GenX Journeys

Welcome to GenX Journeys, the podcast that celebrates reinvention, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of Generation X! 🎸💥Formerly known as Journey of the Rhode Runner and Inspiring Journeys, this evolution reflects the path so many of us are on—rediscovering our passions, rewriting our stories, and proving that it's never too late to thrive.Each week, we bring you:📅 Wednesdays – New episodes of GenX Journeys, featuring inspiring conversations with thought leaders, athletes, entertainers, and everyday warriors who embody the GenX mindset: work hard, play hard, and never stop growing.📅 Thursdays – Throwback Thursdays, where we revisit classic episodes from Return to the '80s—a nostalgic deep dive into the movies, music, and pop culture that shaped us.📅 Fridays – Power Surge, a short, high-energy dose of inspiration to fuel your mindset and keep you moving forward. Each episode begins with a heartfelt tribute to a fallen hero, honoring the mission of 22 Too Many.Because the best

GenX Journeys is a education podcast hosted by Paul Stroessner, with 200 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Paul Stroessner hosts GenX Journeys, a education show with 200 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  GenX Journeys

  Federal Prison, Resilience & Reinvention (Part 2) | Dr. Linda Varisco

  Jul 29, 20261h 26m

  In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Linda Varisco, we continue her remarkable story where Part 1 left off. After being sentenced to federal prison for a crime that began with a devastating scam, Linda shares what life was really like behind prison walls. From self-surrender and prison routines to unexpected friendships, creative survival, and finding purpose in the most difficult circumstances, she offers an honest and deeply human look at incarceration. You'll hear stories about: Adjusting to life in a federal prison camp Using her chiropractic skills to help fellow inmates Teaching Pilates and building community Writing the first draft of her memoir by hand Finding hope through creativity, books, and service Learning to forgive and move forward The challenges of rebuilding life after prison More than a story about incarceration, this is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and refusing to let your worst chapter define the rest of your life. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, be sure to start there to hear the events that led to Linda's prison sentence and the remarkable journey that brought her to this point. About Dr. Linda Varisco Dr. Linda Varisco is a chiropractor, bestselling author, speaker, and survivor whose life has been marked by extraordinary highs and heartbreaking lows. She is the author of The Girl with the Million Dollar Smile trilogy, where she shares her incredible journey of love, loss, betrayal, federal prison, and ultimately, hope. Connect with Dr. Linda Varisco https://lindavarisco.com TikTok: @thelifeofmrpeaches GenX Journeys is where Generation X comes to embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future. Follow, subscribe, and share wherever you listen to podcasts. Connect with GenX Journeys Website: GenXJourneys.net Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 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

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  Episode #27

  A Thousand Questions, A Hundred Answers | Lara Brenckle Malmont's Journey to Three Rivers Home

  Jul 16, 20261h 22mS4

  Every family has stories. Some are passed down from generation to generation, while others are nearly lost to time. In this episode of GenX Journeys , Paul Stroessner and Suzanne Mattaboni welcome author Lara Brenckle Malmont to share the remarkable true story that inspired her debut novel, Three Rivers Home . What began as childhood curiosity about a grandfather she never met turned into a twenty-year journey through family records, newspaper archives, courthouse documents, and long-forgotten letters. Along the way, Lara discovered a little-known chapter of Pittsburgh history involving children who were "farmed out" through Allegheny County's early foster care system—while also uncovering a deeper understanding of resilience, family, and the stories that shape us. The conversation also explores growing up Gen X, the books that inspired a generation of readers and writers, the influence of journalism, preserving family history before it's lost, and why asking questions may be one of the greatest gifts we can pass on. Whether you're fascinated by genealogy, historical fiction, or simply love hearing meaningful conversations, this episode is a reminder that every family has a story worth discovering. In This Episode Growing up Gen X in and around Pittsburgh How childhood curiosity became a 20-year research project The true story behind Three Rivers Home Forgotten history and Pittsburgh's early foster care system Journalism, storytelling, and historical fiction The books that shaped a generation of Gen X readers Why preserving family stories matters more than ever About Our Guest Lara Brenckle Malmont is a Pittsburgh native, journalist, and author of Three Rivers Home . Her writing explores the people, places, and stories that define home. Her debut novel is inspired by the true story of her paternal grandfather's childhood in early twentieth-century Pittsburgh and the forgotten history surrounding Allegheny County's dependent children. Connect with Lara larabrencklemalmont.com Get Three Rivers Home on Amazon Facebook Instagram ( @lara_brenckle_malmont ) LinkedIn: larabrenckle TikTok: @larabrencklemalmont X: @larabrenckle Closing If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves great stories and meaningful conversations. Because every journey begins with a question... and sometimes the answers change everything. Who in your family has a story you've never asked about? Maybe it's time to start asking. More from the GenX Book Club Crew 📖 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 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 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

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  GenX Journeys

  GenX Book Club: The Last Mixtape with Steve Matsumoto

  Jun 30, 202647 min

  What if the songs that shaped your life could also help you heal? In this episode of GenX Book Club , Paul Stroessner and Suzanne Mattaboni welcome author Steve Matsumoto to discuss his heartfelt debut novel, The Last Mixtape . Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, The Last Mixtape follows first-grade teacher James Nakamura as he struggles to navigate life after the loss of his sister. Through grief, friendship, romance, and the music that defined a generation, Steve explores how memories can both haunt us and help us move forward. Together, we discuss: The real-life experiences that inspired the novel Why mixtapes were so much more than playlists Balancing humor with grief Writing authentic male vulnerability Becoming an author later in life Why physical music still holds a special place for Gen X The emotional power of nostalgia without relying on nostalgia alone We also share plenty of memories about cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs, discovering music before streaming, and the uniquely Gen X experience of communicating through songs. Whether you've experienced loss, love discovering new authors, or simply remember spending hours crafting the perfect mixtape, this conversation is filled with heart, humor, and plenty of 90s memories. About Steve Matsumoto Steve Matsumoto is the author of The Last Mixtape , a coming-of-age novel inspired by personal experiences with grief, family, and the music that shaped a generation. He lives in Southern California and is currently working on the next novel featuring James Nakamura. https://www.stevematsumoto.com/ More from the GenX Book Club Crew 📖 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 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 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. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow/subscribe on your favorite podcast app and leave a review.

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  Episode #26

  It's Never Too Late to Chase Your Dreams with Stacie Jones

  Jun 24, 202636 minS4

  What if the dream you had at five years old was still waiting for you? In this inspiring episode of GenX Journeys , Paul welcomes Stacie Jones , founder of AB & J Travel Agency , certified travel advisor, entrepreneur, stroke survivor, Guinness World Record holder, and someone who proves it's never too late to reinvent your life. As a little girl growing up in the 1970s, Stacie dreamed of seeing the world. Life took her in a different direction, leading her into a successful corporate career. But after suffering multiple strokes in 2022, she was forced to slow down and re-evaluate everything. Instead of giving up, she returned to the dream she'd carried since childhood. Today, Stacie helps others create unforgettable travel experiences while living the life she always imagined. Along the way, she shares why travel is about far more than vacations. It's about healing, perspective, renewal, and finding your way back to yourself. Paul and Stacie also take a nostalgic trip through Gen X memories, including favorite TV shows, music, childhood crushes, and plenty of laughs that every Gen Xer will appreciate. In This Episode: Growing up Gen X in the 1970s and '80s The childhood dream that never disappeared Life after surviving multiple strokes Leaving corporate America to build a dream business Why travel can transform your perspective Common misconceptions about using a travel advisor Affordable bucket-list travel Favorite travel destinations (including Sedona and Vietnam) Dream trips still on the horizon Gen X nostalgia: Dukes of Hazzard, Knight Rider, Buck Rogers, Duran Duran, Men at Work, The Muppets, and much more Whether you're dreaming about traveling, changing careers, or rediscovering the person you always wanted to become, this conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to begin again. Connect with Stacie Jones Facebook: Stacie N. Jones AB & J Travel Agency Phone: (513) 991-2717 🎙 GenX Journeys is where Generation X comes to embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future. Follow, subscribe, and share wherever you listen to podcasts. 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 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

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  Episode #25

  There Are Places I Remember with Mike Di Leo

  Jun 17, 202650 minS4

  What if you could step back into the neighborhoods, friendships, and moments that shaped your life? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul welcomes author Mike Di Leo to discuss his remarkable book, There Are Places I Remember . More than a collection of short stories, the book is a tapestry of interconnected memories spanning the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and beyond. Through themes of family, friendship, music, loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time, Mike captures experiences that resonate with Gen X and anyone who has ever looked back on the places and people who shaped them. Mike shares how the book evolved from an abandoned novel into forty interconnected stories, written during his daily train commute into New York City. The conversation explores growing up on Long Island, the changing nature of memory, revisiting childhood neighborhoods, the impact of 9/11, the universal pull of nostalgia, and why certain moments stay with us forever. Whether you're a fan of storytelling, history, music, sports, or simply reflecting on life's journey, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of where we've been and how those experiences continue to shape who we are. In This Episode Mike's journey from project manager to published author How There Are Places I Remember came to life Writing an entire book on an iPhone during train commutes The challenge and joy of connecting forty separate stories into one cohesive experience Why nostalgia plays such a powerful role in our lives Growing up in the suburbs during the 1970s and 1980s Revisiting childhood neighborhoods and seeing them through adult eyes Mike's firsthand experience during the events of September 11, 2001 The changing nature of culture from Gen X to today Baseball fandom, the Yankees-Mets rivalry, and sports nostalgia The Beatles, James Bond, and the cultural touchstones that shaped a generation What Mike is working on next About Mike Di Leo Mike Di Leo is an independent author from Long Island, New York. His latest book, There Are Places I Remember , is a unique collection of interconnected stories that span decades and explore memory, family, friendship, and the moments that define our lives. He is also the author of Images of Broken Light and The Spy Who Thrilled Us: A Guide to the Best of Cinematic James Bond . Connect with Mike Website: MichaelDiLeoAuthor.com Books available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 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

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