Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice

Filling the Cup Differently: EEDA's Next Chapter 20.05.2026 26min

In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole ask, "How do you know something is finished? How do you know you're done?" They talk about what is next for the EEDA podcast and newsletter, the ways that each will evolve, and why you should stay tuned to both. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the email list at theinfophile.com Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Email List Our merch shop is open! Directional Living: A Transformational Guide to Fulfillment in Work and Life by Megan Hellerer EEDA Pod Book Squad: Winning Friends & Influencing People Optimistic Hoarder This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone The Year's Best Sports Writing 2025 edited by Hanif Abdurraqib Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life by Alex Mayyasi and the Hosts of NPR's Planet Money On Witness and Respair: Essays by Jesmyn Ward Bromantasy by Máire Roche (out 5/26) Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

No Good Time for a Hard Talk (But So Very Many Bad Times) 06.05.2026 31min

In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, hosts Patricia and Nicole cover more practical communication skills, focusing on how to choose the right environment and timing for difficult conversations. We also share some book recommendations, including an inspiring new release. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Here's a 10% discount to get Brick and start your journey of digital health! All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More by Zachary Rubin MD ATK Cherry Streusel Bars Recipe (no login required for the next 30 days) Moss'd in Space by Rebecca Thorne (out June 30th) Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being by Manoush Zomorodi Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

Disco Doesn't Suck, It's Just Not for You 22.04.2026 26min

In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole recap a birthday trip to New York City where they saw multiple shows, including a standout production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball — a reimagining of the classic musical set in the world of ballroom culture. The main topic explores the communication skill of distinguishing between something being objectively bad versus simply not being to your taste, touching on linguistic relativity and how the language we use shapes our perceptions of others. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Wikipedia: Linguistic Relativity The Blood Countess: Murder, Betrayal, and the Making of a Monster by Shelley Puhak This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories by Amal El-Mohtar Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

Encore: How to Find a Therapist 08.04.2026 1h 10min

Patricia and Nicole are off this week so here is an encore of an earlier episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice on finding a therapist. We cover what therapy is, why someone might seek it out, and the very real barriers — including cost, privilege, cultural stigma, and systemic biases — that make accessing mental health care difficult for many people. We walk through practical steps for finding a therapist and point listeners to further EEDA resources with additional directories, templates, and tips. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode here https://eedapod.com/how-to-find-a-therapist-especially-if-youre-queer-or-bipoc/ and the official transcript here: https://eedapod.com/encore-how-to-find-a-therapist/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

Spring Equinox, Vernal Equinox, Whatever: It's Goal Review Time 25.03.2026 27min

In this first goals check-in episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice, hosts Patricia and Nicole reflect on a busy first three months of 2026 that left most of their annual goals barely touched. They walk through individual progress updates with candid admissions about what has worked and what has gotten in the way. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

Permission to Not Have It Together: A Practical Guide to Overwhelm 11.03.2026 27min

In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole discuss strategies for managing personal overwhelm. The episode also includes library accessibility updates, and the not infrequent segment talking about recent books they've read. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! EEDA Pod: Library Love Letter Part One EEDA Pod: Library Love Letter Part Two Directional Living: A Transformational Guide to Fulfillment in Work and Life by Megan Hellerer The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong Finna by Nino Cipri Defekt by Nino Cipri Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts by Oliver Burkeman Scarlet Morning by ND Stevenson Nimona by ND Stevenson Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

Make It a Production: The Art of Intentional Creative Time 25.02.2026 25min

This episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice focuses on the concept of building a "container" for creative activities—a ritual framework to spark creativity and cultivate focus. Patricia and Nicole share personal examples and discuss how this approach can be applied to various activities, from art projects to difficult tasks like doing taxes. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe EEDA Newsletter Vol 7, Issue 4: How to Build a Container for Special Times The Shortest History of the Dinosaurs: The 230-Million-Year Story of Their Reign and Their World by Riley Black All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More by Zachary Rubin, MD Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

I Am Choosing to Listen to This Podcast Right Now 11.02.2026 25min

This episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice features hosts Patricia and Nicole discussing their adventures at the Oakland Museum of California White Elephant Sale where they scored vintage treasures. The main topic explores the concept of intentional choice as a tool for combating overwhelm and burnout. The episode wraps up with book recommendations! Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe Oakland Museum of California White Elephant Sale The Book of Blood and Roses by Annie Summerlee I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

Showing Up: A Casual Hangs Renaissance 28.01.2026 31min

On this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole discuss maintaining connections with friends through simple, manageable get-togethers, sharing examples of low-key hangouts like morning neighborhood walks, planner sessions over coffee, & quick pizza-and-cake visits. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe Oakland Museum of California White Elephant Sale EEDA Pod: There's No Such Thing as 5-Star Cereal Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero by Kate Clifford Larson The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker Having People Over: A Modern Guide to Planning, Throwing, and Attending Every Type of Party by Chelsea Fagan Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love: A Cookbook by Samin Nosrat Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

You Don't Serve Your Goals: 2025 Reflections & 2026 Plans 14.01.2026 33min

Happy New Year! In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole review their 2025 goals and set intentions for 2026. They reflect on successes while acknowledging they didn't accomplish everything, and that's okay! They also announce the 2026 goal check-in for Patreon subscribers. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) All the books mentioned on this show are on this shelf Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe Optimistic Hoarder Patricia on The Storygraph Nicole on The Storygraph Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

Louboutin Saddles & Slinky Origins 24.12.2025 15min

Happy Holidays! Patricia and Nicole close out 2025 with a short episode of the Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice. They share some weird Christmas trivia and as always, share what's filling their cups. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) All the books mentioned on this show are on this shelf Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe The Great American Christmas Almanac By Irene Chalmers The Christmas Almanac edited by Natasha Tabori Fried and Lena Tabori Neiman-Marcus 2025 Fantasy Gifts The Accidental Invention of the Slinky via Smithsonian Magazine Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts! Sound editing by Jen Zink

Typewriters, Tomatoes, & Travel: 2025's Lessons Learned 10.12.2025 31min

Patricia and Nicole celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice podcast and close out the last full episode of the year by reflecting on 2025 and sharing personal growth and lessons learned. They discuss the importance of routines, delegating tasks, and finding joy in simple, screen-free activities with each other and friends. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) All the books mentioned on this show are on this shelf Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify Sound editing by Jen Zink

Cookbooks, Conjure, & Queers: The Best Books We Read in 2025 26.11.2025 45min

In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole share their favorite books they read this year, discussing a wide range of genres from cookbooks and historical nonfiction to romance and science fiction. They offer personal anecdotes, thoughtful commentary on the books' themes, and recommendations for listeners, while also touching on topics like gift-giving and supporting independent bookstores and creators. There is also a very important DuckTales universe correction from the previous episode. Correction: Nicole mentions she is currently reading Make Room For Love by Darcy Liao, but then goes on to describe the other book she is reading, which is Anywhere You Go by Bridget Morrissey. Mentioned on the show: EEDA Pod Website Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) All the books mentioned on this show are on this shelf Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe Find the full show notes with all the books mentioned in this episode and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/cookbooks-conjure-queers-the-best-books-we-read-in-2025/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify Sound editing by Jen Zink

Homemade Isn't Holy: Debunking the DIY Superiority Complex 12.11.2025 24min

In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole discuss the myth of moral superiority in doing things the hard way versus accepting help, especially around the holidays and everyday tasks. They share personal stories about overcoming the pressure to do everything from scratch, highlighting how accepting assistance can be just as valid and rewarding. The hosts encourage listeners to let go of unnecessary guilt, embrace community support, and find joy in making things easier for themselves. Mentioned on the show: Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe C King Solutions C King Solutions Newsletter EEDA Pod: Everyone Deserves Help (Except for Me) Find the full show notes and official transcript on our website: eedapod.com Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify Sound editing by Jen Zink

Letting Go, Holding On: Lessons from Sorting a Loved One's Belongings 29.10.2025 31min

In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole discuss the emotional and practical challenges of sorting through a loved one's belongings after their passing, sharing personal experiences and advice for others facing similar situations. They highlight the importance of community support, self-compassion, and taking the process step by step, even when going through their own belongings. Mentioned on the show: Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe https://findhelp.org/ Destroy This House: A Memoir by Amanda Uhle Self Storage Industry Statistics (2024) Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess by Rachel Hoffman How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing by KC Davis LPC Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want by Courtney Carver Optimistic Hoarder Find the full show notes and official transcript on our website: eedapod.com Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify Sound editing by Jen Zink

Scroll Less, Live More: Being Intentional with Tech Use 15.10.2025 32min

Patricia and Nicole discuss their ongoing efforts to reduce smartphone usage, sharing personal experiences, research findings, and practical tips for being more intentional with technology. They reflect on the challenges of breaking phone habits, the psychological effects of constant connectivity, and the importance of adding "friction" to limit mindless scrolling. Mentioned on the show: Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe How to Break Up with Your Phone, Revised Edition: The 30-Day Digital Detox Plan by Catherine Price APA's Survey Finds Constantly Checking Electronic Devices Linked to Significant Stress for Most Americans (Feb 2017) Skowronek, J., Seifert, A. & Lindberg, S. The mere presence of a smartphone reduces basal attentional performance. Sci Rep 13, 9363 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36256-4 Surgeon general calls for health warnings on social media for younger users (via abc news) Surgeon General: Why I'm Calling for a Warning Label on Social Media Platforms (June 2024) Forest App https://www.forestapp.cc/ ScreenZen https://www.screenzen.co/ Find the full show notes and official transcript on our website: eedapod.com Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify Sound editing by Jen Zink

EEDA Pod Book Squad: Winning Friends & Influencing People 01.10.2025 25min

In this milestone 50th episode, Patricia and Nicole launch the EEDA Pod Book Club by diving into "How to Win Friends and Influence People," discussing its historical context, enduring popularity, and problematic aspects. They reflect on the book's advice, its questionable undertones, and how it shaped the self-help genre, while sharing their own perspectives on giving compliments and social interaction. The episode also features community updates, gratitude for their editor Jen, and personal highlights. Mentioned on the show: Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Jen Zink's GoFundMe Litquake: San Francisco's Literary Festival EEDA Pod: Taking What's Best: A Guide to Self-Help How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (or Libro.fm) Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur by Karen Walrond Find the full show notes and official transcript on our website: eedapod.com Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify Sound editing by Jen Zink

Tomato Extravaganza & a Fall Reset: Our Third Goals Check-In 22.09.2025 37min

Patricia and Nicole catch up after a break, sharing updates about their lives, including attending a Valkyries basketball game, harvesting tomatoes, and making their home cozier for the upcoming fall. They reflect on their progress with personal goals, such as decluttering and reading while also discussing the importance of adapting goals as life changes. Mentioned on the show: Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! EEDA Pod: Halfway Check-in: Progress, Pride, and Practical Advice EEDA Newsletter Vol 6, Res 28: Tariff Troubles & Snapping Out of a Funk Dude! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Dan Santat EEDA Newsletter Vol 6, Res 26: LGBTQ+ Marriage Rights & Ambient Radio How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days by Kari Leibowitz PhD Find the full show notes and official transcript on our website: eedapod.com Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify

Encore: Burnout is Not Your Fault 03.09.2025 30min

This week we have an encore of one of our earlier EEDA Pod episodes focused on the topic of burnout, exploring its causes, symptoms, and the systemic issues that contribute to it. We discuss how burnout is often rooted in societal and structural problems rather than individual shortcomings, and share practical strategies for mitigating its effects. They emphasize the importance of compassion, accessible resources, and collective action while encouraging listeners to be gentle with themselves. Mentioned on the show: Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! Find the full show notes and official transcript on our website: https://eedapod.com/ Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify Sound editing by Jen Zink

Decluttering, Delegating, and Doing Less: The Art of Letting Go 20.08.2025 29min

In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice, Patricia and Nicole discuss their recent efforts to declutter their home, reflecting on the emotional and practical benefits of letting go of unnecessary items. They explore the challenges of self-imposed responsibility, the importance of delegating tasks, and the psychological costs of feeling obligated to keep everyone informed and cared for. The hosts also share personal stories, listener interactions, and encourage their audience to be kind to themselves, delegate when possible, and find joy in small accomplishments. Mentioned on the show: Bookshop Affiliate Storefront (links below are affiliate) Become a patron! Patreon.com/eedapod Subscribe to the ongoing Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice Newsletter Our merch shop is open! EEDA Newsletter Vol 6, Res 26: LGBTQ+ Marriage Rights & Ambient Radio EEDA Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 2: Does It Have to Be You? EEDA Pod: Ways to Think About Time Anxiety Find the full show notes and official transcript on our website: eedapod.com Follow the show on Instagram & find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify Sound editing by Jen Zink

Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice

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