Podcast Summary: "FEELING THINGS: What Items in Your House Do You Need to Fire? A Performance Review for Your Stuff"
The Bobby Bones Show (Premiere Networks) — Feeling Things with Amy & Kat Release Date: January 4, 2026
Episode Overview
In this end-of-year episode of "Feeling Things," co-hosts Amy and Kat reflect on the emotional landscape of 2025 before diving into a lively, practical conversation: performing a "performance review" of the items in your home—and deciding which ones deserve to be "fired" (a.k.a., decluttered). Blending humor with honest self-reflection and actionable advice, they share their own struggles with sentimental clutter, discuss the psychology behind keeping unnecessary items, and encourage listeners to start the new year with a refreshed living space. The episode also features listener stories and a fun holiday cocktail recipe to close out the year.
Main Themes & Discussion Points
Reflections on 2025 & Feelings of the Year
[02:04–04:01]
- Amy and Kat get “sentimental” about it being the last episode of the year, sharing mixed feelings about 2025:
- “2025 was just weird... It's not my worst year... It's definitely ‘mid’... but I have gratitude for so much.” — Kat [03:09]
- “We were born this year. Feeling Things.” — Amy [03:28]
Choosing a Feeling of the Year
- Amy suggests tracking weekly feelings for 2026 and tallying them up at year’s end. [04:31]
- Both describe their current emotional states—“motivated,” “melancholy,” “excited and challenged”—noting the importance of acknowledging even "darker" underlying emotions.
- “I'm trying to access the darker side of me… it's hard right now.” — Amy [06:24]
The Concept: Firing Stuff in Your Home
[08:12–13:40]
Why We Hang On to Clutter
- Both reflect on the difficulty of organizing newly moved-in spaces.
- They discuss the ADHD-friendly strategy of “body doubling” (tidying up together for accountability).
- Vivid descriptions of their overflowing podcast room:
- “People probably see the videos… it looks so nice, but if we could only flip the camera…” — Amy [08:48]
Performance Reviews for Your Stuff
- Inspired by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen: Treat each item as if it’s “hired” for a job in your life.
- Amy: “Every once in a while, it’s smart to do a performance review of all our things. Is this item doing what I hired it to do? If not, you fire it.” [11:47]
- Real example: Firing old makeup never used (“I chunked it.”). [13:33]
Emotional Barriers & Attachment
- Kat shares her guilt over discarding expensive or sentimental items:
- “I spent a lot of money ... what if I need it one day? ... I have a Garmin watch from like ten years ago that no longer... works...” [13:47]
- Amy talks Kat through the idea that “firing” those things is necessary when they no longer serve a purpose.
Decluttering: Red Flags and Practical Tips
[16:57–19:21]
Red Flags You Have Too Much Stuff
Read off by Kat and Amy [16:57]:
- “You can’t find things you know you own.”
- “Cleaning takes forever, you’re just moving piles around.”
- “You organize constantly, but nothing stays organized.”
- “Surfaces never stay clear.”
- “You keep items for a ‘someday’ that never comes.”
“There’s nothing worse... than getting rid of something and then you have to re-buy it, you know?” — Kat [19:21]
Stories of Reluctance to Let Go
- Kat’s sombrero story: hiding a costume hat for two years rather than let her husband throw it away.
- Amy’s black top hat: putting it out for donation after years of keeping it for a hypothetical costume.
- Both acknowledge growth through these small, but tough decluttering decisions:
- “Look at you! Growth. I feel like we just witnessed growth.” — Amy [22:41]
Family Gifting Game & Voicemail from Listener
[22:55–27:53]
The “Re-Gift from Grandma’s House” Game
- Kat explains a trend where family members wrap up random items from a grandparent’s (or parent’s) home to give as “gifts,” often as a humorous prank.
- “She’s like, ‘Oh, that looks familiar!’ ... until eventually she realizes, wait, these are my things.” [24:15]
- Listener Linda calls in with her family’s successful version (20+ items re-gifted; her mom didn’t notice for ages!):
- “We ended up having 20 some different items and it was enough for all of us to have at least one, including the kids. My dad caught on before my mom did—it was just so funny.” — Linda [27:06]
Insights & Takeaways
- Good-natured family fun or a sign your home is over-cluttered?
- Both share stories about inheriting or keeping sentimental items from parents or grandparents—and the challenge in letting them go:
- “Some of it’s in boxes because, like, what are you gonna do with it? But it’s a memory.” — Kat [25:28]
Listener Q&A & Podcast Habits
[29:29–34:14]
- The hosts discuss the true podcast listening habits of their partners in a humorous call-in segment with Amy’s boyfriend, Alex:
- “[Why do you listen?] — Getting on a treadmill or StairMaster. I have nothing else to do.” — Alex [33:10]
- Kat notes her husband only listens “if he knows I talked about him, so I need to talk about him more, I guess.” [31:33]
Segment: New Year’s Hugo Spritz Cocktail Recipe
[35:59–38:38]
- Kat shares a festive drink recipe (and offers mocktail alternatives):
- “Hugo Spritz... elderflower liqueur, white cranberry juice, orange juice, Prosecco, soda water, mint.” [36:08]
- “You could make it as a mocktail with non-alcoholic elderflower, cranberry juice, soda water, sparkling grape juice…” [38:26]
- Pro tip: Add cranberries and mint in ice cubes for a festive touch.
Lighthearted Debates: Washing New Clothes & Sheets
[39:59–43:24]
- Callback: The great laundering debate. Kat reveals many listeners privately confessed to her that they too, don’t wash new clothes before wearing, despite “Team Amy” dominating the comments.
- “Everybody’s in secret saying Team Kat and they won’t post on the reels... Shame grows in silence!” — Kat [41:04]
- Battle of the sheet-washers: Amy (weekly) vs. Kat (monthly, or “more if married”).
Year-in-Review & Looking Ahead
[43:24–47:34]
- Heartfelt appreciation for their podcast journey, audience, and each other.
- “I am very, very, very grateful we made this happen.” — Kat [45:03]
- Brainstorm future plans: live shows, listener events, “bingo card” vision boards for 2026.
- Reminders about the podcast newsletter and ways for listeners to write/call in for future episodes.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “We were born this year—Feeling Things.” — Amy [03:28]
- “Every once in a while, it’s smart to do a performance review of all our things.” — Amy [11:49]
- “I spent a lot of money ... what if I need it one day?” — Kat [13:47]
- “Look at you! Growth. I feel like we just witnessed growth.” — Amy [22:41]
- “Shame grows in silence. Stand up for yourself—and me!” — Kat [41:04]
- “I am very, very, very grateful we made this happen.” — Kat [45:03]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 02:04–04:01 | Reflections on the past year, “Feelings of the Year” chat | | 08:12–13:40 | Decluttering as a “performance review” for your stuff | | 16:57–19:21 | Decluttering red flags; relatable clutter confessions | | 22:55–27:53 | The family “re-gift-the-house” game; voicemail from Linda | | 29:29–34:14 | Funny partner Q&A about podcast listening habits | | 35:59–38:38 | New Year’s Hugo Spritz (cocktail/mocktail) recipe | | 39:59–43:24 | Debating laundry habits and listener confessions | | 43:24–47:34 | Year-in-review, gratitude, and big dreams for 2026 |
Podcast Tone & Style
Amy and Kat’s banter is warm, honest, and self-deprecating, blending actionable life tips with heartfelt reflections and silly asides. They are relatable, irreverent, and unafraid to show their vulnerabilities, making listeners feel like part of a supportive (if occasionally messy) friend group.
Final Takeaways
This episode is an invitation to look around your home—and your life—with fresh eyes as you start a new year. Ask: Is this thing I’m “employing” really earning its keep? By letting go of unhelpful (or unlovable) items, you might make space for new experiences, energy, and feelings in 2026.
Listeners are encouraged to:
- Do their own “performance review” for household items.
- Share their decluttering stories (and emotional struggles) with the show.
- Try new traditions and recipes as they ring in the new year.
- Celebrate even their small steps of personal growth.
