Bullied Behind Bars: The Road to a New Life with Matt Melvin
GenX Journeys
What does it really take to change your life? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul sits down with Matt Melvin, whose journey includes prison, addiction, and multiple life resets—but more importantly, a complete shift in mindset. While Matt shares his story in his book , this conversation focuses on what came after: the inner work. From moving out of victimhood and into accountability, to building discipline, faith, and self-awareness, Matt breaks down the principles that helped him rebuild his life from the inside out. This is a real, unfiltered conversation about mindset, mental health,...
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Realign Your Life & Purpose (When You Feel Stuck) with Camille Miller
GenX Journeys
What do you do when the life you built no longer feels like it fits? In this episode of GenX Journeys, I’m joined by Camille Miller—three-time bestselling author, business designer, and founder of the Soul Professional Movement. Together, we explore what it means to step out of alignment… and how to find your way back. If you’ve ever felt stuck, restless, or like something is missing—even when everything looks “right” on paper—this conversation will resonate. We talk about reinvention, authenticity, and why GenXers, in particular, are uniquely wired to evolve, adapt, and build...
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Keeping the 80s Alive: Inside the Rubixx Experience
GenX Journeys
What happens when the soundtrack of the 1980s comes roaring back to life with big vocals, big energy, and a whole lot of heart? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul is joined by GenX Book Club co-host Suzanne Mattaboni for a lively conversation with Rob and Lisa of Rubixx, one of the country’s premier 80s tribute bands. Together, they dive into what makes 80s music so unforgettable, how Rubixx creates a full-on experience rather than just a performance, and why the songs of that decade still bring people together across generations. Rob and Lisa share the origin story of the band, how they...
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A Marine’s Return to Faith: Louie Alessio on Healing, Purpose, and Redemption
GenX Journeys
In this powerful episode of GenX Journeys, Paul welcomes Louie Alessio — a retired Marine who served 25 years, a husband, father, teacher in his parish, and author of the upcoming book So There I Was… Out of Ammo. Louie shares his story of growing up Catholic in Youngstown, Ohio, drifting away from faith, serving in the Marines, and eventually confronting the emotional and spiritual weight of transition, regret, and moral injury after retirement. What followed was not just a return to Church, but a profound rediscovery of faith, healing, purpose, and mercy. Together, Paul and Louie discuss...
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GenX Book Club: Ordinary People by Judith Guest
GenX Journeys
In this episode of the GenX Book Club, Paul Stroessner and Suzanne Mattaboni dive into Ordinary People, Judith Guest’s powerful 1976 debut novel, and the acclaimed 1980 film adaptation directed by Robert Redford. Paul and Suzanne explore the emotional depth of this story, from Conrad’s survivor’s guilt and fragile recovery to the very different ways each member of the Jarrett family processes grief. They discuss the novel’s psychological richness, the film’s remarkable faithfulness to the book, and how their perspectives on characters like Beth changed over time. They also talk about...
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GenX Journeys: Stuck in the '80s with Steve Spears
GenX Journeys
Steve Spears, creator and co-host of Stuck in the ’80s, joins Paul Stroessner and Suzanne Mattaboni to celebrate 20 years of 80s podcasting—and to discuss his new book, Stuck in the ’80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined the Decade. From early podcasting chaos to unforgettable celebrity interviews and the community built along the way, this episode is a nostalgic deep dive into the decade that still connects us. Steve joins us to talk about his brand-new book: Stuck in the ’80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined the Decade...
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GenX Journeys: Huey Lewis and the News
GenX Journeys
Put on your skinny tie, crank the horn section, and try not to “black out” when you meet your heroes. 😄 In this roundtable episode, Paul is joined by GenX Book Club cohorts Suzanne Mattaboni and Del Roehling, plus special guests Caroline Connelly and Claire Young (from St. Louis, proudly repping their Huey shrine/koozie energy), to celebrate the music, movies, memories, and mythos of Huey Lewis and the News. We talk iconic hits, deep cuts, MTV-era videos, Back to the Future perfection, We Are the World, the “Ghostbusters” lawsuit, and Huey’s later-life health challenges—plus a...
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GenX Journeys: Walking on Sunshine: Self-Love, Voice, and the Power of Choosing to Live with Sanet Van Breda
GenX Journeys
What does it really mean to choose life? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul sits down with Sanet van Breda—a global community builder, voice amplifier, and passionate advocate for self-love—to explore how one powerful decision can change everything. Sanet shares her deeply personal journey of transformation, beginning with a moment of brutal honesty in front of the mirror and leading to a life rooted in purpose, joy, and service. Through self-love, mindfulness, and the courage to use her voice, she didn’t just change her own life—she began creating ripple effects that have touched...
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GenX Book Club: Future Boy by Michael J. Fox
GenX Journeys
Welcome back to the GenX Book Club—and happy New Year! Paul Stroessner, Del Roehling and Suzanne Mattaboni talk about , a fast, entertaining behind-the-scenes snapshot of one of the most intense stretches of Fox’s career: filming Back to the Future while also starring on Family Ties. The conversation dives into the pressure of stepping into a role that was already being filmed, the legendary production timeline, and the details Gen X fans love—like the Eric Stoltz “what-if,” Fox meeting Lea Thompson just minutes before filming, Marty’s iconic wardrobe, the Nike Bruins story,...
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GenX Journeys: 1980s Now & GenX Always — A Conversation with Will Padilla
GenX Journeys
This week on GenX Journeys, I’m joined by the multi-talented and endlessly creative Will Padilla — host of the hit podcast 1980s Now, composer, writer, actor, and author of Totally Bogus But True: Tales of the 1980s. If you grew up loving breakdancing battles, MTV, Knight Rider, The A-Team, Beastie Boys, or the neon-soaked energy of the 80s… this conversation will feel like coming home. But this episode isn’t just nostalgia. It’s creative reinvention, GenX resilience, and the reminder that it’s never too late to return to the passions you thought you left behind. ✨ In This...
info_outlineOne thing I love about doing this podcast is hearing the stories of people who have gone through major adversities, and came out shining and thriving on the other side. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to today's guest!
Gary Hults discusses his journey which led him to start Northman Coaching, which specializes in guiding men who are either in a troubled relationship, going through a divorce, or already divorced. And they help guide you to not only love your best life, but to help you create happier and healthier relationships along the way.
Not only does Gary have this coaching business, but he created this unique and amazing set of cards, called Oak Value that helps you discover and enrich your life by exploring your values.
And if that isn't enough, Gary hosts a podcast along with Rob Burton, called Living by Oak Values. Through this podcast, they do a deep dive into each these values to help you identify what is important to you and how to use those values to guide your thoughts, words, and behavior.
In addition to Gary's journey, we discuss the importance of personal values, and how you can uncover them to help enhance your life.
This episode is dedicated to 22 Too Many Veteran:
(John) Daniel Deason
PFC John Daniel Deason
August 19, 1988 – October 3, 2016
US Army 1-71 Cav 10th Mountain Division
“Daniel was born in Phoenix, AZ, raised in 29 Palms, CA, and moved to Sealy, TX in 2002. Daniel was a Sealy Volunteer Firefighter. He loved to play guitar and skateboard. He loved the Houston Texans. He almost completed his schooling for the Diesel Mechanics Program at Universal Technical Institute. Daniel was a loving, caring, big hearted person who wanted to help anyone and everyone. After serving in the Army (which he joined at age 17), he devoted his time to his family and his community, including handing out socks, shirts, food and water to homeless vets. He was a prankster and loved to make people laugh. He never let his PTSD stop him from being who he was at heart.” Shared by his sister, Bethany
He served in the United States Army from 2006-2010, served in Iraq in 2007-2008.
States he called home: California, New York, Texas
Final rest: Texas
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Gary can be found on:
The Northman Legacy Crew Facebook group
Instagram (@northman_coaching)
TikTok (@northmangary)
And be sure to check out his podcast, Living by Oak Values! You will love it!
It can be found on Spotify | Apple | Audible
and any other podcasting platform.
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Kerri can be found on
Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar
Facebook: Every Run Has a Story
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Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner
Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner
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