Episode Summary: Raw Dogging "the Change"
Everything is Fine
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Hosts: Jennifer Romolini and Kim France

In this engaging episode of Everything is Fine, hosts Jennifer Romolini and Kim France delve deep into the transformative journey of life over 40. Titled "Raw Dogging 'the Change'," the episode explores themes of hormonal shifts, the importance of social connections, evolving friendships, coping with societal changes, and personal growth. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, Jen and Kim provide valuable insights and relatable stories for women navigating this unique stage of life.

1. Navigating Hormonal Changes

Jennifer Romolini opens the discussion by sharing her recent challenges with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). She candidly describes the debilitating symptoms she experiences when her prescription is delayed:

[01:51] Jen Romolini: “I need the Adderall to, like, keep my brain together. But then that gives me fucking hot flashes all night. I got achy joints. I have digestion issues. I’m just like. No, no, thank you.”

Jennifer strongly advocates for the benefits of HRT for severe menopause symptoms:

[01:51] Jen Romolini: “If you could take hormones and you have severe menopause symptoms, that is my highest recommendation.”

Kim France discusses her own approach to hormonal management, noting her limitations due to a history with cancer but emphasizes the usefulness of hormone creams:

[02:54] Kim France: “But, you know, even hormone creams help.”

2. Embracing Social Interactions and Meaningful Connections

The conversation shifts to the significance of social interactions in maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Kim France references an article from The Atlantic highlighting the benefits of throwing more parties and engaging in meaningful daily interactions:

[03:22] Kim France: “I think we all need to be throwing more parties... and have one meaningful human interaction a day.”

Jennifer Romolini shares her recent experiences hosting multiple dinner parties and celebrating her birthday, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment these gatherings bring:

[03:54] Jen Romolini: “I had another dinner party and I made dinner again. It was actually really, really fun.”

3. Overcoming Age-Related Inhibitions and Embracing Spontaneity

Jennifer Romolini recounts a spontaneous night out at Los Globos, a popular lesbian bar, showcasing her willingness to break free from self-imposed constraints:

[05:14] Jen Romolini: “I was dancing in the lesbian bar. That song... I might have taken off my shirt and danced in a bra. I'm not kidding.”

This experience leads her to reflect on the psychological barriers that come with age, where fear of predictable outcomes often limits spontaneity:

[06:36] Jen Romolini: “But now I am like basically living like a monk. I was like, that's it. I got home at 12:30am like, fuck that.”

Kim France expresses her desire to pursue personal interests, such as taking voice lessons, signaling a commitment to continuous personal growth:

[07:11] Kim France: “I actually think I'm going to take voice lessons... I have set the wheels in motion for that to happen.”

4. Evolving Friendship Dynamics

The hosts explore the changing nature of friendships as women age. They discuss the absence of a singular "best friend" and instead emphasize having a tight-knit crew of close friends who provide support during various life stages.

Jen Romolini illustrates this with examples of reconnecting with old friends and forming new supportive relationships:

[46:30] Jen Romolini: “I have many friends, but not a best friend... My friend Julie from high school... whenever my dad was sick, she was one of the first people I called.”

Kim France echoes similar sentiments, highlighting the fluidity and evolution of friendships over time:

[48:22] Kim France: “My friend Ann, who I definitely think is one of my closest friends now, was not in my life for maybe 20 years.”

5. Coping with Economic and Social Shifts

Jennifer Romolini expresses frustration over the bankruptcy of Forever 21, reflecting on the rapid changes in the fashion industry and her nostalgia for past shopping experiences:

[11:06] Jen Romolini: “Wow, that feels like a big deal.”

Both hosts discuss the impact of social media algorithms on their daily lives, with Jen voicing her disdain for manipulation and the overwhelming presence of targeted ads:

[12:07] Jen Romolini: “I don't like being manipulated. I hate it.”

6. Personal Recommendations and Lifestyle Choices

Throughout the episode, Jen and Kim offer practical advice and personal recommendations on various topics:

• Health and Wellness: Discussing the benefits of bone broth for health:

  [50:00] Jen Romolini: “I pour it into a pot to a small saucepan. I heat it up, and I squeeze a little lemon in it, and then I drink it.”

• Fashion and Comfort: Sharing tips on selecting comfortable yet stylish footwear:

  [33:31] Jen Romolini: “There's a brand called Archies, and they're great flip flops. They look just like normal... they mold to your foot.”

• Reading Habits: Highlighting the joys of reading physical books over digital formats:

  [09:59] Jen Romolini: “I just don't find the reading experience as good. I feel like it's more engaging to read a paper copy and probably just better for you.”

7. Media and Entertainment Insights

The hosts discuss their favorite TV shows and comedians, emphasizing the importance of authentic and meaningful content:

• John Mulaney's Show: Praised for its authenticity, humor, and handling of personal topics:

  [36:42] Kim France: “I love John Mulaney so much. He has such a great sensibility about what makes LA great and quirky and weird.”

• White Lotus: Applauding Sam Rockwell's performance and the show's narrative depth:

  [38:17] Jen Romolini: “I couldn’t believe I got to watch Sam Rockwell on the White Lotus... it was very unique.”

8. Supporting Loved Ones Through Challenges

Jen and Kim offer heartfelt advice on how to support friends facing serious challenges such as cancer and addiction:

• Supporting Friends with Cancer: Emphasizing the importance of reaching out and being present without making the conversation about oneself:

  [54:14] Kim France: “Reaching out is just never the wrong thing to do.”

• Helping Friends with Addiction: Suggesting practical steps like attending AA meetings together and offering non-alcohol-centric activities:

  [55:37] Kim France: “Offer to go to an AA meeting with them. A lot of times people don't want to do that alone.”

9. Answering Listener Questions

The hosts engage with their audience by answering various listener-submitted questions, providing personalized advice on topics ranging from beauty tips to managing friendships:

• Shrinking Pores: Recommendations on using specific acid treatments for reducing visible pores:

  [46:30] Jen Romolini: “There’s one Paula’s Choice acid treatment that works... put them on first.”

• Looking Good in Photos: Tips on posing and camera angles to enhance appearance in photographs:

  [52:05] Kim France: “Always insist that the photograph is just from the chest up... make sure to lower your chin.”

• Supporting Friends: Strategies for making support efforts centered around the friend's needs rather than one's own:

  [53:37] Jen Romolini: “I just have to avoid making it about me.”

10. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

As the episode wraps up, Jen and Kim share their personal "Things That Don't Suck," highlighting items and experiences that bring them joy and comfort:

• Jen Romolini: Excited about her new pair of men’s Levi's 501s, praising their comfort and fit:

  [43:07] Jen Romolini: “I got a pair of men’s Levi's new 501s... I'm loving them.”

• Kim France: Promotes her new book, Ambition Monster, expressing pride in its cover art and the meaningful feedback from readers:

  [35:12] Jen Romolini: “It's a paperback of my book... It's such a beautiful cover.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jen Romolini at [01:51]: “I need the Adderall to, like, keep my brain together.”
• Jen Romolini at [05:14]: “I was dancing in the lesbian bar.”
• Kim France at [07:11]: “I actually think I'm going to take voice lessons.”
• Jen Romolini at [12:07]: “I don't like being manipulated.”
• Kim France at [54:14]: “Reaching out is just never the wrong thing to do.”

Conclusion

"Raw Dogging 'the Change'" offers a profound exploration of the complexities and liberations that come with life after 40. Through honest dialogue, personal stories, and practical advice, Jennifer Romolini and Kim France provide a supportive and insightful guide for women navigating midlife transitions. Whether discussing hormonal health, the evolution of friendships, or coping with societal shifts, this episode encapsulates the essence of embracing change with resilience and grace.