Someone said, "Podcast end of year special plz" and we said, "challenge accepted." Rachel and Lauren revisit original songs of Christmases past by The Maine, Sufjan Stevens, and more for an Xtra Special Xmas Special My First Time.

For tag yourself recommendations & even more talk:

Lauren and Rachel bring back podcaster Anna Ladd to host the Newlyfriend Game against fellow best friend duo & co-creators of the non-profit label Moon Physics, James Cassar & Alex Northrup. 

Rachel and Lauren get personal with formative experiences on another edition of My First Time (shocker, we know). 

For tag yourself recommendations & even more talk:

Lauren and Rachel speak with Kathryn Edwards of DRKMTTR Collective and Donors about her beginning as a show booker, the cyclical challenges in running an all ages DIY-venue, and maintaining her unbridled resiliency. 

Rachel and Lauren dive into the origins of one of the oldest Coping Skills songs, I Don't Feel Good About This. They decode old journal entries for the lyrics, comb through early demos, and bring the song into the present with a special re-remix. 

Lauren and Rachel talk to Marisa Dabice of Mannequin Pussy about creating a space to scream, the importance of collaboration, and the (sometimes) lonely life of being an activist. (Note: There is a little more noise than usual in parts of this episode due to technical difficulties from recording in a new space. Thanks for understanding!)

Rachel and Lauren talk on the phone. That's it. That's the whole show.

Lauren and Rachel create the first new Coping Skills song in over two years, recording the process from old demo to completion along the way. 

The National Independent Venue Organization is supporting the Save Our Stages Act to ensure that independent venues receive the financial assistance needed to reopen their doors when it is safe again. Contact your representatives through this link to demand that they pass Save Our Stages and protect the future of the live music industry. 

Rachel and Lauren drop into learning how to skateboard in your mid 20s, overcoming fear in creative pursuits, and redefining community.

Lauren and Rachel talk to multi-instrumentalist Pierce Jordan of Soul Glo about the importance of getting resources into the hands of as many people as possible, through the lens of his own experiences becoming a musician and volunteering with Beyond the Bars.