More Better with Stephanie & Melissa

Did you know that Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job as an anchor in Baltimore? Big mistake. Huge. This week, we talk about failure, sucking and imposter syndrome. More Better listener Zander asks: “How do I get more better at being okay with being bad at things?” The answer? Well, it’s complicated. Stephanie and Melissa share about their experiences with moving through failure, the bumpy road to success, the importance of bombing and how an ikebana flower arranging class taught Steph to let go.

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The Protestant Work Ethic? I don’t know her. What even is work-life balance? Stephanie and Melissa discuss the modern concept’s ancient philosophical roots, its undeniable feminist ties and the influence that Samantha the American Girl doll had on their generation’s understanding of labor rights. Listener Amanda shares her struggles and concerns about “having it all” and Aristotle gets flamed. Moral of the story? You can have it all. Just mayyyyybe not at the same time. Do you agree?

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• What to do when a musty dusty co-worker patronizes you in the workplace? Ever frozen up at a rude comment launched your way in the breakroom? This week, More Better listener Stacey writes in to ask the ladies if they’ve ever dealt with a workplace bully. Stephanie and Melissa realize their extensive experience fending off shady opps, and share their personal tips and tricks for dealing with them in a professional manner. Does the answer lie in studying “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” as if it were the ancient scrolls of “The Art of War” itself? Perhaps.

*Resources and directories for anyone looking to help, find support, or donate to LA Fire Relief: https://www.theconsciouscitizens.org/los-angeles-disaster-support-masterlist/

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Stephanie and Melissa haven’t seen each other in person since they recorded the verrrry first episode of More Better last year. Ya know — work, life — things happened.Thus, they have totally perfected the art of The Long Distance Friendship. This week, Aussie pod listener Lauren sends us a voice memo asking for advice on how to maintain her friendship with her LDB (long distance bestie) in Germany. Have a listen, see if you can relate and let us know what you think of Steph’s Australian accent. We think it’s coming along bloody nicely, mate.

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Happy 2025! Steph and Melissa survived the lost week between Christmas and New Years or what they are calling the Bermuda Triangle of Weeks and this week on the pod, they are talking about New Year’s Resolutions. Do resolutions haunt you every year? You are not alone! Stephanie and Melissa have found some ways to make resolutions feel less icky; consider reframing! Don’t set yourself up for failure! Manifest (we can be a lil woo-woo for 2025)! Have markers! Steph and Mel also predict some Ins and Outs of 2025, so stay tuned for the trend forecasting – sneak peak, podcasts might be OUT (according to SOME lists) but this one is IN.

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You know it. You love hate it. You’re maybe scrolling on it right now. It’s social media. This week, Steph and Melissa discuss the pros and cons of “the sosh” and dive deep into the psychology of posting. Plus, we answer the perpetual question — Does Stephanie have TikTok on her phone today?

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The Holidays are on the horizon and Stephanie and Melissa are READY…kind of. Decor? They have a plan for that. Food? We have some restaurants on speed dial. Best Christmas movies? Well, this one’s slightly a point of contention. Though they do agree on *that* leg lamp being cool. This week on More Better, we’re talking about how to prepare for holidays in a way that protects the magic of the season and, equally as important, your *peace*.

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A hobby is, according to Steph, “stuff you do on your own GD time” that, according to studies, leads to a happier and healthier life. No pressure! This week, Stephanie and Melissa discuss their hobbies — or lack-there-of — and dig deep into what sparks joy for each of them. Looking for a hobby? Why not pick up baking? Competitive dog grooming? How about stamp collecting? Let’s start with Listening to More Better.

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Ever wondered what it takes to break into the voice acting biz? Or how Stephanie and Lin Manuel Miranda made her role as Mirabel in Encanto come alive in the recording booth? All the funny voices Mel and Steph did during their downtime on the set of Brooklyn 99? Well, thanks to a special voice note from More Better listener Archie this week, our talented hosts are sharing all that there is to know about voice acting. Let’s go!

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It’s Election week in America! This week, we revisit our chat with Elsa Collins (@elsamariecollins), professional do-er, humanitarian and founder of Poderistas and This is About Humanity. Steph, Mel and Elsa discuss the election, voting and civic duty in this very special remixed episode with never-before-heard audio. If you’re a fan of More Better, head over to https://www.vote.org/ and make a voting plan today — and send Steph and Mel photos of your I Voted sticker on IG @MoreBetterPodcast. See you at the polls.

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