Podcast Summary: "Brooke Averick's Back" on Long Winded with Gabby Windey

Release Date: June 12, 2025

In this engaging episode of Long Winded with Gabby Windey, host Gabby Windey welcomes back Brooke Averick for an in-depth conversation that navigates the tumultuous waters of modern dating, mental health struggles, and the creative process of writing a novel. Drawing from their personal experiences and candid discussions, Gabby and Brooke provide listeners with heartfelt insights and relatable anecdotes.

Reconnecting with Brooke Averick

The episode opens with Gabby expressing her enthusiasm for having Brooke back on the show. Brooke reciprocates the warm welcome, highlighting her familiarity with Gabby's podcast and her own ventures into therapy.

Notable Quote:

Gabby [00:35]: "I feel like everyone knows you."

Navigating the Online Dating World

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the challenges of online dating, particularly through platforms like Hinge. Brooke shares her frustrations with the lack of meaningful connections and the emotional toll of unreciprocated interests.

Key Points:

• Brooke's recent re-engagement with Hinge leads to heightened anxiety and a sense of defeat.
• The struggle of initiating conversations and dealing with rejection.
• Discussion on the current state of men on dating apps and societal expectations.

Notable Quotes:

Brooke [01:37]: "I just feel like I’ve been feeling a little bit better about myself than in the past recently, which is really exciting. And that just completely has been shot to shit by Hinge."

Gabby [02:27]: "What are dudes doing these days?"

Overcoming Dating Frustrations

Both Gabby and Brooke reflect on the difficulties of finding genuine connections in Los Angeles' competitive dating scene. They explore themes of self-worth, persistence, and the hope for serendipitous encounters.

Key Points:

• The impact of LA's high standards on dating prospects.
• Strategies to maintain confidence despite setbacks.
• The role of self-care and mental health in the dating journey.

Notable Quotes:

Brooke [04:40]: "I'm not worried. And then yesterday, right before I emailed my therapist, I was looking at the screenshot again of him. And it said active now."

Gabby [05:07]: "It’s terrible. But it sucks. But I do think you have to say something."

Mental Health and Medication Journeys

The conversation takes a profound turn as Gabby and Brooke discuss their personal mental health journeys, including their experiences with therapy and various medications. They candidly share the challenges and triumphs associated with managing depression and anxiety.

Key Points:

• Brooke's return to therapy and her feelings of circular progress.
• Gabby's experience with Lamictal and the side effects impacting her health.
• The complexities of combining medications like Wellbutrin and Cymbalta.
• The importance of finding the right medication regimen and the stigma surrounding mental health diagnoses.

Notable Quotes:

Gabby [01:14]: "Bitch, I'm back."

Brooke [08:52]: "I feel like I've been on the same combo for a while, which is my Wellbutrin and Cymbalta."

Gabby [09:30]: "And it made me so tired."

The Writing Process and Book Development

Brooke shares her journey of writing her upcoming book, highlighting the emotional and creative challenges she faces. She offers listeners a glimpse into her writing habits, the evolution of her storytelling, and the therapeutic aspects of writing.

Key Points:

• The transition from spontaneous writing to a structured outline after selling the book.
• Coping with self-imposed pressure and perfectionism.
• The healing power of writing and its impact on personal growth.
• Strategies to overcome writer's block and maintain consistency.

Notable Quotes:

Brooke [55:12]: "I have to push, push, push."

Gabby [57:03]: "I can't trust a 3 monther."

Literary Tastes and Reading Habits

The duo explores their favorite authors and the challenges of engaging with classic literature. They discuss the struggle of comprehending complex texts and the satisfaction of connecting with writing that resonates on a personal level.

Key Points:

• Brooke's appreciation for contemporary and relatable authors.
• Gabby's attempts to delve into classics like Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf.
• The emotional connection formed through reading and writing.
• The role of literature in understanding and expressing complex emotions.

Notable Quotes:

Brooke [65:07]: "It's so hard to explain to people when you're not, like, in distress."

Gabby [66:55]: "But sometimes there's something like that I'm like, oh, totally. This must be what they meant."

Support and Personal Insights

Throughout the episode, Gabby and Brooke emphasize the importance of support systems in navigating both dating challenges and mental health issues. Their mutual encouragement underscores the value of community and shared experiences.

Key Points:

• Encouragement to embrace vulnerability and seek meaningful connections.
• The role of friendships in providing emotional stability.
• Personal anecdotes that highlight resilience and hope.

Notable Quotes:

Gabby [44:35]: "You have so much to offer. So sweet."

Brooke [51:58]: "I really love hearing people talk about what they're passionate about."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Gabby and Brooke reflect on their ongoing journeys, both in dating and personal growth. They reaffirm their commitment to supporting each other and their listeners through shared experiences and honest dialogue.

Notable Quote:

Brooke [79:49]: "You're the greatest. Love you."

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful conversations between Gabby and Brooke.