This week on the What a Gift podcast, we’re moving from the "Book of Job" chapter of our lives into a fresh start. We're getting honest about grief, work-life boundaries, and why a good cry is the ultimate New Year's detox. Plus, we keep tabs on Jennifer Aniston’s "love hypnotist" boyfriend and the medical kinship we share with her.

🎁 WHAT’S INSIDE 🎁

The Gift of Fresh Starts

We dive into what it means to begin again, especially after a year that felt like a "hermit year". Jule reflects on the "hard but good" reality of 2025, navigating her first year of marriage while grieving the loss of her best friend, David. Jule launches the “Jule Gets Her Spark Back Challenge" for 2026, committing to leaving the house after dark, sweating daily, and returning to open mic nights where she can use her gifts. Sarra discusses the heavy weight of a new promotion and her goal to stop being her own slave driver. We realize that "busy" is no excuse for failing to be a whole, flourishing person. Jule officially challenges Sarra to a dating challenge: hit the apps and message a million people "Coffee?" so we have more to talk about on the pod. Sarra is officially looking for a "joyful young lumberjack".

The Gift of Crying

Sarra unwraps the gift of crying, which Jule calls "very cleansing" and essential for a fresh start. Sarra shares her office "cry count tally" and how she transitioned from not crying for years to being moved by a "gentle breeze". Jule admits to being a "kryptonite" for scenes involving unconfident young boys, from Dustin at the Snow Ball in Stranger Things to random teenagers at stop signs. We discuss "gratitude tears" and how being overcome by the goodness of humanity—like TikToks of people being given new houses—is a deeply penetrating experience for the soul.

Help us ring in our SECOND SEASON with a journey through all things Christmas! You'll be feeling warm and cozy in no time—just time your coffee sips carefully 😂

What if a muppet provided the most Oscar-worthy performance of all time, and why do we keep listening to a song about dying moms during the most wonderful time of the year?This week on the What a Gift podcast, we’re going from "Grinchy to glorious" as we celebrate all things Christmas. From Mrs. Claus making a surprise guest appearance to the launch of an "Off-Duty Santas" Instagram account, we’re unwrapping the gifts of holiday media, traditions, and the great LED light debate.

🎁 WHAT’S INSIDE 🎁

The Gift of Christmas MediaWe dive into the songs and stories that define the season, starting with a breakdown of holiday music into three essential categories: the nostalgic oldies, the religious classics, and the contemporary hits.

We debate our top tracks, from the full body chills of "O Holy Night" to the wedding dance floor energy of Mariah Carey.

Jule expresses a Scrooge-like hatred for the song "Christmas Shoes," arguing it should be stricken from the public ear, while Sarra reflects on the beauty of the classics her dad used to sing in the kitchen.

We discuss what actually qualifies as a Christmas movie (yes, Die Hard counts!) and why Michael Caine in The Muppet Christmas Carol is peak holiday cinema.

Jule shares why It’s a Wonderful Life remains her favorite movie of all time, highlighting its powerful message that "life is so precious" and every individual matters.

The Gift of Christmas TraditionsSarra unwraps the gift of holiday festivities, from organized caroling to the specific "aesthetics" of a home during December.

Sarra describes her legendary hometown ugly sweater parties, where her parents acted as judges, awarding sashes for "ugliest" and "cheeriest" before the whole group piled into cars to go caroling at random houses.

Jule mourns the tragedy of blue LED lights, declaring that Thomas Edison is "rolling in his grave" and calling for a return to the warm, incandescent glow of old-fashioned colored bulbs.

We compare our Christmas styles: Sarra’s "pub in Scotland" look with plaids and low lights versus Jule’s "whimsical DIY" aesthetic featuring hand-cut snowflakes and multicolored velvet bows.

Sarra shares the heartwarming reason her sister Emma booked a flight home: a video of the family playing kazoo songs found in Christmas crackers._*Like* and *subscribe* for more unfettered hilarity and wholesomeness!_

Look for new episodes on Thursdays wherever you listen! Don't forget to go to seekreplay.com for episodes a week ahead of everywhere else!