10. THE CARPOOL CHRONICLES: JIU-JITSU, THRILLERS, & THE TRUTH ABOUT LOSING

Send us Fan MailWe made it to double digits! To celebrate Episode 10, we’re ditching the formal studio setup and hiding out in Amanda’s brand-new car for a classic "gab sesh." No scripts, no agendas. Just two girlfriends decompressing, yapping, and getting real about the "dumpster fire" world outside.From geriatric pregnancies to psychological thrillers, we’re covering the wide, weird spectrum of our current obsessions. If you’ve ever felt like you’re oscillating between being a high-achieving professional and a brain-rotted reality TV fan, this episode is for you.In this episode, we chat about:The "Third Space" Concept: Why we all need a place outside of home (1st space) and work (2nd space) to find community, and how jujitsu became that for Leni.Competitive Spirits: A cautionary tale about why you never want to be on Amanda’s mom’s team during holiday charades.Healthy Losing: How competing in a jujitsu bracket you’re "guaranteed to lose" is actually a powerful lesson for our kids.The Book Club & Bravo Rot: Amanda’s deep dive into Ruth Ware’s thrillers vs. Lenicia’s love for dark, sad, South American cult novels and whimsical K-dramas.The Gay Awakening: Lenicia reveals the 1997 rom-com scene that changed everything.The "Unreliable Narrator": Why we love books that make us question our own sanity (shoutout to The Sympathizer).Whether you’re a "Master's Division" athlete or a "Below Deck" flyer, join us in the driveway for a much-needed breath of air."To-Read" List Mentioned:In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth WareThe Perfect Couple by Ruth WareThe Sympathizer by Viet Thanh NguyenDemocracy in Retrograde by Sami Sage and Emily AmickConnect with Us:Instagram: @exploresacliving | @leniyourloanofficerHelp us celebrate 10 episodes! Leave us a review or DM us on Instagram with your own "Crying or Thriving" moment from this week. We’d love to feature it in a future episode! Stay Connected to the PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @realtycheckpodcastHave a topic idea or story to share? Reach out!Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so you never miss an episodeConnect with Leni Lopez (Your Lender Bestie)Instagram: @leniyourloanofficerReady to talk lending or get preapproved? Email her team: [email protected]: LopezNguyen.comMortgage Loan OfficerNMLS 1366630/225910Hawkins Home Loans, Inc.Connect with Amanda (Your Realtor Bestie)Instagram: @exploresaclivingEmail: [email protected]: Exploresacliving.com Curious about buying or selling in Sacramento County or beyond? Schedule a no pressure call: calendly.com/amandafreemanrealtorAmanda Freeman | eXp | DRE 02150573