What's the Temp?

What if the key to moving forward isn't fixing everything that's broken, but celebrating what's actually working? In this episode, Jen decides to steal a page from Betina's playbook by adopting her end-of-summer reflection ritual. Instead of waiting for New Year's resolutions, we're taking stock now by looking back at what we accomplished (and didn't) in 2025, and charting a course for 2026 that doesn't require us to be flawless. We wrestle with our tendency to dismiss small wins while obsessing over unreached ideals, share honest assessments of where we landed this year, and explore how to keep growing without the pressure of perfection. If you're tired of feeling like you're never quite enough, join us as we break out of the prison of impossible standards and discover the freedom that comes from progress over perfection.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

00:50 Jen’s teaser

01:43 Temp Check: Rate your current ability to celebrate incremental improvements over ideal outcomes

22:20 Backstory: On a scale of 1 to 10, how are you feeling about your progress on your 2025 goals?

39:10 Life Focus: What’s next for 2026: Finding freedom in iterative self-improvement

1:09:00 Recipes: Version 1.0 veggie bowl

Recipes:

Jen’s Simple Stir Fry

Fry sweet potatoes, broccoli, chicken, and garlic in oil

Salt and pepper to taste, and serve over rice

Betina’s simple Veggie bowl

Slice, chop, and wash all your vegetables

Heat Avocado oil in a skillet

Toss in veggies, season with Cajun and black pepper

Serve with crusty garlic bread and finish with your cheese of choice

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

21:53 “Special Sauce” - Daniel Fridell

38:44 “Mountain Shadows” - Wanderer’s Trove

75:10 “Riding High” - John Runefelt

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Contact:

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Ever notice how some people charge forward while others wait for a green light that never seems to come? In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between seeking wisdom and seeking approval. Jen opens up about her lifelong struggle with feeling like she needs permission just to exist, while Betina shares how she's learned to confidently seek direction from God alone. We dive into the classic "forgiveness vs. permission" conversation and unpack the real question: are you waiting for someone else's approval, or are you paralyzed by fear of disapproval? This episode will challenge you to examine whose voice you're really listening to when making decisions - and whether you're confusing godly counsel with people-pleasing. If you've ever felt stuck waiting for someone to tell you it's okay to move forward, this episode is for you.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

00:50 What’s your waiting for permission temp check? Are you asking or are you just acting?

17:37 Backstory: Learning when to ask forgiveness vs. permission

47:30 Life Focus: Distinguishing between wisdom-seeking and approval-seeking

56:53 Recipes: No recipe recipe - Cooking by instinct and taste

Recipes:

Jen’s Teriyaki sauce

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup vegetable stock

¼ cup mirin or sake

Bring to boil

Add cornstarch slurry to thicken

Add sugar to taste

Betina’s Fried Fish and sweet potato fries

Season fish choice with salt and pepper

Heat oil to piping hot

Dredge in cornmeal (If I ever use seasoned fish fry I use Brass Cuisine’s brand)

Fry

Peel and slice potatoes

Situate in one layer on a baking sheet with parchment paper

Season with salt and pepper

Drizzle with Olive oil

Bake on 325 for 35 to 45 minutes depending on how crispy you want them, flipping once

Delicious!

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

17:12 “Kasuga Rain” - Candelion

47:05/62:31 “FIRE” - Heyson

Follow Links:

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Subscribe on YouTube:

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Contact:

[email protected]

What if the most productive thing you could do this week was absolutely nothing? In this episode, Betina and Jen explore the revolutionary act of strategic laziness and why our culture's obsession with constant productivity might be sabotaging our best ideas.

Together, they challenge the guilt we feel around boredom and examine why some of our greatest breakthroughs happen when we're not trying to break through anything at all.

From reclaiming the lost art of genuine rest to understanding when laziness becomes a creative necessity, this conversation will help you distinguish between productive downtime and glorified busy work. It is perfect for anyone who needs permission to do nothing and space to discover what emerges when you stop filling every moment with something to do.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

00:37 Teaser

01:55 Temp Check: Rate your current ability to be strategically lazy without shame

13:40 Backstory: Supporting each other in resisting the glorification of busy

26:24 Life Focus: Reclaiming laziness, boredom, and unproductive time as essential for creativity and breakthrough

53:50 Recipes: Lazy Day Luxury

Recipes:

Jen’s Nachos

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and cover the baking sheet with parchment paper

Spread chips out in a single layer over parchment and cover with a thin layer of shredded cheese

Add beans, jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, then top with a second layer of shredded cheese

Bake for 10 minutes, then top with cilantro and serve with salsa, sour cream, and avocado slices

Betina’s One-Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

Ingredients

Spaghetti pasta

Half a rope of Kielbasa sausage

3 slices of bacon, chopped

½ pound of ground beef

½ pound of mild Italian sausage (If you want hot, go for it)

Half of an onion chopped

Half bell pepper chopped

3 garlic cloves

2 jalapenos seeded and chopped

2 cups water with beef stock

Small can tomato paste

Can of diced tomatoes

Can of tomato sauce

Worcestershire sauce

Shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings: Lawry’s seasoning salt, Garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, Italian seasoning.

Brown your meats separately (bacon, kielbasa, Italian sausage, ground beef (season this one first) and remove from pan. Drain excess oil.

Sauté onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and garlic until softened

Add back your meat to the pot

Add Beef broth and Worcestershire sauce

Add raw spaghetti pasta

Tomatoes and tomato sauce

Make sure the beef broth covers the noodles

Cook covered, stirring frequently to prevent noodles from clustering, until noodles are done

Add cheese and cover to cook for the last 5 minutes

Serve with a salad and Garlic toast

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

13:24 “Cote D’Azur” - Tusabe

26:05 “Earthstrong” - HATAMITSUNAMI

41:17 “Let’s Cool Down” - Ludlow

59:28 “Cote D’Azur” - Tusabe

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Contact:

[email protected]

In this episode, Betina and Jen explore how letting go of control can actually create more meaningful impact than forcing outcomes. Jen shares her quirky fixation on an a mysterious buried object in her yard, using it as a metaphor for the exhausting pursuit of things beyond our influence, while Betina reflects on shifting from seeking partnership-dependent dreams to embracing solo home ownership for the first time. Through their personal stories of releasing attachment to specific outcomes, they discover how authenticity and surrender often leave deeper marks on others than perfectionism and control. The conversation weaves together themes of influence, intention, and the beautiful unpredictability of how our choices ripple outward to touch lives in ways we may never fully know.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

01:00 Temp Check: Impact Temperature

28:27 Back Story: Moments when you realized that your choices were influencing others

45:39 Life Focus: Living in a way that creates positive ripple effects

51:10 Recipes: Teaching Kitchen - A dish you’d pass down to future generations

Recipes:

Jen’s Make your own pasta

4 handfuls of flour

3 eggs

Salt

Tablespoon of EVOO

Place in a bowl, poke the yolks of the eggs and integrate the oil

Flour countertops

And kneed the mixture on the floured counter

Place in a sealed bag to rest for 30 minutes

Remove

Kneed again on floured counter

Bag again for 10 minutes

Roll out and slice

Roll through the pasta maker 3x changing the settings (making them thinner each time)

Fold into a stack and slice

Cook

Betina’s gravy

Brown your meat on both sides

Remove from pan

In the oils saute your veggies: bell pepper, onion and celery

Once softened, add flour and brown to your desired color

Mix in bouillon water mixture

Slowly build up the gravy stirring as you add the liquid

Season as necessary once you get the texture you want. It’s okay to have it be a little thinner to start as it will thicken as you cook it down.

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

15:01 “Starfields” - Hallman

28:51 “Modest” - Katori Walker

45:07 “Some Days” - Mo Stacks

54:16 “Juega con el Tumbao” - El Equipo del Norte

68:28 “Movin On Up” - Ryan James Carr

81:07 “Modest” - Katori Walker

Follow Links:

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Contact:

[email protected]

In this thoughtful exploration, Betina and Jen navigate the complex relationship between spiritual practice and digital tools, examining how technology can serve rather than replace meaningful human connection. Betina opens up about her fascinating perspective on God as Infinite Intelligence and how this shapes her approach to AI, creating a nuanced conversation about divine wisdom versus artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Jen shares her intentional commitment to prioritizing face-to-face interactions, revealing practical strategies for staying grounded in an increasingly digital world. This episode offers a refreshing framework for conscious technology use that honors both innovation and authentic human connection.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

00:35 Digital Wellness Temp Check

12:02 Backstory: How do we maintain authentic connection in the digital age?

33:44 Life Focus: Using technology to enhance rather than replace real relationships

57:41 Recipes: A meal that requires hands on attention

Recipes:

Jen’s

Olive oil, parmesan cheese crusty bread simple hands on dip and eat

Betina’s Stuffed Bell Peppers

Brown the ground beef and season with the GoTo 4 (Lawry’s Seasoning Salt, Cajun seasoning, Garlic powder, black pepper)

Chop onion and bell pepper

Add garlic paste

Add cooked rice

Half can of petite diced tomatoes with sauce

Add a little more cajun seasoning and italian seasoning (to flavor the rice the rice)

Blanch your hollowed out bell peppers (all colors)

Shred some sharp cheddar cheese

Fill and top with cheese

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes

Serve with some hot sauce (that’s totally a Betina thing)

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

11:45 “Caught Up In A Dream” - American Legion

31:31 “Alabama Sweet Blood” - Bonsaye

57:21 “Shake Off the Heat” - Eric Williams

62:43 “In a Minute” - John Runefelt

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Subscribe on YouTube:

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Contact:

[email protected]

In this heartfelt episode, Betina and Jen celebrate their podcast launch (the episode was recorded the day they launched their first episode) and honor Uncle Bob's memory before diving into how they've sustained each other through life's challenges. Through vulnerable storytelling, they reveal how their friendship has served as a lighthouse during difficult seasons, offering hope when darkness felt overwhelming. The conversation moves beyond surface-level positivity to examine joy as a conscious spiritual commitment, exploring the difference between circumstantial happiness and cultivated joy. This episode feels like listening to two dear friends who've weathered storms together, creating a warm space for discussing practical ways to choose joy.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intro to the Intro of the intro

02:55 Launch intro

06:41 The real intro

O7:48 Joy Temperatures

17:55 Back story: How we’ve helped each other find light in dark times?

51:22 Life Focus: How are we intentional about joy as a spiritual practice?

1:06:30 Recipe: Celebration snacks

Jen’s snack

Apple sliced in half seeds and stem removed

Cheese

Cashews

Olives

Dried mangos

Pretzel

Pickles

Betina’s snack

Lightly Salted Lays

Double Dark Chocolate Milano cookie

Or

Simple fruit and cheese charcuterie board

Recipes:

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

17:40 “Our Declaration” - Wanna Beat

27:43 “East Coast” - Molife

49:20 “In the Bag” - John Runefelt

66:02/78:26 “Back At It” - Dyalla

Follow Links:

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Subscribe on YouTube:

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Contact:

[email protected]

In this candid conversation, Betina and Jen dive deep into the complex relationship between comparison, social media, and personal growth. They explore how the double-edged sword of comparison can either fuel our ambitions or completely derail our progress, sharing personal stories of both outcomes.

A major focus of the conversation centers on transforming comparison from a destructive force into a constructive tool, giving practical strategies for using others' success as motivation rather than allowing it to become toxic self-criticism.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

00:30 Envy/Inspiration Temp Check

15:00 Back story: Times when comparison motivated you and times when it derailed you

40:20 Life Focus: Using Other’s success as fuel rather than poison

47:25 Dream Girl Maya

56:55 Jen’s last thoughts on what she would have shared with her post college self

58:50 Betina’s final thoughts on comparison

1:00:50 Recipes: Signature Dish

Recipes:

Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

Chicken (dealer’s choice on parts)

Bell pepper (All veggies chopped big)

Onion

Celery

Rosemary

Thyme

Bisquik

Flour

Heavy cream

In a pot Place your chicken, vegetables, season with seasoning salt, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, pepper and add chicken bouillon and boil

While that’s boiling

Roll out your dumplings using the biscuit recipe on the Bisquik box and flour

Once flattened cut to your desired size

Remove the large vegetables and herb stems from stock before dropping your dumplings

Also now would be a good time to chop your breasts and thighs if you used them (my grandma used legs)

Drop your dumplings one by one into the pot (this is important because you don’t want them clumping)

Cook for another 15 minutes

Add heavy cream to thicken

Serve over rice or as a soup

Chicken Lettuce Cups

3 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp chili garlic crisp

1 tsp corn starch

1 lb ground chicken

Onion, green bell, garlic, water chestnuts, scallions

2 heads butter lettuce

Mix first 5 ingredients in a small bowl

Sautee onion and green bell peppers until soft, add chicken and cook until no longer pink, add water chestnuts, scallions, and garlic

Pour sauce into chicken and cook until sauce is warm

Serve with lettuce cups and chili garlic sauce on the side

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

14:15 “Toast” - HATAMITSUNAMI

33:56 “Echo” - Bonsaye

52:23/67:25 “Divine” - Torii Wolf

Follow Links:

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Subscribe on YouTube:

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Contact:

[email protected]

Betina and Jen talk about their relationships with shame, or in Jen’s case, the lack thereof. They explore how to treat shame as an early warning system, how to look it in the face and get the lessons it's here to teach us before it turns toxic.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

01:11 Moral Compass Temp Check

09:37 Just do the next right thing

11:59 Jen’s miscarriage update

14:39 Backstory: Times when healthy shame guided you to better choices vs when toxic shame paralyzed you

32:12 LifeFocus: Reclaiming shame as a tool for growth rather than self-destruction

45:24 Recipes: Accountability Appetizer

Recipes:

Betina’s Wasabi Crab Dip

Ingredients:

Large can of lump crab meat

Green onion

Wasabi mayo

Regular mayo

Lemon juice

Salt and pepper

Mix ingredients together and serve with crackers, tortilla chips (homemade) or crustinis

Jen’s Jalapeno Poppers

Slice the jalapenos in half (cut out the ribs and/or seeds) to control heat

Load softened cream cheese mixed with cheddar cheese

Pack cheese into the jalapeno

Dredge in milk

Roll in flour

Set aside for 10 minutes

Dip in milk

Roll in plain Panko bread crumbs

Set aside again for 10 minutes

Dip in milk again

Roll in bread crumbs

Fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp

Cool on paper towel.

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

14:27 “There is a Light (Instrumental Version)” - Stonekeepers

29:16 “Sweet Thang” - Daniel Fridell

44:56 “Alley Cats” - Matt Large

52:47 “Pop Off (Instrumental Version)” - Janset

Follow Links:

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A candid conversation about the communities that shape us and the ones we're called to build. Jen and Betina examine the reciprocal nature of authentic community: how to pour into others while also creating space to receive support when you need it most. From personal stories to practical steps, they explore expanding your circle of influence and accountability beyond your closest relationships.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

00:38 Social Impact Temp Check

03:10 Jen shares a very personal event

38:19 Backstory: How your friendship has influenced your broader community involvement

Loose ties

49:19 Life focus: Expanding accountability beyond personal relationships

59:19 Recipes: Potluck contribution

Recipes:

Jen’s Pasta Salad

Traditional pasta salad made with

Ziti pasta (might be penne)

add:

Shredded cheddar cheese

pimento

Betina’s Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Large elbow macaroni

Shred sharp cheddar and mild cheddar cheeses

Sour cream

Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Half stick of butter

1 can evaporated milk

Salt and white pepper

While shredding cheese, Boil noodles to just under al dente

Set cheese aside

Drain noodles

Transfer into baking dish

While still hot add cream cheese, salt pepper and butter

Mix well

Add sour cream and mix

In a saucepan add some milk and cheese, whisking consistently over medium heat

Continue adding milk and cheese until cheese sauce is smooth and the consistency of Velveeta

Use ⅔ of your cheese for the sauce

Be careful not to burn.

(you can season your cheese sauce here if you want)

Pour over noodles, mix well ensuring all pasta is coated

Taste and add additional seasoning if necessary

Put the remaining cheese over the top

Cover and bake for 20 minutes on 350 degrees. Last 5 minutes bake uncovered

***Note: The pimento cheese dip Jen mentioned is called Palmetto

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

18:35 “Shadows in My Face” - Aiyo

30:36 “The Message” - Bonsaye

48:44 “Our Declaration” - Wanna Beat

67:35 “Love on Me” - Katnip

Follow Links:

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Subscribe on YouTube:

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Contact:

[email protected]

In this episode, Betina and Jen explore the deeper psychology behind our relationships with material possessions. They examine how moving beyond pure materialism doesn't mean rejecting all things, but rather developing intentional connections with what we own. The conversation weaves through practical fashion philosophy (including the art of mixing high and low-end pieces) while maintaining minimalist principles that prioritize quality over quantity.

The hosts share their preference for timeless wardrobe staples that transcend seasonal trends, discussing how this approach reflects broader life values. Jen opens up about her current project of transforming her living space into a welcoming environment designed for connection and hospitality. Throughout their discussion, they reveal how our choices about what to keep, display, and surround ourselves with serve as mirrors for our inner emotional landscape and personal growth.

Time stamps:

00:00 Intros

01:04 Attachment Temp Checks

11:35 The high value of beauty

24:28 Backstory: Different approaches to minimalism and what we each hold on to

25:14 Do the things you have spark joy?

31:55 Having a right relationship with things

39:50 Life Focus: How our relationships with objects reflect our relationship with ourselves

46:30 How differently the hosts view boho styles

50:28 Betina’s Christmas decorating goals

52:45 Recipes

Click the following link to access Betina’s Creamy Chicken and Rice and Rajashree Auntie’s Pav Bhaji :

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vYPlgZDOmx5B0bbIIHsQTbjNWIE4Ua3yt-amULPa2-Y/edit?usp=sharing

Music Credits:

0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR

17:24 “Caribbean Taco” - HATAMITSUNAMI

33:57 “Back at It” - Dyalla

52:21 “Bukina B” - Gil Felix

61:41 “Side by Side” - Tomas Skyldeberg

Follow Links:

https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_

Follow on Facebook:

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Subscribe on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcast

Contact:

[email protected]