Podcast Summary: "How To Survive a Long Distance Relationship"
Hot Mess with Alix Earle
Release Date: July 30, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this insightful episode of "Hot Mess with Alix Earle," host Alix Earle delves into the intricacies of maintaining a long-distance relationship. Balancing her active lifestyle in social media and traveling with her partner Braxton's demanding football schedule, Alix offers a candid look behind the camera. The episode seamlessly intertwines her personal experiences with practical advice, complemented by her ongoing makeup routine, making it both relatable and engaging for listeners.

2. Alix's Personal Experience with Long Distance

Alix begins by sharing her journey into a long-distance relationship, marking it as her first significant attempt. Reflecting on her previous experience during her first boyfriend's college years, she emphasizes the unique challenges she faces this time around. She states:

“I'm gonna try underpainting, which is basically when you start kind of like backwards on your face makeup. But this makeup artist did it, and I don't think I have the right products for it. So if I look a little crazy, just ignore it.”
[02:15]

This blend of makeup and relationship discussion sets the tone for a multifaceted conversation about balancing personal passions with relationship commitments.

3. Challenges Faced in the Relationship

Balancing two hectic and contrasting schedules poses significant hurdles. Alix describes the difficulty in maintaining consistent communication due to their unpredictable routines:

“Braxton obviously plays football, and I do social media, and I'm always traveling around. I'm never in one place. But he is a very, like, on schedule, on time type of person. Obviously, football also comes with a schedule where they're there from like 6am to 6pm training every day. And none of my days ever look the same for me, ever.”
[04:20]

The transition from daily interactions to only meeting once a month has been a dramatic shift from their previous routine of sharing nightly moments together.

4. Advice 1: Set Your Expectations at Zero

Alix emphasizes the importance of managing expectations to alleviate the pressures of infrequent meetings. This approach helps in reframing their time apart as a normal part of their relationship rather than an aberration. She recounts an argument that highlighted their differing perceptions:

“We were just getting frustrated when I was looking at my calendar and then we were looking at his calendar, and I was like, okay, well, this weekend's not going to work. Like, this weekend's not going to work. This isn't going to work out.”
[07:45]

By resetting their expectations, Alix and Braxton have learned to celebrate the moments they do share without dwelling on the time apart.

5. Advice 2: Honor Each Other's Communication Styles

Understanding and respecting differing communication preferences is crucial. Alix identifies herself as someone who prefers calls over texts, while Braxton is more schedule-oriented with specific check-in times:

“I've always been a call or FaceTime person. I mean, I'm being a little bit dramatic. I'm not that bad and don't come for me. I'm a great girlfriend.”
[10:30]

This mutual respect for each other's styles has led to a balanced approach, where both partners make an effort to accommodate each other's needs without feeling overwhelmed.

6. Advice 3: Have Trust

Trust stands as the cornerstone of their long-distance relationship. Alix reflects on her past struggles with trust and how she overcame them by fully committing to trusting Braxton:

“I realized I was like, oh, my gosh. I've, like, really never done any of that with Braxton.”
[15:20]

An illustrative incident during a Super Bowl party underscores the depth of their trust:

“I was like, Braxton's gotten kidnapped and murdered. Like, I seriously was freaking out.”
[16:05]

When Braxton's phone was mysteriously off, Alix's initial panic transformed into understanding once she learned the context, reinforcing their trust in each other.

7. Interaction with Co-Pilot: Q&A Session

Alix engages with her built-in AI assistant, Co-Pilot, to address specific challenges in long-distance relationships:

Q1: Handling Conflicts

Alex: “What should I do if I'm having a fight or argument with my boyfriend and we're in a long distance relationship and I feel like it's just not being resolved because we can't really physically be with each other.”
[16:58]
Co-Pilot: Suggests setting aside dedicated time for calm, focused conversations via video calls and writing down thoughts to express clearly.

Q2: Craving Intimacy

Alex: “And what do I do if I'm really horny in my long distance relationship and I'm craving intimacy?”
[17:35]
Co-Pilot: Recommends exploring intimate connections through affectionate messages, sharing fantasies, and having intimate conversations over calls or video chats.

These interactions provide listeners with actionable strategies to navigate common long-distance dilemmas.

8. Positive Takeaways

Despite the challenges, Alix highlights several silver linings from her experience:

• Time Flies: What initially seemed daunting has passed more quickly than expected.

  “I feel like I've been a Debbie Downer and tell you guys, like, my takeaways. The silver lining of it all, things I've learned and finished the rest of my makeup routine.”
  [18:10]

• Increased Independence: The separation has fostered personal growth and enhanced social skills.

  “Feeling like I was like getting a part of myself back, like, it kind of forced me to socialize and step out of my comfort zone.”
  [19:10]

• Balanced Relationship Dynamics: Finding joy in activities outside the relationship contributes to a more well-rounded personal identity.

9. Braxton's Perspective

Alix brings in Braxton's viewpoint, adding depth to the conversation:

Braxton: “It blows. Hey.”
[20:05]
Alix: “It sucks cuz you miss me and I'm so amazing.”
[20:10]
Braxton: “Exactly. And you missed me because I'm awesome and I make your life better.”
[20:44]

While Braxton humorously admits that long distance is challenging, he acknowledges the personal growth it fosters:

“It allows you both to, to grow. Like, it gives you space to do that and to like do your own things independently.”
[20:08]

This exchange reinforces the theme that, despite the hardships, long-distance relationships can lead to individual and mutual growth.

10. Conclusion

Alix wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of trust, communication, and setting realistic expectations in long-distance relationships. She ties her personal narrative back to her makeup routine, symbolizing the blend of personal life and relational dynamics. Encouraging listeners to subscribe and stay tuned for future episodes, Alix leaves her audience with a sense of hope and practical wisdom.

“Don't forget to subscribe to follow along for more. Bye.”
[21:27]

Key Takeaways:

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Lowering expectations can reduce pressure and enhance the appreciation of the moments you share.
2. Respect Communication Styles: Understanding and accommodating each other's preferred ways of communication fosters a healthier relationship.
3. Build and Maintain Trust: Trust is essential, especially when physical presence is limited.
4. Embrace Independence: Personal growth and independence can strengthen the relationship and individual well-being.
5. Use Technology Wisely: Leveraging video calls and AI assistants can aid in navigating relationship challenges.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of a long-distance relationship, offering both heartfelt personal anecdotes and practical advice.