Podcast
We Run on Coffee
Hosted by Marissa Carpenter + Arika Wads · EN
Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee! Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.
11episodes
Episodes
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#124 The End of We Run On Coffee Podcast as We Know It...
Dec 3101:01:04Tap to summarizeIt's the end of the year, which means it's time for Arika and Marissa to dive into their Spotify Wrapped stats. From top artists and most-played songs to those oddly specific "files" that reveal what they were doing on their highest streaming days, this episode is packed with laughs, reactions, and a few call-outs. They're breaking down everything: minutes listened, top genres, listening age comparisons, and of course, their most embarrassing repeat plays.But that's not all. Arika and Marissa also share WROC's own Spotify Wrapped, celebrating the podcast's growth and the incredible community that's been with them through it all.And then comes the big announcement... The podcast, as you know it, has come to a close. If WROC does return in 2026, things will look a little bit different. Arika and Marissa open up about what this means, why they're making this decision, and what might be next. Whether you've been here since day one or just discovered the podcast, this episode is a celebration, a goodbye for now, and a thank you.MORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →#123 Trees on Tables and Popcorn Balls, Oh My!
Dec 301:09:27Tap to summarizeIn this festive episode, Arika and Marissa dive head-first into the holiday season with a look at the traditions that make this time of year feel so nostalgic. Arika explores the surprisingly rich history of the Christmas tree; from ancient civilizations using evergreens for protection and symbolism, to the German customs that eventually shaped the American tradition we know today. She even shares how the Christmas tree has become a full-blown art form in her own family.Marissa brings a fun twist by sharing some of your favorite holiday traditions gathered from Reddit, everything from new pajamas on Christmas Eve to annual movie marathons, Chinese takeout, and the mysterious pickle ornament. Together, Arika and Marissa wrap up the episode by reflecting on their own cherished childhood traditions, from popcorn balls at Nana’s house to Christmas Eve gatherings, Santa sacks, and the joy of decorating multiple trees.It’s a cozy, nostalgic, and laughter-filled kickoff to December that celebrates the rituals, memories, and little quirks that make the holidays so special. Grab a warm drink, hit play, and get festive with us!RESOURCES •http://History.com “History of Christmas Trees” - https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-christmas-trees r/Christmas - https://www.reddit.com/r/christmas/comments/y5eain/what_christmas_tradition_have_you_started_or/ MORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →#122 Turning 27 and A Lot Has Changed... Birthday Real Talk
Nov 1901:30:15Tap to summarizeIt's Arika's 27th birthday, and after eight weeks apart, she and Marissa are reuniting for an honest, unfiltered catch-up. From engagement photo shoots and wedding stress to Marissa’s Ireland trip, they cover it all - but this episode goes deeper than just life updates.Arika opens up about her recent endometriosis diagnosis and what the treatment journey has actually been like, including the side effects and mental health impacts nobody really talks about. She also shares the chaos of tech school delays, government shutdowns, and the very real possibility of missing her own wedding - all while trying to stay grounded when nothing feels certain.But it's not all heavy. Arika dives into the things keeping her sane: her new Cricut obsession, America's Sweethearts on Netflix, and quality time with family and church community. Then, inspired by a Kacey Musgraves song, the conversation shifts to Saturn return - the astrological phenomenon that hits between ages 27-30 when everything in your life starts to change. It's described as an initiation into adulthood, forcing you to decide if the path you're on is what you want or what you're supposed to do. For Arika, turning 27 in the middle of all this suddenly feels like more than coincidence.Whether you're navigating health struggles, life transitions, wedding planning chaos, or just trying to figure out who you are in your twenties, this episode is a reminder you're not alone.RESOURCES •Netflix "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" - https://www.netflix.com/title/81685878 Cricut - https://amzn.to/4nqrcpfMORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →#121 What You Don't Know About the National Guard (Veterans Day Special)
Nov 501:20:50Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode, Arika and Marissa are joined by a special guest, Arika’s fiancé, Angelo, for a conversation that’s all about military life, service, and big transitions. As a member of the Air Force National Guard, Angelo shares what inspired him to enlist right after high school, what basic training was really like, and how he’s navigated the unique balance between military and civilian life.From working as a KC-135 aircraft maintainer to now preparing for a new role in cyber operations, Angelo reflects on how his experiences have shaped him, the challenges and rewards of serving in the Guard, and what most people don’t realize about military service. He also opens up about the process of switching career paths within the Air Force and what this next chapter means for his future.As Veterans Day approaches, this episode offers an inside look at life in the National Guard; the discipline, the sacrifice, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’ve served, know someone who has, or just want to better understand military life, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.MORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →#120 Our Personal Syllabus: Assignments From Witchcraft to Wedding Planning
Oct 2200:28:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Arika and Marissa kick off the season with a creative twist inspired by a recent online trend of building their own “personal syllabi” for fall and winter. Instead of textbooks and exams, their syllabi are filled with everything from personal goals and creative projects to new hobbies and wellness experiments they want to explore before the year wraps up.Arika shares her lineup of “courses,” including wedding planning projects, creative outlets like designing Christmas cards, and a few science-inspired wellness challenges. Meanwhile, Marissa’s syllabus leans into all things cozy and mystical; think learning the history of witchcraft, diving deeper into tarot, and finding balance through mental health and fitness routines.It’s an introspective yet lighthearted episode full of inspiration for anyone looking to reset, refocus, and romanticize their routines this season. Grab your metaphorical notebooks, class is officially in session at We Run on Coffee!RESOURCES •The Prologues Podcast on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theprologuespodcast/ Prologues Podcast Ep from 8/25/25 - https://open.spotify.com/show/22jvDomDAuTsgFGMqh6KGc MORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →#119 Don’t Close Your Eyes in the Shower… Spooky Stories for Spooky Season!
Oct 900:57:59Tap to summarizeSpooky season is officially here, and Arika and Marissa are kicking things off with a collection of creepy tales that will make you think twice before turning off the lights… or closing your eyes in the shower. From haunted family stories to unsettling encounters pulled straight from Reddit, this episode is packed with eerie, spine-tingling moments perfect for October listening.The girls dive into a mix of paranormal chills and real-life horror, including strange family legends, disturbing discoveries, and a few encounters that will have you questioning what’s lurking just out of sight. Whether it’s long fingers tapping at the glass, cursed home videos, or an unexpected knock at the door, each story brings its own brand of goosebumps.It’s an episode made for fall nights, where you’ll laugh nervously, shiver a little, and maybe even sleep with the lights on. Grab a blanket, settle in, and join Arika and Marissa as they set the mood for a hauntingly good October.RESOURCES •Reddit (r/scarystories) - https://www.reddit.com/r/scarystories/ Reddit (r/nosleep) - https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/ Reddit (r/AskReddit) - https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/ Reddit (r/scarystories) “I think the statue saved me. But I will never be sure.” - https://www.reddit.com/r/scarystories/comments/1n9y675/i_think_the_statue_saved_me_but_i_will_never_be/ Reddit (r/nosleep) “My grandma used to tell me scary stories when I was little. There’s one I’ll never forget.” - https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/ez979d/my_grandma_used_to_tell_me_scary_stories_when_i/ Reddit (r/scarystories) “I Wish I’d Never Watched My Family’s Old Home Videos” - https://www.reddit.com/r/scarystories/comments/1mhuyi0/i_wish_id_never_watched_my_familys_old_home_videos/ Reddit (r/AskReddit) “What Creepy Experience or Story Haunts You to This Day? [Serious]” - https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1e4yefj/what_creepy_experience_or_story_haunts_you_to/MORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →#118 Do I Have Endometriosis? Arika’s Ovarian Cyst & What We’ve Learned So Far
Sep 2400:48:42Tap to summarizeThis week on We Run on Coffee, Arika opens up about her recent health journey and the question that’s been on her mind: Do I have endometriosis? After dealing with symptoms and undergoing multiple ultrasounds, she shares what doctors have found so far, including the discovery of an ovarian cyst, and what it could mean moving forward.Alongside Arika’s personal story, Marissa and Arika break down what endometriosis is, how it develops, and the symptoms many people experience. They also discuss the challenges of diagnosing the condition, the types of tests and procedures doctors use, and the treatment options available for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.Whether you’ve experienced similar health concerns yourself, know someone who has, or just want to learn more about endometriosis, this episode combines Arika’s honest, firsthand experience with helpful medical resources. It’s an open and informative conversation aimed at spreading awareness, breaking stigma, and reminding listeners they’re not alone in navigating difficult health questions.RESOURCES •Cleveland Clinic “Endometriosis” - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10857-endometriosisMORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →#117 None of This is True - Lisa Jewel (Book Club 11)
Sep 1001:14:26Tap to summarizeThis week, Marissa and Arika are back with Book Club #11, diving into Lisa Jewell’s dark and twisted thriller None of This is True. The novel follows the unsettling relationship between podcaster Alix Summer and Josie Fair, a seemingly lonely woman who volunteers to be the subject of Alix’s next big podcast project, only to unravel into something far more disturbing. With themes of manipulation, obsession, and blurred truths, this one is anything but a typical read.In their discussion, the girls break down the plot, reflect on the shocking twists, and wrestle with questions about trust, perspective, and how much of Josie’s story we’re ever meant to believe. They also pull in thought-provoking discussion points from the book and share their own reactions as the story spirals into true-crime territory.And of course, it wouldn’t be a WROC book club without a dream cast! Marissa and Arika imagine who they’d love to see bring these complex characters to life in a screen adaptation. Whether you’ve already read the book or just love hearing a wild story dissected, this episode is packed with suspense, conversation, and a few chills along the way.RESOURCES •Purchase None of This Is True on Amazon - https://amzn.to/41nC8fnSuper Summary “None of This Is True: A Novel” - https://www.supersummary.com/none-of-this-is-true/summary/MORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →#116 Natalie on Motherhood, Marriage, and Making a New State Feel Like Home
Aug 2701:06:36Tap to summarizeThis week Marissa and Arika are joined by a very special guest, Natalie! As Marissa’s sister-in-law (and Arika’s soon-to-be cousin-in-law), Natalie opens up about her journey through marriage, motherhood, and making big life transitions, including moving states and building a new home and community along the way.From meeting her husband Kaden back in middle school, to recently becoming parents to their daughter Murphy, Natalie reflects on how her relationships and roles have grown and shifted over the years. She also shares what it was like to take the leap of moving from Ohio to Tennessee, and eventually settling in Georgia, and how those experiences shaped who she is today.Beyond family life, Natalie dives into her career as a PTA (practicing the McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy), her passion for fitness and rucking, and her love for gardening and supporting local farmers. It’s an honest and inspiring conversation about creating a meaningful lifestyle, balancing the demands of work and motherhood, and finding joy in the simple, everyday routines.MORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →#115 ARIKA'S ENGAGED! Angelo & Arika's Smoky Mountain Engagement Story
Aug 1300:38:22Tap to summarizeArika has some big news, she’s engaged! In this episode, she shares the full story of how Angelo popped the question during their recent trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. From the lead-up to the trip, to the moment he got down on one knee in front of a breathtaking waterfall, Arika takes listeners through every detail of the day.Along the way, she reflects on the little moments that made it special, the surprises she didn’t see coming, and the emotions she felt in the moment. Marissa jumps in with her own reactions, questions, and excitement as they relive the milestone together.It’s a joyful, personal, and heartwarming conversation that brings listeners right into the celebration. Whether you’re here for the love story, the travel vibes, or the behind-the-scenes details, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.MORE ABOUT WROC •Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.LINKS •Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.comFollow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffeeContact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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