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What if the untold stories of the Baby Boomer generation could change the way you view history and modern society? Join us as we explore the gritty realities faced by working-class families born in the 1960s in Rust Belt northeastern cities. From economic struggles and factory shutdowns to the pervasive influence of drugs, this episode shines a light on the stark contrasts between Boomers who grew up in affluent suburbs and those from working-class neighborhoods. Hear personal reflections on the ethnic composition of America during the 60s and 70s, and gain insights on how these historical contexts shape views on modern immigration.

Listen to the compelling narrative of growing up in multicultural neighborhoods where genuine connections broke down racial barriers. Experience the journey of marrying a Black woman and embracing a diverse family, while also exploring the dynamics between different ethnic groups like Italians and Irish. We also touch on the presence of the Italian mafia during that era and the rich cultural differences in cooking and community life. As we wrap up, we contemplate the fluidity of cultural identity and express hope for a more inclusive and unified American identity, urging future generations to appreciate and integrate differences for a harmonious society.

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Have you ever found yourself caught between the allure of youthful rebellion and the stern gaze of authority? Journey with me, John Baby Boomer, as I recount an episode from my own teenage years, where the conflicting cultures of a Catholic high school and the freedom-seeking spirit of the 70s collide at a school dance with an ounce of pot at stake. I'll take you through the unforgettable confrontation with Father James, a man whose mysterious motives left an indelible mark on our band of high school misfits. No guests share the mic with me this week, but the memory of Father James and the lessons from that fateful night stand in testimony to a time when trust was a currency as valuable as the contraband we carried.

As we peel back the layers of growing up Irish Catholic in America, I offer a prayer for Father James and ponder the peculiar traditions that shaped the Strangest Generation to which I belong. It’s a snapshot of a subculture steeped in strictures, a reflection on the rites of passage that come with navigating the treacherous waters of adolescence. So, pull up a chair, lend an ear, and get ready for a tale that bridges the gap between the sacred and the profane, all within the hallowed walls of a Catholic school dance.

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Explore the seismic waves that rocked the fabric of our society as we dissect the anthemic '60s and '70s rock scene, and how it ventured beyond mere entertainment to become a beacon for change. Feel the heartbeat of a generation in our latest episode, where we reflect on the political and social narratives woven into the music of the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. We'll discuss how these artists straddled the line between amplifying social issues and living in the wealth they sung against. With the help of a music mogul who witnessed this transformation firsthand, we examine the complexity and philosophical turns in rock music, pondering if its revolutionary edge got buried under its own depth.

As the era of rock began to wane, a new rhythm emerged to fill the void—disco. This episode captures that transition, shedding light on the 'Disco Sucks' movement and the polarizing effect it had on music lovers. Yet, amid the backlash, we acknowledge disco's undeniable groove and discuss its surprising inclusivity and lasting cultural impact. Prepare to reevaluate the misunderstood legacy of disco through the eyes of our insider, as nostalgia meets a fresh perspective for a dance-worthy trip down memory lane. Join us for a lively discussion that will rock your nostalgia and set your feet tapping to the memories on "Baby Boomers: The Strangest Generation.

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Step back with me to a time when the definition of masculinity was as shifting as the tides and every young man was searching for his place in the world. I unfold tales from my teenage years during the tumultuous mid-70s, wrestling with the legacy of my father's wartime heroism and the contrasting peace-and-love ethos of the era. Through the haze of Vietnam War protests and the sounds of Alice Cooper and Creedence Clearwater Revival, I found an unlikely role model in the fearless Evel Knievel—a man who defied death with a charisma that cut through the confusion and offered a different kind of blueprint for manhood.

Join us as we explore the enigmatic life of Evel Knievel, whose death-defying antics and complex persona captured the imagination of a generation caught between old war tales and the search for a new peace. From his iconic jump at Caesar's Palace to his candid interviews on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Knievel lived a life of authenticity that made him an emblem of raw, uncompromising manhood. We'll consider the dichotomy of his off-stage battles and the principles he lived by, and how these reflections helped to shape my own understanding of masculinity. Evel Knievel's legacy, fraught with personal contradictions yet undeniably impactful, offers a nostalgic yet insightful look at the courage to live by one's own terms.

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Support the show

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Support the show

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Support the show