Forever35 Podcast: Mini-Episode 424 - Theme Parties and Air Fryers

Release Date: December 18, 2024

In the final mini-episode of 2024, hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu of the Forever35 podcast delve into listener interactions, share personal reflections, and explore the intricacies of holiday preparations. This engaging and humorous episode, titled "Theme Parties and Air Fryers," encapsulates the essence of self-care and navigating life's little challenges as we age gracefully.

1. Introduction to the Mini-Episode

The episode kicks off with Doree and Elise introducing the concept of their mini-episode, which is dedicated to answering listener comments and questions accumulated throughout the year.

• Doree Shafrir [01:31]: "This is a mini episode, the last of 2024, where we hear from you, we share your comments and your thoughts and we answer your questions to the best of our ability."

2. Year in Review: Listener Highlights

Elise expresses gratitude for the listener engagement, highlighting memorable moments such as the highly acclaimed corn pasta recipe and the popular dish towel patterns sourced from listener suggestions.

• Elise Hu [02:02]: "It’s really what makes these episodes so great. And as we are in this time of reflection, I just want to reflect and thank you all because these have been so much fun."

They reminisce about recurring topics like the debate over Trader Joe's hair serum versus hair oil and the amusing influx of “non witch” sightings from listeners across the country.

• Doree Shafrir [03:05]: "Trader Joe's hair serum has been a hot topic."
• Elise Hu [03:23]: "We've gotten non witch sightings from across the country."

3. Holiday Season Reflections and Plans

Both hosts share their personal holiday plans, including school breaks, family events, and social gatherings. Elise talks about her excitement for attending a white elephant party and crashing her friend's company holiday party.

• Elise Hu [03:54]: "I have a white elephant party to go to, so I'm still trying to figure out what to bring, and then I'm crashing my friend's holiday company holiday party tonight."

Doree connects these plans to upcoming listener questions about hosting and attending parties, setting the stage for deeper discussions.

4. Navigating White Elephant Parties

The conversation transitions into the complexities of white elephant parties. Doree and Elise exchange anecdotes about their past experiences, debating the merits of humorous versus actual gifts.

• Doree Shafrir [05:12]: "I don't yet know what to bring. Last year, there was a big discussion about whether we were doing funny gifts or actual gifts."

Elise reflects on her approach to hosting, emphasizing a relaxed attitude to reduce stress and make gatherings enjoyable.

• Elise Hu [05:28]: "I just like to host things in general, not just podcasts. And I don’t get too precious about hosting."

5. Personal Anecdotes: Accessories and Daily Items

The hosts humorously discuss their habits with sunglasses and other personal items, sharing relatable stories about losing them and the challenges of maintaining expensive accessories.

• Elise Hu [07:06]: "I never buy expensive sunglasses for this very reason because my sunglasses are all over the place."
• Doree Shafrir [08:36]: "Oh boy, we're a mess."

They touch on the innovative idea of communal umbrellas inspired by Japan, highlighting a societal solution to a common problem.

6. Listener Voicemail: Sirius XM vs. Spotify

A listener named Kristen leaves a voicemail suggesting Sirius XM as an alternative to Spotify, praising its diverse stations and ability to discover new music. The hosts discuss this recommendation, reflecting on their own experiences with streaming platforms.

• Kristen [09:44]: "I am obsessed with Sirius XM which a lot of us get in cars. ... I love my SiriusXM highly suggest trying that."

7. Listener Texts: Theme Parties, Art Framing, Air Fryers

Doree and Elise read and respond to various listener texts, offering personal insights and practical advice.

• Theme Parties: A listener praises Forever35 for providing excellent theme party ideas, leading Elise to share her strategies for hosting stress-free gatherings.

  • Elise Hu [16:23]: "I love getting together with people. This is part of just a function of my personality."

• Art Framing: A listener expresses the struggle of framing accumulated artwork. Elise empathizes, revealing her own challenges with similar tasks.

  • Doree Shafrir [19:05]: "I feel so seen because you also have this problem and you work in art."

• Air Fryers: A text enthusiastically recommends the Ninja air fryer, prompting a detailed discussion about the best models and their multifunctionality.

  • Listener [20:10]: "We decided we'd try an air fryer only if it could also replace our toaster. ... It's the best kitchen appliance."

8. Recommendations: Costco and Trader Joe's

The hosts offer their favorite product recommendations from Costco and Trader Joe's, enhancing the episode with useful shopping tips for listeners.

• Doree Shafrir [27:18]: "They did have yesterday one of my favorite dessert items, which are the Trader Joe's, the mini chocolate mousse desserts. They are so good."

Elise suggests using these treats for parties, highlighting their convenience and appeal.

9. Closing Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode winds down, Doree and Elise reflect on the year, express gratitude to their listeners, and tease upcoming content selections for the new year. They encourage listeners to engage through various platforms and continue sharing their stories and questions.

• Doree Shafrir [28:56]: "We are back with some texts."

• Elise Hu [29:19]: "Have a happy holiday."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Doree Shafrir [03:05]: "Trader Joe's hair serum has been a hot topic."
• Elise Hu [05:28]: "I just like to host things in general, not just podcasts."
• Elise Hu [07:06]: "I never buy expensive sunglasses for this very reason because my sunglasses are all over the place."
• Kristen [09:44]: "I love my SiriusXM highly suggest trying that."
• Doree Shafrir [16:23]: "I love getting together with people."
• Elise Hu [27:18]: "They are so good."

Conclusion

Mini-Episode 424 of Forever35 is a delightful blend of listener interaction, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, all delivered with the hosts' signature humor and self-awareness. From navigating holiday parties to choosing the perfect kitchen appliance, Doree and Elise provide a relatable and insightful look into the everyday joys and challenges of self-care and personal growth.

For those yet to listen, this episode offers a warm invitation into the Forever35 community, celebrating the shared experiences that make self-care both meaningful and enjoyable.

Stay Connected with Forever35:

• Website: forever35podcast.com
• Instagram: @forever35podcast
• Email: forever35podcastmail.com
• Shop: ShopmyUs.Forever35

Note: As a reminder from the hosts, Forever35 encourages listeners to seek professional medical or mental health support as needed.