Amy Bradley Is Missing

Ruha and Bekah are finally back in the virtual recording room after a long break, and the reunion energy is strong. Between catching up on life updates — including Ruha’s TikTok glow‑up and Bekah gearing up for her medical billing and coding class — the episode settles into that cozy, familiar Midnight Cheesecake rhythm. The vibe is warm, a little chaotic, and full of the kind of laughter that only happens when besties haven’t talked in way too long.

Today’s main topic: the Netflix documentary “Amy, Amy Bradley Is Missing.” The case pulls them straight into the mystery of Amy Bradley’s 1998 disappearance from a cruise ship — a story filled with unsettling details, emotional interviews, and theories that leave you questioning everything. They walk through the timeline, the family’s heartbreak, the eerie Barbados sightings, and the confusing witness accounts that still haunt the case.

Along the way, they connect the story to their own lives — from travel anxieties to family dynamics to the universal “why do bad things happen when you’re just trying to relax on vacation” feeling. There may or may not be a moment where they spiral into the existential dread of cruise ship safety… but in a very Midnight Cheesecake way.

Ruha does mention her high school friend, the ethereal, appropriately named and very much missing, Tiffany Heaven Daniels, who is never far from her thoughts. If you have any tips, please report them here: https://www.facebook.com/findtiffany

They wrap things up with reflections on staying vigilant, supporting families of missing persons, and the importance of community awareness. And of course, they end on that signature cozy note — because catching up with your besties always feels like coming home.

Mentioned in Today’s Episode🍰

Ghirardelli Sea Salt Almond Dark Chocolate Squares (“Bekah's well‑earned treat of the day — the kind of chocolate that makes you close your eyes for a second.”):https://www.ghirardelli.com/dark-chocolate-sea-salt-almond-squares-61308-p

‘Amy, Amy Bradley Is Missing’ on Netflix (“The documentary that sent us down a rabbit hole of theories, emotions, and cruise‑ship paranoia.”):https://www.netflix.com/

Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527 TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (that dang "e" wouldn't fit)EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:05 — Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake Podcast3:59 — Midwest Culture and Animal Videos11:35 — Diving into Amy Bradley43:10 — Lessons from the Amy Bradley Case51:16 — Wrapping Up and Listener Comments

On the second day of Christmas, my long distance besties gave to me... an overdue episode of Midnight Cheesecake! Hey besties, in this episode we wish you a Happy Hanukkah (which has already past), a Merry Christmas (which was yesterday) and a Happy New Year (which we have successfully timed right!) and most importantly, we wish you peace and joy and all those good things. It's been a wonderful year. From the bottoms of our carb-enhanced hearts, thank you for listening. Here's to a bright and humor-forward 2026. Did you share this episode with all your friends yet? If not, did Santa leave coal in your stocking for not knowing how to share? Let us know in the comments!

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

A Very Jonas Christmas and Other Season's Movies 🎄

We spent this episode wrapped up in twinkle lights and holiday chaos, giggling our way through the Jonas Brothers’ recent festive romp. (Ruha even saw a movie poster for it on her trip to Paris)

From cranking up Christmas playlists to debating which brother is the “relatable everyman,” we dove headfirst into the whimsical world of A Very Jonas Christmas Movie. Amongst the celebrity cameos, magical train detours, and a questionable canal jump (ew, but also… cinematic), we couldn’t help but connect the Jonas antics to our own holiday traditions.

Today's main topic: Christmas movies generally, but more specifically, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie. We broke down the plot, laughed at the brothers’ self-deprecating humor, and marveled at surprise appearances from Will Ferrell and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Bekah’s daughter even took notes mid‑movie, proving that this holiday flick deserves at least four out of five stars. Spoiler alert: Kevin may or may not have been forgotten by Santa, but we’re here to remind you he’s still the dad‑energy glue holding it all together.

Along the way, we shared personal stories — Ruha’s kids refusing to watch anything non‑animated (except for Home Alone, obviously), Bekah’s daughter moonlighting as a film critic, and our mutual nostalgia (or lack thereof) for Disney‑era Jonas chaos. And yes, we had to Google whether Home Alone: The Musical was ever real (jury’s still out).

We wrapped things up with cozy reflections on our own must‑watch Christmas classics, a few snack shout‑outs, and the reminder that catching up with your besties — even while debating nepo babies and luxury candles like “Glow by Joe” — feels just like coming home. 

Let us know in the comments: Glow by Joe or Wick by Nick?

Raubay Collapsible Green Screen (Ruha’s new gadget — because even holiday chaos looks better with chroma key magic): [On Amazon - Not an Affiliate Link]

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (Bekah’s current read — silver fox wisdom and journal entries galore): [Book on Goodreads]

Potsticker Soup (Bekah’s dinner plans — proof that cozy comfort food beats any holiday chaos): [potsticker soup recipe on Gimme Some Oven]

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (The holiday romp that sparked all our laughter, nostalgia, and canal‑jump side‑eye): [On Disney Plus]

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

0:04 Welcome to the Midnight Cheesecake Podcast

0:11 The Christmas Music Era

1:28 Holiday Movie Adventures

3:28 The Jonas Brothers' Christmas Journey

6:20 Celebrity Cameos Galore

7:20 Nepo Babies in Hollywood

7:51 Jamie Lee Curtis Revelation

9:53 Must-Watch Christmas Classics

29:43 The Home Alone Musical

35:31 Fan Reactions and Reflections

45:38 Wrapping Up the Episode

Gobble Till You Wobble

Happy Thanksgiving friends! Are you having the Friendsgivingest celebration ever this season, or is it another big family get together this year? For us, this episode was all about leaning into the festive spirit of Thanksgiving with another silly round of “This or That.” Buckle up because this is all about the holiday food debates that make family dinners so memorable.

Let us hear your picks! We're talking Thanksgiving traditions and treats - from pumpkin pie vs. pecan pie to cranberry sauce (canned or homemade?), stuffing styles, and the eternal question of turkey or side dishes. We joked our way through quirky scenarios like parades vs. football, cookie decorating vs. pumpkin carving, and whether you’d rather wear a turkey hat or a football jersey in the family photo.

Along the way, we shared personal stories: Bekah's emotional support pumpkin pie, Ruha's southern roots with pecan tart cookies, and the infamous broccoli rice casserole mishaps (yes, one year the rice was missing, another year the broccoli). We also reflected on how Friendsgiving and family traditions both shape the holiday, and how grazing on leftovers is basically the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

We wrapped things up with thoughts on gratitude, community, and the joy of mixing traditions - before lightening the mood with snack talk, listener shout‑outs, and a reminder that catching up with your besties (even after a few weeks) feels like coming home.

Mentioned in Today's Episode

Marie Callender Pumpkin Pie (Bekah's “emotional support pie” that lives in her freezer): https://www.mariecallendersmeals.com/pies/pumpkin-pie

 Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix (Bekah's dad’s doctored‑up sage stuffing classic): https://www.pepperidgefarm.com/product/herb-seasoned-stuffing

 Cracker Barrel Heat n’ Serve Thanksgiving Dinner (for those years when cooking just isn’t happening): https://www.crackerbarrel.com/thanksgiving

 Alton Brown’s Good Eats Turkey Brine (because science makes the bird better): https://www.thekitchn.com/alton-brown-turkey-review-263072

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:06 Welcome & Thanksgiving Kickoff 

1:17 Pumpkin Pie vs. Pecan Pie (and other food debates) 

5:53 Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, and Family Traditions 

10:42 Green Bean Casserole & Veggie Sides 

12:52 Turkey vs. Side Dishes 

14:19 Thanksgiving Traditions & Holiday Timing 

15:35 Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Holiday Shopping 

18:03 Friendsgiving vs. Family Thanksgiving 

24:12 Would You Rather: Turkey, Guests, and Gratitude 

34:38 Final Thoughts, Snacks, and Listener Shout‑Outs

When Neighbors Aren’t So Perfect

This episode took us from our usual laughs into something heavier: the Netflix documentary The Perfect Neighbor. After yapping a bit about balancing work, messenger traditions, and even cat mascots (because of course we did), we dove into the chaos of neighborhood disputes gone tragically wrong.

Today's main topic: Netflix Documentary "The Perfect Neighbor", complete with raw body cam and courtroom footage, which showed how Susan Lawrence’s hostility toward kids playing nearby escalated into a fatal confrontation with a mom. Watching her call the cops over and over, obsess about “private property,” and ultimately shoot her gun through a closed door left us stunned. We reflected on how fear, anger, and self‑defense laws collided in this case, and how the jury weighed her actions before (SPOILER ALERT) sentencing her to 25 years for manslaughter.

Along the way, we connected the story to our own lives - Ruha shared a wild encounter at a Florida convention with someone who felt eerily similar to Susan (ok but was it Susan? Let us know your thoughts), and Bekah remembered her own “Susan moments” with difficult customers. These stories reminded us how some people just thrive on conflict, and how important it is to set boundaries and protect your peace.

We wrapped things up with thoughts on conflict resolution, community, and how to avoid toxic dynamics, before lightening the mood with a sweet note, macarons, and listener shout‑outs. Because even after heavy conversations, catching up with your besties still feels like coming home.

Mentioned in Today's Episode

Crunch Labs Hack Pack (Ruha’s collab project — she’s building while the kids are at school) (Ruha's affiliate link): https://link.creatorcommerce.club/ir-2200009-1

Pepperidge Farm Milano Mint Chocolate Cookies (Bekah’s seasonal obsession — mint chocolate = instant holiday cheer): https://www.pepperidgefarm.com/product/milano-mint

Osmo 3 Creator Camera (Ruha’s new “big girl” content creator toy — stay tuned for her first project): https://www.dji.com/osmo-pocket-3

The Perfect Neighbor on Netflix (the documentary that sparked all the reflection and debate): https://www.netflix.com/title/81709928

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:06 Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake

1:58 Balancing Work and Life

5:59 Messenger Traditions

8:22 Cat Mascots and College Spirit

10:58 Netflix Documentary Discussion

24:45 The Perfect Neighbor Review

35:33 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

42:20 Exciting New Projects Ahead

We spent this episode laughing, reminiscing, and diving into the magic of friendships (mostly female ones) on TV. It all started with a bunch of funny videos we’d been saving for each other - because let’s be honest, nothing kicks off a good catch-up like cracking up together. From there, we got into the heart of what makes friendships so good, both on screen and in real life.

We kicked it off with Rebecca and Keeley from Ted Lasso and how their bond surprises us in all the best ways. They’re so different, but they lift each other up, and that reminds us of our own friendship - how we cheer each other on with over-the-top compliments and inside jokes. Then we brought up Leslie and Ann from Parks and Rec, and how their friendship actually inspired us to be more intentional about ours. We even made it official, like a friendship proposal, bc we're extra.

We pulled in other iconic duos like Penny and Amy from The Big Bang Theory, Jen and Judy from Dead to Me, and Alexis and David from Schitt’s Creek (yes, we know they’re siblings, but their dynamic is gold). Each pair showed us that friendships come in all shapes - sometimes opposites attract, sometimes it’s two peas in a pod, and sometimes it’s just about showing up for each other.

We also shared some personal stories, like how we first bonded over Parks and Rec, how we gift each other little reminders of our favorite characters, and how we’ve cultivated relationships in our lives into those hilarious, supportive friendship that keeps evolving. Toward the end, we talked about how hard it can be to make friends as adults, but how worth it it is when you find someone who just gets you.

We wrapped things up with snack talk (of course), a few more laughs, and a reminder to reach out to your long-distance besties. Because catching up - even after a few weeks - feels like coming home.

BarkBox Super Chewer subscription (Bekah got this for her new fur pal, Duke Kaboom) (not an  affiliate link): https://www.barkbox.com/super-chewer

Nuts.com gourmet snacks (Ruha loves their sesame teriyaki almond cashew mix, chipotle pistachios, etc.) (Ruha's referral link): https://share.nuts.com/Ruha

Ted Lasso on Apple TV+: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso

Parks and Recreation on Peacock: https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/parks-and-recreation

Schitt’s Creek on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80036165

The Big Bang Theory on Max: https://www.max.com/shows/the-big-bang-theory

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

1:17 Laughter and Videos

4:56 Instagram Broadcasting

6:03 Besties on Screen

8:13 Friendship Goals

14:19 Iconic TV Duos

26:12 Sibling Relationships

30:48 Classic TV Besties

37:13 Spot's Playground

48:04 Catching Up

In this episode we finally catch up after a busy month apart, and wow, we missed each other more than we realized. And we've missed you too!

Life’s been chaotic, and we talked about how hard it can be to make time for friends when everything’s moving a mile a minute. Bekah shared what’s been going on - she started a new retail job (the bacon bits are flowing, if not the bacon itself), and she went through a rollercoaster of emotions with dog adoption. First came Odie, who sadly didn’t mesh well with the family, and then came Duke Kaboom, a goofy, slobbery Rottweiler mix who’s quickly become part of the crew.

A recent rewatching of the Toy Story series in Ruha's household brought back up the discussion of childhood toys and movies - which led to a debate over which one hit us hardest emotionally. Pixar really knows how to hire emotional sadists, right?

Then we dove into Halloween traditions and favorite seasonal video games. Ruha's family has a whole lineup: Plants vs. Zombies, Costume Quest, and if we can manage it, Luigi’s Mansion. Bekah's more into spooky puzzle games like Little Nightmares and Inside, which are creepy but clever.

We also talked about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and how it reminded us that family matters more than money. That led to a whole tangent about haunted hotels, advent calendars, and how Facebook knows exactly what kind of weird sweatshirts we want. (Sweet potato & Kinda rude potato? Yes please!)

Halloween got discussed for its impact on broader society - how it brings people together, even if some folks are pulling back from it. We agreed that it’s one of those holidays that lets kids be kids and neighbors be neighborly. Plus, it’s fun to see all the costumes and lights, especially when Diwali overlaps and the whole neighborhood feels festive.

To wrap things up, we shared what we’ve been loving lately. Ruha's newly into Sabrina Carpenter’s music, and Bekah's obsessed with jumbo satin scrunchies from work. For snacks, it was salt and vinegar chips vs. rye flour brownies—very on brand for both of us. All in all, it was one of those chats that reminded us why we do this podcast: to laugh, share, and find joy in the little things - even when life’s a bit messy.

Costume Quest: https://www.doublefine.com/games/costume-quest

Costume Quest 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/275180/Costume_Quest_2

Plants vs. Zombies: https://www.ea.com/games/plants-vs-zombies

Little Nightmares series: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/little-nightmares

Inside (by Playdead): https://playdead.com/games/inside

Luigi’s Mansion 3: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/luigis-mansion-3-switch

Sunday State Hair Accessories, Bekah's jumbo silk scrunchies: https://sundaystate.com

Bekah's annual advent calendar, LINDT Chocolate Advent Calendars: https://www.lindtusa.com/chocolate-advent-calendars

Lay's Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips, Bekah's current snack of choice: https://www.lays.com/products/lays-salt-vinegar-flavored-potato-chips

The King Arthur Baking rye flour Ruha mentioned, does amazing things for brownies as a 25% substitution for the regular flour (Amazon, not an affiliate link): https://www.amazon.com/King-Arthur-Flour-Flavorful-Verified/dp/B08HZJJ61J

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

0:12  Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake Podcast

4:52  Becca's New Dog

16:13  Lessons from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

17:16  Seasonal Video Games

36:17  Halloween and Community

42:36 Spot's Playground

44:47  Midnight Cheesecake

The Great British Baking Podcast 🧁

Ready for the only kind of meditation we practice? Because this episode feels like one big exhale. Ruha and Bekah catch up after a hectic week, swapping stories about everything from car dealership drama to Bekah’s emotional surprise - finally getting a new dog (yes, there were tears). It was one of those chats where we didn’t even realize how much we needed it until we were in the middle of it.

This episode is [supposed to be] all about the Great British Baking Show: how it’s our go-to comfort watch, and why it’s so different from all the loud, super competitive reality shows out there. We laughed about the little scandals (custard gate forever), shared favorite bakes, and even dreamed up our own versions - like the Great Southern Baking Show. Imagine brisket, hush puppies, and slow cookers galore. Netflix, Ruha is standing by for the producer call.

Toward the end, we shared what’s been bringing us joy lately. Ruha’s deep into a Ted Lasso rewatch, and Bekah can’t stop snacking on chocolate-covered graham crackers from Joe’s Candies. YUM.

We wrapped things up with a reminder that sometimes the best kind of living is a sweet treat, a cozy show, and a good laugh with someone who gets you. Have a great week besties!

Links for Today's Show:

James's Go-To for Baking Recipes: www.thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk

If you haven't checked out Noel Fielding’s art, you should!: www.noelfielding.co.uk

Bekah's snack this fall - Joe’s Candies: www.joescandies.com

Ruha's favorite substitute - Favorite Day snacks at Target (milk chocolate grahams): www.target.com/b/favorite-day/-/N-5xt1a

🐾 Adopt your next furry family friend - Pet Adoption & Dog Resources
Petfinder (find adoptable dogs): www.petfinder.com

ASPCA adoption info: www.aspca.org/adopt-pet

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:16  Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake Podcast

3:36  Podcasting After a Long Break

5:08  Great British Baking Show Discussion

13:22  Car Buying Experience

25:48  Getting a New Dog

43:32  The Great American Baking Show

44:27  Comfort Shows and Final Thoughts

50:20  Closing Remarks and Goodnight

🎙️ Midnight Cheesecake: A Hug From Taylor Swift

This episode was such a ride. To kick things off, Ruha shared a hilarious tale about trying to order pizza from Whole Foods while stuck in a parking garage that felt like a never-ending maze. She kept making right turns, getting put on hold, and wondering if she’d ever escape. In some universe, she's still there, and she needs help. It was like the movie Groundhog Day, but with pizza.

Then we brought on our guest, Michael Wekall, who back in college, started a goofy little campaign called "A Hug from Taylor Swift." And it actually worked. Like, Taylor Swift showed up at Auburn University and hugged them. What started as a fun idea turned into a full-blown viral moment, complete with over-the-top videos, local news stations, and eventually, video challenges from Taylor herself - like helping an old lady cross the street, and gathering 400 college students for a sing-along.

Michael walked us through how A Hug from Taylor Swift all unfolded, from doing hug practice videos to getting a surprise call from someone on Taylor’s team. The moment she walked into the room? Total chaos - but wait till you hear the pure magic that happened after the day that got all the headlines. 

We talked about how that experience shaped Michael’s career in video production and storytelling. He’s now running his own creative agency and still keeps in touch with the team of music industry professionals who helped make the hug happen. It wasn’t just about meeting a celebrity—it was about community, creativity, and putting yourself out there.

To wrap things up, we shared what we’re into lately - books, shows, perfumes, and of course, our midnight cheesecake picks. Michael’s was a classic ice cream sandwich at the beach (solid choice), and we may or may not have plotted future hug campaigns for Pedro Pascal and Tom Hiddleston.

In this episode:

🎤 Taylor Swift & The Hug Campaign

📚 Books Mentioned

And Then There Were None – Michael’s gateway into Agatha Christie’s world. He called it “phenomenal” and said it’s often considered her best. (Ruha agrees!)

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – His next pick, known for its legendary twist and a favorite among mystery fans.

📺 TV Shows Mentioned

Ted Lasso – Ruha’s rewatch pick when she needed something uplifting, soulful, and funny. It’s her go-to comfort show.

New Girl – Michael and his wife were rewatching this one. He called it “so, so, so good” and said it’s one of their favorites for lighthearted laughs.

The Americans – Michael’s gritty rewatch. He described it as “phenomenal” and “probably the most underrated show of the last 20 years.” It’s about two Russian spies living undercover in 1980s America.

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:00  Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake

0:12  The Parking Deck Pizza Purgatory

2:15  Introducing Michael Wekall

3:21  The Auburn Hug Campaign

5:56  Behind the Scenes of the Hug

8:10  The Taylor Swift Surprise

12:28  Challenges and Community Engagement

15:24  The Big Day Arrives

23:46  The Aftermath of the Hug

28:34  Global Impact of a Small Idea

31:52  Life After the Hug

32:34  Closing Thoughts and Final Questions

35:53  Leisure and Favorite Shows

39:51  Farewell and Final Thoughts

42:38  Bears in Florida?

In this episode, Ruha and Bekah take us on a ride through the kinds of work (paid and volunteer) that really matter. Not the flashy stuff, but the kind that lifts people up, brings joy, and for better or worse, gives you all the reality of human connection.

We kick things off with friendship bracelets, TikTok chaos (yes, there’s a viral video involving food poisoning and a canceled flight), and stories that make us laugh so hard we snort. Then we shift gears and get into the heart of it. Ruha talks about volunteering at senior centers and organizing music events that light up the room. Bekah shares stories from her caregiving jobs - working with folks in assisted living, kids, and people with disabilities. There’s a whole lot of love in the way she tells it. We don’t just talk about big, life-changing jobs. We zoom in on the little things too - like showing empathy at the grocery store or letting someone else take the close parking spot because maybe they’ve had a rough day. It’s about noticing, caring, and choosing kindness even when it’s hard. There’s plenty of absurdity along the way - spider webs, shopping trips, and family quirks that make us feel like we’re all part of the same messy mocumentary sitcom.

Through it all, we keep asking: how can we bring a little more light into the world? We wrap things up with a sweet reminder: whether we’re changing diapers, singing carols, or just making someone smile, our work matters. And when we share those moments with each other (you included!) it feels like we’re building something good together. Doesn't it?

So grab a treat (Cheesecake optional), and keep the conversation going. Message us to let us know what you think!

Links List:

🎧 The Canceled Flight Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@meghanreinertsen/video/7524181190245469471

🚗 Bekah's Car Shopping Adventures (Which one will she pick?)

Nissan Kicks: https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/kicks.html

Nissan Rogue: https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/rogue.html

📚 Kindness & Empathy Reads

"Radical Kindness: The Life-Changing Power of Giving and Receiving" by Angela Santomero (Bekah's current read)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43245554-radical-kindness

“The Book of Simple Human Kindness” by Brian Doyle (a vibe match for Bekah’s current read): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23508961-the-book-of-simple-human-kindness

🎶 Volunteer & Community Joy 

VolunteerMatch (for finding local opportunities like singing at senior centers): https://www.volunteermatch.org/

🧠 Therapy & Mental Health
Ruha's BetterHelp online therapy referral code (2 free weeks): https://www.betterhelp.com/rpc/5aa5a92998b51811-5-01?utm_term=ref_v2_dd

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:05 Welcome to the Midnight Cheesecake Podcast

1:19 From Friendship Bracelets to Viral Stories

5:01 Uplifting Work in the World

5:34 Shopping Trips and Spider Webs

13:04 Reflections on Important Jobs

22:32 Volunteering and Its Impact

28:49 Finding Joy in Small Acts

32:07 Empathy in Everyday Life

37:40 Midnight Cheesecake Treats

40:30 Connection through Community Work