GenX Journeys

In this soul-stirring episode of GenX Journeys, Paul sits down with singer-songwriter and worship leader Cynthia Lok to talk about the power of music, faith, and rediscovery.

💫 Cynthia opens up about the defining moment that reignited her spiritual journey—and how that path led her into the world of music and songwriting. With raw honesty and contagious energy, she shares how her faith took center stage in her life, and how her songs are helping others find their way back to hope and healing.

🎶 We dive into the story behind her breakout single "The Breaker"—a bold, prophetic anthem that has moved hearts and turned listeners back toward God. Cynthia also offers heartfelt advice for anyone feeling distant from their spiritual roots or wondering how to reconnect with their faith.

Whether you're on your own spiritual journey, love stories of transformation, or just want to hear how one voice can spark real change—this episode is for you.

🔊 In this episode:

• How Cynthia dove headfirst into her faith

• The surprising way she found her voice through music

• Her creative process as a songwriter

• The impact her music has had on others

• What The Breaker means to her—and to her listeners

• Encouragement for those seeking to reconnect with faith

🛤️ GenX Journeys is all about rediscovery, reinvention, and resilience. This episode is a perfect reminder that no matter where you are in life—it's never too late to sing a new song.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms! 📲 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone who needs a little inspiration today.

🌟 Connect with Cynthia Lok 🎵 Website: cynthialokmusic.com 📷 Instagram: @cynthialokmusic 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/cynthialokmusic 🕊️ Join Her Community: The Wholly Devoted Ones

🎧 Listen to Cynthia's Music On: ✅ Spotify ✅ Apple Music ✅ Amazon Music ✅ YouTube ✅ SoundCloud

✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

📩 Email: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let's keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Originally aired: March 15, 2019 on Return to the '80s

This week on GenX Journeys Throwback Thursday, we're revisiting a gem from the Return to the '80s archives—my incredible conversation with film critic and author Helen O'Hara!

Helen writes for Empire Magazine and The Telegraph, and she had just released her brilliant book Best Movies of the 80s when we recorded this episode. We kicked things off by celebrating her book and our shared love for some of the most iconic films of the decade.

Then we dove into The Princess Bride—a film beloved by many, and one of Helen's all-time favorites (mine too!). We talked about the legendary cast, memorable moments, and the magic that's made it a cultural classic. But the conversation also took an insightful turn as we explored how the title may have initially alienated some viewers, particularly boys and men, and why Hollywood still tends to avoid feminine-leaning titles.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of The Princess Bride or just love geeking out over '80s movies, this one's for you.

🎬 Topics include:

• Helen's book Best Movies of the 80s (available on Amazon)

• Behind-the-scenes trivia from The Princess Bride

• Gender bias in movie titles and marketing

• Why the '80s remains a magical movie decade

📚 Grab Helen's book here: [Amazon] 📲 Follow Helen on Twitter/X: @HelenLOHara

✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

📩 Email: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let's keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Hosts: Paul Stroessner & Suzanne Mattaboni

In this episode of the GenX Book Club, Paul is joined by fellow GenX writer Suzanne Mattaboni (Once in a Lifetime) for a heartfelt, honest, and occasionally hilarious discussion about The Perks of Being a Wallflower—Stephen Chbosky's raw and unforgettable coming-of-age story.

We unpack the novel's unique letter-based format and how it allows us to experience Charlie's inner world with startling intimacy. Then we turn to the film adaptation—talking about the pitch-perfect cast (hello, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller), the soundtrack that's pure mixtape magic, and those unforgettable Rocky Horror scenes that made us feel like we were right there in the audience.

And yes, we get into that tunnel scene… Suzanne couldn't help but slip into full-on mom mode at the sight of Sam standing in the back of a moving pickup truck. ("WHERE ARE THE SEATBELTS?!")

📚 In this episode:

• Why the book's format hits so hard

• How the movie lives up to the source material

• GenX reflections on being a "wallflower"

• Rocky Horror, David Bowie, and that tunnel scene

If you've ever felt unseen, awkward, or like you were on the outside looking in—this story is for you.

🎧 Press play and relive the feels.

📖 Suzanne Mattaboni (Author of Once in a Lifetime) 🔹 Get her book anywhere books are sold, including Kindle Unlimited and onceinalifetimenovel.com 🔹 Visit her at suzannemattaboni.com 🔹 Follow Suzanne:

• 📷 Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s
• 🐦 X: @suzmattaboni
• 📘 Facebook: Suzanne Mattaboni

🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM) 🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes 🔹 Get your daily dose of '80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

💡 Whether you're a die-hard '80s fan, a nostalgia lover, or just someone who enjoys a great book club discussion, this episode is packed with fun, wisdom, and plenty of throwback vibes.

📢 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with fellow GenXers!

📆 Originally aired: December 13, 2016 🎙️ Hosted by Paul Stroessner | Co-host: Robert Mishou | Special Guest: Jim Vilk

We're revving up the nostalgia machine and heading full throttle into the golden age of TV intros—the action-packed, high-octane theme songs of 1980s television!

In this retro gem from the vault, I'm joined by our original co-host Robert Mishou and long-time Return to the '80s contributor and friend Jim Vilk, who's been part of our crew since the early blog days. (Jim even wrote the popular piece One-Hit Wonders? Not Level 42! – check it out here)

🎵 Main Topic: We each picked three unforgettable '80s action/adventure TV theme songs that left tire tracks on our hearts—and made sure to include at least one "must-have" anthem per round. You'll hear about:

• The Fall Guy

• The Dukes of Hazzard

• Hardcastle & McCormick

• Simon & Simon

• CHiPs

• Voyagers!

• Matt Houston

• Call to Glory

• The Greatest American Hero

And of course, we all agreed on these iconic themes:

• Magnum P.I.

• The A-Team

• Miami Vice

🎶 Plus, we introduced a fun new segment: Play This, Not That – thanks to Jim!

🕊️ And we paused to pay tribute to several legends we lost around the time of this recording:

• Margaret Whitton (Major League)

• John Glenn, American astronaut

• Joseph Mascolo, best known as Stefano DiMera on Days of Our Lives

📩 Let's hear from you! Did this episode bring back memories? Could you see the visuals in your head as the theme songs played? We'd love to know your favorite '80s action/adventure TV themes—and if you want a Part 2!

Email me at [email protected] Subscribe to GenX Journeys on your favorite podcast platform And remember...

Embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future.

✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

📩 Email: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let's keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

Episode Title: '80s Sitcom Theme Songs (Originally aired: Oct 13, 2016) Cohost: Paul Stroessner & Robert Mishou

Description: We're cranking the dial back to 2016—and even further back into our childhoods—for a look at some of the most iconic sitcom theme songs of the '80s! In this special Throwback Thursday re-release, I'm joined by my original cohost Robert Mishou as we each share our top 5 sitcom themes and talk about why they've stood the test of time.

🎵 From the heartfelt (Growing Pains) to the hilarious (Alf), the funky (Diff'rent Strokes) to the unforgettable (Cheers), these tunes weren't just intros—they were part of the show's identity. And yeah… I even let Robert sneak in Fresh Prince. 😄

At the time of recording, the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot was just about to hit theaters, Stranger Things had exploded, and Bon Jovi was releasing This House Is Not for Sale. The '80s were already making a comeback—and we were all in.

💡 Note: The episode ends a little abruptly, as we originally transitioned into a full Ghostbusters follow-up that sadly never aired due to a massive audio glitch. (RIP, lost episode.)

We Want to Hear From You! What are your favorite sitcom theme songs? Drop a comment on social, DM me, or shoot an email to [email protected]. Whether it's Family Ties, Perfect Strangers, or a hidden gem—we want to know!

✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

📩 Email: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let's keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

This week on GenX Journeys, I'm officially hitting the pavement—again.

After months of knowing it was coming, I finally pulled the trigger and signed up for the 50th Marine Corps Marathon. But here's the thing: even though I knew I was going to do it, something shifted the moment I actually signed up. That one action sparked a wave of motivation, momentum, and commitment I hadn't felt in a while.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why physically signing up or speaking your goals out loud creates a powerful mental shift

• How small steps like Day 1 of the Couch to 10K plan can reignite your fire

• What it felt like to return to the Boston Marathon as a spectator for the 4th year in a row

• Shoutouts to my amazing friends Kerri Nelson and Maurice Lowman, who crossed the Boston finish line this year like absolute champs

• And how seeing people of all backgrounds and abilities out there reminded me what resilience and reinvention really look like

Whether you're chasing a marathon, a creative dream, or a comeback in your life—it all starts with one decision. This episode is your reminder to stop waiting and start moving.

🎧 Listen now and let's take that first step—together.

✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

📩 Email: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

💡 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXer—let's keep this community growing!

🎤 Until next time—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!

🎙️ Throwback Thursday – My Backstage Interview with Rubix Kube + Steve Brown & PJ Farley of Trixter! 📅 Originally recorded: April 21, 2018 | 🎧 First aired: April 28, 2018

This may just be my favorite interview ever. Why? Because I got to go backstage with my all-time favorite '80s tribute band Rubix Kube—and interview two absolute legends from the rock world: Steve Brown and PJ Farley of Trixter. 🤘

The night was electric, the energy was contagious, and the conversations? Unforgettable.

🎤 Interview Part 1: Rubix Kube I sat down with the band's powerhouse vocalists Cherie and Scott, and their insanely talented drummer—and my good friend—John, one of the band's founding members. We laughed a lot as they shared:

• How Rubix Kube came to life

• The creativity behind their costumes and show designs (Scott inherited some Muppet magic from his dad, an original Henson puppeteer!)

• A moving tribute to their late bassist David Z, whose tragic loss is still deeply felt in the music world

🎸 Interview Part 2: Steve Brown & PJ Farley (Trixter / Rubix Kube) Then I had the surreal experience of chatting with Steve Brown, who has literally filled in for Vivian Campbell in Def Leppard—sitting on a backstage couch with him was one of the biggest highlights of my podcasting career! He shared what it was like to play with the legendary band during Vivian's cancer treatment, and though he didn't mention it at the time, just months later he'd return to the stage with them again, covering for Phil Collen. PJ Farley also jumped in to talk about their shared journey in Trixter. They had a platinum selling debut album just as grunge was about to hit. But each album they have done has just gotten better and better. They also speak about collaborating with Eric Martin of the band Mr. Big.

💥 It's two interviews in one jam-packed episode full of energy, stories, laughs, and heartfelt moments. If you love the '80s, live music, and behind-the-scenes rock tales, this one's for you.

🎧 Listen now and relive this epic night with me!

🎙️ Throwback Thursday – The Breakfast Club (with Lizzie Newton) 📅 Originally aired: May 10, 2019 🎧 Re-released: April 11, 2025

Description: It's Throwback Thursday time! This week, we're rewinding to a special in-person crossover episode recorded with my good friend Lizzie Newton, originally released in 2019. Lizzie and I teamed up for a nostalgic deep dive into one of the most iconic Gen X films of all time—The Breakfast Club.

But before we get to detention with the Brat Pack, I reveal the long-awaited results of our Phil Collins March Madness tournament! Sixteen songs entered... one classic emerged victorious. Can you feel it coming in the air tonight? 🥁

Then, we kick things off with concert stories—Rubix Kube for me, Cher for Lizzie—before diving into the movie that defined a generation. Believe it or not, this was Lizzie's first time watching The Breakfast Club, and her fresh take alongside my nostalgic memories made for an awesome conversation.

Whether you're a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal—you're gonna love this one.

In this episode:

• 🏆 Phil Collins March Madness – Full bracket breakdown & the winning song

• 🎤 Concert talk: Rubix Kube (Paul) & Cher (Lizzie)

• 🎬 The Breakfast Club – first impressions, favorite moments, and what it still teaches us today

• 🧠 Why the characters (and archetypes) still resonate with us decades later

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

🎙️ GenX Book Club – Mayte Garcia's The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince Hosts: Paul Stroessner & Suzanne Mattaboni Book: The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince by Mayte Garcia

In this emotionally rich episode of GenX Book Club, Paul is joined by writer and GenXer Suzanne Mattaboni for a heartfelt and thought-provoking discussion about The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince, the memoir by Mayte Garcia.

Mayte was not only Prince's first wife but also a dancer, artist, and woman with her own compelling story. Suzanne and Paul dive into Mayte's life before, during, and after her time with Prince—from her early days as a prodigy belly dancer to the whirlwind romance and deep heartbreak that followed.

💜 Topics we cover:

• How Mayte's identity and ambitions evolved independently of Prince

• The beauty and complexity of their relationship

• Grief, resilience, and finding purpose after loss

• Behind-the-scenes glimpses of life with one of music's most enigmatic icons

• Reflections on how this memoir resonated with GenX readers

Whether you're a lifelong Prince fan, new to Mayte's story, or just love deep book discussions, this one's for you.

📚 Book your spot for next month's read: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky!

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation! 💬 Don't forget to share your thoughts and favorite moments with us on social @GenXJourneys or email [email protected].

📖 Suzanne Mattaboni (Author of Once in a Lifetime) 🔹 Get her book anywhere books are sold, including Kindle Unlimited and onceinalifetimenovel.com 🔹 Visit her at suzannemattaboni.com 🔹 Follow Suzanne:

• 📷 Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s
• 🐦 X: @suzmattaboni
• 📘 Facebook: Suzanne Mattaboni

🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM) 🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes 🔹 Get your daily dose of '80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

💡 Whether you're a die-hard '80s fan, a nostalgia lover, or just someone who enjoys a great book club discussion, this episode is packed with fun, wisdom, and plenty of throwback vibes.

📢 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with fellow GenXers!

Originally aired: March 31, 2022

It's the final installment of our Return to the '80s March Madness series! For our 5th Annual Tournament, we focused on the solo hits of the legendary Phil Collins—no Genesis tracks here, just 16 powerhouse songs going head-to-head in a Sweet Sixteen-style bracket.

And yes, a couple of early-'90s singles made it into the mix—Something Happened on the Way to Heaven and I Wish It Would Rain Down—but since they're from his 1989 album ...But Seriously, they earned their place.

Matchups include classics like:

• In the Air Tonight vs. One More Night

• Sussudio vs. Don't Lose My Number

• Against All Odds vs. I Don't Care Anymore …and more!

This episode also features a fun collaboration with Gill from RealWeegieMidget Reviews, who reviewed Phil's film Buster, which gave us two songs featured in the tournament. Check out her review here: 🔗 Buster (1988) Review – RealWeegieMidget Reviews

🎤 Previous March Madness Champions:

• 2018 – Out of Touch (Hall & Oates)

• 2019 – Purple Rain (Prince)

• 2020 – Crazy for You (Madonna)

• 2021 – I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston)

🗳️ Voting took place on the blog, Twitter (@Returntothe80s), and the Return to the '80s Facebook group.

🔥 Stay tuned next week for our Breakfast Club episode, where the Phil Collins tournament results will be revealed!

🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM) 🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes 🔹 Get your daily dose of '80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page

🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys

🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

💡 Whether you're a die-hard '80s fan, a nostalgia lover, or just someone who enjoys a great book club discussion, this episode is packed with fun, wisdom, and plenty of throwback vibes.

📢 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with fellow GenXers!