The Setlist of Life podcast returns with all four bandmates reunited for a hilarious evening of personality tests and nostalgic storytelling. Hosts Aaron, Christine, Kirsten, and Leslie dive into entertaining quizzes that reveal which historical ruler, vegetable, salad dressing, blueberry type, and Pop-Tart flavor best represents their personalities.

This Generation X-focused podcast episode captures the authentic conversations of midlife music enthusiasts navigating family transitions, college drop-offs, and the end of summer. The hosts share relatable stories about pet mishaps (including a cat peeing on a headboard), furniture assembly struggles, and the challenges of maintaining friendships while juggling busy schedules.

Their musical backdrop features "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley, evoking memories of 80s and 90s summers and the songs that defined their youth. The episode showcases the unscripted, genuine chemistry between four friends who aren't afraid to laugh at themselves while discussing everything from college dorm bed assembly to 80s hair "froufing" incidents.

Perfect for podcast listeners seeking authentic conversations about midlife experiences, musical nostalgia, and the humor found in everyday challenges. The hosts' self-deprecating wit and genuine friendship create an engaging listening experience for anyone navigating similar life stages, whether they're empty nesters, music lovers, or simply looking for entertaining conversations that feel like chatting with old friends over coffee.

• Embrace your authentic personality quirks - The hosts celebrate their test results, even the unflattering ones, showing self-acceptance
• Create regular friend check-ins - Their podcast format demonstrates the importance of consistent connection with longtime friends

• Midlife transitions require humor and community - The hosts navigate college drop-offs, empty nesting, and life changes with laughter and mutual support
• Nostalgia serves as emotional anchor - Their discussion of 80s music and college memories provides comfort during current life transitions

• Use personality assessments for team building - Their vegetable/ruler quiz approach could work for family activities or friend groups seeking deeper connections

Resources Referenced:

• Luckett Store (mentioned as Kirsten's "happy place" for home decor)
• Spy Museum (Leslie planning visit with James Bond exhibit)

"Turns out I'm an ancient Egyptian pharaoh with a beard and terrible texting skills - basically every mom trying to coordinate carpool while achieving world domination."

In today's episode, Aaron, Kirsten, and Leslie share unfiltered conversations about their week's adventures, from Nashville honky-tonk hopping to backyard wildlife encounters.

Kirsten recounts her spontaneous Nashville trip, exploring Broadway's live music scene and and Leslie talks about the vibrant Yacht Rock Revue concert experience. The 18-year touring band delivered a spectacular two-hour show featuring Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, and Hall & Oates classics, complete with audience participation through their "Wheel of Chorus" game. Leslie also shares a fascinating backyard nature encounter involving murder hornets, cicadas, and the harsh realities of suburban wildlife.

The conversation weaves through relatable parenting moments, from teenagers wanting naps during family vacations to middle school locker anxieties. They explore how social dynamics work in both horse herds and middle school settings, drawing humorous parallels between animal behavior and human interactions.

Music enthusiasts will appreciate discussions about cover bands, live performance energy, and the nostalgic pull of yacht rock's smooth sounds. The episode captures the essence of friendship - honest, humorous, and occasionally sleep-deprived conversations that resonate with listeners balancing family responsibilities while maintaining their musical passions. Perfect for listeners seeking authentic, unscripted dialogue about navigating life's adventures with humor and grace.

• Embrace spontaneous musical experiences: Follow Leslie's example and explore local live music scenes, even if the genre isn't your usual preference
• Research before you judge: Aaron's approach to fact-checking and diving deeper into interesting topics (like murder hornets) leads to fascinating discoveries

• Social hierarchies exist everywhere: From horse herds to middle school dynamics, understanding power structures helps navigate various life situations
• Platform amplification changes perception: What seems like increased sensitivity might actually be the same level of reaction with more visibility

• Combine comfort with adventure: Kirsten's Nashville approach of staying in a walkable, quieter area while still accessing the action creates the perfect balance for midlife travel
• Multi-generational perspective matters: Including teenagers in family trips requires flexibility and understanding their different energy levels and interests

Resources Mentioned:

• Yacht Rock Revue (18-year touring band)
• Nashville's Broadway/Honky Tonk Row
• The Gulch neighborhood in Nashville
• Meerkat Manor documentary series

Venues/Locations:

• Luke Bryan's bar in Nashville
• Nashville soccer stadium
• Franklin, Tennessee area

Musical References:

• Songs performed by Yacht Rock Revue including Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Fleetwood Mac classics

"Nothing says 'living your best midlife' like wearing pants specifically to avoid being licked by your dog during a podcast recording."

In this episode of The Setlist of Life podcast, hosts Aaron, Kirsten, and Leslie embrace their lazy day vibes while Christine works on her thesis, making Bruno Mars' "The Lazy Song" their perfect anthem.

The trio shares relatable stories about the eternal struggle of cleaning before guests arrive, even when it's just a pet sitter. Leslie recounts her house-cleaning marathon before her Nashville weekend trip, while Aaron describes his adventure at the National Zoo in 95-degree heat, complete with impressive panda footage and encounters with the deadly cassowary bird.

The episode's highlight features the hilarious accent game "Utter Nonsense," where the hosts attempt various accents from French to Arnold Schwarzenegger to Southern drawl. Aaron emerges as the unexpected accent champion with spot-on impressions, while the group discovers their collective inability to master Chewbacca sounds or baby voices.

Between laughter and linguistic failures, they discuss everything from Australia's Hungry Jacks (Burger King's Australian equivalent) to upcoming movie sequels like Spinal Tap 2 and Spaceballs 2. This episode perfectly captures the authentic, unfiltered conversations that make The Setlist of Life a must-listen for Generation X women navigating family life, musical nostalgia, and the beautiful chaos of midlife friendships.

• House Guest Preparation: Even for pet sitters, a clean house reflects your standards and ensures return visits
• Zoo Strategy: Park at the top and work your way down to avoid the uphill climb, especially in hot weather
• Game Night Success: Warm up and practice before accent games to maximize the fun and minimize embarrassment

• Midlife Energy Cycles: Accept the natural "on or off" energy patterns that become more pronounced with age
• Collaborative Cooking: Multiple cooks can work together, but establish clear boundaries and cleanup responsibilities
• Visual Perception Changes: Aging affects our ability to see details, impacting how thoroughly we clean

• Podcast Content: Unscripted games can create genuine entertainment and reveal hidden talents among hosts
• Social Dynamics: Shared laughter over failures builds stronger friendships than competitive success

Movies Mentioned:

• Spinal Tap 2 (upcoming sequel)
• Spaceballs 2 (in production, Mel Brooks at 99 years old)

Fun Facts Discovered:

• Australia's Burger King operates as "Hungry Jacks" due to trademark issues
• The cassowary is considered the world's most deadly bird
• Meerkat Manor was a popular Animal Planet series following meerkat families

Game Referenced:

• "Utter Nonsense" - An accent-based party game

"Cleaning your house before the pet sitter comes is like warming up before karaoke - nobody really needs to, but we all feel better about our performance afterward."

The Setlist of Life podcast returns with all four band members reunited for the first time all summer. This episode features Christine sharing her Appalachian Trail hiking adventures, complete with trail names like "Sassafras" and encounters with fellow hikers. The conversation explores hiking culture, trail families, and the surprising world of trail names given by fellow adventurers.

The group dives into AI-generated music, with Aaron demonstrating a 30-second AI song creation for the kids' "Boys Club" summer activities. This sparks a deeper discussion about the future of musicians and how AI might impact the music industry, particularly for commercial and background music.

Lighter moments include Leslie's Florida vacation wildlife encounters (featuring alligators and snapping turtles), discussions about various word games like Wordle and Letterboxed, and the ongoing challenge of spelling band member Aaron's last name correctly.

The episode captures the authentic, unscripted conversations that Generation X and former musicians love - balancing nostalgia with modern realities, family life with personal interests, and genuine friendship dynamics. Topics range from outdoor adventures and technology's impact on creativity to the simple pleasures of word puzzles and summer activities with kids.

Perfect for listeners seeking relatable midlife conversations, musical insights, and the kind of honest friendship discussions that happen when longtime friends reconnect after busy summer schedules.

• Trail Safety Strategy: Talk to everyone you meet on hiking trails - it creates memorable interactions and safety awareness
• Creative AI Exploration: Experiment with AI music tools for quick creative projects, but understand their limitations for authentic expression
• Summer Activity Planning: Organize group activities for kids using names they don't cringe at (avoid calling it "Boys Club")

• Trail Culture Depth: Hiking communities have rich traditions including trail names, trail families, and unwritten social codes
• AI Music Impact: Technology will likely dominate commercial music spaces while making live, authentic artistry more valuable
• Friendship Maintenance: Long-term friendships thrive on accepting quirks (like consistently misspelling names) and shared experiences

• Musicians' Future Planning: Focus on live performance and authentic human experience as AI handles commercial background music
• Outdoor Adventure Approach: Research hiking culture and safety protocols before embarking on multi-day trail experiences
• Family Engagement: Create memorable experiences through organized activities, even if participants initially resist the concept

Resources Mentioned:

• Suno AI music creation app
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC)
• Merriam-Webster's Blossom word game
• New York Times Wordle and Letterboxed games
• Book recommendation: "North" (about fastest known time hiking attempts)

Trail Information:

• Appalachian Trail spans approximately 2,100 miles
• Harper's Ferry is a popular starting/stopping point
• Trail culture includes "bubble" hiking seasons and "tramily" (trail family) formations
• Safety statistic: Only 13 murders in trail history, statistically safer than urban areas

Technology Discussion:

• AI music generation in 30-second timeframes
• Distinction between AI-generated content and human artistic expression
• Implications for commercial vs. live music industries

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

05:00 Hiking the Appalachian Trail Experience

09:46 Trail Names and Hiking Culture

19:47 Wildlife Encounters and Nature

23:58 Games and Fun Activities

31:47 AI and Music Creation

34:02 Exploring AI in Music Creation

38:05 The Future of Music Consumption

42:18 The Role of Live Music in an AI-Driven World

44:43 The Evolution of Music Genres

46:57 The Impact of AI on Music Industry Jobs

57:29 Trail Names and Hiking Culture

01:02:25 Reflections on Life and Music

In this episode, Aaron, Kirsten, and Leslie share summer updates, travel adventures, and the realities of balancing family life with their musical past. Leslie's unexpected enthusiasm for Des Moines, Iowa, sparks discussion about affordable, walkable cities with thriving arts scenes and farmers markets. The conversation flows naturally from childhood TV nostalgia (Little House on the Prairie trauma, anyone?) to modern parenting challenges and the comedy of corporate sensitivity training. They their ongoing demand for reunion performances while acknowledging the homework aspect of maintaining musical skills. From designer thrift finds to high school reunion anxieties, pool setups to insurance company language policies, the hosts cover the wonderfully chaotic spectrum of Gen X mom life. The episode captures the essence of women who once rocked stages now navigating suburban adventures, complete with dog swimming preferences and grocery store cottage cheese quests. Their unfiltered commentary on everything from 1970s television to medical museums offers both nostalgia and fresh perspectives. Perfect for former musicians, classic rock fans, and anyone seeking genuine conversations about midlife's unexpected joys and challenges. The podcast proves that while the venues may have changed from concert halls to kitchen tables, the music and friendship endure.

1. "I'm a total fan of Des Moines, Iowa. Loved Des Moines. It is a gem. I think it's very affordable and kind of funky and cute." - Leslie
2. "Even if you've been playing for a long time, you have to practice. That's part of the deal. I'll be honest, I haven't been singing. That gets rusty real quick." - Leslie
3. "I don't want to be a pain in the ass. We can't have language like that. We can't have any language that could be misinterpreted as sexual harassment." - Leslie (recounting insurance conversation)
4. "Back in those days, it was, you want a career? This is happening. Let's go." - Aaron (discussing child actors in the 1970s)
5. "As soon as I went through, I was just like, that feels great. I don't know why that feels great, but that just felt awesome." - Aaron (after driving under a fallen tree)

Actionable Steps:

• Research affordable, walkable cities like Des Moines for quality of life alternatives
• Maintain musical skills through regular practice, even during breaks from performing
• Use platforms like Poshmark to monetize designer items you won't wear

Conceptual Insights:

• Childhood media exposure shapes adult perspectives more than we realize
• Small acts of calculated risk-taking can provide unexpected satisfaction

Strategic Applications:

• Former musicians can leverage their past for current social opportunities and events
• Travel planning benefits from researching local events and seasonal attractions
• High school reunions offer valuable reconnection opportunities despite initial anxiety

Resources Mentioned:

• Poshmark (online marketplace for designer clothing)
• Hy-Vee grocery stores (Iowa-based chain)
• Museum of Medical Oddities (Philadelphia)
• Fong's Pizza (Des Moines restaurant)

Locations Discussed:

• Des Moines, Iowa (farmers market, East Village, bike trails)
• Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)
• Notre Dame University (South Bend, Indiana)
• Baltimore Aquarium and Children's Museum

Cultural References:

• Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983 TV series)
• 1970s television programming and UHF channels
• Designer brand Comme des Garçons (heart logo clothing)

"We went from learning chord progressions to managing carpool schedules - turns out both require perfect timing and the ability to improvise when everything goes wrong."

thesetlistofliffe@gmail.com

In this episode of The Setlist of Life podcast, the main focus is setting up a new game concept exploring "One Hit Wonders" - examining whether artists labeled as such actually had albums worth revisiting.

The hosts discuss their approach to music categorization and decide to divide decades among themselves: Aaron takes the 1960s, Kirsten the 1970s, Christine the 1980s, and Leslie the 1990s.

Each host researched and selected potential one-hit wonders from their assigned decade:

Aaron's 1960s picks: The Lemon Pipers ("Green Tambourine"), The Chamber Brothers ("Time Has Come Today"), and Tin House ("Slipping and Sliding")

Kirsten's 1970s selections: Manfred Mann Earth Band ("Blinded by the Light"), Blue Swede ("Hooked on a Feeling"), and The Knack ("My Sharona")

Christine's 1980s choices: Modern English ("Melt with You"), Kajagoogoo ("Too Shy"), and A Flock of Seagulls ("I Ran")

Leslie's 1990s picks: Macy Gray ("Try"), Primitive Radio Gods ("Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth"), and The Toadies ("Possum Kingdom")

The hosts plan to listen to full albums from these artists and discuss whether they deserve more recognition beyond their single hits. The episode ends with plans to start with the 1960s selections in future episodes.

1. Music categorization is more complex than decades: Musical movements and genres often span 3-7 year periods that don't align with decade boundaries, making genre-based analysis potentially more meaningful than decade-based analysis.
2. The "one-hit wonder" label may be unfair: Many artists categorized as one-hit wonders may have produced quality albums that deserved more attention, suggesting the need to revisit their complete works.
3. Record industry practices have dramatically changed: Earlier decades saw labels investing in 3-4 album deals, while modern practices often drop artists after one unsuccessful release, contributing to more one-hit wonders in recent decades.
4. Quality songwriting is exceptionally difficult: The hosts' research revealed how rare truly memorable, hook-laden songs are, emphasizing the craft and skill required for successful songwriting.
5. Collaborative music discovery enhances appreciation: The podcast format of shared research and discussion creates opportunities for deeper musical exploration and discovery that individual listening might miss.

00:00 Introduction

05:06 Exploring One Hit Wonders

09:45 Decade Breakdown of Music

15:11 The Process of Selecting One Hit Wonders

19:50 Discussion of Selected Songs and Artists

32:51 Exploring 80s Music and One-Hit Wonders

39:50 The Evolution of Music Industry and One-Hit Wonders

47:45 Diving into Personal Music Choices

56:45 Planning Future Music Discussions and Listener Engagement

This episode of The Setlist of Life is the second installment of their "Love Is A Battlefield" game, where they pit album against album. Leslie emphasizes that listeners should have heard the previous episode to understand the current standings. The episode begins with some lighthearted banter about late-night texts, phone notifications, and personal anecdotes.

The first segment revolves around Aaron, who was tasked with creating new album matchups. To save time, he admits to using ChatGPT for suggestions, leading to a discussion about the ethical implications and growing presence of AI in education and daily life. They touch upon a Northeastern student suing over a professor's AI use and the varying approaches professors take towards AI tools in the classroom. The hosts also discuss the potential of AI to revolutionize education in underdeveloped countries.

The second part of the episode focuses on the actual "Love Is A Battlefield" game with the winners from the previous round and the "wild card" albums chosen by Aaron from ChatGPT's list. The hosts go through a rapid-fire series of head-to-head album battles.

The hosts reflect on the selection process, noting that they chose albums they personally loved and would listen to, rather than strictly "technically best" albums. They end by encouraging listeners to share their own thoughts, additions, and "which one hurt" choices for future discussions.

1. AI's Growing Influence and Ethical Considerations: The discussion around ChatGPT's use for album matchups quickly pivots to the broader societal impact of AI, particularly in education. It highlights ongoing debates about academic integrity, the changing landscape of teaching methods, and the necessity for universities to develop clear guidelines for AI use.
2. Personal Preference Drives Entertainment: Despite the "battlefield" theme, the album selections often boiled down to personal favorites and emotional connections rather than objective musical merit. This underscores that entertainment, especially in a casual podcast format, thrives on genuine passion and relatable preferences from the hosts.
3. Music as a Source of Shared Experience and Nostalgia: The episode is rich with personal anecdotes tied to music, from Joey's favorite Metallica album to Leslie's memories of "Barbed Wire Streisand." The rapid-fire album battles also evoke strong nostalgic responses, showing how music acts as a powerful trigger for memories and shared experiences.
4. The Unpredictable Nature of Live Content: The hosts' spontaneous tangents, including discussions about phone settings, celebrity deaths (George Wendt, Kirstie Alley), and the technicalities of recording classes, demonstrate the organic and sometimes chaotic nature of unscripted podcasting, which can be both challenging and endearing to an audience.
5. The Power of Storytelling in Music Appreciation: Beyond just naming albums, the hosts delve into specific songs and the reasons behind their choices, such as the impact of The Chronic or the innovative orchestration of Tears for Fears. This provides a richer understanding of their musical tastes and offers listeners more than just a list of winners, fostering deeper engagement with the music itself.

• The Last Rockstar (Michael Hutchence documentary): Available on YouTube.