More Better with Stephanie & Melissa

Stephanie has Gouda. Melissa has Rosie. Here at More Better we believe that every human should have a familiar. On today’s episode, our animal-loving heroines discuss all things pets. From their childhood fish and bonkers orange cats (IYKYK), thoughts on dog fashion, that one time that Melissa got really into the Cesar Millan training thing, that other time that Steph dyed her dog Banjo’s tail blue, to the pain of losing your soul dog — they get into ALL of the details of being a pet owner. Their main takeaway? Wipe your dog’s butt after a walk. Trust us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Tis the season for reunions! Picture it now: Catching up with your hometown friends at the cozy local dive on Thanksgiving Eve, making small talk with Tía Mari on Noche Buena en La Sala while decked out in your living room best, running into the inventor of Post-Its at your high school reunion and performing a meticulously choreographed dance to “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper in the middle of the dance floor. Are you ready for it? On this week’s episode, Steph shares hot goss about her own dramatic and satisfying high school reunion, Melissa agonizes about whether she’ll attend her 25th this year, and they both discuss the family gatherings they’re a li’l stressed about planning PLUS! The agony and the ecstasy of confronting past versions of yourself while reconciling them with the new and improved you. Happy reunion season, More Betties! We are so very thankful for you. And don’t forget to ask for the business woman special out there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays are coming, which means…(drumroll, trumpet, orchestral music)... PACKING SEASON!! The More Better gals get into it about packing cubes, pre-trip outfit try-ons, and tricks to avoid forgetting your damn toothbrush. Melissa reveals an essential hack for busy traveling parents, a dedicated dirty laundry suitcase, and Stephanie shares her personal distaste for backpacks (ruin the line of her jacket, she could never!). Whether you love packing or hate it, Stephanie and Melissa can commiserate. Wait, did you remember your charger?!?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been in a cult? (Are you sure?) Are Disney Adults in a cult? What about Serious Coffee People? How obsessed with Mother God are you? On today’s episode, Stephanie and Melissa discuss all of the cults and cult-ish groups they’ve encountered in their lives, share which ones they surprisingly found themselves a part of and strategize about how to more better avoid cults in the future. Especially the TikTok dancing variety. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A good haircut can change your whole personality. Picture this: You walk out of the salon with a c*nty little wolf-bob-mullet and suddenly the skies are bluer than they've ever been, the birds are chirping AT you and you feel like you can take on the world. A bad haircut? Well, that can ruin your life in an instant. On today’s episode, Stephanie and Melissa discuss the science and poetry of getting a haircut. Do you bring reference photos? Or let the stylist take the reins? Are you a small talk in the chair person? And if you see disaster looming in the mirror, do you speak up? Or are you more of a people pleaser? Steph shares about the elusive Best Haircut Of Her Life and Mel tells tales of A Bad Bob. Plus, they dig into the spiritual and cultural significance of hair. Also — Should Melissa grow out her grey streak? Sound off in our inbox! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How long do you think you could survive in a zombie apocalypse? One minute? One week? One year? Forever? This week, in honor of the spookiest of holidays, Stephanie and Melissa discuss how to become more better at existing in a hypothetical world riddled with the living dead. Join our sort-of fearless hosts as they discuss their favorite zombie movies, ponder about which vehicle would mow down hoards of brain-eaters the most effectively and debate the extremely important question: Would you rather fight one zombie horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized zombies? Plus, we get into the origin of the modern George Romero zombie, rooted in Haitian Vodou. Happy Halloween! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How would your proudest relative describe you? Is that the same way you describe yourself? What is the story that you're telling yourself… and the world? On today’s episode Stephanie and Melissa welcome their dear friend, the multitalented Gloria Calderón Kellett to discuss storytelling with authenticity. The ladies share about moments in their lives in which they showed up authentically as themselves, their work as creatives and all of the surprising ways that those two things intersect. Plus — are heels and thongs tools of the patriarchy? Or tools for cutie outfits and against swampiness? Talk amongst yourselves… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thigh high boots? Check. Plaid shirt? Check. Big ass hat? Check. Yes, it’s that time of year again... Christian Girl Autumn. Er- Pumpkin Spice Season. Er- Lenny Kravitz in a Humongous Scarf Time. Wait no… it’s fall. And how does one properly *do* fall? This week, Stephanie and Melissa discuss the ever-growing prominence of Fall Culture and the joys and pressures to really make the most of this fleeting season. Are you doing fall right? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bodies. We all got ‘em. We all have a unique relationship with our own. And Stephanie and Melissa aren’t any different. This week, MB listener Joetta sends us a voice note asking how she can be more better at loving her body the way that it is. From crackling knees to giving birth to late-in-life feet growth to the pressures of body image — our always genuine hosts open up about their personal experiences with having a body. Content warning: this episode includes discussions of body image, food, pregnancy, and physical changes that some listeners may find sensitive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hiiiieeeee More Better fam! We need your help to win FOUR Signal Awards. We’re super excited to share that More Better with Stephanie and Melissa is a finalist in FOUR categories: Best Comedy Episode (for "Vindication!" with Chelsea Peretti), Advice & How To, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, AND Buddy Podcast! This means so much to our whole team, and it's an incredible opportunity to share our show with new listeners. Here's how to vote: 1. Go to https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting 2. Search for "More Better” 3. Vote for us in ALL FOUR categories (there's a Listener's Choice Award in each one!) 4. Voting closes October 9th. If you've enjoyed listening, please take a couple minutes to cast your votes. Thank you for being the best community ever! 💛 xoxo Producer Isis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beep beep, delivery! Someone’s at the pod door and it’s… YOU! Welcome to the very first mailbag episode of season dos. On today’s episode, the ladies read (and listen to) your many sweet, funny, vulnerable and spicy letters for them. From heartbreak to insecurities to top secret hot goss that we had to bleep the names out of, there’s SO much to dig into. Steph shares how Elaine Benes influenced her career, Mel gives her tips on how to *~*~*stay present*~*~* and defeat the dark thoughts and the ladies react in real time to an oil painting of Rosa Diaz on listener Annabel’s queer altar. (Gorg!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a “girl's girl”? Is it wiping a stranger's tears in the bathroom, helping her block her ex’s number and then lending her your lip gloss? Does it mean agreeing with every woman you’ve ever met (or haven’t met), on every subject, no matter what it is? Or is it as simple as stepping off another girl’s couple if you’re a contestant on Love Island? Inspired by the Huda of it all, Stephanie and Melissa dive into what it really means to be a “girl's girl” in this day and age, and whether they claim that label for themselves. Also, what ever happened to “girl code”? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decisions… decisions… Hot coffee or iced coffee? New York or LA? Stephanie or Melissa? *Air horn sound* Trick question. Obviously the answer is both. And they’re back! For another season of More Better. On the inaugural episode of season two, our self-improvement heroines discuss the skill of making decisions. From the challenge of big life choices to picking what shoes to wear in the morning, making decisions is a fundamental part of what makes us human. And sometimes, one of the trickiest. But don’t you dare suggest that Stephanie try journaling. Seriously. Get outta here with that nonsense. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie and Melissa are back with an all new season of "More Better." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wilmer and Freddy sit down with actress, director, and podcast host Melissa Fumero to talk about her career journey from soap operas to Brooklyn 99. Melissa shares stories from early in her career, including meeting her husband on set and finding her comedic voice. They dive into the challenges of press tours, staying fresh in the industry, and the thrill of directing shows like Primo and Gordita Chronicles. It’s a conversation full of laughs, insight, and behind-the-scenes gems. “Dos Amigos” is a comedic and insightful podcast hosted by two friends who’ve journeyed through Hollywood and life together. Wilmer Valderrama and Freddy Rodriguez push through the noise of everyday life and ruminate on a bevy of topics through fun and daring, and occasionally a third amigo joins the mix! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of their chat with Melissa Fumero, Wilmer and Freddy dig into friendship, advice, and Melissa’s podcast More Better. Melissa opens up about sharing culture with her kids, staying connected with castmates, and finding joy in new roles. The tables turn as Wilmer and Freddy each ask Melissa for advice on how they can be “more better” in their own lives. It’s an honest and heartfelt episode about growth, connection, and leaning on your amigos. “Dos Amigos” is a comedic and insightful podcast hosted by two friends who’ve journeyed through Hollywood and life together. Wilmer Valderrama and Freddy Rodriguez push through the noise of everyday life and ruminate on a bevy of topics through fun and daring, and occasionally a third amigo joins the mix! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, this is it. For the past 40 episodes we’ve gathered here wherever you listen to podcasts to laugh, to cry, and to become un poquito más mejor. On the season one finale of More Better, Stephanie and Melissa continue the Listener Mailbag Extravaganza Bonanza. In celebration of you, our lovely listeners and community, Steph and Mel are once again reading your messages, listening to your cutie little voice notes and answering some rapid-fire questions. There may be tears. And farts jokes. Okay. See you later. Byeeeeeee! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buckle up, More Better-ettes, because today we’re kicking off our two-part season finale. We’ve been reading your e-mails, comments and DMs all year and are dedicating our last two episodes to YOU! This week, Stephanie and Melissa are reading your messages, looking at pictures of your pets and answering some rapid-fire questions. After all’s said and done, Stephanie may just have an existential crisis and become a full-blown horse girl. See you next week for the season finale! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is reality TV rotting our minds or providing community? Are you more of a Scheana or an Ariana? Do you remember where you were when New York made her TV debut on Flavor of Love? What’s your Real Housewives tagline? Today, Stephanie, a self-proclaimed reality TV superfan and Melissa, definitely not that, discuss the genre’s history, impact and most iconic moments. In the end, Melissa learns what Scandoval is, Stephanie considers watching Alone for the survival skills and we learn to look at reality TV stars through the lens of Les Mis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to do when you’re about to marry the love of your life and your family ACTUALLY speaks now and do not forever hold their peace? This week, Stephanie and Melissa read an email from listener Rachel, who is having trouble navigating the fact that she and her now husband come from completely different cultures. Steph and Mel share their experiences and thoughts on how to navigate multicultural families — and they quote Bon Jovi along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.