Gen X at Midlife

“Your AA sponsor is not your friend"

In this episode, I talk to my longtime close friend, Juli Huss. Juli lived in Manhattan during the best era, was a talented and hilarious writer, and experienced 911 before moving back to Southern California to help take care of her parents before they died. We discuss how she knew her mom’s cancer was gone, how she got sober, how she quit smoking, and what she’s up to now. Show music by Daniel DiPrima.

An NYC mom who’s in the early part of the midlife journey

At 46 years old, NYC copywriter Phoebe Assenza is in the tough early part of the midlife passage. We talk about what that’s like, what her bucket-list goal is, and whether or not it’s actually her dream or her dad's. She shares how AI is chipping away at her career, her surprising reaction to it, and why she enjoys writing on Substack.  Awesome show music by Daniel DiPrima.

"Approach others with curiosity, not suspicion"

In this episode I talk to high school classmate Victor Komlos, who lives in LA and works in the adult beverage industry. We reflect on a well-liked classmate, Jimmy Jongebloed, who passed away this summer. Victors shares a surprise plot twist in his career, why he won’t be retiring early like some of his friends, being on a different page than his spouse at the empty-nest stage, and how he shared his love of music with his daughter. Show theme music by Daniel DiPrima.

Her mom had Alzheimer’s, so she hired comedians

Dani Klein Modisett couldn’t make her mom laugh, so she hired comedians. This led to her starting a business, Laughter on Call, that helps companies improve their culture and retain employees. In this episode we also talk about Don Rickles, vulnerability, Nic Cage in The Family Man, a phone scam Dani experienced, and what she most wants to do at this point in her life. Also, I share a few thoughts on Jimmy’s 40th high school reunion. Show music by Daniel DiPrima.

“Take stock of what you need”

A lot of people I’ve talked to who are over 50 have a talent or skill they didn’t pursue to the fullest when they were younger. And now they regret it. In this episode, my friend Norm Schrager and I talk about this, as well as what dating is like on the apps, why middle-aged people should be in bands, plus Norm’s best advice for anyone this age or approaching it. Awesome music by Daniel DiPrima.