Enthusiastic Encouragement & Dubious Advice

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) Beco...

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) Bec...

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 vers...

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 step...

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 Storefr...

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/eedapo...

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 Websit...

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 P...

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)...

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...

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...

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 P...

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...

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 en...

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 thro...

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...

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 intera...

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...

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, acce...

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...

In this episode of Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice, hosts Patricia and Nicole discuss the significance of community and activism amidst the prevalence of digital misinformation. They delve into how algorithms shape our online experiences, the pitfalls of generative AI, and the importance of real-world actions over mere online awareness. The show also includes updates on their new mer...

This episode of "Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice" covers Nicole and Patricia's recent activities, including a trip to Santa Rosa, obtaining library cards, and trying new hobbies like crochet and Pilates. They introduce and explain the communication tool "some/many/most," which helps avoid sweeping generalizations in conversations. The hosts also discuss their current reads and emphas...

In this episode of "Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice," Patricia and Nicole reflect on their experiences at the Trans March and discuss their recent activities involving harvesting garlic and decluttering their book collection. They delve into effective communication techniques, particularly "I statements," to improve personal interactions and resolve conflicts. The hosts also share bo...

This week, we have an encore of last year's Queer 101 episode! 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 Resources mentioned can be found here . Find the full show notes and official transcript on our website:  eedapod.com Follow the show on  I...

In this episode of "Enthusiastic Encouragement and Dubious Advice," Patricia and Nicole discuss their mid-year review of personal goals, emphasizing decluttering and strengthening community connections. They offer book recommendations for Pride Month, focusing on LGBTQ+ history and resources. The hosts also share what's currently bringing them joy, such as tending to a blooming plumeria and immers...