Orange Juice Optional

It's been a crazy few weeks for Michelle and Suzanne, and it’s shaping up to be a crazy summer as well. They haven’t even had the opportunity to talk much lately, so today’s episode is a chance for them to catch up with each other and for listeners to catch up on everything our hosts have been up to right along with them.

Beginning with an update on Suzanne’s refrigerator and Michelle’s experience helping her son move to Colorado, they go on to discuss how complimenting strangers can make them feel good. The episode then concludes with Suzanne sharing her experiences at her niece’s wedding in Alaska. The crazier things get, the more we all need an opportunity to take a breath and catch up with good friends, something that we all get to enjoy here today.

Episode Highlights:

Quotes:

“The moral of the story is…telling people nice things that make them feel good, makes me feel good.’’

“But I’m going to start doing it more because I think the conversation was now that we can see people’s faces and see how they react. And we can see them smile or engage with us to say something nice to them or about what they’re wearing or, you know, a compliment is really nice thing.’’

“I realized on that trip that I do need to step back a little, that he'll live how he wants to live. And I just hope at some point that it moves from, you know, college life to professional life, which it will.”

“That’s all I want, you know, at the end of the day, one, for any of them, is to be happy and safe and successful in their life with the people and what they choose to do, whatever they choose to do.’’

Links:

Homepage:  Orange Juice Optional

To share comments & podcast ideas please email:  OJO Email

Sometimes, certain behaviors of people and specific situations can annoy us. As humans, we all experience multiple emotions, including annoyance, and Suzanne and Michelle are no exceptions. Starting with a completely infuriating story about Suzanne and her fridge, today’s episode is all about those people and things in our lives which really bug us – listen in and find out which ones you have in common with our simmering hosts.

In today’s episode, Suzanne and Michelle discuss situations such as losing their belongings, and people breaking queues at drive-thrus, as well as how people not valuing their time or not paying attention to the road while driving can affect their mood. They also discuss specific things people do, like making assumptions about other people, and finish up by discussing how it is normal to get frustrated from time to time as we all are humans. Today, you will learn how seemingly ordinary activities can turn out to become sources of frustration, and undoubtedly recognize yourself in some of the examples given.

Episode Highlights

Quotes

“You have to be your own advocate. You have to figure this stuff out on your own and fix it on your own.’’

“I kind of like the fiery ones, though, because it’s an opportunity to let loose and not be so careful about everything you’re saying just to be there in the moment.’’

“And I’m certainly not afraid to discuss my frustrations and my frustrations with people. And I guess that’s just a part of who I am.’’

Links

Homepage:  Orange Juice Optional

To share comments & podcast ideas please email:  OJO Email

In today’s podcast, Michelle and Suzanne continue their discussion about friendships from last week, picking right up where they left off (after a brief discussion about bear and moose encounters). Once again, through their own example they clearly demonstrate that good friends are like rare gems and that those who find them are truly blessed.

They begin by sharing some stories about bear and moose encounters, and then resume their conversation about friend groups by looking at the difficulties a new member of a group faces while trying to fit in with other members. Together, they go on to discuss topics like ghosting friends, divorcing a friend, the evolution of a friendship, and how the dynamics of a friendship can change due to situations like disagreements. Our hosts bring this episode to a fitting close by celebrating their friendship and just how thankful they are to have each other in their lives - something that all listeners of the podcast can be truly thankful for as well.

Episode Highlights:

Quotes

‘‘So, you bring up an interesting point, meeting new people is always a challenge just because, you know, personalities and stuff and the time you have to invest in starting from that new place, obviously.’’

“But in my heart, my friend is my friend. You don’t that just that, you just can’t flip that switch off.’’

‘‘Because when somebody causes hurt, or something happens that causes a change in the relationship, it gets wrinkled, and it can’t ever go back to that perfect state.’’

‘‘I think that realistically, even if the friendship evolves and becomes stronger, it takes a lot for me to let my guard down once it’s up.’’

Links:

Homepage:  Orange Juice Optional

To share comments & podcast ideas please email: OJO Email

As this podcast has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, good friends are important for every individual. Each week, Michelle and Suzanne demonstrate how absolutely true this is, and today, they reflect upon not only the value of having good friends, but how blessed they themselves have been in this area in their own lives.

They begin by discussing the nature of friendship, the friends that have been integral to their lives, and also how some friendships fall apart. They then look at how certain situations can change the dynamics of a friendship, how they ensure that they keep in touch with their friends, and the qualities of a good friend. They touch upon why it is necessary to appreciate people for who they are rather than expecting too much, and conclude by exploring how not all friendships may turn out to be good friendships. Each episode of the 'Orange Juice Optional' podcast clearly proves that our hosts are truly experts in the area of friendship, and today's show provides even more conclusive evidence of this happy fact.

Episode Highlights:

Quotes:

“And you know, really, it came down to making that conscious choice that this person matters. And I’m going to devote the time, the follow up, and everything to be a good friend, where before I might not have had the time, or I might have rushed it or forgot to return a text, which I hate to do.’’

“If a person is approachable, that would be the number one thing I look for - is the person welcoming in their approach?’’

“The other thing that I used to have issues with is if my friend wasn’t perfect in my eyes. And again, I had an aha moment where it’s like, ‘Wait a second, nobody’s perfect!’’’

Links:

Homepage: Orange Juice Optional

To share comments & podcast ideas please email: OJO Email

Las Vegas is truly a unique city in itself, and it's one that has come to mean a lot to both Michelle and Suzanne. In today’s episode, our two hosts talk about the experiences that make Vegas what it, how it is different from other cities, and also how it has something for everyone.

The episode begins with Suzanne and Michelle’s discussion about the slot machines at the casinos in Vegas, and then they share their shopping experience at the shops in Vegas, which includes waiting in long lines. They also talk about the cabs and taxis in Vegas and the personalities of the cab drivers in the city, recounting some  humorous moments they enjoyed while traveling in the city. Adding their perspectives on how Vegas is a city for everyone, Suzanne and Michelle review how each person can be different in Vegas. Listen in today as our hosts explore the various facets of Vegas and express their sincere love for the city.

Episode Highlights:

Quotes:

“And I think the cab drivers in Vegas are masters. I think they’re the best there are because, and I’m not comparing it to places like New York City where everyone has a cab, but you get in a good cab with a good driver.’’

“And I think my recurring message that our whole week in Vegas is, we should only be doing things that spark joy in us. And you have to let go of guilt. Guilt is a lost wasted energy.’’

“And you know, there’s a beautiful side to Vegas, and then there’s a really sleazy side to Vegas, and I’m going to put the intimacy kit in the dark, sleazy side of Vegas.’’

‘’But that being said, you can make Vegas whatever you want it to be. And that’s one of the reasons I love, love, love Vegas. I do! There is something for everybody.’’

Links:

Homepage: Orange Juice Optional

Welcome back to the Orange Juice Optional podcast! Today, Suzanne and Michelle will talk about success in the later stages of one’s life: in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and beyond. In this podcast, Suzanne and Michelle discuss multiple topics like the world’s perception of older people and age discrimination. They’ll talk about how one needs mental strength and belief in themselves to succeed.

Tune into this podcast to learn about inspiring people who have achieved success. From Ronald Reagan to Martha Stewart, there are many people who prove that age is no barrier to success! You’ll also hear about the roadblocks that older people face, like not being able to have a solid knowledge of technology.

The Finer Details of This Episode

Quotes

“Yeah, pride, determination, just that mental, yeah, that mental pushing you forward, it is so strong. It really cannot be dismissed in any way, shape, or form.’’

“'You can’t because you’re too old. You can’t because you don’t have the knowledge. You can’t because you’re not good enough.' And I think that’s the hardest part of doing anything. is powering through that and saying, 'Yes, you are good enough.' ’’

“And then, you know, I even think about beyond our generation, our parents’ generation, when they come to us thinking that we have all the technology answers. And then we’re like, 'No, go talk to the grandkids. We don’t know.' ’’

Show Links

Homepage:  Orange Juice Optional

To share comments & podcast ideas please email:   OJO Email

Summertime in Alaska always means that guests will soon be arriving, placing homeowners such as Michelle and Suzanne into the role of acting as hostesses for them. This naturally brings to mind the questions of what makes a good host or a good guest, and today, our two experts tackle this topic head on, and a little cantankerously at times as well!

Episode Highlights:

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To share comments & podcast ideas please email:     OJO Email

Michelle’s in Alaska and Suzanne’s in Savannah, and they’re both ready to offer their recap of Eva and Jimmy’s recent wedding along with some of the events leading up to and surrounding it. For any event as momentous as this one, there are always going to be so many stories of joy, good times, and sometimes even frustration, and our hosts are ready to share theirs with you all here today.

Episode Highlights:

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To share comments & podcast ideas please email:    OJO Email

Given the busy days Michelle and Suzanne have ahead of them, and to give their livers a break as well, it’s a champagne optional day today. Recent events in both their lives have brought the topic of criticism to the forefront, and form the basis for today’s episode. Drawing upon their own experiences, they have a lot to say about so many aspects of this topic, many of which will be very familiar, some that may just surprise you, and all of which will definitely get you thinking.

Episode Highlights:

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To share comments & podcast ideas please email:    OJO Email

Michelle has some big news to share today regarding a ‘middle age move’ she and Robb are undertaking, and Suzanne is ready with valuable advice to help them through it all. Choosing to downsize their residence in Alaska means that Michelle and Robb will be getting their current home ready to sell, and preparing a smaller space to move into. Happily, Suzanne’s interior design experience and knowledge will help them, as well as all those listening, to do it the best way possible.

Episode Highlights:

Quotes:

To share comments & podcast ideas please email:   OJO Email