, mall culture, first jobs, road trips without GPS, childhood urban legends, and all the bizarre things we were absolutely convinced would kill us. We grew up drinking from garden hoses, disappearing on bikes until the streetlights came on, riding in cars with questionable safety standards, and somehow believing that quicksand, killer bees and the Bermuda Triangle were legitimate threats to our future. Now we're looking back with adult eyes, questionable memories, actual facts, and a lot of "WAIT....THAT WASN'T TRUE?!" Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the bad decisions. If you survived growing up Gen X, you're one of us.

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