PODCAST

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast

Jason Ek

Welcome to Stuck in the Middle - the podcast about the music, movies, and culture of Generation X.

society & culture music history

All Episodes

51:37

Whatever Wednesday #6

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/11/05

What is up, Slackers?!After teasing it a couple of weeks ago, here we are with another “Whatever Wednesday”!So, what’s on the menu for this episode? Me complaining about stuff again, a belated shout-out to the late, great Ace Frehley, some new TV series I’ve been watching, a few more horror movie reviews, and giving some love to another great Gen X podcast.Got any topics you’d like to hear covered on a future episode? Let me know at stuckinthemiddlepod@yahoo.com, on Instagram, X, and YouTube

62:40

Horror Galore

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/10/29

Happy Halloween, Slackers!True to form this season, I've been deep in a horror marathon. While the bulk are fresh 2025 releases, I caught up on a handful I missed from the last few years.From elevated dread to relentless slashers and wildly unhinged horror-comedy, there's a flavor for every fright fan. I've kept this as spoiler-free as possible—perfect if you're lining these up for your Halloween weekend binge.Drop your top picks from the past year in the comments.

67:11

Living With Autoimmune Disease

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/10/22

Hey, Slackers!This episode was meant to be a laid-back "Whatever Wednesday," but it turned into something deeper as I felt the need to share what's been weighing on me.Recovering from surgery has been tougher than expected, and I open up about the challenges I've faced. Like many of us, especially in Gen X, we tend to push through pain, illness, or struggles with a "grit your teeth and move on" mentality. While there's strength in that resilience, it can also be a risky approach that overlooks our

53:19

Blockbuster Directors of the 70s & 80s - But Not The...

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/10/15

Get your popcorn ready, Slackers!We all know the legendary names—Spielberg, Scorsese, Raimi—directors who kicked off in the 1970s and kept crafting cinematic masterpieces for decades. But what about the filmmakers who delivered massive hits yet couldn’t sustain the magic? For one reason or another—whether it was a lack of the right scripts, budgets, or staying power—their box office glory faded.Take names like John Badham, Michael Cimino, and Don Bluth. They created undeniable classics, films that

42:23

Building an '80s New Wave & Alt Rock Playlist (When...

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/10/08

Hey Slackers, we're taking a fun detour this episode!Longtime listeners know I was a die-hard hair band and metal fan back in the '80s, which, let's be honest, made me a bit of a genre snob. Looking back, I realize I missed out on a ton of incredible music from that decade.Inspired by my son’s request for a fresh playlist, I decided to step outside my usual rock, metal, punk, and emo comfort zone. Instead, I dove into the vibrant world of synth-pop, new wave, EDM, and alt-rock, curating a collection

41:42

From Star to Superstar - When Musicians Go Solo

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/10/01

More 80s goodness on deck, Slackers!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&B or forged entirely new sounds. Their debut albums were

46:21

Perfect Guitar Solos - (Mostly) Hair Band Edition

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/09/24

Hit it, Slackers!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 Mars? No question. But does he craft the best solos? Not always. Is

62:21

A Gen X Perspective: Politics, Tragedy, and the...

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/09/17

Hey, Slackers.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 evenly split across party lines, I believe we're far more centrist

44:25

Gen X Candy and "Fine" Dining

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/09/10

Let's eat, Slackers!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? Well I sure did, and it was glorious.There's so much tension in the

63:39

Words You Aren't Supposed To Say Anymore.

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/09/03

Sticks and stones, Slackers!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 addresses the counter-reaction, where some reject this shift as word

87:44

The Quentin Tarantino Tier List

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/08/27

Grab a pack of Red Apples and head on over to Jack Rabbit Slims, Slackers!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 filmography.Tarantino has a unique voice in filmmaking: his signature

57:04

What I've Been Watching

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/08/13

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

55:21

Toxic (Fan) Culture

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/08/06

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

62:54

Hulk Hogan

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/07/30

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

106:29

Ozzy

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/07/23

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

49:31

80s Superstars: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/07/16

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

29:22

A Gen Xer's Superman Review

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/07/15

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!

58:54

It's a Super(man) Week!

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/07/09

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,

41:20

Ringo Starr's All Star Band

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/07/02

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

44:37

WWIII...again? Or still?

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/06/25

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

187 results

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

Voices of Life

APG Mannheim

Promo Estereo Podcast

Promo Estereo

Talking Timelines Podcast

Talkingtimelines

גיקונומי

ראם שרמן ודורון ניר

Drømmefanger

Drømmefanger