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In this episode, Shelbi Jones is virtually joined by her college roommate and friend of a decade, Amanda Oswald, as they reflect on their experience as single friends in their group. They dive into the cultural differences between Midwest and East Coast dating, the challenges of navigating “serious relationships” when you’re still single, and the death of situationships as they enter their late 20s.

They also share personal dating advice, offering insights on everything from dealing with FOMO (fear of missing out) to what it means when friends settle into relationships. This episode is a candid look at friendship, love, and the evolving nature of dating as you age.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Midwest vs. East Coast dating: What’s different about romance in other regions?
• Navigating relationships as a single friend: What does it feel like when your friends get serious?
• The death of situationships in your late 20s: Why things shift and what it means for your dating life
• Giving dating advice to each other: Lessons, challenges, and reflections from two single friends

Referenced in this episode:

• Girls Gotta Eat Podcast: Amanda references an episode with author Jon Birger about where all the decent men are. You can listen here.
• TikTok on celebrating men doing the bare minimum: Check out the TikTok here.
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✨ Connect with Amanda Oswald:

Follow Amanda on Instagram at @aoswald11.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, host Shelbi Jones reflects on the difficult but necessary process of quitting activities to make space for the things that align with her goals and passions. She shares her journey of learning to prioritize her time and energy, the emotional challenges of saying goodbye to commitments that no longer serve her, and the freedom to let go.

This episode dives into the tension between obligation and desire, the fear of missing out, and the deep satisfaction of focusing on what truly matters in pursuing personal fulfillment.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The struggle of quitting: Why letting go of activities can feel challenging but freeing
• Making space for what matters: Identifying your priorities can shift your focus
• Overcoming guilt and fear of missing out: Navigating the discomfort of choosing less but better
• The benefits of intentional space: Why simplifying your life opens the door to new possibilities

If you're grappling with letting go of commitments or activities to make room for your real passions. This episode offers insight and encouragement on making that transition with intention and confidence.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Shelbi Jones is virtually joined by Hayet Rida, a Creative Strategist, influencer, and serial entrepreneur, to discuss the challenges and rewards of sharing her life with her audience on Instagram. Hayet opens up about the vulnerability required in being an online presence, managing a thriving six-figure blog business while balancing a 9-5 job, and setting boundaries in her personal and professional life.

We also dive into Hayet's experience as a Black woman navigating the luxury space, the intersection of identity and success, and how she continues breaking barriers in content creation and entrepreneurship.

🎙️ Topics discussed in this episode:

• Vulnerability on Instagram: How Hayet navigates sharing personal moments while maintaining privacy
• Managing a six-figure blog business with a 9-5: Balancing entrepreneurship with a full-time career
• Setting boundaries: How Hayet protects her time and energy while growing multiple ventures
• Black women in luxury: Breaking through industry barriers and carving out space in luxury and lifestyle

This conversation is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, content creators, or anyone interested in balancing personal life and professional success.

✨ Connect with Hayet Rida:

Follow Hayet on Instagram @hayet.rida or visit her website, hayetrida.com, for more about her creative work, business advice, and luxury lifestyle.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Shelbi Jones is virtually joined by Aubrey Johansen, a personal chef and Instagram influencer, to discuss her journey to sobriety and the community she’s built. Aubrey shares her personal story of choosing a life without alcohol, how she’s navigated significant life moments sober, and the importance of having a support system in place.

We dive deep into the challenges and rewards of living alcohol-free, including how Aubrey has found her community and maintained a balanced life without relying on alcohol for socializing or coping. Aubrey also shares insights into how she supports others on their sober journeys.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Choosing sobriety: Aubrey’s decision to live alcohol-free and how it has impacted her life
• Finding community: The importance of connecting with others who share similar experiences
• Navigating life’s big moments sober: How Aubrey handles celebrations, stress, and everyday life without alcohol
• Supporting others on their sober journey: How Aubrey gives back to the community and helps others on their path

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in sobriety, seeking a supportive community, or looking for inspiration to live a fulfilling life without alcohol.

✨ Connect with Aubrey Johansen:

Follow Aubrey on Instagram @thatwhatsheeats or visit her website thatswhatsheeats.com

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Shelbi Jones sits with Ashley Wallace to discuss her and her husband's decision to live a child-free life. Together, they explore the journey behind their choice, the challenges they faced from societal pressures and family feedback, and why they believe it’s the right decision for them.

Ashley shares her experience with the decision-making process, offering insights into navigating the complexities of family expectations and cultural norms around parenthood. This candid conversation highlights the importance of making choices that align with one's values and aspirations, even when they go against the grain.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The decision to be child-free: Ashley and her husband’s thought process and discussions
• Family and societal feedback: Navigating judgments and expectations from others
• Living child-free: Why this lifestyle aligns with their personal goals and happiness
• Breaking societal norms: How making unconventional choices can lead to a more fulfilling life

This episode is an empowering conversation for anyone questioning traditional life paths and those who may feel pressure to follow societal expectations about marriage and parenthood.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this profoundly personal solo episode, host Shelbi Jones reflects on the tragic death of Daunte Wright and the ongoing issue of police brutality in America. Shelbi shares her raw feelings about the systemic violence faced by Black communities, the emotional toll of repeated tragedies, and the broader implications of the criminal justice system’s failures.

This episode is a reflection on the grief that comes with losing another Black life to police violence and the urgent need for change, justice, and accountability. Shelbi also touches on how moments like this impact mental health and the importance of processing these feelings while continuing to advocate for justice.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Daunte Wright's death: Reflecting on the tragedy and its impact on the Black community
• Police brutality: An ongoing conversation about systemic racism and the need for reform
• Grief and mental health: How incidents like this affect mental well-being and the importance of healing
• Accountability and change: What must happen for the justice system to protect all citizens truly

This episode is an important reminder to confront brutal truths, process emotions, and push for justice in the face of tragedy. It’s a call for solidarity and collective action in the fight against police violence.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Shelbi Jones virtually sits down with Willie Sinclair, a fellow Midwesterner and Lead Wardrobe Stylist for the Emmy-nominated The Wendy Williams Show. Willie shares his journey into the fashion world, how he became the go-to stylist for one of daytime TV’s biggest shows, and the importance of inclusivity in the fashion industry.

Willie’s impressive portfolio includes work featured in major publications like The New York Times Magazine, W Magazine, Variety, and The Wrap. He was most recently profiled in PAPER Magazine in the article “The Stylist Who Got Wendy Wearing Telfar and Dapper Dan.” During our conversation, Willie discusses the moment he realized fashion was his calling, his favorite brands right now, and how he sees the future of fashion evolving.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Willie's journey to becoming a stylist: The challenges and milestones of breaking into the fashion industry
• Inclusivity in fashion: How the industry can embrace more diverse voices and perspectives
• The Wendy Williams Show: Behind-the-scenes stories of styling Wendy Williams and her iconic looks
• Fashion brands to watch: Willie shares his current favorites in the industry
• Future of fashion: His vision for where the industry is headed and his career aspirations

This episode is a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts, aspiring stylists, and anyone interested in the fashion world's intersections of style, media, and inclusivity.

✨ Connect with Willie Sinclair:

Follow Willie’s journey and fashion insights on Instagram @WillieSinclair.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Shelbi Jones virtually sits down with Deb Renteria, a marketing professional at HBO, to unpack the issue of Toxic Productivity and its disproportionate impact on women of color in the workplace. Deb shares her experiences navigating corporate spaces and how toxic work culture often manifests, especially for marginalized communities.

Together, they discuss practical strategies for setting better boundaries and how leaders can cultivate healthier, more sustainable work environments for their teams.

Deb is a proud first-generation Mexican-American, originally from Long Beach, CA. She is a co-founder of La Nueva Link, a community for LatinX creatives and media professionals. She currently works on HBO’s Multicultural Marketing team, focusing on creating engaging experiences for diverse audiences and amplifying top-priority programming.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Toxic productivity: How hustle culture negatively affects women of color in the workplace.
• Setting boundaries: Practical advice on prioritizing well-being while excelling at work.
• Leadership impact: How workplace leadership can set the tone for team culture and well-being.
• Creating inclusive environments: The role of diversity and inclusion in combating toxic productivity.

This episode is an essential conversation for women of color in corporate settings and anyone interested in creating healthier, more supportive work environments.

✨ Connect with Deb and La Nueva Link:

• Follow Deb Renteria on Instagram: @thatdarndeb
• Follow La Nueva Link on Instagram: @lanuevalink

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, host Shelbi Jones virtually sits down with her friend, Penny Lam, to discuss the impact of anti-Asian hate crimes, including the tragic spa attacks in Atlanta. Penny shares her personal experience as an Asian-American, offering a candid perspective on the emotional and social toll of racism in the community. Penny also provides valuable insights on how individuals can be better allies to the Asian community, helping foster understanding, support, and solidarity in the fight against hate.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Anti-Asian hate crimes: Penny reflects on the rise in violence against the Asian-American community and the emotional impact of these acts
• The Atlanta spa shootings: A deep discussion on the tragedy and how it has affected the community
• Building solidarity and allyship: Penny offers practical advice on being a better ally and supporting Asian Americans during this challenging time
• Healing and moving forward: How the community can find hope and strength despite ongoing challenges

This episode is an essential conversation about the need for justice, understanding, and support in these trying times. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to educate themselves on allyship and work toward a more inclusive society.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Shelbi Jones virtually sits down with Stella McCabe-Soares, a freshman at Ohio State University who is navigating her first year of college during a global pandemic. Stella shares her experience moving from New York City to Columbus, Ohio, and how she's managing the challenges of virtual learning in an unprecedented time.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Freshman year during a pandemic: Stella reflects on what it’s like to start college when traditional experiences are disrupted
• Adjusting to virtual learning: How she adapts to online classes and stays motivated
• Moving from NYC to Columbus: The challenges and differences Stella has encountered in transitioning from one city to another
• Mental health and resilience: How she manages stress, stays connected, and maintains balance during this unique time

This episode is a candid look at what it’s like to be a college freshman in 2020 and a valuable conversation for anyone navigating education during uncertain times.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.