Power Surge: The Power of Reinvention – Gene Hackman’s Legacy
Release Date: 02/28/2025
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_outlineIn this episode of Power Surge, we’re honoring the late Gene Hackman, a true legend who proved that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Hackman wasn’t a Hollywood prodigy—he was told he would never make it. But instead of accepting defeat, he pushed forward, breaking into acting in his 30s and becoming one of the most respected actors of all time.
Then, at age 74, he did something remarkable—he walked away from Hollywood on his own terms. No farewell tour, no clinging to past glory—just a smooth transition into his next passion: writing. His journey is proof that reinvention isn’t just for the young—it’s for anyone ready to embrace change and create a new chapter in life.
Episode Highlights:
🎭 From “Least Likely to Succeed” to Hollywood Legend – How Hackman defied the odds and built a legendary career.
🏆 Oscar Wins & Iconic Roles – From The French Connection to Hoosiers, how he left an unforgettable mark.
📖 A New Chapter – Why he walked away from acting and became a novelist.
🔥 Lessons in Reinvention – What we can learn from his journey and apply to our own lives.
Brought to You By: 22 Too Many
This episode is dedicated to Brandon Robinson, a Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. A thrill-seeker, motocross enthusiast, and devoted father, Brandon was deeply loved by his family. His story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles veterans face and why raising awareness about PTSD is crucial.
To learn more about 22 Too Many and support this important cause, visit 22TooMany.org. Every name, every story, every life matters.
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Thank you for listening! And as always—embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future! 🚀