Ep. 258 Empowering women to have awesome births

August 28, 2020

It's a topic women have been conversations about for all of human history: bringing babies into the world! This week, the conversation continues as Meg invites Bryn Huntpalmer - creator and host of The Birth Hour podcast - to share about her passion for women, birth, and babies. Not only do they talk about how her mission is making meaningful change in the world of birth, they also cover surprising trends and what it's like to give birth during a global pandemic. All of that plus a luxury listening experience and a health boost in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

EveryPlate: Get three weeks of EveryPlate meals for only 2.99 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com and entering code awesome3

Grove: Go to Grove.co/AWESOME and receive a free five piece cleaning set. Plus, get free shipping and a free 60-day VIP trial.

Theragun: Try Theragun risk-free for 30 days. Go to theragun.com/AWESOME and get your Gen 4 Theragun today.

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Bose SoundSport Free, True Wireless Earbuds

Chelated Magnesium

Bryn's book The First-Time Mom's Pregnancy Handbook

The Birth Hour course: Know Your Options Childbirth Course

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Bryn on The Birth Hour podcast and on Instagram!

Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram, and @sortaawesomepod on Twitter!

Ep. 257 Fun trends for fall 2020

August 21, 2020

Okay listen, we know it's still August! You are managing back-to-school plans and searching for your sunglasses before you head out the door, right? But we also know you love to be a little more in-the-know about what's on-trend for each season, and this week, Meg and Kelly are here to fill you in on all the trends for fall 2020!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

First Leaf: For six bottles of wine at $29.95 and free shipping, go to tryfirstleaf.com/awesome

Billie: for 10% off of your new favorite razor, go to mybillie.com/awesome

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Meg’s AotW: The Argument podcast by The New York Times

Kelly’s AotW: Hotouch womens pajama set

Fall mask trends

How to upgrade your home office setup

8 Design Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Home During Quarantine

How You Can Help During the Coronavirus

Mini Pantry Movement

World Map Coloring Tablecloth

Paint by Number Kit

Felt succulents kit

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Kelly on her Twitter and Instagram!

Ep. 256 TikTok and Reels

August 14, 2020

If the recent news headlines about TikTok have left you feeling what you are missing, or if you magically started seeing Reels in your Instagram feed and have been wondering what the heck is going on, this episode is for you! This week, Meg and Rebekah get together to talk about all things TikTok, Instagram Reels, and the future of video in social media. Plus there's brand new TV talk and a life-changing Amazon discovery in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Legacy Box: Go to legacybox.com/AWESOME to get 40% off your first order

LinkedIn: Go to linkedin.com/AWESOME and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Terms and conditions apply.

EveryPlate: Get three weeks of EveryPlate meals for only 2.99 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com and entering code awesome3

True Botanicals: Get 15% off your first purchase at truebotanicals.com/awesome

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Rebekah's AotW: Big Brother

Meg’s AotW: The Amazon jumpsuit

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Ep. 255 Life is more awesome the Lazy Genius Way!

August 7, 2020

Who doesn't want to be a genius? And if you can be a little, well, lazy about it, isn't that even more awesome? This week, Meg is joined by the one and only Lazy Genius herself, Kendra Adachi! Tune in to hear this conversation which includes Kendra sharing how the Enneagram influenced her journey to being a beloved life hack guru AND she walks Meg through a step-by-step solution to one of her biggest ongoing messes. All of that plus Awesomes of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Bombas: Visit bombas.com/awesome and save 20% off your first purchase

First Leaf: For six bottles of wine at $29.95 and free shipping, go to tryfirstleaf.com/awesome

PlushCare: PlushCare makes it easier than ever to take care of yourself, inside and out. Start your membership today. Go to PlushCare.com/awesome to start your FREE 30-day trial.

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Mike Birbiglia The New One on Netflix

Rooted Beauty Facial Cleansing Wipes (Meg got hers from Grove. Sign up for Grove with her affiliate link and get a FREE Mrs. Meyers cleaning set!)

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Kendra on Facebook or Instagram or at The Lazy Genius Collective! Order Kendra’s book The Lazy Genius Way, out August 11th. Preorder bonuses include the complete Lazy Genius digital library: The Swap: The LG Guide to Decluttering for Life, The Meal Plan: The LG Guide to Happy Dinners at Home, The Holiday Docket: The LG Guide to Celebrating Well, and The Clean Slate: The LG Guide to Keeping a Home.

Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram, and @sortaawesomepod on Twitter!

Ep. 254 Secrets to becoming the gift-giver you've always wanted to be!

July 30, 2020

You know the friend who always gives the perfect gift on every occasion? Ever wonder how she does it? This week's conversation features Meg and a real-life Awesome-turned-friends story with Julie Tepperman, and Julie is giving us the scoop on how she finds, organizes, and gives great gifts. Get ready for personality talk, practical advice, and lots of inspiration! Plus a lovely lip gloss and all things folklore in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Billie: Get your $9 starter kit of the best razor ever at mybillie.com/awesome

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Lune and Aster in Bestie

folklore

The Strategist

Uncommon Goods

Popchart Lab: https://popchart.co/

Society6

Amazon's interesting finds page

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

….

Ep. 253 Can we go from anxiety to awesome?

July 24, 2020

As the entire globe grapples with what a return to workplaces and schools will look like as Quarantine 2020 continues, many of us are grasping for whatever help and support we can find. This week, join Meg and her sister and Sorta Awesome regular Emily as they look at the bigger picture - the need for each of us to have a solid foundation of mental health and wellness to survive and thrive in the months ahead! From practical ways to get out of survival mode to the best mental health apps for your mobile device and more, they share lots of resources for strengthening your mental health, most of which you can do without leaving your home.

All of that plus a hot weather beauty must-have and a Netflix must-watch for fans of The Babysitters Club in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Emily AotW: Superstay powder

Meg’s AotW: The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix

25 CBT Techniques and Worksheets for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Apps:

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

You can find Emily on Instagram!

Ep. 252 It wasn't all grunge and big hair

July 17, 2020

Hey, teens of the 90s! What was THAT like? Many of us who lived out our teenage years in that wild, wild decade of the 1990s are filled with delight and cringe when we think back on those glory days. This week, Meg is joined by co-host Rebekah who unearthed a TEEN Magazine from August 1993. Together, they go peruse the pages and contemplate 90s fashion, celebrate their celebrity crushes, and conquer the ubiquitous teen mag quiz. All of that 90s nostalgia plus a treat-yourself discovery and baby's first favorite in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

First Leaf: For six bottles of wine at $29.95 and free shipping, go to tryfirstleaf.com/awesome

Magic Spoon: Go to magicspoon.com/AWESOME to grab a variety pack. Enter promo code AWESOME for free shipping.

LinkedIn: Go to linkedin.com/AWESOME and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Terms and conditions apply.

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Rebekah's AotW - Ms Lovely Floral Satin Robe

Meg’s AotW: Hape Pound and Tap Bench

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Ep. 251 Askers vs. Guessers (and other things we wish we had known)

July 10, 2020

Earlier this year, Meg and Kelly revealed some of the things they had discovered that no one ever told them (Ep. 238 Why didn't the tell me?!), and this week, they continue that discussion by sharing even more of the things that they wish they had known. From a practical hack for a summer favorite to pinching your plants to how to know if you are an Asker or a Guesser, they talk about the wisdom that is making life easier and more awesome. PLUS an extended discussion of Hamilton and a summer grilling favorite in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Legacy Box: Go to legacybox.com/AWESOME to get 40% off your first order

Billie: for 10% off of your new favorite razor, go to mybillie.com/awesome

True Botanicals: Get 15% off your first purchase at truebotanicals.com/awesome

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly’s AotW: Chicken Shawarma from Chew Out Loud
(Kelly’s Note: By all means, try Amy's way first. But if you want to make it slightly easier and add less heat to your kitchen in the summertime, Kelly adapted this recipe by putting whole chicken thighs - not quartered, like the recipe says - into the slow cooker with the olive oil and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high 3-4. Once the chicken is done, use tongs to remove it from the slow cooker and place the chicken on a foil-lined sheet pan. Spread the chicken out as much as possible and then broil in your oven until the top is crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Serve with naan, tomato slices and homemade tzatziki sauce.)

Meg AotW: Hamilton on Disney+

Original Facebook thread: Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me

Askers vs. Guessers - The Atlantic

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Kelly on her Twitter and Instagram!

Ep. 250 Sprinklers, limeade, library books, and what made summer awesome

June 26, 2020

Summer 2020 may be unlike anything we had hoped or planned for, but maybe that gives us an opportunity to rediscover the awesome of summer days of our childhoods. Join Meg as she shares what a variety of friends and Awesomes have said made for incredible summers when they were kids. You might just find yourself inspired to enjoy this summer more than you thought possible!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Theragun: Find out why Theragun is changing the lives of Meg AND Kyle! Learn more at theragun.com/awesome

Magic Spoon: Go to magicspoon.com/AWESOME to grab a variety pack. Enter promo code AWESOME for free shipping.

EveryPlate: Get three weeks of EveryPlate meals for only 2.99 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com and entering code awesome3

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Eva Nyc tone it down shampoo and conditioner

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Ep. 249 Internet life hacks: would you, could you, should you?

June 19, 2020

We all need a little helpful from time to time, but is the internet the place to find it? This week, Meg is joined by her sister and Sorta Awesome regular Emily Harris, and together they explore some of the most intriguing life hacks from TikTok, YouTube, and more and discuss if these are tips they could, would, or should try! All of that plus some delicious kitchen inspiration and a delightful beach read in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

First Leaf: For six bottles of wine at $29.95 and free shipping, go to tryfirstleaf.com/awesome

Billie: for 10% off of your new favorite razor, go to mybillie.com/awesome

True Botanicals: Get 15% off your first purchase at truebotanicals.com/awesome

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Well Done on YouTube

Beach Read by Emily Henry

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Ep. 248 The best drink is the one you enjoy

June 12, 2020

Bottoms up, Awesomes! This week, we're taking you down the aisles of the liquor store to help you feel more confident in picking just the right bottle of spirits! Join Meg and her husband Kyle as they talk about the history of alcohol, how wine and beer are different from liquor and how they are the same, and they give their picks and recommendations to take to the store with you. Even if you don't drink, this list will give you tons of ideas for buying gifts for the connoisseur in your life! All of that plus a thought-provoking book and a royal listen in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Bombas: Visit bombas.com/awesome and save 20% off your first purchase

LinkedIn: Go to linkedin.com/AWESOME and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Terms and conditions apply.

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

The Coddling of the American Mind

Noble Blood

Vodka - McCormick or Svedka - these aren’t really straight drinkers, but they’re solid mixers, even for something as simple as a Vodka Tonic. For a sipper, Grey Goose and Stolichnaya.

White Rum - Bacardi or Cruzan

Spiced Rum - The Kraken

Rum Sipper - Kirk and Sweeney, which is a Dominican Rum

Tequila - Patron is popular. Its fine, but I think popularity pushes the price higher than is justified. As a sipper, try Don Julio Anejo.

Bourbon - As a value buy, we like Four Roses. As a nice sipper and fine gift, try Woodford Reserve. Maker’s Mark is also a staple. If you’re purely going for a mixer, go for Jim Beam.

For Scotch, we’ve been hard pressed to find something we really like for less than $40-$50. Laphroiag 10 is good. Johnny Walker Double Black is good. Ardbeg 10 is a favorite. Those are all peaty scotches, which you may not like. Glenmorangie is fine. If I don’t want peaty, Glenrothes is very good. Though not scotch by legal definition, Japanese whiskeys by Suntori are scotch-like. Suntori lived in Scotland and I believe married a Scottish woman. He brought what he learned there back to Japan. From Suntory, we’ve enjoyed both Hibiki and Toki

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Revisiting How to Chat with Your Girlfriends About Race

June 10, 2020

In March 2018, Meg got to visit with race educator Krystle Cobran about how to have conversations with your friends about race. Her words and wisdom are more timely than ever, and we wanted to revisit it with you this week.

Krystle's expertise is in creating conversations invite connection and understanding, and you can discover more of her work for individuals or for corporate settings at krystlecobran.com

Other recommended listening:

Getting Started as a White Ally with Anna Hithersay at Currently Reading

68 Hometown: A conversation about race with LaToyia Brown, Monica Pickens, and Danielle Williams at 10 Things To Tell You

Bias series at Smartest Person in the Room

Ep. 247 Awesome Summer List: 2020

June 5, 2020

We know that our Awesomes are smart, strong, and social, and we know you are exhausted right now, too. Between managing life upheaval in quarantine to listening, learning, and advocating for justice and change, our world feels extremely not awesome right now. But we want to remain true to what our mission has been from the beginnning - helping you find the awesome in the everyday. So when you are ready to take a break, we want to hang out with you! Let's talk about what we have to look forward to in summer 2020!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Billie: to get your starter kit for only $9, go to mybillie.com/awesome

Legacy Box: Go to legacybox.com/AWESOME to get 40% off your first order

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Rebekah’s AotW: The Original Makeup Eraser

Meg’s AotW: Mockingbird History Lessons on Patreon

Rebekah’s Summer List:

Holipick Women Tankini Swimsuit with Boyshorts

Homemade Jam: What is the Difference Between Cooked Jam and Freezer Jam?

On The Island by Tracy Garvis Graves

Dollar Tree Foot Scrubber

24 Hour Challenge for Kids: Rebekah's Instagram Stories

Meg’s Summer List:

Hello Curls by Noughty

Sparkling red wine

The Wedding Date series by Jasmine Guillory

Party of Two

OgoSport Copter Darts

The Honeypot Company

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Ep. 246 Every thorn has its rose (group show!)

May 22, 2020

Our planet is just over two months into pandemic, quarantine, and all the very un-awesome things that have happened since, and we are all doing our best to make it through these chaotic times. This week, Meg is joined by both Kelly and Rebekah, and together they explore both the unexpected roses that have appeared in their lives during this time as well as the thorns that continue to be prickly. Join them for that conversation along with a fun TV show that you can recreate at home, a delicious recipe, and an app for meditative prayer in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Best Fiends: Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play

Bombas: Visit bombas.com/awesome and save 20% off your first purchase

First Leaf: For six bottles of wine at $29.95 and free shipping, go to tryfirstleaf.com/awesome

Magic Spoon: Go to magicspoon.com/AWESOME to grab a variety pack. Enter promo code AWESOME for free shipping.

True Botanicals: Get 15% off your first purchase at truebotanicals.com/awesome

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly's AotW: Coconut Rice

Meg’s AotW: Hallow app

Rebekah's AotW: LEGO Masters —(Get a 1 month free trial to Hulu!)

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Nest Swing

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Find Kelly on her Twitter and Instagram!

Ep. 245 What's worth the $$$

May 15, 2020

When was the last time you had a case of full-blown sticker shock? Was that high price tag worth it? This week, Meg and Kelly get together to compare notes on the things they've purchased that were worth every single penny, as well as the items that were big bummers. From the kitchen to the closet and lots of things in-between, they share what splurges were worth it and which ones weren't! Plus drastic social media measures and a fun Netflix binge for YA lovers everywhere in Awesome of the Week!

Feeling super? This is the week to make it official! Come join the Super Star Awesomes!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Revolution Math: Sign up for a 30 day trial of this INCREDIBLE math-at-home program for just $1! Go to revolutionmath.com and use code AWESOME1 at checkout

Billie: for 10% off of your new favorite razor, go to mybillie.com/awesome

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly's AotW: Unfollow on Facebook

Meg AotW: Never Have i Ever on Netflix

GOOD INVESTMENT

A good bike: Kelly's bike is similar to this one
A good chef's knife: Kelly recommends this one from Misen
Healthy food
Good jeans: Meg likes Liverpool Jeans Lucy Bootcut in Dunmore Dark
Good shoes: Meg loves her Vionic Tidewaters!
Good lip moisturizers: Meg loves City Lips

BAD INVESTMENT

Formal dresses, especially if you only wear them once
New tech
Worst high chair EVER

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Kelly on her Twitter and Instagram!

Ep. 244 Dinner with the Stars

May 8, 2020

If you're like us, you are watching a lot more television these days. And if you are also like us, you might be getting nostalgic for some of your all-time favorite characters, the ones you love so much, you'd want to invite them to a dinner party. This week, Meg and her sister Emily reveal who would land an invite for a party like that, and we want to hear who makes your list, too! All of that plus some great reads in Awesome of the Week! Find all of our link's in this week's show notes.

Come join us as a Super Star Awesome

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Revolution Math: Sign up for a 30 day trial of this INCREDIBLE math-at-home program for just $1! Go to revolutionmath.com and use code AWESOME1 at checkout

Honey: Get Honey for free at JoinHoney.com/Awesome

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Untamed

The Office an oral history

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

You can find Emily on Instagram!

SA+ offseason 002 - all day PLAYIN' with it

May 4, 2020

New microphone in use!; Today is a day; all day playin’ with it; a one web browser kind of man; mediating a contract negation, as a professional hobbyist; reddit inspired - stories of things that can’t be explained

Get access to ALL Sorta Awesome Plus content at patreon.com/sortaawesome

Find Sorta Awesome on FB at facebook.com/sortaawesome

and on IG @sortaawesomeshow

Ep. 243 Confessions

May 1, 2020

You know what we haven't done in a hot minute? Shared our confessions with the Awesomes! Tune in this week to hear Meg and Rebekah spill some truly cringe-worthy moments and questionable choices. Plus two binge-worthy watches in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Best Fiends: Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Rebekah’s AotW: Timeless (on Hulu)

Sorta Awesome’s Hulu affiliate link

Meg’s AotW: Kim’s Convenience

Rebekah's Harry Styles Birthday Gift

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Ep. 242 Ten ways to be smart, strong and social

April 24, 2020

Hey Awesome! For over five years, we’ve been hopelessly devoted to YOU, and to helping you be smart, strong, and social in so many ways. Even during the troubled times of this pandemic, we want to encourage you each step of the way. Tune in this week to hear Meg and Kelly share ten ideas they have about how to keep on keepin’ on with being smart, strong, and social right now! Plus aliens and PUPPY LOVE in Awesome of the Week!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Billie: for your $9 starter kit, go to mybillie.com/awesome

Magic Spoon: Go to magicspoon.com/AWESOME to grab a variety pack. Enter promo code AWESOME for free shipping.

Thank you to all of our Sorta Awesome sponsors!

SHOW NOTES:

Meg’s AotW: Strange Arrivals podcast

NPR’s Up First

Coronavirus Daily

The Atlantic

Brene Brown’s new podcast Unlocking Us

Kate Bowler

10 Things To Tell You: Anxiety Always Makes Sense with Dr. Becky

STRONGER:

Chelle's Invicible Warrior Goddess playlist on Spotify

MORE SOCIAL:

Netflix Party or Metastream

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Kelly on her Twitter and Instagram!

SA+ 010 Dog food DELIGHT!!!

April 22, 2020

Stella-Roby and Francie-Pants; Meg fat shames Francie; dog food is good and good for you; pretentious food for everyone!; Kyle isn’t tough; dear diary; fromm, fromage, braum’s;

Intro and outro song – DJ Quads - Millionaire

New episodes of Sorta Awesome + released DAILY on video and podcast for our Super Star Awesomes! Sign up at patreon.com/sortaawesome

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