2025 is officially here, and in this week’s episode, Val and Emerson are talking all about how to kick off the new year with compassionate self-discipline, instead of the often toxic #newyearnewme mentality.

This episode covers:

• 03:42 - Tea & Crumpets: Emerson is getting creative with her iPad and Val finally started watching Nobody Wants This.
• 08:03 - The Lore: After extreme stress due to caring for aging parents, a woman had a bizarre immune reaction that showed her very tangibly that she needed a fresh start.
• 11:50 - The DSM: The #NewYearNewMe culture historically isn’t working for the vast majority of people, why doesn’t it work and what CAN work instead!
• 32:56 - Now That’s What I Call…OKAAAAY
• 34:01 - Em Pick: “New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift
• 36:32 - Val Pick: “Yes and More Please” by Fia
• 37:32 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix
• Val’s pick: Minnesota Summer Camp for HIV-Positive Kids Closes Down— [dramatic pause] Because There Aren’t Any More”
• Em’s pick: Woman collects and reunites families with their photographs lost to Hurricane Helene

Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Practice of Groundedess: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul
• Brad Stulberg
• Kristin Neff’s self compassion work
• New Year’s Day by Taylor Swift
• Yes and More Please by Fia
• Minnesota Summer Camp for HIV-Positive Kids Closes Down— [dramatic pause] Because There Aren’t Any More
• Woman collects and reunites families with their photographs lost to Hurricane Helene

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