This week, Arns and Nins explore the ache of loving people who live far away.

Arns reflects on a trip to New York to visit her cousin, who feels more like a sister, and the quiet grief that comes with saying goodbye to long-distance loved ones. From childhood memories to adult friendships, she examines what it means to miss people deeply while knowing you'll only share a limited number of moments together.

Then Nins revisits Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the surprisingly emotional “letters from mom” feature that comforted millions of players during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through these simple virtual messages, she explores motherhood, unconditional love, nostalgia, loneliness, and the ways we seek connection when life feels uncertain.

Together, these stories spark a conversation about friendship, family, distance, belonging, growing up, homesickness, motherhood, and the people we carry with us even when they're far away.

Content warning: grief, loneliness, family separation, parental illness, death, and discussions of loss.

Referenced in this episode:

• Animal Crossing Context & History (National Videogame Museum)
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Wikipedia)
• Parents/Letters (Nookipedia)
• "Letters From My Dead Mom in Animal Crossing" (Modern Loss)

0:00 - Intro
7:32 - Arns: long distance
25:53 - Nins: Animal Crossing
47:32 - Outro

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brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

This week, we explore two vastly different stories that reveal the same universal truth: love is a choice we make over and over again.

Nins shares a life-changing experience from a safari in Tanzania, where a week spent with a beloved guide named Emmanuel transforms the way she thinks about family, purpose, sacrifice, and what connects us across cultures. Through stories of wildlife, travel, and parenthood, she discovers that no matter where we come from, many of us are driven by the same thing: love for the people we care about.

Then Arns dives into Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, the emotional Netflix series that reimagines the relationship between Queen Charlotte and King George III. What begins as a sweeping romance becomes a moving reflection on marriage, mental illness, devotion, and the idea that lasting love isn't something we find—it's something we choose.

Together, these stories explore commitment, family, marriage, caregiving, purpose, sacrifice, and the quiet ways people show love every day. 

Content warning: grief, death, mental illness, discussions of psychiatric treatment.

Referenced in this episode:

• Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (Netflix)

[WARNING: this content contains spoilers]

0:00 - Intro
7:55 - Announcement: sign up for our newsletter!!!
9:47 - Nins: Safari
33:27 - Arns: Queen Charlotte 

Join the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears.

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Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at [email protected].

brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

Arns shares the story of Cosmo, the beloved Maltese who spent 16 years by her side and taught her some of life's deepest lessons about love, devotion, loss, and letting go. From puppyhood to saying goodbye, Arns reflects on growing up with Cosmo, the heartbreak of pet loss, and the dream that helped her find peace after his passing.

Nins explores "Blurry" by JP Saxe, a soulful song about connection, intimacy, and the one person who remains clear when everything else in life feels uncertain. Through the song, she reflects on a difficult period of depression, burnout, therapy, and how love helped guide her through one of the hardest seasons of her life.

Together, these stories become a conversation about grief, unconditional love, mental health, healing, partnership, purpose, and the people—and pets—who keep us grounded when life feels overwhelming.

Content warning: pet loss, death of a pet, grief, euthanasia, depression, anxiety, mental health struggles.

Referenced in this episode:

• The Line of Best Fit interview with JP Saxe by Jen Long
• Atwood Magazine interview with JP Saxe by Luke Pettican
• 7 Questions for JP Saxe video

0:00 - Intro
3:42 - Arns: missing Cosmo
26:08 - Nins: "Blurry" by JP Saxe

Join the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears.

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Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at [email protected].

brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

This week, Nins and Arns explore two stunning works about love, belonging, family, and the desire to be fully seen.

Nins reflects on "Confessional" by writer Sue Zhao, a moving poem about vulnerability, self-worth, and the question many of us quietly carry: on the days when we feel unlovable, will the people we care about still love us anyway?

Then Arns shares When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling, the beloved Filipino-American children's book that captures summer through memories, food, family traditions, and the sensory magic of growing up between cultures.

Together, these stories spark a conversation about self-love, childhood nostalgia, Filipino identity, family bonds, emotional vulnerability, and the people who make us feel at home.

Content warning: discussions of self-worth, insecurity, self-criticism, and emotional vulnerability.

Referenced in this episode:

• Confessional by Sue Zhao (@s.m.zhao) 
• Other poetry by Sue Zhao: Subtext, Art we love, Call that love
• Yahoo News article by Leigh Cuen
• When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling (@averyandaugustine)
• Publishers Weekly article by Gilcy Aquino

0:00: Intro
11:52: Nins: "Confessional" by Sue Zhao
29:23: Arns: When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling

Join the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears.

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Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at [email protected].

brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

This week, we explore what happens when we stop running from our feelings and finally let ourselves feel them.

Arns shares the life-changing lessons she learned from Victoria Song's Bending Reality, a book about emotional healing, trauma, contraction versus expansion, and why the only way out is through. Through Victoria's work, she reflects on childhood programming, nervous system healing, inner child work, and the power of fully processing difficult emotions.

Then Nins introduces TikTok creator Taryn Delaney Smith and her beloved "Heaven Receptionist" series, a collection of funny, heartfelt videos imagining loved ones being welcomed into heaven. What began as a comedy sketch unexpectedly became a source of comfort for thousands of grieving people around the world.

Together, these stories spark a conversation about grief, emotional healing, vulnerability, joy, therapy, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to feel deeply.

Content warning: grief, death, childhood trauma, emotional abuse, anxiety, loss of a loved one, discussions of mental health.

Content warnings: grief, child loss

Referenced in this episode:

• Bending Reality by Victoria Song
• Under The Influence Show episode 129
• "The Heaven Receptionist" skit by Taryn Smith
• Heaven receptionist skit 1 - an intro to Denise
• Heaven receptionist skit 2 - for Gerry
• Heaven receptionist skit 3 - for Ella-Rose
• NPR interview with Taryn Delanie Smith

0:00: Intro
10:55: Arns: Bending Reality by Victoria Song
29:57: Nins: Taryn Smith's "The Heaven Receptionist"

Join the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears.

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Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at [email protected].

brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

This week, we explore what it means to be deeply loved, truly seen, and brave enough to start over.

Nins shares a moving conversation from {THE AND} by The Skin Deep, featuring a mother and daughter reflecting on Down syndrome, unconditional love, family, and the extraordinary bond they share. Through their heartfelt exchange, they explore what it means to feel safe, supported, and fully accepted by the people who love us most.

Arns introduces Malaysian artist Juna Law, whose remarkable journey led her from an unhappy marriage and corporate career in New York to a creative life in the Tuscan countryside. Through art, grief, love, and loss, Juna's story becomes a powerful reminder that it is never too late to rediscover yourself and build a life that feels like home.

Together, these stories spark a conversation about belonging, parenthood, courage, second chances, self-discovery, grief, creativity, and the people who help us become who we're meant to be.

Content warning: grief, death of a partner, divorce, difficult relationships, emotional distress, discussions of disability.

Referenced in this episode:

• {THE AND} Rachel & Ginny video by The Skin Deep (@the_skindeep)
• Artist Juna Law
• Juna Law feature by Shi Han of Human Edition (@human_edition)
• Juna Law blog by e-zine My Creative Cup of Tea

0:00: Intro
4:26: Angela: {THE AND} Rachel & Ginny
24:00: Ariana: Artist Juna Law


Content warning: grief, loss

Join the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears.

Follow us:
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Want episode recaps, behind-the-scenes/community updates, and occasional emotional damage delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter at brbcryingpodcast.com.

Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at [email protected].

brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

This week, Nins and Arns explore two vastly different stories connected by the same emotional truth: learning how to let go of a chapter of your life while holding onto the love it gave you.

Arns reflects on the end of her breastfeeding journey and the complicated mix of grief, gratitude, motherhood, identity, and acceptance that came with saying goodbye to a ritual she shared with her daughter for over a year. What happens when you're ready to move forward, but part of you still wants to stay?

Then Nins celebrates the beloved sitcom Schitt's Creek and the groundbreaking love story between David Rose and Patrick Brewer. Through one of the show's most iconic moments, she explores LGBTQ representation, belonging, acceptance, and why stories that allow people to feel fully seen matter so deeply.

Together, these stories spark a conversation about endings, growing up, chosen family, motherhood, queer joy, nostalgia, identity, and the courage it takes to embrace change.

Content warning: discussion of fertility struggles, breastfeeding challenges, body image, grief, and emotional family experiences.

Referenced in this episode:

• Schitt's Creek: The Guardian article by Michael Cragg; NYT Article by Lara Zarum; Real Mama Bears letter

0:00 - Introduction
3:58 - Arns: ending breastfeeding
20:58 - Nins: Schitt's Creek

Join the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears.

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Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at [email protected].

brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

This week, Nins and Arns explore two heartfelt stories about what it means to feel truly seen.

Nins shares Meghan Rose's viral "love letters to the zodiac signs," a series of TikToks that celebrate the quiet gifts, strengths, and forms of love that each astrological sign brings into the world. Through astrology, appreciation, and self-reflection, she explores why being recognized for who we are can feel so healing.

Arns revisits Pixar's beloved animated short "Lava", the musical love story of two lonely volcanoes searching for connection across millions of years. What begins as a simple children's short becomes a moving reflection on patience, belonging, friendship, love, and the hope that we're never as alone as we think we are.

Together, these stories spark a conversation about validation, vulnerability, human connection, self-worth, friendship, love, and the universal desire to be understood.

Content warning: discussion of loneliness, emotional vulnerability, and themes of longing and belonging.

Referenced in this episode:

• Astrologer Meghan Rose's "love letter to the signs" series
• Pixar short "Lava" - James Ford Murphy interviews on Cineplex, Sneak Peek, Ruby Hornet, & KHON2 News

0:00 - Intro
8:06 - Nins: Astrologer Meghan Rose
26:06 - Arns: Pixar short "Lava"

Join the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears.

Follow us:
» Instagram: @brbcrying.podcast
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Want episode recaps, behind-the-scenes/community updates, and occasional emotional damage delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter at brbcryingpodcast.com.

Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at [email protected].

brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

This week, Nins and Arns explore two stories about what happens when we stop chasing an idea and start paying attention to what's right in front of us.

Arns shares the work of artist Anna Laura Sullivan (@annalaura_art), whose beloved watercolor comics gently explore purpose, presence, and the pressure many of us feel to find meaning in our lives. One simple illustration about a squirrel searching for its purpose sparks a deeper conversation about adulthood, ambition, and whether the point of life might simply be to be here now.

Then Nins revisits the cult classic romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer (2009) and reflects on how her understanding of the film has completely changed with age. What once felt like a story about soulmates and heartbreak now reveals itself as a story about projection, perception, compatibility, and the danger of loving an idea more than the person standing in front of you.

Together, these stories spark a conversation about purpose, presence, relationships, growing up, nostalgia, self-awareness, and the importance of seeing reality clearly.

Content warning: heartbreak, relationship conflict, emotional distress, discussions of identity and purpose.

Referenced in this episode:

• Artist Anna Laura's (@annalaura_art) comic about purpose - full Vulture interview
• Film (500) Days of Summer - Jesse Tribble video essay, Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Larry King Now

0:00 - Intro
6:54 - Arns: Anna Laura Sullivan
25:56 - Nins: (500) Days of Summer

Disclaimer: As of this episode air date, (500) Days of Summer is no longer on Hulu :') but can still be purchased and watched via YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV.

Join the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears.

Follow us:
» Instagram: @brbcrying.podcast
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Want episode recaps, behind-the-scenes/community updates, and occasional emotional damage delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter at brbcryingpodcast.com.

Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at [email protected].

brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.

This week, Nins and Arns explore two deeply personal stories about womanhood, inheritance, and the experiences that shape who we become.

Nins opens up about living with Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), sharing a vulnerable story about depression, emotional overwhelm, mental health, and the invisible realities many people who menstruate face every month. Through her experience, she reflects on vulnerability, self-compassion, and the importance of feeling seen.

Arns dives into "Carmen" by Olivia Dean, a heartfelt tribute to Olivia Dean's grandmother and the Windrush generation. Through music, family history, and immigrant stories, the conversation explores sacrifice, gratitude, resilience, and the generations of love that make our lives possible.

Together, these stories spark a conversation about mental health, womanhood, family legacy, immigration, healing, resilience, and what we inherit from those who came before us.

Content warning: depression, PMDD, mental health struggles, emotional distress, discussions of women's health.

Referenced in this episode:

• Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). For more resources, please see information from Cleveland Clinic, Hopkins Medicine, and Mayo Clinic.
• "Carmen" by Olivia Dean (@oliviadeano)

Content warning: depression

0:00 - Intro
8:27 - Nins: PMDD
34:58 - Arns: "Carmen" by Olivia Dean

Join the brb crying community—a heartfelt, cozy comedy podcast about friendship, vulnerability, emotional storytelling, and all the movies, books, music, and life experiences that leave us in tears.

Follow us:
» Instagram: @brbcrying.podcast
» TikTok: @brbcrying.podcast
» YouTube: @brbcrying.podcast

Want episode recaps, behind-the-scenes/community updates, and occasional emotional damage delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter at brbcryingpodcast.com.

Have a sob story or cry recommendation that absolutely wrecked you? We'd love to be wrecked, too. Submit your story at brbcryingpodcast.com or email us at [email protected].

brb crying—hosted by longtime best friends Nins & Arns—is a podcast where we explore the songs, books, TV shows, films, pop culture moments, and personal stories that help us laugh, cry, heal, and feel a little less alone. Crying is our superpower, and by sharing what makes us cry in a way that makes us laugh, we show how crying helps us connect with ourselves and each other.