This episode breaks down the idea of third spaces—the places outside of home and work where community naturally forms. We talk about why these spaces matter, how they’ve faded in modern life, and what their loss means for loneliness and connection. From cafés and parks to digital hangouts, we explore what makes a space truly communal and how we can start rebuilding places that foster belonging again.

We're calling Season 2 a wrap and are taking a Fall & Holiday Break. We'll be back with Season 3 on January 13th, so be sure to set a calendar reminder. Send us a message if you've got a topic you'd like us to discuss. We're already working on a couple, but we always appreciate listener input.

We explore the fascinating difference between maximizers—those who strive to make the absolute best choice in every decision—and satisficers—those who are content with “good enough.” We dive into how these two mindsets shape everything from career decisions and relationships to daily habits like choosing what to eat or buy. Maximizers may enjoy the pursuit of perfection but often face decision fatigue, anxiety, and second-guessing. Satisficers, on the other hand, tend to experience more contentment and peace, even if their choices aren’t technically “optimal.” Through real-life examples and research insights, we discuss how to recognize which side you lean toward, the pros and cons of each style, and practical ways to find balance.

If you've got a cell phone or tablet, you've probably spent a lot of time just scrolling, what some would call doom scrolling. Adrian talks about her latest activity, which is "Good Scrolling", an intentional way to use the device to bring positivity to herself and to others.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful role expectations play in our daily lives—both the ones we place on ourselves and the ones we carry for others. Unmet expectations can lead to disappointment, conflict, and frustration, but managed wisely, they can set us up for peace, motivation, and clarity. We’ll explore practical strategies for setting realistic expectations, communicating them effectively, and handling letdowns with grace. Whether it’s in relationships, work, or personal goals, learning to manage expectations can help us reduce stress and increase satisfaction.

Encouragement might sound simple, but it’s one of the most powerful tools we have in relationships. Whether it's family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers, a little encouragement goes a long way in strengthening those bonds.

We often use the words sympathy, empathy, and compassion interchangeably -but they’re not the same. By knowing the difference, we can transform how we connect with others.

In a culture obsessed with hustle, rest is often mistaken for laziness. But true rest is not just a break - it's a vital component of productivity, creativity, and mental well-being.