Comedically authentic show hosted by two women riding out the highs and the lows of their mid-twenties. Grace and Soleil take you on an honest journey through their own mental health and break down the stigmas behind it. Each week they select a "Trailblazer Of The Week" that is an influential person that has overcome adversities and said "f*ck that" to society's expectations. This podcast is here for you each week to take a load off from the hectic world around us, kick your feet up, laugh, learn, and break down difficult conversations. Join our family if You're down 2 ride?
First off why are Apple Watches so ugly but yet so efficient????? Secondly, just fkn archive it. What does that mean you ask? You know. Get rid of it. Let it go. Whether that’s on your IG feed or your old perceptions of yourself. We shed ourselves constantly. Allow yourself to claim the new you. We’re not going to keep rambling on. Just tune in. Let’s ride. Music by Hayden Von Almen
THE RELATIONSHIP EPISODE. Bet you didn’t see this one coming… 1/2 of the podcast is in the process of being cuffed while the other 1/2 is getting dumped. But not who you would think. This episode is full of laugher and love. Soleil and Gracie understand they don’t have the right to give relationship advice to the world but they sure as hell have had enough men come and go to share an authentic narrative that is relatable and will make you feel better about any heartbreak you’ve experienced. Jump in. Let’s ride. Music by Hayden Von Almen
You didn’t think we would have two frat bros on here did ya? Well… we’re using the term bro lightly here. These are gentlemen. We have on Andrew and Corey who have taken a new spin on what college frat life is. They were ahead of their time in creating open spaces to discuss mental health as a primary focus for their fraternity. Sure there may have been some light to heavy partying involved as well but men that create spaces for other men to be vulnerable and safe is what were about on this podcast (wish our exes could have joined their frat). Tune in! Let’s ride.
Music by Hayden Von Almen
WE HAVE REBRANDED. Sometimes we need to step back from the choas we call existence and re-evaluate ourselves. Are we happy with what we are putting out to the world? We wanted a change. We wanted more meaning behind this podcast. So that's exactly what we did. We decided to make our first guest a rider from day 1 who is also rebranding their company and themselves. It's all about leveling ourselves up. We are constantly shedding past versions of ourselves... But the question is are ready to let go of that person? Let's get into it. Let’s laugh. Let’s think. Let’s ride.
Music by Hayden Von Almen
What do your friendships with women mean to you? What is your relationship with other women in your life? How do your friends perceive you? Do we over or under think these relationships. Let's talk about it. Let's laugh. Let's rock. Tune in. Music by: Hayden Von Almen
Trigger warning. Sol and Grace open dialogue around assault. Who we are when it happened to us, who we are after, and everything in between. This conversation needs to be normalized as 1-6 woman have been in this position (and that’s the women who spoke up). We still managed to laugh through out this episode because hey, nobody said life was going to be easy- it’s who we are after difficulty is what defines us. Tune in!Music by Hayden Von Almen
Happy national woman’s month to all y’all beautiful woman! (We love all our male listeners just give us our month) All of us women define what is feminine differently. Yet, society has its own preconceived notions of what we should behave, think, and feel like. Grace and Soleil have a different narrative and perspectives of what femininity is, but the conversation comes together beautifully and we would love to hear what position you fall in. Tune in. let’s ride. #makeitluxurious Music by Hayden Von Almen
Soleil gave Grace a call the other day to vent about this absolute F*ck boy she had the pleasure of encountering. And it got them thinking… WHY not make an episode of some of our favorite FBoy moments! Hey, we’ve all been with one (many) or have been the FBoy ourselves … so let’s get into a bit deeper if ya know what I mean.
Soleil is in Los Angeles visiting Gracie! Soleil obviously gets Grace to inhale some of that OG Cali Ku$h so this episode went on some hilarious tangents. These tangents went from unpacking racial slurs, to finding out life is actually one big yellow flag in the midst of those green flags of validation and those red flags of hold up b*tch check yourself. You don’t wanna miss this one. Let’s ride. Music by: Hayden Von Almen
Not only do we discuss our current s*x lives but we also dive a little deeper (no pun intended) into being intentional with our time and energy. Time. A construct that is constantly put on our minds. Makes us feel rushed, anxious, and incomplete. But what if we put intention behind our time … no matter what we are doing. Let’s talk about it. Let’s laugh about it. Let’s ride. Music by: Hayden Von Almen
This episode was planned one way but in true rider fashion completely took another turn. Alcohol is something that affects everyone differently wether that’s your family or your own self. Which ever one it is - you may find yourself on either end of things and we want to unpack that. It’s the most commonly used and accepted drug in the world (yes, drug) and it’s created this weird unnecessary stigma around it. This episode was eye opening to both of us and we hope you get something from it. BTW… HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAM TO YOURS ❤️ let’s ride. Music by: Hayden Von Almen
The holidays aren’t exactly what they are all cracked out to be… no pun intended there sometimes they’re just straight up cracked out. The holidays are unhinged and it’s important to check in with yourself and maybe create some new traditions. With that being said the holidays should be about creating memories with those we love and that bring us comfort. So let’s make sure it’s actually comfort not crying into our egg nog. Tune in and let’s Ho Ho Ho ;) We highly recommend watching ‘Stutz' on Netflix produced and directed by the one and only Jonah Hill. Music by: Hayden Von Almen
Living authentically within our “truth” is a life long journey for some but we’re going to help you in this EP navigate this mindset with laughter and honesty. Being true to yourself doesn’t mean being “right” or “wrong” it’s simply doing the harder thing for ourselves and others authentically. As cliche as it is, the truth does in fact set you free but you gotta know how to take it baby. Hit that play button and let’s ride ▶️
What defines age and getting older??? Sol and Grace discover they are going into their late twenties (GROUNDBREAKING) and are navigating this weird societal expectation of aging. People who are down2ride accept that aging is WISDOM, ACCEPTANCE, & STRENGTH. Jump in to this EP and stop that anxiety that you’re not doing enough and need to rush through things because you will never be young enough. Let’s ride
Intro: Hayden Von Almen
Last episode was about being alone and this episode is about losing jobs and you guessed it still very alone. But like… in the hottest way possible. Sometimes we forget that life isn’t supposed to be challenging. It’s not meant to be easy. If you feel too comfortable we’re not challenging ourselves enough. Let’s navigate the discomfort with humor and passion to be better babes. There’s always something better on the other side or pain (cute right). So let’s ride Intro: Hayden Von Almen
ITS OUR 50th EPISODE! Man what a RIDE. Over the past year we have had some extreme highs and extreme lows and it has been a blessing to have a space where we can vocalize and connect with so many different people through it all. This episode is encompassing the humor of life that we create in our little universe. Life’s a sitcom not a drama baby. Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself … or cry!? Let’s find that balance together in this episode. Let’s ride.
Intro: Hayden Von Almen
This episode is about being able to push yourself just a few more reps. And we don’t just mean by getting that booty thicccc in the gym. We also mean being able to put more reps in in our daily lives. Whether thats being more consistent with ourselves or pushing towards new goals. Because hey, we deserve a thicccc life in all aspects. But that’s easier said than done. So do yourself a favor and join our conversation! Let’s ride.
Intro: Hayden Von Almen
If you didn’t have time to tune into our last EP (you should make the damn time) we talked extensively on what it’s like to lose friends. In this episode we are focusing on what it’s like to lose a romantic partner and the pain and loss that comes with that. However, with that pain and loss comes beauty and growth. You don't want to miss this. Tune in baby, let's ride.
Intro: Hayden Von Almen // Outro: Matthew Riley
We have a special guest, Allie DiMeco on this episode that helps Soleil and Grace navigate the conversation around female friendships. We have all lost friends, gained friends it’s the grey space in between where we as women never speak about. How did that loss make us feel, why aren’t we friends anymore? Should I fight for them back in my life or is it their time to leave? All this and so much more we dove into this episode so jump in, let’s ride.
Intro: Hayden Von Almen // Outro: Matthew Riley
So It’s that time of year again… What actually makes a hot girl summer hot? Getting that bod on point is one thing but what about that mind? What’s hot to Grace and Sol is doing sh*t outside their comfort zone this season. Challenging ourselves to be vulnerable. What’s the worst thing that happens we find out that wasn’t for us? Tune in if you want to go into the best season of the year as a true baddie. Let’s ride.
Intro: Hayden Von Almen // Outro: Matthew Riley
Here’s a wild idea. Let’s stop taking advice from literally everyone else besides our own selves. Because guess what? We actually know what’s best for ourselves … not some random stranger you met 5 minutes ago drunk in the bathroom. This episode is here to validate ourselves because we owe that to ourselves baby. Let’s ride.
Intro: Hayden Von Almen // Outro: Matthew Riley
Sometimes you have to take yourself to a place where you can have gratitude for what we already have (we are so much more blessed than the credit we give ourselves.) Life is extremely fragile and our time here is finite. What CAN we do with our time here? Who should we give our energy to? Let’s jump in and talk about how to maximize out cute lil lives here on this floating rock in space.
Intro: Hayden Von Almen // Outro: Matthew Riley
Life is truly a rollercoaster of extreme highs and extreme lows. The extreme lows are what define us. This episode dives into how those lows make us stronger than ever before and you can’t ever hurt me again like that. We become resilient. That’s why we’re down to ride this rollover coaster together… but we call the back two seats so nobody can puke on us. Sry. This EP is must. TUNE IN. Intro: Hayden Von Almen // Outro: Matthew Riley
Let's talk about moving in with a significant other... Like is it still hot if we share a bathroom now? This episode is all about life when you can't control the outcome of situations. Sometimes you just have to let Jesus take the wheel baby. We're here to help you through those ups and downs with a better attitude even if life says 🖕 you. The word mukbang (먹방; meokbang) is a portmanteau of the Korean words for "eating" (먹는; meongneun) and "broadcast" (방송; bangsong)
Intro: Hayden Von Almen // Outro: Matthew Riley
It's fitting this episode is coming in a bit late considering how fast and loose Grace and Sol have been doing life lately. Tune in for an incredible ride
Music: Matthew Riley
You know that feeling when somebody looks you in the eyes and is wholesomely listening to you? Where in return you feel valued. That’s called human connection. We live in a day and age where we aren’t listening to others but in return want to be heard. On that note you should most Definitely LISTEN to this episode. It’s a hilarious insight to opening your eyes and ears to others. Tune in. Let’s ride.
Intro: Hayden Von Almen // Outro: Matthew Riley
HAPPY FREAKIN NEW YEAR. 2022 doesn’t quite roll of the tongue but hey, what’s another year of confusion and chaos??? It’s about finding out footing in the midst of everything going on around us. This episode is about acknowledging our accomplishments but also calling ourselves in to be better for the new year. Let’s have a laugh, let’s have a cry… tune in. #letsride Music by Hayden Von Almen
“DP” is a new term revealed and it’s trending to all the single brothers and sisters this holiday season. It’s the holiday season and we’re making new traditions. Getting older comes with different levels of what stability means to us. Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries. Let’s talk about protecting ourselves and allowing us to bask in our growth. Life ain’t east y’all that’s why we’re riding with y’all. This episode is beautiful… don’t miss out. Love y’all. Happy holidays from us to you ❤️ Music by Hayden Von Almen
SURPRISE SURPRISE we're late with an upload and we had technical difficulties??? Look's like we're wrapping up 2021 in true rider fashion ;) Speaking of surprises, Grace turned 26 and Sol made the big migration north for 48 hours in the City of Angels to help celebrate her and face the birthday fears together. Jump in and join the ride, we're talkin' men in the wild, the riddle that is KanYAY v KanYEE, and the pick me girls of the girl world.. If Grace can survive a wildly unintimate 25, you'll survive this ep ;) Happy HOElidays to our riders!!
Music by Hayden Von Almen
Shocking but we had some technical difficulties and Soleil’s computer crashed. But here we are! Better late than never they always says! We’re talking about social media culture. Toxic?? Or is keeping up with the Kardashians the new norm? We’re breaking it down and we want you to join the conversation. Let’s ride.
Music by Hayden Von Almen
Yeah sure maybe we had to do a second retake to this episode because Soleil’s hormones were raging and the lactose queen herself, Grace had some dairy and might have had to run to the bathroom. TMI??? Too bad. This episode dives right in. We talk long distance relationships and what it’s like to cope/deal with long term mental health. It’s always a fun ride… so get in.
Music by Hayden Von Almen
GOOD MORNING SAN DIEGO! Soleil and Grace are reporting live and in person for the second time ever. The energy is high and the conversation is witty and as much as it us insightful. They dive into the topic of “long term anxiety” and break down the battle through it and what it feels like coming out if it. They play a rapid fire question game where whatever comes to mind you say... Soliel struggles to not give the right answer while Grace reveals she's drank cat pi$$??? This weeks EP is truly the best yet. You don't want to miss it! #letsride
Music by Hayden Von Almen
Well… we’re back and better than ever. (I know the moment you’ve all been waiting for) So here’s the scoop, Soleil and Grace took the last month off to work on themselves and come back to the podcast/ life in general with a fresh mindset. In this episode they run down their quarter life obstacles and triumphs and want to take you along for some laughs and for some very insightful take-aways. We missed you guys, tune in and let’s ride.
Music by Hayden Von Almen
Nothing ceases to amaze Soleil and Grace in the service industry anymore. Let alone a couple openly doing drugs at the table… but hey, it’s all about taking initiative on your own life. If that’s your journey in this would we’re not going to stop you. Here on this podcast however we have a special guest Kirsten Johnson who knows what it takes to step up in the work place and create an ecosystem where everyone can thrive. Come join this dope conversation with three women in their mid-twenties making big moves! #letsride Guest: @kirstenlj33 Music by Hayden Von Almen
It's Monday riders which means we're bringing ya another ep you didn't ask for! Slate article referenced: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/03/cancel-culture-call-out-a-word-podcast.html Music by Hayden Von Almen
Whaaaa?! Grace and Sol snagged another guest for the ride and Gina Maria brought the WISDOM and the HEAT! Join us this week as we talk the creative process, following your dreams, defining what success means, and being a g'damn FIGHTER. Keep an ear out to hear how Gina unknowingly helped form this ICONIC/INFLUENTIAL/ROLLERCOASTER of a PODCAST. That's right - she did that and so much more so sit down, grab some snacks and join the ride bc this one's taking us from the Bay to China to Nashville - lets ride
Wanna hear some music from Gina and follow her ride?
Follow her on instagram @ginamariared and find her on your preferred streaming platform 'State of Grace' - Route 11
Music by Hayden Von Almen - new sounds 8/7
Whadddupp riders?! Have you too been feelin' the funk lately? Life just seems to be launching lemon after lemon at cha? Well have no fear Grace and Sol are feeling UNHINGED too! In this week's episode they discuss how many L's Grace has taken in the last couple days while Sol offers some of her biggest red flag advice yet. Not only do they own their recent TOXICITY but Soleil also explains her most recent podcast uploading eff-up. Somehow they manage to round it out with some quality booty munching stories, Britney Spears, a new weekly challenge, and some music & movie recs ;) You down to ride?
Music by Hayden Von Almen
BREAKING NEWS❗️We got our very first Y2DR guest on the show. Scott Taylor is this weeks rider. His personality is a direct correlation of his vibrant and positive art. He started off with $50 and a sleeping bag in Los Angeles and now is a full time creative artist in Tulsa, OK. He shares a comedic and positive insight on how to make it as a full time artist and to follow through with our creative and entrepreneurial pursuits. We go round table on our LA experiences, weird dating stories, breaking down the stigma behind being a paid creative, and believing in our own abilities to be the best human we can be. This EP will keep you laughing yet truly inspired. Do yourself a favor and tune in. Seriously don’t be lame. Let’s ride. Go find Scott on Instagram to check out his work @thatsscotttaylor - www.scotttaylorartgallery.com
Music by Hayden Von Almen
We got a new show format! 1. Life updates / navigating our mid-twenties. This week we’re talking feet pics. Fun fact! Soleil and Grace worked in a restaurant during a murder. 2. Our sexy dating segment (you’ll feel better about every aspect of your dating life after this segment) 3. Pop Culture (we're talking Sha’Carri Richardson blowing clouds) 4. Therapy Note of the week 5. Gracie’s Artist recommendations and Soleil’s weekly challenge 💯🔥 Let’s ride. tune in.
Music by Hayden Von Almen
God bless America. Grace is headed to the mother land of Texas for work (Chiles) and Soleil has been sending it on vacation for the passed month and a half. Check in on her and her liver. Soleil isn't prioritizing men and no shock here Grace is pushing love away. We're jumping into season 3 with a true BAD @$$ trailblazer with a heavy backhand Serena Williams. A true role model to female athletes and brings light to motherhood. EP Reminder: Life my shaft you on the daily but keep your head high and put your shoulders back. Let's ride baby. Tune in.
Music by Hayden Von Almen
IT'S SEASON 3 EP 2 BABYYYYY and we promised we would be coming in HOT and HEAVY this season.. so what's hotter and heavier than talking about sib dynamics // FBI agents // bad weed stories (bc obvi it's us) // sol ghosting her therapist // birth order theory ++ our new MAIN MAN ALFRED ADLER?! So tune in, relax, and join us for part 2 of our easy breezy FAMILY DYNAMICS episode & if you MISSED part 1 or any of other episodes from seasons 1/2 - catch up, the ride's just getting started ;)
Music by Hayden Von Almen: his new single 'BADMAN' is live on all streaming platforms - RIDERS SUPPORT RIDERS
WELCOME TO SEASON 3 BABY!!! We have merch! What says hot girl summer more than official Y2DR tube tops and tank tops? NOTHING. Grace and Soleil are the hottest girls in the entire world. They tore up San Diego and had some wholesome adult fun (aka making tiktoks and drinking heavily) BUT HEY! This episode is about FAMILY DYNAMICS! Breaking down the quizzical question of “why am I the way that I am?” “Why do I behave and feel the way that I do?” It’s all about our family dynamics baby! Let's get into it... One would even say... Let's ride.
Music by Hayden Von Almen - he just released a single - check him out on Apple + Spotify
Soleil and Grace find out they are Eskimo sisters and have gotten f*cked for years by the same guy and his name is Depression. The trailblazer this week is Mental Health Awareness Month. We are opening a dialogue about Depression, anxiety, addiction and suicide to spread awareness to the mental health pandemic around us. Let's step into the shoes of somebody with depression and anxiety and learn how to generate conversation and understanding. TUNE IN! (please share this episode with as many people as you can to pass along education on a much needed discussion) WE LOVE YOU - LET’S RIDE ✌️🏾 Music by Hayden Von Almen
In this episode Grace discusses how she pulled her hip and Soleil admits she stretches before sex. Also Did you know that oysters are full of cum? On another note... we’re talking a true icon; Cyndi Lauper who is one bad ass b!tch. Come hang with us! Let’s ride. Correction: In this recording Soleil discusses Cyndi's song 'Time after Time' and incorrectly names the album it belongs to. 'Time after Time' was her second single off her debut studio album 'She's so Unusual.' How Cyndi wrote 'Time after Time' article link: https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-cyndi-lauper-wrote-her-first-no-1-hit-time-after-time-1448985798 Music by Hayden Von Almen
Soleil proves she is a server that truly goes above and beyond for the tip and does a full on defensive cheer at the table while Grace fantasied about a family of 4. They bring it back to high school and Grace weird brags about her basketball career as they introduce their trailblazer of the week. The one, the only... Shaquille O’Neal baby. Let’s ride.
In this episode Soleil discusses what “cry porn” is and Grace admits that porn in fact makes her cry. Soleil took a nose dive into a relationship all gas no breaks while Grace is all breaks slight gas. They introduce on OG trailblazer to kick off their new release day... Will the real slim shady please stand up?? Eminem talks a big game but knows how to put his money where is mouth is. TUNE IN. Let’s Ride. HAPPY MONDAY RELEASE DATE! We just want you guys to start your week off right with us!
Music by Hayden Von Almen
Soleil and Grace delve into the fact that women change their appearance due to what phase they are going through in their lives. Soleil changes her hairstyle after each breakup and Grace dressed like a little boy majority of her life. Our trailblazer of the week is one of our coolest chicks yet. She expressed her adversity through her art and has left us all a piece of her behind. We’re rocking with Frida Kahlo this week baby. Music by Hayden Von Amen
Grace and Soleil celebrate 4/20 and share their worst edible experience, the benefits of cannabis, and introduce the OG stoners themselves as this weeks trailblazers, Cheech and Chong. The 60’s and 70’s were a revolutionary time and we’re groovin’ into it. Let’s ride baby! Music by Hayden Von Almen
Soleil and Grace play Never Have I Ever, trolls on TikTok, Title IX, they open the conversation as to why it's difficult to reach out to people we f*ck with. The trailblazer this week is Patsy Mink who is a full blown bad ass - if you don't know who she is tune in! Let's ride.
Music by Hayden Von Almen
Soleil with a broken rib and Grace excessively caffeinated break down why men are really in your DMs, the LA restaurant industry, and why work ethic is vital to success while maintaining our mental health. Who better to blaze the trail this week other than Grace’s mega crush, Dwayne The Rock Johnson. The Rock’s alpha positive energy translated into one of their best episodes yet - excited to ride this one out with y’all!
Music by Hayden Von Almen
Soleil and Grace discuss their interesting weekend together in San Diego. The bartender is in love with Soleil and a guy may or may not have ghosted Grace. They delve into why it’s so important to own up to our low points because they are the foundation to who we are. There’s nobody better to be our trailblazer of the week on than Drew Barrymore. You have to accept yourself as Josie Grossy if you want to be one of Charlie’s Angeles. We can’t wait to hang with you! Let’s ride!
Music: Hayden Von Almen
*in this recording we state that Drew Barrymore used cocaine at the age of 8 years old - after more research we cannot state that as fact and instead have learned that she was using cocaine by age 12 per 'The Sun' article on Oct 3, 2020 by Jane Atkinson.
Soleil and Grace almost break their google search engine trying to discover a certain “body part.” Speaking of body parts... they dive into a dope conversation on body positivity from two different perspectives. It's all about loving yourself for who you are and who better to be the trailblazer of the week other than, the one, the only LIZZO.
Music: Hayden Von Almen
Soleil and Grace wrap up Season 1 with a bang. They’re talking marriage, husbands and kids then realize none of those things are on the table for them. They open up a conversation around the heavy topic of mental health as they introduce the one and only Mac Miller as the trailblazer of the week. Mental Health Resources: https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/guide/resources/ If you are feeling suicidal thoughts or know anybody who is please reach out to this hotline : 1800-273-8255 - you are not alone 🙏🏽 Music: Hayden Von Almen
Grace and Soleil may not be posh like this weeks trailblazer as they both agree catching a flight to meet a new guy is a green light. All jail jokes aside, Martha Stewart sheds light on how to monetize and brand yourself. She can finesse Wall Street and your pallet. This EP will keep you laughing - let’s ride baby. Music: Hayden Von Almen
When the world doesn’t accept you for who you are what do you do? Laverne Cox is blazing this trail because nobody puts her in a box. So, let’s ride. We’re talking transgender rights, red flags, self care, and when your self care is literally a red flag. Resources and Links from EP: ● https://pinkmantaray.com/reading ● https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/01/transmisogyny/ ● https://www.hrc.org/resources/violence-against-the-trans-and-gender-non-conforming-co mmunity-in-2020 Music: Hayden Von Almen
IT’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH. We’re talkin’ The Civil Rights Movement to shed light on our progress and downfall throughout history. We needed a heavy hitter to set the precedence of black excellence. We’re talking Muhammad Ali aka THE GREAT.
Music Hayden VonAlmen
We’re talking boobs, brains, and being a true hustler. Who better to be our trailblazer of the week than Dolly Parton baby - let’s ride!
Music: Hayden VonAlmen
This week we're talkin’ being comfortable in our own skin, walking our own walk, and talking our own talk baby. Who better else to blaze this trail than Robin Williams. Let's Ride.
Music: Hayden VonAlmen
We’re talking California weather but most importantly Kush. Who else better to be our trailblazer of the week than Snoop D O double G (emphasis on the OG). Let’s ride baby
Music: Hayden VonAlmen
Let’s put it this way... some women win a Nobel Peace Prize at 17 and others are just trying to remember to brush their teeth. We’re talking Malala Yousafzai and awkward high school moments. Let’s ride.
Music: Hayden VonAlmen
We're having the much needed conversation about not being victims to our circumstances, even when sh*t is quite literally pouring down on us. Let’s talk David Goggins. Youdown2ride?
Music: Hayden VonAlmen
Grace and Soleil comedically break down the rollercoaster of 2020, Jane Fonda, establishing boundaries, and being truly authentic - no matter how painful the road gets - let's ride baby.
Music: Hayden Von Almen