Joy and her friend/cousin (nicknamed Yolo) start the new year with big intentions, including not apologizing so freaking much. They pick a theme word for the year, and Joy talks through some things to consider before you pick yours. 

Joy shares her big, mixed feelings about gift bags and greeting cards. Yes, they are a beautiful addition to a gift, but the cost and pressure make Joy think twice. 

Revisit one of the most talked-about episodes of the podcast. Joy talks about how hard it is to have champagne taste on a beer budget. And how impossible it is to live in a happy medium when you have such big feelings. 

Joy's washer breaks, but she is fine. Until she isn't. It tests her resolve, her patience and how much she really means what she says. Hear about the ordeal and learn the fate of her favorite Spanx pants.

Joy talks about the state of customer service today. From looking for an employee to how they interact with her, she tries to figure out - are her expectations too high? Or is it time for a referendum on the retail industry?

There are tons of studies about what technology does to young brains. But what about middle-aged brains? Joy wonders aloud if it's too late for her and everyone else in her generation. 

Joy takes a look at the excuses the Christmas season brings - family gatherings, expensive gift requests, and ignoring emails until January (at least). And why Christmas hits so close to her heart every year. 

Joy is struggling to get into the Christmas spirit, but she knows she will feel better if she can. So, she does the only thing she can think of - pour a glass of wine and start watching the cheesiest Christmas movie she can find. 

We all know life would be less fun, less meaningful and less everything without our girlfriends. Joy tells a few stories of the girls really showing up for her. 

Joy needs to process grieving, especially about things we don't typically associate with grief. The loss of friendships, infertility, aging...it all hurts and we need to talk about it.