Send us Fan Mail

Growing up Gen X, many of us heard the same warning: "What happens in this house stays in this house."

But what happened when the family secrets weren't simply embarrassing? What happened when the things children were told to keep quiet about were the very things they needed help with?

In Episode 2 of Things We Never Talked About, But Should Have, we're examining the culture of family secrecy during the 1970s and 1980s—and how attitudes toward child abuse, domestic violence, discipline, and family reputation affected the children growing up in those households.

We'll explore the changing recognition of child abuse, the emergence of domestic violence shelters, the impact of television movies like The Burning Bed and Something About Amelia, and the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences.

This isn't about blaming an entire generation of parents. It's about understanding the attitudes we inherited, the people who challenged them, and what we can do differently today.

Because privacy and secrecy aren't always the same thing.

And a family's reputation should never matter more than someone's safety.

Support resources (United States):

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
https://www.thehotline.org/

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
https://www.childhelphotline.org/

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

Historical and research sources:

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA): https://www.congress.gov/

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb

CDC — Adverse Childhood Experiences: https://www.cdc.gov/aces/

Things We Never Talked About, But Should Have is a Mighty Philbert series examining the uncomfortable subjects that shaped Generation X—and the conversations we still need to have.

#GenerationX #GenX #MightyPhilbert #1980s #1970s #FamilySecrets #ChildAbuseAwareness #DomesticViolenceAwareness

Send us Fan Mail

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s wasn't always the carefree adventure we remember.

While Generation X was riding bicycles, watching MTV, and surviving the Satanic Panic, America was confronting a growing teenage suicide crisis.

Television movies, after-school specials, public-service announcements, and songs like Rick Cua's "Don't Say Suicide" attempted to address the problem. But there was something many of us struggled with: we were told to ask adults for help, even when we didn't trust those adults enough to tell them what we were going through.

In the first episode of Things We Never Talked About, But Should Have, we examine the history of teenage suicide during the Gen X years, the cultural response, the stigma surrounding mental health, and why so many young people felt safer talking to their friends than to parents, teachers, or religious leaders.

I'll also share a personal memory of a friend I lost, and reflect on what our generation can learn from the conversations we wish we'd had.

This isn't about blaming an entire generation of parents. It's about understanding the world that shaped us—and asking how we can do better for the generations coming after us.

If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What subjects were difficult or impossible to discuss with adults when you were growing up?

Please keep the conversation compassionate and respectful.

Support resources: If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 in the United States, or visit https://988lifeline.org. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

Research and further reading:

CDC — Suicide Among Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults, 1980–1992
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00031525.htm

CBS television's response to teenage suicide (1984)
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/10/08/TV-WorldTwo-CBS-movies-look-at-teenage-suicides/9802466056000/

The Trevor Project — Acceptance From Adults and LGBTQ Youth
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/acceptance-from-adults-is-associated-with-lower-rates-of-suicide-attempts-among-lgbtq-young-people-sep-2023/

#GenerationX #GenX #MentalHealthAwareness #TeenSuicidePrevention #1980s #MightyPhilbert

Send us Fan Mail

Halloween was different when we were kids! We had homemade popcorn balls, caramel apples, school costume contests, pillowcases full of candy, and the freedom to roam all over town.

Today, Halloween often means organized events, trunk-or-treat festivals, costume restrictions, and curfews. But has Halloween really changed for the worse, or are we just remembering the magic of childhood?

Join The Mighty Philbert as we revisit Halloween in the '70s and '80s, explore how the traditions changed, and remember one unfortunate dentist who learned why it's called TRICK or treat.

What was Halloween like when you were a kid? Share your favorite memories in the comments!

#GenX #Halloween #1980s #1970s #Nostalgia #TheMightyPhilbert