Podcast Summary: Everything's Perfect
Episode: Everything’s Perfect…Except When You Have One Too Many
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Hosts: Autumn Calabrese & Donald Stamper
Overview
This episode of Everything’s Perfect dives into the complicated, messy, and often hilarious relationship many people have with alcohol—ranging from youthful party days to sobering (sometimes quite literally) lessons in adulthood. Hosts Autumn and Donald share candid stories about their wild nights, embarrassing mishaps, and the deeper, sometimes darker experiences that led them to rethink their drinking habits. The episode balances unfiltered humor and nostalgia with serious reflections on safety, boundaries, and the societal attitudes surrounding alcohol use.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Paris Recap, Foodie Tales & Catching Up
- [00:16] Donald shares about his trip to Paris and Italy—highlights include lots of bread, butter, and coffee.
- Parisian food didn’t impress as much as expected this time, but the “Emily in Paris” food tour was a highlight.
- Italian food was delicious but lacked vegetables; Donald craved a good salad.
- [03:34] Autumn caught up with family, visited Universal Studios, contemplated season passes, and went on a cruise where she ate dairy after a long period of abstaining from it.
The Butter Delivery Method & Nostalgic Food Memories
- [05:28] Discussion about the unbeatable quality of French butter and stories from Midwestern chain restaurants with standout honey butter.
- Quote:
“The bread’s just, you know, where you hold the butter. The butter is really what I’m eating.” — Autumn’s grandma, [06:18]
- Quote:
- Both reflect on gratitude for the fun in their lives despite life’s challenges.
Transition to the Main Topic: Alcohol & “The Olden Days”
- [07:40] Hosts shift from travel and food to reminiscing on past experiences with alcohol.
- Autumn admits to sipping wine in Paris despite being advised against alcohol for health reasons.
Wild Drinking Stories: Youthful Misadventures
The Early Days
- Donald:
- Didn’t drink until turning 21; describes the surreal feeling and effects the first time he drank.
- “I feel the version of me that could drink…feels like a lifetime ago.” [08:21]
- Autumn:
- First time drinking was in high school, sneaking beers while parents were out.
- Attempted to hide evidence by throwing empty cans into the backyard woods—unsuccessfully.
- Got caught when her mother found a can, resulting in a month of grounding and humiliation via school bus.
- Quote:
“It’s all fun and games until you’ve had one too many and you think you’re throwing them into the woods.” [15:40]
College & 20s Shenanigans
- Springy Hangovers & Club Hijinks:
- Autumn recalls “Have a Nice Day Cafe” with massive fishbowl-sized alcohol drinks and group shots.
- Donald recalls trying to appear like a “pretty drunk” for his great-grandmother.
- “I’ve never seen a pretty drunk.” — Donald’s great-grandmother, as relayed by his mother, [16:47]
Funniest & Most Embarrassing Moments
- Donald:
- Story of attending a fancy black-tie dance event, drinking too much, passing out in tuxedo, and waking just in time to give church announcements thoroughly hungover.
- “Everyone was literally looking at me…there were a thousand people in each service and I was just like, totally—” [20:48]
- Autumn:
- Still-drunk dance class—so out of sorts teacher told her to leave.
- Birthday club fiasco: dancing on stage at Dre's, ex shows up with a new girl, and Autumn crashes off the stage, spilling drinks and candles.
- Drunkenly peed between hotel room beds, thinking she was in the bathroom:
“I had gotten out of the bed on one side…all I did was walk between the bed and the wall…I was just squatting.” [33:10]
Gross-Out Stories
- Donald:
- Infamously puked in his own jacket during a car ride, rather than ask a date to stop.
- “I literally just think you can do things inconspicuously—I was just looking out the window, and puked in my jacket.” [28:15]
- Saved (and later washed) the ruined white Zara track jacket for “sentimental” reasons.
Notable Quote
- “Never seen a pretty drunk.” — [60:52], recurring theme
Sobering Moments: Consequences and Danger
Real Life Consequences
- Donald:
- Shares about his drunk driving accident—a solo car crash that totaled his first new car, left him injured, and led to a deep sense of guilt and shame, despite escaping legal repercussions. [39:16–46:30]
- “Up till then, everything was so loose and free and fun and none of my decisions when it came to drinking had any real consequences. And at that moment, I was like, I could have lost everything in an instant…” [46:30]
- Autumn:
- Details the scary experience of being roofied by someone she knew after only two drinks and a shot—losing control, nearly blacking out, narrowly escaping further harm. [48:00–54:46]
- “He shoves his hand down my throat. And I start puking…at this point now, everything’s black. I can’t see anything, but I can hear.” [51:06]
- Emphasizes how this changed her relationship with drinking, becoming hyper-vigilant and cautious.
- “It’s all fun and games until it’s not…and you just never know when it’s not.” [55:08]
Reflection on Drinking as Adults
-
Both hosts discuss how, in their 40s, their tolerance and interest in drinking has drastically changed.
- Donald:
“If I have more than three drinks, I’m starting to not really like…it’s different when you’re in your 40s.” [57:03]
- Autumn:
“Even, I guess three…maybe over the course. Three would be a lot for me these days.” [57:34]
- Donald:
-
Importance of healthy boundaries and moderation now; preference for low-key drinks and cannabis alternatives.
Cultural Attitudes & “Sober Curiosity”
- Conversation about how drinking norms differ in Europe, especially with teenagers, and how American “taboo” might fuel binge drinking behaviors. [59:59–64:00]
- In Italy and France, children and teens are allowed sips of alcohol with parental supervision, and the mystique is lessened.
- Brief discussion of generational shifts—young people more likely to explore “sober curiosity”, THC/CBD, or moderation.
Teaser for Next Episode
- Hints at a future episode addressing attitudes about the naked body, sex, and how cultural stigma can have unintended effects. [64:25]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On youthful optimism:
“Why get on a roller coaster when you’re living on one?” — Donald, [04:39]
- On club drinks:
“I think they just poured all the liquors they had in there. They would have these giant straws that would change colors when you drank out of them.” — Autumn, [08:49]
- On being roofied:
“I was very aware that I had been roofied…From that point on, I rarely let somebody get me a drink.” — Autumn, [55:08]
- On maturing perspectives:
“You have to really decide: Is this worth the next day?” — Autumn, [57:44]
- On cultural differences:
“In Paris…at dinner, we’re at this beautiful restaurant…it was like this five course meal…they pour the champagne, but they pour it for me and Dom…” — Autumn, [63:13]
- On supporting listeners:
“If you’re someone who struggles with alcohol or anything…there’s nothing to be ashamed about that. Seek the help and support that you need…you’re not alone.” — Donald, [66:04]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:16–03:31 – Travel, bread, butter, and Paris
- 03:31–05:49 – Butter nostalgia and Midwest food
- 07:40–08:21 – Introduction to today's topic: drinking in the “olden days”
- 09:30–13:09 – First drinking experiences & getting caught
- 16:47 – “Never seen a pretty drunk” story
- 17:06–23:28 – Funniest and wildest party stories
- 28:09–29:44 – Donald’s “puking in a jacket” story
- 32:16–33:50 – Autumn’s “peeing in the hotel room” drunk story
- 39:16–46:30 – Donald’s drunk-driving accident story and its consequences
- 48:00–54:46 – Autumn’s experience with being roofied and aftermath
- 59:44–62:20 – Adult approaches to alcohol, THC, and cultural shifts
- 63:13–64:00 – Drinking culture in France and Italy
- 64:25–65:54 – Teaser about future episode on sex/body norms
- 66:04–66:28 – PSA and offer of resources on addiction
Takeaways & Tone
- Reflective & Honest: The hosts don’t shy away from the consequences or shame of their wildest stories; there’s a thread of self-compassion and humor throughout.
- Supportive & Non-Judgmental: Repeatedly affirming there’s no shame in having struggled with alcohol; encourage support-seeking.
- Entertaining & Relatable: Plenty of “cringe” moments and giggles, balanced with real talk about boundaries, safety, and modern adult life.
Resources
The hosts recommend seeking support if you struggle with alcohol or addiction and note that resources will be added to the show notes.
Contact:
Share your stories or feedback: everythingsperfectpodcastmail.com
Follow: @EverythingsPerfectOfficial
Next Topic Tease: Society’s views on the naked body and sex—stay tuned!