In this episode, we welcome Vanessa Grigoriadis, host of the “So Your Parents Are Old” podcast.  Vanessa takes us through her New York City upbringing, shaped by her father’s career as a college professor, her mother’s life as a renowned artist, and her family’s Greek heritage.

We explore the GenX latchkey kid experience from the perspective of an only child, though Vanessa admits she didn’t quite have the feral freedom many GenXers remember.  From NYC mall culture to the pop‑culture touchstones of the era, we dive into what it meant to grow up GenX in the city.  

Vanessa shares stories from her years at Wesleyan University, and her early career at New York Magazine, where Nicole notes she was essentially living a real‑life Sex and the City moment, sipping Cosmopolitans and walking Manhattan in Manolo Blahniks in the 90s.

Her move to Rolling Stone in the early 2000s opened the door to countless celebrities, including early interviews with Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and Usher.  Together, we take a deep look at how celebrity culture has evolved since those early career moments.

We also talk about balancing career with marriage and motherhood as Vanessa continued her role as a journalist, became a published author with her book “Blurred Lines: Rethinking Sex, Power and Consent on Campus”, and added podcaster to her resume.  Our conversation turns deeply personal as we reflect on losing a parent and caring for an aging parent with dementia.  Vanessa offers thoughtful, compassionate insight for anyone navigating caregiving, wisdom she brings to her podcast, a resource for those suddenly thrust into this challenging role.

Finally, we discuss the reality so many GenXers face today of being part of the sandwich generation where you’re caring for aging parents while still raising children.

We loved our conversation with Vanessa and know listeners will find her story both fascinating and insightful.  Be sure to check out “So Your Parents Are Old” podcast!

Check Vanessa Out Here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soyourparentsareold?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D
TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/soyourparentsareold?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoYourParentsAreOld
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-your-parents-are-old/id1589072529
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FJG6RyOtCxuldmJevkRro?si=c61993ba6b264a37&nd=1&dlsi=12959dc78bad481b

Check Us Out Here:
https://genxadultingpodcast.com/

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Check us out at genxadulting.com

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