Advice Is Optional

Thirty-one episodes. Two and a half years behind the scenes. And somehow, we're still surprised by where this podcast has taken us. In this Season 3 finale, we look back at the growth, the pivots, the tension, and the unexpected turns that shaped this season,  from money shifts and moving in together to career curveballs and Gage almost quitting the podcast. Life changed. So did we. Season 4 might...

Inspired by Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Gage opens up about writing down a big life goal, setting a money target, and how it felt to tell his girlfriend and then now put it out on the podcast. Plus, Kristal shares how manifestations can show up in the most unexpected ways. Listen in and ask yourself, what's your dream and who do you trust enough to share it with? 1:14 Think and Grow Rich...

Kristal and Gage revisit a topic that once got a hard eye-roll from Gage, the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Back in season one, Kristal swore by them. Gage? He called bullsh*t. Fast forward to real adult life and moving in with his girlfriend, navigating stress, conflict, and connection and suddenly those "bullsh*t" concepts start hitting a little closer to home.   1:47 Can Gage na...

Buying your next car doesn't have to wreck your finances. In this episode we sit down with Christian, car industry insider and lifelong car enthusiast to break down how to buy smart in today's used car market. From why new cars are a bad idea in your 20's to what mileage actually means, red flags on Carfax, maintenance myths, and why oil changes matter more than you think!  1:43 Mid 20's should yo...

Gage shares a real-time life update, he and his partner, Sarah, have decided to move in together which moves the convo towards fears, finances, and logistics… eventually bringing in one of Gage's famous spreadsheets. This episode reminds you that growth isn't perfect, and the advice is always optional. Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally...

Gage and Kristal take on workplace dress codes, professional expectations, and the unwritten rules no one ever explains. What begins with Gage's frustration over having to get a haircut turns into a debate about comfort versus professionalism, generational differences, and the hidden power dynamics behind "looking the part." Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social m...

AIO welcomes special guest Hannah, Gage's mentor in bartending and managing.  Hannah speaks of navigating alcohol safely and thoughtfully—especially for women. From pacing drinks and ordering smarter, to social pressure, bartender etiquette, mocktails, and staying aware in bar settings, this conversation blends real-life bar experience with mindset and self-trust. Honest, and informative, this epi...

Gage needs a side hustle and what should've been easy turns into a lesson in humility. AI hiring, ego checks, and shifting mindset. Kristal and Gage talk about knowing your worth, staying grounded, and trusting that everything works out for the best. Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it! Interested in your own Coaching Sessio...

Gage and Kristal dive into the meaningful parts of maintaining friendships as life shifts, schedules get busy, and miles grow between them. They explore how friendships evolve over time, why reaching out can feel intimidating, and the different ways each generation stays connected — from video games  to intentional heartfelt texts. Whether you're trying to reconnect, maintain your circle, or simpl...

Gage actually asks for advice and this episode catches a real time, raw conversation about expectations, maturity, money, communication, and navigating the genuine next step in a relationship. Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it! Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal?  Click on https://kristalfiorentino.com/li...

Our favorite special guest Ellie is back—and things get ruff! Gage and Ellie have very different takes on this topic, so buckle up and get ready to duck…shots are definitely fired in this episode. Find us @adviceisoptional on TikTok and IG for pictures of all the animals mentioned in this episode.   Other helpful links from this episode:   Helps homeless dogs to be matched with people with disabil...

In this episode, Gage and Kristal get real about anxiety—what it feels like, why it shows up, and what actually helps. From sweaty palms to spiraling thoughts, they break down the mind-body connection and give some tried-and-true tools to live by if you experience it.  Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it! Interested in your...

Gage is invited to his cousin's wedding and he has a bunch of questions and a few rants. So, Kristal dives into the do's and don'ts of wedding etiquette—from gifts and dress codes to rehearsal dinner confusion and whether or not it's okay to sneak a peek at the Final Four during the vows.  Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it...

Gage shares how lifting weights became his therapy for dealing with anxiety, and Kristal explains why that worked. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or just trying to get consistent, this episode offers simple, real-life ways to use movement as medicine. No gym membership required.  Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appre...

You've heard Gage and Kristal's side, now it's Sarah's turn.  In this follow-up episode, we finally get to meet Sarah and hear her take on what it was like meeting Gage's parents for the first time. Was she nervous? Did she feel ambushed? And what was really going through her head at dinner? Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate...

Is there ever a right time to introduce your girlfriend/boyfriend to your parents? Listen to find how Gage made that decision- or how the decision was made for him- and how it went! Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. It would really help and we would totally appreciate it! Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal?   Click on https://kristalfi...

Is Work-Life Balance even a thing? We tackle this very question with a special guest, Ellie, Gage's younger sister who is also experiencing her first real job and struggling with this same question.   Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. It really helps us and we would totally appreciate it! Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal?  Click on h...

After a five-day break, Gage talks about the anxiety creeping in before Monday hits. Kristal shares simple ways to ease the "Sunday Night Scaries" and how to shift your mindset for a smoother start to the week. Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it! Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal?  click on https://krista...

Gage comes home to his childhood room turned guest room, and both Gage and Kristal have their own ideas as to how Gage reacted to the transition. Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it! Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal? Click on https://kristalfiorentino.com/life-101/ Highlights:  2:25 everything is differen...

Moving to a new town is hard. Dating in a new town is harder. Kristal and Gage break down ideas to make dating less hard, and share views on online dating. Something good to say?  Leave a review or give us a shout out on social media. We would totally appreciate it! Interested in your own Coaching Session with Kristal? Click on https://kristalfiorentino.com/life-101/ Highlights:  1:36 the experien...

 2:22 moms long answer about how I'm wrong  3:50 why I should  'take one for the team'  6:49 my girlfriend and I reached a compromise  10:25 my mom offers her date night advice but I am all set 13:57 do I have to get my girlfriend the cheesy valentines bear 15:53 another piece of advice I refuse to take 17:15 I want to see some data on this 5 live languages  17:42 Last minute Advice Advice is Opti...

The last episode of the season and our FIRST real guest!  We get serious about how to save money when you can barely afford rent and groceries! If you hate listening to your parents about money, then I suggest listening to Kelly Ennis, CFP® a financial advisor! Just be sure to consult your financial professional prior to making any decisions or taking action    3:45  the time to start financial pl...

If you have to get a job, then you have to listen to this episode. Finding THE job is grueling and we discuss how it really feels to manage expectations and rejection. We also discuss if high school and career counseling is more hurtful than helpful in some cases.   2:55 job hunting is not for the faint of heart   4:22 rejection totally sucks 6:36 I don't want to zig zag up the mountain I just wan...

We decide if the Law of Attraction is BS, Desperation has a smell, and if the Universe hates Airpods. Oh, and my mom admits to dating in the dinosaur age.  4:20 how the Law of Attraction happened to me  5:18 my mom discusses if desperation has a smell  9:18 if you're not first your last  11:56 we have over 16,000 thoughts a day and an overwhelming amount are negative 15:12 I share my own affirmati...

In this episode my mom gets really excited about discussing unwritten expectations we don't even know we have. And, hopefully, the frustration of the job search will totally resonate with you.     4:09  first the degree then comes the job, or does it?  8:34  I become a bartender with a Masters degree 10:23 shame rears its ugly head 16:55 I apply to 20 jobs, got 6 interviews, offered 1 job 20:30 ap...