FEELING THINGS: Stop Calling Things Hard & Other Things That Might Be Helpful To Know

In this episode of 'Feeling Things,' hosts Amy and Kat dive into a wide range of personal and societal reflections, starting with playful banter about online shopping hacks—like guessing discount codes based on pop-up prompts—and sharing their own strategies, from using Honey browser extensions to the joy of discovering that 'Tulip' is a working code for Revolve. They transition into deeper emotional territory with Kat’s candid pregnancy update, where she shares her struggle with body image during the first trimester, feeling unseen and overwhelmed by curated social media content. She finds validation in hearing Taylor Lautner (a fellow pregnant woman) admit she hated her body during early pregnancy, which helps her reframe her experience as normal and worthy of acknowledgment, not just gratitude. The conversation shifts to the psychological benefits of gardening, citing a 16-year longitudinal study linking daily gardening to a 36% lower risk of dementia, and the surprising neuroscience behind soil microbes and serotonin production. The hosts also explore the dark undercurrents of the 'manosphere' through a Netflix documentary, discussing how young men are drawn to toxic online influencers who offer false validation. They reflect on the importance of self-awareness, feedback, and emotional intelligence—especially in professional settings—and end with a heartfelt voicemail from Mindy in Kansas, who shares her transformative experience with hormone replacement therapy, including increased energy and libido. The episode closes with a nostalgic look at early internet culture and a reminder to embrace discomfort as part of growth.