Podcast Summary: Call Her Daddy – "Holiday Parties & High School Reunions" (ft. Lauren)

Episode Information:

• Title: Holiday Parties & High School Reunions (ft. Lauren)
• Host: Alex Cooper
• Guest: Lauren McMullen
• Release Date: November 27, 2024
• Description: In this heartfelt and nostalgic episode, Alex Cooper is joined by her long-time friend Lauren McMullen to discuss everything from the stress of holiday preparations to navigating high school reunions. They delve into personal stories, share insights on maintaining friendships, and explore the complexities of family traditions and personal growth.

1. Introduction: Embracing the Holiday Season

The episode kicks off with Alex setting the stage for a candid conversation about the holiday season, acknowledging the mixed emotions many feel during this time.

Alex Cooper [00:00]: "Holiday shopping season is officially here and it can feel so overwhelming trying to find the right gifts for everyone on your list."

2. Thanksgiving Plans: Double Celebrations and Hosting Challenges

Lauren reveals her unique Thanksgiving situation, celebrating with both her Biological and ex-boyfriend's families due to a recent breakup. This leads to a discussion on the pressures of hosting and the logistics involved.

Lauren McMullen [02:27]: "So I'm doing two Thanksgivings this year. I'm doing one in Louisiana in the middle of November and then I'm doing one in Pennsylvania on actual Thanksgiving."

Alex shares her initial reluctance to host but ultimately embraces the opportunity to be present with her partner, Matt.

Alex Cooper [03:04]: "Matt and I have been so busy that holidays are so important to me. I really, really wanna spend time with him and I want to be present."

3. Menu Preferences: Sides vs. Main Courses

The duo dives into their favorite Thanksgiving foods, revealing their differing tastes. Alex champions the side dishes, particularly stuffing, while Lauren prefers classic Southern dishes like sweet potato casserole.

Alex Cooper [06:04]: "My number one on the list is stuffing. I am a stuffing girl through and through."

Lauren McMullen [09:25]: "Number one is definitely the sweet potato casserole with the brown sugar and the mushrooms on top."

4. Navigating Leftovers and Hosting Etiquette

A humorous yet relatable segment covers the dilemmas surrounding Thanksgiving leftovers and the expectations placed on hosts.

Alex Cooper [10:10]: "If you're the host, don't you agree you get to keep the leftovers? And unless you offer it."

Lauren recounts a personal story where Matt inadvertently distributed all the leftovers, leading to an impromptu grocery run to replenish the feast.

Alex Cooper [11:50]: "I had to buy the stuffing mix so that I could remake stuffing for myself."

5. Outfit Choices: Balancing Style and Comfort

The conversation shifts to holiday attire, with both Alex and Lauren discussing their struggles to dress up while maintaining comfort during parties.

Alex Cooper [15:17]: "I want to be the girl that dresses up... But I love being comfortable more than anything in my life."

Lauren McMullen [17:48]: "I take a nap, and I wake up, I'm like, oh, it's time to eat. Haven't showered today. Haven't done my hair."

6. Navigating Difficult Conversations: Family and Future Plans

Lauren opens up about the sensitive topic of being asked about her plans to start a family, sharing her discomfort with such invasive questions during gatherings.

Alex Cooper [19:09]: "People are socially, and I so understand where they're coming from, but like, just socially asking, like, when are you guys gonna have kids?"

Lauren McMullen [21:56]: "I'm in my empowered stage and I feel like, yeah, I'm 30 and I have a whole decade and it's so exciting."

7. Coping with Loss and Creating New Traditions

Lauren shares her experience of losing her father and the emotional challenges of adjusting holiday traditions to honor his memory while embracing new beginnings.

Lauren McMullen [25:29]: "I felt like we're trying to write my dad out of the story. It's so illogical, but it just felt like, I'm starting fresh with a new tradition."

Alex Cooper [28:04]: "You can make your own new traditions. Especially when things are wrapped in, like, trauma and loss."

8. High School Reunion: Memories and Drama

The episode takes a nostalgic turn as Alex and Lauren reminisce about their high school days, sharing dramatic stories of jealousy, confrontations, and memorable parties.

Lauren McMullen [42:48]: "I don't want to paint myself as a saint here... I don't think she thinks about me that way."

Alex Cooper [44:15]: "Senior prom was wild. Watching my boyfriend grind with my arch nemesis in front of everyone was something else."

9. Friendship and Growth: The Bond Between Alex and Lauren

Throughout the episode, the deep-rooted friendship between Alex and Lauren shines through. They discuss how their bond has endured over the years, supporting each other through highs and lows.

Alex Cooper [52:00]: "We have seen every single almost decade of each other so far in our lives. We've had both moments where I think we've been able to look at each other and say, you need to get your shit together."

Lauren McMullen [52:00]: "We always make it more interesting."

10. Closing Thoughts: Embracing Change and Cherishing Memories

As the episode wraps up, Alex and Lauren encourage listeners to embrace new traditions, cherish past memories, and navigate the complexities of holidays with grace and authenticity.

Lauren McMullen [52:23]: "I think I would like... to end this episode by saying everyone who was in my grade, I just think they're all probably doing amazing things."

Alex Cooper [52:23]: "Happy Thanksgiving and have the best time and go eat some food and drink good drinks."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Alex Cooper [03:04]: "Matt and I have been so busy that holidays are so important to me. I really, really wanna spend time with him and I want to be present."

• Lauren McMullen [09:25]: "Number one is definitely the sweet potato casserole with the brown sugar and the mushrooms on top."

• Alex Cooper [15:17]: "I want to be the girl that dresses up... But I love being comfortable more than anything in my life."

• Lauren McMullen [21:56]: "I'm in my empowered stage and I feel like, yeah, I'm 30 and I have a whole decade and it's so exciting."

• Alex Cooper [28:04]: "You can make your own new traditions. Especially when things are wrapped in, like, trauma and loss."

• Alex Cooper [44:15]: "Senior prom was wild. Watching my boyfriend grind with my arch nemesis in front of everyone was something else."

• Alex Cooper [52:00]: "We've had both moments where I think we've been able to look at each other and say, you need to get your shit together."

• Lauren McMullen [52:23]: "I think I would like... to end this episode by saying everyone who was in my grade, I just think they're all probably doing amazing things."

Conclusion: In "Holiday Parties & High School Reunions," Alex Cooper and Lauren McMullen offer an engaging blend of humor, vulnerability, and nostalgia. They candidly discuss the often-overwhelming nature of holiday preparations, the importance of maintaining meaningful friendships, and the emotional complexities of family traditions and personal loss. This episode serves as a comforting reminder that navigating the holidays is a shared experience, filled with both challenges and cherished memories.