Daily Tips That May or May Not Help You

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda B., creator of the podcast *Six Degrees of Cats*, to explore her fascinating journey from West Michigan to Japan to New York City. Amanda shares how curiosity and a love of music have shaped her unconventional career path, and offers invaluable tips for anyone moving to a new city, building community, and finding meaningful connections.

What You'll Learn:

• How Amanda used music as a universal language to connect with people in Japan
• Why the guitar is the perfect portable social instrument
• Tips for discovering great live music venues in New York City (and beyond)
• The importance of "friend-in-laws" and loose ties in building community
• How to navigate moving to a new city and making it feel like home
• Why mixing and melding your social circles can lead to unexpected opportunities

Resources Mentioned:

• JET Program - Teaching English in Japan
• Oh My Rockness - NYC concert discovery
• Willie Mae Rock Camp

Amanda B. (she/her) is the writer, host and producer of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. She leverages her background in research, mental health advocacy, professional development and trauma-informed violence prevention to thoughtfully connect topics as disparate as sainthood, Vikings and Valentine's Day to the world's most populous domesticated pet (...or are they?). Amanda has consulted in education programming and audio production for clients such as The Edmund W. Gordon Institute for Advanced Study at Columbia University and The Podcast Academy and volunteers for LGBTQ+-affirming youth mental health non-profit OkaySo. Amanda is also a musician - she leads NYC-based rock 'n' roll band, Leathered and has supported major recording artists as a guitarist on international stages. The team does not appreciate her impromptu serenades. 

Music is by Marcus Thorne Bagala. Find us everywhere at https://dailytipspodcast.com.

Running late? Take an extra 30 seconds before you walk in. That brief pause to breathe and compose yourself will transform how you enter the room. The difference between frazzled and centered isn't about time—it's about intention.

Come party with us for 500 episodes! Let us know if you're interested here: https://neddonovan.notion.site/2627b57f605980639e3cd3a493be7317?pvs=105

Music is by Marcus Thorne Bagala. Find us everywhere at https://dailytipspodcast.com.

Arielle shares a simple mantra that transforms how you handle objects throughout your day. Whether it's your phone, a coffee mug, or that bag of rice, the principle stays the same: complete the action instead of postponing it. This episode explores how a four-word phrase can reduce clutter and break digital addictions.

Music is by Marcus Thorne Bagala. Find us everywhere at https://dailytipspodcast.com.

Take a moment to connect with your furry companion through a mindful pet session. Slow down and focus entirely on gentle, intentional touch - creating a special bonding experience that both you and your pet will appreciate. This simple practice transforms routine interactions into meaningful moments with the animals we cherish.

Amanda B. (she/her) is the writer, host and producer of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. She leverages her background in research, mental health advocacy, professional development and trauma-informed violence prevention to thoughtfully connect topics as disparate as sainthood, Vikings and Valentine's Day to the world's most populous domesticated pet (...or are they?). Amanda has consulted in education programming and audio production for clients such as The Edmund W. Gordon Institute for Advanced Study at Columbia University and The Podcast Academy and volunteers for LGBTQ+-affirming youth mental health non-profit OkaySo. Amanda is also a musician - she leads NYC-based rock 'n' roll band, Leathered and has supported major recording artists as a guitarist on international stages.The team does not appreciate her impromptu serenades. 

Music is by Marcus Thorne Bagala. Find us everywhere at https://dailytipspodcast.com.

Say goodbye to clumpy protein shakes forever. Ned shares his game-changing technique for perfectly smooth shakes every time: fill your blender bottle halfway with water first, then add the protein powder. This simple reversal prevents powder from sticking to the bottom where shaker balls can't reach.

Make your LinkedIn profile more professional by customizing your URL to something memorable instead of the default random characters. Arielle walks through how to transform your profile link from an unmemorable string to your name or brand. This simple change makes your profile easier to share and find.

Arielle's tutorial to updating your Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/arielle-nissenblatt_i-had-a-long-string-of-numbers-after-my-name-activity-7369021550722830337-d2Nn

Music is by Marcus Thorne Bagala. Find us everywhere at https://dailytipspodcast.com.

Arielle and BagelGuy69 advocate for "easy on the spread" when ordering bagels to prevent cream cheese overload. Not everyone agrees with this approach, as Ned firmly believes in open-face bagel eating to avoid messy situations. This bagel debate has even divided families, with Arielle's uncle siding with Ned on Team More Cream Cheese.

Music is by Marcus Thorne Bagala. Find us everywhere at https://dailytipspodcast.com.

List your active projects and evaluate if you're stretching yourself too thin. Finish what you start before jumping to the next idea. Prioritize your creative endeavors to ensure each one gets the attention it deserves.

Music is by Marcus Thorne Bagala. Find us everywhere at https://dailytipspodcast.com.

Guest Tipper Amanda B. shares her powerful reminder to pause before reacting in our increasingly reactive world. Taking a moment to breathe not only benefits you but creates space for better interactions with others. Explore simple breathing techniques to help you slow down and respond more intentionally.

Amanda B. (she/her) is the writer, host and producer of 6 Degrees of Cats, the world's #1 cat-themed culture, history and science podcast. She leverages her background in research, mental health advocacy, professional development and trauma-informed violence prevention to thoughtfully connect topics as disparate as sainthood, Vikings and Valentine's Day to the world's most populous domesticated pet (...or are they?). Amanda has consulted in education programming and audio production for clients such as The Edmund W. Gordon Institute for Advanced Study at Columbia University and The Podcast Academy and volunteers for LGBTQ+-affirming youth mental health non-profit OkaySo. Amanda is also a musician - she leads NYC-based rock 'n' roll band, Leathered and has supported major recording artists as a guitarist on international stages.The team does not appreciate her impromptu serenades. 

Music is by Marcus Thorne Bagala. Find us everywhere at https://dailytipspodcast.com.

Discover how mushroom growing kits provide daily visible growth for plant lovers seeking faster gratification than traditional houseplants. Arielle shares her experience with a lion's mane mushroom kit that delivers daily growth and a harvestable meal in just three weeks. Perfect for impatient gardeners who want to watch something thrive before their eyes.

Music is by Marcus Thorne Bagala. Find us everywhere at https://dailytipspodcast.com.