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Remember when a birthday party meant friends, pizza, and a Mylar balloon that floated in your house for months? When financial advice was more reassuring than "we just don't know"? When the sound of race cars echoed through an entire city on Memorial Day weekend?

In this episode, Megan and Lesley dive into the unique experience of growing up as latchkey kids in the 1980s—a generation whose parents were busy "doing shit" and sometimes forgot we existed. The conversation takes a timely turn when Megan shares her recent financial advisor meeting, where the typical reassurances about market stability were notably absent. Suddenly, our grandparents' habit of hiding cash in aluminum foil and cereal boxes seems less paranoid and more prophetic.

Childhood birthday celebrations become a lens to examine generational shifts. The hosts reminisce about simple pool parties, roller skating outings, and Showbiz Pizza gatherings of their youth, complete with Rock-a-Fire Explosion animatronics and Madonna's "Lucky Star" blasting in the background. These memories stand in stark contrast to the elaborate productions many Gen Xers now create for their own children—complete with pony rides and themed extravaganzas. Is this overcompensation for our latchkey upbringing or just succumbing to party competition pressure?

The episode also pays tribute to George Wendt, known to most as Norm from Cheers, imagining his funeral where everyone shouts "NORM!" as the casket enters. As Memorial Day approaches, they explore what the holiday weekend means in Indianapolis—from the unmistakable sound of race cars heard throughout the city to family cookouts marking the unofficial start of summer.

Whether you're planning your weekend, reflecting on your childhood, or wondering if you should start hiding cash in your freezer, this episode captures the unique perspective of a generation caught between analog memories and digital uncertainties. Subscribe, leave a review, and share your own "Five Minutes of Fame" story with us!

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Megan and Lesley dive into the surprising disconnect between celebrity ages and our mental images of them, sparked by discovering Kurt Loder recently turned 80 years old.

• Lesley shares her harrowing experience with a stomach virus that left her with a "puke baby"
• Discussion of the new American Pope Leo XIV, his Midwestern roots, and what his selection might signify about America's changing global position
• Revelation that Kermit the Frog is 70 years old while Miss Piggy is only 50, creating a surprising 20-year age gap between the Muppet couple
• Exploration of how MTV VJs including Kurt Loder, Martha Quinn, and Nina Blackwood are now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s
• Call for listeners to share which celebrities' ages have shocked them the most

Support public television! Visit genxwomenpod.com to share your "five minutes of fame" stories or call 1-888-GEN-X-POD to leave a message that might be played on the next episode.

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Remember when Friday nights didn't require checking your phone every five minutes? When plans were made in person at school and then you just showed up somewhere? Megan and Lesley take us back to their teenage weekend rituals in the 1980s and early '90s, and the nostalgia hits like a caffeine rush from those bottomless Perkins coffees (or teas) we all drank at 2am.

With their new vintage bar setup as the perfect backdrop, the hosts trade stories about the weekend social rituals that defined Gen X adolescence. From roller skating parties that required good grades to attend, to midnight showings of Rocky Horror Picture Show (complete with toast, toilet paper, and squirt guns), they map the geography of teen hangouts in Indianapolis. Noble Romans Pizza with its mythical $99 Dom Perignon special, Denny's with "Moons Over My Hammy," and small-town cruising rituals all get their moments in the spotlight.

What's striking is how these memories reveal a different relationship with rebellion and fun. Both hosts confess they didn't drink in high school – not because they were straight-laced, but because they were genuinely having a great time without it. Megan's confession about stealing a velvet rope from a movie theater and proudly displaying it in her bedroom captures the perfect level of Gen X rebellion – just enough to feel dangerous without causing real harm. Whether you were playing Dungeons & Dragons on Friday nights, working at TCBY, or watching MTV's 120 Minutes instead of sleeping before school, you'll recognize yourself in these stories.

So pour yourself something delicious, settle in, and join us for this journey back to a time when weekend entertainment didn't require Wi-Fi, when malls were social hubs rather than dying institutions, and when the most important thing was just being together with your friends, figuring out this weird thing called adolescence. What was your Friday night ritual? We'd love to hear about it.

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We reflect on what we thought the future would be like when we were kids, compared to the reality of our current world.

• Tribute to Val Kilmer, discussing his iconic roles from Real Genius to Tombstone
• Expectations vs reality of technology—where are our flying cars and robot maids?
• Childhood predictions about life in the year 2000 and beyond
• How Gen X believed in a future of improved health, environment, and space exploration
• Memories of nuclear war fears and Disney's optimistic visions of tomorrow
• Five Minutes of Fame: Amy's adventure meeting Henry Rollins in Dublin
• Sharing backstage stories of meeting celebrities after concerts

Join us next time in our newly renovated studio space, complete with a vintage 70s home bar for mixing cocktails on set.

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September-October - ACLU

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What do breakfast cereals, women's health concerns, and government overreach have in common? They're all part of the rich tapestry of Gen X experiences that Megan and Lesley explore in this wide-ranging, authentic conversation.

The episode opens with exciting puppy news as Megan introduces her new emotional support puppy, Olive! Lesley transparently shares her recent postmenopausal health scare, walking listeners through her experience seeking prompt medical care. The good news? Everything turned out benign. The more important message? Women's health matters, and places like Planned Parenthood provide critical services for those without insurance or primary care access. (PS Lesley does know that 'Waiting for Godot' was written by Samuel Beckett - she does not have to hand in her theater kid card.)

Who died this week? The promoter of the Foreman Grill! (And Professional Boxer!) RIP George Foreman. 

Shifting gears, the hosts address disturbing trends in civil liberties, focusing on a Venezuelan soccer player seeking asylum who was detained without due process. Their passionate discussion highlights concerns many Gen X women share about government overreach and the protection of basic rights. Shout out to the beloved Chatterbox Jazz Club! (Don't be an asshole people.)

The conversation then dives into breakfast cereal nostalgia in all its sugary glory. From Wheaties boxes featuring Olympic heroes to character-branded cereals like Mr. T and Pac-Man, the hosts explore how cereal marketing exploded alongside mothers entering the workforce. Remember those miniature cereal boxes that transformed into cereal bowls? Or the excitement of digging for plastic prizes that sometimes ended up stuck to your ceiling? These shared memories illuminate how convenience foods shaped our generation and continue to influence food culture today.

Throughout it all, Megan and Lesley maintain their signature blend of humor, vulnerability, and no-nonsense commentary that makes listeners feel like they're catching up with old friends. Whether discussing serious health concerns or debating which cereal was most likely to "cut your face open," their authentic connection shines through.

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Ever wondered why those kitschy themed restaurants of the 80s and 90s still hold such a special place in our hearts? That yearning for escape isn't just nostalgia—it's a lifeline for the sandwich generation.

Between advocating for our own health and caring for everyone else, Gen X women are desperately seeking moments of joy and transportation. From Medieval Times to Casa Bonita (now gloriously resurrected by the South Park creators after a $40 million renovation), we celebrate these immersive experiences that briefly whisk us away from reality.

The episode opens with serious health topics—Megan's frustration with having to get a measles shot because of vaccine hesitancy, and Lesley's post-menopausal health scare (a reminder to call your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding after menopause). But true to form, we lighten the mood by sampling Irish whiskey created by pioneering women like Louise McGuane of JJ Corey, Ireland's first female whiskey bonder in 50 years.

We take a moment to remember Gene Hackman's diverse career, from his Oscar-winning performance in The French Connection to his memorable role in The Birdcage. Then we dive deep into our collective obsession with themed restaurants—Showbiz Pizza's terrifying animatronics, Chi-Chi's birthday celebrations, Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor, and the legendary Adventurer's Club at Disney's Pleasure Island.

Whether you're planning your next escape or simply want to revisit the magic of eating mediocre food in spectacularly weird surroundings, this episode celebrates finding joy in carefully crafted experiences. Because sometimes, watching cliff divers while eating enchiladas is exactly the mental vacation we need.

Check out our website at genxwomenpod.com to join our L.Y.L.A.S GenX Women's Social Club, where GenX women can connect away from traditional social media.

Listen to the gals plus the SNUG of Irvington - a beautiful Irish Pub on the eastside of Indianapolis! Their St. Paddy's Day Party is 3/15 from noon to 10pm! www.snugin.us

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Join us as we explore the nostalgia of 80s escapism through films, cartoons and personal stories. We laugh about our memories of past  fantasy films, how they helped us survive adolescence and how they can bring us joy and hope now. 

• Discuss the re-release of 'Purple Rain' March 5th 
• Share thoughts on the current state of intimacy among couples
• Debate the return of jelly shoes and our fashion frustrations  
• Reflect on nostalgic toys and their impact on childhood 
• Dive into the escapism of 80s fantasy films 

We invite our audience to share their own stories with us and engage in the conversation! 

Support the show

Get your hands on our MERCH!!!
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Jan-Feb 2025 - Center for Reproductive Rights

March-April - Planned Parenthood

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September-October - ACLU

November-December 2025 - Second Helpings

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LOVE! What is it good for? Gossip and a billion dollar scam industry. Get Megan and Lesley's GenX take on lots of vital (hyper-specific to our own experience) nonsense including the following:

• Cursing Groundhog Day (fucking winter)
• BS and Hot Gos: Gossip about 80s celebrity couples and their influences Whose dead NOW?? Soap stars, Planned Parenthood Queen and ... Shrek?
• What shit are we sick of today? Romance scams targeting vulnerable people - we offer resources for protecting loved ones from becoming victims because panicking alone doesn't help. 
  (34:17) - BREAK
• GenXpert/Not an Expert Featuring: (36:57) Learn along with us about our gamer girl heritage and gaming to survive the current apocalypse.

We gotta say - this is a long one - but those GenX women who LOVED gaming will have their memory banks rebooted as we explore the timeline of console game development from the 70s to the 90s. 

Timeline of Console Gaming

AARP Online Romance Scams

AARP Romance Scam Resources

FTC and Romance Scams

FCC and Romance Scams

Support the show

Get your hands on our MERCH!!!
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Jan-Feb 2025 - Center for Reproductive Rights

March-April - Planned Parenthood

May-June 2025 - Indy Pride

July-August 2025 - WFYI

September-October - ACLU

November-December 2025 - Second Helpings

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Megan and Lesley here, back from a holiday break and feelin' spunky. We have made no improvements or changes to this podcast during our time away. We defied capitalism and rested. So, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit."

It's cold as fuck and our streets look like Hoth but we made it to the studio just for youdio! (Youyouyoudio - oh oh)

What do saggy testicles and shrinking lady bits have in common? Buckle up buttercup - you're gonna find out.  We discuss the legendary David Lynch. His surreal films are etched into our Gen X souls, sparking a lifelong love for the avant-garde. From "Twin Peaks" to "Blue Velvet," Lynch’s art shaped us.

But wait! There's more! In a world where news can be overwhelming, we highlight trusted sources like Pod Save America and Jessica Yellin's News Not Noise to keep you informed and sane. 

As Valentine's Day looms, we head down the long dark dusty hallways of our memory - recalling school-day card exchanges and awkward dances. We use major academic sources like the Wiki to give you the history of this ego destroying Hallmark holiday. (AKA Producer Tim's BIRTHDAY!) And unpack the shift from a branded popularity contest to high school hunger games style partner picking.

 We invite you to join our community, share your stories, and stay connected. Tune in for an episode that blends humor, nostalgia, and thoughtful conversation.

Support the show

Get your hands on our MERCH!!!
DONATION SCHEDULE! We donate $1 per item sold with a minimum of $200 to each organization!

Jan-Feb 2025 - Center for Reproductive Rights

March-April - Planned Parenthood

May-June 2025 - Indy Pride

July-August 2025 - WFYI

September-October - ACLU

November-December 2025 - Second Helpings

Love the pod? Love us? Love GenX? Let us know!

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Navigating the complexities of holiday obligations often brings up feelings of nostalgia and frustration. In a heartfelt discussion, Megan and Lesley explore their memories of holiday traditions, share experiences of unwrapping gifts, and highlight the struggle between maintaining cherished customs and the need for intentional change. 

• Reflections on 80s fashion and the bewildering return of certain trends 
• The emotional toll of holiday obligations versus joyful traditions 
• Conversations from the community about navigating the holiday season 
• Nostalgic memories of childhood gifts and family gatherings 
• The evolution of holiday foods and shared recipes 
• A look back on holiday decorating styles compared to modern minimalism 
• Encouragement to redefine personal holiday experiences without guilt 

Your support is appreciated. If you love what we're doing, please share this with a friend.

Support the show

Get your hands on our MERCH!!!
DONATION SCHEDULE! We donate $1 per item sold with a minimum of $200 to each organization!

Jan-Feb 2025 - Center for Reproductive Rights

March-April - Planned Parenthood

May-June 2025 - Indy Pride

July-August 2025 - WFYI

September-October - ACLU

November-December 2025 - Second Helpings

Love the pod? Love us? Love GenX? Let us know!

SUPPORT THE POD HERE!

Want to continue the conversation?

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Tell us your own 5 Minutes of Fame story or call it in at 1-888-GEN-XPOD

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JOIN US in L.Y.L.A.S a GenX Women's Social Club

L.Y.L.A.S (Love You Like a Sis) is our paid membership platform where you can have real-life conversations while supporting this podcast and the work we do in the Facebook group.

Follow us on ...