Explore every episode of the podcast "What's Next GenX?"
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voices Carry: GenX Speaking up at work | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:24:57 | |
Gen X doesn’t have a visibility problem because we lack talent. This conversation with Erin Mantz puts language to something a lot of us have been feeling: the “whatever” mindset that once made Gen X resilient can quietly make us forgettable in today’s workplace — especially in a job market where younger generations are louder, faster to self-advocate, and unapologetic about being seen. Erin shares how her community Gen X Girls Grow Up grew into a thriving space for nostalgia, connection, and culture — not as an escape from real life, but as a reminder that Gen X has always been resourceful, independent, and built for change. And now? Those traits need to be paired with something we weren’t trained to do: intentionality. You’ll hear a powerful distinction repeated throughout the episode: The conversation also tackles a lingering misconception Erin is done tolerating: the idea that Gen X “can’t keep up” with technology. This generation didn’t just witness the digital shift — we lived it. From AOL to fax machines to AI, Gen X has been navigating transformation since day one. The opportunity now is to show it, not just say it — and make our value visible in real time. And then it turns to the bigger reality many Gen X women are waking up to: one income stream isn’t enough. Not with layoffs, ageism, kids still at home (or back at home), and retirement feeling more like a concept than a plan. Erin highlights a trend she’s seeing everywhere — women revisiting old passions, monetizing dormant talents, and building “Plan B” on purpose… while they still have their day job. Along the way, there’s plenty of Gen X joy: 80s references, Barnes & Noble nostalgia, malls making a comeback, and the kind of cultural thread that reminds you why this generation still matters. Bottom line: Gen X is not invisible. Follow Erin here: https://www.facebook.com/GenXBlog https://www.genxgirlsgrowup.com/genxatwork | |||
| Strike a Pose: Power, Presence, and Style with Renée Lindo | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:40:14 | |
What if style isn’t vanity — but strategy? Renée Lindo is an executive image strategist, speaker, and founder of Let’s Get Dressed Now, shares about what it really means to show up powerfully in midlife. From boardrooms to Zoom rooms, Renée helps women rediscover the confidence hiding in their closets — and reminds us that how we present ourselves isn’t superficial, it’s strategic self-expression. 💎 In this conversation: Why dressing the woman you are now (not the one from ten years ago) changes everything - How to rebuild your wardrobe — and confidence — after career shifts, body changes, or burnout - The difference between being trendy and being current - How color, fit, and intention create presence before you ever say a word - Why style is a form of self-care — and your first layer of leadership 💭 Mic-drop takeaway: “The reason you’re having trouble getting dressed is because you’re dressing a woman who’s no longer there.” — Renée Lindo Whether you’re leading teams, starting something new, or simply ready to feel like you again, this conversation will help you reclaim your power, one outfit at a time. 🎧 Listen now ! #GenX #Leadership #StyleConfidence #MidlifeReinvention #PersonalBrand | |||
| Rapture” - Gen X Is Having a Moment | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:16:04 | |
You want your next big move, but - that corporate PTSD is real. You’ve been laid off, passed over, or pushed out and now you're wondering if it's even worth trying again. The title doesn’t hold the same weight, and frankly… neither does the paycheck. But here’s the truth: You still have value. You still have fire. You still have a voice. This week, we’re naming the fear and reclaiming the power. Tune in to hear how Gen Xers can step into new roles without dragging old trauma along for the ride. | |||
| The Employee Whisperer | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:35:22 | |
We’re living through one of the most uncertain moments in modern work. Layoffs, AI, burnout, fear — and Gen X is feeling it all. In this episode, Nicole and Ann Marie talk with Jason Greer, national labor expert, former NLRB board agent, and “Employee Whisperer,” about what’s really happening inside corporate America — and what Gen X professionals can do about it. Jason has spent his career advocating for employees, mediating labor disputes, and helping companies reimagine inclusion and engagement. But his insights hit deeper than headlines — they’re human, honest, and full of hope. ✨ In this episode:
Jason reminds us that we grew up resilient — but we were also built to dream. The future of work isn’t just AI. It’s human imagination, multiplied by experience. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Gen X can lead the next era of work — not get left behind in it. | |||
| Opportunities | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:09:35 | |
In 1986, the Pet Shop Boys sang, “I’ve got the brains, you’ve got the looks — let’s make lots of money.” Decades later, that line feels less like pop irony and more like a wake-up call for GenX professionals staring down a shifting economy. In this episode, Ann Marie breaks down what it really takes to build financial security and meaning in midlife — beyond the corporate ladder. You’ll hear:
It’s about building a life where money supports meaning — not the other way around. | |||
| Express Yourself | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:07:38 | |
There comes a point in every successful career when the words that once opened doors start to feel… off. They’re polished. Professional. Perfectly acceptable. For years, you’ve spoken through systems — boardrooms, brands, and expectations. This episode explores what it really means to find your voice again — Because when you stop waiting for permission to speak your truth, Your confidence rises. | |||
| Janelle Miller Moravek - Everybody Hurts | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:28:10 | |
🎙 Episode: Everybody Hurts (with Janelle Miller Moravek) Mental health isn’t just personal—it’s generational. In this powerful episode, Nicole and Ann Marie sit down with Janelle Miller Moravek, Executive Director of Youth & Family Counseling and longtime leader in community mental health. For 25+ years, Janelle has been breaking down barriers, making counseling more accessible, and helping families navigate challenges with compassion and clarity. Together, they explore what it means to be Gen X—the “just keep pushing” generation—and why ignoring mental health has cost us in careers, families, and communities. Janelle shares her own journey as both a leader and a mom, plus the tools that can help us stop keeping struggles in the shadows. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
Janelle also introduces her new project, ATLAS, a digital behavioral health atlas designed to help people find the right level of care at the right time. 🎧 If you’ve ever whispered “I’ll just push through,” this episode is your reminder: tending to your mental health isn’t selfish—it’s how you create ripple effects of strength in your family, work, and community. You can find Janelle at CounselingForAll.org | |||
| Keep on Moving: THE Nicole Gray | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:25:13 | |
Building something new doesn’t happen in one clean leap—it happens through iteration. In this special episode, Ann Marie flips the script and interviews her co-host, Nicole Gray, about her journey from corporate tech leader to confidence coach and founder of Shine AF. Nicole shares how being laid off became the unexpected push that set her in motion, and why iteration—not perfection—is the real key to creating a business that feels authentic. ✨ In this episode, Nicole reveals:
Nicole reminds us that nobody strikes it perfect out of the gate—and nobody cares if you change directions. What matters is starting, iterating, and keeping on moving. 🎧 If you’ve been waiting until everything is “perfect” to launch your next chapter, this episode is your permission slip to start messy, adjust as you go, and shine brighter with every iteration. Follow Nicole at THENicoleGray on Instagram and Linkedin | |||
| Adele Currin: Love is Stronger Than Pride | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:30:19 | |
Our guest, Adele Curran, is a relationship and communication coach helping smart, successful people navigate major turning points in love and life. After going through her own divorce, she turned that season of growth into her purpose: guiding others to build the clarity, skills, and resilience to either rebuild their relationships or end them with respect and dignity. ✨ In this episode, Adele shares three powerful takeaways from her coaching practice:
With a background as a nurse, integrative health coach, and certified Conscious Uncoupling and RTT practitioner, Adele blends structured coaching, subconscious healing, and communication tools. 🎧 Whether you’re in a marriage, partnership, or rebuilding after divorce, Adele’s story and approach prove it’s never too late to reset your patterns and create relationships rooted in honesty, intention, and connection.
Connect with Adele on her website at adelecurrin.com and over on Instagram @adelecurrin | |||
| “Break My Stride” with Tania P. Brown | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:32:32 | |
What if leaving corporate didn’t mean walking away from security—but walking toward freedom? In this episode, Nicole and Ann Marie talk with Tania P. Brown, financial planner and job exit strategist, about how to design a corporate exit that doesn’t require a vow of poverty. Tania shares her own story of climbing the corporate ladder, hitting a breaking point, and creating a plan that gave her both choice and confidence. From the “performance review from hell” to the realities of year one in business, she gets real about what it takes to shift your mindset, face the numbers, and stop shrinking your dreams. Here are her three biggest takeaways:
If you’ve ever whispered, “I can’t do this anymore,” but don’t know where to start, this conversation will help you see that you’re not stuck—you’re just in the middle of your pivot story. | |||
| Burn The Map | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:44:25 | |
What happens when you realize the corporate map you’ve been following no longer leads where you want to go? In this episode, Nicole and Ann Marie sit down with coach and truth-teller Shelly McIntyre, founder of Burn the Map, to talk about why so many Gen Xers are waking up to the reality that the system is broken—and they’re not. Shelly shares why loyalty isn’t rewarded the way it used to be, the layers of grief that come with leaving corporate, and how to rediscover your creativity and core identity after burnout. Together, they explore why so many Gen Xers whisper their true dreams, how to protect that sacred spark, and the importance of taking inspired action—one small step at a time. You can learn more about Shelley at: https://burnthemapcoaching.com/ If you’ve ever felt stuck in the wrong story, over-giving at work and at home, or secretly craving something different, this episode is your call to reclaim joy, possibility, and choice. Listen in to hear:
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| Stay Successful At Work | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:22:15 | |
Rihanna said it best: “Work, work, work.” In this real-talk episode, Nicole and Ann Marie tackle Gen X’s #1 question: how to keep crushing it at your day job while quietly building your next chapter. You’ll hear why staying excellent at work protects your reputation (and your options), how to reframe your paycheck as “bridge funding,” smart ways to keep your side project discreet, what to check in your company policies, and why slow, iterative progress beats perfection. You don’t have to choose between stability and possibility—you can do both, on purpose. Top Takeaways
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| Dreams Don’t Expire: Why Gen X Needs to Stop Playing It Safe | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:23:06 | |
Are Gen Xers playing it too safe with their dreams—just because we think time is running out? In this episode, we dig into the fears, excuses, and “what ifs” that keep so many professionals from starting something new in their 40s and 50s. From side hustles like baking or bookstores to full-on pivots like Pilates studios and coffee companies, they show how your corporate skills are more transferable than you realize—and why waiting for the “perfect time” is just another trap. 💡 In this episode:
This is your reminder: the only regret is not starting. Whether it’s three hours a week or one bold step forward, your dream still matters—and it’s not too late. 👉 What dream have you been putting off? Tell us on LinkedIn—we’d love to hear it. | |||
| She Works Hard for the Money | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:36:54 | |
Trying to teach your 20-something about money without sounding like a lecture? Start here: Julia Cancro (@jcancro on Instagram). Julia shares modern, judgment-free money lessons that actually land with your adult kids—especially if they’re just starting out. If you're a GenX parent who wants to pass on smart financial habits, but your kid rolls their eyes when you say “budget,” send them her way. She breaks down money in a way that’s clear, empowering, and actually relevant to this next generation. Think:
Let them hear it from someone who’s not mom or dad… but who’s saying exactly what you’d hope they learn. | |||
| The Season of You: How to Lead, Build, and Reclaim What’s Next | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:35:07 | |
What if your next chapter wasn’t about starting over—but finally starting aligned? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Cindee Williams, business lifestyle coach, DISC consultant, and founder of Lead My Life. After running a successful family business for over 30 years, Cindee found herself asking the same question so many Gen X women do: Who am I now? From empty nest awakening to legacy-driven leadership, Cindee shares how she rebuilt her identity, rediscovered her voice, and now helps women create businesses that bless them back instead of burning them out. We talk about:
💡 If you've been asking what now?—this episode is your answer. 🔗 Connect with Cindee at leadmylife.com | |||
| The Power of the Pivot with Dr. David Hooper | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:39:49 | |
What if your biggest breakdown was actually the start of your next breakthrough? In this powerful episode, Dr. David Hooper joins Nicole and AnnMarie to share his deeply personal journey from elite athlete to burnout, depression, and redundancy—and how he used rock bottom as a launchpad for purpose, performance, and reinvention. From rebuilding his body to running ultra marathons, starting a business, and mastering AI-driven brand clarity, David’s story is a masterclass in the power of mental resilience and pivoting with purpose. We cover:
Whether you’re facing a layoff, a pivot, or just craving something more—this episode is your reminder that your next chapter can be the most powerful one yet. Learn more about David here: https://www.lunarla.co.uk/ | |||
| One year! | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:38:34 | |
One Year In: What We’ve Learned (and Loved) from Building What’s Next? GenX We can’t believe it’s been a full year. In this special anniversary episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on how What’s Next? GenX went from an idea to a growing movement—with weekly episodes that have inspired thousands of mid-career professionals to finally ask: What else is out there for me? We talk candidly about: Plus, we throw in some '80s/'90s nostalgia (because of course we do), and leave you with the advice we wish we’d heard sooner: You don’t have to wait until it’s perfect. Just start. What You’ll Hear: Come celebrate with us—and if you’ve been listening quietly, let this be your sign to step into your next. | |||
| Creating a Company That Works Around Life (Not the Other Way Around) | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:28:09 | |
Work-life balance isn’t a myth. In this episode, we sit down with Kym Insana, founder of Always On Digital, who traded the grind of NYC ad life for something smarter—and saner. She didn’t just reinvent her own career… she built a company that supports real life, for everyone on her team. Kids, commutes, baseball games, caregiving—this is a workplace designed to flex with the humans inside it. 🎯 Inside this conversation:
💡 If you're stuck in a job where your calendar owns you, this episode proves there’s another way. Connect with Kym Insana on Linkedin or at https://getalwayson.com/ | |||
| Riding to Work in 2025 | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:11:49 | |
🎙️ Riding to Work in 2025: What Time Has Taught Us About What’s Next In this solo episode, AnnMarie gets real about the silent urgency many Gen X professionals feel but rarely name: time is passing—and your current role may no longer fit who you’ve become. Inspired by the 1997 Flaming Lips song "Riding to Work in the Year 2025", AnnMarie draws a sharp line from past to present to ask: Are you still commuting, still grinding, still waiting… while your real dreams stay parked? Inside this episode:
Plus: 3 low-risk steps to start exploring your “next” without quitting or going public. If you've been telling yourself “I’ll get to it later,” this is your sign to stop waiting. Because the truth is — 🎧 Listen now and start designing what’s next — before another year rides by. | |||
| R E S P E C T | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:17:43 | |
This episode is a wake-up call for Gen X women who’ve spent years keeping the peace, downplaying their wins, and staying quiet to make others comfortable. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or just plain tired of shrinking to fit—this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with:
You don’t need to change who you are. | |||
| Redefining Freedom: What It Really Means for Gen X | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:19:06 | |
Freedom isn’t the fantasy of walking away. In this episode, we explore how high-performing Gen X professionals can redefine freedom—not as reinvention, but as elevation. Not as quitting, but as quietly reclaiming control over your time, energy, and vision. Because staying in your role isn’t the issue. Together, we break down:
You don’t age out of dreaming. You evolve into it. If you’re still in the room—but already thinking beyond it—this conversation is your permission slip to stop circling the loop and start designing what’s next. | |||
| Summer School for You! | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:15:13 | |
Summer School (For You) Remember when summer meant freedom? No alarm clocks, riding your bike until the streetlights came on, and actual breaks? This week, we’re throwing it back — not with nostalgia, but with intention. If your summer schedule feels like just another round of deadlines, obligations, and saying yes to everything but yourself… this episode is your permission slip. We’re breaking down how GenX professionals can reclaim summer with small, practical shifts — even if you're still juggling work, kids, and everything else. It’s not about disappearing for two weeks. It’s about making space for clarity, rest, and joy (even if it's just 15 minutes at a time). 🎧 In this episode:
Spoiler: You're not falling behind — you're just due for a reset. This summer, forget the hustle. Enroll in something better: summer school for you. | |||
| la vida loca: The busy trap | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:21:42 | |
The Busy Trap: Why GenX Professionals Stay Overwhelmed — and What to Do About It You say you’re busy — because you are. And it's causing you to live "la vida loca" This episode explores how busyness becomes a default for high-achieving GenX professionals who’ve spent decades doing what’s expected — and are now starting to wonder if it’s all still working. Inside, you’ll discover:
If your days are full but your future feels unclear, this episode is for you. | |||
| Work To Do! | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:40:04 | |
Corporate life in 2025 isn’t playing by the same rules — so why are you still trying to succeed by the old ones? In this high-impact episode, Nicole and AnnMarie are joined by powerhouse executive coach and founder of Rock Career Development, Julia Rock, to talk about what GenX professionals really need to navigate leadership, layoffs, and legacy in a workplace that’s constantly shifting. Whether you’re tired of being overlooked, burned out from overperforming, or ready to reclaim your career on your own terms — this conversation is for you. 🔥 In this episode, we cover:
Julia doesn’t sugarcoat it (she’s from Brooklyn, after all), but she does offer real, actionable guidance to help you move forward. Her message? You haven’t failed. You’ve just forgotten how much power you already have. 🎧 Listen to “Work to Do” now — and let’s get to work. | |||
| A Change Will Do You Good | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:12:16 | |
Angry? Burned out? We’re getting real about the hidden anger so many Gen Xers are carrying:
🔥 In this episode:
You’re not too old. You’re not too late. You just need a new plan. 🎧 Listen now and let us help you start one small move at a time. | |||
| Step into Your Era of Enough | 28 May 2025 | 00:40:54 | |
If you’ve ever looked around your high-achieving life and silently asked, “Is this really it?” — this episode is your wake-up call. We’re joined by executive coach and powerhouse truth-teller Alisia Gill, creator of the Era of Enough movement — a rally cry for Gen X women who are ready to stop settling, start choosing themselves, and reclaim clarity, confidence, and control. After decades of playing by the rules, checking all the boxes, and waiting to be noticed, it’s time to write your own rules — with your name at the top. 🔥 In this episode:
This isn’t about blowing up your life. It’s about finally claiming your power — and building a future that feels aligned, fulfilling, and yours. 🎧 Listen now — because you’ve always been enough. You just forgot. Connect with Alisia here: www.linkedin.com/in/alisiagill and get a free strategy call! | |||
| Your Guidance Counselor Lied to you. | 21 May 2025 | 00:16:42 | |
Remember sitting in that tiny office in high school — being told what you should be when you grew up? Teacher. Nurse. Accountant. Police officer. Let’s be real: your guidance counselor didn’t see you. And now, decades later, many of us are waking up and realizing… We’ve been living someone else’s plan. This episode is for every GenXer who:
🔥 In this episode:
It’s time to rewrite the plan. 🎧 Listen now — and then tell us: | |||
| What a Feeling: How to Start Your Second Act | 14 May 2025 | 00:24:29 | |
📚 Grab Shannon’s book → Start Your Second Act🎁 Download her free journal to get your ideas out of your head and onto paper🌐 Connect with Shannon: secondactsuccess.co In this inspiring episode of What’s Next Gen X, Nicole and AnnMarie sit down with career transition coach and author Shannon Russell to talk about what it really takes to start your “Second Act.” If you’ve ever felt stuck in a career that no longer fits or wondered if you’re “too far in” to make a change—this is your sign. Shannon shares her journey from high-profile TV producer to entrepreneur, and how a moment of total burnout led to building a purpose-driven business. Together, we talk through the mindset shifts Gen X professionals need to stop waiting and start exploring what’s next—on their own terms. 🎧 Takeaways you’ll love:
📚 Grab Shannon’s book → Start Your Second Act | |||
| Are you a GenX Ninja? | 07 May 2025 | 00:17:12 | |
The First Rule of NEXT — You Don’t Talk About NEXT We all know the line: you don’t talk about it. You crave change… but you’re terrified someone at work might see what you’re doing. So you suffer in silence. Just like in Fight Club, the first rule of exploring what’s next is: But what if you became a GenX Ninja instead? In this episode:
This isn’t about quitting your job tomorrow. 🎧 Listen in. Because the first rule of NEXT? | |||
| The Cost of Staying — Why Choosing Yourself Isn't Selfish | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:34:54 | |
What happens when you spend 30 years climbing the corporate ladder…only to realize the top isn't what you expected? Kristen spent decades rising from payment clerk to executive, only to find herself trapped by golden handcuffs, corporate expectations, and a life that didn’t fit anymore. In this episode, she shares the hidden costs of staying too long, the grief that comes with leaving, and how she rebuilt her identity — on her own terms. We dive into:
If you’ve ever thought "There has to be more than this," Kristen’s story will feel like a permission slip you didn’t know you needed. 🎧 Listen now to hear why choosing yourself isn't selfish — it's survival, sanity, and freedom. 🔗 Grab Kristen’s book The Cost of Staying and her special $37 course, Permission to Shine | |||
| AI "She Blinded Me with Science" | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:39:14 | |
💥 Mic drop moment: 80% of the jobs being replaced by AI are held by women. 📍 Find Sundee’s free resources and register for her upcoming cohort at her StanStore🔗 https://stan.store/sundeewilliams Sundee is a Gen X powerhouse who walked away from corporate after seeing too many midlife women being overlooked and overworked. Now, she’s on a mission to help Gen Xers—especially women—reclaim their time and stay competitive using AI. Whether you're in corporate, reinventing after a layoff, or dreaming of building your own thing, Sundee breaks it down into real, actionable steps—no jargon, no BS. 🎧 Listen to the full episode for:
📍 Find Sundee’s free resources and register for her upcoming cohort at her StanStore | |||
| How to bounce back & build the life. you actually want | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:46:02 | |
🎁 BONUS: Free Workshop! What happens when everything falls apart—your job, your marriage, your bank account—and you're still expected to hold it all together? In this powerful and laugh-out-loud conversation, we sit down with motivational speaker and author Lisa Bien, who shares how she lost it all—and found herself. Lisa’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and radical self-love. From career pivots to personal awakenings, Lisa teaches Gen Xers how to stop chasing perfection and start living on purpose. With her signature humor and honesty, she shares the mindset shifts that helped her—and thousands of others—bounce back stronger. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🎁 BONUS: Free Workshop! 📚 Grab Lisa’s Book: Life Happens: Bounce Back — Available on Amazon now! 🔗 Stay Connected:
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| Work Your NetWork: How Gen X Can Build Connections to Open Doors | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:34:14 | |
🎁 Free Audiobook Offer:Get The Power of Networking free on Spotify by messaging Michael on LinkedIn (Michael V Morgan, PMP) or via michaelvmorgan.com and mentioning “What’s Next GenX.” In this episode of What’s Next GenX, we’re joined by Michael Morgan—a powerhouse professional who’s worked at Amazon, Chevron, J.P. Morgan, and more. His secret weapon? Strategic, relationship-based networking that opens real opportunities—especially in midlife career transitions. Michael doesn’t just talk theory—he lives it. From creating employee networks that got the CEO’s attention to mastering the art of outreach, he’s built a career on connections that count. 💥 Key Takeaways:
✨ Michael shares how volunteering in ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) elevated his visibility and leadership reputation—earning him shoutouts from execs and career-defining relationships. 🎁 Free Audiobook Offer: 🧠 Whether you're reentering the job market or thinking about what's next, this episode will reset how you approach career growth and connection. | |||
| From STUCK to Started. | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:18:08 | |
What's the #1 thing we hear? "I'm just stuck" Or some version of I don't even know where to begin. So we have something special for you today. A FREE guide to use AI to take your personal and professional strengths and suggest business ideas for you! With 10 simple questions and a copy/paste into CHAT GPT you can get the spark to start something. You can get it here! | |||
| We’re Not Gonna Take It: The Midlife Revolution | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:42:14 | |
“Midlife isn’t about winding down—it’s your chance to wake up and write your next story.” – Bradley Richardson 🎧 We’re Not Gonna Take It: Why Midlife Isn’t a Crisis—It’s a RevolutionFeaturing: Bradley Richardson, Founder of Advanced Adulting Remember when you were so confident you could take on anything? You didn’t think twice about moving cities, starting over, or chasing a wild dream. Now? You’re playing it safe. Keeping the job. Staying in your lane. But here’s the truth: that "just get through it" mindset? It’s costing you. This week on What’s Next GenX? we sit down with Bradley Richardson, the bold voice behind Advanced Adulting, and a true Gen X OG who’s been tracking the evolution of our generation for decades. In this power-packed episode, he makes one thing clear: Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a wake-up call. We dive into why so many of us feel stuck, and how to break out of the midlife fog by reinventing—not just our careers, but ourselves. 🔥 This episode is your permission slip to do midlife differently. 3 Key takeaways: 🎯 1. Midlife Isn’t a Crisis—It’s a Catalyst. Bradley challenges the outdated narrative that midlife is a time to slow down or fade into the background. Instead, it’s a chance to reclaim your identity, shed labels placed on you by others, and rediscover what lights you up. Reinvention isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about returning to who you were before the world told you who to be. 💼 2. Your Resume Isn’t the Problem—Your Approach Is. Gen Xers are still following outdated job search rules—submitting endless applications and hoping someone notices. Bradley breaks down how the hiring game has changed, why “overqualified” is a code word for “we don’t know what to do with you,” and what it actually takes to stand out: being bold, direct, and willing to rewrite your story for today’s marketplace. 🧠 3. You’ve Been a Chameleon—Now It’s Time to Find Your Color Again For decades, many of us dimmed our voices, adapted to fit in, and shaped ourselves around other people’s expectations. Bradley says it’s time to stop blending in and start showing up as your true self. Whether it’s exploring a long-lost passion, trying something new (and failing), or pivoting professionally—this chapter is yours to create.Watch now to learn what “reinvention” really looks like—and why it’s not too late. 🔗 Follow Bradley + Advanced Adulting: Website & Newsletter: https://www.advancedadulting.com YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@BradleyRichardson Instagram & TikTok: @IAmBradleyRichardson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyrichardson🧠 Join the Movement:👥 Free Club GX Membership → https://bit.ly/41bmRNL 📺 Watch weekly episodes → YouTube 💼 Follow us on LinkedIn ✍️ Leave a review, share this episode with a Gen X friend, and remember: You’re not too old, too late, or too far gone. You’re just getting started. | |||
| Midlife Wake-Up Call: Microdosing, Reinvention & The Gen X Awakening | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:42:51 | |
📢 Think you're too old to start over? Former CNN producer and now SXSW Speaker, Cesar Marin says midlife isn’t your decline—it’s your power move. Discover how microdosing and mindset shifts can reboot your life after 50. 🎧 EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this powerful episode of What’s Next, Gen X?, we sit down with Cesar Marin—former CNN producer turned founder of Cultivating Wisdom—to explore how microdosing, mindfulness, and intentional living are helping Gen X professionals unlock new levels of clarity, courage, and reinvention. Whether you’re burned out, laid off, or simply asking “Is this all there is?”—this episode is your permission slip to wake up, break free, and design the next chapter on your terms. 💥 Key Takeaways for Gen X Professionals: ✅ How Cesar turned a layoff into his greatest transformation ✨ This episode is for you if:
🎙 About Our Guest: Cesar Marin 📲 Follow him on Instagram: @cultivating.wisdom 🔔 Stay Connected with What’s Next, Gen X? 🎵 Episode inspired by: “Holding Back the Years” by Simply Red—because it's time to stop holding back. | |||
| Are you Surviving or Thriving? | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:35:44 | |
Are you merely surviving in the workplace jungle, or are you thriving? Between navigating multigenerational teams, constant change, and the ever-elusive work-life balance, it’s easy to feel lost. But what if leadership could be the key to fulfillment—for both you and your team? In this episode of What’s Next GenX?, we sit down with Bernie Borges, host of the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast and creator of the Fulfillment-Centric Leadership Framework. Bernie shares how a tragic moment in his early leadership career reshaped his perspective, leading him to develop a system that helps leaders foster fulfillment in five key areas: health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: If you’re a Gen X leader looking to reinvent your approach to leadership and career satisfaction, this episode is a game-changer. Tune in to discover how you can take control of your fulfillment and inspire your team to do the same. 🎧 Listen now and start leading with fulfillment! 👉 Connect with Bernie Borges: #GenX #Leadership #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceFulfillment #WhatsNextGenX | |||
| Transform your benefits. Transform your future. | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:49:55 | |
Feeling trapped by the complexities of health insurance? In our latest “What’s Next GenX?” episode, we dive into how health coverage can either hold you back or empower you to reclaim your career. Our guest, Toni Burns, shares her own journey—from a career pivot during uncertain times to creating her “forever job” as a licensed health insurance advisor. She reveals the real story behind COBRA, Obamacare, and the importance of finding a plan that meets both your current and future needs. Her three takeaways are simple but powerful: If you’re a Gen X professional ready to level up your life and career, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s start a conversation about taking control of your benefits—and your future. Contact Toni Burns at https://reimaginebenefits.com/ or find her on Linkedin! | |||
| Jeff Roy - Brewing Success on his own terms | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:45:37 | |
☕"Some Like It Hot" – Featuring Jeff Roy ☕ Ever wondered if a simple hobby could turn into a thriving business? That’s exactly what happened to Jeff Roy. What started as a Christmas gift turned into a passion for roasting small-batch coffee—and eventually, a successful business. It is amazing coffee ☕ that is roasted in small batches and is available DTC, for businesses and also in his shops in CT. He has a special discount now and I highly recommend getting a sample box to taste all the different blends! 👉 Go to https://soundcoffees.com/ ☕ ☕ Enter code WHATSNEXT for 25% off your order! 🔑 Key Takeaways: If you’re a Gen Xer thinking about what’s next in your career, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 | |||
| The Confidence Comeback Plan | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:51:04 | |
🎧 If You’ve Been Laid Off or Undervalued—Listen to This First What if the one thing holding you back in your career wasn’t your skills—but your confidence? In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Barnes, globally recognized sales leader and keynote speaker, to unpack how GenX professionals can rebuild confidence, command their value, and stop playing small—no matter where they are in their journey. 💬 Cynthia’s mantra, “Thank you. It’s true.”, isn’t just a phrase—it’s a radical mindset shift that teaches women to own their success out loud. Her Confidence-Quota Connection method proves that confidence isn’t fluff—it’s fuel for financial growth and leadership. 🔥 This is more than inspiration—it’s your confidence comeback plan. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:
💥 Key Quote: “When we own our awesome, we give others permission to do the same.” – Cynthia Barnes 🔗 🔸 The ONE Phrase to Use to OWN Your Confidence 🧠 Join the Movement: ✍️ Leave a review, share this episode with a Gen X friend who needs a confidence boost, and remember: You are the prize. Stop taking crumbs. | |||
| Golden Nuggets of Advice to Beat the Linkedin Algorithm | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:31:41 | |
If you’re job hunting, growing a side business, or just want to be seen by the right people on LinkedIn,your profile might be working against you without you even realizing it. Recruiters and potential clientssearch LinkedIn differently than you think, and if your profile isn’t optimized correctly,you’re invisible. In this episode, we sit down withLinkedIn insider Tiffany, who shareshow the algorithm actually works and the simple but powerful changes you can make toget noticed, get hired, and get ahead. 🚀The Recruiter’s POV: What hiring managersactually see when they search LinkedIn (it’s not what you think!) 🔥 Plus, we havea big announcement in this episode—Tiffany is our very first podcast sponsor! 🎉 If you're serious about using LinkedIn to land new opportunities,this episode is a must-listen. | |||
| Don't Dream it is over! Options for a GenX job search. | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:52:45 | |
The job market is shifting fast, and if you’ve been job hunting or considering a career transition, this episode of What’s Next Gen X is a must-listen. We’re joined by Kate Goss, Managing Director of Pride One, who brings over 20 years of expertise in hiring and workforce solutions to help you understand what’s really happening behind the scenes. 🔑 Key Takeaways:
Kate’s insights will empower you to navigate today’s hiring landscape, embrace flexibility, and make strategic career moves. | |||
| Groove is in the Heart: Embracing Multigenerational Leadership with Christina Green | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:43:14 | |
As a Gen Xer, you’re uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between generations in today’s workplace. In this episode of What’s Next Gen X, we’re joined by Christina Green, founder of Cardigan Careers and a generational workforce expert. Christina shares her insights on how Gen X leaders can embrace multigenerational leadership and create workplaces where everyone—from Boomers to Gen Z—can thrive. 🔑 Actionable Takeaways for Gen Xers: 🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring episode that will empower you to lead confidently in a multigenerational workplace | |||
| Rockit with AI: Garrick Gibson | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:45:49 | |
🎙️ Rockit into the Future with Garrick Gibson 🎙️ This week on What’s Next Gen X, we’re thrilled to welcome Garrick Gibson, FAMU alum, second-generation HBCU graduate, and co-founder of HBCULifestyle.com. Garrick is a trailblazer at the intersection of innovation, technology, and heritage, and he’s here to show Gen Xers how to harness AI to unlock their potential and thrive in a tech-forward world. 🌟 In This Episode:
💡 Inspired by Herbie Hancock’s Rockit, this episode is all about blending the power of tradition with the possibilities of innovation. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform, and get ready to rock your next chapter! | |||
| She Works Hard for the Money | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:46:00 | |
You’ve built a successful career—now what? How do you take everything you’ve learned in corporate and apply it to your next chapter? Our guest, Joanne Gates, spent 30 years at Microsoft, rising from an entry-level role to an executive position overseeing global teams and billion-dollar operations. Now, she’s taken everything she learned in corporate and is using it to empower others as an Executive Business Coach—helping them step into leadership and thrive beyond their 9-to-5 careers. 🎧 In this episode, we explore: If you’re feeling the pull to do something more—something that truly aligns with your expertise, values, and impact—this episode will show you how to make it happen. 💡 As Donna Summer said, She works hard for the money—so you better treat her right! 📲 Listen now and share with someone who’s ready for their ‘what’s next’! | |||
| 023 -- Changes - Janet Keiffer | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:41:15 | |
✨ Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes 🎵 - David Bowie had it right! Life is full of them, and Janet Kieffer is proof that change doesn’t have to define or diminish you—it can empower you. From launching 7 tech companies to suing for gender & age discrimination (and winning!), Janet’s story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. 🌟 She’s now on a mission to help Gen X women navigate career transitions, family responsibilities, and menopausal health with clarity, confidence, and purpose. 💡 Janet’s Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Your value isn’t tied to productivity. 2️⃣ Advocate for your health. 3️⃣ Embrace change—it’s where growth happens. 4️⃣ Your best years are still ahead! This episode is a reminder that we’re never too old to redefine success and design a vibrant future. Listen now to get inspired and start embracing your own “changes”! 🎙️✨ Find out more about Janet at https://www.youthingnotaging.com/ 📲 #WhatsNextGenX #GenXPower #EmbraceChange #Podcast #CareerTransitions | |||
| GenX January 2025 | 02 Jan 2025 | 00:11:45 | |
Forget the gym memberships, diet plans, and overwhelming goal-setting programs that never stick. This January is about YOU. What if YOU did January different this year? GenX January is a 4-week program designed for busy Gen X professionals who are ready to reconnect with what truly matters—their well-being, clarity, and vision for the future. JOIN HERE: https://whatsnextgenx.com/january25 | |||
| 021 -- The GX Christmas Wish Book? | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:25:05 | |
Do you remember flipping through the Christmas Wish Book as a kid? Well, what if we had a Christmas catalog of "toys" now? This week we take a fun twist on the toys that we would have as corporate GenXers and what they would look like. Enjoy! | |||
| 020 -- SHOUT! - Brett Trainor | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:45:14 | |
🎙️ Finding Your Freedom: Brett Trainor’s Mission to Help GenXers Escape the Corporate Grind Are you a GenX professional dreaming of freedom from the 9-to-5 grind? Brett Trainor, a corporate executive turned solopreneur, is on a mission to help 100,000 GenXers redefine their careers and transition to meaningful, independent work. With over 25 years of corporate experience, Brett’s journey inspired him to launch The Escapee Collective, a community and roadmap for those ready to take control of their futures. In this episode, Brett shares: Whether you're questioning your current career or ready to explore what’s next, Brett’s insights and actionable advice will inspire you to make the leap. Tune in and discover how to reclaim control, align your work with your passions, and build a career on your own terms. 👉 Hit play now to start your journey toward freedom! | |||
| 019 - The Culture Club - John Murphy | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:47:59 | |
Join us as we chat with John Murphy, a seasoned exec with 35+ years in Finance and Investment Management. Inspired by the legendary '80s band Culture Club, John shares how great workplace culture—like a great band—thrives on inclusivity, harmony, and valuing individuals. Now in his post-retirement chapter, John has teamed up with his son, Jack, to launch a consulting practice focused on leadership, mentorship, and kindness-driven culture. 🎧 Tune in to learn how they’re helping teams and organizations thrive | |||