Millennial: Pretend Adulting, Real Talk

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast We’re serving up real talk (WTF-style) about some of the latest weird health stories hitting the airwaves . From ticks that turn people vegan to whether owning a dog is bad for the planet, we’re digging into the bizarre headlines of the week. Andrew reveals his latest (real cause he's not a poser) collectible, and we unpack Vox’s list of the 25 pieces of culture that define the last 25 years. Does Harry Potter, Drag Race, Ramen, or The Eras Tour deserve the top spot? Plus, we add our own picks to the list, and debate listeners’ favorites. As always, we've got the best recommendations covered for you: BarProducts.com (Andrew), South Park season 27 (Laura), and creative reuse centers for all you crafters (Pam). And in this week's installment of After Dark: we've got some piping hot tea that can only live behind the paywall. How to approach a friend or family member who has their priorities waaaaaay out of whack. We're not therapists, but you know we have opinions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast This week we’re unpacking the political drama swirling around Newsom’s latest moves, Trump’s House seat strategy, and what the gerrymandering tug-of-war could mean for key states ahead of the 2026 midterms. Are Newsom’s GCN-signed tweets winning us over, or just adding fuel to the fire? Then, we dive into the bizarrely cute world of Labubu, the creepy, bunny-eared collectible that’s taken over TikTok, shot Pop Mart into Disney-level territory, and even sold for $200K at auction. Why are these “ugly cute” figurines so addictive, and what does it take for us to buy into a craze? As always, we have recommendations for y'all! Flip 7 card game (Andrew), checking your voter registration status (Laura), and Nescafe Gold Espresso (Pam). And in this week's installment of After Dark, Andrew relives the infamous Great Vegas Flood and SHARES HIS TRUTH! Do grudges ever really expire, and what is the statute of limitations for being pissed at someone for making a genuine mistake? Opinions and messiness abound... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast Real talk y'all: this week we're busting the myth about Instagram's new Map feature. No, it's not sharing your live location by default, so take a rest from those social media chain letters. We're also pouring one out for AOL Dial-Up: believe it or not, 1% of US internet users were still relying on this! Plus: Trump’s authoritarian move to federalize the police force in D.C., and the implications that move has for first amendment rights. We also tackle the latest CDC data showing the U.S. fertility rate has hit a historic low. What’s behind the drop, and why are politicians and pronatalists freaking out? We unpack the cultural, economic, and personal reasons more people are choosing to go child-free, and the absurdity of thinking. that restricting access to healthcare and a bigger tax credit can fix it all. It's a TV-centric recommendations kinda week: ABC Summer Games (Andrew), 'Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time' on Hulu/Disney+ (Laura), and 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' on Starz (Pam). And in this week's installment of After Dark: Inspired by our findings in the main show that Instagram's new Maps feature is not sharing your location by default, we're asking ourselves... how much info is TOO much info to share? Location sharing may be a modern convenience, but it's also inspiring friend group drama and a ton of privacy fails. Should we be more deeply concerned about how much we're willing to share (and stalk) via location apps? And right on cue, a revelation is made on air that creates jealousy on the panel re: location sharing. Oops! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Millennial, we’re diving into the Sydney Sweeney/American Eagle controversy- did the internet overreact to a cheeky jeans pun, or was there something deeper at play rooted in eugenics? We unpack the backlash, AE’s response, and Trump’s weirdly horny support (is that why he was sundowning on the White House roof?). Are brands like American Eagle even relevant anymore, or are we just getting old? Per usual, we have some great recs on tap: TrumpsTruth.org to peek in on President poopy pants without needing a Truth Social account (Andrew), ‘Sinners’ on HBO Max (Laura), and ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ on Netflix (Pam). In After Dark, we’re digging into what millennials say they waste the most money on: plants, tech, booze, even… cocaine?Plus we debate whether these spends are truly wasteful or just misunderstood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast We're kicking off the show this week by celebrating satire (we see you Trey and Matt Parker) and exploring the tea behind the new Tea app, which allows women to anonymously review their exes. Is it genius or going too far? We talk about its safety features, its recent data breaches, and whether public reviews of your ex should really be a thing. Plus, Laura unpacks the deadpan 'Gen Z stare' that's freaking anyone over the age of 30 out. Is it apathy, anxiety, or just boundaries? And speaking of generational clashes, we tackle the phone etiquette war: Gen Z doesn't say “hello” anymore... should we be offended by the deadpan stares and awkward breathing on the other end of a phone call? And we're never gonna leave you hanging on the recommendations front: Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2 (Andrew), 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' (Laura), and Netflix's 'Building the Band' (Pam). In this week's installment of After Dark, we're diving into Uber’s new feature letting women match only with women drivers, plus sharing our wildest Uber horror stories. From drivers taking alternate routes (creepy) to trying to pressure riders into hook ups, our panel (and our Patrons) have seen it all. But Andrew may be the only one of us to ever receive a shoulder massage from an Uber passenger... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast This week, we're celebrating Pam's recent birthday, and oops, Laura forgot to send birthday greetings on the actual day. How much value we place on birthday wishes from friends? Do they actually matter, or is it the thought (or the public shoutout) that counts? From there, we dive into a new study revealing a generational shift in how success is defined: younger folks are prioritizing mental and physical health above wealth, status, or career, with relationships, personal growth, and flexibility ranking higher than ever before. We open up about how our priorities have shifted over time, and a common link is when our mental health wasn't in a good place, we knew we needed to make lifestyle changes and have better boundaries with work. What is with the American cultural obsession with upward mobility? We discuss a few examples of other countries where it seems like work/life balance is much healthier. This week's recommendations are Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Andrew), The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart (Laura), and Color Wow Dream Coat (Pam). And in this week's installment of After Dark, we're inspired by that cheating CEO/HR director pair at the Coldplay concert to spill some juicy deets about cheating couples we've known who also told on themselves. From getting tagged during a night out after lying about working to backroom hookups caught on camera, we live for the tea. Social media has made it easier than ever to catch people in a lie, and we share personal stories (and a few laughs) about how the truth always seems to come out... sometimes thanks to LinkedIn, Snapchat, or a poorly timed tag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast This week's episode is alllll about the listener feedback! From TSA’s new shoe-free policy (PreCheck veterans, this one’s for you) to the unfolding drama around the unreleased Epstein files and MAGA’s internal meltdowns, we break down what’s real, what’s performative, and what it all might mean. Listeners weigh in on everything from NASA budget cuts buried in the Big Ugly Bill, to revenge spells, "buy the bride/birthday boy a drink" Venmo culture, the difference between friends made in school versus friends later in life, and headphone etiquette in public places. Plus, we cover feedback around bookstore protests of a certain children's book author and ICE’s impact on one teacher's students. As always, we've got you covered with our best recommendations: "Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix (Andrew), Naturium's Glow Getter oil-based body wash (Laura), and ‘Nickle and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America’ by Barbara Ehrenreich (Pam). In After Dark, it’s your wildest travel horror stories: pickpockets, $1K flight rebooks, food poisoning, cursed buses, lost luggage, and one especially awkward airport fight. It’s a chaotic ride, but at least you can keep your shoes on now... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast This week, we dedicate a few minutes to breaking down what’s actually in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” and when it all goes into effect, because spoiler alert: not everything is happening right away, and some of the so-called perks have built-in expiration dates. From SNAP changes and new work requirements to the temporary "no tax on tips and OT" provision (yes, there’s a cap and it won’t hit your wallet until tax season), we lay out what starts now, what kicks in later, and what quietly sunsets by 2028. But when we're not thinking about healthcare, we're thinking about the things we can do to keep ourselves sane, like going to concerts! Sabrina Carpenter got some attention recently for her thoughts about banning phones at concerts. Could this be the future of live music? We’re not so sure. And Andrew unpacks a viral story about a San Francisco bookstore pulling Harry Potter from its shelves over JK Rowling being, you know, shitty. Is this an extension of the banned books movement—or something else entirely? And in this week's installment of After Dark: Andrew overcame his fear and did something his past self would have n.e.v.e.r done! What do to about neighbors who don't take responsibility for shared property? We all have some personal gripes about neighbors - is Laura weird for not welcoming new neighbors when they move in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast We kick off this week's show with updates about the GOP Big Beautiful Bullshit bill being passed in the Senate, and why we all need to be calling our House Representatives NOW. Plus a delicious recession indicator. Our main story is about the surge of new online trends and what they say about us: Etsy Witches, buy the bride/grad a drink, and AI generated historical POV videos. We debate the reasons each of these trends are soaring (and why people are spending a lot of money on them). Is it tacky to advertise your bachelorette trip and venmo QR code for cash from strangers? What guardrails need to be in place for AI generated historical "video" content, and are we about to get cursed by the Etsy Witches?! And in this week's installment of After Dark: A Gemini, a Cancer, and a Sagittarius decide to start a podcast... We look to astrology to see if it's able to accurately describe our friendship and work together on the pod. Be gentle, our star charts are making us self-conscious... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast This week, we kick things off with a new segment, Insane Recession Indicators: HVAC companies running panic sales ahead of tariffs(?) Sara Lee selling half-loaves of bread, and Vegas casinos offering locals wild perks we haven’t seen in years (free parking? we don't know her). Oh, and the U.S. maybe getting involved in a military conflict with Iran. No biggie, right...? Then... do you think you know how to behave in public? The conversation about how social behaviors are evolving continues, and this week we're pondering whether people are ruder since COVID. Are people actually getting ruder, or are we just filming it more? We break down top public pet peeves, from blasting music to smoking in public, and share what we think belongs on the list. Spoiler: not picking up your dog’s poop is still a top-tier offense. Recs this week:🎭 Andrew – The Rehearsal S2 on HBO Max👑 Laura – Blue Prince available on Steam🧼 Pam – Lume deodorant After Dark for Patrons + Apple Podcast subscribers: Andrew has unearthed a particularly shitty interaction with our OG "boss" from 2007, so you know a dramatic reading is in order. Then we talk about the awkwardness involved with lending/borrowing money. What is the right social etiquette, and we share our own stories where we learned this lesson the hard way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast This week we're pouring one out for the Musk/Trump love affair. Yes, Laura was wrong about how that would play out -- but the real drama is unfolding in LA, where the Trump administration is intentionally fueling the fire to justify military overreach. Then we dive into summer movie madness: AMC is adding even more trailers and commercials, so how are we supposed to know when to show up?? Plus, Pam leads a thoughtful convo on transactional friendships and the unwritten rules of modern social favors—like driving a friend to the airport or staying at their place. Are we keeping score, or is it just love? Per usual, we have recommendations on tap for y'all: Nintendo Switch 2 if you've been on the fence (Andrew), 'Andor' on Disney+ (Laura), and 'Overcompensating' on Amazon Prime (Pam). And in this week's installment of After Dark: We have a bone to pick over a few examples of of people who take advantage of favors but never return them. If staying at a someone's home, should guests make an effort to socialize? And how far is too far to ask a friend to allllways drive? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast This week, we're wondering why Delta decided to start Pride month out by making delayed passengers a captive audience for a Moana singalong. Yes, a kid really sang How Far I’ll Go over the plane’s PA. Cute or chaos? We debate why the crew—and her parents—let it happen. Then Andrew breaks down Tinder’s new height preference feature. Is it just personal taste or a problematic bias? We talk born-this-way dealbreakers, our own dating app filters, and read listener submissions—from height rules to anti-back-hair policies. And Pam brings us a shiny blast from the past: Lancôme’s new Juicy Tubes ad campaign, starring 2000s icons like Paris Hilton and Hilary Duff. We get into nostalgic scents, teen status symbols, and why some of us (*cough*Laura*cough*) love smelling like vanilla. Don't sleep on this week's recommendations: Noise Cancelling headphones (like AirPods Pro or Max) for peace and quiet next time your flight is delayed (Andrew), 'Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders' on Netflix (Laura), and Dossier to find the best luxury fragrance dupes (Pam). And in this week's installment of After Dark: When is it too soon to move in together? We share cautionary tales about love, logistics, and one (very) messy ex. What are the things that are most important to know about a partner before moving in together? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast This week, we’re diving into two headline-dominating trials with friend of the show John Thrasher (check out his podcast Martinis and Murder, and his Twitch channel), the cultural obsession with true crime, and the emergence of LawTube. With cases against Sean "Diddy" Combs and Karen Read underway, public interest in these kinds of high profile trials is at an all-time high. So we explore LawTube’s crossover with true crime fandom, the appeal of watching legal commentary for entertainment, and whether these influencers are trustworthy sources. Plus, we talk about CNN’s Jake Tapper dropping his new book Original Sin, which claims there was a coordinated cover-up of President Biden’s cognitive decline—just days before Biden revealed a serious prostate cancer diagnosis. We discuss the ethics and timing of the book’s release, what it says about modern presidential politics, and how the Democratic Party is grappling with these revelations. As always, we've got you covered with our best recommendations: Flasks that look like every day products (Andrew), "Mickey 17" on HBO Max (Laura), Vacation Classic SPF 2-pack (Pam), and Fall Guys (John). And in this week's installment of After Dark, we're revisiting our siblings conversation from a couple of weeks ago to talk about whether or not we're friends with our siblings. Should siblings be besties, and can they get closer in different phases of life? Head over to our Patreon to check it out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast In that your geyser gurgling, or are you just happy to see me? We're being thirst trapped by some of the most awe-inspiring US National Parks. No flight because your summer vacay routing through Newark airport got canceled since we don't have enough air traffic controllers? Consider visiting a national park instead! We talk about the surprisingly wholesome upside of National Parks getting a ton of extra attention, especially in light of proposed budget cuts. PLUS: if you have a disability, including ADHD, you may qualify for a free National Parks all-access pass for life! Also on tap: have we officially hit peak booze? With per capita alcohol consumption at its lowest since the 1960s and non-alcoholic beer sales booming, we unpack what’s driving the shift—and whether we’re all drinking less (or more) than we think. And of course, we name our contenders for this year’s Drink of the Summer (spoiler: mezcal and G&Ts are having a moment). As always, we never let an opportunity to give recommendations pass us by: Corona Sun Brew (Andrew), establishing a good "transition routine" for all the WFH girlies (Laura), and 'The Studio' on Apple TV+ (Pam). And in this week's installment of After Dark: What is it with younger siblings? As older siblings, we discuss some eerie similarities between our younger siblings, and complain about why it always falls on the older siblings to know EVERYTHING! Let us know if you relate! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast Please don't panic buy: we’re tracking the incoming economic storm sparked by the latest tariffs on Chinese goods. When EXACTLY will prices increase and availability drop? We have new reporting that reveals the timeline. If store shelves still look full for now, that’s because products are still making their slow journey across the Pacific—but the ripple effects are just beginning. We also feature a ton of great listener feedback this week, from a slew of Confessionals (#tellusyoursecrets), to follow ups on our recent fitness and "mini retirement" conversations on the show. And you know we'd never leave you without recommendations: Figo pet insurance (Andrew) and the latest season of 'Black Mirror' on Netflix (Laura). And in this week's installment of After Dark, we opened up the floor to Patrons to ask us their most burning questions about MuggleSuck, being child-free by choice, as well as some personal anecdotes that we can only share behind the paywall... Want to tune in? Support us over at Patreon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast Andrew’s neighborhood just got a little gayer—and the HOA sleuth are already at work. Turns out if you buy a house five doors down, our resident HOA Dad will find your wedding video before you’ve unpacked your dishes. Also on tap: We’re officially at Day 100 of The Celebrity President, and the numbers are in—spoiler: it’s giving low energy, low approval, high chaos. We break down executive orders, firings, lawsuits, and… #neverforget 1 dead Pope? Over in Vegas, we're reporting on rumors of ICE stalling new home construction, and we dive into how tariffs might wreck your kid’s Christmas (sorry). Then, fitness expert and #Millennial listener Jeremy joins us for a myth-busting chat about nutrition, fad diets, BMI lies, and how not to get scammed by a shady trainer. As always, we're coming in clutch with the recommendations: “Etoile” on Amazon Prime (Pam), Grace & Stella Under Eye Masks (Andrew), and Liquid IV (Laura). And in this week's installment of After Dark, MuggleSuck is back! We reminisce about the drama surrounding cursed website designs, AIM chat logs, AND a truly insane father-in-law quote you’ll have to hear to believe. Don’t miss After Dark for more MuggleSuck mayhem, passive-aggressive web drama, and some Grade A bad boss delusion. Come for the website politics, stay for the chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are the first 100 days of Trump 2.0 almost over? It’s Day 92 and chaos is in full swing—court drama erupted over the weekend, US citizens are being detained by ICE, and HHS is compiling a list of autistic Americans (uh, what?). But don't worry, we may not be able to fix the world's problems, but we can be a big sis for Gen Z to fill them in on 90's and Y2K lore. Millennials are still tired though, so some of us have started embarking on mini-retirements - but who can actually afford that?? We look at how people are making it work and what the potential consequences are. As always, we've got only the best recommendations for our PALs: 'The Pitt' on MAX (Pam), Monopoly Deal (Andrew), and our What the Hype?! coverage of season 2 of HBO's 'The Last of Us.' And in this week's installment of After Dark available on Patreon: According to Fortune, 61% of employees say they've been backstabbed in their place of work. This week we're sharing some of our own experiences with professional bitchiness, and how we navigate our own co-workers to make sure we don't get thrown under the bus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast We’re at Day 85 of the First 100 Days, and this week we’re diving into Trump’s decision to delay most tariffs by 90 days after intense market pressure—prompting a wave of panic-buying, especially for iPhones and shelf-stable groceries. We break down what’s happening with the end of the De Minimis Exemption (sorry Temu and Shein fans), and the latest wild SCOTUS rulings involving deportations, human rights concerns, and the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 (yep, really). Then we shift gears to talk about recession pop and all the nostalgia it gives us for a... not simpler time, but a time when we were broke as a joke and just dancing to get through it. We share what life was like for millennials coming of age during the 2008 recession—complete with clubbing nostalgia, dance hits, and questionable financial decisions. So let go of your concerns of being "cringe" Gen Z, millennials are here to make sure you know you're not alone. You'd better run, don't walk, to get this week's recommendations before tariffs screw over your wallet: A 3-in-1 moisture sensor reader for your plants (Pam), Dog Donuts as a cone alternative (Andrew), and Super Goop's Glow Shield sunscreen (Laura). And in this week's installment of After Dark: Gen Z doesn't go to the clerb anymore? We reminisce about how millennials made clubbing financially accessible by taking advantage of every ladies' night, waived cover fees, hijacking your whiskey filled water bottle, and more! Plus, since we know y'all love mess, we're sharing some of our "classiest" club moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support #Millennial! Pledge on Patreon and receive lots of perks: https://patreon.com/millennial Visit our merch store: https://shop.millennialshow.com Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@millennialpodcast On this week's episode: in a plot twist we all saw coming, Trump's tariffs are hurting markets globally, and we're all crying into our retirement accounts. We cover a range of feedback topics from listeners, including a professor's take on ChatGPT, an inspiring fitness journey through consistency, and a dire warning from a true crime junkie that Andrew is setting himself up to be the subject of a Dateline Special. We're also talking the state of the economy and how all of this market volatility is continuing to affect prices of everyday goods and services. Later, A recent Reddit thread inspires us to dig in on what tactics millennials are exercising in order to stretch our budgets while the market crashes out (just like our mental health lmao). Some are leaning into the age-old tradition of moving in with family (they don't call us the boomerang generation for nothing), having roommates, and cutting or splitting subscriptions. Others have turned to unorthodox means, like starting hemp companies to buy products in bulk to sell. As always, don't sleep on this week's recommendations: Support your local record store on Record Store Day this Saturday 4/12 (Pam), 'Mid-Century Modern' on Hulu (Andrew), and checking out our coverage of 'The Last of Us' on What the Hype?! ahead of the season two premiere (Laura). And in this week's installment of After Dark: Follow up on tea that Andrew can only share in our podcasting safe space. Plus, we're talking about the viral "Group Chat" skit series happening on TikTok, which makes us reminisce on our own group chat drama. And don't we all have that friend who can't go anywhere without their significant other? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re tackling some wild stats—like how 46% of Gen Z would choose to be "severed" to avoid experiencing their workday (as inspired by Apple TV's Severance). We're also looking at the World Happiness Report where Finland is still the happiest (obviously), and the U.S. is now chilling at 24th place even though the current admin would have us believe we're #1. Since happiness is impacted by lacking social connections and eating too many meals alone, we chat about how the emphasis on solo travel and dining in recent years may be contributing to the loneliness epidemic. Another important way to boost happiness? Getting real about moving your body! We share our own experiences, whether we’re crushing it at home or the gym, and what some of our biggest challenges for consistency are. We also talk being intimidated by going to the gym, and we have some good news: it’s not all gym bros and sexy LA-types there, and fitness is for every BODY! And as always, we've got all the best recs for y'all: Don't sleep on your local community center gym (Pam), Meetup groups for dining, (Andrew), and Fitness Blender for free work out routines (Laura). And in this week's installment of After Dark, Andrew spills some tea he's been sitting on for a hot minute that we can only discuss behind the paywall. Pam and Laura offer some helpful (and maybe a little toxic) suggestions, but Andrew is PROTECTING HIS PEACE thank you very much! Head on over to our Patreon to listen in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices