Podcast Summary: Forever35 – Episode 361: Bestie At First Sight with Lindy West & Meagan Hatcher-Mays

Release Date: July 21, 2025

In this engaging episode of Forever35, co-hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu welcome best friends and fellow podcasters Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays. Titled "Bestie At First Sight", the episode delves into personal anecdotes, discussions on self-care, insights into content creation, and contemporary societal issues, all infused with humor and authenticity.

1. Personal Updates and Dog Chronicles

The episode kicks off with Doree and Elise sharing amusing and harrowing stories about their dogs, particularly focusing on Oscar the Golden Retriever.

Elise recounts Oscar's mischievous antics:

"[Elise Hu, 03:22] Oscar has already undergone major abdominal surgery to remove swallowed objects like a squishmallow and a rubber bouncy ball, illustrating his playful yet problematic behavior."

Doree adds her own tales about her dog, Beau, emphasizing the contrasting personalities and challenges of pet ownership:

"[Dory Shafrir, 10:12] Beau is in a relaxed phase, enjoying his retirement with simple pleasures like sunbathing and watching TV, highlighting the different stages of a pet's life."

These stories set a relatable and light-hearted tone for the episode, showcasing the hosts' ability to blend humor with real-life experiences.

2. Introducing the Guests: Lindy West & Meagan Hatcher-Mays

Doree warmly introduces Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays, highlighting their collaborative work and individual accomplishments.

"[Elise Hu, 11:45] Lindy West is a renowned author and co-host of the comedic podcast Text Me Back alongside lawyer and democracy expert Meagan Hatcher-Mays. Lindy has penned works like Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman and co-founded the reproductive rights campaign #ShoutYourAbortion."

Meagan brings her expertise in law and political analysis to the table, complementing Lindy's creative flair. Their partnership exemplifies a blend of humor, intellect, and activism.

3. Self-Care Conversations

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing self-care, with each host sharing their personal practices and philosophies.

Lindy describes her approach as compensating for traditionally poor self-care habits with extravagant gestures:

"[Lindy West, 19:08] I've been buying nostalgic items like new sheets and comforters, regressing into childhood pleasures as a form of self-care."

Meagan emphasizes passive self-care, finding comfort in relaxation and simple pleasures:

"[Megan Hatcher Mays, 17:38] I've been allowing myself to be a 'lazy girl,' enjoying TV shows to escape reality and find mental coziness."

Doree and Elise also share their self-care routines, such as skincare routines and taking breaks from daily responsibilities, underscoring the diverse ways individuals nurture themselves.

4. Mutual Hype: Celebrating Friendship

The hosts facilitate a heartwarming segment where Lindy and Meagan hype each other up, showcasing the strength and admiration within their friendship.

Lindy praises Meagan:

"[Lindy West, 21:36] Megan is the funniest person I've ever met, combining humor with genius-level understanding of government and democracy."

Meagan reciprocates the praise:

"[Megan Hatcher Mays, 25:29] Lindy is an incredible role model with impeccable boundaries and the ability to extend grace to others, traits I deeply admire and strive to emulate."

This exchange highlights the importance of supportive friendships and the positive impact they have on personal and professional lives.

5. Spotlight on "Text Me Back" Podcast

Lindy and Meagan provide an overview of their podcast Text Me Back, explaining its unique format and appeal.

"[Megan Hatcher Mays, 27:00] Our show is like a two-hour conversation between best friends, filled with humor and niche interests, offering listeners a cozy and relatable listening experience."

They emphasize the blend of casual banter with political insights, making their podcast both entertaining and informative. The hosts appreciate how their authentic conversations resonate with a community seeking both laughter and thoughtful discourse.

6. Discussing Contemporary Issues: Youth Sexual Behavior

A pivotal discussion in the episode revolves around a New Yorker article addressing the decline in sexual activity among younger generations. The hosts and guests share their perspectives on the topic, touching upon societal pressures, media influence, and generational differences.

Megan critiques the narrative as a right-wing talking point concerned with birth rates:

"[Megan Hatcher Mays, 35:17] It feels like fear-mongering about birth rates, reminiscent of past admonitions against youth sexuality, which paradoxically suppressed healthy exploration."

Lindy echoes the sentiment, expressing indifference towards the panic over declining birth rates:

"[Lindy West, 35:07] When people worry about dropping birth rates, I don't care. It's rooted in problematic concerns about societal foundations."

Elise and Doree further explore how media portrayal and internet influences, such as pornography, might affect youths' perceptions and behaviors regarding sex.

7. Managing Content Creation and Exhaustion

Addressing an advice question, Lindy and Meagan delve into the challenges of managing content creation while avoiding burnout. They share strategies employed in their own podcasting journey.

Meagan discusses the balance between passion and exhaustion:

"[Meagan Hatcher Mays, 36:04] We love making our podcast, which helps us endure the exhaustion. The supportive community keeps us motivated despite the constant demand."

Lindy emphasizes the importance of maintaining creative integrity over chasing trends or algorithms:

"[Lindy West, 43:06] Staying true to ourselves and making content that brings us joy is more fulfilling than pandering to algorithms, even if it means slower growth."

They advocate for outsourcing tasks like marketing and production to sustain creativity without personal burnout, highlighting the importance of a supportive team and community.

Notable Quotes

• Elise Hu [03:22]: "Oscar has already undergone major abdominal surgery to remove swallowed objects like a squishmallow and a rubber bouncy ball, illustrating his playful yet problematic behavior."

• Lindy West [19:08]: "I've been buying nostalgic items like new sheets and comforters, regressing into childhood pleasures as a form of self-care."

• Lindy West [21:36]: "Megan is the funniest person I've ever met, combining humor with genius-level understanding of government and democracy."

• Megan Hatcher Mays [35:17]: "It feels like fear-mongering about birth rates, reminiscent of past admonitions against youth sexuality, which paradoxically suppressed healthy exploration."

• Lindy West [43:06]: "Staying true to ourselves and making content that brings us joy is more fulfilling than pandering to algorithms, even if it means slower growth."

Conclusion

Episode 361 of Forever35 offers a blend of personal stories, insightful discussions, and genuine camaraderie between the hosts and their guests. By intertwining humor with meaningful conversations on self-care, creative challenges, and societal issues, Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu deliver a relatable and enriching experience for their listeners. Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays add depth with their own experiences and perspectives, making this episode a testament to the power of friendship and authentic dialogue.

For more episodes and information, visit forever35podcast.com.