Forever35 Podcast Episode 360: Build A Life You Love with Alicia Menendez

Release Date: July 14, 2025
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Guest: Kristi Noem, Journalist and Producer

Introduction

In Episode 360 of Forever35, hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu delve deep into the art of building a fulfilling life with special guest Kristi Noem. Balancing a high-profile career with personal well-being, Kristi shares her journey, self-care practices, and insights on fostering meaningful relationships and community support.

Guest Introduction: Kristi Noem

Kristi Noem is a renowned journalist and multimedia storyteller, recently promoted to co-host MSNBC's The Weeknight. Alongside her broadcasting career, Kristi is venturing into the world of theater as a co-producer of the Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves. Her multifaceted career showcases her dedication to storytelling and empowerment.

Self-Care Practices

Kristi emphasizes the importance of establishing routines that prioritize self-care amidst a busy schedule.

• Sleep and Physical Activity: "I'm a big believer in sleep, so I am really dedicated to getting at least seven hours of sleep. And I also try to get 10,000 steps a day, which is like, partly because I'm a lady over 40 and partly because I actually find it just really helps calm my mind to be, like, out there walking, talking to a friend, listening to a podcast" (16:14)

• Morning Routines: She shares how starting the day with exercise helps set a positive tone. "The only way it actually works. Because if I don't take the time for myself first thing in the morning, then the day gets the better of me." (16:39)

• Posture and Physical Awareness: Kristi discusses using a weighted vest to improve her posture and bodily awareness. "It really forces you to, like, actually stand up straight, utilize your core, think about your body. I found it's been really good for bodily awareness." (17:10)

Balancing Career and Personal Life

Kristi provides a candid look into managing a demanding career while nurturing personal relationships and responsibilities.

• Career Milestones: Moving from weekend broadcasting to a primetime slot has been a dream come true for Kristi. "I have been working weekends for the past five years. And so the opportunity, one, to be on like a semi normal schedule… has been just a dream come true" (19:16)

• Travel and Work-Life Integration: Balancing time between New York and Washington, D.C., Kristi shares strategies for maximizing productivity during travel. "On the way down on Monday mornings, I'm absolutely using it for work… On the way back, it is like 9 o'clock at night, and I've just worked a full day." (22:26)

Role Modeling and Personal Growth

Kristi delves into her experiences as a role model, both in her professional sphere and as a mother.

• Setting Boundaries: "I've done a lot of work in the last 10, 15 years on boundaries and setting boundaries. That is a thing I did not grow up doing." (37:07)

• Transparency in Struggles: She highlights the importance of being honest about personal challenges to foster genuine connections. "I think part of the disservice a role model can do is acting like they have it all figured out." (37:05)

• Supporting Others: Kristi emphasizes the need for mutual support within communities. "If you love you, I will love you so hard and go to the mat for you." (42:37)

Community Support and Current Events

Addressing recent events, Kristi discusses the significance of community involvement and mutual aid during crises.

• Building Community: "This moment calls for us to build community and to care for one another and then to show up in the way that feels most aligned and most authentic to who we are." (26:04)

• Sources of Hope: Drawing parallels with past events, Kristi finds hope in collective action and community resilience. "We find hope in one another. We find hope in community." (27:18)

• Broadway Production: Through her involvement in Real Women Have Curves, Kristi explores themes of empowerment and immigrant experiences, reinforcing the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and change. "It has been the most fun thing I've ever done." (30:14)

Personal Reflections and Future Plans

Kristi shares her ongoing journey of personal improvement and future aspirations.

• Skin and Hair Care: She discusses her approach to minimalistic skincare and embracing natural beauty. "I try not to wash my hair every day. It's actually the, like doing less." (43:32)

• Organizational Hacks: Balancing a demanding schedule, Kristi humorously admits her struggles with packing and organization, highlighting the human side of her busy life. "Like, please send them my way. Like, I am the person who, when I Open my purse…." (46:16)

• Legacy and Influence: Reflecting on her role as a mother and professional, Kristi emphasizes the importance of authenticity and continuous self-improvement. "I want to help other folks along." (36:36)

Conclusion

Episode 360 of Forever35 offers a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Kristi Noem, exploring the delicate balance between personal well-being and professional ambition. Kristi's transparency about her struggles and successes provides listeners with valuable lessons on building a life they love through self-care, community support, and authentic living.

Notable Quotes:

• “Boundaries are hard for me, but I'd focus so much on boundaries that I've done no needs work.” – Kristi Noem (37:07)
• “Interviewing is an art and a science that requires deep study and preparation and really careful listening.” – Kristi Noem (24:51)
• “We find hope in one another. We find hope in community.” – Kristi Noem (27:18)

Connect with Forever35:

• Website: forever35podcast.com
• Instagram: @forever35podcast
• Patreon: patreon.com/forever35
• Email: forever35podcast@mail.com

Follow Kristi Noem:

• MSNBC’s The Weeknight: Tune in every Monday through Friday at 7 PM Eastern.
• Podcast: Latina to Latina available on all major platforms.
• Instagram: leciamn

This summary captures the essence of Episode 360, highlighting the key discussions, insights, and personal anecdotes shared by Kristi Noem. For a deeper dive, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.