Forever35 Podcast Summary: Mini-Ep 450 - "What Is Midsommar, Anyway?"

Release Date: July 2, 2025
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu

In this engaging mini-episode of Forever35, hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu delve into a variety of topics ranging from the nuances of Midsummer traditions to practical self-care tips and listener interactions. This episode is a blend of personal anecdotes, insightful discussions, and heartfelt advice, all delivered with the trademark humor and self-awareness that Forever35 is known for.

1. Understanding Midsommar and Its Timing

The episode kicks off with a lighthearted confusion about the actual timing and meaning of Midsummer. The hosts discuss the discrepancy between the common perception of Midsummer as the midpoint of summer versus its historical roots.

• Elise Hu [02:07]: "I thought... it's the name of that film. It's the name of the foreign Florence Pugh film. But what does it actually mean?"

• Doree Shafrir [02:11]: "The name Midsommar is attested in Old English as Mid Sumor and refers to the time around the summer solstice."

Their conversation highlights the cultural and linguistic origins of the term "Midsommar," distinguishing it from the plot of the similarly named film.

2. Personal Updates: Relocating and National Parks Trip

Elise shares her relief about moving from the East Coast to the West Coast, expressing gratitude for the improved environment and the upcoming national parks trip.

• Elise Hu [04:02]: "I'm feeling so much immense gratitude that we're on the west coast and I'm no longer on the east coast where I like, there were just bad smells everywhere because everybody was sweating constantly."

Additionally, they touch upon concerns regarding proposed budget cuts to national parks maintenance, emphasizing the urgency of their planned trip.

• Elise Hu [04:33]: "We are getting ready for our big national parks trip. Couldn’t come a moment sooner because apparently the budget cuts are proposing, like 25% cuts to the maintenance of national parks."

3. Creating a Pleasant Home Environment with Scents

Elise recounts her experience staying at a friend's house and discovering a beloved diffuser scent, leading to a discussion about the importance of pleasant home fragrances.

• Elise Hu [04:16]: "I went and found the diffuser that she used. It's called Nest fragrances. And the scent was white peony and honeysuckle nest. It wasn't overpowering."

• Doree Shafrir [05:35]: "I've had some nest diffusers and they are lovely. I think Peony is having a moment, what with the Trader Joe's candle."

They explore the aesthetic and aromatic benefits of quality diffusers, considering cost and availability.

4. Pet Antics: Unexpected Wildlife Visitors

Doree shares humorous and slightly chaotic stories about their pets inadvertently bringing wildlife into the house.

• Doree Shafrir [06:26]: "This person wrote solidarity. Elise. The same thing happened to me with my cat bringing a live bird inside through the doggy door."

• Elise Hu [08:41]: "Oh, what an adventure. Nature."

These anecdotes serve as entertaining interludes, showcasing the unpredictable nature of pet ownership.

5. Listener Interactions: Voicemails and Texts

a. Million Bazillion Podcast Recommendation

A listener recommends the Million Bazillion podcast, aimed at teaching children and families about money management.

• Listener [12:25]: "My daughter is 11... My dad, who worked on Wall Street, has listened to it and even he's commented to be like, wow, this is a really great podcast."

• Elise Hu [13:53]: "Million Bazillion is the podcast. Is that right? Million Bazillion. It sounds really good."

b. Tips for Donating Stuffed Animals

A listener seeks advice on eco-friendly ways to donate used stuffed animals. Doree provides a local resource.

• Doree Shafrir [14:53]: "Beautiful Buddy drives happen here locally and that's where we give them to because it sounds like Salvation army and... Goodwills do not take them."

c. Advice on Navigating a Controlling Relationship

An email from a concerned family member seeks guidance on supporting a niece in a problematic romantic relationship.

• Elise Hu [18:13]: "I think the best thing that you can do is listen and tell her that you are there for her and you will support her."

• Doree Shafrir [19:20]: "I think it's a really good sign that she wants to confide in you."

The hosts emphasize the importance of listening, validating feelings, and providing unwavering support without being confrontational.

d. Sunscreen and Sun-Protective Clothing Recommendations

Listeners share their favorite sun protection products, which the hosts discuss and rate.

• Listener [22:20]: "I've been using this mineral sunscreen... Tzo Tizo Facial Primer Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40."

• Elise Hu [23:53]: "Free Fly Apparel has some nice UV clothing. My husband loves the hoodie long sleeve and I do the regular long sleeve."

6. Practical Tips: Cleaning a Tutu

A listener asks for advice on properly cleaning a tutu, a common concern among dancers and their families.

• Elise Hu [25:43]: "Because it's all tulle... So my answer is I've never cleaned it tutu."

• Doree Shafrir [26:09]: "I think hand washing? Yeah, don't throw it in the washing machine for sure."

The hosts recommend gentle hand washing to preserve the delicate fabric of tutus.

7. Upcoming Episodes and Collaborations

Doree and Elise tease future content, including crossovers with other podcasts and upcoming vacation plans, keeping listeners informed and engaged.

• Elise Hu [26:23]: "We're really excited because we're going to drop in our feed the latest episode of our friend Sam Sanders podcast Vibe Check..."

Conclusion

Mini-Ep 450 of Forever35 offers a delightful mix of cultural exploration, personal stories, practical advice, and community engagement. Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu provide a comforting and entertaining space for listeners to explore self-care, navigate life's challenges, and connect with a supportive community.

Notable Quotes:

• Doree Shafrir [02:11]: "The name Midsommar is attested in Old English as Mid Sumor and refers to the time around the summer solstice."

• Elise Hu [04:02]: "I'm feeling so much immense gratitude that we're on the west coast and I'm no longer on the east coast..."

• Elise Hu [18:13]: "I think the best thing that you can do is listen and tell her that you are there for her and you will support her."

Stay tuned for more insightful and heartwarming episodes of Forever35, where self-care meets real-life wisdom.