Forever35 Podcast Summary

Episode: Mini-Ep 438: Lean Into The Season
Released: April 9, 2025
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu

Introduction and Listener Engagement

[02:40] Doree Shafrir welcomes listeners to this mini-episode of Forever35, emphasizing the podcast's focus on self-care with humor and self-awareness. Elise Hu mentions that this episode will feature listener comments, thoughts, and questions. They remind audiences about their ongoing listener survey, likening it to "calling your congressperson" to highlight its importance in shaping future content.

Notable Quote:
Elise Hu [03:26]: "I think of these listener surveys, like calling your congressperson, in that they really, if you do call, they end up extrapolating a lot from the few people who call. And so it's an unscientific survey. But your voice really matters too."

Skincare Product Recommendations

The hosts delve into skincare, responding to a listener's request for favorite products. Doree Shafrir introduces a vitamin C serum from May Love ([05:07]), highlighting its ingredients and affordability compared to the original SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum.

Notable Quote:
Doree Shafrir [05:13]: "The patent on that has expired. This was a big discussion in the skincare addiction Reddit recently that the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic patent has expired. And this means that companies can copy the formula."

Elise Hu adds a makeup recommendation, suggesting long-lasting lip tints from the Korean brand Rome & nd and endorsing the Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Face Mask for hydration during long flights.

Notable Quote:
Elise Hu [08:26]: "There is a line of lip tints from the Korean brand Rome and ND that is incredible. And it stays, it's very long lasting without being too drying."

Personal Stories: Manicures and Beauty Culture

Doree Shafrir shares her positive experience returning to gel manicures, emphasizing the durability and nail health benefits. This leads to a discussion on the duality of beauty culture—acknowledging both its exhausting aspects and the nurturing, connective moments it provides.

Notable Quote:
Elise Hu [12:34]: "I worry that the message or the duality doesn't come through clearly, which is that there's another side of beauty culture that's really lovely, which is kind of that feeling of touch and nurturing when we go to a salon or have the privilege of going to get our nails done."

Voicemails: Supporting Friends with NICU Babies

A listener shares experiences supporting a friend with a baby in the NICU. Elise Hu and Doree Shafrir discuss the importance of allowing space for personal recovery and the invaluable role of medical professionals.

Notable Tip:
Listener [19:48]: "Make sure you have a really good thick hand cream because you're washing your hands like a thousand times a day."

Elise Hu [22:00]: Reflects on how structured NICU schedules can aid parental recovery, referencing another listener's experience.

Dinner Dilemmas and Meal Prep Solutions

Addressing a common "dinner rut," the hosts provide several practical solutions:

1. Meal Prepping with Baked Meatballs:
   Doree Shafrir [30:08]: Recommends making large batches of meatballs with various sauces for versatility and quick meals.

2. DIY Sushi Bowls:
   Listener [31:05]: Suggests creating sushi bowls with customizable ingredients, making meal times interactive and enjoyable.

3. Embracing Seasonal Produce:
   Listener [32:13]: Advises "Lean into the Season" by utilizing seasonal vegetables and fruits to bring variety and environmental benefits to meals.

Notable Quote:
Elise Hu [33:53]: "I love Lean into the Season."

Practical Shopping Tips

Doree Shafrir [34:08]: Shares a Costco hack: purchasing a large brick of Parmesan cheese to have readily available freshly shaved cheese for months, enhancing meal flavors while being cost-effective.

Closing Remarks

The hosts express gratitude for listener interactions and encourage continued sharing of dinner recommendations. They briefly recount personal anecdotes, such as Elise's yak gift mishap, adding a touch of humor and relatability to the episode.

Notable Quote:
Doree Shafrir [29:34]: "I actually enjoy. I like cooking, and I like making dinner and stuff, and I truly hate doing dishes."

Conclusion

In this episode of Forever35, Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu provide a blend of product recommendations, personal stories, and practical advice to help listeners navigate self-care and everyday challenges. From skincare dupes to managing dinner ruts, the hosts offer relatable insights with their characteristic humor and warmth, fostering a sense of community and shared experience among their audience.

Key Takeaways:

• Engage with Listener Feedback: Participate in surveys and voicemails to shape podcast content.
• Affordable Skincare Alternatives: Explore comparable products when patents expire to save money without compromising quality.
• Beauty Culture Balance: Recognize both the empowering and exhausting aspects of beauty routines.
• Support Systems in NICU Situations: Prioritize personal recovery and leverage professional care services.
• Creative Meal Planning: Utilize meal prepping and seasonal ingredients to overcome dinner ruts efficiently.