Ep. 1: This Is How We Do It with Michele Walter
Don’t take your dreams to the graveyard.
Hosting a podcast has been a dream of mine for years. And I’ll be damned if I was gonna take this dream to the graveyard with me.
So, in keeping with the saying that “done is better than perfect,” I’m launching my dream into the world.
Welcome to The Gen X Shift podcast!
In this inaugural episode, I talk about my background, what inspired me to start a podcast, some of my personal journey, and the general structure and intent of the podcast.
If you’re looking for a Gen X podcast that focuses solely on nostalgia, music, or trivia, then this won’t be the podcast for you. There are other amazing Gen X podcasts out there that keep things more on the lighter side. And although I’m a pretty funny gal who loves her nostalgia (and trailer park humor) as much as the next Gen X’er, I also like to go deeper in life . . . with other people and myself.
So when I started thinking about how I could best support other Gen X’ers who are facing one transition after the next at this stage of life, I decided that the best way to do that was by taking my dream of doing a podcast from my head, to the airwaves.
I believe in the power of storytelling. When we can see ourselves in someone else’s story, it can inspire us to set foot down a path that we may not have ventured down otherwise. So I want to invite you into powerful stories of other badasses who can share their wisdom, lessons, and practical advice. My sincere hope is that these in-depth conversations will plant seeds that will support you through any transition that you’re facing.
My plan is to cover a wide range of topics centering around the theme of transitions and how Gen X’ers can make a shift. From retirement planning, career change, entrepreneurship, health issues, menopause, caring for parents, empty-nesting, loss of loved ones, being single, struggling marriages, divorce, dating, building relationships, and finding purpose, you’re bound to find something that speaks to you.
Look, I admit that the label of “Gen X” may not resonate with everyone and that it’s nothing more than a made-up term (shoutout to Billy Idol and Douglas Coupland). So when I say “Gen X,” I’m talking about folks born (roughly) between 1965-1980. I find it helpful to reflect on the time period, culture, communities, and systems in which we grew up, so that we can better understand the influences that continue to impact our current thoughts, habits, and behaviors. In other words, if you find yourself stuck and unable to make a shift, chances are there’s a lot of historical crap that’s getting in the way.
So, when we’re talking about Gen X, we’re talking about understanding things like how messages about being fiercely independent have both helped and hurt us. How being latchkey kids impacted our sense of responsibility. How higher divorce rates among our parents impacted our adult relationships. How our conditioned sense of loyalty has caused us to stay in jobs or careers where we’re miserable. Or how we learned to stifle our authentic voices and dreams for the sake of following societal, cultural, and parental expectations. And that’s just name a few . . . .
Although most of my guests will be fellow badass Gen X’ers, I also believe in cross-generational wisdom. Every generation has something to learn from previous and subsequent generations. And Gen X seems to be a bridge between the older and younger generations. So I also endeavor to invite guests who have perspectives that will support Gen X’ers, regardless of age.
My goal is to post at least one episode a week. Sometimes I’ll interview a guest. Sometimes you’ll just get me! And maybe sometimes my dog, Winnie, will make an appearance.
I’m currently launching this dream as a one-woman show (along with the support of Winnie!). So although the audio and visual may not be at the level that I’d like, I’m trying to walk the talk by not letting “perfect” be the enemy of the “good.” It can be easy to let all the technicalities and “what if’s” delay our dreams. If we’re not careful, our dreams end up leaving this world when we do. I wasn’t going to let all the technicalities get in the way of making this shift to realizing my dream of having a podcast.
So bear with me through this learning curve of putting a podcast into the world! And please–if you have any suggestions for topics or guests, send me an email at podcast@lifefromthesummit.com.
Oh, and this podcast is sponsored by my business, Life From The Summit. I started this business in 2019 while I was still working as a full-time attorney with the United States Department of Justice. And after experiencing significant depression, anxiety, and thoughts of taking my own life, I realized that being an attorney was slowly killing me. I therefore made a huge shift and quit my attorney job in June 2021 so that I could follow my calling as an entrepreneur, Certified Professional Coach, and Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher who supports other Gen X’ers through whatever shift they want to make.
And now, here we are . . . . So let’s rock ‘n roll.
Show Notes
LISTEN/SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
Apple podcasts (coming soon)
CONNECT WITH MICHELE
💥Insight Timer Guided Meditations
WANT MORE GEN X NOSTALGIA & COMMUNITY?
Join The Gen X Nation on the Mighty Networks Platform. Founded by Sarah Blankenship, this is where all the cool kids hang out for more than just nostalgia (although there’s lot of that too!). Get support around professional development, personal development, finances, health and wellness, military/veteran issues, and more. Sign up here!
PODCAST LISTENER DISCOUNTS
⭐️ Kickstart Your Mindfulness Meditation Practice online course (podcast listeners save 20% with this link).
NEW TO MICHELE AND LIFE FROM THE SUMMIT?
I was a GenX, latch-key, free-spirited kid of the 70’s and 80’s. From a modest trailer park in Nebraska to the esteemed corridors of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington, D.C. and finally, to the path of entrepreneurship, my journey has been crooked, winding, and lonesome. Learn more here.
REFERENCES FROM EPISODE
💗 myisha t. hill and the Co-Conspirators Lounge
💗 Chris Cownden and his Podcast Launch Strategy
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
The Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider sharing a little love with the podcast.
#thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit