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Welcome to Stuck in the Middle - the podcast about the music, movies, and culture of Generation X.
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19 MAR 2025 · Be kind and rewind, Slackers!
This week we take a dive into cinema's cult classics - films that took the long road to legendary status. These films - think dark humored high school flicks like Heathers or demonic, medieval chaos courtesy of Army of Darkness - often stumbled at the box office, barely making a dent with opening crowds.
But at Blockbuster, they found their groove, turning late-night rentals into a rite of passage for fans. The question is, what exactly makes a cult classic a cult classic? Its a combination of unforgettable characters, quotable lines, and those unexpected moments that make you question what you just watched. It’s about stories that mix heart, humor, and a little madness - all the ingredients of the Gen X mindset.
What makes these movies stand the test of time isn’t flashy red carpet premieres and huge box office numbers but the way they kind of snuck into our lives. Some weave fairy-tale romance with clever twists, others bring vampires to the teenage coming of age story, or maybe just toss a trucker into some ancient, mystical weirdness. I mean, how do you even describe the awkward charm of a movie like Napoleon Dynamite?
It's sad that streaming has replaced the local video store, where so many of us found these weird little movies, turning often overlooked releases into beloved classics. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a nod to films that took time to find their people, proving that some of the best stories don’t need a red carpet - just a rewind button and a little love.
Transcribed
12 MAR 2025 · It's time for more fun with artificial intelligence, Slackers!
During a past episode, we asked ChatGPT to spill the beans on Generation X, but this round, it’s Grok’s turn - unpacking ten ways us 45-to-60-year-olds are handling 2025.
Grok says we’re snapping up multigenerational homes to bunk with parents or kids—practical as ever. Gen X women are flipping the script on midlife, dropping bold takes on living fully.
We’re stretched thin, financially propping up family above and below, and spending just enough to keep retirement in sight. Politically, we’re leaning pretty hard one way.
More of us are sharing roofs, work’s throwing tech challenges at us, and health’s a toss-up—carrying extra weight but hitting the gym, too. Nostalgia’s alive with ‘80s reboots. Millennials tip their hats to our grit; zoomers think it’s nuts we survived without apps.
It’s Gen X just doing what we do—quietly piecing it together. Grok’s take feels a little sharper than ChatGPT’s, but regardless, AI is still kinda creepy.
Transcribed
5 MAR 2025 · Let's go out to the lobby and grab ourselves a treat, Slackers!
A few episodes back, I dove into my most-listened-to albums. Now, it’s time to switch gears and talk about my most-watched movies of all time. No shocker here: Star Wars ranks high. What Gen Xer hasn’t rewatched those classics dozens of times?
The list has all the usual suspects—Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Mad Max—but I’ve also got some newer favorites like John Wick, Tom Hardy’s Mad Max: Fury Road, and smaller gems like Rushmore and Mystery Men. You’ll spot former SNL stars like Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler, plus some 21st-century Disney juggernauts.
And of course there's got to be some Kurt Russell!
Sam Raimi reps the superhero genre, while Wes Craven brings his horror A-game. We’ve got sprawling, hours-long epics, goofy comedies, action-packed blockbusters, and, of course, time travel—because who doesn’t love a solid time-travel flick?
I’d love to hear about your most-watched movies! Drop them over on social media and let’s compare notes.
Transcribed
26 FEB 2025 · Why do I feel so guilty, Slackers?
In a recent podcast, Tom Morello and Billy Corgan discussed a number of topics, but when Billy talked about "Gen X not having a second act” and Tom said he had “Punk Rock Guilt”, this really struck a chord with me.
Growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s—amid economic flux, cultural cynicism, and punk’s rebirth via hardcore and grunge — gave us a somewhat strange worldview. In 1989 Family Ties ended while Seinfeld just started to air. We went from wholesome to cynical in the blink of an eye.
Morello talked about the uneasy feeling of raging against the system only to end up part of it - is that just an inevitable part of growing up or have we somehow let our younger, more idealistic selves down?
As a parent I often wrestle with whether I have done the right things for my kids. And I certainly lament my restless, rudderless youth. This episode is a reflection on my own personal (and Gen X’s) struggle to reconcile our hedonistic, yet oddly idealistic, youth with the quiet regrets of middle age.
Transcribed
19 FEB 2025 · Feeling old yet, Slackers?
When we were young, there were so many movie stars—and not just the Brat Pack. Sean Penn, Kiefer Sutherland, and Elisabeth Shue come to mind. Fast forward to today, and these former young heartthrobs and beloved teen idols have become Hollywood royalty, winning some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, including Golden Globes, Academy Awards, Emmys, and Tonys. Movies like TAPS and Fast Times at Ridgemont High boast numerous award winners, including multiple Oscar wins.
While Sean Penn received recognition fairly early in his career, actors like Christian Slater and Jennifer Jason Leigh didn’t receive any significant award buzz until 30+ years into their careers. Though I’m an avowed Ferris Bueller hater, it was still pretty cool to see Alan Ruck (Cameron) receive nominations for his role on Succession.
Although I don’t typically pay much attention to award shows, I’m rooting for Demi Moore to finally win the big one for her role in The Substance.
We dive into how these stars have evolved—not just in their careers, but in their artistry—transforming from iconic teen roles into multi-award-winning performances. We explore their journeys from being the faces of an era to becoming respected actors and performers across different genres. It’s fascinating to see these once-young stars redefine what it means to age gracefully in Hollywood while staying relevant, admired, and celebrated.
Transcribed
12 FEB 2025 · Top 5 all time, Slackers!
Ever wonder why we have always been "list" oriented - or maybe that's just me? "Top 5" this or "Top 10" that - from Casey Kasem's American Top 40, MTV's Top 20 Countdown, later TRL, to Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 series, lists have been a regular part of our lives.
With the advent of the internet, many of us were the early adopters of "listicles" on web forums where we chimed in on "Top 5 Tag Teams" or "Top 5 Video Games". Fast forward 20+ years and the list format drives everything from Netflix & Spotify algorithms, to targeted ads. In fact, lists likely drive commerce!
For many of us, lists are what drives debates, and as long as people keep it civil, this has always been our way of communicating. Back in the day it could be debates on "best running backs", or "best metal guitarist". It's all subjective but that's what makes it fun.
There's also some talk about the Big Game, Boston sports, and the many opinions on the Half TIme show.
Transcribed
5 FEB 2025 · I don’t know about you, but I didn’t watch any of this year’s Grammy Awards.
This used to be appointment viewing back in the day, but now - not so much. I thought, let’s revisit the ceremonies of 1975, 1985, and 1995. While we might not be tuning in now, these past shows seems to actually matter - and I recognize that is because I am an old man yelling at clouds!
While you early Xers may recall the ’75 awards, for me it was 1985. Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and Lionel Richie were huge stars, while Huey Lewis & the News had their big breakout with “Sports”.
The Best New artist award went to Cyndi Lauper. The other nominees? Sheila E., Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Corey Hart, and The Judds! I think Cyndi might have deserved that one!
I’m not sure if it just being a middle aged man that informs my lack of interest in modern awards shows - it seems as though the industry has changed since our youth. While it has always been about the record labels and their influence, it at least seemed as thought the artistry was equally, if not more important, than record sales alone.
So, did you watch the Grammys this year and are there any artists I should actually take the time to listen to?
Transcribed
29 JAN 2025 · Diamonds are forever, Slackers!
In this episode we will revisit the Diamond-certified albums from the 1980s that dominated the charts. These weren’t just records—they were the soundtrack for our generation.
From Michael Jackson’s Thriller, which owned the airwaves, to AC/DC’s Back in Black, the 80s gave us albums that endure today. Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet gave us new global superstars (and a few timeless hits), while Def Leppard’s Hysteria was the comeback of all comeback records.
From MTV marathons to the mix tapes we swapped, these records defined an era. If you were rocking a mullet (I did), a jean jacket (yep, me too) and music was your life, these albums were pretty big deals.
So, grab your Walkman, hit play, and let’s take a trip down memory lane to the music that defined Generation X.
Also, AI is pretty dumb - at least for now.
Transcribed
22 JAN 2025 · Get on your tin foil hats, Slackers!
In this episode, we take a look at the wild conspiracies that shaped the 1980s—a decade full of political scandals, social upheaval, and a growing sense of mistrust in authority.
Some of the most notable were the Iran-Contra Affair, The Crack Epidemic, Denver International Airport and the Satanic Panic.
We dive into how these conspiracies became the backdrop for Gen X's formative years, and how they still influence the way we view power and truth today. We might just be a little distrustful of authority!
Tune in for a trip down memory lane and a look at the conspiratorial mindset that defined a generation.
Transcribed
17 JAN 2025 · They’re out to get me, Slackers!
In this episode, we explore the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of Guns N' Roses, one of rock's most iconic bands. From their formation in 1985 to the release of Appetite for Destruction, we cover their breakthrough into superstardom and the cultural shift they sparked. We delve into key moments, including lineup changes, controversies, and their influence on hard rock and popular culture.
We also examine their lasting impact, from the sleazy early days on the Sunset Strip, their unraveling due to the trappings of sudden fame, to their 2016 reunion tour, and discuss how Guns N' Roses reshaped rock music while inspiring generations of musicians.
And, let’s face it, “Rocket Queen” absolutely rules!
Welcome to Stuck in the Middle - the podcast about the music, movies, and culture of Generation X.
Information
| Author | Jason Ek |
| Organization | Jason Ek |
| Categories | Society & Culture , Music History , TV & Film |
| Website | - |
| stuckinthemiddlepod@yahoo.com |
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