Forever35 – Mini-Ep 480: Special Requests + Prod Recs

Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This mini-episode is all about listener questions, practical product recommendations, and the joys and challenges of midlife transitions—delivered with Forever35's trademark warmth and humor. Doree and Elise read and react to listener notes on going back to school, IVF worries, self-care during rough times, teeth whitening, affordable skincare, and the real talk realities of vitamins and wellness. They also drop in some behind-the-scenes podcast reflections, and tackle current events in journalism with empathy and candor.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Doree’s Hotel: Listener Throwback & Guided Meditation

• [01:48] Listeners request a return of “Doree’s Hotel,” a guided meditation bit conceived during COVID lockdowns.
• Doree reminisces about the origin: “I just imagined what a wonderful hotel stay would feel like during lockdown. And then they got real weird.”
• The duo toy with revisiting it as a longer, Patreon-exclusive episode, referencing their Patreon tier names (“Doree’s Hotel Lounge” and “Doree’s Hotel Spa”).
• Tone: Warm, nostalgic, a little tongue-in-cheek.

2. Checking in: Journalism’s Rough Patch

• [03:29] Elise shares personal updates and the state of journalism, describing recent industry upheavals:
  • A friend at CBS News is considering leaving due to ownership and leadership changes.
  • Major layoffs at the Washington Post: “...democracy dies in broad daylight. … The management and the business side failed the journalists.” ([04:36], Elise)
  • Emphasizes the critical public role of journalists and voices concern about job losses.
  • Doree empathizes, shifting back to lighter fare with seasonal self-care wisdom: “Point taken. If you could, you had to get away for a week in February and a week in August.”
• Tone: Serious, heartfelt, supportive.

3. Listener Calls: Advice on Midlife Career Changes

• [09:23] Listener calls in with encouragement for someone considering returning to school for mental health counseling:
  • “I have loved being back in school, even when it’s hard or stressful. It’s also incredibly rewarding. Highly recommend going for it if it’s something you really want to do.”
• [10:12] Kelly in Wisconsin writes about her positive experience going back to school for library science in her thirties:
  • “Once you see the potential of what could be, you can’t unsee it. … Never being too old to do something.”
• Discussion of the reality: financial/logistical strain, the normalcy of being an older student.
• Doree and Elise champion Forever35’s message of self-renewal at any stage in life.

4. Forever35 Menopause Month & Guest Highlights

• [12:07] Elise celebrates Menopause Month's impact and data-driven successes:
  • “One of our top guests of all time is also Emily Nagoski. So Emily Nagoski is a real podcast queen … a real anchor of Menopause Month for us.”
• Discussion of breaking the stigma and importance of honest menopause conversations.

5. IVF Fears and Self-Care

• [13:44] A listener nervously beginning IVF treatment asks for advice, especially around restrictions on physical activity.
  • Doree relates her own experience: “It was not fun … You can walk. That’s kind of the extent of what you’re supposed to do.” ([15:24], Doree)
  • Recommends leaning into supportive entertainment, gentle routines, and kindness to oneself:
    • “Finding TV to binge and leaning on your friends and being kind to yourself and doing some calming things at home is just really important.”
• Elise invites community wisdom from listeners similarly situated.

6. Product Recommendations & Mini-Reviews

Teeth Whitening

• [16:59] Voicemail tip: “Innopro” peroxide-free whitening strips—seaweed-esque, less sensitivity.

Moisturizing Body Lotion

• [17:56] Listener shares:
  • Bio Oil Moisturizing Body Lotion for sensitive/dry skin (ingredients: shea oil, hyaluronic acid, affordable, $13.89)
  • “Unscented and has made a huge difference in my itchy, dry skin from the brutally cold winter we’ve had in Massachusetts.”

Budget Vitamin C Serum

• Elf’s Vitamin C Serum
  • Elise responds with enthusiasm about affordable serum options: “I’m constantly trying to find a vitamin C serum that is lower priced … Elf being reasonably priced, that’s a great recommendation.”

7. The Vitamin Debate: Serving Sizes & Gummy Joy

• [19:44] Listener texts advice about vitamin dosing. Despite suggested serving sizes:
  • "Your body can only absorb so much of each vitamin, and anything else is just expensive pee, as I understand it."
  • Pushes for the delightful appeal of gummy vitamins.
• Elise: “I need to go the gummy vitamin route. And maybe I’ll give some to my kids.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Journalism Layoffs:
  • “Democracy dies in broad daylight.” ([04:36], Elise Hu)
• On Midlife Career Change:
  • "Once you see the potential of what could be, you can't unsee it." ([10:34], Listener Kelly)
  • “Never being too old to do something.” ([10:50], Doree)
• On IVF and Movement Limits:
  • “It is a bummer … I commiserate with you.” ([15:40], Doree)
• On Product Recs:
  • “Elf being reasonably priced, that’s a great recommendation. I want to give that a try, because I can actually afford it…” ([18:25], Elise)
• On Vitamins:
  • “…anything else is just expensive pee.” ([20:22], Listener Text)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:48 – “Doree’s Hotel” throwback guided meditation discussion
• 03:29 – Elise on the journalism industry downturn
• 09:27 – Listener encouragement for returning to school
• 10:12 – Kelly in Wisconsin on midlife career change
• 12:07 – The impact of Menopause Month & Emily Nagoski highlight
• 13:44 – IVF anxiety, exercise limitations, and gentle advice
• 16:59 – Voicemail: peroxide-free whitening strip tip
• 17:56 – Product texts: Bio Oil lotion, Elf’s vitamin C serum
• 19:44 – Vitamin dosage debate and the case for gummies

Takeaways

• You are never too old to try something new.
• Lean on community for support in tough transitions—whether it’s IVF, menopause, career changes, or just winter blues.
• Affordable, accessible self-care products matter. Listener-to-listener recommendations reign.
• Joy and delight (even in vitamins!) can make the small routines of midlife more fun.
• Humor and camaraderie, even over the weirdest guided meditations, help everyone stay afloat.

End of Summary