Everything I Know About

Hailey Bieber just sold her 3 year old beauty company Rhode for $1 billion. Is the girlboss back? We investigate the world of celebrity beauty—how are these brands created and what makes one hit vs flop?Topics covered:e.l.f. Beauty Acquires Rhode for $1B—was it a good dealThe origins of the celeb beauty companyHow do celebrities go about creating their brands?What are the typical backgrounds of the founding team, and how involved is the celebrity?Is there a magic formula/playbook to creating a successful celeb beauty brand? We look at Fenty, Rare, and Haus Labs.If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

What do you get when a former Catholic schoolgirl and a business-school-educated atheist chat religion? A deep dive into the Vatican—how it works as a business, country, and moral guidepost.Topics covered:A quick overview of Christianity and the history of how Protestantism split from Catholicism—great primer for the non-religiousThe origins of the Vatican and how the Holy See governs todayHow the Vatican makes money, and its current deficitHow much power does the Vatican really have?The significance of the name chosen by the new Pope, Leo XIVCults and scandals that have rocked the Catholic ChurchIf you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We research the Cohabitation Effect—how concerned should you be really that living with your partner before marriage may actually mean you’re more likely to divorce?Topics covered:Should you avoid living with your partner before marriage if you want higher marital satisfaction and a lower divorce rate?Global trends around cohabitation before marriage and as an alternative to marriageWhat are the psychological reasons underpinning why and when people move in together?Who takes on more of the household labor when you cohabitate, and then when you get married? How common is sharing household chores vs specializing and dividing chores?If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We look at the psychology of corn addiction, how it impacts relationships and your brain. Is it a real addiction, or is it really not that serious?Topics covered:Is watching p*** cheating on your partner? What do psychologists have to say?Can you be addicted to corn/sex?Does watching too much p*** change your brain?If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We react to the article “The Case for Marrying an Older Man” by Grazie Sophia Christie, a controversial take from a younger woman who pursued an older husband as a shortcut to her dream life.Topics covered:-As a woman, is your greatest asset your youth?-Power differences in age gap relationships-The pros and cons of partnership vs mentorship in romantic relationships-Assumptions and biases when confronted with age gap relationships-Do a woman’s best years align with a man’s best years?If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

This week, special guest & friend of the pod Cherish joins Lucy to discuss her experience leaving the Children of God cult, building a new life in the US, and her reflections since.Additional resources on the Children of God:BooksSex Cult Nun by Faith JonesNot Without My Sister by Celeste Jones, Kristina Jones, and Juliana BuhringCult Following by Bexy CameronDocumentaries/TVChildren of the Cult (2021)Cults and Extreme Belief, Episode 3 (2018)Children of God: Lost and Found (2007)If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

In the aftermath of heartbreak, we share our experiences with breakups and how to move through relationship grief (spoiler alert: Lucy is still happily married!)If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

Blood transfusions, drinking gold, and chasing the fountain of youth, this week we dive into the pursuit of living forever, from ancient times to modern day.Topics covered:-How the desire to live forever has changed throughout history-Ancient and renaissance practices to achieve immortality-Mythology of The Fountain of Youth and the Holy Grail-Bryan Johnson and Project Blueprint: what a millionaire is doing to live forever-Laura Deming and The Longevity Fund-What science has to say about our ability to extend lifespansIf you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

What is cycle syncing, and should your boyfriend really be cooking you a steak when you’re on your period? We dig into the wonderful workings of our bodies and uncover just how much our hormones affect our lives, from how we feel each day to which romantic partner we select. Topics covered: -Phases of the menstrual cycle and what’s going on in your body -How to treat yourself well in each phase (food & exercise) -Do women’s cycles sync with one another? Are they affected by the moon? pheromones? -How hormonal birth control does/does not affect your cycle, your fertility, and your overall health -Alternatives to hormonal birth control: rhythm method and copper IUD -Women’s health in a patriarchal society If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We discuss the podcast sensation The Telepathy Tapes. Are nonverbal autistic children telepathic? We look into the research on spelling and psi phenomena, reflecting on claims made on the show and our own beliefs. Topics covered: -Overview of The Telepathy Tapes, non-verbal autistic children having telepathic abilities -The research on spelling, those supporting it and those against it -Materialist vs metaphysical view -Research on other psi phenomena and the CIA’s Stargate project on clairvoyance -Savant Syndrome -Questions of storytelling, journalistic integrity, and polarized viewpoints If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We share our favorite reads from 2024 + honorable mentions 📚 Books covered: The Fetishist by Katherine Min The Bee Sting by Paul Murray One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig The God of the Woods by Liz Moore The Wedding People by Alison Espach Happiness Falls by Angie Kim & more! If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

Happy new year! What will 2025 hold for us? We investigate what the prophets have to say… Topics covered: Nostradamus—early life and career, past predictions, and what he has to say about 2025 Baba Vanga—origin story, working with the Communist Party, predictions for the modern world If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

Round 2 but make it Holiday! We’re back on Reddit’s Am I the Asshole forum to pass judgement on some common sources of Thanksgiving and Christmas tension. Questions covered: -AITA for telling my vegan friend I don’t want to come over for Thanksgiving Dinner? -AITA for telling my sister she's not allowed to bring her homemade food to Thanksgiving because her cooking is ruining the meal? -AITA for telling my husband it's not fair he went all out for a co-workers secret Santa but made me pick my own bday gift? -AITA for asking my daughter to come to our house for Christmas? If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We myth-bust common kitchen fears—is your plastic cutting board really the villain? How bad is a daily Diet Coke? We dive into food dyes, microplastics, microwaves, and more. Topics covered: -How concerned should we be about microplastics? -Debunking kitchen gadget myths: Teflon non-stick plans, microwaves, and air fryers -The health concerns, lack of regulation, and prevalence of food dyes in everyday foods -The science behind different types of sugar alternatives and artificial sweeteners Sources available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️ If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us there too!

We’re celebrating our first year of recording the pod! Thank you so much for listening and being part of this journey. We share our reflections and learnings from being baby content creators and how things are changing in the future… Topics covered: -Our recording equipment -What editing software we use -How we decide what content to cover -How to grow a podcast -How to monetize a podcast If you’re able to and our content means something to you, you can support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We explore the surprising science behind cuffing season, the link between body heat & strong relationships, and why we should all cuddle more. Topics covered: -Is cuffing season real? Do our relationship-seeking behaviors change seasonally? -The biological, psychological, and evolutionary factors impacting our desire for companionship in the winter -The link between attachment styles and physical warmth -The power of association driving hook-up vs relationship messaging during different times of year -How dating timelines have changed across generations -Are we less satisfied in our romantic relationships now? -Pros and cons of participating in cuffing season Sources available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

What are ghost stories really telling us? What makes a city haunted? We explore local histories and share some scary mysteries. Topics covered: -Ghost stories as a vehicle for overlooked histories -The commercialization of suffering and dark tourism -New Orleans ghost stories (LaLaurie Mansion, Ursuline Convent, Marie Laveau), black history, and Hurricane Katrina aftermath -The creation of voodoo and its misperception -Savannah’s haunted history (Mercer Williams House, Grietely Ship) Sources available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

Spooky season has us thinking about ghosts, demons, and the dead. We look into the ancient roots of Halloween and see what other cultures can teach us about the afterlife. Topics covered: -The history of Halloween -Celtic Samhain + Roman Feralia and Pomona + Christian All Souls Day and All Saints Day -Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico -Oban in Japan and friendly ghosts -Ghanian funeral rites and novelty coffins Sources available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

Anyone else wondered how the Pumpkin Spice Latte was born or what happens to Spirt Halloween stores on November 1st? This week, we dig into seasonal products and businesses to understand how and why they thrive. Topics covered: -Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and the power of seasonal products -Spirit Halloween’s founding story and business model Sources available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

The Barbie movie’s critical lens on dolls was just the beginning…We dive into adult fan communities of American Girl Doll and reborn dolls to understand the enduring cultural impact of these pillars of girlhood. Topics covered: -The reborn doll community -American Girl Doll’s cultural impact and its adult fans -The Jellycat craze -The rise and fall of Beanie Babies -The psychology of collecting Sources available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

Looking to justify your reality TV habit? Listen in as we explore why this genre deserves to be taken seriously, with both its positive and frightening impacts on our society and psychology. Topics covered: -The history of reality TV—how the format and drama originated -Behind the scenes: how casting, scripting/prompting, and editing really work -Why we find reality TV addicting and its psychological impact on the cast and audience -How trends in reality TV viewership have changed over time -The difference in content and approach between Western produced reality TV and Eastern (Korean, Japanese) Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

You’ve heard of Jonestown and Heaven’s Gate, but what about cargo and hot yoga cults? We dive into two unusual cults we didn’t know existed: the Cargo Cults of Melanesia and the Bikram Yoga cult. Topics covered: -Fitness and health cults like YouTube high carb low fat vegans and Soulcycle -Amanda Montell's book Cultish -The history of Bikram yoga and its founder Bikram Choudhury -The crimes, scandals, and ongoing cultish behavior from the Bikram community -The origins of Cargo Cults and the John Frum Movement Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

Ever wondered how Olympic host cities are selected and how much they have to spend? We dig into the big budgets behind the gold medals. Topics covered: -The history of the Olympics and its revival in modern day -Why the International Olympic Committee says countries should host -What independent research shows about the economics of hosting -Deep dive into the economics of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics + Paris 2024 Summer Olympics Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

From mukbangs to what I eat in a day vlogs, why are we so fascinated with what other people eat? This week, we dive into the origins of mukbang, its transformation when it hit mainstream America, and what the implications are of sensationalizing food and eating online. (Bonus—check out Patreon for us making mukbang content 🍗 🍪) Topics covered: -The origins of mukbang in Korea -Entrance into the American mainstream -The commercialization of mukbang and the new incentive structure -Discourse around Nikocado Avocado, Jelly Bean Sweets: promoting binge eating, feeder content, wastefulness -ASMR crossover -Why people love mukbang, how it affects our mental health and eating habits Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

Our first episode with a guest! We bring our Enneagram skepticism to an expert. Will she convert us? Topics covered: -The intersection of mental health, therapeutic techniques, and the Enneagram -How to understand your Enneagram type: from triads to stances to wings, discover how your type approaches the world, how it uses energy, and how all this information can help you better understand yourself and those you care about -Christina’s journey growing a social media following and publishing two books Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We reflect on our newest obsession, the show Couples Therapy. From sharing our own experiences with therapy to takeaways from the famous couples therapists out there, this episode is sure to get you thinking, whether you’re in a relationship or not. Topics covered: -Who’s going to couple’s therapy -The efficacy of couples therapy -When should you go to couples therapy (and when should you not)? -The types of couples therapy and finding a good fit with a therapist -Advice from popular couples therapists: Orna Guralnik, Virginia Goldner, Terry Real, Esther Perel Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

What do olive oil and sand have in common? We dive into the surprising economies controlled by organized crime. Topics covered: -The history of the mafia -The olive oil mafia (also its effects on mozzarella and red wine) -The sand mafia (sand theft in India, Jamaica, and Kenya) Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

To what degree is college still worth it? We explore the benefits, financial and developmental, of higher ed and dig into what’s really driving declining college enrollment. Topics covered: -How most Americans feel about college today -How college has changed: tuition increases, student loan debt, shady for-profit colleges, declining enrollment -Alternatives to college: software bootcamps, apprenticeships, trade schools Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We will be releasing episodes every other week in June and July. This is a re-release of our episode originally named Living Abroad "like" the Locals. What’s the difference between an expat and a migrant? In this episode we explore the global impact of digital nomads and tourists, the community cost of airbnbs, and third-wave gentrification while unpacking our own experiences as expats. Topics covered: -Why are some groups labeled expats while others are migrants? -Media portrayals vs our own experience as expats -The rise of digital nomads -Displacement of local populations -The 3 waves of gentrification -The billionaire class and investment properties -The issue with Airbnb -NYC’s changing response to gentrification -Voluntourism and the ethics of being a tourist Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

This week, a special guest co-host joins Lucy… Topics covered: -National Geographic’s “The Changing Face of America” and The Race Card Project -The rise in interracial marriages and multiracial children -Fusion in food: the history of food fusion and its newest form -Fusion vs authenticity as it relates to Chinese American food -Fusion in music: international music charting in America, racial barriers in country music Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

So we know supplements have questionable science and little regulation, but what about something as common as protein powder? Join us as we investigate claims that roots and pills can invigorate libidos, kick coffee habits or even prevent hangovers. We discover surprising facts, and even find a product that convinces Lucy, our skeptic. Topics covered: -The science behind the most common vitamin and mineral supplements Americans take: multivitamins, calcium, and fish oil -Why we add vitamins to food products -Do scientists agree on what levels of vitamins we need for ideal health? -The surprising science behind protein powder, and should you be taking it daily? -Influencer promoted supplements: Athletic Greens (AG1) and libido gummies -Herbs and roots in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, adaptogens and coffee alternatives -A supplement to rid us of hangovers -The placebo effect Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

We lurk on Reddit’s Am I the Asshole forum and pass our own judgements using the backing of moral philosophy and some questionable logic. Questions covered: -AITA for telling my wife that she needs to seriously work on her mental and physical toughness? -AITA for being truthful and admitting that I find my wife unattractive after her surgery? -AITA for leaving my disabled mom with no caregivers after giving her over 6 months notice? Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ❤️

The case of the true crime obsession. Join us as we unwind the history, unearth the clues, and navigate the pitfalls of being a true crime fan. Topics covered: -The history and origins of true crime -The rise of detective fiction -How Serial changed the industry and the rise of prestige true crime dramas: HBO’s The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst and Netflix’s Making a Murderer -Who watches true crime and why -Gender differences in criminals, victims, and viewers -News coverage of crimes and the relationship between serial killers and media -True crime’s effect on our judicial system -The problems with true crime: sensationalization of crime for profit and entertainment, centering the criminal rather than the victim -Parasocial relationships and armchair detectives -The women who fall in love with serial killers Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

We examine the social norms around paying for things for others. From gifts to obligations, how we spend our money speaks to our culture, our values, and how we may or may not be afraid of judgment from others. Topics covered: -Spending on milestones for our friends: weddings, showers, bachelorette parties, gifts -Sex and The City, A Woman’s Right to Shoes -Wedding one-upmanship & social media -Why we follow social norms, even when it doesn’t align with our self interest -Money norms when it comes to dating and splitting finances as a couple, in the US vs Europe -The history of tipping, tipping culture today, and tipflation Sources & transcript available to anyone at our Patreon ❤️

We explore the tropes, trends, and monsters in the romance universe, asking important questions like why is it we have to go outside of our species to find a good man? 👹  Topics covered: -The history of the romance novel, from 1700s to today -The development of modern romance: romantasy, erotica, tropes -Inflection points like the invention of the “the bodice ripper” in 1972, Fifty Shades of Gray in modern day -An exploration of the types of romance novels: ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses), From Blood and Ash, Fourth Wing; authors like Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry; and monster corn like Ice Planet Barbarians and the Omega verse -Dark romance, taboos, and the “misattribution of arousal” phenomenon -How monster smut helps you heal from trauma -Kindle Unlimited and AI tools effect on indie authors and readership -Changing ideals of masculinity -Female sexual liberation Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

We dive into the Western Esoteric Tradition, how its shaped our stories, symbols, and secret societies. From the Knights Templar to Beyonce as a member of the Illuminati, we traverse centuries of history and question fact vs conspiracy. Topics covered: -The origins of secret societies in the Western Esoteric Tradition -Its relation to Dark Academia as a genre of fiction: Babel by RF Kuang, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, Harry Potter -The history of the Freemasons and what we know about their practices today -The Anti-Masonic party and the pushback against secret societies -The Knights Templar and their potential ties to the Masons -The history of the Illuminati and modern conspiracy theories -How secret societies relate to modern Greek fraternities, Phi Beta Kappa -The history of secret societies at universities, and how the Skull and Bones society at Yale has changed over time -Research on in group, out group psychology in relation to empathy vs apathy Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

Are men and women drifting further apart in their views on the world? After living on the girlie side of the internet for so long, Jennifer & Lucy dip their toes into male-coded media and experience its wildly different messaging. Topics covered: -Male-coded media personalities and their similarities/differences: Joe Rogan, Andrew Huberman, David Goggins, Jocko Willink -Stoicism as a predominately male philosophy -Should art be separated from the artist? -Parasocial relationships and how celebrities become role models -Media echo chambers and how reading fiction helps us develop empathy -Female-coded media personalities and their similarities/differences: Alex Cooper of Call Her Daddy, Binchtopia, Brene Brown, Glennon Doyle -The differences between male-coded and female-coded content and messaging -How the genders are drifting apart -Gender socialization and gender as a construct Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

Jennifer shares the experience of her first panic attack (+ involuntary grippy sock vacation), and we investigate what causes panic attacks and what you can do when faced with one. Topics covered: -How to recognize a panic attack -What to do when experiencing one -The types of panic attacks: depersonalization/derealization, cardiac, and respiratory -The biomechanisms causing fight or flight -How you can control (and let go of control) when it comes to panic attacks -The relationship between panic disorder and depression -How panic disorder differs between men and women Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

Why does it feel so hard to have fun as an adult? And based on our feed, is everyone having it or is no one...👀 We look into fun as a business, fun for our health, and why/if the fun isn’t funning anymore. Topics covered: -Key elements of fun: playfulness, connection, and flow -How you can have more fun -The commodification of fun: party coaches, corporate team events, fun as an industry -The performance of fun for social media -The impact of fun on mental and physical health -The importance of close friends as well as a large network of acquaintances -Younger generations are lonelier than ever -Shifting perceptions of fun in the 1900s -Changes in how Americans spend time since the 1960s -How Americans spend time compared to the rest of the world Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

We share the stories of four female founders we admire. From construction to candy, VC-backed to self-funded, they cover a wide spectrum of ways to build a business. Topics covered: -The myth of the young founder in Silicon Valley -Different paths to found companies—venture capital vs angel investors vs bootstrapping -Alternative exit strategies—acquisition, private equity -How female founders lead differently -Lucy Guo and her companies, Scale AI and Passes -Kristine Locker and her startup Locker, a shoppable Pinterest -Tracey Young’s $875M exit for PlanGrid and her new startup TigerEye -Tara Bosch developing and selling SmartSweets

What’s the difference between an expat and a migrant? In this episode we explore the global impact of digital nomads and tourists, the community cost of airbnbs, and third-wave gentrification while unpacking our own experiences as expats. Topics covered: -Why are some groups labeled expats while others are migrants? -Media portrayals vs our own experience as expats -The rise of digital nomads -Displacement of local populations -The 3 waves of gentrification -The billionaire class and investment properties -The issue with Airbnb -NYC’s changing response to gentrification -Voluntourism and the ethics of being a tourist Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

The girls chat girl dinner, girl math, and the girlification of womanhood. Is Lucy secretly a clean girl? And wth is a blueberry girl? Topics covered: - Does the use of “girl” infantilize women? (spoiler: we think not) - The changing connotations of womanhood & girlhood - Cultural origins of the use of “girl” - Girl internet & memes: girl dinner, girl math, girl hobbies, girl aesthetics - Coquette and girlhood nostalgia - Corporatization of the girl trend - Modern girlhood and the influence of social media - Sephora preteens - Building community and togetherness Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

We each take personality tests and have some unexpected results. Is Jennifer actually likely to commit a crime of passion? 🔪 We dive into the history of personality tests, if there’s any science behind them, and why we’re all obsessed with categorizing ourselves. Topics covered: -The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) -The Enneagram personality test -The Big Five personality test -The Feelings Wheel -How factors in our life (gender, socioeconomic status, birth order) affect our personality -Do our personalities change over time, and can we change them intentionally? -Why we like to categorize ourselves and ties to astrology and divination, tarot Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

Why does becoming a mother feel harder than ever? We reveal our inner turmoil, unpack our fears, and try to understand what’s got us so jaded. Topics covered: -Frameworks to decide if you want to become a mother -Portrayals of motherhood in the media -The lifestyle considerations of motherhood -Why America’s healthcare system and birthing process hurts the mother-infant bond -The rise of the trad wife and desire for the soft life among young women -What happens when a country’s population declines -Ways other countries have the edge when it comes to supporting mothers -The science behind the “geriatric pregnancy” at 35—is the cut-off accurate? Other episodes referenced in this one: Girlbossing Too Close to the Sun Is Gilmore Girls America dead?

Roses are red 🌹, violets are blue 💙, is monogamy dead or is love still true? We share a bit about our romantic lives and dive into how to find your perfect match, making love last, and the evolution of marriage. Topics covered: -Biologically, what makes us feel love? -Marriage as an economic proposition and marriage for romance -How can we make love last? (research from The Gottman Institute) -Early predictors of divorce -Conflict management in couples -The history of human evolution in relation to monogamy and marriage -Dating apps and the modern love landscape -The New York Times 36 Questions to Fall in Love -Polyamory and ethical non-monogamy Sources & transcript available to anyone at our ⁠Patreon⁠ ❤️

Happy Lunar New Year! This is the year of the dragon 🐲 and not just because of Fourth Wing. Lucy shares her cultural heritage, and we explore the surprising intersections of the Chinese and Western Zodiacs, trying a bit of divination for ourselves. Topics covered: -Traditions and foods associated with Chinese New Year -The Chinese Zodiac and the sexagenary cycle (60 year time system that combines the 12 zodiac animals with 5 elements and also yin and yang -How the Chinese Zodiac and the Western Zodiac was developed -The math and science behind the Western Zodiac -Significance of entering the Age of Aquarius -Zodiac compatibility -We share our Western and Chinese Zodiac signs/charts

We talk girlboss culture, the rise, the fall, and those of us left in its wake, feeling burnt out and lost. This was actually the first episode we ever recorded! 🫢

Gilmore girlies anyone? Lucy, a huge fan of the show, and Jennifer, who has somehow escaped its gravitational pull, chat about the life portrayed in Stars Hollow, whether its the last remnant of a bygone era or if there’s still hope for us to find that close knit community and a job that takes care of us. Topics covered: -The vision of America portrayed in Gilmore Girls -What jobs were like for our parents’ generation -The plight of millennials and why we have less wealth than previous generations -IBM’s cradle to grave culture in the 1960s -Layoffs and the shift in corporate culture -The decline of third spaces and community post COVID -Differences in community within large cities like NYC and mid-size cities like Nashville

We get meta and talk about what the passion economy is, who’s participating in it (including us), and the sinister side of monetizing attention. Topics covered: -The rise of the passion economy -Venture investors profiting from the passion economy -Platforms that support creators (Patreon, Substack, Pietra) -How much money successful creators can make -The sinister side of the passion economy, MLMs -What it takes to make it as an influencer -Is being an influencer all that it’s made out to be

We get a little Freudian and talk science-backed dream analysis, what it means when you dream about your teeth falling out, and how our dream life can affect our waking life. Topics covered: - Why we dream, psychological and biological purpose - REM sleep & memory consolidation - How to remember dreams better - Lucid dreaming & triggering lucid dreams - History of dream psychoanalysis (Freud, Carl Jung, Calvin Hall, Robert Van de Castle) - Dream analysis theory, 20th century psychology - Structural Dream Analysis - Most common dreams across cultures - Scientific meaning of specific dreams and symbols