Is the war between Gen X and Gen Z real, or is it just the algorithm at work? In this episode, we explore the "generational divide" and question whether the internet is manufacturing conflict to keep us distracted.

We address the surprising feedback from our first episode and discuss why short social media clips often misrepresent the true relationship between mothers and daughters. From there, we move into a deeper conversation about parenting transparency, specifically how Gen X parents are choosing to be honest about financial mistakes like the housing bubble rather than hiding them.

We also examine how the political landscape—specifically the 2016 election—shifted the way Gen Z views systemic issues versus personal responsibility. Plus, we share some laughs about 2016 makeup trends, the relevance of Vogue magazine, and overcoming driving anxiety in the snow.

In this episode, we cover:

1. The "Fake" Conflict: Why social media pushes a narrative that generations must fight each other.
2. Parenting with Honesty: Moving away from "because I said so" and discussing adult financial realities with kids.
3. Systemic vs. Personal: How Gen Z views hardship as a system failure, while Gen X often views it as a personal hurdle to overcome.
4. The 2016 Shift: How the political climate forced a change in how we discuss morality and privilege.
5. Cultural Time Capsules: A look back at heavy contouring, "Instagram eyebrows," and why media literacy matters now more than ever.

If you are about to buy a new planner or sign up for a gym membership because you feel like you need to "fix" yourself, press pause. In this episode, I explain why the commercialized version of New Year’s resolutions is often just a trap designed to make you feel like you aren't good enough.

I spent years (and thousands of dollars) trying to organize and plan my way into being a "better" person, but it never led to lasting happiness. Today, I’m sharing the alternative that actually works: a "More of/Less of" audit inspired by a financial strategy from my friend Brittany Ross.

We also discuss why you cannot "curate" joy but must intentionally look for it, and I share a personal story about a 24-hour hotel stay with high school friends that taught me why you shouldn't try to manufacture deep connections.

In this episode:

1. The Resolution Trap: Why the pressure to "change" is often a sales tactic.
2. The "More of/Less of" List: A simple method to audit your life based on feelings, not productivity.
3. Body Intelligence: How to use the "chest tap" to identify what true motivation feels like physically.
4. Friendship Reality: Why sitting in a hotel room with old friends beats an elaborate vacation with new ones.

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 - Intro: Why I Hate New Year’s Resolutions
2. 0:46 - The "Not Good Enough" Scam
3. 02:14 - I Spent Thousands on Planners (And Failed)
4. 07:52 - The "Finance Rule" That Fixed My Life (Brittany Ross)
5. 11:37 - How To Audit Your Feelings (The Chest Tap)
6. 14:40 - Why "Mindset Shifts" Are Often Oversimplified
7. 18:34 - The Hotel Story: What True Friendship Looks Like
8. 23:55 - How To Join The "Women of Wonder" Community

Join the Community: The Women of Wonder community is where we leave the judgment at the door. If you want more laughter, less pressure, and a place to celebrate yourself judgment-free, join us here: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder

he holidays are supposed to be the "most wonderful time of the year," but what happens when everything familiar has changed?

In this episode, I share my personal experience of navigating our first holiday season after moving cross-country. We are facing the unique challenge of welcoming our college-aged kids back to a house that isn't their childhood home.

I open up about the "weeds" of this season: the pressure to recreate old feelings in a new place, the jealousy I feel when scrolling through social media, and the reality that my kids don't have their usual friends or cars here.

But we also talk about finding the "wonder." We discuss how to hold two opposing emotions at once—like gratitude and sadness—without letting one cancel the other out. Plus, I share how we are embracing the Minnesota winter, exploring outdoor holiday markets, and even starting unlikely new traditions like going to an NBA game.

If you are feeling like a fish out of water this season, this episode is for you.

Online Community Our Women of Wonder community is a safe place to say the quiet stuff out loud, free from judgment. Women helping other women is a tried-and-true approach for empowerment and success, not to mention laughter and love. W.o.W. offers continuous support and resources.

➡️ Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder