Already Friends

Ep 210: Allison and Ceara continue their 'How to Thrive in 2025' series. We dive into the topic of digital detoxing, sparked by the recent TikTok and Lemon8 bans. We share our thoughts about how this relates to our society’s dependence on social media for news, community, work, etc. We share our concerns about the implications of the TikTok ban on content creators and small businesses, which allows them to gain visibility to new audiences and boundless success through organic content. 

The conversation touches on the importance of free speech and the role of platforms like TikTok in disseminating information. We also express distrust about Instagram's focus on mass appeal information, commercialization and the loss of genuine community connection.

We share alarming statistics surrounding smartphone addictions, signs that it’s time for a digital detox and the benefits of reducing screen time. Listeners will learn practical strategies for reducing screen time and creating healthier boundaries with technology. All in all, we just want to remind everyone the importance of being present in real life, chasing your dreams, taking risks, exploring the world, making new friends and building the life you’ve always wanted for yourself.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Relying solely on social media for business communication is risky
• The TikTok ban highlighted the need for diversified content strategies.
• Free speech on platforms like TikTok allows for open discussions.
• Social media can create a false sense of connection.
• The average person spends about 6 hours and 40 minutes on screens daily.
• Real-life experiences are irreplaceable
• High screen time is linked to anxiety, burnout, and overstimulation.
• No-phone policy in the bedroom can improve sleep quality
• How to deepen friendships through themed events
• Loyalty programs can boost small business sales and community engagement
• Digital detox requires awareness and discipline.
• Being present with others requires putting phones away during interactions.
• Boredom can lead to creativity and mindfulness, which are essential for well-being.

RELATED EPISODES:

Ep # 102: Hobbies: Why They’re Important, Our Favorite Hobbies, and Ideas to Try

MENTIONS:

Apps for Reducing Screentime: ScreenZen (free), Opal - the #1 Screen-Time App (paid), Offline, Forest (grows virtual trees while you’re off your phone)

Ceara’s Book Recommendation: “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” by Priya Parker

How People Spent Time Since 1930 - Video On Instagram

How To Turn Screen Red - View Here

How To Turn Phone Grayscale - View Here

Lemon Soiree Backyard Bunch - Recap on Instagram

Jessie’s Cat Birthday Party - Recap on TikTok

Jessie’s Mario Cart Party - Recap on TikTok

Tulum Planner / Concierge - Information Here

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Try Hormone Harmony - Happy Mammoth's nature-inspired formula for women's hormone and gut health. Get 15% off your entire order with the code ALREADYFRIENDS 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]

Ep 209: Allison and Ceara kick off their 'How to Thrive in 2025' series, discussing the distinction between goals and vision. We emphasize that while goals are the steps to take, your vision is the underlying motivation to fall back on when challenges arise. 

We share practical advice on creating a vision board, whether physically or digitally, to visualize and manifest aspirations. We talk about the role of journaling in clarifying goals and utilizing the eight dimensions of wellness as a framework for setting meaningful objectives. 

Then we dive deeper into the energetics behind achieving your dream life, including the importance of removing limiting beliefs, creating a positive home environment through quotes and affirmations, the significance of choosing a 'Word of the Year' to guide personal growth, and the practice of savoring life's moments. We wrap up with tips for daily micro-visualizations and the necessity of accountability for personal development.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Goals are the steps, while vision is the motivation behind them.
• Creating a vision board requires clarity about your goals.
• Having a clear vision helps in staying accountable to healthy habits.
• Removing limiting beliefs is crucial for achieving one's vision.
• Visual reminders can help reinforce goals and aspirations.
• It's important to take small steps towards larger goals.
• Daily micro-visualizations can reinforce your vision.
• Your daily routine shapes your future success.

RELATED EPISODES:

Ep #103: Self-Care Series: The 8 Dimensions of Wellness

Ep #98: How To Embrace Hygge and Make Your Home The Ultimate Cozy Vibe

Ep #51: Goal Setting Process for 2022 + Sharing Our Goals

MENTIONS:

Ceara’s Restaurant Rec in St. Louis - Balkan Treat Box

Ceara’s Cafe Rec in St. Louis - Telva at the Ridge

Allison Beach Club Rec in Tulum - Panamera

Allison Italian Restaurant Rec in Tulum - Canova

Allison’s Beach Town Rec in Mexico - Puerto Escondido

Maui Rec - Coconut Information

Allison’s Spa Rec in Tulum - Quinto Elemento

Allison’s Mantra Playlist on Spotify

Book Recommend - Eat Move Sleep by Tom Rath

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Try Hormone Harmony - Happy Mammoth's nature-inspired formula for women's hormone and gut health. Get 15% off your entire order with the code ALREADYFRIENDS 

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]

Ep 208: Happy New Year, friends! In this episode, we share about our holiday travels, time with family and year end reflections - both personally and professionally. Before jumping into new goal setting energy for 2025, we wanted to share the importance of reflection, analyzing data, shortcomings, failures and mistakes in order to set better, more aligned and more realistic goals in the year ahead. We emphasize how crucial it is to be accountable and honest with ourselves, loved ones and community.

Plus, we wrap up with some fun updates and changes that are coming to the podcast!

TAKEAWAYS:

• Reflecting on the past year is crucial before setting new goals.
• Acknowledging failures is a necessary part of growth.
• Setting realistic goals can prevent feelings of overwhelm.
• Learning from your own and other’s past experiences.
• Setting realistic goals can lead to more sustainable progress.
• Small wins build confidence and encourage continued effort.
• Listening to one's instincts is vital in decision-making.
• Community feedback is important in shaping future initiatives.

MENTIONS:

Post with Life-Changing Websites: View on Lemon8

Free Custom White Noise Generator: asoftmurmur.com

Free Recipe Generator: supercook.com 

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Try Hormone Harmony - Happy Mammoth's nature-inspired formula for women's hormone and gut health. Get 15% off your entire order with the code ALREADYFRIENDS

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]

Ep 207: This week is the final episode of our mini “flashback Friday” (FBF) series! As we take a little break for the holidays, we wanted to keep you company with some of our absolute favorite episodes from the archive. These are the episodes that made us laugh, reflect, and connect the most—and we can’t wait to bring them back for another listen.

Each Friday, we’ll be flashing back to a standout episode that deserves a second (or third!) play. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering the pod, this is the perfect opportunity to relive some of the best moments from Already Friends.

We’ll be back next week with fresh content, but until then, cozy up, hit play, and enjoy this walk down memory lane with us. Happy holidays, and thank you for being part of our community! 

Original Description:

In this episode, we dive into everything reading, and more specifically, tips for how to get out of a reading slump. As two gals who used to be avid readers, life happened, and we fell off the bandwagon. More recently, we’ve both fallen back in love with reading and in this episode, we chat about everything from our favorite book genres to the cozy spots that make reading pure bliss.

We cover:

• Our favorite book genres
• Our favorite spots to read and best practices (in a cozy chair, park, hammock, in the sun, leaving our phones inside, etc)
• Our love of library cards and its benefits 
• Thoughts on e-books and audiobooks
• Tips on how to get into reading if you don’t love it or have lost your passion for it
• Clocking books you’ve read on Goodreads
• Our thoughts on not finishing a book if you aren’t vibing
• How to decide if you should buy or borrow a book
• We also take a little convo detour to talk about probiotics and eating fermented foods

LINKS:

Library Apps: Libby App, Hoopla 

Cocoyo Probiotic Yogurt 

The Coconut Cult Probiotic Yogurt 

How Probiotics Work (Article)

Ceara Non-Fiction Recs - Anything by Malcolm Gladwell, Eckhart Tolle

Ceara Thriller Fiction Recs: Verity, It Girl, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Paris Apartment, It Ends With Us 

Allison’s Current Read - Cultured Food In A Jar

Quick Reads to Get Out of A Reading Slump TikTok 

Eartheater by Dolores Reyes - The Fast-Paced Thriller Book that got Ceara out of her reading slump

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Gaia Provides is responsibly creating products of the earth that provide a quality, holistic compliment to your pet's health and wellness regiment. Use code 'ALREADYFRIENDS' for 20% off

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]

Ep 206: This week we’re continuing with our mini “flashback Friday” (FBF) series! As we take a little break for the holidays, we wanted to keep you company with some of our absolute favorite episodes from the archive. These are the episodes that made us laugh, reflect, and connect the most—and we can’t wait to bring them back for another listen.

Each Friday, we’ll be flashing back to a standout episode that deserves a second (or third!) play. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering the pod, this is the perfect opportunity to relive some of the best moments from Already Friends.

We’ll be back January 10th with fresh content, but until then, cozy up, hit play, and enjoy this walk down memory lane with us. Happy holidays, and thank you for being part of our community! 

Original Description:

It seems like society puts a lot of emphasis and excitement on New Year’s resolutions, but we rarely talk about following up with the previous year’s accomplishments. All the conversations we’re seeing online and IRL about 2023 and making resolutions got us thinking about how important it is to reflect on your previous year before jumping in to set more goals. 

We talk about our reflection process which includes getting into a grateful state of mind, setting the atmosphere, creating a snapshot of your year, analyzing goals, reflecting on the eight pillars of wellness, and noting your biggest accomplishments. 

We share tips and ideas that might inspire you to set more aligned and well-balanced goals for 2023! You can see all of the journaling and reflection prompts discussed in today’s episode on our Instagram page @alreadyfriendspodcast

MENTIONS:

NYC Restaurants/Recommendations: 

Hawksmoor

Clinton St. Baking 

The Stand NYC Comedy Club

The Grayson Hotel

New York ranked second dirtiest city in the world, according to poll

Martin Riese - Water Sommelier 

@Morgsvtheworld - Reflect End of Year/Plan 2023 Party

Stutz Documentary 

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Gaia Provides is responsibly creating products of the earth that provide a quality, holistic compliment to your pet's health and wellness regiment. Use code 'ALREADYFRIENDS' for 20% off

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]

Ep 205: We’re so excited to announce our mini “flashback Friday” (FBF) series! As we take a little break for the holidays, we wanted to keep you company with some of our absolute favorite episodes from the archive. These are the episodes that made us laugh, reflect, and connect the most—and we can’t wait to bring them back for another listen.

Each Friday, we’ll be flashing back to a standout episode that deserves a second (or third!) play. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering the pod, this is the perfect opportunity to relive some of the best moments from Already Friends.

We’ll be back in January with fresh content, but until then, cozy up, hit play, and enjoy this walk down memory lane with us. Happy holidays, and thank you for being part of our community! 

Original Episode Description: 

Wow… 100 episodes! We are so thrilled to have met this milestone. We couldn’t have done it without our amazing community of listeners and our support system of close loved ones. 

This might be our most wholesome content to date. With it being the 100th episode, we wanted to do something special! With January around the corner, we thought we would give you some ideas and inspiration to take into the new year with a fresh perspective! We’re sharing some ideas and lessons ourselves but we also asked our parents, siblings, and partners for their tips as well. No matter who you are, what you do for a living, or where you live - we’re sure some of these will resonate. It’s the genuine best friend, motherly, fatherly, and sisterly advice you needed all wrapped into one great episode. 

Thank you all so much for being here, it’s an honor to get to share our lives with you and we hope our show has helped make a few of your days a little brighter. 

MENTIONS:

Ceara’s Probiotic - https://amzn.to/3W4xsGn

Making Your Bed Speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBAqF00gBGk

Book: You Are A Badass - https://amzn.to/3FVBYRR

Allison’s Bedtime CBD - Common’s

Allison’s Tinctures - Bhava Wellness

Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook - https://amzn.to/3htyixo

Joe Rogan’s #1691 Yeonmi Park Episode 

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Gaia Provides is responsibly creating products of the earth that provide a quality, holistic compliment to your pet's health and wellness regiment. Use code 'ALREADYFRIENDS' for 20% off

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]

Ep 204: Opinionated AF is a new monthly segment that we added in 2024 where we share our opinions on the internet’s opinions. For added entertainment, we select videos that have gone viral, are hot takes, and / or are a little controversial.

In the catch-up segment (0-20 minutes), Ceara shares about some festive holiday activities she’s doing with her loved ones while she’s back in St. Louis this week. She enjoyed a trolley to look at Christmas lights, a cookie decorating night, a comedy show and seeing Wicked. Allison had a quiet introspective week in Tulum, reflecting on all of the changes in her life over the past year. She’s enjoying the solitude and spending time reading, doing pilates and journaling in the garden at her apartment. 

During the Opinionated AF segment, we share three videos and discuss them. The first talks about the differences of having a solid stable job versus pursuing income from your passions. The second talks about how cities have different identities and how you should move somewhere that will allow your personality to shine. The third video talks about the futility of engaging in arguments, especially online. We thought this was incredibly important to talk about as the holidays means we’re usually spending time with family members and there are likely going to be differences of opinion but that doesn’t mean you need to argue about it. Instead, we suggest focusing your energy on constructive, expanding and inspiring interactions.

VIDEOS FEATURED: 

Topic #1: View Here

Topic #2: View Here

Topic #3: View Here

MENTIONS:

Allison’s ClassPass Referral Link

Allison’s Book Rec - Ishmael

Prior Mentioned AF Episode - #98 How To Embrace Hygge

Prior Mentioned AF Episode - #105 Ashley Stahl Career Expert

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Gaia Provides is responsibly creating products of the earth that provide a quality, holistic compliment to your pet's health and wellness regiment. Use code 'ALREADYFRIENDS' for 20% off

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]

Ep 203: We are honored to sit down with Morgan Zanotti, the visionary co-founder of Primal Kitchen. She shares her backstory from living on a budget abroad, to applying for jobs she didn’t feel qualified for, moving across the country on a whim and making the many sacrifices that come with entrepreneurship. Her startup story is one of determination, passion and trusting the process. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that aligns with our values of travel, connection, and wellness—and discover how small steps can lead to big transformations in your life. We also get to hear a sneak peek about Morgan’s new venture - Drink Waay, a protein infused sparkling water, launching in 2025.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Morgan emphasizes the importance of travel in shaping her identity
• Imposter syndrome is a common experience
• The food industry can be unpredictable and challenging
• Primal Kitchen grew rapidly, selling for $200 million in just 3.5 years
• Visualization can help manifest your dreams
• Balancing work and family is a constant challenge
• Finding presence in chaos is essential for well-being
• Taking action is more important than waiting for perfection
• A strong support system is crucial for success
• Protein is a vital nutrient for health and wellness
• Testing your product with minimal investment is key

MENTIONS:

• Morgan Zanotti TikTok
• Morgan Zanotti Instagram
• Morgan’s New Brand - Drink Waay
• Book Rec: Love Money, Money Loves You

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Gaia Provides is responsibly creating products of the earth that provide a quality, holistic compliment to your pet's health and wellness regiment. Use code 'ALREADYFRIENDS' for 20% off

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5/Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - Join the Already Friends FB Group

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]

Ep 202: In the catch up segment, Allison and Ceara share life updates about their recent travels. Ceara has spent the last few weeks exploring Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. She shares a pro tip about finding long-layovers to maximize travel experiences. Allison went to Omaha to host an open-buying event at her store and see friends and family. 

In the WWYBD part of the episode, we discuss the importance of vulnerability in deepening emotional intimacy, navigate the complexities of open relationships, and provide insights on being sober at social events. The conversation also touches on the significance of traveling for healing, especially in the face of family disapproval, and offers practical advice for choosing a new place to live. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of self-awareness and making choices that align with one's values and desires.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Setting boundaries is essential but can be challenging.
• Traveling with friends can create unforgettable experiences.
• The importance of asking deep questions in friendships.
• Stopover programs can make travel more affordable and enjoyable.
• Experiencing different cultures can change your perspective.
• Vulnerability is essential for emotional intimacy.
• Open relationships require clear communication and boundaries.
• Being sober at social events can still be enjoyable.
• Traveling can be a powerful tool for healing.
• Family opinions shouldn't dictate personal choices.
• Exploring new places can lead to personal growth.
• It's okay to change your mind about relationships.
• Life is too short to not pursue your passions.
• Finding the right living situation takes exploration.
• You can create your own path, regardless of societal norms.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

• My partner expressed interest in an open relationship but I’m not sure how I feel?
• My friends and I are going to a music festival. They all plan to be under the influence but I want to be sober. Should I still go?
• What to do when your family doesn’t approve of your travel aspirations?
• I want to move out of my hometown but how do I choose?! The options seem endless.

MENTIONS:

• Beach Club Rec in Tulum - Bagatelle
• Deep Questions to Ask Friends: Flamingo.Talks
• Allison’s Lemon 8 Post of Questions To Ask Partner
• Allison’s Lemon 8 Post about Open Relationships
• Allison’s Lemon 8 Post about Types of Ethical Non-Monogamy
• Allison’s Book Rec - The Ethical Slut
• Buy Now Netflix Documentary 

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Gaia Provides is responsibly creating products of the earth that provide a quality, holistic compliment to your pet's health and wellness regiment. Use code 'ALREADYFRIENDS' for 20% off

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5/Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - Join the Already Friends FB Group

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]

Ep 201: Allison has her friend, Emily Durski (a fellow Nebraska Native) on to share about her journey from the restaurant industry to becoming a successful esthetician specializing in eyebrow aesthetics. 

Emily offers practical skincare advice for beginners, the significance of a simple skincare routine, high maintenance vs low maintenance beauty practices, understanding skin types, do's and don'ts of at-home treatments, thoughts about botox, filler and so much more. 

Then Allison and Emily discuss the impact of social media and the journey of content creation. They highlight the significance of support and community in both personal and professional realms.

MENTIONS:

Book Rec - Average Is The New Awesome

Allison’s ClassPass Referral Link

Emily Durski Instagram - @em_durs

Emily Durski Pinterest - em_durs

Emily’s UGC Portfolio - View Here

SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: 

Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business. Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! 

Gaia Provides is responsibly creating products of the earth that provide a quality, holistic compliment to your pet's health and wellness regiment. Use code 'ALREADYFRIENDS' for 20% off

SOCIAL LINKS:

Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Allison's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Ceara's Socials: Instagram, TikTok

Already Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus Episodes

Let's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!

If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!

To sponsor our show, email [email protected]