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Breath Control & Bad Decisions

Breath Control & Bad Decisions

By: Jenn X and Salty J
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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.

2026 Jenn X and Salty J
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Trapper Keepers, Toughskins and Tears: Back to School Shopping Before the Internet.
    Sep 6 2026

    The conversation revolves around the nostalgic experience of back-to-school shopping, including the excitement of selecting school supplies, clothing, and accessories. It also delves into the challenges of finding the right items, dealing with fashion trends, and the influence of brand names on personal style. The conversation covers a range of nostalgic experiences related to back-to-school shopping, fashion, and school life. It delves into the challenges and memories of school supplies, clothing, gym class, and the transition from summer to school. The hosts reflect on the social dynamics, self-esteem, and the enduring impact of these experiences.

    Takeaways

    • Nostalgic reminiscence
    • Fashion trends and brand influence Nostalgic Reflections
    • School Supplies and Fashion
    • Gym Class and Locker Room
    • Social Dynamics and Self-Esteem

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Excitement of Back-to-School Shopping
    • 03:01 Fashion and Personal Style
    • 05:48 The Shopping Experience
    • 09:02 The Influence of Brand Names
    • 13:06 The Challenges of Finding the Right Items
    • 19:00 Planning Outfits and Personal Style
    • 29:13 Back-to-School Shopping Memories
    • 30:02 Gym Class and Locker Room Experiences
    • 33:34 Social Dynamics and Self-Esteem
    • 33:55 Nostalgic Reflections on School Supplies and Fashion
    • 56:20 New School Year, Same Me
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    45 mins
  • Chernobyl: Not Great, Not Terrible. Actually...TERRIBLE.
    Aug 23 2026

    The podcast episode revisits the Chernobyl disaster, highlighting the impact on Gen X and the broader implications of the event. It explores the cultural context of the 1980s, the reactor's flawed design, the response to the disaster, and the cleanup efforts. The conversation delves into the Chernobyl disaster, its aftermath, and the impact on the Gen X generation. It explores the themes of nuclear power, transparency, authority, and the lessons learned from the disaster.

    Takeaways

    • Cultural impact of Chernobyl on Gen X
    • Flawed reactor design and response to the disaster Transparency over authority
    • Questioning decisions and authority
    • The impact of the Chernobyl disaster on the Gen X generation

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Chernobyl
    • 02:57 The 1980s Cultural Context
    • 07:05 Flawed Reactor Design and Disaster Response
    • 16:12 Cleanup Efforts and Human Impact
    • 20:37 The Chernobyl Disaster
    • 22:27 Environmental Reclamation and Wildlife
    • 23:45 Health Consequences of Radiation
    • 26:56 Failures of Communication and Safety Culture
    • 28:40 The Impact on Gen X
    • 30:22 Questioning Authority and Transparency
    • 34:32 Social Media and Misinformation
    • 45:38 Lessons Learned and Takeaways
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    43 mins
  • Gen X Childhood Fears: Quicksand, The Bermuda Triangle & Other Ways We Though We'd Die.
    Aug 14 2026

    Salty J and Jenn X discuss childhood fears and irrational phobias, reflecting on the impact of media and cultural influences on their perceptions of danger. The conversation covers a wide range of fears, from killer bees and quicksand to Ouija boards and stranger danger. They also touch on the importance of safety and vigilance in everyday life. The conversation covers a range of irrational fears and childhood anxieties, from Satanism and televangelists to snakes in toilets and elevator accidents. The hosts also discuss their fear of being struck by lightning, the Bermuda Triangle, and the potential dangers of raw cookie dough. They conclude with a reflection on the generational impact of irrational fears and the growth of their podcast on social media.

    Takeaways

    • Childhood fears are often shaped by media and cultural influences
    • Vigilance and safety are important in everyday life Childhood fears and anxieties can have a lasting impact on individuals, shaping their perceptions and behaviors.
    • The discussion highlights the shared experiences of irrational fears among the Gen X generation, emphasizing the cultural and societal influences on these fears.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Childhood Fears and Cultural Influences
    • 09:27 Basement Fears and Urban Legends
    • 13:58 Stranger Danger and Safety Awareness
    • 16:43 Irrational Phobias and Everyday Safety
    • 30:00 Raw Cookie Dough and Generational Impact
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    32 mins
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