It Only Hurts When I Talk: Gen-X Aging Disgracefully

Tipping Culture

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:01:37 GMT

We start with some napping talk, and then complain about - or try to explain? - tipping culture. As usual, Gregg blames Covid. Also, buffalo turkey legs.

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AI-aye-aye

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:09:13 GMT

This week we jump on the AI bandwagon. We have both been using it since the beginning, in different ways, but today is about the arts and how creativity is impacted.

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Stupid Politics

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:59:05 GMT

High concepts like failure mode analysis, low concepts like Gregg's clothing, and a revisit to the Idiot Zoo, as we drop our self-imposed restriction on political commentary. Really, it's our usual screaming at annoying people, but with politics as the backdrop.

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We're Back, Baby!

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:03:13 GMT

Season 6! There's a lot to catch up on including the weather, doctor's notes, and our new collaborative audio drama. Oh, and Gregg will be calling James "Elsa" going forward.

We are on a new podcast hosting platform. If anything sounds weird, like we suddenly became funny and/or relevant, please let us know so we can fix it!

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So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, good night!

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:15:38 GMT

Season finale! James just got back from Copenhagen and likes their parenting style better than ours. “It takes a village” done right.

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Stress vs Anxiety

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:11:10 GMT

We tend to use the words “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably but there is a real difference between them. Brought to you by a mattress company.

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The Nest, It Is Empty

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:44:39 GMT

After years of leading up to it Gregg's kids are both out of the house. James has been convinced that he won't be able to handle it. How is it going?

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Helped, Heard, Hugged, Distracted

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:00:22 GMT

When you don't know what to say and nothing makes sense, how do you offer support? A frank discussion about loss and trying to be a friend though difficult times.

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Ramp On, Ramp Off

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:34:57 GMT

After an unintended month-long hiatus we are back. The brain relies on chemicals, and we rely on expert advice to regulate those chemicals. A cautionary tale of messing with the balance and dealing with the interpersonal consequences.

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Bouncing Back

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 13:12:00 GMT

It takes me half of the episode to get to the point, but this episode is about bouncing back and taking the wins when things seem to be falling apart all over the place.

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Reinventing Yourself After 50

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:05:06 GMT

What's next?

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When Did (blank) Become Socially Acceptable?

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:04:01 GMT

Fill in with whatever annoys you. This can be filed under “Gregg and James rant”.

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Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:20:08 GMT

When you know a change is coming, are you excited or worried? Perhaps both? There is a level of inertia keeping us from change, with perspective being an important part of it. Are you a bystander or active participant in change?

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It’s Hip to be Square

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:53:01 GMT

Let your geek flag fly! Geek, jock, basket case, princess, criminal – the Breakfast Club no longer defines the current generation of cliques.

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Shhhh! Keep it to yourself!

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:22:29 GMT

We're baaaaaaack! Welcome to season 5. We start out with the “moving in silence” trend for Millennials. Is it too far of a correction from their defining characteristic of oversharing?

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Anticipation

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:51:25 GMT

Binge watching, on-demand accessibility, and Amazon Prime have taken all of the fun out of waiting. Do you remember what it was like to plan your week via TV Guide? We do.

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Social Drinking (and not drinking)

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:07:45 GMT

When did the peer pressure to drink change into peer pressure to NOT drink?

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You Can’t Handle The Truth

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:42:24 GMT

This week is an interesting discussion of the generational divide of what constitutes “history” and how to spur interest of past events with the younger generations. Also Gregg gets to brag about his kid, so there's that.

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What’s in a Name?

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:39:27 GMT

This week we're talking names! Tell Stephanie we said hi.

Gregg really wanted to call this episode “Fistfuls of Meat” but it was vetoed by the IOHWIT's board of directors.

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Brain Rot

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 14:56:50 GMT

This week we touch on seasonal affective disorder and then dive into brain rot. Why do we spend so much time on it when we know there are much better things for our mental and physical health? Plus, Shrimp Jesus.

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Can I Buy You Some Broccoli?

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 13:14:58 GMT

On this week's episode – which was recorded waaaaay back in November – Gregg falls off the diet wagon. Why is it so hard to get some habits to stick?

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Bring On The Funk

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:57:11 GMT

This week we discuss bad moods. What sets you off and what calms you down?

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Let’s Go To The Mall

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:25:43 GMT

Remember Orange Julius? Radio Shack? That feeling of freedom to shop, see a movie, eat, and otherwise hang out with your friends only to encounter the ultimate embarrassment of running into…..your parents??? A trip down 80s memory lane.

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It’s Not Fair!

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:23:14 GMT

Gregg stumbles across the concept of the Just World Theory which leads to a deeper discussion of empathy. Also, apologies for road rage.

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Idiot Zoo for Me and You

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 14:25:00 GMT

Welcome to your new favorite vacation destination – and it's educational too! If only the idiots in the real world were as safely hidden behind bars as those in our Idiot Zoo. Put on your headphones, the walking tour is free! Diet Coke in a souvenir cup is available for $8.95.

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Relating to Z

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 20:53:09 GMT

Is there a place for the display of emotions in the workplace? We talk about the difference between the generations and how we all handle (and don't handle) ourselves in public.

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Step On A Crack….

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 20:59:18 GMT

This week for Halloween we look back at the superstitions of our youth. Some of them have a basis in logic and reason, and then there others that make no sense, but all of them bring back memories and stories.

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Moons Over Madison

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:25:20 GMT

Season 4 begins! When selective memory crosses with yelling at clouds you end up questioning the moons over Madison.

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Crisis of Infinite Mid-Life Crises

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 01:14:23 GMT

What is a Mid Life Crisis, really? Is it actually a “crisis” or just another inflection point on our respective journeys?

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Risky Business

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:25:56 GMT

We remember being more risky as kids than they are today. Where is the line between early responsibility and neglect? Helicopter parenting and failing safely? Also discussed, the proper amount of salt on a pretzel.

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Call Me Daddy

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:22:04 GMT

It's one thing to feel old, but what about the realization that you're viewed as old by others? James shares a recent experience that changed his self-perception.

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Zero Sh*ts Given

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:33:51 GMT

When you're done caring about the consequences because you care too much about doing it right.

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Giving Back (whether they want it or not)

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:44:32 GMT

What is altruism? Is it truly for others, or really just for ourselves? Can't it be both?

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My TV Says I’m Crazy

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:00:48 GMT

In media there's always a clamoring for better representation. What happens when that representation, specifically around mental health, is destructive?

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What’s That Smell?

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 15:16:31 GMT

Dodge balls. Freshly cut grass. Chlorine bleach. Those plastic tubes with psychedelic goo you blow into balloons. These are our GenX aroma triggers that pull us back in time. What are yours?

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Nutrition Over 50

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:23:18 GMT

Join us on the path to a healthier Gregg as we discuss eating habits and our very different relationships with food.

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My Eyes Are Up Here

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:31:02 GMT

This week we talk about being seen. How important is it to receive recognition and validation? Do we even really want to be seen?

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Glorious Multitudes

Wed, 29 May 2024 21:03:29 GMT

What's the big deal with pronouns? Why are some people so offended by the fact that others are so insistent on them being used in just the right way?

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Strategic Downsizing

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:55:26 GMT

Done mowing the lawn and fixing the roof? Your only other option is communal living. What do you want out of your next phase?

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Diabeetus

Wed, 15 May 2024 12:45:58 GMT

Season 3 is going to be subtitled “What else can Gregg use to hit his deductible”.

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Released on our Own Recognizances

Mon, 06 May 2024 11:25:00 GMT

The boys are back! Are we better than ever? That's debatable given the number of doctors and insurance claims we've both seen since the last episode.

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We Were On A Break!

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:39:24 GMT

A short update as we wrap up Season 2 and plan ahead for Season 3.

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I Hate it When A Plan Doesn’t Come Together

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 22:21:33 GMT

Are you a planner? What if you're an obsessive planner surrounded by people who don't take the plan seriously? Ask Gregg, he'll tell you all about it.

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Collective Negativity

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:35:10 GMT

We are at a fascinating cultural point of collective negativity. We no longer look for shared interests, instead we look for shared outrage as a bonding mechanism. What does any of this have to do with zoos and salves?

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Communal Living

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 10:52:04 GMT

Retirement means finally being able to relax and do whatever you want, right? Sure, as long as your neighbors are okay with it.

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Attempts at Self Improvement

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:35:50 GMT

Some things just aren't you, while others come naturally. Then there are those that you strive to improve upon. This week we talk about why we make those choices. Plus, coffee pots.

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Staying Relevant

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:05:12 GMT

Are you relevant? At what point are new technologies just “magic” and you know what you know?

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I Hurt Myself Reading

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:52:57 GMT

Everything is broken. Parts of us make sounds that we don't understand. What the #$*& happened?

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Holidays

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:39:48 GMT

Lights on the house and caroling! New Year's Eve in Times Square! Bar hopping for St Paddy's Day! Or, like us, you can just sit on the couch.

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Juvenile Delinquency

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:31:28 GMT

Kids these days. Are they really any worse than we were, or has parenting changed?

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Afterlife

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:12:29 GMT

What's next? There are so many theories out there, both religious and scientific, but in the end it all comes down to what you are comfortable believing in. Deep stuff this week with a healthy dose of the usual James & Gregg tomfoolery.

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Millennial Accountability

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 17:11:20 GMT

Millennials are complaining that they aren't getting the support they need. Is this about money, family, or something else?

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Are you SAD?

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:23:36 GMT

Welcome Wintertime! We talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as the holiday blues, winter funk and general blahs. It's a real thing and starts with the science of light.

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Habits

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 13:23:09 GMT

What are habits? We fundamentally disagree on how to define them, and it's clear that one size doesn't fit all.

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Getting Old is Awesome

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:31:45 GMT

Would you want to be young(er) again? Is getting old so bad and was being young so good? Is age, in fact, just a number?

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It Didn’t Age Well

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:08:26 GMT

A stroll down memory lane and all the things you just don't see anymore, many for good reason. Cigarette machines, metal playground equipment, toll booth operators, and All In The Family.

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Adulting

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 20:59:47 GMT

Are you a grown-up? If not, what will it take for you to get there?

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Child Labor

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:24:12 GMT

Welcome to Season 2! We have a fresh intro, new topics and the same old crabby hosts.

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The Social Price of Failure

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:44:04 GMT

This week we discuss the younger generations, failure and freedom on our Season 1 Finale. Wait, what? No one said there would be seasons….

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Try Harder

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:08:10 GMT

Rant! We revisit the “boats and horses” conversation from a few weeks ago and then get into it, yelling at clouds and trying to understand why people can't just try harder.

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Bitten by the Travel Bug

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:58:31 GMT

What is “vacation”, really? This week we talk about our very different perspectives on travel, relaxation and new experiences.

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Who Needs Sleep?

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:41:48 GMT

Whether it's falling asleep, staying asleep, or staying awake, we all seem to have our share of sleeping issues as we grow older. What can you do at 3am to fix the problem? Listening to us likely isn't the answer.

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You spend money on that?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:36:46 GMT

Part rant, part legitimate question. There are lots of ways to spend your time and money. Why are you burning it? We're talking about horses, boats, fancy cars, camping, gaming, Disney, and golf.

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OCD, OCPD or just Anal Retentive?

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:22:44 GMT

Will aliens invade if you don't check to make sure the garage door is closed? This week we get into why having things out of place can drive you crazy (if you're not already there). Also, number-form synesthesia.

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Leaving the Nest #1

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:58:58 GMT

Gregg's oldest is heading to college this week. We explore his mindset on the first to leave the nest.

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Who Does Your Family Think You Are?

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:02:03 GMT

We recently had a full-on family reunion and noticed the ways everyone shifts their behavior when we see each other after a long absence. Do you put on a mask when your family is present?

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The Pet Conundrum

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:56:43 GMT

This week we discuss the cost of pets, whether emotional, physical, or cash.

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Mini-Me

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:14:57 GMT

Gregg has kids; James does not. This week we get into how we each got here, what else we could have done with that time & money, and what's next.

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Stuff and more Stuff

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:27:58 GMT

Following up on the “When It's Time to Move Your Parents” episode, we talk about stuff: the perceived value of stuff, the actual monetary value of stuff, and the time and cost of removing the stuff.

Note the proper use of “it's” and the Oxford comma above. We take this stuff seriously, folks.

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Entitlement

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:50:36 GMT

Gregg is annoyed. He's just trying to enjoy life in his little bubble and other people insist on encroaching on his space.

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My Secret Life with ADHD

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 21:28:56 GMT

ADHD can be a curse but also a superpower. James shares his experience with a late-life diagnosis, finally understanding what is happening in his head and how he's learned to use his powers for good.

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They’re, there, their.

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 01:03:25 GMT

Here come the grammar police!

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What is Accountability?

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:09:27 GMT

It's not my problem, someone else needs to worry about this. But if no one is worried about it, how will anything get done? Accountability vs Responsibility.

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Grumpy Money

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:12:45 GMT

Does the way you pay for things make you feel old?

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Happiness Is…

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 20:16:36 GMT

Well? What is it? If you could just be 5% happier everything would be perfect. So how is happiness defined?

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Willful Ignorance

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 15:39:38 GMT

A 4-year old with their fingers in their ears saying “na-na-na I can't hear you” has an excuse for thinking they can hide from the truth. It's because they're 4. What about when adults do it?

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Mortality, or Make Sure Your Tool Drawers are Labeled

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:49:50 GMT

The number one unavoidable fact of life is death. For those left behind it prompts anger, fear, regret and so much more. How do we react to the evidence of our own mortality all around us?

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The Way of the Coffee

Mon, 29 May 2023 15:39:56 GMT

What are your morning habits? For many of us it's coffee. Is it addiction? Routine? Medicinal? Societal pressure? Perhaps a little bit of everything.

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The Stigma of Mental Health

Mon, 22 May 2023 13:57:36 GMT

It's the Lusty Month of May! It's also Mental Health Awareness Month. This week we get deep and personal about mental health challenges and the mainstreaming of neurodivergence.

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Wrapping Paper & Greeting Cards

Mon, 15 May 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Much ado about the waste of wrapping paper, greeting cards and empire of the Hall brothers.

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When It’s Time To Move Your Parents

Mon, 08 May 2023 18:22:12 GMT

Last year James and Gregg had to assist in moving our in-laws across the country once it became clear that they couldn't be on their own anymore. It's a situation filled with frustration, emotion and lots of cash.

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The Dunning Kruger Effect

Mon, 08 May 2023 18:18:31 GMT

That situation where someone knows nothing about a topic but believes they know everything and won't listen to reason? Yeah, that. It's annoying.

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Where Are My Friends?

Wed, 03 May 2023 16:06:37 GMT

It's well established that depression and anxiety are key problems for aging Gen-Xers, and one of the most common complaints is loneliness. What happens as we get older that we have trouble making and retaining friends? Just as important, what is it that we need in friendship at this stage in our lives?

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Welcome to It Only Hurts When I Talk

Wed, 03 May 2023 15:52:35 GMT

Welcome to our first episode! James and Gregg are no strangers to podcasting and now we are turning our sights to sharing the Gen-X experience as we age toward retirement, empty-nesting and figuring out what comes next.

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