Exploring Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms, Solutions, and Personal Stories

In this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, Elisa Marie and Joji welcome guest Sandra Marshall to discuss the pervasive issue of the winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Sandra shares her personal experiences with SAD, including her use of light therapy and relocating to sunnier climates. The discussion covers symptoms, potential treatments, and practical solutions such as light therapy, maintaining high vitamin D levels, and engaging in social and physical activities. The episode emphasizes the importance of seeking help and provides resources for those in need, aiming to destigmatize mental health conversations.

The Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms

00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

00:30 Discussing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

01:08 Personal Experiences with Winter Blues

04:56 Light Therapy and Other Treatments

12:45 The Importance of Vitamin D

18:21 Exercise and Social Interaction

22:20 Travel and Escaping the Winter Blues

27:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Reflecting on Three Years of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

Hosts Elissa Marie and Jojy celebrate nearly three years of The Deconstructed Woman podcast by reflecting on their journey, the topics they've covered, and the guests they've interviewed. They discuss the diverse issues they've explored, including women's health, mental health, aging, social media, AI, online dating, and intergenerational trauma. They also share their future plans, potential topics for 2026, and emphasize the importance of continuing to bring new voices and perspectives into their conversations. The episode serves as a retrospective and marks the anticipation of another year filled with insightful discussions.

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Conversations

01:24 Celebrating Milestones and Beginnings

02:22 Highlighting Guest Contributions

05:00 Diverse Topics and Deep Dives

08:05 Listener Engagement and Personal Stories

11:50 Looking Ahead to 2026

17:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Reflecting on Personal Loss and Self-Care: A Journey of Pause and ChangeIn this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosted by Elisa Marie and Jojj, the conversation centers around reflecting on personal loss and its impact on one's perception of life and self-care. Joji shares her recent experience of losing a young family member and how it prompted her to contemplate life’s unpredictability and the importance of living mindfully. She discusses her decision to embrace her age by stopping hair coloring, symbolizing a new phase in her life. Elisa Marie relates by sharing her own experiences with loss, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing self-care amidst busy schedules. Both hosts explore the emotional and physical challenges they faced over the past year and highlight the importance of pausing to take stock of where they are and where they want to go in life. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own needs, whether physical or emotional, and to take steps towards caring for themselves.00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast00:30 Reflecting on Personal Loss and Change01:58 Joji's Personal Experience with Loss04:46 Embracing Aging and Symbolic Changes07:36 Balancing Self-Care and Family Responsibilities10:50 The Importance of Physical and Mental Health13:46 Year-End Reflections and Emotional Exhaustion28:17 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Exploring Love Languages and Family Dynamics on the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

In this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosts Elisa Marie and Joji delve into the concept of love languages, popularized by Gary Chapman's book 'The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts.' They discuss the five love languages identified by Chapman—acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, and physical touch—along with personal anecdotes illustrating how understanding love languages has impacted their relationships. Joji shares insights from listening to a podcast with Michelle Obama, discussing how teasing forms a love language in her own family. The conversation highlights how identifying and practicing love languages can strengthen connections with partners, children, and family members. Alyssa provides practical advice on applying these concepts and reflects on the ongoing nature of building and maintaining intimate relationships. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their experiences and thoughts on love languages.

00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

00:30 Exploring Love Languages

02:23 Personal Experiences with Love Languages

04:34 Family Dynamics and Teasing as a Love Language

07:54 Love Languages in Marriage

18:01 Understanding Children's Love Languages

20:54 Connecting Love Languages with Other Concepts

28:48 Final Thoughts and Reflections

31:05 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

Navigating the Pros and Cons of Sleepovers: A Parent's Perspective

In this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosts Elisa Marie and Jojy explore the evolving views on traditional sleepovers versus the emerging trend of 'sleep unders' or 'late overs.' Referencing an article from the New York Post, they discuss the concerns of modern parents, including safety issues and childhood anxieties. Alyssa shares her personal experiences and the conversations she has had with her children about sleepovers. The hosts delve into the importance of preparing children for social interactions and the developmental benefits of sleepovers while emphasizing that the choice ultimately depends on each family's comfort levels and unique circumstances.

00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

00:31 Traditional Sleepovers vs. Sleep Unders

03:27 Parental Concerns and Safety Issues

04:06 Alyssa's Perspective on Sleepovers

06:53 Preparing Kids for Sleepovers

12:07 Balancing Protection and Independence

15:09 Co-Ed Sleepovers and Changing Norms

25:58 Final Thoughts and Parental Wisdom

29:33 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

Embracing Gray: A Journey to Authentic Self-Acceptance

Your Roots Are Showing - A Film by Ilise Harris

In this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosts Elisa Marie and Jojy welcome Sue, a listener who shares her personal journey of transitioning to natural gray hair. The discussion delves into societal pressures, personal experiences, and the emotional and practical aspects of going gray. Sue recounts her experiences, from the initial decision to stop coloring her hair to the support she received from her colorist and online communities. Elisa and Joji also explore the cultural and feminist dimensions of hair coloring, encouraging listeners to embrace aging and support each other in their individual choices. This conversation highlights the importance of breaking down societal beauty standards and finding confidence and acceptance in one's natural look.

00:00 Introduction to The Deconstructed Woman Podcast

00:31 Welcoming Sue: A Listener's Story

01:25 Sue's Journey to Embrace Natural Hair

02:27 Challenges and Support in Going Gray

05:43 Personal Reflections and Cultural Influences

08:43 The Emotional and Social Impact of Going Gray

11:15 Encouragement and Support from the Community

17:45 Feminism and Hair Color: A Complex Relationship

40:39 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Navigating College Admissions with Lee Norwood

In this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, Jojy welcomes Lee Norwood, owner of Annapolis College Consulting, to discuss navigating the college admissions process. Lee shares her personal journey from a medical sales career to becoming a college consultant, driven by her passion for helping families. She provides insights into important factors universities consider in applications, the role of gap years, financial aid, and the growing influence of AI. Lee also introduces her subscription-based program, College Sharks, which offers valuable resources for families.

Annapolis College Consulting

College Sharks

00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

00:31 Meet Lee Norwood: College Admissions Expert

02:15 Lee's Journey from Pharma to College Consulting

06:44 The Evolution of College Admissions

17:16 Navigating College Choices and Financial Aid

23:48 Understanding Need-Based Aid at Elite Schools

25:02 The Reality Check for Parents and Students

26:35 Financial Planning and Filling Out the FAFSA

27:08 Choosing the Right Colleges for Merit Aid

30:17 Key Factors in College Applications

35:04 The Role of AI in College Essays

38:36 Connecting with College Consulting Services

42:17 Podcast Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Exploring 'The Four Tendencies' by Gretchen Rubin: Understanding Personality Types

In this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosts Elisa Marie and Jojy discuss the book 'The Four Tendencies' by Gretchen Rubin. The episode covers Rubin's framework categorizing people's responses to internal and external expectations into four groups - the Rebel, the Upholder, the Questioner, and the Obliger. Elisa and Joji delve into their personal experiences and reflections on these categories, including how understanding these personality types can be applied in personal relationships and work environments to improve motivation and communication.

00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

00:31 Exploring 'The Four Tendencies' by Gretchen Rubin

01:45 Joji's Initial Thoughts on the Book

03:24 Breaking Down the Four Tendencies

04:34 Personal Reflections on the Tendencies

06:11 Applying the Tendencies in Family Dynamics

08:33 Workplace Applications of the Tendencies

21:26 Generational and Developmental Perspectives

29:19 Challenges in Motivating Different Tendencies

32:39 Conclusion and Listener Engagement