Join David and Dave for the finale of Stupid Gen X Tricks (until we change our minds) as they tackle what it means for a generation of people that have stayed 30 since they were 12 years old to start to face a new phase. In this special episode, they're joined by Ken Stern, author of "Healthy to 100: Lessons from the World's Healthiest Countries" and host of the award-winning podcast Century Lives.

Episode Highlights

· Why We're Living Longer (But Not Necessarily Better)

· How Retirement Could Kill You

· Social Connection: The Secret Sauce

· Class, Work, and Aging

· Across the Wilfred Brimley Line: What Gen Xers Need to Know

Timestamps

• 00:00 – The Sopranos Finale
• 02:07 - Series Finale Announcement
• 03:24 - Where Gen X Goes From Here
• 03:45 - The Wilfred Brimley Line
• 06:15 - What Did Getting Older Look Like When You Were a Kid?
• 10:22 - Losing the Thread (Agriculture & Chiropractic Tangent)
• 11:04 - Book Introduction
• 12:11 - Ken Stern Interview Begins
• 13:30 - How Ken Got Interested in Longevity
• 14:45 - The Presidio, Texas Story: Social Connection
• 17:07 - Bowling Alone & Declining Social Capital
• 18:25 - The Hispanic Paradox
• 18:45 - The Invention of Retirement
• 23:17 - Japan: Where People Want to Keep Working
• 24:10 - The Paradox: People Want Retirement But It's Bad For Us
• 26:11 - Social Connection Beyond Work
• 26:45 - The Math of Friendship: 50 Hours to Be Friends, 200 for Close Friends
• 27:07 - Korea's Lifelong Learning & Singapore's Multi-generational Housing
• 28:01 - Technology's Impact: Is This Everywhere?
• 30:11 - Generational Attitudes: Will Gen X Be Different?
• 31:36 - "Boomers Won't Get Out of the Way" - Rejecting Generational Warfare
• 35:15 - Education and Friendship: The Stark Divide
• 37:05 - Fighting Age Discrimination
• 39:30 - Rejecting the "Decline Narrative"
• 40:30 - The Cult of Youth Must End
• 41:02 - Jane Goodall & Mel Brooks: Models of Late-Life Productivity
• 42:21 - Final Segment: Wormholes Theme
• 45:10 - What We've Learned: Sesame Street Metaphor
• 46:04 - How Real is Generation X?
• 47:15 - The One Thing That Unites Gen X: Technology
• 50:18 - Final Thanks & Farewell

#GenX #Aging #Longevity #Retirement #SocialConnection #Podcast #GenerationX

Was 1979 the year when Gen X started to become Gen X? From the introduction of the Sony Walkman to the birth of cable TV, the hosts discuss how this pivotal year influenced technology, music, movies, and pop culture. They share personal stories about childhood disappointments, debate musical tastes from punk to disco, and reflect on everything from the Iranian hostage crisis to the magic of Monty Python.

Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction & The Sony Walkman
[00:09:00] The Birth of Cable TV: ESPN & C-SPAN
[00:15:15] Personal Stories: Magic Johnson, Childhood Trauma and more
[00:20:33] World Events: Iran & Afghanistan
[00:25:22] Happy Meals, Three Mile Island & Sports Championships
[00:31:21] Music of 1979: The Wall, London Calling and so much more
[00:43:44] The Birth of Goth & New Wave
[00:52:00] Movies of 1979: Kramer vs Kramer, Life of Brian, Breaking Away, Apocalypse Now
[01:01:00] Television & Books: Dallas, Hitchhiker's Guide and more
[01:06:12] Wormhole Time
[01:13:07] Closing & Next Episode Preview
The hosts wrap up and preview their upcoming conversation with author Ken Stern about aging well and maintaining purpose in later life.

Subscribe to Stupid Gen X Tricks for more nostalgic deep dives into the culture that shaped Generation X!

Dave Anderson shares the bizarre story of spending a day with supermodel Cindy Crawford for MTV while working at the Clinton White House. Then we're joined by former colleague David Beaubaire, who made the leap from politics to producing some of Hollywood's biggest films and shows.

We explore how accurately (or inaccurately) movies and TV capture life in the White House, from the sunny optimism of "Dave" and "The West Wing" to the darkness of "House of Cards." Why does Hollywood love the Oval Office so much? What gets portrayed right, and what's completely made up? And could there ever be a great show about Capitol Hill?

Plus: Dave Beaubaire discusses his upcoming film about the failed Camp David peace negotiations, and explains what lessons from White House service actually apply in Hollywood.

Wormholes segment includes Halloween decoration trends and a tribute to artistic filmmaking.

Subscribe to Stupid Gen X Tricks for weekly conversations about the culture that shaped a generation.