Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast
Welcome to Stuck in the Middle - the podcast about the music, movies, and culture of Generation X.
Episodes
The 1980s were a springboard for musicians who left chart-topping bands to chase solo stardom, often outshining their former groups with blockbuster success. This episode explores artists who turned band fame into iconic solo careers, surpassing their groups’ album sales with hits that defined the decade.
Going solo was a bold move. Some swapped gritty rock for sleek pop, others wove in soulful R&...
On this week’s episode, I’m debunking the myth that the best guitarists always deliver the greatest solos. Sure, virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen shred with jaw-dropping skill, but do their weedly-weedly-dee solos always elevate the song? Not necessarily! Sometimes, simpler is better—think melodic, tasteful, and hummable solos that truly serve the music.
Is Eddie Van Halen a better guitarist than Mötley Crüe’s Mick Ma...
This isn't the type of podcast I typically enjoy recording, but the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk compelled me to address this topic. I generally avoid discussing religion or politics on the show - it's not my focus - but Generation X has lived through some profoundly challenging events due to our place in history.
First, I'll explore recent data on Gen X's political positioning. While the numbers suggest we're...
This episode is simple: Candy & Restaurants. That's it. That's the topic.
I rediscovered one of my all time favorite candy bars, the mighty 5th Avenue and that led us here.
I also came across a closed restaurant storefront and started thinking back to the places that 6 year old me would have thought were "fancy" dining. You know, like Sizzler or Ponderosa. Ever have a Ponderosa steak on a Sunday after church? ...
This week is all about words and phrases that have fallen out of favor, driven by shifting societal norms often labeled as oversensitive, while highlighting the pushback from those who defiantly reuse or revive these terms. First we'll explore phrases deemed insensitive - particularly around disability, gender, and sexuality - examining how the drive to sanitize language has sidelined them. It also addre...
This week's episode is dedicated to the violent, stylish, and unforgettable world of Quentin Tarantino's films.
After a solid month of rewatching every single one of his movies, from the gritty heist-gone-wrong caper of Reservoir Dogs to the Hollywood glow of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, I’m ready to lay out my personal tier list ranking of his iconic filmo...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 Ozz...
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...
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!
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 the...
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 so...
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...
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 th...
This week we take a journey through the pages of the books and magazines that shaped our Gen X childhoods!
From choose-your-own-adventure stories to fantastical tales of chocolate factories and epic fantasy worlds, we’ll revisit the books that sparked our imaginations. Plus, we’ll flip through the colorful, quirky magazines filled with comics, humor, and puzzles that kept us entertained for hours.
The Books: Reliv...
This episode was inspired by the 1989 monster hit by Cher. Yes, that Cher, who was 43 years old and leaving nothing to the imagination!
As I’ve done in the past, we’re going to dig into the music charts and major box office hits, along with a few newsworthy events from the last year of the '80s.The music charts featured a mix of hair metal ballads and classic rock bands enj...
First though, this episode is dedicated to Rick Derringer. Rock legend, producer extraordinaire, and of course the man who brought us the classic wrestling theme song, Real American. Rest in peace, - brother.
This week we dive into a selection of 1980s sci-fi and fantasy films that shaped Gen X, including Krull, The Beastmaster, and Flash Gordon. Blending sword-and-sorcery with space opera, ...
It has been 30 years since I made the fateful decision to make the move to Boston. It was also a time to expand my musical palette. Thankfully, there was plenty of new music to choose from, with tons of second hand music shops like CD Spins, interspersed with the big retailers lik...
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