Third Spaces and Other Endangered Species

Can We Bring Back Summer Vacation?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530753/fan_mail/new] On this week's episode of Mildly Thriving, Kimberly and Meredith tackle a tough question: Why did summer stop feeling like summer? You know the feeling. Somewhere between PTO requests, grocery shopping, and remembering to schedule your annual dentist appointment, the season of freedom lost a little of its magic. The ladies dig into why summer doesn't hit quite the same as it did when school let out for three glorious months and discuss the modern adult struggle of wanting to be spontaneous... while also needing to put everything on a calendar three weeks in advance. To help reclaim some summer fun, Kimberly shares her latest scheme: creating a custom Summer Bingo Card packed with mini adventures, novel experiences, and excuses to leave the house. The goal? Squeeze every last drop out of the season before pumpkin spice inevitably shows up. And if you black out your card? The prize is whatever your little heart desires. Whether you're planning an epic summer or just hoping to make it to Labor Day with a few good memories and fewer regrets, this episode is packed with ideas to help you make the most of the sunshine while it lasts. ☀️🍉🍹 Insta: @MildlyThrivingPod Original audio by Patrck Joseph (Thanks Patrick) Insert legal disclaimer and jargon here... but like... don't steal our shit?

Third Spaces and Other Endangered Species

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530753/fan_mail/new]  On this episode of Mildly Thriving Meredith and Kimberly discuss the lost art of the “third space” - aka the places we used to exist that weren’t work, home, or doom-scrolling in bed. You know, those places you had as a child but have since forgotten about? We’re talking coffee shops, malls, skating rinks, bookstores, parks, and that one friend’s house where everyone somehow ended up after school. Why are third spaces disappearing? Why does adulthood suddenly make hanging out feel like a scheduled business meeting? And why does everything cost $18 now? We unpack why these spaces actually matter for community, mental health, friendship, and feeling like a person instead of a productivity robot. Plus, we share the third spaces we grew up with, the weird social ecosystems of childhood, and practical ideas for finding new ones as adults…even if you’re socially rusty or allergic to small talk. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the accidental sociology lecture. Insta: @MildlyThrivingPod Original audio by Patrck Joseph (Thanks Patrick) Insert legal disclaimer and jargon here... but like... don't steal our shit?

Why You Should Bring Back the Sleepover This Summer

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530753/fan_mail/new]  This week on Mildly Thriving, Kimberly presents Meredith with some extremely compelling reasons why Summer 2026 needs to become the Summer of the Sleepover. After attending a sleepover the weekend before, the ladies realized something important: why did we let slumber parties die after high school when they are clearly the superior form of socializing? From deeper friendships and late-night chaos to affordable girls’ nights and nostalgic fun, the girls also share their favorite sleepover activities, tips for hosting the ultimate grown-up slumber party, and exactly how to turn a regular Friday night into a core memory. So grab your emotional support pajamas, your favorite snacks, and prepare to text the group chat immediately. And if you finish this episode without planning a sleepover? Honestly, we’re concerned for you. Insta: @MildlyThrivingPod Original audio by Patrck Joseph (Thanks Patrick) Insert legal disclaimer and jargon here... but like... don't steal our shit?

Fear...For Fun?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530753/fan_mail/new] Fear: keeping humans alive for thousands of years… and also somehow turning into entertainment. In this week’s episode of Mildly Thriving, Meredith and Kimberly talk scary movies, adrenaline, irrational fears, and why our brains apparently think stress can be “fun.” In that case, cue the Microsoft Teams notification sounds and enjoy! Insta: @MildlyThrivingPod Original audio by Patrck Joseph (Thanks Patrick) Insert legal disclaimer and jargon here... but like... don't steal our shit?

We’re Not Drinking as Much… but Still Almost Shtting Ourselves

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530753/fan_mail/new] This week, Kimberly hits Meredith with a realization: drinking just… isn’t the main character anymore. Somewhere in the last few years, cocktails stopped being mandatory, and more and more of their friends are either cutting back or calling it quits altogether. The girls dig into why this shift might be happening, what the data says, how their own relationships with alcohol have evolved, and what it looks like to navigate social lives without centering everything around a drink. And because no episode is complete without a little chaos, Kimberly also shares a story that almost ended in her fully shitting her pants. Yes, Meredith was there. Yes, it was in a car. No, no one was safe. Insta: @MildlyThrivingPod Original audio by Patrck Joseph (Thanks Patrick) Insert legal disclaimer and jargon here... but like... don't steal our shit?