Breaking Down Alix Earle’s Massive Skincare Launch + What We’re Loving Right Now

Summary

Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Breaking Down Alix Earle’s Massive Skincare Launch + What We’re Loving Right Now
Air Date: April 7, 2026
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
Guest: Dana Avedan Cohn, fashion expert and Content Director at Macy’s

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Episode Overview

This episode of Gloss Angeles offers a twofold experience:

1. Kirbie and Sara share their latest product picks in a new "New, True, and Through" segment, giving candid takes on beauty and wellness finds they're loving or have finished.
2. The hosts break down the headlines around Alix Earle’s blockbuster skincare brand launch, unpacking online criticism and discussing why her transition from influencer to celebrity matters.
3. Special guest Dana Avedan Cohn joins to preview the big spring 2026 fashion trends, with actionable tips, runway influences, and a dose of shopping wisdom.

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Key Segments and Insights

[00:33-01:36] Personal Updates & Celebration

• Kirbie is nominated for a Webby Award (Newsletter and Written Series). She is the only female-founded publication in the category:
  • “I'm the only female founded publication nominated, so we gotta get those votes up.” (Kirbie, 02:21)
• The voting process and recognition as an honoree are discussed.
• The vibe is warm and supportive, marked by Sara’s excitement for Kirbie’s nomination.

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[04:29-19:04] New, True, and Through: Product Picks

Format:

• New: A new find or recent launch.
• True: A reliable, often repurchased favorite.
• Through: Something they've finished, with verdict on repurchase.

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NEW PICKS

• Flaus Electric Flosser (Sara, 05:10)

  • “It's an electric vibrating flosser...it makes flossing feel fun, easy, not like a chore. It's way easier to use...my gums are not bleeding, and I feel like they're thanking me for that.” (Sara, 06:20)
  • Sara details the learning curve and sustainability (recyclable heads).

• Wizard Wellness Allergy Products (Kirbie, 08:12)

  • “Allergies not only are a pain in the butt, but they also affect how you look.” (Kirbie, 08:47)
  • Highlights “Happy Nose” nasal stick and sinus rinse kit. Both hosts love the cute, practical packaging and focus on how making mundane wellness products aspirational can improve routines.

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TRUE PICKS

• Main Hot Round Brush (Sara, 12:15)

  • “She continues to be that girl.…Five minutes, all you need. It heats up in like a minute. And there's different sizes.” (Sara, 12:33)
  • Loved for achieving a quick, salon-quality blowout; also a game changer for Sara's mother-in-law.

• Renee Rouleau ‘Better Than Balm’ Cleanser (Kirbie, 13:50)

  • "Truly the only way I remove my makeup. I have not used a cleansing balm in years since she launched this product." (Kirbie, 14:00)
  • Emphasis on how it prevents breakouts by thoroughly removing makeup, but separate remover is still necessary for eyes.

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THROUGH PICKS

• Dove Intensive Repair Hair Mask (Sara, 16:08)

  • “Such a good mask. It's such a good hair mask. And it's like literally $10.…It's instant. My hair feels so much softer. Right.” (Sara, 17:08)
  • Simple, affordable, smells great, and works fast (one-minute condition).
  • Definitive: “I did finish it. I will be repurchasing.” (Sara, 17:24)

• One Size ‘Powder Melt’ Setting Spray (Kirbie, 17:31)

  • “It's a hydrating spray that melts your powder afterwards....My face looks perfectly set without these lines of demarcation from my powder.…It is worth it. It is absolutely worth it.” (Kirbie, 18:36)
  • Immediate repurchase necessity; praised for “melting” makeup for a seamless look.

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[19:04-30:13] Alix Earle’s Real Active Skincare Launch

Industry Context

• Real Active launched March 31 and reportedly sold $1 million in one hour, $5 million on day one.
• "This is proof of concept. Like, she can launch a brand and sell it out and make $5 million in a day." (Kirbie, 23:18)

Hosts' Perspective and Analysis

• Influencer vs. Celebrity:

  • “Alix Earle is no longer an influencer. She's a celebrity, and this is a celebrity brand. This is a similar playbook to Skims [and] Rhode.” (Kirbie, 21:23)
  • Importance of high-profile public appearances (Dancing With the Stars, morning shows).

• Criticism Addressed:

  • Brand Name: Some misconceptions that "Real Active" is an activewear brand; hosts clarify active ingredients in skincare context.
    • “When I think of Actives, I think of skin care. I don't think of exercising or working out.” (Sara, 24:54)
  • Acne Representation: Critics point to lack of visible acne in campaign imagery.
    • “Let's be real. Nobody's buying a brand where everybody has acne all over their face. The imagery, it's just. It's a fact.” (Kirbie, 26:52)
    • “She's a hot person and she has acne.” (Kirbie, 27:29)
  • Authenticity: Accentuates that Earle has discussed her skin struggles openly and is seen as authentic.
    • “What I also love about her is that she's always been true to herself.…she's always talked about her skin struggling with acne.” (Sara, 23:25)
  • Team & Execution: Earle hired top talent from Rare Beauty and Rhode.

• Hosts’ Verdict:

  • “I think it's a great brand.…I'm fully enjoying it.” (Kirbie, 30:32)
  • Sara likes the moisturizer and packaging; Kirbie appreciates the mandelic acid and notes actual efficacy on blemishes.

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[30:33-44:30] Spring 2026 Fashion Trends with Dana Avedan Cohn

[32:47] Defining the Vibe: NOSTALGIC

• “I would say nostalgic, because I think right now people are really wanting to reference things from the past.…70s boho revival and lots of classic, like, 90s dressing at the moment.” (Dana, 32:54)

Top Trends for Spring 2026

• Pastels & Sheer/Lace: Soft, floaty materials juxtaposed with structured pieces.
• Classic Coastal: Striped tees, wide leg trousers, gold jewelry—think casual polish.
• Utility & Cargo: References to 2016 and prior cycles—cargo pockets, utility looks (35:07-36:02).

Denim & Pants

• Dark denim for fall/winter, lighter washes for spring with playful details.
• “The balloon pant is going to be really big. They're so flattering.” (Dana, 36:57)

Shoes & Accessories

• Jellies/Transparent shoes and strappy/lace-up sandals, including gladiator revivals.
• Slim wedge sandals and east-west shoulder bags as statement updates for the season.
• Sunglasses: “I'm really gravitating towards anything that has, like, an unusual color.…either, like a lighter tone frame or even tinted lenses.” (Dana, 40:36)
• “Britney Spears on TRL with a little bedazzled heart or star…yellow tinted.” (Kirbie, 40:58)

Shopping Wisdom

• Embrace microtrends (like mesh/jellies) affordably, but invest in enduring pieces (e.g., denim).
• Find the silhouettes and trends that suit your body and style.
  • “You don't have to try everything.…If you're seeing something…this doesn't feel like me…just skip it.” (Dana, 43:32)

Designer & Runway References

• Chloe’s 70s bohemian influence.
• Miu Miu and Prada: playful sporty-feminine combinations.

Practical Styling Tips

• Balance flowy or experimental pieces with structured basics.
• “I always lean into that aesthetic in the spring. It makes me feel like I'm on vacation…It's a little bit whimsical.” (Dana, 42:54)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the rise of Alix Earle:
  • “Dancing with the Stars legitimized her to the general public in a way that no other influencer has been able to do or break through.” (Kirbie, 21:52)
• On trend cycles:
  • “What's old is new. We're old enough to have now seen the trend cycle come full circle.” (Sara, 34:03)
• On affordable finds:
  • “Anyone can afford it. And I did finish it. I will be repurchasing this.” (Sara on the Dove hair mask, 17:22)
• On fashion individuality:
  • “You don't have to try everything…if this doesn't feel like me…just skip it.” (Dana, 43:39)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:29] – Introduction to “New, True, and Through”
• [05:10] – Sara introduces Flaus electric flosser
• [08:12] – Kirbie discusses Wizard Wellness allergy brand
• [12:15] – Sara on Main Hot Round Brush
• [13:50] – Kirbie on Renee Rouleau’s “Better Than Balm”
• [16:08] – Sara on Dove Intensive Repair Mask
• [17:31] – Kirbie on One Size Powder Melt Setting Spray
• [19:04] – Alix Earle’s Real Active Launch: Sales figures, impact, and criticism
• [23:18] – The influencer-to-celebrity pipeline; Earle’s uniqueness
• [30:33] – Spring 2026 Fashion with Dana Avedan Cohn
• [32:54] – Overall vibe: “Nostalgic”
• [36:57] – Prediction: balloon pants rise
• [40:36] – Key accessories: sunglasses trends
• [43:32] – Permission to skip trends; focus on personal style

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Summary Takeaways

• Product Picks: The hosts provide honest, practical feedback on popular and niche beauty/wellness products, focusing on real-life improvements and accessibility.
• Brand Launch Analysis: Alix Earle’s Real Active is examined for both commercial success and cultural narrative. Criticism is contextualized, with the hosts advocating for Earle’s authentic, savvy approach.
• Fashion Trends: Actionable style advice for Spring 2026 focusing on nostalgia, playful proportions, and approachable ways to freshen up your wardrobe.
• Tone & Language: Smart, conversational, and down-to-earth, maintaining the hosts’ signature blend of expertise and relatable commentary.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in contemporary beauty trends, influencer culture, and practical, trend-aware fashion advice for 2026.

Transcript

[A]

A better help ad. Hold on one second. I just need to. What if you had a room where no one interrupts, no notifications, no expectations, just space to talk with. BetterHelp therapy happens in a space that's yours. Visit betterhelp.com randompodcast for 10% off your first month of online therapy.

[B]

Have you ever ordered something online and when it shows up, you're like, this is not what I ordered.

[C]

Yes, all the time. And in my head, when I order it, I'm like, it's very chic. It's very effortless. It's very model off duty. And then I put it on, and it is giving absolutely nothing.

[B]

The betrayal is real, and this is why I've gotten back into shopping in person at the mall. And honestly, Macy's is the move. You can actually feel the fabrics and try everything on and build a full look right there.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Like you're not guessing. You know it works before you leave. And if you need help pulling it together, Macy's personal stylists are there and it's free. Plus, you get 20% off when you shop with them, which we love.

[B]

Also, don't sleep on the beauty counters. Literally and figuratively. You can get matched for makeup. Find a new signature scent. It's a whole experience. So head to Macy's and make sure what you think you're getting is actually what you get.

[C]

Los Angeles. Hi, Kirby.

[A]

Hi, Sarah.

[C]

Welcome to Los Angeles. Okay, wait. We have to start with some exciting news.

[B]

Congratulations on your. God. Are those candies?

[C]

I took the kids to see's candy yesterday for the first time.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

They are so generous with samples.

[B]

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, my God, I'm so excited.

[C]

So Kirby is nominated for a Webby I truly major.

[B]

I'm so happy about this. I'm like. And to everyone that helped to get me here, specifically my beautiful wife. Love. Yeah. No. Okay, so I'm nominated for Webby in the newsletter and written series category. I'm the only female founded publication nominated, so we gotta get those votes up.

[C]

Yes. Find the link in my story and Kirby's story vote. I think you can only vote once.

[B]

Yes. Because the Webbies are actually a dignified establishment in that you can't just like vote 100 million times from the same account. They make you sign in. It take 90 seconds max.

[C]

It was easy. Very quick, Very quick.

[B]

But I've linked it in my newsletter. I have it linked all over my Instagram. This is so cliche to say. Just an honor to be Nominated. I've been doing this since 2011. Professionally. Have never been publicly recognized by the Webbies in any way. So I was shook when Bradley, our manager, reached out and was like, you've been nominated. And then I'm an honoree for the cross platform category.

[C]

Can we vote on that?

[B]

No, it's like an honor.

[C]

That's just an honor.

[B]

They give it to me. I don't even have to work for it.

[C]

Wow. So you don't even have to win anything. You basically won something.

[B]

It's fabulous. So I'm very excited. Thank you for buying flowers. My kidney.

[C]

Wait, when do we find out?

[B]

So I think they're announced April 21st. You can vote until the 16th.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

But maybe actually a little later than April 21st. That seems quick. But you can vote till the 16th. And then they have a big thing thing in New York. Wow.

[C]

They only give you, like, a week.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

We gotta get the votes in. Oh, are you gonna go to New York?

[B]

I don't know. Maybe. Did they tell.

[C]

Do they tell you?

[B]

I don't know. I think it's like, you got to show up to see if you want or not. But then also. So mine is like the people's vote. It's like the people's choice. That's why they're able to vote publicly.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

And so I think we might be able to just see who had the most votes, right?

[C]

Well, yeah, because when I voted yesterday, I texted you and I was like, who is this other person anyways?

[B]

But I will say that as of today, I'm in second place. So keep the votes coming.

[A]

Let's go.

[B]

Tell your friends and family around. We got a new version of woif. Woif is fun, and we know you love woif, but I was cleaning my house last night where all my good ideas come to me, and I was like, okay, we're doing a sub segment of Wife called New, True, and Through. This is where myself and Sarah will pick a product or brand that is new to us or it can be just launched. A product that we are true to, the one that we keep going back to, and then a product that we have emptied. That's the through. And if we're going to share if we plan to repurchase it or not.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

All right. Do you want to start?

[C]

Sure, I'll start. Okay. I brought it. Do you have a floss? F L, A U S?

[B]

No. It has been served to me. And I keep saying to myself, I need it, because I. I am a cocoa floss girl. I Make my gums bleed when they don't even need to be bleeding. I love flossing.

[C]

To me, I'm like, oh, if it's not bleeding, I'm not doing it right.

[B]

But I guess probably not the point.

[C]

I guess that's wrong. Okay, so at the top of the year, we said that oral care was going to be big, and I think that it continues to be this year. And in addition to the sucrose.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Sucose toothbrush, which I've now adopted into my routine, I also have been using this flouse. It's an electric vibrating flosser. And I know it's like, do you really need this? Like, no. Do you really need anything? No. Like, if you like to just use your regular cocoa floss, whatever it may be, and you're good with that, then continue doing that. But for me, this has made flossing really easy. Something that I look forward to. It's much more gentle on my gums. So you press the button and you can hear, like, a little vibration. And it has, like this, the little attach. There's different levels. Actually has a little attachment on the top. There's a little bit of a learning curve, I will say, on how to take this off. You can dispose of it, but they also give you the option of recycling the heads. But anyways, it makes flossing feel fun, easy, not like a chore. It's way easier to use, in my opinion, than like, having to do, you know, the acrobats of twisting the floss around your fingers and getting all the gunk on your hands. My gums are not bleeding, and I. I feel like they're thanking me for that. I love this product so much that I brought it with me to travel, and I forgot it, and I was so heartbroken, and I got another one.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

That's how much I love it.

[B]

Love that endorsement. And I have to say, I actually do think this is taking flossing to a level that actually makes it easier for people, because I have long nails, so it's actually very hard for me to get into my mouth.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

And floss. And Also, Charlene at Dr. APA has taught us over the years that when you're flossing, it's not so much about just going back and forth. It's really about, like, scooping. You got to scoop the gum. That's what you're getting out from there.

[C]

Yeah. And so this makes it easy because it's got this long handheld. You know, you just get in there, get up in between wherever you need to. And then when you're done.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You toss it out.

[B]

Okay. Flower Slous.

[C]

And it is cute. Like 100 bucks. Yeah. So it's an investment.

[B]

But if you're probably not buying more than one of these in your lifetime.

[A]

No.

[C]

And if it's going to help you floss every day, why not?

[B]

Because you should be flossing.

[C]

Should be flossing every day.

[B]

Truly, I don't know why they do not teach this in school. It's like, floss is like the steps child. It's like, put it to the side.

[C]

It's like, that's what affects your brain health.

[B]

No, literally. I'm so obsessed with flossing now.

[C]

It's the best.

[B]

Okay, we have to get you officially adults.

[C]

What about you?

[B]

Okay. There is a new brand that launched that is making allergies cute.

[C]

I'm obsessed as well.

[B]

Listen, do we need to make allergies cute? No, but I'm. I'm all. I'm sold.

[C]

I'm all in. I am all in.

[B]

I'm all freaking in. It's called Wizard Wellness. Okay. So they sent this large box, and I was like, who cares? Opened it up, squealed with delight. I care. I was so excited. So the founder of Wizard Wellness said that they were over just having to deal with their allergies all the time. And allergies not only are a pain in the butt, but they also affect how you look.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

If you've ever had a face massage where they massage your sinus and, like, get all of that gunk and move it out towards the fluids. I mean, it really does change the look of your face, which is crazy. So my mom is one of those women that's like, get the neti pot. Get the neti pot. And I used to have chronic sinus infections. I don't know what happened in the last year. I do not get them anymore. But thank God this allergy season was coming for me. Yeah, like, it was bad.

[C]

The flowers were in bloom, my eyes

[B]

watering, my nose constantly dripping. I'm like, what the hell is going on here? Wizard Wellness came in the nick of time. So they have a few different products. They have a sinus rinse with an accompanying bottle that you can use so you're not worrying about, like, having to mix all the stuff. You have to make sure you have distilled water.

[C]

Oh, my gosh. Or you're boiling the water, then you have to wait to let it cool. It's like, such a pain.

[B]

It is. It's a total pain. They also make this really cute. So this is the Happy Nose nasal stick. It's so cute. It's very small and compact. This is the glacial mint smell. But you just flip it over. There you go. Yep. If you're feeling like, stuffy, congested, reinvigorated. Yes, exactly. When you're stuffy, congested, we got this cute little PR keychain to put it in. But I was like, I actually carry this around with me everywhere. In the keychain.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And it works wonders. But when you deal with allergies on a regular basis and you feel like they've taken over your life and it's constantly this thing that's like nagging you every single day, having a brand like this, that actually makes it easier. It's for you. And it's like you like looking at it.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, if you look under my sink, it's like this very pharmaceutical looking netty pot situation with a giant gallon of distilled water. It takes up a ton of space. And then the little packets that you have to tear open and put in there.

[C]

I think one Christmas I asked for this sinus rinse machine where it's like you put the water and then has different attachments, different nozzles because that was how bad my sinuses were. And then of course, I stopped using it because I forgot to clean it and then it got gross anyways.

[B]

Oh, I would not be too far behind you. That's something where I'm like, I would have invested in that.

[C]

This is genius.

[B]

But this entire brand is so smart. So again, there is the sinus rinse, a refillable packet. There's also a daily nasal spray that you can use. And then there is the nasal stick that comes into scents as well. And there's also this thing that they have called the multi benefit oral strips. They're like Listerine tablets that you put on your tongue. And it's supposed to help you with your allergies.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Kind of. Maybe like a Claritin or a Zyrtec in a way. But look them up. Wizard Wellness.

[C]

So cute.

[B]

This nasal stick has really been pulling through for me in a major way. If you do have allergies, especially like with kids.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because I see people on Tick Tock, like, doing Neti pot rinses for their kids.

[C]

I know, I know.

[B]

No, I don't know if I could do that with my. If my. My child.

[C]

I know. It's. Yeah.

[B]

No, it's like you're drowning them kind of.

[C]

It's not comfortable for Them because they're

[B]

like, what the hell is going on?

[C]

Yeah. I'm like, they're gentle. Little like nasal passages.

[B]

Yeah. Don't. Maybe not for children, but like, if you do suffer from allergies on a regular basis, I highly recommend.

[C]

No. It's so cute. I love it. Now this is the true.

[B]

This is the true. What are you. True to what do you keep going back?

[C]

This is going to be really quick because we've talked about this brand many times, but since getting the bob the lob, I've had to relearn how to do my hair. And I've been using different tools. The main hot round brush.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[C]

She continues to be that girl.

[B]

Perfect.

[C]

So when I had this cut last time, like, I would just use my curling iron, which I did use today to like add a little bit of bend. But I've also been wearing my hair like flipped and like blown out.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

And this brush is just. It makes it so easy.

[B]

The flip is so good.

[C]

It's just. And the brush is just like five minutes. Five minutes, all you need. It heats up in like a minute. And there's different sizes.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

So I have. Well, I had the medium one and my mother in law took it because the brushes changed her life. Like, she had curly hair and she would always go get keratin treatments to strain her hair. Now she just uses the brush every day and it's changed her life.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Yeah. So I use the jumbo one at home.

[B]

I have the jumbo. I haven't tried it yet, but I have the smaller size that I'm obsessed with.

[C]

Do you have the petite?

[B]

No, I need the petite. Give me the petite.

[C]

Give me the petite. I need all sizes. You've heard us talk about this before. It's just like the best brush if you want to just give yourself a very quick at home blowout. So if you want to curl your hair, it cuts the styling time truly in half. And the petite is $98. But the small, medium, large, and jumbo are all $118. Same size, same price across all sizes.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Yeah. So I want the petite. I want the petite with the petite. Okay, what's yours?

[B]

Okay. My true. Y' all have heard me talk about this since it launched. This is the Renee Rouleau. You were so loyal to that better than balm. I am so loyal to this. This is truly the only way I remove my makeup. Unless it's Halloween makeup. But that requires a lot more effort, as you guys probably remember. You have seen so better than Balm. Renee created this because she does not like traditional cleansing balms. She says that in her practice when she was an esthetician, she noticed that a lot of times when people were dealing with acne breakouts, clogged pores, all kinds of things. It was usually a result of not being able to. To fully wash off the cleansing balms as much as you're supposed to.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And a lot of people, they use the cleansing balms and then they go about their day, move on with their next step. You really have to use a towel or some kind of clean cloth to fully get all the remnants off of it. But even then, because of the formulaic makeup of these balms, there can still be residue that's clogging your pores. So she made better than balm. And I have to agree. I have not used a cleansing balm in years since she launched this product. I think this is like a two or three year old product. It says that it thoroughly removes makeup and oil. I will say that it does not remove eye makeup. I use a separate eye makeup remover for that. But I go through this like water. I had a subscription that I had to pause because I was. You had so many, I could not use them fast enough. But I love that when I'm done, I just go to my beauty room, pump one out, and then get back to business. It makes my skin feel better. I think that my breakouts have been less cystic because I'm actually removing a majority of my makeup. And also I use a washcloth afterwards to, like, you know, ensure everything.

[C]

But, oh, how Kris Jenner of you.

[B]

Very, very Kris Jenner. But, you know, we love Renee Rouleau. Obey Renee is now her tagline that she puts on all her boxes. By the way, where's our chat?

[C]

We're gonna hear first.

[B]

But I'm literally like, cut the check, babe. Cut the check. We made that for you.

[C]

Endless subscription.

[B]

Endless subscription here. Absolutely love her stuff. So shout out to our beloved Renee. We love her.

[C]

Okay, now we have our through, through, through.

[B]

Okay, what have you gotten through? And are you going to keep using this or pick it up or what?

[C]

Yes. Okay. You know, I'm a dove girl. We're Dove girls. We love Dove.

[B]

Love Dove.

[C]

Dove came out with their hair masks, I think, last year. We were on that unilever trip last January, and they teased it. And then since then, I think they launched it, like in the summer. It's such a good mask. It's such a good hair mask. And it's like literally $10. And you know, like, we get all the really fancy hair products. There's just something about this hair mask. So before I cut the hair, I had, you know, K tips in it. So I really have been trying to like, treat my hair right, get it back to its healthy state. And I love the intensive repair hair mask. It's so conditioning, it's so hydrating. It makes my hair smell so good. I literally, the next day I'm always just like this, just sniffing my hair because it smells so good. My favorite part though, is that you put it on in the shower, you leave it on for a minute and then you're done. One minute.

[B]

Thank God.

[C]

I don't have time. I'm so sorry. I just don't have time to stand in the shower for more than that. But it's instant. My hair feels so much softer. Right. And it's literally $10. So anyone can afford it. And I did finish it. I will be repurchasing this.

[B]

Yes. And you can. Because it's affordable. Because it's affordable. Available, like everywhere.

[C]

Like everywhere.

[B]

Love. We do love Dove.

[C]

We do.

[B]

We also love one size. We've had a lot of people on this podcast wax poetic about one size. I finished Powder Melt. This is a product that I went out and bought myself because I heard amazing things about it, I saw amazing videos about it, so I went and bought it. It's a $34, what they call a glass setting spray. And it's a hydrating spray that melts your powder afterwards. So I have to set my makeup, you know, this, until recently, with this rare beauty foundation. Like truly a non setting. Like, I don't have to use powder, but today I used a different foundation. I tried out the new makeup forever. It's not even new. It's new to me. Makeup forever case. Okay, Remember how I was like, I've never tried that. Yeah, I finally got it. Was using that. Loving it. But I'm like, oh, I have to set this with powder. So pull out Charlotte Tilbury airbrush powder. My absolute fave of all time. And then I go in with the powder melt and it just frickin makes everything cohesive. My face looks perfectly set without these lines of demarcation from my powder. It doesn't look like I'm wearing powder. I just frickin love it. So the website says that it sets powder for a smooth glass like finish and extended makeup wear, and that it is a skincare infused formula that locks in makeup for up to 12 hours with a glassy Film former while improving skin's radiance and moisturization. Listen, I'm not using this product for skincare benefits. I'm not and I don't think most people are. Yeah, this stuff works. It is amazing. I need a travel size.

[C]

Do they not make one?

[B]

I don't know. If they do, someone let me know. But I have looked at the beauty on the go section at Sephora. Don't see one. Guys.

[C]

I wonder if that's the best selling setting spray at Sephora. I think like over airbrush.

[B]

The. Oh the, oh, the airbrush spray. No, I'm sure you think it. I'm sure, I'm sure their number one is.

[C]

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

The one size OG. Yeah, the OG.

[C]

You're saying across Sephora, the number one setting spray you think is the OG

[B]

one size has to be. Yeah, okay, 100%. I think so.

[C]

But then powder melt is coming. It's for you.

[B]

Powder melt is truly brilliant. I'm not kidding. I am obsessed with it. I can't not have it. So I'm literally going to Sephora after this to pick up my order. So if that tells you anything, it is worth it. It is absolutely worth it. And then, you know, I could go on and say that, you know, there's glycerin in it and lime, pearl extract, whatever, I don't care. It works. Just if you feel like your face looks like powder, just frickin get powder melt. It does. Melt it all together. Okay, we have one piece of beauty news that we did want to hit on and that is Ms. Alex Earl launched her very first beauty brand, Real Active. Sarah, when you heard about Alex launching a brand, what did you think?

[C]

I thought, okay, makes sense. And then when I learned what the brand was all about and the skincare line, I was like, that makes sense. Makes complete sense. And I think it is a smart move for Ms. Alex Earle.

[B]

I have to agree. But a lot of people online did not.

[C]

I didn't think. I don't know why. I just didn't expect there to be so much criticism.

[B]

I think it's because they know that they will get engagement on their video if they talk about Alex Earle. But who's laughing now? Because this brand launched on Tuesday, March 31, it sold out. It made 1 million in the first hour according to Puck, and 5 million by the end of the day and they are completely sold out of all their stock.

[C]

This is crazy.

[B]

This performed better than celebrity brands. This performed better. I believe. We don't actually know the financials Behind POV with Michaela Niguera. But I think it also performed better than that.

[C]

Did that sell out?

[B]

I think it did.

[C]

Oh, it did. Okay.

[B]

I think it did. But I'm going to go on the record and say that Alix Earle is no longer an influencer. She's a celebrity, and this is a celebrity brand. This is a similar playbook to Skims to Rhode. And I think that everything that she's done the past few years since graduating college leading up to this brand launch has been so smart and strategic on her part.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

The best thing she could have done was go on Dancing with the Stars.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Dancing with the Stars legitimized her to the general public in a way that no other influencer has been able to do or break through. Not to compare, but huge influencers launching brands aren't getting a spot with prime billing on the Tonight show or the Today Show, Good Morning America, or Dancing

[C]

with Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl.

[B]

Right. There are elements of Alex Earl's fame that have now surpassed influencer. Right. And also the Internet. Like, she's not just like an Internet famous person when she goes on Fallon, there may be a contingent of people that are like, who is this? But a lot of people are watching that going, oh, that was Val's partner on Dancing with the Stars. Or, oh, I love Alex. She did a really great job on Dancing with the Stars. She came in second place. Oh, Alex and Robert had the most votes ever in the history of Dancing with the Stars show. So I think that's one thing that people are not really recognizing here and actually not giving her enough credit for.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think she's a smart girl. I think it's easy to look at her and say, she's blonde, she's hot, she is a college co ed. That's how we met her. She's half naked a lot of the time, you know, and she pokes fun at that.

[C]

Right.

[B]

She went to business school, and I think that she's parlaying not only her education but, but also her platform into something that's going to be lifelong and substantial for her.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

This is proof of concept. Like, she can launch a brand and sell it out and make $5 million in a day.

[C]

Right.

[B]

What else can she do?

[C]

Totally. I think what I also love about her is that she's always been true to herself. Like, she's always been the same girl ever since she started making content up until now. And even though people are like, how does she know? You know, the first thing about running A beauty business or like, this makes no sense. She's just trying to cash in. But, like, she's always talked about her skin struggling with acne. She talked about, obviously, going on Accutane twice. Twice. So, like, this is something that she truly cares about, and it just makes sense. We talk about this all the time. If you're a celebrity, you have to, like, plant the seeds from the beginning. But this is something that she has been living and breathing, so I applaud her.

[B]

Yes. And as a celebrity, we often say when we are looking at a celebrity brand, some we love and some we have criticisms of, but we. We say the name should not be Alex Earle Beauty Check. She didn't do it, but her name is incorporated into it. Obviously her last name in the real. Also, she hired the right people.

[C]

Yep.

[B]

The people that are running her brand with her rare beauty road set, Active, they all graduated from those brands and were brought over to real Actives. Let's walk through some of the criticisms because I have thoughts. One of them is that the name insinuates that it's an activewear brand. What? I have to say that I don't know anyone that refers to activewear as actives.

[C]

When I think of Actives, I think of skin care.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

I don't think of exercising or working out.

[B]

She's clearly trying to position it as a legitimate brand. She could have called it Real Skin.

[C]

Right.

[B]

But by putting the Actives in there, we know, you know, that's a type of ingredient.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

That's effective. That's like doing the work. Right. Also, I have to say, people saying that it should have been an activewear brand and stuff like that. I'm like, do we really ever see her working out? Like, I saw her working out, her Dancing with the Stars. She's a hot girl. She's also in her early mid-20s, you know, 25 years old. Like, she doesn't have to work as hard as maybe somebody else, but I don't. I've never thought of her as, like, a sporty influencer ever.

[C]

Right. That's not something that she's super passionate about. Like this, like her acne.

[B]

And it would have been obvious that that did not align with her brand at all. I've also seen the criticism that she took Accutane and Spironolactone and now she's selling an acne brand. She still has acne.

[C]

She has to maintain.

[B]

Yes. You also still need skincare despite having been on these medications.

[C]

Right.

[B]

And I would rather buy an acne product from someone that did have to go on Accutane and has actually real experience struggling with acne, then one of these other dime a dozen beauty brands that are coming out, these people have perfect skin, claiming that their products are the results.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

That's why their skin looks that way. When the fact is they got on the same exact things and the same lasers and the same everything. I would rather see, have seen the struggle. Totally.

[C]

And I think there I saw some criticism too about, like, the imagery of her looking really hot and there are no pimples to be seen on her face. And people are like, well, if she's saying like, real skin should be seen, then why doesn't she have any pimples in this campaign? But, like, you've seen her. You know what she looks like when she has a breakout. You know what I mean? Like, we don't need to see that if she doesn't want us to see that.

[B]

Let's be real. Nobody's buying a brand where everybody has acne all over their face. The imagery, it's just. It's a fact.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

It's not.

[C]

That's not going to sell.

[B]

You know what? Right. And Star Face. Starface is one of the most celebratory acne brands on the market. But guess what? You're still covering up the pimple. End of story. Like, I feel like there's no other explanation needed. It's like people may have their acne and be okay with it, but they are looking for solutions. And so here you have a founder who I kind of interpreted it when she was like, let's make acne hot. It's like, no, it's like, it's like, I'm a hot person and I have acne.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, she's talked about it.

[B]

Talked about. And I know acne is debilitating. Acne can really mess with all elements of your life. Your self confidence, how you operate in business, how you operate in your friendships and your relationships. So I'm not minimizing that at all. But I still think when I heard her say, like, let's make acne hot, and she's like, naked in water, you know, with her skin showing. I'm like, she's a hot person and she has acne.

[C]

Right. I'm like, if you really want to see it, just go to her TikTok page. You can find, like, I don't know, hundreds of videos at this point of her with her acne. So I think that that's like, that was a really.

[B]

I don't know, silly criticism and did want to.

[C]

They were just picking at anything.

[B]

Yes. I did feel it was a really unfair criticism. A lot of these are unfair criticisms, in my opinion. And then I did see that people were like, it looks like Crown Affair. And I just have to say that anybody that thinks that looks like Crown Affair needs their eyes checked. That's like saying Beyonce and Blake Lively look the same because they have blonde hair. It's just they have similar color schemes. And I felt like that was also just a really.

[C]

It's weird there are so many brands that are green at this point.

[B]

Right. Because there's so many brands. Now listen, I'm not above understanding the cognitive dissonance of having an acne brand and propelling the idea of, like, acne's fine, but then also selling a product to get rid of it. Right, Right. We're not dumb. Like, we understand that.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But at the end of the day, that's what every brand is doing. And y' all were not outraged by the dime a dozen brands that are launching every single day doing the exact same thing.

[C]

Exactly. And all of her followers, a lot of them being young women, are struggling with it and they just want answers.

[B]

Totally.

[C]

They just want something that works.

[B]

And I would also, maybe this is a bad take, but if anybody should have a brand, it should be someone that people know. At least investors know the product will sell. She has a built in audience.

[C]

We know that she has sold out millions of products before for other brands.

[B]

Drunk Elephant literally created an entire category of bronzing drops because she started using the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops. Same with Charlotte Tilbury's Contour Wand. How many dupes of that did we see after she started using it? Exactly. I think that some of these criticisms are far fetched and really unwarranted because at the end of the day, she sold out of the whole damn thing and made $5 million in a day. I mean, like, some of the biggest celebrities in the world can't even say that.

[C]

And like, she's a businesswoman. She's sitting at an like, what do you expect her to do? Do nothing.

[B]

Right.

[C]

Start a brand. Right.

[B]

Because content's not going to pay the bills at some point. Y. You know what I mean?

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

Anyways, I don't think she's doing anything that nobody else in her position would not also do.

[C]

Right. And we've been trying it and testing it. I mean, I don't have acne, but I really like the moisturizer.

[B]

I love the mandelic Acid. I got breakout on my chin and I'm like, hell yeah. Yeah, great.

[C]

The cleanser is great and I think the packaging is so cute.

[B]

Same.

[C]

I think it's a great brand.

[B]

Yeah, I'm fully enjoying it. And so those are our thoughts. Those are our real, real active. A real active thoughts. All right, it's time to put a little pep in our step for spring. We normally do not talk fashion on this podcast. I do not consider myself fashion forward at all. I have my very own style and I like it. Sarah, on the other hand, I feel like is very fashion forward. She knows what Steve Madden is ripping off the Runway is our man Steve. We love our man Steve.

[C]

We love our man Steve.

[B]

We do love our man. I have no exact expert.

[C]

I am no expert in fashion, but we have one on today.

[B]

We do. And we wanted her to come on because I feel like I do need a little direction. What is going to be hot for spring? What can I do to update my wardrobe? Even though right now I am in full Dolly Parton. Good American collab, which we love.

[C]

Yes, we love. But you know, we want to invest in pieces that we can wear in spring and that are on trend and

[B]

also will last after the trend ends. Where we don't feel dated. Exactly. So today we have Dana Avedan Cohn. She is a New York based on air fashion expert, creative director, editor, stylist, and content creator. She's currently the director of editorial content at Macy's, which if you've listened to this podcast long enough, you know Macy's partnered with us this year and for a small podcast like ours, it's a huge deal. So we've been so grateful to them and they've outfitted us for we're looking great. So if you think we look great. Thanks, Macy's. Sweet. Dana, welcome to the podcast.

[A]

Thanks so much for having me. I'm so excited.

[B]

Long time no see.

[A]

I know we need to hang out more.

[B]

We need to have a little kiki about PS after this for sure.

[C]

You look so chic. Very like New York.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

What are you wearing?

[A]

Well, I'm always in kind of a version of the same thing. I'm a big denim girl, so wearing wide leg denim, a little like leather blazer, easy, simple jewelry.

[B]

Is this your uniform?

[A]

You know, I love things that I can just repeat and mix up and, you know, match with new trends. So, yeah, I'm always in like a version of sort of the same thing. By now I feel like you learn your silhouettes, you know, what looks good, right?

[C]

Totally.

[B]

Exactly. Okay, so for spring, how would you describe the overall vibe of spring 2026 fashion in one word?

[A]

Oh, one word. That's hard. I would say nostalgic, because I think right now people are really wanting to reference things from the past. And as we get super digital and into this new era, people really look back to see what was cool and get inspired. And I feel like it always pops up on the Runway. So seeing a lot of, like, 70s boho revival and lots of classic, like, 90s dressing at the moment. So I would say nostalgic, and I

[B]

think that actually works well with what culture is doing right now. Romanticizing analog. I'm seeing so many ads where there's hotlines, right? And I'm like, the children don't know what a hotline is. They also, you can call these hotlines. I guarantee you there's not an actual person on the other end to help you, which is the whole point of a hotline. Right. It's like an automated thing. But you see this online as you're scrolling Instagram, and you're like, oh, the romanticization of, yes, the 80s and the

[A]

90s, right now feels really fun and fresh because, honestly, the kids haven't seen it. So it's new.

[B]

Yeah. Don't say that, Dana. Dang it.

[C]

What's old is new. We're old enough to have now seen the trend cycle come full circle.

[A]

Absolutely.

[C]

What are the top three trends our listeners should know about for spring?

[A]

Well, I'm really excited about pastels in general. I feel like what's. What's fresh about them for spring is really just how soft and flowy and ethereal everything is, and then just pairing that back to grounding pieces. So if you're wearing, like, a very floaty, feminine skirt, like, maybe it's with a great structured jacket and a leather sandal. So that feels really, really good for spring. And also just sheer and lace, like, interesting textures. Classic coastal is another big one at Macy's. You can find so many versions of this. But really thinking about, like, sort of that classic way of dressing. You know, striped tees, a great fitting, wide leg trouser, lots of gold jewelry. It feels really cool at the moment.

[C]

We have seen so much dark denim for fall and winter. For spring, obviously, lighter denim makes sense. Is that true? Are we going to be going back to the lighter denim?

[A]

Definitely. Okay. I mean, I think it's always seasonal.

[C]

Right?

[A]

Like, you get into that, like, dark, raw denim for fall. That looks really good. The silhouettes for Fall are tend to be more classic. You know, really, like, straight leg, easy to pair. Back to boots, wide leg. And then when you get into spring, summer, you can have a little bit more fun. So lighter washes, little touches of embroidery, like things that just feel more playful. Spring's more playful.

[B]

Have you seen any of the 2016 trends come into 2026 in terms of fashion? We're seeing it with beauty a lot, but there are two examples. Someone was like, gladiator sandals are back.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Which is crazy. And also that green army jacket that everybody had. It's back.

[C]

I loved that jacket.

[A]

I feel like 2016, I would say, like the cargo revival, kind of like lots of cargo pockets. Utility dressing feels new, and I feel like that was around then as well.

[C]

When are we gonna see Holy Jeans back? I cannot tell you how many pairs I have that I'm waiting to just bust out again.

[A]

Summer, I feel like for summer, you can definitely play around with that sort of like the raw edges or distressed denim, but everything does feel a little cleaner at the moment. Polished right now and more about the shape or the silhouette. That feels new. Like, to me, I try to not, like, recycle, like, tons of things, because if I spent money on it and it was cool, like, it will come back in a certain time or maybe slightly different. But you do, like, denim is one of those things that you need to purchase each season, just one or two, just to, like, refresh, make sure you have, like, whatever that new silhouette is. But you don't need 15 pairs of them. You just need a really good one.

[B]

Agreed. If someone only buys one or two clothing pieces this spring, outside of denim, what should they invest in?

[A]

I think the balloon pant is going to be really big. They're so flattering. And honestly, they're A lot of them are pull on. They're so comfortable. They look really effortless and cool. And then if you're wearing them with, like, an elevated, simple sandal, just a tank, a great bag that looks really, really polished. I feel like another unexpected one might be just these, like, sporty touches that we're seeing coming back, but they're reimagined in a new way. So you might pair, like, a little lace slip dress with, like, a sporty anorak that feels really, really new this season.

[C]

Okay. Or like the track pants.

[A]

Exactly. Just sporty touches, but then just. Just keeping it to one element. Not the whole.

[C]

Not like Sporty Spice. No, not the whole thing.

[B]

Exactly. Not track star. Got it.

[C]

Okay, let's talk about shoes. What Styles are we about to see everywhere.

[A]

Okay, so the biggest shoe trends I think that are new are the jellies. Those are coming back in a big way. And not just jellies, but transparent shoes in general. So mesh details and even on, like, sneakers and flats as well as, like, a sling back look really chic and new. And then for sandals, it's really strappy and lace up. So things that, like, go around your ankle with a little dress.

[B]

Which is why gladiators are back.

[A]

Yeah. Flat end with little heels.

[B]

That is, like.

[C]

Never kept the lace around my legs, though. When I would walk, it would always slip. Yeah, you have to have big calves.

[B]

What's your tip for this?

[A]

Tying them to stay. When you shop for a pair of shoes, it is important to think about, like, something that's practical. So just trying them on and like, making sure they work before you keep them. Some of the ties are different, and then there's a lot of those, like, ballet influences. So those are smaller and easier to tie. So I feel like those are easier sometimes than, like, the leather ones. The, like, jelly specifically feels like, fresh.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I was not about to spend my money on that expensive jelly mesh shoe from. We will not name the designer.

[A]

I kind of agree. I feel like when you see a trend that's coming in quickly, we think of them as, like, micro trends because they're really big for one season and then maybe you want to put them away. I think it's better, honestly, to buy them from a brand that's more accessible because you end up maybe not wanting. Wanting to wear them every single year. But then you have that trend, you have that new item that feels really cool, and then your, like, essential, bigger pieces for the season, you can spend more on the denim. Exactly.

[C]

Steve's our guy.

[B]

We love Steve. We really do. Is there a way? Yeah, I mean, like, the fact that he went to prison is, like, crazy. Like, I. I want to meet this man desperately. He is so nuts. Is there a way that we can update our outfits with an accessory? Like if you were going shopping and you're like, okay, I don't want to buy a full outfit, but I want to put on something every single day that's going to make me feel on trend. What is that?

[A]

So I feel like accessories are the way to do that. Right. You can wear a T shirt and denim and then change out your accessories and suddenly it feels like very polished and new and up to date. I think the slim wedge is really new. There's a lot of, like, sculptural wedge sandals that feel like almost like a heel, but they're really comfortable to wear. Those feel really new. I think the slim shoulder bag, the east west bag, that feels like a fresh silhouette.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

When you say east west, it's the.

[B]

Like, longer.

[A]

Exactly. So it's. It's like slim and a little bit longer, and then it sits on the shoulder. You can also hold it in your hand, but, like, it looks cool on the shoulder or even just like, tucked under your arm when you're meeting your friends. And then I think sunglasses really, really elevate a look and change it up. I'm really gravitating towards anything that has, like, an unusual color. So I have a ton of black sunglasses. I'm sure you do too. But going for something that's, like, more interesting, either, like a lighter tone frame or even tinted lenses.

[B]

I was gonna say, I feel like the small yellow lens sunglasses are back a lot. Britney Spears on TRL with a little

[C]

bedazzled heart or star. Do you remember those?

[B]

Yes. But Brittany has. She's wearing pigtails. She's wearing a newsboy cap, and she has on these sunglasses, so you can see her eyes, but they're down on the bridge of her nose, and they're yellow tinted. And I remember I ran out and bought those when I was 13 years old. And then you were influenced. Yes, I was like, I've been on the hunt for them because I'm like, I want my aesthetic right now to be Britney circa early millennium. Truly.

[A]

That's so cool.

[C]

Is there a specific shape for or style for sunglasses? Like, are we going big? Are we going small? Round, oval?

[A]

There's a little bit of everything. The oversized are definitely back, but also, like, the slim and, like, slightly wider. But I feel like it really depends on your face shape. Yeah. Because there's just certain sunglass frames that don't look good on me. I would never wear them. So you have to play around and see what's right. And then there's also, like, more exaggerated versions. Right. You can get an oversized one that's, like, super oversized, and it may just not work. But you can size down a little bit or find one that's, like, a little less extreme, and then you can do the trend.

[B]

So I feel like Rachel Zo is having a renaissance in so many ways, and her esthetic is truly every single thing that you have said. The flowy.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

The. The certain oversized nostalgic moment. Yeah. The oversized sunglasses. Oh, my God, I die. Yes.

[A]

She has an incredible collection.

[C]

She does.

[A]

Big Vintage shopper, too.

[B]

Yes, she is.

[C]

Are there any specific designers or Runway moments that are really influencing what we'll see this spring?

[A]

Yeah, I think we talked a lot about, like, the Chloe effect. Just again, that, like, bohemian, sort of, like, very flowy vibe is here. And then I think the sporty, feminine sort of combo was really big with, like, Miu Miu and just. And Prada and just, like, little lace details with, like, an anorak or, like, a little bubble short.

[B]

What's one trend you personally love and one trend you think that we can skip?

[A]

I think I'm going to definitely pick up some pieces with, like, texture that are flowy. Maybe some embroidery. I always lean into that aesthetic in the spring. It makes me feel like I'm on vacation or something. Or it's, like, a little bit whimsical. And I think it's just coming out of the winter season. It can get a little stale just dressing one way. So I like to reinvent a little bit in the spring. So that's one trend. I'm definitely going to try more of that, like, ethereal, pastel. Pastel aesthetic. And then I feel like for trends to skip, I would say that is kind of like the beauty of fashion, that you don't have to try everything.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And so, like, if you're seeing something that you're just like, this doesn't feel like me, or I don't want to wear this, or I don't feel confident in this, just skip it.

[B]

I don't think balloon pants are a Kirby Johnson moment.

[C]

I think with some heels, you could and a tiny top, it could look really cute on you.

[B]

I also think that there are certain trends that maybe work for certain body types but don't work for others. And I do want to call that out because this is a fashion segment, and we want to be inclusive. But I understand what you're saying. I think, like, for the balloon pants thing, you do have to pair it with a tighter top.

[A]

Something fitted or structured on the top looks really good. And, like, a strappy heeled sandal. Just for elevation. Yeah, some elevation. I also feel like it's something you could pack for vacation and wear over a bathing suit. And it just looks. Looks very cool.

[B]

Oh, cute. Okay.

[A]

So it doesn't have to be something that you're wearing during the day. Like, it could be, like, a vacation look.

[C]

Cool.

[B]

Love, Dana. Thank you so much. This is so fun. Thank you for visiting us. Thank you for being on the podcast.

[A]

Thanks for having me.

[C]

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