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Ep 258: In this new intro, Allison reflects on the holidays and what this season has been like as a brand-new mom. She opens up about creating family traditions, the emotional side of bonding with her baby Hayes, and what breastfeeding and early motherhood have really been like for her.Starting at the 10-minute mark, this episode transitions into a replay of Episode 221 (originally aired April 9, 2025), while Allison and Ceara are off for the holidays.Allison and Ceara also catch up and talk about creative ways to bring people together — from being a thoughtful host or guest to planning meaningful, budget-friendly gatherings that feel special without being stressful. We share favorite events we’ve hosted, loved, or are dreaming up for the future, along with simple touches that make people feel cared for.TAKEAWAYS:It's important to consider the purpose of a gathering.Establishing a theme can enhance the experience.Guest dynamics matter, especially in smaller groups.Low-key hangouts can be just as meaningful as planned events.Bringing a thoughtful gift shows appreciation to the host.Offering to bring something can help the host.Fresh bread or gourmet treats are great gift ideas.Helping clean up shows appreciation for the host.Communication about arrival times is crucial.Hosts should greet guests and provide guidance.Setting expectations can ease social anxiety.Having a clear end time can help manage gatherings.RELATED EPISODES:Ep 61: How To Plan A Trip: Choosing A Destination, Finding Hidden Gems, and MoreEp 102: Hobbies: Why They’re Important, Our Favorite Hobbies and Ideas to TryEp 129: How to Make (and Maintain) FriendshipsEp 130: Finding Aligned Friends and Activities To Do TogetherEp 135: Navigating Friendship Growing Pains and Moving Forward TogetherEp 136: Is It Time To Close A Friendship Chapter (WWYBD?!)MENTIONS:Allison’s Yoga Mat - Oko Living (Code ‘allisonwetig’ 10% off)@Talliia on TikTok Movie Night Our Favorite Chocolates: Hu KitchenAllison Post on Lemon 8 of “Fun Holidays“ by SeasonCeara Game App Rec - FlamingoSPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! SOCIAL LINKS:Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTokAllison's Socials: Instagram, TikTokCeara's Socials: Instagram, TikTokAlready Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus EpisodesLet's be friends - join the Already Friends FB GroupIf you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!To sponsor our show, email hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 256: In this week’s episode, Ceara sits down with her longtime friend and marketing expert Bea Doheny, for a fun and super eye-opening conversation about the current marketing landscape, trends we’re noticing, and how to think like a marketer. Even if you don’t work in marketing, this episode is packed with insights that will help you shop smarter, understand why brands do what they do, and become a more intentional consumer overall.They rewind to their college days, talk about how far they’ve come in their careers, and unpack the biggest shifts happening in the marketing world right now. From the rise of AI, to TikTok Shop taking over everyone’s carts, to why in-person events and real community are having a comeback, this episode is packed with things that make you rethink the way you shop.Bea also shares a behind-the-scenes look at working at Makeup by Mario during the chaos of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, what makes a product truly worth buying, and why personalization is becoming non-negotiable.If you love shopping, branding, or just want to understand the psychology behind what’s actually influencing you, this episode is for you. TAKEAWAYS:Marketing has evolved fast — and consumers are getting smarter right alongside it.After years online, people are craving real-life experiences again, and brands are following suit.TikTok Shop is no longer a trend; it’s the new storefront.Holiday shopping is shifting toward curation, personalization, and thoughtful gifting.The brands that win in 2026 will be the ones that stay authentic and genuinely human.Community is becoming one of the most powerful marketing tools a business can build.A true friend supports your growth and evolution — inside and outside your career.RELATED EPISODES:Episode # 170 - BTS of A Celebrity Social Media Manager Julia BroomeEpisode # 82 - Manifesting Your Dream Job and Living a Passionate Life with Hannia ZavalaMENTIONS:Bea Doheny - IGAstronobeads - IGRakuten - Ceara’s Referral Link SPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! SOCIAL LINKS:Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTokAllison's Socials: Instagram, TikTokCeara's Socials: Instagram, TikTokAlready Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus EpisodesLet's be friends - join the Already Friends FB GroupIf you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!To sponsor our show, email hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 254: In this episode, Allison and Ceara answer listener submitted questions. You can submit questions any time via our website, and then we pull questions to fit a specific theme.In the catch up segment, we talk about Allison getting a special visitor… McKenna (Ceara’s sister)! McKenna is married to a Dutch man whose parents are from the exact same city (Haarlem) that Allison lives in. Such a small world. Allison is also eager for her sister and mom to arrive in The Netherlands for Thanksgiving and for her baby’s birth. We also share some of our upcoming Christmas plans. Allison is excited about high tea with alpacas. Ceara is taking a quick trip to NYC in early December to see the rockettes with her grandma, then all her family will be getting together for the actual holiday. After our catch up, we answer and talk through all of the questions below.TAKEAWAYS:It’s culturally appropriate to know some Dutch if you are a resident. Business ownership and freelancing are emotional self-development journeys.Working for yourself can offer flexibility, but there’s certainly other challenges. You shouldn’t stay at a job just because you feel guilty quitting. Being a SAHM mom could be incredibly rewarding, and temporary. QUESTIONS ASKED:How long are you planning to stay in Haarlem Allison? And why do you have to learn Dutch? Everyone knows English! What advice do you have for someone wanting to start a business or even independently free lance as a career?When did you know it was time to pivot & change your business?I’m overworked and underpaid but I’ve only been at the company for a year. Should I put in my two weeks notice? I’m a new mom and went back to work but I’m struggling being away from my daughter. I know my husband wishes I would quit but I’ve always worked since I was 14. RELATED EPISODES:Episode # 138 - Italy Destination Wedding + Euro Summer Debrief w/ McKenna RipMENTIONS:High Tea with Alpacas - Video on TiktokSubmit your WWYBD Question - On Our WebsiteSPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! SOCIAL LINKS:Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTokAllison's Socials: Instagram, TikTokCeara's Socials: Instagram, TikTokAlready Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus EpisodesLet's be friends - join the Already Friends FB GroupIf you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!To sponsor our show, email hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 252: In this episode, Allison and Ceara discuss the essential steps to take when considering a move, emphasizing the importance of identifying personal preferences and lifestyle goals. We frequently get asked questions about where to move and how to find the courage to try a new place, so we decided to dedicate an entire episode to the topic. In the catch up segment, Ceara shares about the second half of her Costa Rica work trip. She embraced all the ocean activities like shell hunting, tidepooling, and snorkeling. Allison is 37+ weeks pregnant so she’s in the final preparation stage and is so eager to meet the baby. Her and Clay are leaning into baby moon activities like attending a concert in Amsterdam of one of their favorite artists and going on a road-trip to Gouda for the famous cheese market. TAKEAWAYS:The first step in moving is to identify your current core values.Visit places in the eyes of a local before you move there.There will never be a perfect time to move so don’t wait to take the leap.Start decluttering and getting rid of things at least 1-2 months early.Ensure you’re not running away but instead seeking opportunities.Prepare a substantial financial safety net as there will be unexpected costs. It will take time emotionally to adjust to a new place so give it time.Try to integrate into the local community as soon as you can.It’s okay to feel homesick and miss the comforts of home. Moving to a new place can be both really hard and rewarding. RELATED EPISODES:Episode # 93 - Moving To A New City: Making Friends, Choosing Where to Live, and MoreEpisode # 165 - Making Friends in a New City + Social Wellness with Lindsay Hornecker Episode # 173 - Lessons Learned Living Abroad for 10 Years: Visas, Language Barriers and Letting Go with Faith MabryEpisode # 180 - WWYBD?! Moving, Relationship Uncertainty and Protecting Your PeaceEpisode # 181 - How To Network, Be A Good Communicator and Leverage Social MediaMENTIONS:Website That Shows Transportation Scores - WalkScores.com Website That Shows Affordability and Location Efficiency - H+T IndexSPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! SOCIAL LINKS:Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTokAllison's Socials: Instagram, TikTokCeara's Socials: Instagram, TikTokAlready Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus EpisodesLet's be friends - join the Already Friends FB GroupIf you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!To sponsor our show, email hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 250: In the catch up segment, Allison and Ceara share about their weeks at home. Allison had two pregnancy appointments, finished furnishing her apartment, is making progress on her baby registry / checklist, and is enjoying fall activities like baking cookies. Ceara just returned from a trip to 30A in Florida with her in-laws. She got to test out her new snorkel gear and had a memorable private sunrise yoga session. In the WWYBD part of the episode, we answer questions about lifestyle choices that go against social norms, particularly regarding relationships, engagements, marriage, babies, and life stages. We also touch work-place boundaries, such as keeping drinking separate. WWYBD (what would your bestie do) is where we answer listener-submitted questions. You can submit questions any time via our website, and then we pull questions to fit a specific theme.TAKEAWAYS:Friendship can remain strong despite different life phases.Proximity plays a significant role in maintaining friendships.Friendships formed in shared environments can be particularly strong.You should remain authentic to your own values as often as possible.Trust your own intuition before listening to other people. Your happiness doesn’t need to be dimmed.Open and proactive communication will help most situations. QUESTIONS ASKED:Do you guys feel like your friendship is just as strong now that you’re in different phases of life?The social hierarchy at my work is all about who drinks the most/talks about going out the most and I’m not into it. Do I be my authentic self or play the corporate game with this and worry about being my authentic self outside of work?What are your thoughts about living together before getting engaged?How have you handled any negativity in regards to the “non traditional route” with marriage post-baby? We’re both firm in our choice and are so excited for what’s to come, but we know it’s going to come across our desk eventually!I just found out my partner and i have different dreams of what “forever” together. ie, marriage vs. lifelong partners. call it quits?Should I unfriend a long time friend on social media before I post that I got engaged ? Back story she has been with the same guy for 7+ years and has always wanted to get engaged. I’m trying to save her from the jealousy or anger that might arise from the news.RELATED EPISODES:Episode # 81 - An Honest Conversation About Drinking Pt. 2Episode # 122 - An Honest Conversation About Drinking Pt. 3 Episode # 160 - Secret Hater Friends, Putting Labels on People and Ditching PerfectionismEpisode #202 - Open Relationships, Feeling Alone in Sobriety and Traveling Against Your Parents Will (WWYBD?!) Episode # 232 - Living Life to the Fullest While Also Planning for Financial Stability and Future Goals (WWYBD?!)MENTIONS:Yoga Instructor in 30AMassage Place in St. Louis - Harmony Health and HealingAllison’s Baby Registry - On Her WebsiteSPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! SOCIAL LINKS:Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTokAllison's Socials: Instagram, TikTokCeara's Socials: Instagram, TikTokAlready Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus EpisodesLet's be friends - join the Already Friends FB GroupIf you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!To sponsor our show, email hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 248: In this episode, Allison and Ceara discuss the challenges of navigating phone boundaries, social media addiction, AI content creators, the unrealistic expectations of communication in a digital age, and the anxiety caused by being “watched” in public spaces. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding joy in everyday life and introduces the concept of a dopamine menu, “hanging up the phone” and app blockers to help listeners engage in more fulfilling activities. We conclude with reminders to be intentional about digital consumption and to prioritize self-care.In this catch up segment, Ceara shares an exciting update about landing a new freelance client and she will be producing a photoshoot with them next week. She is also preparing for an annual trip to Florida with her husband’s family. Allison shares pregnancy updates and the highlights of her 31st birthday celebrations such as pilates, a cacao ceremony, going to a movie, visiting a herbal shop, journaling, and hanging with Clay. We both give curriculum updates as well. Ceara is crushing it with home-ec as she is cooking a lot and entered a chili into a cookoff with her friends. She’s also making progress on her reading list. Allison’s primary focus has been in planning her home-birth, learning about herbs, acupressure and making flower bouquets. TAKEAWAYS:Screen time can significantly impact mental health and well-being.Setting phone boundaries is essential for maintaining mental health.It's important to be aware of the content consumed online, The pressure to respond quickly to messages can lead to stress and anxiety.Surveillance in public spaces can create a sense of paranoia and fear.Finding joy in real-life everyday activities is crucial for happiness.Creating a dopamine menu can help individuals engage in fulfilling activities.Self-care practices can be more beneficial than scrolling through social media.Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their digital habits.RELATED EPISODES:View Library of Opinionated AF Style Episodes - On Our Website MENTIONS:Video 1: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8A5cyXn/ Video 2 : https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8AaJqge/ Video 3: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Aayokp/ Video 4: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Aa97jx/ Video 5: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8AaAKx2/ Screen Time / App Blockers: Opal, Brick, Freedom and ScreenZenSPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! SOCIAL LINKS:Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTokAllison's Socials: Instagram, TikTokCeara's Socials: Instagram, TikTokAlready Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus EpisodesLet's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!To sponsor our show, email hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep 246: In this episode, Allison and Ceara reflect on the changing season, as fall invites in the energy of release. We encourage listeners to embrace the natural ebb and flow of life, as the only thing forever constant, is change. We discuss the importance of releasing old habits, emotions, identities, lifestyle choices and relationships that are no longer in alignment. We include personal examples, practical tips for letting go, and reflections on how to navigate the emotional challenges that come with change. In this catch up segment, Ceara shares about a visit to her grandparents on the East coast. The highlight was going to a murder mystery play and spending quality time with them. Allison is making progress on her birth plan by watching documentaries, listening to birth story podcast episodes and heavily researching how to prepare. TAKEAWAYS:Letting go is essential for personal growth and making space for new opportunities.The process of letting go can be emotional and challenging.Identifying what to let go of can help alleviate feelings of jealousy, resentment, and negativity.Fear of the unknown often holds us back from letting goMindfulness practices, such as journaling and breath work, can facilitate emotional release.The end of one chapter is not the end of the story; it can lead to new beginnings.Letting go can improve our relationships with ourselves and others.Creating an action plan can help ease the transition of letting go.RELATED EPISODES:Episode # 14 - Manifesting Money and Positive Mindset with Mikayla JaiEpisode # 151 - Beginner’s Guide to Yoga and How It Can Transform Your LifeEpisode # 156 - Home Health, Clutter Clearing and Space Alchemy with Ansley EmersonEpisode # 163 - Radical Self-Acceptance, Feminine Energy, and Soul Work with Emma MarschallEpisode # 215 - Emotional Detoxing: How to Let Go of What’s Weighing You DownEpisode # 217 - Feel At Home Within Yourself to Cultivate Inner Peace and StabilityMENTIONS:Allison’s ClassPass Link with Free Trial Bonus Credits Book Rec: The Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsDiary of A CEO Episode with Mel Robbins (#108)Book Rec: The Untethered Soul by Michael SingerMore Information About Cord Cutting CeremonyMore Information About Writing Letters and Burning ThemSPONSORS + DISCOUNTS: Get Shopify Point of Sale for your business! Shopify.com/ALREADYFRIENDS to get your $1 a month trial! SOCIAL LINKS:Already Friends Socials: Instagram, TikTokAllison's Socials: Instagram, TikTokCeara's Socials: Instagram, TikTokAlready Friends Patreon: $5 a Month for Bonus EpisodesLet's be friends - join the Already Friends FB Group!If you enjoyed this episode, we would really really appreciate it if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast / Spotify or share the show with a loved one. This helps us grow the show so that we can keep doing what we are doing. Thank you so much for the support!To sponsor our show, email hello@alreadyfriendspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy