GenX Adulting Podcast - Episode 34 - GenX Speaks Series: Maron's Story

Name: GenX Adulting Podcast - Episode 34 - GenX Speaks Series: Maron's Story
Uploaded: 2025-08-18T00:00:00-04:00
Duration: 2 h 20 min 48 s
Description: In Episode 34 of the GenX Speaks Series, Marlon shares his journey from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, detailing his experiences with family, cultural identity, and the challenges he faced growing up. He discusses his career in graphic design, his passion for music, and his personal growth through various life experiences.

Episode Summary

In Episode 34 of the GenX Speaks Series, Marlon shares his journey from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, detailing his experiences with family, cultural identity, and the challenges he faced growing up. He discusses his career in graphic design, his passion for music, and his personal growth through various life experiences.

Key Takeaways

Marlon was born in Trinidad and Tobago in 1973 and is proud to be part of Generation X.
He faced racism within his own family due to mixed heritage, which shaped his identity.
Marlon moved to the U.S. in 2004 and has navigated various jobs, including graphic design and working in hospitality.
He has a passion for music and has played in several bands, including a punk band in Trinidad and a metal band in the U.S.
Marlon is currently working on a children's book that reflects his journey and experiences.
He emphasizes the importance of sleep and fitness in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Marlon believes in the power of storytelling and authenticity in both his personal and professional life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What challenges did Marlon face growing up in Trinidad?

Marlon experienced racism within his own family due to his mixed heritage, which affected his sense of belonging and identity.

What career path did Marlon take after moving to the U.S.?

After moving to the U.S., Marlon worked in various jobs, primarily in graphic design and hospitality, while also pursuing his passion for music.

What is Marlon currently working on?

Marlon is currently working on a children's book that tells a story about his journey and personal growth, as well as creating his own music.

Part of these Topics: Music & Concert Memories, Immigrant Family Stories, Authors & Storytellers

Featured guests: Marlon

Read the full transcript →

Description

In this episode we welcome Marlon, a Genxer from Trinidad who became an American citizen. Marlon describes the differences between Trinidad and Tobago, known as the “Twin Islands”. He shares his family background rooted in both Hindu and Arawak, and how coming from a blending of both led to him being exposed to overt racism from his own family. We learn about his formative years in school in Trinidad, in addition to the sports, food, weather, government system and overall culture of Trinidad. A particularly riveting story Marlon shared with us reflects on the time he was “scooped up” and arrested with other men that resulted in a two week stay in prison before he was finally released. He shares about his years of being punk and being a member of a punk band, and how a moment at a party when he used a computer for the first time led to his first job at a newspaper on Trinidad where he started in classifieds and eventually worked on the front page. Working on a project that involved Mariah Carey gave him the opportunity to come to America for the first time which led to his goal of moving to America and becoming a citizen. We learn about his time living in Miami, as well as the time he was homeless but still maintained a job that had a commute that required a lot of creativity, determination and time, and even included having to hang out in the Miami Airport some nights. Marlon’s work ethic shines as we learn about the many positions he’s held at various businesses as he’s built his reputation not only in graphic design, but as an exceptional individual. We learn about his wonderful 11 year relationship with his girl, and how he makes time for his passions, one being his dedication to working out. In addition to the many creative outlets Marlon has, including music, he is currently working on a children’s book! We were very impressed with Marlon’s dedication to creating and making time for the things that are important to him, and enjoyed learning about what and who inspires him, one of which includes Tony Robbins. We were honored to hear Marlon’s amazing story of courage, determination, creativity and talent and are truly inspired by what he shared. We look forward to having him return in the future!

Visit Us At:

https://linktr.ee/genxadulting

https://www.tiktok.com/@genxadulting

https://www.instagram.com/genx.adulting/

https://www.facebook.com/genxadulting

https://www.youtube.com/@genxadulting

https://x.com/genxadulting

https://www.amazon.com/shop/genxadulting

Chapters

Chapters:

00:00:00 Intro

00:00:15 Introduction