Everything is Fine: Best of 2024 - Episode Summary
Hosted by Jennifer Romolini and Kim France
Introduction
In the “Best of 2024” episode of Everything is Fine, hosts Jennifer Romolini and Kim France reflect on the highlights and lowlights of the past year. They delve into their favorite movies, TV shows, books, personal experiences, and the items they purchased, offering insightful and relatable commentary tailored for women navigating life over 40.
Reflecting on 2024
Jennifer Romolini begins by acknowledging the main takeaways from the year:
“I felt looking back over the year, first of all, the headline was watch too much TV in a year. That wasn't even that great for TV. Read too few books. Yeah, that's the headline.” [02:28]
Contrastingly, Kim France highlights her positive experiences:
“I did a lot of things this year. I saw a lot of people. I traveled a lot because of the book. Like, I actually had a lot of, like, really amazing moments in the year. Saw a lot, saw friends, you know, saw people I love.” [02:44]
Movies of 2024
The discussion shifts to movies, where both hosts share their viewing habits and preferences.
Kim shares her surprise at watching fewer movies due to theaters reopening:
“I was shocked by how few movies I actually saw. And I realized it's because movies are back in theaters and you have to actually go see them.” [03:37]
Jennifer lists the films she enjoyed:
“The Fall Guy with Ryan Gosling I thought was like an incredibly fun action movie... I saw a movie called Dee Dee. I saw it with my kid, but it's a coming of age movie set in the 90s and I loved that.” [05:26]
They also discuss upcoming films they’re excited about, such as the Bob Dylan biopic and Selena Gomez’s upcoming musical, Emilia Perez, which received standing ovations at Cannes.
“It's about a drug kingpin who wants to retire and transition. And it's a musical, and it was one of those movies that got, like, a lengthy standing ovation at Cannes.” [05:51]
TV Shows
Both hosts share their favorite TV shows of the year and those they look forward to watching.
Kim praises:
“Abbott Elementary, which I continue to like it. I continue to think it's like a charming little show...” [08:12]
Jennifer highlights:
“Jury Duty... It doesn't matter. That is an amazing show. And the way it ends is so, like, life affirming.” [09:33]
They also mention enjoying specials like John Mulaney's Everybody's in LA and express interest in acclaimed series such as Brilliant Friend and Slow Horses.
“We are an independent podcast. You can join our patreon@patreon.com everythingisfine.” [39:53] (Note: Promotional content excluded in summary)
Books of 2024
The hosts confess to not reading as much as they’d like, reflecting on their literary journeys.
Kim shares her favorites:
“My favorite book of 2024, and I'm not even lying, was Ambition Monster by Jennifer Romolini. What a book. What a ride.” [14:06]
Jennifer adds:
“The best book I read this year, which is not a new book, was Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, the novel. I loved it so much...” [15:07]
They both express a desire to read more in the coming year, despite feeling overwhelmed by their current reading lists.
“I'm desperately trying to read Sarah Manguso's Liars this time.” [16:24]
Best Experiences of 2024
Reflecting on memorable moments, both hosts recount joyful experiences and significant milestones.
Jennifer reminisces about attending a Joni Mitchell concert:
“The Joni Mitchell concert. Top 10 of my life and definitely like top five of the year... It was so much fun. That room was so full of love.” [20:28]
Kim shares a personal milestone:
“I turned 60... It felt kind of dorkily like the beginning, which is nice.” [22:22]
They also fondly remember dinners with friends and meaningful travels, emphasizing the importance of social connections.
“Saw Sam Irby, went to visit Sam Irby. It was all... Yeah, I'm really glad that I made the most of work travel.” [24:48]
Overrated Things of 2024
Both hosts critique certain movies, TV shows, and beauty products they found disappointing.
Jennifer criticizes The Bear and Substance:
“The substance... It was overrated, but at the same time, I can't stop the thinking about it... It was really grosteous.” [26:22]
Kim agrees, adding:
“The Bear... I couldn't get with it.” [26:34]
They also express frustration with overpriced beauty products that failed to meet expectations, such as:
“Augustus Bader’s rich cream... it's ridiculous people are paying that much money for like a straight up moisturizer without any like actives or retinol.” [29:03]
Favorite Purchases of 2024
Highlighting their best buys, both hosts discuss items that enhanced their lives this year.
Kim recommends:
- Jo Gordon knitwear for hats, gloves, and scarves.
- Frank and Eileen jeans for their comfort and stretch.
- Rag and Bone’s Miramar Sweatpants for their stylish look.
- Kosas Dream Beam sunscreen, which she uses as a foundation alternative.
“The Kosas Dream Beam is the sunscreen I've been using, and it's kind of replaced foundation for me.” [32:24]
Jennifer shares her top purchases:
- New Brow products that effectively promoted eyebrow growth.
- Skinceuticals Ptox peptide serum for reducing fine lines.
- Revlon Hot Airbrush for effortless blowouts.
- Pixie Cup Pelvic Weights, which she describes as transformative for her vaginal health.
“Pixie cup pelvic weight set... I think this is going to be transformative for me. And they're not that expensive.” [36:57]
Closing Thoughts
As the episode concludes, both hosts extend warm holiday wishes and express optimism for the upcoming year.
Kim encourages listeners:
“Happy holidays to everyone... I hope it will be over soon.” [39:21]
Jennifer adds:
“Happy New Year. If you love this time of year, have the best time in the world. And if you hate it, know that we see you and it will be over soon.” [39:34]
They remind listeners to rate and review the podcast to support its growth and tease upcoming content for 2025.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Jennifer Romolini:
“I felt looking back over the year, first of all, the headline was watch too much TV in a year. That wasn't even that great for TV. Read too few books. Yeah, that's the headline.” [02:28]
-
Kim France:
“I turned 60... It felt kind of dorkily like the beginning, which is nice.” [22:22]
-
Jennifer Romolini:
“The best book I read this year, which is not a new book, was Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, the novel. I loved it so much...” [15:07]
-
Kim France:
“The Kosas Dream Beam is the sunscreen I've been using, and it's kind of replaced foundation for me.” [32:24]
Conclusion
The "Best of 2024" episode of Everything is Fine offers a heartfelt and honest reflection on the past year, blending personal anecdotes with cultural commentary. Jennifer Romolini and Kim France provide a relatable narrative for women over 40, celebrating successes, acknowledging shortcomings, and setting intentions for the future. Their candid conversations and shared experiences create a warm and engaging listening experience, inviting audiences to reflect alongside them.
Note: This summary excludes promotional advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the valuable discussions between the hosts.