Why is every 20-something with a ring light suddenly a life coach? Bret asks the question, and Josh—bitter, skeptical, and fully Gen X—has thoughts.

This episode dives into the rise of young “experts,” the influencer-to-guru pipeline, and whether social media clout has replaced actual experience. Does experience really matter? YES!!!!

But here’s the twist: did we help create this? By shielding kids from failure, did we accidentally build a generation convinced they’re ready to teach life… before they’ve even lived it?

It’s a masterclass in sarcasm, skepticism, and confronting the monster we may have raised.

Josh and Bret tackle the misunderstood art of Resting Dad Face—why Gen X always looks mildly annoyed, even when we’re just thinking about what to make for dinner.

In a world where kids are encouraged to name every emotion, color-code their feelings, and express themselves constantly, we’re over here trying to teach emotional intelligence without turning every car ride into a therapy session.

We talk about how we were raised to suppress, eye-roll, and “walk it off,” why we still flinch at the phrase “safe space,” and whether our kids are emotionally healthier—or just more dramatic. Also: how we’ve learned (or not) to model emotional balance as dads without becoming walking affirmation posters.

This one’s for every dad who’s ever been asked, “Are you mad?” when they were just squinting at the thermostat across the room or contemplating rafts on the Colorado.

Josh and Bret dig into a big question: What does it even mean to be cool anymore? Is it still a leather jacket and cool-dude attitude… or is it now a curated Instagram aesthetic and hipster energy?

We’re talking about how Gen X defined cool--think Starter Jackets, Grunge Dr Marten, Track Suits (were they ever cool), and not trying too hard, and how the definition has totally shifted. Is “cool” now just algorithm-approved relatability? Do dads get to be cool—or are we just here to embarrass our kids in cargo shorts?

And most importantly—have we finally aged out of cool, or is Gen X quietly still holding the crown because we just don’t care?

And for the record, neither Josh nor Bret wear cargo shorts thanks to our wives who keep us dressed appropriately.