Episode Details
Back to EpisodesThe Bully of Our Generation: What William Zabka Taught Us (yes, the OG Johnny from The Karate Kid)Episode # 820
Description
Cathy and Todd dive into how 80s pop culture—especially the roles played by William Zabka—shaped Gen X’s early ideas about bullying, power, and masculinity. From The Karate Kid’s Johnny Lawrence to Just One of the Guys’ Greg Tolan, Zabka’s characters weren’t just villains—they were cultural blueprints. In this episode, they explore how these archetypes trained us to recognize bullying as loud, obvious, and physical, and why that old model leaves many Gen X parents unequipped to understand the quiet, social cruelty their kids face today. They reflect on Zabka’s surprising return in Cobra Kai, the emotional growth Gen X is still working through, and how we can better support a generation that sees power and empathy very differently.
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This week’s sponsor(s):
- Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration.
- David Serrano- Certified Financial Planner- 815-370-3780
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- Todd Adams Life & Leadership Coaching for Guys
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AI Summary
Meeting summary for ZPR Podcast Recording (05/20/2025)
Quick recap
The podcast episode focuses on exploring 1980s pop culture and its impact on Gen X perceptions of bullying and social dynamics, particularly through movies like The Karate Kid and discussions about actor William Zabka’s roles. The hosts share personal experiences with bullying and examine how these cultural reference