Surviving the Messy 70s and 80s - A Gen X Reality Check

Remember when your parents smoked in the car with the windows up? When teachers could paddle students in front of the class? When asbestos was in our schools and lead was in our paint? Megan and Lesley strip away the nostalgia to examine the genuinely problematic aspects of growing up in the 70s and 80s that shaped our generation.Following their catch-up on recent life changes, the hosts pay tribute to recently departed musical icons Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, then celebrate the 50th anniversaries of both Rocky Horror Picture Show and Jaws. But the heart of this episode confronts the darker realities behind Gen X childhoods—from environmental hazards we somehow survived to educational practices that would be considered abusive today.The conversation weaves through vivid memories of corporal punishment in schools, public shaming as a teaching tool, and the complete absence of mental health awareness. They explore how these experiences shaped our generation's characteristic resilience and skepticism, while acknowledging the trauma that often accompanied it. From smoking being permitted virtually everywhere to the casual dismissal of abuse allegations, this episode serves as a reality check about the "good old days" that weren't always so good.Rather than simply criticizing the past, Megan and Lesley emphasize why acknowledging these truths matters—without confronting history honestly, we risk repeating it. As they note while discussing current regulatory rollbacks: we've been here before, and it wasn't pretty. Join us for this unflinching look at the experiences that defined a generation and continue to influence Gen X perspectives today.Want to weigh in? Send us a text!Support the showGrab our  MERCH!!! 2026 - We donate $2 per item sold with a minimum of $200 to each org!Jan-Feb - Influenced Mar-Apr - Exodus Refugee ImmigrationMay-Jun -  Rapha InternationalJul-Aug - Sept-Oct  - Nov-Dec  - Love the pod? Let us know! SUPPORT THE POD HERE! Sign up for our newsletter! HERETell us your own 5 Minutes of Fame story or call it in at 1-888-GEN-XPODSend us your Dear GenX Women letters! JOIN US in  L.Y.L.A.S a GenX Women's Social ClubL.Y.L.A.S (Love You Like a Sis) is a paid membership platform supporting this podcast and the work we do in the Facebook group.INSTAGRAMBlueskyThe OG Facebook group! GenX Women are Sick of This Shi...