In this episode, Fran sits down with her friend Fay...a woman somewhere between Boomer grit and Gen X resilience...and she brings both.

Fay talks growing up with zero supervision, the soundtrack of her youth, life inside her special ed classroom, and what dating looks like now. Its nostalgic, honest and proof that age is just a number.

In this episode, Fran talks about that quiet nudge you've been ignoring...the thing you've been wanting to try, start, say, or change. The dream you keep pushing to "someday."

Here's the truth: someday has a sneaky way of turning into never. This is your little 12 minute reminder that you don't need permission. You don't need to be ready. You don't need everything perfectly lined up.

If not now...when?

Let this be the push.

Book recommendation: Make Your Bed by Admiral William McRaven (Ret)

In this fun Big Game Sunday episode of Because We Said So: Gen X Unfiltered, Fran tackles one of America's biggst TV traditions...not just the game, but everything that comes with it. Fran is joined by Patriots superfan Steve and Bills fanatic Laura, and whether you care about football like they do (or not at all like Fran), there' something here for everybody...like 3 point conversions.

If you like this episode please subscribe, like, share, follow on Instagram and Facebook and do all the things..thank you!

Some episodes have a plan...this one did not. In this week's episode, Fran sits down with friends Steve and Laura as they talk about everything and also a whole lot of nothing. They bounce from random observations to real-life moments, laugh a lot and go down a few side roads along the way.

There is no neat bow on this episode, no big takeaway, and no carefully curated topic list. Just three people talking the way friends actually talk...unfiltered, unscripted, and occasionally asking, "How did we even get on this subject?"

If you like episodes that feel like sitting at the table with friends, coffee (or apple cider/ginger drinks) in hand, jumping from topic to topic and feeling oddly comforted by the chaos...this one's for you.

This bonus episode is a throwback in the truest sense. Fran reads a story she wrote in high school - about being 17, skipping school with friends, borrowing a car, being completely boy-crazy and making the kind of choices that feel harmless at 17.

Fran may have been influenced by the trending movies at the time. It seems pretty obvious which movies influenced her writing. 

If this episode brings back memories, do Because We Said So: Gen X Unfiltered a favor...follow the podcast, rate it, and share it with someone who also survived being a Gen X teenager. And...if you ever wrote something back then that you would like to share send a message! Thanks for listening!

In this solo episode of Because We Said So: Gen X Unfiltered, Fran offers a gentle check-in for anyone feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stuck in that in-between space. No hot takes...just real talk and a reminder that you're not alone.

If this episode resonates, I'd love to hear from you. You can follow the podcast on social media and share what you've been feeling lately - messages, stories, recommendations, jokes, recipes, dedications, Christmas lists, grocery lists  or voice notes are always welcome!

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Steve to talk about finding your people later in life - when you're not in school anymore, your routines are set, and making new friends feels awkward at best and impossible at worst. We talk about how real connections can come from the most unexpected places (yes, the gym), how friendship looks different as adults, and why sometimes you don't even realize what you were missing...until you have it.

This conversation is about showing up, choosing community, and realizing it's never too late to build meaningful friendships that support you, challenge you, and make life a whole lot better.

If you've ever felt like everyone else already found their people - and you somehow missed the memo - this one's for you.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Dan, we dig deeper into how fitness became such an important part of both of our lives. I share the origins of my own gym journey - how it started, why it stuck, and what it's meant to me beyond physical strength.

Dan opens up about his fitness journey as well, it's an honest vulnerable conversation about grief, resilience, and how the gym can become a place of healing, connection and survival - not just training.

**Trigger Warning:
This episode includes discussion of mental illness and suicide. Please listen with care.

Support & Resources:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
• Call or text 988
• Available 24/7 for confidential support

If you're outside the U.S.:
Find local support - 

• Visit findahelpline.com to locate crisis lines worldwide

In an emergency

• Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately

Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

In the first episode of Because We Said So: Gen X Unfiltered, I sit down with Coach Dan for a real, unfiltered conversation about parenting, honesty and growth. We talk about what it really looks like to be honest with your kids about your own past - including mistakes, drinking and the lessons that come with them.

We also dive into Dan's journey into Spartan racing, how he got started, what drew him to the challenge and how those races became more than just physical - they became mindset. The conversation went so deep and so long that we're breaking it into two parts, so consider this just the beginning.

Part two drops next week - and trust us, it's worth the wait.

We raised ourselves. Now we have a podcast. Episode 1 coming soon!