Forever35 Podcast: Mini-Episode 452 – The Dream of the Nineties

Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Description: In this mini-episode, co-hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu engage with their listeners by sharing comments, answering questions, and discussing various topics related to self-care and personal growth, all infused with their characteristic humor and self-awareness.

1. Product Discoveries: Aloe Spray Innovation

Elise's New Find:
Elise shares her excitement about a novel product she discovered at Walgreens—aloe spray. Unlike traditional goopy pump bottles, this aloe is delivered in a spray format, making it easier and more enjoyable to apply after sun exposure.

• Elise Hu [01:06]:
  "I do want to sing the praises of a new discovery that I made at Walgreens, which is aloe spray... you spray that aloe all over you after you're sunburned or sun kissed... it's so soothing."

Hosts' Reaction:
Doree and Elise both express amazement at this innovation, highlighting the ever-present creativity in everyday products.

• Doree Shafrir [02:17]:
  "Wow. What a time. What a time to be alive."

2. Birthday Traditions and Stories

Rob and Issa’s Birthday Celebrations:
The hosts delve into the unique birthday traditions within their circle. Rob maintains a 40-year-old tradition of starting his birthday with ice cream, inspired by his first experience with gelato in Italy at age ten.

• Elise Hu [02:29]:
  "We all joined him. And it's a little much nice ice cream for breakfast... we were just eating ice cream for breakfast in solidarity."

• Doree Shafrir [03:49]:
  "For 40 years. Look, we love."

Maintaining Traditions:
They discuss the balance between enjoying such traditions and the practical considerations, like dietary impacts, showcasing their relatable approach to personal rituals.

3. Listener Recommendations and Interactions

a. Comically Large Lactase Pills for Ice Cream Lovers

Listener's Comment:
A listener sends a picture of a jumbo-sized box of Kirkland brand fast-acting lactase pills, humorously dubbed a "micro joy."

• Doree Shafrir [10:15]:
  "You guys are great."

Hosts' Advice:
Elise and Doree recommend using Lactaid pills to enjoy ice cream without discomfort, sharing personal anecdotes about lactose intolerance and the importance of such products.

• Elise Hu [10:55]:
  "Elise, go treat yourself to a box and eat cheese to your heart's content."

b. Shark Tank-Inspired Charger Theft Solution

Voicemail from a Listener:
A listener suggests using a novel charger design featured on Shark Tank, which secures the charger to the outlet, preventing theft.

• Listener [11:55]:
  "You should put those in the outlet... kids, they're going to take that stuff."

Hosts' Follow-Up:
Elise and Doree discuss the practicality of the Perma Plug, a product designed to deter charger theft, emphasizing its effectiveness based on personal experiences.

• Elise Hu [12:53]:
  "Permaplug. That's what I need."

c. Milestone Birthday Ideas

Listener's Inquiry:
An OG Forever35 listener seeks creative ideas to celebrate their upcoming 35th birthday.

Hosts' Suggestions:
Elise and Doree offer a plethora of ideas, from themed parties reflecting the year of birth (1990) to organizing trips and interactive gatherings centered around favorite activities or foods.

• Elise Hu [17:49]:
  "Birthdays are so equalizing, like everybody has one... I love birthdays."

• Doree Shafrir [21:14]:
  "One woman got a tattoo that was very meaningful to her... family trips..."

d. Last-Minute LA Trip Recommendations

Listener's Request:
A listener and her husband are planning a spontaneous trip to Los Angeles for a concert and seek accommodation and activity recommendations.

Comprehensive Response:
Elise and Doree provide detailed suggestions, including hotels like the Figueroa Hotel, vibrant neighborhoods such as K Town, and must-visit spots like Grand Central Market and the Griffith Observatory. They also recommend specific restaurants and cultural experiences to enhance the listener's stay.

• Elise Hu [23:27]:
  "Hotel Figueroa... K Town is my very, very favorite neighborhood in all of Los Angeles."

• Doree Shafrir [27:34]:
  "Downtown has the Last Bookstore... Grand Central Market is super fun."

e. Gentle Facial Hair Removal Solutions

Listener’s Concern:
A listener with sensitive skin seeks recommendations for gentle facial hair removal methods, as traditional methods like waxing cause irritation.

Hosts' Recommendations:
Elise and Doree suggest laser hair removal as a long-term solution and recommend checking platforms like Groupon for affordable treatment deals. They also discuss alternative methods such as using regular razors with shaving gel to minimize irritation.

• Doree Shafrir [35:16]:
  "You are a prime candidate for laser hair removal... it's worth it if you can afford it."

• Elise Hu [33:35]:
  "I just wanted to shout out the Trader Joe's burrata cheese... it's so good."

4. Community and Engagement

Encouraging Listener Participation:
Doree and Elise actively invite listeners to share their experiences and questions, fostering a sense of community and mutual support among their audience.

• Doree Shafrir [14:00]:
  "Call or text us with your pictures of comically large boxes of lactate from Costco, shark tank chargers, anything..."

5. Conclusion

In this engaging mini-episode, Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu effectively blend personal anecdotes with practical advice, addressing their listeners' concerns with warmth and humor. From innovative self-care products to meaningful birthday celebrations and effective solutions for everyday problems, the hosts provide valuable insights while maintaining an authentic and relatable dialogue. Their interactive approach not only answers questions but also strengthens the connection with their Forever35 community.

Notable Quotes:

• Elise Hu [01:06]:
  "Now they're delivering aloe to our bodies via spray bottle and aerosol spray bottle."

• Doree Shafrir [17:49]:
  "I love birthdays. I love what I did for my 30th was a trip, like a friend trip."

• Elise Hu [33:53]:
  "Trader Joe's burrata cheese... it was so good with just French bread."

Connect with Forever35:

• Email: forever35podcast@mail.com
• Website: forever35podcast.com
• Instagram: @forever35podcast
• Shop: shopmyus.com/Forever35