February is here and in Talking Smack 415’s Energetic Forecast: Maia’s Take it’s a continuation.
 We’re still moving through the energy of 2025 and carrying January with us… until things begin to shift mid-month, right in alignment with the Lunar New Year.

The energy of Feb is all about: 
 Presence

•  Paying attention.
   Returning—again and again—to now.
•  February asks us to deepen (or begin) a meditation or centering practice, because staying grounded isn’t automatic—it’s a practice. And it’s on us to keep coming back to center.

The tarot card pulled for the month is Adjustment—which symoblizes balance, equilibrium, and recalibration. 

This is the first time that there were three animals:  

• The Peacock — a Buddhist symbol of transforming poison into medicine, reminding us to alchemize the bad into good.  
• The Bluebird
• The Blue Butterfly 

And since they’re all  blue—the color of  the month is blue.  Blue symbolizes spiritual and intellectual powers and it’s the color of the throat chakra.  We need to be present his month and think before we speak.  

 We also share our words for the year, which we didn’t have in January.  

• Jamie’s is Presence
• Debbie’s is Power
• Maia’s is Creativity

Listen, subscribe, share, rate, and review.  

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Happy New Year and welcome to Talking Smack 415’s 2026 Energetic Forecast: Maia’s Take.

We love that 2026 arrives with a very low tolerance for BS, and Jamie the Great, Maia, and I are already feeling it.

This year is all about shedding, cleansing, and letting go—of people, patterns, places, and habits that drain you instead of replenish you. Think of it as an energetic detox for your life.

Important timing note:
January 2026 acts as an extended transition month—a continuation of 2025. You’re being given a final window to release what no longer serves you. The true energetic new year doesn’t fully kick in until February 2026, and when it does? It’s clean. It’s fresh. It’s different.

Spirit Animal of the Year: The Frog
Frog energy represents cleansing, renewal, and rebirth. Water is medicine this year—whether that’s swimming, cold plunging, baths, or simply being near water. Anything that helps you wash it off matters.

Tarot Energy: The Fool
The first card up signals new beginnings, fresh starts, and bold leaps of faith. The Fool asks you to trust the jump—even before you can see the landing.

Color of the Year: Green
Green shows up everywhere—frog energy, spring energy, heart-chakra energy. And yes, even being green with envy holds wisdom this year. Envy can act as a compass, pointing you toward what your heart truly wants. Let it guide you—not consume you or bring you down.

Numerology Check-In
We’ve just completed a 9-year cycle. 2026 is a 1 year—the energy of initiation, leadership, and starting over. This year is going to feel totally different, which is kind of the point. We’re beginning again.

If you’re ready to release what’s not aligned, trust your heart as a GPS, and step into what’s next with clarity and courage—this forecast is your roadmap.

Tune in, scrub it off, and let 2026 be the year you meet the real you.

PS: Ten years ago, in 2016, I created an art installation called The Shedding. Apparently, the universe loves a long callback.

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In this episode of Talking Smack 415, Jamie the Great and I sit down with someone very special: Jamie’s nephew… but also kind of her son… brother… all rolled into one — Shai Gilmore.

Shai’s story blends resilience, humor, and the fierce love that only family  can provide.

He takes us back to when he was about 4 years old in Florida, where his Pop-Pop stepped in when life got complicated. Shai opens up about:

•  Growing up with a mother in recovery
•  Losing his father to a car accident
•  Realizing, at just 4 years old, that “something wasn’t right”
•  Becoming everyone’s favorite Green (sorry, Jamie)
•  Navigating identity with a different last name
•  High school chaos, college radio, and  pranks
•   What it felt like when he supported Jamie while she battled cancer 

It’s sweet. It’s funny. It’s a little messy.
 And above all — it’s a reminder that family is family is family.

We’re launching this episode for the holidays because Shai’s name literally means “gift.” So here it is: the gift of Shai — his laughter, love, and light — for your holiday season.

Whether you’re in the Bay Area, Florida, New Jersey, or navigating your own family story, this episode is for you.

Grab your earbuds or hop in the car and press play.  

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December is here and when Jamie the Great and I sit down with Maia in Talking Smack’s 415 Energetic forecast Maia’s take, we learn it’s giving  “horse sprinting at full speed” energy… but the actual message?

Slow. Down.

The year flew by, the holidays are chaos, and it’s tempting to keep galloping so you don’t have to feel your feelings — but nope. December wants you to pause and actually process the good, the hard, and the “WTF was that?” moments.

Maia says this quote is MLK but it may actually be Pittak Elk says:

“It’s the bumps that help you climb.”
Every bumpy moment this year was you leveling up.

 New level, new devil — but also new power.

 Tarot Card: The Sun… AGAIN

The Sun card popped up again this month, which means the universe is like:
“Did you get the message or do I need to say it again?”

Themes:

• creativity
• joy
• clarity
• wishes coming true
• stepping into your actual magic

If you shrugged it off last month… December is doubling down.

Rumi Moment
Rumi’s The Guest House is the vibe:
Let all the emotions in.
Even the uninvited ones.
They’re messengers, not punishments.

Flower of the Month: White Lily

Purity. Grace. Rebirth.
 A soft reset for your whole system.

TL;DR December Energy

• Slow down enough to actually feel things
• Reflect without judging yourself
• Honor the bumps — they built your strength
• Creativity + joy = front and center
• Rebirth energy is loading

You’re ending 2025 wiser, louder, and way more you

Share this episode with your friends and family who love to laugh. Subscribe to Talking Smack 415 and leave us a rating and review so more peeps can find us for laughter and friendship to feed your soul!

Laughter and friendship feeds the soul — and in this Talking Smack 415 episode, we’re kicking off our Friendship Series with longtime besties Keri Fishman and Beth Amabile, who have shared 27 years of love, laughter, loss, motherhood, and magic.

Hosts Debbie Mink & Jamie the Great sit down with Keri and Beth to talk about what it really means to be friends in midlife — from saying “I love you” for the first time to showing up through pregnancy loss, illness, and life’s curveballs. Together, we explore the soul of female friendship.  Plus science says it improves longevity, reduces stress, and keeps us grounded.

This is our first four-person episode, full of stories, laughter, and truth. It’s about love, connection, and the power of showing up for each other — no matter what.

Text your bestie, say hi, listen together or apart then chat about it. 

Got a friendship story to share? Email us at [email protected] to be featured in a future episode.

Share this episode with your friends and family who love to laugh. Subscribe to Talking Smack 415 and leave us a rating and review so more peeps can find us for laughter and friendship to feed your soul!

In this episode of Talking Smack 415, Jamie the Great and I sit down with Maia for November’s energetic forecast — and November sounds like it’s gonna be a good month for all of us! 

Maia sees tornado energy — things are getting shaken up! The first half of November may feel messy and inconvenient, but this disruption is good. It’s clearing the path so the dust can settle in a way that’s far more aligned with your purpose.

Once the storm passes, the vibe shifts. Maia pulled the Sun Tarot card — which is her favorite and symbolizes that creativity, wish fulfillment, and radiant joy take center stage. November’s message is about creative transformation, sacral chakra activation, and reconnecting with your inner power.

Symbolism highlights:

• Flower: Orange Chrysanthemum — passion, resilience, and joy
• Chakra: Sacral — creation, flow, sensuality ( plies it’s orange too)
• Spirit Animal: Elephant — wisdom, prosperity, and removing obstacles

 Remember this month, when you’re in the middle of shake up it’s for the good. The disruption can be a redirection in a positive direction

Share this episode with your friends and family who love to laugh. Subscribe to Talking Smack 415 and leave us a rating and review so more peeps can find us for laughter and friendship to feed your soul!

In this episode of Talking Smack 415, Jamie the Great and I sit down with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, a leading expert in menopause, perimenopause, and andropause health.

Dr. Greenleaf is a board-certified urogynecologist, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of the International Pause Institute, where she helps women and men reclaim their energy, confidence, and hormonal balance through holistic care. She also leads The Pelvic Floor Store, an online resource for pelvic health, and Femversity, a women’s empowerment and education platform.

With over two decades in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Greenleaf is known for blending science with humor and warmth—making it easier to talk about sensitive topics like hormones, sexual health, and menopause symptoms. She even channels her creativity into producing a Menopause Rock Album, Menopause Memo, by drbetsygreenleafbeats.

 In this episode, we answer listener questions about:

• Natural strategies and lifestyle changes for perimenopause and menopause
• Foods and supplements that support hormone balance—and what to avoid
• Hot flashes and night sweats: causes, meaning, and relief techniques
• HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): safety after 55, cancer, and heart-health myths
• Topical estrogen for skin and face—does it really work?
• HRT vs. birth control for perimenopause symptoms: what’s best and when
• Which hormones improve mood, sleep, and irritability—estrogen, progesterone, or both
• Bone health beyond calcium: exercise, protein, and key nutrients
• Pelvic floor health, prolapse, and reclaiming strength and confidence
• Lab testing (bloodwork, DUTCH test), hormone tracking, and how to read your results
• And more

Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with those  navigating peri or menopause. Don’t forget to rate and review Talking Smack 415 so more peeps can find us. 

Link for 10% off at the Pelvic Floor Store:  https://pelvicfloorstore.com/discount/TALKINGSMACK415    or just use TALKINGSMACK415

Women’s Pelvic Meditation: https://femversity.com/pelvicmediation-sign-up

Hormone Quiz: https://link.apisystem.tech/widget/quiz/Xxe3hNPG5Iora9LqUILT

The International Pause Institute:   https://pauseinstitute.com

The Pelvic Floor Store:   https://pelvicfloorstore.com

https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleaf

https://www.tiktok.com/@drbetsygreenleaf

https://www.facebook.com/dr.betsy.greenleaf/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdu6ZIxyAYGKsmJPtEvTS4w

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbetsygreenleaf/ 

Menopause Memo Rock Album by Doc BET-Z https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/drbetsygreenleafbeats/menopause-memo

 Podcasts Some of Your Parts  https://someofyourparts.libsyn.com/

Body Mind Spirit  https://www.wytv7.org/body-mind-spirit

Share this episode with your friends and family who love to laugh. Subscribe to Talking Smack 415 and leave us a rating and review so more peeps can find us for laughter and friendship to feed your soul!

In this episode, Jamie the Great and I chat with Maia as she breaks down the October 2025 energy forecast — exploring how to move with purpose, embrace new beginnings, and refresh your spirit.

October’s energy feels like a quiet new beginning. Even though we’re moving into fall, the month carries a spring-like renewal — soft, feminine, and deeply intentional. It’s about surrendering and allowing, letting things unfold naturally.

⚡️ Number of the Month: 1
 October is a 1 month in numerology, symbolizing fresh starts and new cycles — amplifying themes of renewal and possibility.

 We chat about:

• New beginnings through endings (after September’s closures)
• Feminine, quiet, and internal energy
• Slowing down to speed up
• Moving methodically with thought and intention
• A gentle “fall refresh” — like a spring clean, but softer

⚡️ Jewish New Year 5786
 When you add it all together (5+7+8+6 = 26 → 2+6 = 8), the number is 8: abundance!

⚡️ Tarot Card: Ace of Cups
 The overflowing cup — a reminder to give love freely and watch it flow back to you.

⚡️ Spirit Animal: Frog
 The frog carries water energy, representing cleansing and emotional release. Cleansing isn’t just about your space or body — it’s about letting go of people, habits, and energies that no longer light you up. It can be as simple as a bath, a shower, or connecting with natural water. (Jamie and I are all about the ocean!)

And finally — Happy Birthday to all the Libras out there! I’m one of you too.

Share this episode with your friends and family who love to laugh. Subscribe to Talking Smack 415 and leave us a rating and review so more peeps can find us for laughter and friendship to feed your soul!

In this episode of Talking Smack 415, Jamie the Great and I get real about matchmaking for marriage, dating apps, and what it takes to build meaningful connections in today’s world with Matchmaker Kami. Kami is a matchmaker and dating coach who has been trained by the Aleeza Ben Sholom from Netflix Jewish Matchmaker fame.  

We explore why matchmaking starts with creating connections at its most basic level, and why your profile picture may be the single most important part of meeting someone new on a app. From tips on taking a great headshot to navigating apps without getting lost in the hookup culture, to getting yourself to the place in which you love yourself ( do that first before contacting Kami)  our guest share insights that can change the way you look at modern dating.

We also bring in audience questions that cut straight to the heart of today’s dating struggles:

• “Why are the men so terrible?”
• “How do I just meet someone to hang out with—like grab a meal, take a walk, or visit a museum—without all the pressure of dating apps?”
• “What’s your take on the rise of polyamory and ethical non-monogamy?”
• “How do you approach matchmaking for single moms and their unique situations?”
  
  
  

Along the way, we talk about:

• What makes a great first impression (and why your photo matters most)
• How to craft a dating profile without feeling intimidated
• Meeting people IRL by finding spaces you already love
• Why your gut instinct and first impression may be off
• Overcoming social anxiety and expanding your circle
• Love languages, theme songs, and the role of music in attraction
• Why gratitude—not weight, age, or height—might be the real secret to finding lasting love

 Connect with Matchmaker Kami:

• Instagram: @MatchmakerKami
• Email: [email protected]
• And you can hear all about Kami’s own personal story in a three episode series on the Infamous Podcast From Conned to Cupid 
• Gay Matchmaking Daniel Silber at Little Gay Book

Whether you’re swiping, searching, or setting up your friends, this episode is packed with raw honesty, practical tips, and plenty of laughs about the realities of modern love.

Share this episode with your friends and family who love to laugh. Subscribe to Talking Smack 415 and leave us a rating and review so more peeps can find us for laughter and friendship to feed your soul!

This episode is like no other.  In this episode of Talking Smack 415, Jamie the great and I sit down with Dawn Geller.  Dawn recently experienced every mother’s worst nightmare, the sudden tragic death of her 20 year old son Dylan. This interview is raw, the pain cuts through your soul, and Dawn is beyond courageous to share her story.  

• We retrace the phone calls and the experience the day of Dylan’s death
• We dive into grief and grief counseling 
• We talk about the funeral and being supported by a village 

And we remember Dylan - the light he was in the world, how he lived with compassion, resilience, a deep commitment to helping others, and he always rooted for the underdog. He leaves behind his legacy and  continues to sprinkle his fairy dust ( as Jamie the Great says) through the Do it Like Dylan Non Profit .

Do It Like Dylan was established by the siblings of Dylan Geller to honor his memory. Their mission is to advance Epilepsy research, provide scholarships for students pursuing degrees in Special Education, and advocate for critical Epilepsy safety legislation. Through these efforts, the family strives to continue Dylan’s legacy of kindness, inclusion, and lasting impact.

You can donate here or volunteer here . 

In addition through Dylan’s organ donations he saved 150 lives that night. If you happen to be one of the lucky recipients of Dylan’s organs please reach out.  The family would love to meet you.    

It's a heartbreaking and uplifting episode, grab your tissues .

May his memory be a blessing. 

זיכרונם לברכה / zikhronam livrakha

If you or anyone you know has epilepsy please share this episode and make sure they are wearing a Level 1 Life Jacket in the water- it’s life saving and will turn most unconscious wearers face-up in water. 

It’s not epilepsy that kills you it’s what you’re doing when epilepsy strikes that kills you. 

Learn more about Do it Like Dylan on facebook & Instagram

PS- SAVE THE DATE - The Do It Like Dylan 5k run/ family walk is Saturday, November 15th.  Location information to come.  

Share this episode with your friends and family who love to laugh. Subscribe to Talking Smack 415 and leave us a rating and review so more peeps can find us for laughter and friendship to feed your soul!