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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 NOV. 2025 · Hi Ho, Slackers!
Has there really been a shift in how TV dads are portrayed? Maybe so. This week I’m looking back at the dads who embodied the values of their era.
Jim Anderson and Ward Cleaver weren’t comic relief. They were steady, thoughtful men who held real jobs, owned their mistakes, and guided their families with quiet authority. No cartoonish antics, just solid leadership.
In the ’60s and ’70s the pattern held. Steve Douglas raised three boys alone after losing his wife, balancing career and parenting without becoming a punchline. Danny Williams juggled show business and fatherhood with energy and care. Even Archie Bunker, flaws and all, was fiercely protective of his family.
By the ’80s, Steven Keaton and Jason Seaver brought warmth and competence to the screen. A former ’60s activist and a psychiatrist working from home, both were involved dads who shared the load. Al Bundy was the outlier, a dark joke about working-class frustration, not the rule.
Most of the time they were teaching, listening, holding things together. The real “doofus dad” era came later and lives mostly on certain outlets. From the 1950s through the ’80s, these men were the backbone of their families. If entertainment truly shapes society, maybe network TV needs more of this, not less.
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5 NOV. 2025 · 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 mailto:stuckinthemiddlepod@yahoo.com, on Instagram, X, and YouTube @stuckpodx, or over on the Facebook page.
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29 OCT. 2025 · 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.
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22 OCT. 2025 · 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 well-being.
I also touch on the state of our healthcare and food industries and their profound impact on our health. This shouldn’t be a political issue—the goal is simple: a happier, healthier population with world-class standards.
This isn’t my typical pop culture episode. It’s raw, honest, and reflective, born from a year of navigating serious health challenges. Here’s hoping for brighter days in the months ahead.
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15 OCT. 2025 · 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 some might argue defined entire decades. Yet, despite these triumphs, their success was fleeting, and they struggled to recapture that spark.
We’re diving into directors behind major hits and beloved movies that’ll have you saying, “That was one of my favorites!” or “They directed all those?!” These filmmakers made waves but, for whatever reason, didn’t cement their place among the all-time greats—whatever “great” even means.
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8 OCT. 2025 · 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 of tracks spanning 1980 to 1989. These are songs that lit up the charts or defined the underground scene—definitely not my typical picks!
From the moody brilliance of Joy Division to the raw energy of the Pixies, I’ve crafted what I’m calling an "Offbeat '80s" playlist. But I need your help to make it even better! Early Gen Xers, 120 Minutes devotees, and alternative music lovers—hit me up with your must-have tracks to round out this out. What gems am I missing? Let’s build this playlist together!
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1 OCT. 2025 · 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 massively successful, with singles that dominated radio and MTV, becoming instant anthems for a generation.
What’s even crazier is that many of these artists sold millions more records than their former bands, crafting music that captured the 1980s spirit. From stadium rock to heartfelt ballads, their songs were everywhere - literally everywhere if your name is Phil Collins. And he wasn’t the only one to spawn from Genesis!
Yet, not every artist’s solo leap soared. Why did some “sure-thing” talents stumble? Was their style shift too bold, or did their solo vision lack the spark of their band’s collective magic? I'm looking at you, Robert Plant!
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24 SEP. 2025 · 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 Eric Clapton an all time great? Duh, but why does a guy named Mike Slamer have one of the best power ballad solos of all time?
In my opinion technical prowess doesn’t always trump soulful, song-driven solos.
Expect a heavy dose of ‘80s classics, a nod to a ‘70s gem, and some early 2000s bangers.
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17 SEP. 2025 · 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 than the data indicates. There are also compelling statistics regarding our religious inclinations and practices.
Next, we'll examine the staggering number of political assassinations and attempted assassinations since Gen X emerged in 1965. The scope of these events is truly shocking.
Finally, I'll reflect on how political discourse - once characterized by civil "agree to disagree" conversations - has devolved into viewing others as enemies. This is no way to live or engage with one another. The tragic proof lies in the loss of a young man's life, targeted for views deemed so offensive by some that he "deserved to die."
This episode offers a sobering look at how public discourse has been steered toward hate and violence, drifting away from the pursuit of meaningful common ground.
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10 SEP. 2025 · 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 world - why not just talk about candy and food? Oh, yeah, and tonight I had another seldom talked about candy bar that was a pretty big deal in 1987!
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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