The Average 90's Gal Podcast

I recorded this episode on the fly to break down how the three main characters in JAWS — Chief Brody, Quint, and Hooper — each represent a different way we face fear, obstacles, and hard decisions in life.

If you're stuck on a decision, in avoidance mode, or letting fear "swim in the water" instead of confronting it, this episode gives you three different lenses to figure out your own "whys" and ways to navigate them.

SPOILER ALERT! this episode has spoilers for JAWS. If you haven't seen it, go watch it first — then come back!

My hope is that as you listen, you'll start asking yourself: which one am I right now?

Reflect On This As You Listen:

What's the real reason you're avoiding a decision — is it surface level, or is there a Quint-style wound underneath it?

Are you treating your fear like a duty (Brody), a wound (Quint), or a "have to know" mission (Hooper)?

Is your fear something you're actively hunting down, or is it just circling in the water while you avoid getting in the boat?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this episode about? This episode uses the movie JAWS — specifically the characters Chief Brody, Quint, and Hooper — as a metaphor for the different reasons we face (or avoid) fear, obstacles, and big decisions in our own lives.

Do I need to have seen JAWS to listen? It helps, and there are spoilers, but the core takeaway — that we all face fear for different underlying reasons — stands on its own even if you're not familiar with the film.

What are the three "types" of facing fear discussed in this episode? Facing fear out of duty or obligation (Brody) Facing fear driven by a deeper, often unacknowledged wound (Quint) Facing fear because you need to know and would regret not trying (Hooper) Is this episode part of a series?

If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear which character you related to most — Brody, Quint, or Hooper, and if you love JAWS, send me a message or leave a review letting me know!!

Hello! It's the June solstice! — the longest day of light in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest night in the Southern Hemisphere — and a powerful threshold for reflection, release, and intention-setting.

In this episode, I'm sharing solstice journal prompts, rituals, and a guided check-in on the intentions you set back in December.

Episode Summary:

Quick answers:

When is the June 2026 solstice? The June solstice falls on Saturday, June 21, 2026.

What is the June solstice? It's the astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere (longest day of light) and winter in the Southern Hemisphere (longest day of darkness).

What are good solstice rituals? Sitting in sunlight, lighting candles, opening windows to invite in light, journaling and setting intentions, burning a list of what you're releasing, and charging water in sunlight.

How often should I revisit my intentions? Every three months at the equinoxes and every six months at the solstices — natural checkpoints to reflect on who you're becoming.

In this episode, I'm sharing what's been helping me reclaim control over my days: intentional systems. I open up about stepping back from social media, breaking my habit of mindless TV watching, and why I've started thinking about "systems" instead of "habits" or "routines." I walk through real, practical examples from my own life — from setting out my gym clothes the night before to using an if/then approach to link passive behaviors (watching a baseball game) with active ones (walking on the treadmill). If you've been struggling to follow through on the things you say you're going to do, this one's for you.

FAQs

What is the difference between a system and a habit?

A habit relies on repetition and willpower. A system is an environmental setup — an if/then trigger — that makes the desired behavior automatic. You design your surroundings so the right action becomes the path of least resistance.

How do I build a morning routine I'll actually stick to?

Prepare the night before. Set out your clothes, prep your coffee station, and set your alarm. Reduce the number of decisions your morning-self has to make so there's no friction between waking up and doing what you planned.

How can I exercise more without adding extra time to my day?

Pair movement with something you're already doing. Walking on a treadmill while watching a show, or going to the gym immediately after the school drop-off because the gym is right on the route, are examples of stacking activity into existing windows.

Does quitting social media actually help with anxiety and productivity?

Many people report that removing social media from their phones — even while keeping access on a laptop for necessary tasks — reduces anxiety, frees up mental bandwidth, and improves focus and output.

In this episode of the Average 90's Gal Podcast, I celebrate the March Equinox, a powerful moment of equal day and night, and invite you to use this turning point as a fresh start or a 90-day check-in on your intentions.

I dive into how the solstices and equinoxes create a natural quarterly rhythm for reflection, reset, and recommitment, whether you began intentions in December, at the New Year, or are starting right now. 

I also get into Aries season and the astrological New Year, plus the recent new moon, as cosmic invitations to begin again, refine habits, and realign with who you truly are. 

Whether you are in the northern or southern hemisphere, this is a wonderful time to prepare your inner and outer spaces for the season ahead!

Join my on Instagram: @merediggitydawg ​

What the March Equinox is and why equal day and night signal a powerful beginning, whether you are entering spring or fall.  ​

How to use solstices and equinoxes as 90-day check-in points for your goals and intentions.  ​

Questions to ask yourself about what is working, what is not, and what you want to start, continue, or release.  ​

Aries season as the start of the astrological New Year and a bold invitation to “let’s go” energy.  ​

The 90-day habit window and why seasons line up beautifully with sustainable change.  ​

Using the new moon as an additional reset for intentions and fresh starts.  ​

Simple equinox rituals: deep cleaning your home, energetic cleansing (like a bath), and preparing your space for the coming season.  ​

An open invitation to check in again at the June Solstice and see how your intentions have evolved.  ​

What intention do you want to revisit or restart this Equinox?  ​

Where are you out of alignment with how you want to move through your day?  

What small 90-day habit could you commit to between now and the June Solstice?  

How can you energetically and physically “clean” your space to welcome this new season?  ​

If this March Equinox check-in resonated with you, share this episode with a friend who loves astrology, new moons, or fresh starts, and write down one intention you’ll carry through the next 90 days until the June Solstice

In this episode of the Average 90"s Gal podcast, Meredith sits down with Billy (millennial) and Tara (Gen Z) to explore what it really feels like to live, work, and date across three generations: Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. They share personal stories from New Jersey childhoods, college paths, grief, and early careers, then dive into modern dating culture, remote work, and how different generations can better understand and support each other.

The conversation also touches on wedding season overload, money anxiety, delayed timelines for marriage and kids, and what meaningful work looks like in both nonprofit and corporate environments.  ​

This is a must-listen for managers, HR leaders, and anyone trying to bridge generational gaps at work—or just understand why Gen Z logs off at 5 and why millennials refuse to live only for their jobs.

00:00 – Welcome to Average 90's Gal and tech issues disclaimer with Billy’s missing audio segment

02:00 – Why this episode is called “Gen X, Y, Z” and what each generation brings to work and life  

03:00 – Billy’s millennial story: divorced parents, grandma’s house as home base, growing up in New Jersey  ​

04:30 – Tara’s Gen Z story: losing her dad to suicide at 14, tight trio with mom and brother, becoming an Eagles fan  ​

06:00 – Tara’s college journey: Holy Cross, psychology and religion, study abroad in Ireland, D.C. policy work on suicide prevention  ​

08:00 – How Meredith, Billy, and Tara met at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and built a cross‑generational team  ​

10:30 – Dating in the app era: Hinge strategy, “gamifying” dating, and how rare “meet cute” stories feel now  ​

13:00 – Situationships, exclusivity without labels, and why so many 20‑somethings feel stuck in the “gray area” of dating  ​

14:30 – Four weddings, three bridal parties, and the cost and exhaustion of modern wedding and bachelorette culture  ​

17:00 – Why many Gen Z women delay marriage and kids: cost of living, career focus, and updated timelines around fertility and family  ​

20:00 – Declining teen pregnancy, fears about “not enough babies,” and the upside of later, more intentional parenthood  ​

22:00 – Biggest misconceptions about Gen Z and millennials: “lazy,” “entitled,” and “only want participation trophies”  ​

23:00 – How COVID shaped Gen Z’s need for community, boundaries, and a life beyond work  ​

24:30 – Why younger workers want to log off at 5—and still be excellent at their jobs  ​

25:00 – Millennials, 9/11, and growing up in economic uncertainty: why they refuse to sacrifice everything for work  ​

26:00 – Helicopter parenting vs. “come back when it’s dark”: how generational parenting styles shifted and what that did to kids  ​

30:00 – Tara’s experience losing a parent, becoming “the adult” early, and how grief shaped her maturity and work ethic  ​

34:00 – What younger workers want from managers: humanity, respect, and not being treated as “beneath” their boss  ​

35:00 – The “respect curve”: older generations believe respect is earned from 0 to 100, younger generations start at 100 and lose it if trust is broken  ​

36:00 – Why meaning matters, even in corporate or tax/audit jobs, not just in nonprofits  ​

38:00 – Why Gen Z often chooses lateral moves for values alignment over promotions in misaligned cultures  ​

41:00 – What made Meredith a great cross‑generational manager (from her former staff’s perspective)  ​

44:00 – Billy’s dream life: a nature‑filled home near the mountains, farmer’s markets, and growing his own food  ​

46:00 – Tara’s dream: a self‑care café that blends food, cocktails, art therapy, mental health space, and community  ​

49:00 – Beach vs. mountains vs. lakes vs. city: ideal places to live and feel grounded  ​

55:00 – Favorite seasons, the magic of snow, and why fall hits differently on the East Coast  ​

56:00 – What the “audience” would yell at them in a movie of their lives: rest more, let go, and choose joy for its own sake  ​

57:00 – Saying no as a full sentence, leaving people‑pleasing behind, and choosing what genuinely fills your cup  ​

59:00 – Celebrating cross‑generational friendships and why they make everyone better

Q: What is this Average 90's Gal episode with Billy and Tara about?
A: This episode explores generational differences and similarities between Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z in dating, work, money, and meaning, featuring real stories from Billy and Tara’s lives and careers.  ​

Q: How do Gen Z and millennials really feel about work and work‑life balance?
A: They value meaningful work, clear boundaries, and community, and they resist older models that expect them to sacrifice everything for their jobs or “earn” basic respect.  ​

Q: What do Gen Z employees want from their managers?
A: They want to be treated as humans, understand the “why” behind their tasks, feel that their work contributes to a larger mission, and have their time and boundaries respected.  ​

Q: How has dating changed for Gen Z and millennials?
A: Dating apps dominate the landscape, creating a culture of one‑off dates, “gamified” matching, and gray‑area situationships where people act exclusive without committing to labels.  ​

Q: Why are many younger adults delaying marriage and kids?
A: High costs of living, student debt, expensive weddings, and a desire to build careers and self‑knowledge first are all pushing traditional timelines later.  ​

Q: Who should listen to this episode?
A: Managers and HR professionals, Gen X leaders, millennial and Gen Z professionals, and anyone curious about bridging generational gaps in dating, friendship, and the workplace.  ​

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In this episode of Average Nineties Gal Podcast, I invite you to embrace a powerful mid-year reset using the energy of the Chinese New Year's Year of the Fire Horse. Learn practical journaling prompts to release old patterns, identify limiting beliefs, and step fully into the life you want — starting right now.

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What is the Year of the Fire Horse?

The Year of the Fire Horse is a cycle in the Chinese lunar calendar associated with boldness, passion, and powerful forward momentum. The host uses it as a symbolic invitation to take action and stop holding back in 2026.

Why reset in February or March instead of January?

Many cultures and spiritual traditions around the world celebrate their new year in late winter or early spring — aligning with the natural cycle of renewal rather than an arbitrary calendar date. If January 1st didn't spark your fresh start, spring is your second chance.

How do I do a personal reset?

Start by working through reflective prompts: identify what you're still holding onto, where you need to let go, what limiting beliefs have expired, and what daily practices to begin or release. You don't have to reset every area at once — pick one and start there.

Does my physical space really affect my personal growth?

Yes — the host is a firm believer that your physical environment, including your home and car, has a direct impact on your ability to change. If your space doesn't reflect where you want to go, spring cleaning it is a powerful first step.

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs a reset, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss what's coming next. 🔥

In this solo episode, I talk about what to do when it feels like the world is on fire and life just will not let up. Your feelings of anger, fear, sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness are valid—but letting the outside world dictate your inner world is optional. You’ll learn how to shift your energy, stop doomscrolling, and show up as your best self for your home, your community, and the wider world.​

This episode is for anyone who’s feeling weighed down by the news and social media, especially here in the United States.

Join me on Instagram​

What is this episode about?
This episode is about how to stop letting external chaos—news, social media, and personal challenges—control your mood, and how to consciously choose and radiate your own energy instead.  ​

Who is this episode for?
This conversation is for anyone who feels overwhelmed, hopeless, or stuck in doomscrolling, but still wants to believe that things can get better and that their presence matters.  ​

What will I learn?
You’ll learn a simple self check‑in before you walk out the door or join a meeting, how to notice the energy you bring into your home and community, and how to experiment with radiating versus shutting down your energy.  ​

What practical steps can I take after listening?
You can: reduce doomscrolling and constant news intake, choose one joy‑giving activity (like exercise, sauna, art, writing, or singing), practice radiating from your inner center in public spaces, and repeat the affirmation “things are going to get better” morning and night.  ​

How does this help my community?
By shifting your own energy, you change how you interact with people in your home, your neighborhood, and your local community, creating a ripple effect of better moods, more connection, and small but real change.  

On this Groundhog Day episode, Meredith invites you to imagine the one day you wouldn’t mind reliving over and over again—whether it’s a real memory from your past or a dream day you haven’t lived yet.

She gently guides you to write it out, dream about it, and use your imagination with no limits. Then she explores how to bring the best parts of that “perfect day” into your everyday life through small changes, daily joy, movement, fun, and meaningful connection.

Drawing inspiration from the Groundhog Day movie, she reframes each day as another chance to make tweaks, choose what matters, and create more of the moments that make life feel worth repeating.

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In this powerful continuation of Matt's story, we explore his journey through severe mental health challenges, substance abuse recovery, and ultimately finding purpose through animal rescue work. This deeply personal conversation covers Matt's bipolar disorder diagnosis, his path to sobriety, and how he transformed his life by combining mental health treatment with meaningful work at Best Friends Animal Society.

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Mental Health Insights

Recovery Wisdom

Trigger Warning
This episode includes discussion of self‑harm, suicidal thoughts, psychiatric hospitalization, and substance abuse. Please listen with care and skip or pause if you need to.  ​

If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial 988 or text TALK to 741-741

Support and Resources:

Mental Health Resources

Bipolar Disorder

When Someone is at Risk

Suicide Prevention Resources

Substance Use Support

VA Mental Health Services

Best Friends Animal Society

Q: What is this episode about?
This episode shares Matt’s mental health journey with bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, self‑harm, and alcoholism, and how he rebuilt his life through medication, sobriety, music, and animal rescue work.  ​

Q: Does this episode talk about suicide or self‑harm?
Yes. Matt describes his first suicidal thoughts, self‑harm, being placed on a 5150 hold in California, and how he asked for help when he was actively suicidal. There is a clear trigger warning and emphasis on getting support.  ​

Q: What mental health conditions are discussed?
The episode focuses on bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and the impact of abruptly stopping psychiatric medications.  ​

Q: Do you talk about medication for bipolar disorder?
Yes. Matt talks about Depakote for mania, trials with Wellbutrin and Abilify, and finding a combination that works for him now with Depakote and Latuda (lurasidone), including side effects and the importance of working closely with a psychiatrist.  ​

Q: Is sobriety and alcoholism part of this conversation?
Yes. Matt shares about heavy secret drinking, passing out on the floor, how alcohol interfered with his meds, and the exact moment he decided to quit drinking cold turkey over ten years ago so he could play drums and live fully.  ​

Q: What kind of work does Matt do now?
Matt is a transporter with Best Friends Animal Society in New York City. He drives cats and dogs from overcrowded or high‑risk shelters to no‑kill partners, vets, adoption centers, and sometimes all the way to the Best Friends Sanctuary in southern Utah.  ​

Q: Does the episode discuss animal rescue and no‑kill shelters?
Yes. We talk about pulling animals from shelters, the 90% “no‑kill” save‑rate standard, transport networks along the East Coast corridor, cross‑country drives with dozens of cats, and outreach work on the Navajo Nation.  ​

Q: Is there content about the Navajo Nation and spay/neuter clinics?
Yes. Matt shares what it’s like to support free spay/neuter clinics on the Navajo Nation, where only a couple of veterinarians serve a huge area and many animals free‑roam and reproduce without access to care.  ​

Q: Who should listen to this episode?
This episode is helpful for people living with bipolar disorder or depression, anyone who has experienced or loves someone experiencing suicidal thoughts or self‑harm, people in recovery or sober‑curious, and animal lovers interested in rescue, sanctuary work, and no‑kill advocacy.  ​

Q: Is this episode hopeful or just heavy?
While it contains heavy themes, the overall arc is hopeful: Matt survives crisis, finds the right medications, gets sober, builds a loving relationship, plays in a band, and dedicates his life to saving animals and dreaming of a senior sanctuary.  ​

In this Real Stories episode I sit down with my brother Matt, to explore our shared childhood and the beginning of his very personal mental health journey. Matt opens up about growing up in Santa Monica, California, the  move to Austin, Texas in the 1980s, and then to the SF Bay Area—and how those transitions triggered his first experiences with depression.  ​​

Matt walks listeners through early signs of bipolar disorder—deep lows, impulsive highs, and risky decisions—years before he was formally diagnosed around 2010.​

Episode Summary:
Matt shares how an 80s/90s California‑to‑Texas‑to‑Bay‑Area childhood, unspoken pain, and early alcohol use intersected with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, long before he found sobriety and treatment.  ​

This episode includes discussion of:

Depression, possible suicidal ideation, and bipolar disorder.  ​

Alcohol abuse and addiction.  ​

Traumatic events including a residential fire   

 ​

 If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial 988 or text TALK to 741-741

Support and Resources:

Mental Health Resources

Bipolar Disorder

When Someone is at Risk

Suicide Prevention Resources

Substance Use Support

If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health condition, suicidal thoughts, or addiction, please use the above resources or contact your local emergency or crisis services

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FAQ

Q: What is this episode about?
A: This episode is part one of a two‑part conversation where Matt talks about his childhood, multiple moves, discovering skateboarding and punk rock, his first depressive episodes around age 13, and the early patterns of bipolar disorder and addiction.  ​

Q: Who is Matt in this episode?
A: Matt is Meredith’s older Gen X brother, born in 1971, who grew up in Santa Monica, Austin, and Concord, served in the Air Force, battled depression and alcoholism, and was later diagnosed as bipolar around 2010.  ​

Q: What mental health topics are discussed?
A: The episode covers early depression in adolescence, social anxiety and isolation, self‑medicating with alcohol, undiagnosed bipolar disorder, manic episodes, impulsive life decisions, and how family dynamics and unspoken emotions contributed to long‑term struggles.  ​

Q: Is this episode for me if I’m dealing with mental health or addiction?
A: Yes. If you or someone you love has experienced depression, bipolar symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or addiction, this story offers language, validation, and context—and part two will go deeper into sobriety, treatment, and how Matt found stability and happiness again.  ​

Q: Where can I find help if I’m struggling?
A: Meredith mentions that the show notes include links to mental health, addiction, and suicide prevention resources so listeners can reach out for professional support in their own area.