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In this episode of Laughing Through the Uncomfortable, Julie and Jeff go back to Jeff’s college experience—living in the dorms during COVID, navigating social cues, and trying to build friendships in a world that suddenly made connection… complicated.

From scented candles and RA run-ins, to awkward roommates, unexpected “bodyguard duty,” and the emotional reality of being left out, this conversation gets real about what it feels like to try to belong when you experience the world a little differently.

They reflect on feelings of exclusion, the importance of friendships, and the lessons learned from these experiences, ultimately highlighting personal growth and the need for kindness in social interactions.

If you’ve ever felt like you were trying harder than everyone else to connect—or like you didn’t quite fit the mold—this episode will hit home.

Listen in and laugh with us through the uncomfortable.

takeaways

• COVID stripped away social interactions for many students.
• Living in dorms can be challenging due to differing personalities.
• Building confidence is essential in social settings.
• Age differences can complicate relationships in college.
• Feeling excluded can impact one's self-esteem.
• It's important to engage with others and break the ice.
• Friendships can be formed through shared experiences.
• Understanding social cues is crucial in group dynamics.
• Personal growth often comes from uncomfortable situations.
• Kindness and inclusivity should be prioritized in social interactions.

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Dating is hard. Dating after COVID is weirder. Dating on apps—when you’re also trying to decode unspoken rules about texting, timing, and “not looking needy”—can feel like a full-time job.

In Episode 5, Julie and her son Jeff get real about:

• Why “reading the room” is hard enough… and reading the digital room is worse
• The texting games people play (and why Jeff refuses to play them)
• Ghosting, red flags, and learning the hard way what to walk away from
• The moment a group of women told Jeff he sounded “too nice” — and why that hit deep
• What Jeff actually wants: something simple, steady, and real… and why that seems “boring” to some people

It’s funny, blunt, and unexpectedly heartfelt—especially if you’ve ever been labeled “too much,” “too nice,” or “not mysterious enough.”

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In this episode, we talk honestly about what it’s like to grow up neurodivergent in a system built for one kind of learner. From being labeled “lazy” or “unmotivated” to quietly carrying the belief that something must be wrong with you, we unpack the moments school missed — and the impact that still lingers into adulthood.

This isn’t a teacher-bashing conversation. It’s a real one.
About effort without understanding.
About kids trying their best without the language to explain why it wasn’t working.
And about what changes when we finally name the difference between not trying and not being supported.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood in school — as a student, a parent, or an educator — this conversation is for you.

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In this episode of Laughing Through the Uncomfortable, Jeff and Julie welcome special guests Ben and Katie to talk about what really happens when family lives together as adults.

What starts as a practical decision, in saving money after college; quickly becomes a crash course in boundaries, communication, neurodivergence, and emotional growth. From moldy bread and grocery-store blind spots to sensory sensitivities and difficult conversations, this episode explores how good intentions can still lead to tension and how honesty, patience, and love can bring people closer.

Together, they unpack:

• The difference between being roommates vs. being family
• How neurodivergence shows up in daily life and shared spaces
• Why hard conversations matter (and how to have them without burning bridges)
• The role of siblings, partners, and protectors in growth and independence
• What everyone learned by navigating discomfort instead of avoiding it

This episode is for anyone who has ever lived with family, moved in with others, struggled to communicate needs, or grown through uncomfortable—but necessary—change. Because no one has it all figured out… and sometimes the best way forward is to laugh through it together.

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In this episode of Laughing Through the Uncomfortable, Julie and her son Jeff continue the conversation about social connection—what it means to be “social,” why interactions can feel unexpectedly hard, and how misunderstandings happen when communication styles don’t align.

Jeff shares what it’s like to feel overwhelmed in everyday settings: tracking the conversation, filtering background noise, reading cues, and trying to respond—all at the same time. Julie reflects on how common this experience can be, even for people who don’t talk about it, and why naming what’s happening matters more than “fixing” it.

Together, they explore how social skills can be built through practice—sometimes by intentionally stepping into uncomfortable situations—and how humor, awareness, and curiosity can help create more genuine connection.

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In this inaugural episode of 'Laughing Through the Uncomfortable', Julie and her son Jeff explore the complexities of social interactions, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating relationships. They discuss the importance of feeling connected in a disconnected world, share personal anecdotes about uncomfortable social situations, and reflect on how friendships evolve over time. The conversation emphasizes the value of self-awareness and learning from experiences, setting the stage for future episodes that will delve deeper into these themes.

Takeaways

The podcast originated from a desire to address common social issues.
Julie prefers giving advice from a maternal perspective rather than from her sons.
Many people struggle with social cues and feeling comfortable in various situations.
Self-awareness is crucial in recognizing one's discomfort in social settings.
Friendships can change significantly over time, often cycling every seven years.
It's important to learn from uncomfortable experiences and grow from them.
Julie and Jeff emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence in conversations.
Navigating social interactions can be overwhelming, especially in crowded environments.
The podcast aims to create a sense of community and connection among listeners.
Humor can be a powerful tool in dealing with uncomfortable situations.