Just Getting Better

Just Getting Better

Download on the App Store

Just Getting Better episodes

  • Wine & Food Pairing Favorites: Pinot Noir for the Grill, Albariño for Seafood

    This week, Michelle and Julia are in their red-and-white wine eras—with two bottles that prove summer sipping doesn’t have to mean Rosé.

    Julia opens with the Dobbes Family Estate Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir, a jammy, chillable red from one of Oregon’s most beloved AVAs. It’s juicy, it’s versatile, and yes—it’s begging to be paired with a grilled peach and burrata salad.

    Michelle heads to Rías Baixas in Galicia, Spain, with the Zarate Albariño. But this isn’t your typical zesty white—it’s an age-worthy Albariño, made with structure, depth, and enough richness to handle everything from lobster rolls to clam chowder.

    Grab a glass, chill your red, and join the conversation. It’s one of those weeks where the wine is great and the vibes feel like home.

    Tune into new episodes every week on Spotify or Apple.

    10 min
  • Why Everything Feels Off Right Now: Burnout, Joy & Resetting

    In this episode, we’re talking about everything from wedding drama to that strange emotional fog so many of us are walking through right now.

    We unpack a word you might not know but definitely feel: hypernormalization—when everything appears fine, but underneath? It’s all a bit off.

    Sound familiar?

    We get into what it means to feel stuck, overstimulated, or like you’re running on autopilot—and how naming the feeling can be the first step back to yourself.

    Also in this episode:

    – Burnout, perimenopause, and pandemic hangovers

    – Rosé in January and white pants in November (because rules are fake)

    – A wedding guest AITA (Am I The Asshole?) scenario that gets surprisingly deep

    – Small resets, emotional honesty, and learning to reengage

    – And why your group chat might be your most sacred space

    This one moves between light and heavy—because that’s what life is. No perfect solutions, but a lot of honesty, a few good laughs, and some Pop-Tart realness.

    Mentions: The Doorman by Chris Pavone, Ashley Bez, Rahaf Harfoush, Heather Cox Richardson  Vibes: Late-stage capitalism, chamomile tea that doesn’t work, white jeans in October, and reclaiming your emotional bandwidth

    35 min
  • Why You Don’t Have to Be in a Relationship to Be Worthy | Francesca Hogi on Love & Self-Worth

    In this episode, we’re joined by love coach, podcaster, author and former Survivor contestant Francesca Hogi—who brings a fresh, soulful lens to the way we think about love, relationships, and connection in 2025.

    Francesca shares her journey from corporate lawyer to reality TV to matchmaking and beyond, and unpacks why the way we’ve been taught to rank love—placing romantic relationships above all else—isn’t just outdated, it’s limiting.

    This isn’t about dating tips. It’s about how to center love in your life, define worth on your own terms, and stop waiting to be picked to feel powerful.

    Also in this episode:
    – Soulmates beyond romance (yes, your best friend counts)
    – Francesca’s viral take on the “love hierarchy”
    – How Survivor helped her rewrite her life
    – Why swiping doesn’t equal connection
    – The loneliness epidemic, AI companions, and what real intimacy still demands
    – Centering love without losing yourself in the process

    Francesca reminds us that the deepest, truest love starts within—and that we are all already portals to the love we seek.

    Mentions: How to Find True Love by Francesca, Francesca’s TED Talk, Paul C. Brunson
    Vibes: Oprah-level aha’s, soft power, ugly-cry Beyoncé concerts, and the radical idea that you are enough—single or not

    52 min
  • Your Rich BFF Has Entered the Chat

    In this episode, we’re joined by Vivian Tu—former Wall Street trader, bestselling author of Rich AF, and the powerhouse behind Your Rich BFF—for a conversation about money, power, and building wealth on your own terms.

    Vivian shares how growing up as the daughter of Chinese immigrants shaped her money mindset, how a mentor changed her life (and her career), and how one casual act of racism in the office became the moment that launched her into financial advocacy for millions.

    This isn’t a budgeting how-to. It’s a deep dive into how gender, race, class, and capitalism intersect—and why we need to stop treating money like it exists in a vacuum.

    Also in this episode:
    – Why women are better with money than we’ve been led to believe
    – How your partner impacts your income (yep, really)
    – Vivian’s top 3 investments for long-term success
    – Why looking rich isn’t the same as being rich
    – What Pilates, Botox, and brunch say about financial power

    This isn’t about playing small, dimming your light, or waiting to be picked. It’s about claiming your space—and your financial future—with clarity, confidence, and zero apologies.

    Mentions: Rich AF by Vivian Tu, The Skimm x NYT survey on women + money, UBS, Fidelity, Fourth Wing
    Vibes: Compound interest, clear boundaries, heatless curls, and real talk in designer bags or Marshall’s finds

    48 min
  • What We’re Drinking This Week: Sicilian Dessert Wine & Loire Muscadet

    In this week’s episode, Michelle and Julia raise a glass to doing business in a way that actually feels good and honors who we are. While chatting with guest Becky Mollenkamp about what the future of feminist business could look like, they also share two bottles worth adding to your list.

    With every episode, you’ll have an opportunity to meet two new fabulous wines and spirits to explore.

    Donnafugata Ben Ryé

    Michelle brings the sweet with Donnafugata’s Ben Ryé, a luscious Sicilian dessert wine from the island of Pantelleria—closer to Tunisia than the Italian mainland. Expect notes of butterscotch, hazelnut, and caramel. It’s elegantly sweet and built for pairing with crème brûlée, churros, or even a cinnamon-kissed Portuguese custard tart.

    Famille Lieubeau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Goulaine

    Julia pours the Famille Lieubeau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Goulaine, a crisp white from the Loire Valley. Bright and citrusy, it’s made for oysters, crab cakes, or your next brunch spread.

    9 min
  • The Future of Feminist Business (It’s Not What You Think!)

    What if business was built for us? 

    In this episode, we’re joined by feminist business coach Becky Mollenkamp for a conversation that goes far beyond spreadsheets and branding—and gets to the heart of how women (especially those with multiple marginalized identities) can run businesses on their own terms.

    Becky shares how her work is rooted in intersectional feminism and what it means to center full humanity in how we build, lead, and show up. From hormonal cycles to systemic capitalism, this episode is a thoughtful unpacking of why traditional business rules weren’t made for us—and how to start rewriting them.

    Also in this episode:

    – What “CEO” can look like without burnout or hustle
    – Why perfection and polished Instagram coaching personas are over
    – How the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014 became a turning point in Becky’s feminist journey
    – How her queer identity and motherhood shaped her truth-telling
    – What it means to be called in, not canceled

    This isn’t about “girlbossing” your way to the top. It’s about leading in a way that feels real, sustainable, and aligned with your values—even when it’s messy, vulnerable, and hard.

    Mentions: bell hooks, Rachel Cargle, Alice Walker, White Feminism by Koa Beck
    Vibes: Honesty over optics, healing over hustle, real feminism over filters.

    53 min
  • The 2 Words That Changed How We’re Living This Year

    We’re kicking off Season 3 with the two words that are shaping our year: Ubuntu and Savor. In this episode, we talk about slowing down, protecting your joy, and finding rituals that actually work—from phone-free evenings to F1 races and good romance novels.

    Also:
    – Michelle’s 30-minute phone shutdown
    – Julia’s reading rituals + love for a soft landing
    – Wine, Beyoncé, Lego orchids, and why rest is strategy

    It’s cozy, grounding, and totally Just Getting Better.

    Books: A New Earth, Rest is Resistance, How We Heal, more
    Vibe: Jazz, peonies, roller skates, and big exhale energy

    FOLLOW US:
      • Instagram: @justgettingbetternow @mwilliamswinewriter @juliaconey
        • 31 min
        • Alecia Moore, Part Two: Two Wolves, Wine Stories, and Finding Balance

          “The story of the Two Wolves has been with me my entire life. It’s about balance—what we feed today shapes who we are tomorrow. And to me, that’s winemaking, too. It’s all about finding harmony and keeping things alive and interesting.” – Alecia Moore

          We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Alecia Moore—yes, the one and only Pink!

          This time, we’re getting even more personal. Alecia takes us behind the scenes of her life as a winemaker, businesswoman, artist, mother, and wife. We’re talking about everything from what it’s like tending the vines at her Two Wolves winery to how the Two Wolves parable has shaped her outlook on life.

          This episode is packed with lots of laughs and plenty of wine talk. Alecia spills the details on crafting wines like her super fun Graziano and her beautifully balanced Cab Franc—think pop rocks and elegance in a glass. She and the hosts discuss their favorite snack pairings (spoiler: pizza is always on the menu) and Alecia shares why making wine accessible and welcoming is so important to her.

          Alecia is joined by her partner and co-winemaker, wine scientist Alison Thomson.

          In This Episode:
          • Alecia shares her passion for crafting approachable, joyful wines like Cab Franc and Graziano—fresh, vibrant, and perfect for every occasion.
          • The Two Wolves parable—a Cherokee legend about the inner battle we all face—and how it relates to Alecia’s philosophy of balance in both life and winemaking.
          • Why food and wine pairings don’t have to be fancy—think margarita pizza and snack pairings with fine wine!
          • The importance of making wine a space for everyone, from seasoned enthusiasts to first-time tasters, while breaking stereotypes in the industry.
          • Authentic moments from Alecia’s life, including how a sorting table became a safe space for connection and self-discovery during lockdown.
          • Why You’ll Love It:
            Alecia opens up about her creative process, the joy of discovery, and how winemaking is more than a craft—it’s a way to celebrate life’s moments, big and small. If you loved Part 1, this episode will have you raising a glass and toasting to the joy of living authentically.

            Toast to a New Year
            As the episode wraps, Alecia, Alison and hosts Michelle and Julia share a toast to hope and the collective realization that kindness and understanding can reshape the world.

            Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate your support of the show and would love it if you could subscribe so you never miss an episode! Apple | Spotify | YouTube.

            Join our community (it’s free) to get notified of upcoming events. We’ve got some fun things planned this year and hope to see you IRL!

            ABOUT TWO WOLVES CABERNET FRANC:

            “Walk with me down the gravel path, by an alpine lake tucked in between grand oaks, pines, brambly berries, wildflowers, and thyme. The lightness upon entry builds to a serious and textured finish. This beautiful wine will take you on a journey; it’s okay to go it alone.” 

            Vineyard Notes: This was the first year we harvested fruit from our own-rooted Cabernet Franc block, planted in 2015. We babied this planting for five years until the roots were deeply established and the vines were fully grown and vigorous. It was thrilling to see the quality and yields we achieved in this first year. Both the old and new blocks of Cabernet Franc were harvested in early October after a spectacular lightning show.  

            ABOUT TWO WOLVES GRACIANO:

            “I’ve been meaning to pair this with a fruit rollup but Alison says I shouldn’t. We’ll see. Ahhhh, carbonic Graciano, our beautiful mistake. This one is a real reflection of a cooler vintage, with bright red fruit, but more savory notes than in the years past. Juicy, mouthwatering freshness, raspberries, white sage, white pepper, dried roses, cinnamon sticks. This wine has so much life! Pair with; fresh tomato pasta, seared tuna, sushi, simple roasted chicken, creamy brie, or a risotto.”

            Vineyard Notes: The late budbreak, very cool growing season, and larger than average crop all contributed to Graciano being picked more than a month later than average. We had ideal weather throughout the harvest period so the fruit came in looking beautiful.

            For more on Two Wolves and their latest releases, visit Two Wolves Wines.

            CONNECT WITH JUST GETTING BETTER:

            • Host Instagram: @mwilliamswinewriter @juliaconey
            • www.itsjustgettingbetter.com
            • 26 min
            • Alecia Moore’s Journey to Two Wolves: Farming, Family, and Fierce Intentionality (Pt.1)

              “When you don’t yet know all the rules, anything is possible.” – Alecia Moore

              Happy New Year friends! We’ve got a very special guest joining the show this week to help us ring in 2025 in a big way.

              In this bonus episode, we are thrilled to sit down with the multi-talented Alecia Moore, better known as the iconic P!nk. Alecia has built a remarkable career as a singer, songwriter, and activist, but it’s her journey of self-reinvention, personal growth, and embracing new chapters of life that truly inspired us.

              In these next two episodes, expect bold honesty, unforgettable lessons, and practical takeaways from one of the world’s most resilient and inspiring artists.

              Cork art by Willow Sage Hart

              Joined by her partner and co-winemaker, wine scientist Alison Thomson, Alecia shares the intentionality behind assembling an all-woman team—primarily mothers—and creating a space that celebrates farming and community.

              Alecia and Alison introduce us to the artistry of Two Wolves Wine, particularly the Semillon varietal, while discussing the craftsmanship that sets it apart. If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at authentic winemaking, this conversation will leave you inspired and thirsty for more.

              In This Episode:

              Becoming a Winemaker: Alecia’s hands-on approach to learning every aspect of winemaking.

              Celebrating Women: Why Alecia built an all-woman team and prioritized working mothers.

              Honoring Farming: How Two Wolves Vineyard incorporates sustainable, organic, and regenerative practices.

              Introducing Two Wolves Semillon: Insights into the wine’s flavor profile, process, and the story behind it.

              Collaboration: Partnering with Alison Thomson, a wine scientist dedicated to ethical, sustainable practices.

              Don’t miss part 2, where Alecia and Alison dive deeper into their shared vision and explore the challenges and triumphs of creating something meaningful. Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Apple | Spotify | YouTube

              ABOUT TWO WOLVES SEMILLON:

              “My funky, quirky, elegant, badass friend. This is the Iris Apfel of wines, timeless. Generously giving aromas and flavors of honeycomb, white flowers, and pear, with that lovely petrol note on the finish. Pair with grilled chicken or a delicate fish, shellfish with Asian flavors, pasta primavera, potato leek soup, or a salad with goat cheese.”

              The Semillon is a beautifully crafted wine that balances vibrancy and depth. It boasts flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and a refreshing minerality, making it perfect for any occasion. This wine exemplifies the vineyard’s commitment to quality and sustainability. For more on Two Wolves and their latest releases, visit Two Wolves Wines.

              CONNECT WITH JUST GETTING BETTER:

              • Host Instagram: @mwilliamswinewriter @juliaconey
              • www.itsjustgettingbetter.com
              • 1 hr 1 min
              • What We’re Drinking This Week: Tequila Bribón Reposado & Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

                In our final episode this year, Michelle and Julia reflect on an incredible season filled with empowering conversations, amazing insights from an all-star lineup of guests, and as always, plenty of laughs. From embracing the “soft life” to setting meaningful goals for the year ahead, they dive into the power of self-care, supporting small businesses, and staying curious about what’s next in this season 2 finale. Tune into the episode here.

                With every episode, you’ll have an opportunity to meet two new fabulous wines to explore.

                And this season, we’re excited to introduce you to the global portfolio of wines AND spirits by Palm Bay International.

                Tequila Bribón Reposado 

                Made by Esthela Anguiano (one of the world’s first female master tequila distillers) and toasted in American oak barrels, this Reposado is beautifully smooth for sipping neat and just as good in Palomas, Margaritas, and other cocktails.

                Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

                Inspired by the curious journeys of spirits expert P.J. Rigney, this extraordinary Irish gin will become your go-to for G&Ts. Wonderfully fresh, with vibrant notes of citrus, juniper, and its namesake Gunpowder Tea. 

                Check out this season’s delicious wine picks here.

                5 min

              About Just Getting Better

              From the publisher's feed

              Hosted by acclaimed wine writers and friends, Julia Coney and Michelle Williams, Just Getting Better is more than a podcast; the show is an engaging peek inside the private conversations, questions,…