Generation X. If you grew up in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, you know just how cool it was to be a kid back then. We had the greatest music, movies, games, technology, and pop culture of any generation, and though we've grown older, we have refused to outgrow our love of everything GenX. GenXGrownUp looks at yesterday and today through the eyes of Generation X'ers who have refused to grow up!
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From movie theaters to living rooms, martial arts were all the rage during our GenX youth. Many of us took up nunchucks, learned a bit of kung fu, and, for a moment, believed we could be the next Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris. In this Backtrack, we reminisce about the pop culture phenomenon that was the Martial Arts Craze! Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/dis…
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Salem’s Lot, Tomato Knife, & Tormenture
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We head to the theatre for the spooky sequel to 2022’s Smile, evaluate some new culinary tech to make your time in the kitchen more productive, and play a new metroidvania-style game set in the kaiju-filled Monarch Monsterverse! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb.me/GenXGrownUp Twitter » GenXGrownUp.co…
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From homemade costumes to pillowcase candy hauls, Halloween as a GenX kid was something special. It was a simpler time with more freedom, but also prone to real-world scares that have led to a more watered-down Halloween today. In this Backtrack, we’re looking back at our memories of the GenX Halloween experience! Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord …
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The Wild Robot, RetroFab, & Baller Installer
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We head to the theatre for a new animated film that follows a high-tech robot lost in the wilderness, explore a website that puts all of those vintage handheld gaming toys at your fingertips, and check out an all-in-one configuration wizard to fast-track new virtual pinball installations. Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/…
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BONUS: Brande Roderick on Her New Film, "Wineville"
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GenXGrownUp sat down with actress, producer, and director, Brande Roderick, to discuss her career and talk about her experience with her new horror film, Wineville. Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb.me/GenXGrownUp Twitter » GenXGrownUp.com/twitter Website » GenXGrownUp.com Podcast » GenXGrownUp.com/po…
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What is older than most money in circulation and enjoys talking about the Dewey Decimal System? GenXGrownUp! OK, OK, it may not sound like the most exciting topic but we think you will find this entertaining and informative…. really. Trust us. Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Facebook » fb.me/GenXGrownUp Twitter » GenXGrownUp.com/twitter Website »…
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When cable TV first came out, most people got it for the clear reception but not necessarily for any additional content. That changed when HBO hit the market. Being able to watch full movies without commercials revolutionized TV and showed what cable could be. It was like coming out of the dark ages for us Generation X’ers! Patreon » patreon.com/ge…
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BONUS: Bob DeCrescenzo on Working With Atari
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When the Atari 7800+ was announced, we also got word that a handful of masterful titles - formerly independent homebrew games by developer Bob DeCrescenzo - were being adopted by the mothership as official Atari games, including a sequel to Crystal Castles, Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest. Jon sits down with BobD to discuss his history with Atari, his…
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We go back forty years to 1984, a golden year in music history! We remember unforgettable hits that defined the decade to chart-toppers that still resonate today. In this Backtrack, we dive into the top songs from the 1984 Billboard Hot 100. Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb.me/GenXGrownUp Twitter » GenXGrownUp.com/twitter Website » G…
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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Soundcore P40i Earbuds, & Yars Rising
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We head to the theatre for Tim Burton’s supernatural comedy sequel 36 years after the original, test out some new feature-packed earbuds sure to satisfy the audiophile in you, and, as you wish, we pull the plunger on a virtual pinball table themed after a beloved ’80s movie! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebo…
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When Generation X dreamed about the future, we pictured either a technological paradise with flying cars, helpful robots, no illness and rocket ships or we pictured a wasteland brought on by some human action. Neither came true (luckily in the latter), but we’re still a ways off from where we thought we would be by now. In this Backtrack we look at…
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There’s probably not a GenX’er out there who wasn’t somehow impacted by the introduction of the Sony Walkman. The ability to carry the music you want to hear and listen to it wherever you go was seen as nothing short of a miracle in technology. In this episode, we talk about the Walkman’s history and our personal experiences with this life-changing…
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In the 1980s, a wave of fear swept across America, fueled by rumors of satanic cults, ritualistic murders, and child abductions. This wave, known as the Satanic Panic, led to mass hysteria, witch hunts, and even false convictions. In this Backtrack, we delve into the origins, impact, and enduring legacy of this dark chapter in American history. Dis…
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Cuckoo, Aura Frame, & Local Arcades
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We watch a new documentary series about the woman whose innovations changed the way catch serial killers, test out an inexpensive grooming gadget that promises to handle all your manscaping needs, and discuss the current state of one of our favorite hangouts: the local arcade. Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Face…
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With the 2024 Olympics underway in Paris, we look back four decades to the year that reinvigorated The Games. From establishing new financial models to breaking ground for female athletes, and more, the Los Angeles Games changed everything. In this Backtrack, we’re looking back at the impact of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. Discord » GenXGrownUp.c…
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Deadpool & Wolverine, Surge Protector Outlet, & Fallout London
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We head to the theatre for the Marvel team-up movie breaking box office records, check out a simple gadget to both power and protect your favorite electronic gear, and weigh the pros and cons of virtual pinball vs. physical pinball machines. Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb.me/GenXGrownUp Twitter » G…
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BONUS: Howard Scott Warshaw's Yars' Revenge Sequel
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Yars' Revenge is a video game designed by Howard Scott Warshaw for the Atari Video Computer System. The game involves a fly-like humanoid alien race known as Yars attacking their arch-rivals the Qotile who have destroyed their habitable planets in their solar system. The players control a Yar and fire or devour an energy shield protecting the Qotil…
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One, two, three…. NOT IT! How many times have you started an exhausting game of tag with those words? In this week’s GenXGrownUp Backtrack we remember playing outside. Sometimes because we wanted to and sometimes because our parents banned us from the house! We talk about playing in the dirt, playing alone and other uses we found for “unstructured”…
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Back in the 70s & 80s, nothing sold a product better than a great mascot or spokesperson. Everyone knew Mr. Wipple, Chalie the Tuna, and the Maytag repairman, and they became almost synonymous with the products they represented. We thought that they’d be around forever but times change and many of our beloved characters have been replaced. In this …
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In the early ’80s, Eddie Murphy’s star was on the rise, as was the new genre of “comedy buddy cop” movie. In 1984, those two trends collided in a film that both thrilled audiences and skyrocketed Murphy’s fame. In this Backtrack, we’re driving our Chevy Nova back to 1984’s, Beverly Hills Cop! Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb.me/GenXG…
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A Quiet Place: Day One, Releases.com, & Intellivision
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We head to the theatre to see third entry and prequel in the Quiet Place franchise, check out a website that promises to help you stay on top of the overwhelming volume of media releases, and delve into the library of the ’80s Mattel console that once gave Atari a run for their money! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/disc…
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Forty-five years ago, a southern action-adventure comedy set in rural Georgia hit the small screen. For seven seasons in the early ’80s, we followed the adventures of Bo & Luke Duke and their ’69 Dodge Charger. In this Backtrack, we look back on the wildly successful CBS television series, The Dukes of Hazzard! Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Fac…
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Brats, Cassette Digitizer, & Star Trek: Resurgence
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We watch a new Hulu documentary reflecting on the members of the “Brat Pack,” check out some tech that promises to bring your old cassette tapes into the digital age, and play a new decision-based computer game that puts you into the uniform of characters in the Star Trek universe. Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord…
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If you always know where your towel is, then you’re likely already a fan of the topic of this episode. His Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series was required GenX reading, and his work is beloved by millions. In this Backtrack, we remember and celebrate English author, humorist, and screenwriter Douglas Adams! Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Fa…
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Furiosa, In a Violent Nature, & Power Alarm
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We head to the theatres for the latest addition to the dystopian future of the Mad Max universe, check out some tech that does almost nothing but could save you hundreds of dollars, and play a new game where you are Absolute Evil working to vanquish the forces of good! Patreon » https://patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » http://GenXGrownUp.com/disco…
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Everybody knows it’s more fun to play the bad guy, but which bad guys are the best. It’s time to debate! In this episode, Mo and Jon will state their cases for four infamous bad-guy match-ups from all corners of GenX media, and George as our moderator, will weigh the arguments and declare the winners! Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb…
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Dark Matter, Ooma Telo, & Pinball FX
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We watch a Western series about a ranch family who discovers a supernatural mystery in the Wyoming wilderness, check out some surprisingly affordable tech that might make you re-think the value of that landline phone, and pull the plunger to play some new digital pinball tables inspired by some wildly popular media franchises. Patreon » patreon.com…
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“Here’s the story, of a lovely lady….” If you can finish the rest of that song then you want to listen to this week’s Backtrack. That’s because it’s all about TV theme songs! We each pick out some of our favorites from growing up in the ’70s and ’80s and talk about what made them so special to us. Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Facebook » fb.me/…
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Listening to music was a different experience when we were kids. DJs were local, you had to wait to hear your favorite song, and trying to record something off the radio took skill, patience and luck! Listen as we talk about the local radio experience and we would love for you to share some of your own! Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » …
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Dangerous Toys We Shouldn't Have Had
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We’re Generation X kids who grew up largely unsupervised and left to our own devices. That often resulted in “play” time being a bit rougher and more hazardous than those who grew up in later generations. In this Backtrack, we’re taking a stroll down memory to lane littered with the most dangerous toys we shouldn’t have had. Discord » GenXGrownUp.c…
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Fallout, Lunar Lander Beyond, & Progression of AI
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We watch a post-apocalyptic TV series based on an equally post-apocalyptic game franchise, explore how artificial intelligence is creeping its way into our lives, and play a brand new game that adds a layer of story onto a 1979 Atari arcade classic. Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb.me/GenXGrownUp Twi…
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Photo-realism in video games is commonplace now, but for decades, storage and technology limitations meant blocky figures were the best we could get. But as the tech evolved, the use of actual video started to enhance the game experience. In this Backtrack, we look back at the rise and legacy of FMV: full-motion video games! Discord » GenXGrownUp.c…
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BONUS: Garry Kitchen on Donkey Kong, Activision, & MORE!
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One of the coolest benefits of being a content creator is having the opportunity to actually speak with some of the key figures who laid the foundation of the video game industry, and my guest for this video is without a doubt one of those individuals. He was there in the very early days of Activision when they were forging new ground as the first …
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Civil War, Beelink Mini PC, & Cash Cow DX
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We head back to the theatre for latest kaiju team-up movie from Legendary pictures, check out a capable mini computer with a budget price that just might surprise you, and play a new arcade-style indie game featuring a cow with a pickaxe gathering gems! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb.me/GenXGrownUp…
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Forty years ago, now, a Russian software engineer wrote a simple puzzle game in his spare time. It featured a variety of geometric shapes falling into a well, and in short order, the world was in love with his creation. In this episode, we dive into one of the most iconic and enduring video games of all time, Tetris. Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/disco…
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Late Night with the Devil, THE400 Mini, & HP Smart-Tank Printers
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We head to the theatre for a demonic possession horror film unlike any we’ve seen before, check out some innovative inkjet printer tech that does away with those hated ink cartridges, and spin up a few hundred classic computer games with a new pint-sized gaming gadget from our friends at Atari! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownU…
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They say it’s not the destination, but the journey that matters. Striking out on a trip — be it for business or pleasure — has changed dramatically since our days growing up as Generation X’ers. In this Backtrack, we’re exploring all the ways that the travel experience has evolved from how we first experienced it in the ’70s & ’80s! Discord » GenXG…
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Dune II, Northwoods Hodag, & Harold Halibut
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We watch the new medieval fantasy film starring Hawkins, Indiana’s favorite daughter, assemble some fun with a cryptic building toy gifted to us by one of our fourth listeners, and spin up the latest release of our favorite video emulation front-end to see what’s new! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb…
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Four decades ago, young Alex Rogan got the highest score ever on his favorite game: Starfighter. He’s shocked to find out the game was a training & recruitment tool for actual intergalactic pilots, and his performance has earned him entry into an elite space force! Now, on its fortieth anniversary, we are remembering and celebrating the landmark Ge…
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Lisa Frankenstein, Audio Technica, & Deliver Us Mars
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We head to the theatres to see a new comedy/horror film that would feel right at home in the ’80s, check out some tech that delivers crystal-clear free content to your fancy Smart TV, and dive into the latest from the Life is Strange franchise where your superpower is psychic empathy! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/disc…
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Before the days of media streaming & binging, we were often glued to our sets to watch contestants compete for cash and prizes! From quizzes, to puzzles, to trivia and more, game shows both entertain and allow us to play along at home. So, hands on your buzzers: it’s time to look back at some of our favorite GenX-era TV game shows! Discord » GenXGr…
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We head to the movies to see Jason Statham’s latest film where he’s a one-man vengeance machine, check out some innovative and entertaining tech designed to be used in the shower, and play a brand new game that evolves the classic, Pong, into a methodical action adventure! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook…
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“Breaker, breaker 1-9, I just eyeballed a bear trap with a bunch of Evel Knievels about 10 miles past the coop. So if you don’t want a bear bite back it down.” Huh? That was just some CB talk in honor of this week’s Backtrack Topic all about Radio Shack! Any GenX’er who was into anything electronic will have a story about visiting a Radio Shack. Th…
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Are we there yet? Are we there yet? How many times have we spoken those words to our parents on those long car trips? How in the world did we survive those trips without DVD players, phones and Game Boys? Well, in this episode we look at the things that helped keep our parents from killing us. Stop touching me! Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Fac…
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We likely all remember that moment in school when our English teacher passed out that first novel to the class. Whether you reacted with joy or terror, assigned material no doubt had an impact on your attitude and enjoyment of reading. So, in this Backtrack, we’re remembering and discussing the shared GenX experience of required reading in school. …
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We find out if Seth Macfarlane’s teddy bear films have enough stuffing to fill out a tv series, take a legendary arcade classic on-the-go with a new handheld gadget, and revisit the world of Portal with a new mod that breathes fresh life into Aperture Labs! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb.me/GenXGro…
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Forty years ago, rock band Van Halen released their sixth studio album. Together, Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Alex Van Halen & Michael Anthony produced a hard rock album that kicked off what would come to be one of the best years for music ever. In this Backtrack, we remember and play through what is arguably one of Van Halen’s best albums eve…
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Gen V, Ember Smart Mug, & Blast from the Past
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We watch a new animated series that explores how humanity might react to the end of the world, review an economical display solution to supplement or even replace your computer monitor, and play a surprising new indie game that channels one of our favorite arcade classics! Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook…
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Before the days of streaming & DVDs, live television was the only game in town, and our favorite shows were regularly interrupted by commercial breaks. Back then, they either an annoyance or a chance to go grab a snack, but over the years we’ve grown fond of those vintage ads. In this Backtrack, we look back and some of the most memorable TV commer…
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Wonka, Blaze Super Pocket, & Cocoon
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We head to the theatre to see the origin story for our favorite movie chocolatier, evaluate a new solution to improve the quality of your 3-D printing projects, and tell you about a ton of free PC games you probably already own, if only you knew where to look. Patreon » patreon.com/genxgrownup Discord » GenXGrownUp.com/discord Facebook » fb.me/GenX…
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