Forever35 – Mini-Ep 487: First Time Caller
April 8, 2026
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Episode Overview
In this lively mini-episode, Doree and Elise welcome listener questions and comments on everything from skincare recommendations and solutions for crepey skin, to navigating life in D.C., handling a snoring partner, and the joys of home organization. With humor and self-awareness, they share personal stories, expert advice, and practical tips, all while reinforcing the importance of self-care in everyday life. Special guest and former co-host Kate Spencer calls in with a must-try moisturizer recommendation, and the hosts connect with their community around familiar challenges and small joys.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Kiwi Fiber Fixation
[01:20–02:43]
- Elise shares her new obsession with fiber after a previous discussion with Dr. Pasricha (Monday’s guest expert). Inspired by the advice to eat more kiwis, Elise got the whole family (including her ex-husband and their daughters) on daily kiwis for fiber—until she forgot and the routine fell off.
- Memorable moment: Elise’s daughter Luna asking for her “daily kiwi,” showing how quickly habits take root in kids.
- Quote: "The most dangerous place in the world is between you and your current fixation." — Elise’s ex-husband [01:54]
2. Listener Voicemail: Kate Spencer’s Skincare Pick
[03:14–05:09]
- Former co-host Kate Spencer calls in, sharing her favorite lightweight moisturizer: CeraVe Ultralight Moisturizing Gel.
- Kate uses it year-round in SoCal, praises its hydrating, non-greasy formula with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
- She discovered it after her teen daughter rejected it, and she ended up loving it herself.
- Quote: "Long time host, first time caller…" — Both hosts joke Kate should have said this.
- Highlights the importance of affordable, effective products.
3. Elise’s D.C. Memories
[05:47–11:59]
- A listener asks about Elise’s time living in Washington, D.C.—her experiences as a mom, favorite places, and city life.
- Elise reminisces about:
- Raising her daughter, Ava, in D.C. and taking full advantage of local museums, such as the National Building Museum and the Smithsonian's programs.
- Living in different neighborhoods as the city’s vibe changed with political administrations (Georgetown for Bush years, U Street/14th Street for Obama).
- Favorite food spots: Jose Andres restaurants (Zaytinya, Oyamel), Compass Rose, and Michelin-starred Maidan (shoutout to her friend Rose).
- Weekly drinks with friends at Solly’s near the Washington Post—a hub for federal workers, with “stiff cocktails and grizzled regulars.”
- The high-achievement culture and competitive fitness scene, which she found mismatched with her own values.
- Quote: “Living in D.C. was like walking through a postcard. It is so pretty in so many parts of the city.” — Elise [05:58]
- Reflects on the pressure of achievement in the city: “I have felt like psychologically that kind of thinking—that competitive ranking—is something we should get rid of because it’s better for our relationships.” — Elise [11:05]
4. Skincare for Crepey Skin
[16:56–19:14]
- Listener asks for solutions for crepey skin at age 56.
- Doree’s advice:
- In-office treatments (e.g., Morpheus, radiofrequency microneedling, PRP) may be more effective than creams.
- Over-the-counter: keep moisturized (vitamin C), though improvement may be limited.
- Tretinoin or retinoids could help—but consult a dermatologist first.
- Sunscreen on neck is crucial—Elise only started recently.
- Calls for audience suggestions, especially from listeners in their 50s.
- Potential future episode: inviting Dr. Jenny Wong (dermatologist) back to answer more listener questions.
5. Partner Who Snores: Solutions & Stories
[19:14–22:08]
- Listener seeks advice for co-sleeping with a snoring partner.
- Doree’s personal experience:
- Used earplugs, tried to fall asleep first.
- At peak, slept in separate rooms.
- Life-changing solution: partner got a sleep study, was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and uses a CPAP—now sleeps silently.
- Other suggestions: Breathe Right strips, mouth tape, noise-canceling headphones, sleep studies to rule out medical causes, and having empathy for fellow sufferers.
- Memorable moment: Doree met a listener in person at a children's museum, someone who had written in about snoring.
6. Product Tips: Travel Containers & Plant Apps
[22:08–24:09]
- Nalgene travel containers praised for durability and ease of use.
- Gardening as self-care:
- Listener recommends using ChatGPT or AI plant apps for plant care, garden planning, and troubleshooting—cost-effective alternative to paid apps.
- Elise notes a flood of plant app ads post-discussion, reflects on environmental impacts of tech in plant care.
7. Home Organization Tip
[27:44–28:48]
- Listener shares her annual tradition: pick one room to “paint and purge” every winter. Breaks home maintenance into manageable chunks, keeps paint fresh, and declutters by necessity when repainting.
- Both hosts love the bite-sized approach: “taking a room down to the studs” forces intentional reorganization.
8. Gift Follow-up: Teva Slippers
[28:48–30:03]
- Listener Michelle calls to check if Doree ever bought the Teva Re Ember slip-ons after recommending them in a past gift guide.
- Doree confesses she hesitated due to price but now feels justified thanks to Michelle’s gentle encouragement—especially as her birthday approaches.
9. Podcast Recommendation: Uncles in Law
[30:14–31:17]
- Jackie, a long-time listener, recommends the Uncles in Law podcast—hosted by Doree's brother, husband, and brother-in-law—as an insightful listen into male friendships and perspectives.
- Doree appreciates the window into her brother’s life, noting he opens up more on the podcast than in regular conversation.
- Elise: “Matt is a good host and has that warm, non-threatening demeanor…I think he’s able to get your brother to talk about stuff he wouldn’t have otherwise.” [31:38]
- Warm community-building as listeners connect through family ties.
Memorable Quotes
- “The most dangerous place in the world is between you and your current fixation.” — Elise’s ex-husband [01:54]
- “Living in D.C. was like walking through a postcard. It is so pretty in so many parts of the city.” — Elise Hu [05:58]
- “I needed to get out of D.C. but I’m so, so, so glad I had that time there, that snapshot when Ava was really small.” — Elise Hu [11:36]
- “At this point, I don't feel like a neck cream is going to do the job.” — Doree Shafrir [17:38]
- “He sleeps silently now. It's like...that's pretty crazy.” — Doree Shafrir on the impact of her husband’s CPAP [20:31]
- “I like this idea of taking a room, tackling it... kind of taking it down to the studs.” — Doree Shafrir [28:15]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [01:20] – The kiwi/fiber family anecdote
- [03:14] – Kate Spencer’s CeraVe moisturizer voicemail
- [05:47] – Elise reminisces on D.C. living and food scene
- [16:56] – Listener Q: Solutions for crepey skin
- [19:14] – Listener Q: Sleeping with a snoring partner, sleep apnea discussion
- [22:08] – Quick product shoutouts: Nalgene containers, plant care apps
- [27:44] – Listener tip: Annual “paint and purge” room organization
- [28:48] – Teva Re Ember slippers gift-giving follow-up
- [30:14] – Podcast recommendation: Uncles in Law
Conclusion
This episode highlights the Forever35 community’s mutual support, practical life hacks, and the enduring importance of humor and openness in navigating everything from skincare routines to family dynamics. Listener engagement—through voicemails, emails, and tips—fuels lively conversation between the hosts and keeps self-care accessible, real, and inclusive.
For more resources and links to mentioned products, visit forever35podcast.com. Submit your questions or tips by calling or texting 781-591-0390 or emailing forever35podcast@gmail.com.