Jen and Becca explore the concept of decision fatigue, particularly during the holiday season. They discuss the overwhelming nature of choices, cultural perspectives on decision-making, and practical strategies to mitigate fatigue. The conversation also touches on parenting, the emotional toll of being a default decision-maker, and the importance of self-awareness in recognizing when decision fatigue sets in. They conclude with actionable tips for reducing decision overload and a reflective journal prompt.
"Too many options can overwhelm us."
"We need to automate some decisions."
"Decision fatigue leads to burnout."
00:00 Understanding Decision Fatigue
02:24 Cultural Perspectives on Decision Making
04:54 The Weight of Choices
07:20 Simplifying Decisions in Daily Life
08:54 Parenting and Decision Fatigue
11:20 The Role of Default Decision Makers
14:33 Anticipating Decisions and Their Impact
15:57 Navigating Decision Fatigue
17:46 The Multitasking Dilemma
20:42 Recognizing Decision Fatigue
23:19 The Impact of Decision Fatigue on Relationships
28:09 Strategies for Managing Overwhelm
Keywords - decision fatigue, holiday stress, cultural perspectives, parenting, emotional toll, decision making strategies, default decision makers, managing overwhelm, practical tips, self-awareness
In this special holiday Fan Friday, Becca reflects on the power of interdependence, nervous system regulation, and why we’re not meant to do life alone. Through listener-favorite Christmas movies, a recap of recent Wild & Well Together episodes, and a calming 60 Seconds to Centered grounding practice, this episode invites you to slow down, reconnect, and step into the new year feeling supported.
If you’re navigating holiday stress, decision fatigue, or craving deeper connection, this episode is a reminder that support is allowed and connection is strength.
Topics include: mindfulness, nervous system health, interdependence vs. independence, emotional regulation, holiday reflection, and community wellness.
John and Becca explore the intricate balance between independence and interdependence, discussing personal stories, definitions, and the importance of community in achieving wellness. They delve into the challenges of codependency, the role of shame in personal growth, and practical steps to foster healthier relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the value of connection in navigating life's complexities.
Chapters
00:00 The Dance of Independence and Interdependence
05:51 Personal Experiences and Reflections on Independence
09:40 Defining Independence, Interdependence, and Codependency
16:21 Navigating Relationships and Parenting Dynamics
17:20 Navigating Gatekeeping in Parenting
19:17 From Codependency to Interdependence
25:07 The Power of Retreats for Self-Discovery
29:10 Understanding Shame and Its Impact
35:34 Finding Balance in Interdependence
37:08 NEWCHAPTER
#interdependence #independence #codependency #relationships #personalgrowth #community #self-work #parenting #emotionalhealth #wellness
"Today for you, tomorrow for me."
Jen and Becca explore the theme of interdependence, drawing on the Quechua principle of 'aini' which emphasizes reciprocity and mutual support. They discuss the balance between independence and interdependence, the dangers of hyper-independence, and the importance of community and support systems. The conversation highlights the biological need for connection and the courage it takes to ask for help, ultimately redefining strength as the ability to lean on others while maintaining one's identity.
Chapters
00:00 Embracing Interdependence: A Journey Begins
02:36 Unpopular Opinions: Christmas Movie Favorites
04:46 Understanding Independence vs. Interdependence
06:53 The Spectrum of Dependency: Codependency vs. Interdependence
09:20 Hyper-Independence: The Other Side of the Coin
11:48 Unlearning Independence: A Personal Reflection
14:19 The Importance of Asking for Help
17:43 Embracing Vulnerability and Interdependence
20:34 Redefining Strength: The Power of Support
24:16 The Journey from Independence to Interdependence
28:27 The Illusion of Independence in Modern Society
30:40 Gratitude Across Generations: The Seven Generations Practice
#interdependence #reciprocity #community #supportsystems #independence #codependence #mentalhealth #relationships #personalgrowth #strength
In this W&WT conversation, Becca and Chris discuss the challenges faced by millennials, particularly the pressures of being part of the sandwich generation. Chris shares his journey of taking a sabbatical to focus on his mental health and explore his passion for working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. They delve into the importance of community support, the need for better employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and the significance of self-reflection in personal growth. The conversation highlights the balance between being content with where you are in life while also striving for growth and fulfillment.
"Nothing about us without us."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:50 The Concept of Sabbatical in Corporate Life
09:12 Passion for Intellectual Disabilities and Special Olympics
16:33 Future Plans and Community Engagement
24:12 Socialization in the Intellectual Disabilities Community
24:17 Being vs. Becoming: Personal Growth and Contentment
26:34 Daily Practices for Mental Well-being
28:00 The Importance of Male Friendships
28:49 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
29:40 Mushroom Foraging and Culinary Interests
32:52 Sabbatical Plans and Future Aspirations
33:56 Wild, Well, or Together: Defining Life's Seasons
#sabbatical #intellectualdisabilities #communitysupport #employmentopportunities #personalgrowth #millennialchallenges #SpecialOlympics #self-reflection #nonprofitgoals #work-lifebalance
John and Becca explore the themes of being versus becoming, the pressures of self-improvement, and the importance of finding balance between productivity and rest. They share personal anecdotes about procrastination, responsibilities, and the societal expectations placed on men and women regarding self-worth and productivity. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-reflection, the value of rest, and the journey of personal growth, ultimately highlighting that one's worth is not solely defined by their achievements.
"I'm a pile person, I'll call it what it is."
"I think men are addicted to self-improvement."
"Our worth is not equated to our productivity."
Chapters
00:00 Being vs. Becoming: A Personal Evolution
03:04 Playing Chicken with Chores: A Lighthearted Approach
09:34 The Pressure of Self-Improvement: Men and Women
15:19 Finding Balance: The Importance of Rest and Sabbath
16:13 The Importance of Digital Sabbath
17:25 Rituals and Rhythms in Life
19:39 The Dance of Becoming and Being
21:49 Reflections on Parenthood and Growth
25:01 The Pursuit of Progress and Self-Discovery
29:25 Building a Life of Purpose and Fulfillment
32:08 The Value of Retreat and Reflection
#self-improvement #personalgrowth #balance #productivity #rest #relationships #self-worth #becoming #mindfulness #life #journey
In this conversation, Becca and Jen explore the intricate balance between 'being' and 'becoming.' They discuss the importance of self-acceptance while also striving for personal growth. The dialogue touches on the challenges of living in the present, the impact of societal expectations, and the journey of self-discovery. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they emphasize the need for radical acceptance and the beauty of embracing both our current selves and our aspirations for the future.
"I want to grow, but I also want to be."
"Acceptance opens the door to growth."
"We can do the hard things."
Chapters
00:00 The Dance of Being and Becoming
03:30 Unpacking the Unpopular Opinions
07:41 Struggles with Present and Future
10:27 The Journey of Self-Acceptance
12:31 The Growth Acceptance Paradox
16:38 Finding Peace in the Present
19:47 The Balance of Being and Becoming
24:49 Practical Applications for Self-Love
27:55 NEWCHAPTER
#self-acceptance #personalgrowth #being #becoming #mindfulness #self-reflection #emotionalwell-being #life #journey #radicalacceptance #contentment #self-improvement
In this conversation, Becca reflects on the importance of gratitude during Thanksgiving, emphasizing the need for connection and centeredness amidst the holiday chaos. She shares techniques for grounding oneself during gatherings and discusses the coexistence of grief and joy, encouraging listeners to embrace their emotions and create meaningful experiences during the holiday season.
Chapters
00:00Embracing Centeredness and Gratitude
04:02The Importance of Connection During Holidays
#Thanksgiving #gratitude #mindfulness #centeringtechniques #grief #joy #community #connection #holidayseason #60secondstocentered
In this engaging conversation, Becca and John explore the concept of life hacks, sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips to enhance everyday living. They discuss various strategies for automating tasks, decluttering, and improving productivity, while also touching on parenting techniques and the importance of connection. The episode emphasizes the significance of efficiency and control in our lives, encouraging listeners to adopt these hacks for a smoother, more intentional existence.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
00:05 Exploring Life Hacks
08:36 Defining Life Hacks and Their Importance
09:43 Top Life Hacks for 2025
12:32 Prioritizing Sleep and Connection
14:58 Life Hacks for Grocery Shopping
20:02 Using AI for Meal Planning
22:03 Home Maintenance Made Easy
25:23 Parenting Hacks for Bedtime
29:27 Budgeting and Financial Awareness
#lifehacks #personaldevelopment #efficiency #parentingtips #productivity #mentalhealth #timemanagement #self-improvement #intentionalliving #practicaladvice
In this episode, Jen and Becca explore various life hacks that can help simplify daily routines and enhance mental well-being. They discuss the importance of community support through 'micro villages', ways to glamorize mundane tasks, the necessity of digital detoxes, and the concept of habit stacking to create effective routines. The conversation emphasizes the significance of quick wins for mental clarity and the power of gratitude in transforming perspectives. They conclude with a reflective journal prompt encouraging listeners to reclaim time for themselves.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Life Hacks
02:52 Micro Villages: Building Community Support
07:35 Glamorizing the Mundane
13:45 Digital Sabbath: Reducing Screen Time
19:10 Practical Life Hacks and Rituals
23:06 Journal Prompt: Reclaiming Time
#lifehacks #productivity #mentalhealth #communitysupport #selfcare #digitaldetox #gratitude #routines #mindfulness #personalgrowth
In this heartfelt conversation, Becca and her sister Mallory explore the theme of nostalgia, reflecting on their childhood memories, family traditions, and the values instilled in them by their parents. They discuss the role of music and movies in shaping their identities, the impact of travel on their perspectives, and the balance between healthy and unhealthy nostalgia. Through laughter and shared stories, they highlight the importance of family, community, and the lessons learned from their upbringing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nostalgia
01:19 Childhood Memories and Family Traditions
02:54 Exploring Family Dynamics and Values
04:43 Favorite Foods and Family Recipes
07:00 Bedtime Routines and Childhood Comforts
08:47 Music and Its Role in Nostalgia
10:00 Community and Family Gatherings
11:22 Reflections on Growing Up
12:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
12:50 Nostalgic Movies and Emotional Connections
15:33 The Importance of Sibling Relationships
17:05 Grandparents and Their Lasting Impact
21:54 Travel: Creating Lasting Memories
25:29 Family Dinner Table Dynamics
26:34 The Journey to Becoming a Photographer
28:47 Exploring the Theme of Nostalgia
#nostalgia #childhoodmemories #familytraditions #music #movies #travel #personalgrowth #emotionalhealth #relationships #familyvalues
In this conversation, John and Becca explore the multifaceted role of nostalgia in our lives, discussing its connections to food, music, fashion, and personal memories. They reflect on how nostalgia can evoke joy and connection, while also acknowledging its potential shadow side. The discussion emphasizes the importance of shared experiences and how nostalgia can serve as a bridge to gratitude and deeper relationships.
"Nostalgia reawakens joy."
"Shared nostalgia builds connection."
"We need to find joy in our lives."
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Nostalgia
02:48 Nostalgia in Food and Fashion
04:34 Unpopular Opinions on Nostalgia
08:33 Nostalgic Memories and Experiences
09:09 Childhood Toys and Their Impact
14:33 Nostalgic Music and Its Influence
15:46 Nostalgic Music Memories
17:11 The Power of Nostalgia
18:49 Childhood Connections and Creativity
20:39 Engaging Conversations Through Nostalgia
21:39 Rapid Fire: Then or Now?
26:05 Dating: Then vs. Now
28:24 Family Dinners: A Generational Shift
30:46 The Joy of Shared Experiences
#nostalgia #food #music #fashion #memories #connection #mentalhealth #relationships #childhood #pop culture
This conversation delves into the theme of nostalgia, exploring its significance in our lives through shared memories, music, and family connections. Jen Wivholm and Becca Breen discuss how nostalgia can evoke joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging while also acknowledging its potential shadow side, which can lead to dwelling on the past. They emphasize the importance of balancing nostalgia with present experiences and using it as a tool for emotional regulation and healing.
"Nostalgia brings us into a place of joy."
"Nostalgia helps us find our belonging."
"Nostalgia can be a really fun thing."
#nostalgia #childhoodmemories #music #emotionalregulation #familybonds #vulnerability #healing #joy #pastexperiences #sharedstories
In this engaging conversation, Becca and Mon explore themes of community, resilience, and the importance of family. Mon shares his journey from being an architect to pursuing his passion for cooking during the pandemic, highlighting the significance of food in bringing people together. They discuss the power of storytelling, the influence of childhood experiences, and the importance of gratitude in daily life. Mon emphasizes the value of inviting everyone to the table, making them feel seen and loved, and shares his grounding practices that help him navigate life's challenges. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Mon's personality and insights.
Mon's name is a combination of his parents' names, symbolizing love.
Food plays a crucial role in community and connection.
Everyone deserves a seat at the table, regardless of their background.
Childhood experiences shape our confidence and identity.
Gratitude for small things leads to greater happiness.
Parenting is a journey of creating a beautiful canvas for children.
Mon's life verse from Proverbs inspires his confidence.
Grounding practices, like reading the Bible, help maintain focus.
Resilience is key in navigating life's challenges.
Connection transcends geographical boundaries, uniting us all.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:11 Cultural Significance of Food and Community
17:27 Childhood and Family Dynamics
24:40 Defining Moments and Personal Growth
28:10 Gratitude and Grounding Practices
#community #family #gratitude #personalgrowth #spirituality #resilience #storytelling #connection #culturalexchange
This conversation explores the transformative power of gratitude and mindfulness in daily life. Becca and John discuss the importance of grounding oneself in the present moment, the role of awareness in cultivating gratitude, and practical tools for integrating gratitude into everyday practices. They share personal experiences and insights on how gratitude can interrupt stress, foster community connections, and help individuals navigate challenges. The discussion emphasizes the significance of finding beauty in everyday life and transforming negative emotions into positive reflections.
#gratitude #mindfulness #mental health #presence #awareness #community #emotional well-being #daily practices #personal growth #self-reflection
In this conversation, the speakers explore the concept of gratitude, particularly in the context of women's experiences and emotional well-being. They discuss the dangers of positive toxicity, the importance of genuine gratitude, and how it can help regulate emotions during difficult times. The conversation emphasizes the communal aspect of gratitude and how it can be a learned behavior that enhances personal growth and connection with others. Practical applications and exercises for cultivating gratitude are also shared, highlighting its significance in daily life.
Dismantling positive toxicity is essential for women's well-being.
Gratitude can help regulate emotions during difficult times.
Practicing gratitude is like flexing a muscle; it requires consistency.
Embodied gratitude connects us to our community and ourselves.
It's important to acknowledge both the good and the hard in life.
Gratitude can be a learned behavior that enhances happiness.
Finding gratitude in small things can lead to deeper appreciation.
Community support is vital in cultivating gratitude.
Gratitude should not be forced; it should come from a genuine place.
Engaging in gratitude practices can improve mental health and relationships.
00:00 Embracing Fall and the Theme of Gratitude
03:53 Dismantling Positive Toxicity
05:47 Gratitude in Difficult Times
08:47 The Science of Gratitude
12:47 Embodied Gratitude vs. Forced Gratitude
15:57 Navigating Expectations of Gratitude
19:19 Gratitude as a Learned Habit
23:31 Building a Gratitude Practice
25:39 Community and Gratitude
gratitude, positive toxicity, emotional regulation, community, embodied gratitude, mental health, women empowerment, neuroscience, personal growth, self-care
MONTH RECAP: Purpose, Friendship, Rhythms & Rituals, & Play.
In this conversation, Becca reflects on the importance of rest, purpose, friendship, and community. She emphasizes the value of rituals and play in daily life, and introduces practical mindfulness techniques to help listeners center themselves. The discussion highlights the significance of engaging with one another and fostering a supportive community, especially as they transition into a new month with week 5 focused on gratitude.
Rest is a rebellious act of wellness.
Purpose can be found in small, ordinary acts.
True friendship provides essential support and connection.
Rituals can create sacred consistency in our lives.
Joy is essential for creativity and curiosity.
Being well is about being human, not doing more.
Engaging with community enhances our well-being.
Mindfulness practices can help us center ourselves.
Physical movement can release stored tension.
Breathing techniques can calm the nervous system.
Chapters
00:00 Embracing Rest and Reflection
02:08 Exploring Purpose, Friendship, and Rituals
04:19 The Importance of Play and Community Engagement
05:44 Practical Tools for Centering and Well-Being
wellness, rest, purpose, friendship, rituals, play, community, gratitude, mindfulness, stress relief
This conversation explores the significance of play in adult life, emphasizing its role in mental health, social connection, and rejuvenation. The speakers discuss how play is often overlooked in adulthood, yet it is essential for creativity, problem-solving, and emotional well-being. They delve into the differences in how men and women approach play and the importance of giving oneself permission to engage in playful activities.
Takeaways
Play is fundamental for humans and rejuvenates us.
Adults often forget the importance of play in their lives.
Men and women approach play differently, impacting their mental health.
Social connections are enhanced through playful interactions.
Play can be a form of self-care and emotional restoration.
Engaging in play can help combat feelings of depression.
Kids are natural models of play, reminding adults to engage.
Play requires full attention and can be a break from daily distractions.
Men process life and mental health through play.
Creativity and problem-solving skills are enhanced through play.
It's important for both men and women to prioritize play in their lives.
"Play is fundamental for humans."
"Kids model play for us."
"Women need to play too."
Chapters
00:00 The Distinction Between Recreation and Socialization
12:36 The Role of Play in Rejuvenation
14:08 Men's Play and Mental Health
16:25 The Importance of Play for Women
19:01 Play as a Framework for Mental Health
21:45 Practical Tips for Incorporating Play
24:05 Conclusion and Call to Action
This conversation explores the significance of play in adult life, emphasizing its role in connection, healing, and personal growth. The speakers discuss how play can help navigate barriers, rediscover joy, and combat the pressures of productivity and perfectionism that often inhibit adult playfulness. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the necessity of integrating play into daily life for mental and emotional well-being.
Play is essential for adults just as it is for children.
Engaging in play can enhance our connection with others.
Play serves as a tool for healing and coping with stress.
Barriers to play often stem from societal pressures and perfectionism.
Rediscovering playfulness can lead to greater joy and fulfillment.
Play allows us to be present and lose track of time.
Incorporating play into daily routines can combat burnout.
Children naturally bring joy and playfulness into our lives.
We must challenge the barriers that prevent us from playing.
Finding time for play is crucial for mental health.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Play in Adulthood
07:05 Personal Experiences with Play
09:09 Healing Through Play
11:52 The Role of Play in Combating Burnout
14:13 Rediscovering Play in Adulthood
16:28 Cultural Pressures and the Loss of Play
18:38 Play as Medicine for Aging
18:58 The Importance of Play in Parenting
23:25 Play as a Tool for Connection and Joy
27:33 Creative Play and Overcoming Barriers
29:15 Reflection on Play and Its Challenges
To hear more with Kevin Hohe, check him out on IG at KevinHohe 414 or listen to Better Questions Pod. See you next week!