Episode 0: Before There Was Any Show at All

Hey, it's Melissa. Welcome to Gen X Jersey.

This is the pre-show, the scene-setter and the invitation in.

In this episode, I introduce myself, explain how Gen X Jersey grew out of my work on Radio Garden State and share what makes this show different. We talk about music as identity, the early MTV era when access felt like cultural currency and why so many of us were convinced we were cooler than everyone else.

I also introduce the Blue Light Book Club, our small rebellion against blue screens. The first selection comes from an actor many of you will recognize from The Big Bang Theory, but his memoir is really about growing up in 70s and 80s New York, punk mindset, creative ambition and the push and pull of parental expectations. The book is available in print, audiobook and free through your local library on Libby.

If you’re new here, start here. Then join us for Episode 1.

We’re not done. Not even close.