Strangers With Kittens: Gen X Stories from the Least Parented Generation.

Feeling completely overwhelmed by an autism diagnosis? This week on Strangers With Kittens, Eileen sits down with Yale-educated scientist, medical strategist, and autism parent Dr. Theresa Lyons PhD, founder of Awetism.net.

Eileen and Dr. Lyons dive deep into the raw, unspoken realities of autism parenting and special needs advocacy. This episode isn’t just about the kids—it’s about how parents can navigate the complex medical system, advocate fiercely, and prioritize parent self-care before hitting absolute burnout. Discover how to tackle information overload and manage the unique mental health struggles that come with unlocking this extreme level of parenting.

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

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Did you grow up in a household where you had to fend for yourself? This week on Strangers With Kittens, host Eileen Kelly dredges up the hidden stories behind childhood trauma, sibling scars, and intense family drama. Look back at what it was really like growing up Gen X—a generation often described as "feral" where kids were left raising other kids. From brutal sibling rivalry and backyard brawls to navigating dysfunctional family dynamics without adult supervision, Eileen shares hilarious, dark, and honest stories of survival. Whether it's a knockout brawl with your brother, a teenage home invader, or kids raising other kids, Gen X has seen a lot. Dropping lore and much, much more on this episode of Strangers With Kittens

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

Follow Strangers With Kittens On Social Media 

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Keep The Conversation Going 

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As Gen Xers, many of us grew up with the phrase "suck it up." But as adults, we are finally learning that protecting our peace is essential.

This week on Strangers With Kittens, we are exploring how to build healthy boundaries without shutting the world out. Host Eileen is joined by licensed therapist Katrina Oliver to share actionable, effective strategies for setting boundaries in midlife.

Katrina shares her expertise on how to recognize and resist generational trauma (or trickle-down trauma) passed down from our childhoods. Learn how to navigate difficult family dynamics, stop people-pleasing, and protect your mental health as a Gen X adult. It’s time to break the cycle and heal.

Connect with our guest:

• Learn more about Katrina Oliver's practice: https://www.instagram.com/counselorkatrina/
• Follow Strangers With Kittens for more Gen X stories: 

✨ If this mental health conversation helped you, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help other Gen Xers find our community!

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

Follow Strangers With Kittens On Social Media 

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Keep The Conversation Going 

https://www.strangerswithkittens.com/

Yearning for the blissful days of youth? This week on Strangers With Kittens, host Eileen Kelly dives into the wild, terrifying, and 100% real reality of surviving summer and spring break in 1970s New Jersey.

We are looking back at the infamous Action Park history—home to concrete water slides, sub-zero lagoons, and dangerous wave pools that became the stuff of Garden State legend. Plus, Eileen shares crazy listener stories from Warner Bros.' Jungle Habitat in West Milford, where baboons routinely climbed onto car hoods and exotic animals escaped into local neighborhoods. Tune in for a hilarious, nostalgia-packed trip down memory lane. Did you survive "Traction Park" or have a personal encounter with a Jungle Habitat monkey? Drop your lore! 

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

Follow Strangers With Kittens On Social Media 

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Keep The Conversation Going 

https://www.strangerswithkittens.com/

Did we really love the 1990s, or are we just looking back through our Buddy Holly rose-tinted glasses? This week on Strangers With Kittens, Eileen sits down with  Carey Reilly for a hilarious comedy interview about the raw, unfiltered reality of growing up in the 90s.

Before smartphones and streaming, life was dictated by landlines, pagers, and Friday night trips to Blockbuster Video. Eileen and Carey look past the 90s nostalgia to tackle the grit of old-school New York, the rampant cultural sexism of the era, and what it was like navigating early adulthood completely on your own. Tune in for their takes on a tumultuous love story and a funny, honest ode to a decade that was "all that and a bag of chips."

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

Follow Strangers With Kittens On Social Media 

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Instagram

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Keep The Conversation Going 

https://www.strangerswithkittens.com/

Generation X has been called a lot of things: cynical, detached, slackers, just to name a few. But the truth is? We are just completely exhausted. This week on Strangers With Kittens, host Eileen Kelly delivers a raw, honest look at the heavy burdens carrying the sandwich generation.

As a group that essentially parented themselves as latchkey kids, Gen X has spent decades being held responsible for fixing everyone else's problems. Now in midlife, we are stuck juggling the emotional and financial strain of raising teens and adult children, caring for aging parents, and navigating a shifting culture. Tune in for a hilarious yet deeply validating Society & Culture episode that skips the toxic positivity and gives voice to why our entire generation feels like turning up our Walkmans, putting on our shades, and saying, "Peace, out."

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

Follow Strangers With Kittens On Social Media 

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Keep The Conversation Going 

https://www.strangerswithkittens.com/

Eileen invites Nikki Mammano, author of Breaking Good to the show. Without spoiling the memoir the two discuss addiction, drug abuse, bad decisions, and even worse consequences. A harrowing and suspenseful glimpse in time that reminds us that sometimes breaking completely is the only way to become whole. 

Get A Signed Copy of the Book "Breaking Good"  here 

www.nikkimammano.com

Get Involved and Learn More About Ryse Hawaii Here 

www.rysehawaii.org/donate/

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

Follow Strangers With Kittens On Social Media 

Facebook 

Instagram

TikTok

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Keep The Conversation Going 

https://www.strangerswithkittens.com/

Strangers With Kittens returns this week after a 2-week hiatus. This week, Eileen confronts death and explores grief within our society. After losing a close friend, Eileen reflects on that core relationship. Wrestling with death, end-of-life care, relationships, this life, and after. Get one GenXer's take here.

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

Follow Strangers With Kittens On Social Media 

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Keep The Conversation Going 

https://www.strangerswithkittens.com/

Just can't get enough woo with Chris Nolan. This episode includes all the moments you missed from the previous episode. Think of it as a little treat. A bonus. Special Edition. Director's Cut. You've been fighting fascism all week; you deserve a little something extra.  

To find the post on Instragram referenced in during the intro 

Click Here: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DURRqUCAQI5/?img_index=17&igsh=bGwwMzdxY2E0djVh 

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

Follow Strangers With Kittens On Social Media 

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Instagram

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Keep The Conversation Going 

https://www.strangerswithkittens.com/

Everyone has that one book that fundamentally alters their perceptions, perspectives, or, in this case, their future. We can't say that everyone finds their purpose in the eighth grade, but this week's guest will make you think about your life's purpose and proves Mom really does know best.

Join Astrologer and Friend Chris Nolan on this episode of Strangers With Kittens. 

Together we dive deep into topics surrounding birth charts, astrology, numerology and more. 

Connect With Chris and Grab Tickets To Future Events Here 

https://linktr.ee/wujibliss

Support the show

Strangers With Kittens is a podcast created by Eileen Kelly and Produced by Ashley Aker. Original music composed and performed by Chris Hajian. You can listen to full podcast episodes on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and Apple Podcasts. 

✨ If you love raw, authentic Gen X stories, hit the FOLLOW button on Spotify to help our podcast grow!

Follow Strangers With Kittens On Social Media 

Facebook 

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Keep The Conversation Going 

https://www.strangerswithkittens.com/