TV time, Slackers!

This episode covers my favorite TV shows that I've watched over the last 12 months, all shaped by Generation X creators.

Ted Lasso, Succession, Severance, and Shrinking stand out with their mix of humor, heart, and sharp insight. Jason Sudeikis and Bill Lawrence bring warmth to Ted Lasso, while Jesse Armstrong’s Succession nails generational power dynamics. Ben Stiller’s Severance is just bonkers, anchored by Adam Scott's Mark Scout, and Brett Goldstein’s Shrinking dives into grief with humor and empathy.

Not to mention that Brett Goldstein is Roy F'n Kent.

Plus, many more shows with great casts, stories, and visuals!

These shows carry a Gen X edge—real, witty, and grounded. Listen to hear why these shows hit home with me and how Gen X creators make them unforgettable.

Are we the bad guys, Slackers?

On this week's episode, I dive into the phenomenon of toxic fandom, exploring how Generation X shaped the passionate, sometimes divisive, fan cultures around Star Wars, wrestling, music, and even the DC vs. Marvel rivalry.

From gatekeeping in 1980s punk scenes to online harassment in modern fandoms, we examine Gen X’s role in setting early fan standards that can exclude newcomers. Anyone remember Usenet groups? Ever call someone a poser?

There is a direct correlation between how our own sense of nostalgia and the early internet amplified tribalism. I mean, how many Gen Xers claimed George Lucas "ruined" Star Wars?

Did Gen X spark toxic fandom, or is it a broader cultural issue? Can fandoms (and society) somehow become less toxic, or has that ship already sailed?

Let me know! 
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What'cha gonna do, Slackers!?

Another icon of Gen X's childhood has passed away. This time "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan. While Hogan's passing has garnered plenty of social media attention, I would rather focus much of the podcast on his wrestling career.

Like many, Hogan was THE superstar that made kids become wrestling fans. Hulkster cartoons, toys, and WrestleMania pay-per-views were all in high demand in the 1980's. He was the 'Real American" and the top draw of his era. After a decade "on top' as the ultimate baby face, he stunned the world again by becoming the top heel in WCW as part of the NWO.

If you were a wrestling fan, Hogan bridged the gap between our childhood hero worship and our cynical young adulthood by becoming the bad guy. Same guy, two entirely different styles. It was an amazing time for the wrestling business.

While I don't shy away from his personal failures, I think that his persona onscreen and the man he may or may not have been offscreen can and should be separated.

Not to be forgotten, Malcolm Jamal Warner, one of ours, and by all accounts a stand up guy, tragically lost his life in an accident in Costa Rica, will also be remembered this week. I have a story from High School in which "Theo" played a primary part.

The Prince of Darkness has passed away.

I had a different topic in mind for this week, but my thoughts were stuck on Ozzy. Like many of us, Ozzy has been a fixture in our lives, particulalry if you love heavy music. Or reality television.

In order to give Ozzy his proper due, I asked Justin to join me for this episode. His knowledge of music is astounding and it was through some of our teenage cover bands that I was introduced to Ozzy's solo work. I only really knew the Sabbath stuff. And Crazy Train. Big thanks to Justin for doing this on such short notice.

Rest in peace, Ozzy.

Burn out or fade away, Slackers?

This episode pulls back the curtain on 80s superstars who slipped from the spotlight, revealing that not every story is a tragedy. The 80s were a whirlwind of bold personalities, but for some, fame was fleeting—whether by choice or circumstance.

Take one superstar actress who lit up the screen in a cult classic, only to step away to focus on family, trading Hollywood for a quieter life running a small business. Another, a comedy legend, chose to prioritize personal life after a loss, only recently dipping back into the industry with small projects. Their stories show that stepping back can be a powerful choice, not a fall from grace.

Others faced different paths—some wrestled with the industry’s shifting trends, like a musician whose synthpop hits faded as tastes changed. Another star, typecast in a beloved TV role, found the spotlight dimming as opportunities dried up. These glimpses hint at the challenges and choices that shaped their journeys, from personal reinvention to navigating fame’s pitfalls. What drove these stars away, and where are they now? 

Tune as we delve into the post fame lives of some 80s icons - far beyond the reach of the limelight. Catch the episode on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey Slackers, as promised, here's my review of the new Superman movie. As a kid of the 70s & 80s, I've pretty much seen them all - so what did I think of Mr. Gunn's foray into the world of Superman and the new?

Plus, I also dropped this as a video review - my first video content in more than a year - so feel free to check it out over on YouTube, too!

Look, Slackers! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a SUPER week!

This Friday, July 11, 2025, James Gunn’s Superman soars into theaters! This week, we’re diving into the legacy of the Man of Steel, looking back and forward.

I’ll share my fandom journey from the late 1970s, through the post-Crisis comics era, the iconic Christopher Reeve films, and the Henry Cavill “Snyderverse” portrayal. Other interpretations will get their moment, too!Superman’s essence is straightforward: he’s a good, kind, and humble Kansas farmboy despite his immense power. He doesn’t need to be dark or brooding to suit today’s cynicism—he’s a beacon of positivity in spite of it.

I’m stoked for the new film! Stay tuned for my thoughts in a follow-up episode after I see it on Friday.

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends, Slackers!

On a quick vacation trip to Omaha, Nebraska, I had the pleasure of catching a FREE concert - none other than Ringo Starr and his All Star Band. Comprised of members of TOTO and MEN AT WORK, this was better than could be expected for a free concert in the park!

Not only does Ringo look and sound amazing for 84 years old, the band is spectacular, with each artist getting to play songs from their vast catalogues. Admittedly, Colin Hay from MEN AT WORK was the guy I was most stoked about seeing - and he did not disappoint. Although, I was really hoping to hear Overkill!

And Steve Lukather is a savage guitar player, but seeing it in person was a sight to behold. 

This is a quick episode, with some details of our AWFUL travel experiences, the challenges of aging and ailing parents, and how sobriety occasionally leads to some lowkey FOMO.

If you get a chance to catch the MEN AT WORK, TOTO, Christopher Cross tour - take it!

Hey, it's war time again, Slackers!

This week, we explore the persistent shadow of World War III as a defining theme for Generation X, shaped by decades of global tensions and media narratives. From Cold War nuclear anxieties to modern geopolitical flashpoints, we examine how the press periodically declared global conflict “imminent,” reflecting the uncertainty of Gen X’s formative years. These apocalyptic warnings became a cultural touchstone, capturing the unease of a generation raised amid superpower rivalries and shifting global orders.

We briefly touch on key Middle Eastern events, such as regional upheavals in the late 1970s and 1980s, which fueled fears of broader conflict (sound familiar?). These moments, alongside other global crises, prompted headlines warning of World War III as media outlets amplified international rivalries. We discuss how this coverage, blending genuine concern with sensationalism, shaped Gen X’s worldview, fostering skepticism and resilience in the face of existential threats.

The media often framed global events as tipping points for catastrophe, from Cold War close calls to modern proxy conflicts. We explore how these narratives, in print and on air, tapped into collective anxieties about the fragility of peace, resonating deeply with a generation straddling analog and digital eras. The recurring specter of global war became a backdrop to Gen X’s coming-of-age, shaping their perspectives on power and stability.

The persistent threat of World War III, whether real or exaggerated, has left an indelible mark on Gen X’s cultural and political outlook.

Time for some weird tales, Slackers!

Step into the eerie underbelly of the 1980s as we unravel five paranormal stories that gripped the nation (or at least the Northeast), blending supernatural intrigue with everyday human drama. From objects defying gravity to a courtroom battle invoking demonic forces, these tales defined an era fascinated by the unknown. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the choice is yours.

We begin with the Columbus Poltergeist Case of 1984, where a troubled teen’s home erupted in chaos, sparking debates over paranormal phenomena versus psychological distress. Next, we explore a historic legal case where a shocking defense was argued, guided by the controversial demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. To set the stage, we’ll introduce the Warrens’ polarizing legacy as paranormal investigators, whose influence looms large in two other cases we’ll uncover.

Our journey continues to a Massachusetts farm, where claims of otherworldly torment clashed with allegations of deception and abuse. Then, we visit a Connecticut family living in a former funeral home, where alleged supernatural assaults raised questions about truth and the exploitation of the dead. Finally, we delve into a Chicago urban legend, where mysterious cemetery damage fueled tales of a restless spirit.

A recurring theme in many of these stories is the Warrens’ role in shaping the 1980s paranormal craze. Were these events glimpses of the supernatural or tragic manifestations of trauma and mental illness? We’ll reflect on the era’s obsession with the occult and the fine line between belief and doubt, inviting you to question what lies beyond the explainable.

Share your thoughts or eerie encounters on Instagram, X, or YouTube @stuckpodx, like the
Stuck in the Middle: A Gen X Podcast Facebook page, or email us at [email protected].