Forever35 Mini-Ep 479: "From Teeth to Toes"

Release Date: February 11, 2026
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu

Episode Overview

In this engaging and relatable episode, Doree and Elise dive into the nitty-gritty of everyday self-care as we age, tackling topics from dental staining, comfy pants recommendations (especially after a C-section), the emotional marathon of IVF, and even debate the best airplane attire. With their trademark self-awareness and humor, they field listener questions, share personal anecdotes, and lean on the Forever35 community for collective wisdom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Real-Life Updates: Roofs, Pets, and Dividing the Mental Load

• The episode begins with candid life updates: Doree battles a noisy roof replacement and the hassle of landlord interactions—dutifully deferring the "mental load" to her husband.
• Elise details a running joke about pet IQ in her group chat, jokingly hypothesizing her cat might outsmart her dog and pondering on "cat IQ tests."
  • “My cat that behaves like a dog...he can open doors. He comes when called. He plays fetch!” – Elise (03:21)
• Timestamps: [02:28 – 05:56]

2. Listener Question: Teeth Staining Woes

• Listener Voicemail: Struggles with teeth staining from coffee, tea, and berries, conscientious about enamel health and wary of aggressive whitening.
• Elise’s Experience:
  • She drinks “a gallon of iced tea every day” and faces similar stains; recounts advice to rinse with water after staining beverages instead of immediate brushing.
  • "There were two MVP products in TV newsrooms: Lumify eyedrops and those whitening pens. You can just paint the front of your teeth white…" – Elise (08:25)
  • Shares info about whitening pens, strips, and custom dental trays but cautions about enamel sensitivity.
  • Doree admits this isn’t her area of expertise, encourages more listener input.
• Timestamps: [07:26 – 09:46]

3. Community Q&A: Post-C-Section Pants & Comfy Clothing

• Multiple listeners (via voicemail and email) share their favorite post-C-section attire, highlighting how individualized postpartum experiences are:
  • Old Navy: Praised for affordable, inclusive sizing, and particularly high-waisted pants that accommodate body changes and tenderness post-C-section.
  • Aerie OFFLINE Fleece Pants: One listener could only tolerate super-roomy, wide-leg loungewear with zero compression, noting tightness was unbearable.
  • "I couldn’t have anything tight on my stomach. Even the tie of a robe tied loosely was uncomfortable." – Listener Sunny (15:56)
  • Hosts’ Recommendations:
    • Elise models her “Old Navy Bounce Fleece” on-air, noting the pants run large but are comfortable with pockets (unlike some pricier dupes).
    • Both hosts praise Aerie loungewear, with Doree advocating “whatever works.”
• Timestamps: [13:08 – 18:01]

4. Airplane Outfit Debate

• Text Message Suggestion: Listener recommends a 100% cotton black maxi dress, paired with spanx shorts underneath and compression socks for flights—citing comfort, easy bathroom access, and moisture-wicking advantages.
  • "Don't get butt sweat with this method." – Listener via text (18:15)
• Doree asks for shopping links and admits to being influenced by the idea, appreciating inventive approaches to self-care in travel contexts.
• Timestamps: [18:02 – 19:22]

5. IVF: Candid Advice & Solidarity

• Voicemail: Adrienne, nervous about starting IVF, requests encouragement and advice.
• Doree shares her personal journey (and podcast resource: "Matt and Doree’s Excellent Adventure," especially episodes 1–50), delivering both practical advice and emotional reassurance:
  • “The goalposts are always shifting and it most likely will not work right away…If you do one round of IVF and it doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged. That is normal.” – Doree (23:13)
  • Key Tips:
    • Expect ongoing surprises and possible setbacks—IVF is often a multi-stage process.
    • Doctors may need to adjust approaches as they learn more about each patient.
    • Emotional support networks are critical: lean on friends, family, and binge-worthy TV (shout-outs to “Call the Midwife,” “Heated Rivalry,” “Andor”).
    • The Forever35 community serves as a wellspring of solidarity and practical insight.
• Elise reflects on the importance of such communities for those undergoing IVF, recognizing its commonality and emotional complexity.
• Timestamps: [22:22 – 29:49]

6. Trader Joe’s Valentine’s Day Treat

• Elise ends on a sweet note, plugging Trader Joe’s limited-edition “heart-shaped macarons” as a festive and adorable dessert suggestion.
• Timestamps: [30:09 – 30:46]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• ”The bar is on the floor.” – Doree jokes about defining a “good day” by not needing a vet visit. (02:40)
• “The mental load and emotional labor of dealing with our landlord has been fully put on my husband…this is your department.” – Doree divesting from landlord chaos. (05:33, 05:55)
• “You carry your load.” – Elise supports Doree’s division of household responsibilities. (05:58)
• "Whatever works, you know what I’m saying?" – Doree, on post-surgical attire and honoring individual comfort. (17:58)
• “There’s so much great content to binge while you’re taking good care of yourself. Yes. And riding out those hormonal swings.” – Elise, championing comfort TV during tough times. (28:31)
• “Don’t get discouraged…If you do one round of IVF and it doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged. That is normal. No matter what people say or what doctors say or what you’ve seen in the media, that is totally normal.” – Doree, on normalizing IVF setbacks. (23:13)
• “What a journey.” – Both hosts, summing up the collective experiences around IVF. (30:08)

Noteworthy Segments & Timestamps

• [02:28 – 05:56] Real-life updates, mental load discussions
• [07:26 – 09:46] Teeth staining conversation
• [13:08 – 18:01] Post-C-section pants—community recommendations and hosts’ takes
• [18:02 – 19:22] Airplane attire advice
• [22:22 – 29:49] IVF journey, encouragement, and resources
• [30:09 – 30:46] Trader Joe's macaron tip

Tone & Takeaways

The episode is equal parts practical and reassuring, balancing humor with genuine empathy. Whether guiding listeners through wardrobe struggles, confronting the realities of IVF, or just celebrating the little joys (like Trader Joe’s desserts), Doree and Elise foster a consistently supportive, body-positive, and candid environment.

For New Listeners:
This is a solid episode to jump in—expect to learn new coping tricks, discover tangible product recommendations, and feel validated in all the messy, mundane, and meaningful facets of self-care.