Gen X Juggler Podcast

By Deb Foster

Yesterday, we were the fun-loving feral kids of the 80’s, and today we’re grownup Gen Xers juggling the many joys and challenges of midlife. That happened fast! This podcast covers topics that matter ... more

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FAQs about Gen X Juggler Podcast:

How many episodes does Gen X Juggler Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 84 episodes available.

Gen X Juggler Podcast episodes:

June 12, 2026 GXJ Replay: Honoring the In-Between: Rites of Passage, Life Transitions, and the Power of the Pause with Keri Mangis
This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, host Deb welcomes author, speaker, and cultural critic Keri Mangis. The discussion focuses on breaking down societal norms and rethinking life transitions, with an emphasis on viewing menopause as a rite of passage rather than a crisis.

The conversation also explores the importance of emotional reflection, pausing in our busy lives, and embracing creativity as a vital part of our existence.

Keri sheds light on her TED Talk, her book 'Embodying Soul,' and her upcoming book, 'The Essential Ingredient,' encouraging listeners to see themselves as crucial components in the larger tapestry of life.

00:00 Breaking the Status Quo

00:45 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:20 TED Talk Menopause Reframed

04:09 Rites of Passage and Elderhood

07:50 Pause to Metabolize Pain

12:48 Vulnerability as Real Strength

18:14 Freedom from Fixing

22:45 Liminal Space Explained

25:34 Perfectionism and Self Grace

30:05 Creativity as Lifesaving

36:07 Books and Where to Find Keri

40:13 Closing Thanks and Wrap Up

Links to Keri Mangis:

www.KeriMangis.com

https://www.instagram.com/kerimangis?igsh=MW1keDN3N3N6N2w4cw==

Watch Keri’s TEDx Talk:

https://youtu.be/QP0GE56iUm0?si=d8-Vzmnlw63JKzBq

Amazon link to purchase Embodying Soul:
https://a.co/d/1GGGMIU

**Contact Deb Foster for speaking engagements at [email protected]
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler

Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1

**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**
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41min
June 04, 2026 GXJ Replay: Grief is Not a 4-Letter Word: Finding Hope and Purpose through the Pain of Loss with Michelle Bader Ebersole
This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, host Deb introduces Michelle Bader Ebersole, a woman who transformed her profound grief into a mission of helping others. Ebersole shares her personal story of losing her husband, Luke, to cancer while raising young children. She details the journey of caregiving, grieving, and ultimately finding a new purpose. Ebersole talks about founding her nonprofit Widow Goals and her Christian podcast, Widowed 2 Soon, both dedicated to supporting widows. She emphasizes the importance of community, the church's role in supporting widows, and offers practical advice on what to say and do when someone you care about is grieving. Tune in for an insightful conversation on finding hope and purpose after a profound loss.
00:00 Guest Intro And Teaser
00:57 Meet Michelle And Gen X Chat
02:36 Love Story With Luke
03:21 Cancer Diagnosis And Amputation
05:12 Family Life After Treatment
06:19 Cancer Returns And Kids Told
07:56 Last Wishes And Hospice Care
10:22 Final Hours And Goodbye
13:41 Early Widowhood And COVID Grief
17:28 Healing Tools And New Purpose
21:22 Widow Goals Nonprofit And Retreats
23:04 Book Widow Goals And Chosen Vision
25:08 Chosen Launch Tribute
25:24 Workbook to Leaders Guide
26:02 Widows Programs in Churches
27:04 Finding Love Again
30:57 Supporting Widows Mission
31:31 Remembering Key Dates
37:15 How to Help Grievers
44:05 Grief Waves Not Stages
46:04 Retreat and Ripple Effect
49:06 Where to Find Her

Links to Michelle Bader Ebersole
widowgoals.org
https://www.tiktok.com/@widowgoals?_r=1&_t=ZP-93qoZuRxvJ9
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals?igsh=OXd0b3d3eXE2enF4
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAsC2ZJoW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Checkout Michelle's Podcast, Widowed 2 Soon, on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms.
For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]

**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler

Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1

**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

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51min
May 28, 2026 GXJ Replay: It’s 10 O’Clock. Do You Know Where Your Parents Are? From Latchkey Kids to Caregivers with Janice Goldmintz
Host Deb welcomes Janice Goldmintz, an expert in gerontology, whose mission is to prepare families for the aging process of their parents. The discussion covers essential topics such as starting conversations about aging, the importance of being prepared, dealing with the emotional aspects of caregiving, and the necessity of self-care for caregivers. Janice Goldmintz also shares insights from her personal experiences and offers valuable resources through her website, talkaboutaging.com. Whether you're already a caregiver or looking to start preparing, this episode provides practical advice and support for navigating the challenges of aging and caregiving.
00:00 Why Aging Talks Matter
01:07 Meet Janice Goldmans
01:56 Normalize the Conversation
04:36 Janice’s Career Path
06:33 Caregiving Role Reversal
09:00 How to Start the Talk
09:24 Red Flags at Home
11:43 The Red File Essentials
14:48 When Crisis Hits Fast
18:18 Sharing Family Responsibilities
22:01 Caregiver Guilt and Resentment
24:11 Finding Support Systems
25:10 Who Will Care
25:56 Modeling for Kids
26:49 Plan Before Crisis
30:47 Stay or Go Decisions
32:48 Advocate in Care
37:38 Ageism and Dignity
40:35 Alzheimer’s Reality
42:12 Meet Them There
42:59 Caregiver Boundaries
43:59 Resources and Wrap Up

Links to Janice Goldmintz
http://www.talkaboutaging.com
https://www.facebook.com/share/1C765roB8P/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/agingparentjourney?igsh=MWcwOGpncXB5eWRuMA==
For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]

**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler

Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1

**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**
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49min
May 21, 2026 GXJ Replay: Midlife Adventure Awaits! Belinda Coker on Hiking, Confidence, and Budget Travel
This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, Deb interviews Australian hiker, writer, and educator Belinda Coker about her midlife transformation from a stressed, out of shape, home-centered life to pursuing adventure and rebuilding confidence through action.

Belinda describes how the pandemic prompted her to reassess her health, begin hiking with a meetup group, and learn that confidence grows by showing up, even when starting is hard.

She shares a harrowing incident which involves a hurricane-damaged-tent incident and a hypothermia scare while traversing the Canary Islands that shook her confidence but reinforced safety lessons and exit planning.

Belinda recounts memorable experiences hiking Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail and Australia’s red center, including powerful encounters tied to Indigenous culture. She explains house sitting as a frugal, healthier, community-immersive way to travel via her platforms Soul Treader and the House Sitting Collective, offering listeners a 20% discount with code GENX.

00:00 Midlife Missing Piece
00:48 Meet Belinda Coker
01:34 Hurricane Tent Detour
02:39 Life Before the Shift
05:38 Pandemic Mirror Moment
07:54 First Hike Wake Up Call
10:17 Confidence Comes From Action
13:19 Canary Islands Survival Scare
24:01 Learning Safety the Hard Way
27:03 Midlife Losing Yourself
28:06 Choosing Early Retirement
29:12 Adventure After Retirement
30:28 House Sitting Explained
34:49 Budget Travel Tips
37:43 Greenland Solo Trek
42:58 Red Center Spiritual Moment
48:31 Resources Discount Farewell

Links to Belinda Coker:
www.soultreader.com
www.housesittingcollective.com

**For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]

**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler

Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1

**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

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53min
May 14, 2026 GXJ Replay: The Loud Quiet of Empty Nesting: Letting Go, Reconnecting, and Having Fun with Rick and Clancy Denton
This week on the Gen X Juggler podcast, Deb welcomes Rick and Clancy Denton, empty nesters who host The Loud Quiet podcast and wrote a book of the same name about life after kids leave home.
They explain that the podcast began after Clancy worried about what their marriage would be like without “kid glue,” becoming a weekly intentional connection point. The conversation covers how empty nesting changes roles and routines, the need for intentionality to avoid drifting apart, and balancing independence with couple connection amid the risk of “gray divorce.”
They discuss shifting from parent-in-charge to coach/mentor with adult kids, offering advice mainly when asked, and letting kids make non-catastrophic mistakes while staying supportive.
They share rediscovering friendships and fun, and describe their book—organized by the first year’s seasons—capturing highs and lows, with their kids writing the foreword, and they direct listeners to theloudquiet.com, a Facebook community, and Amazon.
00:00 Empty Nest Reality Check
00:52 Meet Rick and Clancy
01:42 How the Podcast Began
04:45 Preparing for the Shift
06:45 Intentionality Beats Inertia
08:23 When Adult Kids Come Home
10:01 Parenting as Coach Mentor
13:06 Letting Them Fail Safely
17:08 Rethinking the College Path
20:06 New Roles and New Rhythms
21:07 Independence and Friendships
23:56 Saying Yes Staying Connected
26:00 Reconnecting With Friends
26:36 Rediscovering Dallas Nights
28:28 Gen X Freedom Returns
29:39 Feral But Responsible
30:16 Writing Their Book
32:19 Proud To Be Authors
33:37 Kids Read It Too
35:11 Graduation Gift Idea
35:58 Empty Nest Daily Changes
38:37 Embracing The Fifties
39:49 Small Newness Matters
41:16 Sadness And Tough Love
42:48 Moving Forward Together
44:27 Where To Find Them
Links to Rick & Clancy Denton:
https://theloudquiet.com
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18aPc3YHmT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Purchase their book at:
https://a.co/d/0byi2IQE
**For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]

**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler

Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

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46min
May 07, 2026 GXJ Replay: Can Faith Help You Sleep? Midlife Insomnia, Sleep Science, and Theology with Dr. Benjamin Long
Today, we address sleep struggles, especially for the sandwich generation, through a conversation with sleep medicine doctor and seminary student Dr. Benjamin Long, author of Sleep Habits Journal: Practices, Prayers and Devotions to Ease Your Sleepless Nights.

Long explains integrating evidence-based insomnia care (including CBT-I and the SATED sleep health framework) with a Christian worldview, noting research linking religious service attendance to better sleep and religious doubt to worse sleep.

The discussion covers midlife factors such as perimenopause, hot flashes, hormone therapy options, and increasing sleep apnea risk with age, including underdiagnosis and subtler symptoms in women.

Long shares “sleepless night rules” (cease before bed, get out of bed if awake, connect with God, repeat, avoid sleeping in/naps), emphasizes prayer and the Daily Office, cautions against transactional “just trust more” thinking, and highlights biblical themes of sleep as gift, trust, and God’s presence in sleeplessness.

00:00 Midlife Sleep Struggles
01:16 Meet Dr. Long
02:05 Faith Meets Sleep Medicine
04:00 Science Based Sleep Tools
06:25 Research On Religion Sleep
10:25 Screens Stress And Sleep Stages
12:46 White Noise Myths
13:54 Midlife Changes And Menopause
16:41 Sleep Apnea In Midlife
19:46 Sleep In The Bible
21:24 Sleep as Blessing
22:45 Beloved Sleep Psalm 127
24:44 Trust That Lets You Rest
25:45 Trauma and Nonlinear Sleep
28:35 Sleepless Night Rules
30:01 Prayer and Daily Office
33:53 Insomnia as Spiritual Formation
36:21 Caregiving and Night Retreats
40:48 Jesus Shares Our Sleeplessness
42:05 Where to Find the Journal
43:41 Final Encouragement and Thanks

Links to Dr. Benjamin Long:

https://www.sleephabitsjournal.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thewholeheartedmd?igsh=MXB3cnI2b2hpNDlyYQ==

https://www.tiktok.com/@thewholeheartedmd?_r=1&_t=ZP-94Yav67g3pP

https://benjaminlongmd.substack.com/

**For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]

**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler

Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1

**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

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45min
April 30, 2026 GXJ Replay: Step into Your Power, and Choose Your Label! with Jen Hardy
Host Deb welcomes Jen Hardy, founder of the Pick Your Label movement and Power Up Society, about redefining midlife as an awakening rather than a crisis. Hardy shares her creator journey, including starting a blog and YouTube Channel while managing chronic illness and raising seven children, then shifting from discussing illness to being “fabulous over 50,” which rapidly grew her channel toward 200,000 subscribers.

They discuss choosing and changing personal labels, handling pushback from family and others, rejecting “anti-aging,” and giving women permission to prioritize themselves and make new choices. Hardy explains her “Power Up Generation” concept and her AI-assisted music creation, and both emphasize small 1% daily steps, mindset, connection, and ongoing growth; Hardy can be found at jenhardy.net.

00:00 Power Up Generation
00:54 Meet Jen Hardy
02:11 From Illness to Creator
05:12 Fabulous Over 50
07:24 Pick Your Label
09:26 Handling Pushback
12:00 Right Time No Regrets
17:13 Self Care and Fairness
19:04 Midlife Choices Not Crisis
21:01 Keep Growing Stay Engaged
21:34 Longevity and Fun
22:17 Teasing Jen’s Songs
22:39 Songwriting Roots
23:24 Creating Music With AI
24:16 Power Up Generation
25:20 Starting From Bed
26:05 Chronic Illness Journey
27:34 One Percent Better
29:50 Phoenix Story Mission
31:51 Unshakeable Midlife
33:46 Train Ride Friendships
38:34 AI Tools And Connection
41:48 Human Touch Matters
43:07 Where To Find Jen

Links to Jen Hardy:

www.jenhardy.net/links/

Links to Jen Hardy's Latest Music:

https://youtu.be/oULgNZO9e5k?si=UizihvlWGJwUuCGH
**For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]

**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler
Be sure to join Deb for “Talk-O Bout it Tuesday,” a weekly live session on the Gen X Juggler Podcast Facebook page where we talk about this week's episode, connect, and have a fun conversation, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Central Time.
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1

**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

...more
45min
April 23, 2026 GXJ Replay: Midlife-The Gift That Keeps on Giving: A Real Girls Conversation with Angela Burk
Today on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, Deb discusses the challenges and opportunities of midlife with guest Angela Burk, author of Real Girls Guide to Midlife.

They talk about the importance of rejecting outdated narratives, the impacts of menopause, and the significance of embracing one's true self. The conversation explores how midlife can be a time for rewriting personal stories, overcoming societal pressures, and prioritizing self-care.

Angela shares insights from her own experiences and her interactions with other women, encouraging listeners to embrace transformation and live authentically.

00:00 Shrinking Woman Hook
01:25 Meet Angela Burke
02:54 Why Midlife Talk Matters
04:36 Keep the Peace Pattern
07:02 Hitting the Wall
09:09 Remembering Yourself
10:36 Stories We Believe
14:16 Divorce Meets Menopause
17:39 Leave the Stick
24:12 Oxygen Mask First
25:54 Permission and Saying No
27:52 Rest Without Guilt
28:28 Permission to Say No
29:18 Spotting When You Shrink
30:39 Say What You Need
31:22 Taking Up Space
33:21 Authenticity Attracts People
34:32 Dropping Shame and Guilt
35:46 The Exhaustion of Being Easy
39:05 The Red Folder Origin Story
42:38 Substack Health Breakthroughs
46:58 Never Too Late to Begin
48:14 Book Release and Where to Follow
50:38 Final Thanks and Wrap

**Contact Deb for speaking engagements at [email protected]
**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler

StatGuardPlus
Go to: https://StatGuardPlus.com
Use promo code: GenX10 to get 10% off
Links to Angela Burk:
https://realgirlsguide.com
https://realgirlsguide55.com
https://www.instagram.com/realgirlsguide55?igsh=NnI1NjhucXpwNHBi
Go to Amazon on December 15th, and grab your copy of Real Girls Guide to Midlife!
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1

**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**
...more
52min
April 16, 2026 62. When Faith Leaders Burn Out: Identity, Expectations & Healing in the Wilderness, with Dustin Kleinschmidt
Today on the Gen X Juggler podcast, Deb welcomes Dustin Kleinschmidt, an author, coach, and former pastor with over 25 years of ministry experience and the author of The Wilderness Way: Finding Freedom in Life’s Fractures.

Dustin shares his unconventional path into ministry and how returning to a Texas church after a senior pastor’s affair and COVID-era turmoil led to years of crisis leadership, resignation, and a severe spiral into depression and anxiety.

He describes how God challenged him to examine his unmet expectations behind the disappointment and reframed this season in the “wilderness” between rescue and the promised land, where beauty and brokenness coexist and God is present.

They discuss ministry’s performance pressures, identity and significance, setting values and boundaries, and Dustin’s coaching approach focused on spiritual, emotional, relational, and organizational health, plus his book, workbook, and upcoming music release.

00:00 Burnout And Calling
00:59 Meet Dustin Kleinschmidt
01:38 Gen X Midlife Weight
02:33 Ministry Origin Story
06:37 From Music To Pastor
10:17 Church Crisis And Collapse
11:58 Resignation And Spiral
14:29 Disappointment Expectations
18:16 Wilderness Way Framework
23:32 Tenderness Through Suffering
25:58 Leader Pressure And Masks
28:12 Performing For Expectations
29:50 Feeling Far From God
30:54 The Thing Underneath
31:54 Significance And Identity
36:12 Idols And True Rest
38:24 Burnout In Creative Work
41:03 Redefining Values And Boundaries
43:33 Coaching Approach Explained
46:21 Book Music And Where To Find
48:47 Closing Reflections And Thanks

Links to Dustin Kleinschmidt:
www.dustinkleinschmidt.com

https://www.instagram.com/dustinkschmidt?igsh=MW9lMzQyMHZlcnhjbA==

https://www.instagram.com/walkingthewildernessway?igsh=MXV0cnl4b3dvMXl4bA==

https://www.facebook.com/share/18Xwj2Qn9G/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Find Dustin's book, The Wilderness Way: Finding Freedom in Life's Fractures, at:
https://a.co/d/00eFUMq7

And pick up the accompanying workbook as well at:
https://a.co/d/0fhV3pB1

**For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]

**Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/genxjuggler

StatGuardPlus
Go to: https://StatGuardPlus.com
Use promo code: GenX10 to get 10% off
Be sure to join Deb for “Talk-O Bout it Tuesday,” a weekly live session on the Gen X Juggler Podcast Facebook page where we talk about this week's episode, connect, and have a fun conversation, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Central Time.
Links to Gen X Juggler:
https://youtube.com/@genxjuggler?si=GdErb9FBtfInJMTC
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-x-juggler-podcast/id1792338965
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHVGu9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggler?igsh=MXRvb3hyZDA4b3MzMQ==
https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_t=ZP-8yp0VGqHois&_r=1
**THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.**

...more
51min
April 09, 2026 GXJ Replay: Disillusionment and the Legacy of Purity Culture with Dr. Angela Deulen
Today on the Gen X Juggler podcast, Deb welcomes Dr. Angela Deulen, a professor of psychology at California Baptist University, to discuss the purity culture movement of the eighties and nineties and its unintended consequences. Dr. Deulen combines her expertise in behavioral neuroscience, clinical counseling, and Biblical studies to explore the disillusionment experienced by many Gen X individuals.
They delve into topics like dissatisfaction, disillusionment, regret, the impact of purity culture on sexual satisfaction, and the importance of grace and holistic support within the church. Dr. Deulen emphasizes the need for the church body to provide comprehensive care, especially for those dealing with complex life issues such as the sandwich generation and divorce. She advocates for turning towards God and each other during times of disillusionment, highlighting the transformative power of grace and the synergy between neuroscience and Biblical truth.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:37 Generation X and Purity Culture
04:05 Disillusionment and Its Layers
08:05 Impact of Purity Culture on Women
16:38 Challenges in Modern Church Support
23:55 The Impact of Marriage on Women's Health
24:32 Biblical Perspective on Divorce and Sin
25:17 Approaching Heartache with Empathy
28:22 The Role of Grace in Christian Life
31:26 Purity Culture and Its Consequences
35:14 The Value of Singlehood in Christianity
39:15 Integrating Neuroscience and Biblical Truth
42:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links to Dr. Angela Deulen :
AngelaDeulen.com
YouTube.com/ ⁨@DrAngelaDeulen⁩
**For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected]

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