Podcast Title: Bad On Paper
Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
Episode: A Moving Retrospective
Release Date: October 23, 2024

Introduction

In this special retrospective episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter delve into Olivia’s significant move upstate two years ago. Becca takes the lead, offering insights into the motivations, challenges, and rewarding experiences that followed the relocation. The conversation is candid, reflecting on personal growth, renovation adventures, and the journey of making new friendships in a new environment.

Highs and Lows of the Move

Becca opens the discussion by highlighting the purpose of the episode:

Becca (00:21): "We're doing an episode, a retrospective on Olivia's move upstate... I think this is so interesting because at the time when she moved, she was both so stressed and, like, a little superstitious."

Olivia expresses her initial reservations but agrees that discussing significant life changes is beneficial:

Olivia (00:51): "I'm a little self-conscious about doing an episode all about me, but I agree that I think talking about big changes moves is always helpful."

High Moments:

• Becca's High: Attending the ballet at the last minute substitute, bringing a sense of spontaneity and enjoyment.

  Becca (01:36): "My high was going to the ballet. It's also that when this airs, I'm going up to Hudson for Olivia's book fair thing..."

• Olivia's High: Olivia shares her excitement about rearranging her office, which reignites her youthful energy and sense of control.

  Olivia (02:08): "I feel so powerful right now... I rearranged my room so much as a kid. I loved rearranging my room."

Low Moments:

• Becca's Low: Battling a sudden chill and worrying about falling ill due to inadequate heating.

  Becca (07:56): "My low is that I had to turn on my heat yesterday and I'm not ready all day yesterday it was very chilly here..."

• Olivia's Low: Anxiety surrounding the presidential election, feeling nostalgic about past political events, and the uncertainty of the current political climate.

  Olivia (09:11): "I'm getting nervous about the presidential election... I'm just worried. I don't know if you're feeling that too..."

Upcoming Book Fair

Becca eagerly promotes Olivia’s upcoming book fair, detailing the event's offerings and inviting listeners to attend:

Becca (06:14): "I'm hosting a little, I'm calling it like an adult book fair... It’s an all-day event at this brewery called Lasting Joy in Tivoli, New York..."

Highlights of the Book Fair:

• Authors Present: Including Dan Pelosi from Grossi Pelosi and Olivia herself.

• Activities: Book signings, live music, food trucks with wood-fired pizza, fire pits, and a flower bouquet truck.

• Special Attractions: An attendee will be selling embroidered goods, adding a unique artisanal flair.

  Olivia (06:14): "They [authors] will be signing books from 2pm to 3pm so it's free entry... It's gonna be very casual and fun."

Weather and Personal Updates

Becca shares her recent social experiences in Miami attending her friends’ wedding reception:

Becca (05:08): "I spent literally 24 hours in Miami this weekend to go to my friend Haley and her partner Caitlin's like wedding reception... It was just really nice to see them and hang out..."

Olivia discusses the recent chilly weather and the challenges of adjusting indoor temperatures:

Olivia (08:33): "Something about the way it dries out the air. My cheeks feel so warm... I feel thirstier. Like I feel dehydrated from the heat."

The Moving Process

Decision to Move:

Olivia recounts the inspiration behind the move, driven by a mutual dream for a more rural and spacious living environment.

Olivia (13:05): "We just had this dream of an old house... Jake had a dream of like some land at least like a more rural area... We just ended up finding a house that we just felt like, okay, this is the right choice."

Motivations:

• Personal Growth: Seeking a "forever home" with room to grow, especially with potential future children.
• Aesthetic Dreams: A profound love for old wood floors, character trees, and the charm of an old house.

Olivia (15:10): "I romanticized the hell out of, like, small town, quiet mornings, open fields... I wrote this whole journal entry of all the things I wanted in a house and a property..."

Challenges Faced:

Relocating from vibrant cities like New York City and Philadelphia to a smaller town brought unexpected complexities, such as limited delivery options and restricted social circles.

Olivia (20:04): "I really miss having delivery. Food delivery... It's really frustrating because we have a DOMINO'S that's like 12 minutes away, but they don't deliver here..."

Renovations: Transforming the New Home

Scope of Renovations:

Olivia details the extensive renovations undertaken to make the old house livable and personalized:

Olivia (27:17): "We pretty much have painted and done plaster repair to every room that we spent any time in... We had the floors refinished in all of the bedrooms on the second floor... We fully renovated a bathroom..."

Renovation Challenges:

• Plaster Walls: Transitioning from drywall to plaster required significant repairs.

  Olivia (27:17): "None of our walls are drywall. They're all plaster, which is a whole mess of an issue with an old house."

• Unexpected Issues: The constant emergence of new tasks as old issues are unearthed, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed.

  Olivia (28:54): "I was under this impression that it would be really easy to just sort of, like, do things gradually... It's actually really hard because once you start doing one thing, like, 17 other things either arise that need to be fixed..."

Inspiration and Resources:

Olivia draws inspiration from home renovation shows and local experts in the Hudson Valley, while Jake contributes his skills from YouTube tutorials.

Becca (30:00): "Jake, is there, like, a house from, I don't know, like, a TV show or a movie..."

Olivia (30:13): "Basically, any home that's like a Duval kitchen home... It's always an old house... I'm obsessed with all of those homes. Instagram mostly."

Budgeting and Thrifting:

To manage expenses, Olivia has embraced thrifting and secondhand shopping, finding joy in treasure hunting for unique pieces.

Olivia (31:29): "I have about six [floral oil]... It's resourceful... You can find so much cool stuff on Facebook, Marketplace, or at thrift stores."

Making New Friends: Building a Community

Initial Challenges:

Olivia admits that making new friends in a small town was daunting, especially after moving from larger cities where social circles are more established.

Olivia (39:17): "I honestly don't have any friends here... It became this like joke during the show."

Strategies for Building Friendships:

• Frequenting Local Spots: Regular visits to the local bookstore helped Olivia meet like-minded individuals.

  Olivia (40:38): "I kept showing up... I kept going. And then I met a guy who worked there who was like, oh, we should hang out with my wife. And then it kind of just all snowballed."

• Engaging in Community Events: Collaborating on events like the book fair and participating in local projects facilitated connections.

Olivia (41:01): "It's a kind of mix of both... I made friends with one couple, and then they knew a couple, and then I brought them to the chimp crazy night..."

Overcoming Social Anxiety:

Olivia shares her journey of addressing social anxiety by being honest about her feelings, which resonated with others and fostered deeper connections.

Olivia (43:25): "I try to be honest about it... It was really nice that I could express that and found others who felt the same way."

Reflections and Advice

Olivia’s Reflections:

Having lived in the new home for a year, Olivia reflects on the process of truly making it feel like home, highlighting the importance of community involvement and personal accomplishments in renovations.

Olivia (45:07): "Part of it was really knowing people and, like, feeling like I was involved in the town and like, part of a community really helped me."

Advice for Others:

• Patience is Key: Allowing time for both the physical space and personal connections to develop naturally.

  Olivia (47:55): "Lean into the patience a bit more... Just to lean into the patience a bit more."

• Embrace Imperfection: Understanding that the vision for the home may evolve and adapting to changes.

Olivia (47:55): "Don't be so committed to having everything look how you want it to look in your head."

Obsession Corner: Current Passions and Book Recommendations

Olivia’s Obsessions:

• Reality TV on Planes: Olivia enjoys binge-watching Real Housewives series, especially Orange County and Salt Lake City, turning flights into entertaining escapes.

  Olivia (49:26): "I am obsessed with watching Real Housewives on planes... I was so invested in the Salt Lake City Housewives..."

Becca’s Obsessions:

• Fall Candles: Becca shares her love for autumn-scented candles, particularly Brooklyn Candle Studio's apple cider scent, enhancing her home’s ambiance.

  Becca (50:25): "I have a fall candle obsession... Brooklyn Candle Studio apple cider candle... It is making my kitchen smell..."

Book Recommendations:

• Becca:

  • Fang Fiction by Kate Stamen London – A fun vampire series that intertwines reading and fandom culture.
  • Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason – A British literary fiction exploring personal growth and eccentric family dynamics.

  Becca (51:38): "Fang Fiction... I loved it... Sorrow and Bliss... it's very British... the writing is incredible."

• Olivia:

  • The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden – A thriller described as "serial dater meets serial killer," promising gripping twists.
  • Night Circus – A atmospheric novel set in October, filled with rich descriptions and enchanting narratives.

  Olivia (38:10): "I'm very excited to finally see what the twists and turns are all about... I am currently halfway through, like, three different books..."

• Book of the Month Promotions:

  Becca (52:25): "You can get your first book on Book of the Month for $5 with code pumpkin... one of my favorite books..."

Conclusion

Becca and Olivia wrap up the episode by emphasizing the importance of community, patience, and embracing the journey of transformation—both in physical spaces and personal lives. They invite listeners to join their online communities for more discussions on moving, renovation, friendships, and book recommendations.

Becca (54:27): "If you would like to talk to us about moving, about renovating, about making new friends, about any book you've liked recently about fall candles, come join us in the Geneva group... We're on Instagram, you guessed it, batonpaper Podcast."

The episode closes on a warm note, with both hosts expressing excitement for future adventures and continued personal growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Becca on Overcoming Overwhelm:

  Becca (46:28): "I would have waited. There's a reason why people buy houses and then do all the renovations at once."

• Olivia on Making Friends:

  Olivia (41:44): "Just say, we're gonna be friends. We're gonna make this happen, and, you know, it works out."

• Becca on Therapy:

  Becca (11:25): "Therapy has really helped me recognize just how often specific fears and anxieties repeat themselves in my life."

This retrospective episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of relocating, the rewarding aspects of home renovation, and the heartfelt journey of building a new community. Becca and Olivia’s honest conversations provide encouragement and practical advice for listeners navigating similar life changes.