Forever35 Podcast - Episode 351: "Do Something, Somewhere, Soon" with Stacey Abrams

Release Date: May 5, 2025

In Episode 351 of Forever35, hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu delve into personal self-care routines, pet anecdotes, and engage in an enlightening conversation with guest Stacey Abrams, a renowned voting rights activist and bestselling author. This episode seamlessly blends humor, self-awareness, and insightful discussions on activism and personal growth.

Personal Self-Care and Updates

Hair Regrowth Journey Doree shares her ongoing battle with hair loss and her recent six-month check-in with her dermatologist. She notes:

"I feel like I have more hair. I'm losing less hair and I have hair growing in." (02:07)

Elise's Experience with Hair Loss Elise discusses her experience with hair loss during COVID, emphasizing the importance of specialized therapy for conditions like telium effluvium:

"I have stabilized. Or I've gotten used to my new reality of living in 2025America." (05:18)

Pet Chronicles

Introducing Cece the Hermit Crab Elise introduces her new hermit crab, Cece, detailing the challenges of maintaining the perfect habitat:

"I have a new creature, Cece the hermit crab. And that hermit crab is a shocking amount of work." (06:14)

Doree's Dog Beau Doree shares amusing anecdotes about her dog Beau's nighttime antics and his selective awakening of her husband, Matt:

"He goes straight to Matt. He doesn't come over to me. It is so funny." (05:02)

Interview with Stacey Abrams

Introduction to Stacey Abrams The hosts introduce Stacey Abrams, highlighting her extensive background as a voting rights activist, bestselling author, and CEO of Sageworks Productions.

Early Life and First Plane Trip Stacey recounts her first plane trip as a 12-year-old Girl Scout, showcasing her early acts of bravery:

"I'm going on a plane. Oh my God, this is really far and this is really high." (17:11)

Children's Book: "Stacy Speaks Up" Stacey discusses her latest children's book, which focuses on empathy and advocacy. She explains the story's premise and its relevance to current social issues:

"Stacy Speaks Up is really about how we marry empathy and advocacy." (20:00)

Advocacy for School Lunch Programs Addressing the critical issue of federally subsidized school lunches, Stacey emphasizes the moral and educational imperatives of feeding children:

"Almost a quarter of children face hunger at any given moment. No child should be hungry in school." (21:03)

Empathy and Leadership Stacey elaborates on fostering empathy and leadership in the younger generation, encouraging actionable steps:

"Our job is to figure out what part can we play, how can we be a cog in the wheels of change in the right direction." (46:13)

Writing Process and Upcoming Projects Stacey provides an inside look into her prolific writing process, outlining her structured approach to developing novels and her excitement for upcoming projects:

"My first job is to figure out the genre... I convince myself that this is what's going to happen." (31:44)

Self-Care Practices Stacey shares her love for television as a form of self-care, mentioning shows like The West Wing and Reacher:

"Television is the most effective matchmaking of emotion to activity that I can imagine." (34:12)

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Activism Through Personal Actions: Stacey emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps in advocacy rather than feeling overwhelmed by systemic issues. She advocates for focusing on specific issues that resonate personally and contributing meaningfully.

• Empathy in Leadership: Highlighting the need for leaders to blend empathy with strategic action, Stacey underscores that effective advocacy begins with understanding and addressing the immediate needs of those affected.

• Continuous Personal Growth: Both hosts and Stacey discuss the significance of personal self-care routines in maintaining overall well-being, especially amidst activism and professional responsibilities.

• Community and Collaboration: Stacey reflects on the importance of being part of a community of writers and activists, where collaboration and shared visions drive progress and innovation.

Notable Quotes

• Stacey Abrams on Activism:

  "We need writers who are imagining nirvana, and those who are telling us what the dystopian future will look like." (38:36)

• Elise Hu on Self-Care:

  "I needed to renew my commitment to moving around at all because I had just not exercised." (54:10)

• Doree Shafrir on Personal Challenges:

  "I was panicking... fortunately, he had flipped himself back over. So Cece is still with us." (09:23)

Conclusion

Episode 351 of Forever35 offers listeners a blend of personal anecdotes, self-care discussions, and a profound interview with Stacey Abrams. The conversation not only provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of personal health and pet care but also delves deep into the realms of activism, leadership, and the power of storytelling. Stacey's perspectives on empathy, advocacy, and continuous personal growth resonate strongly, offering inspiration for listeners to take actionable steps in their own lives and communities.

For those interested in self-care, activism, or the intricacies of writing, this episode serves as a comprehensive and engaging resource, encapsulating the essence of caring for oneself while striving to make a meaningful impact in the world.