Everything is Fine – Episode 250: Celebrating Milestones and Navigating Life Over 40

Release Date: April 14, 2025

Hosts: Jennifer Romolini and Kim France

1. Celebrating the 250th Episode

Timestamp: [01:36 – 03:09]

Jennifer Romolini kicks off the episode by humorously acknowledging the challenge of reaching the 250th episode milestone. Both hosts express their reluctance to create a traditional clip show, emphasizing their aversion to anything "corny." Jennifer jokes, “This is how little we have our shit together that I think it's this episode” ([02:11]), highlighting their ongoing journey of hosting without a rigid plan.

Jen Romolini: “And congratulations to you for slightly less than 250.”

Kim France: “And congratulations to you for slightly less than 250. It’s still a fuck of a lot.”

They celebrate their extensive journey, underscoring the significant number of episodes dedicated to exploring life over 40.

2. Waking Up Early and Mental Health Struggles

Timestamp: [03:22 – 05:35]

The conversation shifts to their personal routines, particularly the challenge of waking up early. Kim shares her struggle with early mornings, stating, “it does not matter when I go to bed lately, I am up at 5” ([03:22]).

Jen elaborates on her strategy to maximize morning productivity, saying, “If you don't capitalize on that time that you're awake. If you don't capitalize on, then the whole day's fucked” ([03:58]). Both hosts discuss their best work being done in the morning but admit to occasionally struggling to start their day positively.

The discussion delves into their experiences with feeling down, with Jen mentioning, “I have been in a funk... I just felt like a cloak of lead” ([04:48]). They touch upon the overwhelming nature of current events and their impact on mental health, particularly in the shopping industry.

3. Addressing Listener Requests and Monetization

Timestamp: [05:35 – 07:16]

Jen addresses listener requests for recommendations, revealing that comprehensive show notes are available through their Patreon page. She explains, “I have very strategically been putting show notes in the Patreon. It’s $3 a month” ([05:35]). This approach helps them manage time while providing valuable content to supporters who choose to contribute financially.

Jen Romolini: “It's a totally independent podcast. It's a $3 service. If you don't want to pay it, you can go through the transcript and see what we recommend.”

Kim agrees, acknowledging the fairness of the arrangement, “[06:59] Kim France: Fair. Fair.”

4. Encouragement from Social Movements and Changing America

Timestamp: [07:16 – 08:10]

The hosts share their thoughts on recent social demonstrations, with Kim mentioning, “I was very encouraged by all of the hands off demonstrations” ([07:16]). They discuss the uncertainty surrounding America's future, contemplating whether the nation is undergoing a significant transformation.

Kim reflects on the persistence of American values since World War II, stating, “Since World War II, really, right. Since we really became a global power” ([08:13]). They both agree that substantial shifts are imminent, hinting at broader societal changes.

5. Embracing Life in Los Angeles

Timestamp: [10:11 – 13:59]

Jennifer shares her newfound happiness after relocating to Los Angeles, expressing how the dense living environment suits her better than her previous suburban experience. She explains, “I just feel like this is my lane” ([10:25]), highlighting the comfort she finds in a more vibrant, diverse neighborhood despite its challenges, such as incidents like trash theft.

Kim resonates with the sentiment, appreciating the community values she observes on her walks. Jennifer describes her morning routine on her balconies, soaking in the sun and finding peace before the day begins, which significantly improves her overall mood and reduces stress.

Jen Romolini: “I have been sitting out on the one that’s on the side of the sunrise every morning, just, like, soaking in the sun a little bit...”

6. Personal Projects: Voice Lessons and Novel Writing

Timestamp: [14:00 – 24:35]

Kim's Voice Lessons:

Kim announces her decision to take voice lessons, sharing her apprehensions and excitement:

Kim France: “I cannot sing at all. I just love to sing and I wish I did it better” ([18:42]).

She admits uncertainty about her singing abilities but remains optimistic about the experience.

Jen Romolini: “I think it’s gonna be cool. I think it’s gonna be cool. I’m happy for you.”

Jen's Novel Writing:

Jennifer bravely discusses her venture into novel writing, revealing her participation in a writing program that requires her to share 10 pages of her manuscript. Despite feeling anxious and frustrated initially, she recognizes the importance of building her novel “brick by brick.”

Jen Romolini: “This is really hard. This is hard work” ([21:08]).

Kim offers unwavering support, encouraging Jennifer to embrace the discomfort as part of the creative process.

Kim France: “You are at a level where even just your spew is really good.”

Jennifer acknowledges the challenges but remains committed to her artistic pursuit, understanding that extensive revisions will be necessary.

7. Navigating Mental Health and Perimenopause

Timestamp: [44:36 – 45:44]

The hosts address the sensitive topic of mental health, particularly focusing on the high rates of suicide among women aged 45 to 60. They discuss the impact of perimenopause on mental well-being, with Kim attributing some of her depression to this life stage.

Kim France: “I do think now some of the depression that I had was the result of perimenopause” ([45:37]).

Jen Romolini: “Between the ages of 45 and 60, the highest rate of suicide for women are. That's the highest time for suicide for women” ([45:31]).

They emphasize the importance of being vigilant about mental health during this period, recognizing the increased vulnerability women face.

8. Beauty Recommendations and Skin Care Tips

Timestamp: [45:57 – 50:43]

Jennifer transitions to lighter topics, sharing her latest beauty obsession with vitamin C serums, specifically highlighting VitaBrid’s C12 for sensitive skin. She details the product's unique formulation, allowing users to adjust the concentration of vitamin C.

Jen Romolini: “It's from a brand called VitaBrid. It’s the C12. I’m holding it up for you. And it does do that thing where it comes in a separate. It comes in a package of two things, a serum and a powder, and you mix them together” ([45:57]).

She also discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding plastic surgery, warning about potential risks like nerve damage and emphasizing informed decision-making.

Jen Romolini: “She says that people who get neck lifts have a lot of, like, nerve issues. Which I had never even thought about it.”

Kim France: “Neurotic people maybe shouldn't get plastic surgery.”

The conversation underscores the importance of understanding beauty treatments and maintaining realistic expectations.

9. Listener Questions: 90s Nostalgia and Fashion Advice

Timestamp: [50:43 – 57:20]

The hosts engage in a lively segment answering listener-submitted questions focused on 90s nostalgia and fashion tips for mature adults.

90s Nostalgia:

• Courtney Love vs. Kathleen Hanna:

  Kim France: “I’m going with Courtney Love because I’m thinking of who was important to me in the actual 90s” ([50:57]).

  Jen Romolini: “For me, Doc Martens. Always cool or dated Fool” ([51:06]).

• Doc Martens: Always cool:

  Kim France: “I can’t come out anti Doc Martens” ([51:31]).

• Reality Bites vs. Singles:

  Jen Romolini: “I am a Reality Bites. I could watch that movie today. I could watch it 10 times in a row” ([51:58]).

• Friends vs. Seinfeld:

  Kim France: “Seinfeld” ([52:23]).

Fashion Advice:

• Silhouettes for Mature Adults:

  The hosts suggest timeless pieces like button-down shirts, well-shaped jeans, and sneakers. Jen recommends adding pockets to dresses for functionality.

  Jen Romolini: “You can go to the tailor and they will put pockets in for you” ([56:57]).

• Black Dresses with Pockets:

  Kim France: “Universal Standard makes a great black shirt dress that has pockets that I like a lot” ([56:52]).

They conclude with affirmations of embracing versatile and practical fashion choices suitable for their audience.

10. Reflections on Media and Television

Timestamp: [31:02 – 43:24]

The hosts critique recent television shows, sharing their opinions on "White Lotus" and "Dying for Sex."

White Lotus Season Finale:

Both Jen and Kim commend the show's realistic portrayal of female friendships and its aesthetic appeal, despite mixed reviews from the audience.

Jen Romolini: “I enjoyed how the female friendships resolved. I thought it was very realistic” ([31:19]).

They express frustration with external criticisms, advocating for personal enjoyment over societal discourse.

Kim France: “This is enjoyable TV. Let’s stop quibbling here” ([35:16]).

Dying for Sex:

Jen shares her disappointment with the pilot episode, criticizing its generic dialogue and contrived format. Kim remains open to giving it another chance, acknowledging that pilots can improve.

Jen Romolini: “I was like, no. And I was really mad” ([36:06]).

They highlight the disparity between the show's talent and the execution, hoping it evolves beyond its initial shortcomings.

11. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [57:20 – End]

The episode wraps up with Jen reiterating the importance of supporting the podcast through ratings, reviews, and Patreon contributions. Both hosts express gratitude to their listeners and tease future content, maintaining their commitment to providing meaningful discussions for women navigating life over 40.

Jen Romolini: “If you like the show, please rate and review it across the platforms. It really helps people find the show” ([57:26]).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jen Romolini: “This is how little we have our shit together that I think it's this episode.” ([02:11])

• Kim France: “I have a terrible... I have a plant in my house that I bought from this company, and their whole thing is the plant has a reservoir in the soil, and you water it once a month. It’s fucking dying.” ([25:38])

• Jen Romolini: “There's nothing about your neck is a lie. Except surgery.” ([47:43])

• Kim France: “Neurotic people maybe shouldn't get plastic surgery.” ([49:53])

• Jen Romolini: “Women who harm other women are the fucking worst.” ([41:16])

Conclusion

In this landmark 250th episode, Jennifer Romolini and Kim France navigate a tapestry of topics ranging from personal milestones and mental health challenges to embracing life changes and offering practical beauty and fashion advice. Their candid conversations provide a relatable and supportive space for women over 40, celebrating the complexities of "Everything is Fine."

Disclaimer: The above summary and quotes are derived from the provided transcript of the "Everything is Fine" podcast episode and are intended for informational purposes only.