Hi, I’m Paul Stroessner, and if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’ve never been one to stay in just one lane. My life has been a collection of journeys—each one shaping who I am today.

The Journey Begins: Return to the '80s

In 2010, I rediscovered my love for writing after watching Julie & Julia, the Meryl Streep/Amy Adams film about passion and perseverance. That inspiration led me to create Return to the '80s, a blog celebrating the music, movies, and pop culture of the greatest decade. What started as a fun passion project quickly became a thriving community, and in time, it evolved into The Return to the '80s Podcast.

In 2015, another journey took off—quite literally—when I began my mission to run a race in all 50 states. That journey became Journey of the Rhode Runner, where I combined my passions for running, writing, travel, and supporting charities. But running wasn’t just about crossing finish lines; it was about resilience, growth, and pushing limits. In 2017, that journey naturally expanded into podcasting, allowing me to share my experiences and interview inspiring guests.

By 2019, I decided to fully embrace my passion for storytelling and personal growth by earning my MFA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. I was also inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society. During this time, I further honed my skills by editing How to Find a Personal Trainer by Adriana Ferns—an experience that deepened my love for helping others bring their stories to life.

The Power of Reinvention: Inspiring Journeys to GenX Journeys

As my passions evolved, so did my platforms. I wanted to inspire others, not just through my own journey, but by amplifying the voices of incredible people from all walks of life. That’s when Journey of the Rhode Runner transformed into Inspiring Journeys. But something still felt incomplete—I had so many interests and messages to share, yet no single place to bring them all together.

Then, everything clicked.

When actress Diane Franklin pointed out that my GenX Book Club was something unique, I realized: Gen X is the thread that ties everything together. We are a generation built on resilience, nostalgia, reinvention, and the drive to keep moving forward. That’s when GenX Journeys was born.

GenX Journeys: The Road Ahead

Now, through GenX Journeys, I’m bringing together all my passions—storytelling, pop culture, personal growth, running, and community-building—to create something truly special. Whether it’s:

• The GenX Journeys Podcast, where I talk with inspiring guests about reinvention, resilience, and embracing new chapters

• The GenX Book Club, where we dive into books that shaped us

• Throwback Thursdays, revisiting classic Return to the '80s episodes

• Power Surge, featuring uplifting stories and the important mission of 22 Too Many

…it’s all about honoring the past, owning the present, and building an epic future.

I’m thrilled you’re here for the ride. Let’s rediscover, reinvent, and thrive—together.