In this deep dive, we explore the multifaceted world of journaling - far beyond the stereotypical "Dear Diary" entries of childhood. From dream journals that capture our subconscious wanderings to gratitude lists that train our brains toward positivity, writing creates space for reflection in our busy lives.

We share our personal journeys with writing - including one host's creative approach of processing real-life experiences through fictional characters and another's ritual of ceremonially burning journal pages after writing down difficult emotions. This conversation reveals how different approaches to journaling can serve different needs, and how finding your personal style is key to making the practice sustainable.

The episode examines historical examples of meaningful journals, including Anne Frank's diary and the expedition records of Lewis and Clark, demonstrating how personal documentation can become historically significant. We also discuss the science behind why writing helps organize scattered thoughts, providing mental clarity when we feel pulled in multiple directions.

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We journey through the challenging terrain of parent-teen conflicts, examining how our communication patterns are often inherited from family dynamics. There's a profound realization about the power of knowing when to step back during arguments – a skill that could transform our most difficult relationships. We share personal stories of saying things we regret and the hard lessons learned about using words as weapons.

The discussion takes an unexpected turn as we question the relevance of traditional education. Why do schools prioritize algebra over teaching teenagers how to manage finances or file taxes? While we value history for the lessons it offers about avoiding past mistakes, we wonder if the current educational model truly prepares young people for real-world challenges.

Our conversation dives deep into celebrity culture and its dark underbelly. From P. Diddy scandals to the troubling trajectories of former child stars, we explore how the entertainment industry often exploits young talent, leading to severe mental health consequences. We contrast these stories with Lindsay Lohan's impressive comeback, finding hope in her journey of recovery and renewal.

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Remember those childhood Christmas Eves that stretched past midnight as presents were opened one by one with the entire extended family? We reminisce about these formative experiences and explore how they've influenced the traditions we've established in our adult lives. From hiding pickle ornaments in Christmas trees to preparing elaborate Valentine's Day seafood feasts, we reveal how these seemingly simple rituals provide structure, meaning, and joy in our families.

The conversation takes a deeply moving turn as we explore Day of the Dead celebrations and their profound perspective on the connection between the living and those who have passed. Through creating ofrendas adorned with marigolds, photographs, and favorite foods of deceased loved ones, this beautiful tradition teaches that death isn't an ending but a transition—that those we love remain with us as long as we remember and honor them.

Whether you're looking to deepen existing family traditions or create meaningful new ones, this episode offers both practical ideas and philosophical insights into how rituals large and small help us make sense of our place in the world. Subscribe now and join us next week when we dive into the transformative practice of journaling!

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Ever notice how your body feels different when you travel to a higher elevation? Erica shares her recent experience visiting New Mexico, where despite having grown up there, she suddenly struggled with breathing difficulties. The conversation flows into a celebration at Canyon Lake for her son's birthday, complete with last-minute boat rentals and fishing adventures that created perfect family memories.

Warren jumps in with his own physical challenge - a mysterious back injury that struck while simply bending over during a shopping trip. This leads to a candid discussion about fitness journeys and the shared frustration with personal trainers who rely on computer-generated workout plans instead of providing genuine guidance and accountability. Both hosts agree: there's no substitute for someone who watches your form and pushes you beyond what you'd do alone.

Stay tuned until the end for information about their premium content, including an upcoming deep dive episode on traditions and cultures available to subscribers of Family Therapy Plus. Whether you're a longtime listener or first-timer, this episode delivers the perfect blend of humor, insight, and relatable everyday experiences.

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We dive deep into meditation—demystifying what it is, sharing personal journeys, and revealing how this simple practice transforms daily life. From reclaiming control over anger responses to disconnecting from overwhelming anxiety, our candid conversation explores meditation's tangible benefits in a world that never slows down.

Discover the surprising simplicity of starting a meditation practice. Whether you're skeptical or curious, we break down practical first steps that take just minutes of your day but yield profound changes. Learn how focusing on something as simple as the sound of a fan or ticking clock can anchor your mind when thoughts inevitably intrude.

Through personal stories of transformation—from reactive anger to calm responses, from anxiety to clarity—we demonstrate meditation's power to change not just moments of stress but entire life perspectives. Our journeys reveal how meditation cultivates the ability to observe your thoughts rather than being consumed by them.

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The episode opens with Erica's excitement about watching Marvel's Thunderbolts with her family, quickly transforming into a thoughtful exploration of how superhero stories resonate with real-life emotional challenges. Her connection to Yelena's character—particularly around anxiety and dark moments—reveals the often-overlooked therapeutic value of blockbuster films. Beyond mere entertainment, these stories provide mirrors for our own struggles and reminders that everyone needs support during difficult times.

Just as listeners settle into this pop culture discussion, the conversation shifts to Erica's return to fitness after a four-year hiatus. Her determination to help a colleague on their wellness journey stands in stark contrast to the unexpected whirlwind of family emergencies that dominated her week—from children with broken bones and road rash to a smoking car on the freeway. Warren contributes his own misadventures, including a laugh-out-loud story about climbing into a storm drain to rescue his AirPods while bewildered food delivery customers looked on.

What makes Family Therapy uniquely captivating isn't the individual stories but the cousins' ability to find humor and humanity in life's unpredictability. When Erica describes her precious moments of self-care—"I'm not gonna use no brain cells, I'm just gonna sit here and be mindless"—it resonates with anyone who's ever felt stretched too thin by responsibilities. Similarly, Warren's tale of driving a car with a faulty radiator for years speaks to the universal experience of making do despite imperfect circumstances.

Tune in Thursday for our premium episode on meditation and new age practices, where we'll explore how mindfulness helps us navigate life's challenges. Support the show through the link in our show notes to access this exclusive content and help two cousins continue bringing authentic conversations to your podcast feed.

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This week Warren and Erica discuss what it means to heal in silence from each other’s perspectives, considering their own experiences as they share and open up about some inner battles they are not normally vocal about.

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Warren opens up the show by expressing that he has to drive a lengthy distance to get a quality haircut, leading into Erica talking about making sacrifices to meet a hairdresser. 

As a business owner setting your own price is very important, and shouldn’t be overlooked especially when there are opportunities to hand out discounts to friends and family. 

The show turns to conversations about embracing one’s age after Warren shares that his barber informed him of his hair thinning out, probably due to massive amounts of overthinking. 

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In today’s episode of 'What Now' Erica explains how feeling loss of all hope is only a temporary battle. She gives advice when you feel you had enough with life and feel like giving up is the easiest option to take.

Absence of hope can lead to internal emotional storms, but Erica reminds listeners that the storm is only the beginning, then the circumstance around you begin to make sense with a fresher perspective. 

Get to know a little more about Warren and Erica as they share some of their coping mechanisms they employ when the light at the end of the tunnel doesn't seem too bright to chase.

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Warren and Erica talk about the birthday week they had. Warren gives his two cents about the new Thunderbolts movie, then Erica demonstrates that she can prepare a Sonoran Hotdog better than pronouncing ‘Sonoran Hotdog’.

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