People from all walks of life report being their unhappiest around 46 years old, on average. The good news is, many people’s happiness trends upward after that, with those in their 60s, 70s and 80s often enjoying life more fully than ever. Curious to hear how my Gen X peers are faring in the messy middle, I’ll be talking to people who’ve made it through the low point, are in it now, or who are just now experiencing it.
Host [Host Name] interviews [Guest Name] about navigating midlife with insights from Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem.
31 Dec 2025
“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.
4 Dec 2025
"What do you do for fun?"
At 46 years old, NYC copywriter Phoebe Assenza feels she’s in the tough part of the midlife passage. We talk about that, what it’s like to have young kids at this age, 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 enjoys writing on Substack.
Show music by Daniel DiPrima.
15 Nov 2025
"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.
2 Nov 2025
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.
29 Sept 2025
"Don’t be stoic—this is your life”
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 why middle-aged people should be in bands, what dating is like on the apps, plus Norm’s best advice for anyone this age or approaching it.
Awesome music by Daniel DiPrima.
6 Sept 2025
“You can have hurricane hair all of the time"
In this episode I talk to another high school classmate, Kari Kolflat Harris. We discuss the passion she has for her job, the activities she'd like to do more of in the future, and her views on midlife crisis. I learned a couple of new expressions and really enjoyed her Texas accent.
Awesome music by Daniel Di Prima.
13 Aug 2025
Comparison is the thief of happiness
In Hollywood, it’s particularly hard not to compare your career to others’. Jay Kogen, a longtime, very successful TV comedy writer, shares thoughts on how to avoid making yourself miserable. I needed his wisdom and will want to re-listen to this episode occasionally to stay in the right headspace. We also cover how much advance planning Jay and I need for social engagements, how comedian Neal Brennan solved his stubborn depression, my number one tip for developing good habits, and Jay’s business idea for making them stick.
Awesome original music by composer Daniel DiPrima.
23 Jul 2025
"Do I need more than this? Do I need less?"
My friend Natalia Fabrizio recently had a brush with death. We discuss what she took away from it, how she's handling stress now, and the big questions she's asking herself in midlife.
Music by awesome Daniel DiPrima.
1 Jul 2025
How to get your mojo back
Artist Ray Beldner shares his personal journey of rediscovering his creative spark after experiencing significant life challenges, offering inspiration for listeners.
14 Jun 2025
When your ambition is making you unhappy
Tess Hawes discusses midlife crisis and its impact on ambition and friendships with the host, exploring themes of self-rejection and finding meaning, in this interview episode.
1 Jun 2025
The gnarly midlife passage
Host interviews Cintra Wilson, a Substack writer and cultural commentator, about navigating the complexities and challenges unique to the midlife passage.
Who has been a guest on Gen X at Midlife
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Ray Beldner
Tess Hawes
Cintra Wilson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
30 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
13
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
Contact Gen X at Midlife
Guest appearances
Books guests
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Questions about Gen X at Midlife
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes daily, based on its RSS feed.
Does Gen X at Midlife take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Where can I read transcripts?
1 of 12 episodes have a transcript on Pod Engine. Full transcripts are available with a Pod Engine plan.
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