Should I Quit: Waiting for a Partner to Have a Baby?

The Real Question

#Society #Relationship #Lifestyle #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Not Sorry LLC #Sorry #Self Help #Chaplaincy #Feminist

30:14

"It is a scientific fact that these macaques, like all other primates, including humans, are communicating. They communicate in much the same way we do - facial expressions, vocalizations, body postures, those kinds of things." - Jeff Kerr Jeff Kerr is PETA foundations Chief Legal Officer. I asked him to come on the show to talk about one of PETA’s current lawsuits against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Nathional Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). PETA is arguing that the monkeys being tested on in a government run facility are capable of communication (or “are communicating”). And that we have a constitutional right under the First Amendment to receive their communications. This could be a game changer in allowing us to see what’s really going on in labs that are funded by taxpayer money, and which have so far been censored from public view. PETA’s lawsuit follows years of NIH’s attempts to deny Freedom of Information requests banning PETA executives from its campus and illegally censoring animal advocates’ speech on NIH’s public social media pages. Through the lawsuit, PETA is seeking a live audio-visual feed to see and hear real-time communications from the macaques who have been kept isolated, used in fear experiments, and had posts cemented into their heads. Anthropologists and other scientists have studied macaque and other primate communications for decades and know that the monkeys communicate effectively and intentionally through lip smacking, fear grimaces, body language, and various cries and sounds—all of which constitute speech under the law. Primatologists can analyze that speech on a deeper level to share their stories with the world.…

about a year ago 27:09

MP3•Episode home

We’re continuing our short series with Mauricio Bruce filling in as a guest host. Mauricio is a transpersonal therapist, chaplain, and the co-leader of our What Matters program.

This week on the show, our guest Katie shares with Mauricio about her desire to be a mom. She’s nearly 34 years old and she feels like the clock is ticking. The problem is she hasn’t found a life partner yet. She’s wondering: is it time to think about becoming a single parent?

This week on Should I Quit? Mauricio and Katie discuss what to do when things don’t fall into place like you hoped they would.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

175 episodes

Should I Quit: Waiting for a Partner to Have a Baby?

The Real Question

64 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

We’re continuing our short series with Mauricio Bruce filling in as a guest host. Mauricio is a transpersonal therapist, chaplain, and the co-leader of our What Matters program.

This week on Should I Quit? Mauricio and Katie discuss what to do when things don’t fall into place like you hoped they would.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

175 episodes

#Society #Relationship #Lifestyle #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Not Sorry LLC #Sorry #Self Help #Chaplaincy #Feminist

All episodes

1
Should I: Stop Doing People Favors? 36:22

4 days ago36:22

36:22

Jolie Doggett struggles with boundaries. She's a classic 'yes' person – when someone asks her to jump, she says "how high?" She knows this about herself and she wants to change it. But how do you change something like that? Should she just go cold turkey? Spend a month telling everyone 'no'? This week, Mauricio and Jolie explore why we sometimes preference other people's needs and desires over our own. Check out Finding The Right Words The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Let My Parents Buy Me a Flat? 36:55

9 days ago36:55

36:55

Stefanie and her parents have never quite seen eye-to-eye about the best way to live. Stefanie has sought passion and spontaneity. Stefanie's parents would much prefer she choose a life of stability and family. Now, Stefanie's parents have offered to buy her an apartment. But what would it mean for her to accept it? Would it feel like a concession to their priorities? This week, Mauricio and Stefanie discuss how to get out of black-and-white thinking. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Care Less About Work? 23:30

18 days ago23:30

23:30

Theodora is starting law school in the fall and she's nervous about the workload and intensity. She's a hard worker and she's worried that she'll get totally wrapped up in school and won't be able to slow down and attend to the other things in her life. Does she need to change her relationship to work before it all starts? This week, Mauricio and Theodora explore how to hold yourself to your priorities. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Quit Keeping Kosher? 25:24

25 days ago25:24

25:24

Gillian doesn't eat pork and doesn't eat shellfish. It's her version of keeping kosher and she's been doing it for the past decade. Recently, however, she realized that she doesn't really know why she's doing it anymore. Is it still a meaningful practice in her life? Or is it something it's time to set aside? This week, Mauricio and Gillian reflect on the difference between 'habits' and 'rituals.' **There's still time to register for What Matters , our small cohort sacred reading program! It's a 28-week intensive which includes one-on-one time with Mauricio. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should You: Get a Divorce? 37:20

5 weeks ago37:20

37:20

This week we have a special episode on the topic of divorce. Vanessa calls her friend, couples and family therapist Colette Potts , to discuss common issues for couples, infidelity, and the practicalities of divorce. Next week, we're back to our regular format with Mauricio! The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Remain Childless? 29:11

6 weeks ago29:11

29:11

There's certainly been a theme with our submissions lately! Just like our guest from Should I: Have a Child?, Emily feels pulled in two directions about having kids. She can imagine a very full life for herself either way. As she nears the end of of her biological opportunity for kids – is she ready to shut the door on that possibility? This week, Mauricio and Emily discuss how to make a decision for the future when it feels like that decision can never be changed. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Expand My Business? 30:02

7 weeks ago30:02

30:02

Brandon runs a successful restaurant group with his husband. Things are stressful, it’s a lot to manage, and they just got a great offer to open another restaurant in a hip part of town. Brandon is seriously tempted, but he’s also suspicious of his own temptation. Does he want to expand for the right reasons? This week, Mauricio and Brandon explore how various stories from our past influence our motivations for the future. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Invite My Dad to My Wedding? 36:15

8 weeks ago36:15

36:15

Natalie has been ‘low-contact’ with her dad for a while now – she doesn't reach out or put any effort into the relationship, but hasn't totally cut him out of her life. Her upcoming wedding is putting some pressure on that resolution. If she does invite him, and he makes a scene or disappoints her, it will hugely impact the joy of the day. But if she doesn't invite him, that feels like a big line in the sand about the future of their relationship. This week, Mauricio and Natalie explore how we continue to repeat the patterns from our childhood, even as we make progress on healing. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Change The Way I Talk About My Health? 38:29

9 weeks ago38:29

38:29

In the course of Sarah’s life, she often finds that she has to talk about her migraines. But the reactions she gets from people are frustrating and sometimes really hurtful. Can she take another approach to these conversations? This week, Mauricio and Sarah discuss the large and small ways that chronic illness interrupt life. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Have a Child? 31:53

10 weeks ago31:53

31:53

Our guest this week has always wanted to have a kid. He’s also aware that having a kid will totally transform his life! Is he willing to give up parts of his life to make room for a baby? This week, Mauricio and our guest explore how to make space for aspects of our identity that sometimes compete. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Quit Being an Atheist? 29:39

11 weeks ago29:39

29:39

About five years ago, River left Christianity. He felt constrained and needed space to explore and ask questions. Recently, he has been thinking about a return – but can he bring everything he learned on the outside back in? Or would he have to hide the new parts of himself to belong again? This week, Mauricio and River discuss the joys and drawbacks of religious community. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Continue to Travel to See Family? 25:42

12 weeks ago25:42

25:42

Meghan lives with her partner and daughter in Costa Rica, far away from the rest of their family. They travel frequently to see their family, but it always feels like a huge effort to do so. Should they quit traveling so much? Or would that deprive themselves and their daughter of necessary family time? This week, Mauricio and Meghan discuss the duty we feel towards family and how to balance that with our own self-care. Mauricio mentioned our unlocked Real Talk perk on Patreon, you check it out here . The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Quit My Bookclub? 29:51

13 weeks ago29:51

29:51

Elizabeth Rowe 's bookclub reading has started to feel like homework. She loves to read, but after a long day of work she wants romance and adventure and fantasy. Her bookclub, on the other hand, wants Tolstoy. Should she leave the club? This week on the show Mauricio and Elizabeth discuss the importance of community space. Elizabeth Rowe is a leadership coach. She's teaching an upcoming class for Not Sorry called Discerning Success. Sign-up here! The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Start Charging for My Work? 28:29

14 weeks ago28:29

28:29

Ray is graduating with a Masters of Divinity this year but they know they don't want to pursue a traditional path towards ordination. They do want to continue providing spiritual care and counseling to their community. But should they be charging for that work? Shouldn't care be accessible to people who need it, without being a financial burden? On today's episode, Ray and Mauricio explore what it means to have a calling and the complicated web of care, disability, and capitalism. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should I: Have a Life Partner? 33:20

15 weeks ago33:20

33:20

Anna knows she wants to be a parent and she doesn't want to do it alone, but she's never particularly wanted a life partner. Should she reconsider that position for the sake of raising a child? On today's episode, Anna and Mauricio explore Anna's relationship to partnership and uncover some of the deeper anxieties at play for her. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Modern Friendship with Anna Goldfarb 32:32

16 weeks ago32:32

32:32

Anna Goldfarb is a journalist and self-titled 'friendship expert' who is the author of the recent book Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections. This week she joins Vanessa to talk all about why we make friends, why we lose them, and how to keep them. Next week, we're back to our regular format with Mauricio! The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I: Settle Down? 31:09

17 weeks ago31:09

31:09

Devon always said that when she moved back to Ohio, she would start planning for the future. She'd think about all the big things: about finding a partner, about whether she wants kids, about buying a house, about planning for retirement. But now that's she's finally moved home, she's been avoiding all those big topics. Is she avoiding them because she doesn't want them? Or is she avoiding them because it's scary to begin? This week on the show Mauricio and Devon talk about how to stay flexible and also build roots. The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I: Start A Sabbath Ritual? 29:40

18 weeks ago29:40

29:40

Serena, like all of us, wants to spend less time scrolling on her phone. She wants to make more time for community and deep conversations and joy. She wants to have some kind of sabbath practice. But what does that look like when you don't have a religious tradition to dictate the terms? This week on the show Mauricio and Serena walk step-by-step through designing a sabbath ritual. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I: Go Back to Church? 27:46

19 weeks ago27:46

27:46

Daniel Schroeder's dad is Methodist minister, so he grew up in the church. But about 10 years ago, after he graduated college, he stopped going. Now, after all this time, he's wondering if it's time to go back. This week on the show Mauricio and Daniel discuss the process of coming out and how to carve out a sense of individual identity within your family. Daniel is the host of Let's Ask Taylor Swift , our newest podcast at Not Sorry. Every other week he and Vanessa Zoltan dissect a Taylor Swift song and apply it to their lives. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I: Change My Checklist for Dating? 27:06

20 weeks ago27:06

27:06

A lot of us have a checklist for dating – things we're specifically looking for (or not looking for) in a partner. After a string of unsuccessful dates, Katie is re-evaluating her checklist. Are these things she really needs? What if they're getting in the way of her finding the right person? This week on the show Mauricio and Katie discuss how past relationships can continue to influence you long after they're over. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I: Marry My Girlfriend? 24:07

21 weeks ago24:07

24:07

Leading up to the election, Marina and their girlfriend started joking about marriage. Once the idea was in the air, the question became more and more real. Sure they're young, sure they haven't been together that long, but they really love each other. Plus, heading into a conservative administration, LGBTQ+ rights aren't guaranteed. Is now the time to get married? This week on Should I Quit? Mauricio and Marina discuss when you should rely on the wisdom of your parents and when you should follow your instincts. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I: Pursue Acting Professionally? 32:02

22 weeks ago32:02

32:02

About a year ago, Evie completed a Master’s course in acting. But actually pursuing acting professionally feels like a whole different thing – like she’d have to really commit to it as her life’s dream and struggle for years and maybe still not ever make it. Thinking about that, Evie’s not sure if she good enough or feels passionately enough to commit to trying. This week on Should I Quit? Mauricio and Evie explore what counts as a dreams and when you should pursue it. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I: Take an Art Class in 2025? 27:35

23 weeks ago27:35

27:35

It's a new year and we're bringing you a new season with a new host! Today Mauricio is entertaining a very special guest – Vanessa Zoltan. Maybe you've head of her? Vanessa is reflecting on what she wants for 2025 and is wondering whether she should take an art class this year. Art used to be a big part of her life and she misses it! But does she truly have the motivation to leave the house regularly, especially in the evening when she could be resting? -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I Quit: Final Reflection 11:45

24 weeks ago11:45

11:45

That's a wrap on Should I Quit ! Today Vanessa shares what she's learned over the past two years of making this show. In exactly a week we'll be back with our first episode of the new season with Mauricio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Real Question

1
Did They Quit: Being a Stay-at-Home Parent? 10:39

24 weeks ago10:39

10:39

It's our final 'Did They Quit' of the year! We're wrapping things up with the lovely Sophy. We originally talked to Sophy in April about how her career intersects with her caretaking responsibilities. Tomorrow: a final reflection and goodbye (for now!) from Vanessa. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Did They Quit: Making Political Donations? 9:26

24 weeks ago9:26

9:26

As promised, we're following up today with the other half of Pantsuit Politics : Beth Silvers. Back in March Beth decided she was going to stop making political donations beyond the local level. Was she able to stick to those convictions through the election? -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Did They Quit: Cussing 6:47

24 weeks ago6:47

6:47

Today we're checking back in with Sarah Stewart Holland from Pantsuit Politics to find out if she quit cussing. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Did They Quit: Waiting for a Partner to Have a Baby? 8:32

24 weeks ago8:32

8:32

Merry Christmas and Happy Channukah to those who are celebrating today! Today we're checking back in with Katie, our guest from Should I Quit: Waiting for a Partner to Have a Baby? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Real Question

1
Did They Quit: Trying to Date Without the Apps? 9:07

24 weeks ago9:07

9:07

Today, we're checking back-in with Meghan from Should I Quit: Trying to Date Without the Apps? -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Did They Quit: Halifax? 11:10

25 weeks ago11:10

11:10

Before we end 'Should I Quit', we're checking back in with some past guests. How did things turn out for them? Did they quit what they wanted to? Today, we're talking to Kaitlyn from Should I Quit: Halifax? -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Let's Ask Taylor Swift: Tim McGraw 31:39

26 weeks ago31:39

31:39

Not Sorry has launched its first new podcast since 2020! Let's Ask Taylor Swift is co-hosted by Vanessa and podcaster, writer and cultural critic: Daniel Schroeder. In each episode Daniel and Vanessa will focus on one song from Taylor's discography, asking themselves, each other, and you— the audience— what it is about Taylor's music that resonates so much with fans. In our first season, every episode will look at the lead single from one of Taylor’s albums. We're sharing with you our first episode on Tim McGraw, but we've also just released our second episode on Love Story in the Let's Ask Taylor Swift feed. If you enjoyed this episode, go subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I Quit: Breastfeeding? 31:56

27 weeks ago31:56

31:56

Julia has three toddlers at home. Her first child stop breastfeeding recently and it was a gradual process of feeling out when he was ready. But with her younger twins, breastfeeding has been harder – it's been making her sick. Should she stop breastfeeding them now to save herself from future illness? Or is it important to extend the same opportunity to her younger kids that her first child had? This week on Should I Quit? Vanessa and Julia explore how much of yourself you should give to parenting. If you'd like to attend one of the pilgrimages Julia is staffing next year, you can join her reading: Persuasion in Dorset in April Remains of the Day in the Cotswolds in July And Upstream in Montana in August -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I Quit: Being Car-less? 26:26

29 weeks ago26:26

26:26

Zoe was always proud of the fact that she didn't own a car. It reflected her environmentalist values and helped her stay more deeply in community. But after a recent move to Colorado, it's clear that a car would make her life a lot better. So she's wondering: when is it important to stick to your values even when it's hard? And when it is okay to revise your values to make your life easier? This week on Should I Quit? Vanessa and Zoe explore how keep yourself from complacency. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I Quit: Trying to Get a PhD? 27:40

31 weeks ago27:40

27:40

Shannon recently withdrew from her PhD program – with two young kids and a full time job, it wasn't the right time. Now, a few weeks out from the decision, she's asking herself: what's the plan? Does she set aside her dream of getting a PhD? Or should she plan on going back? If so, when? This week on Should I Quit? Vanessa and Shannon explore how to make slow decisions. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I Quit: My Ethical Phone? 25:24

33 weeks ago25:24

25:24

Megan believes in doing the ‘right thing’ even when it’s a little inconvenient, so she bought herself an ethical phone. This phone is supposed to be 'forever' – the answer to our cultural habit of constantly buying new technology every few years. This phone is also really annoying. But is it annoying enough to give up on her ideals and switch to a ‘normal’ phone? This week on Should I Quit? Vanessa and Megan discuss which small actions matter and how to stick with them. If you’re interested in reading more about the ethics of mining cobalt, we highly recommend this piece from NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/02/01/1152893248/red-cobalt-congo-drc-mining-siddharth-kara Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Announcement: New Season Coming Soon 8:08

34 weeks ago8:08

8:08

After two years of Should I Quit?, Vanessa is moving on to other projects. The Real Question is sticking around though, with a brand new host and a new question! If you'd like to submit a final question for Should I Quit? or be one of the first voices in our next season, you can submit here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I Quit: Trying to Be Close with my Dad? 25:33

35 weeks ago25:33

25:33

Stephanie used to call her dad every day. Then she realized: she was the only one putting work into their relationship. If she stopped calling, they stopped talking. So now, they don't really talk. But their relationship (or lack thereof) has been hanging over her head. Should she put the work in to try to fix it? Or is it time to just let go of the hope of a close and reciprocal relationship with her dad? This week on Should I Quit? Vanessa and Stephanie discuss how to have honest, loving and realistic relationships. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I Quit: Befriending Men? 25:28

37 weeks ago25:28

25:28

Andrea keeps having this problem: as soon as her single guy friends get a serious partner, it feels like she can't be close friends with them anymore. This doesn't happen with her female friends. It feels gendered, and it hurts. Is this going to keep happening? Should she stop investing in relationships with single, straight men? This week on Should I Quit? Vanessa and Andrea explore the unspoken rules and fears among single friends. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I Quit: Buying Home Goods? (with Micaela Blei) 24:39

39 weeks ago24:39

24:39

We're thrilled today to be joined by story-telling coach Micaela Blei – the co-teacher of our upcoming memoir writing class . Micaela enjoys making her home beautiful. She's good at scouring thrift stores and finding just the right touch to bring everything together. She's also a little bit ashamed of how much time and attention she puts into buying home goods. Is she making her days at home easier and better through small improvements? Or is she frivolously spending on un-important things? This week on Should I Quit? Micaela and Vanessa discuss how to know if our self-soothing techniques are positive or over-indulgent. If you enjoyed hearing Vanessa and Micaela on this episode, you can sign-up for their class: https://notsorryworks.com/writing-workshops-2024#memoir -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

1
Should I Quit: Trying to Date Without the Apps? 24:19

41 weeks ago24:19

24:19

Megan has always hated the dating apps. She's tried them – they're awful! Recently, however, she's been wondering if she should suck it up and give them another try. Is online dating truly the best way to find a romantic partner? Or should she continue waiting and hoping to meet someone 'organically' in the world? This week on Should I Quit? Vanessa and Megan discuss how to be clear-sighted and intentional while dating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: Fighting My Acne? 23:33

43 weeks ago23:33

23:33

Hope Rehak has been trying to treat her acne for the last 20 years. She's bought all kinds of things to 'help' – pills, shots, serums, and creams – but nothing has really worked long term. Is it finally time to just accept her skin for what it is? This week on Should I Quit? Vanessa and Hope discuss the struggles and limits of body positivity. If you enjoyed listening to Hope today be sure to check out her Substack, Obsessions this Week , and her upcoming screenwriting class ! -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: Wanting to Get Married? 26:02

45 weeks ago26:02

26:02

For most of their life, Kat had a plan: move in with someone, get married, have kids. But recently they’ve been re-evaluating. They live with a long-term partner and are very happy. Would being ‘married’ change anything? Or do they just want marriage because that's what society has guided them towards? This week in Should I Quit? Vanessa and Kat explore why we want the things we want and how to ask for them. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: The Plan B for My Radical Life? 26:15

47 weeks ago26:15

26:15

Elizabeth Oldfield wants to live radically in her faith. She wants to transcend traditional ideas of financial stability and community responsibility. However she can’t quite quiet the pragmatic voice in her head that’s tethering her to more conventional values. Is that voice helping protect her? Or is it holding her back? This week on Should I Quit? Liz and Vanessa dig into the question of security and how much we can protect our future selves. Be sure to check out Liz’s podcast The Sacred and her new book, Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times . -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: Buying New Books? 23:02

49 weeks ago23:02

23:02

Charlie James can't stop buying books. Every time they’re in a bookstore, there seems to be a new book calling them, a new trove of knowledge ready for them to explore. But Charlie's not reading books as fast as they’re buying them. Should they quit buying books and focus on their ‘To Be Read’ pile? Should they get rid of the books they already own? This week on Should I Quit? Vanessa and Charlie discuss what it means to be a ‘reader’ and its relationship to consumerism. if you want to check out Charlie’s comedy work, you can find them @nonbinarycowboy on TikTok , Instagram and X . -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: My Relationship with My Mother? 28:23

51 weeks ago28:23

28:23

It’s our last episode with Mauricio Bruce filling in as a guest host! This week on the show, our anonymous guest shares about the difficult relationship she has with her mom. Things have been painful for a long time and she feels like now is the time to ask: at what point should she put up some stricter boundaries? This week on Should I Quit? Mauricio and our guest discuss what to do when people want different things from the relationship and how to protect your happiness. Mauricio is a transpersonal therapist, chaplain, and the co-leader of our What Matters program . You can learn more about What Matters at: https://www.literarychaplaincy.com/what-matters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Special Edition: Storytelling and Taylor Swift (with Margaret H. Willison) 14:05

52 weeks ago14:05

14:05

Vanessa is joined for a small bonus conversation by Margaret H. Willison, faculty on our upcoming Taylor Swift Pilgrimage on Cape Cod . They explore why Taylor's music is such a rich text for sacred reflection and share the things they're most looking forward to on this trip! If you're interested in joining us in November, you can sign up on our website ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: Waiting for a Partner to Have a Baby? 27:09

1 year ago27:09

27:09

We’re continuing our short series with Mauricio Bruce filling in as a guest host. Mauricio is a transpersonal therapist, chaplain, and the co-leader of our What Matters program . This week on the show, our guest Katie shares with Mauricio about her desire to be a mom. She’s nearly 34 years old and she feels like the clock is ticking. The problem is she hasn’t found a life partner yet. She’s wondering: is it time to think about becoming a single parent? This week on Should I Quit? Mauricio and Katie discuss what to do when things don’t fall into place like you hoped they would. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: My City? 26:03

1 year ago26:03

26:03

For the next few weeks on the podcast, while Vanessa is traveling, we have the wonderful Mauricio Bruce filling in as a guest host. Mauricio is a transpersonal therapist, chaplain, and the co-leader of our What Matters program . On our first episode with Mauricio, our anonymous guest is struggling with a tough decision about moving. On the one hand: She loves the currently city she is in. She feels the most herself, the most comfortable, the most at home, that she has felt in a long time. On the other hand: Her father is dying back home in Alaska. Should she give up her wonderful life (and the future she's building) to go be with her father? This week on Should I Quit? Mauricio and our guest discuss what we want to do versus what we feel we need to do. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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The Best Advice Show: Deciding with Nell Wulfhart 7:01

1 year ago7:01

7:01

Instead of a regular episode this week, we're sharing an episode of one of our favorite podcasts, The Best Advice Show . Last week, Vanessa had the pleasure of guesting on the show. You can listen to Vanessa's episode here , but today we're dropping a different episode from their archives – Deciding with Nell Wulfhart . Here's how the wonderful host, Zak, describes the podcast: The Best Advice Show is your reminder that there are weird, delightful and effective ways to make life slightly and sometimes profoundly better. In every (very short) episode of the show, a different contributor offers their take on making life more joyful, healthful and livable and it's likely gonna be something you can try today, if you want. We'll be back in two weeks with our regular format! In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to The Best Advice Show . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: Being a Therapist? 19:59

1 year ago19:59

19:59

Kelsie doesn’t always feel good about the work they're doing at their non-profit therapy job – and what’s more, they’re burning themselves out at it. Is there a better version of this work? Or do they just need to accept that in a broken world, we’re mostly going to have broken solutions? This week on Should I Quit? Kelsie and Vanessa discuss when it’s productive to compromise on your ideals. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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When to Quit Thinking About a Problem (with Mauricio Bruce) 23:05

1 year ago23:05

23:05

Mauricio Bruce is a transpersonal therapist, chaplain, and the co-leader of our What Matters program . This week he joins Vanessa to talk about visualization as a decision-making tool and how to tap into your feelings. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: Being a Stay-at-Home Parent? 23:06

1 year ago23:06

23:06

Sophie decided to take some time off work when she had her second child, but she always thought she would go back to her career in law. Since then however, one of her kids has become disabled and it has felt less and less possible to go back. Should she just give up on having a career? This week on Should I Quit? Sophie and Vanessa discuss how to be a caretaker and also take care of yourself. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: Making Political Donations? (with Beth Silvers) 26:34

1 year ago26:34

26:34

A few weeks ago we had on Sarah Stewart Holland of Pantsuit Politics and today we're joined by her brilliant co-host, Beth Silvers. Beth makes small donations to political campaigns because she feels like it's 'the right thing to do.' Lately, however, she has realized that her heart isn't really in it. Can she just stop making them? Or does that betray her platform, which is based on the idea of folks being politically engaged? This week on Should I Quit? Beth and Vanessa discuss what to do when you feel like a fraud. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Bonus Conversation: How We Misunderstand Homelessness with Charyti Reiter 27:08

1 year ago27:08

27:08

For our annual fundraiser at Not Sorry, we are again supporting the wonderful organization On The Rise. On The Rise’s work begins with individuals experiencing homelessness in Cambridge, Massachusetts and continues if and when they secure housing. From their origin as a women’s organization, their programs have evolved toward inclusion of those historically and structurally oppressed on the basis of gender. In today's episode, Vanessa sits down with On The Rise’s Director of Clinical Services, Charyti Reiter to talk about misconceptions around homeless. We hear also from one of On The Rise's participants, JS. You can help us reach our goal of $10k by donating here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: Halifax? 25:26

1 year ago25:26

25:26

Kaitlyn and her partner moved from Winnipeg to Halifax three years, excited to start a new life in a beautiful city. But three years later, they're still craving the sense of home they had in Winnipeg. Is it time to go back? This week on Should I Quit? Kaitlyn and Vanessa discuss how to know when you've given something new a 'fair' shot. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: My Personal Bank Account? 21:24

1 year ago21:24

21:24

When Anisa and her husband got married, they mostly merged their finances – all except one little bank account that Anisa keeps on the side. Seven years into their marriage, Anisa is wondering: why am I keeping this account? Should I just shut it down? This week on Should I Quit? Anisa and Vanessa discuss the historical relationship between women and money and how to keep a sense of privacy in a long term relationship. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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When to Quit Trying to Get Published (with Mackenzi Lee) 26:44

1 year ago26:44

26:44

Mackenzi Lee is a New York Times bestselling author and the teacher of our upcoming Publishing Crash Course . This week she joins Vanessa to talk about how we measure success in the world of art and publishing. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: Cussing? (with Sarah Stewart Holland) 24:02

1 year ago24:02

24:02

We're thrilled today to be joined by Sarah Stewart Holland, co-host of Pantsuit Politics . Sarah was raised in a no-cussing household. When she got older, she embraced cussing and started using swear words all the time. But now, raising three boys of her own, she's realizing she doesn't find the words fun anymore. This week on Should I Quit? Sarah and Vanessa discuss how be a good role model for your kids. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: The Idea of Having Kids? 22:27

1 year ago22:27

22:27

When Lizzy was younger she always wanted kids. Over time, however, as the realities of life have crept in, she has started to feel more conflicted. Now she’s 35 and she feels like it’s time for a decision! Does she really want them? Or is time to quit the idea of kids for her future? This week on Should I Quit? Lizzy and Vanessa discuss how to tell the difference between what you really want and what you feel like you should want. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Real Question

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Should I Quit: End of Year Reflection 31:27

1 year ago31:27