GenX Adulting Podcast - Episode 42 - GenX Speaks Series: Sherri Dindal / The Real Slim Sherri
Episode Summary
In Episode 42 of the GenX Speaks Series, Sherri Dindal, known as The Real Slim Sherri, shares her experiences growing up as a Gen Xer, discussing the challenges of childhood, the impact of parenting styles on her generation, and her journey through life and career. The conversation delves into the unique struggles faced by Gen Xers, including the transition to adulthood, parenting, and the effects of societal expectations.
Key Takeaways
- Sherri identifies as a middle child of Gen X, born in 1972.
- She experienced a chaotic childhood marked by domestic violence and instability.
- Gen Xers often had a 'feral' upbringing, spending unsupervised time outdoors.
- Sherri emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles of parenting.
- She discusses the impact of perimenopause and menopause on women, highlighting the need for awareness and conversation.
- Sherri's career as an investigator began at age 19, and she later transitioned to entrepreneurship.
- The support of her partner was crucial in her decision to leave her corporate job and pursue her own business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sherri Dindal?
Sherri Dindal, known as The Real Slim Sherri, is a Gen Xer who shares her experiences growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, discussing the unique challenges faced by her generation.
What are the common experiences of Gen Xers?
Gen Xers often experienced a 'feral' childhood, with unsupervised play and a sense of independence, which shaped their approach to parenting and adulthood.
How did Sherri transition from being an investigator to an entrepreneur?
After working as an investigator for over two decades, Sherri was encouraged by her partner to quit her job and pursue entrepreneurship, leading to the successful establishment of multiple businesses.
What challenges do Gen X women face regarding menopause?
Gen X women often face a lack of awareness and support regarding menopause, leading to feelings of isolation and confusion as they navigate physical and emotional changes.
What role did Sherri's partner play in her career decisions?
Sherri's partner provided unwavering support and encouragement, helping her to believe in herself and take the leap to leave her corporate job for entrepreneurship.
Part of these Topics: Divorce & Co-Parenting, Women's Midlife Health & Menopause, Entrepreneurs & Founders, Trauma & Breaking Cycles, Creators & Podcasters, Parenting & Raising Kids, GenX Childhood & 80s/90s Culture
Featured guests: Sherri Dindal
Description
In this episode we welcome Sherri Dindal, aka The Real Slim Sherri. Sherri reflects on her “typical GenX childhood”, that was filled with being feral, drinking from the garden hose and even having her own Hansel and Gretel situation in her neighborhood. A home life that involved alcoholism and the factors that typically go along with it resulted in Sherri acquiring the hypervigilance that so many GenXers have battled with their entire lives. We discuss the parenting styles of GenX, and how many are breaking the cycle by focusing on emotional development. Sherri shares how she has been finding success in the use of EMDR Therapy on her healing journey. We discuss how perimenopause may have played a role in her decision to leave her job as an investigator at 43 and how that decision changed the entire trajectory of her life. Together, Sherri and her wife Christa started their first business, Feather & Vine boutique, which they have now run for ten years. Their second business, Wholesome Hippy, soon followed, and has resulted in so much success that Sherri was recently on Good Morning America! Sherri shares how turning 50 was an awakening for her and another pivotal moment in her life. We learn how a severe battle with Covid led to her third business, The Real Slim Sherri, where she has gained over 6 million followers through her brilliant ability to use humor when discussing even the most taboo subjects, combined with an authenticity that brings comfort to her fans. The Real Slim Sherri led to The GenX Takeover tour, a comedy variety show that she headlines along with three other GenX talents, Kelly Manno, The Dad Bod Veteran and Mr. Professor318. The millennials are also represented by host/comedian Justin Rupple. The GenX Takeover Tour is the perfect example of "you can do anything at any age" and the importance of conquering your fear of being uncomfortable and continuing to challenge yourself. It’s no wonder Sherri recently won the Cheer of the Year Award at the Cheer Choice Awards. The award is given to someone who has done good in the world and helped others, and what an absolutely eloquent honor for all of GenX that someone from our generation, who has a shared story with us and had the courage to take a leap of faith midlife to chase her dreams, won. Whether it was going live during Covid through Feather & Vine to provide some distracting entertainment, or creating a skincare and beauty line that is clean and safe, or showing up daily on social media to offer comic relief as well as an opportunity for her fans to feel seen, or hitting the road with the GenX Takeover Tour to bring a sense of community and joy to people, Sherri has repeatedly shown that she cares, she gets it and she gets us. Many call Sherri “The GenX Queen”, and as much as she so obviously appreciates everything she has and how much she adores her fans, there is no question that being a wife to Christa and a mother to her son and two daughters is the pride of her life. We were absolutely thrilled to have this time with Sherri to hear her story and discuss real issues that are affecting GenXers midlife. Even if you’re not GenX, you will thoroughly enjoy every minute of this episode, and younger generations will learn a lot.
Find Sherri At:
http://www.therealslimsherri.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@therealslimsherri?lang=en
https://www.instagram.com/therealslimsherri/
https://www.youtube.com/@therealslimsherri
https://www.facebook.com/sherri.dindal/
https://substack.com/@therealslimsherri?utm_source=user-menu
Check Us Out At:
https://genxadultingpodcast.com/
Chapters
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:09 GenX Childhood
07:27 GenX Parenting Style
12:53 Boomers As Parents
15:41 Younger Women Choosing to Have Children
20:36 GenX Dealing With Their Emotions
25:39 GenX Breaking the Cycle...or Not
33:01 Dealing with Alcoholism and Domestic Violence During Childhood
35:11 EMDR Therapy
50:25 Turning 50: An Awakening to Life
57:43 Perimenopause and Menopause
01:11:58 Parent's Divorce
01:16:41 Middle School and High School in Toledo
01:23:14 Teenage Pregnancy and Building a Career
01:28:42 Meeting Wife
01:31:56 Finding the Courage to Quit Job at 43
01:34:51 Support from Christa
01:40:19 The Power of Belief: Support in Relationships
01:43:10 Doing Life and Marriage Together
01:47:02 The Pivotal Blessing of Having Her Son at 17
01:57:10 GenX Women Finding Their Identity Midlife
02:00:21 Feather & Vine Boutique
02:03:21 Wholesome Hippy
02:07:39 Wholesome Hippy on Good Morning America
02:14:11 The Real Slim Sherri
02:34:20 Authenticity in Social Media
02:48:47 GenX Takeover Tour
02:58:00 Imposter Syndrome
03:15:11 Cheer Choice Awards
03:21:54 Honoring Our Inner Child
03:25:18 Writing A Book
03:33:40 Advice for the Younger Generations
03:52:28 5 Year Vision
Tags
#genx #over50 #midlife #entrepreneur #over40 #childhood #trauma #healing #parenting #menopause #emdr #therapy #advice #family