Much Needed Advice: Recent Episodes
Much Needed Advice
30: Congratulations! You've been invited home for the holidays. Now the pressure's on to make a good impression. Fear not! Today, we're sharing the ultimate playbook for making his mom cry (in a good way) and earning your status as the best partner he's ever had. After what we've got planned, they might even think you're too good for him.
29: This is a bonus clip from our conversation with Todd Chi in Bali, Indonesia. He tells the story of how his meditation practice helped him maintain inner peace & stability in difficult circumstances.
Todd's book recommendations include Siddharta and Michael Rhodes' collection.
Listen to Parts 1 & 2 to learn more about Todd, his life story, and his current work.
28: This is Part 2 of our interview with Todd Chi. Go back and listen to Part 1 first to hear Todd's life story.
This episode focuses on his current work as a practitioner of breathwork and energy work. We cover meditation, reiki, qigong, tai chi, and numerology. We dive into each modality, learning what it is and how it can be used to optimize performance.
Todd lives in Bali, Indonesia, and conducts both in-person and remote sessions in reiki, qigong, tai chi, numerology and breathwork. To schedule a session with Todd, DM him @toddchi9.
27: The pod is still on the road in Bali, Indonesia. This is Part 1 of our conversation with our new friend and global citizen, Todd Chi.
He regales us with his experiences... doing ayahuasca in Peru, training to play professional tennis in Spain, accidentally joining a fight club in Kansas, working on a yacht in Mallorca, and even managing @munay_canggu cafe in Bali, where we all met.
We learn how he's supported himself financially through it all, and made and kept great friends along the way. We hope his story inspires you to have faith in yourself and fearlessly chase adventure.
Todd lives in Bali, Indonesia, and conducts both in-person and remote sessions in reiki, qigong, tai chi, numerology and breathwork. To schedule a session with Todd, DM him @toddchi9.
26: If you're like us, you have a hunch...back from working at a desk all day. Chin up...we have a solution: archery! As advised by our chiropractor, we initially tried the sport to improve posture and reduce pain. But we walked away with skills and mantras for hitting a bullseye in more ways than one...
22: If creating a daily routine sounds boring, you're not alone. And if you have ADHD like us, you likely have low levels of dopamine, making sticking to a routine nearly impossible. But not to worry: we've tackled this problem, and are here to bring you the concrete steps and emotional support you need. By supporting each others' good habits, we can all achieve our personal goals together.
The Recs of the Week are our favorite visual task reminders: the Weekly Notepad Planner and Adult Chore Chart.
DM your questions to @much.needed.advice on Instagram to be featured on future podcasts.
*Our recommendations are based on things we use and love. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting MNA!
21: The jokes are still terrible, but this ep had some great storylines, and gave us a taste of that old SATC delight! This podcast contains spoilers, so feel free to watch AJLT on Max first, and then meet us back here, where we discuss conundrums like:
- How Miranda went to Harvard Law School or something but still can't use a phone
- Why Miranda thinks her son's breakup is more important than her partner's big moment, hundreds of peoples' time, and a security officer's job
- When Miranda decides to get a tattoo and lands on her own initials in Times New Roman font
Then, we give out our signature awards:
- Best looks
- Best acting
- Unsung hero
Plus, we roll out some brand new awards:
- Most likely to be accused of sexual harassment
- Most needlessly annoying
- Was actually funny
Let us know what you think! Follow, subscribe, give us 5 stars, and leave a review. See you back here next week.
21: "And Just Like That" is back and as disappointing as ever. Join Amanda and Julia as they ask the tough questions:
Will Carrie ever get her head out of her own ass?
Isn't Miranda supposed to be the smart one?
Is Charlotte a Karen?
And... why are all the characters representing minority groups terrible people?
The girls present their signature awards (Greatest Insult to Comedy, Sexiest in the City, etc.) and give a special shout-out to the unsung hero who stole the show with just three lines. It's time to sip, spill, and share your thoughts as we dive into the juicy world of "And Just Like That."
20: This week, the world was captivated by the tragic tale of the OceanGate Titan submersible disaster. Thanks to the media frenzy surrounding this incident, Amanda and Julia have acquired a wealth of knowledge, including the exact coordinates of the Titanic wreckage and the mechanics of an underwater implosion.
Join the girls as they delve into the realms of physics, geography, ghost noises, devious orcas, James Cameron, and more, reflecting on everything they've learned in the past few days.
Grab your favorite brew and join them as they sip on a flavorful blend of steaming hot insights and playful commentary in this debut episode of Coffee & Commentary.
19: Get ready for an episode filled with adventure, inspiration, and a touch of aromatic allure. The girls are coming to you from Kima Surf Camp this week with a new guest. At 22, Masha Chaikovskaia has mastered 2 sports, lived in 3 countries, speaks 4 languages, and…can probably kick your ass.
Our conversation with Masha is wide-ranging, covering everything from:
- Tips for solo traveling as a young woman
- Things you should know before visiting South Korea
- ...And even how picking up a new hobby to impress your crush can change the course of your life
We bring you double Recs of the Week with 3 book recommendations and a number of fragrance recommendations. The books recommended in this episode are: Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zeland, None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney, and Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl.
At the end of the episode, Julia unleashes her passion for perfumes with an unstoppable flurry of over a dozen recommendations. If you're in need of a personalized fragrance rec, slide into our DMs at @much.needed.advice on Instagram. And please forgive us for any mispronunciations.
Finally, we have one content warning: Toward the end of this episode, we touch on the topic of eating disorders. Please keep in mind, we do not offer medical advice. If you struggle with disordered eating, it’s important to seek help from a professional. Contact your doctor or call the national hotline in your country. In the US, call 988 or text NEDA to 741741 for free 24/7 mental health support.
*Our recommendations are based on things we use and love. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting MNA!
18: Amanda & Julia actually got their sh*t together for this intro (it wasn't recorded at 1am). Part 1 with Scotty left you inspired, and Part 2 will give you some practical takeaways for living and working abroad, including...
- Different ways to make money in other countries
- How to make friends and find your tribe in a transient environment
- Tips for when you eventually feel homesick or pressure from others to rejoin the rat race
- …And even the best hack for handling laundry so you can travel light for extended periods of time
Don't miss our best Recs of the Week to-date, which include...
17: We're coming at you from bed with another unhinged intro...it's late here in Bali, but we did our best. Now for the juicy stuff:
Hours after arriving in Bali, Julia befriended a stranger and asked him to be on the podcast. It was a risky move but luckily, the next day he proceeded to drop atomic bombs of knowledge, in what will be a two-part episode on how to travel the world as a digital nomad.
In part 1, Scotty details the circumstances that led him to burn his old life to the ground and create a new one full of authenticity and adventure. Listen to this episode for the wisdom and motivation to step out of your comfort zone and thrive. Seriously, this guy should write a book or something...
Stay tuned for part 2, where Scotty shares practical travel tips, his favorite tools for working remotely and some wild stories from the road - out next week!
16: In true MNA fashion, this episode breaks all rules. While on holiday in Bali, Indonesia, Julia & Amanda convince an entire yacht of passengers to be on the podcast. This episode has something for everyone: potty humor, luring accents, the threat of murder... And somehow they sneak in a ton of incredible advice. Don't miss out on hearing these 9 perfect strangers turn into lifelong friends.
16: In true MNA fashion, this episode breaks all rules. While on holiday in Bali, Indonesia, Julia & Amanda convince an entire yacht of passengers to be on the podcast. This episode has something for everyone: potty humor, luring accents, the threat of murder... And somehow they sneak in a ton of incredible advice. Don't miss out on hearing these 9 perfect strangers turn into lifelong friends.
15: Join the girls as they chat with Ailis Garcia about their favorite subject: sleep. Ailis is the founder of The Strong Movement, a consultancy that offers custom science-based programs and assessments to support the well-being of people, groups and organizations. She studied the science of well-being at Penn so she knows what she's talking about.
We know, we know... it's 2023 and everybody knows that sleep is important. What you may not know are the sneaky ways you could be sabotaging your slumber. Ailis breaks down the science of sleep, why the timing of your sleep matters, and how to get better sleep so you can thrive.
The Recs of the Week are our sleep faves: Julia’s obsession, the Sunrise Alarm Clock, which goes perfectly with her favorite sleep headphones, and Amanda’s favorite the Alo Humidifier for supple skin, plump lips, and calming aromatherapy while you dream. Listen to the end of Episode #10 for more details.
DM your questions to @much.needed.advice on Instagram to be featured on future podcasts.
*Our recommendations are based on things we use and love. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting MNA!
14: Get in bed with the girls as they describe their weeks and launch into a laundry list of must do's and must don'ts in party throwing.
Whether you're planning a baby shower, wedding, graduation, or birthday party, use these tips to make it special without breaking the bank.
As promised, here are the links for everything mentioned: paper lanterns, lightbox marquee, letterboard with lights, Polaroid camera.
Recs of the week are our biggest party decorating hacks: command hooks and strips and a restroom sign, found on Amazon.
DM your questions to @much.needed.advice on Instagram to be featured on future podcasts.
*Our recommendations are based on things we use and love. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting MNA!
13: Frustrated by her forgetful week, Ari writes in worried that she'll never get her sh*t together. The girls remind her that nobody has it all figured out, and share their five favorite life hacks to keep things running smoothly.
Stashing emergency kits everywhere, relying heavily on their phones, and automating everything possible are just a few of the ways Amanda and Julia manage to get through life (most of the time).
The Recs of the Week are Amanda's favorite wallet phone case and Julia's heavily researched car trash can.
DM your questions to @much.needed.advice on Instagram to be featured on future podcasts.
*Our recommendations are based on things we use and love. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting MNA!
12: Is Valentine's Day a multi-billion dollar marketing ploy perpetuated by soulless corporations? Yes. But is it also the perfect time to make an extra effort to show love to yourself and others? Also yes.
(7:12) After hearing Episode 10, listener Matt decides to step up his game and writes in asking for good date ideas. Determined to leave this world less boring than they found it, Amanda and Julia rattle off nineteen.
From physical activities that won't leave you sweaty, to a surefire way to exude BDE, this list has range. Whether you're a nude painting enthusiast, a vandal, or something in between, we've got you covered.
After giving you the fish, the girls teach you how to fish by sharing their proprietary list of six qualities that separate a meh date from a great one.
Because if it's not fun, what's the point?
The Recs of the Week this week are a Custom Vintage Viewfinder and a Custom Postcard Book.
DM your questions to @much.needed.advice on Instagram to be featured on future podcasts.
*Our recommendations are based on things we use and love. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting MNA!
11: In this episode, screenwriter and producer Geoffrey Roth tries to convince the girls that routine isn't the enemy...even for creative types. But don't worry, this isn't one of those podcasts where we tell you the only way to succeed is by waking up at 4:30am and diving into a cold plunge. These tips are practical & painless.
Typical advice to aspiring writers is to "write what you know" or "find your voice", but Geoff instead suggests to "find your process" to lay the best foundation for a long-term professional career in writing.
Lastly, "writer's block" may be a myth, but everyone feels stuck now and then. Geoff shares 2 tricks for getting back into creative flow.
(27:27) The Recs of the Week are some of Geoff's favorite movies of the year: Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, Aftersun, and Goodnight Oppy.
10: We know you love us for our popular Valentine's Day episodes. We're serving up another this year with the help of Ryan Rysyk, couples counselor, master advice-giver (Virgo, duh) and bff.
(15:30) Ryan helps us answer Ben's question about moving from casual to intentional dating. If you know you're ready for a relationship but it's just not happening, this is the episode for you. We also cover desperate vibes and other turn offs, reasonable deal breakers and dating profile tips.
(36:15) The Recs of the Week are all sleep-themed. Ryan recommends a sound machine or free app for white noise to fall asleep to; perfect for drowning out your future boyfriend's snoring. Julia obsesses over her new Sunrise Alarm Clock, which goes perfectly with her favorite sleep headphones, and Amanda recommends the Alo Humidifier for supple skin, plump lips, and calming aromatherapy.
DM your questions to @much.needed.advice on Instagram to be featured on future podcasts.
*Our recommendations are based on things we use and love. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting MNA!
9: We start off strong with Amanda reliving her cookie-related injury and subsequent cookie-related epic fail.
Then, Amanda and Julia tell you why they think starting New Years resolutions January 1st is ridiculous and how the third week of January is the move (note the publish date of this episode).
Amanda explains why her co-workers have popped her zen bubble and Julia finally tells a Prince story involving a dishwasher and a gun. Somehow all of this leads to the girls making up the Much Needed Advice company values on the spot.
We end with the girls giving one piece of advice from 2022, one thing they're proud of, and one thing they are leaving behind.
DM your questions to @much.needed.advice on Instagram to be featured on future podcasts.
Amanda and Julia are back after a one-year hiatus and promise to bring you weekly episodes if you bring us one sponsor for the low price of $1 US dollar per ad. And we're huge in the Virgin Islands. If you are someone or know anyone who writes jingles, send us your MP3 using the tagline "the podcast for people who want to know what to do." Oh, also this is an advice podcast. DM your questions to @much.needed.advice on Instagram and listen here for our reply. Bye!
8: Remember screen names and hotmail? Take a trip down memory lane with us, featuring one of Amanda's embarrassing stories from middle school.
(6:03) Then Sarah writes in, curious about confidence. Confidence comes off as deceptively effortless, but it's actually hard won through a ton of personal investment. The good news is: you can be whomever you want to be - even a confident person! Julia & Amanda target this topic from every angle: recognizing friendships that can hurt your confidence, handling embarrassing moments with ease, asking others for what you need, and more. Of course, it wouldn't be an MNA pod if we didn't mention the role of personality tools like the Love Languages, Myers-Briggs or Enneagram.
(28:38) The Recs of the Week are SugarBearHair, which is $29.99/month on Amazon, and Insight Timer, the #1 free app for sleep, anxiety and stress, which you can find in any app store.
7: First, Julia & Amanda reveal their proprietary podcast prep process (hint: it involves drinking martinis in sweats).
(5:54) Then, listener Rob (not Kardashian) is a "solopreneur" wary of taking the leap to full-blown entrepreneur by hiring employees. The girls reassure him that it's surprisingly easy to let someone else to do your work for you, and how delegation has changed their lives for the better. You'll get advice on effective delegation and management from both the business-owner and corporate-climber perspective.
(21:02) Finally, the Recs of the Week are the “pillow slides” aka EQUICK Slippers on Amazon and The Skinny Confidential’s hot mess ice roller on the TSC website.
6: "Dinner" is everyone's default date idea, but stuffing ourselves and sitting for hours doesn't exactly get us in "the mood." Our solution? Quit the sex-cuses and simply "fuck first."
(2:08) Valentine's Day is upon us and with all the unnecessary pressure, partner tiffs and rifts can happen...unless you resolve conflict quickly, with our tips for getting reconnected (and laid).
(12:16) Yehuda is so good at helping couples build chemistry, he can even make fake sex feel good - on film and tv. He explains his role as an "intimacy coordinator", and even reveals his secrets for making scenes sexy.
(22:44) As for real-life relationships, the "Erotic Blueprints" help your podcast hosts better understand their own sexuality and almost reveal too much on the internet, which we've been told is a public place. Enjoy!
The Recs of the Week are the show "Sex, Love and Goop" on Netflix, and the Erotic Blueprints quiz, which can be found online at https://missjaiya.com/.
5: Sam writes in worried he hasn't found his "passion" (3:42). While Sam is at the ripe old age of 28, Julia & Amanda assure him there's time for the stars to align. They reject the notion there's one true "passion" out there for everyone and take more of a democratic approach to finding joy in life by staying curious, productive, and action-oriented. Because when it comes to your career, you'll have many lovers. And that will make you all the more interesting.
The Recs of the Week are the EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 and the Cube Timer aka "Cube" (27:00).
4: The holidays are upon us, and if you're like MNA listener Gen, you're planning to spend some of this time with your significant other's family. Julia & Amanda share their playbook on tackling gift-giving for people you've never met, hitting dinner conversations out of the park, and mopping the floor with their mom's tears (in a good way). It's no holds barred when it comes to the holiday hustle for the one you love. (Can you tell we know sports?)
If you took our advice, tell us how it went by DM-ing us @muchneededadvicepod on Instagram. Give us 5 stars, review and subscribe. We'll see you in the new year.
3: Julia & Amanda forget that they're not doctors and recommend a supplement with mood-boosting properties for your seasonal depression (0:0). Listener Margaret is desperate for tips to combat her perfectionist ways, and the gals give a pretty perfect response if they do say so themselves. Get ready for mantras, gadgets, physical movements, and more...because they've been there before (2:38).
Then, Gaby gets swerved by a Grade-A Love Bomber and needs help dissecting the situation. This is your complete guidebook for coping with someone who likes to love ya then leave ya...then return in your dms every six months for the rest of your life (13:20).
Last but not least...the Recs of the Week are the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush and the Native Union 10-foot charging cable for the iPhone (26:22).
2: Amanda & Julia finally explain who the hell they are and answer some rapid-fire questions (2:34). Then, Jenica writes in because she's feeling anxious and lethargic, and the girls give her advice on how to get out of a rut and recover from burnout (8:02). Also this week, Julio wants to know whether he should stand by his friends even when they get drunk & belligerent (19:53). Finally, the Recs of the Week are Ole Henriksen's vitamin c serum and the audiobook The Dutch House, narrated by Tom Hanks (28:30).
Disclaimer for our audiophiles: this podcast was recorded via video chat and has occasional squeaks, echoes and crow calls. Take a chill pill. We'll be back recording in person next week.
1: First, get to know Amanda & Julia through their maze of various topics of conversation. They cover emojis, Generation A, selfish coworkers, and cults. At some point they explain the purpose of this podcast and what you can expect.
(18:40) Then, Savannah asks for advice on whether she should spend money traveling in her mid-20s or if she should save her money now and wait to travel when she's older, has more money and her career is more established.
DM your questions @muchneededadvicepod on Instagram to be featured on future podcasts.
DM us a question on any topic @muchneededadvicepod on Instagram, so we can help you figure out what to do. That's our advice. Take it or leave it.