"Comparison is the thief of happiness" - Brene Brown
In this week's episode, we spend the first 15 minutes walking down memory lane talking about college alcohol habits. Grape vodka, Four Loko and Natty Ice, Oh My!
We called it: this is the most authentic episode yet, not super organized but we hope you take what you need and leave the rest on our thirteenth Unsweetened chat. The bulk of our time together, the duo talks about the negativity that comes with unrealistic comparisons. Whether it's the amount of sex you have, or how much money in the bank, comparison is just exhausting. Trying to find a way to define what success means to you and adding some gratitude practices really are helping Tara and Alaina. Give it a try!
As our wise friend Megan Nethaway says "Be on your side, not on your case!"
Link to 80/80 Marriage Book: https://amzn.to/3AQys6Q
Link to Alaina's gratitude journal: https://amzn.to/3k83KQE
Continue to keep up with us and our episodes by following @unsweetenedpodcast on Instagram, for feedback and questions email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com and find the Unsweetened gals on the 'Gram @picysbyalaina and @adventurewithtara.
Today's episode is Alaina's first single serving and is centered around grief and the death of a parent.
In 2013, Alaina's father, Ed, lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer and his death changed, well... everything. On the anniversary of his death, Alaina decided to sit down with her microphone and just talk. She talked through her experience with the dying process, feeling loss for the first time and attempting to give herself grace throughout the years.
Grief and death is an inevitable part of life we all will go through at some point. It never gets easier, but we hope this episodes sheds a little light on a tough topic. Lean in, listen, and, when in doubt, be there for those you love.
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says;
"There, she is gone!"
"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!"
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout;
"Here she comes!"
And that is dying.
-Henry Van Dyke
Its official we’re both 30!
The Unsweetened duo continue with their 73 questions "with" Vogue. This podcast trend started as a simple idea but the womxn got deep learning about one another's best given gifts and desired superhero powers. The questions range from surface level to thought provoking we've even added a new word to add to our daily vocabulary. Floccinaucinihilipilification for the record means: the action or habit of estimating something as worthless.
Continue to keep up with us and our episodes by following @unsweetenedpodcast on Instagram, for feedback and questions email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com and find the Unsweetened gals on the 'Gram @picysbyalaina and @adventurewithtara.
On this week's episode, the Unsweetened Duo talk with Splice Clothing owner Ashly Ryan about all things starting your business. Together the womxn chat about staying motivated during times of rejection while always believing in your "why". Our duo learned so much about finding inspiration and creating a space for growth and development, we know you will too.
SPLICE clothing helps make packing light and adventuring easy. Creating compact, functional, and versatile apparel that earns its space in any adventurous girl's curated travel wardrobe. They do this by designing reversible clothing that is easy to pack, easy to care for, and easy to wear.
Use code UNSWEETENED for 20% off all Reversible Travel Clothing at www.spliceclothing.com
Continue to keep up with us and our episodes by following @unsweetenedpodcast on Instagram, for feedback and questions email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com and @picysbyalaina and @adventurewithtara
The Unsweetened duo takes on a Youtube and podcast trend, the 73 Questions with Vogue. This episode helps you get to know a little bit more about us. Like who is the optimistic one of the of the pair and who would eat dinner with Anthony Bourdain?!
Continue to keep up with us and our episodes by following @unsweetenedpodcast on Instagram, for feedback and questions email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com and find the Unsweetened gals on the 'Gram @picysbyalaina and @adventurewithtara.
No amount of anxiety can change the future. No amount of regret can change the past.– Karen Salmansohn
To kick off National Mental Health Awareness Month the womxn of Unsweetened have their second guest Caitlin Brady, LCSW CEDS RYT (@caitoradee) on to talk all things anxiety. We discuss the difference between anxious feelings and chronic anxiety, why you shouldn't let Tiktok diagnose you and some incredible tactics to add to your toolbox. We learned so new information regarding anxiety and we hope you do too.
Continue to keep up with us and our episodes by following @unsweetenedpodcast on Instagram, for feedback and questions email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com and find the Unsweetened gals on the 'Gram @picysbyalaina and @adventurewithtara.
Anxiety "Toolbox" Resources:
- https://adaa.org/ Anxiety and depression association of America
- https://www.nami.org/Home NAMI national alliance on mental illness
- psychologytoday.com for verified providers
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255. Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
- If you are currently struggling and feeling unsafe please go to your Local ER or call 911
- Dr Daniel Siegel - hand model of the brain
Trigger Warning: Sexual Trauma
In the first Single Serving of the Unsweetened Podcast, Tara is here solo to round out Sexual Assault Awareness Month and keep the conversation going. In this raw, heartfelt mini-sode, Tara will open up and get vulnerable in a way she never has before by sharing her experience with sexual assault, how it's impacted her life, and the power she found in healing.
If you have experienced sexual assault and need to talk to someone, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
Our hearts go out to each and every one you who have been sexually assaulted, violated, or otherwise taken advantage of. To share kind feedback, commiserate, or show your support, email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com, find the show on Instagram at @unsweetenedpodcast, or reach Tara directly at @adventurewithtara.
The Unsweetened duo has their first guest this week, and goes even deeper about toxic relationships. Megan Nethaway, MSW, LSWP, CADC-I (@megan_nethaway) makes her podcast debut dropping knowledge on all the warning signs of toxic relationships.
By definition, a toxic relationship is a relationship characterized by behaviors on the part of the toxic partner that are emotionally and, not infrequently, physically damaging to their partner. The womxn discuss what to look out for, how to ask for help, and how to be on your own side, instead of your case.
Domestic Violence Resources:
Continue to keep up with us and our episodes by following @unsweetenedpodcast on Instagram, for feedback and questions email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com and find the Unsweetened gals on the 'Gram @picysbyalaina and @adventurewithtara.
The moment when you start to wonder if you deserve better, you do.
This week on Unsweetened, your favorite duo sets the stage for the two-part toxic relationship discussion. They deep dive into their past partners and unhealthy behaviors. Tara and Alaina talk about their relationship insecurities, and the spectrum of toxicity they have experienced dating back to college. We hope you enjoy this weeks chat as we prepare for our first guest, social worker and counselor, Megan! We hope this episode gives you the ability to reflect on your relationships and maybe avoid some of the mistakes we have made along the way.
Continue to keep up with us and our episodes by following @unsweetenedpodcast on Instagram, for feedback and questions email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com and @picysbyalaina and @adventurewithtara
Is it episode 4 or 5? The Unsweetened womxn are under-caffeinated, but ready to mark their milestones together. Tara and Alaina are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries while reflecting on the things they are grateful for. In this episode the duo get much deeper and are leaning into vulnerability. If you are also in your feelings this week, make sure to check out Alaina’s Unsweetened playlist on Spotify or utilizing this link: https://tinyurl.com/alainaslist. We cannot wait for you to tag us in your posts sharing your 7-Day gratitude challenge.
Continue to keep up with us and our episodes by following @unsweetenedpodcast on Instagram, for feedback and questions email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com and @picysbyalaina and @adventureswithtara
In the first episode we finally learn how this duo met, got drunk and decided to start a podcast together. We also learn that we both have weird hairs and a love diner menus. Don’t worry it'll all make sense the longer you listen. Keep up with us and our episodes by following @unsweetenedpodcast on Instagram and @picysbyalaina and @adventureswithtara to see what we are up to on a personal level. We would love your feedback and questions for upcoming episodes! Email us at unsweetenedpod@gmail.com .
Get to know Tara and her two true loves: dropping curse words & talking too much in this episode of Unsweetened. Learn about her journey through the relationship-wringer and why ~gratitude is the new attitude~ for this displaced Jersey girl.
In this episode Alaina gives you an insight into who she is, why she says the word orange funny and her love for empowering other womxn. This half of the Unsweetened duo can’t wait for you to learn more about what makes her tick and why she's excited to lean into tough conversations. Check out @unsweetenedpod and @picsbyalaina on Instagram to stay up to date with all things Unsweetened!