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

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

44:22

Paranormal 80's

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/06/18

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

51:51

The Books & Magazines of a Gen X Childhood

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/06/11

What's up, Slackers!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: Relive the thrill of interactive adventures, whimsical stories about

44:42

1989 - Billboard, Box Office & News

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/06/04

If I could turn back time—exactly 36 years—it would be 1989!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 enjoying a late-career resurgence, with alternative and pop also well

61:35

Cheesy 80's Sci Fi & Fantasy Films

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/05/28

It's about to get pretty cheesy, Slackers!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, these films thrilled audiences with their larger-than-life stories

65:42

1995 - New City, New Sounds

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/05/21

Picture it, Boston, 1995. A young man from Meriden, CT decides to uproot his life and move to a new city. New faces, new friends, and plenty of new music.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 like Tower Records.Much of the music on the radio at the time was not

47:16

Summer Concerts & Festivals 2025

Stuck In The Middle - A Gen X Podcast ·

2025/05/14

Get ready to rock, Slackers! This episode honors ECW legend Sabu and previews the killer music festivals lighting up summer 2025. From metal to alternative, these lineups prove ‘80s & ‘90s music is still very much alive.Tribute to Sabu We salute Sabu, the hardcore ECW icon whose death-defying style defined ‘90s wrestling. His fearless dives and chaotic energy left a lasting mark on Gen X wrestling fans and the entire wrestling industry.Summer 2025 Concerts & Music Festivals The Summer of

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