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Part 3 begins with Francisca (Me) issuing an apology after doing a little research on 45 sales. From there, we dive into Eric’s podcast, Thoughts Adrift. A podcast about… You guessed it. Phish. Eric and I talk about the wonderfully interesting world of podcasting and the freedom that comes with not chasing perfection. Sometimes it’s about simply doing the things that make life a little more interesting and a lot more fun. Then we deep dive into ’80s sitcoms and movies. Did we really both say we preferred National Lampoon’s European Vacation over the original? Yeah. We did. How many one-liners did you count in Commando? Cheers! Yes, Diane was annoying. But annoying enough to make the Rebecca episodes better? That wasn’t my feeling. By the end, you may find yourself wanting to explore Phish, pick up an album you’ve never heard and listen to it from beginning to end, or go back and rewatch an epic ’80s sitcom. I hope this series inspires you to do all of the above.

n Part 2 of my conversation with Eric, we delve deeper into Phish. The shows, the community, the music, the covers… including Phish covering the Beastie Boys. We have some thoughts on that one. We talk about the power of music and how it can feed our souls through different songs, in different moments, and in very different ways. Somehow, it all leads back to love and light. Except for that time I witnessed something. Eric explains what can sometimes be the difference between the online community and the 3D community. We also talk about more of the great music of our generation. Pearl Jam’s Ten was, as always, mentioned again. Talking Heads received the love they deserve. We talk about the magic of creating playlists and mixtapes, and then we challenged ourselves to pick our favorite Led Zeppelin song. We, of course, fell down a rabbit hole. So now we’re asking you: What’s your favorite Led Zeppelin song?

Welcome Everyone! We made it to Season 3! I am so excited to be here with all of you. I am kicking off this season by introducing you to my new “Music is Life” series. I received so much positive feedback from the Music is Life episode I did with Rob. I figured, why not start a series within the podcast centered around my favorite thing in the world… MUSIC. In this episode, I had the chance to sit down and talk with Eric. He is the creator and host of the “Thoughts Adrift” podcast, where he and his co-host Mike explore the oceanic world of the jam band Phish. We also talk about what it was like growing up Gen X. What it was like growing up in a time before the internet, algorithms, social media, and cell phones existed. An era of unmatchable music, concerts, and movies. How we survived being raised by the Boomer generation. And, of course, the years of therapy that accompanied that. We talk about how we managed to carry the innocence of our generation forward and somehow turn it into a resilience that can only be followed by one battle cry: GOONIES NEVER SAY DIE.

Do you remember William’s little tape recorder in Almost Famous? Do you remember what a cassette sounded like when it played back through something like that? Raw, fuzzy… real. That’s exactly what the first three minutes of this episode sound like. Completely unintentional… but weirdly perfect for the vibe. If you’re someone who appreciates that beautifully imperfect nostalgia, you’ll get it. If not, hang tight. Because after those first few minutes, I sit down with Rob, founder and owner of Black Circle Records, for a conversation that runs deep. We talk about music, connection, and why sound sometimes says the things words can’t. So, let’s do a little rewind with Rob. If you haven’t met him yet, this is the perfect place to start. And if you have, consider this a chance to revisit a conversation that still resonates. That way, you’ll be all caught up for our new episode together. For now… Sit back. Relax. Enjoy. And let the music play.

Before we kick off Season 3 with Matt, I thought it would be fun to take a trip back to where it all began. This week’s episode is a Think Piece Rewind… my very first episode and my very first conversation with Matt. It’s funny… neither of us knew where this little podcast would take us. In this conversation, we explore human behavior, how we grow, why we sometimes get stuck, and what it means to truly see ourselves and each other. This isn’t a lecture. It’s simply two friends trying to make sense of the world… and our place in it. If you’ve ever found yourself reflecting on your own patterns, or wondering why people do the things they do… Lean in. This one might just be for you.

What Does Connection Look and Feel Like in 2026? | Part 3 It’s finally here… Part 3 of my conversation with Carlos and the final episode of Season 2. What a journey this season has been. In this episode, Carlos and I continue exploring what genuine human connection looks and feels like in 2026. We dive into the complexities of emotional expression, the societal conditioning surrounding men’s emotions, and why emotional intelligence plays such an important role in building meaningful relationships. We also share practical thoughts on embracing vulnerability, creating authentic connections, and giving ourselves permission to show up more fully as who we are. If you’ve been following this conversation from the beginning, I think you’ll really enjoy how we bring it all together. Thank you for being part of this incredible season. Season 3, Episode 1 is just around the corner… and I can’t wait to share what’s next.

Think Piece turns one this month, and I wanted to take a moment to catch up with all of you. In this short update, I share what’s coming up in Season 3, reflect on the past year of podcasting, and talk about what it’s been like living in a World Cup host city during such a unique moment in time. Mostly, this is a thank you. Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this journey. I couldn’t have done it without you.

We’re back for Part 2. As it turns out, we couldn’t fit everything this topic explores into just two episodes. So yes, there will be a Part 3. You really can’t go wrong with a good trilogy. In this conversation, Carlos and I explore the evolving nature of love, relationships, and connection in the modern world. We discuss the impact of social media, cultural influences, emotional vulnerability, and the importance of authenticity.

In this episode of Think Piece, I sit down with director and cinematographer Carlos Juárez for an honest conversation about love, dating, and human connection in 2026. Together, we explore how relationships are shifting in a world shaped by social media, dating apps, AI, and an increasing sense of disconnection—while also reflecting on the very real human desire to still be seen, understood, and loved. This episode moves through personal stories, observations about modern culture, and the strange beauty and complexity of trying to connect in a rapidly changing world. It’s thoughtful, reflective, funny in moments, and deeply human at its core.

In Part 2, Julia and I talk about what happens when healing is put to the test. We talk about the unexpected triggers that remind us the work is never really over—and how being triggered doesn’t mean you’re going backwards. This is an honest conversation about boundaries, self-protection, and choosing yourself in moments that once would have pulled you back. Spoiler alert: we both cried. Because healing is a paradox.

What happens when the oldest child stops being the child? In this episode, Julia and I talk about what it really looks like to grow up in chaos—and how, for many of us, that meant stepping into roles we were never meant to carry. We get into the quiet weight of being the “responsible one,” the protector, the one who holds everything together… and how those patterns don’t just disappear when childhood ends. This isn’t a clinical conversation. It’s an honest one. We talk about how those experiences shape the way you move through relationships, how you see yourself, and how hard it can be to unlearn the survival modes that once kept you safe. But we also talk about healing. About awareness. About breaking cycles. And about what it means to finally choose something different for yourself.

In Part 2 of Life Through Millennial Hues, we explore the emotional landscape of the millennial generation. From therapy language and burnout culture to loneliness, dating apps, and redefining relationships, this conversation looks at how millennials are navigating love, work, and identity in a rapidly changing world. We also talk about creativity, purpose, and the quieter ways this generation is building meaningful lives beyond traditional definitions of success. This is a human conversation about what it feels like to grow up as a millennial and what this generation may be getting right as it reshapes ideas about connection, fulfillment, and the future.

What did it really feel like to grow up millennial? In this episode of Think Piece, Francisca sits down with Asheka for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about the realities of coming of age between generations. Drawing in part from her legal studies and lived experience, Ashika brings sharp insight to the emotional and economic pressures millennials face, from the aftershocks of COVID-19 to rising healthcare and education costs. The conversation moves beyond headlines into lived experience, touching on cultural expectations, financial independence, mental health awareness, and what happens when younger generations begin questioning long-standing systems. If you’ve ever felt caught between worlds, this conversation will likely resonate.

Part 2 shifts the focus outward—from individual response to collective care. In this episode, Matt and I talk about how connection, community, and shared support become even more important during times of uncertainty. We explore what strength really looks like when people are exhausted, grieving, or trying to find their footing again, and how showing up for one another doesn’t always require big gestures—sometimes it starts with listening, kindness, and presence. This conversation is an invitation to reflect on how we support each other, how we stay human in hard moments, and how community can help us move out of survival mode together. If you’re craving steadiness, reassurance, or a reminder that you’re not alone in this, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we revisit a conversation that feels especially relevant right now. Recorded earlier this year with my good friend Matt, Part 1 of Fight or Flight explores what it means to notice when we’re pushing too hard, when we’re pulling away, and when our nervous systems are simply trying to protect us. We talk about stress, overwhelm, and the very human instinct to move into fight, flight, or freeze when the world feels like too much. This isn’t about having answers. It’s about slowing down, recognizing what’s happening in our bodies and minds, and giving ourselves permission to pause before deciding what comes next. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or unsure how to move forward right now, this conversation is here to sit with you.