Panic Ordering at Starbucks and Pancheros Mexican Grill: Why New Places Make Us Feel Dumb

The Zamboni Episode

Most people will never get the opportunity to ride on a Zamboni — and after signing the waiver, we started to understand why. In this episode of First Time Energy!, my friend and I talk about what it’s actually like riding as passengers on one of the most oddly satisfying machines on earth, from the nerves beforehand to the surreal experience of cruising across the ice like temporary hockey royalty. Equal parts wholesome, hilarious, and deeply Midwestern.

The First Time We Went to an NFL Game

This week on First-Time Energy, Alex is joined by her husband Shaun to talk about the first time they attended an NFL game. From the energy inside the stadium and the chaos of the crowd… to stops along the way, people watching, and realizing football fans are operating at emotional levels rarely seen in public — this episode dives into what makes live sports feel so different from watching at home. They talk about: 🏈 the atmosphere of an NFL stadium 🏈 expectations vs reality 🏈 sports culture and fan behavior 🏈 what surprised them most 🏈 and why live events have a way of making complete strangers feel connected for a few hours Funny, observational, and painfully relatable for sports fans and non-sports fans alike. Awkward is fine… we’re doing it anyway.

The First Time Energy of Public Speaking

Most people are afraid of public speaking. But what does it actually feel like to stand up in front of a room full of people and do it anyway? In this episode of First Time Energy, Alex sits down with a guest to talk about the nerves, pressure, overthinking, adrenaline, awkward moments, and unexpected confidence that can come with public speaking — especially the first few times. From shaky hands and racing thoughts to learning how to recover when things don’t go perfectly, this conversation is less about becoming a “perfect speaker” and more about what it’s like to push through the discomfort of being seen and heard. If you’ve ever felt intimidated speaking in front of people, presenting in a meeting, introducing yourself in a room, or simply trying not to sound nervous while everyone’s looking at you… this episode will probably feel very familiar. Awkward is fine. We’re doing it anyway.

Panic Ordering at Starbucks and Pancheros Mexican Grill: Why New Places Make Us Feel Dumb

Why does ordering somewhere new feel like a public intelligence test? Alex dives into the awkward panic, social anxiety, and silent menu spirals that come with unfamiliar places.

I Accidentally Almost Became PTA President

Alex attended a casual sit down for drinks, somehow convinced herself she was about to be recruited into leadership against her will, and spent the entire event mentally rehearsing “no” like she was escaping a trap. Are you a volunteer your time parent, or a volunteer your Venmo parent?