Trash Tuesday: "Feel With, Not For" with Rosebud Baker & Blair Socci
Hosts: Khalyla Kuhn & Esther Povitsky
Guests: Rosebud Baker & Blair Socci
Release Date: May 13, 2025
1. Opening Conversations and Personal Struggles
The episode kicks off with playful banter about wearing sunglasses indoors, which serves as a metaphor for shielding one’s emotions during podcasting. Blair Saki humorously apologizes for her indoor sunglasses, hinting at her emotional vulnerability. Rosebud Baker shares her journey with Bell's palsy, noting her improvement and the teasing she receives from her child for still wearing sunglasses, symbolizing her ongoing battle with visibility and presentation (00:00).
2. Navigating Mental Health and Trauma
A significant portion of the discussion centers around mental health struggles and trauma. Esther Povitsky opens up about her challenges staying present after becoming a parent, revealing how her daughter's struggles with suicidal thoughts have intensified her own anxiety and fear (02:01). Khalyla Kuhn interjects with humor, contrasting her ability to remain focused during the podcast despite having a baby, while Esther candidly discusses her daughter’s increasing clinginess and emotional volatility (02:09).
Blair Saki delves deeper into her personal loss, sharing the devastating impact of her brother's death. She describes the profound grief and PTSD she experiences, emphasizing how this loss has fundamentally changed her (05:14). Esther reflects on her own loss of a sister at 17, detailing the immediate and long-term effects on her mental health and coping mechanisms, including her struggles with alcohol and the eventual path to therapy (34:05).
3. Coping Mechanisms and Therapeutic Insights
The hosts and guests explore various coping strategies for dealing with grief and mental health issues. Khalyla Kuhn highlights the importance of therapy, encouraging listeners to seek help and share their experiences. The conversation touches on the stigma surrounding mental health and the necessity of having supportive friends who check in without being intrusive (07:23, 51:14). Rosebud Baker and Esther Povitsky discuss the role of therapy in their lives, with Esther praising Khalyla’s commitment to her mental health regimen (35:57).
4. The Impact of Loss on Relationships and Personal Growth
Blair Saki shares a poignant story about her brother's untimely death, illustrating how such a loss can alter one’s perspective and relationships. Esther Povitsky reflects on the lasting presence of her sister despite her passing, viewing the loss as a shaping force in her life that keeps her connected to her sister's memory (25:09). The discussion highlights how profound loss can lead to both personal growth and ongoing emotional challenges.
5. Parenting Styles and Family Dynamics
The conversation shifts to parenting, contrasting Khalyla’s and Esther’s approaches. Khalyla emphasizes a more relaxed and adaptable parenting style, while Esther shares frustrations with her husband’s practical approach to parenting, especially in stressful situations like traveling with a toddler (09:53). They discuss the balance between being protective and fostering independence in their children, revealing the complexities of co-parenting (10:23).
6. The Newlywed Game: Balancing Humor and Competition
To inject some levity, the group engages in a lively game of the Newlywed Game. Questions revolve around relationship dynamics, such as who wears the pants in their relationship and who is more likely to get into a fight with a stranger. The playful competition showcases the deep bond and differing personalities within the group. Notable moments include Rosebud’s competitive streak and Esther’s candid admissions about her struggles with anger management (47:11, 57:58).
7. Light-Hearted Anecdotes and Cultural Insights
Amidst the heavy discussions, the hosts and guests share humorous and culturally insightful stories. They discuss unique parenting traditions, such as Khalyla’s Filipino nanny teaching her child to bless elders, highlighting the blend of cultural practices in modern parenting (46:27). Additionally, Blair shares an amusing anecdote about being diagnosed with a tumor thanks to her facialist, emphasizing the unexpected ways life can shift (17:08).
8. Emphasizing the Importance of Connection and Support
Throughout the episode, the paramount importance of connection and supportive relationships is reiterated. Khalyla encourages listeners to reach out and maintain meaningful connections, even through simple actions like phone calls. The group reflects on how their friendships provide a safety net, helping each other navigate personal challenges and emotional upheavals (53:26, 51:45).
9. Closing Remarks: Advocacy for Mental Health Awareness
As the episode concludes, Khalyla, Esther, Rosebud, and Blair emphasize the significance of mental health awareness and seeking professional help. They advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding therapy and encourage listeners to prioritize their mental well-being. The discussion wraps up with heartfelt thanks to their supportive community, the "sluggies," reinforcing the podcast’s mission to foster a space for honest and open conversations about life’s struggles (64:05).
Notable Quotes:
- Blair Saki [00:02]: "I really am going through it and could cry at any possible moment."
- Esther Povitsky [02:01]: "Now I am pretty much there, but it's gotten harder because she's on suicide watch all day long."
- Blair Saki [05:14]: "Unfortunately, my brother just died. It's the saddest thing that ever happened to me."
- Esther Povitsky [34:05]: "When you lose a loved one, it changes who you are forever."
- Kalila [07:23]: "I think you should just get pregnant."
(With Esther’s humorous rebuttal about SNL casting) - Blair Saki [17:08]: "I had a golf ball sized tumor taken out of my head two months ago."
- Rosebud Baker [23:37]: "I feel like she was meant to be your friend all this time."
- Kalila [53:26]: "I want to challenge everyone listening... pick up the phone and call someone."
This episode of "Trash Tuesday" delves deep into the personal traumas and mental health struggles of the guests, interwoven with humor and solidarity. The candid conversations about loss, therapy, and the importance of supportive relationships offer a heartfelt exploration of coping mechanisms and the enduring impact of grief. The engaging blend of serious topics and light-hearted segments ensures a relatable and enriching experience for listeners.