Orange Juice Optional

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Michelle is feeling self-conscious about her ‘froggy’ voice. She shares with Suzanne that she’s been sick and that during this challenging time she discovered that she is a horrible patient.  Feeling bad about her grumpiness, she is hopeful that Suzanne will say something to make her feel better. The conversation then shifts to family gatherings and...

Episode Notes Suzanne and Michelle talk about their experiences at the Kentucky Derby. Michelle catches listeners up on what she decided to do about her dress, and why at the end of the day - her worries were really for nothing.  It may not be for the reason you think.  Then before this episode concludes, Michelle shares this week’s  ‘Something to Sip on'.  OJO's 'Something to Sip on' is always a...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: As Michelle introduces the topic for this week's podcast, Suzanne drops a comment that sparks Michelle's anxiety about fashion and decorum. This casual remark takes the conversation in a completely unexpected direction. Will Michelle manage to regain her composure before the episode concludes? Listen in to find out! (Hint: this will be...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne and Michelle talk about an event that Suzanne recently “hosted” at her home. As Michelle compliments Suzanne’s generosity in helping somebody’s dreams come true, Suzanne hijacks the sentiment with what she shares as her true motivation.  Michelle reminds her that in life both things can be true.  What do you think?   Then befor...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne and Michelle will be sharing the downside of their recent travel abroad.  Did they know that this could happen? Yes!  But were they prepared for it? Well…we will let you decide. Then before this episode concludes, Michelle shares this week’s  ‘Something to Sip on'. OJO's 'Something to Sip on' is always a featured quote intended...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne and Michelle share a few of the adventures they had while they were in China and Japan. They learned a lot.  They experienced a lot. They adventured a lot. But…would they do it again?  Listen in to find out. Then before this episode concludes, Michelle shares this week’s  ‘Something to Sip on'.  OJO's 'Something to Sip on' is a...

Episode Notes Suzanne and Michelle are back from their recent trip to Asia.  While both of the ladies are tired and experiencing jet-lag, that doesn’t stop them from unpacking the chaos that comes with returning back home.  It’s so busy!  It’s so overwhelming!! Be sure to listen in, because they both have a lot to share.  Then before this episode concludes, Suzanne shares this week’s  ‘Something t...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne opens up to Michelle as they discuss her new grandson and his time in the NICU.  From there, the conversation shifts to his first couple weeks at home. This baby talk then sparks a conversation about when their own kids were infants!! They both agree that the times have changed, and that their way of doing things might be slightly outdated. ...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne and Michelle will discuss their upcoming trip abroad. Michelle, being a creature of routine, is having a hard time dealing with her anxiety and fears about the unknowns that come with visiting a new foreign location. Will this conversation with Suzanne help to put some of those fears to rest?  Or will it only ignite new concern...

In this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne and Michelle discuss the heartfelt journey that Suzanne has experienced alongside her daughter. Suzanne candidly discusses the highs and lows from her viewpoint, carefully noting her degree of separation and its significance. The conversation will step into the world of IVF, as seen through the lens of a devoted parent and grandparent. This...

Suzanne and Michelle delve into a conversation about  the law of unintended consequences. They’ll explore both positive and negative examples, taking a moment to highlight the significance of being mindful of unknown possibilities. This being especially true when the outcome may impact others.  The conversation then shifts to the topic of AI. Are you a supporter? Tune in as the ladies share their...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Suzanne shares a recent packing frustration that she experienced with her husband.  What are your thoughts? Are there boundaries that exist when it comes to ‘your’ suitcase, how you pack it, and what others place in it? Following this, the ladies jump into a conversation about their year long  ‘Austerity’ program. While Michelle is discovering that...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional: Just realizing that they almost forgot to mention Valentine’s Day, Michelle asks Suzanne some love related questions.  Seemingly annoyed that Michelle remembered this day, Suzanne does her best to answer her. Of course, she’ll answer these questions only as Suzanne can - direct and straightforward.   Towards the end of this episode, th...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne and Michelle discuss the importance of having a morning routine. Being such a routine person, Michelle contemplates why her morning routine is altered by the change in weather or travel to a different time zone. Suzanne, also being a routine person, is perplexed by that revelation.  Towards the middle of the episode, the ladies shift their d...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne and Michelle discuss the LA Fires. Suzanne then talks about how these devastating fires prompted her to reevaluate her evacuation plan and escape strategy. Today, she will share her detailed strategy with all of us.  This topic, will close out this week’s heartfelt episode. However, before their final  ‘cheers’, Michelle will share this week...

On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne tells Michelle a story about how a previous OJO episode inspired a listener.  With some assistance from the Universe, the listener found the message that she needed to hear in that very moment. Tune in to hear Suzanne recap the healing experience that was shared with her.  After that discussion, the episode easily transitions into a conversa...

Episode Notes In this week's episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne and Michelle discuss the movie ‘Wicked’, before tackling a situation that Michelle despises more than anything else: the arrival of the dinner bill when dining with others. Who takes the bill first?  How do you split it up? Listen in as Suzanne reveals her strategies for navigating the unspoken awkwardness.  From there, Michell...

Episode Notes On this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional, Suzanne and Michelle discuss a comment that Michelle recently received from a loved one.  While Michelle explains why she didn’t appreciate the comment, Suzanne offers a silver lining and defends it. As Michelle has been saying for awhile….there is a kinder, gentler and maybe even a more understanding Suzanne.  What do you think? Movin...

Episode Notes Hi everyone and welcome to Orange Juice Optional!! On this week’s episode, Suzanne and Michelle discuss Suzanne’s main 2025 resolution.  Fully committed, Suzanne has even named this resolution ‘The Austerity Plan’.   What exactly is this plan? Will guidelines be followed?  And most  importantly…do those guidelines have any wiggle room?  Listen in, because Suzanne is going to explain...

Hello everyone, and welcome to this week's episode of Orange Juice Optional! Today, listen in as Suzanne and Michelle discuss the meaning of the word “Bougie” While Michelle embraces the term and incorporates it into her everyday conversations, Suzanne finds it offensive, viewing it as a negative label. Following this engaging conversation, Suzanne will wrap up this episode with “Something to Sip...

Episode Notes Hello everyone! Welcome to this week’s episode of Orange Juice Optional! Join Suzanne and Michelle as they bid a fond farewell to the year 2024. While reminiscing about some of their favorite memories from the past year, they are both eager to embrace the fresh start that 2025 brings. Then to wrap up this episode, Suzanne and Michelle both share a ‘Something to Sip on.’  OJO's 'Somet...

Episode Notes Hi everyone!! Welcome to this week's Holiday inspired episode of Orange Juice Optional. Today, listen in as Suzanne and Michelle discuss gift giving strategies, and gift receiving ‘fails’. After that conversation, play along as they go through a delightful list of Christmas ‘this or that’ questions.  Then to close this episode out, Michelle shares this week’s ‘Something to Sip on'. O...

Episode Notes Welcome to this week's episode of Orange Juice Optional! With the holiday season here, Suzanne and Michelle discuss the frustrations that come with traveling during the holiday season.  Then to close this episode out, Michelle shares this week’s ‘Something to Sip on'. OJO's 'Something to Sip on' is always a featured quote intended to inspire reflection and continued contemplation. Un...

Welcome to this week's episode of Orange Juice Optional! With the holiday season upon us, Michelle finds herself lacking her normal holiday ‘cheer’. As she struggles with her personal feelings of unpreparedness, her and Suzanne discuss various ways to enhance holiday merriment. From festive decorations to singing Christmas carols, Suzanne and Michelle are excited to share some delightful ideas to...

Episode Notes Welcome everyone to Orange Juice Optional! It's finally Thanksgiving week, so listen in as Suzanne and Michelle dive into a lively round of  "this or that”.  This week’s game focuses on the non-food aspects of the Thanksgiving holiday.  Enjoying the Thanksgiving theme, Suzanne then playfully challenges Michelle to an entertaining game of Thanksgiving Trivia. Then to close this e...