Orange Juice Optional

On this week’s episode of  Orange Juice Optional , Suzanne and Michelle explore aging, midlife mindset shifts, and empty nest transitions. The conversation takes an honest — and unexpectedly uplifting — turn after coming across an article that described certain behaviors as “nasty habits” of getting older. This sparked reflection not only on some of the ideas presented, but also on the language an...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne and Michelle take a playful trip back to the myths, legends, and “facts” that many of us grew up believing without question. From classic playground warnings to familiar household sayings, these stories somehow stayed with us and even helped shape our childhood decisions. The conversation unfolds through a lighthearted quiz that explores jus...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of  Orange Juice Optional , Suzanne and Michelle talk about the act of becoming — how life events ask us to shift, pivot, and rediscover who we are along the way. Change is rarely linear, and learning to move with it is part of personal growth. Together, we explore: • Navigating life transitions and redefining your “new normal” • Emotional growth through uncert...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional Podcast, we explore personal safety, independence, and staying empowered as we grow older. Inspired by conversations surrounding the Nancy Guthrie case, this discussion looks at practical ways to protect yourself — emotionally, physically, and digitally — while continuing to live fully and confidently. In this episode, we talk about: Personal safety...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional. Suzanne and Michelle talk about spring cleaning—those small, practical things that make a home feel lighter, calmer, and more put together. From decluttering closets to the realities of hiring cleaning services, we share what actually works, what disappoints, and why clearing physical space can feel so mentally refreshing. At the end o...

Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional we will reflect on love, expectations, and the lessons that we’ve learned along the way. With honesty, humor, and a refreshingly realistic take—especially from resident Valentine’s Day Scrooge Suzanne—this episode offers space for anyone navigating relationships in their own way. As always, we...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional , Suzanne and Michelle talk about  boundaries —but not in the traditional sense. Instead of boundaries that have the potential to create conflict with others, this conversation focuses on the boundaries Suzanne sets _for hersel_f.  These are boundaries that are the fully within her control. These boundaries include how she chooses to travel, how she...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional , Suzanne and Michelle revisit the topic of  sparking joy , a conversation that they first explored back in 2021. As the years pass by, joy changes. What once felt joyful can shift, soften, or take on a whole new meaning. In this episode, they reflect on how joy shows up now, including the little things around their own homes that still spark a smile...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne and Michelle talk about friendship—how it surrounds us, supports us, and often shows up differently than any other relationship in our lives. They explore the many layers of friendship, from lifelong connections to seasonal friends.. The conversation touches on the different “categories” of friends - and why those distinctions matter,. This...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne and Michelle settle into a thoughtful conversation about nostalgia and how it finds us,  Inspired by Stranger Things, a modern show set in the 1980s, Michelle reflects on coming of age during a time that now feels both familiar and far away. Suzanne then brings in memories of the show ‘My Three Sons’.  A personal favorite, this...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of  Orange Juice Optional ,  Suzanne and Michelle  reflect back on the year 2025.   As you’ll hear, this episode isn’t about perfection or resolutions. It’s about acknowledging what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised us along the way. Suzanne and Michelle reflect on the highs, the challenges, and the small moments that ended up meaning the most, offering h...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of  Orange Juice Optional , Suzanne and Michelle are leaning into the spirit of the season with a warm, honest, and sometimes awkward conversation about Christmas. We begin the episode, sharing a little about our own Christmas traditions and what the holidays look like for us this year. From there, the conversation turns to something nearly everyone can relate...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne and Michelle chat about unforgettable live music moments, iconic venues, and what it’s like to experience a legendary concert in person. Suzanne shares her recent concert experiences and the awe that she experienced after visiting an unforgettable venue.  Michelle listens in, offering reflections and perspective along the way. ...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of  Orange Juice Optional , Suzanne and Michelle dive into a heartfelt conversation about  living with purpose  — how we discover it, how we drift from it, and how life’s biggest transitions can bring us back to what truly matters. The episode opens with the two ladies sharing stories about those strange, vivid dreams that often show up during times of stress....

Episode Notes In this week’s episode of  Orange Juice Optional , Michelle and Suzanne dicuss Suzanne’s recent stay at a Marriott property. This experience left a lot to be desired and had Suzanne questioning not only the lackluster customer service, but also all the corners being cut.  For Suzanne, it was an underwhelming experience.  But in life, moments of disappointment also make room for momen...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne challenges both of us to dig a little deeper when it comes to “what we are thankful for”.  This year, she is unwilling to accept clichés or generic gratitude lists. She wants something real, something relevant, and something that actually reflects the highs and / or lows of the past year.  During this episode, we also chat about Christmasdec...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Ora nge Juice Optional,  Suzanne and Michelle  pick up where they left off last week.  Fresh off the excitement of the  U.S. Open , the ladies continue to discuss their recent visit to New York City.  This talk in filled with sparkle, laughter, and unforgettable stories.  From  Suzanne’s jewelry scare  (and the momentary panic that followed) to an indulgent...

Who needs mimosas when you’ve got Manhattan? Join Michelle and Suzanne as  Orange Juice Optional  takes on New York City — one adventure (and one laugh) at a time. In this week’s episode of  Orange Juice Optional , Michelle shares how she almost  didn’t  go to New York. But once she arrived, New York unfolded in unexpected ways — from early mornings at the  Today Show, to  a charming little bookst...

Episode Notes In this week’s episode of  Orange Juice Optional , Suzanne and Michelle get real about the ways we try to fill life’s empty spaces — whether it’s emotional eating, drinking, or spending.  From the lure of slot machines to the shock of not recognizing someone you haven’t seen in years, this episode explores how habits, time, and emotion shape who we become. With humor, honesty, and he...

In this week’s episode of  Orange Juice Optional,  Suzanne and Michelle share the heartfelt reason behind their extended absence. Suzanne opens up about the loss of her beloved mother over the summer and what it’s like to say goodbye to someone you love so deeply. Together, the ladies talk about how family comes together in times of loss and how grief — as hard as it is — can transform the way we...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne is shaking things up a bit when she introduces this week’s ’Something to Sip On’ at the beginning of the episode.  She is inspired by it, and as a result, the ladies will talk about life in general and how important it is to show up for one another. Not only in the good times, but also in the harder times.  Life just feels bett...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Michelle is frustrated with an early morning construction project. She vents that this project is waking up the dogs and creating a huge mess. Listening to her concerns, Suzanne reminds her that in situations like this, setting expectations early on is always a conversation worth having - Even if it’s a difficult conversion to have.  T...

Episode Notes In this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne and Michelle are embracing this summer’s ’Wedding Season’. The ladies are feeling inspired, and will be sharing with the listeners, some of their best marriage advice.  After that, and staying with the wedding theme, they will discuss wedding trends (but what remains the same), wedding etiquette and a wedding social dilemma.  T...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne and Michelle continue discussing Mel Robbins’ book “The Let Them Theory”. In the last episode, the ladies focused on the “let them’ part of this theory.  However, in this episode, they will focus their discussion on the ‘Let Me’ part of the theory.  This is the part of the theory that encourages readers to look at their own personal responsi...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne shares with Michelle that she wants to get a new tattoo on her forearm of the words ‘Let Them’. Curious, and not one to shy away from a good tattoo, Michelle inquires about the ‘Why’ Of that decision?  The ladies then jump into an inspired conversation about Mel Robbins’ book “The Let Them Theory”.    Listening in, you’ll soon discover that...