PODCAST · society
GenX Guys
by JD & LEN
Two longtime friends who are ready to discuss their perspective on society, sport and entertainment comparing today from the 80’s. At least what they can remember
-
94
Episode 94 - From Spirit Airlines to Space Invaders: A GenX Travel Flashback
This week JD and Len talk about the shutdown of Spirit Airlines and remember other airlines that disappeared over the years. That leads into a classic GenX travel conversation: how did kids survive long flights and road trips before phones, tablets, and streaming? The guys then jump into the NBA playoffs and debate whether any teams are really worth watching this year. To close things out, JD and Len go full arcade mode with 80s trivia, guessing classic arcade games by music alone. A little travel nostalgia, a little basketball, and a whole lot of GenX arcade memories.
-
93
Episode 93 - Vegas Nights, Draft Picks & Movie Quotes
This episode starts in Vegas with wedding stories and gaming bars, then shifts into NFL Draft reactions, history trivia, and the movie quotes JD & Len always use.
-
92
Episode 92 - From California Regions to Artemis II and Classic 70s Cartoons
This week JD and Len kick things off by talking about the weather in their areas before diving into California and its unique range of climate and lifestyle options across the state. That leads into a fun debate over regional identity and where San Francisco really belongs if California were split into northern, southern, and central sections. From there, they shift to space and discuss the success of Artemis II, what it could mean for the future of exploration, and what has them excited about what comes next. They wrap things up with another round of Let’s Quizz Len, this time featuring 70s cartoons as JD tests Len on shows and characters from a classic era of animation.
-
91
Episode 91 - From Car Trouble to Space Dreams: Artemis II, 80s Songs, and Movie Trailers
This week, JD and Len kick things off by talking through the highs and lows of the week, including the frustration of having a catalytic converter stolen. From there, the conversation shifts to space as they discuss the upcoming Artemis II mission and reflect on the lasting impact of the Challenger disaster and what it meant to their generation. The fun picks up when Len turns the tables and quizzes JD on 80s music titles, leading to plenty of laughs, nostalgia, and a few tough sound-based challenges. To wrap things up, the guys give their thoughts on some of the latest movie trailers, including He-Man and Supergirl, and share whether the upcoming releases have them excited or skeptical.
-
90
Episode 90 - From Sports Streaming Frustration to Cartoon Theme Song Trivia
This week we talk about the mess sports streaming has created for fans, the NBA’s 65-game issue and how today’s players compare to past generations, then Len takes on a cartoon theme song guessing challenge before we wrap with a debate on live singing versus lip syncing in concert.
-
89
Episode 89 - BTS Returns, Big Concert Talk, 80s TV Themes & Chuck Norris Tribute
This week on GenX Guys, we kick things off with the return of BTS and Len fully embracing his K-pop superfan status. From there, we talk about some of the biggest stadium concerts we’ve ever attended and the unforgettable energy that comes with live shows on that scale. Then it’s time for another round of fun as Len tries to guess classic 80s TV shows just by hearing their theme songs. We wrap up the episode by looking back at Chuck Norris, his larger-than-life popularity, and some of the movies fans should check out to remember his career and impact.
-
88
Episode 88 - GenX Guys: Cars, Cards, Comics, Movie Trivia and NFL Free Agency
In this episode, the GenX Guys talk about how collector culture is shifting. Classic cars may not have the same hold on younger generations, while comic books and card collecting and trading continue to grow in popularity and value. JD and Len explore why some collectibles endure while others seem to be fading. They also have some fun with an 80s movie sound-byte trivia challenge before closing out with NFL free agency talk, including reactions to the Maxx Crosby news and the Baltimore Ravens situation.
-
87
Episode 87 - Marriage Longevity, Rock Hall Politics, and world events
JD and Len talk 30-year marriage lessons, react to the Rock Hall nominees (including Iron Maiden), debate whether the Hall should be renamed, and discuss recent world events and impact on others.
-
86
Episode 86 - Olympics, Obituaries, and Overhead Bins: A Very 2026 Episode
This week we celebrate the Olympics and Team USA men’s hockey winning gold, then shift into how recent celebrity passings spark serious nostalgia for our youth. We wrap up with the latest TSA changes and why travel keeps getting more complicated.
-
85
Episode 85 - AI Panic, Olympic Drama, Super Bowl Fallout — Let’s Go
This week we go deep on AI colliding with Hollywood, as studios and industry groups push back on the latest video-generation tools and the growing fear that “creation” is turning into copyright chaos. Then we hit the Winter Olympics drama, from ice dance scoring backlash to other headline-grabbing controversies that have fans questioning what they’re watching. And of course, we wrap with the Super Bowl outcome—the Seattle Seahawks beating the New England Patriots 29–13 at Levi’s Stadium—plus our takes on what it means going forward.
-
84
Episode 84 - From Aches to Gold Medals: Staying Strong + Super Bowl Score Calls
This week on GenX Guys, we kick off with some real-life health updates and turn it into a bigger conversation on what keeps us mentally sharp and physically strong—workouts, routines, and the habits that actually help when life gets busy. Then we slide into Winter Olympics talk: the events we never miss, the ones that amaze us most, and the one event we’d attempt ourselves (with mixed confidence). We wrap with football—reacting to the NFL Hall of Fame news and locking in our Super Bowl winner and score predictions. Equal parts life, laughs, and big-game debate.
-
83
Episode 83 - The Meaning of Belief (and Meaningless All-Stars)
This week we go big-picture: what is religion, and do people truly believe—or is belief sometimes more about comfort, community, fear, hope, or how we were raised? From there we wrestle with a darker idea: if “only the good die young,” does that make it feel like evil is winning… or even running the world? Then we shift into a heavy GenX moment with the passing of Catherine O'Hara—another iconic thread tied to our childhood and the movies/TV that shaped us. We close with a sports reality check: the modern Pro Bowl Games—does it matter anymore when so many alternates get pulled in and the “honor” starts to feel watered down?
-
82
Episode 82 - Throwback Cartoons, Snow Stories, and Postseason Pressure
This episode jumps from real-life weather drama to pure GenX nostalgia and straight into championship football. We kick things off with the winter storm sweeping across America, how it’s impacting people, what it reminds us of, and the last time we can remember a storm that felt this widespread and intense. From there, we rewind to the golden era of 80s cartoons, including He-Man, and talk through the past and upcoming live-action adaptations on the way, what we hope they get right, and why these shows still hit decades later. Then it’s all football: we break down the latest NFL playoff games, the biggest moments, what surprised us, and which teams will play in the Superbowl. We wrap with the College Football Championship and Indiana getting their first ever national title.
-
81
Episode 81 - No Cap, No Chance: MLB’s Payroll Wars + NFL’s Coaching Carousel
This week we’re calling out MLB’s “no salary cap” reality and how super-spenders like the Dodgers are stretching the sport into a payroll arms race that small-market teams can’t realistically match. Then we hit the NFL coaching carousel—who’s actually got the best opening (and why), plus what each vacancy really offers. We wrap with a playoff temperature check: Divisional Round matchups, who’s built to survive this weekend, and which teams have the cleanest path to Super Bowl LX
-
80
Episode 80 - Big Games, Bigger Takes, and Holiday Hits on Repeat
This week’s episode is a full-on football check-in, starting with reactions to the latest NFL games—what stood out, who looked legit, and which teams left more questions than answers. We also dig into the college football playoff matchups and what the games told us about momentum, coaching decisions, and who feels built for a championship run. Then we shift into holiday mode with a fun debate about Christmas music: the songs we actually like, the ones we tolerate, and why it feels like every December is the same playlist loop. We kick around the bigger question—when was the last time a truly “new” Christmas song became a real classic?—and why modern holiday tracks rarely stick the way the old ones have for the past few decades.
-
79
Episode 79 - Holiday Decorating, Philip Rivers Buzz, and Gaming’s Biggest Night
This week we kick things off with Christmas decorations—whether we’re going bigger, scaling it back, or just trying to find the right energy for the season (and the right amount of effort). We get into what’s changed over the years, what still feels “must-do,” and what’s starting to feel optional. Then we jump into the NFL and the buzz around 44-year-old Philip Rivers potentially coming out of retirement—plus the industry and fan reaction to the idea. Is it desperation, a smart veteran move, or just headline fuel? We break down what it would mean and why people are reacting the way they are. We close with the latest Gaming Awards talk—big moments, winners, surprises—and wrap on Disney changes that have people talking, from strategy shifts to what it could mean for fans going forward.
-
78
Episode 78 - World Cups, Warner Brothers & Championship Chaos
This week we start with the bombshell news of Netflix buying Warner Brothers and what that could mean for the future of movies. We dig into how this kind of consolidation might shrink traditional theatrical releases, shift more big-budget films straight to streaming, and change the way stories get made. From childhood memories of sticky floors and packed Friday-night premieres to today’s luxury recliners and half-empty showtimes, we talk about the value movie theaters brought—socially and culturally—and whether they can still survive in a streaming-dominated world. From there, we turn to the current college football playoff race and conference title showdowns, breaking down who’s in the driver’s seat, who needs chaos, and which matchups will decide it all. We close with a look at the recent World Cup draw, reacting to the most interesting groups, early favorites, and the potential “Group of Death,” while imagining how the global tournament might feel in a media landscape where streaming keeps rewriting the rules.
-
77
Episode 77 - Turkey Day Traditions: Parades, NFL Drama & 80s Mall Vibes
Before Amazon and mobile shopping, the holidays hit differently—mall Santas, packed food courts, and full-on festive energy. This episode jumps from those memories to Thanksgiving parades, NFL traditions, and one big debate: what was going on with the Browns’ coaching decisions at the end of that game?
-
76
Episode 76 - From Fake Fitness Fixes to 80s Christmas & Today’s Inflation Panic
This week we break down the modern fitness hustle — from influencers selling miracle workout plans to the endless noise around “perfect” routines and quick fixes. We talk about what actually works, what’s overhyped, and why everyone online suddenly thinks they’re a certified trainer. We then jump into how Christmas has changed over the past 40 years, comparing the simple, tradition-driven holidays of the ’80s with today’s tech-heavy, commercialized season. Finally, we revisit the inflation debate: is it truly worse today, or does it just feel that way? We compare prices, wages, and everyday costs across decades to find what’s real and what’s exaggerated.
-
75
Episode 75 - K-Pop Demon Hunters, Global Icons & the Forgotten Generation
We start with the latest in K-Pop—from Grammy surprises to the unstoppable force of Blackpink and BTS—then take a walk through musical history comparing today’s super groups with the icons of our youth. Finally, we dive into why GenX continues to be forgotten despite shaping decades of culture, tech, and music.
-
74
Episode 74 - Media Spin, Party Picks, and the QB Effect
This week, the guys break down the recent election results — from the New York mayor’s race to several governor contests — and question how much the outcomes really tell us when many of these states are long-time party strongholds. They also discuss how both political parties tend to pre-select their candidates, leaving little room for true outsiders. Wrapping things up, they shift gears to college football, exploring why quarterbacks who stay all four years often find greater long-term success in the NFL than early entrants.
-
73
Episode 73 - Dealerships, Travel, and the Vanishing Social Scene
This episode explores the changing meaning of connection — how Gen X grew up with real-world hangouts while today’s youth connect through screens. We talk malls, bowling alleys, the loss of community, and why “third places” have disappeared. Stick around for a fun detour into travel and dealership theories that’ll make you think twice.
-
72
Episode 72 - Betting Lines and Legacy Debates
This week, the GenX Guys dig into the breaking news around NBA betting arrests and what it means for the integrity of sports and fan trust. We look at how gambling continues to reshape professional leagues and where the line should be drawn between entertainment and exploitation. From there, we dive into the age-old debate of the “Greatest of All Time” — how each generation defines greatness differently, and why context matters more than ever. Finally, we hit the midseason mark of the NFL and break down which teams have proven themselves as true contenders — and which ones are fooling everyone.
-
71
Episode 71 - Jobs We Loved, Jobs We Left, and the Rise of Digital Ads
Len’s back from his trip to Korea, and the GenX Guys reunite to catch up and reflect. We start with Len’s adventures overseas — from cultural surprises to everyday differences — before diving into the jobs we’ve held over the years, why some stuck and others didn’t, and how our GenX work ethic shaped those experiences. We wrap up by tracing the evolution of digital advertising over the past two decades — from pop-ups and banner ads to AI-driven targeting — and what it says about how far technology (and we) have come. A mix of nostalgia, humor, and real-world insight — this episode is all about how much the world, and the workplace, have changed since we first clocked in.
-
70
Episode 70 - From Tron to Shutdowns: System Failure Then and Now
JD flies solo once again as Len sits this one out — but that doesn’t stop the GenX reflection from running full power. This week, JD dives into the upcoming Tron: Ares movie and takes a trip back to where it all started in 1982 with the original Tron. From the days when computers were a mystery to today’s world run by algorithms and AI, JD breaks down how the film’s message about control, identity, and rebellion feels more relevant than ever. Then the grid shifts from digital to political — with the ongoing government shutdown still paralyzing Washington. How is it that even with control of both chambers and the White House, Republicans can’t keep the lights on? JD calls it out GenX style — blunt, frustrated, and honest — connecting the chaos in D.C. to a larger problem in America’s system itself. And before wrapping, JD hints at something new — a third-party vision he’s been exploring to reboot the political system entirely. Because maybe, just like in Tron, it’s time for someone to hit Control-Alt-Delete on the old programs and start fresh.
-
69
Episode 69 - Same Chaos, New Code: A Gen X Look at America 2025
JD’s flying solo to unpack a week that could’ve been scripted by the 90s — government shutdowns, surveillance tech dreams, and culture wars that refuse to die. He connects the dots from mixtapes to machine learning and reminds us why Gen X might just be the last generation that remembers what freedom felt like before algorithms ran the world.
-
68
Episode 68 - From City Streets to Suburban Retreats: GenX on Travel, Words, and Free Speech
This week the GenX Guys dig into life abroad versus life at home—does the energy of city living beat the calm of the suburbs, or vice versa? We also get real about how social media’s short-form culture is shrinking vocabularies, and weigh in on the recent free speech dust-up sparked by Jimmy Kimmel’s short suspension. It’s travel, language, and free expression through a GenX lens—mixing perspective, debate, and a bit of nostalgia.
-
67
Episode 67 - CTRL+ALT+CAREER: GenX vs AI Hiring + NFL Highlights
This week we get real about job hunting in 2025 — where ageism still lurks and AI is now scanning your resume before a human even sees it. We break down what that means for GenXers trying to stay in the game without selling out. Then we flip from job boards to scoreboards with our NFL rundown, calling out the highs, lows, and “what the hell was that?” moments from this week’s action.
-
66
Episode 66 - Strange Vices, Shifting Times & NFL Kickoff
In this episode, we dive into the odd and dangerous habits people have picked up over the years—from kids huffing compressed air today to the vices of earlier generations, from drugs to alcohol. We talk about how society’s view on these behaviors has changed over time and what it says about culture today. Then, we kick off the NFL season with a breakdown of the first two games and share our early projections for the weeks ahead.
-
65
Episode 65 - Travels, Changing Times & Football Kickoff
In this week’s episode, we kick things off by sharing stories from recent travels before diving into how today’s society is shifting—for better or worse—and what those changes mean in everyday life. Then we turn our attention to the start of both the college football and NFL seasons, breaking down what to watch for as the action gets underway. It’s a mix of personal reflections, cultural commentary, and gridiron talk you won’t want to miss.
-
64
Episode 64 - From LAN Parties to End Zones: PC Gaming & NFL Preseason
We fire up the nostalgia engines and dive into the evolution of PC gaming—from classic shooter titles like quake that shaped the scene to the latest in high-performance shooters like Helldivers 2 and Battlefield 6. Then, we switch fields to break down the recent NFL preseason action, highlight rookies, and share our early impressions for the season ahead. #PCGaming #Helldivers2 #Quake #NFLPreseason #NFLRookies #Podcast #PopCulturePodcast
-
63
Episode 63 - Heat, Black Holes & HR Nightmares: Gen X Reacts to the Universe
This week, the Gen X Guys dive headfirst into a world on fire—literally and figuratively. From Europe’s deadly heatwaves and flashbacks to sunburned summers in the '80s, to the biggest black hole merger ever detected, we explore how yesterday’s science fiction is today’s breaking news. Plus, we unpack the the social interest of Astronomer CEOs and HR kiss cam. Buckle up for cosmic chaos, climate flashbacks, and some classic Gen X side-eye at the modern meltdown.
-
62
Episode 62 - The Past Decisions we make
From past decisions to future considerations, we dive into decisions we made and how it shapes who we are over time. From politics to careers we dig into how we got where we are today. #generationx #pastdecisions
-
61
Episode 61 - Economic Shakeup & NBA Shakeout
This episode tackles the latest on layoffs and employment challenges, exploring what it means for workers and the economy. Plus, we pivot to the NBA to recap an exciting Finals, discuss key draft moves, and predict the favorites for next year's championship. Don’t miss this blend of economic insights and basketball buzz! #JobMarket #Layoffs #NBAFinals #NBADraft #NBAChampionship #SportsTalk #CareerAdvice
-
60
Episode 60 - Blinkers Optional, World on Fire
This week, The GenX Guys swerve through the chaos, starting with a rant on bad driving habits and the rise of distracted drivers (yes, we're looking at you, TikTok scrollers at red lights). Then we shift gears into global headlines, including the latest on Israel and Iran. Finally, we hit the fast lane with some sports talk: superstars, legacy debates, and the never-ending drama surrounding the Lakers.
-
59
Episode 59 - Border to Border: Racing the West Coast and Reflecting on the World
In this episode, we map out a fast-paced drive from the Mexico border to the Canadian border along the West Coast, aiming to beat the 20-hour mark. As we push the limits of the journey, we also take time to reflect on the state of the world, discussing major conflicts and global tensions unfolding around us. It’s a blend of speed, strategy, and perspective, both on the road and in today’s headlines.
-
58
Episode 58 - Dead Serious About Movies
This week, we explore death and memorials in the modern world, how movies handle finality, and what happens when a show goes too far—yes, we're talking about "jumping the shark."
-
57
Episode 57 - Power Plays: Trump’s Tariffs, Russia’s Strikes, AI’s Rise & NBA Heat
Trump tariffs, Russian airstrikes, AI breakthroughs, and NBA playoff heat. A full hour of this week’s biggest headlines—explained #Trump #Russia #AI #NBAPlayoffs #UkraineWar #TechNews #PoliticsPodcast #NewsRecap #CurrentEvents
-
56
Episode 56 - From Dreams to the Fast Lane
In this episode, we start in the realm of REM—exploring the science of sleep and the meaning behind our dreams. Then we shift gears and cruise into the world of cars—touching on Indy 500, the experiences we had with cars and how it molded our car management today.
-
55
Episode 55 - Challenges getting a job
We discuss how challenging it is to find not only a job, but to get hiring managers and companies to connect with you. NBA playoffs are starting to get near the end, who will make the Finals of the remaining teams.
-
54
Episode 54 - Around the US we go
Its all about sports and the American pope this week. What impact will the Derek Carr retirement have on the Saints and Aaron Rodgers. Plus the NBA playoffs, still exciting or not. Also the first American Pope!
-
53
Episode 53 - Challenging the norms
JD and Len debate the theory that aliens may have created/seeded life on earth. Were we a random act in the universe or part of some larger plan. They also find time to discuss the upcoming Conclave to anoint a new Pope and what that means.
-
52
Episode 52 - Its all news and easter
How does having multiple media sources impact our beliefs in what is true and not? We discuss that in depth this week and swing into some Easter topics.
-
51
Episode 51 - Death and Tariffs
In another roller coaster episode the guys go into best way to die and jump into Tariffs and the whole political environment and reaction this week.
-
50
Episode 50 - We made it to 50 episodes!!
Its our 50th episode! This week we go into amusement parks, movies and more. Thanks to all those who have stuck with us this long.
-
49
Episode 49 - American Politics and Traveling
This week the guys touch on job market challenges, traveling and how the current state of US politics in todays world.
-
48
Episode 48 - Job hunting is tough
This week JD gives an update on the difficulties of the job search, and the guys give their thoughts on why that is. They also discuss March Madness and NFL in the 2nd half.
-
47
Episode 47 - Remembering 1985
More about nostalgia is this episode. The guys discuss Robotech and the shows they watched in 85 while also get into differences between then and now.
-
46
Episode 46 - Job Market, DOGE and Trumps Decisions
We discuss the current job market and unemployment impact. Rest of the show we talk about DOGE and how Trumps actions or flip flopping are impacting Americans.
-
45
Episode 45 - Philippines Trip, NFL News & RunDisney
The guys are finally back after a month and discuss the recent Philippines visit as well as go over RunDisney and NFL news this week.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...