Episode Summary: Forever35 Mini-Ep 426: Trying for Normalcy

Release Date: January 15, 2025

In this insightful and heartfelt mini-episode of Forever35, co-hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu navigate the challenges of seeking normalcy amidst ongoing natural disasters, personal struggles, and listener inquiries. With their characteristic humor and self-awareness, they delve into topics ranging from community support during crises to personal relationships and career fulfillment.

1. Navigating the Los Angeles Wildfires

The episode opens with Doree and Elise discussing the severe wildfire situation in Los Angeles, as projected by Governor Gavin Newsom to be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.

• Community Impact and Support Efforts

  Elise reflects on the surreal nature of the disaster, comparing it to the early days of COVID-19:

  "It feels really surreal. I mean, I just, it has that feeling, things have taken on that feeling of kind of a different disaster early Covid, where all the days melt together and you don't know what day it is and you're on this heightened alert all the time." [03:10]

  The hosts emphasize the importance of supporting those affected by the wildfires. They highlight the preference for monetary donations over physical goods, recommending gift cards to retailers like Amazon and Target. Doree mentions:

  "There's a lot of places that have said, hey, we are full up on supplies, but we would welcome gift cards... it's kind of best to have the flexibility to restart." [04:20]

  They also guide listeners to their Instagram for GoFundMe links and direct assistance options, ensuring that support reaches those in need effectively.

• Updates on Wildfire Containment

  The discussion touches on the unpredictable nature of the fires, mentioning the Palisades fire with less than 15% containment:

  "...the Palisades fire, is only like some percentage, like less than 15% contained as of this recording." [03:50]

2. Personal Stories: Pets Amidst Crisis

Doree and Elise share personal anecdotes about their pets and how the wildfires have affected them.

• Fostering an Evacuee Cat

  Elise talks about fostering a cat displaced by the Palisades fire, which has caused tension with her resident cat, Abe:

  "We have a fire evacuee cat that is really rocking Abe's world. And that's continued to be very difficult. Like, he kind of disappeared for a while because I think he was trying to escape." [06:55]

  Doree empathizes, sharing her own experiences with pet dynamics:

  "We do not have any foster pets. I feel like Bo would probably be okay with a small dog... but I think he would try to eat a cat, and I don't think he would take kindly to a large dog." [08:37]

3. Listener Questions: Offering Support and Finding Fulfillment

The heart of the episode revolves around listener-submitted questions, where Doree and Elise provide thoughtful advice on personal challenges.

• Supporting a Sister During Fertility Struggles

  Listener's Question:

  • "I have a sister who is currently going through fertility struggles. The timing of my new baby has made her feel worse. How can I support her without making things harder for her?" [21:43]

  Doree's Response:

  "Continue just sort of like, checking in with her and not making it about the baby. I would check in with her to be like, oh, I'm so tired... maybe text her about Real Housewives or something. Just sort of like, quote unquote, normal stuff that is not baby related." [22:42]

  Elise's Insight:

  "Remembering all the other things that you enjoy as part of your sisterly bond and leaning into that... your relationship has so many more colors and shapes and phases that you can lean into." [23:55]

• Career Success and Self-Love for a Young Violinist

  Listener's Question:

  • "I'm a 25-year-old violinist struggling with career success and self-love. I'm completing my master's but feel far from my dreams and lack confidence. How do I find fulfillment and meaning?" [21:43]

  Elise's Response:

  "Your life and your path is long and you're only in one stage of it... fulfillment really has to come in a lot more intrinsic ways." [26:41]

  She encourages the listener to identify what they love about making music beyond career titles:

  "There are a lot of ways to do that thing that don't involve like getting into a specific orchestra or getting that specific job." [28:10]

  Doree Adds:

  "You are still quite young. It is not too late to do something else. I think you will find ways back to the violin that might not involve playing in an orchestra, and that's okay." [30:07]

4. Sponsored Segments and Community Resources

While the episode includes sponsored content, Doree and Elise seamlessly integrate it without disrupting the flow of their conversation. They briefly mention resources and support avenues for listeners affected by the wildfires, ensuring that helpful information is accessible.

Conclusion

Forever35 Mini-Ep 426: Trying for Normalcy offers a compassionate exploration of maintaining equilibrium in times of chaos. Through personal stories, community support discussions, and empathetic listener advice, Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu provide a space for reflection and connection. Their genuine approach underscores the importance of community, self-care, and the enduring quest for normalcy amidst life's unpredictable challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• "It feels really surreal... you're on this heightened alert all the time." — Elise Hu [03:10]

• "There's a lot of places that have said... gift cards... it's kind of best to have the flexibility to restart." — Doree Shafrir [04:20]

• "You are still quite young. It is not too late to do something else." — Doree Shafrir [30:07]

• "Fulfillment really has to come in a lot more intrinsic ways." — Elise Hu [26:41]