Forever35 Mini-Ep 459: No Shame In The Mom Jean Game
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Date: September 3, 2025
Episode Overview
In this lively and relatable mini-episode, Doree and Elise dive into community questions ranging from night cream recommendations and quitting coffee to the deeper joys of decluttering and gratitude practices. Highlighted by their signature humor and candid reflections on self-care, they focus on their current skincare experiments, share practical fashion tips (with a special spotlight on the great hunt for the perfect "mom jeans"), dish about the evolution of coworking spaces, and demystify laser hair removal. The episode is peppered with heartfelt listener “micro joys”—small wins that spark everyday happiness.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Personal Updates (01:25–06:56)
Oscar’s Ongoing Antics
- Elise shares a chaotic pre-recording moment involving her dog Oscar and a destroyed hairbrush (01:25).
- “There's really never a dull moment in Oscar's life in the family.” —Elise (01:40)
- She’s hopeful he didn’t swallow anything large, as he’s required surgery in the past.
Microneedling Aftermath
- Doree is recovering from a recent microneedling procedure:
- Post-procedure, her skin feels “barely red, dry and a little bit tight.” She’s trying not to pick or touch her face, admitting how hard that is (02:34).
- She used a gentle moisturizer and avoided sun exposure, sharing the experience hasn’t been as intense as anticipated.
- Discussion moves to micro needling with PRP (“vampire facial”) and how deep the treatment must go for results, referencing Reddit forum debates (04:25–05:06).
- Elise recalls “post-vampire facial looks like you just got hit by a car,” describing friends showing up to school in “a bucket hat and a giant face mask” (05:30).
Hair Growth Progress
- Doree reports positive results using Minoxidil for hair regrowth:
- “I have been seeing like actual hair growth.” (06:21)
- She stresses Minoxidil is a long-term commitment: “It’s not a quick fix… you have to be patient with.” (07:05)
Requiem for Community Spaces & The Evolution of Coworking (07:29–13:08)
- Discussion about the demise of beloved coworking spots (Jane Club, The Wing) and the shift to digital/IRL hybrid models:
- Doree shares her memories of Adam Neumann’s original “Greendesk” preceding WeWork’s fast expansion (09:10).
- Elise observes, “Coworking is a tough model. Tough business model,” referencing the TV series about WeWork (08:49).
Emerging LA & NY Membership Spaces
- Both hosts describe new specialty coworking spaces in LA:
- The Lighthouse (Venice, soon Brooklyn): For creators, audio recording, test kitchens, live events (10:25).
- The Kin (Venice): Community focus, dinners called “Kinners,” live event theater access.
- Fable or Fiber (Burbank): Includes wellness features—massage rooms, cold plunge, infrared sauna, and studio rentals (11:54).
- Doree: “I feel like they all have like one gimmick… now these places are becoming a little more niche.” (12:07)
- Chief: For female executives, but “not really my vibe… Chief seemed like the Wing’s sort of grown up.” (12:53)
Listener Call to Action:
Hosts invite listeners to share other community-focused spaces: “If y’all want to pitch in and call us and write us with any of these.” (13:03)
Rapid-Fire Q&A: Jeans, Laser Hair Removal & More
The Great Mom Jean Search (18:00–22:46)
Listener question:
What's a good recommendation for mom jeans that don't really look like mom jeans, are soft and comfortable but sharp enough to look put together?
Host Recommendations:
- Doree:
- Amazon barrel jeans: “Very stretchy… I have them in blue and black. The quality control isn’t always 100%, but I have been happy with both.” (18:40)
- Quince jeans: “A couple pairs… some styles are quite stretchy, and you get free shipping!” (19:30)
- Elise:
- Pistola Denim: “They have some ‘mom jeans’ that are a little stretchier and very comfy.” (19:42)
- Gap Ultra/Super Soft Denim—bought after the Cat’s Eye Gap commercial:
- “It is so soft, so soft. I feel like I’m in pajama pants in my wide leg, super soft Gap jeans…” (20:56)
- Gap’s “ultra soft denim” is highlighted as a specific line to look for (21:19).
- Sorority recruitment TikTok has a Pistola sponsorship tie-in; Elise reminisces about her own sorority rush (21:33–22:46).
Laser Hair Removal Demystified (22:46–27:59)
Listener question:
What’s laser hair removal really like (especially for bikini line and armpit), and how does the process work?
Host Experiences:
- Doree:
- Did bikini line “a long time ago,” found it mildly painful but “not insane.”
- “The best candidates are people with light skin and dark hair… you have to go a bunch of times, but no complaints once it was done.” (24:12)
- Elise:
- Shares step-by-step:
- “You need to be there and shaved… if this is bikini, you’re not clothed, your bottoms are off, and they give you like a little one of those paper undies if you want.” (25:27)
- Describes numbing options: cooling wand vs. numbing cream (“I think in Korea they did like a numbing cream first…” 25:50).
- Pain level: “I would put the pain at around like maybe a waxing down there… it’s not awful.” (26:48)
- Follow-ups are essential for results.
- Shares step-by-step:
Listener “Micro Joys” & Community Moments (30:11–33:02)
Nun Pickleball (30:19)
- Alyssa from Minnesota calls in with a “micro joy”:
- “Six nuns in full habits playing doubles in the pickleball league. Absolutely week. It just brought me a lot of joy.” (30:19–30:55)
- Elise: “I love anyone in full garb doing any sort of quotidian activity… it just brings me a lot of joy because it’s surprising.” (31:00)
Women Supporting Women in Life Transitions (31:31)
- A listener reflects on sending her youngest to basic training:
- “I just wanted to remind all the women… if you have friends who are sending kids off to school… just pay attention to them because they need… some love right now.” (31:31)
- Elise: “You did your job as a parent—that’s amazing! And I know it must feel like such a transition.” (33:02)
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On microneedling recovery:
- “I'm supposed to not pick at it or peel it, which is very hard for me.” – Doree (02:45)
- “You don't realize how much you just sort of like absentmindedly touch your face.” – Doree (03:02)
-
On “Ultra Soft” Mom Jeans & TikTok culture:
- “Gap Denim. I haven't really shopped Gap denim in a long time…and I got a pair of Gaps super soft denim. It is so soft, so soft. I feel like I'm in pajama pants…” – Elise (20:56)
-
On gratefulness for community:
- “Women supporting women is so beautiful and lovely… Just to pay attention to [other women] because they need a hug and they need some love right now.” – Listener voicemail (31:31)
-
On career growth of coworking:
- “Coworking is a tough model. Tough business model.” – Elise (08:49)
- “Now these places are… becoming a little more niche, it seems like.” – Doree (11:54)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Oscar the Dog’s Drama – 01:25
- Microneedling Recovery – 02:34
- Minoxidil Hair Regrowth – 06:21
- Coworking Space Evolution/Jane Club/Wing – 07:29–13:08
- Listener on Paper Towel Replacements Fatigue – 13:08
- Mom Jeans & Comfy Denim – 18:00–22:46
- Laser Hair Removal Truths – 22:46–27:59
- Nun Pickleball Micro Joy – 30:19
- Women Supporting Women Voicemail – 31:31
Episode Tone
Warm, self-aware, and genuine.
Doree and Elise balance laughter with thoughtful reflection, proof that even deep dives into fashion ruts, hair removal, and new life chapters can be laced with humor and community care.
Want to share your question or micro joy?
- Call or text: 781-591-0390
- Email: forever35podcastmail.com
Summary prepared as an engaging, comprehensive reference for Forever35 listeners and newcomers alike!