Two Gen-X women. Zero supervision. Decades of questionable decisions to unpack.
Breath Control & Bad Decisions is a Gen X podcast hosted by Jenn X and Salty J, revisiting the stuff that made us who we are: the movies we probably shouldn't have watched, the music we wore out, mall culture, first jobs, road trips without GPS, childhood urban legends, and all the bizarre things we were absolutely convinced would kill us.
We grew up drinking from garden hoses, disappearing on bikes until the streetlights came on, riding in cars with questionable safety standards, and somehow believing that quicksand, killer bees and the Bermuda Triangle were legitimate threats to our future.
Now we're looking back with adult eyes, questionable memories, actual facts, and a lot of "WAIT....THAT WASN'T TRUE?!"
Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the bad decisions. If you survived growing up Gen X, you're one of us.
The conversation revisits the impact of the movie 'Nine to Five' and its portrayal of workplace dynamics. It explores the themes of workplace harassment, gender inequality, and the cathartic fantasy of seeking revenge on a tyrannical boss. The hosts share personal experiences and reflections on the characters in the movie, drawing parallels to real-life workplace situations. The conversation covers workplace dynamics, toxic bosses, and the empowerment of women in the workplace. It also delves into the impact of the movie 'Nine to Five' and its relevance in today's corporate environment.
Takeaways
Workplace harassment and gender inequality are enduring issues that have been depicted in popular culture and continue to be relevant today.
The movie 'Nine to Five' serves as a cathartic fantasy for many individuals who have experienced workplace mistreatment and unfair treatment from bosses.
The characters in the movie represent different aspects of the workplace experience, from naivety and idealism to disillusionment and the desire for revenge. Toxic workplace dynamics
Empowerment of women in the workplace
Chapters
00:00 Portrayal of Workplace Harassment and Inequality
04:20 The Office Environment and Work Culture
09:05 Cathartic Fantasy and Seeking Revenge
31:02 Empowerment of Women in the Workplace
19 Sept 2026
The Gen X Snackpocalypse: They Took Away our Favorite Shit
The conversation delves into the nostalgia for extinct foods and the impact of changing food formulas on consumer preferences. It explores the emotional connection to discontinued food items and the consequences of altering beloved recipes. The conversation delves into nostalgic fast food memories, including the Yumbo sandwich and Wendy's buffet. It then explores Chick-fil-A, local fast food favorites, Taco Bell, and the changing pricing of fast food. The discussion also covers Hostess snacks, moon pies, Mardi Gras traditions, homemade French bread pizzas, and a love for cereal. The conversation delves into the nostalgia of retro cereals and snacks, the popularity of Ghostbusters Ecto Cooler and Cheese Whiz, the significance of Velveeta and Hanky Panky Dip, the introduction of Pepsi AM and Cheese Whiz, the love for Combos and Keebler Cookies, the impact of microwaves and Hungry Man Dinners, the changing palate and wine preferences, the fat-free craze and Snackwells, the controversy surrounding Alestra and sugar-free peach rings, and the discussion of discontinued snacks and nostalgia.
Takeaways
Food nostalgia
Impact of changing food formulas Nostalgic fast food favorites
DIY fast food at home Nostalgia
Changing Palate
Chapters
00:00 Nostalgia for Extinct Foods
21:07 Nostalgic Fast Food Memories
26:56 Chick-fil-A and Local Favorites
30:07 Taco Bell and Fast Food Pricing
34:29 Hostess Snacks and Moon Pies
36:36 Mardi Gras and French Bread Pizzas
39:16 Cereal Love
39:34 Retro Cereals and Snacks
40:31 Ghostbusters Ecto Cooler and Cheese Whiz
41:16 Velveeta and Hanky Panky Dip
42:44 Pepsi AM and Cheese Whiz
43:39 Combos and Keebler Cookies
46:14 Microwaves and Hungry Man Dinners
47:20 Changing Palate and Wine Preferences
48:17 Fat-Free Craze and Snackwells
49:31 Alestra and Sugar-Free Peach Rings
52:53 Discontinued Snacks and Nostalgia
12 Sept 2026
School Without The Evidence or Internet. Ask Google? No.. ask a fuggin Librarian.
The conversation delves into the experiences of school life before the internet, the art of passing notes, and embarrassing classroom moments. It explores the absence of digital evidence, the creation of slam books, and the use of codes for note-passing. Additionally, it covers the humiliation of giving wrong answers in class and the challenges of learning a new language. The conversation covers topics related to language and communication, memorable falls and embarrassing moments, concert etiquette and phone usage, nostalgia for the Gen X era, and wardrobe malfunctions and fashion trends. The speakers share personal experiences and reflections on these themes, providing insights into the unique experiences of the Gen X generation.
Takeaways
School life before the internet was characterized by the absence of digital evidence and the use of slam books and codes for note-passing.
The art of passing notes and the challenges of learning a new language were significant aspects of school life, along with the humiliation of giving wrong answers in class. Language barriers can be challenging when traveling, leading to humorous and relatable experiences.
Nostalgia for the Gen X era highlights the value of living in the moment and appreciating experiences without the distraction of technology.
Chapters
00:00 School Before the Internet
01:42 The Art of Passing Notes
18:45 Embarrassing Classroom Moments
23:50 Language and Communication
24:12 Memorable Falls and Embarrassing Moments
25:29 Concert Etiquette and Phone Usage
33:35 Nostalgia for Gen X Era
41:29 Wardrobe Malfunctions and Fashion Trends
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
29 ratings
Contact Breath Control & Bad Decisions
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
