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 resetsābut 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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What do you do when the life you built no longer feels like it fits? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Iām joined by Camille Millerāthree-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 youāve ever felt stuck, restless, or like something is missingāeven when everything looks ārightā on paperāthis 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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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 countryās 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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In this powerful episode of GenX Journeys, Paul welcomes Louie Alessio ā 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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In this episode of the GenX Book Club, Paul Stroessner and Suzanne Mattaboni dive into Ordinary People, Judith Guestās 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 Conradās survivorās guilt and fragile recovery to the very different ways each member of the Jarrett family processes grief. They discuss the novelās psychological richness, the filmās remarkable faithfulness to the book, and how their perspectives on characters like Beth changed over time. They also talk about...
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Steve Spears, creator and co-host of Stuck in the ā80s, joins Paul Stroessner and Suzanne Mattaboni to celebrate 20 years of 80s podcastingāand to discuss his new book, Stuck in the ā80s: 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 ā80s: 20 Years of Conversations with Pop Culture Icons Who Defined the Decade...
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Put on your skinny tie, crank the horn section, and try not to āblack outā when you meet your heroes. š 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 āGhostbustersā lawsuit, and Hueyās later-life health challengesāplus a...
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What does it really mean to choose life? In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul sits down with Sanet van Bredaāa global community builder, voice amplifier, and passionate advocate for self-loveāto 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 didnāt just change her own lifeāshe began creating ripple effects that have touched...
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Welcome back to the GenX Book Clubāand 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 Foxās 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 loveālike the Eric Stoltz āwhat-if,ā Fox meeting Lea Thompson just minutes before filming, Martyās iconic wardrobe, the Nike Bruins story,...
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This week on GenX Journeys, Iām joined by the multi-talented and endlessly creative Will Padilla ā 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 isnāt just nostalgia. Itās creative reinvention, GenX resilience, and the reminder that itās never too late to return to the passions you thought you left behind. ⨠In This...
info_outlineIn this deeply inspiring episode, Paul is joined by spiritual guide, author, and former Goldman Sachs VP Neal Bakshi, whose bold journey from Wall Street to worldwide healing retreats embodies everything GenX Journeys stands for: reinvention, purpose, and soul alignment.
š» After narrowly recovering from a laptop disaster (kombucha meets keyboard!), Paul reflects on synchronicity and gratitudeāand how sometimes, the universe has your back even when it doesnāt feel like it.
From there, Paul and Neal dive into:
⨠Grief and Transformation ā How the sudden loss of Nealās mother became a catalyst for his spiritual awakening and personal realignment.
š§ Meditation, Breathwork & Inner Balance ā Why slowing down and going within is the antidote to modern chaos. (Yes, even for those who ācanāt meditate.ā)
š Letting Go & Living Intentionally ā Tools for releasing what no longer serves you, tuning into synchronicity, and tapping into the power of your own awareness.
šæ From Finance to Faith ā Nealās shift from investment banking to energy healing, sacred ceremonies, and writing Banking on Angels, a book rooted in gratitude, alignment, and self-empowerment.
š Energetic Alignment & Chakras in Leadership ā A sneak peek at Nealās upcoming book Seven Chakras of Leadership, co-authored with Dr. Zohra Damani, and how conscious leadership can transform not just businessesābut the world.
š§ Whether you're seeking peace, purpose, or simply a new lens to view your journeyāthis episode is a powerful reminder:
You donāt manifest what you want. You manifest who you are.
š Connect with Neal Bakshi
Website: nealbakshi.com
Instagram: @nealbakshi
TikTok: @nealbakshi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealbakshi/
Book: Banking on Angels ā Available now
New Release: Seven Chakras of Leadership ā Coming soon!
š§ Listen & Subscribe to GenX Journeys
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š Connect with Me
š© Email: paul@genxjourneys.net
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š” If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or share it with a fellow GenXerāletās keep this community growing!
š¤ Until next timeāembrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future!