Podcast Summary: “Introducing: Since You Asked — A New Kind of Advice Show”

Podcast: Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin
Hosts: Lori Gottlieb & Gretchen Rubin
Episode Release: September 5, 2025
Network: Lemonada Media

Episode Overview

The premiere episode of Since You Asked introduces listeners to a new, community-driven advice show hosted by renowned happiness researcher Gretchen Rubin and acclaimed psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb. The hosts set the stage for a podcast where they address life’s everyday dilemmas—big or small—ranging from tricky relationship issues to nagging pet peeves. The show’s tone is warm, inviting, and candid, welcoming both questions and unsolicited advice from its listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Genesis of the Podcast

• How It Began: Gretchen and Lori share that they regularly receive more questions than they can answer in their respective columns and podcasts. They realized combining forces would allow them to tackle a broader range of topics with unique perspectives.

  • Gretchen Rubin: “We were talking about how we have all these questions that we get asked but we weren’t able to address all of them and...how great would it be to tackle them together?” [00:53]

• Expertise at the Table:

  • Gretchen Rubin — Writer, happiness expert, and author of The Happiness Project; known for her insightful approach to human nature.
  • Lori Gottlieb — Psychotherapist, NYT columnist, and author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone; brings therapeutic wisdom and empathy.

2. Types of Problems They’ll Address

• The hosts play snippets of real listener questions, covering a representative range of dilemmas:

  • Relationship troubles — Navigating guilt in a breakup, moral dilemmas, direct confrontation issues.

    • Dana (listener): "I've been having more of a moral dilemma recently and I feel guilty. How do I reduce the strain that this has on my relationship?" [00:08]
    • Nick (listener): "Would it be best to just confront him directly?" [00:17]

  • Family situations — Adjusting to life changes such as new babies, dealing with shifting relationship dynamics.

    • Dana (listener): "I'm nervous about how our relationship will change with the baby in the mix. How do I do everything in my power to be a loving and supportive..." [01:19]

  • Friendship etiquette — Deciphering social signals, setting boundaries, handling drifting relationships.

    • Nick (listener): "So I'm wondering if I should take this as a hint that he doesn't want to continue the friendship..." [01:28]

  • Annoyances and boundaries — Neighbor conflicts, pet peeves, habitual annoyances.

    • Nick (listener): "What is the best way to get my neighbor to put the dog on a leash so that we don’t feel threatened?" [01:35]

3. Invitation for Listener Participation

• The hosts emphasize that listeners are integral to the show—invited not just to ask questions, but also to submit the “unsolicited advice” they wish they could give.
  • Gretchen Rubin: "We invite you to weigh in yourself. So get ready to bring your best advice." [01:51]
  • Lori Gottlieb: "And we have all been there." [01:59]

4. The Show’s Approach & Promise

• Lori Gottlieb: “Whether it’s the pet peeve that’s annoyed you for years, or the question you’re too embarrassed to ask, or the dilemma you just can’t solve, we will address it all.” [01:40]
• The hosts promise a mix of fresh segments and a genuine, conversational tone—offering both actionable guidance and a sense of connection.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Universal Need for Advice:

  • Gretchen Rubin: “Who doesn’t need advice and who doesn’t love giving advice? Since you asked, we’re happy to answer.” [00:23]

• On Community:

  • Gretchen Rubin: “Whether this podcast changes your life or just makes you laugh, we’re glad you’re here.” [02:19]

Important Timestamps

• 00:23 — Gretchen introduces the show's spirit & her background
• 00:38 — Lori introduces herself & her advice credentials
• 00:53 — The hosts explain how the podcast started
• 01:05–01:40 — Rapid-fire multitude of dilemma examples
• 01:51 — Listener participation invitation
• 02:07 — Show launch date and call to action

Conclusion

This introductory episode of Since You Asked sets a welcoming, inclusive tone for what promises to be a vibrant advice community. With their mix of expertise, empathy, and humor, Gretchen and Lori encourage listeners to share life’s everyday dilemmas, promising wisdom, camaraderie, and a bit of laughter along the way.

Next Steps:

• Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday (starting September 23rd)
• Submit your own dilemmas or advice at [thesinceyouaskedpodcast.com]
• Follow Gretchen and Lori on social media for updates and community discussions