Fear...For Fun?

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?

Solo Dates and Social Anxiety

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530753/fan_mail/new] On this episode of Mildly Thriving, Meredith puts herself to the test with a solo date in Seattle…and let’s just say it’s a journey. From nervously riding scooters through downtown like she’s in a coming-of-age film (but more awkward), to fully convincing herself that everyone is watching her exist in public, Meredith shares every high, low, and socially awkward thought along the way. Meanwhile, Kimberly is along for the ride, asking the important questions like whether anyone actually cares what we’re doing (spoiler: they don’t, but try telling that to your brain). Between the anxiety spirals and small wins, this episode dives into why solo time can feel so uncomfortable…and why it might be exactly what we need. Because as it turns out, spending time alone doesn’t have to be scary… it can actually be kind of freeing. So if you’ve ever avoided doing something just because you’d have to do it alone, this one’s for you. Consider it your sign to take yourself on a date…awkward moments and all. Insta: @MildlyThrivingPod Original audio by Patrck Joseph (Thanks Patrick) Insert legal disclaimer and jargon here... but like... don't steal our shit?