Just Getting Better

This week’s wine picks come with fizz, flavor—and chips. Julia is sipping on Marqués de Cáceres Brut Cava, a dry Spanish sparkler crafted by winemaker María Gallo. She’s on a mission to expand everyone’s bubble vocabulary beyond Champagne and Prosecco—and explains why Cava deserves a spot in your glass (but please, no orange juice). Bonus points for pairing it with Aldi’s honey jalapeño chips. Mic...

Stop asking where the Obamas are — and start asking what you can do. This week, we talk about ownership, the power of 3.5%, and why it only takes a small group to spark big change. Plus: Summer Fridays, Brad Pitt’s maybe-filler, Rare Beauty love, and an AITA about drinking alone that had us both shouting.

Two wines, two winemakers we love — and why these bottles deserve a spot in your summer lineup. Michelle kicks things off with Leah Jorgensen’s stunning Blanc de Cabernet Franc, a rare white wine made from Cab Franc grapes grown in Oregon. Bright, zesty, and full of minerality, it’s perfect for everything from popcorn and book club to cheese plates and patio nights. Leah is a creative force and a...

We’re talking about the little things that say a lot—like eating alone, sitting in silence, and being honest about the work you’ve had done. From solo dinners and the lost art of boredom to calling out celebrity “natural” beauty claims, this one’s about owning your choices without apology.

Great wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about who makes it, and why their story matters. Julia and Michelle each bring a bottle this week that proves it: Julia pours a bright, easy-drinking white blend from I Best Wines, a Black woman–owned brand out of South Africa. A mix of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, it’s the kind of bottle made for patios, picnics, or just windi...

This week, we’re catching up on all the summer things—the funny, the frustrating, and the stuff no one really talks about. From sunscreen scars and protein pressure to public phone etiquette and a boyfriend who expected her to pick up the check (for 12 people), we’re talking about what it really looks like to take care of yourself—and when to say no.

This week, Julia heads to the Finger Lakes with a 2019 Gewürztraminer from Dr. Konstantin Frank—off-dry, beautifully aged, and perfect for spicy food or peak summer salads. Michelle’s sipping “Glou Glou,” a chillable red from Troon Vineyard in southern Oregon. Made from Cinsault and Grenache, it’s bright, gulpable, low-ABV, and pairs well with everything from tacos to barbecue to beach reads. Also...

In this episode of Just Getting Better, Michelle and Julia cover everything from poor airplane hygiene and dinner-table flossing to deeper reflections on how judgment and etiquette are showing up in our post-everything world. What starts as a hilarious catch-up on beauty finds and public pet peeves quickly turns into a thoughtful conversation about boundaries, emotional self-awareness, and why not...

If life’s felt a little loud lately, consider this your reminder to slow down and pour something thoughtful. This week, Julia is sipping a high-altitude Malbec from Luigi Bosca Los Nobles —floral, engaging, and practically begging to be paired with mushroom risotto. Michelle’s pouring a chillable red that stole her heart in Uruguay: a bottle of Mencía from Bodegas Mérica . Light, aromatic, and fle...

Stephanie Houston is a five-time founder, the first Latina to co-own a distillery in the U.S., and the powerhouse behind Island Getaway Rum . In this episode of Just Getting Better, she shares her journey from Oak Cliff, Texas to the national spirits stage—and the family legacy she never saw coming. We talk about what it means to own your story, challenge the system, and build something with real...

This week, Michelle and Julia are in their red-and-white wine eras—with two bottles that prove summer sipping doesn’t have to mean Rosé. Julia opens with the Dobbes Family Estate Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir , a jammy, chillable red from one of Oregon’s most beloved AVAs. It’s juicy, it’s versatile, and yes—it’s begging to be paired with a grilled peach and burrata salad. Michelle heads to Rías Bai...

In this episode, we’re talking about everything from wedding drama to that strange emotional fog so many of us are walking through right now. We unpack a word you might not know but definitely feel: hypernormalization—when everything appears fine, but underneath? It’s all a bit off. Sound familiar? We get into what it means to feel stuck, overstimulated, or like you’re running on autopilot—and how...

In this episode, we’re joined by love coach, podcaster, author and former Survivor contestant Francesca Hogi —who brings a fresh, soulful lens to the way we think about love, relationships, and connection in 2025. Francesca shares her journey from corporate lawyer to reality TV to matchmaking and beyond, and unpacks why the way we’ve been taught to rank love—placing romantic relationships above al...

In this episode, we’re joined by Vivian Tu —former Wall Street trader, bestselling author of Rich AF, and the powerhouse behind Your Rich BFF—for a conversation about money, power, and building wealth on your own terms. Vivian shares how growing up as the daughter of Chinese immigrants shaped her money mindset, how a mentor changed her life (and her career), and how one casual act of racism in the...

In this week’s episode, Michelle and Julia raise a glass to doing business in a way that actually feels good and honors who we are. While chatting with guest Becky Mollenkamp about what the future of feminist business could look like, they also share two bottles worth adding to your list. With every episode, you’ll have an opportunity to meet two new fabulous wines and spirits to explore. Donnafug...

What if business was built for us?  In this episode, we’re joined by feminist business coach Becky Mollenkamp for a conversation that goes far beyond spreadsheets and branding—and gets to the heart of how women (especially those with multiple marginalized identities) can run businesses on their own terms. Becky shares how her work is rooted in intersectional feminism and what it means to center fu...

We’re kicking off Season 3 with the two words that are shaping our year: Ubuntu and Savor. In this episode, we talk about slowing down, protecting your joy, and finding rituals that actually work—from phone-free evenings to F1 races and good romance novels. Also:– Michelle’s 30-minute phone shutdown– Julia’s reading rituals + love for a soft landing– Wine, Beyoncé, Lego orchids, and why rest is st...

“The story of the Two Wolves has been with me my entire life. It’s about balance—what we feed today shapes who we are tomorrow. And to me, that’s winemaking, too. It’s all about finding harmony and keeping things alive and interesting.” – Alecia Moore We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Alecia Moore—yes, the one and only Pink ! This time, we’re getting even more personal. Alecia takes...

“When you don’t yet know all the rules, anything is possible.” – Alecia Moore Happy New Year friends! We’ve got a very special guest joining the show this week to help us ring in 2025 in a big way. In this bonus episode, we are thrilled to sit down with the multi-talented Alecia Moore, better known as the iconic P!nk . Alecia has built a remarkable career as a singer, songwriter, and activist, but...

In our final episode this year, Michelle and Julia reflect on an incredible season filled with empowering conversations, amazing insights from an all-star lineup of guests, and as always, plenty of laughs. From embracing the “soft life” to setting meaningful goals for the year ahead, they dive into the power of self-care, supporting small businesses, and staying curious about what’s next in this s...

Season 2 flew by, didn’t it? In this special finale, Michelle and Julia reflect on an incredible season filled with empowering conversations, amazing insights from an all-star lineup of guests, and as always, plenty of laughs. From embracing the “soft life” to setting meaningful goals for the year ahead, they dive into the power of self-care, supporting small businesses, and staying curious about...

Skincare is a reflection of self-care, growth, and continuous improvement—just like the journey of getting better as women. Taking care of your skin is a way to honor yourself and evolve with the seasons. This week, Michelle and Julia were joined by skincare expert and founder of Elo Skin, Lacy Yamaoka, for an enlightening and engaging live conversation about achieving your best winter skin. Tune...

Skincare is a reflection of self-care, growth, and continuous improvement—just like the journey of getting better as women. Taking care of your skin is a way to honor yourself and evolve with the seasons. As Season 2 nears its end, we bring you a very special live episode! Michelle and Julia are joined by skincare expert and founder of Elo Skin, Lacy Yamaoka, for an enlightening and engaging conve...

How do you stay focused and lead with impact when the world around you feels uncertain? Michelle and Julia sit down with Karen Boykin-Towns, President and CEO of Encore Strategies LLC and Vice Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, for a powerful conversation on leadership, purpose, and perseverance. Karen brings her decades of experience in advocacy, policy, and strategic leadership to discuss cr...

How do you stay focused and lead with impact when the world around you feels uncertain? Michelle and Julia sit down with Karen Boykin-Towns, President and CEO of Encore Strategies LLC and Vice Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, for a powerful conversation on leadership, purpose, and perseverance. Karen brings her decades of experience in advocacy, policy, and strategic leadership to discuss cr...