GenX Journeys Episode 5: Mark Weiss and The Decade That Rocked
Release Date: 12/05/2024
Throwback Thursday: '80s Action/Adventure Theme Songs
GenX Journeys
📆 Originally aired: December 13, 2016 🎙️ Hosted by Paul Stroessner | Co-host: Robert Mishou | Special Guest: Jim Vilk We’re revving up the nostalgia machine and heading full throttle into the golden age of TV intros—the action-packed, high-octane theme songs of 1980s television! In this retro gem from the vault, I’m joined by our original co-host Robert Mishou and long-time Return to the '80s contributor and friend Jim Vilk, who’s been part of our crew since the early blog days. (Jim even wrote the popular piece One-Hit Wonders? Not Level 42! – ) 🎵 Main Topic: We each...
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Throwback Thursday: '80s Sitcom Theme Songs
GenX Journeys
Episode Title: ’80s Sitcom Theme Songs (Originally aired: Oct 13, 2016) Cohost: Paul Stroessner & Robert Mishou Description: We're cranking the dial back to 2016—and even further back into our childhoods—for a look at some of the most iconic sitcom theme songs of the '80s! In this special Throwback Thursday re-release, I’m joined by my original cohost Robert Mishou as we each share our top 5 sitcom themes and talk about why they’ve stood the test of time. 🎵 From the heartfelt (Growing Pains) to the hilarious (Alf), the funky (Diff’rent Strokes) to the unforgettable (Cheers),...
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GenX Journeys: The Power of Signing Up
GenX Journeys
This week on GenX Journeys, I’m officially hitting the pavement—again. After months of knowing it was coming, I finally pulled the trigger and signed up for the 50th Marine Corps Marathon. But here’s the thing: even though I knew I was going to do it, something shifted the moment I actually signed up. That one action sparked a wave of motivation, momentum, and commitment I hadn’t felt in a while. In this episode, I talk about: Why physically signing up or speaking your goals out loud creates a powerful mental shift How small steps like Day 1 of the Couch to 10K plan can reignite...
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Throwback Thursday: Rubix Kube and Trixter
GenX Journeys
🎙️ Throwback Thursday – My Backstage Interview with Rubix Kube + Steve Brown & PJ Farley of Trixter! 📅 Originally recorded: April 21, 2018 | 🎧 First aired: April 28, 2018 This may just be my favorite interview ever. Why? Because I got to go backstage with my all-time favorite '80s tribute band Rubix Kube—and interview two absolute legends from the rock world: Steve Brown and PJ Farley of Trixter. 🤘 The night was electric, the energy was contagious, and the conversations? Unforgettable. 🎤 Interview Part 1: Rubix Kube I sat down with the band’s powerhouse vocalists...
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Throwback Thursday: The Breakfast Club
GenX Journeys
🎙️ Throwback Thursday – The Breakfast Club (with Lizzie Newton) 📅 Originally aired: May 10, 2019 🎧 Re-released: April 11, 2025 Description: It’s Throwback Thursday time! This week, we're rewinding to a special in-person crossover episode recorded with my good friend Lizzie Newton, originally released in 2019. Lizzie and I teamed up for a nostalgic deep dive into one of the most iconic Gen X films of all time—The Breakfast Club. But before we get to detention with the Brat Pack, I reveal the long-awaited results of our Phil Collins March Madness tournament! Sixteen songs...
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GenX Book Club: The Most Beautiful by Mayte Garcia
GenX Journeys
🎙️ GenX Book Club – Mayte Garcia’s The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince Hosts: Paul Stroessner & Suzanne Mattaboni Book: The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince by Mayte Garcia In this emotionally rich episode of GenX Book Club, Paul is joined by writer and GenXer Suzanne Mattaboni for a heartfelt and thought-provoking discussion about The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince, the memoir by Mayte Garcia. Mayte was not only Prince’s first wife but also a dancer, artist, and woman with her own compelling story. Suzanne and Paul dive into Mayte’s life before, during, and after...
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Throwback Thursday – Phil Collins March Madness
GenX Journeys
Originally aired: March 31, 2022 It’s the final installment of our Return to the ’80s March Madness series! For our 5th Annual Tournament, we focused on the solo hits of the legendary Phil Collins—no Genesis tracks here, just 16 powerhouse songs going head-to-head in a Sweet Sixteen-style bracket. And yes, a couple of early-’90s singles made it into the mix—Something Happened on the Way to Heaven and I Wish It Would Rain Down—but since they’re from his 1989 album ...But Seriously, they earned their place. Matchups include classics like: In the Air Tonight vs. One More Night ...
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GenX Journeys: Spring Forward (Even When You Feel Stuck)
GenX Journeys
The calendar says spring… but let’s be honest — sometimes life still feels like winter. If you’ve been feeling stuck, restless, or like you’re waiting for a spark that just won’t come, this episode is for you. Join Paul Stroessner as he explores what it really means to “spring forward” when your energy is low, your mind feels cluttered, and your motivation is in hibernation. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs that change is already stirring inside you — even if it doesn’t feel like it — and discover 5 simple ways to create momentum without overhauling your life....
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Legacy Lives On: The Power of Emily Perez and John Martin III
GenX Journeys
A Special Power Surge Episode In this powerful and heartfelt episode of GenX Journeys, Paul Stroessner honors two remarkable American heroes—Captain John Thomas Martin III and Second Lieutenant Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez—whose legacies deserve to be remembered, not erased. Captain Martin was a brilliant scholar, leader, and trailblazing West Point graduate who also earned a master’s from Harvard before serving in Vietnam. Lieutenant Perez was a fearless medical officer, record-breaking West Point cadet, and decorated track athlete who led from the front—literally—on her final mission...
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Throwback Thursday: Whitney Houston March Madness Tournament
GenX Journeys
Originally released on May 7, 2021, this episode was an absolute rollercoaster! Between scheduling struggles, technical mishaps, and some hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos, this one took a little extra effort to bring to life. But in the end, it turned out to be an absolute blast! 🎤 In this episode, we discuss: ✅ The Whitney Houston March Madness Tournament and its wild journey ✅ Instant tournament results—since someone (ahem, me) forgot to hit record the first time we did this 🤦 ✅ Fun discussions on Whitney’s music videos, album covers, and the magic of liner notes ✅ A...
info_outlineOn this special episode of GenX Journeys, we revisit a fascinating conversation originally recorded for Return to the '80s on January 28, 2021. Paul and Del had the privilege of interviewing legendary rock photographer Mark "Weissguy" Weiss. Mark’s story is not just a nostalgic trip through the 80s rock scene; it’s an inspiring journey of passion, persistence, and seizing opportunities.
Mark is the creative genius behind some of the most iconic album covers of the 80s, including Twisted Sister’s Stay Hungry and Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet. His photographs have graced the pages of rock magazines like Circus, cementing his place as a cornerstone of 80s rock culture.
But Mark’s career wasn’t handed to him—it started with a daring hustle. He was arrested for selling photos outside a Kiss concert, and that unlikely setback led to an opportunity with Circus magazine. In this episode, Mark shares unforgettable stories, including earning the nickname “Weissguy” from Mötley Crüe, hitting the road with Ozzy Osbourne, and the wild moments behind the scenes of rock’s golden era.
Mark also shares details about his incredible coffee table book, The Decade That Rocked: The Photography of Mark "Weissguy" Weiss. This stunning collection of photos takes you on a journey through the 80s rock scene and is an absolute must-have for any fan of the era.
Additionally, at the time of this interview, Mark was collaborating with Missy Whitney on a book called Keep On Rollin' - My Fan Club Years with Kevin DuBrow & Quiet Riot. That book is now complete and available, making this a perfect moment to revisit this conversation.
Links to Connect with Mark Weiss
- Website: TheDecadeThatRocked.com
- Book: The Decade That Rocked and other merchandise available on his website.
- Social Media:
- Twitter: @markweissguy
- Instagram: @markweissguy
Why This Episode Fits GenX Journeys
Mark’s journey is not just about capturing iconic moments in rock history—it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the ability to turn challenges into triumphs. His inspiring path aligns perfectly with the spirit of Inspiring Journeys and our focus on celebrating the human spirit through stories of perseverance and growth.
🎸 Sit back and enjoy this trip back to the 80s and the remarkable career of Mark Weiss, a true "Weissguy" in every sense of the word.
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We’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite 80s rock memory or album cover? Share it with us on social media and tag us—we might even share your story in a future episode!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review, sharing it with your fellow 80s fans, and subscribing to Inspiring Journeys so you don’t miss future episodes.
Del can be found on the show 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM as well the 80s at 8 Facebook page where he posts 80s news.
And you can still follow Return to the 80s at:
https://returntothe80s.wordpress.com/
Find Return to the ’80s on Facebook
Twitter: @returntothe80s
Email: [email protected]
You can find Paul - The Rhode Runner in the following places:
Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner
Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner
Inspiring Journeys can be found on:
Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod
Email: [email protected]
You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at: