Best Gen X Files Podcasts (2025)

1
The Gen X Files 222 - Monty Python's Life of Brian 1:29:57

2d ago1:29:57

1:29:57

With the show behind them and plenty of time to focus on writing, the Pythons put together their most ambitious film yet: the story of the guy who lived next to Jesus. It's Monty Python's Life of Brian! The movie that was banned in a number of countries, yet is still considered to be one of the funniest films of all-time. Written by Terry Jones, Gr…

1
The Grateful Dead Pt. 2: The Ballad of Pigpen and Old, Weird America—an Origin Story 44:42

1d ago44:42

44:42

Bootlegging whiskey, acid tests, grass, and songs about murder. The origins of the Grateful Dead are fascinating and not what most people think. Born out of the tradition of “old, weird America”; bluegrass, jug band music and deadly folk tales, the Grateful Dead, as young adults, were into some strange stuff and we are all better for it. The band w…

1
Grateful Dead Pt. 1: Freedom's Just Another Word for… 48:11

3d ago48:11

48:11

The Grateful Dead became one of the most influential bands of all time and propelled themselves with improvisation, LSD and an ethos of “freedom”. Through drug busts and CIA surveillance, they thrived and created one of the largest, most fervent and commercially consequential fan bases of all time. Freedom, LSD and improvised blues in the key of bu…

1
How small businesses can survive the unpredictable global supply chain 16:49

3d ago16:49

16:49

Tariffs are...how much again? The global supply chain has been sent into turmoil over the last several weeks, causing headaches for small businesses. We talked to Isaac Hetzroni, who sources products for large and small companies as CEO of Imprint Genius and shares advice on TikTok as @thesourcingguy. Plus: Dick’s buys Foot Locker and Apple Maps te…

1
Bonus Episode - Sign o' the Times: the Diddy Trial Begins 42:09

4d ago42:09

42:09

This week in the After Party, Jake shares his thoughts on the start of the Diddy trial and (of course) takes your calls, emails, texts and DMs.. Next week, we're presenting our episode on legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jake wants to know: Which musician also excelled in a second art from or sport? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠disgracel…

1
SEO vs AEO: AI enters search 14:13

4d ago14:13

14:13

Goodbye SEO, hello… AEO? ChatGPT and Perplexity are changing how we search online, and startups are capitalizing. So what is Answer Engine Optimization and how will it change the Internet? Plus: Apple wants you to control iPhones with your mind and streaming service Max goes back to HBO Max. Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Juliet Bennett as they tak…

1
The startup turning greenhouse gases into butter 14:17

5d ago14:17

14:17

Savor, a new startup is looking to use greenhouse gases to create fat. The company has a huge facility in Illinois and wants to shake up the food industry. So how do they convert gas to butter and how much money is being thrown around in investment? Plus: ESPN has a new streaming app and Nissan lays off staff. Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Sara Fr…

1
Prince (Pt. 2): Bodyguards, Guns, Gangs, and a Revolution 43:35

6d ago43:35

43:35

1984. Prince is at his commercial and creative peak. "Purple Rain" – the album, the soundtrack, and the film – is a sensation. But that's when the backlash sets in. That's when Prince's public persona sours, thanks in part to a tell-all story sold by a former bodyguard for a big drug-money payday. All the while, the world is sinking further into ch…

1
How to grow your small business in 2025 17:57

6d ago17:57

17:57

Get our Side Hustle Ideas Database: ⁠https://clickhubspot.com/thds Your small business isn’t doomed. Tariffs and the economy are pushing back at you, but your business can still grow exponentially. Maha Abouelenein is an entrepreneur and writer who is here to provide some valuable insights on how small businesses are sprouting and scaling in today’…

1
Prince (Pt. 1): Dark Funk and Fentanyl 44:05

7d ago44:05

44:05

Few pop artists achieved the dizzying creative and career highs that Prince did. An artist who famously stayed away from drugs and most anything that would cause him to lose control, Prince was aided in his legendary musical output by a small army of creative alter egos, who helped him maintain control and helped him reign supreme as one of the gre…

1
How creators and brands can actually win a Webby 17:34

7d ago17:34

17:34

The Webby’s are the premiere award for the Internet. Tonight (May 12th), the Webby’s will have its 29th anniversary and give out awards to the best of the web. So, as a creator and/or a brand, how do you get noticed and who decided to give you an award? We’ll answer that today with Executive Director of the Webby Awards, Jesse Feister. Plus: Google…

1
The Gen X Files 221 - Monty Python and the Holy Grail 1:21:45

9d ago1:21:45

1:21:45

Monty Python and the Holy Grail was the first movie that the Pythons wrote to be an actual movie and is an absolute classic. Written by Eric Idle, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, with direction from the Terrys. Also, we do deep dives into the life and histories of John Cleese and Graham Chapman, who wrote …

1
Slick Rick: Hustle, Iconic Flow and a Menacing Tormentor 43:10

10d ago43:10

43:10

Slick Rick has one of the most iconic voices in hip hip history. His style is completely his own, and his success owes as much to his delivery as it does to his hustle. Slick Rick worked hard to get to the top, and once he made it he was nearly cut down by drugs and violence - violence inflicted upon him by someone from his inner circle. Listen to …

1
How ‘TV Tourism’ is reshaping the travel industry 14:53

10d ago14:53

14:53

Shows like ‘The White Lotus’ are bolstering global economies. Millennials and Gen Zers are taking after their favorite shows and travelling in droves. So how did TV Tourism become a thing and is it really a wealth driver for the countries it targets? Plus: Amazon has new AI warehouse robots and Krispy Kreme breaks up with McDonald’s. Join our hosts…

1
Bonus Episode: The Mount Rushmore of Guitarists 42:39

11d ago42:39

42:39

This week in the After Party, Jake hears from you about the Mount Rushmore of Guitarists and opines on a recent performance from David Lee Roth. Next week, we're presenting part 2 of the Prince story, and Jake wants to know: Which artist best represented their times? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracel…

1
Soda wars: How Sprite beat out Pepsi 14:55

11d ago14:55

14:55

Sprite is now America's number 3 soda. The lemon-lime fizzy drink just defeated Pepsi’s namesake drink for the title, but how did Sprite do it? We’re breaking down the business of the Coca-Cola subsidiary and how its strategies took advantage of an already-tumbling Pepsi. Plus: Netflix is testing shortform video and Disney opens a theme part in Abu…

1
DoorDash cements its food empire, buys Deliveroo 14:52

12d ago14:52

14:52

DoorDash’s 2025 performance has been great so far. The company is now expanding across the globe as it looks to acquire Deliveroo for $3.9B and SevenRooms in the US for $1.2B. So what will these acquisitions do for DoorDash and can competitors even keep up? Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Mark Dent as they take you through our most interesting stori…

1
Van Halen Pt. 2: Pulling a Gun on Fred Durst, Racing Ferraris and Lambos, and Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Most Faithful Servant 43:21

13d ago43:21

43:21

In 1985, David Lee Roth was out and Sammy Hagar was in. One of the biggest lead singer shakeups in music history led to some of the biggest sales of Van Halen's career. It also led to more drama, to Lamborghinis and Ferraris racing through the streets of Los Angeles, to military assault vehicles storming Beverly Hills, to crazed fans and loaded gun…

1
New tariffs on foreign films? Netflix takes the hit 14:43

13d ago14:43

14:43

On Sunday, President Trump laid out an idea for a new group of tariffs- this time on foreign films entering the US. How has this thought already affected US media companies and Hollywood at large and what are the odds it goes through? Plus: Sketchers gets acquired and Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” shocks the box office. Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Mar…

1
Van Halen (Part 1): Bootleggers, U.S. Marshals, and Protecting Innovation at Any Cost 43:17

14d ago43:17

43:17

On the backs of one of rock ‘n roll’s greatest innovators and one of its greatest ringmasters, Van Halen made some of the greatest music of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen chased the perfect sound while lead singer David Lee Roth chased the next party. They were also ruthless when it came to protecting the unique thing they …

1
How California’s fast food wage hikes are changing the business 17:55

14d ago17:55

17:55

California’s fast food workers are earning a minimum wage of $20/hr. The wage hike was approved in 2024 and there may be more coming in 2025. Given California’s reputation as a fast food hub for many companies, how has this wage hike affected the US economy and where is it going from here? We’re joined by Saul Gonzales and Madi Bolanos from the Cal…

1
The Notorious B.I.G. Pt. 2: A Dead Rivalry, New Inspiration and a Murder Mystery for the Ages 39:48

16d ago39:48

39:48

In part two of the Notorious B.I.G. story we see the young star trying to deal with life after the death of his rival (and one-time friend), Tupac Shakur. We also get a glimpse into the motivation behind the making of his final album, the aptly titled, Life After Death and get deep into the mystery behind his still unsolved murder. This episode was…

1
The Gen X Files 220 - Monty Python's Flying Circus 1:33:37

16d ago1:33:37

1:33:37

Welcome to Monty Python May! First up is the one that started it all: Monty Python's Flying Circus. From the genius minds of John Cleese, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam. The show was insanely groundbreaking and inspired an amazing amount of sketch comedy shows that followed.…

1
The Notorious B.I.G. Pt. 1: Dealing Crack on the Corner, Spitting Beef and Creating One of the Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time 43:45

17d ago43:45

43:45

The Notorious B.I.G. entered adulthood as a crack dealer and left this world as one of the most famous hip-hop stars of all time. He was murdered mysteriously and before that was arrested almost too many times to count. He eventually altered the course of hip-hop with the release of his debut album, Ready To Die, an album that served as a soundtrac…

1
McDonald’s is McReeling in 2025 15:22

17d ago15:22

15:22

Profits are sinking for McDonald’s this year compared to 2024 in Q1. The chain has introduced a few new promotions for deal-seeking customers, but it seems that just isn’t doing the trick. So how will the fast food overlord course correct? Plus: Chef Boyardee is bought up by private equity and Kohl’s fires its brand new CEO. Join our hosts Jon Weig…

1
Bonus Episode: Gen X Actresses and Getting to Know You 45:26

18d ago45:26

45:26

This week in the After Party, Jake reflects on Wynona Ryder and her iconic status among Gen X. Plus, Jake wants the Disgos to get in touch and tell him a little more about yourself: What are your favorite genres of music? What books and films do you like? What are your hobbies? Next week, we're presenting part 2 of the Van Halen story, and Jake wan…

1
ChatGPT is too nice…and OpenAI lost millions because of it 14:18

18d ago14:18

14:18

In March of 2025 there was an odd shift in ChatGPT’s behavior. The AI chatbot started flattering users for their prompts and being overly polite. So why is this a problem and why did OpenAI pull this update? Plus: UPS cuts 20k jobs and Truley combats Cluely. Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Juliet Bennett as they take you through our most interesting…

1
Party’s Over, from Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy 34:50

19d ago34:50

34:50

You know on Disgraceland we bring you dark stories of musicians getting away with very bad behavior. This week, we have something special: A new podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy." In this six-part series, ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire takes listeners inside the rise and fall of Diddy, tracing how whispe…

1
Wealth injection: Wegovy is coming to Hims & Hers and others 14:08

19d ago14:08

14:08

Wegovy is on its way to Hims & Hers, Ro and LifeMD. In a landmark deal, after pulling the rug under these pharmacies for manufacturing dupes, Novo Nordisk is now pushing Wegovy through them. So, is this a good decision? Plus: Amazon enters the space race and Duolingo makes an AI pledge. Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Rob Litterst as they take you t…

1
Winona Ryder: Drowning, Designer Theft, and a Deadly Kidnapping 45:24

20d ago45:24

45:24

Between beatnik parents, an LSD guru godfather, and an unconventional upbringing in Northern California, it’s not surprising that Winona Ryder became America’s endearing weirdo in the 1990s. Her noir starpower shined from an early age in movies like Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Edward Scissorhands, but her penchant for dark roles would lead her towar…

1
Why do all snacks have protein now? 13:57

20d ago13:57

13:57

The protein fad is in full swing for food companies. Protein is now plastered all over the snack aisle at the store and consumers are really loving it. So how did we get to the “protein in everything” mantra and is it actually working for companies? Plus: Slate introduces a new EV truck and IBM will invest billions in its US operations. Join our ho…

1
How to build, scale and monetize events for entrepreneurs with Andrew Yeung 17:21

21d ago17:21

17:21

Entrepreneurs and tech founders of every level could probably use more ways to connect IRL. Thankfully, Andrew Yeung is putting in work to connect the tech and business world with his company Fibe. Learn how to actually monetize events and bring people together. Plus: Novo Nordisk gets a big win and California becomes the 4th largest economy in the…

1
The Gen X Files 219 - For the Stepdads: McNerdy 1:16:05

23d ago1:16:05

1:16:05

In this episode, we wrap up our McNerdy tribute to the early films of Patrick Dempsey, along with discussing a couple of movies, TV shows, and how it's a great time for the Gen Xer to get back into gaming!

1
Iggy Pop: Mad Artistry, Mental Wards, and Gaping Chest Wounds 44:52

24d ago44:52

44:52

Iggy Pop pushed rock further than anyone before him, committing to live acts of sex, sickness, and rumored suicide on stage. From his cocaine fueled bromance with David Bowie, to his search for inspiration in the voodoo rituals of Haiti, Iggy Pop never just crossed the line between art and madness. He bled all over it, and danced on the stains. Thi…

1
Soda is declining, so why is Dr. Pepper thriving? 16:13

24d ago16:13

16:13

Dr. Pepper parent company Keurig is on a roll in the soda market. The company surpassed profit estimates while other companies in the space like Pepsi projected a decrease. So why is Keurig doing so well amid a soda and snack industry overhaul? Plus: Microsoft offers low performers a way out and McDonald’s brings back chicken strips permanently. Jo…

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