Forever35 Mini-Episode 425: Cheers to a Different Vibe
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
1. Introduction to the Mini-Episode
In this special mini-episode of Forever35, co-hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu engage directly with their listeners by sharing comments, addressing questions, and providing personal insights. This episode emphasizes a community-driven approach, allowing the hosts to connect more intimately with their audience.
2. Personal Updates and Reflections
Elise’s Journey to Recovering Her Voice
Elise opens up about her recent battle with laryngitis, sharing her experience and the challenges of regaining her voice after a period of vocal rest.
Elise Hu [02:05]: "It was really rough... I like really pressed that I have to talk for a living. Like, this is my job."
Doree inquires about the medical advice Elise received, sparking a discussion on why doctors might be hesitant to prescribe steroids for conditions like laryngitis.
Doree Shafrir [02:59]: "Can I just like, without getting too much into like, medical stuff, can I just ask why they're so like, opposed to steroids?"
Elise explains the common medical perspective, suggesting that steroids may mask symptoms, preventing necessary vocal rest.
Elise Hu [03:03]: "I think that it masks symptoms so that you're not actually... getting the vocal rest that you need."
Back to School and Holiday Adjustments
With the new year underway, Doree and Elise discuss the return of their children to school, expressing relief and excitement about restoring normalcy at home.
Doree Shafrir [04:08]: "Henry literally ran into. He was like, I'm free. Free of my like, annoying parents."
They also tackle the topic of taking down Christmas decorations, linking it to mental health and the symbolic transition into a new year.
Doree Shafrir [08:46]: "We left our Christmas decorations up too long. But, like, of course, it's just a dumb superstition."
3. Listener Interactions
A. Pet Insurance Insights
Listener Sarah shares valuable advice on pet insurance, emphasizing its importance for unexpected accidents and the differences in coverage based on pet activity levels.
Listener Sarah [15:58]: "You will likely still be able to get pet insurance. This would be considered an accident when it comes to pet insurance for everyone."
The hosts commend Sarah’s practical tips and reflect on their own experiences with pet care.
B. Decluttering Calendar Recommendation
Kelly from Tacoma recommends a Declutter Calendar created by Doree, praising its effectiveness in maintaining an organized home. Kelly highlights how the calendar breaks down tasks into manageable daily actions, making decluttering less overwhelming.
Listener Kelly [20:34]: "She breaks it down so that each day you do just one or two small tasks so it feels less daunting."
Doree and Elise discuss the merits of the calendar, acknowledging the challenge of navigating extensive introductory content before reaching the actionable calendar itself.
C. Hand Cream Endorsement
Sarah from Santa Cruz endorses the Nivea Hand Seam cream, sharing her personal attachment to the product and its nostalgic value linked to her family’s use of Nivea.
Listener Sarah [22:16]: "Just a little plug for dry hands. Try the Nivea theme in the tin and get some compliments this winter."
The hosts appreciate the recommendation, with Elise adding her preference for the packaging's durability compared to plastic alternatives.
4. Product Recommendations
A. Nivea Hand Seam Cream
The conversation around hand creams continues with a focus on the Nivea Hand Seam, celebrated for its effectiveness in combating dry skin during winter months.
B. Ninja Foodi Air Fryer
A listener recommends the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, praising its versatility and space-saving design.
Listener [28:25]: "Ninja air fryer. It’s just the two of us. So we can often fit what we need in here versus the stove."
Doree and Elise express enthusiasm for the product, noting its convenience and efficiency in the kitchen.
Elise Hu [28:27]: "The Ninja foodi. It’s digital fry, convection oven, toaster, air fryer."
5. Book Recommendation: "Free Food for Millionaires" by Min Jin Lee
A heartfelt recommendation arrives from a listener who praises "Free Food for Millionaires", Min Jin Lee’s first novel, highlighting its vibrant portrayal of New York life and its distinction from Lee’s later work, "Pachinko."
Listener [26:47]: "Free Food for Millionaires was her first published novel. And it is so good and so different and just like, just really, really, really delightful."
Doree and Elise express their interest in adding the book to their reading lists, appreciating Lee’s versatility as an author.
6. Embracing Repair and Sustainability
The hosts delve into the importance of repairing items instead of discarding them, using Doree’s experience with a broken fanny pack as a case study.
Doree Shafrir [25:18]: "If something of yours breaks, you should check if there's a warranty because I have this like fanny pack from Baboon to the Moon."
Elise echoes the sentiment, advocating for mending as a sustainable practice.
Elise Hu [25:25]: "We should all be doing this. We should be mending rather than throwing out, rather than discarding."
They link this discussion to their broader themes of minimalism and mindful consumption, emphasizing the benefits of maintaining and repairing belongings.
7. Weather Updates and Safety Reminders
Addressing current events, the hosts inform listeners about the severe winter storm affecting much of America, urging everyone to stay warm and safe.
Elise Hu [30:27]: "There's like this major winter storm that blasted the Midwest and just kind of across the belt of the United States. So please stay warm."
Doree shares a personal anecdote about her sister experiencing a snow day, reinforcing the importance of community and safety during harsh weather conditions.
8. Closing Remarks
As the episode wraps up, Doree and Elise extend their gratitude to listeners for their engagement and support, wishing everyone a happy and safe new year. They also tease upcoming content for Patreon supporters, maintaining the community-centric tone of the podcast.
Notable Quotes
- Elise Hu [02:05]: "It was really rough... I like really pressed that I have to talk for a living. Like, this is my job."
- Doree Shafrir [08:46]: "We left our Christmas decorations up too long. But, like, of course, it's just a dumb superstition."
- Listener Sarah [15:58]: "You will likely still be able to get pet insurance. This would be considered an accident when it comes to pet insurance for everyone."
- Listener Kelly [20:34]: "She breaks it down so that each day you do just one or two small tasks so it feels less daunting."
- Listener Sarah [22:16]: "Just a little plug for dry hands. Try the Nivea theme in the tin and get some compliments this winter."
- Listener [28:25]: "Ninja air fryer. It’s just the two of us. So we can often fit what we need in here versus the stove."
Connect with Forever35
- Website: forever35podcast.com
- Email: forever35podcastmail.com
- Instagram: @forever35podcast
- Newsletter: forever35podcast.com/newsletter
- Contact Number: 781-591-0390
Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and community interactions in future episodes of Forever35. Happy New Year!