Show Notes In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole share their favorite books they read this year, discussing a wide range of genres from cookbooks and historical nonfiction to romance and science fiction. They offer personal anecdotes, thoughtful commentary on the books’ themes, and recommendations for listeners, while also touching […]
Cookbooks, Conjure, & Queers: The Best Books We Read in 2025 Read More »
Show Notes In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole discuss the myth of moral superiority in doing things the hard way versus accepting help, especially around the holidays and everyday tasks. They share personal stories about overcoming the pressure to do everything from scratch, highlighting how accepting assistance can be
Homemade Isn’t Holy: Debunking the DIY Superiority Complex Read More »
Show Notes In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole discuss the emotional and practical challenges of sorting through a loved one’s belongings after their passing, sharing personal experiences and advice for others facing similar situations. They highlight the importance of community support, self-compassion, and taking the process step by step,
Letting Go, Holding On: Lessons from Sorting a Loved One’s Belongings Read More »
Show Notes Patricia and Nicole discuss their ongoing efforts to reduce smartphone usage, sharing personal experiences, research findings, and practical tips for being more intentional with technology. They reflect on the challenges of breaking phone habits, the psychological effects of constant connectivity, and the importance of adding “friction” to limit mindless scrolling. Mentioned on the
Scroll Less, Live More: Being Intentional with Tech Use Read More »
Show Notes In this milestone 50th episode, Patricia and Nicole launch the EEDA Pod Book Club by diving into “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” discussing its historical context, enduring popularity, and problematic aspects. They reflect on the book’s advice, its questionable undertones, and how it shaped the self-help genre, while sharing their own
EEDA Pod Book Squad: Winning Friends & Influencing People Read More »
Show Notes Patricia and Nicole catch up after a break, sharing updates about their lives, including attending a Valkyries basketball game, harvesting tomatoes, and making their home cozier for the upcoming fall. They reflect on their progress with personal goals, such as decluttering and reading while also discussing the importance of adapting goals as life
Tomato Extravaganza & a Fall Reset: Our Third Goals Check-In Read More »
Show Notes This week we have an encore of one of our earlier EEDA Pod episodes focused on the topic of burnout, exploring its causes, symptoms, and the systemic issues that contribute to it. We discuss how burnout is often rooted in societal and structural problems rather than individual shortcomings, and share practical strategies for
Encore: Burnout is Not Your Fault Read More »
Show Notes In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole discuss their recent efforts to declutter their home, reflecting on the emotional and practical benefits of letting go of unnecessary items. They explore the challenges of self-imposed responsibility, the importance of delegating tasks, and the psychological costs of feeling obligated to
Decluttering, Delegating, and Doing Less: The Art of Letting Go Read More »
Show Notes In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice, hosts Patricia and Nicole discuss the significance of community and activism amidst the prevalence of digital misinformation. They delve into how algorithms shape our online experiences, the pitfalls of generative AI, and the importance of real-world actions over mere online awareness. The show also
The Missteps of Modern Activism: Awareness vs. Action Read More »
Show Notes This episode of “Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice” covers Nicole and Patricia’s recent activities, including a trip to Santa Rosa, obtaining library cards, and trying new hobbies like crochet and Pilates. They introduce and explain the communication tool “some/many/most,” which helps avoid sweeping generalizations in conversations. The hosts also discuss their current reads
Our Most Popular Communication Skill: Some/Many/Most Read More »