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Hey friends! This episode is all about hobbies. The ones I’ve picked up, the ones I’ve dropped, and the ones that somehow stuck around. I share what I’m into right now, the funny side of trying (and failing) at new things, and how hobbies keep me inspired and balanced.

We’ll talk about why it’s okay to have a “graveyard” of past hobbies, how self-compassion plays a role in creativity, and the joy of simply doing things for fun.

If you want more stories and behind-the-scenes thoughts, you can find me on Substack: https://bearwithmethepod.substack.com/

Thanks for hanging out with me. I’m glad you’re here!

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In this mini episode of The Bear With Me podcast, I share what's been on my mind this week. My current obsessions, sources of inspiration, and a peek into my creative journey. I talk about my newfound love for tangerine juice (seriously, you have to try it!), my obsession with Gracie Abrams' song "Risk," and why the color orange is giving me all the good vibes lately.

I also reflect on Taylor Swift's recent podcast appearance and how it inspired me to keep going with my own show. Plus, I open up about learning guitar (thanks, TikTok!) and the challenges of tackling new songs.

On a deeper note, I discuss how the book of Isaiah has been speaking to me during my Bible study, especially the call to say "Here I am, send me," even when I feel unqualified. I share how this has encouraged me to step out in faith and use my creative gifts.

Of course, I can't forget my puppy Carolina, who is always living rent-free in my head and keeping things lively at home.

I hope this episode inspires you in some way! Thanks for tuning in and bearing with me. I'll be back soon with a main episode and more mini updates. Stay creative!

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Bear With Me Podcast – S2E3

Embracing Solitude: The Surprising Benefits of Doing Things Alone

Hey, it’s me, Anna. My puppy, Carolina also pops in to remind you that she runs this household. 🐶

Today we’re talking about something I used to be terrified of: doing stuff alone. Like, eating by myself at a restaurant? Nope. Sitting in silence with my thoughts? Absolutely not. But plot twist: spending time alone turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever learned how to do.

What You’ll Hear Me Ramble About:

• Why being alone is not the same thing as being lonely (shoutout to 2019 me who didn’t know this 🙃)
• How moving across the country, living alone, and starting a podcast basically forced me to get comfy with solitude
• Faith + community: the secret sauce for not spiraling when you do feel lonely
• How therapy (and TikTok guitar lessons) helped me find confidence
• Practical tips for balancing solo time and social time without becoming either a hermit or a clingy koala

Storytime Highlights:

• My go-to Bible verse when I need courage: Joshua 1:9 
• What it was actually like moving to California with no friends and no idea what I was doing
• The weird joy of living alone and realizing no one cares if you eat cereal for dinner
• Teaching myself guitar on TikTok
• Why everyone should try doing something solo, even if it feels like sitting in the dark waiting for a jump scare

Big Takeaways (aka things future-me will thank me for):

• Alone time = personal growth + actually hearing from God
• Community = still necessary (don’t ghost your friends just because you discovered solo coffee dates)
• Confidence grows every time you do something alone without combusting
• Balance is everything—be independent, but don’t live in a cave

Your Homework (don’t worry, no grade):

Try one thing solo this week—go grab a latte, take a walk, start a hobby, whatever. Then come tell me about it on my Substack so I don’t feel like I’m the only one out here doing awkward things alone.

Connect:

• Substack = newsletters, devotionals, and occasional oversharing
• Comment your solo adventures there—I love reading them
• Thanks for hanging out with me on Bear With Me!

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Bear With Me – Season 2, Episode 2: How to Start a Podcast (When You Have No Idea What You’re Doing)

Season 2 is here, and I’ve upgraded the show with a new co-host: my puppy, Carolina. She doesn’t talk much, but she’s great at interrupting recordings with loud yawns and chewing noises, so… a real asset to the team.

In this episode, I walk you through how I started this podcast with zero experience, minimal planning, and a dangerous level of confidence. We’ll cover my questionable decision-making process, the equipment I bought before I knew what half of it did, and how you, too, can join the exclusive club of people who say “I have a podcast” at parties.

Topics include:

• Why starting a podcast seemed like a good idea at the time
• Impulsive Amazon purchases (feat. microphones, headphones, and adapters I didn’t need)
• The “clap” method for syncing audio and video — yes, it’s as advanced as it sounds
• Editing in Premiere Pro and Descript to cut out filler words… but not all of them, because authenticity, right?
• Hosting on Buzzsprout, because I like analytics and things that are easy
• How I plan episodes so I don’t wander too far into chaos
• File organization tips, which I pretend to follow religiously
• Accepting that your first episode will be awkward and that’s just… part of the charm
• Why your podcast isn’t over just because you ghosted it for a few months

Takeaways for future podcasters:

• Start with what you’ve got, because fancy gear won’t fix bad content
• Use free tools until you can justify spending real money
• Outlines are your friend; chaos is not
• Cloud storage is essential unless you enjoy the thrill of losing files forever
• Analytics are fun until you realize your mom is your top listener
• Breaks happen; just pretend it was “planned”

Next up: episodes about creativity, doing things alone, morning routines, and my probably-too-honest take on podcast branding.

Links & Resources:

• My Substack – https://open.substack.com/pub/bearwithmethepod/p/i-started-a-podcast-without-any-idea?r=2ldfto&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
• Buzzsprout – podcast hosting for people who like their life simple
• Descript – the app that removes “um” so I sound smarter
• Instagram: @BearWithMeThePod
• Amazon: Mic

Thanks for listening (and for pretending this show is really polished).

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It’s been a minute. In this season opener, I catch you up on all the life things — from moving apartments and getting emotionally wrecked by a 1-pound puppy, to flying across the world. It’s chaotic, it’s honest, and it’s the soft launch of a new era.

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In today’s episode, I’m catching you up on life lately — the move, the chaos, the weird middle space of figuring things out. We’re talking about packing, overthinking, what it’s like to live in transition, and a few ways I’m (very imperfectly) practicing patience during change. If you’re in a season where everything feels a little unsettled, you’re definitely not alone.

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I tried to rest. On purpose. It was harder than I thought.

In this episode, I’m talking about what it looks like to practice Sabbath in a world that glorifies hustle. From setting boundaries to learning how to slow down with God, this is an honest look at rest as something sacred—even if it’s messy.

Whether you’re craving peace, structure, or just a nap, this episode is your permission slip to pause.

Thanks for bearing with me. 🐻🕊️

www.linktr.ee/bearwithmethepod

www.instagram.com/bearwithmethepod

4o

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In this episode, I’m sharing my love for all things bears — from fun facts and personal stories to conservation tips and safety basics. Whether you’re a fellow bear enthusiast or just curious, this one’s full of cozy, wild-hearted appreciation for nature’s most iconic animal.

www.linktr.ee/bearwithmethepod

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n this episode, I’m podcasting from the mountains, which means my brain is full of fresh air, vague thoughts, and a little bit of chaos. I’m catching you up on life lately and talking about three places that hold big pieces of my heart: Black Mountain, Boone (where I am now!), and Crestline, CA.

Expect:

• Cozy mountain town shoutouts
• My very real thoughts on “should I move here??” syndrome
• An accidental travel guide that’s 70% vibes
• Reflections on slowing down, being inspired by place, and craving nature (and maybe a bear sighting)

This is one of those soft episodes — like a voice memo from a cabin. No agenda. Just me, the trees, and probably too much coffee.

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I decided to invite my sister on the podcast… and she did not hold back. In this episode, we dive into embarrassing childhood stories, sibling fights, and a rapid-fire roast session. Prepare for chaos, laughter, and way too much honesty. 🐻🎙️

Be sure to subscribe, leave a like, and a comment! 

Stream 🐻Bear With Me the Podcast everywhere podcasts are streamed! (Seriously, everywhere). 

www.youtube.com/@bearwithmethepod

www.instagram.com/bearwithmethepod

https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ukvfnj9pSG39E0Vh26ttY?si=efc8b842202b4e8f

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