In this episode of The Setlist of Life, former bandmates Christine, Aaron, and Kirsten dive into Valentine's Day philosophy, the surprising history of playing cards and tarot, and why some people still believe in the full moon's power over human behavior. The conversation meanders from head spa goddess energy and lunar calendars to deep philosophical debates courtesy of a kids' "Would You Rather" game—proving that questions designed for seven-year-olds can spark surprisingly adult conversations about integrity, time travel, and sandwich taxonomy.

The crew explores self-care rituals (including a luxurious head spa experience), fitness motivation through reality TV, and why celebrating Valentine's Day doesn't require romance. Listener mail brings a fascinating deep dive into the evolution of playing cards from 8th-century China to modern tarot, while the group tackles existential questions like "Are we alone in the universe?" and "Is a hot dog actually a sandwich?" Plus: upcoming travel to Portugal and Spain, emoji usage philosophies, and why words still matter in a world of digital shorthand. Perfect for Gen X music lovers, midlife creatives, and anyone who appreciates unscripted conversations that blend nostalgia, humor, and unexpected wisdom.

💡 Counterintuitive Insights

• Valentine's Day works better as a celebration of all love rather than romantic exclusivity – treating it as a gratitude holiday removes pressure and increases meaning
• The full moon's behavioral influence may be less about mysticism and more about pattern recognition – healthcare workers and parents notice disruptions because they're primed to look for them during specific lunar phases
• Children's game questions reveal more about adult values than adult conversation prompts – being asked to choose between being "known as a thief or liar" cuts straight to integrity in ways sophisticated questions avoid

📚 Additional Information & References

Mentioned Resources:

• iFit fitness platform – reality show searching for new trainers
• Phineas and Ferb – "Love Handle" episode featuring Lindana
• Brenda K. Starr – "I Still Believe" (1987)
• Duolingo Portuguese language learning
• Scrabble app for random opponent play

Historical Deep Dive (from listener Kirsten):

• Playing cards origin: China, ~868 CE
• Tarot emergence: Italy, mid-1400s
• King of Hearts became beardless through woodblock copying degradation over centuries
• French occultists reinterpreted tarot symbolically in mid-1700s

Cultural References:

• National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Margo, Todd, carpet scene)
• Queen Victoria Netflix/Masterpiece series
• Back to the Future time travel framework
• Neil deGrasse Tyson / Stephen Hawking on alien life

Contextual Notes:

• Episode recorded during post-snowstorm week (two-hour school delays, iced-over driveways)
• Valentine's Day falls on Saturday, February 14, 2026
• Chinese New Year 2026 referenced (Year of the Horse/Dragon discussion)

Discovery Queries:

1. "What is the history of playing cards and tarot cards connection"
2. "Would you rather questions for adults that actually make you think"
3. "How to celebrate Valentine's Day when you're single and love it"
4. "What does the full moon actually do to people's behavior"
5. "Are hot dogs sandwiches philosophical debate explanation"

🎵 THE SETLIST – YouTube Chapters

00:00 – Track 1: Still Believe (Brenda K. Starr) & Valentine's Day for Everyone

01:53 – Track 2: The Aglet Debate – When Phineas & Ferb Taught Us Vocabulary

05:48 – Track 3: Head Spa Goddess Energy – Why Self-Care Beats Snow Days

09:42 – Track 4: We've Got Mail! The Playing Cards Deep Dive

16:05 – Track 5: Tarot, Two of Cups & Lunar Calendar Living

20:09 – Track 6: Full Moon Madness – Do Hospitals Really Get Crazier?

24:44 – Track 7: iFit Reality TV & Finding Your Fitness Story

29:10 – Track 8: Would You Rather Game – When 7+ Questions Get Existential

32:33 – Track 9: Known as a Thief or Liar? The Integrity Question

37:06 – Track 10: Time Travel Dilemma – Back to the Future or Forward Into Unknown?

46:09 – Track 11: Tennis Balls vs. Baseballs – Risk Assessment 101

50:43 – Track 12: Portugal, Spain & The Art of Solo Business Travel

53:11 – Track 13: Are We Alone in the Universe? The Mold Spore Theory

57:28 – Track 14: Is a Hot Dog a Sandwich? Philosophy in the Kitchen

59:21 – Track 15: Emoji Culture & Why Some of Us Just Use Words

🎸 BACKSTAGE WISDOM

"Goddess energy is just what happens when you trade the caftan for the carpool—someday you get both."