About Paul Stroessner

Welcome to GenX Journeys.

I'm Paul Stroessner, and if you've found your way here, there's a good chance you believe what I do: our story isn't finished.

Life rarely follows the path we expect. Mine certainly hasn't. Looking back, I never could have imagined where it would lead.

From serving in the U.S. Navy to running marathons, writing books, and hosting podcasts, every experience has shaped the person I am today. Together, they've taught me that it's never too late to embrace new challenges, try something new, or write your next chapter.

That's why I created GenX Journeys.

My Story

Storytelling has always been at the heart of everything I do.

It began with Return to the '80s, a blog celebrating the music, movies, and pop culture that defined Generation X. What started as a creative outlet grew into a podcast and an incredible community of people who shared those same memories.

Running became another important part of my story.

I set a goal of running a race in all 50 states, a challenge that became Journey of the Rhode Runner. Somewhere along the way, I realized the miles were never the real story. The friendships, setbacks, lessons, and moments of perseverance became just as meaningful as crossing the finish line.

Writing remained the constant through every chapter. Earning my MFA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University strengthened my craft, but more importantly, it reinforced my belief that stories have the power to connect us, challenge us, and inspire us.

That journey eventually led to becoming a published author in the bestselling anthology Born to Risk, where I share the story of a life-changing decision during Operation Desert Shield and the lessons it taught me about courage, responsibility, and choosing purpose over comfort.

Why GenX Journeys?

For a long time, my interests seemed unrelated.

I loved writing. Running. Podcasting. Books. Personal growth.

Each one mattered, but I never saw how they fit together.

Then, during a conversation with actress Diane Franklin, she pointed out something I hadn't fully realized: Generation X wasn't just the audience I'd been creating for. It was the thread connecting everything I cared about.

That conversation became the spark for GenX Journeys.

Today, GenX Journeys is where all of those passions come together. It's a place for stories, conversations, books, and a community of Gen Xers who believe our best chapters may still be ahead.

Looking Ahead

Whether I'm interviewing inspiring guests, writing my next book, sharing stories on Substack, or training for another race, my goal is always the same:

To encourage others to embrace new challenges, keep learning, and never stop writing their next chapter.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you'll explore the podcast, discover a new book, subscribe to the newsletter, or simply find something here that encourages you on your own journey.

The best chapters are still ahead.