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

Episodios & Posts
Episodios
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Transcrito
12 FEB. 2025 · Top 5 all time, Slackers!
Ever wonder why we have always been "list" oriented - or maybe that's just me? "Top 5" this or "Top 10" that - from Casey Kasem's American Top 40, MTV's Top 20 Countdown, later TRL, to Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 series, lists have been a regular part of our lives.
With the advent of the internet, many of us were the early adopters of "listicles" on web forums where we chimed in on "Top 5 Tag Teams" or "Top 5 Video Games". Fast forward 20+ years and the list format drives everything from Netflix & Spotify algorithms, to targeted ads. In fact, lists likely drive commerce!
For many of us, lists are what drives debates, and as long as people keep it civil, this has always been our way of communicating. Back in the day it could be debates on "best running backs", or "best metal guitarist". It's all subjective but that's what makes it fun.
There's also some talk about the Big Game, Boston sports, and the many opinions on the Half TIme show.
Transcrito
5 FEB. 2025 · I don’t know about you, but I didn’t watch any of this year’s Grammy Awards.
This used to be appointment viewing back in the day, but now - not so much. I thought, let’s revisit the ceremonies of 1975, 1985, and 1995. While we might not be tuning in now, these past shows seems to actually matter - and I recognize that is because I am an old man yelling at clouds!
While you early Xers may recall the ’75 awards, for me it was 1985. Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and Lionel Richie were huge stars, while Huey Lewis & the News had their big breakout with “Sports”.
The Best New artist award went to Cyndi Lauper. The other nominees? Sheila E., Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Corey Hart, and The Judds! I think Cyndi might have deserved that one!
I’m not sure if it just being a middle aged man that informs my lack of interest in modern awards shows - it seems as though the industry has changed since our youth. While it has always been about the record labels and their influence, it at least seemed as thought the artistry was equally, if not more important, than record sales alone.
So, did you watch the Grammys this year and are there any artists I should actually take the time to listen to?
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29 ENE. 2025 · Diamonds are forever, Slackers!
In this episode we will revisit the Diamond-certified albums from the 1980s that dominated the charts. These weren’t just records—they were the soundtrack for our generation.
From Michael Jackson’s Thriller, which owned the airwaves, to AC/DC’s Back in Black, the 80s gave us albums that endure today. Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet gave us new global superstars (and a few timeless hits), while Def Leppard’s Hysteria was the comeback of all comeback records.
From MTV marathons to the mix tapes we swapped, these records defined an era. If you were rocking a mullet (I did), a jean jacket (yep, me too) and music was your life, these albums were pretty big deals.
So, grab your Walkman, hit play, and let’s take a trip down memory lane to the music that defined Generation X.
Also, AI is pretty dumb - at least for now.
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22 ENE. 2025 · Get on your tin foil hats, Slackers!
In this episode, we take a look at the wild conspiracies that shaped the 1980s—a decade full of political scandals, social upheaval, and a growing sense of mistrust in authority.
Some of the most notable were the Iran-Contra Affair, The Crack Epidemic, Denver International Airport and the Satanic Panic.
We dive into how these conspiracies became the backdrop for Gen X's formative years, and how they still influence the way we view power and truth today. We might just be a little distrustful of authority!
Tune in for a trip down memory lane and a look at the conspiratorial mindset that defined a generation.
Transcrito
17 ENE. 2025 · They’re out to get me, Slackers!
In this episode, we explore the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of Guns N' Roses, one of rock's most iconic bands. From their formation in 1985 to the release of Appetite for Destruction, we cover their breakthrough into superstardom and the cultural shift they sparked. We delve into key moments, including lineup changes, controversies, and their influence on hard rock and popular culture.
We also examine their lasting impact, from the sleazy early days on the Sunset Strip, their unraveling due to the trappings of sudden fame, to their 2016 reunion tour, and discuss how Guns N' Roses reshaped rock music while inspiring generations of musicians.
And, let’s face it, “Rocket Queen” absolutely rules!
Transcrito
8 ENE. 2025 · Hey, Slackers!
Ever miss the old TV guides? I know I would love to look at that crazy grid and plan on what to watch during the week. Thanks to TVTango.com, you can find pretty much every TV listing going all the way back to 1950.
While we were raised on the "Big Three" networks of ABC, CBS, and NBC, there was another network before FOX was launched in 1987 - The Dumont Television Network, which ran from 1946 to 1956. But that's a little before our time.
Throughout the episode we will jump around from the 60's, through the 90's, with particular attention paid to Tuesday and Thursday night programming. ABC dominated Tuesdays, with NBC controlling Thursdays.
Oddly, for a period of time in the 1960's, one hour dramas would start at the half hour, which seems so strange to me. For most of my life, those TV dramas often aired in later timeslots, often starting at 10:00 PM. Who programs a drama to start at 8:30 or 9:30!?
What were some of your favorites? And do you recall shows like the Yellow Rose or Riptide?
Transcrito
1 ENE. 2025 · Happy New Year, Slackers!
This is a year in review episode, diving into the music, movies, and TV that topped the charts in 2024.
Unlike the retrospective shows I do from the 70s, 80’s or 90's, it is amazing how I don’t know very much about new music, I am slightly more aware of current TV shows, but I do have a pretty good handle on the box office.
Did I become a cinephile at some point?!
How many of the top Billboard artists do you know or listen to? How many of the big blockbusters have you seen? And did you watch any of the top shows from this year? Let me know.
Thank for listening in 2024. I hope you keep listening in 2025!
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25 DIC. 2024 · Merry Christmas, Slackers!
This is a short but hearfelt episode of the podcast.
A quick review of Krampus, a surprisingly great Christmas-horror flick with an amazing cast, some reflections on the spirit of Christmas and a series of obnoxious events, and even a recitation of the Night Before Christmas.
Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy holiday no matter what you celebrate. Be back next year with a brand new episode!
Transcrito
18 DIC. 2024 · Jingle, Jingle, Jingle, Slackers!
Back with a Christmas themed "Whatever Wednesday"!
Topics include:
- Those we lost in 2024 and the Christmas (or Hanukkah) movies they performed in.
- Bizzare Christmas Movies like Santa With Muscles or Anna and the Apocalypse.
- Weird Christmas songs - let's just say that Tiny Tim had a very strange sense of humor related to STDs, while "Weird" Al Yankovic had some feelings about the Cold War and the threat of nuclear annihilation - and both decided that Christmas songs would be the way to go to express themselves!
Also, drones! I saw some drones!
Transcrito
11 DIC. 2024 · It’s the Christmas Season, Slackers!
Did you know that Santa Claus first appeared in a short film all the way back in 1897?!
Since then, there have been dozens of live action (and animated) movies and shows starring that jolly old elf. Given the iconic nature of the character, finding the right actor is important. And when Hollywood captures lightning in a bottle, you know they are going to capitalize on it!
There have been a handful of actors that so nailed the role that they were brought back numerous times, across genres, film, TV, you name it. Can you guess who played the role in live action more than any other? The answer might surprise you.
And no, it isn’t Tim Allen.
Welcome to Stuck in the Middle - the podcast about the music, movies, and culture of Generation X.
Información
Autor | Jason Ek |
Organización | Jason Ek |
Categorías | Cultura y sociedad , Historia de la música , Cine y Televisión |
Página web | - |
stuckinthemiddlepod@yahoo.com |
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